Anyone want to join me??

[MiamiNicole]

I am going on a New Years cruise with my parents, sister (20, toothpick thin) and her BF, and my BF (also thin as heck) and I.

I am going start a diet on Monday (i am going out of town for the Mexican holiday this weekend, so i can't start this weekend) and wondered if anyone wanted to start and set a Holiday goal with me?

I am planning on cutting calories and increasing exercise, no tricks or anything, doing it the old fashion way, more water less soda. I did this a few summers back and lost 18 lbs and kept it off! I am hoping to make it down to about 135 (23-24 lbs, I am 5'8). It is hard the first couple weeks, but then your stomach shrinks and it is easy. I did it with a friend last time which made it easy. Any takers? or advise? Thanks and good luck in your diet endeavors as well.

[JYeagersGrl]

I'm part of the DEW Challenge and that is running till January 6th if your interested. I'm doing the 6 week body makeover plan and have a lot more to lose than you (but I also have till June) but I make sure I drink at least 100 ounces of water a day and walk 2.5 miles and in just a week I'm noticing major changes. If you'd like to keep in touch feel free to e-mail me lizzytish2002@hotmail.com

~Lisa

[Dphipps2]

My cruise is in April, 2005. I started weight watchers in June with 30 pounds to loose. I lost a total of 14 pounds then gave it up. I have since gained about 10 of it back. I would like to diet again but can't seem to get back on the right track. I'm willing to be your diet buddy and hopefully get down to 110 or 115.

[Finflapper]

MiamiN:

Good for you...go for it. In the meantime, here's a little recipe for a sweet craving:

1 cup low fat riccota cheese
sprinkle unsweetened cocoa powder over it
add 1 pack sweet & low

blend all together with a spoon and savor the taste :)

[cmemoriesjen]

Hi Nicole !

I'll give it a shot. My cruise isn't until February 12th, 2005 and I have at least 20 pounds to lose ! It's pretty scary that I put all of that weight on in the first place! Anyways I'm 5'2" and would love to get to 130. I'll never be as thin as I probably should be but I have lost 12 pounds since last year the "old fashioned" way! I need to be a bit stricter and get back into an excercise routine and cut out the icecream! I've also started to cut out the soda and the drink I was having with my husband after the kids went to bed. I miss it because it was a nice time that we could relax and talk but we've both switched to herbal tea..

When should we do a weigh in?

I look forward to having a "buddy"! Thanks for starting this thread.

Jen

[Finflapper]

Jen & Nicole can I join to?

I am also 5' 2" and would like too get down to 130 pounds. I actually started my plan 2 months ago and have lost 15 lbs. so far. With a cruise coming up, I have to keep my senses and not lose sight of my ultimate goal.

[cmemoriesjen]

3X Cruiser !

The more the merrier! I was waiting for Nicole to respond but I guess I will! When would you like to do a weigh in ? Should be post our results every week or just if we lost:D /gained:eek: / stayed the same:o ? I'm willing to post my actual weigh ( it makes me that more responsible!) but understand if no one else wants to!

Anyways, I think my mother in law has the best line for our "extra" weight! She says that we're not overweight just too short for our weight! If I was 5'6" or so I'd be looking pretty good!!! Oh well !

Good luck,
Jennifer

[Finflapper]

Jennifer

Okay, let's do it. Weigh-ins will be Sunday mornings. And you can give your reported weigh-in (or results) any time on Sunday to your convenience. Our report should included what we think is the reason we lost, or gained, or stayed the same. There should be no response of. "I don't know why." We are smart enough to know the answer. Right!

The weigh-in buddy should respond to the report with helpful ideas (if needed) without being judgemental.....agreed.

I also agree to share any recipe which will prove helpful. BTW: I am not a size 3x. 3x means I will be taking my 3rd. cruise. At present, I am a size 12.

If you feel temptation coming on, feel free to e-mail me at: 2Regina@optonline.net and I will do everything to keep you on the right track.

Your weigh-in partner,
Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

:) Hi everyone, I would like to join your challenge if that is ok??? We are cruising Feb. 26,2005. I started Weight Watchers a week ago and have lost 7 lbs so far. I want to lose about 30 /35 lbs. I have been on weight watchers before and lost but fell off the wagon so to speak. I am looking into joining curves tommorrow. Not sure if I can do it since I have a bad arm that I can't straighten out all the way (broke it last summer:eek: ) but it is worth a try since exercise is my weakest area. This will be our first cruise, really excited. Sorry to ramble on. I will check in later. Lani:)

[Finflapper]

Lani

Welcome aboard!

Weigh-in reports as you read earlier post is on Sunday. Honor system is extremely important. Looking forward toward your report as well on Sunday. I think we will all be able to help each other with this endeavor.

Regina
ps. Just a suggestion: It might be a wise idea to check with your doctor before attending the exercise program you mentioned taking in consideration the limitation of your arm.

[cmemoriesjen]

Alright! We have a group!

Sundays should work out pretty good - it'll also keep me on track a little more as the weekends I tend to eat like my husband! Snacks with a movie and just richer food in general. Regina- I know what you mean about "knowing" why we gained ect. It always makes me do a double take when someone is munching on a bag of chips and says I just don't know why I can't get this weight off!! I don't mean for that to come off as mean or harsh but I have a cousin who's 6 year old daughter is extremely overweight, the child is 90 pounds. They let the poor kid eat everything, all day long and then say that they just don't understand why she's a little chunky. We are all very worried about the childs health as she has put all of it on in 3 years. She was a normal weight toddler and infant.

Anyways.... I didn't do so hot yesterday because there is icecream in the house. I have been ok with resisting most things but icecream.......
I'm going to put it into the deep freezer in the garage. At least I'll have to work a little harder to get it!

Lani- What ship/ line are you sailing on ? This will be my 4th cruise in February. I absolutely love cruising! I've cruise mainly with Carnival but last November went on the Norwegian Sun. It was nice but geared toward a mellower crowd. I've heard great things about Weight Watchers & Curves. I'm sure with all of that you'll reach your ideal weight!!

Jen

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi Jen, we are going on the Royal Carribean Cruiseline, Voyager of the Seas. heard it is nice. I work with a couple of other nurses that have traveled with them and they are very happy with them, so we thought we would give it a try.
I thought I could use the extra help losing weight and exercise is not my strong suit. Once I get started I am ok but it is the getting started that gets me;) We go back tomorrow for weigh in and measurements:eek: Can't wait for that!!!!:rolleyes: Well I will catch ya all later, got to finish cleaning since today is my only day off for another 4:( . Lani

[CrazyforCruisin]

I am going on a New Years cruise with my parents, sister (20, toothpick thin) and her BF, and my BF (also thin as heck) and I.

I am going start a diet on Monday (i am going out of town for the Mexican holiday this weekend, so i can't start this weekend) and wondered if anyone wanted to start and set a Holiday goal with me?

I am planning on cutting calories and increasing exercise, no tricks or anything, doing it the old fashion way, more water less soda. I did this a few summers back and lost 18 lbs and kept it off! I am hoping to make it down to about 135 (23-24 lbs, I am 5'8). It is hard the first couple weeks, but then your stomach shrinks and it is easy. I did it with a friend last time which made it easy. Any takers? or advise? Thanks and good luck in your diet endeavors as well.
HI MiamiNicole,
Would you like another member? Cruising Feb 5th and have 30+lbs to lose. I am doing Atkins, started back on it this Mon. I am also going to Curves 4-5 times a week. I was on Atkins last Spring and lost 17lbs so I know it works. Will wait to hear from you all

[Cruise Miriam]

Good luck everyone -- I'll be watching your progress!!!

[Finflapper]

Hi Ladies
See the post above? Mariam is watching us all now, so we have to be REAL good...Thanks Mariam :)

Remember all: the official weigh-in report will be this Sunday. So this mini-report I'm filling you in on doesn't count yet.

*Something to keep in mind: Don't get discouraged when that once a month craving for salt or chocolate or whatever has it's way with you. You all know what I'm talking about. You will temporarily gain at that time, but....as long as you recognize what is happening, you will drop that monthly gain quickly by immediately returning to your "controlable" status once again. I will admit I did experience a 1 pound gain due to this and I strongly feel by this weekend, I will have lost this "temporary gain" plus more. My plan: drink more water, less salt on my food, and walk the dog a little longer....he'll be happy for that :)

Cmem: Just a helpful suggestion; throw the ice-cream out or give it to a neighbor....I know it will be painful initially, but once it is off the premise, you'll feel better about it. I gave the most delectible ice-cream to my daughter's boyfriend....and it wasn't easy to do, but...."I am soooooo worth it".......repeat that ladies....I am soooooo worth it!

Regina

[Finflapper]

Miriam....sorry for the spelling error on your name....I should have proof read before posting.

Regina

[joanne30]

Hi all

I would like to join your group. I am going on a cruise Feb 5/05 and would
like to lose at least 20 pounds before I go. I know it would be very helpful
if I have the support of others. Just knowing that I have to report a lose or god forbid a gain will help keep me on track. Good luck everyone.


Joanne

[Finflapper]

Welcome Joanne!

Have you started a diet plan yet? If not, we won't hold you to this Sunday's weigh-in. Tell us what your plan involves. Everyone here has their own specific thing going in regards to losing and sharing is very important. For instance: I'm doing a 1200 calorie diet. If I go 50 calories over, it's no big deal as long as I stay close to the number. I have two past herniated disc, so only mild stretching exercise is good for me and some walking.

Do you plan to incorporate exercise in your plan?

Everyone: Don't forget to share a recipe if you have a good one. My next post will include one for you all.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Crazyforcruisin

Glad to have you aboard.

Regina

[joanne30]

Hi 3Xcruiser

I will weigh in on Sunday. I started to watch what I eat about 3 weeks ago.
I have lost about 4 pounds so far. I'm doing it the old fashion way. Eating
3 or 4 meals a day. I'm trying to eat foods that are good for you. Staying
away from french fries, pizza etc.... I've been very busy with work and a
sick father so I have not had time to exercise yet. I am looking into joining
curves with a friend of mine. Next week I am going to start walking with my
husband and the dogs. I hope once I start to excercise I will lose the weight
a little faster. Also I'm not big on drinking water so I have force myself to start drinking at least four glasses a day. Thanks for letting me join the group.

Joanne

[Kelly in Colorado]

I'll join you! I would like to lose 10-20 pounds by December 18th! 135 would be fabulous! 125 would be a MIRACLE! I'm gonna shoot for a miracle!
Here's my plan:
WATER!!!!
Walking
Cottage Cheese and salads and when I'm bored....Lean Cuisine's! (I don't have high blood pressure!)

Here's hoping! :rolleyes:

[Finflapper]

SMOOTHIE DELIGHT


1 cup fat- free plain yogurt
add your favorite fresh fruit
1 packet sweet & low
1/2 tray of ice-cubes

Place all in blender
use speed for "chop", then switch to "frappe"

You're done...now enjoy!
:D

[Finflapper]

Welcome Kelly!

Ladies, your plans sound quite reasonable, but remember we will all be hitting plateaus (sp?) on occasion, so please don't allow them to discourage you. It won't mean that you are not losing, it just means your weight will be shifting before the loss occurs again. Also, remember....losing the weight too fast is not in your best interest in the long run. Initially, you will lose fast....that's okay, but as you all proceed, losing more than 2 pounds a week would be considered unhealthy. So, be patient with your programs.

Regina
ps. MiamiNicole...where are you? See what you have started :)

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi everyone this is going to be great and we are all going to reach our goals with all this support:) . Hey how do you get the clock??????:confused: Catch ya all later, Lani

[Finflapper]

http://www.geocities.com/quietman01970/maker1.htm (http://www.geocities.com/quietman01970/maker1.htm)


Click on the above to get clock. Just follow the instructions and it will work.

[Finflapper]

I have decided to share my (before & after) 15 pound loss pictures just to show that 15 pounds really does make a difference.....imagine how gorgeous I'll look when I get to my goal....well, maybe not gorgeous, alot better for sure :)

[Finflapper]

I certainly need to lose weight!

[Finflapper]

Ladies...this one is to give you all some extra hope. This was me last year at 200 pounds.

[Finflapper]

This weight loss group has a strong "Will Power". I can read it in all of your posts. But, even the strongest have their moments of weakness....so when that little "Fat Fairy" wants to sprinkle temptation in your thoughts....ask yourself the following:

Is it really worth it? Will it make me feel good about myself after I eat what I know I shouldn't? I've come this far, why would I want to put myself back a step?

Good night all....I'm going to grab myself a glass of water now, even if it means I might have to get up in the middle of the night :rolleyes: but heck, I'm worth it...and so are all of you.

Regina

[MiamiNicole]

Thnanks for all of the support. Sorry it took me so long to respond, I went to visit my parents in the US for a long weekend, but I am back now. I started my diet yesterday (very dangerous b/c 2morrow is my BDAY!). Anyways, weigh in went up after a long visit with mom and Dad... Started at 160.8 yesterday and joined a gym one block from my house here in mexico city (40 dollars for 3 aerobics classes and 1 spining class a week). I figure with all the walking in my job it should be enough. How many times should one weigh themself??? I tend to get to obsessive with that!! Thanks for all of the responses and sorry again I was absent from the board i should have left that in my post!

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi Everyone, Thanks for the link for the clock:)
Well had my first workout at Curves, felt really good to get moving again.
It went by sooooooooo fast too. I think I found something I won't get bored doing:D They forgot to weigh and measure us today though so they are going to do it tommorrow:D Just remembered too that I have to drop my points in my eating since I lost, 22 points now. I should have done it earlier this week but forgot:( Oh well hasn't hurt too much. Hope ya all have a great day. Lani

[heavenlyflower44460]

Doesn't look like the clock worked:confused: :(

[SxyEbnyFem]

Hello, ladies.

I just wanted to pop in and wish you all much success because YOU CAN DO IT!!

Happy sailing,
T.

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi all

I would like to join your group. I am going on a cruise Feb 5/05 and would
like to lose at least 20 pounds before I go. I know it would be very helpful
if I have the support of others. Just knowing that I have to report a lose or god forbid a gain will help keep me on track. Good luck everyone.


Joanne
Joanne,
I am also on a cruise feb 5. Where are you going, what ship? Wouldn't it be a very wild coincendence if we were on the same cruise?! Anyhow, after reading the posts this morning, I am totally overwhelmed and glad I joined this group. Good Luck!
Jodie

[CrazyforCruisin]

Lani,
way to go. I love Curves! I have been a member for 2 yrs but it has taken me that long to get "serious". I talked to my dr yesterday and she was all for me being on Atkins, and doing Curves. She says I need to lose at least 20lbs and told me 3 times a wk at Curves will maintain your weight and 4 times you will start to lose. So I have been going 4 times since Sept 1. So you go girl!

Regina,
Thanks for sharing your photos and everything else. You look great! This seems like such a positive group, I am glad I joined.

To Everyone else,
What a great helpful wonderful group of women! I look forward to giving and getting encouragement with all of you! look out Mexico, Here I come!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

Heavenlyflower

I'll send the url to the clock to your e-mail address, but you will have to know how to copy and paste to get it right. You will need to be signed on the board at the same time. Try it again. It takes practice. My e-mail: 2Regina@optonline.net

[Finflapper]

Ladies:

Today is one day closer to our goals. I like the sound of that :)

Nicole: Good to see you back. So, tomorrow is your birthday? Happy Birthday! Now tell us all...will you be having cake??????? Or some kind of substitute? I personally think everyone should weigh themselves once a week, BUT....in all honesty, that's probably not going to happen....right ladies...LOL. Just promise yourselves not to allow yourselves to get discouraged as your weight will fluctuate as you lose. Deal everyone?

Heavenly: Glad you enjoy doing curves. Certainly wish I could do it, but my medical condition won't permit....Oh well, I will just continue to lose a little slower than the rest of you.

SXYE: Thanks for that positive input. Comments like that keeps everyone's spirit strong.

Jodi: Thanks for commenting on those pictures. I won't be posting my weight in numbers, cause pictures work best for me. So, when I reach my goal, I plan to post my achieved goal picture next to my last year picture. I would love to post a pic of me in a bathing suit one day.....Yep, that's my goal. I will post my losses, gains and status quo #'s though. I am looking forward to this Sunday's weigh-in report on the board.

Question to all: With the holidays coming up, does anyone have any low calorie dishes they have tried and would recommend?

Regina

[Finflapper]

Key Lime Pie

1 box lime sugar-free jello
1/4 cup boiling water
2 (8ounce) key lime yogurts
1 (8 ounce can) fat-free whip cream
1 (9 inch) reduced-fat graham cracker crust


Directions

In large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water, with wire whisk, stir in yogurt, with wooden spoon, fold in whip cream. Transfer all to pie crust, refridgerate over night or at least two hours.
Serves 8, 148 calorie, 3.5g fat, (3 points)
:)
Ladies, this recipe is soooo good and so easy to make. You can change the flavor of the jello to match the yogurt flavor of your choice and create your own pie.

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi All, Just justing my mail and the boards before I go exercise:D .
Regina you are looking good 15 pounds is a lot. Thanks for all the inspiration and recipes, will try to post some later today.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nicole!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope you have a great day.:D
Jodie I am going to try to go at least 4 times a week maybe 5 if I can.
Well better go finish getting ready to go. Take care all, Lani

[Kelly in Colorado]

Thanks for the link to the clock! I hope it works!

I like how positive and not preachy this group is. LOVE IT! Thank you for starting this group and keeping it going! I had a hot fudge sundae last night....just gonna walk a whole lot more today in order to burn it off!

Hopefully my clock works!

[CrazyforCruisin]

Happy Birthday Nicole!

Wish me luck everyone, we are going to the shore for the weekend and I always have a hard time when we eat in restaurants. Somehow, I think all food is free of calories and carbs when I am on vacation:D LOL. I have been pretty much on track all week so this will be a challenge. I am committed and having the support from everyone really helps. My DH is very supportive too. I do not mind posting my weight. It helps me stay on course. I like seeing that number go DOWN! I also keep a food diary to count my carbs. This too keeps me on track. So have a good weekend all and I will be reporting in on Sunday with the first weigh in?! 5'10" 232 today. Let's hope it stays the same by Sunday!
Jodie

[MiamiNicole]

Today is my Bday! I am not going to eat cake, but i am going to be going out with my BF and friends and probaly will have a few too many cosmos (hey its my bday). 2morrow I will try and make a yoga class in the morning to help repair the damage, haha! Good luck everyone, i will check in at sundays weigh in!
Still at 5'8 159.4... 20-25 lbs to go!

[Finflapper]

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday Dear Nicole!
Happy Birthday to you!
:)

[Finflapper]

Kelly,

Confession is good for the soul....but what I would really like to hear from you is what you were feeling/ or thinking when you were eating that wonderful hot fudge sundae. Our thoughts and feeling expressed here on the board will certainly be helpful to our fellow diet buddies. Many people associate certain foods with the sensation of feeling better. I am one of them. I call myself an emotional eater. When I am depressed, I eat. When I'm in a party mood, I eat. With todays commercialism heavily on food, we may have forgotten the real purpose for eating which in reality, is for survival. If each of us takes the time and really try to understand ourselves in our eating habits, we come that much closer to being able to cope a heck of alot better which in turn gives us back the control we lost a long time ago.

Example: In my childhood, if I did something wrong, my mother punished me. My mother would then go through her own guilt trip about punishing me and afterwards, she would offer me ice-cream. Thus, I learned that everytime I got punished, I would eventually be treated with ice-cream. In my adulthood whenever something bad happened to me no matter how little it was, I treated myself with something sweet to make it all better. It got to the point where I trained myself that even when I didn't feel good (tired, angry, frustrated, depressed), I treated myself to something sweet to eat. I was sabotaging myself slowly without realizing it. I eventually became an "emotional eater".

Ladies: To really look inside yourselves and try to connect the "reasons" is not an easy thing to do for some, but if any of you are willing to attempt it, I sure would love for you to share your story.

Regina

[joanne30]

Happy Birthday Nicole....enjoy

Jodie I am going on the caribbean princess Feb 5th. What cruise will you be
on? Glad to hear you like curves. I was thinking of joining with a friend. I
think we are going to check it out in October.

Its the weekend and this is when I usually have trouble staying on track.
Keeping my fingers crossed we all have a lose for Sundays weigh in. Have
a great weekend all.

Joanne

[Finflapper]

Joanne: Have a great weekend. Looking forward to the weigh-in.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Jodie:

I have every bit of confidence that you are determined to see those numbers go down and you will make it through the weekend. Just keep in mind that another day down gets you another day closer to your goal weight.

I noticed we will be cruising in the same week. Do you have a strategy planned out in advance?
Here's mine: walking around the deck and each day add another walk to it
use the stairs, never the elevator
eat all kinds of fish, avoiding meats
fresh fruit (in moderation)
drink lots of diet tea, lemonade, water
burn calories with lots of snorkelling
check out diabetic menu or low calorie
*keep in my thoughts, "I've come too far to turn back now" when
the "Fat Fairy" temps me.

Regina

[Finflapper]

We all know how important the support of a friend can be. We have all come together here to support each other, thus...we all can consider ourselves to be each other's friend now. But, have we considered the most important friend who will help us the most? That important friend is "YOU". That's right....the friend within. Some of us have to learn to get that friend back, but how?

We have to tell the "friend within" to stop thinking negative thoughts like.....ugh, I can't do it, or it can wait until tomorrow, or just this once won't hurt. After all, a true friend doesn't give us messages like that. Tell your inner friend it is time to reverse the role and be a real friend to you.

Here's how to do it:
Begin with liking yourself again: Retrain yourself to start thinking you are a valuable person with many good qualities and yes, you are good to many people, but now is the time to be good to yourself. You are worth it.

We all have a goal, but we don't have to wait until that goal to treat ourselves good...and I am not referring to using food as a reward. Let's say for an example, you have lost 5 pounds. Well, reward yourself by doing something: go for that manicure or pedicure, buy yourself something nice, give yourself a full facial treatment...whatever it is, make sure it is just for you. Continue to reward yourself with every 5 pound loss or whatever weight loss you want it to be. Stick to this and you will be teaching your inner self to be a true friend to you.

See you all tomorrow for your weigh-in result and your reason why you lost, gained or stayed the same. The only rule we need to abide by is: No judgements allowed. Helpful advice is always welcomed.

Regina

[Kelly in Colorado]

Nicole!
Happy Birthday a day late (it's fun to celebrate every day for a week or so I think!):p

As far as the hot fudge sundae goes......it really wasn't that deep of a thing! I wanted a hot fudge sundae (hot day and all in Colorado) and so I substituted that for a meal! :rolleyes: Then the next day I doubled up my exercise! No biggie! Just more work! Sometimes it's just that little thing that kicks my butt into high gear in the exercise and eat less thing! I even lost a pound over the last 3 days!

I hope everyone has as beautiful a Saturday as it is here in the Mile High City!:)

[Finflapper]

Kelly, Good going on losing that pound. One less pound to be concerned about! May it never come back!

[Finflapper]

Loss: 2 pounds:)

Reason: Every time the "Fat Fairy" tried to sprinkle cheat thoughts in my mind, I dismissed her. I eased up on my salt intake and increased my water intake. Total weight loss in two months equals 17 pounds.

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning all, Weigh in 170lbs:) so far I have lost 8lbs:D Hope everyone has a great Sunday, I am off today and tomorrow:D have lots to do so catch ya all later. Lani

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning all, Weigh in 170lbs:) so far I have lost 8lbs:D Hope everyone has a great Sunday, I am off today and tomorrow:D have lots to do so catch ya all later. Lani
Forgot to mention what a great inspiration you are Regina! Great job on the 17lbs lost:D I really enjoy your posts and encouragement. THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!! Lani

[Finflapper]

Hi Lani...and a BIG congratulations on your 8 lb loss! :)
Thanks for the wonderful compliment. It makes the time to post well worth it. Hey, you and I have more in common than just losing weight. I am also an LPN. I left the profession 3 years ago for my own health reasons. It was a most difficult decision for me and it took me three years to reach that decision. I kinda miss it at times, but for the most part, I have no regrets with my present desk job as a sales rep. I have DDD (deteriorating disc disease) and lifting of any kind causes severe problems for me. I had to leave the profession for better care of myself.

We are missing 6 other weigh-in reports.:( C'mon ladies, where are you? Please, if any of you gained, don't be embarrassed. We are here to help and get you back on track.

MIA's:
Nicole
Dphipps2
Jen
Joanne
Kelly
Jodi

[Finflapper]

Host Miriam:

I know you are watching out there. The day is still not over so there is still hope to hear from the rest before the day is over.

[joanne30]

Hi All

Well sad to say I did not lose this week. I guess the good thing is
I did not gain. Stayed the same. I will really try alot harder this
week. I know were I went wrong. Congrats to all that had a lose!!!
I hope all of us have a great week and can all report a lose next Sunday.
Regina I also enjoy your post, keep them coming.


Take care all
Joanne

[Finflapper]

Joanne
Please don't be upset that your weight remained the same. Consider that a success for now. It's good you gave thought to where you went wrong, because that kind of thinking will help you with your next week. It is far from easy what all of us are trying to do, but if we all hang in there, our dream weight will eventually be a reality. Glad you posted. 5 more posts to go....let's keep it going.

Reg

[Finflapper]

A good self-training technique is teaching ourselves the difference between mind hunger and body hunger.

Ex: You just finished a well balanced breakfast (:rolleyes: I know a lot of you don't even eat breakfast...right?), and you head out to run some errands. While you are out, you pass a donut shop and the sweet aroma's are in the air just beckoning you to come in and try one. That, my friends is a perfect example of mind hunger. Ask yourself if you are experiencing mind hunger or true body hunger.

Ex: It's a few minutes before lunch time. Someone at work brought some goodies in to share with everyone and the decorations of icing "look" like they could be real tasty. Their appearance is just calling you over to try just one. Besides, you can't refuse because your co-worker will be offended. Sorry gals, but I am too important to let that bother me. Just say, no thank you and if it offends them....too bad. It's their problem. No need to make it your problem by adding those extra calories to set you back. You know you will be going to lunch soon, so be smart and don't sabatog yourself.

hint: If you skip a meal, you will inevitably lose control because you will want to eat everything under the sun.

Regina

[MiamiNicole]

Hi girls!
158 (2 lb loss my first week)
My Bday weekend wasn't a total loss, definetly cheated on the alcohol intake...but kept my portions quite small (maybe too small with all of the wine my friends and I went through)!! 2 morrow i will be in the gym at 7am and back on a regular schedule. Congrats to everyone who did a great job this week, I know we can all do it. Happy cruising!!

Goals:
20 lbs before 26 of December
Exercise 3-4 times/week
eat 3 balanced meals, cut out snacks!

[Finflapper]

Nicole:

Good going! Keep it up! Goodbye to those two ugly pounds and may they never return again!

Thanks for the input. I'm sure it will help everyone who reads it.

Okay, we are all doing good so far. 4 more posts to go: Dphipps2, Jen, Kelly, Jodi....c'mom ladies, we are waiting for you.

[Cruise Miriam]

I hope none of the four you're waiting for is in Florida! And if any of you are, I hope you're okay.

[Finflapper]

I hope not either Miriam. Nice of you to check in and see how things are going. The day is not over yet, so there is still hope the 4 Mia's will check in.

I'll check back later this evening for them.

Regina

[cmemoriesjen]

Hello Ladies !!

You guys really are going to keep me in line ! :))

Sorry that I am so late in posting, my family and I went away for the weekend and just got in an hour ago!

Anyways ,weight 150, stayed the same BUT I did not do well this past week! I am afraid that next weeks numbers will tell the real story. Add to that going away for the weekend and eating every meal out. I won't even tell all of the goodies that I had. No need in going over past offenses. I will however say that I did my pilates this morning and had a light lunch. I will have a salad for dinner this evening if I get hungry. My family is having dinner now but I am truly not hungry so I decided to get caught up on my cruisecritic buddies!

I am trying to listen to my hunger signals more and not just eat because everyone else is! I have found that quite often I was mistaking hunger when all I really wanted was a drink. So my goal this week is to have a glass of water when I think that I am hungry and see if that satisfies me. I too am an emotional eater, I don't have as great an insight as to why as you do Regina but I do know that is a trigger for me.

I am also setting a goal to use my elliptical machine or walk 3 miles twice a week. I love doing my pilates tape but in the last month I have gone down to doing it only once a week and only the stomache portion. So back to the full program at least twice a week, preferably 3 times!

The icecream and cookie dough is going to my in laws, the kids can enjoy it with their Grandparents! I have also signed back into ediets, and plan on sticking to the meal plan faithfully. I lost 15 pounds, 2-3 a week using their menu and it was easy ! It also taught me quite a bit about portion control!

Good Luck Everyone!
Jen

[Finflapper]

Jen

So glad you posted and such a nice post at that. You are doing good my friend, so keep it going. Your thoughts are well into being positive and that is what is going to see you through it all.:) Looking forward to your next week weigh in cause I just feel you are going to show a loss.

Now, there are just 3 Mia's. Where are you ladies:confused: I'm getting concerned for you.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Ladies: I have just reviewed all the posts from day one. I do believe we will eventually here from Kelly and Jodi, BUT...I'm not too sure about Dphipps2 and I hope that's not the case. As I reviewed the posts, I saw she had posted once and none us actually replied to her post....not intentionally though. I'm beginning to think she may have felt some form of rejection which would cause her not to come back. I could be wrong, but what if I'm not? I'm starting to think I should put a bulletin out for her return. Oh heck, why not for all three. Hope it works cause it's the best I can do.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Ladies, where are you? You missed today's weigh in. We hope you are all well and that you will return to the nest. Don't give up and if there is anything we can do to bring you back, just let us know.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Hello my little dieter,

You poor little thing....your clothes are beginning to look slightly too big for you? And, you don't have enough clothes to fit your new shape that is beginning to form those pretty little curves? Aaaah, I really feel for you because I know you are not ready to buy new clothes right now. So my dear....go ahead....eat just a little more so that you can still feel compfy in those nice big styles hanging in your closet. It's just tempory you know cause you can always lose later when you are ready to buy a new wardrobe. Heheheheh;)


With calories of love,
Fat Fairy

[Finflapper]

Ladies: With that last post, I think I'll go grab a glass of what and call it a night. Don't worry, I'm not flipping out...it was just done in jest:p


Good night, I'm all posted out for the day,

Reg.

[PJAttic]

Is it to late to join? We are going on our first cruise December 23, 2004. I lost about 50 pounds on weight watchers. I've put on a couple over the summer. Would like to lose 15-20 by cruise date. I'm fairly new at this, not completely sure how it all works but will give it my best shot.

[Finflapper]

Ooooh.....glad I decided to pop in one last time. I see we have a new comer! PJ...it is NEVER too late to join. Weigh in will be every Sunday. We promote positive feed back to members without being judgemental. Every weigh in must accompany a reason for the result. The reason proves to be helpful to all the members. Everyone is using their own method of losing weight that best serves their need. No specific diet on this thread. That sums it up, so welcome aboard!:)

Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good evening all:) ,
Sorry I am so late in posting. Was away for the weekend and got home around 6pm. I was busy unpacking and doing all the Sunday eve before work things. All of a sudden, it dawned on me I had not checked in. The weekend went well. I avoided sweets totally! That is a major victory for me. I even sat and had coffee with my DH while he had a danish! We did eat out the whole weekend. Lots of salad and fish. I did give in to some marvelous fresh baked whole wheat bread that was served with dinner last nite, the smell could not be resisted. And I had a Bloody mary. Other than those two "slips" it went pretty well. I did weigh myself this evening and I am still 232lb. That to me is ok to stay the same. I usually come home and am up 2-3 lbs. My plan is modified Atkins( I need more vegetables to stay reg.:rolleyes: LOL) and Curves 4-5 times a week. I will be back on the plan tomorrow and we have no more weekends away planned until Nov. As I said, I always feel as if going out to eat or on vacation does not count. Anyone have any ideas or suggestions how to get past that?:confused:
:D Congrats to all who lost, all who stayed the same and anyone who gained, tomorrow is a new day so go for it and you can do it. Thanks for caring and missing me. See you all tomorrow as I am off to bed with my 3rd:eek: glass of water this eve! Good nite!
Jodie

[cmemoriesjen]

Welcome PJ !


Glad to hear from you too Jodie ! Congrats on your awesome will power while going away for the weekend! I feel the same way you do that while on vacation those calories just shouldn't count :p !

Do you guys tend to weigh yourselves in the Am, Pm or just whenever ? I always do the am, I think I'll get a lower reading then!!!! I also have the habit of weighin myself everyday! I read somewhere that you shouldn't do that but I feel that it keeps me in line a bit better, like oops up half a pound I better be REALLY good today !

Jen

[mnywmn1]

I started the Atkins about two months ago and lost 14 pounds, then hit a plateau. I have 20 more pounds I'd like to lose before my cruise the end of November. Good luck to everyone! I sure do need the support!!
Ann

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi Jen,
Thanks for the support. I always weigh myself in the morning and try to do it only once or twice a week.
Welcome PJ, this is a great group!
Regina, thanks for looking out for me and for all the inspiration. You are a wonderful Cheerleader!
Have a great day everyone!
Jodie

[PINEVIEW01]

I started the Atkins about two months ago and lost 14 pounds, then hit a plateau. I have 20 more pounds I'd like to lose before my cruise the end of November. Good luck to everyone! I sure do need the support!!
Ann

Ann I have been luking on this thread. Just got back from a 2 week cruise. I started Atkins once lost 20 pounds, them hit a plateau and quit. I started back 1/1/03 and once again hit a plaueau at 20 pounds, it lasted 3 or 4 weeks if I remember right. I kept with it and went on to lose 70 the first year. So, hold the course girl. Good luck to you and I hope this helps.

[MiamiNicole]

I weighed myself today and I weigh 1 lbs more than yesterday, weight fluctuates a lot, no? So, is it better to just weigh in once a week, i am always afraid to wait too long, but weighing too much may drive me crazy, thanks for the advise.

Miami Nicole

[Finflapper]

Jodi, You made it back! You are trying so hard and you will succeed. You are so worth it you know. Now, re: eating out and it not counting.....why do you think it doesn't count??? I used to think that way until I realized, it does count. My weight validates that fact. So here's what I do now when I eat out: I fill up on a large ice-tea with sweet & low & lemon slice , then eat a large salad up before the main dish arrives. I order a fish or chicken dish. By the time I leave the restaurant, I am so stuffed and yet I know I ate wisely. The idea is to trick your body. You have been allowing your mind to trick you for so long, it has become a life-style for you. Try it just once. I assure you, you will walk away feeling like you just conquered and the next time will even be easier for you. As far as dessert, don't even order it. It's taboo and besides, you won't have room for it anyway. You will have to take baby steps to untrain your way of thinking when eating out, but it is possible if you work at it.

Jen: Weighing in the AM gives the true weight and if you need to weigh yourself more than once a week to stay on track, then by all means you should continue.

Ann: Welcome aboard! Do you have an exercise plan?

Melody: Will you be joining us?

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hello All!!!
I'm at 147! Not horrible....not great! 10 pounds by December 18th! 10 pounds would be FABULOUS!!!! 20 Would be SPECTACULAR!!! We'll see!

I don't think I overall lost! I lost 1 pound and then gained it back! I'll have to self-reflect on that this week!

Today....I'm a WATERHOLIC!!!!!
Thanks for missing me! I'm sorry I missed the weigh-in! I'll be better this next week!
Hugs!
Kelly
:)

[Finflapper]

Kelly! Glad you made it back! You're still doing good from what I read. Your analysis is pretty good I think. You'll get to your goal weight. Stick with us.

Ladies: Looks like all but one made it back to the nest, but....it appears we have had two new members join us. Hope we all make it back for the 2nd. weigh in.

I'll be checking in daily and in the meantime be strong and stay determined cause we are all worth it.

Your weigh in buddy,
Regina

[cmemoriesjen]

Glad to hear from you Kelly! A big welcome to Ann & Melody!


Regina, your letter from the fat fairy sure does hit home! I've stayed around 150 for months and months now!! It seems like everytime I finally break the mark and jump down to 148 I do the happy dance and by the end of the day I "reward" myself. All I am really doing is sabatoging my weight:mad: ! This time I refuse to do it! It really just isn't worth that bowl of icecream , handful or 3 of chips or cookies! They've been banished from the house!

A couple of things that work for me~
My arsenic hour seems to be from 3pm-5pm. I just want to snack, snack, snack. Graze would probably be more like what I used to do! One thing that I have found to help is to have fruit and veggies already cut up so that I grab them instead of the "bad" stuff.

Generally I love to cook & I try to cook our dinners from the recipes on my ediets plan but there are nights I am too tired or just can not bring myself to prepare a meal. It was all of the chopping of veggies...Before I would reach for the quick stuff, frozen pizzas, or make taco's or nacho's. To help me not give in to the high calorie and fat alternatives, now I cut up enough onions and green peppers for two or three meals. I put them in zipper sandwich bags and just measure out what I need. I also make enough tossed salad for two nights. Oh ya! I also prepare my recipe so that I have leftovers for a lunch or two! I do childcare and the typical toddler food is a killer for a diet! If I have something that I can just throw in the microwave I am less tempted to pick at their lunch. This would also work for those of you who work out of the home. just grab your leftover and have a healthy lunch instead of going out!

I hope that some of these things that have worked for me can help some of you gals out to!

Jen

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi,
Jen thanks for the good ideas. Sounds like you are really trying. I was doing great but my bad time is the evening. I eat what I should all day and then come 9pm... Oh well, back to the basics today. One day at a time. Thank heavens for Curves. I do seem to be losing inche. I am envious of anyone under 200 lbs! I feel my goal of 180 by Feb is impossible. Guess I am a little down today. I think Regina's Fat Fairy is here talking in my ear. Hey Regina! Can you please round up that darn fairy and keep her home. LOL! Gotta go. Hope everyone else has a great day!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

Hey Gals....I slipped just a little today and you know why? Cause I WASN'T PREPARED!!!!
I had a doctors appointment at lunch time and the visit took my entire lunch period. I had just enough time to make it back to work without being late. Well, wouldn't you know that Fat Fairy was just waiting for me to get weak. By 3PM I was starving and I went for a "small" piece of chocolate cake offered to me. No excuses...I was stupid by not preparing in advance and allowed myself to be vulnerable....not smart at all. The only saving grace was I know I didn't go over my calorie budget for the day cause it's all I ate for lunch. At any rate, I will be sure to plan in advance next time. Hey, lesson learned!

Jen: Smart what you are doing. I think I will copy your style.

Jodie: Try not to be depressed. Just keep visualizing that 180 number. Say it, write it, picture in your mind...you can almost taste it. Kick that Fat Fairy in the butt! She's not your friend....everyone on this board is your friend and we are all cheering for you. Write as much as you need to keep those hands away from the fridge and grocery closet. Before you know it, you will be another day closer to your goal when this day is over. Think of it that way.

Regina

[Kelly in Colorado]

I LOVE YOU GUYS! You are ALL writing what I say to myself all the time! And here...I thought I was alone! I am going to see it, smell it, taste it, touch it.....that weight I've been grasping for since college (oh man! was that really 20 years ago?)

Thank you for what you write! :o

Kelly

[Finflapper]

Kelly....thanks, that post really made me happy and I always get emotional when my heart is touched.

[Finflapper]

This will sound crazy...but it's not. We have all had weight problems for a long time because we have allowed input of "negative" messages. We can reverse it with practice. It is time to train ourselves with positive messages. This is my suggestion:

When no one is around (cause they will think you are one clown short of a circus), talk out loud to your fat and tell it the following:

You have made me unhappy for way too long and it is time for you to go.

I will not allow you to deprive me the joy of wearing those stylish clothes I have longed to wear.

I am not afraid to lose you because you were never my friend.

You may have won past battles, but you will not win what I am declaring now....and that is WAR! That's right fat...it's War on you! And I will be the victor!

Regina

[PJAttic]

This is going to help me soooooo much! I have to weigh tomorrow morning for my beginning weight. I have been to afraid to look at the "number". I will weigh on Sunday mornings. It really helps get me through the weekend when I weigh on Sunday. Always remember...................If it tastes bad, it's good for you. If it takes good, SPIT IT OUT! :] Have a great week. PJ

[Finflapper]

PJ....Sunday was picked for weigh in for that very reason.....to help everyone be strong on the weekends. Never be afraid of the enemy. To show the enemy fear is to leave room for them to win. So my friend, when you look at that number tomorrow...know it is the enemy and think to yourself....your days are numbered. He he he...that was a little pun on words :) but you get the drift. See ya for Sunday weigh in.

Regina

Good night all you thinnies-to- be,
I'm going to dream some calories away now.

[MiamiNicole]

I am such a busy person during the day.. work out at 7am, teach all day, supermarket, cleaning, plus I live in Mexico City, the most chaotic and traffic filled city in the world. I get home at 8-9 pm and I just want to watch American TV and eat American snacks (with my Mexican boyfriend, haha). It is now 11 and I signed on here just to get some support, I do not want to grap those chips from the kitchen!! Thanks for the inspiration, you guys are great!!!!!
Nicole

Now 5'8 158
Goal 5'8 138
No snacks, no exercise

P.S. This is even more difficult for me b/c I quite smoking 2 months ago (munchies are still bad!)

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning Ladies,
Regina you are right about the negative messages, it is sooooooooo easy to just say I can't do this after feeling you have failed because maybe you slipped and ate something you feel you shouldn't or too much one day. Been there and done that. Last night I ate a little too muvh after being sooooooo good at work,(didn't eat the pumpkin roll that was floating around work) but I did eat 2 helpings of supper. that' s why I like weight watchers they give you some wiggleing room with the points so really I just used a few of my flex points and exercise points. And they have these deserts that are really good for that sweet tooth:D Like carrot cake:p it kind of helps kick that far fairy in the butt!!!!!
I try to keep myself on track by picturing my goal which is to lose weight for the cruise, I have this bathing suit floating around my computer screen below my countdown clock:D I also have a picture of a dress on my fridge I would like to wear and one in my wallet for those times away from home when the food is all around me at the stores etc. Am I getting to anal??????????:confused: Curves is definately a big help too I am exercising at least 3-4 times a week now.
Nicole Congrats on the quit smoking!!!!!!!!!! Did you use the patch or pill or cold turkey???? However I know how hard that is I quit about 14 years ago. Have you ever tried those chips called skinny's??? They aren;t too bad. You are doing so well on your diet you are sooooooo close to that goal keep picturing you on that cruise at your goal weight. Reach for your goal not a chip???:)
Kelly we have all been down this road too many times to count probably, We have all said the same things so we all know what discourages us. what we have that is going to help us this time is this group!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we are all going to reach our goals this time, we are all here for each other.
Jodie I agree about Curves, If inches off gets me to feel better in my clothes and look better, inches are good too. If I take pounds or inches off or both I will be happy.
sorry if I rambled .Got to run, everyone have a great day. Lani

[heavenlyflower44460]

Makes 8 servings 6 points each.

2cups cooked macaroni
2cups coarsely chopped cooked chicken (skinless/boneless)
2cups cream of mushroom soup, undialuted
2cups fatfree milk
8oz low-fat cheddar cheese, cut int small cubes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
In large casserole combine all ingredients, mixing well
Bake, covered 35-45 min. Remove cover; bake 10-15 min. longer. Serve immediately
262 calories 12.7gm fat 0.6gm fiber
may use turkey instead of chicken
This is really YUMMY had it the other night!!!!:D

[PJAttic]

O.K. starting weight 159.5. Ugh! I am so glad I joined all of you. My lowest is 148, I'm 5'7". joined Weight Watchers September 2003. I lost 50 some pounds. What an inspiration it is to read all of your stories. I am working out of 4 part time jobs and into 1 part time job. Have been going crazy! What I was eating, was the last thing on my mind. Until now! :] I have about 2 more weeks of my rediculous schedule. Then Things will calm down, whew........I need to work on the exercise. I am parking as far away from the office as time allows and always take the stairs. Have a great day!

[Finflapper]

Ladies: I'm at work so I really can't write much now. So, I'll have to catch up later with you all.

Lani: I have already printed out the receipe to try either this week or next. Thanks for taking the time to type it out for everyone.

Gotta run now,
Regina

[MiamiNicole]

Good afternoon ladies! I am on lunch break, going back to work now! Had a salad with some cottage cheese and 2 turkey slices, trying to keep the carbs to a minimum!!! There is a big soccer game on tonight, let's hope my BF doesn't bring out the chips!! At least I hit the gym VERY hard this morning, kickboxing is great!! Take care and good luck to everyone today, I must take this one day and a time!
Nicole
P.S.
I quite smoking cold turkey, making loosing weight more difficult (but breathing in the gym much easier =)

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi all,
Yesterday was a hard day but I actually stayed out of trouble. I bought some of those Atkins bars that are 2 carbs and that really helped last nite. I am back on track today, feeling good. Coming home from work last nite and reading all your posts does help. I really do feel like someone knows how I feel and cares. What a great feeling and so much positive energy.
Nicole, I admire your strength. Quitting smoking is a very hard thing to do. You are going thru alot of changes.
Lani, Keep up the Curves and thanks for the support too.
Regina, you are the best. I can always count on a kind word and advice.Your little slip was not too bad, maybe you should carry those low fat snack bars(Special K is a good one) in your pocketbook to help with the times you actually have to skip lunch. That is what I try to do and it does help. Your cruise is coming up soon. Where are you on LI? My son lives in Middle Island and I used to live in Queens.
Pj and all the rest, keep going, one day at a time. The Fat Fairy is Not our friend!
I am off to lunch. Wish me luck! Have a great day! 180 here I come!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

Lani

Guess what I did? I fixed your noodle casserole you mentioned earlier. Yummmmm...it was very good and my finicky eater of a daughter had two portions! Hubby was a little jealous cause he couldn't eat it after having dental surgery....Oh well, there is enough left over for him to have tomorrow. So, thanks again for the recipe. Oh yea....the only draw back was that it was sooooo filling. I think my stomach is shrinking :) I'm no longer used to that very full feeling after eating. :) BTW: that was a good ramble you had, so feel free to ramble anytime. That's what this board is for. Better to keep our hands on the keys rather than using them to put extra calories in our mouth. Right girls!

Nicole, is there anyway you can get rid of those chips from your house? Maybe your BF can be supportive and not eat them in front of you? What is his view about your diet? Your task of diet and quit smoking is certainly not an easy one. How long have you quit?

PJ, Very smart idea about the parking and the stairs. Keep those ideas coming. Actually, I noticed my weight slowly became a problem when I started driving a car. Maybe I'll start parking a block away from my job to increase my walking exercise.

C for C, I live in Levittown. I don't usually go to Queens, but I do have a few friends who live there. I like the idea of a snack bar with a cup of coffee. Great idea.

I feel like taking a walk. I am still feeling stuffed from dinner and I always feel better after walking. I can't pass up this nice night as there will be fewer when winter approaches. I think I will even take my Golden Retriever. I've proclaimed him my walking buddy :)

Hang in all.....Sunday will be here before you know it and I really want everyone to be smiling when they see that scale move in the downward position.

Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi all,
Well I made it thru the day and feel pretty good about myself!;) Lunch was chicken breast and low carb cole slaw, one of my favorites. I try to take my lunch to work so I am not tempted to go out or order in. I usually go to Curves on my lunch hour but today I gave blood so I am worn out. Did not go to Curves. I usually go 4/ 5 days a week. Only slip was at the bloodbank but they make you drink juice and then eat crackers and/or cookies afterwards. Note I say make you, the woman would not let me leave until I drank and ate. If I had been thinking I would have had a carb bar in my pocketbook. Will remember next time. No dinner as I am not really hungry, just lots of water and maybe an Atkins shake. I am trying to listen to my body, not my head (or the Fat fairy altho I think she is bugging someone else tonite and hopefully no one in our group.)
Nicole,MY DH is very supportive and hides his snacks. He very rarely eats them around me. Plus the TV and the computer are in separate parts of the house so If he is snacking I do not see it.
I am rambling a bit so I will say goodnite to you all.:)
Jodie

[Finflapper]

While taking my walk tonight. I gave alot of thought to the "Stuffed Feeling". Ya all know what I'm talking about. As I reflect back, I realize I used to think that "stuffed feeling" was my signal that I had enough to eat. It never dawned on me that it meant..."I had too much to eat." Yep, it is so true what they say about eating slowly. If you eat slowly, your digestive processes have sufficient time to get the message to your brain that you are no longer hungry. Thus, there is really no need to continue eating! You will find that you have more energy and you don't feel like taking a nap. That "stuffed feeling" only makes you sluggish and tired and you can't burn calories feeling like that. Be concsiously aware of when your hunger feeling disappears and then, just stop eating. Put the rest away in the fridge for another meal or toss it...depending what is left.

My own conclusion: My body is content with eating half the amount of food I used to eat at one meal. If I encounter that "stuffed feeling", I know I ate too fast and that feeling of being stuffed is no longer a feeling of contentment, but now, it is a feeling of discontentment.

The 3 C's = the 4th. C
Cakes, Cookies, Candies = Calories

My message to the "Fat Fairy"........Ha! You didn't win today!

Regina

[Finflapper]

Ooooooh Jodie! I am so proud of you! Your thinking is on target. And so nice to know your hubby is being supportive.

Everyone hang in there. Weigh in is just around the corner.

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning all,
Just having my coffe then off to Curves. I have to work tonight:( I usually take a Weight Watchers dinner and fatfree pudding or a lean cusine dinner. They help me keep my portion control under control:)
Regina I know what you mean by stuffed, now when I start to feel that way I stop eating whether I have food on my plate or not. Then I save it and if I feel hungry later I will eat it then since my points are already figured in for the day so I am not going over;)
Jodie my husband is the same way he will buy me low point snacks or eat his when I am not around. By the way when I made that casserole I used lo carb macaroni. Maybe you can eat that.
well got to run, Have a great day all. Lani

[mnywmn1]

Hi again everyone. I'm still stuck at 15 pound weight loss (on Atkins) for the last two weeks. I've been doing about 10 minutes of the Slim-In-Six exercise program and can notice some size difference, but no more pounds off. Maybe too much salt in my diet. Thanks for everyones support.
Ann

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi Ann, I was always told when you get stuck on a plateau to do something to jar your metabolism, such as maybe when doing aerobics speed up a little for a minute or two then go back to your usual rythumn for 5 min. then speed up again for one min. Or if you are doing strength training then add a few more reps. Just do something a little different for a while to wake your body up. But like I always say inches off are as good as pounds off:D They both mean I am getting smaller:p Have a good day. Lani

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hello all!
I'm just getting caught up reading and I LOVE hearing all you are saying. One of my problems biggest problems in this weight loss thing is this:

I had a brain injury 1.5 years ago. I'm doing much better, but I get dizzy, lose my balance, have some seizures (which I'm on medication for) etc. I'm not able to exercise like I would like to! :( I ran around the backyard with my dog last night and ended up having a seizure. :rolleyes: (fabulous...huh?) I'm doing "light" (5-9 pound) weight lifting with hand weights to get my arms toned, but I'm missing that aerobic thing! I'd LOVE to do Curves (I have friends on that) or get back to what I used to love....Jazzercise (it's SO FUN!).

Do any of you have any suggestions for that exercise thing? I walk fast at work, take stairs when I can etc. Getting on a treadmill for me is really hard because I get dizzy. Same with a stationary (or not) bike! Help! I'm feeling frustrated with not being able to be more active. All I do is sit or walk around and drink water! There has GOT to be something else I can do!

I'm sure glad I have you guys! :)

[Finflapper]

Lani, silly me...it didn't even occur to me to buy low carb egg noodles. In fact, I didn't even know they existed. Thanks for the tip.

Ann, I'd rather be on a plateau rather than down in the valley :) A person can see a wider range of things....which means, you can see your goal better. Sounds like you are doing good. Right now, I'm on a plateau also, but hoping another pound will be lost by this weekend.

Did anyone fall short this week? If so, time to tell all so we can get you on the right track again.

I personally feel I could have drank more water today. Hmmmmm, this seems to be a problem with me and I know if I drink more water, it will increase my metabolism to burn more calories. I just got to keep trying.

I will be going into New York City to meet some old friends and they will be treating hubby and I to dinner. I will use every bit of restraint cause I want to walk away with the biggest smile on my face knowing I gave a swift kick to the Fat Fairy. Her butt is going to be so sore when I get finished kicking her!

Will be lurking throughout the evening to see who else posted.

Your diet buddy,
Reg

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi,
AHHHH the dreaded stuffed feeling. I hate that and I get terrible heartburn . I have not suffered from that since I went back on the low carb program.

Lani, I will try your recipe with the low carb pasta I have.Thanks!:)

Ann, I agree with Lani, maybe an extra 10 minutes of exercise or an extra glass of water or two. Anything to jarr your metabolism.:rolleyes: Not giving into despair and hanging in there is so great!You can do it!

Kelly, that is a tough one. There must be something you can do. Maybe Pilates and yoga? I admire you and your enthusiasum.:)

Regina, No fear, the Fat Fairy is lost on the subway so will not be joining you and your hubby and friends!;)

As for me, today was good. I weighed myself this morning which I normally do not do(I just get too crazy). I try to keep it to once a week at weigh in. I put on a pair of pants this morn and they felt lose! I did not have to untie the waist to get them over my hips. OMG, 2 lbs is gone. I looked everywhere for them, even asked the cat if she had seen those 2 lbs.:eek: Nope they are gone, never to return! LOL! I have stayed on track, even sat with the "girls" at work for lunch and ate my chicken and salad and was very happy. I am off to Curves on my way home from work. Hope everybody else had a good day. Looking forward to hearing from you all!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

I'm about to convey some deep thoughts...get ready.

I just woke from taking a little nap and realized I had just had a dream about my deceased brother (who died 2 yrs. ago, age 48 from severe complications of Rhuematoid arthritis). The dream had taken me back to a time when he and I use to laugh and have good times. It was a good dream, yet going back was a little scary. Now that I'm fully awake, I realize that I am begining to feel like I can really "go back" to a time I was a normal weight, looked good and felt good.

My point: It is a good feeling to go back and as good as it is, it's going to be just a little scary. Getting rid of all the clothes in my closet, buying all new pretty styles, hearing compliments (and learning how to accept them), feeling like a whole new person which will inevitable make me aware of how much time I have wasted being heavy.

Yes, going back is a good thing and we will all be doing that at our own paces and we have to also know, little feelings of being scared will crop up as your body slowly begins to remind you of the good shapely figure you used to have. I know that sounds silly, but it really isn't. If anyone understands what I am saying, let me know cause it really is hard to put emotions into words. One thing I know for certain, I will have to teach myself how to accept a compliment. Compliments have always made me feel a little uncomfortable and that is something I will have to do some inner research with. For all I know, maybe that is one of the factors which caused me to gain weight and keep it on.

:) Jodie, I will be thinking of the subway this weekend....and I'm not talking sandwich...LOL I think I am just as eager for YOUR weigh in as I am with my own. You are on one heck of a positive track my friend.

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi Everyone, just got home from work so thought I wouldunwind and check the board before bed. Everyone has such good ideas on how to make this work for all of us.
Kelly I bet Yoga would be a good one for you. I had a head injury a few years back and use to black out, but my brain finally healed and I don't need my medication anymore:)
Jodie I think you will like the casserole, I think the low carb noodles are just as good as the others, couldn't tell the difference.
Regina I know what you mean about compliments I have a hard time accepting them too, never felt I deserved them I guess.
Well all I am going to bed I have to get early and exercise:D
Good Night and wishing everyone slender dreams:) Lani

[Finflapper]

Good Morning Ladies

Just dropped in to wish everyone a good diet day.

Lani...those black outs you used to get must have been real scary. My daughter used to black out, and one day (when I was working as a nurse), I did an EKG on her at my job and discovered she had a 2nd. degree heart block and an electrical conduction problem. She has a pace-maker today and she no longer passes out. Another success story :)

Okay, time to get ready for work.

TGIF everyone!!!!!
Regina

[MiamiNicole]

Hi everyone...
What courage you have Kelly, I admire your desire to succeed with such a challenge. I think pilates would be a good exercise program for you!
It is great 3X cruiser that you can picture yourself at your goal weight, I wish I could do that (I have never been more than 3-4 lbs thinner than I am right now).

Well, I did my own weigh in today because Sunday weigh in for me isn't as accurate (I don't eat much on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday because those are the days I am out with friends at clubs, parties, or at the park with my boyfriend, tend to weigh less on Sunday than during the week). I am very perplexed that I ganed almost a 1 lb? Last week I lost 2 this week I gaine 1? Ate exactly the same and worked out twice as much? I sometimes gain weight in the beginning due to muscle gain, I tend to muscle up quick. Do you guys think it is that??

I guesss I should try and drink some more water. Good luck to you all this weekend I will check in on Sunday. I am so proud of everyone!

Nicole

Start weight: 160.8
Last Sunday: 158
Today: 158.8
Goal: 135-140 (by December 26th)

[Finflapper]

Kelly: I must have missed your post about you getting dizzy with certain exercise. Frankly, I'm not going to be much assistance to you in that area cause I'm in the same boat, but with disc problems. You really should consult your doctor on this one. We are all going to be losing at different times because some of us are able to exercise more than others. I have concluded it is better to lose slowly, rather than risk getting another herniated disc.

Nicole....just from what you are describing, it certainly sounds like muscle and not fat

Regina

[Finflapper]

Cup low fat plain yogurt
Cinnamon powder (to taste)
1 or 2 packets sweet & low
mix all together well

Total calorie= 160 So why not have two cups :)

Regina

[Kelly in Colorado]

Lani, Jodie, Nicole, Regina & All!

Thank you for such warm, supportive and encouraging words! I don't feel courageous, but your words make me realize how far I've come! I especially LOVE hearing that medications (at least not the kind I'm on right now!:rolleyes: ) may NOT be lifelong! :) Thank you for sharing that ESPECIALLY!

Today I walked my butt off! I can't drive, so when my "driver" (she hates it when I call her that!) picked me up from work today, I told her to drop me off at an estate sale that was about 10 blocks from home, and then I walked the rest of the way! FAST! With major BUTT SQUEEZING! I love that! Makes me feel olympic like! :cool:

Have a Fabulous Friday Evening!

[Finflapper]

Oooooh.....Kelly you have a driver???? And live in area with estates????? Okay, I want to come and visit you for my next vacation All joking aside... I thought I was the only one here that did butt exercise when walking....LOL.

Things I have noticed lately:

I walked into a cosmetic store tonight and there were more women heavier than me :)

Walking down the grocery isle in local store, I find myself gazing at all the stuff I used to eat....like Drakes cup cakes, cookies and junk food and I feel the withdrawal like a junkie getting off drugs.:(

I listen to the radio and am amazed at how many food commercials I here when I never heard them before:confused:

Temptations to cheat are entering the head and I am fighting them off better than I have in the past:D

Hurray for another day closer to my goal:p

[cmjaffe]

I've just been lurking through the last few posts and I think I might have some "suggestions" for you, Regina.
I, too, have 3 herniated discs.. have had them for several years now... have been fearful/limited of exercises since I know what a flare up feels like and I CAN'T afford to blow any of the discs.. will avoid sugery at all costs... (I've had a bad experience w/the epidural treatment and another surgery that was successful <neck tumor> but left part of my face a bit numb...) unless all else fails w/treatment and I'm crawling and unable to partially function...
well enough about me.
I find that I CAN use the Precor 546 elliptical machine (not the cross trainer) will NO effect on my back. I get the aerobic workout I need to maintain my weight loss (I've been maintaining for 4 years now from losing 35lbs on Atkins). I find the other elliptical Xtrainers and even other Precor machines seem to aggrevate my back. It works for me. I've been very wary about trying some weight training and I avoid the trainers at my gym since I'm not sure if they're "careful" enough about my back.
I also find that if I avoid loading up on carbs (good, bad or other carbs) my back is fine... I find certain weather conditions (the autumn sometimes act up) and carbs make the symptoms worse.
Good luck everone with whatever plan you choose.
Carolyn

[Kelly in Colorado]

Carolyn,

Wise words! I hope you'll keep sharing!

Ok....clarifications......my "driver" is my mom.....and the estate sale was a woman who had lived in the same house for over 80 years (she was 93 when she died) and her home smelled like perfume and smoke. Not the Beverly Hills neighborhood Regina painted for me! Sorry! ;)

One thing, though....I sure don't want my entire LIFE on sale for a 3 day weekend someday! This woman had the most spectacular collection of avon decanter bottles! Wow! It was kindof sad!

I found a purple "flapper" style dress in her belongings that I think I will go back and get tomorrow. It would be a WONDERFUL cruise dress and it is a smaller size, so it may be a good incentive dress. Hmmmmmm.......something to think about!

Have a good evening all!
:p

[CrazyforCruisin]

:cool: Hi everybody!
Yipee, one day closer. I stayed on track today. Just finished my dinner, cold peeled shrimp and home grown tomatoes. As I said, I am on modified Atkins and I know tomatoes have more carbs than other vegetables but living here in the Willamette Valley I grow alot of our vegetables and fruit. There is nothing like the taste of home grown tomatoes, and cucumbers too! I refuse to give that up. I have been eating low carb cole slaw and mashed caluiflower for the last couple days along with my protein. I know, mashed caluiflower!? :eek: YuK! But if you miss mashed potatoes... I add butter, sour cream, roasted garlic and parmesan cheese and it is actually not bad, very filling and very little carbs. One head makes enough for about 4 days. Same with the cole slaw. I also grow raspberries, blue berries and strawberries, apples, peaches, cherries and pears. Sounds like alot of work but it really isn't, especially if you love to garden which I do. It is so rewarding to go out and pick raspberries to put on my cottage cheese or low carb pancakes.I am looking forward to putting in my fall bulbs soon. I read somewhere that gardening is one of the best exercises women can do to avoid osteoporis due to all the different movements, pushing, pulling, walking etc. Ok I am rambling. I just miss you guys during the day while at work so I look forward to coming home and reading and sharing.

Kelly, I agree, how sad to have your whole life on sale for a weekend. But good for you for asking your "driver" (that is too funny!) to let you out to walk home. Any exercise will help.

Regina, OMG I do the same thing in the grocery store. I go down the cookie aisle and drool. But I do tell all my favs that I cannot be friends with them anymore and do not, cannot invite them home!!!! I also find that when I watch TV, the fast food or any food commercials make me crazy! That is why most of the time I am in here on the computer and not watching the tube with my DH.

Well I have rambled enough for now. I am looking forward to the weigh in, at least right now. My goal is in front of me and I will DO IT! And so will all my friends here! Happy Friday eve!:D
Jodie

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi All, I just got home from work and thought I would unwind by reading all the posts. I had a really bad day at work, all my residents seem to be getting sick, so there was a lot to do and a lot of
doctor calls to make, sooooooooooooo I hate to say it but I dug into my flex points a little:( I did work out before work though so at least that may help some. I did notice that I could wear a uniform top that was kind of tight before and is loose now so that made me feel good, so whenever I wanted to eat some thing bad I looked at the room in the top:)
Jodie i have tried the mashed cauliflower and it can taste surprisingly alot like mashed potatoes;) My DH does all our gardening. We do a lot of freezing and canning. I love to go out and pick my veggies, we don't have too much fruit growing yet though.
Well I am off to bed, I am beat tonight.
Take care all, Lani

[Finflapper]

Lani, sorry you had a bad day at work. Hopefully you'll have a better day tomorrow.

Hello to everyone and hope everyone is doing good. I am getting ready to go into Manhattan to meet some friends who flew in from Texas. We will be meeting in area known as Little Italy located on Mulberry Street. This is a lions den for anyone on a diet! The street is lined with fabulous Italian restaurants on both sides and the aromas of some of the best foods in the world will be in the air. So here goes my biggest test of all. Will report in when I get back.

Hang in there everyone!
Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning All
Happy Weekend, Regina sounds like you are in for a challenge, but I know you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!;) I am sure I will have a better day today, just hated that feeling of wanting to make it better with food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did better than I would have though. I try to pack snacks that are low in points but tasty, last night I had oreo crisps in my bag that I had figured in my points for the day so that helped with nervous choc. attack :D I also had a 1 point carrot cake packed so that all helped.
sure hope everyone has a great weekend and weigh in tomorrow.
Take care Lani

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Morning!
Lani, hope you have a great day today!:) Try to think of other ways to beat the frustration munchies besides eating sweets. When I get frustrated like I did the other day at my boss,:mad: I went to Curves at lunch and just "beat" up the resting boards. I was running so fast, I had my heart rate up way to high and had to slow down. But it worked and when I got back to work, I ate my lunch and felt great. Felt like I had not only beat the fat fairy but also my boss! :D So maybe you could just talk a quick walk to the ladies room or outside. Not sure what you do at work ( I am guessing health care) anyhow, I know how you feel.

Regina, Oh I am so jealous. :p I do miss NYC so much sometimes! I used to love to go to Little Italy. Doesn't matter what resaurant, they are all good. My favorite is La Luna. They are all dangerous places for those of us who are Food Junkies. Just think, you could take your friends for a walk after dinner and burn some of those calories. Can't wait for you post when you get back.
Well, I am off to Curves this morn. Did not go yesterday so back on today. Where is everyone else? Hope you all have a great weekend!:)
Jodie

[cmjaffe]

Regina,
Didn't realize you're on Long Island.
I'm in central CT... in a town half way between Hartford and New Haven...
but I've been down in Baldwin ALOT (too much actually)
Mom's there now and I have to make sure that she's taken care of
(housebound and new widow) and trying to get house in order in Baldwin to get on market by February.. talk about 30+ years of accumulated stuff..
can't believe so much of it now is "in vogue"... just to figure out where to bring it since I'm not familiar w/any dealers and I don't want to cart too much back w/me (I'm already a clutter princess... don't want to be clutter queen).
Right now I'm sticking w/low carb.
Since I've been under mega stress for a LONG time now I've been popping Cortislim on a daily basis (since July 11). It seems to help me cope w/life's major stresses and manage my weight since I haven't been able to work out on a regular basis any more (Mom, lawyers, MY kids <who I've been away from way too much on more than off since June.... thank goodness DH had some time from work so he handled everything on OUR homefront this summer). I actually have been able to get the scale to creep down a wee bit... not as much as I like but I'm in maintaining more than losing and esp. since I haven't been drinking my water AND haven't been able to exercise (but luckily back is OK lately) I'm grateful.
Hope everyone has a great weekend... enjoy the autumn.. winter's not too far away.
Carolyn

[Kelly in Colorado]

Happy Saturday, All!

My dog (a 2 year old Scottie named Kadie) just took me for a butt-squeezing walk! We walked very fast for about 40 minutes. My goal is to not poop out before she does!:rolleyes:

I have a really hard time eating well, so instead, I eat less of what I eat. Last night I went out to dinner with some friends and I ate half of my meal and brought the rest home. I ate really slowly and drank 3 glasses of water instead of 3 pops! I'm really proud of that...because it is VERY hard to do! What's nice is that I can enjoy the meal today, too!:)

Those of you who cook....boy am I jealous! I am too lazy and too much of a bad cook to cook for myself. I always end up eating more than I should, because cooking for 1 is so hard! I used to have a neat little cookbook in college that was meals for 1 (now where is that?).

Carolyn....long live the clutter princesses!!!! ;)
Jodie....I hope you had a FABULOUS workout at Curves!
Regina.....I AM SO JEALOUS!!! I LOVE NYC!!! Good luck with you meal out! I KNOW you can do it!
Lani...I'm so sorry you had a bad day at work! I wish I was there for you! :) I hope you have a 150% better Saturday! Don't be hard on yourself for falling backwards......just keep pushing forwards! I ate a WHOLE BAG of cheetos a couple of weeks ago! I thought I would DIE!!! But, instead....I had to work harder the next day! Phewww.....that was my learning lesson!
Nicole, Ann, and everyone else....Where the heck are you, girlfriends?? Are you all going to check in tomorrow? I hope so! I couldn't be doing this without all of you!

Talk to you soon!
Kelly
Start: 149
Last Sunday: 147
Realistic Goal: 135
Trophy Model Unrealistic Dreaming Goal That May be Achieved if I STARVE: 125

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi,
This morning at Curves they had this wonderful quote on the board and I knew I had to share it with all of you.

There are only 2 things that prevent you from accomplishing your goals;:(

FEAR and SELF DOUBT:eek:

When you learn to trust yourself and ask for help, the world gets a whole lot easier.;)
Wyatt Webb

I am printing this out and putting it on my fridge and on my board at work. I have always had so much self doubt,less since I have gotten older but still more than I should. The fear I have pretty much conquered, but asking for help was a hard one to over come. By posting on this board, I asked for and got help and support from all of you. My little world and goal has become easier this week. I love reading about Kelly's butt squeezes and Nicole's bouts with chips and her BF and Lani's good and bad days at work and Regina's wonderful advice( I feel she is kinda the "MOM" of the group as she is so giving and kind and worries about us.) and everyone else that I have forgotten their names cause my memory is shot....LOL!
Any how, thanks to all of you. TOGETHER WE CAN DO IT!
See ya all later this eve!
PS Kelly I love your signature about reality and dreaming! Please don't starve but I bet you can reach that 125 just like I can reach that 180.(160 would be divine on my 5'10" large frame!AHHHH to dream.....)
Later,
Jodie

[CrazyforCruisin]

Oh one other thing, I am just curious how old everyone is? I will tell if you all do. LOL!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

Ladies....it was worse than a lions den for a dieter. Hubby and I had met our friends on Mulberry Street and they had already picked the restaurant they wanted to eat at,... named Fiori's Italian Restaurant. As I looked at the luncheon menu, there was not one dietetic, low calorie item listed. I was very greatful I had skipped breakfast and lunch cause I suspected this might happen. I did have one alcoholic beverage and we all toasted our reunion. I refused second drink when the waitress came around for refills. The main meal was pizza...very thin type which I was glad for. When it came time for dessert, hubby and I shared by cutting it in half....I guess you all want to know what it was? Okay, it was a homemade cannoli. In pre-diet days, I would have had no problem eating the whole thing. Our luncheon lasted 4 hours (not because we were eating all that time, but because we actually sat at tables outside the restaurant and were not hurried), and we all ended with a cup of cappuccino. As I said earlier, NOTHING on the menu was dietetic, so under the situation, I tried to use the best judgement possible by not going for the huge pasta dishes, refusing second drink and sharing dessert. I probably hit my total daily calorie intake on this luncheon. Will I be doing it again? Not until next year when they come for a visit to the city again. The good news: I got a heck of a lot of walking in today and feel it could have saved the day in burning calories. No dinner for me tonight in spite of it. Wish my report was a better one. Hope my weigh in tomorrow shows all the days of this past week which were good diet days.

Carolyn: So sorry to hear your mother is newly widowed. Watching over an elderly parent can be a very stressful situation. I managed my mother's affairs for the last 7 years of her life. She used to be a very independent women, then she lost both her legs due to peripheral disease. It wasn't easy for either of us. So my new friend, you have my admiration for being supportive toward your Mom in her time of need.

Jodie: I wanted to be an inspiration for you and everyone posting and I feel I have failed with my report today. My apologies....I will do better tomorrow.

Kelly: I like the way you list your stats. You have to know your goal is obtainable.

Nicole and Ann don't forget to weigh in tomorrow. Hope to see EVERYONE weigh in tomorrow.

BTW: My age is listed in my "profile" :)

I'll be popping in and out before the night is over to see who else may have posted.

Regina

[Kelly in Colorado]

I'm 37 (will be 38 in March!) My mom says you are only as old as your hair-do makes you look! So really.....I'm like 24! (giggle!)

Also, I'm a pediatric speech-language pathologist! Great profession for a gal with a head-injury, huh?:p

Sweet dreams everyone!:)

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi Everyone, just got home from work and it was a much better night:p I am a nurse in a nursing home, this is the time of year when they get pneumonia and start going down in health so the stress level goes up alot. But I love taking care of my residents and their families, they are all like family. I wish I could trade them appetites:D
Thank You All for all your kind words and thoughts. This group is the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A thought for the day: I don't want my greatest skill to be my ability to eat! from the book Devotion for Dieters.
till later at weigh in. Lani

[Finflapper]

Loss: 1 pound......Yippeeee!
Total Loss= 18 pounds
reason: I increased water intake and all but for one meal this week, I stuck to my diet.

Phew! I can't say I wasn't nervous when I got on that scale, but it appears my endeavors for the most part of this week paid off.:D

Hey Lani, when I did nursing, I specialized in geriatric care. Worked in nursing home and did private duty. I loved it and wouldn't trade those years for anything. See ya later on the board. Okay, who will be next?

Regina

[Finflapper]

I was just reviewing some of the past posts. Looks like I missed a few. Carolyn, sorry to learn of your 3 herniated discs. Looks like we are just two of many out there who will have to use caution in the things we do for the rest of our lives. One of the things I decided for myself was to buy one of those swedish foam beds a year ago. It is unbelievable! Although, it was expensive and took me a year to pay it off, it was worth every penny. I no longer wake in pain and I sleep like I am in a cloud. Since the purchase of that bed, I feel as if I have gotten my life back. I can now handle any discomforts brought on by damp, rainy days or when I do something stupid like lift something I know I shouldn't have. Hey, I could do a great commercial for that company...LOL. Anyway, just had to share with you.

Regina

ps. should you want to read up on it, just go to www.abed.com (http://www.abed.com)

[heavenlyflower44460]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! Way to go Regina. Well I am up 1 pound 171:( :( But I think it may be water weight since my rings are tight this morning, so we will see. Not going to beat myself up over it since I know weight flucuates with muscle weight and water etc. :rolleyes: well got to run and jump in the shower. see ya all on the boards later maybe. Have a great sunday all. Lani

NEXT:D

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Morning!:)
Quick post as I am out the door!
Weight - 229
Loss - 3lbs
Mood - Happy Dance around the scale!:D
DOB 2/11/50

I pretty much stayed on the program,took my supplements everyday, 8-10 glasses of water a day and Curves 4 x this week and alot of support from my DH and new friends on this board! Gotta run. See you all later!

[heavenlyflower44460]

Alllllright Jodie, way to go. I forgot to put my age down, Birthday 10-06-51 Oh and I forgot to mention I did lose 5 inches:D Must have still been asleep when I first posted;) Lani

NEXT:D

[Finflapper]

Lani.....You have a good attitude toward your 1 pound gain. It's going to drop by next weigh in I'm sure of that. Sounds like you are aware of it to. Keep plugging away!

Jodi: Lady ...you are amazing me. A big hug and congratulations for your 3 pound loss. I am so happy for you.

Who's next?

[Finflapper]

Lani....5 inches?!!!! From your waist? Or does that include hip & thighs? You've been really working out!

How many of us have received comments about our weight loss appearance from family and/or co-workers?

My hubby comments daily saying how much better I look. My boss one morning said,"Hello skinny" and believe me, I am far from skinny, but that was his way of saying he noticed I lost weight. The woman I work with has said nothing and she is still bringing in cakes and bakery goodies for everyone. She looks too thin to be considered healthy looking. Go figure.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Instead of buying regular applesause, buy the yucky one with no sugar and no fat. Just add your powdered cinnamon and sweet & low. Wow...what a great taste for only 60 calories per 2/3 cup. You get your fruit and your sweet tooth with love ya :)

I'll check in later tonight for the rest of you weigh inners.

Regina

[MiamiNicole]

Congrats to all of you who lost and for those who didn't (myself included) we will for sure loose next week!!

Well, I weighed in again at 158. I went to the gym and worked out a lot, but I wasn't too good with my alcohol intake last night (there was a huge bday party at a nice club here in the city!!) it is very difficult with all of the parties, clubs etc. to minimize alcohol on the weekend., especially since i am still really young.

I am still down a couple lbs, but I am thinking 135-140 by dec 26th may be tougher than I thougt, it might just be too much for me to loose. i am 5'8, I am rethinking my goals. I think inches may be a better judge for me. This weight thing is driving me crazy!!!!

Well, I will try harder this week with limiting my salt (my weakness), Good luck to ya'll and congrats for a great week!
MiamiNicole

[Kelly in Colorado]

What a BEAUTIFUL day in Colorado!!! I just got home from the Race for the Cure 5K walk. My mom is a survivor! (Yeah!) I didn't think I would do the walk....just walk around the booths....but my boyfriend and my sister talked me into it.......It was 3 miles from the car to the start of the race....another 2 miles around the booths....then 3.2 miles for the race.....then 3 miles back to the car! I'm Pooped!

I treated myself to a brunch out with my sister, brother, sister-in-law and my boyfriend! I ate FRENCH TOAST! Yikes! I won't step on a scale for a couple of days! But....I think it will be ok! My legs hurt so much.....I think I walked about 400 million calories off today!
I'm off to nap!
Dinner tonight with my Boyfriend's family! His mom's 80th birthday is today! Yeah! Gonna be careful! : )

Good job everyone!!! Even those who gained a little.....it was just a little.....NO BIG DEAL!!! You gals are FABULOUS!:)


Kelly

Start: 149
Last Sunday: 147
Today: 145
Realistic Goal: 135
Trophy-Model Unrealistic Dreaming Goal That May be Achieved if I STARVE: 125

[Kelly in Colorado]

Nicole....
I wanted to tell you that I don't think your goals are unrealistic! I think you and I want to both lose the same amount of weight (about 20 pounds) by December! So....Let's push each other! I'm not drinking alcohol AT ALL!!! Just water! A LOT! I can drink on the cruise....but I will be disciplined not to drink now....(just thinking about that dress on the cruise and how I want it to fit!) If I don't do it now....I can later! ;)

Don't change your goals! We can do this, ok? Have a 10 pound limit that you MUST lose, and then make another 10 pound limit that will be the INCENTIVE loss for that wonderful dress, swimsuit, etc. you want to wear, but can't right now! We can do this!

Hang in there!
Kelly

[PJAttic]

Down 1.5 lbs. I too celebrated a bit too much this weekend. I need to cut out the vino until we cruise, then I can really celebrate. Congratulations to everyone this week. Even when you gain a little as long as you face it you are winning. Nothing taste as good as being skinny feels :}
Have a great week.

[MrsPete]

Hi, folks. I'm a little late coming into this thread, but I'd like to join the group. I'm reading this on Sunday night, and I've been eating like a pig all day. I'm not about to do a weigh-in now! Should I weigh in tomorrow (Monday) morning, or should I wait until next Sunday?

Where do I post my weigh-in?

Right now I weigh about 140, which doesn't sound too bad until you realize that I'm only 5'. My goal is 110 pounds. I've been gaining a bit here and there lately, and I've been saying that I need to start a diet soon -- this is a good motivation for me to start NOW.

As a general rule, I do fine all day at work. Then I come home and I eat, eat, eat, eat, eat. Any ideas for me? It's not a matter of being hungry -- it's just habit and availability -- the usual.

I'm thinking of aiming for 1000 calories per day (if that sounds low, remember I'm only 5'), increasing my water intake, and trying to exercise more (that's the hard part for me).

Laura

[cmemoriesjen]

Hello Ladies !!


Great job everyone ! Lani it sounds like you are on the right track - you may be building muscle with your steady workouts thus the gain. I'd be thrilled with the loss in inches compared to pounds! If you think about it that is really all of our goal, to be smaller in girth!! Jodie you make me proud !! Regina slow and steady is the way to do it as you already know, 1 pound less is 1 pound that's gone for good! Kelly - WOOHOO ! Nicole don't give up !! You can do it! Nope it won't be easy & nope it won't happen overnight. It can happen though! One thing you may want to do is change what you drink when your out. I don't know what you normally drink but there are all sorts of ways to cut out the extra calories and sugar while still having a good time & getting a buzz!

I haven't had a chance to post much this week, sorry! I have however been sneaking every chance to read everything! The diet program that I am on is called ediets and can be found at ediets .com. The reason I choose this is I could pick what plan I wanted, they offer their own (which is what i am doing) Atkins, Southbeach, I think Dr Phil and a slew of others. The reason that i like this one so much is that they provide my menu for the week, give me the option of swithching meals that I wouldn't like for things I would, provide all recipes ( I forgot who said that they have a hard time finding recipes for one, but all of their recipes are for one!) or gives me the option of choosing from a restaurant or prepackaged (for those of you who don't like to cook !!) and they provide a grocery list. When i follow the plan faithfully :rolleyes: I loose between 2-3 pounds weekly! It is a pay service but for me it's worth it - i can do it from the comfort of my home and not have to go out to weight watchers , watch points or anything like that. Just follow the menu! It may help some of you out. Anyways, I'll post some of the recipes that my family really liked for everyone. i'll try to do at least one a week.

I suppose that I have stalled long enough.......

Start weight- 150
Last week -150
This week-150

I look at those figures and think- crap! That's 3 weeks= at least 3 pounds that I should have lost! Yes, I haven't gained but that is opportunity that I let get away from me. The past weekend was a bust, and I am grateful I guess that I didn't gain from it ! BUT..... I had Kentucky Fried chick, potatoes with gravy and coleslaw for dinner Thursday night! The funny thing is I had craved fried chicken for weeks, finally gave in and it tasted horrible! Has anyone else noticed that as you change your eating habits that foods you used to love and now crave just don't taste that great anymore when you do give in? I also only worked out once! I did however spend quite a bit of time gardening and we loaded a couple of chords of wood today! So there was some activity level at least! I also found i did pretty well when i kept a food log with calorie count compared to the days I didn't. Well I do have at least 1 valid excuse :D for giving into the chicken and not loosing, it's THAT week. I guess I can look at the last three weeks as that is what I can eat to maintain when I finally loose what I need to !


When I lost the first 12 pounds my husband would come home from work and say how much younger I looked and at least once a day would say I was really pretty!! Talk about ego booster! Not so much about loosing weight but other aspects of my looks. I think I will use that as my motivation this week! It made me feel so good before! BTW - 07/15/71 is my birthdate.

My goals for this week-
-3 pounds, more water, Pilates 3X, Walk 2-3 miles 2X, ( can substitute it with doing wood/ aggresive gardening-I need to put my vegetable garden to bed for the winter!) and most of all sticking to my ediets meal plan!


Thanks for letting me ramble on girls! I hope that we hear from all of the rest! We have quite a big group now!
Jen

[Finflapper]

Joining our group is your positive first step. We will support you through your loss and give encouragement when you gain. We only ask there be no judgement. Helpful advice as you learn new things is always welcomed. We have two nurses among us....myself and Lani. My personal feeling is a 1000 calorie diet is too low. A woman's metabolism needs sufficient nutrition and I believe you can get the results you seek with a minimum 1200 calorie diet without depriving your body.

Lani....what is your feedback on this for our new comer? Laura, she gets in late from work and I'm sure she will have some input for you later.

Laura, you said you eat out of habit and availability. My suggestion is to start planning to have healthy snacks available until you can break that habit of reaching for the food. You must try to "Reach for Your Goal" as one of our members said in previous message. Do you knit or crochet? Think of a hobby that will keep your hands busy and if you can't think of one, then type away and post here. There is no limit to posting and it may be just the the thing you need for now.

Your first weigh in will be next Sunday and I'm looking forward to it. Your goal is reachable, your mind must be determined more than ever now, and all of us ladies are here to support you through the process. Welcome to this determined group of ladies :)

Regina

[Finflapper]

Jen

What a great post! Enjoyed reading it very much. You still have a handle on it all. Ladies, no one here is expecting everyone to make it through "That Week" of the month without succumbing to a weakness. All the power to you if you can. As long as everyone recognizes that's all it is and it will pass, and there is no need to give up on your efforts.

Jen, you will show a loss next weekend because you really are on track in spite of "That Week." :) You recognized it....good for you!

Thanks for all your positive input. That's what keeps everyone going. Looking forward to those recipes.

Regina

[Finflapper]

We are missing 3 weigh inners today. Joanne, Ann, Carolyn where are you ladies? The day is still not up and unless you are away on vacation, there is still time to weigh in.

C'mon chick-a-dees, we miss you!

Regina

[joanne30]

Hi All

Sorry I'm so late posting but I have been on the go all day. I lost 1 pound
this week. I do really good all week and then along comes the weekend.
Oh well I'm happy that I lost. Congrats to all that lost and stayed the
same!!! To those that gained don't worry, you'll do better next week.

Regina just wanted to let you know all week I did nothing but think about
the fat fairy and that kept me on track.

I'm having alot of trouble with drinking water. I have never been much of
a water drinker and I know it would really help. I plan on trying to drink
more this week. Also I need to exercise more.

My father has been in the hospital since June. So everyday after work
I go to see him. This leaves me so little time for anything else.

Well ladies I wish all of you the best of luck this week.

Joanne

[Finflapper]

Joanne....congratulations on your 1 pound loss! Water is an issue with me to, so I drink crystal lite flavored drinks when I can and I am keeping a small dixie cup of water on my desk at work to serve as a reminder. I think I don't like water because it has no flavor to it. Keep trying with the water....it really tricks the metabolism into speeding up and it gives a full stomach feeling.

Sounds very stressful with your father being in the hospital since last June. If you need to talk about it, you can always e-mail at: 2Regina@optonline.net

I'm happy you lost weight. Glad you kept the Fat Fairy at bay....she must be pissed off by our group :)
Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi All, Just got home from and came straight up here to read the posts and stay away from the kitchen:D
Welcome Laura I think you will find this to be a great bunch of gals all with the same goals and great input. I am like you I go straight for food when I get home I think it is a confort thing for me, glad to be home from work and the stress. I am one of those emotional eaters I eat for every emotion there is:rolleyes: Now I try to keep better snacks or sugar free jello 0 points ya know;) Fruit, etc something lo cal but satisfying. I am measuring everything to keep my portion control under control.
Regina the 5 inches was all over, I can feel it in the way my clothes fit so I am happy with that.
Every one is doing great from what I read tonight. Keep up the good work. got to hit the sack for now, Going to exercise in the morning so got to get some sleep. Night All.

Thought for the Day; God brings me through EVERY situation whether large or small.

[Finflapper]

Well Ann and Carolyn, I waited for you gals to weigh in. Hope you'll be back for the next weigh in. If you feel your diet need wasn't met through these posts, please let us know so we can look to improve in what ever way possible.

Time for me to turn in for the night. Sweet dreams all you thinnies-to-be.

[mnywmn1]

Thanks to everyone for your great support. I have had computer problems the last three days, and have not been able to get on the thread. At yesterday's weigh-in I actually gained two pounds, however as of this morning, back to the 155 plateau. Unfortunately, I went over to a friends house Saturday night for dinner, and he prepared everyones plate in the kitchen before serving. He made a huge deal of having had cooked all day for the dinner party and I didn't have the heart to tell him that absolutely nothing on his menu was on the Atkins. So I ate the whole plate, and the worst part was, it didn't even taste good to me.....pork tenderloin in gravy, mashed potatoes, bread pudding, etc. Today I'm back to the diet strong. Only seven weeks to go before the cruise and I'd sure like to lose at least 10 more pounds.

Good luck everyone and happy Monday!!!

Ann

[cmjaffe]

Regina,
Sorry to disappoint you (and everyone else) but
A) I DON'T have (keep) a scale in my house and
B)... since I've been on this board a LONG time (well over a year) I DON't participate in weekly weighins.. it just doesn't work for me (no offense)
I've been more or less maintaining loss for quite some time..
would LOVE to lose 10 but I don't think it's going to be in the cards
Have had a problem w/scale and such (meaning creeping gain) for about a year now.. have been trying to figure out WHY w/MDs... but haven't quite got a handle on it yet.. think it's A)thyroid <though now on meds> B) age (46... so peri-m. time) and C) STRESS... have been under MEGA dose of this for well over 6 months now.. and have at least 6 months more of it ahead of me... though since July 11th I've been taking Cortislim.... can't endorse it for everyone BUT it's helped me through some MAJOR h*ll times (handling Dad's illness, medical mismanagement and passing and Mom's issues <housebound invalid who's now MY responsibility at 100 miles away> until the estate's settled and she's "in place -- putting her in facility hopefully by March)
I avoid taking ALL meds since I've a strict (rigid) Atkins follower (purist) and know that what I take (pill-wise) will effect the body. After a while I HAVE been able to take off the pesky 10 lbs... now I'd LOVE to lose another 10 to have a buffer, but will be content (I was going to say happy but that's not REALLY the truth) if I maintain at the weight I'm in.
I'll try to get my "old" usually exercise regime back on.. haven't been able to since June... too much juggle, but even w/o exercise the weight has been OK.
Have a great Monday everyone.
Carolyn

[MiamiNicole]

Feeling much more up today, just ate some healthy tuna salad and it is back to work! Missed the gym this morning, but will go for sure either tonight or early 2morrow. I need to watch my late night eating, I do great at the exercise, but bad at snacking. I am loosing inches though! Waist went from 29 to 27.8!

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT DIET MONDAY!
Nicole

[Finflapper]

Ann, wow, you were put in some situation, but I'm glad you are on track again. Next time you find yourself in situation like that, try to withhold from eating everything on the plate, or better yet, call ahead of time to let your friend be aware of your diet. As your friend, he might want to be given the chance to accommodate you rather than make you feel obligated. Just a thought for the next situation. You have been on the plateau for some time now. Have you tried to increase your physical activity? What are your plans to break this plateau of your?

Regina

[Finflapper]

Carolyn

Thanks for the explanation. Just want you to know you are always welcomed to post on this thread should you feel the need.

Have a great day.
Regina

[Finflapper]

Nicole

Breaking old habits isn't easy at first, but eventually we teach ourselves better ways and even become comfortable with them. Losing inches in the waist tells me you are on your way to a new you. Keep going my friend! :)

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi again everyone, just taking a break from cleaning house. I am off today. got up bright and early and went to Curves:) then came home and and started cleaning. I need to keep busy to keep my mind off FOOD:D Hope everyone is having a great day and drinking lot of WATER. I enjoy the chrystal lite too, it kind of keeps my sweet tooth satisfied;) well better go get back to cleaning. Take care all, Lani

[Finflapper]

Hey Lani.....a woman's work is never done, right? Glad you are keeping busy. If anyone has noticed, I post alot:rolleyes: cause it is good therapy for me on this diet. Keeping busy doing anything but eating is good.....right ladies?

Well, my friends.....it's finally happening. I am finally accepting my new life style with my new eating habits. It has taken me 3 months to make the adjustment in my attitude and I find I no longer need to indulge myself in junk food. I am feeling very pleased with myself right now if I do say so. :) Attitude adjustment is the biggest factor when it comes to wanting to eat right.

Dinner tonight consisted of:

1 filet of flounder (steamed in microwave) covered with seran wrap (keeps from drying out)
1 cup of low carb egg noodles
1 1/2 cup broccoli/carrot medley
1 8 oz. crystal lite ice tea

dessert: 2/3 cup applesause sweentened with S&L and cinn. powder

I am feeling totally content after that meal! Hmmmm....never thought I would say that.

Regina

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hi All! I found this information on alternative ways to get water! Thought I'd share! Interesting!

You know you should be drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, but did you know you can get some of those recommended 8 to 12 (8-ounce) glasses per day from foods and beverages?


Certain foods have a high water content that can contribute to your daily fluid requirement. To boot, they are low in calories, so they’ll help fill you up on less. Try these alternatives:

1. Jazz up a plain glass of water by adding a spritz of lemon or lime, or a splash of fruit juice.

2. A whopping 90 percent of your morning orange juice or milk counts toward your daily fluid allowance. A glass of milk will also provide 1/3 of your daily calcium requirement -- orange juice offers 100 percent of your daily vitamin C.

3. Foods that melt at room temperature, such as gelatin or ice cream, contain a fair share of water. A 3-ounce cup of JELL-O will provide 1/2 cup of water, while 1 cup of frozen yogurt or a 2-ounce ice pop will give you 1/3 cup of water.

4. A serving of soup provides 3/4 cup of fluid. But be sure to choose low-salt varieties (look for those with five percent or less sodium per serving). Or make your own soups using fresh veggies and broth.

5. Believe it or not, 70 percent of that 11-ounce smoothie counts toward your fluid allowance (1 cup). Watch out for ready-made versions, which can be jammed with unwanted calories. Make your own, using fat-free milk and your favorite fruit for a refreshing, nutritious and low-calorie drink.

6. Most fruits and vegetables are 80 percent water, so they can contribute 3 to 4 cups toward your fluid intake. Meet both your daily fluid requirement and your fruit and veggie recommendation of five a day. Here are some higher water-containing fruits and vegetables (over 90 percent water).

<LI>Watermelon (1/16th wedge) = 1 1/3 cups water

<LI>Strawberry halves (1 cup) = 3/4 cup water

<LI>Apple or apricot, or 1 1/2 cups grapes = 1/2 cup water

<LI>Squash (1 cup cooked) = 3/4 cup water

<LI>Broccoli or cauliflower (1 serving) = 2/3 cup water

<LI>Cabbage (1 cup shredded) = 1/2 cup water

<LI>Cucumbers, radishes or celery (1 cup sliced) = 1/2 cup water

<LI>Carrots (1 cup) = 2/3 cup water

<LI>Lettuce, shredded (1 cup) = 1/3 cup water

<LI>Green peppers (1 cup sliced) = 1/3 cup water

7. One cup of cooked pasta and rice will provide 2/3 cup of fluid and 1/2 cup of fluid, respectively. If you have additional vegetables then you can double your intake of fluid! 8. A portion of gravy counts as almost 90 percent fluid

9. Avoid caffeinated beverages, such as tea, coffee and soft drinks as well as alcohol -- they can actually rob your body of water. Only 2/3 of a caffeinated drink counts toward your daily water intake (just 8 ounces of that 12-ounce diet soda).
10. Steer clear of foods with low water content, such as dried meat and fruit, chocolate, cookies and cakes. For example, a small amount of raisins (1.5 ounces) has the same calories as 1 1/2 cups grapes, but negligible water content.

[Finflapper]

As of our last weigh in:

5 lost weight

3 remained same

1 gained (temporary)

1 new member (1st. weigh in on next Sunday)


I would say that's a pretty good picture. Now, let's shoot for all losses next week cause that would be quite impressive. Are we a team? You bet!:)

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi again, I know what you mean Regina whenever I sit I come up to the computer to read the posts:p keeps my hands busy and me inspired. I had
Chicken Teriyaki 3pts
1/2 cup rice 3pts
salad / with 1 tbsp sesame soy dressing 1pt
tonight I am going to make no pudge brownies:D Has any one tried them?? you make it with fat free vanilla yogurt. 0 points:D
Hey Kelly you definately did your home work on hydration:) Very good info there.
Well catch all later, Lani

[Finflapper]

Hey Kelly.....that's quite an informative list. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to type it. From the looks of it.....I don't ever have to worry about being dehydrated! Got to still count my calories though. Your info will certainly come in handy!

Regina

[Finflapper]

Lani...come back!!!!!! I want that recipe of the no fudge brownie.....please? I know it will come in handy for "that week" of the month when my choc. craving takes over.

Regina

ps. Lani....yummie...good dinner!

[heavenlyflower44460]

Regina, No recipe it is a box mix called NO PUDGE they have raspberry choc, cuppuchino that is the one I am making now I got it in my giant eagle store in the organic section. I know you can get them on line too or find out which store sells them. I liked the spoon:p yummy so far:D I also have a recipe for cocola cake ever had that??? just choc. cake mix and diet cola. Then drizzle on fat free choc. syrup. really good:) Got to go rinse my hair and take the brownies out of the oven. lani

[Finflapper]

Lani.....Darn it....looks like I will be on a mission now. Hmmmm....never heard of cocola cake. No Eagle Stores here, but I will hunt it down. Thanks.

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Regina, www.nopudge.com:D I overbaked these by just a few min and they are so moist and chewy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Later, lani checking out recipes

[Finflapper]

Lani.....Keep it up.....you are a tease...LOL

I beat you to it anyway. I have already read up on it and discovered there are a few stores by me that sell it. HA! So I will be checking the stores tomorrow after work. Then....I can lick the spoon!!!!!

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Regina that is great, I was checking on all kinds of goodies but I figured the brownies at 0 points with my slider but a site I was at said 2 pts????????HUMMMMMM will have to check deeper into that. Wait till you taste them yummmmmmy.:D Lani

[Finflapper]

Lani....thanks. I probably would do myself some justice if I started looking into more recipes also.

To all the members looking in....have a skinny night :) and to all lurkers thinking about joining our group....C'mom over and join our crusade against the "Wicked Fat Fairy!"

Good night all.
Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Morning Everyone,
Sorry I have not been around, just kinda busy. Congrats to everyone who lost! Lani and Regina seem to have really positive attitudes, Kelly too. I used to love Nopudge brownies. I got mine at Trader Joes. I think they have Trader Joes on LI.
Thanks for all the great ideas. I should have come on here yesterday. Normally I am busy and don't have time to post or even read while at work. Things are a litte slow today. I had a bad day yesterday, but I did recover part of it. I must really be in the mindset of losing and succeeding as I can usually convince myself I am too tired, too sick or whatever, to go exercise. Well, I had a stressful day while at work, so I decided I could eat popcorn. Not one or two bites but the whole bag w/butter! This usually happens around 3:30/4pm. I had low carb bars in my desk, I have green tea in my desk, I have little cheese triangles in my little fridge at work, but I just had to have that popcorn. Of course I felt horrible afterwards. I then tried to convince myself I felt too bad to go to Curves on the way home. NO WAY! I changed into my workout clothes and went to Curves, did the whole workout, no cheating, and felt much better! At least about myself. I felt horrible the rest of the evening from the popcorn.
So today, I am back on track, I refuse to beat myself up about my little slip. I think my mindsset was, gee, you lost 3 lbs so you can have a "treat". I need to work on the reward thing. Ok back to work. See you all later!
Jodie

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi All, the board is kind of quiet today;) Well on further examination I fine that the no pudge brownies are 2 pts. But that is ok because they are so rich you don;t need a whole lot to take care of the choc. craving;)
Hope everyone is having a good day. til next time, lani

[Finflapper]

Not for long Lani, cause right now my house is filled with the aromas of NO PUDGE! LOL!!! Yep, I found it at Stop & Shop after work today. My hubby said it smells just too sinful :) I will have one with a cup of coffee later and put the rest in the freezer for future cravings.

Tonight I really wasn't too hungry, so all I ate was:

a nice size lettuce salad with sliced tomatoe, cooked chicken pieces and low fat dressing. Aso had a tall glass of tea with sweet & low. And you all just know what will be for dessert thanks to Lani :)

Jodi: I will address your post in a little while. Got to run out for awhile, will be back.

Thinking thin,
Regina

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hello Everyone!

Jodie: Don't bum out over a bag of popcorn! I have the same problem of after I lose...I reward myself, too. For some strange reason, this board has become my incentive to keep losing....and the reward is my cruise at the end (where I DEFINITELY plan on pigging out to my heart's desire!) ;)

Lani & Regina: You guys and your pudge brownies! YUM! I am cutting out all sweets until Christmas! With Halloween around the corner, I am SO SCREWED! :p

Carolyn: I have a rule....if I FEEL good, and I feel like I have lost, I weigh! If not, I don't! No need to bum myself out by seeing how un-productive I've been! Don't worry about the weigh-in! BUT PLEASE keep posting here! I love hearing from everyone and how they are doing!

Nicole: Congrats on your TEENY WAIST! WOW! Inches is just as good as weight! (if not better!)

Ann: That 10 pound loss in 7 weeks will be so fabulous! Hang in there! I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Have a Nice Evening Everyone! :) (MY GOSH! I DRANK 3 BOTTLES OF WATER WHILE I READ AND TYPED THIS!!! I HAVE TO PEE!) :p

[Finflapper]

Hey Jodie: You bounced back very nicely! Keep going now. Ladies. we can all reward ourselves for doing good. Just think of all the ways we can do it without allowing that "Fat Fairy" to affect our thinking. I rewarded myself tonight by having 1 no Pudge brownie (90 calories). It's not that we shouldn't reward ourselves...it's how we reward ourselves that will determine when we reach our goal. So, Jodie, can you share with us ladies any new ways you can reward yourself that will be "benificial" to you? Your input will help others as well.

Kelly...just loved your post. Humor is a big part of positive thinking. You made me laugh...so thanks.

Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Evening Everyone!
Sounds like someone is having too much fun with those brownies! LOL! They are very good, so enjoy! ;)

Kelly, thank you for the encouragement! I know the popcorn was not that bad, I just need to work on my rewards! Wow, 3 bottles of water! yeah I guess you had to go. When I drink water like that, I tell myself I am p**ing the fat away! LOL! :D Sorry but no other way to say that one! I have finished one big glass of water since sitting here.

Regina,
I was not aware that drinking the water helped with my metabolism. Learn something new everyday!:) I love water and have always been a big water drinker. Never cared for soda. Glad you are really in the mindset. It is hard to do.

Lani, you are such an inspiration, you always seem so happy and always with a kind word or idea!

I did not get to Curves today.:( I couldn't go at lunch and after work I had to pick our kitten up from the vet. She was spayed today and I did not want to leave her in the car while I was in Curves. Figured she had had enough trauma for one day! I did much better today. :) Stayed on program, eggs for breakfast and wonderful salad at lunch. haven't decided on dinner yet. Probably a low carb tortilla wrap with meat and cheese and some veggies. I have decided if the scale is down this weekend my reward will be a new blouse or sweater. I love new clothes! A new sweater would be a much better reward than something to eat! Tomorrow is my weigh and measure at Curves. I have not done that since July so I know it will be up, at least the weight will be. I was down to 224 in July. My inches may be down tho. We will see. I will let you all know tomorrow. Thanks all for caring.I think my cruise pictures this time will look alot different than Alaska! Sure wish we were all cruising together! Now that would be fun. Ok, Later all. I may check back in after dinner.
Jodie

[cmjaffe]

Thanks Kelly...
I don't keep a scale in my house... (never got around to having one),
I DO weigh myself when I get to the gym though... and if it's daily I weigh myself there daily... (ok, I get compulsive there BUT I don't let the # really effect how I feel.. just helps me w/the setting on the elliptical)
I DO weigh myself at my Moms BUT don't know what I'll do with the talking scale at her house (sister bought that for Dad so he could weigh daily for CHF....) when I finally get to close up and sell house... the scale WILL have sentimental value... not sure how I'll handle it.
that said,
I DO go by tape measurer...
I DO go by the bulges the pop
and more importantly I DO go by how I feel physically
I'm a nicer person (mentally and to others) when I'm low carb....
my kids notice it, my back doeesn't flare... etc.
So it's something I choose.. it works for me, but I do go off every now and again and when I do I "try" not to beat myself up....
(sometimes easier said than done esp. through the trying time I've been through the last 6 months and the next 5 months ahead)...
"if" I make it through the next 3 weeks without having a physical or emotional breakdown I will be eternally grateful.
Hope everyone had a sucessful day today...
Mom didn't complain about aide and the kids were good and I handled "life" well... (eating, exercise, etc) so I'm doing Great.
Carolyn
(sorry for the LONG diatribe)

[Finflapper]

Just a little chat before I call it a night.

Just to let you know: At the place where I work we have a kitchen. Our boss has a stock pile on a table for anyone who wants to help themselves. This stock pile consists of; a huge jar of mini hershey choc bars, a large tin of butter cookies, a box of large muffins from Cosco, another box of assorted chips, a large jar of salted pretzels and a large box of mini-coffee cakes. It is constantly replemished on a weekly basis by the boss and everything including coffee is on the house as well. I have to face this every day.

When I have a bad day at the job, the "Fat Fairy" says...go ahead, you deserve it...you will feel better....one won't hurt you. Well, today was a bad day. The entire day was spent on problem solving instead of producing orders for customers. I have to admit, I wanted to go for that stock pile. Instead, I went in the fridge and toasted myself a piece of low carb Rye bread and ate it plain with nothing on it....not even butter. I realized all I needed was to crunch on something to work out my frustration. The toast was crunchy enough and it worked to cure my frustration at only 70 calories. My desire for the junk food was gone and the feeling that I succeeded with myself made my other tasks more manageable. Result: One big smile:D We just need to get to the bottom of what makes us over eat or eat the wrong things and then deal with it to the best of our ability. It's work. When all of you post your reason for that tempoary sway away from your diet and how you will do better the next time, you are all working and teaching yourselves to become better as well as helping the rest of us. That is the reason you will all be successful in reaching your goals. And that is the reason this thread is working for all of us.

I have rambled enough and will call it a night.
Wishing you all skinny dreams,
Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Carolyn,
Wow, you have alot on your plate right now. Glad you could share and it was not a diatribe at all. Check out some of mine! LOL! I can relate to the low carb and how you feel. I try really hard not to get on the scale except once a week as it makes me too crazy! I started Atkins last Feb as after the Holidays I just did not feel like myself, no energy, cranky, just not me. I was up over 250 which even on my frame is way tooooo much. I also had my husband check my sugar one morning while he was checking his (he is diabetic) and it was higher than it had ever been in my life! My mom is a type 2 diabetic and is now wheelchair bound from the neropathy in her legs and I knew if I did not change my eating habits and lifestyle, I was on my way there too. I made the comittment right then, got the Atkins Book, signed on to the Atkins website and have been a convert ever since! After a month of low carb and exercise, I felt better, people noticed I looked better, my mood had changed and I have more energy. My sugar also went down and has stayed down! I took a "break" from the low carb life this summer,part of July and most of Aug, and by Sept I just didn't feel right. So I am convinced, low carb is the way for me. I am a carb addict and as long as I stay awy from them, I do ok. And when I eat them, like yesterday, I feel awful. I lost over 25 lbs between Jan 15 and July.( I gained back a few during my break:( ), so I know it works for me! You are right, my husband and kids and grandkids all noticed the difference in my mood. I am nicer. Are you taking any supplements? I take the Atkins Basic 3 and the Accel twice a day. I also try to stay away from all the so called Low carb processed foods. I do have an Atkins choc bar now and then and I use the breakfast bars as a quick snack. Anyway, nice to have another low carb person on here. Your other pesky 10 lbs will go! And I will be under 200 by next Feb!:)
Later,
Jodie

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good morning ladies,,
I just got home from my morning workout at Curves. Feels good to start my day with exercise instead of with donuts or such:D Got to work today:( so this will be short. Glad to see everyone is doing well even when temptation calls or as Regina says that darn "fat fairy" tries to interfer with our well laid out plans. how did you likeyour brownies Regina????:D
Well have to go for now, everyone have a great day. Lani
Thought for today; Strength comes from unexpected places when ours gives out!

[MiamiNicole]

Well, it sounds like everyone is staying on track this week. I actually splurged a bit last night and split a bag of low-fat popcorn with my BF (I have him watching his fatty foods even though he is on the slim side, it is easier if he isn't eating chips in front of me).

Just keep thinking about how much that swimsuit will look on deck! We won't have to be self concious when we get out of our loungers (I usually grab my towel so fast so no one can se my backside, hehe). I keep picturing myself in a cute little bikini I have (that doesn't look quite right yet!). That formal could look real nice too. I also have my BF's brother's wedding the week after the cruise, so have to look nice for that too.

Went to the gym today and did 1 hour of kick box and 15 of abs, my abs are killing me! My waist is doing well, but my friends the saddlebags don't like to budge!! What is this thing called Curves? I am sure we don't have such a thing in Mexico City, but I was just curious.

Everyone here is such an inspiration. I think I am one of the younger ones of the bunch (9/24/80), so it may be a bit easier for me in the exercise department, but I think with my age group we have other problems (drinks, party food, pizza, and I have lots of skinny friends who eat what EVER they want!).

It is SO nice to have you girls around because I am somewhat alone in a foreign country, I like to talk in English once in a while!!! Thanks for the support, I may check in later tonight...back to studying for the GRE's (yuck).

[CrazyforCruisin]

:) Good Morning!
Regina! You go girlfriend! What a triumph! Just walk away from all that nasty food! I sure hope you stuck you tongue out :p at it and the Fat Fairy as you passed by with your toast! Wow am I proud of you!
This thread is really helping me toward my goal. Especially with stories like yours! I am very lucky as I get alot of support at work. My boss has no problem with me going to Curves at lunch, even tho I might be gone longer than my allotted hour. Sometimes like yesterday, he needs me to be here but most of the time he will ask me if I am going. I also have a friend here at work who is great, altho she tells me I look great now,because I am tall. She is trying to be nice but I know what I used to look like and I know how I used to feel and this is not it!
Nicole, Curves is an exercise program for women. I would go to Curves.com(I think that is the website) as I know they are world wide now. It is like a gym, but you do a circuit with various machines and resting points. It works for me as it is quick, easy and I do not get sore. I tried reg gyms but never went, mostly because I was intimidated by the machines and all the people there who were already in good shape. So go check it out on the web. You may like it, I know I sure do! Ps, you are doing really great. You are going to look wonderful in that bikini!
Lani,Have a great day!

Talk to you all later!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

Thanks Lani :) BTW: Here's a correction from a previous post of mine...No Pudge is not 90 calories per serving, but 120....I reread the box this morning. In a hurry and got to go back to work.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Carolyn, glad to see you are handling everything so well. I know it's tough when you have family issues to deal with. All within the last 3 years, my mother, my youngest brother, my grandmother and my 1st. cousin passed away. I didn't have enough time between deaths to get a grip on matters and realize I was using food as a form of comfort for my sorrows. Looking back, it's easy to realize what I was doing to myself, but when I was caught up in it all, I was blind as a bat in day light. My hats off to you for being on top of matters.

Ladies...I am happy to say for the rest of the evening I will be throwing away my fat clothes. I have gone down 3 sizes in 3 months. Had to go and buy some new clothes after work today cause I was looking quite "frumpy" with what I wore to work lately. I wasn't sure what my size was, so I picked two different sizes to try on....AND....the smaller of the two fit me perfectly! Yippeee!!!:D My daughter and my husband said I looked great when I tried my clothes on for them to see. I felt good to. Am I determined? You bet! Excuse me now, I have a closet that awaits me. If I have time later, I will check in to see if there are any new posts.

Let's all keep it going!
Regina

[cmjaffe]

Regina,
What part of LI are you from...
I'll be going down to Baldwin alot for the next couple of months...
(are you also a nurse?)
As far as me staying "on top of things" I don't really have any choice... I'm the only "responsible" one to look after Mom and also executor of will (I pray the lawyers' aren't taking advantage of me). I just don't feel like eating... actually have to force myself to eat.
Glad you had an encouraging time shopping for clothes.
Carolyn

[Finflapper]

Carolyn,

I live in Levittown. Worked as a nurse for 25 years. Still licensed as a nurse, but not practicing due to my back problem. I have a 9-5 desk job in Farmingdale. Yep, I was in your shoes not that long ago. I was my mother's excutrix and POA, and health care proxy. My 3 brothers lived out of state, so I watched over my mother the last 7 years of her life. I placed her in East Neck Nursing Center when she lost her 2nd. leg. I couldn't lift her any longer. She was only 67 when she went in the nursing home. Even though it is rated as the 2nd. best nursing home on Long Island, my heart was broken when I had to enter her, but she needed 24 hour round the clock care that I couldn't give her.

Hey, maybe when you are on the island sometime, we could get together?

Well, I went through my closet like a tornado and ended with filling a large leaf bag of 3 different sizes. Hubby will have to take it to the thrift store for the needy cause it's just too heavy for me.

My daughter and her boyfriend are lawyers, so if you need to throw a question or two this way, feel free to do so. If there is any way I can help you during your stressful time ahead, let me know.

Regina

[cmjaffe]

Thanks Regina...
as far as lawyers go...
I "guess" I have to trust them...
the one handling estate is the son of my Dad's good friend.. knew family for 30+ years... they (parents) went to my wedding... so I hope (and pray) that even though he's charging (since he's partner) he won't take me to cleaners...
the other one's an elder lawyer so that we can get Mom on Medicaid ASAP... so that the "home" won't totally drain what Dad worked so hard for...
I'm shocked at the taxes etc for LI...
my e-mail's cmjaffe@cox.net if you'd like to get together when I get back down to LI... I'll be down for a bit trying to get the house in "order" (parents' had let certain things go) so it'll be ready for sale by February (spring market). Hopefully the market will still be hot and the house won't sit for too long...
How's everyone doing today w/eating...
(and exercising)?
Have a great evening...
and keep that "fat fairy" away....
just the thought is keeping me from nibbling this evening.
Carolyn

[Finflapper]

Carolyn and everyone, I did great with my eating today, but my water intake sucked! When I drink alot of water on the job, I'm going to the restroom alot. Not very helpful when I have to be at my desk answering the phone. Darn it, I'll get around it somehow, but not sure how just yet. Any ideas out there?

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning Everyone,
Getting off to a slow start today:( Went to Curves bright and early this morning then took a nap. Really tired today I think it is because I am having alot of pain in my hip today and strained my back at work last night trying to keep this lady from hitting the floor:eek: But on the bright side I am off tomorrow:D
Regina how were the brownies??? They had cake at work yesterday but I DID NOT have any:D That was a first. We are going out to celebrate my birthday Friday night so I have to check out some of the points for some of the restaurants. I will try to stay as close as I can to my allotted points. But I also think there is a bahama mama with my name on it:D
Well better go and get a few things done before work. Have a great day all. Lani
Thought for Today. Food gives us temporary strength. God gives us strength forever!

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Morning everyone,
Had a pretty good day yesterday. The Fat Fairy was on my shoulder but the Skinny Fairy saved me. Today is another day. Good Luck everyone!
Jodie

[Finflapper]

Lani...the taste of that brownie was too sinful. I will certainly have the mix available for when I feel sinful :)

Hmmmm, no cake at work....excellent! Hey, anyway you can find out how to cut some of those calories in that future Bahama Mama? Good thing you are planning in advance regarding your consumption on Friday night. Hope you have a great birthday. Keep us informed as to how you do with your birthday celebration.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Jodie....you still continue to do good! I am interested in knowing if you are feeling stronger more than ever as each day goes by or are you having alot of temptations pulling at you?

Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi,
Actually I am not doing well today at all. I have a salad here for lunch and just want to go get a burger and fries! So yes, the temptations are there and very real! I feel on a downward slide right now and need to do something to pick it up now. So I am off to Curves and hopefully that will help. Hang in there everybody, this can be a wild ride!
Jodie

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hi All!

Well...68 days until I leave for my cruise! I can't wait! I know some of you are leaving sooner! I hope you'll stay on board with us even after your cruise! I love this group!

I'm still doing well with my goals, but someone brought a big thing of sugary yummy frosting covered cookies to work! UGH!!! I looked at the calorie intake thing on the side of the bakery thing and it said 1 serving = 1 cookie and 1 cookie was 190 calories! I NEARLY DIED! There was a time when I would eat like 4 of those and not think twice! (like last week!)

Anyway, another co-worker said she would split one with me...and I did! 90 calories for 1/2 of a yummy cookie! I suppose it was worth it, but it still makes me sick! What happened to the good old days of being able to eat whatever I wanted and not gaining an ounce?

My water intake has not been great, but I'm trying! I get to work at 6:30 am and I immediately drink 2-3 bottles of water. Then 1 with lunch and then a couple more when I get home. I understand about the having to go to the bathroom thing in the middle of work! Very inconvenient!

I hope you are all doing well! I'm going to go lie down and read...and drink water!

Kelly

[Finflapper]

Jodie, those temptations will eventually ease up on you. Smart move you did by turning tempting thoughts into positive action by going to work out. I'm watching you and you are doing very good. I'm cheering for you :)

Kelly, your awareness is growing by leaps. You split the cookie....smart move because dieting involves smart decisions without depriving ourselves.

We are all making progress in our thinking and our actions. Great!!!!!
I got on the scale this morning and I was shocked:eek: . If the scale is not broken, I have done extremely well and I can't wait to post on Sunday:D Yipeee!

Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Morning,
Well yesterday was not a good day at all. :( I did go to Curves at lunch. I did 4 1/2 rounds (lani will undersatnd that). Came back and had my salad. I was ok for awhile but then I had to take the mail down to the mailroom and there is a vending machine right outside the door. It was too much for me and I bought a butterfinger and a sm bag of cookies(Famous Amos, at least my junk food is quality LOL!) I came back to my desk and polished off both of them. So is the temptation there!? Oh yeah! Very much so! Do I know why I did what I did? Yes and it still did not stop me. :confused:
My one saving grace was the exercise at Curves and when I got home I went out and mowed part of the lawn. We have 4 acres on the McKenzie River here in Oregon and 3 of those acres is lawn and garden. We have a tractor to mow but I was out there with the power mower(not self propelled) mowing until it was almost dark. I was so mad at myself! :mad: I did feel better when I came in from mowing. I made a wrap sandwich for dinner and spent the evening watching TV with my DH. He is so wonderful. Told me I was looking good and not to worry about the candy, tomorrow is another day.:) He really is a wonderful guy. He is coming into have lunch with me today, just in case I need the support as he knows on Fridays they bring goodies in to the office or order pizza for lunch. I also feel like I let you all down.:o Ok enough. Pity Party is over. LOL!
Kelly,
What a great triumph! 1/2 a cookie is better than the whole. You are committed! And you will succeed. I feel the same way. I sure hope those that go on their cruises come back to this board.
Regina,
You go girl. I am so proud of you. Also buying new clothes in smaller sizes is the best! I look forward to cleaning out my closet in Jan and giving away all the 1X and XL stuff!

Lani and all, thanks for the support.
It is a new day! I promise I will do better.
Later,
Jodie

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi Everyone, the board sure is quiet today. Well I worked this morning and got to my meeting on time did some birthday shopping for my neice, came home got a shower and here I am:D
Regina is sooooo right about temptations it is good when you can take a little taste of something rather than say I can't have that because of my diet, I know when I deprive myself of something for so long then i fall off the wagon and binge and hate my self for failing!!!!!:( So that is why I stay with weight watchers, for me it works because I can say yes just have to figure the points in my daily allotment, I don't feel like I deprive myself that way and tend to stick to the program. I am trying to think of this as more of a lifestyle change rather than a diet. I want to do this right this time not just for the cruise but for my health. Between my DJD and osteoporsis I am in pain most of the time and losing weight will take some of that away. oh well here I go again rambling on.
Hope you all have a great day. I will try to check in later. Lani

Thought for the Day: With each little loss of weight,I make a greater gain!!!!

[heavenlyflower44460]

Jodie, you did not fail!!! What you had was one of those learning experiences;) With each slip we learn something about why we did what we did or why we ate what we did and how not to do it again. I know that temptation, I find myself walking past the vending machine at work and I always have to look to see what is in there:rolleyes: Last night I bought some cookies but then I gave them to a little boy who was visiting his great-Grandmother!!! thank god he was there to give it to:p I did have a small piece of a friends birthday cake:( Felt a little guilty on that since the night before I had strength to avoid it. But like I said earlier we shouldn't deprive ourself if it is going to make us feel like we are missing out then we may say "skip it I am done" and go back to the unhealthy way of life.

You are doing great and you did work out twice actually so you can and WILL reach your goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! got it GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D see ya later, Lani

[MiamiNicole]

Happy Friday!
Hi everyone. Let me congragulate everyone on a great week.

I, unfortunetly have a bad case of stomach bacteria due to some chicken that must not have been cooked properly. I have this problem sometimes here in Mexico. This has derailed my workout this week, but I also haven't been able to eat anything either, so I will probably still end up loosing. I did my Thursday weigh in (i weigh in twice a week), and I weighed in at 157.6, that would be a very small loss (.4), but it is a loss.
Jodie, don't worry about your office craving, you just fell off the wagon for a split second, you sound like you are still on track. Well, I must go back to the bathroom (it has been my home for the last 24 hours). Take care and I will check in on Sunday.
MiamiNicole

[Finflapper]

Jodie....You could be near that time of the month when resistance is futal. No need to announce if you are or not, but just something to think about. I personally have accepted that time of weakness and stopped feeling guilty about it. As long as we get back on track, that is what counts.

Lani...Like you, I'm not doing this just for the cruise, but for health reasons. I plan to be very smart on my cruise by making good choices in what I eat and also plan to exercise in the gym. If I end up seeing something I can't resist, I will have a bite of it to satisfy the urge to taste it, but I won't finish it. I am learning a new life style as well. Keep those philosophy sayings coming....they are fun to read and gives us all something to think about.

Nicole....sorry to hear you're sick, not the best way to lose weight. Be careful, when you feel better, you might come out of it with a ravenous appetite....just take it slow.

Today was pay day and every two weeks on pay day, my boss supplies bagels. I used to eat two bagels (and these are blump!), but now when pay day rolls around, I slice one bagel in half (actually closer to the bottom of it rather than in the middle) and that's all I will have of the bagels now. I'm not depriving myself and I'm not going over board. It's just part of my new life style. No guilt either. It's about learning self-control and accepting it.

Okay, my dog is whinning to be fed...got to go and feed him. I'll check in later

Regina

[Finflapper]

Ladies....check it out...it has to do with temptations....worth the read!

http://www.fitnotes.net/000250.html


Regina

[Finflapper]

It's quiet here this evening. Maybe everyone is reading the previous post I left? Well, if not, I hope you all eventually get around to it. It's quite insightful. For now, I'm taking this tired body to bed. In the meantime, hope you all have a great weekend and are good to yourselves in a positive sense without letting the Fat Fairy come for a visit.

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning Ladies,
I am on the early shift today and tomorrow, So I am not quite awake:p
Went to Olive Garden last night, I had a salmon and brocolli dish and only ate half, BUT I did have the san remo appitizer, it is a seafood dip with little toasted bread rounds:eek: one bread stick and the salad. Water with lemon. Guess I will be on the gazelle when I get home from work:D
Regina that was a good read, thanks. I know last night I was a little more full than I have been and I did not like the feeling at all. Walked some of it off at the mall.
Nicloe I hope you are feeling better.
Jodie I am going to go by that vending machine today and when I look at it I am going to visulize a pretting formal or bathing suit and not the butterfinger( also my favorite) I will let you know if it works:D
Everyone have a great day. Lani

Thought for the Day: I will put all my excess weight behind me!!!

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hi Everyone!

Sorry I missed posting yesterday! I had a "seizure salad" last night! This darn head injury still gives me some problems sometimes. Anyway, I missed posting because I was drooling off in la la land!

Lani: I LOVE the Olive Garden! How wonderful that you only ate half. I have to stay away from there or I'll eat EVERYTHING!:rolleyes:

Regina: Nice post! Thanks for the link to the good article!:)

Nicole: EWWWWWW! I hope you're feeling better! I had that "montezuma's revenge" thing when I was in Mexico and I thought I would DIE! Getting your water intake BETTER be from water bottles!!;)

Jodie: Don't be hard on yourself when you fall back! I don't know what the drive is here (probably the cruise and a swimsuit I have my eye on!) but I ALWAYS give in and give up on dieting! I have never been more committed than I am now, but it is SO HARD! I always say...."I'll have a little cheeto..." then I eat the whole bag! "Oh this one cookie won't make a difference" then I eat 10 more. I think it is natural to have cravings and make excuses (natural for me at least!), but I think the thing that has helped me is to know my patterns! I CAN'T have just one! I know this about myself! So.....I avoid it all together! Hard as all heck, but important! You're going to do fine! Just keep posting here, and hopefully one of us will say something that makes sense to you! :)

Carolyn & Ann and All: How are you doing? Are things going well? Let us know!

Ok.....long post! Sorry for that , but this is how I get my aerobic activity! Power-typing!

One last thing: I am now developing new and exciting ways to exercise and tone myself up. As you recall, I have a hard time with aerobic activities, so I'm creating some of my own! OK....don't let your minds get too far out there, but let me share...

2 Nights ago, I was having a bad night! I had a seizure and couldn't do anything. The best thing for me to do is to go to bed at that point! ( Not a good way to get aerobic exercise!) I laid down in bed and put my walkman on with a Jimmy Buffett CD.....(getting ready for the cruise and all!:cool: ) Anyway.....I did "lay down butt squeezes" for the ENTIRE "SONGS YOU KNOW BY HEART" CD! My gosh! It was funny! Then, yesterday at work I realized that my legs and lower back were sore. Not in a bad way, but in a "Wow....I worked some muscles" way!

So for those of you hating Curves, going out to exercise, etc.....may I suggest Kelly's Lay Down Butt Squeeze technique! Quite entertaining and I just KNOW I burned calories and toned up!

Have a FABULOUS Saturday!

Kelly

[Finflapper]

I just love reading all of your posts. Good to see all the effort and thought going on.

Kelly: Do me a favor. Don't use that pink type please! I was straining my eyes to read it. Sorry to here about that seizure. Are you taking medication for them???? What a bummer to have them. My neighbor has CP and has them as much as 6 times a day! Fortunately she has a very caring family who watches over her. Hey Kelly, I like your exercise technique. When I go to bed, instead of counting sheep, I'll count butt squeezes:p

Jodie: Next time you walk by that vending machine, give it a swift kick and label it with my name on it!

Lanie: You did just fine when you went out to eat. No need for guilt.

For breakfast today I ate: 2 eggs fried in pam, 2 slices of whole wheat toast with make believe butter spread, a cup of coffee with s&l and skim milk. I did not go over my calorie budget of 400 calories per meal. My 1200 calorie diet per day does not allow me to go hungry, so there is no desire to cheat. If you gals allow that hunger to set in, it leaves the door open for the "Fat Fairy" to visit.

Come to think of it, I don't see anyone posting what they do for breakfast. How many of you are skipping breakfast??????? You all know that is the most important meal of the day. Right?

Tomorrow is our 3rd. weigh in and for Laura, it will be her 1st. Laura, where ever you are, I hope to see you on this thread tomorrow.

That's it for now ladies. I'll be lurking throughout the day for future posts.

Have a skinny weekend!
Regina

[Finflapper]

1. While walking my dog, I saw that my shadow now has a curve in waist line.

2. I no longer have to lay down on bed to put jeans on and pray zipper doesn't break.

3. My underwear no longer feel tight around the bands.

4. My bras are getting wringles in cups...time for new size.

5. I can bend to tie shoe laces on sneakers and not get out of breath.

6. I'm not feeling sluggish or tired like I used to.

7. When washing my face, it feels thinner.

Anyone else have discoveries they wish to share?

[Kelly in Colorado]

Again.....have a fabulous Saturday!


ps....this is purple...not pink! :)

[Finflapper]

Quote from Kelly: I didn't choose the pink type, it appeared that way when I posted. I'm sorry it hurt your eyes, but it was not my doing.

I'm taking a break from this board because I'm starting to have some negative feelings when I read some of the posts and the way some people are spoken to here. It feels condescending and not supportive. Not a good thing for people who are trying to help support each other to reach their personal goals. I don't like the way that I'm starting to feel here. I'm beginning to wonder if that is why the board sometimes feels slow and not busy with others typing their own thoughts and feelings........perhaps they don't feel safe to be honest and share their fears here......I don't think I'm alone.

I hope to be back soon.
***************

Dear Kelly: Wow, I was taken back by your thoughts. I didn't get the feeling anyone was being that way on this board. If I offended you by my comment about the pink type, it certainly wasn't meant to offend. Please realize that something in type can be misconstrued very easily because it doesn't convey a person's tone or mannerism. I probably post the most on this thread and that leads me to think perhaps some of my posts have been taken the wrong way. If this is the case, please let me know. If anyone feels the same way as Kelly does, please say so and the situation will be worked out in a friendly manner.

Kelly, thanks for revealing your feelings. I hope you will feel comfortable in being more specific by telling me which posts seemed negative to you. Hope you stay on board and work this out with all of us.

Very sincere about this,
Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi everyone, just got home from work a little while ago had some chili with a little cheese for supper, a WW dinner for lunch and a 1 pt carrot cake, breakfast was a WW apple cinnamon muffin. OK now I am confused reading the last couple posts, what happened????? I hope I didn't say anything to upset anyone. I always thought everyones posts were encouraging and supportative:confused:
Kelly I probably only ate half cause I had that darn dip have you ever tried it??????? But then again I can ususally only eat half. I notice I eat slower when out so maybe that is why too.
Nicole Are you feeling better?????????? I hope so.
hey Jodie I was soooooo busy today I forgot to notice the vending machine. Guess I must be down that way more on the afternoon shift.
Regina I too have noticed wrinkles in my bra. my clothes are more confortable too and I feel lighter:D
Got to run, hope everyone has a good night and hope I haven't offended any one with my posts. LANI

[Kelly in Colorado]

Regina,
I edited my post because I re-thought my words, and decided the majority of the posts on this board are helpful to me. Those were not meant to be shared on this board, thus my edit, and changing of my words. Truly.....it was not worth it! Your "cut and paste tactics" have made me very angry. If you would like to edit your message and un-paste my words, I would greatly appreciate it, and then I would be happy to share more on this board.

Thank you, Regina!

Have a FABULOUS SATURDAY Everyone!!!!

[Finflapper]

Hi Kelly....That explains why I couldn't find your post. I thought there was something wrong I was doing when I couln't find your post. It was in my "inbox" in my e-mail which led me to believe you wanted it read. Did not realize. I think once a post follows, it might be hard to undo, but I will try. It was not pasted to be mean. I only pasted because I couldn't find your post and I wanted you to know how I felt. I did not consider it to be a "tactic", but only a helpful tool to work matters out that were bothering you. I will try to unpaste it, but if I can't, I will certainly ask the "supervisor" of this thread to delete it. Sometimes though, when a supervisor goes to delete a post, the whole thread gets deleted and I hope that won't be the case. At any rate, please let us know which posts you took offense or that you thought were not helpful cause I don't think there is anyone on the board who intentionally meant to put you down in any way.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Hi Kelly,

I went back to the post that you wanted deleted and it would not allow me to delete. I will now get in contact with the supervisor of this thread and ask for it to be deleted and it will be up to the supervisor. Supervisors usually delete when they find something offensive written though, and if they don't find anything offensive, they may choose not to delete it. So, it is now in their hands, not mine, but at least I can say I tried.

Regina

[Finflapper]

:) Hi Lani: Hooray for those wrinkles in the bra! Certainly a positive sign.

Regina

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi again, just got done working on my gazelle, did 30 min. of running on it. So I feel a little better about that san remo dip and pumpkin ice cream :D .

Regina I just love those wrinkles in the bra:D . I have to keep myself aware of my exercise and food choices at all times. Once I lax off then it takes me forever to start up again. That has been a big pitfall for me in the past.
Hope everyone is having a good night see ya at weigh in in the morning. Lani

[Finflapper]

A member of our group was not happy with post #204 and she is requesting it to be deleted. I would like this post deleted without the entire thread being deleted.

Thanks,
Regina

[Finflapper]

Lani...you are doing better than me. I wish I could do 30 min. on a gazelle. Looking forward to your weigh in tomorrow.

Regina

[Finflapper]

Just returned from a fast pace walk with my Golden Retreiver. I think he loves it more than I do. Phew! I'm pooped! Got to get ready for tomorrow as I have plans to go and see a broadway musical in the city. I will post my weigh in when I get back from the city. Until then....

No sweet dreams, only thin ones:D

Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

HI,
Whoa! I take a break for a day and all you know what breaks loose. :confused:

Kelly,
I enjoy your posts and do not want you to leave. I think you are a wonderful young woman, at least as much as I know of you from here. I have no idea what you must be going thru but you seem to come thru it smiling. :) So I sure hope I did not offend you. If I did, I am very sorry. I think some of us post more than others as this is an outlet for us and some need to share more than others. I can be very shy and sometimes not very forth coming with my feelings. I certainly don't feel anyone is being judgemental. We all have different personalities and are just getting to know one another. Your are a valuable part of this group so please come back!

Oh, as for the different colors, sometimes the lighter colors are hard to read but maybe that is our mood. The way I have been feeling this week I should be going between verydark blue (depressed and down on myself) to red (that is when I am reallllllyyyyyyyyy down and have the mean reds) to sunshine yellow(happy and glad to be alive) Ok no yellow as even in bold that is hard to read. LOL! I wind up using whatever color this is cause I am too lazy to do anything else and I type very fast. Anyhow, I am rambling, but just want to say that whatever way we chose to express ourselves, at least we are doing it.

This has been a roller coaster week for me. I do not know why,:confused: I am way into menopause(10+yrs) so that is not the reason. I do not want to get on that scale in the morning......but I will and I will report in. It may be late cause it is 1:30am and I am still on my computer. Can't sleep so I will be sleeping in.
Today is my 6th wedding anniversary. I am so happy to be married to my wonderful DH. We are spending the day with just us. So off to bed and try to sleep. Hope everyone has a wonderful day. When will my bra get wrinkly? LOL!:)
Later gang!

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Morning Ladies, Hope everyone has a great Sunday. Well I got on the scale and it said: 168.5 :D Didn't measure eyes don't want to read that little tape measure this early:p

Again everyone have a great day. Lani
Thought for Today: I am closer to my goal with each passing day!

[mconthehighseas]

I just rejoined WW this past week, and while I really enjoy my group, I thought it would be a good thing to get more moral support, and I just love my Cruise Critic boards. I was on WW last spring, but had to quit when I found out I was pregnant. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage the end of August, and so had a bittersweet reunion with my lecturer this time.

Since I got back, they started the Core program, and I still need to learn all the ins and outs about that. Are any of you on WW also? What do you think of the new program?

And I guess I need to know the rules of this thread. Do you do a weekly weigh-in? Anything else I should know?

Hoping there's less of me soon,
MC

[joanne30]

Good Morning Ladies

Well I'm happy to report that I lost 2.5 pounds this week. Thats a total
of 7.5 pounds since I started my healthy eating program the end of
August. Hope to never see those pounds again. I owe a lot of this to you ladies. I find these boards very helpful. I am a little confused on whats been
going on with some of the posts as I have not been here all week. I hope
everything is ok.

MC welcome to our group. You know what they say the more the merrier.
I think you will find these boards will help you. The ladies on here are so nice.
They give great advice and encouragement.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am having everyone over here for dinner
today. It will be my first Thanksgiving without my Dad as he is in hospital
and I'm feeling a little sad about that. I'm going to try real hard to eat good
today but I am having a "small" slice of pumpkin pie.

I hope everyone had a great week!

I will try and post more on the boards as you may have noticed I'm only
posting when I weigh-in on Sundays. I go to work early and I don't get
home until 7 or 8 at night. When I do get home I'm exhausted and try and
spend some time with hubby then off to bed.

Good luck to all for todays weigh-in.

Joanne

[Kelly in Colorado]

To everyone here:

There is only 1 person that I have taken offense to here, but I am over it. Instead of taking something away from myself that I have found to be helpful and wonderful, I am instead applying what I have learned to do in life....POOF-Be gone! (yes.....in purple!) :) I choose to surround myself with positive happy people who do not bring me down, and most of you are this way here. I'm hopeful that this will continue and this issue can just DIE! It is not impossible (and actually quite do-able if you want to) to edit and then cut and paste, or cut and delete in this case something that one does not want posted, and that you didn't have the right to post anyway. Thank you to all who have chosen to ignore these issues. To those that have written in response to them, thank you for your support and encouragement.

Soooooooo.....in answer to any of your questions.....I am feeling fine, I am over it, I don't like trouble or trouble makers and I am having a stress free weekend! Now let's just MOVE ON!

Perhaps the stress this week has been helpful. I have lost another 3 pounds this week. Not my goal (too much loss), but I'll take it anyway!

I'm off to the mountains to enjoy my beautiful aspen tree colors and to get away from the toxins of the city! (yes....I'm feeling a little BLUE from all of this!)

Have a wonderful Sunday!

[mnywmn1]

Hi gang,

I haven't been on the thread this past week and it really shows in my loss of control over my diet. I've had parental issues (with mother in nursing home) which have led to major stress......although no excuse. The good news is that I only gained one pound, however I measured myself since just starting the diet (two months ago) and have lost a total of 15 inches. Thank you everyone, for your words of encouragement, the support on this board is wonderful!!!

Ann

[noquitcruiser]

Hello diet buddies:

I have some spare time to post before heading out.

Todays weigh in: lost 3 lbs! :)Yipeeeeee!!!!!!!!
I stuck to my 1200 calorie diet which I attribute to the loss.

Welcome aboard MC!
Regina :)

[MiamiNicole]

Good afternoon everyone. I am feeling much better thanks, the Mexican stomach bug has disappeared.
Happy Anniversary to crazyforcruisin, hoping my BF and I will be like you guys some day!!
Congrats to everyone with wrinkles in their bras. I just bought new ones a month ago, they are getting big on me now!

Ann-sounds like your long term results are great, don't worry about 1 lb.
I am not sure what happened yesterday, but I feel that people here are more than supportive. I guess it was about somebody's font colour? Not sure.

Anyways, just weighed in at 157.3. I am not sure if it is too accurate b/c I have had stomach issues, so haven't eaten much, but I also haven't be able to exercise.

I will go to the gym 2morrow and get back to my routine. I think I will weigh in Tuesday for a more accurate account. Anyhow, it is a very small loss since last week, but my waist looks pretty tiny. I have lost 4 lbs since we started. My mom thinks my goal weight is too thin (this from a woman who weighs 125), but I am pretty athletic and I think she may be right?

What do you girls think? I don't know think a 1200 calorie diet for me is a good idea. I am WAY to active in my job, gym, I go out on the weekend til 2-3am. I think maybe that is what is upsetting my stomach? I am 5'8 at 157.3 , with a 27 waist, I have some hips/thighs I would like to tone up more, do you guys think 135 is too optomistic or thin? Maybe I think this b/c I have never been 135. Well, I am going to shoot for it, but just Wanted all of your opinions!

I am soooo proud of everyone, even the ones that gain this week. It is tough to keep motivated, especially in this crazy world where food to us can be such comfort and relief from a hectic day. I wish you a great week, may God be with you!

[CrazyforCruisin]

Good Morning Everyone!:)
The good news is I did not gain! The bad news is I did not lose. So my week of roller coasting did not do too much damage. It is a new day and a new week. The sun is shining outside and in my head! I am starting fresh like last week never happened. My DH and I are enjoying each others company and having a really nice anniversary
I belong to a Bunko group and this is my month to have the 11 ladies over so I am busy getting ready for that as they will descend upon me tomorrow. Bunko nite each month is hard for me as there are just to many goodies set out for dinner and on the tables as you play. I am making things I can eat without depriving the rest. Going easy on the table goodies and I will chat away from the kitchen while dessert is being served. Any leftovers will go home with the girls. The evening begins with dinner at 6:30 and ends with dessert around 9pm. So I probably will not be on here tomorrow. PS Bunko is a dice game and we have a group of 12 women that rotates each month to a different home. The game is not all that important as the comraderie and fun!:)
Welcome MC, this is a great group of women, very supportive and fun. I am on Atkins as that is what works for me. I am also going to Curves 4 x a week. So come in and join us!
Congrats to all the "LOSERS"! :D
Regina, you go girl! You really fought off the fat fairy and got that mind set going! I am proud of you!
Lani, you are doing wonderful. Keep up the good work and keep those inspirationals coming!
Kelly, Glad you are staying with us. I bet the trees were gorgeous! Not to mention the fresh air.
Ann, You can do it! Things should get better for you soon. We are all here to help out.
Joanne, Happy T-day! Congrats to you too on your loss of weight. Have a slice and not to worry. Tomorrow is another day.
Nicole, Glad you are feeling better! I do not think 135 is unrealistic on a 5'8" frame. I am 5'10" and weighed 140 in my younger days. So do not listen to anyone but yourself. If you think you will feel and look good at that weight, go for it! I beat you look great now especially with that tiny waist. As for the amount of calories, can't help you there, I count carbs which for me is alot easier.
Ok, I am off to move the dust around and make sure the house is presentable for my guests. Have a great day everyone!:cool:
Jodie

[mnywmn1]

Congratulations to the 'losers'!! Nicole, I'm 5'7" and I don't think 135 is unrealistic at all. Thats my goal.....only 21 more pounds before my cruise in six weeks!! LOL!

Regina, dogs are a great tool in getting exercise. My Black Lab begs me constantly for a walk. It's great exercise for the both of us, even if my dog has to physically drag me most of the way.

Skiiergirl, after reading your posts on a couple of boards, I'm going to finally bite the bullet and join Curves. Its really pathetic because my basement is full of exercise equipment, however I can't get the motivation to even go down there. The support from other women will be good.

Good luck to everyone next week!

Ann

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hi everyone, Glad to see everyone is doing so well.
Ann I think you will love curves, like you I have a lot exercise equipment that I haven't been using but since joining curves the last 3 weeks have inspired me to do more at home. The last 2 nights I have done 30 minutes on my gazelle and I love it I use to do an hour a day. I go to curves 4 days a week and go around 3-4 times. It is fun..
Jodie You are doing great at least you didn't gain. Every new day is the first day of the rest of our lives, a new beginning.
Regina you are really doing great, you are an inspiration.
MC welcome!!!!! I am doing Weight Watchers and going to curves. I don't have any info on the Core program, let me know what you find out ok. I just do the flex points and it has been working for me.
Kelly glad you are still with us. Hope you enjoyed your drive. Great job on the 3 pounds!!!
Nicole Glad you are feeling better take it slow it is always tough coming back from a flu like bug. don't want to have a set back.
Joanne Happy Thanksgiving!!! Don't worry enjoy the day. I will keep you and your Father in my prayers
Congrats to everyone for a great weigh in, remember a scale is only numbers one way to determine how well you are doing but don't forget the other ways, how your clothes fit, inches lost, and last but not least how you FEEL inside!!! we are all WINNERS!!!!!!!!!!!!! CATCH YA ALL LATER, LANI

[noquitcruiser]

So glad to hear you are feeling better Nicole and congratulations on those wrinkles in the bra...LOL. Yes, I agree with you when you say it is a crazy world. I don't know what your health background is, so I can only suggest that your doctor advise you on what a proper weight for you would be. Wish I could be more helpful in that area. I did go to my doctor and he did recommend the 1200 calorie diet that I am on now.

Jodie, Bunko sounds like a fun game with your friends. Isn't it great to have friends to share the good times? I can certainly relate cause my neighbors are also my friends and we all get together to share good times, but even just as important, we are there for each other in the not so good times. Yep, the fat fairy among other things, is getting easier to fight off basicly because I am handling stress in a more productive way. Have fun with your guests tomorrow.

Ann...Black Labs are great and very smart! I read somewhere they actually have a simple vocabulary understanding almost equal to that of a 3 year old. Wow,... who would have ever thought to do a study like that? Impressive anyway. Let me know how you make out with Curves and thanks so much for that compliment. I really appreciate it.

Joanne: I am a strong believer in prayer and I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope all works out with your father.

BTW: I had a great time in the city today without the fat fairy! No comparison to last weekend. So, my determination appears to be growing stronger. :p

Regina :)

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good morning Ladies,
OK- -observation since losing weight my bras are not only wrinkled but I also noticed that my thighs have like COTTAGE CHEESE(large curd:o ) showing up on them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: Just got home from curves and took my shower and there it was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek: :eek: I also noticed that since I started using my gazelle on my off days and getting my heart rate up on it that my heart rate goes up faster when I work out at Curves:confused: Must be my metabolism is finally increasing some.
Well everyone have a great day I work 3-11 today so I will check in later. Lani
Todays Thought:Giving up a little at a time will keep me from giving up altogether!!

[cmemoriesjen]

Good Morning !

Welcome MC! Glad to have you join us!

Sorry that I am late in posting, we were cutting and stacking wood all day yesterday and by the time I had a chance to get in , cleaned up and dinner I was pooped!

Good news - I was 148 yesterday am! I lost 2 pounds! I broke the plateau!
I am doubly excited because I was sick all week, just the regular ol' nasty flu so I did not excercise once plus I was not be as careful eating as I know I should! Yesterday was the first time I felt good too so it was a really nice day.

My stats-
June - 155 :(
Oct.10th - 148 :D
Loss of - 7 :p
To go - 20 :o

Thank goodness my cruise isn't until February!

Sorry that I did not get a chance to post those promised recipes, I'll try to do a couple this week to catch up. I'll also try to post ones that are Atkins friendly!

Another note on the posting - I try to get on here everyday to read how everyone is doing but I do not always have the time to post.:) I wish I could post more because I have found this group of women to be most supportive and a truly friendly group, and I wish to contribute back. It has also helped me tremendously, especially Regina with all her words of encouragement and taking the time to post faithfully and always with a kind & encouraging word!!
Because I am so busy ( I homeschool my two girls, babysit 3 more, teach scrapbooking & I also mystery shop) I have put this thread on a notify thingy. When someone posts I get the first one in my email, complete with mesage. There is a few other detail to this but that is the basics. I just wanted everyone to be aware that this is a public forum and that it can also be delivered to email boxes. Sometimes when we speak (or post in haste) even if we wish to take it back and delete/edit our own post, that it is often out there in more ways than we may have imagined. I debated on writing this for several days now as I do not wish to inflame the issue or have anyone take this personnally. My sincere wish and the reason I addressed this at all is so that if these issues ever occur again in the future all are aware that even if you take it back off of the forum, your message may be still out there in someones email box.


Here is one of the promised recipes, this one my husband and kids loved ! I served it without the pasta, it was more like a soup/stew. If you add a salad & fruit it's a fairly wholesome meal and very satisfying. The recipe is for one. The nutritional stats are:

196 calories
20g carbs
19g protein

Bon Apetite!


Savory Beef Stew*</B>Nutrition Information (javascript:void(0)) | Scale This Recipe (javascript:void(0);) Ingredients:
1 tsp. lite soy sauce (javascript:void(0))
1 medium carrot (javascript:void(0))
1 small onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning (javascript:void(0))
1 cup vegetable broth (javascript:void(0))
2 oz. fresh mushrooms (javascript:void(0))
1/4 tsp. black pepper
2 1/2 oz. beef, loin cut (javascript:void(0))

Directions:
Scrub or peel carrot. Chop carrot, onion and mushrooms; mince garlic, set aside. Cut beef into bite sized cubes, set aside. Spray nonstick skillet or saucepan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook on all sides until slightly browned, about 4-6 minutes. Add garlic and onions; sauté a few more minutes until softened. Add broth, soy sauce, carrot and spices; stir, bring to a boil and cover. Reduce heat to low and cook 30 to 35 minutes, or until meat is tender. Add mushrooms and continue to simmer, covered, for another 5 to 7 minutes. Serve over hot cooked pasta
Have a SLIM week everyone!


Jen

[mconthehighseas]

Thanks to everyone for the welcome, and encouragement. I guess I should have included my weight yesterday, but I didn't want to barge in, in case it was inappropriate.

Anyway, before the summer, I was at 162#. When I went back to WW, I was at 158#, so I hadn't totally lost ground, but I still have some work to do!

Even though I'm 5' 4", (in the morning, lying down), I think my goal weight is between 135-140#. I have always carried more weight than people expect me to, something I inheritied from my mom. But I'm more concerned about my clothes, so my real goal is to get back into the size 6 clothing waiting for me in my closet. I'd settle for 8, but I absolutely want to get rid of my size 14's and 16's - permanently!

This weekend was a little difficult because my husband is not into eating healthy, but I did survive. For instance, yesterday we went to a football game. (If any of you are Viking fans, your team played a great first half, and have a marvelous quarterback. Since I live in Houston, I was rooting for the Texans, who played a fantastic second half. The overtime period - if you are a Viking fan, it was priceless.) Instead of eating all the food there (and there were a lot of tempting things there ), I drank water. Afterwards, we went to a pizza place, where I ordered a whole wheat pizza with spinach, garlic and tomatoes, and took most of it home. I did drink a root beer, but since I had a very small breakfast, I figure I was covered.

I hope everyone has a good week, and that we can say we hang out with a bunch of losers!
Mindy

[heavenlyflower44460]

Hey Jen what cruise are you taking in Feb?? we are leaving on 2-26. that recipe sounds good. thanks for posting it. well got to get ready for work, later, Lani

[cmemoriesjen]

Hi Lani !


We're on the Carnival Triumph Feb 12th. This will be the first time we're taking the kids with us and wanted to make sure that there was lots going on to keep them interested. This will be my 4th cruise, my husbands 3rd , we actually met on the Carnival Ecstasy ( my 2nd cruise, his first) ! We prefer that the kids stay with us for the most part because we want to share the vacation with them and the youngest will have just turned 5 and the older daughter is 11 but she has Down Syndrome and mentally is between a 5-8 year old. Boy that was quite a ramble! Anyways I'm really excited to bring them along, last year we went on NCL Sun and missed them terribly! The Sun was a quiet boat, nicely kept and wonderful crew but way too quiet for our first week long vacation w/o the kids! Everything was closed down by 11pm! I don't know about the casino 'cause we don't gamble. The youngest, only 3 at the time was ticked because we went to fancy dinners without her! I think I may be in trouble with that one! My husband felt so bad that he promised he'd take all of us on a cruise the next year. Well she hasn't let him forget so he let me book on the Triumph this February! Gotta love those little ones! I also wanted to do the Eastern Itinary because I haven't been there yet.What cruiseline are you taking and where are you going?

Have a great day at work!
Jen

[Finflapper]

Lani don't let that cottage cheese scare you. That to will disappear. Actually, for now it is a good sign cause you are losing weight. So keep the faith and determination going. One day not that far away, you will actually look down and have a big smile as you look at your firm body. It will evolve like the butterfly from it's caccoon :)

Jen, You touched my heart with your understanding. I was getting gun shy so I stopped trying. I am saving your recipe to try in the near future. I love easy recipes and it sounds yummy for the winter days ahead. A big congratulations on breaking your plateau! And a big hug from me for your post.

Mindy, Post as much as you need. We are all here to help each other and to share our experiences. Although your hubby isn't eating healthy foods now, I bet when he sees how nice you are doing, he'll want to join you. Let us know when it happens. Come here for your encouragement when you feel low and everyone will see you through. That's the deal we have on this thread.

Today I had a shrimp salad for lunch. I was rushed for breakfast, so I had one of those diet drinks that equal a meal, but I only do that if I'm squeezed for time. Thus far, since I started my diet I have lost 22 pounds and have 28 more to go. Almost half way there now and there is no turning back!

I promise you all, I will post my picture when I reach my goal. Oh and by the way, just want everyone to know I post alot because it helps me, but if it gets annoying, just let me know and I will try to ease up.

Later all,
Regina:)

[cmemoriesjen]

OOPS ! Lani, I should have looked at your signature to see what ship !


Regina- Please don't be gunshy! I always enjoy everyones post, the more post the better. It keeps our thread up to the top & keeps us all going! I'm craving a shrimp salad now! it sounds wonderful!

No bra wrinkles here :eek: I guess I need to keep going and be a bit more stringent in my diet ! I was just telling my husband the other night that even though I am sloooowwwwlllyyy losing the weight it hasn't been really difficult as it has really become a lifestyle change for me. I truly never thought that I could make that change on a permanent basis it would be just to hard and so I have for Years & years been a yo- yo dieter. I do need to be hard on myself so I can get down to the 128 I want but it 's nice to know that once I get there - the maintaining will be a piece of cake! No pun intended!

Jen

[mconthehighseas]

Jen- maybe you really meant that maintaining will be like a walk in the park. ;)
Mindy

[Kelly in Colorado]

Congrats to those who lost weight! Congrats to those who stayed the same and for those who gained....I wish you a successful week this week!

I am the poster child for emotional eating right now! You probably already guessed this....but I'm going through a bit of a rough time right now myself. We all have our stressors..... Right now...everything feels icky to me.....so I just ate a bag of cheetos! :o Yeah for me! I'll be sick tomorrow, and I'll have learned my lesson....

Try, try again.

Jen...nice words. A posting lesson on my part :o ....(I feel like I'm being beat over the head with this.) I got it! I got it! I got it!
Lani....I like the colors and fonts you use for posting! They make me happy.
Regina & Ann....you have a Golden Retriever and Labs? I have a Scottie! She's my walking buddy, too.
Mindy....Welcome! I'm a Broncos fan!
Jodie...the trees WERE gorgeous! I think this was the last weekend of color, though! We drove to the top of a pass that had at least 1 foot of snow already! Just a reminder that Winter is on the way!
Nicole....are you feeling better? I hope so!
Joanne....Happy Holidays! I hope you had a wonderful feast!

I know I forgot someone....please don't take it personally. I try to touch base with all....but sometimes not so easy!

Time for bed.....the cheetos need time to settle now! :)

[Finflapper]

My daughter fixed dinner tonight. She is a strict "South Beach Dieter." She is going to be 27 yrs. old in December and she weighs 122 pounds. She says she isn't on the diet to loose weight, but to continue staying healthy. This is the daughter who was a finicky eater in childhood and I thought for sure one day she would insist on having a macaroni & cheese wedding cake:rolleyes:

Anyway, she made a wheat pasta dish with low calorie tomatoe sauce and mushrooms and added some real good spices to jazz it up. She also made a fabulous sugar-free choc & banana cream pie (without the cream) in a no-fat crust or was that low-fat crust:confused: . Wow...that felt like a cheat. Dinner was quite a success and I did stop eating before I got to that yucky full feeling. Keep in mind, my hubby is all Italian and he loves his pasta...and even he said it tasted very good. Even though I am not on the South Beach Diet, I will say it has some great dishes to offer in the book. I bet there are some good South Beach recipies on the internet.

Jen, I used to be up and down with my weight also. I also got fed up with the yo-yo effect, and now I "think" before I eat cause I'm in training to undo some very bad eating habits. Was anyone aware that years of going up and down with weight could cause diabetes? I'm glad I don't have diabetes, but I'm sure I was headed in that direction.

Hey Mindy...Say hello to Houston for me. I was born and reared in Texas. More specificly...Orange, Texas. I have so many cousins(4 generations worth) in Texas, I have lost track of how many. My oldest brother lives in Dallas, and my cousins are spread all over the state. I'm due for a visit to Texas next year for a cousins reunion. I lost my southern accent a long time ago, so it's kind of funny when we get together and try to figure out what was said in conversation due to our different accents.

Y'all have a good night;)
Regina

[Finflapper]

Kelly: Sorry to here you are going through a rough time. Emotional eaters and cheetos goes hand in hand. Cheetos is or I should say "was" my comfort food also. At least I thought it was my comfort food. I had to come to terms that it was my enemy. It would suck me in and then make me pay the price by adding sneaky weight to me and not really helping with the situation. It was just making another situation for me to have to deal with....my weight. Emotional eating doesn't stop over night, but with effort, we learn to over come it....like a baby learns to get up and fall down, before taking that first step. You are learning that cheetos is not your comfort escape cause you have already admitted how it has made you feel. Congratulations...keep going and you will reach the day when you are no longer an emotional eater.

Regina

:eek: Gee... I almost posted to the wrong name....phew!!!!!

[mconthehighseas]

Regina, it's a small world. I grew up on Long Island, and when I'm tired, my accent comes back. In fact, my parents are still in the same house in Plainview. So wave next time you drive by on the expressway!

:D Too funny!

Have a good night, you guys.
Mindy

[heavenlyflower44460]

Good Evening Ladies, Just got home from work and thought I would check in. We sure are growing:D People wise I mean:D
Regina Thanks for the encouragement I was getting worried about that cottage cheese :eek: sure was an eye opener!!!!!
Kelly glad the fonts make you happy, I do like to brighten everyones life a little any way.
Jen we are going on the voyager of the sea, it is our first time. ;)
Well I know I haven't mentioned everyone but I will tomorrow;) . I am tired and going to bed. Later, Lani

Thought for the day: I will take dieting one day at a time, one pound at a time!

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi all,
Boy our group is growing and sounds like everyone is so positive. How wonderful is that! :D I came on to get my hit of encouragement and there you all were! Thanks for being there for me!
I worked hard today getting everything ready for my Bunko group. We had a wonderful time and everyone loved dinner. In fact, other than some roast, everything else is gone! Amazing how much those gals can scarf down! I sent all the candy and goodies home with them so no temptation in this house. I did save a few Herseys kisses for my DH and he hid them! LOL! He knows me so well. I pretty much stayed on track. I did have a couple candy kisses and some wonderful bread. I set out the desserts, told them self serve and left the kitchen. Unfortunately I did not make it to Curves today. But I figure all my housework and preparations was plenty of exercise. HHHMMMMMM I wonder how many calories you burn cleaning the toilets and bathrooms!? One thing I like about having company is I really clean house. So now my house is all shiny and dusted and clean. Ok, I am rambling again. LOL

Regina, you go right ahead and post as much as you want. I enjoy reading them and I knew it was helping you. Obviously it is working and you are doing so well. You asked about eating breakfast. I used to be one of those never eat breakfast, just coffee. I noticed as I got older, I have to eat breakfast. I usually have cottage cheese, or an omlete and bacon or sausage. I make it at home and then warm it up at work and eat at my desk around 9:30. Breakfast is very important, especially if you are trying to lose. I find that I am not as hungry at lunch and I do not need to snack as much during the day.

I am going to start back on Induction on Atkins. It is the only way I will get back on track. It will be fairly easy as my DH is going to Louisiana for 3 weeks to visit friends so I will be home by myself. He is retired after 30 yrs as a supervisor for thr NYC transit and is going to hang out and fish with some of the guys he worked with in NY. Anyhow, I can cook for just me while he is gone.
Kelly, Yup winter is on it's way:(. We live about 30 miles from the base of the Cascade Mountains and I am starting to see snow up there. The nites are getting colder here and my trees are all losing their leaves. More exercise raking them up. I am sorry you are having a bad spell, I know how you feel, I was there last week. Why is it Cheetos are one of our so called comfort foods? I love them. They do not come to visit me anymore. I stick my tongue out at them in the store too! Hope you feel better tomorrow. Let me know.

I have rambled enough so I am off to bed with my water. Have a wonderful day tomorrow everyone.
As Regina says, "Skinny Dreams"
Nite all!;)
Jodie

[mconthehighseas]

Jodie, it sounds like you did EVERYTHING right with your Bunko night - you put together a plan, and you stuck to it! Way to go!

I, on the other hand, went to a supermarket yesterday when I was hungry. I did not go overboard in what I bought, and I picked up a healthy sandwich on the way out. I had planned to eat the sandwich on the way home as a late lunch. But I made the poor decision of bringing the fresh loaf of bread I bought into the car with the sandwich. I think I ate a third of that loaf on the drive home. To be fair, it's a whole wheat seeded bread, so there is a good amount of fiber, but with a name like Seeduction bread, you have to figure that it should wear protective armor. And I just love the crust on that bread. Unfortunately, I think it adds extra "crust" to Me! :(

But today is a new day, so I will move on. It seems to me that whatever plan you use, the real trick to losing weight is being conscious ahead of time of what will keep you on track, instead of just letting things happen. Just like you wouldn't reserve a cruise without looking at the cost or the itinerary, and you have to think ahead so you won't miss the boat, you have to plan ahead to see where you will be when you are hungry, and where you will go that will have temptation ready to strike. You don't have to change WHAT you do, but you have to change HOW you approach what you do, until it becomes a habit.

OK - now I have joined the ramblers club, and I've only been here 2 days. :o Back to work ....
Mindy

[Finflapper]

But today is a new day, so I will move on. It seems to me that whatever plan you use, the real trick to losing weight is being conscious ahead of time of what will keep you on track, instead of just letting things happen. Just like you wouldn't reserve a cruise without looking at the cost or the itinerary, and you have to think ahead so you won't miss the boat, you have to plan ahead to see where you will be when you are hungry, and where you will go that will have temptation ready to strike. You don't have to change WHAT you do, but you have to change HOW you approach what you do, until it becomes a habit.

Mindy
Mindy....I like the way you think....in fact, I think I will print this out and carry it with me:)

I'm at work now, so I gotta go....Oh yea, I did wave to the Plainview sign from the southern state pkwy on my way to work this morning:p

Regina

[cmjaffe]

Regina,
Where do you work on LI?
Curious...
Carolyn

[Finflapper]

How's everyone doing tonight??????? Thought I would side track the diet issues for this one post and pose a question totally unrelated.

My daughter will be getting engaged next year, then married the year after so I have to start thinking now. She and her future hubby are attorneys. She mentioned tonight that she would like the "wedding favors" to reflect their professions. Yikes!!! I haven't a clue what to do in regards to that. I do know I would like to make the favors myself as my craft skills are pretty good, so if any of you have any ideas, PLEASE make suggestions. I sure would appreciate it. Anything involving business cards I think would be kind of "tacky". So, that would be my only objection. :eek: HELP!!!

Regina

[Finflapper]

We are headed toward our 4th. weigh in come this weekend. You are noticing improvements in your weight and just as you are noticing improvements, others in your life are noticing them. Some will say positive things about how you look while others say absolutely nothing, and some may even provide tempting ways to sway you from your determination. However, what is really important is what "YOU" think and how "YOU" are doing with learning new ways to avoid the pitfalls and stop that yo-yo diet syndrome. None of us are yo-yo's any longer....we are losers!!!!! he he he! And you know I mean that in a positive sense.:)

I have a sister-in-law with a butt the size of a table for 4 (maybe a little smaller:rolleyes: ) and she never has anything nice to say. She hasn't seen me since I have lost my 22 pounds, but come the holidays, she will notice I have lost weight and I don't expect her to say a single positive word, but that's okay. I'm not expecting her compliments cause what I think about myself takes priority. All I guess I am saying is, if we diet for the right reasons, we become succesful at it. Let's continue to diet for our health, and a better feeling about ourselves. Okay, I'm off my soap box now.

Your diet buddy,
Regina

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hello,
Taking a quick break from work. Where is everyone? I miss you. Regina you are so responsible and so committed. Heck with your sister in law and anyone else who tries to sabatoge you in the name of love. I am doing just ok, not really in the mood for diet or exercise this week. I have not been to Curves since last Fri. I cannot go tonite as my car is in the shop so my DH is picking me up from work. I just cannot get back into the mindset so I decided to go back on Atkins Induction for the next 2 weeks starting Sat. DH will be off on his vacation and I will be alone. I am going back to reporting in once a week at the Atkins site. I will still be coming in here too. I need all the help I can get. Other than that, the sun is shining here today. Hope I see you all this eve.
Jodie

[Kelly in Colorado]

Hey Everyone!

Regina: My brother got married this summer to his girlfriend of 18 years(since high school) (FINALLY!) She is an obgyn and he is a real-estate agent. They did a really neat thing. They planted a pansy in a small pot for everyone to take home with them and then they attached a pink ribbon to each pot with a tag that said, "A donation has been made in your name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation." They had 300 guests and donated 5 dollars for each guest! They attached a check with a list of the people who they invited to their wedding. It was really special!

My mom is a survivor, and they thought that would be a better way to honor their guests! Instead of spending a lot of time and energy on something that would just be put in the top of a closet.....the flower was able to live and flourish all summer (reminding everyone of the wedding!), and the money goes to more breast cancer research! Everyone seemed to LOVE the idea! Maybe your daughter and her husband have a lawyer area that they would like to donate to.....environmental law, family law....etc. You could use your craft skills to make something special to attach to it.....a bookmark, etc. Just a thought. :)

I'm having a good day! :cool: Work was tough today, but I'm getting back into my book tonight! I'm reading "Skinny Dip!" IT IS SO GOOD!!! Do you know of it? To summarize the beginning.....a man pushes his wife off of a cruise ship.......blah blah blah! It is really funny and good! You all would like it! It's great! (NYtimes best seller list this year!)

Hope you are all having a great day!
Hugs!
Kelly

[mnywmn1]

Kelly, your book sounds great! I'm going to go buy a copy before my cruise. Is it easy reading?

Jodi, you can do it!!! Maybe with your DH out of town you can get back into the Atkins grove. I started back on induction this week and also started going to Curves. My Curves is only open 8-6 Mon-Fri, a half day on Sat, and closed all day Sunday, so I'll really have to plan ahead for workouts. I'm not going to weigh myself until Saturday morning. The hardest times for me are at night. I'm used to munching on and off while I watch TV.

Good luck to everyone!!
Ann

[Finflapper]

We've got some interesting exchange going on here. I will certainly mention the donation idea to my daughter.

I don't know much about the Atkins program, but if it works...go for it. The weigh-ins still count on this multi-diet thread, so all will report on Sunday for weigh-in....right?

As far as the book, I think I might give it a try...but not before our cruise coming up shortly...don't need to give my hubby any ideas:rolleyes: LOL.

For anyone lurking, step on in and let us know how you are doing with your diet.

My desire to cheat on my diet is non-existant and I hope it stays that way. I keep a fat picture of myself on my dresser and maybe that's what's helping.

Regina:)

[CrazyforCruisin]

Hi all.
Thanks for the encouragement, Ann.:) My DH is very supportive, but it is hard to get back on "the horse" when he is cooking noodles, or pasta for his supper. He really doesn't understand :confused: how the program works, so he says things like "you have been so good this week, I brought you a slice of pie" not realizing that it is the kiss of death and I have to start all over again. He truly thinks he is treating me and gets kinda hurt when I say no. He is not trying to sabatoge or be mean as the man does not have a mean bone in his body.
But not having him around for those first two weeks will make it easier.
I went to the Atkins website and printed out the rules. I will weigh myself on Sat am. I also do better in the mornings and am also a nite "muncher". I can go all day and around 9 or 10 pm the Munchies arrive!:eek: I will do what I did last time, just go for the water, tea or if all else fails, Laughing Cow wedges!

Kelly, I am so glad you are feeling better.:) I am going to look for that book. I also finally noticed (I am a true blonde LOL!) that you are going on HAL. How do you like them. We loved our trip to Alaska on HAL and looking forward to this coming one. I have been pricing cruises to Hawaii also for fall/winter 2005. Anyhow, just glad you are better.
Ok, I need to wrap this up and head for home.:cool:
Talk to you all later,
Jodie

[CrazyforCruisin]

:) Hi Regina,
Yes, I will still be "reporting" in with all of you on Sunday. I credit this group of women with helping me get back on track! :D No way will I give you all up. I hope I can help all of you as much as you have me.:) Ok, now I am outta here. I will check in this eve.
Take care all!
Jodie