Pixies Power

[Lilith]

I have seen this sort of thing done elsewhere and wondered if it could truly work here.

I'd like to create a small corner here for those of us who need support in our efforts to change our lifestyle meaning things like habits (such as smoking or even financial spending), dietary changes, or exercise. I'm envisioning a place to brag about accomplishments (no matter how small) or bitch about failures, to cheer eachother on to making better choices, to offer eachother insight and encouragment. I think it would be a great place to report or keep a running record of daily, weekly, monthly, goals and what good choices you are making.

I found this site www.tickerfactory.com that has tickers to keep track of your goals and achievements. I'm sure there are other places too with behavior modification tools.

This would also be the place to discuss tactics you have found useful to help you to make those choices, as well as feelings about how thechoices you are making are impacting your life. Feel free to blog here, record keep, celebrate or whine.

I put this in Advice because it's mainly a support/advice thread and also because this forum gets less riff-raff and it's a seriously personal type subject.

[dreamgurl]

This is a great idea Lil. Seeing as how I am going to try to loose about 25-35 more pounds, this would be a great way for me to force myself to stick to it. Just in case the food journal doesn't work like it did last time I know I will always have you guys. (((((( hugs))))))

[Steph]

Thanks for the motivation! I will do my sit-ups & push-ups asap!

[Lilith]

Excellent dreamgurl!!! 25-35 is do-able! Think of what you have already done!!!

One time, a very long time, ago I lost 70 pounds so I know I can make changes and stick to them.

Here's my long term weight goal ticker! (http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;10731;0;0;0/c/-2/t/-51/k/15d9/weight.png)

I am going to drink 6 bottles of water a day. I also plan to adhere to a low processed flours/sugars eating plan. More veggies, more fruit, more nuts, more lean meats. I plan to avoid white flour, bad fats, and high fructose corn syrup at all costs.

[Lilith]

Thanks for the motivation! I will do my sit-ups & push-ups asap!

How many? Are you trying to build up to a certain # or just starting off maxed?

[fzzy]

Thank you Lil .... I've set goals for this year to lose weight and get more mobile ... working at the increased mobility several times a week ... but now working a lot harder at the weight issues as well ... I plan to go with a low carb (not non-existant, but low) and lower fat eating plan, increase my veggie intake ... I don't like most fruits, but I'm get more of them into my eating plan as well.

And still working to increase my savings, etc. on a financial level.

[Casperr]

Do we get personal spankings from Lilith if we don't make achievements??




I'd probably try to GAIN weight if that was the case.... :P
CasperTG

[Lilith]

Great fzzy! Maybe you could keep us posted on what new fruits you are eating. I am adding them in many forms including dried.

CasperTG~ no but you will get spanks and licks for supporting those of us working atmaking changes. Got anything you'd like to change???

[maddy]

I'm working on weight issues - I've been fortunate to date that my weight has not caused me any health issues. I know that I am capable of weight loss it's just a matter of convincing myself that I need to do it and stick to it.

And while weight has not had an impact on my physical health (or at least not any impacts that have been detected yet) - it has had huge impacts on my mental and emotional health. I have finally realized this!

I mentioned in another thread that I am doing WW Online and hope to experience success. I'm making healthier choices in my eating... planning my meals and trying new things. I've historically been a picky eater which meant minimal fruits and vegetables.

[Lilith]

I have debated doing WW online. Are you finding it helpful?

[maddy]

I just signed up yesterday and am starting the plan today. I find the recipes helpful. I'm learning to be more adventurous in my cooking rather than cooking the 5 things my mom made that I liked. It appears to require quite a bit of discipline to stay on track of journaling your food intake. Give me a month and I might have a better opinion about it being helpful or not...

[osuche]

Speaking of journaling your food intake....there's a site that I use ( www.fitday.com ) where you can log food intake by item, manage your fat/fiber/vitamin intake, and also track the number of times you work out weekly.

I've been using it for 2 years, and it's made me SOOO much more aware of what I put into my body. :) One of the things I love are the "reporting" tabs where you can track whether you've reached your RDA of vitamins for the day/week, the report where you find out on average how many calories you burn a day, and the report where you track how much fat your diet contains.

The program is free and worth its weight in gold IMHO.

My specific goals this year:
1. Become healthier
-- Lose at least 15 lbs, preferably 20
-- Lessen my daily fat intake to less than 30% (taregt 25%)
-- Work out a minimum of 4 days/week (I've been averaging 3)
-- Target 1900 calories/day (I've been averaging 2050)

2. Find a better job
-- Send out one resume per day, with a well-researched cover letter...5 days a week
-- Conduct follow up on all call backs
-- Become more active with Career Services at school, and join the Marketing Club

3. Find a hobby
-- Research if there are inexpensive dancing clubs, or places where you can learn either salsa or ball room dance
-- Investigate if there is some form of martial arts (NOT T'ai Chi) that I can do with my arthritis
-- Research good bike routes near home

[Lilith]

I will look into that link.

I know this may sound nuts but in my town the best dancehalls/lessons are at the Senior Center.

Osuche can you bike with the arthritis?

[osuche]

depends on what type of biking...I'm not taking on the Berkeley Hills (aka STEEP) anytime soon. my body likes recumbents, but I can do normal biking for a couple of hours a day.

Senior Center dancing? hmmm.....interesting notion. Will check. ty

[dreamgurl]

Here's is my ticker ( thanks Lil) to finalize it. Ticker (http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/3;10730;125;0;0/c/0/t/-35/k/379f/weight.png)

[Lilith]

cute ticker!!!


I just did the fitday thing and I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks osuche!

[PantyFanatic]

I'd like to create a small corner here for those of us who need support in our efforts to change our lifestyle meaning things like habits (such as smoking ...

I tried that too :rolleyes:

[Lilith]

I tried that too :rolleyes:

no comment :rolleyes:

[Cheyanne]

That fitday software does look very interesting - thanks osuche!

[Lilith]

I have been playing with the fitday. I wish the water goal only measured water. It seems to measure all "moisture".

[osuche]

I actually don't track my water online (too lazy). :) But after playing around with it, I think you're right. You can add it as a food item, but then I think you can't track your progress. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Glad you took a look at the site, though...it really has been a big help for me.

[Lilith]

It's really great, I'm definitely using it!

[Cheyanne]

We are going to order the CD so Cobalt can use it too. He has the opposite problem - skinny and wants to gain/build muscle. It looks like you can plug a weight lifting regiment into it. It appeared that you can use the program like that as well. I was wondering about the water too. Near as I can tell without the program installed, is that I would have to add it to my daily food log and check it from there.

[Lilith]

I may be becoming addicted to the software :p

I am setting gradually stepping goals using it. It's very cool to see not only how much you eat that you shouldn't but also how much the good food choices affect your overall nutrition.

[fzzy]

Well I'm reporting in for my day (at least to this point) .... been a very good girl today and not much hope of not being one through the end of the day since I've made it into my place and once here ... I'm ensconsed for the night ...and I don't have any goodies kind of food left in the place ... so I'm planning on a lean cuisine entree and adding some asparagus and mushrooms to the mix. My plan is to get some of the initial water weight off before I get into pushing the activity level much beyond where I'm at currently. Hope everyone else is having a spectacular day .... and my current mantra ...


Nothing tastes as good as thin feels! :)

[maddy]

LOL @ somehow I managed to be slightly bad and still be good. I was tempted into eating out today and I decided I can't neglect myself of that once in awhile and I just needed to make really good choices.

[fzzy]

Way to go Maddy ..... we have to live in the real world, which means that there are times when eating out is what you need to do (or should do - or just doing something else that feels good) (being social that is) ... and it's great when you can enjoy that and still make reasonably good choices in the process!!

[osuche]

I had a you're-sick0and -nothing-sounds-good day. 1400 calories, and 400 if it was beer. :D Not extensible, I know.

[Lilith]

I went to bed to avoid pigging out after a severely stressful day. I'm being honest with myself and that is helping.

fzzy~ my nutritionist always said to add a lowfat calcium/dairy and a fruit/veggie to any of the micro meals. Your mantra is great!

[wyndhy]

this is a terrific idea lil.
i am here to support you all!!!! :)

sending you (((hugs))) and will power.

[Lilith]

I went out with my college girlfriend tonight. Made really bad choices but will jump back on track tomorrow. I did manage to not break down and have a soda.

[fzzy]

I did good today .... no time not to .... wanted to snack sooooo bad though .... have managed to make it through without snacking today ....

Lil ... even early on in lifestyle changes, sometimes the occassion calls for being a bit bad ... and congrats on the no soda decision tonight!

[lizzardbits]

bah humbug, the holidays gave me some more of me around me middle, a present i didn't want. looks like i need to start walking to the return line a mile east of here, but i think that i head west and keeeeeeeeeeep ona a goooooooooing round the world and that should do it!

seriously, i NEED, WANT, DESIRE, et cetera, to loose weight before the wedding, and build some muscles and stamina (I wanna REALLY consummate our marriage very throughly :D:D:D )

my goal is to start eating less in portion size, and chew each bite, enjoy and savour my food rather than gobble it up. do a 20 minute round of my yoga 2 times and lose one pound this week

i will start off slow, and hope to work it out that i am eventually up to yoga 3-4 times a week, diet change to healthier foods, and not to punish myself for eating a sweet but eating all the rest of the bowl of sweets, and to lose about 3-5 pounds a week by April. oh and water water water water, or tea with only splenda and skim milk in it if i want tea.

hopefully i can make this attainable, and start seeing myself as sexy and beautiful like Mayhem sees me (Gawd i just love that man so much i could cry!)

[dreamgurl]

Already over half way through the week and I'm down almost 2 pounds! This is cause for a nakey happy dance!!!!!!!

[fzzy]

I managed to make it home safe (without stopping at a fast food place) again tonight .... very proud of myself .... I'm doing well again today with my eating plan, even did my grocery shopping (on-line) and didn't order anything that doesn't fit in with my eating plan for the next couple of weeks/months .... figure somewhere along the line I'll expand it out to include a bit more, just right now trying to be very structured and safe with my choices ... it's always been way to easy for me to slip back into the bad habits of the past, so want to stay away from that as LONG as possible.

Way to go Lizz ... slow and steady wins the race!!

YEAH Dreamgurl ... congrats on the weight loss ... marvelous!!!!

[lizzardbits]

*pats fzzy's back....side!* Good job!

busy day today...didn't get to yoga, but for the many times i was driving in my van, i 'car danced ' ( and hoped that VH1 wasn't taping me for Motormouth) and at every stoplight that i had to stop at, i either tensed my stomach muscles or my butt.......I read somewhere that tensing your stomach muscles for 5 seconds is like doing 1 sit up. I thought i better be doing something, because that burns more calories than doing nothing.

[Lilith]

Yesterday I suffered a momentary lapse of sanity and scarfed M & Ms:D But I added them to the fitday stuff. Overall there has definitely been some weightloss this week but the main thing is that I am able to see how little of my diet has been protein, even when I think I'm eating a lot of it. So now I can work towards changing that.

[osuche]

Yesterday I suffered a momentary lapse of sanity and scarfed M & Ms:D ...but the main thing is that I am able to see how little of my diet has been protein, even when I think I'm eating a lot of it.


Try the Peanut M&Ms :D I hear they help with protein. :p

Seriously...I find that just *admitting* what you're eating, tracking and logging everything, goes a LONG way to a healthier diet. There are days I crave certain foods and I'll not have them because I don't want to have to add them to the log (guilt). :) Also, it's hard to convince yourself you haven't had any candy lately -- when you can go back the last 5 days and SEE you had something sweet every day.

So much for rationalization. :p

[Aqua]

Yesterday I suffered a momentary lapse of sanity and scarfed M & Ms:D But I added them to the fitday stuff. Overall there has definitely been some weightloss this week but the main thing is that I am able to see how little of my diet has been protein, even when I think I'm eating a lot of it. So now I can work towards changing that.
You just need to find a subsitute for food you can stick in your mouth when the urge for something sweet strikes. :D

I think I could help you with that. ;)

[osuche]

Guess who's lost 7 lbs since Christmas??? :D yipee!

[Aqua]

Guess who's lost 7 lbs since Christmas??? :D yipee!
Woot! Keep it up Osuche! But remember...
'You can do side bends and situps, but please don't lose that butt!' ~ Mixalot :p

[osuche]

Woot! Keep it up Osuche! But remember...
'You can do side bends and situps, but please don't lose that butt!' ~ Mixalot :p


Trust me, it follows me *everywhere* LMAO


It's just a litle tighter now. :p

[fzzy]

*pats fzzy's back....side!* Good job!


Wooo hooo ... :) thanks lizz!

Had another pretty good day .... stopped at El Pollo Loco on the way home and got a chicken breast and large garden salad .... took all the skin off the chicken and added the meat to the salad for my dinner. Then I allowed myself a serving of fat-free pudding ... I figure a treat every once in awhile can't do too much damage. Don't know about number of pounds ... primarily because I don't have a scale and I don't like weighing myself .... so I can only go on how I feel .... still have a long way to go to where I want to be, but feeling better than I did a week ago .... and have that feeling of needing to get things done in other areas of my life ... always happens with me, start to get my eating under some control and the rest seems to fall into place ... enjoying that feeling especially! Thanks again Lil for this thread!!!

Osuche ... maybe lizz should be patting your back ...side! :) ... mine will take a long time to getting tight (or even tighter) LOL!

[lizzardbits]

*pats Osuche's back....side!* great job! keep it up!

Fzzy~ you are doing great too! I normally don't have a scale, but since i am temporarily residing with my parents, there is one that stares at me every morning when i go potty EEEK! i stay away from it, and i track loss/gain by how my jeans fit. to me that is what really counts, clothes that fit nicely and comfy.

today i only took in about 1800 calories, and most of them were healthy. I did have a small glass of chocolate milk, but it was just that, small, as in about a cup's worth. A little guilt, but not a whole lot.

execise~ i hauled fire wood for about 30 min and worked up a little sweat :)

[maddy]

I've not done the best with veggies this week... I have a hard time working them into my lunch at this point. My water intake got better as the week progressed and my peek at the scale reflected upon my efforts this morning.

I really let someone get to me emotionally yesterday and I know what it was that bothered me, now I just need to work through how to overcome the situation as it is one I will find myself in again - frequently.

[fzzy]

Way to go Maddy!!! I also have trouble working veggies into my eating plan .... and best of luck in the dealing with those issues .... great that you are working them through!!!!

Today for lunch I'm having a no-carb chicken spicy soup with added mushrooms and asparagus pieces ... I'll also add the left over chicken breast from last night and a bit of mozz cheese ... and on the side some raw baby carrots ... everything in me wants to add some noodles to the soup, but I'm ignoring that urge today.

By the way ... I never used to like asparagus ... I'm getting so I like it better ... I add it because it is supposed to be one of the best veggies to aid in getting rid of retained water.

weekends are always harder for me ... too much free time to think about what goodies I could be eating ... but since there isn't anything much that falls into that category in the house .... I know I'd have to make a special trip to purchase something .... that helps keep it in control for me ... at least at this moment. :)

[Lilith]

I am trying to go carbless at dinner. Tonight I am just craving a steak. I think it's PMS coming on. Steak and veggies it is.

[maddy]

I did my officially weekly checking of the scale today and I'm down 2.5lbs, it's definitely a starting point - hopefully more weeks like this will follow.

The downside of today was some incredibly good to eat food that's not so incredibly good for you turned up in my house today - thanks to a pre-2006 committment I made. Alas, the delightful little treats are in the freezer so they aren't quite so easy access.

[Lilith]

I'm down 7.5 pounds this week but I know it's all water weight.

[Aqua]

Water schmater... it's a start. :)

[maddy]

great job Lilith...

I must admit I was slightly disappointed as I'm used to a big first week loss, but I guess the fact that I lost about 4 lbs during Christmas while eating horribly makes up for it.

At this point I figure every positive thing we do is a improvement, right?

[Lilith]

Yep. Just trying to make good choices, or at least better ones. I'm a person who is very data driven when dealing with behaviors so that software is helping me.

[Steph]

I'm going to the pool now. Woot!

I haven't been on a scale in months. I know I was eating soooooo much so I'm cutting down & getting more active. It feels good to be active again!

[fzzy]

Woooo hoooo!!! Congrats Maddy on the 2.5 lbs lost (and on the previous 4), great job .... you're right, every positive step is a good thing!!

YEA Lilith!!!!! great job ... 7.5 (even if it is a lot of water) is still 7.5 lbs that you don't have to carry around with you anymore!!! Wonderful!

Steph ... being active again is also great!!! ... though i suspect you'll never get to the level of inactivity I've been at (not when you have to walk a dog) ... good job ....

I'm so impressed with you all!

And Aqua .... thanks for being in the support side of this thread ... it's great to have the appreciation expressed by others!

Me, as I said, won't have the ability to weigh myself for quite awhile .... but I know the range of weight that I'm starting from, and for the most part, it would be too difficult for me to be focusing on the pounds right now, so it works out better for me anyway. I've had a good day so far and made it home without stopping for any fast food, so I should be ok through the rest of today.

I took a couple of minutes to look at www.nutritiondata.com and looked up some of my favorite fast food items .... now I can't be in denial any more ... whoa!!!! I'll be thinking long and hard before doing fast food dinner again for awhile. :eek:

[Steph]

How many? Are you trying to build up to a certain # or just starting off maxed?

I can only do about 50 pushups & 100 situps a day. I'd like to double both by the end of the month.

I just got back from the pool & was impressed with the 20 laps I cranked out. I think it would have went better but canvassing for the NDP was hard work yesterday! Those freaking leaflets tired out my right arm (yes, PF, just like you surfing Pixies!).

And yay to Fzzy for resisting temptation! I have been eating rich foods b/c of the Chef who Abuses Butter (CAB :D) but it is healthy -- lots of veggies . . . & having been a vegetarian for many years . . . I just don't feel good after eating fast food.

I have been active with the dog but he's a "stop & sniff the flowers/dog pee/pizza crust" kinda walker now in his old age so it's not much of a cardio workout.

I've also been walking on my lunch breaks every day. Yay resolutions!

Yay Pixies Power!

[fzzy]

Anybody got a nice piece of wood for me to gnaw on .... ooops, I didn't think about where I'm posting .... I didn't mean that as a sexual comment, but go ahead and laugh all you want at me for it .... Just having a day when I really want some of my former type of food to eat .... I'm so thankful for sugarfree jello snack things .... only 10 calories a piece and it's a sweet fix, but I still want more ... craving my carb addiction foods .... breads, sweets ... I haven't given in to it, but that's probably mainly because I've gotten rid of all of those type of things from my house and I just keep reminding myself ... Thin is going to feel so much better than anything could taste .... Thin is going to feel so ......

I know the cravings will pass in a couple of days, just the sugar working its way out of my system, but it's a royal pain at the moment!!!

[Lilith]

I have those moments too. I was munchy but didn't want to add more carbs. The tortilla chips my skinny family was munching were looking better and better. I finally popped a couple of grapes, took a shower and brushed my teeth, telling myself how gross stuff tatstes after freshly brushed teeth.

[maddy]

I don't know that I could intentionally curb carbs, so I give both of you ladies a lot of props! Excellent job.

WW actually 'requires' a multivitamin in their plan, something I've struggled with all my life (taking a daily pill) and I think I've finally found a way to work it in now that I'm forcing myself to eat breakfast while I do my morning pixies cruise.

[jbh3]

I applaud all of you ladies.My GF struggles everyday with her diet.She gets so upset and discouraged when she strays a bit;it hurts me to see her that way.But, I guess that is part of the ritual?I hate it and only support her because losing weight makes her happy.
Ride on!!!

[Lilith]

Maddy I added a vitamin too. I have to take something for my diabetes anyway but I have been faithful about the vitamin. My C.N.P. asked me yesterday why the change and I told her because if bird flu came now I'd be a goner.:D I was good today, saving up for pizza :D

[fzzy]

Today was easier for me ... the cravings were much less and my food choices were good .... I had some moments where I could feel that I'm making some progress today and that felt wonderful, I'm enjoying that feeling, milking it for all I can right now! :) I'm not sure i'd make it if it weren't for Lean Cuisine entree's though ... they have a wide variety and selection something really important for me, cause I'm a very picky eater, so there needs to be lots of choices so I can find a few that I like ... and what they have out there currently is allowing me probably 10-15 different entrees that I enjoy ... that, is making it much easier for me ... I don't do cooking much ... microwaving is pretty much it for me ... (or in the past, fast food), so the diet entrees are a big help.

[Lilith]

Excellent progress^^^ I bought some too this week fzzy. They were on sale :D I got some veggie/carb ones for the vegetarian in my house and picked up some lower carb/fat ones for me "just in case". Don't forget to add a salad or more fruit with them and some calcium. Won't do you any good to be all healthy and have brittle bones.

[maddy]

Great job Fzzy. I also have resorted to frozen entree eating, only that I'm eating the smart ones. They were on sale a few weeks ago and help me with "counting". They serve as my lunch everyday and I've also found a wide variety that I was at least willing to try. Now I need to work on finding a way to make it easy to bring a vegetable with them, I'm doing fruit for now. I need quick and easy lunches - something I can grab and go out the door with in the morning.

[lizzardbits]

yesterday i wasn't all that hungry, but what i did have, i ended up seeing it again after getting extremely upset about something (not related to pixies) sooooo i guess it was a near zero calorie day......NOT something i wish to repeat anytime soon, Uffda my throat HURTS!

[Stolen Kisses]

Great Thread!

I have many goals. Weight being top on the list.

My goal for today is to stay with my WW points and get my water in.
My goal for the wk is to get my exercise in atleast once!
My goal for the month is to lose not maintain or gain.

Pixie Power Activate!

Hugs,
Barb

[Lilith]

Pixie Power Activate!

Hugs,
Barb

Form of a lowfat fudgecicle:D

[Lilith]

I'm not condoning making poor choices mind you, BUT it is possible buy the individual snack packs of treats you just love.1) they are more $$ so you are less likely to eat them all and 2) they are portion controlled. The bite size oreos in the single serving pouch (13 teensy tiny oreos) are helping me get through PMS. And they are on the fitday software :D

[Aqua]

Everytime I see a 'WW' in this thread I think for a second... What does Wicked Wanda have to do with points and weight loss?

Just for a second. :p

[Lilith]

Nothing :D

[wyndhy]

you guys are doin great.


here's something for your journals. :)

kudos (http://www.moviemail-online.co.uk/graphics/gold_star.gif)

[Lilith]

TY wyndhy

[Stolen Kisses]

Lilth- LOL that was cute!

Aqua- LOL Whos Wicked Wanda?

Wyndhy- Thanks bunches

Hugs,
Barb

PS- Made my daily goal. :D

[Aqua]

WW (Wicked Wanda) has been a member here for a long time and is a woman that takes no guff for enjoying her sexuality. :) She also has written some of the hottest memoirs to grace the pages of Pixies. ;) She's from New Orleans and thus has had other things to occupy her time so she hasn't been on too much as of late.

[fzzy]

I had another good day .... staying within the limits I've set for myself and trying to add some bits of activity as best I can throughout the day. I'm grateful that the sugar cravings seem to be almost gone now ... at least the physical ones .... I've stocked up on various items to help me get through rough times as well as food that is good for me, trying to do my best to support this decision and not sabotage myself.

Lil ...congrats on how well you're doing, Wyndhy ... yeah for you too, and welcome to the power circle Stolen Kisses ....

Lil, thanks again for starting this thread, it is helping me a lot to know that I have a place to report at the end of each day. And I am making sure that I add veggies and calcium to my dinners, thanks for looking out for me and all the others! And so glad we have a great supportive group right now! Thanks to all of you!

[Lilith]

I ate gummi strawberries last night, not a good choice. Today will be different. Fridays I hustle so fast at school, I barely have time to breathe much less be hungry.

[Stolen Kisses]

Morning Pixies

I have my nieces b-day party tonight. I will eat a pc of cake but it will be a tiny one. So I have to work my food journal around it. Also I am aiming for a quick walk before the party. Today is my normal WI (weigh in) day and it was not a good one. I am aiming for a better wk this wk.

Aqua- Thanks for the tip on WW. :)

Fzzy- Thanks for the welcome and congrats on your good day.

Lil- I'l sure those gummies went too bad. Dont worry about it.

Hugs
Barb

[maddy]

My week has really made me want to have all of the worst things this week, it sure is a good thing that even the "bad for me" things are out of sight in the house right now. And I refuse to go to the store on my way home from work or stop at a fast food place. As long as I know that I have a meal in the refrigerator waiting for me to just microwave it when I get home, I can't rationalize stopping for a burger and fries.

[Steph]

Fridays I hustle so fast at school, I barely have time to breathe much less be hungry.

Why are Fridays so busy? I'm used to my dad, a senior teacher since I was born. Work was so easygoing for him!

I'm so proud of you, Fzzy! The cravings do go away but yeah, psychological cravings can remain. You can do eet!

I walked for about an hour yesterday & did my sit-up/push-up regimen. It's gonna be tough to get to a 100 each but I'm trying!

[WildIrish]

I enjoy reading the progress and encouragements offered in this thread. To me, it represents all the more that Pixies care about each other. And that puts me at ease when the world is at each other's throats.

Good luck everyone, and keep up the great work.

[Lilith]

Friday I service each child individually in their classroom in 15-30 minute intervals to help them with classroom strategies or just to read a book with them. That X17 kids makes for hustling. Tonight we went out for Chinese. I had carbs but not tons. Took a bite of this and a bite of that. Most of my dinner consisted of these yummy green beans, sushi, and boiled shrimp. I love these damn fried sugared dough things they make but decided I had to choose between one of those or some ice cream. I've been craving ice cream bad. I was proud of myself.

[fzzy]

Great job Lil ... always hard when dining at favorite places to keep it under some kind of control .... way to go!!

WI ... we love having you in the thread (as well as at Pixies) and thanks for the support .... it means a lot!

Steph ... every step forward is a good thing... great job in working toward your goals.

Maddy, way to be strong, like you, almost every night on my way home from work I battle the urge to stop for fast food .... just because I'm such a fast food junkey. Congrats on being strong in a rough week!

Stolen Kisses ... hope you had a great time at the party!

As for me, I had another good day, mainly because I'm just staying as far away from tempting things as possible. I had planned to go to the farm-to-market grocery store tonight after work, knew what I was going to buy and had it all planned out, but when it came time, decided to go a different time, just feeling too much of a longing for treats to put myself at a place that has so many of my favorite treats ... has lots of healthy things as well, which is why I had planned to stop there. Instead I stopped and got a large garden salad and a couple of chicken breasts, used one of them with my salad and put the rest of the chicken in the fridge for use in meals over the weekend.

[Lilith]

Great idea fzzy. One the weekends I've been grilling chicken to use during the week too.

[maddy]

fzzy great job... and thanks for always being supportive in this thread - you acknowledge every single person with a thoughtful comment, that's amazing.

I've been craving Souper Salad lately. We don't have them in this area (all you can eat salad buffet), even though they have some unhealthy things it would be nice to stop there and build a salad.

[Lilith]

I would love a place like that maddy. We don't have them here either. I am going to meet someone for breakfast this morning for coffee and bagels. Bagels are my idea of carb heaven. I'm trying to figure out how to best navigate this challenge. I eat carbs so I guess I'll just have to go protein and veggies the rest of the day if I eat one :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil, bagels are one of the few carbs I'm still eating. It's my treat to myself, really, since between Weight Watchers and my diabetes it's sometimes overwhelming to think about all I *can't* eat. It's all in balance, of course. I hope you enjoyed!

[osuche]

Mmmmm....bagels. :slurp:

You all are amking me feel guilty...I've had an 80 hour workweek in the last 6 days (thanks to a BIG work deadline) and I've been eating everything coming to hand...lots of it from the vending machine.

You've all inspired me to be better this weekend.

[Lilith]

I did. A fresh poppy seed bagel is something I love. I went and got veggies for stir fry tonight to make up for my carb load this morning. IAK remember to always eat cream cheese or pnut butter with that bagel not jam or jelly. I was told by my nutritionist diabetics should never eat big carb loads without fat or protein attached.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Yep, I use light cream cheese on my whole wheat bagel every morning. :) Because it's been about 3-1/2 years since I was diagnosed, I go in on the 24th to see a nutritionist for a refresher on my diabetes education, so I'm pretty pumped about that. If I gleam any other pearls of wisdom, I'll pass them along!

[fzzy]

thank you maddy ... hope you've found something to get you through the salad bar craving ... one thing nice about California, salad bar places abound!

Lil ... at least your carb fix was controlled .... great job! Hope you enjoyed the stir fry in the evening as well.

IAKG ... sounds like you are doing great ... and it's great that you get the opportunity to go back to the nutritionist for a refresher course.

Osuche .... glad you are here with us for and feel the urge toward healthier choices ... hope you get some good rest as well, from past experience, I know that working weeks like that can really take their tole!

For me, I made it through my Saturday quite well .... snacked on and off through out the day, but in a controlled way and on acceptable foods, so I managed to stay well within my daily calorie goal range, maybe a few more carbs then I should have, but most of them had a decent amount of fiber attached to them as well. I think I've said this before, Saturdays tend to be my most challenging days because of past bad habits. Today is much easier, my routine takes me away from just hanging around the house a bit more and fills up enough time that it's easier to stick to things and not be bouncing off the walls with a combination of nervous energy and desire to munch out. :)

[maddy]

I made something new this weekend... and it was incredibly easy ... and good! It might be something you've already made, but I wanted to share the recipe:

Beef Tips

1 lb round steak, cut into pieces (I bought pre-cut "stew" meat)
1 can 98% fat free cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup low sodium beef broth
1 envelope dry onion soup mix

Put the steak in the bottom of a crock pot, mix the remaining three items and then pour over the top of the steak. Cook on low 6-8 hours.

The only seasoning I added to this was ground black pepper. It seemed slightly salty to me, if you could find a low sodium onion soup mix that might help.

I cooked it even longer, closer to 12 hours and actually didn't eat it until I re-heated it for dinner tonight. The meat was so tender and the sauce delicious.

The recipe alleged that this was 4 servings but I would say those are huge servings. Likely to be more like 6 servings. And if you are following WW, it's about 4-5 points per serving.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

OMG, maddy--that sounds wonderful! I'm thinking it could easily fit into my diabetic stuff, too...cutting out the carbs is vital for that, and in doing so allows me to eat maybe more on WW that I normally would. :)

<---is now going to have to go to the grocery tomorrow!

[Lilith]

I am doing a true dance of joy!!! I just took my blood sugar for the first time (shh I know shame on me) since i've been making better choices and it was 110. I have not had a normal reading like that in 3 years. (_/_) (_\_) (_/_) (_\_) :D

[fzzy]

Maddy the recipe sounds delish.... but I'll have to wait until the day I get a slowcooker.

Lil .... YEAH!!!!! I know that is a great number to get .... so wonderful, doing a little happy dance with you!

[osuche]

I am doing a true dance of joy!!! I just took my blood sugar for the first time (shh I know shame on me) since i've been making better choices and it was 110. I have not had a normal reading like that in 3 years. (_/_) (_\_) (_/_) (_\_) :D


WOOT!!!! Congrats, Lil!!!!!!

[maddy]

Great job Lilith... what a sweet reward to your efforts.

I stepped on the scale for my official weekly - down 3 lbs... another week of progress.

Within the next couple of weeks I need to find a way to add exercise as food alone isn't going to go the distance I need to go. Since the weather has been crappy and I can't exactly work in a good time to go walking, I'm considering purchasing a treadmill. Does anyone have any suggestions in purchasing one?

[Lilith]

This week I'm only down a 1/2 a pound. I'm in the hut so I'm hoping next week I see better evidence of my hard work at the scales. However the lower glucose readings are making me feel successful.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

That ^^^ is precisely the attitude I'm taking. My sugars have been WAY lower, even though the scales haven't been as friendly.

I'm so proud of maddy, though, and especially thrilled about Lil's reading!

[maddy]

thanks IAKG ... I'm not a patient person and need to remind myself on a daily basis that it took me about 31 years to get to this weight it's likely not going to come off overnight.

I bought a new water bottle for my desk yesterday and it does the trick for me. I was using just a plain old Dasani bottle and refilling it all the time, but my new container has a big straw and I seem to drink more water this way. Don't ask me why, I just know I had no problem getting down 3 - 16 oz servings today.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

maddy, someone else used almost those exact words with me the other day. While they may be true, sometimes it would be nice to get a little extra positive reinforcement on the scale, too. :) We'll get there!

[fzzy]

Wonderful Maddy, 3 pounds is a great job for a week!

This is one of my favorite threads on this site, just want to say thanks to everyone, really appreciate the positive thoughts and words that have been expressed.

I had another good day and am glad to be going to bed now .... it was a holiday from work for me, and after three days of not having a regular type work schedule to follow, I'm glad (as far as my eating, etc. goals go) to be getting back to work tomorrow for next 4 days, not as easy to be good when there is so much free time on my hands! But I managed to make it through anyway ... at least for this weekend ... I'm still very much in the one day (sometimes one hour) at a time zone.

[lizzardbits]

good job fzzy!

i have decided that i am going to take up a new habit, disgusting as it is, i think that it will help my oral fixation. I used to be a nail-biter, for about 22 years i was a nail-biter, i kicked that habit about a year and a half ago. I used to smoke, i smoke one everynow and again, but the pack that i bought the day that mayhem flew home (nov 5th) has lasted until now and i have only had half a pack (i feel better that i know they are there just incase i choose to smoke one) so smoking and nail-biting are out, and food WAS being a substitute, and chewing gum makes me feel hungry right away. my solution and new habit??

Sunflower seeds in the shell, and yes i crack them with my teeth *hears the collective audible gasp from dentists everywhere* and spit them out. I told you it was disgusting. BUT it keeps my mouth busy and not with eating usually calorie dense foods. I know that the sodium isn't the best for me either, but neither is my extra "me" plus the salt is helping me to drink more fluids...i expect some water weight gain, but then when my body gets used to it, i should happily pee it right out. C'Mon kidneys!!!

[Lilith]

Ladies you are all doing so well. I do think that making modifications to avoid making bad choices helps and like fzzy said, staying busy. Thank you all for helping me.

[maddy]

lizzardbits - something else to consider: sugar free hard candies. I picked up some of the cream savers sugar free for an occassional sweet treat or something to pop in my mouth when no other forms of resistence are working. Or sugar-free jello, I've been eating it for so many years it tastes "normal" to me. Or carrots... or apples... there are a lot of good for you, crunchy or sweet snacks you just need to seek them out.

But... at least you have identified a solution to your problem... good luck!

[fzzy]

great idea lizz .. you might also like pumpkin seeds, you can get those in packages with the shells still on as well. Or if you like, you can actually make your own with any seasoning you like, of course you have to be able to buy a pumpkin, take the seeds out, clean them and let them dry for a day or two, or to speed things up, put them in the oven at a very low heat until they get hard ... I don't know the amount of time, but I'm sure you could google it. They are one of my mom's favorite treats.

[Lilith]

bad day = bad choices for me

new day= new opportunities

[fzzy]

My day went pretty good, I stayed well within my calorie count goals, but my carbs may have been a little high for the day.

a new day, new possibilities!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil and fzzy, no one is perfect, and it's great that you realize that these things should be taken a day at a time. As someone recently said to me, sometimes you *don't* want to see the forest--you just want to see the trees. The forest can be overwhelming at times.

Best of luck to everyone today!

[maddy]

It's going to be a good day! I just know it. I went shopping again last night and walked out thinking that these groceries are really starting to add up - but most likely it pales in comparison to what I was eating out previously.

I'm trying lean cuisine of lunch today. They were on sale at the store and looked more appealling than the smart ones I've been eating. And I'm most definitely looking forward to a chicken enchilada and rice, even if it isn't authentic.

I also went through all the items I brought home last night and stood in the kitchen with my laptop calculating the points for each item and writing it on the package with a sharpie. It didn't take much time but I think will benefit me in the future.

[Lilith]

So far so good today! Busy days work for me!

[fzzy]

Thanks for the positive encouragement IAKG, it is really appreciated!

Great positive attitude Maddy ... hope you enjoyed the Lean Cuisine lunch!

Yeah Lil! Glad you have been having a good day today.

Mine also has gone well, I was so busy and lots going on, I ended up HAVING to add a fat free jello pudding to made sure I had enough calories for the day .. don't want to turn my metabolism off! :)

[maddy]

I just wanted to say today was a darn good day... even if the scale is being incredibly cruel to me tonight... hopefully it will be more kind in the morning.

[Lilith]

Grats maddy! Don't worry about the scale today. Good choices will pay off eventually.

[maddy]

Thanks Lil, turns out I'm the department chatter... everyone's asking each other (but not talking to me!) why I'm suddenly eating in ... and smart ones and lean cuisine no less. And head's really turned when I only had one drink tonight, skipped the appetizers, had a salad sans dressing and a single scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. And I didn't feel neglected... I had told myself that's what I was having and I stuck to my plan.

[Lilith]

Superb! I had a day where I could not eat at all until 4:30. I could have gnawed my arm off by then. It is so hard not to munch all night on days like these. I'm drinking water to try to curb it.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

That's terrific, maddy. I find, too, that I'm the talk of my workplace, although they *do* talk to me about it. In fact, I'll be going two nights a week with one of my friends, right after work, to the gym. It's amazing, finding support where you least expect it.

Yikes, though, Lil...that can't be good, diabetic wise, can it? Is there any way at all to at least get *something* between times?

[Lilith]

Not on days like today. No time to eat, breathe or even pee. I'm thinking maybe I should go back to school :D

[fzzy]

Way to stand tough Maddy ... and great job at resisting both Maddy and Lil!!!

There were a few unexpected challenges for me today in what I had planned as far as my food goes, ended up having a dinner of scrambled eggs and mushrooms with a small amount of mozzarella cheese (totally comfort food) that and a serving of the Quaker Weight Control Oatmeal .... (also a bit of comfort food) ... could have been soo much worse even with that same meal plan, I kept my portions in control and ate a lot of mushrooms to make it all more filling, then for my little snack/treat just now, I had 2 of the jello snack cups (orange and raspberry) with 2 tablespoons of fatfree cool whip ... a whopping 50 calories for a fun treat. Anyway, stayed well within my calorie range, so even though it's not the type of meal I will be eating most of the time it tasted good and got me through.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

It's interesting the different approaches we all are taking. I'm not sure I could do what you're doing, fzzy...counting calories is tough. I tried it once and was moderately successful...but I couldn't maintain that lifestyle. Kudos to you, though, for finding a method that seems to work for you!

Lil, if they ever have to put you on insulin, you know you're dead, right? :D

The scale gods were very kind to me this week. Fridays are my "official" weigh-ins, and I've lost 5 lbs. since this time last week, 7.5 since 12-30 and 15 since October. (I wasn't really doing anything Oct-Dec, and only discovered the loss at my physical last Thursday.) In the grand scheme of things, it's a drop in the bucket, but it's a start, and it motivates me to try even harder.

Hope everyone has a terrific day!

[maddy]

It's amazing what us woman-folk can accomplish when we set our minds to it!

Excellent losses at the scale, IAKG!
Great choices in finding healthy comforts, fzzy.
And, Lil, we need to find you a way to eat during the day - but good for you for staving off urge to indulge with water - just be careful not to throw your body into starvation mode.

Anyone else that's lurking around the corner and not letting pixies know how you are doing ... c'mon - speak up :)

[Lilith]

Ummm I ate today, and ate, and ate :(

[Aqua]

The days not over Lil... go for a walk to burn some calories and eat very light the rest of the day.

[Lilith]

I'd rather sulk and eat ice cream :D

[fzzy]

LOL at Lil ... unfortunately I know that mood VERY well! :) But, sometimes you just gotta take a day off and enjoy yourself.

Thanks Maddy ... I've loaded up on my acceptable type treats for the next week now and should be doing great through the weekend ... greatfully I'm fully past the physical cravings for sugar, though I suspect the rest of my life I'll have the psychological ones.

IAKG ... Woo Hoo on your ongoing success with the battle of the scale ... great job!! .... and thanks for the encouragement .... actually I've tried calorie counting in the past and found it impossible, this time is actually easy .. almost everything I eat comes in a package that tells me what the number of calories are, so I just have to keep track of it ... which is turning out to be a VERY good thing for me .... accountability for what and how much I'm eating .... something I haven't done for a long long time, so it's good to know each day how I've done. Also, because I have a huge amount of weight to lose, I work within about daily calorie range that is 500 calories difference between the top and the bottom, that allows for the days when I really need to have some extra treats for myself.

And I forgot to report yesterday, I tasted a tangerine for the first time in my life ... just ate a section of one, but I didn't mind it ... not sure that I'll ever crave it, but now I know that I can go with that if the need hits.

And finally, my boss told me how she does Salmon, something I don't mind eating, but have never had a clue about how to fix/cook it. She said to cut it up in individual serving sizes and then freeze, when you want it, just pull out a portion, put in a plastic bag with some lemon juice and any seasonings you want and put in the microwave for 3-4 minutes until flaky ... don't even have to thaw it before cooking. So, next shopping trip, I'm going to get some salmon and try it that way.

thanks everyone for your participation in this thread, I am finding it very helpful in this process!!!!

[Lilith]

I didn't eat the ice cream :D

[fzzy]

Way to resist Lil!!! :)

[maddy]

I just didn't eat today ... it was not at all the way I planned things... so at 2 am I am inhaling a pork chop because I am so incredibly hungry.

[maddy]

Just checking in for the weekend... I'm sticking with the plan for eating this weekend...which includes making some sort of casserole today to eat throughout the week for dinner. That will happen later this afternoon, but everything is in the house and just waiting for me to cook it up.

My goal for tomorrow's weigh in is to be down 2.5 lbs so I can switch to the next level of lower points. I've really been struggling this week to get all my points in and have found myself eating cookies (healthy ones!) to get there. I don't think that's the way it's supposed to work, but alas... it's what happened this week.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Being on the online program, I haven't checked to see when I get to "go down" on the point levels. I also didn't really eat up all of my points last week, which, as I know, too, is not the way you're supposed to do things, but sometimes I just wasn't hungry. Plus, I'm trying NOT to eat up the "extra" weekly points, just because I have a feeling my portion size vs. WW's portion size may not always be the same.

With the kids sick this weekend, I didn't get to go to the gym as I wanted to. I'm hoping to make it Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, minimum. I'm also thinking as much box-moving I'm doing up and down the stairs, to and from the parking lot, I should be burning up some points as well. :)

Good luck, maddy. What a wonderful planner you are, making the casserole in advance. I wish I could do that! :)

[Lion]

It's all a matter of calories eaten vs calories burned. I fined this site helpfull.
calorie-count.com Good luck to every one trying lose weight.

[maddy]

I never felt like I was very good at planning, and have realized that it's part of my problem. If I don't plan... when I get home from a 12 hour day the last thing I want to do is spend anything more than 5 minutes making my dinner. This led me into the fast-food trap. I would know I didn't have anything to heat up at home so I'd stop at Wendy's, Burger King, McD's, Taco Bell - they are all within 2-3 minutes from my house.

I've learned that I'm good at planning when I take the time to do it. Its also a bit of a psychological thing for me. I feel much more satisfied and at ease when I know what to expect. For example, I don't crave a greasy cheeseburger and fries because I know that it's not one of the options to eat - I know whats in the refrigerator to eat and I don't even let my mind wonder to other options. I was faced with the opportunity of eating out this week. I looked at the menu online during lunch and decided what I wanted. That's what I thought about the rest of the day and then I wasn't tempted by the big greasy cheeseburger when the menu was actually presented to me for dinner. I had a salad and actually really enjoyed it.

I'm hoping that while I'm taking the time to be very disciplined right now, that it will pay off when the opportunity presents itself that I haven't planned for - that I will still make good healthy choices.

I also will say that I am certain it is easier for me to plan because my choices don't involve anyone else - I don't have to try to satisfy anyone elses wants at my dinner table.

[Lion]

Keep it simple, buy foods that are quick and easy, fish, chicken, and meat. Grilling and broiling are quick and need little fat. Season well and you can steam veggies quickly as a side dish. A 4oz class of wine is less than 100 calories and has no fat. Stay a way from casseroles, you will eat more than you want because it's there and it probably contains too much fat.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

maddy...the kids and I ate lunch at Applebee's today, and I was totally thrilled with the fact they have a whole menu section devoted to WW items, complete with points listings. It made it very, very easy for me to look only at that section of the menu, even though I knew there were lots and lots of other, good-to-eat items available.

I've eaten out several times since starting WW on 12-30, and if, as you said, you go in determined to stay within your point range, while other things might be tempting to a degree, it's not enough to sway you.

[maddy]

Thanks for the input Lion. But after I make the weekly casserole I put it into individual serving containers immediately so as to avoid having too large of a helping. And believe it or not many casseroles can be made with reduced fat if you try.

[fzzy]

Yea for both of Maddy and IAKG .... great job, great choices, I'm so happy for you! I also stayed within my goals on Saturday, although, I pushed my caloric intake to the very maximum ... (it's the first time I've done that) ... but didn't exceed my range. Today should be easier for me, as I've said every weekend I think :) Saturdays are my most difficult day to get through.

I'm noticing that some things are changing for the better for me, movement is getting easier and less painful now that there's not as much stress on my arthritic knees, and my clothes are starting to drape a bit better on me... both of those things make me VERY happy!

[osuche]

Go fzzy! Those small signs aren't that small -- they're big quality of life improvers!

As for me...I fell off the bandwagon over the past two weeks, but I am back on it today. I went to the gym, have been eating OK, and I'm taking my vitamins again. I hope I feel better later this week when I (finally) start my period and I can get rid of some of this water weight....at least I HOPE that's what it is. :p

[fzzy]

Thanks osuche, I'm very pleased with the changes, just also recognize that it's just a drop in the bucket toward where I'd like to be .... but every step forward is a positive thing as far as I'm concerned .... and for you, you're moving forward again, great to hear!!!!

I finished up today having made it through it ok again, I love weekends, but doing the healthy eating thing during a weekend, is a lot more challenging for me then doing it during the week, so I'm glad to be going back to my work day schedule again for the next 5 days, I really want to keep moving forward for as long as I possibly can without pausing, I've spent too much of my life eating unhealthy, so I'm doing this each day and trying not to look too far forward, but also trying to make the necessary preparations so I can keep going forward with each day. As I've said before, this thread is really helpful to me, a place to share, a place to commisserate and a place to report!!

[Lilith]

After what seemed to be a week that looked like it was going downhill, I did drop 1.5 pounds. It's not stunning but I'll take it. I have to work harder to find ways to cope with stress and frustration. They send me scurrying for food. I need to get some gum maybe.

[maddy]

The scale left me slightly disappointed this morning - I had thought I was having a good week even though the scale was doing a topsy turvy mess all week long, it turned out to be a 1.5 pound loss. At least it's still a loss and that keeps me motivated.

Great job Lilith and fzzy!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

A loss is a loss, maddy--and 1.5 lbs. is in that "safe" range of 2 lbs. a week or less, right? Congrats to maddy and Lil for the losses, and congrats to fzzy for maintaining that positive attitude!

[fzzy]

Yeah Lilith and maddy ... great job ... I think when it comes to the scales ... women have a more difficult time because many of us have water fluctuations with our cycle, so it's hard to get a truly accurate reading ... but as mentioned, a loss is a LOSS and it's definately NOT a gain!!!! So, great job!!! And as IAKG said, you're losses are falling in the safety zone for weight loss ... the actual way that is determined, is that unless you are doing a extra-ordinary amount of exercise that builds muscle, you should not lose more than 1% of your current body weight per week, which means that for some of us, we can safely lose more per week ... there has to be an up side to being on the extra extra large size, right?!?!? LOL

[Aqua]

After what seemed to be a week that looked like it was going downhill, I did drop 1.5 pounds. It's not stunning but I'll take it. I have to work harder to find ways to cope with stress and frustration. They send me scurrying for food. I need to get some gum maybe.
You know... Fish isn't as fattening as other foods. Maybe you could just change what you put into your mouth at first? :)
Then work on making the change to not using your mouth to ease your stress.

Congrats on the loss too!

[Lilith]

I was thinking that even if I start off with Fish in my mouth I bet somehow it all ends up on my ass:D

[osuche]

OMG ^^^ LMAO @ you two :D

[fzzy]

Here I am reporting in for the night, made it through another day sticking to my eating and movement plan. Good to be back to my weekday routines. On a side note, I'm finding I have a bit more energy ... not loads more at this point, but enough to be planning little chores and tasks for myself and accomplishing 1 of 2 each evening....things I haven't had the energy to do for a long time, so that is feeling nice and it's always good to get some things accomplished now and then. :)

[Lilith]

I wore a pedometer today just for a giggle. I'm trying to decide how much I usually move around at work.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil, I've been wearing a pedometer for about a week and a half now, just to keep track of how active I am. It frustrates me when I walk less than other days, which helps motivate me to be more active the next day. Great idea!

[maddy]

Speaking of walking and movement - I've been contemplating a treadmill for a few weeks now and have concluded that I truly do believe I will use one, so long as I put it in the "right" location (near a tv). I calculated my tax return last night and now I don't have to dip into my savings to do so! Anyone have good recommendations of where to look? I've been looking at sears.com but am open to other suggestions.

[WildIrish]

I checked out Dick's Sporting Goods for treadmills (who's website, ironically enough is NOT dicks.com :eek: bookmark this one for later :D ) and they have a pretty good variety starting at $99 for manual ones and working their way up to way too much to pay for anything! If nothing else, it may be a resource for comparison.

btw it's here (http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=693945&cp=710956)

[osuche]

maddy, I recommend you look at the models you can fold up and put under a bed, or against a wall. Even i fyou use it a lot, there will inevitably be times you want to put it away.

Do you have "Play It Again Sports" in your area? It's a consignmnet store for sports gear, including treadmills, that often has good prices. Might also want to check on Craigslist........the technology doesn't change much from year to year and there's usually a lot of lightly used exercise equipment for good pricing available.

[Aqua]

Definitely check Craigslist and the classifieds in the local paper. Lots of people get treadmills, especially at the beginning of the year, and then don't use them. My wife bought a treadmill a couple years ago... a pretty nice one. It's been used about 20 times. :rolleyes: But it still does get used on occassion so we keep it. :D

[WildIrish]

One of our local teens just appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show to show off their award winning "Treadmill Powered TV"! Unfortunately, you have to run 10mph or the tv won't work! lmfao

[fzzy]

maddy, the other thing you might consider would be an elyptical machine, if you have any problems with the jarring movement that walking can have on your knees, hips, etc., they say an elyptical cuts down on that even more than a treadmill does. Just a thought.

[Lilith]

One of our local teens just appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show to show off their award winning "Treadmill Powered TV"! Unfortunately, you have to run 10mph or the tv won't work! lmfao

Ddo they make that in a vibrator??????I'd be sooooo skinny :D

[maddy]

thanks for the tips...dick's sporting goods has some incredible pricing... and silver service delivery!

[fzzy]

Another day completed successfully!

[osuche]

Well, I'm back on the workout bandwagon since Saturday, and today was the first day I didn't feel *worse* after working out...I think I finally passed the you-haven't-worked-out-much-for-2-whole-weeks barrier. :)

I trimmed my average calories by 200 today, and I want to try and replicate this for the entire week. Also, I can now walk to work...and my goal for the next three days is actually to DO IT (walk to work), barring rain of course. I *will* resist taking the bus. :D

[fzzy]

Congrats on getting back in your desired mode .... and hope you have fair weather for your walks to work!

[fzzy]

I've been hungry all day ... only it's more of the psychological variety .... I've managed to stick in my calorie range, but it's been tough!! ... wanted so much to stop tonight for a big juicy cheeseburger .... I did stop and get a salad and chicken breast, so I felt like I got a treat mid-week. I'm just starting to feel the positive effects of keeping with this, I don't want to self-sabotage now ... just keep reminding myself of the good things that I'm getting out of this and that I want even more of them!!!

[Oldfart]

fzzy

What I did when I gave up smoking and did the food thing was to take some dry spaghetti in matchstick sizes.

When you feel really hungry, nibble, shape with your teeth and generally play with the stuff.

It meets the psychological need without being bad.

You may however develop a several stick of spaghetti habit you will need to deal with later.

[Lilith]

fzzy, I was like that yesterday too. Took my caloric intake to the max but I did a McD's salad for dinner and it was enough to get me through.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I had a pretty rough day yesterday, although not food-wise. I ended up having to skip lunch and instead snacked on some celery with light dip throughout most of the afternoon. Since I *was* so far under points heading into dinnertime, I was a little bummed out...until a friend who hadn't seen me in a month or so stopped to talk, and about the second thing out of her mouth was, "Are you losing weight?" Talk about on top of the world--a simple question has the power to make things seem "right" again. :)

(P.S. Congrats to Lil and fzzy for resisting temptation!)

[Lilith]

It does feel nice when someone notices. Grats to you for being visibly, noticably, smaller :D

[maddy]

IAKG, I had a similar experience food-wise yesterday. I got about 8 minutes for lunch, and 5 of those were spent heating up my frozen meal.

I ended up eating a couple of high point unhealthy snacks at night to get me close to where I needed to be for points.

Also because of the chaos, by lunch I only had about three sips of water, when usually I've had 3 16oz glasses by then.

Today's a new day and hopefully a better one.

[osuche]

I woke up this morning with lower back pain, barely able to move. :( I took some Tylenol and went back to bed until about 20 min ago....thinking I'm NOT going to the gym today. Could it be that 5 days of intense workouts in a row stressed out my body too much? <sigh>

You guys inspire me, but sore muscles may hold me back....at least for today.

[fzzy]

I'm so pleased for you IAKG... (about a friend noticing your smaller self)

And osuche, you should know that a day off is not a bad thing, gives your body a chance to recover and tired muscles a chance to rest, its the weeks turning into months and years of no workouts that can cause the real problems!!! :)

maddy - great job at sticking with your plan, even when time doesn't seem to be in your favor on a rough day.

Lil ... way to go! Personally on such days as yesterday, I remind myself how out of control I was before making these positive changes and it helps me get through ... along with all of the other positive reminders and thoughts I "feed" myself in place of the goodies I sometimes would really like to be able to indulge in!

Oldfart, interesting idea .... I like it, but I'm trying to think up some substitution for the pasta since my biggest weaknesses are in the carb area, so even uncooked pasta might cause me problems. Thanks for your thoughtful suggestion and positive thoughts!!

[Lilith]

I got stuck without dinner at a meeting from 4-8 with a 15 minute break and Wendy's nearby :( :( I ate bad foods today. Made bad choices. A 14 hour work day is just more than I can plan for :( Then WI is tempting me with my favorite candy, which I happen to have a stash of. No excuses, I made bad choices.



Tomorrow will be better. I must eat breakfast!!!!!!

[fzzy]

(((((Lilith))))) .... hope you enjoyed the time off and will be a healthier chooser tomorrow .... that's the good thing, sometimes we have a bad day ... heaven knows I've spent my lifetime in the bad eating choices arena with only very small spaces of time when my choices have been healthier, but there's the rest of my life ahead of me and I'm trying to do better with the rest then I did with everything prior!! :) That's not to say I'm not aware that there are going to be days when the choices aren't as healthy ... for today, I made it through, still on the high side of my calorie limits, but within them ... I'm always like this in the week or so before my visit into the "hut" :)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lifetime habits, especially the ones that are less-than-optimal for us, are difficult to break. The simple fact that you, fzzy, Lil, maddy, and the rest of us Pixies are working so diligently to change them is cause for celebration alone. Progress is the proverbial icing on the cake!

Of course, it's Friday, which means it's weigh-in day for me. I was pleasantly surprised to see another 3 lbs. lost for this week, 10.5 since I began WW on 12-30-05. Doesn't sound like a whole lot, of course, but it's amazing the difference in attitude it's given me. I figure I'll be through my remaining clothes by maybe St. Patrick's Day and have to go shopping for new (smaller) ones. :)

Best of luck to everyone today...hang in there!

[Lilith]

My weigh ins are Mondays and overall it's going well. I am on target for a goal I set but my weight loss is very slow, 1-1.5 pounds a week. I ate a banana for breakfast and feel more in control after a night of going to bed early.

[maddy]

Great job ladies ... even when we falter on occassion, you recognize and are being truthful enough to yourself to admit it... that's an accomplishment in itself.

I must agree with IAKG, I'm coming up on a weigh in and the 10 lb mark - it's not a lot when I look at how much further I need to go. But knowing I am doing something positive for me has made a dent in my attitude.

I did the grocery trip last night and ended up with only one remotely bad thing in the cart - chex mix. It was on sale and I love it for a snack. Portion control is the key and so long as I can keep the portion in check I can have it as a snack when I have the points to spare. Otherwise I ended up with two bags of apples, bananas, grapes, salad mix, yogurt, cheese, smart ones, and some lean meats... all pretty healthy and keeping my kitchen stocked so I'm not tempted to run out for a high fat meal.

[WildIrish]

all pretty healthy and keeping my kitchen stocked so I'm not tempted to run out for a high fat meal.

Excellent, excellent point! And if something is "grab & go", that helps alot too.

I know it doesn't mean much coming from some goofball on the internet, but I'm proud of you all.

[wyndhy]

I know it doesn't mean much coming from some goofball on the internet, but I'm proud of you all.
me too...minus the goofball. :p

[Aqua]

You all know I have big love for two things, Derriere's and Mt Dew. I've decided I'm cutting down on one them. For the past two days I have brought one can of Dew to work, instead of two. After my morning Dew I've been filling my water bottle for the rest of the day. I've tried doing this before and more often than not instead of going for water, I'll plunk money in the vending machine. Hopefully putting this out in the open will keep me on track.


Oh, and all you ladies can support me by helping fill the void of missing Dew by posting pics of the first love I mentioned. :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Wellllllll...I had a minor shock a bit earlier. I am doing the Weight Watchers online, and I'd logged on to put in my points from breakfast, when I realized that the points I'm allowed per day has dropped. I knew that would happen at some point, as they want you to keep progressing as you lose weight, but I didn't expect it today! Guess the gym and I are going to be even *better* friends. :)

[WildIrish]

You all know I have big love for two things, Derriere's and Mt Dew. I've decided I'm cutting down on one them. For the past two days I have brought one can of Dew to work, instead of two. After my morning Dew I've been filling my water bottle for the rest of the day. I've tried doing this before and more often than not instead of going for water, I'll plunk money in the vending machine. Hopefully putting this out in the open will keep me on track.


Oh, and all you ladies can support me by helping fill the void of missing Dew by posting pics of the first love I mentioned. :D


Great minds think alike.

Last Monday I switched to decaf. I only have one or two sodas a week, and they're decaf now too. I don't know if I feel any better, but I don't feel worse! Hey...looking at the bright side. :D

And I prefer boobs. Just sayin. :D

[Aqua]

Damn WI... sometimes it's just scary. It's almost like we were seperated at birth and have many similarities, yet a few polar differences.
What differences, you ask?
Hair length (ducks the flying potato)
Body part preference
Nearest ocean
:p

[WildIrish]

It's that whole East Coast/West Coast thing. :D

Good luck with the Dew Dropping. Soda, coffee...none of it's good for us, and I don't know about you...but my body ain't what it used to be. :rolleyes:

[Lilith]

Great now your av is making me crave ding dongs :D

[Lilith]

Oh and today was horrible. The cafeteria was closed and they just made sack lunches for kids so I had to do the snack machine or nothing. I made a good choice and a bad one. Water, peanut butter crackers, and m&ms :D :D :( butt fuck they were tasty.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

<----had a bad lunch day, too, but not quite the same as Lil. On Fridays "the girls" go out to lunch. We get our paychecks, run them to the bank, then treat ourselves to girl time. Today we went to just about my most favorite restaurant in this area, and I *wanted* to order something very, very good for me, but I ended up ordering what I really love. I'm over points by 3 right now, so I'm fucked for the day. Good thing I have the "extra" ones they give us each week, 'cause I'm sure as hell using them today.

But, like Lil, DAMN it was good. *sigh*

[Lilith]

I have girl's night next Wed. I better start saving calories now :p Mudslides the size of your head :D

[maddy]

Yeah Aqua and WildIrish! This thread is supposed to be all about changes we are trying to make.... so welcome aboard. I was an avid Dew drinker and gave it up cold-turkey about two years ago and haven't looked back. I just decided to start drinking water one day. It lasted about 9 months and then I started into cola's. I presently have 3 full 12 packs of Pepsi sitting in my basement from a sale. I've been drinking nothing but water and milk since about 1/1 and have no complaints. The first few days I'd get an occassional mild headache but that's completely gone. I can't stand the taste of diet sodas so it's just water for me now.

Lucky for me I can't stand the taste of coffee unless its the mild slight bit in a mudslide :)

Best of luck to both of you in your healthier drinking.

WildIrish - I live for "grab and go". My lunch consists of these items... frozen dinner, pudding cup or jello cup and a piece of fruit (or two!). And breakfast is always a bowl of cold cereal while reading pixies followed up with a container of yogurt at my desk at work.

And dinner for the week is planned based on what gets cooked on the weekends... with a varying supply of frozen vegetables.

The 100 calorie snack packs are my munchie savior. Whoever came up with the idea is a genius!

IAKG - going down in points is supposed to be a good thing... I was only a pound away from that on Monday, so I've been trying to stick to the lower points this week in preparation for what's to come on Monday.

Lilith... just keep thinking about those Mudslides, because I'd like you to have one for me too!

[Lilith]

I ate the garlic chicken and creamed spinach Lean Cuisine tonight. It was pretty good.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Bad for blood sugars but OMG DELICIOUS would be Lean Cuisine Chicken Alfredo. I'm also kind of partial to the Southern Beef Tips. :D

I've discovered that I like the Lean Cuisine probably best out of all the frozen lunch choices I've had lately. Feel free to let me know other good ones, though, guys! :)

[maddy]

the lean cuisine chicken enchilada was good too... I enjoyed it.

[Lilith]

IAK this one had 12 g

[IAKaraokeGirl]

12g carbs? All I know is that I ate every freaking last bite of the Alfredo, and my 2-hr. sugars ran in the 170s.

[Lilith]

yep. and 200 calories. win win

[fzzy]

I think I've mentioned before that I'm able to stick to this healthier food choices plan I'm doing in part because of Lean Cuisine ... oh I also have the occasional Smart Ones/WW, Healthy Choice or One of the other brands, but Lean Cuisine just seems to have a LOT more selection ... at least in my market. Probably my current favorite is the (Spa Cuisine collection) Pecan Chicken .... it has just enough bits of pecans in the rice and veggies to give a great nutty flavor and the chicken is in a light brown gravy/sauce .. yummy!! I usually have it for my Sunday night dinner as a treat. Others that I really like are the Sweet and Sour Chicken, and the Pannini sandwichs are pretty good as well ... usually a treat I allow myself for either Saturday or Sunday ... though they are a few more calories than most of the other entrees, it makes for a nice treat during the weekend.

I have to say that I'm feeling quite proud of myself tonight ... for reasons not worth the time it would take to explain ... for about 7-8 months now I've been doing my grocery shopping on-line and have it delivered .... the only exceptions have been maybe 4 or 5 total trips to my favorite Farmers(style) Market ... and the last time I was there was well before Thanksgiving ... Once I started on this eating plan, I haven't really wanted to go to the grocery store because I wasn't sure I could deal with the temptations to be found there (on-line shopping is much more easily controlled ... no smells from the bakery, etc.) Tonight, I had to go to the grocery store to get something that I haven't been able to get through on-line delivery and also had to get some index cards for work on Monday a.m. (that was what really got me to go if you can believe it) .... I'm happy and pleased to report that I bought only what I planned to, allowed myself to buy a couple more items in the 100 calorie serving packs for when I need that extra treat and left the store feeling very good about it ... still will be doing my usual on-line shopping for quite awhile though, the other factors are still an issue. :) :D

[fzzy]

And may I also say that I'm really proud of all of you as well, and welcome to the group making and reporting on positive changes Aqua and WI, so glad to have your input and experiences here as well!

And IAKG and Lil ... if you're going to have a goody ... absolutely make it one that you can feel that it was a wonderful experience!!!!

[Lilith]

Thanks you to the angel who invented Oreo thin crisps :D


I am really proud of you fzzy!

BTW just took my blood sugar and it was 114. I rock!!!

[maddy]

Lilith, I thought about your recent oreo thread when I was enjoying the oreo thin crisps earlier this weekend. They are really quite good with much less guilt.

[fzzy]

OK now I remember why i don't usually post how i've done for the day until the day is over .... oooooopppps!!! Now I know better than to buy the 100 calorie treat bags ... I had absolutely no control over myself this evening and managed to eat 8 or so of them ... now a 100 calorie treat bag is a good thing, I guess .... at least during the pre-hut week ... I'm going to have to follow a much stricter regime... So I'm confessing and committing not to do that again (at least for a reasonably long period of time) .... one day like that can be overcome with a couple of days of sticking with my plan, but it does require me sticking with the plan again. Oh well.... tomorrow is another day, and I resolve to do it right!

[Lilith]

fzzy put the bags in something. A jar with a lid or a lock :D something where you have lots of opportunity to change your mind before you actually get to the bag. Maybe even something that makes noise like a big paper bag or a plastic grocery sack tied. Make it uncomfortable to hear the noise each time. Like the bag is tattling on you :p

I like the snack bags but being diabetic they are all carbs and that is one of the main areas I am cutting back so I have to really deem them necessary to open a pack.

[maddy]

fzzy today is a new day all you can do now is start anew and try to understand what caused the behavior.

Lilith, great suggestions. I'm a fan of keeping things in the cabinet so they are out of sight and bottle of water constantly by my side.

[fzzy]

thanks for the support maddy and Lilith ... I made it through today without exceeding my calorie count, though I wish I had kept it a bit lower to make up for some of that snack binge last night. But, every reasonably good day is a success as far as I'm concerned, so I'm here again.

[osuche]

I was at 2100 calories today, which is 200 over my target...but I did walk back from school and take a walk round the neighborhood in the afternoon, grocery shop and clean at home, and I even got in a quick 10 min stretch/20 minute ski machine/200 situp trip to the gym late tonight. All in all, not a greta success, and not a great failure either.

fzzy....don't try to compensate too much. In my experience, if oyu cut too much to make up for a binge, you end up hungry and frustrated and thus binge again. Slow and steady wins the race, or so I hear. :)

[Lilith]

I look at each day in isolation. If I don't I'll start the shame and blame thing. I set my caloric intake goal fairly high to start because I did not have enough faith in myself. I think I'm going to lower it today.

[Lilith]

Since I set my goals myself, I am always hunting places to confirm that I am on the right track. I found this site http://www.bmi-calculator.net/bmr-calculator/

It was very helpful in seeing what my intake needs to be to lose various amounts of weight.

[Lilith]

100 100 calorie snacks (http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/34/54.cfm)

I might make up so baggies of things to keep me from grabbing something worse.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I like the snack bags but being diabetic they are all carbs and that is one of the main areas I am cutting back so I have to really deem them necessary to open a pack.

That is precisely why I haven't given into the temptation to buy them. The only time I'm really feeling the urge to snack is while at work--maybe because I'm too *busy* at home to think about it. Regardless, I've found that celery or broccoli with some fat-free or light Ranch dip works really well at keeping my hunger satisfied while at my desk. Hopefully, that will continue.

For maddy or anyone else doing Weight Watchers, there is a great alternate site for point values: www.dwlz.com. Especially thorough is the section on eating out--an excellent resource.

[Lilith]

That is an awesome resource!!!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I know--I love it. :) The ads are a bit much, but if you ignore them, there's a wealth of information--not just on "points," but calories, carbs, etc. Check out the "food" section as well, when you have time. There are menus, ideas, etc. as well as general food information.

I've explored a bit on the calculator site you posted--it's excellent as well. Since I'm doing WW, I don't focus *too* much on calories, as I let my points calculate that all out for me. Still, it's fascinating the information provided by the waist-hip ratio calculator and by the site in general. Thanks!

[osuche]

Lil, thanks for the link on the BMR....I'd only guessed at a target calorie count, but I was pretty close. The site seems to indicate that I should target 1960...so I was only a few calories off (but it's nice to know I'm right).

Another day for us all to be successful!

[maddy]

I'm ready for today to be over. I find on the weekends I eat my lunch and dinner earlier to avoid snacking, but then evenings become challenging as I feel the urge to snack. Weekdays are much easier to manage because the kitchen isn't a few steps away.

I purchased Emeril's Italian dressing this weekend, quite low in calories and very flavorful.

[fzzy]

Great resources, thanks everyone!! Maddy, I'm with you, I love weekends, but not as far as the eating plan goes, just not enough routine/schedule, etc. to keep me from thinking about all the stuff I could be eating.

I made it through today though without any pitfalls, my period actually started a few days earlier then I expected, which explains to me a lot about why Friday was so difficult for me. I'm glad it started though since for me the 7-10 days prior are worse physically then my actual 4-5 days during.

And I should start shedding any water retention that my body has been holding onto and I'm looking forward to a positive step forward physically over the next 2-3 weeks.

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Maddy, Newman's Own Light Balsalmic Vinegrette is also really, really good. I was using it long before I started WW or focusing on losing some pounds. I was reading a magazine the other day and happened to stumble upon an article about the "top 10 best low-calorie/fat dressings" and noticed that one was included.

I agree with both fzzy and maddy, though...weekends can be tough. As "wrong" as it may be, I find that skipping breakfast and eating an earlier lunch works better than trying to do three meals on the weekends--there just aren't enough points to go around. However, at the grocery on Saturday, I found WW bagels, which are 2 points for the entire bagel. I may try 1/2 of a bagel with a little light cream cheese for breakfast and hope my blood sugars aren't out the roof afterwards. :)

[fzzy]

My Monday went well as far as food and eating goes ... at work I didn't seem to have much time, took me about 2 1/2 hours to eat an energy bar in the afternoon (for my lunch).

My good news is that I'm now able to remove the 4" extenders that I've had on all of my bras ... some real progress there since when i started 4 weeks ago, the bras were all tight enough to be digging into me a bit. Doing a little happy dance before I head off to bed! :)

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Monday was much better to me eating-wise than the weekend. I even had the best omelet for dinner using Pam cooking spray, two eggs, and a little each of the cheddar and mozzarella fat-free cheese Kraft makes. (Six points, maddy, if you're interested.) Today is going to be a stressful day for me, though, so it will be interesting to see how that affects my resolve, if any.

[Lilith]

Awesome fzzy!!! I know being able to feel it means the most!

Monday was a breeze. I'm too stressed to eat too much :D I ate something fattening as hell for breakfast so we will have to see how the rest of the day goes.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Yes, woohoo for fzzy! An "outward" reinforcement like that just renews your commitment, doesn't it?

Of course, I'm wondering what Lil ate for breakfast--'cause I'm envious. :D

As for me, speaking of reinforcements, I'm wearing a skirt today two sizes smaller than what I would've worn a little over a month ago. I have a long, long way until I reach my goal weight, but every little bit helps.

[Lilith]

Today the scales showed I reached the 15 pound loss mark :D My dress pants for work look silly cause they are practically falling off :D

I ate a croissant. 300 calories in one bite :D Breakfast is hard for me as it's a meal I'm not fond of unless it's eating really bad for me things.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

15 pounds!?!?!?! Yay! I am definitely envious now. :)

I have learned that I can't keep things like that in the house. Period. My son wanted cupcakes at the store the other day, and I made the mistake of letting him put them in the cart. Mind you, there are six in a package, and we've had them since Saturday...and I have a severe cake weakness. If I'm going to eat dessert, which really isn't THAT high of a priority for me, that's my weapon of choice. Well, I lost willpower Sunday night and had one. I faithfully recorded it, though--and I haven't touched them since. He has had two, and there are three left. Learning to deal with temptation like that is perhaps the hardest lesson.

[maddy]

You women are amazing! fzzy, that sounds to me a lot like 4" gone on your chest... EXCELLENT accomplishment. Lilith, 15 lbs and seems several inches also fantastic!

Thanks for the heads up on the omelet IAKG - I made one over the weekend, 2 eggs, ff cheddar, and some diced ham... all served up with a side of two slices of WW bread. I think it was a total of about 7 or 8 points but it was a weekend breakfast treat. I haven't seen the ff mozzerella, I'll have to pay closer attention next time I'm at the grocery.

Monday was a better day for me, I just tend to be busier at work and my mind doesn't as easily wonder to food. Also being limited to what I brought with me lessens the temptations. I've added salad to my daily lunch regimine and it seems to be working so far. It only takes me an extra minute in the evening or morning to throw it together in a container. It's helping my veggie intake and keeping me fuller in the afternoon.

Oh, and btw, down 8.5 lbs and down 2 more points too!

[IAKaraokeGirl]

I fully understand the work dilemma, maddy. I have a stash of Lean Cuisine and similar items in the freezer at work, so I allow myself a choice instead of being "forced" to have just one option. Yesterday I hadn't realized I was out of the yogurt I keep at work, and I'd forgotten to take the celery/light dip I usually pack as a snack. It was murder! I'd had a half of a bagel for breakfast and a Lean Cuisine Steak Tips Portabello (highly recommended, btw), but that was it. Fortunately, the omelet worked just fine.

The ff mozzarella is also by Kraft, maddy--should be in the same section. If you have Shaw's in CT, that's where I bought it last. At Hannaford's last night, they had the mozzarella but not the cheddar--go figure. :)

I was wondering how your weigh-in went--that is so awesome!

[WildIrish]

I've seen the FF mozzarella at Shaws, Stop & Shop and Big Y. I believe I've even seen the store brand in FF as well.

What a bunch of inspirational posts! I love coming to this thread.


And it's not just because Lil's pants are falling down. :p

[osuche]

Down 4 lbs since last Wednesday...thanks to some grueling workouts and a bit more careful eating (except for the Saturday night Inidan fest). I'm not seeing much difference yet, but I have hopes....and I DID catch a guy checking me out on the bus yesterday evening. ;)

[wyndhy]

excellent girls!!! ((((hugs)))) and wolf whistles :D

lil, breakfast is hard for me too, but i know i should eat it because it helps with the metabolism all day. i do a liquid brekkie - ovaltine, carnation instant...they're less than 200 calories each. or slimfast (they make a low-sugar version now).

[Aqua]

Woohoo!! Great to hear you are all doing so good! :cheer: :D

So far I have been good at keeping to one can of pop a day on the weekdays and that's my goal. On the weekends I am trying to keep it at two a day. This Sunday I am not restricting myself on anything, however. :p I'm not going to make it a point to funnel Dew down my throat, but if I want one (or 4), I'm going to have it. I'll still probably only have two though.

[Lilith]

Grats Aqua! Do you feel a difference weekdays?

[Aqua]

I feel a bit better for it, thank you!

[fzzy]

Wow everyone .... great job(s) ... Lil ... ((whistle)) you may have to go shopping for new ones soon .... and down 15 pounds.. How wonderful is that!!

Aqua .... glad to hear you're sticking with it ... I know kicking a particular type of soda habit can be REALLY hard!! ... (thumbs up!)

Yea Osuche ... great job ... one week down ... usually one of the hardest ones to get through is that first one ... good for you!!!

WI ... and we love having you stop by .... for encouragement and to hear on how you are doing with anything you want to report to us as well!!

Well done maddy .... 8.5 pounds less you have to carry around with you!!!

IAKG ... down 2 skirt sizes ... doing the happy dance with you ... wonderful!!!!

I love you guys ... you make it fun to be able to report ... even on days that don't go as well as I hoped.... not that this is one of those ... doing fine so far .. will report at the end of the day for how it ends up! :)

[fzzy]

I've made it through another day ... every day I make it through in tact is a victory, I did well enough today and am grateful for it!

[Lilith]

I think being grateful is a big part of it fzzy. I'm not just hammering myself when I make poor choices but being grateful and proud of the good choices I am making too.

[Kaelynn]

What an awesome thread! I was on WW for two monthes and lost 10 lbs, however I didn't keep up with it, it was way too hard with school. I have recently really been trying to start it up again, but on my own. My roomate and I have "Wednesday Weigh In." We have also started Taebo every night together.

Anyone mind if she and I join this thread... I know it's a little late, but I think these success stories, along with all of you holding me accountable... is just what I need.

[fzzy]

Lil ... it does tend to be a mindset change as well as a lifestyle change doesn't it?!?!? :)

Kaelynn ... glad to have you join the group ... I don't think anyone here has set a starting date to be part of the thread .... we're just glad to have others joining in ... or for those who don't want to join in, but want to add some supportive comments or suggestions, love to have all of those ... so welcome to the thread, looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.

[maddy]

Okay, I can officially attest to WW being a success - it's been about a month and the changes I have been making are gradual but they are sticking. Okay, you might argue it's only been a month, but I can honestly say that I have not been this conscious of the choices I make of what to eat .... EVER!

Today at work I was feeling hungry and reached in my drawer to pull out one of the 100 calorie packs of Honey Grahams. I ate the first two and thought - this is not what I want for 100 calories! I sealed them back up with a roll in the pack and a staple and grabbed my apple instead for about 50 calories and ate it.

I'm finding a myriad of other changes too...

I wake up earlier in the morning to ensure that I get my breakfast ate and lunch packed without much of a hassle.

I find an extra spring in my step and my posture better as I'm gaining confidence.

I've started making me 'pretty' and have re-introduced makeup into my life as a daily routine rather than special occassions only.

I'm not trying to cheat the system.

I'm learning to like fruits and vegetables as they are low calorie, low fat, and packed with all the good things I'm supposed to put in my body.

And I think most importantly - I don't feel deprived.

I don't know if it's a direct reflection of WW or not, but I'm also finding I have better control of my emotions. I can't help but think at least on some level eating better is helping this.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Kaelynn~I definitely second fzzy's thoughts. Welcome!

maddy~I don't know what to say, really. I honestly can say many of the same things as you, although I'm not sure I would've said them quite so elequently. :) As far as your emotions, yes, that could be a reflection of a more stable blood sugar level, but it sounds to me as if the visual progress you've seen has just stablized your confidence more than anything. Any weight loss program is a lifetime choice--it's a change in lifestyle more so than a deprivation system. Congrats on realizing that so early on and doing those things you need to do for success. ((maddy))

[maddy]

Did I mention I have two bags of m&m's that have been on my dining room table for about a month un-opened? I haven't even been tempted to figure out the calories and what a serving is yet. I honestly would never have thought I could have this much control over food.

Thanks for the kindness IAKG. :)

Oh and... ummm ...

Kaelynn - welcome! I look forward to hearing your progress!
fzzy & Lilith - excellent realizations. We certainly have to think in the moment more often in life.
Aqua - Glad you are sticking to your plan and finding you feel better.

[Lilith]

I went out with the ladies and avoided the temptation of drinks but replaced it with dessert :( I have no earthly idea how many calories I ate but I know it was ridiculous and now all I feel is bloated and disappointed.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil, as I told someone close to me recently, the thought that I'll never have a piece of cake (my particular dessert weakness, when I have it) again for the rest of my life is ridiculous. Diabetes or not, it would take an awfully strong person to totally give up sweets/carbs/whatever for the next 60 years.

Tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities for different choices.

[Lilith]

My sugars are still in good shape and I'll get back on track manana!

[fzzy]

Made it through another day successfully ... YEA!!! I've not had problems keeping inside of my calorie limits this work week .... I do so much better when my day is structured and I don't have the time watching all of those food commercials and near the food source ... but don't get me wrong, I long for the weekends during the working week!!!

I had to go to the Farmer's Market tonight ... had to get some cards ... one of my best friends birthday is next week and needed to get a b-day card in the mail to her .... the Market has a really great eclectic selection of cards (though they are also a bit on the pricy side - worth it as far as I'm concerned). While I was there, I also got a salad and some low sodium shaved deli turkey - I love their deli turkey and a meal replacement bar in a flavor I haven't seen before ... I totally steered clear of their bakery ... toooooo many treats that I love reside in that area and I knew if I looked at them, I'd be toast (or maybe more appropriate ... I'd be carmel brownie) :D

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Great job, fzzy, on whipping temptation's ass, so to speak. :D I am just so proud of everyone who's posted in this thread. Not only has progress been made, but when little "blips" come along, everyone here seems to handle them in an appropriate, positive manner. We rock!

[Kaelynn]

So I have been trying to exercise really hard, yesturday I went on a 2hr walk and did an hour of Taebo, I was so exhausted...

I am so bad with eating breakfast. I find myself sitting here starving, cause I haven't eaten yet today.

Anyone know any suggestions on how to keep yourself eating healthy all day?

[maddy]

My suggestions might be difficult in the life of a student.

To the best of your ability plan ahead and be prepared. Always have a bottle for water with you. Stop at a fountain to fill it up. Keep healthy snacks in your book bag when you head to class or the library. Make an effort to have breakfast. It doesn't take long to eat it and it will kick start your day. Even if it's a bowl of cereal while you are drying your hair. Don't deprive yourself - make good decisions and eat appropriate proportions. And don't punish yourself when you do splurge - just get back to your "routine" asap.

This is my typical weekday routine:

Breakfast - a bowl of Kashi with skim milk. Combined with some water to take my vitamin. When I get to work I'll have something additional - yogurt or a piece of fruit.

Lunch - frozen meal (lean cuisine or smart ones) - I tend to pick these up when they are on sale 5/$10 or buy 2 get 3 free, etc - and any variety of the following: piece of fruit, salad with only 2T of dressing, sugar free pudding, sugar free jello.

Dinner - something that I've prepared in advance. I do my cooking on the weekends for my dinners. But tonight I wasn't in the mood for "that" and made a quick omelet instead.

Snacks - chex mix, fruit, sugar free pudding, sugar free jello, lowfat cottage cheese, smart ones deserts, skinny cow bars, a couple of cookies, etc. I try to keep each snack I have to 150 calories or less (3pts).

Don't eat after 8pm. I think you said you work nights - don't eat more within 3 hours of going to sleep.

[Lilith]

Much better day food wise but the stress is piling up. I need to find some way to relax.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

Lil, when you figure it out, let me know, because that, I believe, is one of the biggest issues I face.

Went to the gym after work tonight and met with one of the trainers there. I was clued in on that whole mystery "target heart rate range" thing, which is nice, because I now better have an idea about where I should be and what the possible results from staying my range might be. It was another day of eating at my desk, though, and while that forces me to be good and eat one of my Lean Cuisine/Smart Ones/other type of meal, there's not a great deal of relaxation that way.

[fzzy]

Way to get the exercise in Kaelynn ... I'm still in the VERY VERY gradually adding movement into my days ... have a long way to go, but when the knees are shot to heck, it is a slow building process ... i do try to do arm type exercises on and off through the work day and stretching exercises ... At work, it's quite a hike to get to the restrooms .... going outside and then around 3 sides of the building to get to them ... before starting my better eating, etc., by the time I'd get to the restroom my back and knees would be aching and I'd be wheezing like crazy ... always prayed that no one else would be in the restroom cause I didn't want to be embarrassed by the heavy breathing ... Now, no aching back and knees and by the time I get into the stall, my breath is fine still ... wooo hoooo!!! (I know, I know, such simple things make me happy!)

Lil ... I wish I had a good stress reliever for you .... they say exercise is good, but since I've never been one to de-stress with exercise ... I wouldn't dare recommend it :) ...

Maddy, you always share good sensible suggestions for keeping with things, thanks!

Personally, I tend to use up a few extra of my calories at breakfast (during the week) mainly because I don't usually take a lunch break so what I eat is usually something really easy .. quite often it's a meal replacement/protein/ energy bar and then again tend to eat more in the evening, it all ends up being in my goal calorie range, but I'm not sure I'd suggest doing it that way to someone else. I can say that if they work for you, you might want to keep a couple of the energy-type bars in your back pack for those times you run out of energy or get hungry and aren't someplace that would be easy to get a healthy snack/meal. I know one person who puts her lunchtime salad in a zipper plastic bag, some meat in another one and her dressing in another, then she puts the meat and dressing into the bigger bag that her salad is in and shakes it up for an instant salad meal.

IAKG .. thanks, it helps me a lot to know that each night I am going to report about my day ... when i slipped last Friday, it was such a tempting thought not to report it, but I knew that would be a choice that would only lead to further slippage .. even worse then the overeating was ... so I gritted my teeth and admitted it .. mainly having to admit it to myself in writing ... I find it is very helpful for me. I'm also glad though that everyone in the thread deals in a positive way with those choices here and there that they wish were different. thanks guys!!!!

[Lilith]

By being honest here we are actually just being honest with ourselves. ((hugs))

[WildIrish]

I think someone slipped me regular coffee last night. I was way jittery and touchy. Why on earth would someone do that? If you don't have enough decaf...just tell me. :(

[IAKaraokeGirl]

It's Friday, and that means it's weigh-in day for me. I'm down 2.5 lbs. this week, so I'm pleased. I also worked with a trainer last night and got some helpful hints as far as how to accomplish what I want in the timeframe I want, so I'm pretty excited about that.

In answer to your question, WI, I don't know...laziness (the decaf pot was further away, there wasn't any made, etc.)? An accident (they didn't know it was 'regular')? Or maybe it's just a case that, hey, it's not them, so they don't care. Sad, but true.

[maddy]

Great job IAKG! Another week with a loss, you are doing a tremendous job!

[Lilith]

I had Ben & Jerry's Dublin Mudslide ice cream for dinner because I have just really been craving ice cream. I got it out of my system but shit that stuff is so good.

[IAKaraokeGirl]

After being "yelled at" by WW Online for losing more than 2 pounds per week the last three weeks :D, I gave into my craving and also had something bad for me this evening. However, I realize it isn't the end of the world, and I dutifully wrote the point value down and subtracted them from the "extra" points I get each week. Tomorrow is a new day and a chance for a clean slate. On the positive side, "the girls" and I went to my most favorite restaurant here at lunch today and, for the first time ever, I passed on my BBQ Beef Tip Basket I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE and opted for something comprising less points. It was good, and I was proud of myself.

(But DAMN that ice cream DOES sound good, Lil.) :)

[maddy]

Lil that is my favorite ice cream!

The weekend is here and that holds it's own challenges for me. I'm hoping the weather is pleasant, it's motivating to me for getting my butt off the couch and doing something productive.

At a minimum the weekend always involves many trips up and down the stairs to get laundry done. But I'd like to be able to get my sneaks on and go for a walk if the weather allows for it. Too bad I left my headphones at the office for my ipod.

Weather permitting, I'll also be attempting to grill this weekend rather than using the stovetop/oven.

Anyone have something more exciting planned for the weekend? C'mon it's not hard to top my laid back weekends in excitement value.

[fzzy]

Lil .. I'd probably choose a different flavor, but B&J's do have some great ice creams .... in the summer I crave anything frozen ... right now, ice cream isn't what I'm craving, but there are a few items that I am ... hoping to make it through the weekend without giving in ... I know I will again sometime, but going to try very hard to stay in my daily calorie range ...

On the other hand ... really glad you enjoyed the opportunity of endulgence!!

IAKG ... sorry WW online yelled at you, but glad you are doing your best to keep within healthy guidelines .... and congrats on the continued weight loss!

Maddy .... my weekends are probably even more low-key then yours .... one day I'm going to make enough progress that I'll have the energy to really do some fun things again during my weekends .... for now, I'm just doing my best to make sure I'll get to that goal as soon as is possible within healthy expectations ... how's that for being PC!?!?! :D

WI ... sorry about someone slipping something into your drink (coffee) ... when that happens you should be able to have more fun from it ;)

[Lilith]

This weekend will be a busy one as I'm moving classrooms once again. Lugging books across campus makes for some good excercise.

[fzzy]

Lilith ... hope the moving has gone well.

I had such an exciting saturday (total sarcasm) ... did some mending, but I also did almost double my usual amount of "exercise" and still felt good, ate all of my calories for the day and then went to bed! :)

Today .... I went down my driveway to get in my car ... someone had left an entire bag of fun size snickers bars in the yard area by my car .. I shifted where they were in hopes that whoever forgot them there would see them better, still there when I got back to my place .... I left them there ... though a whole bag of candy bars .... just glad I know they must belong to someone, cause otherwise ..... :)

[maddy]

I think I've survived the weekend :) I went out for a walk on Saturday but it was cut shorter than I had hoped as I had a horrible allergy attack. It seems when these attacks come the only thing I can do to stop the constant sneezing is ... sleep. So I slept a lot on Saturday.

Today, Sunday, I felt much better. I got out and did some shopping and told myself I could treat myself to Subway since I was heading out at about 11am and figured I'd be hungry before returning home. I did the grocery shopping last and didn't much feel like stopping at Subway so I came home and fixed something instead.

I ordered a treadmill this weekend - and am anxious for it's arrival. I didn't get the one I had planned on, as it has suddenly sold out just about everywhere.

Tomorrow morning is my weigh in and I'm expecting positive results to report - at least the ones I had on the scale this morning were very positive.

I have a challenging week ahead of me ... and then the following week is my quarterly trip to the Hut. I hope this week's success carries me through.