Thursday Chatters for December--Brrr...
 

Hi everyone,
Here's the place to come and talk about losing weight, living our lives, etc., etc., etc. :)
We all started weighing in on Thursdays but some have "strayed" to other days. We still come here because it's a fantastic group of people. Please come on in and join us.

Jeanne, I'm so glad to hear from you. All that traveling in your car -- yuck! It's too bad you don't have a computer handy at work.
We have missed you!!!!! Please keep trying to log in. I know it's a pain nowadays.

How are we doing??? I went to my ob/gyn on Monday. Haven't gotten the test results back but am sure everything is fine. I go for a mammogram next week.
I saw an endocrinologist yesterday about this itsy bitsy thyroid nodule I've had for eons. I've had one ultrasound and will have another next week. If the place is over 1 cm in size, I get to experience a fine needle biopsy. (I don't think it will be small. :p )
I've lost a pound of the three that I gained over Thanksgiving time.

Let's talk!!!!!
:flow1:

Jeanne, I think I might like that going from place to place in my car, but I'm sure it could get old after a while. Maybe I'll just come over and drive you around!

Tina, I hope if you have to have the biopsy, it will be a teeny, tiny, itsy, bitsy needle. Good for you for losing some of the Thanksgiving weight!

Back to class in the morning. Missed on Wednesday, just too much going on. Tim doesn't have to work tomorrow night at Arby's or squad, so I'm going to convince him that I'll buy supper if we go buy new bookshelves to put beside my desk. He had told me that if I bought one, he would put it together. I keep going through papers and books. I've thrown out lots of papers of different kinds and wondered why on earth I have kept so much of it. I have a box of books to give away, and I also have another bag of clothes to take to the consignment shop. All but 2 of my Christmas shirts/vests are way too big. I cried about the one vest because I just love it! Guess maybe I could find something new at the consignment shop.

I can't believe that we leave for Florida 3 weeks from Saturday! Just getting all the Christmas stuff up, and then it will have to come down. I mentioned to Tim that I might just let him take it down while I'm gone. He'll be flying home on the 30th.

He has been going through more things in his room here and moving it up to his apartment. Lauren was here last weekend, so he didn't do much then, but since they rarely see each other, that was ok with me.

Hope everyone has had a great week!

Hi,
Tammy, how was getting back to class? Are you having any more problems with your new medicine?
I can't believe you'll be leaving on your trip so soon.
I can't believe that Christmas is so close!!!! I've got to do some serious shopping.

:flow1:

Hi everyone
2 more weeks and I'll be on my way to Calgary-I'm looking forward to it sort of-I certainly don't feel very Christmasy at all-I'm not bothering to put up any decorations because I leave on the 19th and return on the 30th-then I'm only going to have to start packing so I may as well leave everything in the boxes. I went and bought all new decorations after Christmas on top of it.

After I move if it will fit in my place, I'm going to buy my brother's treadmill. I'd also like to take up cross country skiing-i'm going to be right near a trail. It's all an adventure isn't it?
I hope everyone is well
Mimi where are you?
Tammy I want to go in your suitcase to fla. Where abouts are you going?
talk to you all soon

maureen

Tina, the main problem with the medicine is that I am sleepy so much. I missed the class Friday morning because I overslept! I plan to turn my radio up pretty loud on Monday because I have to answer phones at the radio station M-T-W from 6-8 am!

Maureen, I don't blame you for not decorating since you won't be around. Cross country skiing sounds fun, but I'm sure I'd fall and break something. I'm going to be at Vero Beach, FL, for about 5 days. Tim will be there for part of it, and then he'll be flying home. Then I head to Georgia, and then on to Hilton Head.

I also can't believe Christmas is so close. I have been buying things here and there for a while, but I decided maybe I need to check and see exactly what I have for which people!

Hi everyone!!! It's freeeeeezing cold here!!! 18 degrees!
GO STEELERS! We really need a win! Those poor guys playing in this weather!
Yesterday we went to Indiana and it was snowing and the snow was hanging in the trees. It looked like a picture. Beautiful. The house is all decorated and the shopping is all done! Yay!

Tina -Good Luck and I am praying for all postive test results for you!

Tammy - My husbands family lives in Vero Beach! Have fun!

Hello to everyone & I hope you are all doing great!

Jeanne, you went to Indiana and you didn't stop and see me????????????????
Did you take Interstate 70 across Ohio? If so, you were close to me. My niece and her husband are big Steelers fans. I like Big Ben myself, just because he went to college at Miami University (my alma mater!). He also grew up in a little town where a friend of mine is from.

We had snow on Friday!!!!!! It started with rain but got down to freezing so it stuck for a little while. Wow, this is two years in a row. I envy everyone that can have snow every year. However, I wouldn't want to shovel the stuff. :lol:
Jeanne, you are so smart to have all your shopping done. Wow!
I'm writing my cards today.

Maureen, I'm sure you will have a very good time. I'm with you about not unpacking everything. I thought we'd already have bought a townhouse by now. I'm very glad you have one!!!
Mimi, how are you doing?
Sis, harlie, Dori, where are y'all?
Tammy, I'll bet your tree is pretty. I'm glad Tim and Lauren did it for you.
:flow1:

I'm glad I don't have to shovel it this year, thats one good thing about being in an apartment.
I've been putting most of my computer hours into the online course I am taking. Sorry if I have been MIA
My little tree is up but not decorated yet. I also did a little Christmas baking mostly to send to my son out west.This Christmas is going to be hard without him.
Weight is doing ok and I am still getting out to walk almost everyday so that is really helping.
Hope everyone is taking it easy. Will you all have time off at Christmas?

I'm new to this thread but not to this site. As you can see by my join date, I've been going around with losing weight for years. Bah

Hubby and I have decided to follow the WW points program even though we're not actually enrolled in WW. Today was our first day and both of us got UNDER our point even with some hot cocoa earlier and our Skinny Cow ice cream treat.
It seems like we were able to eat a lot of food. I don't know if we'll lose weight eating like this, but we're going to try.

years ago, I lost 100 pounds just eating low sodium but lately, when I try to get back on the weight loss, I think my problem is that I don't eat nearly enough calories and then I starve and start eating whatever crappy for me thing I can get my hands on. Hubby's problem is that he doesn't usually eat at all during the day because his work is always crazy or stressful.

I'm hoping this points system will work for us. I don't know though.. like I said, it seems like an awful lot of food and it feels weird to eat "bad things" but yet still get under a point tally for the day.

:o

Hi Heather; Have you ever gone to a weight watchers meeting? Do you have the books etc. to help you? I recently rejoined after losing 80+ pounds 5 years ago. I guess the main thing to tell you is that it is not a diet. Its a lifestyle change and there are no "bad" foods. Weigh or measure your portions. and write it down.
Its really important to get your points every day so that your body doesn't go into shut down mode. Also try to concentrate on filling foods esp vegetables and whole grains as they take longer to digest. We are all pretty experienced here and can help you a lot. and oh by the way.
WELCOME

I've never been to a meeting. The 40$ a month isn't in the budget right now and the closest meeting to me is 30 minutes away. My mom used to do it though and I do somehow have a points slider.

My points ended up being -8 and hubby's ended up being -4 today
We're being very careful with the portion sizes. Like when I had baked fries tonight, it said a serving was 12, so I counted them out like a good girl :carrot:
I drank most of my water but it's the first day, so I can improve tomorrow. I just worry about eating too much even IF I am within my points.

I know the hardest part of this will be eating veggies. I really hate those suckers. I do good to maybe choke down a salad every once in a while. I do like fruits though although I know those aren't as good for you.

Yes the veggies are hard for me too. I suspect if we were veggies freaks we wouldn't be on this page.
Anything I can help with, let me know.
And don't worry about the water thing all that fuss about the 8+ glasses has been downplayed by WW just make sure you aren't dehydrating yourself.
Try to get those points in slow and steady wins the race.
Its weigh in for me tonight so........ hopefully update coming.
Hey ladies it almost -20 fahrenheit for Dan today so consider 17 a balmy day.:(

What are your guys' thoughts on keeping track of points weekly rather than daily. I read that somewhere...

Like.. take your daily points x7 and make sure at the end of the week that you stay at or near that number even though you might be over one day or under on another day?

Not sure if I'm explaining that well..

**edited to add**

Hubby was 5 over today. Naughty boy. He was 4 under yesterday, so he's still okay. It's our second day and he's still learning. I was SPOT ON for my points today. I'm just wondering if you can actually get healthier/lose weight while still eating a bad thing here or there even if you are ON or UNDER your points. It just seems crazy! Today, I had a pumpkin cookie and a small fountain soda and still stayed on points. Yesterday, I had hot cocoa and was still UNDER. I'm wondering if you're only supposed to use your points on "good things". Hmmmmm

Hi everyone! :)
Heather---welcome---it's so nice to have you here.
Listen to Mimi because she gave you good advice.
About the points every week----journaling your points each and every day is the way to lose.
Remember that you have 35 flex points each week. When you are over your range for the day, use the flex points.
I know that it can be difficult at first but after awhile, you will get the hang of it. Please don't fret over one point over or under. But, do try to use all your points every day and then there are flex ones, just in case.

I hope everyone will have a good day. Do any of you have snow right now? Stay safe and OP.
:flow1:

Thanks for the advice! I've been writing down what hubby and I both eat each day with point values and then tally up the points at the end of the day. When we go shopping this week, I'm going to buy a black marker so I can write the points values right on the food boxes/labels. I think that will make it less tedious, especially when hubby constantly is bringing things out of the kitchen and going "how many points on this?"

Hi everyone! No snow here......yet! Its cold tho! I heard we may get a snow storm Thursday?!?!??

Heather - Welcome!!!! I think I recognize you from another board. I too, have been on for years. I actually lost my info after a lapse of not being here and then set up a new one! I love ww and think that keeping track is the key. The ladies gave you some great advice!

Tammy - hmmm.....Indiana........I-70.......nope. hahah. Maybe a different Indiana. I don't know. This is where IUP is.

Gotta scoot! I'm at work. Donut & Candy heaven!!!!! Urgh!

I've been googling WW recipes for this out of towner family christmas party I'm going to on Sunday. My little sis wants me to make my famous sugar cookies. I did find a recipe online, I just get sort of wary about "diet" recipes because usually, they taste weird or don't rise/bake properly. The other thing I worry about with a sugar cookie recipe, is that this recipe I found is 1 pt a cookie. The recipe makes 45 cookies. I have various holiday shaped cutters but it's going to be almost impossible to make sure they are all one point and it comes out to 45 cookies when using cutters.

Tummy is being cranky today. It's hurting a bit. Feels like I'm hungry no matter what I do. I think it's just being a brat. I've only had 11 of my 37 points today. I really need to find some filling snacks. I do have one point snacks in the house but they don't seem to be very filling although they do taste good.

As for the weather, it's in the 30's and raining here all day. (Missouri)

Thanks Tina, Heather I would just like to add I did very well the first time I joined weight watchers, Then I saw posts about using for example 15 points for a day or two then maybe 60 on the next. I will tell you that when I followed that advice I quickly fell out of counting all together. One of the ideas behind weight watchers that I didn't understand before is that we are retraining our bodies and minds to eat in a normal fashion. When we binge regularly we undo all the good we have done. Please don't follow that advice. Its just too easy to drop counting and continue on.
I don't want to end up over 300 pounds again, thats why I have rededicated myself to following the weight watcher plan. YOU CAN DO IT.
And there are no good or bad things to eat most of us need our little treats and thats one thing that is great about WW just count them in.
Sorry don't want to preach.

So it's not the food itself, it's just important that you stay within your points? After all these years of "low fat/diet foods", to be told "here, eat whatever you want as long as you fit it within these points" just seems too good to be true!

It is hard to believe:lol: If you like Starbuck's, you can get a tall, non-fat, no whip hot chocolate for only 4 pts. It's a lot of liquid and is also milk.

:flow1:

I tallied up my points for the day and I'm spot ON. Hubby is way under. He struggles to use all his points because he doesn't eat during the day. He just grabs a cereal bar in the morning, a lean cuisine for lunch and then whatever we have for dinner. He is 17 under today and that's even with a planned in Skinny Cow ice cream later tonight. He just does not eat breakfast nor does he have time to do anything in the morning. He literally wakes up and is out the door within a few moments. I'm not sure what to do with him. It doesn't seem right to just bug him to eat crap if he doesn't want to at night and he doesn't have time to during the day. I think if I could get him a higher point breakfast, it would help but it can't have any prep involved. It would have to be something you could grab and eat out of a package.

I also got 5 16 ounces of water in and I'm going to go get some diet soda just for something different.

Heather, could your husband take something with him for later in the morning. Some people like to take a bagel with them. A store bagel is 6 points.

Good idea. I'll suggest it. I feel like I'm on some crazy kind of "opposite diet" since I'm trying to get him to eat MORE. I'm wondering if that was his issue all along. He's tried to lose weight in the past. He never does. He might lose a pound or two here or there but he tries so hard without any result that he gives up. I'm just asking myself if perhaps he never had any success because he hardly ever ate and when he snacked, it was all these lo cal/no fat snacks. I'm sitting at 320 now and he's heavier than I am but eats way less. That doesn't seem right.

part of me is scared that I'll keep eating these points and GAIN weight. I feel like I'm missing something with the diet, like "your points have to all be *good* points" or something like that.

Is there anything else I need to know with WW except "stay in points, drink water, try to eat more Fruits and Vegggies"? I'm going to ask my mom if she still has any WW materials I can look at. I just don't want to do things wrong but I can't afford it right now especially with the holidays and me hardly working.

Please try to get some exercise in too. If you really have a lot of trouble getting around just start small (like a walk to the corner and back) and increase when you can.
Re: your hubbies points you could give him some extras with his dinner like a baked potato?? How many points does he eat on an average day. Is he living on less than 20?? 44 points is the upper limit and that would be for an active young man.

heather I sent you a private message check the top of the page on the right side

Weight Watcher's for 2010---
I understand that there isn't much, if any, change for the new year.
There will be handouts every week. If we miss a week, we can print them out from the WW site. (That's what someone who's already been to a meeting this week said.)
I can't go tomorrow but will try to catch a meeting on Friday morning.

Where is everyone????? They are probably waiting to get an e-mail saying people have posted. It's not going to happen, I'm afraid!

Everyone have a fantastic OP day.

Sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. Today I got one from the weigh in site but none from this. I guess we just need to check in every day>

Good morning,
Boy, I overdosed on chocolate chip cookies yesterday. :( But, today is a new day!
Maureen, I know you are busy getting ready for your trip. Did you mail your packages or do you have them in your case? :)

Does anyone have all your shopping done---except for Susan! Susan, you are always the first one. :hug:

I don't know if this will work but here is a link, for those who just have to have a cookie. For me the strong taste of ginger surpresses the need to have a huge handful. If it doesn't work I will email the link to you.
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/G...d-People/Print

Happy Friday--
Mimi, the link worked for me. Thank you. I've never made gingerbread men. I'll have to try them this time. I have not figured out the points, have you?

Is everyone out shopping?
Tammy, how are you and Tim?
Susan, I hope you are well and not having headaches.
Jeanne, have y'all put up your tree?
Dori, Sis, harlie, where are you????

Maureen, I'm sure this is a busy time for you. Are you having snow? I briefly saw a picture of heavy snow some place in Canada. (sorry that's so vague)

Heather, how are you and your husband doing OP?

News here-- I had my neck ultrasound yesterday. Surprisingly, I got the results in just a few hours. The nodule was the same size and consistency as it was 7 months ago. That's good! However, snice it didn't shrink, I must have a fine needle biopsy.
I wish all of you could come hold my hand. :^: I will not schedule it until after the holidays, if that would help. :lol:
It's good news that there's no apparent cancer. The biopsy will confirm it's benign.
Okay. everyone drink water and have a good OP day.
:hohoho:

Good luck with that Tina, and if I could I would be there to hold your hand. You will be fine. We women are strong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The cookies should be 2 points each. I don't think I will make them into men just plain and round.
Off to mail cards.

Yay Tina! So glad to hear that about your neck! Yeppers my tree is up and my shopping is done too! Just trying to stay warm. Have a good night!
PS - TGIF!!!!!

Hi all! Sorry I've been missing again. Sometimes I just don't want to do anything but sleep. So I sleep! Tim and I are doing fine. He has exams next week, then he is finished until Jan.11. Next semester he only has classes on M-W-F instead of everyday like he's had this semester. Way too much driving back and forth with working at Arby's and rescue squad duty. We leave the 26th for Florida. He'll be with me till the 30th and fly home. Maurice and I will continue on to Georgia and South Carolina before heading back to Ohio.

Tina, chocolate chip cookies sound really good right now! I wouldn't do the biopsy till after the holidays either. Want me to drive down and hold your hand?

Mimi, the cookies sound good too! Right now I would eat a 5 point cookie!!

Jeanne, where did you go in Indiana?

Welcome to the group Heather!

Took another bag of things to the consignment shop and bought some things while I was there. Then I went to Kmart and bought a whole cart load of stuff! Guess I should wrap things sometime.

I'm doing the Jingle Bell 5K Run in the morning. I'm walking it though. there are several of us doing it together, and we are wearing antlers. I'm probably the only one walking tough. Maybe I'll be able to run next year.

Hi Tammy! We actually went through Indiana.....My husband LOVES trains so we went to Jims' Train Shop in Homer City to get some Christmas presents!

Tammy - we went to Indiana Pennyslvania ;)

OH! No wonder I was confused!! I didn't know there was an Indiana, PA. I learn something new everyday. I guess you didn't go through Ohio then. LOL

It took me 5 minutes longer to do the Jingle Bell Run this morning than the 5k that I did in July. It was only 18 degrees when we started. I learned that I am not coordinated enough when I am freezing to blow my nose and walk at the same time! By the end of it, I was also having trouble talking since I was so cold. It was fun though.

Wrapped a few presents earlier. Tim was leaving to go to Lauren's, so I sent a small gift with him. Now I'll go shop the gift regisitry!!

Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Sorry I haven't responded. I should just get on here no matter not getting e-mail reminders.
Tammy, I could NOT walk in that kind of weather. My hat goes off to you for doing it. Wow, it sounds like you've gotten a lot of shopping done.
David finally gave me his Xmas list. He's really into old Alfred Hitchcock movies and wants some on dvd.
We put a string of icicle lights on our balcony railing. It looks really good.
We bought a tree but can't find out tree lights. :lol: We'll go by Walgreen's tomorrow afternoon and get some. Then, we can finish decorating it.
Jeanne, wow, you are ahead of the game!
Yes, I'd like all of you to come hold my hand. :)

Stay warm!
:hohoho:

Tina last year when I knew that we were moving I bought a smaller tree with the lights already on. But I still had to search for other Christmas stuff in the storage shed. That heavy snow was probably Calgary they have really wacky weather there snow waist high one day and the next thawed out (they are just to the east of the Rocky mountains) but as for
Dan in FtMCMURRAY ................. -40 degrees now at that point I don't have to say celcius or fahrenheit its -40 on both scales.:(
Tammy great for you. did you wear the antlers the whole time??and dropping stuff off at the goodwill then going out to buy more, it seems like we all do that.:dizzy:
Hi Jeane I think you had just started talking here about the time I went missing so nice to hear from you again.

Hi all

Mimi-i'm heading to Calgary next saturday and I sure hope the chinooks have hit by then-I was talking to my son yesterday & it was -30 C-that's cold-I think it's heading this way so if I'm lucky I'll miss it-because I'll be away over the holidays I'm not decorating-I'll be moving & have to pack everything up anyway-but I did manage to find a small fibre optic tree at Walmart so at least it's something-
Good for you Tammy on your walk-I agree with Mimi on the second hand stores-I love them-I find a lot of books there.
Tina what floor are you on in your apartment? everyone will have to post pics of their Christmas decorating

Well, have a great day I'm going to try and pack a box or two

maureen