Back and Ready for Action Crusade....
 

Hello Ladies ~smiling brightly~ WOW is the word that comes to mind! and a few acro´s to back it .......Welcome to Our World all you new posters! Willingly Overwhelmed Women! Wonderful Online Waist-watchers!! man oh man, errrrrrrrr Woman Oh Woman ~laughing~ okies i will stop there......

i dont know about you all but Danged if the previous thread didnt grow to humungous proportions!! (Yay us!) and it was getting hard for me to follow. seems like as i was reading people would be talking about things that i havent read yet and i would finally get to the post/posts they were talking about. did this happen for any of you? i truely hope you dont mind that i started a fresh thread for us. ~crosses everything she still can that they come post here~ i was getting so confuzzled over there. going to do my best on remebering whats going on with whom, please bare with me ~sheepish grin~

i have to agree that we are all on the same page as far as movitvation, water, exercise, SPELLING ~laughing and points to her tag~ and the will to make a lifestyle change!

Michelle i am a bit concerned about you too. before i even joined in on your thread i had read your post from the previous year and saw the same exhuberant woman full of vigor and life, and a gung ho attitude! i thought heck yeah! i´m with ya doll ~smiling~ and here is where my concern comes in. you are slipping right back in to where you ended up leaving last time. i see so many simularities between us, good and bad. and when i start thinking i got this down, no problem. i begin tweeking things here, and playing with it there......... my Kocky, Konfidance Kills. this time i seen it coming, took two weeks ~laughing~ but i am cocky and confidant ~winks n grinz~ its not a me thing its a we thing. i cant do it by myself, but we can! your last year posts are a journal of where you were, and where you could end up again. please i know you recently re-read your posts a few months back. but maybe you could give them another go and see the simularities. your a heck of a woman hun and i am coming to care for you lots!!

Cachee what can i say babes that you havent read already ~winks knowingly towards the queen of moitvation...queen of on her way to lean.. queen of kaos ~laughing~ i adores you and am still following in your footsteps.

Heller, i am so happy that your hubby is progressing so well after his surgery. and that you and he are in this lifestyle change together! me and mine are doing this together as well. i am sorry that things are so tight for you right now. we are here for you hun.

Day i love your posts. your no nonsense, stick-to-a-tiveness, good or bad days attitude, the keep on keepin on , no excuses for........ are just what i need to read. thank you for all the wise words tempered with warmth that you share ~smiling softly~

someone asked for 5 things that you like about yourself. what a wonderful question! i had thought it would be easy until i got stuck on 3 ~laughing~ its funny how quick we are to find our faults and use them to our advantage or disadvantage as the case may be. and so difficult to see the good in us. what others see or what draws others to us. so here are my 5, and yes i asked for help after 3........~winks n grinz~

1) i am an "Out-of-the Box" thinker. creative and craftsy, or crafty when i have to be ~laughing~ and i love that about me!!

2) forever the Optimist, glass is half full girl! life wont get me down, i become one with the Duck. letting things slip off my back like rain off a ducks feathers. ( okies this is a double edged sword here ..but if used for the good... GREAT thing.....nodnodnod)

3) i have a fabulous sense of humour and am NOT afraid to use it! ~laughing~

4) an open and giving nature. actively looking for ways for the betterment of those around me. from my nearest and dearest to little child who sits on the pony at the store wishing it would move. ( i am the one when walking by, slips the euro in........wink~)

5) i have the ability/gift to make people feel good about themselves. i adore being able to show them their something special and just how special they are.

the wordy, windy, wench has done it again. maybe if i posted more often i wouldnt have so much to say........... Doubt it! ~laughing~

wishing you all nothing but the very best that life has to offer, and hoping you will come over here and share those wonders with me.

sincerely,
sassy

Hello!

It's Saturday morning, and I went on a long walk through the community. Listened to some music, and made it a point of telling myself GOOD things about myself. I feel pretty calm right now. :-)

My home weigh-in was a disappointment . . . only down 1 lb. I know rationally that is because I'm bloated (PMS), and that adds a lb or two to my weight. But it's still a pain in the butt to not see the "good" numbers. Ah, well. At least it's a pound down, rather than a pound or two up.

Another day on program. :-)

Take care, all!

Sassy, I was so relieved when I read you had started a new post. I thought my computer was doing weird things again since it didn't list the number of pages! :dizzy:

I haven't posted in a couple of days - or even been reading the posts - so I'm behind in where all of you are.

I weighed in today and was down another pound. It's funny how once you start losing weight, you get impatient to see the scale go down faster than that and yet a month ago, my scale was certainly not going in that direction! I said when I started that I expected it to take me a year to get to goal - but now that I'm losing I want to have 20 pounds off NOW and start seeing big differences!

I'm trying to focus on the small differences that I'm seeing already with 9 pounds gone. Starting to feel some loosening in some of my clothes. I'm also trying to focus on this being a LEARNING process. I'm learning what works and doesn't work for me in exercising. I was trying to exercise when I got home from work even though I've always prefered mornings - but I really like/need to do some journaling and meditating in the mornings and couldn't do it all without getting up at 4 AM. And that was definitely NOT going to happen! So I tried the exercising after work. Well, it wasn't working - it was too hard and I was too tired, etc. etc. So this week it dawned on me that I could split it up - I'm trying to do the treadmill in the morning, and the journaling. And when I get home, the weights or yoga and the meditating. I'll let you know how that works.

The important thing to me is that I'm going to keep trying until I find the routine that works for me. That's the key to me - instead of struggling with things that aren't working, and feeling like a failure - try something else! There'a a great quote - "The sign of mental illness - doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." :rolleyes:

So, friends, let's all try something different this week!
Cris

I just noticed there are two threads we are posting on. Which one are we using? Some people are posting here and some are posting on the other one.

Okay ladies, I'll start posting here, as I was having problems with the old thread also. Shut down the computer thinking it would fix it, but no go. Thanks Sassy for starting it and everyone come on in!

It's Sunday, so we all know what that means??? Challenge check in time. Here I go:

1. Water, no problem.
2. Exercise, no problem--working out 6 days a week, for at least 30 minutes a day, more like 60 on the weekdays.
3. Checked in daily all week.
4. Weigh in was down one pound, to 232.5 on home scales. Total loss now at 6, only 9 more to go.
5. Shaving a point was a little tough this week. It's a priority for me this week.

Sassy: Great on the 5 things list. It's hard to remember how good we are sometimes, when all we see is the negative. I love your positive attitude, and know if we lived closely, our hubbys would get mad at all the time we would spend together!! Keep up the good work, as the wedding is right around the corner.

Heather: Right there with you on the PMS thing. But hey, a loss is a loss and we'll take it, right? Just keep on struggling with us and we'll get there soon enough!

Cris: I break up my exercise also. 30 minutes on the Gazelle in the am, two 15 minute power walks at work, then biking or walking with my neighbors and son at night for around 30-45 minutes. It's so much easier and I am seeing much greater results as I keep my metabolic rate up several times a day.

Had the bridal shower here yesterday. About 20 people showed up and it was wonderful. Someone brought me purple tulips. What a wonderful gift! I love purple, it's my fave color, and it was May Day yesterday, so all the better. I ate so OP it wasn't even funny! Then went out to dinner and slipped a little! Hey, that lasagna was calling my name!!!!!

My goal this week and until further notice is to conquer my scale addiction. My physical stuff is falling into place and now I need to focus on my mental demons! I will be victorious....I will succeed!

Take care!

Chach

ok this is where we are landing....
 

Well, I haven't been around much but I'm glad I found everyone. I have been really busy, but aren't we all. Anyway, I've been in so many challenges I forget what and where. But I marked down on my calender 4/18 start 6/6 end and I am supposed to be down 12 lbs. I am doing fine with the water and the exercise. The points are hard to track because I don't journal. Just seems like one more annoyance in a busy day. How do you all do it. I made exercise a habit. That was tough but is getting easier. The water was a little easier. But journalling the food is tough. I have to take medication 30 mins before I eat and I screw that up at least once a day. I take a lot of meds and journalling is my downfall. I should be tracking my blood sugars more, (I'm diabetic) and the journalling would help me see what was good and what wasn't yet I just don't. It's got to be a mental block. :crazy: I've go 9lbs to go on the challenge and I'm going to have to work really hard. My scale :devil: sucks. It's a cheap digital and I have to get on and off 3x and take and average because it can range 1-3 lbs different everytime.

Chachi, I think thats a great idea about breaking up the exercise. I usually exercise in the morning and then after work. Nights are bad. By the time I'm done with dinner, it's tv and bed. But I was reading that you take a couple of 15 min power walks at work. How do you keep from sweating and going back to work. I get an hour lunch and that would be a good idea. But I don't want to go back to the office sweating and looking like it.

Sassy, you are right. We need to remember, we are good and we work hard at it. Thanks.

Heather, TOM or Aunt Flow as I now call it. What a PIA(pain in the *%#) My cycle is vicious. I start PMS about 10 days prior. Not the nasties, but I get the low back pain and the hip pain that affects my walking a time. I have some small cysts that enlarge with my cycle and wreak havoc. Then 7-9 days of Aunt Flow. This is why I'm so anemic. The doc has me coming in to discuss some surgical(hystorectomy(sp?) and non-surgical proceedures. I'm nervous because I think he's leaning towards surgery but something has to be done. And on top of all that Aunt Flow bring along 3-4 lbs. So don't fret the 1-2 lbs. It could be worse. You'll be fine and you'll continue to lose. It's work but we can do it.

I know I haven't addressed everyone but I need to go. Hopefully I will be able to pop in again later.

Enjoy your sunday. ttyl :D

Monda report
 

Hi There!
I'm glad someone posted on the other thread, finally, that a new thread had started. I'd still be there, sadly, wondering where you all went. :(
Please try to post if a new thread is started right away on the old thread so we don't lose each other again.
Donna, you asked how people who journal do it. Well, I don't always enter everything I eat all day as I eat it. I will write in breakfast as I am making breakfast and then catch up on my journal mid-afternoon or early evening for the entire day. I am a good journal person, though, and don't accidentally forget things, etc. I don't bother with logging in my water, as I just drink it with every single meal and all day sipping.
Tomorrow is my ww meeting. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my indulgences of the weekend don't affect me all that much. I really would be so happy to have a loss.
I'm doing well today, didn't finish my treadmill as I ran out of time this morning, but I left it unfolded and it is "open" in the bedroom every time I walk in there. When I get off line, in fact, my next project after a laundry "thing" is to finish my walking and perhaps do some extra.
Donna asked how one would walk at lunchtime and not come back in all hot and sweaty. Good questions. I'd like to know that as well. I don't work, but always do my workouts before my shower so I can deal with that issue.
If you work in an air conditioned building that is large, perhaps you could walk the corridors or stairs? Just an idea.
If you have a long enough lunch "hour" and there is a mall nearby, one could do mall walking in air conditioned comfort?
Just throwing out some ideas.
Linda, hoping to be a "loser" tomorrow :smug:

Hi All!

Donna: I walk outside here on my 15 minute breaks. I walk fast enough that I get a little red-faced and winded. I guess my answer to you about the sweating thing is this: I have a towel here at work that once I get back inside, I put it down on my chair in case my back sweats through or my quads. I am fortunate that I live in AK and it was only 50 outside today and my office is very air conditioned. I also do a little cool-down the last couple of minutes before I get inside. Helps to slow the heart rate and calm the sweating. Does that help?? I also have to average my scales at home. I figure third time is a charm!

Linda: Good luck on the weigh in. I'm right behind you with Wednesday night being my weigh in. I am sure the scales will be forgiving of your indulges!

I'm trying very hard to stay off the scales. As weigh in approaches, it gets tougher. I feel like if I don't know, I'm going to freak out. It's PMS week for me, also, and I usually maintain on those weeks. Ugh, please keep your fingers crossed for me as we are for Linda.

Great job everyone and hopefully everyone will find the new thread soon!

Chach

Good evening all,
I'm just writing to let you know I made it. I entered each meal into my food journal and I drank all my water. The only thing I didn't accomplish was the exercise. I got home after school and started some housework and didn't get outside. There just aren't enough hours in the day. Well, it's time to retire for the night so I can get up and start it all over again tomorrow. Wish me luck. Sherry

Tuesday
 

Good Morning Everyone.

When I worked walking also was an issue. I came back too sweaty to be around for the rest of the day. Now that I have retired that is not a problem. So glad the treadmill is coming today. We moved some furniture around yesterday so it can be in the house and not in the garage like the old one was. I now plan on getting on the treadmill several times a day instead of just doing my regular 2 mile walk. I will try three 1 mile walks a day.

Sunday was so hot here we had the air conditioner on. Monday was cold rainy and damp and we had the heat on. Today is also cold, heat is still on, but it is sunny and windy.

Have managed to stay away from the scale since Sunday. But I still don't journal as I should. When I went to the weekly meetings I did it faithfully. But as I said before that was when I had all my weight to lose. Now that I am trying to lose what I regained, I am very lax in that. But will keep at it as best I can.

Glad you all have found our new spot. Hope the rest can find us. By the way, I love all your self assessments. I think we rock.

Hi Dotti
I'm hoping that the change in the weather will get me out there walking. As I said last evening there just aren't enough minutes in the day. I know that we are to make exercise a priority and I'm going to work on that. Tonight I am going to mow. That might have to be the exercise for the day.
I was proud of myself yesterday for making it the whole way through. Getting on here really helps. I have a very positive attitude today and I know I will make it again. Thanks for all of your support. Sherry

Hi Sherry,

So glad you feel motivated by sharing with us. I too find that so helpful. There will be times we fall down, but we can get back up. We are all struggling with the same demons.

Your first day back went well. Going on vacation and only gaining what you did is good. I probably would have gained 3 times that.

Mowing is exercise. Count that in. Have a good day.

Sassy....sorry if I've seemed to be MIA lately....first off....didn't realize we had started a new thread, so I was still posting in the origional one....second...y'all know I don't have time on the weekends to post....and third I really take offense to what you said at the beginning of this thread about me slipping off......in fact I'm actually very upset about it...considering I came on yesterday and posted that I was actually down to the lowest weight all year. Yes, I haven't been posting as much...but mostly that's because my butt has been out exercising, instead of sitting at the computer screen!!! But, Hey, I guess you know what your talking about right?!!
This probably seems really harsh, but have to say this whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way....it's one thing to give constructive criticism, and encouragement....it's a whole different ball game to jump to conclusions! Well that said and venting done....I'm going to go post with what my normal positve attitude was going to be in the old thread before I read that!

Michelle,

I just went to the other thread and read your post. WOW girl, :bravo: You are doing great. To be the lowest weight of this year. How good that feels. So glad your birthday was special and the quilt trip fun. That bridesmaid dress is going to pale compare to you.

Just back from the ww meeting and then out in a few moments again.....
 

I really wasn't going to post until later, but did want to say that, Michelle, don't take what was said the wrong way. I am the queen of getting on and off ww and gaining weight back, starting over, etc. I need my butt kicked very hard, daily.
I think what was said was meant to keep you on track and not to pick at you.
You seem to be doing quite well and please do keep on track and keep being a "loser".
You are important to all of us and we need each other, ok?
At any rate, have to leave for my mammogram in a few moments, gosh I am dreading it. Oh well, it will be over and I'll be on my way in no time?
Have a decent weigh in at ww, though down to 159, lost 1.6 pounds. Considering how "bad" I was over the weekend that was pretty darn good!
Well, gotta go, will probably post later on.
Hang in there everyone.
Linda

Well, I've been doing ok. Eating healthier, tracking points. Avoiding the receptionist's office and her bowls (literally-- she has FOUR BOWLS) of chocolate on her desk. Still not the best with exercise, but when I get home from work I'm taking care of DH and trying to do housework/ study for my final next week, so I've been a busy busy girl.

DH said that once he gets the OK to start walking, he wants us to walk together. And once we have some $$, he wants to get a bike so we can go biking, as well. And (this is a big step for him), he will be going with me to WW once we start getting his disability checks. We'll only be going e/o week (too expensive to go every week), but it's a big thing, because he's not a "group" kind of guy, and so we'll see how that goes. I think he's doing it more for me than him, since he sees that I'm depressed about the weight issue . . . but if it makes him healthier, too, then it's a good thing for both of us.

So, that's where I'm at. :-)

Hello Ladies,

I am home with a sick son today, but wanted to jump on here and talk to a few of you.

Linda: Great job on the loss. I think that is awesome and you are doing so well!

Dotti: I have been off the scales until today and then bam! It hit me that I needed to get on them. Don't know why, as I am pms'ing and geez, don't you just know the numbers are up? Oh well, such is life!

Sherry: Glad we can help motivate. That is what we are all here for...support. We all have similiar struggles and it's good to come together and help each other get over those things! Keep up the great work and the positive attitude.

Alright, now to Michelle and Sassy. First and foremost, I care for each of you and think you are both awesome and wonderful women. I think, Michelle, that Sassy was just trying to share that you and her have some of the same struggles and she understands where you are coming from. A lot of us on the WW program need to journal to be successful. It's just something that some of us have come to realize is going to be part of our lives for the rest of our lives! The fact that you, Michelle, can do the program, not journal, and be at the lowest weight in a long time is incredible and something to be proud of! Myself, I need the journal and need to be so strict because I have allowed myself to get out of control over the last 10 or so years. No one else is to blame, just one of those things that happens.

I really think we should use this thread to support and offer words of encouragement and also support. Sometimes the way we word things may come across wrong, but it is not meant that way. (Remember Heather how you were there to inform me of the plusses of gastric surgery? I was unaware before!) Life is a growing experience and we are constantly learning and growing from each other.

Heck, I am pms'ing and know I am a little on edge lately. (Shoot, I know I also need to have someone kick me on the butt about my scales and the fact I can't resist those darned M's lately!!!!) I think we all have so much to offer each other on this thread and would hate to lose anyone.

Okay, big group hug and let's get butt kickin'! (Right, Michelle?) Weigh in for me tomorrow. Oh deal scale god, let it be good!

Chach

Okay...this will be the last thing I say on this subject......as I said before, I'm all for constructive criticism, let's just say maybe I was shocked to come on this morning and see someone had taken over the thread I started and start naming names, in particular....me. As for her references to my past threads....the last big thread I had was almost two years old, and I didn't feel it was pertanant, plus back then I was a "die hard WW's freak", and I've have since learned other routes. Also as I said before, I knew it was coming off harsh, but there isn't exactly a sarcasm font on here to use, so it's read and interpreted the way you want to read it. Normally, yes I could have shrugged it off, but when I came on this morning I was all excited to update everyone from the weekend, and read that and it was just like all the air in my balloon went out....it's one thing to get the comments when you deserve the extra lil kick, but it's another when you're doing everything right, and still getting them. Granted I know some of you are still having an issue with this "journaling" thing, and would argue that by my not journaling, I'm NOT doing everything right, or the fact that I don't check in fifty times a day on here....ect...but I'm here, am I not? A whole week never goes by without me checkin in an giving an update. I don't WANT to be in the same place I was in past threads.....I'd like to grow and have new outlooks and inputs, so if I'm not sounding the same as I did at the beginning...that's fine....that just means that I have settled into my new lifestyle, and there's nothing to get all gung ho about, because it's just routine now...just the way things are....as long as I don't make it a "diet", it isn't.....and I've had more success this time around with that frame of mind....then my old days of mindless point obsessing and meal planning galore. For me....if I make it about the food...it's about the food.....but when you get in the mindset, that food is just fuel.....and that it's NOT the good part of life.....all the fun things you do, family and friends, activities I love, all of THAT is the good stuff....food is just what I need to stay going and be able to enjoy the rest of it.....it took me a long time to get to this point, and I was one of those people would always say, "I just love food" or " I just love to eat", but it's just a crock!! I was also one who said, "I'm not an emotional eater", but it's all denile!!!! If at the end of the day I'm still in love with food, then I haven't done my homework, and if eating the cheesecake is more important than being happy....again haven't done a good job. Okay enough ranting and raving....it's seriously making me tired today thinking about it!
I'll chalk it up to this.....truce....I read it wrong, you read it wrong...we're all moving in the same direction, so let's keep at it!! nuf said.
M-

It's me again, more time to write!
 

Well, finally, I am HOME - yippee! What a long day, I hate days like this. I managed to stay on track today, so far, as well.
I wanted to finalize my "weekly" report. I'm not doing well reporting on Sundays as I have ww meetings on Tuesdays and I really know what's happening after that!
Chach, don't worry about the scale going up a bit, it's bound to happen to all of us now and then. I've had it happen in the past.
Well, first I want to report my weight stuff:

Challenge beginning weight, weight in at ww on 4/20/04 at 162.4
Last week at weigh in 4/27/04 160.6
This week at weigh in 5/04/04 159
Total loss so far since the beginning of this challenge: 3.4 pounds!
Left to lose by memorial day 6.6 pounds!

I've had all my water every day
I've worked out 6 out of 7 days each week, about one hour each day!
Have journalled, except for this weekend, and kept within point ranges. For this past weekend, I actually think I ended up using all my flex points and adding two or three extra points? But, I guess as I was being so very good throughout the rest of the week, I ended up losing just the same! :^:
So, two weeks into this challenge, I'm on target and doing ok I guess!
I still can't believe I had a loss after binging on brownies, chocolate and all the entertaining food, etc., but I guess those flex points really help and I guess being really good all the rest of the week was really important!
So, on to another week for me. I have every intention of losing up to my 10 pound goal by Memorial Day!!!!!
Linda in lovely spring weather in southern NH

Linda: Hey, you know what I have found? The weeks I try to be so good with everything I don't lose as much. When I eat some "bad" foods, I do better because I am more conscious. Hey, maybe the M&M's will work towards a benefit this week? Just wishful thinking! Great job on the loss so far. You are doing so good. I have 9 to lose by the end of this challenge, so I am right on track with it. I want to lose 8 pounds by the end of the month, so here's to us!!

Michelle: Great job on your new lifestyle. I love the fact that you are in such a positive place right now. I think what we view as "exercise" doesn't always need to be so structured. I love going outside and working in the yard or taking my son and two dogs for a walk. Hey, it might not be the structured exercise most people tend to view as being beneficial, but I think any amount of movement above and beyond just sitting around is awesome.

Alright, off to pay bills. Ick!

Happy Early Mother's Day to all of us mom's out here!

Chach

Hey, team!
I got confused by the different threads - hadn't read all the posts on the last thread and feel very much behind!

A couple of answers to old questions -
Dotti - the workout is based on "perceived exertion" from 1-10. With level 1 being asleep ;) and 10 being almost tooooo much, barely able to do it. So the routine is this. Warm up for 1 minute - level 5...Then 1 minute at 6, 1 minute at 7, 1 minute at 8, 1 minute at 9...back to 6, 7, 8, 9 - do that a total of 4 times (1 minute at each level) on the 4th time, add 1 minute at 10, then 2 minutes cool down at level 5 and below. It adds up to 20 minutes and boy, am I dripping wet! I up the levels by increasing speed or incline.

Chach - this wasn't a question - just a comment on the .8 gain. It must definitely be muscle! I am so impressed by your commitment to exercise and I'm definitely trying to follow your example! I know we all carry our weight differently - and I definitely favor the butt region, but I weigh 177 now and I still can barely fit into size 18 jeans! So you're an example to me of how you can change your body with exercise. :bravo:

I've been disappointed that after my first 2 weeks of 4 and 3 pound losses I've slowed to 1 pound a week. And then this last week in WW, our leader said to us - "If you just do what the program asks of you - follow the 8 healthy eating habits - you WILL lose weight - how many have 'adapted' the plan?" I realized that's just what I'd been doing - staying within my points, but maybe not eating all the vegies....maybe having WW ice cream instead of getting in all my milk points (and I'm supposed to be doing 3 servings since I'm 51) So this week, I'm really trying to follow the true program.... I just need to improve my grains to whole grains - I've been eating white rice instead of brown...and I believe I'll see a difference this week.

As for toughing out menopause - NOT ME!!! I'm very much into my premarin and my progesterone!! I tried to go off after that study came out about heart problems (which my gyn said had no relationship to my situation) But the hot flashes were so extreme I couldn't take it. If I'm LATE on my premarin, I start getting hot flashes. There is NO Estrogen in my whole body! And I'm also convinced the hormones are helping my cholesterol - my HDL is a 65! And I know it's not because of my great eating or exercising before now!

I was also one of those who wants to be a WW leader - one of my "Top 10 reasons to get to Goal" I'm a trainer by trade, so it will be a good fit for me!

Take care, TTYL
Cris

Wednesday morning
 

Cris, hey whatever works for with the HRT therapy. I'm on "trial", I think, taking Black Cohosh and hoping for the best. It's been too short a time for me to know if I'm going to be miserable or not. I'm trying to add soy to my diet, which I hate.
I made a fat free banana bread yesterday (if anyone wants the recipe, let me know and I'll post it) and substituted only 2 tablespoons of the flour with soy flour. I'm hoping I wont notice a change in taste or texture. If that works, every time I bake, I think I'll try doing something like that. I hate soy milk and soy supplements are very expensive and seem to "bother" me.
Man, that workout you described sounds like I'd be dead afterwards! Bravo to you to be able to do that!
By the way, someone else on this thread mentions "gazelles", I've been meaning to ask what that is.
I was a "good girl" yesterday, stayed exactly on target. I didn't have time in the morning to go on the treadmill and made a point to do that in the afternoon. I generally don't bother if I don't have morning time. I may do that again today!
This morning, I am off to my bi-weekly quilt group. We usually pig out on junk like doughnuts, etc. The fat free banana bread (3 points a slice) is something I have planned for. I just had yogurt and fruit this morning and my "starch" will be that banana bread. Normally, I would have eaten a full breakfast and gone for the junk! So, a change in plan will work for me and I am proud.
Oh yes, I asked at ww about something I heard the week before. If you are weight training or working out a great deal, you must increase protein in your diet. We talked in the meeting this. I was glad I asked. I have to admit that I need more protein. Today's lunch will include more than usual for me.
Take care everyone, you are all working so hard!
Linda in NH

When it rains, it pours.

My grandmother had a massive stroke last night, and is having seizures. It's unclear what she'll be like for at least the next 24-72 hours, and the Dr. is prescribing anti-convulsants, which will knock her out, essentially, until they can get the seizures under control. :-(

I alternate between wanting to eat the house, and feeling absolutely nauseous. Hopefully, they'll balance each other out.

I'm back to my "exercise" regime of taking the stairs to a hospital room. I'm so tired of hospitals right now. I'm weary.

Today, I'm just functioning on autopilot. I'm not trying to follow a program. I just want to make it through the day without crying. But I do have to say . . . hearing our family medical history spoken (all of grandma's brothers and both parents died of a stroke) is making me more conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth.

Our eating habits are life and death, folks. Maybe not today . . . but years from now we will reap what we sow. Sure, some of that is genetics, but some of that is lifestyle, too.

So, my challenge to everyone (myself included) is to do one thing that is "good" for your cardiovascular system today. Eat a salad instead of a high-fat food; get some exercise in; smoke one less cigarette today than you did yesterday, if you smoke. Take care of yourself.

Good morning everyone,
Heather, I am so sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know what you mean about genetics and lifestyle. My father died of a heart attack when I was 19, he was only 56 and my mother had a triple bypass several years ago. She is currently 85 and is doing quite well. I hope I have her genes.

Michelle, I really liked what you had to say about not being on a diet but developing a way of life. My head gets so tired of thinking about food. Too often I am eating a meal and thinking about what can I eat next? I spend way too much time thinking about food, especially in the evening. I need to try and focus on some other activity when that happens, but sometimes in the evening I am too tired to get up and do something else. I am going to have and try harder.

I did pretty good yesterday I am happy to say. So now I have two good days under my belt. I feel good about today and logging in here really helps me stay focused. I am still struggling with getting in all of my water for the day, but I am doing better. I haven't had any yet today so I better log off for now and go get in a couple. I will check in again later today. Wishing everyone a great day. Sherry

Hey all,
Maybe some of you have read this before but if not I hope it brings a smile to your face.

A Shared Prayer
Author Unknown

Lord my soul is sipped with riot,
Incited by a wicked diet!
"You are what you eat!" Said a wise old man.
And Lord, if it's true, then I'm a garbage can.

Give me this day my daily slice,
But cut it thin and toast it twice,
I pray each night with heavy prayers,
Deliver me from chocolate eclairs.

And when my days of trial are done,
And my war with malted milk is won,
Let me stand so proud with the saints in Heaven,
In a shiny robe, size 6 or 7.

I can do it Lord, if you'll show to me,
The virtues of lettuce and celery.
If you'll teach me the evil of mayonnaise,
The sinfulness of hollandaise.

And crisp fried chicken from down South,
Lord, if you love me - SHUT MY MOUTH! :lol:

Wishing everyone a great day or as I tell my fiance "Have the best day you can! Sherry

Egads! Weigh in tonight!! Okay, so I slipped and got on the scales this morning. I know I will have a loss this week, but I don't know exactly how much. I am proud, as it is a pms week, so I must have done something right. I will know tonight for the official weigh in. Don't think it will be enough for my 20 pound mark, but hey, it's going to be close.

So, my goal AGAIN is going to be to avoid the scales. Tough road to travel, but I must consistently chug away at it. My last missing piece of the puzzle.

Cris: Thanks for your kind words. I'm so happy to be in the "teens" with my clothing again. So very nice! So, we both have the same goal of wanting to be a WW leader, huh? Cool! My first week was only 0.6, then 4.2 the next two weeks, then another 1.6. It slows as your body adjusts to the changes. It will all come off, just takes time.

Heather: Sorry to hear about your grandmother. That's going to be really tough for you. Just take your time and try to get through this. We will all be thinking and praying for you.

Linda: Please share your recipe! Sounds like something I would like to make. Also, a Gazelle is Tony Little's exercise machine. It's zero impact and has two "skies" that you step on that are suspended. You just act like you are walking and they move back and forth. You can search the internet and get a picture of it. The are wonderful and I love doing mine!

Sherry: I have not struggled with my waters, but I have heard some people use different techniques. One uses a smaller cup that only takes 4 to get the amount it, one uses a big one that only needs two to get it all in, heck, there are probably a million ways to get it in. I need mine cold in a 33 ounce container, so when I am done with two, that is it for the day.

Hi Sassy!

Hi Michelle!

Hi Dotti!

Okay, gotta go. Wish me luck tonight!

Chach

Wednesday
 

Sherry love that prayer. So cute. Happy your week is going well. It is a struggle. One we all share.

Heather, I am so sorry about your grandmother. I do hope things improve. You have really had your share of health issues lately. Hang tough. Your words to us of doing something healthy is right on. That is something everyone benefits from.

Cris thanks for the explanation of your treadmill routine. (I think I will pass :D ) Your 4, 3 and 1 lb losses are great. You can't expect your body to give you big numbers every week. If you are on program and you are, that is fantastic. There were weeks when I would stay the same or just lose .2 and I was right on program. Your body adjusts and it will show you what you want to see when it is time. Don't push your body.

Linda the banana bread sounds interesting, but I don't like soy flour. But if it is only a little bit...please post the recipe I may try it.

Chach hope your son is better and your ww weight in goes good.

Michelle keep up the great job.

My treadmill came yesterday. So now I can walk no matter how hot it is outside. Naa Naa Naa Naa Naa! :dancer:

Hey everyone!!!!
I woke up this morning, and was down another lb....love stepping on the scale now...it just puts this big o smile on my face!!! Got my nails done as a reward for my May 1st goal....wooohooo....that felt good, and they look great!

Been drinking so much water this week, I swear I'm turning into a fish..hee hee....boy does my Culligan man love me...I keep his kids in shoes!!! Went through my five gallon bottle in just over two days!!

Been organizing my house this week....it's kinda like I feel like ALL of my life needs to be in order and not just the food and exercise part, but in cleaning I've had a workout going up and down my stairs, so that's a bonus!!! We are gone AGAIN this weekend....what I wouldn't give for a weekend with no plans! Eating out doesn't worry me though....it's all in how and what you order, and I stand by the fact that ever place has acceptable choices. I just get sick of being on the run....although I did check and see that the hotel has a health club, and spa....woohoooo that part will be worth it. Maybe that'll be my reward this weekend....if I get atleast one workout in while we're gone, and eat and drink wisely....then I'll get a massage as reward!

Well I suppose it's time to hop on the treadmill now that every one is nappin!
Michelle

Hi Ladies,

Thought I would check in and let you all know how weigh in went. Down 2.2 to a total of 19 lost. Yes, 19 and not 20. Oh well, I'll get em next week! PMS acting up.

I'm really sleepy, so I am going to bed. Just wanted to jump on here and let you all know how it went.

Chach

Congrats to all on their weight losses!!! That's so cool! I just know this summer will be one of your best ones yet. :-)

I'm maintaining, rather than gaining, which is what I'm ok with right now. Just need to get through this week! I did do some smart planning today-- my work group is going out to lunch to say goodbye to one of our interns, and I went online to check out food choices. I won't even have to look at the menu! I am splurging a bit (it's a good mexican restaurant, and I only get to eat *good* chiles rellenos once or twice a year), but with the flex points, that's ok. Plus, I'm having a light lunch and supper tonight. So, all's good.

Our finances have loosened up a bit-- DH's work gave him his check early (his last one before disability), and his short-term disability case worker says she's mailing him out his first week's check today because she knows how tight money is right now. So, by Saturday evening, we should be doing OK financially. And I will get to WW within the next week! :-) Yay! And even better-- I had a buck to buy a coffee on the way in to work today . . . oh, goodness . . . I had missed COFFEE!!! (I'm such a caffeine junkie!!!)

Grandma is getting a feeding tube placed today. The doctor thinks that she'll eventually be able to walk (with a walker), because she's demonstrating some sensation in her left foot. :-) She is a candidate for long-term care following her discharge (they're sending her out in a week or so), BUT . . . if she goes to LTC, her rehab will not be the best. So, the family is going to take her to her home, and people will be taking turns taking care of her and driving her to/ from the best rehab facility in the area (Medicare will only cover their services if she's living at home-- how crazy is that???). My uncle is going to widen her bathroom and build a ramp into the house this weekend. It seems fitting, somehow, that he's able to do this work-- my grandfather, after all, built the house himself-- it SHOULD be family doing the work. So, there's some hope there. Thanfully, she still can talk, they've calmed the seizures with medication, and she has her own personality/ recognizes everyone/ makes sense. That's a blessing.

Anyway, I had best run-- take care, and have a good day! :-)

Thursday, mid day report + Banana Bread recipe
 

Hi everyone!
Busy day for me, I did want to report back in last night, and never had a chance.
I stayed on track yesterday but "slipped" a bit this morning, but was really glad to have the new flex point system to fall back on for the day.
I went to my quilt group this morning and one of the lovely elderly ladies had baked homemade corn muffins and they were still hot when she brought them, I had my 2 points bar in my purse and there it stayed. OH well.
I did work out and spend 20 minutes on the treadmill, at least, today. That saved me a bit.
Congrats on the treadmill, Dotti! You'll enjoy it. I know I enjoy mine!
Congrats to Michelle on the 1 pound loss and to Chach for the 2.2 loss, you'll make it to 20 by next week, especially after the PMS thing "goes away"!
Heather, I am so glad to hear that your finances will have loosened up a bit. I've been there in the past and know what it's like. I'm glad you grandmother is coming along and hope they can help her out!
As for the Banana Bread recipe, I'll type it in below. One does not need to use soy flour in any form in this, I just took away 2T of white flour and added 2T of soy flour in hopes of beefing up my soy intake for menopausal symptoms. One could do that with whole wheat or any other kind of flour, and in higher quantities.
Fat Free Banana Bread!

Mash 3 very ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl
Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda, stir well
Then, add two eggs or egg substitute equivalent to two eggs
Add 3/4 cup sugar
two cups flour

Stir well and place in non-stick sprayed loaf pan and bake at 350F degrees for one hour.
That's all there is to it and it comes out really nice, one would never know there is no oil in it, etc.
I figured out all the ingredients against the ww point system and a slice, approximately 1" wide will be about 3 points.
Take care and let me know if you try it!
Linda

Hi Ladies,

Oh, allergies, why do they plague me so badly? Grr...sniffing, coughing, etc. I am so happy Summer is here.....

Dotti: I know you are just loving that new treadmill. I'm jealous. I guess I need to wear out my Gazelle before I get a new piece of equipment, huh? I'm about ready to drag out the weights and start weight training again. Maybe June would be a good time to start that. I know you will be so happy to be able to walk anytime now.

Heather: I'm going to have mexican for lunch also. I am going to make my own tostados, which are very low in points. They have a buffet and I just take a taco shell, split it in half, add salsa, lettuce, tomato, jalepenos and a little cheese and guac. Very filling and very low in points. I might have to have a beef burrito, also. I'm glad your finances are getting better. I know how stressful that can be. I'm very happy your grandmother is doing better. Very scary!

Michelle: Congrats on your loss and being at your lowest! You are doing very well! I hope you have a nice time this weekend. A spa...oh how very relaxing.

Linda: Thanks for the recipe. I will look forward to trying it! I don't think I could have passed up the warm corn muffin, either. I am sure it was worth the points! I am hoping to hit that 20 pound mark next week, like you said, when the pms is gone will be a good thing.

Okay, ladies, I am only a few pounds away from some big goals. I am one pound away from 20 pounds lost, 6 from 25 pounds lost, and only 6 pounds away from my 10% goal. I am hoping this all comes into place by the end of the month. It's going to be a wonderful May. Here's to us!

Chach

Thursday
 

Michelle and Chach good going on the losses.

Michelle isn't a nice feeling to get on the scale and find it your friend and not the enemy. Keep up the good work. Enjoy your weekend.

Chach I have allergies all the time. Not just pollen, but I can't burn scented candles anymore or be near anyone wearing perfume, etc. I think I will walk around in a bubble soon. Every year it gets worse and more things bother me.

Linda thanks for the banana recipe. I will try it soon. Don't worry about the slipping this morning. These things are all a part of getting to our ultimate goal. But we do have those flex points when we need them. That is the great thing about weight watchers. You really can adjust if need be.

Heather so glad you can maintain at this stressful time. It isn't easy when there are family health issues. I will keep your grandmother in my prayers.

Been using my treadmill. I have been breaking up my walks so I can use the treadmill several times a day and not just at one time. Seems to be working out.

Any exciting plans for mother's day? We are going to my daughter-in-laws sister's on Saturday. Her husband works on Sundays. She is having her mom and mother-in-law and both of her sister's mother-in-laws (of which I am one) over for a mother's day bbq. And on Sunday, we will be going to my son and daughter-in-laws. So I get 2 days off this year.

Ok, got to get dinner ready. See you all tomorrow.

Friday Morning Report
 

You guys are BAD! All this talk about Mexican food has got my mouth watering. What's a girl to do? Hmmm..... salsa has no points, but don't exactly feel like eating it by the spoonful, I'd have heartburn all day!
You know, I made up for that corn muffin later during the day and ended the day with only two point borrowed from my flex points, not too bad. I had to have frozen yogurt last night while watching the last episode of Friends. I was sad to see that show end. I have loved it so much over the years. Not much on tv that I enjoy lately.
I weighed myself this morning and dropped another pound as of this morning. If I don't blow it too badly over the weekend (weekends are my downfall!) I might weigh in nicely at my ww meeting next week. But, it's always at least 3 pounds over what my scale at home says.
Glad you are doing so well, Chach, you really have made progress! You've lost 47 pounds! You must be so proud and feel so much better.
I have allergies too and they are particularly bad this morning. I have been getting allergy shots for about 6 years now and I must admit that I am so much better since I started them. It's an investment in time and money, but worth it, I think. As someone else mentioned, mine were getting each and every year up until that. I was spending all my time "on drugs" for the allergies. They made me either drowsy or hyper, or they wore off way too soon. Now, I just have bad mornings in the spring and sometimes in the fall, but it used to be almost all year. I'm really under control. My immunities are higher as well, it seems, as I went this entire winter without getting a cold/flu or bronchitis!
No official plans for mother's day. My husband is not very good at things like that, yet he is good to me year round, so I can't complain. Some women I know are showered with fancy gifts and treated like royalty on mother's day, but the other times not being treated well at all.
Would be nice if the kids did the dishes at least!
I begin today trying to have a fresh outlook. I have noted that I am in a special "danger zone" where the commitment and "novelty" of being back on ww is starting to get "old" and a bit boring. I've got to stay on track to be successful.
Linda
ww starting weight 4/20 162.4
4/27 weight 160.6
5/4 weight 159
At home weight this morning, my scale (probably wrong) 154! It was 155 yesterday on my home scale.
Goal for challenge 5/31: 150.6 (10 pounds)
Ultimate goal: 136

My grandmother slipped into a coma about an hour after I wrote the message that she was doing better. The swelling from the stroke just started destroying the rest of her brain. She died at 10:30 last night.

Thank you for listening to my completely off-topic posting, and for your thoughts/ well wishes. It means a lot.

I won't be checking in for a few days, but will return. Take care, everyone.

Friday
 

Oh Heather you and your family have my deepest sympathy. She is now at rest and out of pain and despair.

Heather,

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. It's hard, but she's in a better place now. I lost my grandfather last March and it was very tough on me.

Let us know if we can do anything for you!

Chach

To start off with....Heather you're in my thoughts....just wanted you to know!


Well my weekend plans are officially changed.....I got to spend two hours last night in the emergency room.....the hubby and I went to softball practice and weren't even there a half hour and he dove after a ball and heard a crack!! Turns out that he broke his collarbone, so he's laid up for 6-8 weeks.....hence no bowling, hence no STATE bowling tournament this weekend, so we're staying home....which is fine too...I'm always complaining I never get a weekend off, so here's my chance! Wish the forecast was a little more cheery.....supposed to get nothing but rain this weekend....wanted to go for a hike or bikeride out to the nature center trails....we'll see...maybe I'll get to squeeze it in....
Well better get back to everything....yak at ya later...and I'll try to actually check in this weekend, since I'll be home!!

Oh my goodness Michelle. Your poor husband. Hope he isn't in too much pain. Hope the rain holds off for you and you can get the walk in. Rain is expected here on Saturday but not on Sunday. But that could change.

Well it's Saturday....and I've gotten up, walked a little, went and tanned...got ready for the day and the hubby has......slept....and slept.....and slept a little more....pain pills are getting the better of him I do believe.
It's a wet, dreary day here, but I'm raring to go....thinking of taking in a movie...haven't done that in ages, and considering we're kid-free this weekend...we can go see something higher than a "G" rating...lol.
Things are still going great, food and exercise wise I'm dropping .5 lbs about every 2-3 days....downloaded weight commander so I can chart it all. Fun, Fun, fun! Well suppose I should get going...just thought I'd check in for the day!
Michelle