Healthy Weight Loss

[*Anya*]

I was a chubby kid at least my dad used to tell me so. He would walk by and say: "hold in your stomach muscles" (he is a retired Marine) and I was under 10 years old when he did this. By the time I was a teen, I severely restricted my eating and stayed around 110-I am just under 5'4. Hard though. Did ok through 2 babies, went to WW 2 lose baby weight-but gained weight during my relationship.

I have always, always felt that I was never thin enough, even when thin! Fucked up body image!! I did however get fat, honest-to-god fat during my relationship. She liked it because when I was not thin and cute I had no self-confidence. I always avoided sweets before her because they are a big trigger for me-so she would bring me sweets-sabotage much?

So sorry for this but I am working to get my head on straight again. 2.5 years ago, I got a grip. Stopped eating any sweets at all and staying around 1500 cals/day, lost 50 lbs. Bear in mind- it took me two years to lose those 50 pounds and I still needed to losed another 10-15 but my goal was so close, I could almost reach out and touch it.

Then, 6-8 months ago, I started having painful arthritis in my knees, couldn't climb the 7-flights up and down @ work that helped me lose weight. Broke down and bought those little Skinny Cows ice cream cups "one won't hurt you" & that was all it took.

Stopped weighing myself each morning (helps me to not use denial) & ate lots of Skinny Cow ice cream. Finally weighed myself last week & boom-gained 15 pounds! So there I am, instead of closer to my goal-farther away.

My new mantra whenever I get discouraged: you did it before, you will do it again, you have control! No more sweets in my house. It takes me 5-6 days off of anything with sugar to stop craving it and it doesn't matter to me if it is a psychological craving or physical-I crave sweets when I eat them, non-the-less. No more sourdough bread or butter either in the house. I have to stick with protein-that works for me. Keeps me full and not hungry.

The exercise is the issue for me. It is harder to lose without bring able to walk far or to do stairs. I have to figure that part out.

I just needed to say outloud (in cyberspace), I am Anya and I have gotten a grip once again.

Again, I hope it is ok I posted this here.

[sylvie]

My new mantra whenever I get discouraged: you did it before, you will do it again, you have control! No more sweets in my house. It takes me 5-6 days off of anything with sugar to stop craving it and it doesn't matter to me if it is a psychological craving or physical-I crave sweets when I eat them, non-the-less. No more sourdough bread or butter either in the house. I have to stick with protein-that works for me. Keeps me full and not hungry.



This has been something rather difficult for me these days.. i am doing really well with eating healthy etc and not buying foods and bringing them in this house that i cant eat, and ive talked to my children about this.. But, often i come home and find them eating junkfood from the store, or takeout or buying something sweet and yummy that i suddenly start craving and its SO hard.. i know that home should be the safe zone, its hard to make my children understand this though..(they're teenagers and supportive of my weight loss journey).. i'm begging them to understand even, i get so close to breaking down and devouring the chips and sodapop or whatever theyre eating - at the same time i really want to get used to seeing people eat things and my having the strength to tell myself no... They are healthy food eaters themselves, who crave junkfood from time to time, i hate to deny them that, i just need them to understand that me seeing it is difficult.. So eat it when im not home and dispose of the garbage, or eat it elsewhere or go eat out someplace rather than bringing it home or sneak it passed me and eat in your bedroom with the door shut so i dont have to see it.. ANYthing, just to help me a lil...

So even if im not bringing the no no foods in the house, it sometimes still finds it's way in.. it's a struggle, a very hard struggle even.. it's simple, i see food, i crave food, i want the darn food... then i get all emotional and it's crazy how emotionally attached to my food i am, it's been my peace of mind for years...it's hard retraining my whole thought process.. So far i've been successful, but hell everyday is a struggle of some sort.. i hope it gets easier !

[JustJo]

I was a chubby kid at least my dad used to tell me so. He would walk by and say: "hold in your stomach muscles" (he is a retired Marine) and I was under 10 years old when he did this. By the time I was a teen, I severely restricted my eating and stayed around 110-I am just under 5'4. Hard though. Did ok through 2 babies, went to WW 2 lose baby weight-but gained weight during my relationship.

I have always, always felt that I was never thin enough, even when thin! Fucked up body image!! I did however get fat, honest-to-god fat during my relationship. She liked it because when I was not thin and cute I had no self-confidence. I always avoided sweets before her because they are a big trigger for me-so she would bring me sweets-sabotage much?

So sorry for this but I am working to get my head on straight again. 2.5 years ago, I got a grip. Stopped eating any sweets at all and staying around 1500 cals/day, lost 50 lbs. Bear in mind- it took me two years to lose those 50 pounds and I still needed to losed another 10-15 but my goal was so close, I could almost reach out and touch it.

Then, 6-8 months ago, I started having painful arthritis in my knees, couldn't climb the 7-flights up and down @ work that helped me lose weight. Broke down and bought those little Skinny Cows ice cream cups "one won't hurt you" & that was all it took.

Stopped weighing myself each morning (helps me to not use denial) & ate lots of Skinny Cow ice cream. Finally weighed myself last week & boom-gained 15 pounds! So there I am, instead of closer to my goal-farther away.

My new mantra whenever I get discouraged: you did it before, you will do it again, you have control! No more sweets in my house. It takes me 5-6 days off of anything with sugar to stop craving it and it doesn't matter to me if it is a psychological craving or physical-I crave sweets when I eat them, non-the-less. No more sourdough bread or butter either in the house. I have to stick with protein-that works for me. Keeps me full and not hungry.

The exercise is the issue for me. It is harder to lose without bring able to walk far or to do stairs. I have to figure that part out.

I just needed to say outloud (in cyberspace), I am Anya and I have gotten a grip once again.

Again, I hope it is ok I posted this here.

Of course it's okay you posted....welcome :) :rrose:

I am so with you on the sweets thing....it seems like the more I eat, the more I crave, and I'm better off if I just stay away from them completely.

Having stuff in the house is tough...if it's here, I'll eat it. One of the big challenges for me was actually moving in with Scoote and the Prince, because they are huge snack food eaters. All of the stuff I love and never kept around...chips, ice cream bars, soda, oreos, chocolate, candy....it's here. I generally had Dove bars and tiny Dove chocolates around for my son....so it's not like there was nothing tempting in my old house....but I found it easier to think of those as "Rooster's treats" and there was so little that I could ignore it better. When I weakened, I'd savor one of those tiny Dove chocolate squares (I think 1 oz.) and that would generally do it.

I'm doing better....last night I actually stood up, headed for the cupboard to get the Doritos...hesitated in the middle of the kitchen, turned around and went back to the couch. I didn't really want them....it was habit. And breaking that "if it's here, I eat it" habit is tough.

Scoote has offered several times to not have the stuff in the house, but I truly would rather break my addiction to it, and not have the kids go without, than have her do that. So far, I'm doing alright... :)

[PinkieLee]

WELCOME Anya... you've definitely found the right place!

Like you, many of us have been on the constant yo-yo of weight gain/loss. I can't even begin to tell you how many fad diets I've tried (the cabbage soup diet, grapefruit diet, B12/HCG shots, not to mention starvation). Yep, I lost the weight quick... but it never failed that I would gain the weight back, plus another 15 pounds every. single. time!

So many daily life situations are centered around food. Oh I've had a bad day, let's go out to eat. Oh I've had a great day, let's go out to eat. I can't tell you how many times I'ld be eating lunch with friends and someone say, "what do y'all wanna do for dinner tonight?" OH MY GOD... my food hasn't even settled yet and we are already talking about what we are gonna eat next.

This time I wanted to try something else. I wanted to change my entire way of thinking & relating to food. Every inch of my body was hurting... so I knew that I had to change my entire lifestyle. Smartier, healthier choices & focusing on ME... that's what I knew had to do!

We've found amazing motivation (and accountablity) here by encouraging one another along on this journey! So welcome.... and good luck to you!

[PinkieLee]

Oh I totally here y'all about temptations in the house! D has done really well about helping me keep focus while we are at home. I try to keep healthy snacks at all times (WW ice cream, fruit, string cheese, fat free pudding, & popcorn). If we are watching tv... I wanna snack. At least with popcorn, I can eat a big ol' bowl and not have to feel guilty about it.

BUT, when we are both at work, is when D eats all the crappy stuff that I love. I swear that woman will eat mexican food 5 times a week! Maybe she does it then, so I don't lose focus... and I love her for that. I own my shit... but looking back, it was so easy for me to let her food choices influence mine.

But I know that she didn't do this to me... I DID! Perhaps every relationship I've ever had, I dated enablers. But now I'm taking control back over my own life! I have to lose weight... I have no other option!

[PinkieLee]

Oh I almost forgot... today was my weekly weigh in. 2 more pounds gone forever!!! I've officially lost 17 pounds! I don't know what it is, but the more weight I lose, the more confident I am that I can do this!! A friend reminded this morning, "Tonya, that's called MOTIVATION!"

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Welcome Anya! I too have gone up and down soo many times! Each time it feels a little harder. I have however discovered that a good support system makes a world of difference! You found the right place! Happy u r here!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

PINKIELEE YOU ARE AMAZING! That is an amazing loss! I am very proud of you! Keep it up pretty lady! You've got this for sure!

[Sparkle]

Oh I almost forgot... today was my weekly weigh in. 2 more pounds gone forever!!! I've officially lost 17 pounds! I don't know what it is, but the more weight I lose, the more confident I am that I can do this!! A friend reminded this morning, "Tonya, that's called MOTIVATION!"

You are a STAR!!! Well Done You!

[Medusa]

Congrats Tonyaboo!

That is a GREAT loss for a week and really speaks to doing it right with "slow and steady"! You are making amazing progress and I am celebrating with you over 17 pounds! That's a LOT! Pick up 3 5-lb sacks of potatoes the next time you go to the grocery store!!:hangloose:

[sylvie]

Tonya, YAAAAAAAAAY!! congratulations my dear, 17 lbs is amazing, and you're doing so great, proud of you, and celebrating with you!

[Leigh]

I don't know what I would do without this thread, the wonderful people here on the Planet, and the motivation that everyone brings here all the time ............ its amazing, which is why I keep coming back (among other things) :-)

I know how you feel about the dad thing Anya; My dad makes comments about My weight all the time and while I didn't start to know him until I was 14 yrs old that hasn't stopped him. He is also someone who constantly bring temptation into the house and when I can't help Myself but to over indulge, he just smirks and will make comments about it. I've told him that keeping things in the house is a problem with Me and yet he does not seem to get it so trying to eat healthy with him is damn near impossible. There was a sale on last week on 1L pepsi's so he bought Me like eight of them ~ that was on Saturday and I have two left besides the one I'm drinking now. I feel bad about falling off the wagon so badly but once these are done I'm getting back on track no matter what he says or does.

I'm getting better at watching what I eat and how much. I've cut down alot on sugar like chocolate (which I eat alot less of before than I did) plus I dont snack at night anymore unless its a very small something a pudding or maybe a mini bag of popcorn. I've also discovered these wraps from 7-11 that are filling and OH SO addicting! My absolute favorite that I have discovered is a spinach-flavored tortilla and wrapped inside is lettuce, mayo, cheese and three different types of meat (pepperoni, ham and cappicola ham). The other two I've also had for lunch and they are SO yummy: the first is a regular tortilla and wrapped inside is lettuce, bacon and chicken salad; the second one I forget everything thats in it but it has this aged extra hot sauce that is quite hot but omg it was GOOD.

I love how encouraging everyone is here and I appreciate the support that I've been shown as well :-)

[Random]

Does anyone shop at Aldi's?

http://aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm


I love Aldi's

I load up on their dried fruits, frozen berries (when they have them) and their 12 grain bread. I stay away from the cheese and meat as they seem to be higher than the convential grocery store...

Their fit&active line is really good... I use their neufchatel cheese as a sub for cream cheese (1/3 the fat) and no one can tell the difference.. (Well, I can because I've got the bionic nose and that translates into mutant tastebuds. It's a little muskier than cream cheese, but It's a good musky...)

I haven't tried their cookies or snack food, (cause I'm a girl who can't say no)

Aldi's is my first stop when grocery shopping... cause they got it going on like that...

[PinkieLee]

Matthew... that's awesome that you've found a healthier alternative at the 7-11. Those wraps sound YUMMY! Hey, that beats a burger or a fried taquito anyday! Wraps are some of my favorite lunchtime meals! And I totally hear what you are saying about the Pepsi thing. Soda is a hella hard thing to give up! I know, I had it bad with Diet Coke. When I tried to give it up, I would get the worst headaches, but I noticed that the more water I drank the quicker the headaches went away. After a couple days the headaches were gone & the craving for soda went away, too.

You said that your dad bought you 8 liters and you still had 2 left... and you'll quit after those are gone. Without being harsh, dump them down the sink now. We are all guilty of, "when I do this, I'll do that." If you are really ready to give up the soda, there is no better time than now. You can do it... I have all the faith in the world in you!!!

Food temptation is hard... fucking hard! Especially when not everyone in the household is on the eating healthier kick. My sugguestion to you is to keep healthy options in the house (popcorn, baked chips, frozen yogurt) for when they start eating all the junk food. That way, you are still munching with them, but eating better stuff. Call it a mind trick, but it works!

[Scorp]

So the diet is going so-so....I should have lost at least another 6 - 8 lbs. in addition to my 33 I've lost so far.

The real bad thing...I've started smoking again. I better subscribe to the "kick the habit thread" tsk tsk Scorpi... :seeingstars:

It really does supress my appetite...

[Queerasfck]

I'm getting better at watching what I eat and how much. I've cut down alot on sugar like chocolate (which I eat alot less of before than I did) plus I dont snack at night anymore unless its a very small something a pudding or maybe a mini bag of popcorn. I've also discovered these wraps from 7-11 that are filling and OH SO addicting! My absolute favorite that I have discovered is a spinach-flavored tortilla and wrapped inside is lettuce, mayo, cheese and three different types of meat (pepperoni, ham and cappicola ham). The other two I've also had for lunch and they are SO yummy: the first is a regular tortilla and wrapped inside is lettuce, bacon and chicken salad; the second one I forget everything thats in it but it has this aged extra hot sauce that is quite hot but omg it was GOOD.

I love how encouraging everyone is here and I appreciate the support that I've been shown as well :-)

Matthew, good to see you changing some of your habits. But I'm begging you, pleading with you to stop eating 7-11 food. The more you can move away from processed foods of any kind the better you will feel and I guarantee it! And don't even get me started on soda. Anyway, Matthew we all have our struggles, I certainly have mine (cheese!) so I hope you don't think I'm singling you out. I would be happy to give you more advice and/or suggestions if you want them. Feel free to PM me and I will be glad to share with you.

[diamondrose]

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!

[JustJo]

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!

Wow!!! :cheer: That is fantastic! A 40 lb loss is a magnificent thing for your health!! Congratulations!

[PinkieLee]

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!

WOOHOOO look at you go hot stuff! You are officially in the 100s... that's gotta feel awesome! I am so very proud of you!! Keep up the great work!!!

[Medusa]

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!


Diamond - This is incredible! What an inspiration! FORTY pounds girl! Do you feel like you could fly to the moon?!!!!:moonstars:

[diamondrose]

Diamond - This is incredible! What an inspiration! FORTY pounds girl! Do you feel like you could fly to the moon?!!!!:moonstars:

I feel like i could run to the moon ten times back!

[PinkieLee]

Matthew...

Just a lil' heads up about Pepsi. I looked up the nuturitional info on it, and each 8 oz serving is 100 calories. So, each 1 liter bottle has 4 servings. If you drank the whole bottle that's 400 calories. Some people try to keep their calorie intake between 1000 - 1500 calories a day ~ that one bottle of soda would be about 1/3 of their total intake per day!

That's the thing about soda (and beer), they are nothing but empty calories. I don't know about you, but I'ld rather EAT 400 calories, than drink them.

Please don't think that any of us are being harsh with you. You are making positive changes in your eating habits, and I'm proud of you. Right now is the time to focus on what you are eating and drinking... and see where it can be fine-tuned to help you lose weight.

Honestly, once you get in the groove of NOT drinking sodas, you will feel sooo much better!

[*Anya*]

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!
What an amazing accomplishment! Give yourself a big pat on the back and a hug too:)

[Zimmeh]

Congrats Girlie!!!

Keep up the good work! One day, you will be joining me in the juniors aisle of the store shopping for skinny jeans!

Have a great night,

Zimmy

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!

[Zimmeh]

Congrats Tonya!!!

The other night at work, my boss was looking for something to munch on. One of the ladies that I work with, had just made a small bag of popcorn. My boss didn't hear her ask if she would like some. I handed her the bag that I had brought from home and told her she could have it. She thanked me and asked if I was serious. I told her that I was and you could smell the popcorn in my office as she was making it. One of the things that I have been enjoying is, these cups of sugar free peaches. They have 25 calories for the whole cup, so I can take two of them to work with me. I also have found, that I like to munch when I am bored. So, I am trying not to munch as much as I used to. I also have found some great exercises in my Prevention magazine. I will see if I can find a link and if I can, I will post it.

I am really enjoying not eating as many sweets, but I do fall off of the bandwagon sometimes..Oooppss..

Have a good night,

Zimmy

Oh I almost forgot... today was my weekly weigh in. 2 more pounds gone forever!!! I've officially lost 17 pounds! I don't know what it is, but the more weight I lose, the more confident I am that I can do this!! A friend reminded this morning, "Tonya, that's called MOTIVATION!"

[Zimmeh]

Here are some links for the Prevention Magazine website.

Enjoy!

http://www.prevention.com/health/fitness

http://www.prevention.com/health/cook

http://www.prevention.com/health/weight-loss

I am going to read the last link; it sounds interesting.

Have a great night,

Zimmy

[*Anya*]

I really appreciate the warm welcome I received yesterday, it felt wonderful.

I did have a very good day yesterday though it did not start out that way. Though I have been sticking to my eating plan (the word diet, for me, is not a good word), when I weighed yesterday morning, the 2 lbs. I had lost the day before, somehow where back again! Not only do I want to lose weight but it is about my health, so I call it my eating plan. I chose to not fixate on the two pounds and to keep control.

For me it is so much in my head, not my body. When I tell myself I have control over my eating and I work hard to truly believe it- wow, I take control of my eating! When I am not in a good place, I feel that I have no control, I start having negative thoughts and I give up that control! That is what got me in trouble with those damn Skinny Cow cups. (I don't go down the ice cream isle in the store now-just to help myself.)

Today, it is one week since I totally gave up sweets-except what is in fruit (& I usually have one small peach mid-morning and one in the afternoon) and I still have a little craving but am telling myself I really don't-it's all in my head.

Which, for me, it is.

I measure my progess in baby steps, take it one day at a time, try to focus on today instead of all my tomorrows.

Have a great day everyone and all of you inspire me to stay on my path to better health.

Hugs to all.

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I woke up extra early this morning and went power walking. It felt good to have the sun shine down on my face and to see, two young Sandhill Cranes, on the golf course next to me, looking for breakfast made me really smile.

I am now having plain Chobani Greek Yogurt with six red cherries and an 8oz glass of chocolate soymilk for breakfast. The yogurt is very bitter and I am not sure if I will be able to finish it. Thank goodness it is only a 4oz bowl. Yesterday, I had 3/4 cup of oatmeal, with pumpkin pie spice and some butter and a dash of sugar for breakfast with coffee. That filled me up until lunch time when I had a egg salad sandwich, with light olive oil mayo, basil and fresh ground black pepper. I am trying to hang tough and resist sweets, but mother nature is giving me a good run for my money...

I don't feel like I have lost weight this week, but I don't like to weigh myself.

Have a great day,

Zimmy

[girl_dee]

Congrats to all those succeeding in eating and living well!

I have to get back on track, too much sugar lately!



Also..
A 10 pound loss is a dress size so that's a great way to look at each 10 pound increment!

I like to come read this thread before breakfast, makes me want to eat better... so thanks to all who share!

[Medusa]

So true Sassy! I just wish a 10 pound loss was a dress size for me! I think the bigger you are, the more weight you have to lose to go down a size. I have lost almost 40 pounds and have only gone down one size so far!

A lot of it has to do with body shape and where you store your fat -I'm only 5'3 and I have a short waist so my booty box takes up most of the real estate in my pants :)

(It's PRIME property! LOL)

[Scorp]

LMFAO...And I thought my words are colorful on occasion....Love your expression(s) Dusa.... ;)

I'm only 5'3 and I have a short waist so my booty box takes up most of the real estate in my pants :)

(It's PRIME property! LOL)

[lipstixgal]

So far the weight loss has been up to about 31.5 lbs with diet and exercise. I do water aerobics at the gym about 3 times a week and have been consistently losing. Also being on a low carb diet helps too. Good luck to everyone so far its a hard job to lose and easy to gain weight..

[Medusa]

I've only had 2 workouts this week! URGH!

My work schedule has been STOOOOOPID this week and I am arriving home exhausted with only enough time to fix dinner and crash in the recliner for a bit before heading off to bed.

Going out later tonight for some fun that will involve lots of walking and hoping to get a good bike routine in on Saturday.

I do plan to start bringing my gym bag to work more often so I can get my walking shoes on at lunch and go trot around the campus for an hour!

[PinkieLee]

MEDUSA... girl almost 40 pounds?! That is freakin' AMAZING! I am sooo proud of you! You are doing such a kick-ass job keeping yourself motivated AND motivating us to pick up the pace!

Yep, I totally agree with you on the 10 pound dress size thing. I haven't gone down any sizes yet, but I have noticed the way my clothes are fitting looser in different areas. Hey, I'm not complaining at all!

SCORP... what the hell are you doing smoking again?! I know... focus on one thing at a time. It's gotta be hard to change eating habits AND give up smoking... I would have been a raging bitch ;) I have a friend that quit smoking and gained almost 20 pounds. She started smoking again, and has dropped 30 pounds. She said she would rather smoke than snack.

[PinkieLee]

I've only had 2 workouts this week, too! But, I plan on hitting the gym after work today... and at least one more time this weekend.

I wish this Texas heat would cool off some... it's been 100+ humidity (which takes your freakin' breath away), so walking at the park is damn near impossible without having a heat stroke. So, my exercising at the gym has consisted of 10 minute warm up on the treadmill holding 5 pound weights, 20 minutes on the elipitical, 100 crunches, and using some of the arm/leg machines for toning (usually about an hour total).

I was on the elipitical the other night, I glanced over at the lady next to me, and noticed she had been on that damn thing for almost an hour! Even more impressive is that she wasn't a tiny woman AT ALL. Between our panting... she said that she started out at 5 minutes & thought she was gonna die. She pushed herself each time to add another five minutes. She has built up her endurance & told me she's lost 50 pounds! That's hella impressive to me.... and motivated me to push myself another 5 minutes on the damn machine. If she could do it, I could it right?!

[Thinker]

Today's weigh-in shows a loss of THREE pounds! Four pounds to go to hit my goal weight.

[Scorp]

I know Rosie! :blink::watereyes: Smoking is baaaaaad. I HATE the taste and always chew practically a pack of peppermint gum while doing so. Just something about the oral fixation (for a lack of a better term).

I'm actually enjoying it because it's "freeing" to me right now. I know that must sound strange, but, it's the only way I can express it.

The good thing is I can stop it at anytime. I've always been able to do that and lucky enough I still can. I've always had a few smokes especially if I decide to have a few drinks (even after I had quit).

Tomorrow is my weigh in day and I'm curious to know what that will be. I won't be shocked if I'm up in weight because of the week I had. Maybe tomorrow this will knock my ass back into shape to step it up and get back on the wagon.

Congrats to all of you who are making lifestyle changes and sticking with it. And to those of you struggling, it can only get better. I know I'll get over this hump and bounce back :)

Thanks to all of you for sharing your courageous stories!

Consider yourselves hugged by me ;)


SCORP... what the hell are you doing smoking again?! I know... focus on one thing at a time. It's gotta be hard to change eating habits AND give up smoking... I would have been a raging bitch ;) I have a friend that quit smoking and gained almost 20 pounds. She started smoking again, and has dropped 30 pounds. She said she would rather smoke than snack.

[Thinker]

I haven't checked in here in a couple of days (gone all day yesterday) and finally caught up with what's going on.

Wow!!!

What an amazing bunch of people and what an amazing bunch of successes!!! I'm grateful we have this place!

[Medusa]

Absolutely! The positive vibe in this thread helps keep me on track and I am loving being a witness to so many personal successes. That feels like a gift :)

[JustJo]

Soooo.....any change starts with contemplation...considering where we are, considering where we'd like to be, considering the steps we need to take to get there and the tools we might need along the way....

In that vein....I have been talking to a co-worker (who sits at a desk in AZ but she's my closest work buddy) who has been steadily losing weight and getting healthier over the last few months. She's started working out now, and is really proud of herself (for good reason). Altogether, she's lost about 80 lbs since her journey started.

We were talking about her eating plan....not diet. This is just how she now eats...and she shared it with me. I'm contemplating. Not starting it yet, but contemplating hard, because I know that (particularly as a diabetic) this style of eating would be ideal for me.

Here's what she eats in a day....and she says she feels like she is always chewing :)


6 servings of concentrated protein (lean meat, chicken or fish preferably baked, grilled or roasted rather than fried) with each serivng 3 or 4 oz.
3 servings of legumes with each serving 1/2 cup cooked
2 servings of dairy with each serving about 6 oz. of low fat milk or yogurt
2 servings of nuts and seeds...a serving is 10 or 12 almonds, 1 tblsp of nut butter...like that
at least 4 servings of non-starchy veggies, and the more the better...this is a minimum
2 servings of starchy veggies - such as 1/2 a potato or 1/2 cup of carrot
3 servings of fruit....1 cup of berries, 1 medium apple or 2 small plums are servings
2 servings of grains - 1 slice of bread is a serving or 3/4 cup of oatmeal
6 servings of healthy oils - a serving is 1 tsp of good oils, 8 or 10 olives or 1/8 an avocado


She must eat all of the required servings.....so she's eating a lot of food, all day long. And she's eating a lot more of the healthy fruits, veggies, legumes, nuts and oils than she normally would.

Anyway....I know this would be a big change....but a good one....and I'm contemplating.....

[girl_dee]

Some plans (Like Weight Watchers) require you to eat so much of this and that because weight loss is caused by a chemical reaction so certain food combinations trigger it.. is a good thing!

My only issue with WW is that there is SO much focus on food where the brain should be taught to not focus on it so much, I suppose the idea is to catch on then be on automatic with what you eat and how much exercise etc.....therefore not thinking about food all day and measuring, weighing, counting, journaling etc allowing other things to take up mental space!


Also it is very true about the 10 pound rule.. I am 5'1 and a 5 pound gain won't let me in my jeans, BUT it takes me forever to lose that 5 pounds... Which I need to lose currently, plus some!

[Rockinonahigh]

For the next fue days im on R&R because of my back giveing me fits,today I finaly sucked it up and went to the chiro for an ajustment,talk about things poping as he worked on my back.For the next fue days im on mild stretching exersiseing with ice and rest till it gets better,I have another appointment on moncay afternoon..hopefuly I will feel better by then.Usely I can deal with the idiocies of my back but not today.

[foxyshaman]

BIGGO SIGH OF RELIEF!!!!

So.... I went off the eating rails. Got totally triggered two weeks ago, lost eating focus for a week.. fortunately I went to the gym five times that week, so my weight did not change. I was able to talk to a friend about how I was back to my addiction to "white" (white flour, white sugar...etc...)food. I could not seem to talk myself out of what I was doing. So between talking and doing a behaviour modification chart I was able to see what trigger had been hit. I was able by Monday to stop eating my comfort foods. But I did not track my points this week. Was only able to do one cardio and two yoga classes I thought FOR SURE I would up a pound or two... nope exactly the same as last week.

So, I have lost two weeks of weight loss. BUT.... I was able to figure out a deeper level to my eating trigger... which I feel really good about. And I was able to stop the cravings with useful tools: talking to someone who knows me inside and out (not literally tho' ha ha) and go back to my tools which helped me getting my thoughtless addiction eating under control. I never used to talk to people about my weight, it was such an issue of shame for me. And my weight gain started with an incident that caused me a great deal of harm and shame, so in my distorted thinking I never talked about it. It was a viscious cycle. I don't think I have that issue anymore, which is a biggie to me.

So... today I am hella grateful. I will be at yoga on Sunday and next week is back to my usual workout routine. And I will track like mad. I have goals dammit... real goals....

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I started my weight loss at 237lbs. As of yesterday I am 197!!

I find myself making better choices now and not wanting all that junk!


FANTASTIC!!!! Those pounds are gone forever now! :)


Not using my phone today so much easier to post!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Today's weigh-in shows a loss of THREE pounds! Four pounds to go to hit my goal weight.

Wow! That is rockin'! Not too much further...Way to go! Cheerin you on for sure!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

BIGGO SIGH OF RELIEF!!!!

So.... I went off the eating rails. Got totally triggered two weeks ago, lost eating focus for a week.. fortunately I went to the gym five times that week, so my weight did not change. I was able to talk to a friend about how I was back to my addiction to "white" (white flour, white sugar...etc...)food. I could not seem to talk myself out of what I was doing. So between talking and doing a behaviour modification chart I was able to see what trigger had been hit. I was able by Monday to stop eating my comfort foods. But I did not track my points this week. Was only able to do one cardio and two yoga classes I thought FOR SURE I would up a pound or two... nope exactly the same as last week.

So, I have lost two weeks of weight loss. BUT.... I was able to figure out a deeper level to my eating trigger... which I feel really good about. And I was able to stop the cravings with useful tools: talking to someone who knows me inside and out (not literally tho' ha ha) and go back to my tools which helped me getting my thoughtless addiction eating under control. I never used to talk to people about my weight, it was such an issue of shame for me. And my weight gain started with an incident that caused me a great deal of harm and shame, so in my distorted thinking I never talked about it. It was a viscious cycle. I don't think I have that issue anymore, which is a biggie to me.

So... today I am hella grateful. I will be at yoga on Sunday and next week is back to my usual workout routine. And I will track like mad. I have goals dammit... real goals....


So important to figure out that trigger and now that you have things will fall into place. Forget about the 2 weeks and remember, you have all of your life and you are ready to take this on! You can do this! Back on track!

[*Anya*]

Some plans (Like Weight Watchers) require you to eat so much of this and that because weight loss is caused by a chemical reaction so certain food combinations trigger it.. is a good thing!

My only issue with WW is that there is SO much focus on food where the brain should be taught to not focus on it so much, I suppose the idea is to catch on then be on automatic with what you eat and how much exercise etc.....therefore not thinking about food all day and measuring, weighing, counting, journaling etc allowing other things to take up mental space!


Also it is very true about the 10 pound rule.. I am 5'1 and a 5 pound gain won't let me in my jeans, BUT it takes me forever to lose that 5 pounds... Which I need to lose currently, plus some!
******
I am so there with you! I was doing pretty well on my own, then my knees flared-so I tried WW since it was successful for me when I was young after my babies were born. It was not a good fit for me.

It, to me, was much easier when we weighed and measured food (in the old days, haha) but when I joined this time about 6-8 months ago, it was all about the points. I just could not do the points thing. Even Skinny Cow ice cream has points.

I just need to do my own eating plan. I do make food much less of a focus for myself. I decide each day what I am eating that day, I stick to it to the best of my abilities and try to eat at regular times as best as I can and not think about food the rest of the time.

I can fixate on something to the point I am half-crazed if I do not eat it. I just can't go there. I don't care if an ice cream has 1/2 points-if it has sugar, I am done for. I can make those 1/2 points turn into 50 points very, very easily.

I have made it to lunchtime now. My breakfast was approx. 3/4 cup of oatmeal with about 20 raisins, one peach mid-morning and one cup of coffee with 1 teaspoon of half-and-half (refuse to give that up). For lunch I have 1 wrap with chicken, cabbage, carrots and low-fat Asian dressing.

It is not just one day at a time for me. Sometimes it is an hour at a time.

Hugs all.

:)

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Small Derail! WOW feels GREAT to have my hands on a keyboard and actually respond the way I want to on this thread! SHEEESH!


First Off..Congratulations everyone for completing anothing week of living a healthy lifestyle, spotting triggers, and above all just taking a step in the right direction. We cant forget that those small steps can make a hell of a difference!

Today was my weigh in for the week...3lbs gone! I have also fallen back into my regular workout routine and treat myself to the sauna afterwards...I know I know, it is freakin hott outside BUT for some reason the sauna makes me relax and helps me meditate. My stress level has definitely decreased! Working it all out.

For the workouts I use the Eliptical and try circuit weight training too. Keeps your heart going and I feel super productive. Yesterday my SUPER DUPER fit little brother and I walked a trail to the riverwalk and back, a total of about 5 miles or so. It felt GREAT! Sure we were lightheaded and sweating like crazy...BUT it was a great bonding moment for us and I felt so accomplished. He told me he was proud of me *blushes* Yup...Im a sucker! lol

[JustJo]

It is not just one day at a time for me. Sometimes it is an hour at a time.

:)

Yep....for me too. Sometimes stalling really works. I will literally tell myself (sometimes out loud...thank goodness I work from home)..."okay self, if you still really truly want that x in an hour, we'll go have it."

Most of the time, an hour later...I've decided against it.

For me, eating sweets or chips or whatever can just start the ball rolling...and I'm better off to just not get it started. That's one of the reasons I'm thinking my co-worker's eating plan might be a good one for me....lots of food, lots of crunching, dressing on my salad (as long as I make it from healthy oil myself), nuts to snack on....and it's just plain ol' mega healthy eating, which I know would keep my feet attached and my eyes seeing better than any number of artificially sweetend treats even if I stuck to the points or calories or whatever.

Can I be perfect and never have a treat while I'm eating like that? Nope; I'm old enough to know myself better than that. But, if I can eat like that most days...then I'd be the healthier for it.

[Nina]

I have a strange, or at least it feels strange to me even though I am the one doing it, weight change behavior...I buy any of the junk stuff I want...I bake any of the sweets 'n stuff I get into my head to bake...I have stuff in the house, sweet and savory...if I Don't buy it, or order it at a restaurant, or bake/make it I will eat whatever I have and get more...for me, I can have it around, I can make it and not even take a bite...two weekends ago I was grumpy and was going down to get some carrots...and, I bought a pie, a good handmade pie they sell here, that was sunday...on wednesday I gave it to my Great Pal from across the street...not a bite was gone...

I am also good at taking one bite of something, and throwing the rest away...
I clean out the cupboards often and make bags of 'treats' which I then leave at places where folks who might enjoy some treats hang out...I get what I need from getting it, and someone else can have the final enjoyment from it...

I admit it's not the most economical way to change what I eat, or maybe even a way that makes sense to anyone but me, but it does work...same at a restaurant...I never, ever finish what I order...the more food that is on the plate, the less of it I will tend to eat...I don't ever take home food from a restaurant...

I am kind of interested in Jo's friend's eating plan...I am going to actually print it out and think it through...I like the whole thing of having stuff to chew on, a lot, and it sounds like there are a good bit of options included in the plan...

the happier I am the lighter I become...

[PinkieLee]

Today was my weigh in for the week...3lbs gone! I have also fallen back into my regular workout routine and treat myself to the sauna afterwards...I know I know, it is freakin hott outside BUT for some reason the sauna makes me relax and helps me meditate. My stress level has definitely decreased! Working it all out.



WOOOHOOOO I am so freakin' proud of you honey! 3 pounds is amazing! Whatever you are doing... it's working! Keep up the great work! And I loved how you and your brother got in some exercise but the bonus was bonding time... LOVE that!

[PinkieLee]

You know, one amazing thing we have here, is that although we are all on the journey to a healthier lifestyle, some of us are taking different routes. There is no ONE WAY to do this....what works for some, might not work for others. I'm glad that we are all able to come together to support & encourage eachother along!!

For me, I needed the accountability of WW. In my life, I have NEVER actually kept track of what I eat throughout the day. Call it living in denial, because maybe I didn't really want to know every single thing I ate during the day. Journaling & figuring out points makes me focus on what I'm eating and WHY I am eating (stress, boredom or hunger).

The main thing I struggle with is my emotional eating. The slightest thing can trigger my binges. But since I started WW, I am able to catch myself before I start to slide down that slope. Somedays are harder than others.

I know that I'm having to retrain my brain after 38 years on how I relate to food.

[JustJo]

You know, one amazing thing we have here, is that although we are all on the journey to a healthier lifestyle, some of us are taking different routes. There is no ONE WAY to do this....what works for some, might not work for others. I'm glad that we are all able to come together to support & encourage eachother along!!



This is sooooo true. :)
I think it's great that we can each find what works for us, share tips and be encouraging....love it!

[Thinker]

I am now having plain Chobani Greek Yogurt with six red cherries and an 8oz glass of chocolate soymilk for breakfast. The yogurt is very bitter and I am not sure if I will be able to finish it. Thank goodness it is only a 4oz bowl.

I really enjoy plain Greek yogurt with small bits of diced apple mixed in; I use a red Delicious apple because of the sweetness. I'll add a little more than half of a small apple in a serving of yogurt, and it seems to be just enough to balance out that bitterness you're talking about.

I have made it to lunchtime now. My breakfast was approx. 3/4 cup of oatmeal with about 20 raisins, one peach mid-morning and one cup of coffee with 1 teaspoon of half-and-half (refuse to give that up).

I won't give up my half-n-half either. :) I've been using the fat free variety for years now.....not sure if you've tried that or not??

I have a strange, or at least it feels strange to me even though I am the one doing it, weight change behavior...I buy any of the junk stuff I want...I bake any of the sweets 'n stuff I get into my head to bake...I have stuff in the house, sweet and savory...if I Don't buy it, or order it at a restaurant, or bake/make it I will eat whatever I have and get more...for me, I can have it around, I can make it and not even take a bite...two weekends ago I was grumpy and was going down to get some carrots...and, I bought a pie, a good handmade pie they sell here, that was sunday...on wednesday I gave it to my Great Pal from across the street...not a bite was gone...

I am also good at taking one bite of something, and throwing the rest away...
I clean out the cupboards often and make bags of 'treats' which I then leave at places where folks who might enjoy some treats hang out...I get what I need from getting it, and someone else can have the final enjoyment from it...

I admit it's not the most economical way to change what I eat, or maybe even a way that makes sense to anyone but me, but it does work...same at a restaurant...I never, ever finish what I order...the more food that is on the plate, the less of it I will tend to eat...I don't ever take home food from a restaurant...

I am kind of interested in Jo's friend's eating plan...I am going to actually print it out and think it through...I like the whole thing of having stuff to chew on, a lot, and it sounds like there are a good bit of options included in the plan...

the happier I am the lighter I become...

Two things...

Your "strategy" and your post about it made me laugh. Hey....whatever works, huh?

Also, the plan Jo's friend uses reminds me of when I followed the USDA's food pyramid (I think it's a "plate" now though) about 5 years ago. I lost 20 lbs. so easily just by following what the pyramid said I should have each day.......and yeah.........I felt like I was eating throughout the day. What I really liked is that I never felt full and I never felt hungry; I was always just content. :)

Journaling & figuring out points makes me focus on what I'm eating and WHY I am eating (stress, boredom or hunger).

I like the points thing too; it really works for my type A self. :) Like you, it has......without me really thinking about it.....gotten me to look at what I'm eating and when and how I can get the most bang for my buck. In the end, I'm making better choices and re-discovering foods I've always liked that are so good for me (like tuna salad).

[Medusa]

I ate too much tonight.

I'm not really feeling ashamed or anything but mostly regretful. We went to Golden Corral and I generally have a huge salad before my meal and then go eat a little of this and that. I did that tonight just like always but I ate more of the hot food than I actually needed.

I discovered that I do NOT like the feeling of hunger. Tonight when we entered the restaurant, my stomach was growling and I was feeling MEAN! The autopilot in me was just wanted to cram something in my stomach to shut her up.

If I had to do it differently, I wouldn't have eaten that yeast roll or that green bean casserole because I was full before I had those. I'm not beating myself up at all, just realizing that I knew I was full and at a stopping point and made a decision to ignore it.

Still, not feeling bad about it really (which is a brand new thing for me), and definitely feeling more in touch with my hunger system. I'm kinda thankful for that! (even when it kinda sucks!)

[Softly]

Tonight I went to my gym at 10pm and burned 300 calories on the elliptical!

Super proud of myself :)

When I first started in April, I couldn't stay on that thing more than 2 minutes lol now I look forward to beating my time ;)

[Gentle Tiger]

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking in and around this thread for a bit now. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs, tips and strategies. I am trying again to be healthy. I have a lot of weight to lose for health reasons. I gained all the weight I lost and then some. And I am feeling the consequences.

Any way, thanks for being a support without even knowing it.

Oh and I walked 1 mile Wednesday and 2.5 miles today (in too much pain Thursday). It's a start. I'd like to get up to 5 miles/day and do a few other things. I may or may not be an overachiever. And I am tackling the eating department. I'm not big on counting and measuring and group meetings. But I know I can reach my goal. I gain this weight over night. So I know it will take time to lose it, retrain my brain, break old habits and learn new ones.

Ok enough rambling. Thanks again.

[Queerasfck]

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking in and around this thread for a bit now. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs, tips and strategies. I am trying again to be healthy. I have a lot of weight to lose for health reasons. I gained all the weight I lost and then some. And I am feeling the consequences.

Any way, thanks for being a support without even knowing it.

Oh and I walked 1 mile Wednesday and 2.5 miles today (in too much pain Thursday). It's a start. I'd like to get up to 5 miles/day and do a few other things. I may or may not be an overachiever. And I am tackling the eating department. I'm not big on counting and measuring and group meetings. But I know I can reach my goal. I gain this weight over night. So I know it will take time to lose it, retrain my brain, break old habits and learn new ones.

Ok enough rambling. Thanks again.



Congrats on your progress fellow tiger! I'm happy for you. Keep up the excellent work!

Duuuuuuuuuude, I would totally meet up with you to walk at the bay or Lake Murray or wherever. I also would love to hit the gym sometime with you! Hit me up.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Hi everyone.

I've been lurking in and around this thread for a bit now. Thanks for sharing your ups and downs, tips and strategies. I am trying again to be healthy. I have a lot of weight to lose for health reasons. I gained all the weight I lost and then some. And I am feeling the consequences.

Any way, thanks for being a support without even knowing it.

Oh and I walked 1 mile Wednesday and 2.5 miles today (in too much pain Thursday). It's a steady. I'd like to get up to 5 miles/day and do a few other things. I may or may not be an overachiever. And I am tackling the eating department. I'm not big on counting and measuring and group meetings. But I know I can reach my goal. I gain this weight over night. So I know it will take time to lose it, retrain my brain, break old habits and learn new ones.

Ok enough rambling. Thanks again.

Glad you are here! We can battle the love of donuts together :)

[Rockinonahigh]

Tonight I was watching tv and wishing I had gone to the gym today even tho my back has been on one of its fits,I even went to the chiro to take out the kinks wich he did for the most part but we go back monday for another treatment.Anyhoo I just got up then went out to the patio then brought in my exersise bike, my stair stepper as well as a couple of hand weights..then did as much a workout as I could muster with them.I did 4mi on the bike,100 steps on the stepper,then went on the paito for a round of bench presses(40) then a fue things on the bowflex,the the temp was only 95 so I didnt stay out to long.I have no idea how many calories I burned but it shure felt good to do somethinbg of a work out.Im not shure the chiro ment for me to do this but I did any way...just had to.

[*Anya*]

Lost those two pounds that had magically reappeared the other day. So glad I did not let it get into my head: Negative thoughts+discouragement=giving up & getting off my healthy food plan. I know that equation all too well.

The whole 10 pounds= one dress/pants size is right on the money! That is kind of how I did it mentally when I lost 50 pounds. I had forgotten how well it worked for me before my derail!

I tried very hard to never allow myself to think about the total amount I needed to lose. I would focus on 10 pounds only. Once I lost 10, I would say to self, OK, you lost 10, you can do it again. To think about the total amount is just too discouraging. I now work on stopping negative thoughts about the 15- wait, now 13! I had regained.

My mantra now: you did it before, you have control, you will do it again.

I simply must find exercise I can do with my not-so-good knees. Tried stairs yesterday, which I used to love to do-did 6-flights and knee gave out. Just can't do them anymore. Must move on.

Weekends hard for me, my remaining dog is sick & may need to be put down but I can't, won't give up.

PS: thanks Thinker re the fat-free half-in-half. I believe the fat-free has corn syrup or something of that nature. It's weird but a Splenda does not trigger me for sweets but anything with corn syrup or things like that are triggers for me to eat sugar. I allow myself the "real" (lol) half-in-half and take total joy in it and still keep daily cals around 1500.

I do always welcome tips & ideas because they do help me and they give me new ways of looking at this journey that we are on together.

Thanks all, super great thread.

[Scorp]

Good Morning Folks,

Well, today was my weigh-in day and I lost 1.4 lbs. Not too bad and I'll take it!

[Miss Scarlett]

Good morning everyone!

Been absent from this thread for a while...

Greek yogurt is really awesome stuff...i started with Fage Total 0% (plain) but changed a few months ago to Dannon Greek Plain when Fage became hard to find. Recently i started having it for lunch at work so i've been putting them in the freezer...when it's super cold it's very thick and omg!

My weight loss doc has had me on a combination of 5HTP/Carbidopa for over a year and it was working very well until the last prescription. i told him that i did not feel as good with this latest prescription (it's from a custom pharmacy). So yesterday he had me add L-5-MTHF (Natural Folic Acid) one capsule twice daily. We're going to try this for a month or so and if there is no improvement we'll look back at the 5HTP/Carbidopa and consider increasing my dosage to twice daily. Have had 3 doses so far and feel a little light headed but i sure did sleep well last night!

Contacted the pharmacy yesterday and they assured me that the difference in size of capsule of latest prescription has to do with less "filler". But lead pharmacist will be contacting me on Monday and i am going to ask for a replacement of the balance of this batch. Because of the way i don't feel i don't think it is the same strength.

Time for me to resume my programme full-time. New apartment complex has an awesome exercise room that is not in a "glass box" like old apartment complex. So i will be more inclined to use it...and it's directly across from new apartment too!

[JustJo]

Hi everyone and welcome Gentle Tiger! :)
I love how this group is growing! So...I'm still contemplating the new style of eating but leaning more and more towards yes I will. Partly because I'm sure it will help me lose weight, but more so because it's so darn healthy....and my eyes have been bothering me more lately. That's super scary to me because I have diabetic retinopathy...so keeping my vision depends on keeping my blood sugar under control.

I showed the plan to Scoote yesterday but she's not inclined to join me in it. She's not a veggie eater and loves the carbs and sweets...so it's just too big of a stretch for her to enjoy it and be able to live with it. She's made great strides ...drinking less soda, more water, more 100% fruit juice and V8....and much less junk food and chocolate than she used to.

We really do all have to do our own journey...even if we live in the same house. So, a big part of my contemplation has to do with how I'll manage this in a housefull of people not eating the same way. Dinners are do-able...more roasting and grilling instead of frying, and tossing in a potato to bake for me instead of the mashed one or noodles or whatever....dramatically increasing the veggies so I can have a bigger serving and more variety.

Daytime is easy since I work from home....so getting the healthy snacks and probably just make a giant salad every day instead of the sandwich thing.

I got this! Now I just need to get to the farmers market and load up on fruit and veggies for the week. :)

[nycfem]

I'm finally caught up on this thread. Woohoo!

I thought I'd do a general check-in :)

Today I'm 192, the exact weight I was this time last year. And while I'd like to lose, I'm terrifically excited about maintaining! Maintaining is so very much work in and of itself!

In June 2007 when my mom had her heart attack, I started keeping my daily journal (by hand), and every morning I would write at the top of it, "I have lost X pounds since my mom's heart attack." As of today, I've lost 51 pounds since my moms heart attack. It feels really good to see that, even if most of the weight followed shortly after the shock of seeing her all hooked up to machines, having quadruple bypass surgery.

While my weight hasn't changed this year, I did drop a size, from a 22 to a 20. I'm an endorphin junkie, and yesterday exercise-biked two hours while simultaneously lifting weights throughout. I am very "ADD," and I love doing multiple things at once. I always stretch for half an hour after to calm down and avoid any soreness.

The bingeing continues to come up an average of slightly less than 7 days total per month. When I binge, it's like out of a movie, just a complete loss of control and so very unhealthy. I have had job stress that has been a big contributor. Tracking my binges and noting triggers helps me. Sometimes it feels like nearly everything is a trigger, the bad and the good! My dear friend Sylvie and I email privately from time to time, sharing our innermost feelings on this (big help!), and I also look at some online forums.

My goal is to solidly get into the 180's. I have been finding that when I am in the low 190's, I relax and allow myself to slack off. When I near 200, I go into high gear of being very controlled, and back and forth.

My reasons for weight loss: on blood pressure meds, pre-diabetes, and knee problems.

My methods for a healthier lifestyle: journal food, emotions, and exercise, and keep various statistics on my habits. I try to eat about 3 400 calorie meals ("breakfast, lunch, dinner" and 3 200 calorie snacks), with a very loose estimation of calories (rarely measuring). I try to eat every 3-4 hours. I exercise a minimum of 4 hours per week. The foods/drinks I am completely abstinent from always are meat/chicken/fish (for factory farming ethics reasons since being a teenager) and all caffeine, including chocolate. I weigh myself every morning.

I have a few triggers coming up, in addition to ongoing job issues. Next Sunday for a week we have our yearly vacation to the beach. Need I say more? Then, the weekend after, we have a wedding out of town. Need I say more? The latter involves having had to drop out of being a bridesmaid because I didn't fit in the brand name, tight, form-fitting, red dress (All the other bridesmaids, including the one whom I was quickly replaced with, are in the size 6 range.). The wedding is an old college friend of mine who was lesbian identified for many years but is now marrying a man. It's going to be quite a weekend.

Thanks, as always, to everyone for the feeling of group support that warms me in this thread.

[*Anya*]

I read Nina's post about the good place she is in regarding the ability to take one bite of pie or buy it and give it away. That is truly wonderful!

I have been known to buy a pie (prior to this journey I started 2 &1/2 years ago) and would never be able to stop at one bite. I would tell myself I would eat one slice-all the while knowing I never would stop at one. I would have one slice with crust and them would delude myself that if I only ate the filling out of the rest of the entire pie that it was "just fruit". I could finish that sucker in less than a day.

That is why I know one bite, for me, is no different than an alcoholic telling herself that "one drink won't hurt me, I can stop at one".

I can't afford to even test myself with one bite of pie or cake. I am done for if I do.

I have never even admitted that anywhere- to friends or in cyberspace. Scary but good to say it.

Hugs,

[girl_dee]

For those who are interested in this stuff, Believe me I don't always do this BUT there is some sort of scientific proof that a craving is satisfied with 3 bites, so I try to remember that when I want something, (doesn't always work) and I tell myself ok 3 bites after that my craving is officially gone and I am just having it for the sake of having it.

[Thinker]

I'm finally caught up on this thread. Woohoo!

I thought I'd do a general check-in :)

Today I'm 192, the exact weight I was this time last year. And while I'd like to lose, I'm terrifically excited about maintaining! Maintaining is so very much work in and of itself!

Damn! No doubt! I think this is amazing, J!!

In June 2007 when my mom had her heart attack, I started keeping my daily journal (by hand), and every morning I would write at the top of it, "I have lost X pounds since my mom's heart attack." As of today, I've lost 51 pounds since my moms heart attack. It feels really good to see that, even if most of the weight followed shortly after the shock of seeing her all hooked up to machines, having quadruple bypass surgery.

While my weight hasn't changed this year, I did drop a size, from a 22 to a 20. I'm an endorphin junkie, and yesterday exercise-biked two hours while simultaneously lifting weights throughout. I am very "ADD," and I love doing multiple things at once. I always stretch for half an hour after to calm down and avoid any soreness.

I could never bike that long. So impressive!!

The bingeing continues to come up an average of slightly less than 7 days total per month. When I binge, it's like out of a movie, just a complete loss of control and so very unhealthy. I have had job stress that has been a big contributor. Tracking my binges and noting triggers helps me. Sometimes it feels like nearly everything is a trigger, the bad and the good! My dear friend Sylvie and I email privately from time to time, sharing our innermost feelings on this (big help!), and I also look at some online forums.

My goal is to solidly get into the 180's. I have been finding that when I am in the low 190's, I relax and allow myself to slack off. When I near 200, I go into high gear of being very controlled, and back and forth.

I love how clear you are about all of this and how well you know yourself. Knowing this is possible....hearing you talk about it.....inspires me to focus more. Thanks! ;)

My reasons for weight loss: on blood pressure meds, pre-diabetes, and knee problems.

I wish you the very best and am cheering you on.

My methods for a healthier lifestyle: journal food, emotions, and exercise, and keep various statistics on my habits. I try to eat about 3 400 calorie meals ("breakfast, lunch, dinner" and 3 200 calorie snacks), with a very loose estimation of calories (rarely measuring). I try to eat every 3-4 hours. I exercise a minimum of 4 hours per week. The foods/drinks I am completely abstinent from always are meat/chicken/fish (for factory farming ethics reasons since being a teenager) and all caffeine, including chocolate. I weigh myself every morning.

Do you notice much fluctuation? If so, do you find yourself reacting much to the changes? ...or have you gotten to a place where you are better able to take it all in stride?

I have a few triggers coming up, in addition to ongoing job issues. Next Sunday for a week we have our yearly vacation to the beach. Need I say more? Then, the weekend after, we have a wedding out of town. Need I say more? The latter involves having had to drop out of being a bridesmaid because I didn't fit in the brand name, tight, form-fitting, red dress (All the other bridesmaids, including the one whom I was quickly replaced with, are in the size 6 range.). The wedding is an old college friend of mine who was lesbian identified for many years but is now marrying a man. It's going to be quite a weekend.

The part I put in bold made me feel pretty gross just reading it. I admire the hell out of you for going, J. I hope it ends up being a really good time for you guys.

Thanks, as always, to everyone for the feeling of group support that warms me in this thread.

I'm up there in red. :)

[nycfem]

Thinker asked about whether I notice fluctuations much in weighing myself every morning. Usually my weight stays within 2 lbs of whatever I weighed the day before. Sometimes I will get a big drop from exercising or a big gain from bingeing.

What I find helpful about it is that if I notice that I've, say, gained 3 lbs when the day before I've exercised and ate decent portions of healthy food, I then go back over my journal and try to look at what might be going on. Sometimes I find that I had a high sodium food, and so I then try to reduce that (good for my high blood pressure). I've been paying much closer attention to the sodium in everything. "Healthy" meals at restaurant chains can have thousands of mgs of sodium! Calories are not just the problem. Stepping off soap box.

On the flip side, if I binge, a lot of the weight is simply from sodium, so the nice part is that a lot of it comes off quickly once I start back to cooking healthy meals.

Once per month (and I think we all know when) I tend to retain water more as well as eat more, so I have to just sit with that! It's never fun to see the scale go up when trying to lose weight, even if we know why.

I was helped by advice from Shadow's Papa on the "Getting in Shape for the Reunion" thread. The advice was to not think much about five pounds up or down. Do I follow that rule perfectly? Certainly not, but it helps me with perspective, since a few pounds up or down is normal.

Some people find weighing themselves every day to be too much. For me it helps keep myself on track. I like the concrete aspect of starting out the day knowing where I am.

[jelli]

http://www.aweighout.com/aweighout_enews/Apple-shaped%20and%20pear-shaped-diet156.gif

[jelli]

Reuben-esque Cabbage Wraps

http://www.hungry-girl.com/uploads/Image/Reuben-esque-Cabbage-Wraps_web.jpg

PER SERVING (1/4th of recipe, 1 wrap): 160 calories, 6.5g fat, 937mg sodium, 9.5g carbs, 1.5g fiber, 5g sugars, 17g protein -- PointsPlus® value 4*

Classic sandwich flavors in a super-low-calorie package -- can you afford NOT to try it? BTW, if you don't see packaged turkey pastrami, check the deli counter...

Ingredients:
1 head green cabbage (you won't use it all!), carefully cored with a knife
4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
1/4 cup fat-free Thousand Island dressing
1/2 cup sauerkraut
8 oz. sliced turkey pastrami (about 24 slices)

Directions:
Place the head of cabbage in a large microwave-safe bowl, and microwave for about 4 minutes, until the outer leaves begin to loosen.

Once cool enough to handle, remove cabbage from the bowl. Gently remove 4 whole outer leaves from the cabbage, and place them back in the bowl. (Reserve the rest of the cabbage for another use.)

Add 2 tbsp. water to the bowl with the cabbage leaves. Cover and microwave for about 2 minutes, until leaves are very soft.

Lay 2 softened cabbage leaves side by side on a clean dry surface. Place a cheese slice in the center of each leaf.

Evenly top each cheese slice with 1 tbsp. dressing, followed by 2 tbsp. sauerkraut and 2 oz. pastrami (about 6 slices).

Wrap each cabbage leaf up burrito-style, folding the sides in first and then rolling the cabbage up from the bottom around the filling. Place seam-side down to serve. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, for a total of 4 wraps.

If you like, microwave cabbage wraps for 1 minute, or until hot. Slice in half (or not) and enjoy!

MAKES 4 SERVINGS

[jelli]

Surprising Snacks Under 200 Calories!

There's more to 200-calorie munching than plain old snack bars...

Zazzle up half a cup of fat-free cottage cheese with some no-calorie sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Top with a cored and cubed medium-large apple, sprinkle with extra cinnamon, and enjoy!

Double-0-Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Bowl
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 182 calories, 0.5g fat, 429mg sodium, 32.5g carbs, 5g fiber, 24g sugars, 13.5g protein -- PointsPlus® value 2*

Prep: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese
1 no-calorie sweetener packet (like Splenda or Truvia)
1 drop vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cinnamon, divided
1 Fuji apple, cored and cubed

Directions:

Place cottage cheese in a bowl with sweetener, vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Mix well.

Top with apple cubes, and then sprinkle with remaining 1/4 tsp. cinnamon. Enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING

````````````````

Grab 4 ounces of extra-lean turkey slices and wrap it around 4 dill pickle spears. Crunchy, protein-packed, and you've got about 60 calories to spare!

Fill a bowl with 2 cups of strawberry slices, and top it off with a half-cup scoop of fat-free vanilla ice cream. HUGE and DELICIOUS!

Spread a wedge of The Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese over 2 slices of Wasa Light Rye Crispbread. Top with 2 oz. lox-style smoked salmon and a few cucumber slices. So good and only about 165 calories!

[Bard]

Ok been doing some reading in this thread and I see some really good advise.. me I was 180 at my top weight and then I lost a lot in a span of 3 years i dropped down to 125 the last of that being after my accident I feel the best around 140 well lately I had been picking up weight not good for my knee or for my self image back in my biggest uniform pants and up to 166. n my issue is I will eat junk and am not a veggie eater pluss I work over night and with the hectic life at times Desd and I tent to eat on the go and not well. now I am laid up with a broken foot so betting back to the work outs is way limited and I am getting frustrated so I am going to take this one step at a time :blink:

[Rockinonahigh]

One of the things thats happning with my weigth loss is my body changes,some I like, some I dont but will live with them..Im shure hopeing as I loswe more weight it balances out.

[Zimmeh]

You can do it Bard!!!

I have found that having some dry cereal helps when I want something sweet. Try and see if you can do crunches until your foot gets better or go swimming if you can. I am thinking of checking to see if Netflix has any yoga programs.

I will let you all know what I find.

Zimmy

Ok been doing some reading in this thread and I see some really good advise.. me I was 180 at my top weight and then I lost a lot in a span of 3 years i dropped down to 125 the last of that being after my accident I feel the best around 140 well lately I had been picking up weight not good for my knee or for my self image back in my biggest uniform pants and up to 166. n my issue is I will eat junk and am not a veggie eater pluss I work over night and with the hectic life at times Desd and I tent to eat on the go and not well. now I am laid up with a broken foot so betting back to the work outs is way limited and I am getting frustrated so I am going to take this one step at a time :blink:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Bard here to support and help!

[girl_dee]

Remember nothing taste as good as thin feels!!!


:cheerleader:

[Bard]

You can do it Bard!!!

I have found that having some dry cereal helps when I want something sweet. Try and see if you can do crunches until your foot gets better or go swimming if you can. I am thinking of checking to see if Netflix has any yoga programs.

I will let you all know what I find.

Zimmy

thanks Zimmy my friend I do have the tower system I think I can use on the upper body and the crutches help to lol have to eat better and now I do most of the cooking so and I lean heavy on the meat and potatoes :wine:

[Rockinonahigh]

Tonight I fixed fish felets on the flat grill,I melted a caouple pats of blue bonnet margirine then placed the fish on to cook..I seasoned them with sea salt,fresh cracked peppr an a touch of cajun seasonings then cooked till done.I had a sliced tomato sprinkled fresh cut basil and crumbled feta cheese ovr it.My son said ,u r actualy eating meat,then I thought about it that I hav slowly cut red meat out of my diet and barely eat any when I do have some.I also am keeping a picture of chryistal light in the fridge to drink,today I drank the first diet soda ive had in 3 or 4 days...I maynever totaly get away from soda but I shure can cut it down to only a very fue..
jelli
Tks for the cabage resipe im haveing it for dinner tomorrow...looks yummy.

[jelli]

Remember nothing taste as good as thin feels!!!


:cheerleader:

Apparently, I beg to differ since I am not thin and many things apparently tasted good enough for me to get this way. How was that for a big ole fat run on sentence? lol

[jelli]

Tonight I fixed fish felets on the flat grill,I melted a caouple pats of blue bonnet margirine then placed the fish on to cook..I seasoned them with sea salt,fresh cracked peppr an a touch of cajun seasonings then cooked till done.I had a sliced tomato sprinkled fresh cut basil and crumbled feta cheese ovr it.My son said ,u r actualy eating meat,then I thought about it that I hav slowly cut red meat out of my diet and barely eat any when I do have some.I also am keeping a picture of chryistal light in the fridge to drink,today I drank the first diet soda ive had in 3 or 4 days...I maynever totaly get away from soda but I shure can cut it down to only a very fue..
jelli
Tks for the cabage resipe im haveing it for dinner tomorrow...looks yummy.

Dinner sounds delicious!!!! You are most welcome for the recipe. Let me know how it tastes.

[jelli]

Well, here goes nothing. I keep looking in my mirror and saying "if not now jelli, then when?" key word here is "keep" as in "continuous" as in "omfg would you just get it together sister".

I am a mom of 5 who has had medical issues requiring several surgeries. I am an emotional eater. I love food.

I have worked at de-stressing my life and I have reduced the migraines to seldom, but the eating gets away from me sometimes. I know I eat because I am feeling lonely because cruel is out on the road. Sometimes I eat to numb the feelings. I could insert a lot of excuses in here, but in the end I own it. I know what I eat.

I have done the bariatric diet. I have gone to WW 3 times now. I get all psyched, lose weight, and within a few months gain it back. I am tired, but apparently not committed enough to change much. Then comes the negative talk. Vicious cycle be gone!!!

I have been reading this thread everyday and thank everyone for posting. I keep hoping this magical light of motivation and inspiration will finally go off bigger and brighter than ever.

Why am I getting in my own way? What is the payoff?

[Tcountry]

... so and I lean heavy on the meat and potatoes :wine:

if u can stand butternut or acorn squash....they are better alternative to potatoes. U can bake or mash...




Jelli...think lifestyle change not diet.
Start with ONE thing...either take one "bad" thing away or add one good thing...do it for 2 weeks then do it again adding one more thing. By the end of 6wks you will have changed 3 things & probably lost a little weight in the process. :)

[Medusa]

EEK!

This morning's weekly weigh-in revealed a 2 pound GAIN!

So, my old cycle would have been to get all butthurt that I had a gain, do a lot of ugly self-talk, and then go on a massive binge. We aren't doing that this time :)

I know what I did differently this week than I have been doing that probably contributed to my gain:
* We ate out 3 times this week where I had less control over the ingredients in the food and I overate all 3 times (damn those crab rangoons!)
* I drank more Fuze and less water.
* I didn't move as much.

Couple that with the fact that LADYTIME is right around the corner and I feel like I have a good understanding of where I am and why. I feel good about that, positive even. Positive about a gain? I know, but I do.
I feel in touch with my body, even if it's 2 pounds heavier this week and am thankful that I know why it happened and don't feel ugly about it.

Things I will do differently this week:
*more water
*more movement
*less eating out!

I've been steadily losing for weeks and weeks now and think that this tiny tiny setback is just part of that process. :)

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I had a wonderful and healthy dinner lastnight. I had: grilled chicken tenders with garlic salt, basil and crushed red pepper; green peas with crushed red pepper and a dash of garlic salt; and rice with a small dab of butter, basil and crushed red pepper and fresh French rolls from Alexia.

I then got ready and headed to go power walking. It started to sprinkle, so I hit the fitness center instead. I was walking on the treadmill on speed #3 and the incline on 10. I power walked for about ten minutes before my thigh muscles started yelling, hehe. Tonight, I will be doing the same routine, but I will be adding in lifting weights for good measure!

Have a great day,

Zimmy

[JustJo]

Well, here goes nothing. I keep looking in my mirror and saying "if not now jelli, then when?" key word here is "keep" as in "continuous" as in "omfg would you just get it together sister".

I am a mom of 5 who has had medical issues requiring several surgeries. I am an emotional eater. I love food.

I have worked at de-stressing my life and I have reduced the migraines to seldom, but the eating gets away from me sometimes. I know I eat because I am feeling lonely because cruel is out on the road. Sometimes I eat to numb the feelings. I could insert a lot of excuses in here, but in the end I own it. I know what I eat.

I have done the bariatric diet. I have gone to WW 3 times now. I get all psyched, lose weight, and within a few months gain it back. I am tired, but apparently not committed enough to change much. Then comes the negative talk. Vicious cycle be gone!!!

I have been reading this thread everyday and thank everyone for posting. I keep hoping this magical light of motivation and inspiration will finally go off bigger and brighter than ever.

Why am I getting in my own way? What is the payoff?



Hey jelli...I wanted to come in and post after reading you...mostly because I feel like we have a lot in common. I've not done the diet cycle (although my dearest friend has and I've watched and supported her as she struggled), I've just tended to stay heavy....and I know that's primarily for emotional reasons.

I don't think it's self-sabotage (for me) as much as it is self-soothing. I had to laugh at my own reaction to Dee's post that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels"....because honestly, and please don't take this wrong Dee because you know I think you're wonderful....I got angry.

I've heard these kinds of things all my life...from my mother, from my sister, from boyfriends and girlfriends, from casual acquaintances, from the media, from co-workers....ugh.

Here's the deal for me. I have never been thin. I never will be. I'm not built that way. I have always been, and will always be...big, solid and curvy with a huge ass. I come from that good peasant stock that could plow all day and have 10 babies. My "thin" will never be "thin enough." And I know that. It can get discouraging. Because the core message in all that supposedly well-meaning talk is that I will never be good enough...despite all of my efforts.

Coupled with that...I have felt alone, and lonely, for the vast majority of my life. Even inside an otherwise good relationship, there is a part of me that feels unwanted and alone. I know where that comes from...and I've fixed it as much as I can...but it's still there.

It's that part of me that eats to soothe.

Maybe this belongs in the listening thread...sorry!

[Medusa]

I'll chime in as well on how 'thin' feels!

'Fat' actually feels pretty good to me :)
I love my body, no matter it's size (and not in spite of its size). I personally try not to get tripped up in "thin" being the ultimate goal. It's not for me. Health is. That will not equal society's idea of "thin" no matter how much weight I lose because I'm not built that way.

I think it's important for us all to remember that we are often fed messages by the media (even diet gurus!) that try to put an unreachable goal (that damn dangling carrot) in front of us. I am never going to be a size 0, zit-free, perfectly coiffed supermodel. I don't want that. I actually rage against it.

[Gaige]

So I usually just do a mile on the treadmill and 100 curls every morning when I get home from work. Yesterday though I was playing with the buttons and it started up in one of the 6 custom workout modes. They're all 30 minutes of various speed and incline changes and both days I ended up walking over 2 miles. Today's workout (park trail) was grueling but I made it through and have noticed that both yesterday and today the hunger that I had before the workout was gone after the workout. I think I can devote 30 minutes a day to improving my health. :)
My goal is 20 lbs

[Tcountry]

So....the other day Sunshyne & I were talking...(surprise)
A little background...we are the same height...different builds...but when looking up "goal weight" they don't ask how you're built...so, back to story...

So...she was looking up what the weight range is "supposed to be normal" for our height. She said xxx(I can't remember the number), & said they have categories for weight.
Under weight, normal, overweight, & obese....wth...anyway..."normal" was not doable for sure (I was there once, I looked like a teenage boy)...so I asked "what's the most I can weigh & just be overweight?" (cause obese just sounds bad)
This question cracked her up...

She did give me the answer...so now that is my goal...lol
Sorry had to share... :)

[jelli]

Hey jelli...I wanted to come in and post after reading you...mostly because I feel like we have a lot in common. I've not done the diet cycle (although my dearest friend has and I've watched and supported her as she struggled), I've just tended to stay heavy....and I know that's primarily for emotional reasons.

I don't think it's self-sabotage (for me) as much as it is self-soothing. I had to laugh at my own reaction to Dee's post that "nothing tastes as good as thin feels"....because honestly, and please don't take this wrong Dee because you know I think you're wonderful....I got angry.

I've heard these kinds of things all my life...from my mother, from my sister, from boyfriends and girlfriends, from casual acquaintances, from the media, from co-workers....ugh.

Here's the deal for me. I have never been thin. I never will be. I'm not built that way. I have always been, and will always be...big, solid and curvy with a huge ass. I come from that good peasant stock that could plow all day and have 10 babies. My "thin" will never be "thin enough." And I know that. It can get discouraging. Because the core message in all that supposedly well-meaning talk is that I will never be good enough...despite all of my efforts.

Coupled with that...I have felt alone, and lonely, for the vast majority of my life. Even inside an otherwise good relationship, there is a part of me that feels unwanted and alone. I know where that comes from...and I've fixed it as much as I can...but it's still there.

It's that part of me that eats to soothe.

Maybe this belongs in the listening thread...sorry!

I definitely self sooth, but somehow I want to be healthy enough to get beyond that mechanism.

For clarification purposes only - I don't do diet after diet. I just have tried several things over the past years.

I said something in reference to Dee's post about how thin feels and was trying to do so in away that stated I didn't agree. I even attempted to cover up my frustration with that statement by using an "lol".

[jelli]

So I usually just do a mile on the treadmill and 100 curls every morning when I get home from work. Yesterday though I was playing with the buttons and it started up in one of the 6 custom workout modes. They're all 30 minutes of various speed and incline changes and both days I ended up walking over 2 miles. Today's workout (park trail) was grueling but I made it through and have noticed that both yesterday and today the hunger that I had before the workout was gone after the workout. I think I can devote 30 minutes a day to improving my health. :)
My goal is 20 lbs

WAY TO GO!!!!

[jelli]

So....the other day Sunshyne & I were talking...(surprise)
A little background...we are the same height...different builds...but when looking up "goal weight" they don't ask how you're built...so, back to story...

So...she was looking up what the weight range is "supposed to be normal" for our height. She said xxx(I can't remember the number), & said they have categories for weight.
Under weight, normal, overweight, & obese....wth...anyway..."normal" was not doable for sure (I was there once, I looked like a teenage boy)...so I asked "what's the most I can weigh & just be overweight?" (cause obese just sounds bad)
This question cracked her up...

She did give me the answer...so now that is my goal...lol
Sorry had to share... :)


I have found that a weight the "professionals" say that I would be healthiest is not the weight I feel or look the healthiest in. Usually I feel and look best about 10-15lbs more.

[Miss Scarlett]

I have found that a weight the "professionals" say that I would be healthiest is not the weight I feel or look the healthiest in. Usually I feel and look best about 10-15lbs more.

About a year ago i asked my weight loss doc what he had in mind for my goal weight. His response was his goal for every patient was for them to feel better and improve their overall health rather than reach a certain (and often unrealistic) number on some chart.

[Rockinonahigh]

So far today I have spent a big chunk of it in the ER,I finaly had to do something about the bursitis in my left shoulder,it got so bad I couldnt sleep last night even on my pain pills.They gave me a big shot of Kennalog wich always work when this flairs up then I got one dose Rx for Medrol,I will be gald when this pain goes away..its is more than a pain in the a$$ when it gets bad enough to run me to the ER.I do hope this is better by tomorow ..its a work day,any way I want this gone I got thigs to do.
Hope u all are haveing a wonderful Sunday afternoon,im off for a short nap..kinda tireda at the moment.C Ya later.

[Zimmeh]

Get to feeling better!

Zimmy

So far today I have spent a big chunk of it in the ER,I finaly had to do something about the bursitis in my left shoulder,it got so bad I couldnt sleep last night even on my pain pills.They gave me a big shot of Kennalog wich always work when this flairs up then I got one dose Rx for Medrol,I will be gald when this pain goes away..its is more than a pain in the a$$ when it gets bad enough to run me to the ER.I do hope this is better by tomorow ..its a work day,any way I want this gone I got thigs to do.
Hope u all are haveing a wonderful Sunday afternoon,im off for a short nap..kinda tireda at the moment.C Ya later.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

This weekend was ok for me. I exercised every day whether I wanted to or not. lol I felt like my healthy lifestyle choices were being challenged. I was surrounded by food! My Abuelita (grandmother) was here on a visit. She expresses her love through food. She brought with her tamales and gorditas!!!!!!! Imagine the temptation!!! So for the most part I stayed away from the food. When I could see everyone eating, I would go to the kitchen and get a snack. Preferrably one I am a major fan of!

Last night, my sister hosted a cookout making their ever so popular hamburgers. I opted to only eat the hamburger patties with my favorite fixins. Just eliminating the bread and fries/chips made me feel much better. Today, they had barbacoa tacos. I had two with lean meat topped with avocado on corn tortillas. :) (the flour tortillas looked so yummy).

ANyhow, before they left they ordered pizza and while I really wanted a slice, I just couldnt bring myself to do it. I was going to just give in and have one, but the more I thought about it the more I realized I didnt want to waste my calories on a slice of pizza from a restaurant I dont even like! This is a classic example of something I would do in the past. Its like if my brain knows its not good for me it wants it! No matter what! Not this time.

Challenge after challenge!!! However, I did not escape this weekend without having 1 casualty. I had a slice of pie...and you know what? I savored every bite! When it was done, I was done. That was good enough for me!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I have found that a weight the "professionals" say that I would be healthiest is not the weight I feel or look the healthiest in. Usually I feel and look best about 10-15lbs more.

About a year ago i asked my weight loss doc what he had in mind for my goal weight. His response was his goal for every patient was for them to feel better and improve their overall health rather than reach a certain (and often unrealistic) number on some chart.

So....the other day Sunshyne & I were talking...(surprise)
A little background...we are the same height...different builds...but when looking up "goal weight" they don't ask how you're built...so, back to story...

So...she was looking up what the weight range is "supposed to be normal" for our height. She said xxx(I can't remember the number), & said they have categories for weight.
Under weight, normal, overweight, & obese....wth...anyway..."normal" was not doable for sure (I was there once, I looked like a teenage boy)...so I asked "what's the most I can weigh & just be overweight?" (cause obese just sounds bad)
This question cracked her up...

She did give me the answer...so now that is my goal...lol
Sorry had to share... :)


I started reading on what is considered a healthy weight. I really dislike the word obese. You know what I dislike even more? The combination of the words morbidly and obese. So when I began to re-evaluate my goals I asked myself "What makes me feel good...What is realistic?" I am in no way one of those girls I consider dainty that I spent most of my adolesence wanting to be like. As I matured, although lacking self confidence quite often, I began to appreciate a more volumptuous shape. I want a curve to my body...I want breasts that are full....I want thighs that someone can dig their fingertips in..... Not to say that wanting something else isnt ok....It really is a matter of perspective and what you want for yourself. Whatever your definition of healthy, beautiful, etc etc is. My desire for a healthy lifestyle is just that. I want to be healthy, find my self confidence, and quit limiting myself.

I shared the "normal" weight standards with T....It cracked me up when hy said...."Ummmm, I dont want to be that. What is the overweight standard? Can I aim for that?" What made me laugh, is that hy and I are aiming to be overweight according to "the standard". lol But really, I am just aiming to be me.

Kinda random...sorry! I tend to have random ramblings...and here I am rambling about my ramblings! lol

[Rockinonahigh]

evening everyone,im up and feeling some better and tomorrow will be even better..I hope.
Once I was in my docs office and the nurses were talking about weight andwhat was obese,then I spoke to my doc about the subject he told me anyone who was 20% over what the mda weights and sise chart says.At the time I weighed 165 and didnt have a fat cell on my body cause ive always been muscele bound by leading a very active life of working on a farm and raiseing horses wich keeps me in great shape.He told me He even condidered me obese at my going weight..said at my 5'6' medeum frame I should weigh 110.I have weighed 110 in my jocky days and looked like I was starveing to death...wich I nearly was to hold shuch weight.After reading up on the weights and measues I knew it was a load of crap then and more so now.All of us have diffrent body shaped and skelatel fram densety that shape our bodies.I may not see 165 again but my goal weight is 200 so I only have 52 more pounds to go after loseing 51 pounds already loseing 35 more may not be such a big deal, I call anything below my goal weigh a plus win win for me
if I dont im ok with that. .

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I just got back from my walk. I decided to add Metallica, Korn and Motley Crüe to my playlist. My knees are letting me know that I shouldn't have done that, hehe.

Have a great night,

Zimmy

[Softly]

Remember nothing taste as good as thin feels!!!


:cheerleader:

EXCEPT sushi.
the bad, covered in STUFF sushi!!!
:sushi::sushi::sushi:

SAPPORO ROLL PLEASE :praying:

[jelli]

I absolutely love french toast. A girl from my old meetings had made this and shared the recipe with all of us.

I don't have this recipe figured up in the new PP value, but it is good none the less. Can make some alterations such as the WW cream cheese subst. for the FF cream cheese or brand of bread.

Stuffed French Toast
4 Points Per Serving

http://yumm.com/data/recipes/photo_831.jpg?w=150

Ingredients
8 slices reduced-calorie white bread
1/4 cup (2 ounces) Philadelphia fat-free cream cheese
1/4 cup strawberry spreadable fruit spread
2 eggs or equivalent in egg substitute
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
butter(spray or otherwise) optional and not yet accounted for in value
syrup(any flavor) optional and not yet accounted for in value

Directions
Spread 1 teaspoon cream cheese onto each slice of bread. Spread 1
teaspoon fruit spread over top of each. Put bread together to form 4
sandwiches. In a medium bowl, combine eggs, skim milk, and vanilla extract.
Beat well, using a fork. Spray a griddle or large skillet with butter-flavored
cooking spray. Dip each sandwich into egg mixture, coating both sides
evenly. Place on griddle and cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden
brown. Serve at once.

There's also a link to 2-3 more french toast recipes below.

http://www.skinnykitchen.com/recipes/3-skinny-and-scrumptious-stuffed-french-toast-recipes/

[Scorp]

Someone may have already mentioned this website way back in this thread (not sure), but, I'm posting the website here. It's actually pretty good and there are many different kinds of alternatives for tasty foods, recipes, etc.

www.hungry-girl.com

[Medusa]

Bookmarked! Thanks, Scorpy!

I have to get some exercise in this week so I can banish the 2 pounds I gained last week. Gonna do the Wii for a while and have a date with the exercise bike later tonight!

Angie
back in the saddle again!

[jelli]

Someone may have already mentioned this website way back in this thread (not sure), but, I'm posting the website here. It's actually pretty good and there are many different kinds of alternatives for tasty foods, recipes, etc.

www.hungry-girl.com

I posted a few recipes on here that were from Hungry Girl. Sometimes need to watch her NI for sodium etc.

Slender Kitchen is another good one. http://www.slenderkitchen.com/

[Scorp]

Good for you! I miss the Wii :( I LOVED the boxing, tennis and baseball. Since my shoulder cuff is messed up I can no longer play those games. Figures, something I was really diggin' and dayum talk about working up a sweat. Especially from the boxing! I was also hitting the speed bag in the basement, and shit that was a great workout, but again, I can't do that stuff anymore since my Physical Therapist said it's a no-no and I'm actually in PT twice a week. Been going for a month now and still have a way to go.

The treadmill, walking and stuff like I know is good, but personally for me it just doesn't cut it. I LOVE the type of activity involved with what I mentioned above. You know I'm an animal Dusa :cheesy: and prefer a much more "hands on" type of workout. I'm limited though because of the other issues like the herniated disc in my lower lumbar that I experienced back in February. That was a nightmare and I wanted to shoot myself due to the excruciating pain. Nothing helped until I received the corizone injection. That was miraculous to me and I've had no pain until recently I'm feeling it flare up a bit. So, I need to watch what I do. So there goes my kickboxing and martial arts desires that I wanted to seriously get into.

Ok back to the website. This website is actually real helpful and you won't be disappointed. We also have the Hungry Girl cookbook. Some really good things that are surprisingly delicious and low in points, etc...

I highly recommend it. The website is also pretty enjoyable to read through, as it's animated and funny. It's just not based around recipes. There are several areas that are worth reading. Navigate through, you won't be disappointed.

You can subscribe to daily email. I took this from that area of the website:

Sign up now for your DAILY dose of Hungry Girl's tips & tricks, plus recipes and more! Monday is the day for all the latest GUILT-FREE FOOD NEWS. Tuesday, we make over fatty favorites in CHEW THE RIGHT THING. Wednesday is ASK HUNGRY GIRL day, with advice straight from HG. Thursday's WEEKLY WEIGH IN offers something different and surprising each week--- usually new guilt-free recipes! And Friday's GIRLS BITE OUT serves up survival strategies and more!

Hope you find it useful!

Bookmarked! Thanks, Scorpy!

I have to get some exercise in this week so I can banish the 2 pounds I gained last week. Gonna do the Wii for a while and have a date with the exercise bike later tonight!

Angie
back in the saddle again!

[Sparkle]

My goal is to do some sort of exercise every day this week.

Last week I started out so strong and then the combination of a big event on Friday night and out-of-town guests meant I didn't do any significant exercise on Saturday or Sunday. I could have made the time to run or walk, but I didn't and I'm sure it will show when I track my weight this week.

I definitely feel better when I've exercised every day (even if it doesn't feel like it at the time) and carving out time to exercise helps me to stay focused on making good food and portion decisions in the evening (when I'm most likely to be tempted). So, back on track, again.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday y'all :)

Well, I overdid it this weekend. I ate too much, I drank too much and didn't hit the gym once. Ugh, I totaled up my points this morning, and I used 38 of my extra points allowed. Ok, not terribly too bad... but not good either.

During the week, I can stay hella focused on food & exercise. Our weekends are always filled with plans with friends or family.... and honestly, it's hard to remain focused on what I'm eating, if we're hovering over buffet setting food in the kitchen. Ugh, I have got to get it together ~ but I refuse to beat myself up AFTER THE FACT. Every meal or snack is a chance to make a healthier choice!

My weekly weigh in is on Thursday, but I weighed myself this morning to see if/what damage the funfilled weekend did. It showed a 1 pound weight gain... but I KNOW that I didn't drink near enough water. So, I'm thinking that if I chug more water than I can stand, stick to eating healthier and get some exercise in, I can still pull of a weight loss for the week.

THANK YOU everyone for sharing, encouraging, supporting and posting all these yummy receipes! I hope that you all have a wonderful day!!!!

[foxyshaman]

So I went to my wonderful and amazing gay yoga on Sunday afternoon. Holy Hanna... I love that boy, but I had sweat rolling out of my hair and down my back. I think it could be considered a good workout. :) The muscles along my spine are, well chastising me. Tonite is Zumba. In my morning fog I packed my workout bag, got to work and realized that I forgot my pants. So, I went to winners and luckily got a pair from the clearance rack ... :thumbsup:

I did measure myself - thanks again PinkieLee - and I think I measured my thighs wrong last week, cause this week I measured five inches less. So, although that would be nice, I know how my pants fit. But I did lose inches everywhere, except my breasts (whew). I kind of want to hang on to my girls for as long as I can :cheesy:!

I am here to wish everyone an amazing and success filled week.

:cheerleader:

[Rockinonahigh]

I took a day off from work today so I could rest my back another day,besides I have another chiro appointment at 2:30pm,hopfuly I can get back into the swing of thinga tonight.I brought my exersise bike in the house along with my stair stepper with a fue small free weights...if it wasnt so blasted hot I would take a walk when the sun goes down but its still 95 or so even then.Relly need/want to get back to the gym..

[Hack]

Fell off the healthy food wagon and bounced hard a couple of times the past few days. It's really difficult around my parents, especially my mother, who thinks she has to make every form of sausage when my sisters and I are home. And my sister makes these cornflake and peanut butter gooey treats...I resisted the first couple of days and then caved after that. Argh!

So back to clean eating today, even though I am still here for one more day. Focusing on small bites. And I'm about to leave for the beach for a swim.

[Gaige]

did an hour on the treadmill, 100 curls, 50 bench presses and 30 situps this morning. i know my legs will be hurting tonight at work. 19.5 more lbs to go to reach my goal.

[jelli]

Does anyone watch Dr. Oz? A friend of mine was telling that this morning Dr. Oz was talking about healthy weight loss tips. this one in particular was referring to eating apples before your meal. Apples contain pectin and pectin help you to feel fuller longer.

http://healthy-weight-loss-plan.info/lose_weight_fast/

http://www.healthy-eating-made-easy.com/eating-healthy-to-lose-weight.html

[PinkieLee]

Does anyone watch Dr. Oz? A friend of mine was telling that this morning Dr. Oz was talking about healthy weight loss tips. this one in particular was referring to eating apples before your meal. Apples contain pectin and pectin help you to feel fuller longer.

http://healthy-weight-loss-plan.info/lose_weight_fast/

http://www.healthy-eating-made-easy.com/eating-healthy-to-lose-weight.html

I have read something about the health and weight loss benefits of apples awhile back in a Woman's World magazine. I probably eat a small apple almost ever day... but don't know if I could do 2 - 3 a day for any extended period of time.

Hey, remember the old saying "an apple a day, keeps the doctor away." Perhaps it has something to do with the pectin.

[Medusa]

Hello, My name is Angie and I am addicted to Fuji's!

I have at least one Fuji apple a day and LOVE how they make my stomach rumble after eating. It's like all that natural fiber is getting in there and scrubbing around and getting out all that bad stuff :)

Fujis are crisp and sweet and you can get a giant bag at Sam'sClub for around $4!

[nycfem]

I love to chop up an apple and put it in a salad :)

[Sparkle]

new motivating factor to exercise (in some way) every single day:

skipping workouts for three consecutive days results in abject pain when you re-start.

ouch! :|

[PinkieLee]

I LOVE gala apples! The local grocery store by my house has been running them for 5 for $1!

One of my favorite summertime receipes is for chicken salad. I boil a couple of boneless chicken breasts (I'm sure you could use can chicken instead, but I've never tried it), I let 'em cool and then shred. I dice up 2 small apples and add in a handful of sliced almonds & cranberries (it's a salad topper mix they sell in the salad dressing aisle). Then I mix with a couple of tablespoons of the LIGHT miracle whip. And voila! I usually eat it on a sandwich thin or with unsalted crackers. YUMMY! It makes quite a bit, so you'll have lunch for a few days!

I also like diced apples in a spinach sald, with leftover grilled chicken and avacado slices with a LIGHT raspberry vinagrette dressing. Mmmmmmmm!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I am a honeycrisp apple kinda girl...yummy!

Sitting in sauna craving apples!

[sylvie]

mmm, apples..i loved that tip! was laid up on the sofa healing from oral surgery so i got to watch his show today...
i love Dr Oz , lol.
(i watch his show everyday, unless i am working during that time..)

- He said if you eat a large apple before lunch, you will eat less for lunch and it helps fill you.. that it can cut up to 187 calories off what you eat at lunch..(not sure how he came up with that number exactly) and if you do this everyday for a year, it will help you lose 5 lbs in that year.

- He said that refrigerating canned goods is another tip. Because when you open it (he had a can of beef stew that was and another that wasnt refrigerated for an example), you can skim the hardened fat out of it, and if you do this everyday for a year it can help you lose up to 6 lbs, that is IF you are gonna eat those canned things anyway.. if you dont, even better.

- He also said to dilute your juice, theyre full of sugar, even the light variety.. drinking sugary juices you are consuming up to 48 lbs of extra sugar a year.. if you drink 2 glasses a day, dilute them half juice, half water in your glass, and you can lose up to 13 lbs that year just by doing this.. (unless you arent a sugary juice drinker anyway, which is better of course)..

- there was another called fake a carb.. where he used cauliflower in place of pasta, and prepared it like he would pasta.. i didnt get the recipe or even really hear what he was saying because i got a phonecall..

- Another one was replace oil with applesauce in your recipes.. or use half the oil and use applesauce for the other half, i think it was.. he had brownies as an example - and said you can lose up to 6 lbs in a year by doing this from now on, if you are a sweets eater and bake.. many recipes can be converted to a healthier way..

- last was swap gym bags with a friend..keeps you wanting to go to the gym, by switching bags.. they'll need theirs and you'll need yours kinda deal..or buddy up with someone who is fantastic about going to gym or working out and eating healthy, it helps stay motivated..

i think that was all his tips that i can remember anyway..lol...

[sylvie]

I LOVE gala apples! The local grocery store by my house has been running them for 5 for $1!

One of my favorite summertime receipes is for chicken salad. I boil a couple of boneless chicken breasts (I'm sure you could use can chicken instead, but I've never tried it), I let 'em cool and then shred. I dice up 2 small apples and add in a handful of sliced almonds & cranberries (it's a salad topper mix they sell in the salad dressing aisle). Then I mix with a couple of tablespoons of the LIGHT miracle whip. And voila! I usually eat it on a sandwich thin or with unsalted crackers. YUMMY! It makes quite a bit, so you'll have lunch for a few days!

I also like diced apples in a spinach sald, with leftover grilled chicken and avacado slices with a LIGHT raspberry vinagrette dressing. Mmmmmmmm!

i love gala apples too ! and yummy on that recipe, thanks Tonya, soo trying that.. i've discovered that i love fruit on salads and different foods i eat, even.. that sweet taste added is delicious! i've been experimenting lots.

[jelli]

We live right close to the SC/NC border. Near Hendersonville and Hendersonville is home of the Apple Festival!!! Everything you can imagine apple!!! This appeals to me since I originate from Northern Michigan where we had the Cherry Festival in Traverse City!

http://www.ncapplefestival.org/

I like Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Cameo's, and Ambrosia apples!!! i have long substituted applesauce for my oil(as long as I had it on hand).

I like making applesauce and applebutter.

[dixie]

We live right close to the SC/NC border. Near Hendersonville and Hendersonville is home of the Apple Festival!!! Everything you can imagine apple!!! This appeals to me since I originate from Northern Michigan where we had the Cherry Festival in Traverse City!

http://www.ncapplefestival.org/

I like Honey Crisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Cameo's, and Ambrosia apples!!! i have long substituted applesauce for my oil(as long as I had it on hand).

I like making applesauce and applebutter.

I love the Apple Festival! :)

My food choices were not the greatest this weekend, but I walked a heck of a lot and spent hours swimming. Then tonight I did 45 minutes of yoga and 2 hours of cardio and strength training. Hopefully that makes up for the ginormous piece of hot fudge cake Saturday...lol

[Rockinonahigh]

Tomorrow im going off to the gym,I hope it dose me some good,where I dont have any major pain, I still am dealing with some of it.Im also going to a chiro again thursday..then Im going to be going twice a month.I cant figure what I did to wreck my back like this,I know it has a mind of its own but enough already.The Rx the ER doc gave me to fill I didnt get cause its a med that I took last year that I had some probs with,at the moment im hooked up to a tenns unit zapping away,ive also been doing the ice bag thing and hot packs...if anyone has any other idea please let me know.Tired of this mess I am,I even called in sick at work wich is not something I do often.

[Sparkle]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/07/cheap-health-food_n_919547.html#s323423&title=Mango

HuffPo article:
"10 seriously cheap superfoods" to have in your cupboards

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Tomorrow im going off to the gym,I hope it dose me some good,where I dont have any major pain, I still am dealing with some of it.Im also going to a chiro again thursday..then Im going to be going twice a month.I cant figure what I did to wreck my back like this,I know it has a mind of its own but enough already.The Rx the ER doc gave me to fill I didnt get cause its a med that I took last year that I had some probs with,at the moment im hooked up to a tenns unit zapping away,ive also been doing the ice bag thing and hot packs...if anyone has any other idea please let me know.Tired of this mess I am,I even called in sick at work wich is not something I do often.

Sounds like some serious discomfort! I hope you get to feelin better and figure what this all is!

[Medusa]

Had some egg beaters with onion, basil, black pepper, and fat free cheese this morning and LORD, could I tell a difference in my level of hunger later.

Yesteday, I had high-fiber oatmeal and was ravenous ALL DAY LONG. I was like a bottomless pit and ate every apple, carrot, and grape in the house. Today with the eggs, it's 2:30 here and I know it's time for lunch but I'm not even hungry.

Definitely will be having a protein-filled breakfast from now on to avoid the late afternoon munchies.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

1 hour on the eliptical....4 laps around the track....where the hell did I find the energy? lol Feels good :)

[Zimmeh]

I didn't get a chance to exercise lastnight due to being exhausted and it raining. I am not going to exercise tonight due to a migraine from my blood sugar dropping and not eating on time. I am having a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner.

Have a great night,

Zimmy

[dixie]

Did an hour and a half on yoga and strength training, and going to start cardio after this little break. Down another 3.5lbs this week. :)

[Leigh]

I was advised by someone to do a check in with everyone, and since I refuse to have My butt kicked by a redhead (no names mentioned) lol I am hauling My rear end in here to check in with everyone sooooooooooo ~ here I am :-)

Well lets see hmmmmm where do I begin? I've kind of fallen off the wagon again, and I'm having a hard time getting back to where I was before when I first began. I got a deal from 7-11 like 3-4 days ago where it was buy two 2L pepsi's for $4 so I figured I had been a good boy and I thought I'd splurge abit ........ well that was not a good idea and I'm very much regretting it now. I also was not sure what to havefor lunch today so I made Myself an entire box of mac 'n cheese. Talk about too much at one time ~ I definately regret that because it was just WAYYYYYY more than I've been used to and I felt yucky after having eaten so much.

I really need to plan out My meals better especially since My parents are only home during the weeknights, Saturday evenings and Sunday's. With working at their floral shop and being so busy sometimes, the only one who ever seems to be home is Me and My sister. Since they eat at the shop, I am going to have to be the one to plan My own meals; My dad used to get kinda pissy when I bought My own food and didnt share (he still does actually) but really if I'm the one needing to be losing the weight and I'm really the only one home most of the time what right does he have to complain? Time for Me to start taking care of Me, regardless of whether he likes it or not I am a big boy and have to do what is best for Myself.

Time to get back on the wagon ........ no more falling off !!!!!!!!!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I didn't get a chance to exercise lastnight due to being exhausted and it raining. I am not going to exercise tonight due to a migraine from my blood sugar dropping and not eating on time. I am having a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner.

Have a great night,

Zimmy

Hope you are feelin better :)

[nycfem]

MAD PROPS TO MY BOO!

I'm so proud of BB. After a long, hard day's work hy biked while we watched Judge Judy and then had a blueberry health shake. I told hym that if hy keeps up the good work, hy's going to live to be 107 (at which point he noted that I would still be a youthful 90).

[Zimmeh]

You can do it, Matt! I had three German chocolate cupcakes lastnight as a reward to myself for passing my panel interview!

We all are here to help you out,

Zimmy

I was advised by someone to do a check in with everyone, and since I refuse to have My butt kicked by a redhead (no names mentioned) lol I am hauling My rear end in here to check in with everyone sooooooooooo ~ here I am :-)

Well lets see hmmmmm where do I begin? I've kind of fallen off the wagon again, and I'm having a hard time getting back to where I was before when I first began. I got a deal from 7-11 like 3-4 days ago where it was buy two 2L pepsi's for $4 so I figured I had been a good boy and I thought I'd splurge abit ........ well that was not a good idea and I'm very much regretting it now. I also was not sure what to havefor lunch today so I made Myself an entire box of mac 'n cheese. Talk about too much at one time ~ I definately regret that because it was just WAYYYYYY more than I've been used to and I felt yucky after having eaten so much.

I really need to plan out My meals better especially since My parents are only home during the weeknights, Saturday evenings and Sunday's. With working at their floral shop and being so busy sometimes, the only one who ever seems to be home is Me and My sister. Since they eat at the shop, I am going to have to be the one to plan My own meals; My dad used to get kinda pissy when I bought My own food and didnt share (he still does actually) but really if I'm the one needing to be losing the weight and I'm really the only one home most of the time what right does he have to complain? Time for Me to start taking care of Me, regardless of whether he likes it or not I am a big boy and have to do what is best for Myself.

Time to get back on the wagon ........ no more falling off !!!!!!!!!

[Zimmeh]

Thank you, my friend! I am feeling much better; I took two aleve when I got home and my pb&j sandwich helped! I went walking for half an hour and the fresh cool air helped with my migraine.

How are you tonight?

Zimmy

Hope you are feelin better :)

[Softly]

I was advised by someone to do a check in with everyone, and since I refuse to have My butt kicked by a redhead (no names mentioned) lol I am hauling My rear end in here to check in with everyone sooooooooooo ~ here I am :-)

Well lets see hmmmmm where do I begin? I've kind of fallen off the wagon again, and I'm having a hard time getting back to where I was before when I first began. I got a deal from 7-11 like 3-4 days ago where it was buy two 2L pepsi's for $4 so I figured I had been a good boy and I thought I'd splurge abit ........ well that was not a good idea and I'm very much regretting it now. I also was not sure what to havefor lunch today so I made Myself an entire box of mac 'n cheese. Talk about too much at one time ~ I definately regret that because it was just WAYYYYYY more than I've been used to and I felt yucky after having eaten so much.

I really need to plan out My meals better especially since My parents are only home during the weeknights, Saturday evenings and Sunday's. With working at their floral shop and being so busy sometimes, the only one who ever seems to be home is Me and My sister. Since they eat at the shop, I am going to have to be the one to plan My own meals; My dad used to get kinda pissy when I bought My own food and didnt share (he still does actually) but really if I'm the one needing to be losing the weight and I'm really the only one home most of the time what right does he have to complain? Time for Me to start taking care of Me, regardless of whether he likes it or not I am a big boy and have to do what is best for Myself.

Time to get back on the wagon ........ no more falling off !!!!!!!!!

Hey Matthew! i think you checking in and being honest is fantastic.

Just a suggestion. Have you ever tried writing down in a notebook everything you eat and drink in a day and why you are feeling the need to eat/drink it? This is what I did and it opened my eyes so much. I was taking in calories that, at the weight I was, would make me gain...rapidly. Its really amazing how much we can eat and not know it. I was drinking iced coffee also twice a day, that added about 300 calories to my day.

If you need anyone to talk to feel free to PM me. I've been to hell and back with my weight since I was 8 yrs old. Been almost 400 pounds once, when I was 18. Its tough and I understand.

[Softly]

I am proud of myself today for going to the gym even though I'm having my TOM and felt like crap!

:D

27 pounds down.

[Leigh]

You can do it, Matt! I had three German chocolate cupcakes lastnight as a reward to myself for passing my panel interview!

We all are here to help you out,

Zimmy

Sounds like Me sometimes lol ........... I tend to reward Myself with things like chocolate and pepsi and such when I should be choosing other things like a new book, or a magazine or a DVD (something thats not food). We'll get it eventually, it takes time but I know it'll happen :-)

Hey Matthew! i think you checking in and being honest is fantastic.

Just a suggestion. Have you ever tried writing down in a notebook everything you eat and drink in a day and why you are feeling the need to eat/drink it? This is what I did and it opened my eyes so much. I was taking in calories that, at the weight I was, would make me gain...rapidly. Its really amazing how much we can eat and not know it. I was drinking iced coffee also twice a day, that added about 300 calories to my day.

If you need anyone to talk to feel free to PM me. I've been to hell and back with my weight since I was 8 yrs old. Been almost 400 pounds once, when I was 18. Its tough and I understand.

Hi Softly

I'm just about at 400 lbs now and it just seems crazy hard to try and lose the weight especially when I'm stuck in the house all summer watching My sister (not that I mind). Its just hard to lose weight or even concentrate on Myself when I see the same four walls all of the time and can't get out during the day when I want to. I could easily go out in the evening but after watching chey all day, once My parents are home about 6pm or so I just watch tv and then soon its bedtime again. Its a rut that I'm stuck in and I can't seem to get out ~ I wanna be able to afford atleast buying a treadmill or something I can do at home but I don't have the cash right now so I just gonna learn how to deal with everything.

Some days I'm so gung ho to get things, and other days I don't have the motivation and My energy is non-existent. I bought a journal about two weeks ago and was going to start doing just that, writing down what I eat/drink and how much but I never did it ............ I am going to pull that out tomorrow, start writing down things and then review it in say a week or so to see what I come up with. I know sometimes I eat because I'm bored or because I'm very much an emotional eater (especially eating chocolate and potato chips). I'll get there, its just one step at time :canadian:

[Gentle Tiger]

Walked 3 miles yesterday and 3.5 today. I carry a 15lb bar with me and do exercises with it while walking. Now if I could just learn to enjoy drinking water. Even with the different tricks to spruce up the water, it's still water. lol But I will do better.

[dixie]

Walked 3 miles yesterday and 3.5 today. I carry a 15lb bar with me and do exercises with it while walking. Now if I could just learn to enjoy drinking water. Even with the different tricks to spruce up the water, it's still water. lol But I will do better.

Ugh...I have the same exact problem with water. I've been drinking a lot more of it though. I just really really miss my pepsi when I do. :( lol

[Leigh]

Walked 3 miles yesterday and 3.5 today. I carry a 15lb bar with me and do exercises with it while walking. Now if I could just learn to enjoy drinking water. Even with the different tricks to spruce up the water, it's still water. lol But I will do better.

I swear that I rebel against drinking water LOL even if its flavored its still water and I just can't seem to get over that fact ............ I'm working on it though, and will continue to do so even if it kills Me lol :seeingstars:

Ugh...I have the same exact problem with water. I've been drinking a lot more of it though. I just really really miss my pepsi when I do. :( lol

I'm also a pepsi fanatic and find it very hard to choose water over My pepsi ~ its evil damnit LOL

[Thinker]

Walked 3 miles yesterday and 3.5 today. I carry a 15lb bar with me and do exercises with it while walking. Now if I could just learn to enjoy drinking water. Even with the different tricks to spruce up the water, it's still water. lol But I will do better.

My first two attempts at reading this yielded "15lb JAR"......and I was *very* confused. Heh... I couldn't imagine you carrying a big ol' jar with you while you walked.

Got it now. ;)

I have always enjoyed watering lawns/soil because I see the ground soak up the water. Seeing that process reinforces to me just how much it was needed. I know it sounds all woo-woo and shit, but it really is (to me) such a beautiful process.

Thinking through all of that is what got me to start drinking water some years back. I've never enjoyed water, but I have always been very aware of how it hydrates my organs and flushes gross shit out of my body. That's definitely something I can get behind! :)

I still go through periods when I don't drink as much as I should; I am not a 64-ounces every-single-day champ!! But because I paid attention to all of the good it has done for me, I am way more aware of when my body needs it. The frequent peeing can be mighty inconvenient, but I shift my thinking to "getting rid of useless stuff" and feel better about it.

I wish I could "love water", but I don't. Thinking of it as watering my organs and cleansing my systems does the trick though.

Seeing pictures like the ones linked below always reinforced to me why I just couldn't continue drinking certain beverages on any sort of regular basis.

I hope this doesn't sound "preachy"; I don't mean for it to. This is the sort of thing that helped me; I'm just sharing in case it is able to help anyone else.

http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

[Sachita]

Once you start drinking a lot of water you'll start craving it. I bought one of those 2 gallon igloo coolers, fill with ice and filtered water. I keep it with me wherever I go even next to the bed. It makes it easy to drink water. Drink 16 oz when you first wake up to start up your metabolism and then drink 16 oz before you put anything in your mouth.

I've been juicing the past few weeks every single day at least 30 oz of leafy organic greens, carrots, cabbage, apple, celery, spinach, pears, sweet potatoes. whatever I can get my hands on thats organic. I didn't stop eating, in fact I started eating more in addition to juicing. I did stop dairy, which was hard and eat a lot of salads. I was also eating pasta & rice but cut back on meats. I have been losing weight, my clothes loose and I don't feel bloated.

My body seems to be detoxing though and strange things happening. But I'm coming out of that now, lol thank goodness. My skin looks incredible lately and my concentration much better.

[sylvie]

Time to get back on the wagon ........ no more falling off !!!!!!!!!

Matthew,

One thing i've learned lately is be easy on yourself.. Reshaping your whole attitude and frame of thinking towards better health is very difficult..The things we're used to eating and drinking and the people around us makes it hard to break out of bad habits.. Falling off the wagon will happen sometimes and as long as you are recognizing and wanting change, that's the first and hardest step .. And admitting our wrong choices and dealing with our own inner demons about it sometimes is so difficult..But you really are on your way.. It's a gradual process getting yourself to the point you are ready to just go at it full force..

i'm proud of you for recognizing the things that you eat and drink and for the changes you want to make, and believe in you much like the others here in this thread do..

i keep coming back here too, because everyone here is going through a similar journey and it's so motivating.. if you need a buddy i'm here for you too, because this journey is also new to me and there are good days/difficult days, i can use the buddy system myself.. it's nice to have a few buddy systems going, so there is always someplace to turn.. And you know where to find me.

Keep it up my friend, you're doing great. But just remember to be easy on yourself, and just keep jumping back ON the wagon, because for everytime you fall off, its all the moments you hang on that count!

[Nina]

I think that:

A) as we change and make changes which are kind to, supportive of, and with the intention to be more loving to ourselves which Include out bodies, we are on the right track and have much to be thankful for...

II) some people "like" water and some do not...as long as we do the best we can, and keep finding ways to do it, we are on track...sometimes we all do things 'cuz it's 'best' and that is the beginning, middle, and end of the process...and that is good, too...

3) spending years being disconnected to our physical selves is not unusual...the process of reconnecting is not linear nor is it predictable and it is unique to each one of us...

4) as we move along on this path things 'come up' which we didn't expect...there is joyfulness and feelings of positive achievement...I believe there are moments of mourning and self-discovery which can startle us...and, sometimes we can be most kind to ourselves to sit with it, to see it and understand, and then we find we can gather ourselves and move along as we desire...

this may be, or seem to be, or Be be, a load of nonsense and/or NinaBabble..
I hope not, and I am confident in the 'delete' feature, and the choice not to read posters who annoy...I feel it's worthwhile to not only focus on the pragmatic aspects of changing our bodies and ourselves (not unintentional)...
I admire you all...the ones who post here, and the ones whom I suspect may be in greater number, who come and read and take something which is of support to them...

as always, I wish all the best

be well and strong...

xxx

Nina

[PinkieLee]

Water... such a necessary evil!

Just a lil' tid bit of info to remind yourself whether you are getting enough water intake, is by urine color (yep, I went there). If your urine is clear, you are hydrated. If your urine is dark, you are dehydrated.

I know we all struggle with getting the 64+ ounces a day... but our bodies need it! For me, my body is sluggish, my joints ache & my skin breaks out if I don't drink enough water.

If you have tried the flavored drink mixes and have become bored with them, try making a slushee. Just mix the water & drink mix together, add a bunch of ice and throw in the blend... voila SLUSHEE! Hey, your body is getting water from the mix & the ice :)

[sylvie]

i, too, wasn't a lover of water..
i was a Diet Pepsi fan, and admit i drank ONLY that lots of times...
A few tips which helped me along to start drinking more water..

1. A way to trick my brain was appearance - i'm all about "pretty" lol.. a funky glass, ice, water, a slice of something on the side with a cute lil straw - it got me drinking the water - at first..Now i can drink bottles of water with no problem, i don't need the appearance but it worked for me.. MY pretty vs YOUR pretty may be different, it's whatever helps it seem appealing to you.. Maybe even filling your pepsi bottle with the water might help at first..

2. i have little signs around the house in a few areas (mostly kitchen, here at computer desk and in living room by the tv) reminding me to drink water..when i see the sign "sylly, drink water" it encourages me to do that.. i was more apt to crave something i shouldnt be drinking when here on the computer, watching tv, or simply in the kitchen cooking a meal..i bulked up on sodapop and sugary juices..

3. Write down what you drink in the run of a day.. For me, it was surprising to realize what i drank in the run of a day was more calories than what i ate, not to m ention the amounts of sugar in the juices and sodapop.. It was a real eye opener for me.. At work, i would work just a 3 hour shift one day and consumed 6 glasses of orange juice, really more by habit.. The juice was making me more thirsty, and so i kept going back every half hour for more - and when i added just those calories up, along with what i drank in the run of a day... wow..So that pushed me to drink more water.

4. My water has to be cold, my fridge doesnt keep my bottled or filtered water cold enough, so i always pop in the freezer about 15-30 mins before drinking.. For me, that helps me enjoy it more. Some people dont like it cold, my mother prefers it warm and not even in the fridge.. Its whatever you prefer.

And lastly, i try to remind myself often of the other reasons i need to drink water..
- i feel healthier overall, and not sluggish like the juice and sodapop made me.
- its great for the complexion, my skin feels so much more fantastic for it now. (and when i was drinking sodapop everyday, my complexion was an issue for me..)
- great to curb the appetite as well..
- i feel so much more hydrated, like Tonya said below, having clear pee rocks! LOL

So for a girl who never liked water much - now i find myself craving water.. nothing quenches my thirst like water anymore, and although i still have days where i do crave sodapop and juices, i go back to all these things and usually will grab a bottle of water and get at it again..

Proudly, i haven't touched sodapop since beginning of April..
And sugary juices, like the one at work - since end of April..
i have drank Crystal Lite but even drink that rarely, i feel an absolute NEED for something other than water ill have a glass of that.. i dont feel as guilty that way..

thats what worked for me, but i know everyone's journey is different in things they like & dislike!

[foxyshaman]

I feel bad for you Water. I just want to stand apart from the "don't like water" people and say:

Water - I love you :cheer:
Water - my body loves you :awww:
Water - I will be your bestie :beerbros: (see water in glass not beer):lol2:


I just feel bad for you Water, I wanted you to know that someone in here loves you. Without you I would be... well... sick.

Signed the loving little fox

[JAGG]

Water... such a necessary evil!

Just a lil' tid bit of info to remind yourself whether you are getting enough water intake, is by urine color (yep, I went there). If your urine is clear, you are hydrated. If your urine is dark, you are dehydrated.

I know we all struggle with getting the 64+ ounces a day... but our bodies need it! For me, my body is sluggish, my joints ache & my skin breaks out if I don't drink enough water.

If you have tried the flavored drink mixes and have become bored with them, try making a slushee. Just mix the water & drink mix together, add a bunch of ice and throw in the blend... voila SLUSHEE! Hey, your body is getting water from the mix & the ice :)

Keep in mind you could get too much water. Drinking too much is very dangerous as well.

[Medusa]

Dear Diet Coke Drinkers (and you know who you are!),

Let me tell you a little story 'bout a girl named "Ang"
She drank lots of Diet Coke and it had her feelin' BAD
When up one day, she drank some H20
And figured out that water was the way she wanted to GO!

/Cheeserific!

Seriously, aspartame is not only addictive but is banned in almost every country except for the United States. The caffeine in Diet Cokes is also a no-no for folks with blood pressure issues.

When I decided to go cold turkey off of Diet Coke, the withdrawal was worse than when I quit smoking. Not even kidding.
I was bitchy and moody for about a month, had headaches, didn't sleep well, and alllll kinds of other issues.

I craved it almost every day and realized that my 12 Diet-Coke-a-day habit was way more serious than I had thought if the withdrawals were that bad.

I am now 5.5 months "clean" off of Diet Coke and feel a lot better. No more shooting pains in the kidneys, no more dehydrated skin and hair, no more heart palpatations from too much caffeine.

Now, I drink water, unsweetened tea (usually only when we go out to eat), some fruit juice, 1/2 cup coffee every morning, and the occasional Fuze or diet Vitamin Water. That's it. No sodas.

Water is worth it! Get it down however you can. Add Lemon or lime, try it with ice and without, use straws, drink it in bottles. Figure out how you will best be able to stomach it and get it done!

[Scorp]

Actually sipping diet coke as I am reading this thread (I'm not a fan of it) but it's what I have in my little fridge under my desk!

Pouring it out all over the carpet and switching to water.... :blink:Dear Diet Coke Drinkers (and you know who you are!),

Let me tell you a little story 'bout a girl named "Ang"
She drank lots of Diet Coke and it had her feelin' BAD
When up one day, she drank some H20
And figured out that water was the way she wanted to GO!

/Cheeserific!

Seriously, aspartame is not only addictive but is banned in almost every country except for the United States. The caffeine in Diet Cokes is also a no-no for folks with blood pressure issues.

When I decided to go cold turkey off of Diet Coke, the withdrawal was worse than when I quit smoking. Not even kidding.
I was bitchy and moody for about a month, had headaches, didn't sleep well, and alllll kinds of other issues.

I craved it almost every day and realized that my 12 Diet-Coke-a-day habit was way more serious than I had thought if the withdrawals were that bad.

I am now 5.5 months "clean" off of Diet Coke and feel a lot better. No more shooting pains in the kidneys, no more dehydrated skin and hair, no more heart palpatations from too much caffeine.

Now, I drink water, unsweetened tea (usually only when we go out to eat), some fruit juice, 1/2 cup coffee every morning, and the occasional Fuze or diet Vitamin Water. That's it. No sodas.

Water is worth it! Get it down however you can. Add Lemon or lime, try it with ice and without, use straws, drink it in bottles. Figure out how you will best be able to stomach it and get it done!

[Julie]

Dear Diet Coke Drinkers (and you know who you are!),

Let me tell you a little story 'bout a girl named "Ang"
She drank lots of Diet Coke and it had her feelin' BAD
When up one day, she drank some H20
And figured out that water was the way she wanted to GO!

/Cheeserific!

Seriously, aspartame is not only addictive but is banned in almost every country except for the United States. The caffeine in Diet Cokes is also a no-no for folks with blood pressure issues.

When I decided to go cold turkey off of Diet Coke, the withdrawal was worse than when I quit smoking. Not even kidding.
I was bitchy and moody for about a month, had headaches, didn't sleep well, and alllll kinds of other issues.

I craved it almost every day and realized that my 12 Diet-Coke-a-day habit was way more serious than I had thought if the withdrawals were that bad.

I am now 5.5 months "clean" off of Diet Coke and feel a lot better. No more shooting pains in the kidneys, no more dehydrated skin and hair, no more heart palpatations from too much caffeine.

Now, I drink water, unsweetened tea (usually only when we go out to eat), some fruit juice, 1/2 cup coffee every morning, and the occasional Fuze or diet Vitamin Water. That's it. No sodas.

Water is worth it! Get it down however you can. Add Lemon or lime, try it with ice and without, use straws, drink it in bottles. Figure out how you will best be able to stomach it and get it done!

I have given up Diet Coke as well (Along with Meat) and since giving it up - have lost weight. While it is an appetite suppressant (and it is) - It is also filled with (as you said) such SHIT.

Congrats on the detox.

[Gentle Tiger]

Checking in.

two weeks since last soda. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it. Drink the bloody, I mean delicious water. It's great surely no one will pick up on the sarcasm! I'm doing it. Going to get more after I submit this post.

Thinker you had me cracking up at the visual of clomping along on my walk with 15lb jar. :cracked: The bar helps me. I need to be doing multiple things for some reason. lol The bar and I will be walking in a bit. I may try to push to 4 miles. We shall see.

Oh yeah, I jumped on the scale this morning. -6lbs. Not a lot but it's a start in the right direction.

Keep up the good work everyone. You all rock!

[PinkieLee]

GT... -6 pounds, that's FANTASTIC! That is a great start... you should feel very proud! Keep up the great work. Just remember, a 1 pound loss is better than a 1 pound gain anyday!!!!

[Gentle Tiger]

GT... -6 pounds, that's FANTASTIC! That is a great start... you should feel very proud! Keep up the great work. Just remember, a 1 pound loss is better than a 1 pound gain anyday!!!!

Very true! lol Thanks for the lb perspective. And this water is tasty! Yeppers!

[Thinker]

Checking in.

two weeks since last soda. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it. Drink the bloody, I mean delicious water. It's great surely no one will pick up on the sarcasm! I'm doing it. Going to get more after I submit this post.

Thinker you had me cracking up at the visual of clomping along on my walk with 15lb jar. :cracked: The bar helps me. I need to be doing multiple things for some reason. lol The bar and I will be walking in a bit. I may try to push to 4 miles. We shall see.

Oh yeah, I jumped on the scale this morning. -6lbs. Not a lot but it's a start in the right direction.

Keep up the good work everyone. You all rock!

Six pounds is awesome, brother!!!!!!!!!!! Way to go!!

[Liam]

I'm just about at 400 lbs now and it just seems crazy hard to try and lose the weight especially when I'm stuck in the house all summer watching My sister (not that I mind). Its just hard to lose weight or even concentrate on Myself when I see the same four walls all of the time and can't get out during the day when I want to.

I think this is a good opportunity for me to share Leslie Sansone with everyone—she has changed my life, and she certainly won't hurt yours. I discovered her at the library, when I found a book called Walk Off the Pounds (http://www.walkathome.com/store/product77.html). A DVD was included, and the low impact, marching in place program appealed to me immediately. It took fifteen minutes for me to walk a mile with Leslie, and she added leg lifts, side-stepping, kicks and more to strengthen the core while giving me a good cardio work-out. I renewed my book as many times as I could, and finally had to let Leslie go back to the library. Earlier this month, I found her at Wal-Mart, and for under $10 I have her Fast & Firm! 4 Really Big Miles (http://www.walkathome.com/store/product25.html) DVD which has 1, 2, 3, & 4 mile workouts on it—I am up to the 2 mile work out now and I look forward to being able to do 4 miles daily, which takes less than 45 minutes. Her philosophy is all about moving, and other than a DVD player, no special equipment is required. I enjoy walking with Leslie a thousands time more than I like walking on my treadmill, she makes it fun, and for less than an hour a day, I am getting stronger, losing weight, and gaining my flexibility back, it truly is a simple way to lose weight.

For more info, check out her website: http://www.walkathome.com/

[*Anya*]

Hi All. I have not written for a few days. Many of you saw my "Dear" post about my cock-a-poo Jani going into respiratory failure and I had to make the very, very difficult decision to put her down Saturday 8/6.

I am pretty much consumed with grief and it has totally taken my appetite away so I am an not having difficulty with my eating. For a couple of days I started thinking: "What's the point, who cares, I don't care" but I did not give into it.

I have made through the craving for sweets-think it might be 8-10 days by now. I am not allowing myself to think about them or I will be lost, I am just too vulnerable right now and am just looking for a reason to make myself even more sad and miserable than I already am-eating sweets would do it for sure. I could then throw in self-loathing for good measure.

I found that I can't go down the stairs at all as my knee gives out but for some bizzare reason I am able to walk upstairs without too terribly much pain. I about die on the 3rd flight but have now made it to 4. I don't know if it is enough to lose weight on but I feel better about having done it for the 3rd day in a row.

Regards,

[Leigh]

I think this is a good opportunity for me to share Leslie Sansone with everyone—she has changed my life, and she certainly won't hurt yours. I discovered her at the library, when I found a book called Walk Off the Pounds (http://www.walkathome.com/store/product77.html). A DVD was included, and the low impact, marching in place program appealed to me immediately. It took fifteen minutes for me to walk a mile with Leslie, and she added leg lifts, side-stepping, kicks and more to strengthen the core while giving me a good cardio work-out. I renewed my book as many times as I could, and finally had to let Leslie go back to the library. Earlier this month, I found her at Wal-Mart, and for under $10 I have her Fast & Firm! 4 Really Big Miles (http://www.walkathome.com/store/product25.html) DVD which has 1, 2, 3, & 4 mile workouts on it—I am up to the 2 mile work out now and I look forward to being able to do 4 miles daily, which takes less than 45 minutes. Her philosophy is all about moving, and other than a DVD player, no special equipment is required. I enjoy walking with Leslie a thousands time more than I like walking on my treadmill, she makes it fun, and for less than an hour a day, I am getting stronger, losing weight, and gaining my flexibility back, it truly is a simple way to lose weight.

For more info, check out her website: http://www.walkathome.com/

Liam,

I think she sounds like she is worth looking up; I have not been to a library or a bookstore in so long so I may just have to take a look one day to see if I can find her book or DVD. Part of My problem is I make excuses as to why I can't; I wake up at 7:30 every morning to watch My sister and am pretty much up all day until bed which is usually about midnight or so. I can very easily get up and go for a short walk in the morning and then one at night but I have a hard time getting motivated to do so. I'm gonna learn, and if anyone wants to start up a buddy system for support I think it would be a great idea ........... what does everyone think?

Checking in.

two weeks since last soda. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it. Drink the bloody, I mean delicious water. It's great surely no one will pick up on the sarcasm! I'm doing it. Going to get more after I submit this post.

Oh yeah, I jumped on the scale this morning. -6lbs. Not a lot but it's a start in the right direction.

Keep up the good work everyone. You all rock!

I'm terrible for drinking alot of soda and while I was going without it I just couldnt take the cravings any longer and caved; now I'm in the process of trying to limit My intake again and slowly ween Myself off of the sugary stuff. I know how hard it is for Me to do that and its going to be a true challenge but I know that My friends are here if needed and thats what counts!

I know even for Me that before if I had only lost 6 lbs I'd have been pretty upset with Myself but I've gotten to the point where I know even just a pound or two lost is an accomplishment .......... thats a pound or two that I had before thats gone, and thats the entire goal right? I'm also not a fan of water and to stomach it sometimes just does not work for Me but I bought two bottled waters today on sale for less than $2 so I figure this is a start right? :praying:

Dear Diet Coke Drinkers (and you know who you are!),

Let me tell you a little story 'bout a girl named "Ang"
She drank lots of Diet Coke and it had her feelin' BAD
When up one day, she drank some H20
And figured out that water was the way she wanted to GO!

/Cheeserific!

Seriously, aspartame is not only addictive but is banned in almost every country except for the United States. The caffeine in Diet Cokes is also a no-no for folks with blood pressure issues.

When I decided to go cold turkey off of Diet Coke, the withdrawal was worse than when I quit smoking. Not even kidding.
I was bitchy and moody for about a month, had headaches, didn't sleep well, and alllll kinds of other issues.

I craved it almost every day and realized that my 12 Diet-Coke-a-day habit was way more serious than I had thought if the withdrawals were that bad.

I am now 5.5 months "clean" off of Diet Coke and feel a lot better. No more shooting pains in the kidneys, no more dehydrated skin and hair, no more heart palpatations from too much caffeine.

Now, I drink water, unsweetened tea (usually only when we go out to eat), some fruit juice, 1/2 cup coffee every morning, and the occasional Fuze or diet Vitamin Water. That's it. No sodas.

Water is worth it! Get it down however you can. Add Lemon or lime, try it with ice and without, use straws, drink it in bottles. Figure out how you will best be able to stomach it and get it done!

I'm not a Diet Coke drinker however even just drinking the amount of Pepsi that I drink on a daily basis is not good either. I have problems with My feet swelling, My back being sore most days, dry mouth, acid reflux, knee pain ~ which I'm sure has alot to do with what I drink. I have two bottled waters beside Me, and picked them up half an hour ago (before I read your post) but its a start ~ I can handle water cold alot better than I ever could warm (YUCK) so its gonna come down to keeping the water cold in the fridge and making sure I grab that first before anything else ........ its gonna take some getting used to but its worth it :canadian:

Hi All. I have not written for a few days. Many of you saw my "Dear" post about my cock-a-poo Jani going into respiratory failure and I had to make the very, very difficult decision to put her down Saturday 8/6.

I am pretty much consumed with grief and it has totally taken my appetite away so I am an not having difficulty with my eating. For a couple of days I started thinking: "What's the point, who cares, I don't care" but I did not give into it.

I have made through the craving for sweets-think it might be 8-10 days by now. I am not allowing myself to think about them or I will be lost, I am just too vulnerable right now and am just looking for a reason to make myself even more sad and miserable than I already am-eating sweets would do it for sure. I could then throw in self-loathing for good measure.

I found that I can't go down the stairs at all as my knee gives out but for some bizzare reason I am able to walk upstairs without too terribly much pain. I about die on the 3rd flight but have now made it to 4. I don't know if it is enough to lose weight on but I feel better about having done it for the 3rd day in a row.

Regards,

(((((((((((Anya)))))))))) Aww sweetie I didn't read this but I'm so very sorry that Jani is gone but I'm sure that she is in a better place watching down over you. I've lost pets before so I know how devastating that can be, and I'm sure that your little one would want her Mommy to take care of herself and know that she is worth it. I know its so easy for grief to throw us into such a tailspin that eating sweets or drinking something unhealthy is the easiest thing for us to do when we are sad. You have friends here, if you need us don't hesitate to lean on us and know that we will be here for you anytime you need a friend to talk to :rrose:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Great Job GT! 6 pounds is a great loss and start!

Matthew ~ Happy to see you checking in. I hear ya when you say it seems tough. There are 2 things I want to tell u. The first being that any journey begins with a single step. Thats all it takes to get you going in the right direction. Second is that I would like to share a small bit of my journey. After being in an abusive 5 year relationship turned marriage, I found myself stepping on a scale and weighing 300 pounds. That was my heaviest ever! My immediate reaction was to eat. When I say eat, I mean I indulged in everything I wanted. My thought process was "fuck it" I had already gone that far and too hard to lose. One night, I was having trouble breathing, my feet were so swollen I couldnt walk, I could barely breathe....I stepped on that scale again. 305...I looked at myself in the mirror and told myself something that changed my life. I said "Today will be the last day of your life that you will weigh 305lbs" Over a year later, I kept my promise. I have lost 50 pounds. Yes I have had moments of weakness, but I maintain. Today, I am still striving to get myself healthy. I am more determined and seeing more results. All it took was a promise to myself and 1 Single Step in the right direction. Lets do this Matthew! We can do it together.

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Sunshyne,

A co-worker and I were talking yesterday about how she is trying to lose 10lbs to fit into her bridesmaid dress. I showed her a picture of me, from 2004, when I was over 200lbs on a 5'0" frame and she nearly fell over. She asked me why I had lost the weight and I told her, it was because I was fed up with having heart palpitations, problems breathing and being bloated all of the time. It will be five years come January 1st, 2012, that I have had a soda and I was drinking between 3 to 4 20oz bottles of Coke a day, before I went cold turkey; and I feel a helluva lot better today! I have since been able to beat heart disease, I can run up and down stairs until my knee gives out and I can walk almost 3 miles in about 30 minutes. I was telling my co-workers today, that I am shooting to lose another 20lbs by the time of the reunion, so I better get my ass in gear...I am enjoying reading Prevention magazine over the tabloids that my co-workers love to read when it is slow at work. When I start my new job next week, after training, I will have a set schedule so I can plan my workouts appropriately..

My next thing to give up is sweets..Which is going to be hard for me, since that is something I grew up on and is always available at my mom's house...

Yes we can do this and it does take, that first step to do it!

Congratulations to everyone and keep up the good work!!!!

Hugs,

Zimmy

Great Job GT! 6 pounds is a great loss and start!

Matthew ~ Happy to see you checking in. I hear ya when you say it seems tough. There are 2 things I want to tell u. The first being that any journey begins with a single step. Thats all it takes to get you going in the right direction. Second is that I would like to share a small bit of my journey. After being in an abusive 5 year relationship turned marriage, I found myself stepping on a scale and weighing 300 pounds. That was my heaviest ever! My immediate reaction was to eat. When I say eat, I mean I indulged in everything I wanted. My thought process was "fuck it" I had already gone that far and too hard to lose. One night, I was having trouble breathing, my feet were so swollen I couldnt walk, I could barely breathe....I stepped on that scale again. 305...I looked at myself in the mirror and told myself something that changed my life. I said "Today will be the last day of your life that you will weigh 305lbs" Over a year later, I kept my promise. I have lost 50 pounds. Yes I have had moments of weakness, but I maintain. Today, I am still striving to get myself healthy. I am more determined and seeing more results. All it took was a promise to myself and 1 Single Step in the right direction. Lets do this Matthew! We can do it together.

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I had chicken soft tacos with Spanish rice and black beans on a flour tortilla for dinner tonight. I cooked in diced tomatoes and half of a green bell pepper with the chicken and let that cook with a little bit of taco seasoning while the rice was cooking. I made a small burrito out of the tortilla and I added a little bit of rice, black beans and chicken with a sprinkle of shredded lowfat mozzerella cheese. I had 3/4's of a cup of orange juice, to help with my blood sugar constantly dropping, with dinner and it filled me up...Now I want to go power walking, but I am afraid to, because of my sugar.

I will monitor how I feel and if I feel ok in the morning, I will go power walking then...

I can honestly say, all of the sodas, sweet tea and other sugary drinks is what messed up my blood sugar and they are something that I wish I had never drank...

Zimmy

[Rockinonahigh]

Yes,its the devils incarnete,so far I have only had a couple of diet cokes in the last fue days or what will total the amount of a couple of them..I take a sip hear and there but mostly drink water.No its not easy cause I use to love my diet cokes,I mean thay were diet cokes..werent they??Yesterday i was at the store and wanted something to drinl I reached in the cooler and got a bottle of water insted of the soda that was next to it.One small step at the time.AS for sugar I only occasionaly eat something..I injoy it then am done for a while,I had a huny bun a couple of weeks ago.

[Leigh]

Great Job GT! 6 pounds is a great loss and start!

Matthew ~ Happy to see you checking in. I hear ya when you say it seems tough. There are 2 things I want to tell u. The first being that any journey begins with a single step. Thats all it takes to get you going in the right direction. Second is that I would like to share a small bit of my journey. After being in an abusive 5 year relationship turned marriage, I found myself stepping on a scale and weighing 300 pounds. That was my heaviest ever! My immediate reaction was to eat. When I say eat, I mean I indulged in everything I wanted. My thought process was "fuck it" I had already gone that far and too hard to lose. One night, I was having trouble breathing, my feet were so swollen I couldnt walk, I could barely breathe....I stepped on that scale again. 305...I looked at myself in the mirror and told myself something that changed my life. I said "Today will be the last day of your life that you will weigh 305lbs" Over a year later, I kept my promise. I have lost 50 pounds. Yes I have had moments of weakness, but I maintain. Today, I am still striving to get myself healthy. I am more determined and seeing more results. All it took was a promise to myself and 1 Single Step in the right direction. Lets do this Matthew! We can do it together.

I think My very first order of business is to say that you, Sunshyne, have been a great inspiration to Me since I came into this thread and you never cease to amaze Me. To think that you were once 305 lbs really blows Me away, but since I am 374lbs its not too far off that mark but its much closer to 400lbs .......... a fact that I am not proud of but now its just a matter of really trying to lose this weight and take control of My life. I am kind of in an abusive relationship Myself right now but its not a romantic one; it has to do with My father and his emotional as well as mental abuse that I've dealt with for almost 18 years. He never fails to pick at Me about My weight and My eating habits yet he supports them and makes sure that certain things are in the house like he is sabotaging Me. He knows that I don't have the greatest willpower and when he sees that I've given in, he will either roll his eyes or smirk cuz he knows that I can be weak sometimes.

I'm slowly getting stronger one step at a time ........... the emotional ups and downs are not easy, but I'm getting there!!!!

Good Evening Sunshyne,

A co-worker and I were talking yesterday about how she is trying to lose 10lbs to fit into her bridesmaid dress. I showed her a picture of me, from 2004, when I was over 200lbs on a 5'0" frame and she nearly fell over. She asked me why I had lost the weight and I told her, it was because I was fed up with having heart palpitations, problems breathing and being bloated all of the time. It will be five years come January 1st, 2012, that I have had a soda and I was drinking between 3 to 4 20oz bottles of Coke a day, before I went cold turkey; and I feel a helluva lot better today! I have since been able to beat heart disease, I can run up and down stairs until my knee gives out and I can walk almost 3 miles in about 30 minutes. I was telling my co-workers today, that I am shooting to lose another 20lbs by the time of the reunion, so I better get my ass in gear...I am enjoying reading Prevention magazine over the tabloids that my co-workers love to read when it is slow at work. When I start my new job next week, after training, I will have a set schedule so I can plan my workouts appropriately..

My next thing to give up is sweets..Which is going to be hard for me, since that is something I grew up on and is always available at my mom's house...

Yes we can do this and it does take, that first step to do it!

Congratulations to everyone and keep up the good work!!!!

Hugs,

Zimmy

I'm very proud of you Zimmy, you've come a long way in many ways over the last few years that we've known each other and I know that your gonna go many places honey :rrose:

Yes,its the devils incarnete,so far I have only had a couple of diet cokes in the last fue days or what will total the amount of a couple of them..I take a sip hear and there but mostly drink water.No its not easy cause I use to love my diet cokes,I mean thay were diet cokes..werent they??Yesterday i was at the store and wanted something to drinl I reached in the cooler and got a bottle of water insted of the soda that was next to it.One small step at the time.AS for sugar I only occasionaly eat something..I injoy it then am done for a while,I had a huny bun a couple of weeks ago.

I know that I'm going to have a very hard time getting off of the pop and I doubt I will be able to quit cold turkey but if I slowly cut down then I know I will be more successful ............. thats a big thing for Me :-)

[Wryly]

Matthew - I am also a huge Pepsi drinker. Most days I can stay at 1 can or a 710ml bottle. But other days I'll have 2 or 3 cans or even 2 or 3 bottles of the stuff. It just depends on what I am doing.
I know that quite often I drink the stuff without even realizing what I am doing - - sort of from habit, you know? Having pizza? Well, I must have some Pepsi with it then. Same with chicken wings, or nachos or other fast foods.
If I'm having a Subway sandwich I have to have a bag of chips (not the Baked kind, either!), too.
One thing I have noticed this past year, though. That sometimes I can't actually taste the Pepsi. I know I'm drinking a carbonated drink but it doesn't "taste right." When that happens I'll sort of delay when I'll have a Pepsi - - I'll have ice water or ice tea with lunch instead. Then I'll try wait until later in the afternoon to have Pepsi. Usually I can hold out until I get the withdrawal headache.

But if you are serious about wanting to kick the Pepsi (or any soda drink, for that matter) you can try what I did last year. When you get really sick with a cold just don't drink Pepsi. Drink watered down juice or water with a slice of lemon or hot tea with lemon or honey. Then you blame the Pepsi "withdrawal headache" on being sick. When you start to feel better you won't even miss the Pepsi - - at least I didn't. I managed to stay off the stuff for almost 6 months. Now I find it is easier to put off drinking it or even avoid it altogether for a couple days.
However, I am currently still drinking the stuff - just not as much as I used to. And I alternate - for every can I drink I must drink a couple glasses of water. If I drink a 710ml bottle then I have a litre of water.
At first I hated drinking water too. But I find that in the summer it is the best thing for me.

[Tcountry]

....MY new favorite snack...the walmart brand (great value) 90 calorie Strawberry Cereal Bar...yum
I am usually a chocolate person but these are great!

[dixie]

My usual breakfast donut (I know, I know) has been replaced by bran cereal. *sigh*

I'm also beginning to enjoy the new cardio with weights routine that I'm doing but it really makes ya sore...lol

[JustJo]

Good morning everyone :)

I'm still struggling and contemplating and crunching numbers and doing all the stuff that is part of my personal process before I undertake a major change....but reading Matthew's recent posts got my brain going.

Matthew, I'm sending you a great big hug, because I know how tough this struggle is...especially when you have someone in the household actively sabotaging you.

Because I'm a "numbers" person though...in my work life I'm a project manager, and live and die by my spreadsheets...I did a little number crunching that might help to inspire you to make some changes.

Here's what I found....cold, hard facts...not to alarm you, but to show you what's going on inside...

One 12 oz. can of Pepsi probably looks harmless. It's small, it's cold...it tastes good. I had my own struggles with Coke...so I know how enticing and addictive it is.

But....one 12 oz. can of Pepsi contains 150 calories, mostly in the form of high fructose corn syrup. One of the biggest arguments against high fructose corn syrup is that it contains mercury...a neuro-toxin. I haven't read the studies, so I won't say yea or nay on that...but just the possibility of ingesting neuro-toxin daily scares the crap out of me.

Okay...but back to the numbers....

One can...150 calories.
Let's say you drink 4 a day....not hard for any soda drinker to do.
4 cans a day is 1,460 cans a year (how much does that cost? You could take a nice vacation every year for that money?)

1,460 cans a year at 150 calories is 219,000 calories.
Since it takes 3,500 calories to gain or lose a pound of weight...that's 62.5 lbs...in a year...on or off, depending on what you do.

Drink those 4 cans a day....gain 62.5 lbs. in a year.
Replace them with water...lose 62.5 lbs. in a year.
Of course, that's assuming that nothing else changes in our diet or activity levels.

The scarier thing for me....if the mercury/neuro-toxin thing is true....drinking 4 cans of Pepsi a day means you're consuming 59,850 grams of high fructose corn syrup in a year (41 grams a can).

Since 454 grams of anything equals a pound....that's 131.8 pounds of high fructose corn syrup running through your body each year.

This is the equation I ran for myself and my Coke consumption....right before I stopped drinking it forever.

Hugs to you all.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning y'all :)

Matthew... it's good to see you checking back here! Remember, do NOT look at the big picture of how much weight you need to lose. It's overwelming and you can end up sabatoging yourself before you even begin. Like many others here, I set small goals of 10 pounds at a time. Each pound you lose gets you closer to the first goal weight. Get a lil' calendar or notebook, and start giving yourself a GOLD STAR for every 5 pounds you lose (it might sound corney, but it's a way of celebrating those milestones). Once you hit that first goal, you would be sooo proud of yourself you will want to keep going! You CAN do this Matthew... we all believe in you! Take that first step, and nothing will be able to hold you back!!

As for exercise, I can find a million excuses every single day why I don't have time... we ALL can find excuses. There just comes a point when we have to stop making excuses and just do it! *yes, I'm reminding myself this, too*

I know for me, seeing so many of my friends being successful at losing weight has completed motivated me to keep going. I might not be losing as fast as others, but I am losing. I'm averaging 1 - 2 pounds a week. I'm already noticing changes in the way my clothes are fitting... but mostly how much better my body feels. At the grocery store the other night, I picked up 3 - 5lb sacks of potatos to remind myself how much weight I'm NOT carrying around anymore!

[JustJo]

I must be chatty this morning :)

I have been struggling to get enough exercise...because, honestly, I just really don't enjoy it. I'm not even neutral on it. I know it's good for me....I just really don't like to huff and puff and sweat and be sore and all that other stuff.

Still working on that....and my Mobia is nagging me from the bedroom.

However...I found this interesting chart (http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Calories-burned-in-30-minutes-of-leisure-and-routine-activities.htm)in my searching for data today. It's from Harvard, so I'm guessing it's pretty legit.

It shows calories burned in 30 minutes of activity for people of various weights. The top is exercise stuff (and if I'd get my butt on that Mobia for half an hour...ugh...I could burn over 440 calories)...but the bottom of the chart is what I found fascinating.

For me....roughly....sleeping for 30 minutes burns 28 calories. Watching TV burns 33....almost like sleeping! My job, since I work at a computer...burns just 61....not much better.

But....as soon as I got into even normal daily kinds of activity....cooking, light housework, putting things away, (presumably) taking care of the pool, mowing the lawn....the calorie burn jumps up into the 115 - 200 calorie range for 30 minutes of activity.

That's 5 times the burn rate of my sleeping, watching TV rate...and 2 or 3 times the rate I'm burning them as I work at the computer.

Amazing stuff...and a good argument for getting off the couch or office chair and doing something...even if it's laundry or pool care or sweeping the front walk or loading the dishwasher....

[Thinker]

Amazing stuff...and a good argument for getting off the couch or office chair and doing something...even if it's laundry or pool care or sweeping the front walk or loading the dishwasher....

I now save the mowing, edging, and sweeping for my "off" exercise days because it ends up not being so much of an "off" day at all!!! I end up working in the sun, non-stop, for a little over an hour.

I love the way I feel after all of that more than I do after my cardio days, and I *love* the way the yard looks!!!

[Zimmeh]

One thing that I have found since I started my journey almost five years ago is this: just get up and walk around or like Tonya said, lift something up.

When I started my journey, I had no goal weight to shoot for, I just wanted to feel better. When I gave up soda by the first of February, I lost 35lbs automatically and with all of the walking and watching what I was eating, I lost another 25lbs. Today, it is harder to maintain my current weight and it is even harder at work. We are required to sit for long periods of time; sometimes up to seven hours a day. I have found walking up and down the stairs and doing stretches at work has helped. These last few days, I haven't been exercising as much as I should have been. But I am listening to my body and with my blood sugar being so low, that I was loopy at work on Tuesday, I decided to take a break and cut how much snacks I was consuming.

When I am at home, I can go to my fridge and pour myself a nice ice cold glass of water from the Brita pitcher and I can drink almost 60oz of water in one day. At work, it is hard since I am a phone operator. Hell, my trainer told me to stop drinking so much water because I constantly have to use the restroom. I explained to her, that I have very good kidneys and I wasn't jeopardizing them for anyone or any job...Needless to say, no one says anything to me about how many times I excuse myself to use the restroom..

My point, let's get up, turn our tv's and computers off, and hit the pavement...We can do this and we will do this!

Zimmy
<The former soda drinker who was bitchy for the first month from soda withdrawals, but doing a lot better..>

[jelli]

Watermelon Granita
Makes 8 half-cup servings
PointsPlus™ value per serving: 3


Ingredients

6 cups small peeled seedless watermelon chunks
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Working in batches if necessary, place all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the chopping blade; process until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl.
Pour into ice-cube trays; freeze until hard, at least 8 hours or overnight. (The recipe can be made up to this point and kept in the freezer for up to 1 month.)
Release cubes into a food processor fitted with the chopping blade; pulse until somewhat slushy but still quite grainy.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
About the Watermelon Granita
"Granita" is Italian for "small grains," a reference to the ice crystals that form crunchy, irresistible little jewels in this fresh summer cooler.

[jelli]

Peach and Ginger Sorbet
Makes 8 half-cup servings
PointsPlus™ value per serving: 3


Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
2 tsp dried ground ginger
1 1/2 pounds fresh peaches, pitted and quartered
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Combine the water, sugar, corn syrup, and ground ginger in a small saucepan set over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer; boil 1 minute without stirring. Set aside 5 minutes to cool.
Pour the sugar mixture into a large blender or food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Add the peaches, lemon juice, and salt. Blend or process until puréed. Pour into a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight.
Pour the mixture into an ice cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions.

``````

About the Peach and Ginger Sorbet
Remember the rule when buying peaches: if they don't smell like anything, they probably won't taste like anything. To ripen peaches, seal them in a paper bag at room temperature for 24 hours.

[Gentle Tiger]

I must be chatty this morning :)

I have been struggling to get enough exercise...because, honestly, I just really don't enjoy it. I'm not even neutral on it. I know it's good for me....I just really don't like to huff and puff and sweat and be sore and all that other stuff.

Still working on that....and my Mobia is nagging me from the bedroom.

However...I found this interesting chart (http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Calories-burned-in-30-minutes-of-leisure-and-routine-activities.htm)in my searching for data today. It's from Harvard, so I'm guessing it's pretty legit.

It shows calories burned in 30 minutes of activity for people of various weights. The top is exercise stuff (and if I'd get my butt on that Mobia for half an hour...ugh...I could burn over 440 calories)...but the bottom of the chart is what I found fascinating.

For me....roughly....sleeping for 30 minutes burns 28 calories. Watching TV burns 33....almost like sleeping! My job, since I work at a computer...burns just 61....not much better.

But....as soon as I got into even normal daily kinds of activity....cooking, light housework, putting things away, (presumably) taking care of the pool, mowing the lawn....the calorie burn jumps up into the 115 - 200 calorie range for 30 minutes of activity.

That's 5 times the burn rate of my sleeping, watching TV rate...and 2 or 3 times the rate I'm burning them as I work at the computer.

Amazing stuff...and a good argument for getting off the couch or office chair and doing something...even if it's laundry or pool care or sweeping the front walk or loading the dishwasher....

Thanks for the data.

[nycfem]

I bet if we all carried a 15 lb jar with us everywhere we went until the time of the Reunion, we'd all lose a lot of weight. Unless the jar had cookies in it, of course.

Sorry, in a silly mood.

[Gentle Tiger]

I bet if we all carried a 15 lb jar with us everywhere we went until the time of the Reunion, we'd all lose a lot of weight. Unless the jar had cookies in it, of course.

Sorry, in a silly mood.

I concur Nycfembbw :D

I didn't do my walk but I did work out on an eliptical type machine. And holy crap! I feel like a wet noodle. That program kicked my back side for real! I didn't make it an hour. But I feel like I worked harder than I did pushing to complete the 5 mi. walk. And then I had fun with different weight exercises.

I have to remember this is not a race. And this is not a torture test. It is not meant to be punishment. The overachiever in me is a blessing and a curse.

[Thinker]

Well, shoot... I see a little gain this week of 0.6. I don't know if it is because I ate late last night or if it's the weightlifting. My belly measurement is down again for a total of 4.25 inches though; that's good stuff.

[Scorp]

I'm tempted to hop on the scale today instead of tomorrow, which is my usual weigh-in day...

I know I'm retaining water so I better get that through my head from now and not beat myself up...

One can hope though...Stranger things have happened! Crossing my fingers it won't be as bad as I think....

[PinkieLee]

GOOD MORNING and Happy Friday y'all :)

Thinker, that small weight gain is not bad at all. Sometimes when we work out, our body weight flucuates...you'll probably lose that .6 plus some next week! You have done amazing, and I'm so proud of your success!

SCORPY... don't drive yourself too crazy about the stupid water retention. Go ahead and weigh to see where you are at. Just be sure to keep chugging water, and next week FOR SURE you'll have a loss! You are doing sooo good Jackie, keep it up!!!

[nycfem]

Last night I dreamed that I had a job interview that didn't go well, and I got in line at Dunkin Donuts to buy donuts afterwards. Just as I was about to have made it to the front of the line, I summoned all my willpower and scrambled out of the line, ran out the door, and went and bought an unsweetened passion iced tea at Starbucks instead. I didn't know who else to tell this dream to but you all :D

[*Anya*]

Last night I dreamed that I had a job interview that didn't go well, and I got in line at Dunkin Donuts to buy donuts afterwards. Just as I was about to have made it to the front of the line, I summoned all my willpower and scrambled out of the line, ran out the door, and went and bought an unsweetened passion iced tea at Starbucks instead. I didn't know who else to tell this dream to but you all :D

Femme sister! What an absolutely awesome dream! Down to your subconscious- you are doing this! I love this! Thanks for sharing your dream.

Hugs:)

[Medusa]

WEE!

My pants are loose! Even with a 2lb gain last week (and I peeked already and have lost it this week!) I am actually starting to see the weight loss.
When I hit that 40-lb gone forever mark, I might have to celebrate with a massage! WOOT!

Also, I did any of you see the "Secret Trois" group that had such Youtube popularity over the last year or two? This group is just 3 women (self described "big girls") who get together and do dances and put them up on Youtube.
This one was the one that got them popular:
cnK-y7LKvFI

But THIS one is my favorite:
47SGfpTXf1Y
I'm sorry but the girl in white can work her ass! I LOVE watching these three!

Well, apparently "Beautiful" started a weight loss blog a while back and has been doing Weight Watchers and has lost over 100 pounds! She is not only an amazing dancer but very motivational.

One thing she talked about on her blog is how people would get all excited to see her lose weight but would kinda wrinkle their nose when she told them it took her a year or two. She said she used to have the same reaction when encountering blogs that were not a "lose 100 pounds in 3 months" kind of thing and would click the "back" button.

I think it is so awesome that she not only acknowledges the fact that true and permanent weight loss takes a long time but also encourages other people in such a positive way.

Here is her blog:
http://www.madamethejourneyblog.com/

[PinkieLee]

Medusa... YOU GO GIRL! Enjoy those loose fitting clothes honey, and when you do hit that close approaching 40 pound forever lost mark, you DESERVE the massage!

THANK YOU for posting the videos (which I've probably watched a dozen times in the past) and for the blog. It's crazy that most people don't understand that weight loss takes time! Losing 100 pounds in 3 months is not healthy... and really scares the crap out of me. I know any time that I've lost mass amount of weight (65+ pounds in 4 months), I always gained it back, plus another 15 pounds, because I NEVER changed anything about how I relate to food. The binges would begin again and on the downward spiral I would go.

A friend of mine recently had lap band surgery about 5 months ago. She's already lost 75 pounds. I've been on WW for 10 weeks, and have lost 19. It's nuts how people are so eager to congratulate her on the weight loss, but don't even seem to acknowledge how much work I've done to lose weight ON MY OWN. At a recent party, she actually said to me, "Tonya, you should really have the surgery, you'll lose the weight so much quicker." Ugh... what the fuck ever!

I sat quietly and watched her make a plate of food, eat a few bites here and there, and complain about not feeling well because her band was too tight. She was still eating the same crap as before... just in smaller portions. I was able to look at the food choices, and pick healthier options and actually eat a normal size portion of food... not feeling deprived.

I know that for some folks, weight loss surgery is the best option for medical reasons. But, I know that my big ass can exercise & make smarter choices, and I CAN and WILL do this on my own (plus with all the support from y'all).

I think that for most folks, they want a quick fix for everything. Damn the instant gratification that we all want! But, good things come to those that wait. I want to feel proud of myself for doing it the right way and not because I just couldn't eat anymore.

**off my soapbox for the day**

[nycfem]

I just love this woman's blog! As a vegetarian, I'm digging reading and seeing the visuals for all her healthy, vegan snacks and meals! What a great resource!

[JustJo]

Medusa... YOU GO GIRL! Enjoy those loose fitting clothes honey, and when you do hit that close approaching 40 pound forever lost mark, you DESERVE the massage!

THANK YOU for posting the videos (which I've probably watched a dozen times in the past) and for the blog. It's crazy that most people don't understand that weight loss takes time! Losing 100 pounds in 3 months is not healthy... and really scares the crap out of me. I know any time that I've lost mass amount of weight (65+ pounds in 4 months), I always gained it back, plus another 15 pounds, because I NEVER changed anything about how I relate to food. The binges would begin again and on the downward spiral I would go.

A friend of mine recently had lap band surgery about 5 months ago. She's already lost 75 pounds. I've been on WW for 10 weeks, and have lost 19. It's nuts how people are so eager to congratulate her on the weight loss, but don't even seem to acknowledge how much work I've done to lose weight ON MY OWN. At a recent party, she actually said to me, "Tonya, you should really have the surgery, you'll lose the weight so much quicker." Ugh... what the fuck ever!

I sat quietly and watched her make a plate of food, eat a few bites here and there, and complain about not feeling well because her band was too tight. She was still eating the same crap as before... just in smaller portions. I was able to look at the food choices, and pick healthier options and actually eat a normal size portion of food... not feeling deprived.

I know that for some folks, weight loss surgery is the best option for medical reasons. But, I know that my big ass can exercise & make smarter choices, and I CAN and WILL do this on my own (plus with all the support from y'all).

I think that for most folks, they want a quick fix for everything. Damn the instant gratification that we all want! But, good things come to those that wait. I want to feel proud of myself for doing it the right way and not because I just couldn't eat anymore.

**off my soapbox for the day**

This is so, so true.

One of my friends/colleagues at work had the surgery but didn't change anything else.

Two years later, she regained all of the weight she lost and then some. And she's miserable and angry because she took all the risks of the surgery, paid an enormous amount of money for it...and she's back where she was.

Stomachs stretch. The surgery is temporary unless people change how they relate to food.

I'd rather go slow, thanks. :rrose:

[PinkieLee]

I just love this woman's blog! As a vegetarian, I'm digging reading and seeing the visuals for all her healthy, vegan snacks and meals! What a great resource!

I totally agree! Her picture of brussel sprouts & corn made my mouth water :)

[Thinker]

But, good things come to those that wait. I want to feel proud of myself for doing it the right way and not because I just couldn't eat anymore.

Amen, Sister.

And please hear me when I say I make NO judgment about those opting for the quick fixes. We each have to do what we have to do for ourselves. I just know me and know that it needs to be something different to be permanent.....a shift in my thinking......an education of sorts.

More often than not, from what *I* have witnessed, the quick fixes were very temporary.

I am proud of *you*, T........and of everyone here for making the decision to do something different.

[Medusa]

Oh girl - Don't EVEN get me started on weight loss surgery! (Too late!)

I want to make it clear that what I'm about to post is not a judgment on anyone who has had WLS (weight loss surgery) but is more about my personal process around WLS.

I have been fat for a long time. Maybe about 15 years now. I'll be 35 in September and did not start gaining significant weight until I was 20. And when I say significant, I mean going from 150 pounds to 250 in the space of a few years. I am now 299 after hitting my highest weight of 335.

Never in all of that time of being fat, fatter, fattest did I ever consider getting my stomach stapled or lapband.
Here's why: It would feel to me like conceding to the "be thin at any cost" bullshit that is fed to us by the media and I am NOT willing to cut my body open so that someone else won't be offended by my fat ass. I am not willing to reroute my organs so that I can "get a date". I am not willing to lose my hair. have nurtrition issues, or throw up and have diarrhea for MONTHS because of a surgery that would be unncessary for me.Why? Because I can do this shit myself.

Again, I understand that this is a personal journey for each of us and that some folks have the surgery as a last resort or to increase mobility or because that is what will work for them.

I have had a family member (someone I don't have a super good relationship with) offer to pay half of the price of the surgery if I would have it. I was offended and still am. This person has always been embarassed of my weight and was obviously willing to spend $15k to make the "problem of Angie's fat ass" go away.
I respectfully declined the offer and instructed them never to approach me with it again.

I have also had several people that I have worked with over the years make comments like "If you'd have that surgery, you'd be so pretty!" or "it would be so much easier if you would have that surgery!"

My response to that has always been "I don't need surgery to be beautiful, I'm a knock-out sassyass NOW" and "It would not be "easier" to have surgery, my body would be cut open and I'd gain it all back".

I have witnessed coworkers and several friends go through different forms of WLS and some have lost significant amounts of weight. Without fail, *all* of them have lost varying amounts of hair (some permanently), have thrown up for months on end, have had diarrhea for months on end, have had vitamin absorbtion issues, and have developed different blood issues like anemia.

Some have lost over 100 pounds, some have only lost 30. All but one of the people that I personally know have gained either a portion or ALL of the weight back. (out of 12 different people)

Much like Tonya, I have witnessed folks who have had the surgery and have continued to eat junk food and drink sodas. That would have been me if I had the surgery. It would have been a temporary band-aid to me. I know myself well enough to know that losing or gaining weight is only a symptom of the bigger issue.

Let's say someone was allergic to rice and every time they ate it, a finger fell off. If I were a Doctor, I would not scratch my head and go "Hmmmm, we need to do something about that finger!", I would get to the root of the issue, the rice allergy, and treat THAT.

That is what I am personally doing right now. I am treating the issue and not the symptom. I am glad to be doing it with all of you.

[PinkieLee]

I will gladly take the blame for this discussion, if it means that we are opening the door to the real reasons why my eating habits & how I relate to food got so freakin' out of hand over the years.

I'm heading out the door for lunch right now, so I'll be back. I've got a million thoughts swimming around my head right now... I just need to figure out how to let them all out.

[Daywalker]

For the last couple months I have changed what goes into our cart.

Since I do all the shopping (loveeee to grocery shop) then it is up to me to
think about the factors. Such as our age which is 46 and 50+. Attitude,
wardrobes, lack of mobility and other things were also 'weighed' in on.

So there have been no junk foods in the house, not even a single Ding Dong.
:shocking:

I have replaced them with fresh fruits, and snacks like flavored rice cakes,
red vines...etc. When first being weighed in at the Wizards early last year
I was at 225. I had perotitis that kept me from being able to chew well,
shit like that; inevitably this led me into a slight weight loss...down to
about 213...then the ups n down again. Since changing what goes
into our carts, I was weighed in at 204 yesterday.

This is big for me.
It puts me only 20 pounds from the weight I was when I met my Mrs Day in 2004.
This means it is working! Mrs Day is able to wear scrubs that she could not just
6 months ago. A simple change has weighed in as successful for us. It is up
to me to make sure our 'cart' meets our goals. Goals as simple as just
being able to pull out the tubs of clothing marked with sizes
lower than the current wardrobe.

I wish everyone the same success as we are having right now.

:goodluck:

:daywalker:

[*Anya*]

For me, has always been emotional in nature, always. WLS would have never "cured" that!

I am not going to focus on my weight per se because the weight is not the issue (again, for me) it is the why I gained weight in the first place.

My parents were physically and emotionally abusive. We rarely had sweets in the house except when my parents had a bridge party and then I would help my mom set up the card tables and snacks, just so I could sneak some.

One tine I vividly recall, I found a Hersey bar in the back of our junk drawer. I thought I died and went to heaven. I hustled up to my room and ate it in short order. I was under 10 so I gave no thought as to why a candy bar, never allowed in our house, would magically appear in the junk drawer. Of course, it was my mom's own stash she hid from my rabidly fat-phobic "hold in that stomach" father. My mother beat the shit out of me with a wooden spoon for eating her candy bar.

By the time I was a teen, I was more terrified of being fat and upsetting my father than my need to comfort-eat. After I moved out of the house-the day I turned 18, I might add, I maintained my weight as us medical people would call WNL-until, as I have posted before, my relationship went into the toilet. I then gave free rein to my need to feel better with food until 2 1/2 years ago when I again seized control back.

That hunger inside me to eat for confort is like a snake inside my soul, coiled up and always ready to pounce. Every day is a struggle to keep that fucking snake asleep. When I am sad and in a bad place as I am now, I want to free that snake!

It is always a battle between my intellect totally "getting" that desire and my emotions that got twisted so long ago.

No, WLS would do nothing for me in terms of winning that battle once and for all.

That being said, I know it has been a life-saver for many and I know that just because something would not "work" for me, does not mean it may nit fir someone else-but the psychological reasons for eating must be dealt with.

Losing weight is hard- keeping it off is the hardest.

[nycfem]

More on my journey (Can anyone tell I'm on vacation from work - lotsa posts!):

I spent most of my childhood thin. I think this was helpful in a way because I developed the self-esteem of a thin person. I often think of myself as thin even though I'm "morbidly obese." It's weird but I think developing my sense of self when I was a thin person gave me confidence. I grew up fitting in in this regard!

When I was a teenager, I was still thin and yet, as we do in our culture, I found myself going on all kinds of crazy diets because I was still "too fat" (When I look at pictures of how I was actually thin, I'm stunned!). I became so nutritionally deprived that leaning on my hand would leave a bruise. At 5'4" I was 108, my lowest weight.

During college and the beginning of grad school (up until my mid-twenties), I was around 116. At times I was still eating too little as well as taking an anti-depressant, Imipramine, which I had started prior to the age of Prozac and the safer class of anti-depressants. I was having scary neurological and physical symptoms that I ignored. I would have mini seizures, sometimes start stumbling as if drunk, and pass out. Sometimes I would "come to" in a conversation and be saying something that made no sense. I went on with my life as if everything was normal.

I moved to New York in my twenties and started grad school. I was dealing with a lot of stress: mourning my maternal grandmother's death, recovering from my own mom having had a horrible bout of cancer, my father leaving my mother and doing all sorts of crazy things- and I was put (or allowed myself to be) in the middle, and a brutal sexual assault. I comforted myself with food. I had certain comfort foods, such as General Tao's vegetarian chicken (deep fried- NOT healthy veg), so often, that I remember the Chinese restaurant I'd go to giving me a Christmas gift! I knew that had to be a bad sign. I also remember teaching the roommate I shared my studio how putting an Entenmann's donut in the microwave for 20 seconds really made all the difference.

I didn't have many friends in NY and joined FLAB (Fat Lesbian Action Brigade) which I believe became NOLOSE. When I first joined, I was affectionately labeled a Chubby Chaser of sorts, a label I resented, knowing that I'd actually begun the journey to being fat and wanted support. And I did receive support. I remember telling an older nurse how I always wanted to eat Frosted Flakes, and she encouraged me to buy a big box of them, so I did. Within a year I was 170 pounds.

I was left with mixed feelings about my time with FLAB (now NOLOSE). I consider myself on the radical end of being fat positive (love the blog, http://www.bigfatblog.com). When I became fat, as a highly sensitive person to begin with, I was really hit with the amount of discriminatory treatment and insults I received, from being directed to a locker in the back of the gym to comments yelled out of speeding cars. In that sense, I felt protective towards my self, my fat self, and all other fat people. Being fat was new to me, and I hadn't built up the defenses or sense of normalcy around this new way of being treated that perhaps I might have if I was used to it from childhood.

Then I started my work as a social worker, working what felt like 24/7 mainly with abused children. Throwing a few fucked up relationships into the mix as well (prior to BB!), I went up to 243 pounds (my highest weight). That's when my mom had her heart attack, and I was shocked into wanting to lead a healthier lifestyle. This need was something that didn't involve thought. I sobbed to myself, thinking about how I had no idea how to lose weight. I did lots of Internet searches but felt lost and also had strong political feelings about not supporting the diet industry.

I decided to give up caffeine, including chocolate (which made Coke and candy no longer as interesting), exercise 4 hours per week, and to keep a detailed journal. Just by these few steps alone, I lost 50 pounds within a few years. And this remains my plan, adding to it- abstinence from movie theater popcorn (which sounds silly but was a big thing for me, as it was a favorite).

I'm sometimes tempted by fad diets and quick fixes but my goal in my heart remains not to diet, but to instead move day by day through making healthier choices. I actually think that is much harder than diets!

I am curious to hear other people's stories.

[Medusa]

((Anya))

You have described something that rings so hard in my ears. My Mom did some very fucked up things around food that I think laid the groundwork for some of my "stuff" around eating.

I think when food is used as punishment or witheld as punishment, it sends a message to us that "we are not in control of what we eat" and some of us work for years to "prove" to ourselves that "yes, the fuck, we ARE in control" by overeating, binging, etc.

Here's one of my stories:

When I was 6, my Mom, 1-year-old brother and I all lived in this badass duplex in the inner city. It was Halloween and my Mom had one of those brassy-colored 3-tiered hanging baskets in the kitchen on the ceiling. I remember the bottom layer of it being full of those little baby candy bars that the "good" houses give out at Halloween.
Once I noticed it, I looked up at it and pointed and said "Mom, can I have one of those?"
Her reply is something I have never forgotten: "No, you are too fat to be eating candy. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't eat candy ever again or you'll blow up even fatter like a pig". And then she oinked.

No, I'm not kidding.

The adult me looks back on that moment and sometimes feels incredible sadness for that 6-year-old kid who wanted a fucking candy bar. But mostly I feel rage.
When my mother spoke those words to me, my 6-year-old self made a promise, if only in my head, that "when I get to be a big person, I'm going to eat all the candy I want!'

And for years I did.

I can recognize that turning point, that trigger point in my life where my "stuff" began to develop and up until I ran away at the age of 13, there were constant food struggles between my Mom and I.

She was always shaming and blaming for me eating too much or stealing food or wearing something that showed too much of my fat.

She often also sent mixed messages by doing things like buying diet soda for herself and forbidding me to drink any of them, instead giving me sugary kool-aid. Our dinners were also incredibly unhealthy, mostly consisting of fried foods, fast food, and random processed crap.

I hate admitting that those formative years had so much influence around how I relate to food today as a grown adult because I feel strong and in control and BALANCED! Except when I don't.
I have had to accept that I do have "stuff" around food that was handed to me at an early age and that, in order for me to be healthy, I have to relearn ALL of it.

Much love to all of us. <3

[Julie]

I have a hard time posting in here - I have discussed my weight issues with my friends and they say for me, it is an attention-getter.

Today I am an obese fat girl in a size 12. When I look at myself naked in the mirror, which I do every morning to remind myself, that I am fat. I see myself as a grotesquely obese woman. I have been much heavier than I am now - Sometimes I feel like I have to PROVE myself. Before I met Dreamer, I warned her that I was really fat. That I had body issues. To know and understand this NOW, before she saw me naked.

My father was the president of a fairly large couture house. I grew up with models in and out of our house. My Mother was a runway and a fitting model. I was a fat kid with a big belly and rotund cheeks. When I was 18 years old, I weighed 90+ lbs. I had starved myself to the point of being put in the hospital. I was taking my mothers Lasix and eating triple the amount of X-Lax a normal person would eat on a daily basis. Including forcing myself to vomit after every meal. I did this for years. I clearly suffered and still do from Anorexia.

When I was in the hospital, my organs were shutting down. I remember my dad saying to me. "Julie, why would you do this to yourself?" And I can remember clearly stating "I wanted to be beautiful for you."

He always used to say to me, "It is better to be rich than poor" and "It is better to be thin than fat." "If you have to choose between the two, be thin." "Nobody wants a fat girl!" I was sent to fat kid camps - put on weight watchers all by time I was 10 years old.

After I became healthy, he would have his factory make clothes for me and change the labeling of the size. So, if I was a size 8 - he would change it to a size 6. He thought he was saving me.

So, I am dieting right now (trying to be healthy about it) and not doing any of the old patterns I did. Though, I must say - For me, to not enter into anorexia and bulimia is difficult. It was not that long ago, I was still treating my body this way.

I want it to be okay to post in here - to say... YAY ME! I lost 2lbs. YAY ME! I am finally into that size 10, I want to be. I want it to be okay to say, I have 20lbs to lose and not be shunned.

Ya know?!? I don't want to be discriminated against, because my weight loss might not seem so great than another persons. I am tired apologizing for it.

I do read this space everyday and I am so proud of ALL of YOU!

Julie

[sweetfemme247]

I have a hard time with weight loss period.... when I was a kid i was the skinny little girl then when woman hood came I got hips and got heavy... I have struggled with my weight for years..

[Thinker]

I want it to be okay to post in here - to say... YAY ME! I lost 2lbs. YAY ME! I am finally into that size 10, I want to be. I want it to be okay to say, I have 20lbs to lose and not be shunned.

Ya know?!? I don't want to be discriminated against, because my weight loss might not seem so great than another persons. I am tired apologizing for it.

I do read this space everyday and I am so proud of ALL of YOU!

Julie

I worried about that at first, Julie, as my goal was to lose 24 pounds. In posting on FB, I have heard time and time again......."Whaaaaaaat??? I can't even imagine that you have any weight to lose!"

But I did.......and I still do.......and when I hit my goal weight (now 4.6 pounds away), I think I am going to shoot for another ten because now it feels do-able. The way I figure, this is a very personal journey for each and every one of us; we all have our own goals, and we all have our own reasons. And *that* is good enough.

What I have experienced *here*......in *this* thread......is ONLY support. No one *here* has questioned me. Not once have I felt dismissed. Everyone here gets that this is important to me, and that's all they needed to know.

So welcome to the thread and don't spend another second thinking that anyone here will think your journey is not as important as theirs.

:)

[Daywalker]

{{{{{{{{{{{Everyone}}}}}}}}}}}


:daywalker:

[Nina]

one eating change which has been of value to me is to stop, what I call, "pre-eating"...you know, the 'tasting' and little nibbles here and there during the cooking and serving process...the last little bit on the serving spoon, all the times and ways we eat before even sitting down to a meal...it's hard for me, at times, since I am really bad at eating on time and often by the time I Do eat I am so starving I can't eat by the time food is ready...the 'pre-eating' is a temptation then though I have gotten better at resisting it...

before Gayla and I met I kept telling her I was a Big woman...she seemed nonplussed...I remember the day we were on the phone, I was driving to Rainbow and was sitting in the parking lot...for some reason the whole size thing took over and I pushed the conversation....I decided to just say Numbers...I told her my height and weight...and there was SILENCE...I remember saying/yelling 'say something, say something'...she said " we have really different ideas of what Big is"...the conversation continued from there...she said that I had mentioned, a number of times, that I was not small and seems like each time I did, she assumed I was bigger and bigger...it was a real eye opener to me...how we assume we have shared definitions of size...it made me realize that if I don't find find ways to to be realistic about size, about MY size, then any ways I change it I lose all the positive benefits...

I move in the world, these days, close to 100 pounds less than I did at one time...I hope by the end of the year to free myself of 15ish pounds...I have said this before, it remains true for me, I get nervous being smaller...I feel more visible and it does not feel safe...I liked it better when I was looked through, or not even noticed...I had more control that way...if I Wanted to be visible, I could choose to be, I can be personable when I want, but I could count on not being seen, for the most part...now it is not so easy to be invisible...people touch me a lot...they smile and want to talk, it can feel off putting for me...I am working on it...in the end I am happy to be lighter...lighter in the physical and lighter emotionally...it's all a process, I am thankful daily to be part of it...

(it has resulted in my son patting me on the head and saying things like "oh you're such a cute little mother")...he is a brave soul ;>)

thanks again for sharing your processes and journeys...thanks again for the kindness shared with strangers, with friends and thank-you for all the ways you are being kind to yourself...

[PinkieLee]

First of all, I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone that has shared such intimate, honest stories from their life. Catching glimpses into your soul and connecting with your words and seeing my own life in yours... it's humbling, and I'm very grateful to be able to share this space with you.

[sweetfemme247]

I love you pinkie, You are such a sweet, funny and amazing woman, when I read your post's it makes me want to know you better..

[PinkieLee]

I love you pinkie, You are such a sweet, funny and amazing woman, when I read your post's it makes me want to know you better..

What a sweet compliment my friend... thank you!

I think that this journey that we are all on, is helping build the bridge of friendship for many of us... you included honey :) I look forward to getting to know you better, too.

[Medusa]

Nina hit on something that I often get very pissy about.

I think that as a fat person I have a certain level of invisibility. I know it's hard to imagine that a woman who is hovering around 300lbs could have any visibility issues but I'll relay something that happens often.

Most recently, this happened in a sporting goods store. I was walking beside Jack and a group of teenagers ran right into me as if I wasn't even standing there. Sure, we can chalk that up to kids who had their head up their ass but it happens a LOT.

I'll be in Wal-Mart or the grocery store and people will often bump into me or come so close that I have to squeeze into something to keep from being hit. There have been many times when someone has let the door close in my face, or stood directly in my way as if they didn't see me.

I have gotten really pissed off about this and have caught myself looking incredulously at Jack and exclaming loud enough for the offending party to hear: "DAMN! AM I FUCKING INVISIBLE OR WHAT? DO PEOPLE NOT SEE ME STANDING HERE? HOW COULD SOMEONE JUST SLAM THEIR BUGGY INTO ME AS IF I DON'T EXIST?"

The truth is that, to some, I don't. I have long held that fat is just about the last bastion of acceptable discrimination in this world.
The last hold out for insensitivity.

When I walk in the store and people act as if they don't see me, sometimes I think it's because they really dont! Because maybe the fat lady who, in their minds, is a sexually-unviable sandwich-gobbling ogre isn't a real human being.

I dunno, maybe it's just me but was wondering if anyone else had this experience?

[sweetfemme247]

Nina hit on something that I often get very pissy about.

I think that as a fat person I have a certain level of invisibility. I know it's hard to imagine that a woman who is hovering around 300lbs could have any visibility issues but I'll relay something that happens often.

Most recently, this happened in a sporting goods store. I was walking beside Jack and a group of teenagers ran right into me as if I wasn't even standing there. Sure, we can chalk that up to kids who had their head up their ass but it happens a LOT.

I'll be in Wal-Mart or the grocery store and people will often bump into me or come so close that I have to squeeze into something to keep from being hit. There have been many times when someone has let the door close in my face, or stood directly in my way as if they didn't see me.

I have gotten really pissed off about this and have caught myself looking incredulously at Jack and exclaming loud enough for the offending party to hear: "DAMN! AM I FUCKING INVISIBLE OR WHAT? DO PEOPLE NOT SEE ME STANDING HERE? HOW COULD SOMEONE JUST SLAM THEIR BUGGY INTO ME AS IF I DON'T EXIST?"

The truth is that, to some, I don't. I have long held that fat is just about the last bastion of acceptable discrimination in this world.
The last hold out for insensitivity.

When I walk in the store and people act as if they don't see me, sometimes I think it's because they really dont! Because maybe the fat lady who, in their minds, is a sexually-unviable sandwich-gobbling ogre isn't a real human being.

I dunno, maybe it's just me but was wondering if anyone else had this experience?


I think your beautiful just my opinion, but that happens to me as well, I am only 200 pounds but they still bump into me.... I am losing 5 pounds a week though.

[PinkieLee]

For me, I've spent most of my adult life overindulging. I felt like living meant doing everything on a grand scale... working hard, playing harder, living loud and loving BIG!

Some of my favorite times are being surrounded by friends at a dining room table. Sharing stories, free flowing wine, rich foods and laughter that can be heard down the streets. That is my happy place... always has been. I will throw a dinner party to celebrate ANY occassion... big or small, because I love how I feel surrounded by that energy. As much as I would like to say it nourished my body, it nourished my soul more.

I come from a family of addicts. My father is an alcoholic, my brother a meth addict, and my mother a shopoholic. I've spent my entire life trying to fix them or trying to make them happy. My safe place was always in the kitchen... making them their favorite foods, so I would have importance in their life. "Daddy, have you eaten today, let me make you some lunch", "Tim, come out of your room I made you a chocolate pie", "Mom, I made grandma's macaroni & tomato receipe... come eat with me."

Most of the time, I sat alone at the kitchen table eating the food I cooked for them. Self medicating my lonesomeness with food I made with love. I mean, I can't let all this food go to waste. Cooking for them, to nourish their bodies, was my way of showing I loved them... even if they didn't eat.

[Kelt]

My goodness you all are sure busy in here today! I caught up this morning and 4 hours later a whole 2 new pages have appeared.

Backtracking just a little I wanted to relate a story about something that happened to me last week in reference to WLS.

I have lived in my current home for the last 4 years and have gotten to know the neighbors, some better than others, but the folks next door have been really intrigued by my weight loss and have asked questions and really been great about saying positive things to me. Then there’s the folks across the street, we are always polite but we have not developed a personal relationship, they are nice enough, I just don’t know them well. It seems the woman across the way thought that I moved out and someone else moved in and mentioned it to the folks I do know; they set her straight, lol. So, a couple of days ago I was out front scrubbing the beach sand out of my shoes just like I do everyday and the husband came over to move his car and made a point of coming over to say how I looked so great these days that they hardly recognized me. I though that was nice, he didn’t have to say anything, so I thanked him. Then came the punch line; he asked “So, how did you do it? You got a lap band, right?”

I did actually refrain from kicking in his teeth and politely explained that eating right and exercising could achieve the same results and that it was diligence and hard work that did it, not some surgery.

Somehow I don’t see us becoming buddies anytime soon.

:theisland:

[ruffryder]

Hello everybody! I skimmed all of this thread! WOW! Alot of great information, tips, support, and recipes. There are some great success stories here.

I will be starting on a very strict diet within the next week. . It consists of 20 - 40 days of
7 ounces or 200 grams of lean meat (chicken breast, crab, lobster, shrimp, white fish),
coffee, tea (hot or iced), water and stevia can be used in any amount,
grissini breadstics, melba toast ( 2 per day),
2 cups of vegetables
2 cups of fruit.

I'm looking forward to starting this and losing 20 lbs at first then I will look at 20 lbs more.

I am one to drink pepsi in large amounts, drink beer, eat fatty foods (my favs include pizza, mexican, chinese, chocolate, desserts!) I like to lift weights and get a good workout on my abs and play basketball. My challenge with this diet is gonna be a huge change in healthy foods, no soda, no carbs, no sugars, no more of my favs! haha. I will have to watch my workouts as I will be eating less calories to start the first month and cannot overdue it due to less energy.

I do look forward to the challenge however and getting back to healthy eating and healthy living. My goal is to lose 20 lbs to start, lose weight, fat, and inches and gain muscle. I will keep a daily journal on weight and food intake, my feelings, etc.. I am not working right now so I am surprised I have stopped drinking soda and started 6 bottles of water already everyday!

Today I am going to the store to purchase a food scale, weight scale, small grill machine, cup measurement, a small blender, and a small cooler.

Have a great healthy day everyone! :gimmehug:

[JustJo]

I freakin' love this. :)

And, before I forget....Julie, Thinker...I love that you're in here doing this journey with us. For me, it's about eating healthier, living healthier...whether that's 5 lbs. or 500. Honestly, if someone came in here and said, hey I struggle with food issues in the other direction and I really want to eat healthier and gain some weight....I'd be thrilled to have them.

Anyway...for me, food has always been that emotional solace, that comfort, that pleasure that didn't exist in any other form in my home growing up.

My mother is naturally thin (and has had Crohn's disease her whole life...which has also kept her thin). My sister is naturally athletic, hyperactive, has Crohn's also...and has never seemed to care about food beyond it being fuel. Neither could understand me (the other side of the genetic tree)....naturally round and curvy and anything but athletic.

Growing up, I was neglected more than I was abused...although the abuse was there at the hands of my sister. Most of the time, from about age 8...I was home alone. At 11 I ran away from home, gone for 2 days and 2 nights...and came home to discover that my mother had not realized I was gone. I often felt that I would be noticed most if I died and rotted on the floor....mostly because of the smell.

I learned to cook by age 10, out of self-defense...and then used it as a way to win approval. They might not appreciate me...but I made a pretty damn incredible chocolate chip cookie from scratch (and still do). I had (and still have) a 1940s edition Betty Crocker cookbook that I use all the time. I cook the old way...from scratch...and self-taught.

If they weren't around....I'd eat it all myself.

If I was locked out for hours while my mother entertained her "friends"...I would check the payphone coin returns and find returnable bottles (or steal them...I knew how and where) to take back to the corner store....buying candy bars and stuffing myself until I felt sick.

Food was the single thing I could count on. Always. And it became tied up in everything I did. I used food to celebrate, to socialize, to comfort....every situation called for food.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, it felt like a betrayal and I went into a pretty deep depression. It's still something I struggle with...the "it's not fair" feeling that others can eat what I cannot. The feeling that my longest and most enduring source of pleasure is also the thing that will make me go blind or lose my feet...or kill me.

I still love food. I love to go out to brunch....or to dinner...to slice into a perfect steak covered in sauteed mushrooms....a smokin' hot baked potato filled with real butter and sour cream....fresh bread still warm from the oven...really incredible dark chocolate. It's like sex...sometimes better....and always there and available.

It still depresses me that, to be healthy, to live long enough to see my son become a grown man....I cannot eat many of the things I most enjoy.

But that's the truth...and that's what I need to reconcile myself to...and find ways to live with that I can live with.

It's a journey. :rrose:

[Leigh]

Food was the single thing I could count on. Always. And it became tied up in everything I did. I used food to celebrate, to socialize, to comfort....every situation called for food.

When I was diagnosed with diabetes, it felt like a betrayal and I went into a pretty deep depression. It's still something I struggle with...the "it's not fair" feeling that others can eat what I cannot. The feeling that my longest and most enduring source of pleasure is also the thing that will make me go blind or lose my feet...or kill me.

I wanted to begin by saying that I almost cried when I read some of the stories that I have over the last day and I can relate to every one of them in different ways. Julie, Medusa, Nina, Jenn and Anya ~ you are all very beautiful women and inspire Me all the time to know that I'm a good person and that I'm worth as much as anyone else in this world is no matter what My weight. Each and every one of you have stories that I can relate to, and I thank all of you for sharing your very inspiring stories .......... such strong and brave women we have here on the Planet, its fucking awesome :-)

Now just to move onto Jo's post above that I highlighted because this is something that I've dealt with all of My life. School was hell on wheels; I didn't graduate on time with everyone else because I could not deal with the bullies who taunted and teased Me about My weight so I would often skip school and hang out at the mall or in the fields with My friends. I turned to food during those times and ballooned like crazy, but alteast food could usually make Me feel better. Anytime I could think of I would turn to food especially to comfort Me after a break-up, a bad day, during a bout of depression or after My father belittled Me.

I was diagnosed with diabetes last year in october around the time I began T and even since then I have not slowed down on My sugar intake, sometimes it seems like I've deliberatey sabotaged My doctor's orders because I often don't feel worth it thus I just continue about My normal routine. I do alot of the "its not fair ........." thinking and it just makes Me feel worse, and then if I turn to food I just wanna crawl into a cave and hide. It sucks that the one thing that can comfort you can also injure you or kill you ~ I still don't get it but I guess its something to think about the next time we go to comfort ourselves with food. Is it worth killing ourselves for? Do we really need to eat this considering what being diabetic means? Not even close :-)

[little_ms_sunshyne]

WOW! I have missed quite a bit. I just want to echo everyone by saying that I appreciate everyone sharing your personal journey.

Our weight is a struggle that we can all relate to in one way or another. Although at times it seems like an endless struggle, I am glad that I dont have to face it alone.

Thank you again for sharing a piece of you with me.

Now lets kick some butt!!!

[Gentle Tiger]

I have no desire to go kick a can never mind go walking or do some sort of exercise. But I should so I will. If I can do it. You all can do it.

Later

[Gentle Tiger]

Two hours later, walk is done. Of course I had to get on my case because instead of giving myself props for walking the 5 miles I was irritated that it took me so long. Hello? Didn't I just start walking again? But of course I am hard on myself and I expect myself to already be running crying out loud. Unbelievable! :seeingstars:

[Medusa]

Two hours later, walk is done. Of course I had to get on my case because instead of giving myself props for walking the 5 miles I was irritated that it took me so long. Hello? Didn't I just start walking again? But of course I am hard on myself and I expect myself to already be running crying out loud. Unbelievable! :seeingstars:

5 miles is amazing! My goal is to make it to 2. I know I can do 1 but pushing myself to walk 2 without stopping feels scary. Gonna give it a go with all of this good inspiration!

Tiger - You need to give yourself a hug and a huge pat on the back for getting back into the routine of walking and taking better care of you! Good progress!

[Scorp]

Good Morning Folks,

Well it was my weigh-in day and I lost 1.6 lbs....Woo hoo! :cheer:

Total so far 36.4 weight loss....

I still have about 30 more to go!

[Cowboi]

Weighed in this morning, and I have 1 pound to go until I reach my 1st personal goal.
Im having my oatmeal now, and my pre workout drink, and it off to the gym in a bit.

[*Anya*]

I have not lost one ounce this week but nor have I gained.

Given my current state of mind; I'll take it.

Congrats to all on your own journey through the minefield of healthy eating.

Regards,

[Rockinonahigh]

I weighed this morning ..the scale said 250 and a very small oz.to the neggative..this is the lightes ive been in a long time.ony 50 more to go from 303 that I started with.Im getting there one pound at the time.

[Medusa]

My weigh-in is tomorrow and I'm kinda excited because I know I lost the 2 pounds I gained last week and might have lost another 1/2 -1 lb or so.

Just got back from the Farmer's Market and some yard sales. The yard sales sucked - It has rained off and on for several days so the only folks out were people that wanted $8 for used sweatshirts. :|

Farmers market yielded peppers and onions, yellow squash, jalapenos, plums, and a few peaches. :)

[Gentle Tiger]

Congratulations on the accomplishments this week. And thank you for sharing the good news on today's weigh-ins and your ability to maintain. As I was reminded in this thread, not gaining is also good thing! :)

And thank you for the encouragement and support.

[Sparkle]

Someone mentioned those Quaker Oats rice snacks in here, didn't they? I finally tried them and they are SO good. I'm not a sweets-person, I can easily do without dessert or chocolate or ice cream or sweet drinks; but salty & crunchy is my weakness. These snacks are really good substitutes for chips or pretzels etc.

I was feeling pretty guilty at the beginning of the week because I had a 2oz gain. I know 2oz is tiny, and under normal circumstances I'd not have batted an eyelash.......but I had exercised really hard last week and the reason I didn't have a loss was that I went to a party with copious amounts of champagne (my achilles heel :| ) and I undid all of my hard work the week before. Guilt really motivated my choices this week. I've been attempting to be very self-disciplined (a major task in and of itself). I've made good food choices all week and prepared most of my meals.

And I completed Week2-Day3 of the "couch to 5k" program! I had to do a bit of remedial run/walking at the beginning of the week after my hiatus last weekend. I feel great about what I've accomplished -- but I'm really worried about the next step - next week the running intervals leap from 90sec to 3min. :| I'm trying really hard not to be self-defeatist, and think positively. But my god, this is hard!

I'm starting to look forward to the mid-to-late Autumn when I switch to exercising at the YMCA again; and I can get back in to a few classes. I feel like, if nothing else, this interval training is improving my endurance and lung capacity.

[Kelt]

Hey all,

I ran into an article today that seems to back up something I’ve been doing that has been incredibly helpful. Have a look if you are interested.

http://www.diseaseproof.com/archives/weight-loss-eat-more-often-gain-weight.html

Just to share how I came to using the fewer meals strategy:

When I began my series of experiments to find what would work for me I bought into the concept that 6 small meals per day would help keep my hunger levels down, energy up, and give my metabolism a jump start. This must be true for a lot of people or it wouldn’t be such a popular tool. I found the opposite to be true for myself; physically I was always hungry and never got to be satisfyingly full, it had no effect at all on the scale and I thought I was just getting it wrong. Psychologically, I couldn’t ever get my mind off of food; between planning, preparing, cooking, eating, and cleaning up after 6 feedings a day it seemed like that was all I was doing, and it pretty much was.

I finally decided that based on self-testing I would eat two large satisfying meals and if needed for hunger management a third smaller one as well. It worked like a champ! I have time to do other things in life, really enjoy my meals instead of being afraid of how soon it would be over and how I was supposed to be happy with my meager portion, and it actually boosted my performance both in terms of energy and on the scale. For me the mind game was sort of like it would be quitting cigarettes while hanging out in the smoking section. It helped to just get away from it and move on.

Naturally there is a caveat.:readfineprint:

My portions are very controlled but basically meal sized instead of snack sized, same overall amounts but eaten half as often twice as much type of thing. A really key issue for me has been nutrient density as the article points out. When it comes to satiety 200 calories of something like lite ice cream does not fill you up like 200 calories of lentils or eggs or berries, an absolute world of difference.

I’m sure many of you will think I’m nuts and that’s okay. This is in case there is someone else in here that struggles with this the way I did. It’s okay to try things even if it seems counter-intuitive (or counter current trend) to help yourself make good life changes. I heard somewhere that "you're only as good as your last meal", and for me that is true.


:balloon:

[Medusa]

I gotta share!

I grabbed a bag of these a few weeks ago at Sam's Club:

http://s7d2.scene7.com/is/image/samsclub/0007841430000_A?$img_size_200x200$

It's a frozen mixed berry blend and is AMAZING as a smoothie! I have been ignoring it in the freezer since I bought it and decided that today would be the day. I loaded up about a cup of berries (only 80 calories!!) and put in about 1/2c of vanilla greek yogurt, and then added a splash of OJ. It was SO SO good and thick! The only thing I would do differently is that I'd probably use half as much of everything because I ended up making too much and it took me all day to eat it :)

Most of my smoothies lately have been "white" smoothies with a banana base and this was a nice change with it's deep purple color and thick texture!

[Queerasfck]

I haven't posted in a while. There's been nada to report, the scale had not moved in almost two weeks! I admit I was getting really down about it too. I've been following my plan, counting points, went to two meetings, working out five out of seven days two weeks in a row and still I seemed stuck. A lot of hard work and seemingly no pay off.

Finally, today at my weigh in I was 2.6 lbs down. I was happy and relieved. I just want to keep moving forward with my goal. Thanks to all the folks posting in here and helping each other out. Even when I have nothing to post about I still come in and read everyone's experiences and insights. Keep pushing on!

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I went to the gym in my apartment complex tonight and I did a total of 45 arm curls between working out on the exercise bike and treadmill. I burned over a 100 calories on the exercise bike alone!

I'm going to switch it up between power walking and doing the arm curls...

Have a good night,

Zimmy

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I missed my gym weigh in yesterday! Will be weighing in tomorrow. Tonight was my little brother's bday celebration, so yup I had a slice of cake! And other things I should not have been eating. *sigh* Oh well, healthy lifestyle. Celebrating important life events a must :) Back on track tomorrow. Lets hope the scale isnt too scary!!!

[Medusa]

Weigh-in day today revealed a 5.2 pound weight loss!!!!

I got the nasty little note from WW telling me that I was losing too fast and to slow it down. Hey, that's the 2 pounds I had gained last week plus another 3-pound loss. I have been watching it pretty hard this week and put into action all of the stuff I said I was going to do last week.

Moved more.
Drank more water.
Got more sleep.

It worked!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

WHOOOHOOOO!!! That is awesome Medusa!!!! Congratulations! Keep them coming or I should say going! lol
Weigh-in day today revealed a 5.2 pound weight loss!!!!

I got the nasty little note from WW telling me that I was losing too fast and to slow it down. Hey, that's the 2 pounds I had gained last week plus another 3-pound loss. I have been watching it pretty hard this week and put into action all of the stuff I said I was going to do last week.

Moved more.
Drank more water.
Got more sleep.

It worked!

[JustJo]

Well...I made the decision and took the plunge...

Yesterday was day one of the new eating plan....much more lean protein, non-starchy veggies, healthy fats and whole fruit....much, much, much less grains and starchy veggies.

It was an exercise in thinking differently and making different choices.

Scoote and I went out to breakfast since she had been told to eat a very hearty breakfast before her 2 day "liquids only" fast before a medical test and was craving sausage gravy and biscuits. We went to Bob Evans....where I would usually indulge in sausage, biscuits, hash browns, etc. Instead I had sirloin steak (small) and eggs, subsituted fresh fruit for the potatoes, and limited myself to half a biscuit (just enough to sop up the egg yolks). It was delicious, and easy...just not what I'd usually order.

Lunch was a big salad with lean turkey, tomatoes, carrot, lettuce, cucumber....very easy on the dressing.

Dinner was a slice of very lean ham...in a shallow pan with an extremely large serving of broccoli and a little carrot...in enough water to steam and heat it all up.

Snacks were yogurt and fruit.

My fasting blood sugar this morning was 106...a good number.

This while be a big change, but it's a very healthy step for me, particulary with regard to the diabetes. And, I'm sure it will result in some weight loss as well...always a good thing. :)

[Kelt]

Well...I made the decision and took the plunge...

Yesterday was day one of the new eating plan....much more lean protein, non-starchy veggies, healthy fats and whole fruit....much, much, much less grains and starchy veggies.

It was an exercise in thinking differently and making different choices.

Scoote and I went out to breakfast since she had been told to eat a very hearty breakfast before her 2 day "liquids only" fast before a medical test and was craving sausage gravy and biscuits. We went to Bob Evans....where I would usually indulge in sausage, biscuits, hash browns, etc. Instead I had sirloin steak (small) and eggs, subsituted fresh fruit for the potatoes, and limited myself to half a biscuit (just enough to sop up the egg yolks). It was delicious, and easy...just not what I'd usually order.

Lunch was a big salad with lean turkey, tomatoes, carrot, lettuce, cucumber....very easy on the dressing.

Dinner was a slice of very lean ham...in a shallow pan with an extremely large serving of broccoli and a little carrot...in enough water to steam and heat it all up.

Snacks were yogurt and fruit.

My fasting blood sugar this morning was 106...a good number.

This while be a big change, but it's a very healthy step for me, particulary with regard to the diabetes. And, I'm sure it will result in some weight loss as well...always a good thing. :)

This sounds terrific, it sounds like you are using something like the glycemic index as a guide; though I do not have diabetes I understand this can work very well. I know that when I dropped grains from my eating my energy went through the roof and losing weight became much simpler. Re-educating the palate takes time, no doubt about it, but the results can be dramatic.

Congratulations on the new plan. :thumbsup:

[Medusa]

Um, I have a confession.

I haven't eaten a plum in over 30 years because my Granny gave me one when I was a kid and it had a worm in it.

I saw a lady eating one at work on Friday and the deeply bluish/purple skin looked so good that I had to go out and get some. Well, let me just say - NEW FAVORITE!

And I checked the nutritional content and plums apparently only have 30 calories each? Also, they are chock full of antioxidants and Cancer-fighting goodies!

YAY for the PLUM!

[Inked_Trinity]

I am back from vacation and back in the gym! Protein shake for breakfast this morning followed by an hour with my trainer in the ring. Going to be spinach salad with grilled chicken for lunch, then back in the gym this evening for a conditioning class. The serious training has started. A little over 60 days to get ready for this fight. I so DON'T want to get my ass kicked!

[*Anya*]

Continuing to focus on healthy eating, rather than the scale. Fixating on the scale is never good for my head. For me, too easy to get discouraged.

Our weight does fluctuate, even when eating and sticking to our plans.

I was happy to not have gained last week and to not succumb to going off the eating rails.

I appreciated all the posts about not gaining being as important as losing, though it does feel a tiny bit more exciting to lose!

Postscript: I did lose a pound:)

Hugs,

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I went power walking lastnight and really enjoyed the cool breeze! I have to work until 10p tonight, so I won't be able to hit the gym or go power walking. So tomorrow morning, I will be up and early to hit the gym...

Have a great day! It is my last day in the PBX department, woohoo!!! :chocolate: for all of us!

Zimmy

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday y'all :)

What a wonderful way to start off the day, than to see amazing weight loss numbers & healthier choices being made! Y'all rock! THANK YOU for keeping yourself & us motivated!!!

My last weigh in was on Thursday and I lost another 2 pounds. WOOHOO... 19 pounds lost forever! Every Monday morning I get on the scale, just to see where I stand after the weekend (where I never get enough water or keep track of points as well as I should). I'm only a .5 lb off, so that's not a problem at all. I'll keep chugging water, get in some exercise & stick to my healthy eating and I WILL pull off a loss on Thursday!

Yesterday, D and I were both craving banana nut bread. So, while grocery shopping, I picked up some instant muffin mix (yeah, just add milk). I figured the points and they are only 4 points each... not bad at all. Each bag of mix makes 6 standard size muffins (NOT like the big ol' ones in the bakery). They were just sweet enough for a dessert and/or for breakfast in the morning with a piece of fruit and coffee and with NO GUILT!

Well, I hope that everyone has a wonderful day!

[Sparkle]

My Monday morning mini-triumph:

This morning I was getting dressed for an interview and put on a pair of suit trousers I've not worn since the early spring ... and for the first time in (at least) a year they fit beautifully! Hoorah!

(shame the job wasn't so thrilling, but I'll take triumphs where I can get 'em)

[Medusa]

Would folks mind sharing their daily menus and point counts? I think maybe it would help us all see new ways of eating and get some new ideas from one another.

This was my breakfast today:

1 banana - 0 points
1 plum - 0 points
1 5.5 ounce Spicy hot V8 - 1 point
16 ounces of water


This was a pretty light breakfast for me because I usually do a smoothie and a handful of mini-wheats but I was feeling lazy this morning and in a hurry. I also have to kinda graze on this because it usually takes me until 10am to get all of this down. Still, a ONE POINT breakfast and lots of nutrition. :)

For lunch, I have this:

Amy's Light and Lean Black Bean Enchilada dinner - 6 points
Fiber One bar - 4 points
More water!

Afternoon snack -
Blue Diamond 100 calorie pack of roasted almonds - 3 points

Pre-dinner snack -
Fuji Apple - 0 points

Dinner tonight -
3 of my very good turkey meatballs - 6 points
1/2 cup whole wheat pasta - 4 points
1/2 cup of my homemade sauce - 1 point
1 cup steamed brocolli - 0 points
lots of water

After dinner snack if Im still feeling it -
1 of those very good WW raspberry chocolate popsicles - 2 points


I'll caveat this by saying that I do not usually have a pyramid like this where more of my points are at the end of the day. I usually try to get more of my points at breakfast and lunch. I also mostly have more dairy in my plan since I often make smoothies with almond milk or have a piece of cheese with lunch.

I am currently allowed 43 points per day for my weight range and everything above comes out to 27 total. That's pretty normal for me to stay in the less-than-30-point range. I know Im supposed to be getting more points a day but it's hard.

Now, show me yours since I showed you mine!

[PinkieLee]

Medusa... your daily meal plan is awesome!! Girl, I don't know how you manage to stay under the 30 points ~ but the proof is right there! GOOD FOR YOU!

This morning's breakfast...
2 multi-grain waffles - 5 points
a banana

For lunch will be...
some Lean Cuisine or WW frozen meal - anywhere from 6 - 7 points
and a side salad with lettuce, tomato & carrots - 0 points
light raspberry vinagrette dressing - 2 points

Anytime snacks are usually
Yogurt - 2 points
Fruit - 0 points
or a 100 calorie snack pack - 3 points

Since I work the 2nd job tonight, dinner will be...
a ham/turkey sandwich on wheat bread from Subway - 8 points
apple slices - 0 points

If I'm still hungry when I get off work, I'll usually make some popcorn and we'll split the 4 points!

For me, most of my points are spent on dinner.

Somedays, I stay around the 30ish mark, and other days I'm lucky to stay under my goal of 46. I know for ME, if I stay away from drinking beer or wine, I never really use the extra allowance for the week.

We went out to eat on Saturday, to a seafood place at the beach... that's has the best fried fish and shrimp you'll ever taste. NOPE, not for me. They've started added healthier options to their menu, and I had avacado halves with lump meat crab, a side salad with avacado ranch dressing & a small cup of gumbo. I couldn't tell you what the points where, but at least I KNOW for a fact nothing was fried and it was a much healthier choice!

[ruffryder]

Hello everybody. Thanks for the tips and eating options! Today I'm on day 2 of loading up and tomorrow I will start on my diet plan. I will post what I eat and keep everyone updated on my progress from then on out. Happy Monday and healthy eating! :chef:

[Thinker]

I'm allowed 35 points per day.

This morning, so far, I've had...

coffee - 1 pt.
Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat) with blueberries & granola - 4 pts.
V8 (low sodium) - 1 pt.

On days when I lift, I also add in a whey shake (vanilla w/banana & strawberries) for 3 pts.

That right there is a pretty standard morning for me these days. It'll change back to pancakes or oatmeal when the weather gets cooler.

At some point during the day (sometimes twice), I will have 2 servings of tuna (2 points) on a toasted thin bun (2 points) for a total of 4 points.

In the evening I will have another V8 for another point.

The rest varies. I like a beef patty on a thin bun (7 points). I do chicken breasts on the grill a lot (3 points per breast). I also like to grill the 97% fat free Hebrew National dogs (1 point per frank). Sometimes I have it without a bun and add chili; sometimes I have the bun instead.

Like Angie, I rarely use all of my points and that is something I'm working on.

[Scorp]

Hi Folks,

Hope everyone is doing well!

Breakfast:

2 cups of Stonefield Lowfat Yogurt: 6 pts.
1/4 cup Barenaked Fit Vanilla Almond Crunch Granola: 3 pts.

1/2 chopped banana: 0 pts.

2 chopped strawberries: 0 pts.
______________________________

9 pts.


Lunch:

Not sure still full from the yogurt parfait

Dinner:

Chicken Stir fry recipe from WW = 6 pts.

[Sparkle]

Breakfast:

3 cups of coffee, with a small amount of cream and a tiny squeeze of agave nectar light. 4pts

1 cup of non-fat plain greek yogurt, 1 cup of fresh blueberries, 1 tsp of agave nectar light. 4pts

Lunch:

3 slices of low sodium deli turkey, 1 flatout whole grain wrap, 1/4 avocado, tomato. 6pts

32 oz. of water throughout the course of the day

[Scorp]

We LOVE these hot dogs and a favorite in our household. They taste just like the regular hebrew national.

I also like to grill the 97% fat free Hebrew National dogs (1 point per frank)

[Queerasfck]

Would folks mind sharing their daily menus and point counts? I think maybe it would help us all see new ways of eating and get some new ideas from one another.


Now, show me yours since I showed you mine!

Currently I am allowed 33 points for the day. On a typical day this is what goes down my gullet:



1 banana (before working out)-0 points

breakfast

1/2 cup egg beaters-2
3 slices of turkey bacon-3
1 slice ww toast -2
1 TB of strawberry jam-1
1 mega cup of coffee-0
2 TB creamer-2

snack at work
(I do change this up but currently this is my kick)
1 large apple-0
2 TB almond butter (carefully measured as this stuff is sooo bomb)-5


lunch at work
watermelon or another kind of fruit at least a cup-0
3oz of turkey breast-3
mixed salad greens, carrots, cukes, etc-0
1oz feta cheese-2
2 TB low fat balsamic vinaigrette dressing-3

afternoon snack at work
(anyone of these items)
laughing cow cheese 1 wedge-1
or low fat baby bell-1
or more fruit-0

dinner
3 oz grilled turkey burger-4
(or Boca Burger-2)
Bagel thin-3
a large amount roasted or grilled veggies-0

evening snack
watermelon
air popped popcorn
greek yogurt

(not a big night snacker so the points I have left determines what I will eat)

[PinkieLee]

I also got the WW string cheese the other day... only 1 point! It's a great afternoon snack with an apple!

[ruffryder]

So drinking water is supposed to be half of your weight in ounces. Does everyone follow this rule? I'm thinking I'm gonna be drinking about 32 ounces of Ice tea and 3 bottles of water a day.. also having my morning coffee! I may have some hot tea now and then to change it up. What is your fav kind or flavors of tea?

[Scorp]

Another great snack (1 wedge) laughing cow low-fat garlic & herb or french onion is 1 point. :)


I also got the WW string cheese the other day... only 1 point! It's a great afternoon snack with an apple!

[Medusa]

Those Laughing Cow wedges are amazing!

I sometimes spread them on a whole-wheat tortilla and fill with baby spinach, grilled chicken, avocado, and black beans and it makes a VERY good wrap!

Also, you can drop a wedge or two over hot cooked pasta and add some veggies and its super yummy!

[Thinker]

So drinking water is supposed to be half of your weight in ounces. Does everyone follow this rule? I'm thinking I'm gonna be drinking about 32 ounces of Ice tea and 3 bottles of water a day.. also having my morning coffee! I may have some hot tea now and then to change it up. What is your fav kind or flavors of tea?

I'm not super big on tea (talking about iced tea), but when I have it at home it is the Crystal Light raspberry green tea.

If I eat out and they have raspberry tea, I'll usually get it.

Other than that, regular ol' unsweetened iced tea is good enough for me.

[Zimmeh]

My favorite tea is Earl Grey, hot or as iced tea! I like to add a teaspoon of either Irish Creme or French Vanilla creamer to it..

I try and drink a minimum of four large glasses of water everyday.

Zimmy

So drinking water is supposed to be half of your weight in ounces. Does everyone follow this rule? I'm thinking I'm gonna be drinking about 32 ounces of Ice tea and 3 bottles of water a day.. also having my morning coffee! I may have some hot tea now and then to change it up. What is your fav kind or flavors of tea?

[*Anya*]

Breakfast: one cup of steel-cut oatmeal ( have to have something to chew, can't stand the pablum of instant oatmeal) with about 20 raisins, one pint of non-fat milk and one cup of coffee with a teaspoon of Half-and-half with Spenda.

Yum.

Going to walk up 4 flights of stairs right now. Have a great day all!

I love this thread:)

[Scorp]

OMG YUM...FUJI APPLES!!!!! SOOO SWEET and satisfying....I'm now hooked...and guess what?

NO POINTSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!! :cheer: