Pixies Power

[Lilith]

I'm going to have gained or remained the same tomorrow :(

I'm on a downward spiral and I'm trying to catch myself and break the bad cycles but fuck am I stressed. I know that is not gonna change so I have to find a way to be stressed and still make good choices.

[osuche]

(((((Lil))))) ~~ every day allows new choices....

[fzzy]

(((((Lil))))) Tomorrow is a brand new day! Can you tell us what is causing all the stress ... is it the whole new job/life situation? Anything I can do to help ... feel free to PM or email me if I can help in any way!!

Me, I did ok through today ... but glad to be going back to the routine of my work days ... I love my weekends, but (playing the broken record here) ... just have a lot more control over myself when it comes to the routine of my work days.

Hope tomorrow is a great day for everyone!

[Lilith]

I was asked to move to a classroom where a teacher took a state job. It is the first week of standardized testing and my students are severely emotionally disturbed. I think I can do it but I'm not 100% positive and that is not like me. I had a cushy job in comparison and I'm worried I've fucked up. These boys can't afford to be the results of my fucking up. Someone could get hurt. OK vent over.

I'm down a pound after all but that must be pure luck.

[maddy]

(((Lilith))) - I hope you soon realize that you are entirely capable. You just need to wrap your mind around your new situation. Someone believed in you enough to ask you to move to this classroom. Remember to take time to decompress when you leave the classroom. Easier said than done I'm certain.

As for me, I'm down 2.5 lbs this week. I think I have all the tools I need to cope with a couple of eating out situations this week. I would have preferred one a week, but this week I'm hit with three all at once.

[WildIrish]

Lil - Those boys can't afford not to have you as their teacher. I'm sorry you're stressed, but I know that once you're settled in your training and personality will take over. (((((Lilith)))))

[Steph]

I'm with WI & everyone else, Lil. You can rise to this challenge & do a world of good for a lot of troubled kids. We have faith in you!

[fzzy]

Sending more hugs and positive thoughts your way Lilith .... lots of stress in job changes ... especially when you had only just started with the original one then shifted into a lot more demanding task, but you will make a wonderfully positive difference in their lives, of that I am certain!

Way to go with the weight loss for both of you Lil and Maddy ... sending many mental pats on the back!

[Lilith]

Thanks guys! I had a great day :) It's not like being in the normal world. I am hungry but trying to stave off the munchies.

[Lilith]

BTW you guys are the best and I love you all.

[fzzy]

Made it through another monday .... did good on my calories today, right in the middle of my goal range, so I'm happy about that ... sometimes the weekend days are so on the high end of my goal that I worry come Monday I will lose all control ... well, it didn't happen today anyway. yea!

[Lilith]

Excellent fzzy!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Just checking in. After a weekend in which I was a little more "relaxed" (actually using all of my daily points, plus some of my "flex" points I receive each week to spend as I please), I found myself "up" on the scales yesterday morning. I'm thinking maybe it was a fluke/water retention/some other excuse, though, as, while I watched what I ate yesterday and spent 30-45 minutes at the gym, I managed to "lose" that pound or so, plus a little more overnight.

I suppose in an instance like that, it's not always good to weigh myself every morning, although I'll admit to a little more motivation yesterday, maybe, because of it. For me, weighing myself every morning helps to provide focus, I think.

Hang in there, Lil...you'll figure out the things you need to do to make this work consistently before long. And congrats to fzzy and maddy and everyone else for their progress!

[osuche]

Still hangin in there...worked out 6 days last week. I've kinda been watching my calories, but each week I've had a day where I've totally blown it. Hence, I'm down net 4 lbs for 2 weeks and no more....but I *have* noticed that my endurance has gone up a LOT at the gym. I've increased my workout level and duration, and my heart rate is still lower when I finish than it was 3 weeks ago. I consider that a win, too.

[fzzy]

Great to hear osuche .... also, if your endurance has increase, then you've probably traded some fat weight for muscle weight which means the loss shows on the scales slower initially (since muscle actually weighs more than fat) but more muscle means more calories being burned from moment to moment, so it catches up eventually and starts burning off easier. Great to hear!

IAKG ... way to stick with it, even when it seems like not the news you want, if you lost 1+ pounds overnight, it probably was a little bit of water retention.

[fzzy]

Another day completed successfully!

[Lilith]

woot! Feels good huh fzzy???

Today I paid up the candy bar bet I had with the boys regarding the Superbowl. I had 4 of my fave candy bars left. I gave 1 each to my 3 aides and wrestled with eating the last. I was saved by a behavior specialist who walked in the door and was rewarded with the last bar. :D

[maddy]

Good for you fzzy and Lilith!

The scale and I are not going to be friends this week. I've been staying within my point range, even if some of the choices I'm making are not the best ones. The scale is either showing early signs of PMS or reflecting the bad choices I've made.

[fzzy]

Thanks Lil and Maddy.

Way to make a great choice Lil!!

Hang tough maddy .... it will improve as you stick it out .... I felt discouraged almost all of last week, but just kept reminding myself that I don't want to go back to how bad it had gotten in my life, want to have improvements!!!

I was fine all day today, then this evening something hit me and I am feeling quite lethargic, achy, and trading back and forth between chills and fever (or both) ... I ate enough to stick in my daily limits, but nothing tasted particularly good, except the fresh taste of the jello. It literally took me over 2 hours to prepare and then eat my dinner ... now I'm getting ready for bed ... am feeling a bit better now, but that could be because I'm swimming in Ibuprophen at the moment :) Tomorrows a new (and will be a better) day. :)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

The scale and I are not going to be friends this week. I've been staying within my point range, even if some of the choices I'm making are not the best ones.

Maddy, I think if you are staying in your point range, you're still doing okay. I was reading something at the WW site the other day about the "science" behind the program. I mean, the whole thing is that you have X number of points per day (corresponding to a calorie level, in all actuality), and you get to choose how those points are used. Human nature would dictate that you would naturally gravitate towards those foods low in points, so that you could eat more quantity-wise. However, that doesn't preclude the fact that, from time-to-time, a little treat or two is in order.

That being said, I, too, am not going to be friends with the scale this week. My weigh-in is tomorrow morning, and, while I've gone over three or four days on points, I am still well within my range, as I have 17 flex points still left that I could technically use before weigh-in. Still, I am going to be surprised if I lose at all this week. I'm crossing my fingers nonetheless for a half-pound at least.

[Lilith]

One problem could be that in the beginning you kept things so tight that now you are actually eating more calories than you did in the beginning. This would cause a lag but you should kick back in. I think this was the case with me.

[maddy]

I'm nearly positive in my case it's my trip to the HUT next week that is causing the problem. When I checked the scale this morning I was at no loss/no gain since monday. I'm starting to see some of the emotional things I go through pre-HUT this week as well.

[Lilith]

I'm nearly positive in my case it's my trip to the HUT next week that is causing the problem. When I checked the scale this morning I was at no loss/no gain since monday. I'm starting to see some of the emotional things I go through pre-HUT this week as well.

You mean like wanting to rip people's fucking heads off and shove them down their throats? :D

[WildIrish]

Oh no!!! I'm a person! :eek:

Today is a day I'm really being tested. I was woken up late and awake for almost two hours last night. I'm really feeling the effects of that this morning and when I turned to the coffeepot for help, well, the decaf is soothing my urge for the taste of coffee but my ass is dragging. It's much easier to avoid brewing real coffee at home, but once I'm at work...well, there's two huge pots always fresh in the cafe, and because I run the building I get fed free. One of the perc's. Forgive the pun but it was there and I'm not so strong where I can avoid it too. One thing at a time.

Biggest help is in knowing that I can slip and not fall.

[osuche]

(((((WI))))) ~~ one cup won't kill you....it's making a many-cuppa-day habit that might.

Good for you for understanding why it's tough for you today.

[Aqua]

I've discovered it's pretty easy for me to stick to one can of pop per day if my schedule is normal and I'm at work. If it's not and I am busy, doing a lot of running around... I go for the easy 'grab a can'. Not that it's a huge deal... no splurging and no extra caffeine, but still, I didn't keep to my weekday plan.

[Lilith]

It's funny how we all have triggers that cause us to resort to behaviors we are trying to eliminate.

[fzzy]

Another successful day .... it was pretty easy today though ... most of the day I still was feeling lousy, very tired and no appetite to speak of ... whatever the reasons, I'm always thankful to make it through another day keeping to my plan.

WI ... every once in awhile we all have our slip up moments, glad you feel it was a controlled slip.

maddy, the good thing is that at least we all know that the hut is not a permanent locale ... hope you make it through the worst of your symptoms as easily as possible.

Good luck with your weigh in IAKG!!!

[maddy]

Well, yesterday simply doesn't count in my world. There isn't a feasible way to track points when you aren't really sure how many drinks you had. I'm horrible about that when I'm with a group and someone keeps buying me another. I'm going to chalk it up to a fun night and move back to tracking my points today.

[WildIrish]

It's not the one night of "off the program" activity that brings about our demise, but how we handle having had it happen, right? Your approach is the best one.

It's very easy to fall into the doldrums when it comes to giving something up. A splurge is kinda like the forestry's controlled burn. Just have to make sure it doesn't get out of control and start a wildfire.

Speaking of giving stuff up, did anyone see Survivor last night? Shane gave up smoking 3 packs a day when he landed on the island. I can't imagine how he's doing it.

[Steph]

Shane gave up smoking 3 packs a day when he landed on the island. I can't imagine how he's doing it.

:eek:

My ex would always say he couldn't understand how people found the time to smoke that much in a day! Whoa, he's going to go crazy on the island!

Since I'm here . . . I have been walking a lot but work has been busy & I've been neglecting my little regimen. I'll be better!

[fzzy]

Good job maddy ... that's exactly the right way to look at it ... little controlled (either in length of time or amount of consumption) splurges are necessary for any long term plan, so congrats on the great attitude.

Glad to have you back with us Steph ... work (for most of us) is necessary and can't always keep control because of the schedule that has to be kept, but sounds like you've been doing good with the walking!

Second trip to the actual grocery store tonight on the way home and kept to the things I had decided to buy in advance ... even bought me a little v-day treat ... a new small sauce pan they had on sale for $4, then I hit El Pollo Loco for my usual Friday night eats of large garden salad and chicken breast. So far today...doing great! :)

[maddy]

As they call them in the WW world I had a non-scale victory (NSV) this morning. When I threw my jeans on this morning and looped the belt through, I found I moved down a notch from yesterday. I also realized as I was driving home from the grocery store that I have been doing this new routine for about 6 weeks - no soda and no fast food

[fzzy]

Yea maddy ... that's great!!! :D

[Lilith]

OMG I miss El Pollo Loco :D

I bought the lowfat nutter butter cookie only paty packs. They look good and I bought these special K strawberry breakfast type snacks. I am fighting a battle over breakfast.

[maddy]

Lil, what is your battle with breakfast? Lack of time? Not fond of breakfast foods?

[Lilith]

Not ready to eat that time of day and coffee is enough to make me feel right with the world :D

[maddy]

How late are you eating in the evening? I make it my goal not to eat my dinner after 8pm and find that I am ready to eat when I wake up, not starving, but breakfast is on my mind.

I've never been a breakfast person, mostly because I was never much of a morning person.

[Lilith]

We eat around 6:30 and I try not to eat anything later than that.

[maddy]

Well, I have no good suggestions then. I've read that breakfast isn't just for typical breakfast foods and you should eat whatever you are hungry for so long as it's healthy. I have a routine and I follow it even on the weekends. Perhaps the special K bar with your coffee will help jump start your metabolism for the day.

[Steph]

Not ready to eat that time of day and coffee is enough to make me feel right with the world :D

I'm the same way. I end up eating part of my lunch shortly after I get to work, though. You're probably not able to eat at your desk, I'd guess?

I feel guilty for not eating breakfast but I just can't force myself to eat that early.

[Lilith]

My students have lunch at 10:45. First lunch so that the rest of the school is not subjected to their bad asses. Sometimes I eat by myself at my desk but if they have not had any aggression or fighting I tell them I want to spend more time with them and I eat with them.

[Lilith]

Down 2 this week but I am growing tired of the slow loss. I know it produces the longest lasting results but sheesh! I am officially down more than 15 and a happy camper about that.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I realize two pounds doesn't seem like a lot, Lil--maybe think of it as you lost 8 sticks of butter this week? :D

The thing I have tried to remember is that it took 37 years for me to get to where I am weight-wise today, and it'll take awhile to make some of that disappear. At my weigh-in Friday morning, I fluctuated between not losing any for the week and 0.5 lb. It was frustrating--but I haven't obsessed over it, because I realize that, while I DID stay within points last week, I ate more than I have, and my body just needs adjustment time. Since Friday, though, I've spent over an hour and a half on the treadmill and a solid hour plus swimming, and I'm hoping that, with continued focus, my results this Friday morning will be even more positive.

[maddy]

I understand your remarks wholly Lilith! I'm feeling the same way but use some of the positive talk IAKG mentions when it starts to get the best of me. I weighed in this morning and was pleasantly surprised to have a 2 lb loss. That's a total of 13 for me. I have another 13 to get to my first mini goal.

My treadmill is coming today and I hope that will help with some of my struggles. Right now I'm pretty much inactive, so this can only help in my weight loss goals.

[osuche]

I've lost nothing, but I'm headed for the Hut later this week....and if I am honest, I've been eating way too much (I'm averaging about 200-250 calories a day over what I want to eat to meet my goal). I think the only reason I'm maintaining my weight (even with water weight gain, which I am sure is kicking in) is because I've been working out like a fiend 5 days a week, and walking some those days where I don't work out.

Food has been a struggle for me lately...class and my new job have been stressful, and it's been difficult for me to stop eating sweets especially. I've also been kind of depressed -- getting close to the anniversary of my father' death, and I always get a bit maudlin this time of year. [I have tears in my eyes as I type this.] To sum it up...been unhappy and stressed WAY too much, and not very successful.

I'd like to say that today is a new day, but right now I just feel exhausted. Maybe my outlook will improve in a few days.

[maddy]

(((osuche))) if there is anything I can do to help, let me know. On some level, I've been where you are. When you are ready you will do the right thing, but not until you are ready.

[fzzy]

Congrats on the 2 pound loss Lil .... It's hard when it feels so slow in coming off .... this time of dieting for me feels like I'm not making nearly as fast of progress as I have done at other times when I've managed to stick to a diet for more than a couple of days ... the water weight doesn't seem to want to come off as it always has done in the past, but I know part of it is that I'm older and my body has gone through enough changes that the way I'm losing weight is different. And it's hard to struggle with the eating right every day when you don't feel like the rewards are coming at a rate that meets the sacrifices that you make ... but you've lost 15 pounds in about 6 weeks ... I think you said you want to lose 70 pounds with this time of healthy lifestyle changes ... you're moving in a positive direction AND you've accomplished more than 20% of your goal ... how great is that!!!!!

maddy ... yea for the 13 pounds total ... wonderful!!

IAKG great attitutde and congrats on the loss/maintaining that you've done as well!

Osuche .. way to stick with it ... I think we all seem to have trouble starting the week before that visit to the hut as most of us have mentioned it ... for me, I tend to have 20 days or so each month when it is easier to feel the difference and know I'm moving forward ... and about 10 when it is slow and frustrating and too many cravings hitting me on and off that don't seem to be as much of an issue during those other 20 days (not that I still don't want the things I have always over endulged in) ... anyway, if you are like me, if I managed to keep myself in control most of the time through the 10 or so days, then at the end of that time, I feel the results much better in the first couple days of the 20 good ones .... (man that took a lot of words to say something simple .. :) ) Hope you make it through this tough time, losing your father is a hard thing to go through ... I know! ((((Osuche))))

Me, at the moment I'm in the middle of my 20 days, so I've been doing quite well, making advances ... don't have a clue on the weight loss number still .. and won't for a long time to come, but other things happen to remind me that I'm making progress ... I had a good night for water weight loss that much I do know and am very happy about it ... also I have the day off for Lincoln's birthday and am enjoying a relaxed time. :)

[maddy]

My treadmill is here and now fully assembled - just assembling involved sweating! Now I think I need to rearrange my living room as it is HUGE!!! And it's height prevents me from seeing the tv currently. But for now, I'm going to hunt up my sneaks... some workout clothes and my iPod and I'm going for a walk :) I jumped on it for a minute and did a little jog for all of 30 seconds :)

[WildIrish]

We all have cycles in our lives where we are just tired of fighting for things. I'm tired of trying to get the kids to clean up after themselves. I'm tired of cooking. I'm damn tired of doing laundry all the time. And I'm tired of drinking decaf when I'm a friggin grown man that should be able to drink regular coffee when I want to! :mad:

But those days are tempered with days that are not so bad. Days when the kids don't piss & moan when I ask them to put their stuff away. Days when I enjoy cooking, and don't mind the couple of minutes laundry takes up. And days when decaf doesn't leave an aftertaste. Part of being a grown man is understanding that sometimes we need to do things we aren't thrilled doing. Not everything is an adventure that yields a huge and exciting cache of treasure. Since I gave up coffee, I don't feel worse. That in itself...when you look at it in a positive context...is a victory. I'm doing something that is healthier for me in the long run, and I don't feel any worse than I did when I was doing something unhealthy.

So the days you don't see results on the scales, even though you've been working hard, remember...you aren't worse off having eaten healthier and exercising for the past week.

(((((everyone)))))

[Lilith]

I tell myself everyday that I am not dieting. This is a permanent change. This is how I have to fuel my body and need to find other things besides food to fuel my soul. I have people who love me who do that and a lot of boys depending on me to be there for them.

[maddy]

Okay, it's time for me to start being honest to myself - and all of you about the use of my treadmill. I just got done with a 30 minute program that consisted of varying grades of incline up to 8% and varying speads up to 3.2 mph. According to the handy display I walked 1.4 miles and burned 205 calories in the process. It kicked my ass - but somehow I'm better for it. I'm cooling down as I type this and need to follow it up with some on the floor stretches.

My eating has been in check and I feel in control of food for the most part lately. I'm officially in the Hut and it really hasn't struck me with significant carb or sugar cravings.

I've also noticed (I am obsessed with the scale) that my weight seems to be fluctuating less as of late throughout the day. Previously I could see swings of up to 5 lbs throughout the day and now it seems to be settling down to about 1 lb.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Maddy, that's a pretty stiff workout for someone just getting back into being active. Make sure you don't overdo it or get burnt out mentally--you've made such wonderful progress thus far, I'd hate to see anything detract from it.

And Lil, you're absolutely right. Every one of us in this thread is attempting a lifestyle change with the hope of benefits immediately and to come. ((Everyone))

[maddy]

I know IAKG... trust me I know as I'm now slumped on the couch my heartrate finally back down to resting. It was far more agressive than I planned on it being. I think tomorrow will be a more leisurely stroll through the park. Thanks for keeping me in check... I don't need to get burned out :)

I must admit the adreniline flowing felt darn good.

[fzzy]

Good job Maddy .... glad to hear you are enjoying the treadmill so far, that's wonderful. (and that you're remembering to set goals so you can last for a long time)

I did good again yesterday ... trying to keep the middle area of my calorie range as much as possible since in the next week or two we are likely to be having a special lunch treat at work .... takeout from a new bar-b-que place in town .... since my office is just me and the boss and she isn't a very social person, we don't do such things much ... which of course makes it a ton easier for me to stick with my eating plans, but I'm looking forward to a special treat for a change-up .... also something happening the last weekend of the month is a "Clue and Fondue" night with a group of people I associate with ... there will likely be 50-80 people attending and I want to be able to go and enjoy the whole event without feeling like I'm being out of control ... so I'm shaving back on my calories here and there (still staying in my range, but aiming for the mid to lower part of the range) in order to know that it will be ok to splurge a bit.

[Lilith]

I ate a burger and chocolate, I was in heaven but now I just feel blah! Back on track manana.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I got chocolate from well-meaning co-workers today. In my efforts to be "good," I promptly put it away to bring home to my children. They were thrilled, and I was proud of myself for that.

That being said, they were evil--EVIL, I tell 'ya. Someone had a box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts by the water cooler. I had to give in around 11ish. Of course, I also promptly wrote down the five points one glazed doughnut cost me. I am telling myself it was a treat. :D

[fzzy]

Good job IAKG with the chocolate ... glad the kids enjoyed it! Don't know how you managed to wait that long for the Krispy Kreme ... the smell would drive me crazy! :)

Lil ..Glad you enjoyed the treat, hope you feel less blah tomorrow :) ....

I made it through another day ... even managed to keep my calorie count lower then I usually do ... mentioned my reasons in my last post ... I'm really starting to notice more of the positive differences in myself etc. I'm so grateful!!! :D

[osuche]

1 lb lower this morning (and this is the week of the Hut!) and thus a net loss of 5 lbs.

Strenuous workouts continue -- in case anyone is interested... I average 500-600 calories a workout (20 min weights, 5 stretching, 300 sit-ups, and 30-45 min of cardio (usually elliptical or bike or stairmaster)). My body feels a little tighter, but the best thing I notice is that I wake up sore (eg arthritis) much less often.

Depression still abounds...and it's been worse this week with Mr. Osuche gone. Sat at my desk and cried this morning; I was in early and thank God no one else was around. And that damn Nilsson song I posted this weekend has been haunting me... <sigh> Only managed to eat 1500 calories all day today ~~ didn't feel like doing more.

[WildIrish]

Thanks for keeping me in check... I don't need to get burned out :)



If you think it would help, I could set my treadmill up in back of yours and chase you through the park. :D

[maddy]

If you think it will keep me motivated, WI, I'm all for it.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

((osuche))

I gave into a craving tonight I've had for a couple of weeks now--pizza. Two slices, and DAMN, they were good. It put me over points for the day by 5 or 6, but I still have enough flex points to more than cover that. I'm trying to think of it as a "treat" instead of "falling off the wagon," and I hope I'm successful.

[maddy]

I feel like finding a fist-full of gerber daisies and sending them your way, osuche. They always make me smile and I wish for you a smile to help change your mood.

fzzy, you are doing great! I'm impressed with your ability to understand your body and plan for what you have coming up in the future.

Lilith, I hope you enjoyed the burger - the Whopperette commercial, which I find obnoxious, has me craving a whopper. This weekend weather permitting I will grill up my own lean burger and have it on some wheat bread as a compromise.

I just got off the treadmill a bit ago. I picked an easier program tonight, but as the twenty minutes were winding down - the Beastie Boys came up in my iPod song shuffle and my feet just took off moving. I went another ten minutes and bumped the pace up to 3.5 mph.

I was tempted with chocolates today but knew deep down that I wouldn't stop with one piece so opted not to have any at all.

[Lilith]

Good move maddy, cause I ate them til they disappeared. :(

Today I made some bad choices but I'm trying to get back on track. I'm just so busy and have no time for food planning.

[osuche]

Drank scotch with a co-worker tonight...now I need to go and eat something to sober up, because I have a conference call with my MBA team in 2 hours (9 pm PST) to compare homework answers.

I realized today that I have a lot to be grateful for, Pixie friends included. So I'll try and be a bit sunnier....sorry for the gloom. It's been a tough month, and I hope oyu don't mind my venting.

But tomorrow is another day ~~ and I am inspired by *all* of your accomplishments, as well as your positiveness! ((((IAKG)))) ((((Lil)))) ((((maddy)))) ((((fzzy)))) ((((WI))))

[fzzy]

We love you osuche and are glad you feel comfortable enough with us not to hide it when you are feeling down ... I know I've vented here and there in this thread, just vented in my own way.

YEAH maddy .... wonderful that you are enjoying the treadmill ... the things cost enough, so it's good that it is getting the workout it's meant to! :)

IAKG glad you enjoyed your splurge ... sounds like you are being sensible in your splurges and your outlook .. congrats!!

Lil ... sending hugs ... I know how it is when it seems like everything is conspiring against you accomplishing your goal ... glad you are still working at it .. sorry things are so hectic at the moment, but then hectic is better than non-existent!! :D I only have to plan for myself from start to finish of every day ... know it must be much more difficult when you've got family to feed and kids at school to watch out for and almost all of them probably eating the foods that tempt you at some time or other ... sending hugs to all of you!!!

My day is going well again ... but as I said, I only have to plan for me, and spend my day at work only around the boss and the office cat, so I don't have to face too much in the way of temptation, but every night on my drive home, the fast food places keep calling my name ... so far I've managed to choose not to answer back. :)

[fzzy]

Just about to head off to bed for the night ... reporting in that I made it through another night ... sometimes I feel like an alcoholic still in that phase where they go to a meeting everyday (or more) .. I need to be able to report in pretty much each night because I don't trust myself if I don't have to ... make sense to anyone else? Anyway, I made it through and am alway grateful for it!

[Lilith]

Yogurt. It's saving my ass in the mornings right now. Typically it's not my favorite food but I'm trying desperately to get more calcium into my diet. Way lower fat than cheese and truly you could add some granola or something to spruce it up. I know someone who cuts up fruit in a bowl, adds some milk, and tops it with granola. Then she microwaves it for a minute and then plops yogurt on top. She says it feels decadent and bad for you but is good.

[Lilith]

Oh and congrat fzzy for making it through another day.

maddy, you are gonna wear that treadmill out :D

osuche, you have had so many big transitions in the past year. Maybe you need to stand still for a minute and give yourself time to reorient.((hugs)) Scotch and depression are a bad mix. I advise popsicles instead. Something fun and silly with no purpose.

[WildIrish]

Mrs. WI enjoys chunks of pineapple with plain yogurt on top. I imagine it would be enjoyable with pretty much any fruit though. Plus, it's not just for breakfast! A small bowl saved her from attacking our daughter's Valentine booty.

How're the sugars doing? I've been meaning to ask. :)

[Lilith]

I took it just for you so now you need to kiss my boo boo! I'm so glad I did! For the first time in 5 years I can say...my bloodsugar is under 100, 90 to be exact. I am so fucking happy and proud!

[fzzy]

Yea! Yea! Yea! Lil .... wonderful!!!

I ended up having my treat day of BBQ today ... the check arrived this morning, so we were also busy with the things we do to close out a file, but it was a nice treat ... My boss kept offering to get extra stuff for me, side order(s), dessert, larger meal, etc. I ended up getting a Tri-Tip BBQ sandwich ..it came on a crusty roll that was about 5" long, I moved all the meat to half of the roll and it was a very nice and pleasant treat and I didn't feel like I got too out of control. I enjoyed it a lot and think I may still be able to stay within my daily calorie range ... (the high end, but within it all the same) ... so I'm a very happy camper about that. :)

Lil I know in college one of the things I had for breakfast quite a bit was lemon yogurt with some granola mixed in ... it makes it last a lot longer in your system if you have problems with getting hungry or such. Glad you found something that is working for you!

[maddy]

Lil, I admit I know nothing about where blood sugars *should* be, but if you are excited and pleased - then I am for you too! I'm also glad you found something for breakfast that works for you.

fzzy, I'm proud of you for managing your treat day. It sounds as you handled it with grace and came out on top.

osuche, you've been through a ton as Lilith said. Take a look at the challenges you are facing right now and realize you are accomplishing great things.

As for me - I just got off the treadmill. I did 1.8 miles in about 35 minutes. I'm finding it a little easier each day and seeing my stamina increase is a nice reward.

[fzzy]

My previous post was from work ... but had to share my latest development ...

Since I started this (and several previous attempts as well) my first big goal has been to get so I can wear my seatbelt in the car without an extender ... When I started the first of January, the tab was about 8 inches from the slot ... last weekend, the tab touched into the slot barely, but still an inch or so from locking into place ........ YEAH!!!! Tonight, it locked into place and I wore it all the drive home without it even being particularly uncomfortable. I'm so HAPPY right now! ... just to give an idea .... it's been at least 7 years since I've been able to do this! :) :) :D

[maddy]

(((fzzy))) you are amazing!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil~I know how excited you must feel about your glucose reading. That is simply amazing! Most people wouldn't realize, but fighting a battle with your body, as diabetics do, is often frustrating and unrewarding. When you actually feel you've done something *right,* it's like being on top of the world.

maddy~You already know how proud I am of you and your devotion to your new walking toy. Every step (pun intended) you take towards being more active is a step in the direction of success. For all of us in this thread, the results may not be instantaneous, but they're ours for the taking.

fzzy~I almost don't have the words to express my joy at your milestone. To be able to do something that you've not been able to do in that amount of time is quite the reward for a hard effort, and it's much deserved. You're doing great!

[osuche]

((((((((((fzzy)))))))))))))))))

Damn that's awesome!

[fzzy]

thanks everyone SOOOO much! I debated about actually posting that in the public forums, considered sending a PM to ya'll, but then i thought that I've got to learn how to come out of hiding when it comes to my weight/size ... I am still sooo excited to have accomplished that milestone, honestly didn't know if I'd be able to stick to it long enough to do it ... the best part is that I'm still feeling so easy/comfortable with what I've been doing, it's never been this "easy" for me before ... (don't misunderstand, it is still hard, just not as hard as it has been every other time I've done something like this). You are all a huge part of that for me!! So, THANKS again!

[Lilith]

I'm so incredibly happy fzzy. What an important goal! You should feel proud and excited about all the good things happening inside your body too. Now you get to set a new goal :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

fzzy, I can definitely understand why you might hesitate in posting your milestone. There have been a few times when I've actually questioned whether or not I should detail some parts of my weight loss situation, but, in the end, I felt that I'm among friends here and this thread is a vibrant, supportive one. I draw strength from every poster's achievements and encouragement. Doing WW online vs. going to a meeting, I lose out on that friendly peer pressure/support, but I've easily found it here. And trust me--we're ALL proud of you!

As for me, this morning's weigh-in has me down 3 lbs. for the week after a wishy-washy, no-weight-loss weigh-in last Friday morning. Of course, looking back, I hadn't figured in a surprise visit to the hut Monday-Wednesday, either, so I question as to whether last week's lack of progress is partially based on that.

At any rate, I was able to spend some time at the gym Saturday through Monday, even though my gym/exercise time after that was pretty non-existent. Nevertheless, I am now 3.0 lbs. from my first WW goal. Ironically, I'm also 3.0 lbs. from reaching the weight I was pre-pregnancy--with my FIRST child. I have not been at this weight in nearly a decade. Trust me, in the next week or two, once those three pounds are gone, you'll be seeing IAKG doing the happy dance from your respective locations around the country. :D

Today's weight puts me at 16.0 lbs. lost since I joined WW online on 12/30/05, and about 24 lost since a 10/17/05 doctor's visit.

[maddy]

woo hoo IAKG ... and you had pizza this week too!

fzzy, I can relate. I think it's all part of gaining confidence and accepting who you are, as well as knowing that your weight doesn't define you but is a part of you that you can control. I've found it to be incredibly free-ing when I can admit to people how much all these curves really add up to and that I'm now taking control of them and changing them. There's no point in continuing to punish ourselves for where we let our bodies go in the past, but we can only hold our heads high and be proud of the path we are paving for our futures now.

(who was that girl typing ^^^???) :)

[WildIrish]

I took it just for you so now you need to kiss my boo boo! I'm so glad I did! For the first time in 5 years I can say...my bloodsugar is under 100, 90 to be exact. I am so fucking happy and proud!


Did you take it where I hope you did? :eek: OMG that would hurt! lmfao

We're proud of you too, you know. (((((Lil)))))

[fzzy]

Thanks again everyone!!! I have to confess that when I got in the car this morning, I hoped it wasn't just a fluke last night, but the belt buckled right up and off I went to work .... it feels so good to have hit this goal and now be on my way to the next .... (as Lil mentioned), that hit me this morning, that I need to come up with that new goal to reach, something that there will be no doubt about when it is reached. Luckily I have a nice long weekend to ponder upon that. :)

IAKG -- wonderful about your weight loss from this past week ... and that you are so close to that milestone/marker for yourself - we'll be doing the happy dance with you when you hit it .... (happy dance across america???) LOL!

thanks maddy, and great positive outlook you're showing to us!!! :)

[maddy]

I just got off the treadmill - did 1.6 miles in 30 minutes. My heels/achilles tendon area was really aching tonight so I cut it shorter than I would have liked. If anyone can recommend a good stretch I'd like to give it a try.

[Lilith]

I would suggest that you stretch after periods of rest before you start up on it. Pointing toes out and flexing them back even using a towel or scarf or pair of pantyhose to help pull your toes towards you.

[fzzy]

make sure you stretch the muscle out before and after ... otherwise you can get shin splints (sp??) or tendonitis ... neither is any fun.

But congrats on how well you are doing with the walking!

Ending my day now ... did well enough calories a bit toward the high end of my range, but they usually are on Fridays.

[maddy]

Just got off the treadmill about 20 minutes ago - did 1.6 miles in 30 minutes again tonight.

I'm retaining water and am not sure why - but wish it would go away. My weight hasn't really moved much all week and this morning I couldn't get one of my rings on. It normally is pretty snug but this morning it just wasn't going on. I just finished in the Hut today and don't think I've had any additional sodium this week, so am slightly frustrated.

[fzzy]

maddy ... sorry about the water retention, sometimes when just starting on an exercise program that can happen, it is a temporary thing the body isn't sure what the change is about and so will keep water to protect itself, just in case ... again, if that is what is happening, it is a temporary thing! great job with the exercising!!!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Maddy, if you've not yet checked out the exercise forums on WW Online, I suggest it. I've been doing some reading there when I can, and I've learned a lot. One of the things mentioned frequently is exactly as you describe. Make sure, too, that you're constantly drinking water all of the time--that's one of the suggestions I've seen.

((maddy))

[Lilith]

You added extra excercise this week too. I would not expect to see weight loss. Muscle weighs more than fat and you are mid conversion. I hate water retention. Mkaes me feel like a bloated cow :D

[osuche]

(((((maddy))))) ~~ trust that in the end the exercise is a good thing. But yes, you will retain water for a while. I'm trusting in the exercise regimen, too. I just wish we lived closer so we could do it together!

As for me....three good days (calorie wise) last week, followed byt he last 2 days of no workouts and bad eating (calorie wise). I've been cramping and tired...think I'm just burnt out from work and life. Because I've felt so close to the edge (stress wise) I've not been berating myself. I'm going to focus this weekend on trying to feel *rested* and *happy* and not so much on my calories. I will, however, still work out tomorrow....exercise gets my endorphins flowing, which is a good thing.

[maddy]

Thanks for the consistent feedback. I wasn't aware of the exercise/water retention link. I guess I have never paid this close of attention to my body before.

I will definitely stick the exercise as I do believe it will be necessary for me to lose the weight - eating habits alone won't get me there. Not to mention I need to do something to re-tone my skin as my body shrinks.

But as Lilith so elegantly put it, I feel like a bloated cow.

[Lilith]

:D I cheat. I was having lots of swollen joints a couple years ago and they put me on water pills. It helps but I still get puffy.

The scale seems to be moving in the right direction but my official weekly weigh in is not til Monday.

[maddy]

I peeked at the scale again this morning before I showered - and it seems to finally have moved. After venting here about my water retention my body must have got the message and let some go. I haven't tried to put my rings on yet today.

I also went and found the spreadsheet of weights and measurements I kept when I was going to Curves in 2004. I'm currently at a lower weight. It took me about 4 months to accomplish a 16 lb weight loss with Curves (I didn't make any eating changes at the time). I'm close to doing that with eating changes in less than 2 months. Of course there is likely some argument that I was losing slower because of the muscle buildup. At the end of the day though, I couldn't stick to that routine for more than 4 months - so hopefully this is more sustaining.

[Lilith]

I am like 500 calories over for the day. :( One dinner out with tons of olive oil was enough to just blow the other good choices out of the water. Oh well. Tomorrow is another day.

[maddy]

I just got off the treadmill, I only did about 20 minutes tonight. I had considered taking the night off completely but instead just took a lighter night instead.

[osuche]

Major leg workout at the gym today...and I feel good!

I'm down another 2 lbs, despite the past 2 days worth of being bad. I suspect it's just the water weight coming off, but I'm going to attribute it to the gym just so I feel better! :D

[fzzy]

great job osuche and maddy ... way to keep at the physical work ... Lil ... weekends are social times, sometimes that means we go over on the calories, hope you enjoyed your dinner out!

I did well today, I'm still just happy that my seat belt keep being buckled ... and that it wasn't just a fluke or something. Finishing up 7 weeks of being on this new healthy lifestyle, I'm not sure I've ever managed to make it this long without consistently cheating, I know the longest I've ever made it on such a plan and stayed pretty much with it is 10 weeks, I've decided my next big goal/milestone will be the 11 week marker .... after that I'll figure a new goal that isn't about length of time, but it seems to make sense for this period of time for me. :)

[Lilith]

Down 2 this week despite dinner last night. Mr. Lil got me a frig for my classroom so that I can take salads, wraps, and frozen entrees to work if I want now. I noticed my dress slacks were even looser in the waist this morning. Another 5 and I'll be buying new pants again.

[maddy]

I'm also down 2 this week, that puts me at a total of 15 and 7 weeks straight on the downward slide. I'm having a hard time eating all my points as of late. All of last week I had between 2.5 and 5 points left. From the reading I did this weekend it seems that I should be eating those plus the 2 activity points per day that I've been getting before I send my body into starvation mode.

[fzzy]

Yea Lil and Maddy .... way to go!!!! ... Mr. Lil is wonderful to have done that, he impresses me more with each new thing you mention about him! Maddy, keep trying to get the points in .... I know in my past attempts that not eating as much as I should was always the start of my cheating cycles ... you're probably much better than me, but for me it would set off a complicated set of thoughts that sent me in the wrong direction ... and of course the body holding onto it's weight isn't good either. Good luck to all for another successful day and week!

[maddy]

I did the treadmill thing earlier today - went for about 30 minutes, 1.6 miles. I'm adding banana's to my daily routine - they are a higher calorie fruit, but the potassium should pay off in the exercise.

[fzzy]

Good job maddy, the bananas are a great idea for you!

I made it through today ok, was munchy/hungry all day ... I'm at the beginning of my pre-hut week, so I'm glad to be going back to the office tomorrow where my thought process is in gear most of the time, instead of just sitting around the house trying to get little projects done, but not really having to be focused on anything in particular.

[Lilith]

oh man I'm over my calories a lot lately and I'm making excuses.

[maddy]

Lilith, is there anything we can do to help?

fzzy, workdays sure are easier - I hope today was an easier day for you.

I just got off the treadmill, I did 35 minutes - 1.9 miles. I thought about going longer, but I was noticing my hands were swelling and getting sore. I think I need to find a way to keep them elevated more during my walking.

[Lilith]

No but thank you for always offering. This is my battle. I'm at that point, forward or back.

I'm so proud of how well you are doing on your treadmill maddy.

[fzzy]

thanks maddy, so far the eating part of my day has been much easier ... work gives me other things to keep focused on and that is helpful! ... and I too am proud of how well you are doing on the treadmill.

Lil ... we're here to support whichever way you choose to go .... we want you to be happy!!!!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I'm pretty certain that this week's weigh-in Friday morning will not bode well. I don't think I've gained, of course, but I'm not seeing the scale moving much. It's a pretty stressful week for me, though, as I'm going through my first trial with my new attorney boss, plus the fact my children leave Saturday and my sweetie leaves Sunday, each to be gone a week or more. I'm hanging in there and trying to remain positive, but I've used up more of my flex points this week than I have in the seven weeks I've been doing WW. It remains to be seen how that affects my weight come Friday.

[fzzy]

IAKG ... congrats on just making it through to this point ... there are those tough weeks now and then and if you are able to hang tough through til they are over ... it's a success!!

Finishing my day within my calorie range ... yeah! thank you everyone for being here together for me and everyone else!!! :)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

maddy~One thing I wanted to mention about your treadmill activities (which are going great, I might add) is that you should watch to make sure you are staying in your target heart rate zone. If you are higher than your zone (in "cardio" mode), actually you are burning something other than fat. In "fat burn" mode, which usually has a much lower heart rate range, you are burning off more than likely what you want to focus upon.

I've found when I've done my treadmill time is that I actually have to walk at a slower pace than maybe I want to do in order to keep my heart in the right range. Gradually, over time, I realize that I'll be able to pick up the pace and still be in "the zone."

fzzy~Great news on the calories!

[maddy]

thanks IAKG - target zone you say, how would one find that? I'm betting there's a website and I certainly will google, but if you have one that does an excellent job - I'm willing to take a look.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Actually, the trainer at the gym calculated mine for me. It's based on your age and weight, I believe. Most gyms have charts, but, as you say, Google probably has more than a ton. My target rate, for example, to burn fat is 121-128. I have to watch the speed on the treadmill because, logically, my heart rate has a tendency to go up the higher the speed I choose. I just convince myself that, while I may not have the mileage I want at the end of the workout, I'm doing something better for my body.

[maddy]

I found many on google - some that only use age - others that use age and resting heart rate. Of course I also received a myriad of answers. None of them that I peeked at quickly had age and weight. I also suck at finding my pulse, good thing the treadmill has a pulse rate hand grip. I will keep an eye on it for the next couple of nights and see if I've been going out of my range.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Hmmmmmm...I guess I assumed it had to do with weight, since the trainer had asked me about mine right before discussing heart rate, but you could be right. I frequently use the pulse rate hand grip, too. My new pedometer is pretty cool, though, and has a function for providing heart rate--you simply press a button, then rest your finger on it. Good luck!

[WildIrish]

I was noticing my hands were swelling and getting sore. I think I need to find a way to keep them elevated more during my walking.



Just sayin. :D

[maddy]

oh my WildIrish.... how would I get myself into that?

I just got off the treadmill and took IAKG's advice.... I walked at a much slower pace and tried to keep my heartrate in check... for anyone that is interested here's what I found for the magic formula: 220 less your age. take that number times 60% and 80% that makes up your range. Some more sophisiticated formulas take resting heartrate into account too.

[osuche]

I SUCK at portion control. That's all I'm sayin

<sigh>

[fzzy]

LOL osuche .... I do too, which is exactly why everything I eat these days is prepackaged as a single serving ... don't have any faith in my ability to keep to a single serving any other way!!!

maddy and IAKG ... we are all learning new stuff as we go through this process, now I know that when I get to the point where I'm doing something that will elevate my heartrate to a certain level, then I'll figure out my zone as well. :) For now I'm just doing the things to build up a bit of muscle and a lot of stamina until I can get so my back and knees can make it through more of a workout. I do know that it's only after 20 minutes of exercise that the body starts to burn fat (in most cases).

I made it through another day and tomorrow I think should go well enough as well.... my work schedule has been very hectic lately!

WI ... thanks for the laughs

[IAKaraokeGirl]

maddy, just remember that staying at the low end of the target heart rate range will result in more fat burn-off than the higher-intensity zone. One other thing I'd suggest (and Lil mentioned it once here) is getting a pedometer. It's recommended that everyone take 10,000 steps a day for good health, more if you're trying to lose weight. I keep mine on daily, and it helps keep me motivated to be more active as well as showing me exactly how *inactive* I am some days. If I notice my total's not jumping up much during the day, I'll make a point to try to get up and move around a bit. I would, however, recommend you go with a "nicer" pedometer--I just bought one at Target with a pulse meter for around $30--as they seem to be both more accurate and durable.


osuche~I understand. Oftentimes I wonder if I'm givng myself too few or too many points for the things I eat, especially when eating out. For instance, yesterday I had lunch with my friends from work, and we went to our favorite Italian place. That's a bad, bad place to go for someone on WW, let me tell you. But I ordered a mini cheese pizza, 7", about the best thing under the circumstances. I went back to the office and logged on to put in my points. I did a search under "cheese pizza" and got 23508295820395 hits with varying points levels. Because the place we went isn't a national chain, I kind of had to guess on an appropriate point value.

As fzzy states, the prepackaged dinners, etc. are excellent when you need to know *exactly* what you're consuming, even though they unfortunately can't cover every situation.

[Lilith]

Whew! Just when I think I'm insane and about to give up on myself the reason behind this current lack of self control rears it's ugly head. I'm in the hut :D My God I thought I was just sucking!!!!!I was afraid I was going to have to watch you guys succeed knowing I had failed. But NO!!!!! I am not giving in. I was just majorly PMSing and so now I know I can get back on track. I also am learning to have more faith in myself and to maybe slow the fuck down and listen to my body.

[maddy]

Seems for once the Hut is good news....

[maddy]

I walked about 1.75 miles tonight and am finding it much easier to stick to when I slow down following IAKG's advice. I think my heartrate is still a little too high but I'm trying.

Eating has a bit of a challenge lately as I seem to be getting an increased appetite during the day. Evenings are the same as usual but I'm finding myself more hungry during the day. I need to find more good filling snacks to keep at work.

[Lilith]

maddy I have been on a granola bar kick. The dry kind. One with a big glass of water is pretty filling and they usually have pretty good for you carbs if you fins ones without too much added sugar.

I'm glad the treadmill is a tool you have found to not only use but enjoy. I enjoy hearing your successes using it. I always have had a problem with shin splints using them and so am taking notes.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Glad to hear that things are going well with the heartrate thing, maddy. Don't pressure yourself TOO much--things will get to where they're supposed to be just based on the effort you're expending alone. I, too, am having trouble with hunger, but mine tends to come in the evenings. I eat breakfast before work, of course, and during the day I'm pretty occupied so my mind doesn't wander too much towards food. I have a set lunchtime, and I keep a supply of Yoplait fat-free strawberry yogurt in case I'm at the point where I really CAN'T wait. But in the evenings, when things are a little less structured, I'm finding that I want to eat--dinner, plus a snack or two. And while I mainly stick to foods that are "okay," I know I'm still eating more than I should.

Lil, that's a relief to hear on the hut, I'm sure. I wish that were my issue this week. :D

[maddy]

I have half my breakfast at home and the other half at the office. I found I really like the Kashi chewy granola bars - either peanut butter peanut or the trail mix. I'm not sure about their content really (oops) other than they are high in fiber (5g).

Someone stopped me in the office kitchen yesterday and recommended Thomas light wheat english muffins (8g of fiber). I will be looking for them at the grocery this weekend. Toasted with a bit of jelly or cream cheese or peanut butter would be a good snack and hopefully with the high fiber would be filling.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Weight Watchers also has muffins and bagels out, too, maddy, in case you didn't know.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it or not, but there's a brand here in NH of bread products called "Country Kitchen." Their "light" wheat buns are 1 point--EXCELLENT for turkey burgers and hot dogs alike. I fell in love with them a month or so ago, but discovered a few weeks ago that Shaw's has their *own* brand of "light" products that are also 1 point each--and cheaper.

[maddy]

I knew about the weight watcher bakery products. I have the traditional grains bread here. I've looked at the english muffins but they just haven't struck my fancy. But the one the woman was making with a light coating of peanut butter sure did look damn good!

I've been trying to minimalize my starch products all together but will definitely be looking this weekend.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I have also been trying to eliminate carbs on a general level, but mostly due to the diabetic aspect of it. The English muffins, BTW, are great with a little dab of pizza sauce, some turkey pepperoni, and fat-free cheese and baked for a few minutes--your own mini pizzas with hardly any points. The WW English muffins are 1 point for the whole thing, so for roughly about 4-5 points you get two English muffin-sized pepperoni pizzas. :)

[fzzy]

One of the reasons you may be getting a bit more hungry maddy ... could be because you're been doing that treadmill consistently, built up a bit more muscle (which burns more calories) and probably have speeded up your metabolism just a bit (that happens more and more the more you consistently work the muscles) ... so you're burning through calories faster (that you have eaten) ... that's a good thing as far as the coming weeks, etc. for weight loss, but I know from past experience, it is also a hard adjustment as your body wants more food. It's good that you are working at giving it the healthier foods!!!

IAKG ... you always have great ideas ... thanks!!

Lil ... what a relief!!! I understand that "ah ha!" that comes when you find out that it isn't just that you've lost all control .... it's just the hormones took control temporarily ... great to have you back with us!! For the same reason, I've been dreading the next couple of days, cause I'm right at that point myself ... I'm hoping this time for me will be a bit easier than the last one!

Oh and by the way, stayed in my range, BARELY ... I had all of 15 calories or so to spare! :)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

WELL...I got up this morning and did my regular Friday morning routine. Surprisingly, I am down 2.5 lbs. for the week, putting me at 18.5 lost since beginning WW 8 weeks ago, and about 26 including the weight I apparently lost before joining.

I logged onto the WW site to enter my weight--and discovered I'd been incorrect about my first goal mark. While I still am 0.5 lb. shy of my pre-pregnancy weight with my first child, I have hit my first WW goal weight.

I suppose now it's time to take him up on his promise for something slinky from Victoria's Secret. ;)

[Lilith]

Congrats IAK, You should feel very proud of yourself. You are master of your edible domain :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

LMAO @ Lilith--at least I'm the master of SOME domain, anyway. :D

[maddy]

Excellent IAKG. I hope you swing through the day with an extra hop in all of the 10,000 steps you take today.

[osuche]

OK...So I'm back. :) I got SICK yesterday...worke up with a sore throat and muscles and stuffed up...and ended the day with a temp of 101 and a crying spell because I was so freaking tired.

Debating on going to work today...we'll see how I feel in the next couple of hours. In the interim. I've been good with food because I haven't felt like eating. :( But I've been drinking lots of water and green tea.

Lil, happy to see you've rejoined us....and I hope IAKG gets the slinky outfit from VS. ;)

Maddy.....so proud of you and the treadmill....please keep it up!

and fzzy...congrats on (almost) making it through another successful week!

[Aqua]

(((((((Osuche))))))))

Hope you get to feeling better sooner rather than later.

[Lilith]

I'm not back yet. I just tried to OD on a ream of girl scout cookies.

[Lilith]

In case you need it, a sleeve of Girl Scout Thin Mints is 630 calories :D

[maddy]

they are one of my current treats... I get 4 of them for 4 points. I bought about 5 boxes of cookies before I decided to be good about eating... so they all went in the freezer and I wrote in big sharpie marker how many I can have for the number of points. I've gone through the peanut butter patties and thank yous so far.

[maddy]

Just got off the treadmill for the day - a new milestone - 2 miles ... a whole TWO miles. I'm proud of myself for making it that for and sticking to this exercise even when it doesn't excite me.

I managed a short notice change in my lunch plans today with grace (i think) - I'm about to go and log what I ate and see how it comes out.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

As many of you know, on Friday afternoons at the office, we have "happy hour." One of the attorneys provided the "refreshments," and most of the office stops working and relaxes for the last hour of the week. Well, I haven't participated in this since I first started in November--and the last eight weeks one of the major factors causing that was my diligence to WW.

Well, today, of course, I had something to celebrate. I did not get to go to lunch with the girls, as is "normal" on Fridays, and by 4:00 I still had 12 of my 22 points left for the day. I checked, and I figured I could have one Mike's Hard Cranberry Lemonade and only use up 5 of those, still leaving 7 for dinner--PLENTY. So, I opened one...and only got about 1/3 of the way through when I realized that, honestly, it just wasn't worth it. I poured the rest down the sink, deducted two points from my number available, and started working again.

Funny how priorities change, isn't it?

[Lilith]

Bravo! So glad to heave the successes of both of you today. Maddy 2 miles is so great and IAK I'm glad you are at a place where you know the difference between wants and needs. ((hugs)) Congrats ladies!

[fzzy]

maddy and Lil you are both much stronger then I .... if I had cookies ... especially girl scout cookies ... I'd eat them til they were gone ... I'm like that with foods that are in my problem areas ... I have no control over myself whatsoever, that's why I've pushed myself to stick strictly to my calories and not include any high sugar type foods in my mix at all ... it's the only way for me to be able to stick it out .... I know that somewhere down the line I'll have to learn to have those kind of treats, but I want to have a lot more progress before I even try it ...

maddy great job with the 2 miles and with managing the change in your lunch plans at the last minutes!! Well done!!!

IAKG .. congrats on the goal achievment and the additional 2 1/2 pounds lost! Wooo Hooo ... hope you do go shopping for a VS type treat!!!

osuche ... hope you are feeling much better now ... I know what you mean about no appetite when feeling that sick ....

Congrats to all of us, most of us will hit that 8 week marker sometime during this weekend ... I think that is soooooo great!

[maddy]

I got off the treadmill a bit ago and did 2 miles again tonight while watching RENT. I picked the DVD up today as it was on sale - hadn't seen the movie as of yet, but really enjoyed the play on stage.

I did my grocery shopping today too. I picked up some new items and am hoping the change and variety will help to keep me going. I picked up turkey burgers after IAKG's rave reviews and I also thought I'd give Boca Burgers a shot too.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

LOL @ the turkey burgers, maddy!

I actually "make" my own--buying the ground turkey and adding the same congomerate of 4-5 seasonings I usually use with ground beef. But the pre-made ones are an easier way for portion control, to be sure.

(I'm going to sheepishly add in here that I had three of them yesterday, including the one I had for breakfast. :rolleyes:)

As for me, I *did* do some VS shopping--online at least--last night. I'm not sure I can fit into what I ordered right this minute, but they're saying the estimated delivery date is 3/13, so that gives me a few weeks--plus I was right at the "hump" between sizes, theoretically, anyway, and I didn't want to get it on 3/13 and have "outgrown" it, so to speak, within a few weeks. We'll see.

I took my children out for a nice, nice lunch today to celebrate my daughter's new karate belt level and because I will miss their February school break, as they're now somewhere over Ohio or Illinois, probably. Of course, we went to my favorite restaurant here, and I ate about 85% of my points at one sitting. I also had dinner tonight, so I'm already over four points for the day. Because, in general, it was a stressful, long, exhausting day, I'm not motivated to exercise at all, and will just take a hit on my weekly flex (extra) points and move on.

[Lilith]

maddy, we eat all the items from the Boca line as well as Morningstar. My son really likes the Boca chilli. He's a vegetarian while the rest of us are not. There are some buffalo chicken patties that are good as well as one that tastes almost veal like. I have these when I am trying to get in some protein but not the fat. For me the trouble is that often they have a lot of carbs.

I've run about 200 calories over my goal several days this week. I keep trying to tell myself it's this hut thing but I also don't want to make excuses. I have to tighten up.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil posted that link in the "tone your ass" thread, but I found a paragraph on the site I thought might be applicable here.

"The best type of exercise for reducing body fat is low-intensity, long-duration aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise allows your body to breath in plenty of oxygen as it burns fat for fuel. Fat can not burn without this oxygen. Walking is probably the best exercise around to lose fat while sparing muscle. Walking a mile burns as many calories as running a mile— it just take longer to walk. Most people can walk farther than they can run, so they wind up burning more calories by walking!"

[fzzy]

maddy .. great job!

Lil .. I feel your pain .... unfortunately, I really "feel" it ... yesterday I was as out of control as I could be without actually leaving my place to go and pick up "goodies" kind of food .... I gave up trying to count calories by early evening last night and just hung on as best I could .... exercising as much control as I could muster, but gratefully my period started during sleep time last night and for me, that day before is always the very worst day of the month, so hopefully it was just one day with a lot of extra calories consumed and now I can do the next 29 following my plan.

Great info IAKG and Lil on the veggie protein options. When I get to the point where I trust myself to actually do meal preparation, I'm going to try some of those items.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

fzzy, just remember that it's one day. The important part is that you woke up this morning with the same resolve as you've had the last two months. Me, I ended up 11 points over yesterday. Granted, I had a pretty stressful day, but that's an excuse and not a reason. This morning I've been able to focus on long-term goals and just consider yesterday a "bump" in the road.

[maddy]

I thank my lucky stars that I don't have to suffer the hut monthly (thanks to Seasonale) - I'm glad you are back with your resolve to stay on track today fzzy.

Until the rest of society stops tempting us with all the wonderfully tasteful (or not so tasteful but highly convenient) foods we will have days were the circumstances lead us to indulging a bit more than we might like. Right now it's about letting it be one day, rather than 30 days... and everyone has done well with keeping it in check - I think.

[maddy]

Keeping up with my accountability - I did 2 miles on the treadmill again tonight.

I also had a turkey burger for dinner - premade by Butterball. I seasoned just as I would have a beef burger and then had it with a slice of 2% sharp cheddar and a wheat hamburger bun - all for 6 points. It was quite tasty!

[fzzy]

Thanks maddy and IAKG ... and everyone for your positive thoughts and examples .... I've made it through today with a couple of hundred calories to spare, so I'm back on track and ready to start another week. Good luck everyone on the coming week!!!

[Lilith]

Just a warning on the turkey, unless you use the stuff with 100% white meat it's not lower in fat than lean ground beef. Regular ground turkey can run as high as 15% fat.

This week has been a doozy. My students and I will suffer through state assessment testing over the next two weeks. I am down 1 more this week. So far 17 altogether. Slow and steady wins the race, right??????

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Here's something, following Lil's lead, that might interest you on turkey v. ground beef:

http://experts.about.com/q/Nutrition-Dieting-939/ground-turkey-2.htm

From that and some other things I've seen on the 'net, it seems like the basic advantage to ground turkey is less saturated fat. I have simply found that I ENJOY the turkey better than the beef a good percentage of the time.

As frustrating as it is, slow and steady is the way to go. I know I'd like to be at the end of the weight loss journey and be in maintenance mode, but I try to focus on day-by-day and not the road ahead too much. ((Lil)) for your week ahead--I'll send positive thoughts your way.

[Lilith]

I would also have to add that you can't get mad cow from a turkey...











yet :p

[maddy]

I must admit I learned all this about turkey yesterday as I was attempting to determine the point value AFTER I ate it. I found that the package did describe it as lean and there was no mention of it being specifically ground turkey breast but there was no mention of it containing dark meat and skin either. So I resorted to the NI on the back of the pack and found each pre-made burger to be 180 calories with 8g of fat. That's about the same as the lean black angus ground sirloin (173 calories, 9g of fat) that I use when ever I'm going to have beef. Next time I will be more attentive to the content of the turkey - but all in all I did enjoy the turkey burger and will be adding to my mix of things to eat. And at a minimum I can say it's at least as healthy as the beef I'm eating.

Now on to other things - the scale. I suspected it would not be a good week for me only because I watched the scale be less than kind all week, but I kept moving on doing the same things. I lost .5 lb this past week. I think it's because of my intake. I was below points everyday but two (2-4 points - plus 2-3 APs). I'm going to be striving to get my point intake up this week (how funny is that? I need to eat MORE!). I've been doing a lot of reading on this and think I've found some solutions that will work for me.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

maddy, it sounds as if maybe your body started to go into "starvation mode" this week, reducing your metabolism to correspond to your food intake. A loss is a loss, though--just remember that. ((maddy))

[maddy]

Starvation Mode - exactly! And I need a good old fashioned ass kicking as I know better than to do that. Old habits die hard I suppose, it's the "if I eat less I'll lose more" philosophy that doesn't exactly work. But I do know that I wasn't "starving" as I left the points on the table at the end of each day and wasn't going to bed hungry.

I am going to be much more dilligent about it this week - so my body doesn't completely fall into starvation mode.

[osuche]

Well, down 2 more lbs, but I think it's lack of appetite. I've been walking a bit, but not doing any form of normal exercise since Thursday thanks to my cold/flu/viral invasion.

I'd rahter be working out -- I feel so much better when I am doing so.

That makes me a total of 7 lbs, and the underperformer of this group. :(

When I feel better, I'll be more diligent in catching up with the rest of you.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

osuche~Keep in mind that, I believe, you started later than the rest of us. You've also had some physical challenges as of late. Don't be so hard on yourself. As I told maddy this morning, a loss is a loss.

[Aqua]

What she ^^^ said. A loss is a loss... and everyone loses weight at a different pace due to many different factors of family schedules, job schedules, HEALTH!, and perving practices. ;) What matters is that you stick to it and keep doing what works for you.

((((osuche)))))

[maddy]

Since I'm home today I hopped on the treadmill earlier than normal - and I really didn't feel like doing the laundry. I had to pick up the pace today to stay within the heartrate range... that's a good feeling (I think!). I managed to do 2.1 miles. Also, I have a habit of snapping my fingers when I walk - I managed to split my finger open in the process :(

[osuche]

Thanks Aqua and IAKG....I've been forced to concede that I need to relax a bit and that the illness is my body's signal to lay low. I'm going to be more dedicated after I get well, though.

Maddy...bummer about the finger! It's harder to snap with bandaids on. :D

[fzzy]

Yea Lil on your loss ... a loss is a loss and anything that isn't a gain - in my mind, is wonderful!!!

maddy, the lack of loss may also be that your body is gaining some muscle with the added activity, that will slow down soon, the first couple weeks of a workout program (when you haven't been on one) is always a muscle building time. Congrats on your ongoing success with the treadmill ... you are doing so great at that!

osuche, 7 pounds lost is wonderful!! congrats on doing that, I don't have a clue on my numbers lost because in all honesty, i don't have access to a scale that weighs in high enough numbers, though I did awhile before starting, so I know approximately what my weight was when I started and if I'm able to stick it out long enough, then eventually I'll be able to weigh on a regular scale ... that week (when & if it comes) will be a very big number to report, but until then, I'm going exclusively on changes in my body and how I feel, how my clothes fit, etc. Each of us starts at a different place and has different goals, but as mentioned before, a loss is a loss and that's a VERY good thing!


IAKG - thanks again for the information and encouragement you always bring.

and Aqua, we love you! thanks for being with us!

[fzzy]

I made it through another day ... it's good to be on track! :)

[Lilith]

fzzy I'm really proud of you and can't help but think how good it's going to feel the day you can step on a scale to proclaim your weight. Instead of thinking it's a big number just think of all the bigger numbers it will not be.

I'm hitting a decade mark. You know those increments of 10 that you just can't wait to enter a lower one. I fear I'll hang around on the periphery forever. Maybe next week will be the week. Thinking that helps me to stay focused.

[maddy]

Just wanted to say - I'm having the best strawberries in my cereal this morning :p . My grocery has had them on sale for three weeks in a row buy one get one free for a container (quart?) - and this week they are the most beautiful red nearly all the way through and are so incredibly flavorful and juicy.

I had heard on the radio that it is strawberry season in Florida (though I think these are from South America) and that it's going to be a good crop coming from Florida.

[osuche]

maddy...you've just made me crave strawberries madly. If I could see to drive, I'd be headed to the store even though it's 4 am here.

I'm glad you're enjoying them...especially since I know you didn't use to be a fruit person. :)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I know exactly what you mean, Lil. I'm coming up on a "double"--close to 20 lbs. lost, plus down a "decade" in weight. I don't think it'll be at this Friday's weigh-in, though, but I'm hoping for next Friday.

osuche brings up a good point--it's amazing how, when we're concentrating on what's "good" for us, our tastes and preferences change.

[WildIrish]

Well, Lil, considering the reservations you had about the past week...a pound down is awesome. "Better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness." eh?

Fzzy...you are amazing. That's all I have to say to and about you. Your progress is inspiring and your attitude is great. Ok, so I had more to say. :D

osuche, you have no catching up to do at all. You'll lose at a rate that your body can handle. No worries, mate. ;)

NHKG - Enough with the turkey burger breakfasts! I got a stomach ache just thinking about it! :p But hey...who am I to argue with your obvious success, right? Good job! And good idea to dump your drink down the drain! That stuff isn't near as worth it as scotch! :D

Maddy...I'm glad you're putting your treadmill to good use. At this rate, you'll be toned up and ready to tackle a good walk outside come springtime. Your body will be fit so your mind can focus on the delights nature will offer instead of trying not to fall over!

As for me, well, Sunday night was a late night for me. Mrs. WI and I were up until almost 1:00am and I was really feeling the effects of it last night. I slept ok, but not near long enough. I needed real coffee so I brewed a pot thinking that a cup would open my eyes and perc me up. Well...I can't make real coffee at home because I'll drink the whole thing, which is exactly what I did. I can't believe I drank the whole pot of coffee in like 20 minutes. :( I was so mad at myself that I threw all the real coffee down the garbage disposal. Somewhere in Columbia, I heard Juan Valdez kick his donkey.

I think seeing how bad I lost control was more of an eye-opener than the caffeine.

[osuche]

As for me, well, Sunday night was a late night for me. Mrs. WI and I were up until almost 1:00am and I was really feeling the effects of it last night. I slept ok, but not near long enough. I needed real coffee so I brewed a pot thinking that a cup would open my eyes and perc me up. Well...I can't make real coffee at home because I'll drink the whole thing, which is exactly what I did. I can't believe I drank the whole pot of coffee in like 20 minutes. :( I was so mad at myself that I threw all the real coffee down the garbage disposal. Somewhere in Columbia, I heard Juan Valdez kick his donkey.

I think seeing how bad I lost control was more of an eye-opener than the caffeine.

Take it from someone who has a *lot* of experience pulling all-nighters....do NOT trust yourself to have any type of judgement about what to eat/drink/say the next day. Nothing impairs judgement more than a sleepless night or two!

I'd approach this as a special circumstance and forgive myself for it. Don't be so hard on yourself!

Of course, if you threw away allt he coffee beans (why didn't you send them to me?) you've removed the temptation. :D

Which means we can both celebrate by drinking some scotch together. Just bought a new bottle of 18 year old Glenmorangie Sherry Wood....want some?

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Maddy pointed me to a WW online support site last night--www.healthdiscovery.net. I was kind of looking around there, and I found an interesting thread on their message boards about pant sizes. Someone was wanting to know about a formula to correlate weight/pants size.

One of the first things mentioned was determining frame type, which I'd seen before (and which, interestingly enough, puts me as a "large" frame):

How Do I Determine My Body Frame Size?
Small, medium or large. Frame size. Which size are you?

If you are left-handed, extend your right arm. If you are right-handed, extend your left arm.

With your free hand, wrap your thumb and middle finger (yes, the one that some people use in heavy traffic) and wrap those around your extended wrist. Be sure to wrap it around the SMALLEST section of your wrist - very close to where the old hand sticks out.

Small Frame: If your middle finger and thumb overlap, you have a small frame.

Medium Frame: If your middle finger and thumb touch, you have a medium frame.

Large Frame: If your middle finger and thumb do not meet, you have a large frame.


One thing, however, that I HADN'T seen was a formula given for the pants/weight correlation. I'm interested to see if it works for you all--it was fairly accurate for me:

(.118 x weight) + (.059 x age) - (.298 x height in inches) + 11.11 = size

[Lilith]

IAk I know you love ginger dressing like I do. I love this bottled kind Makoto honey ginger. Here is a recipe to make a similar kind at home http://www.recipezaar.com/60315

[Aqua]

I have heard of a website you ginger lovers may like... I Love Ginger (http://www.iloveginger.com)

[maddy]

Interesting find IAKG - the wrist thing would claim I'm a medium frame and I've always claimed to be "big boned" perhaps it's one of my many weight lies.

And the size thing seems to be accurate for the size I'm wearing today - but I also can pull them straight down my hips with a good tug.

[maddy]

Newman's Own has a sesame ginger dressing that I have heard is really good (I think I might have bought it and have it in my cabinet even).

[fzzy]

Lil ... thank you so much ... I'm proud of all of us, some days we struggle a bit more than others, but we're still here checking in and giving each other support as well. I think it's great that you're closing in on a marker number!!

maddy, glad you're enjoying healthy foods! That is such a great accomplishment.

osuche, hope you get feeling much better very soon!! and congrats on continuing to do so well even when you're feeling unwell.

IAKG -- congrats on your upcoming marker number as well!

WI ... like the rest of us, you had a day when control didn't seem so easy to find, when's your visit to the hut .. can you blame that?!?!? :D Speaking of which, maybe I'm a bit emotional right now, but between you're comment and Lil's right together almost ... I got teared up - thank you for your kind words!

and for all the information from each of you on various topics and thoughts ... thanks!!! you guys are the best!

[WildIrish]

Well, seeing as how I spend more time in the hut thread than any female...it's possible that I'm experiencing physical manifestations. The "I feel your pain" syndrome. :D

Truth be told, if given enough free range I can justify almost anything in my mind. That's why I can't keep coffee in the house. I'll figure out, like yesterday morning, a reason why it's ok "just this one time". And it's a downward spiral once I start thinking. (No comments from the peanut gallery!) So, I won't keep regular coffee around. I'm fine when I'm out because to order coffee...I'd have to say it out loud. Hearing myself say "Decaf please" is more of a positive affirmation than a sentence of punishment, so it's ok.

At any rate, thanks for the encouragement all.

[Aqua]

One thing, however, that I HADN'T seen was a formula given for the pants/weight correlation. I'm interested to see if it works for you all--it was fairly accurate for me:

(.118 x weight) + (.059 x age) - (.298 x height in inches) + 11.11 = size
This thing is all screwed up. It says I should be wearing size 14 pants. :eek:

Ha! I'm totally a size 7. :rolleyes:


:D :p

[WildIrish]

I round up to a size 11...that's handy to know for when I go shopping for skirts. ;)

[osuche]

The damn pants calculation says I'm a size 15...which doesn't exist. :p But maybe why that explains why I try on 3 size 14 pairs of pants and *one* will fit. :p That's the magical size 15. LMAO

My accomplishment for today is sleeping a whole 8 hours last night -- first time in about 5 days. :) Now...it was broken into 3 chunks thanks to some coughing fits and eye issues, but I still slept 8 hours!

BTW...did I mention I could use a nap? :p

[Lilith]

size 15s are available in the Jr dept of most department stores. It was not accurate for me but I have found the larger you are the less likely general rules apply.

[maddy]

Just got off the treadmill - I really pushed myself to do 45 minutes and stay in my target heartrange tonight. I had a treat that needed to be worked off. I walked 2.4 miles and am incredibly pleased with my accomplishment.

WI- I'm glad you know what you need to do to resist temptation...I think those of us with other goals can agree that we have had to do some of the same as far as removing triggers.

[fzzy]

WI - maddy has it right, I don't have any of my triggers in my place, or at work ... am so concerned about how weak I am regarding many of those triggers, that I've worked out various ways to not have to go shopping at places that have them, etc. I wouldn't make it if I had any of those things within reach.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

You all are too funny with the weight/pants correlation calculator. It was fairly accurate for me, although it had me right over a 14, and I was wearing 12s yesterday and today.

Thanks for the heads up, too, on the ginger...you all KNOW how much I love it. I tried to be as good as possible last night at the Japanese restaurant and did pretty well, considering.

This week is just going to be a tough week overall for me as far as any loss, with my whole life out of whack between the kids and my S/O both out of town and my boss preparing for a big, five-day trial. My stress level is high, so I will be happy with maintaining the status quo from last week but am gearing myself up to be slightly disappointed.

[Steph]

You all are too funny with the weight/pants correlation calculator. It was fairly accurate for me, although it had me right over a 14, and I was wearing 12s yesterday and today.

I told you that pants thing was making me crazy! I thought it was just non-girl me that dd it but I'm supposed to be bigger than the 10/12/14 that I am!

[fzzy]

LOL Steph!!

Just stopping in to say I made it through another day staying in my calorie range ... it was kind of a hectic day for me, tomorrow probably will be as well, so off to bed I go! :)

[maddy]

I overdosed on mashed potatoes tonight. That's probably not something I needed a double helping of, but it was there and I took it.

I also got off the treadmill a bit ago and walked 2.5 miles. I've started keeping a spreadsheet (geek!) of all the walking I've done. Tonight I hit 10 hrs total.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Actually, as you know, maddy, journaling is something WW encourages. Talk about geekettes...when I can remember (I'm getting better about it), I put my weight daily as well as miles walked into my Palm Pilot. :D

It's now 8:30. I worked until just about 7:00, a 12-hour day, and had to stop at the grocery after that. I'm hoping to get dinner soon. I hate to eat this late, but I'm also starving.

[Lilith]

I drank my calories in mudslides :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

They go down easier that way, don't they, Lil? :D

I'm NOT going to tell you, then, that I found a site yesterday listing the five best and worst drinks for people on diets, and unfortunately mudslides were on the "naughty" side of the coin. :rolleyes:

[maddy]

there is NOTHING unhealthy about a mudslide - lots of dairy I'm certain, and dairy is necessary, right? :D

[Lilith]

I like tha naughty side of the coin

[fzzy]

LOL with all of you!!! I made it through another day ... I'm still surprized at that much of the time ... it is almost unprecidented in my life to be able to stick to a healthy eating plan for this length of time .... congrats to all of us!

[Lilith]

ok woke up with no hangover and I'm ready to be on track and stay on track today!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Wellllllllll...


...after a week of challenges (kids gone, sweetie gone, trial preparation at work, and going out to eat six--yes, SIX--times since weigh-in last Friday), and considering the fact that I have NOT gone to the gym once this week (although I DID have some quality box-moving days), I am highly pleased to see the scale goddess smiled on me this morning. I am down 1.0 lb. for the week. Yay to pre-pregnancy weight! Yay to 0.5 lb. from 20 lb. lost since starting WW! :)

Of course, the one-pound loss was AFTER I did the 3.25 miles on the treadmill this morning--before I did my exercise, I was still at the same weight as last week. I HIGHLY doubt I burned the 3500 calories required to lose a pound in an hour this morning, so I'm taking the one-pound loss and running with it. Surely my scale was wrong the first time. :D Plus, the one-pound loss is what the scale showed yesterday morning, and I know I didn't eat enough yesterday to gain any weight.


Lil~Glad to hear there's no hangover...which makes your decision to enjoy your time with your friends doubly worth it, right? :)

And fzzy~I'm very proud of you, as are all of your friends here. A commitment to make any kind of change is tough, but everyone who posts regularly in this thread is pulling for everyone else. I think that alone helps to keep us focused and motivated!

[maddy]

Yay to IAKG!!! It's nice to have a pleasant surprise.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

*takes a bow* Thank you, thank you.








Of course, I blew it tonight and had a slightly...energized lemonade with dinner. :D

[maddy]

fzzy, I'm proud of you for sticking to it. I'm glad you've found a plan that you can stick to and feel good about. I'm nearly certain that's what's caused me to fail before - the plans are quick unsustained results that can't be lived long term.

I was a bit down this morning because I had a little battle with the scale. I stuck to my usual eating when I could have easily sabatoged myself. I went shopping and got some pants that were 1 - 2 sizes smaller for positive reinforcement. Hopefully when the offical weigh in on Monday rolls around me and the scale will be more friendly.

[Lilith]

I fear I will have gained this week.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil, I just KNEW I'd gained. When I eat at home, or eat home-prepared meals at work, etc., it's easy to keep track and stay where I want to be. Going to a restaurant for me is like being a kid in a candy store.

The small loss I had tells me that I'm learning some strategies to deal with the temptations dining out offers. I'm making better choices, and that has both short-term and long-term benefits.

What might help you is to remember that this IS a long-term thing. I mean, just based alone on the improvement of your blood sugars you should be very, very proud of yourself. The last several months have been especially challenging for you, yet you've excelled with flying colors. One "bad" week is minute in the grand scheme of the rest of your life. Over two months into this, you still have your motivation to make changes that will be life-affirming. *pats Lil on the back*

[fzzy]

Yeah IAKG on the loss -- great that you were able to eat out that much and still lose, and that you are opting for better choices when you do eat out!!

Lil ... I think we kind of have to think in the terms of one day (or hour) at a time, sometimes we do really well, sometimes the days are much more challenging. But at this point, I think we are all feeling like we're in this long-term and keeping that in mind, think of the progress you've made in these 2 months ... so glad you're part of the group and have been so much a part of my progress (as have you all)!

maddy ... way to keep looking for things to motivate yourself.

I'm planning on spending some time in my clothing this weekend, sorting through the things that have been too small to see where they are in relation to me now ... and to figure out what I need to start looking for to replace some of the items that are now starting to fall off of me ... that's a good feeling, but being a bit of a cheapskate, I just keep trying to figure out how to make the things I have last as long as possible before I have to get any new stuff. :D

I made it through today actually better than usual -- I got my El Pollo Loco dinner, but made choices throughout the day to eat a bit less of the things I don't really need, but often enjoy ... so though I'm inside my calorie range, I'm on the low side ... not a bad thing considering that Saturdays I usually use up almost all of the daily calories, so this means it will balance out a bit better that most weekends.

[Lilith]

I hear ya on the clothing costs girlfriend. I am not shopping everytime the ones I have are loose because I don't want to buy 6 separate wardrobes as I get down to my goal. Right now most of my work clothes pants and skirts are super baggy but I am just making due. I'm telling myself, "I'll buy some new things when I need to purchase a size___." fzzy I'd also suggest consignment or ebay as a way to get where we are going but with spending less on the trip there :D

[maddy]

fzzy, I find packing up the things that are too big to be highly rewarding and therapuetic.

I picked up some new running shoes today - they are really light on my feet but they were making my feet hurt when on the treadmill. Therefore, my time was cut short - only spent about 20 minutes on the treadmill tonight.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Yep, I'm with maddy on this one. Weight Watchers highly encourages rewarding yourself for your progress--without food, of course--and I find that rewarding myself with some new piece of clothing is extremely motivational for me. Of course, since I don't have lottery winnings stashed away somewhere, I try to find things that are on sale/clearance/hit the resale stores. The items I bought last night don't fit--yet. But they were on winter clearance, and I'm confident enough to believe that by the time fall comes around, I'll get good use out of them.

I'm envious of maddy's new shoes, though. :D

[maddy]

Shall I mention I got the cutest Franco Sarto mary-jane styled heels too? Clearance is my friend :) I eyed these shoes up before Christmas and liked them, but not enough to pay full price.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

That's how you can tell your friends...if they take you to clearance sales or not.











ROFLMAO! :D

[Lilith]

shoes?????? I went and tried on Birks today and decided I'm too sexy for those shoes, too sexy for those shoes :D

[osuche]

Lil, I learned recently that the very first US store to sell Birkenstocks is located only a block from my house. Berkeley, of course. :D

Somehow I picture you in thigh-high leather boots, not Birkenstocks. But I guess those aren't practical for teaching. :D

[maddy]

I have a pair of Birk clogs that I got years ago and absolutely love. They are just incredibly comfortable. They are black so I will wear them from time to time with my black dress pants to work. Probably not a high fashion statement, but some days I just want to be comfortable.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

If they're incredibly comfortable, maddy, maybe you should wear them on the treadmill instead of your new running shoes. :D

[Lilith]

lol... I wanted them for their comfort however most of the ones at the store here were not the more fashionable ones that I have seen available online. I just want some comfy sandals that I can wear and still look girly.

[maddy]

LOL @ IAKG. I don't think I can walk that fast in them.

Lilith, I've never seen a good selection of the sandals in any store. I actually had ordered my clogs online. I just made sure the place had a good return policy in case they didn't fit properly. I'm not usually a big advocate of QVC - but they have an excellent selection of Birks and the prices are pretty good. I forget where I had ordered mine from long ago. You can also usually find a couple of options on overstock.com.

[Lilith]

I saw a guy buying the black foam-like clogs yesterday. He owns a restaurant and he says the cooks wear them. They look comfy. I'm gonna check out QVC and Overstock, thanks!

[fzzy]

All I wear are birks ... I have feet, knee, and back problems and although they still bother me, they bother me much less with the wearing of birks. Over the years, I've managed to acquire 6 or 7 pairs of them ... usually wear one main pair which are 2 strap but the straps are a bit thinner and more feminine looking that the classic two-strap birks and they are a black patent leather. I also have some goldish ones that are the same style, some red summer sandles that are 2 strap and thin straps, but both straps go across the area just above my toes. I do know that you can get the liner from Birks that will fit into other shoes. I've bought all of mine from QVC or Ebay ... you just need to know what your european size is and that they don't sell Birks in 1/2 sizes so you go up to the next size ... I wear a size 8 1/2 usually so my birks are a size 39 european or 9 american sizing ... on ebay they will often list under both sizes. Good hunting/shopping! :)

[maddy]

I tried broccoli for the first time today - well maybe not the first time. I know I don't like it raw *blech* and the only way I would eat it previously was in chinese food (beef & broccoli).

In the frozen food section at my grocery they have these steam in bag veggies (birds eye maybe?) and I thought I'd give the broccoli cuts a try. They have been in the freezer for a few weeks and I finally took them out. Not too bad! I'm nervous about re-heating them another time though.

I also have some asparagus in the refrigerator that I purchased fresh this weekend. I've never attempted to make it but like it steamed at restaurants... so help me out, please :) I do not have a steamer - so any simple and tasty recommendations are welcome.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Throw some garlic salt on your broccoli, maddy...maybe even that buttery spray stuff with zero calories. The spray stuff is my friend. :)

WW has a recipe I bookmarked for asparagus: http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=57681. They have several ideas, though, that look interesting; of course, the points are already calculated for you.

[maddy]

You know, now that I look at that recipe - I think when I've enjoyed it at restaurants it was made with balsamic vinegar. I wonder if I used some balsamic vingairette dressing if I'd like it? Maybe I should try just one serving first.

I've never had ginger... (I know perish the thought) so am apprehensive to try it the first go round with the asparagus.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

We'll raid the oriental store when you come to NH. ;)

I saw a recipe or two at WW.com with the balsamic, so you might want to hunt those up. Asparagus is also good with the garlic salt and spray butter, too.

[maddy]

this sounds yummy ... I may have to give this one a try.

http://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/index.aspx?recipeId=50440

[IAKaraokeGirl]

It just occured to me that non-WW members may not be able to see those recipies, maddy. Lil or fzzy or osuche or someone--can you let me know if you can view those links? If not, I'll copy and paste them in here.

[Lilith]

fill a fry pan with water and start to boil
break the tough ends off the asparagus
drop the asparagus into the boiling water and stir til bright green (super quick)
drain
toss with some balsamic vinegrette

[maddy]

oooooo thanks Lilith! I will definitely be trying that this week.

I love Emeril's balsamic vinaigrette (why is that darn word so hard to spell correctly? I know I do it wrong all the time so I had to google it.)

On a different note, I don't think I like my new sneakers which makes me sad. I had to take them off after 10 minutes on the treadmill today. There is something about the area on the outside part of my foot (opposite the arch) that really isn't comfortable in the shoes. They comfortable for a casual stroll through the store though. I will be trying to return them this week.

I'm ready for the week, and it's going to be a busy & stressful one in the office. I prepared my salad for lunch tomorrow and think I have enough in the refrigerator for re-heating all week for dinners.

I am anxious to see what the scale says "officially" in the morning. I liked the direction and number it fed me this morning, but alas tomorrow is official.

[Lilith]

I can see it but didn't before I posted my usual recipe :p They are basically the same. I add tomatoes and sometimes feta.

[Lilith]

It's just me and the little guy tonight so I wanted a kid friendly dinner. Surprisingly I found pigs in a blanket to be fairly reasonable calorie-wise. 3 fat free hot dogs (120 calories) wrapped in 3 refrigerated biscuits (150 calories). So for 270 a super filling junk food night!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Ginger has no calories. :D

[Lilith]

I would make the broccoli like that ginger sesame asparagus. I usually make garlic and brocolli in a stir fry pan then add a tny amount of stir fry sauce. Yum

[maddy]

Lilith, I've always had pigs in a blanket in the refrigerated croissant rolls - and I've read on the WW boards they make a reduced fat version as well.

[Lilith]

They do but I just used the cheap old biscuits. I was making regular ones for my class and relaized that if I used the fat free dogs I'd be in good shape.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

It's amazing to me what is actually out there in a "healthy" version. I mean, maddy and I were talking about hamburger/hot dog buns...the ones I'm buying now are just as good as the "regular" kind--I'd say maybe even better. Now, I usually make my pigs-in-a-blanket with cheese...I'll have to find what kind of low calorie/point cheese slices I can find now. :D

[Lilith]

They sell fat free and 2% slices

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Well, I can always use my all-purpose fat-free shredded cheese, too. Man, Lil, you're making me hungry!

[Lilith]

I'm stuffed and staying well under my calories today. I am drinking water like a crazy person.

[maddy]

for sliced cheese I far prefer the 2%. I've just discovered Cabot cheddar 50% and 75% light - I can only find it in the blocks currently. I have a "chunk" of one ounce as a snack when I need to use up points at the end of the day. I know this is a luxury I will not always have.

[fzzy]

I can bring up the site with the recipe as well, so it must be available to all ...

As most weekends, I've been on the high side of my calorie range, but tomorrow is another day. I checked out my smaller sizes underwear drawer this weekend, have some of everything that will be fitting very soon and more to go down for a ways. I also have a couple of outfits that I fit into again and can add to my current items ... though not anywhere near enough to replace all of the items that are bagging BIG TIME on me now ... but they are still wearable for the moment, so .... things are good.

[Lilith]

I've reached a stalemate with the scale. No loss :( no gain but no loss this week :(

[osuche]

Well, I survived a week of sickness and starting today I will be going back to the gym AND working on my diet. I'm still not quite "well" -- but I am significantly better and I want to get myself back into good habits.

The past week I've managed to control my calorie intake (thanks to being sick) and have gotten used to eating smaller portions...my average daily intake for the week was about 1750 calories...well below my target of 1950. I'm going to try and stay under 1900 all week this week, and target an average of 1800, knowing I'll go over on a couple of days.

I'm going to start the workout slow today, only going to do about 20-25 min on the exercise bike and maybe 150 sit ups. I'll get more aggressive as I get my strength and health fully back this week, and plan to start lifting weights again by Wendesday.

One more accomplishment I want to mention...I took myself off of my *last* remaining arthritis medication three nights ago and haven't taken more than ibuprofen since then. :D This is the first time since I was 19 that I can stay that I am perscription medicine free (except for the birth control). :D As of last year, I was still taking two mediciations -- sulfazalazine and indocin -- and two years ago I was taking 4 -- the previous two, plus methotrexate and prednisone. Part of the reason why I gained all the weight in the first place was the steroids and other meds.

So...I'm going to try and stay drug-free as long as I can....which means getting HEALTHY and eating right!

[Aqua]

I've reached a stalemate with the scale. No loss :( no gain but no loss this week :(
Try an extra shot of exercise every other day this week Lil. Not positive it will help, but I doubt it will hurt. Just an idea. (((((hugs))))))

((((osuche)))) I hope now that your getting over being sick you can get right on track and be med-free and healthy.

[Lilith]

LOL I don't exescise :D It's against my religion:D

[maddy]

I've had a bad day emotionally. The scale really upset me this morning. I lost 1 lb, when I was really expecting it to be more like 2-2.5 (based on Saturday and Sunday morning checks). I know that I should be happy that I am losing, but I am slowly losing my patience. I don't like seeing the scale go down by only .5 or 1lb after a whole week of walking on the treadmill and eating within my point range.

And the only redemption I have for these emotions is that tonight when I weighed after work I was .5lb lower than this morning - and I am consistently about 3-4lb heavier at the end of the day.

I'm eating on track today - but let my water go right downhill - I've only had about 20 oz all day - and there hasn't been any other liquid intake to compensate for the lack of water. I had it on my desk all day but never had a desire to sip it.

I'm not giving up - but just had a lousy day.

[osuche]

((((maddy))))

[fzzy]

Lil and maddy ... glad you're still with us .... some weeks, especially once into a healthy lifestyle plan just are like that ... I keep reminding myself, it's a cumulative thing, even if there is a week here or there with minimal (or no) change in our measuring tools, over the course of a number of weeks, then the changes add up.

I always have kind of a down week when I'm in the hut ... my emotions are more easily on the negative side and my body isn't responding as well to the efforts I put in .. so last week was like that for me, didn't feel like I was making any progress, even when I could recognize where progress has been happening, I didn't feel like I was progressing ... but over the course of time, I've learned that the week after that is always an up week, I see the progress, I feel more upbeat, etc. So today, I could see changes in the way my clothes fit and how much looser they are, etc. I could also feel some differences in the way my knees are ... less pain with each week that passes.

Sending healing thoughts and hugs to osuche ... hope you get back to 100% very soon!!

Just glad to have you all as a part of the group so we can share the ups and downs .. It makes a huge difference for me and I appreciate you all ... thanks!!!

By the way, reporting that I made it through another day and am off to bed now. :)

[Lilith]

I had a bad one yesterday too so bad I didn't really eat. I woke up this morning to a sudden drop in weight but I know it won't stay that low.

maddy ~ tomorrow/now today will be a better day ((hugs))

[osuche]

(((Lil))) ~~ didn't mean to get you sick, too. :) I hear the first year teaching is hell ont he body, and it seems you're suffering for it. Also, sorry to hear about the little boy. You do know...don't you...that the kids are better off because you have the ability to be tough? Thank you for being you -- we need mor eteachers like that.

Maddy, I hope today is better -- I understand about the weight loss in small increments. Such is my life, and it's always pissed me off that weight drops off of other people in whole pound increments and it dribbles off of me. If oyu find a good solution, let me know -- I've always suspected that I'm not eating precisely the right foods for my body and that's why.

fzzy...glad this week you're more positive. I could *feel* your struggle to remain positive last week...but you have come so far! You're feeling better and have a LOT of signals that your plan is working.

IAKG...hope you're celebrating with that man of yours. Did the VS stuff arrive yet? ;)

Aqua...I need a report on your progresss as well, my friend. :D

As for me...I broke my calorie rule last night. Came home and fixed shrimp pasta...it tasted so GOOD and I've had such little appetite this past two weeks. I went mad and ate two plates of it, and drank a glass of wine. Then I had 2 Swiss chocolates. I'd been "good" earlier in the day, so the splurge ended me at 2150 calories for the day -- which (given that I worked out a bit) is still OK. But today I'll be more diligent about my goal.

Woke up with some stiffness and took a shower...but last night was night 4 without arthritis meds. Two years ago my rheumatologist told me that I might never have kids because the meds I was on would cause birth defects. That I'd have to be off of them for 18 months before I got pregnant, and she didn't think that would be possible for me to do. Well....here I am....off of the drugs for 4 days straight! 18 months to go and I can have babies if I want to.

To me, the goal of remaining arthritis med free is *almost* as important as the weight loss. I am sure they're entwined, but this is a big accomplishment to me. Something I've been working on for about 2 years, which is finally completely successful. Let's just hope I don't back slide.

[WildIrish]

^5 osuche!

Wishing you luck and continued success in your quest to be med-free!

[osuche]

TYVM. :D I really *am* proud

How about you, WI? How's the quest to remain coffee-free going? :)

[WildIrish]

I still want real coffee. Giving up other caffeinated drinks was no problem at all because I don't drink much soda anyway. That's what makes it so difficult to give up coffee. Decaf doesn't taste as good and I'm tired of water all day. I feel like there should be meetings or something!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I'm taking it that juice just doesn't "do it" for you, WI?

osuche~I understand your quest. I'm hoping that, when I go to do my next three-month glucose reading mid-April that my A1C results have me in the "non-diabetic" category, between the weight loss, improved diet, and exercise. In January I moved down to the lowest dosage of my medication, since my A1C at that time was below what the American Diabetes Association wants it to be for "well-controlled" but not quite to the level my doctor would prefer. Still, when I can remember to take my two-hour readings, I've not had one over the magic number in weeks. Not one. That gives me hope to eventually control a disease that still makes me very, very angry through simple lifestyle changes and not through medication.

maddy~As I've said before, here and in our conversations, it's still a loss. I know how frustrating it is to work on this 24/7--because we ALL work on it 24/7--and to have all of that hard work rewarded at the end of the week with something paltry.

But, just remember--you have to cut out 3500 calories to lose a pound in a week.

Also, check this out: Weightwatchers (http://www.weightwatchers.com/community/mbd/post.aspx?page_size=25&rownum=1&threadpage_no=1&sincedate=3/6/2006&thread_id=75236970&board_id=100&forum_id=1&thread_name=Why+the+Scales+lie!&mod_no=&daterange=2days&viewchange=OPENDATEDESC. )
Apparently I needed to re-read it as well. I believe I am PMSing and retaining water in preparation...all I know is that the scale is not budging for me one iota this week. And it's depressing. ((maddy))

[WildIrish]

I'm taking it that juice just doesn't "do it" for you, WI?



Most juices are way too sweet tasting for me. The only one I can tolerate in small doses is cranberry.

Spring should be here at some point, and I'll feel more like drinking iced green tea. That'll help, I think.

[Aqua]

Aqua...I need a report on your progresss as well, my friend. :D

I've been doing pretty good. Vacation was anything goes time, but I still kept it at 2 pops a day. (Mostly :p )

Since the Monday after I got back from vacation I have only had one day when I had more than one pop during the week.

I've also slowly been creeping down towards 185, which is where I'd like to be weight wise. I think if I got myself to exercise a bit more I'd get there pretty quick... and look better to boot.

Thanks for asking ((((osuche)))))!

[Lilith]

Thanks osuche. I am having a fear of failure thing with work and trying not to let it creep into my eating too.