July Weight Watchers

[Terri_A]

Good Morning and Happy July!

Jackie - Congrats on your loss! How exciting it must be to be UNDER your WW goal!

I'm curious as to what everyone's plans are for the 4th of July. Are you just going to eat whatever and not worry about it? Are you making and taking things that you know are more "point appropriate" for yourself? Are you just making the best of what will be wherever you are?

Me? I'm taking a couple of things ( to share ) that are point appropriate AND really tasty. I'm making the WW Key Lime Pie ( the easy no baking one ) as well as a huge fruit tray. I find that I am addicted to fruit lately and it's been really great so far this summer for helping me keep within my points allotment.

So, what about the rest of you?

[Sugarbetty]

I'm new here so I thought I would say hello. I started WW about a week ago and I just found this monthly thread so I thought I would post.

On Thursday I was down 2 lbs. and very excited. I gained 50 lbs. with my pregnancy and have a long road to go before I can fit into any of my pre-pregnancy clothes.

I chose WW because I can still cook and eat great food I just have to pay attention to what I'm eating. I'm excited that so many of you are on WW as well what a great support group.

As for the question about the 4th...my DH and I are having a BBQ at our house. In the morning we are going out to breakfast with some friends so I will have to make wise decisions then. But at the BBQ I'm going to have a few turkey burgers for myself and anyone else that may want one as well as some salads and a lot of fruit. Someone else will be bringing the desserts because I don't want leftovers at my house. I am not expecting to eat too bad.

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm looking forward to future posts

[Terri_A]

Sugarbetty- Welcome and congrats on your loss the first week! I joined WW for many of the same reasons you did - to be able to lose weight while still eating great food! It sounds like you have your 4th of July planned perfectly! Good luck this week!

[JackieO]

Jackie - Congrats on your loss! How exciting it must be to be UNDER your WW goal!

Teri -- thanks for getting us started!

It <IS> a good feeling to be "under goal," but if you read back a few threads, you'll know that I set my WW goal about 4 lbs above where I really want to be, so I could get back to Lifetime status and quit paying for the monthly pass/meeting fees! As it is, I paid WW about $200 to lose about 16 lbs. since Jan. 1 -- it feels good to be only paying $12 for three months worth of e-tools; by the end of Aug., I'm hoping I'm weaned of that support and can make it on my own with paper trackers AND a weekly WI. (I know from experience that if I don't submit to the discipline of an independent person weighing me each week, I'll slide.) We'll see....I think I'm going to try to make my own journal in a hard-bound book that will incorporate these various tools as well as my references to all the great food I've been eating while still staying on plan! I started a little paper journal while using the e-tools at the first of the year, jotting notes about recipes, but it got to be a pain between the computer and journal, so I gave up on the journal. :rolleyes: (This was before I discovered the "notes" section on the on-line points tracker, :o but maybe by September I'll have a system figured out.)

Sugarbetty -- WW is a great plan in that you don't have to deny yourself anything; you just have to be mindful and prudent, and it helps to be a planner! :D Good luck to you as you work toward you goal. Check in here often.

Speaking of which, I just put my meal plan and grocery list together for the upcoming week (I'm on vacation, woo-hoo!) and I have now added a row for "exercise plans" as well as meals/grocery list items. I've been doing ok with getting cardio workouts in, but since the weather got nice, I've been slacking in the strength training area. My flabby arms are tell-tale signs. Back to the Y this week for some lifting!

And as for the 4th, we have nothing special planned. I will WI on the 5th, so we'll probably grill something "small" for lunch that day, and have a nice big leafy green salad in the evening. I'm lucky -- I have two neighbors with big gardens, and I know I'm going to have "bounty" for the next month!

Next?

[Couperine]

Welcome Sugarbetty! It sounds like you are off to a great start.

I maintained last week, which was a great accomplishment with 2 birthday celebrations, a party, and birthday gift brunch at Brennan's yesterday. I'm 0.4 lbs away from my 50 lb goal, so I'd really like to kick that in the pants this next week. I'd also love to move into the 190's this month, but we'll have to see.

As for the 4th, DH will likely work in the morning, and with the rain this week, we'll likely just hang out here. We're usually so tired of family gatherings by the 4th that we never do that much since the week before is always a birthday blowout. I'll have to plan us something for lunch, but other than that little blip, the 4th should be a nice day for eating.

The exercise bike has been a huge blessing for me - DS sometimes wakes up when I'm in my last 20 minutes or so, and he sits on the floor and points out the "bad guys" for me to get in the game.

I sure hope Susan is having a fabulous time in Australia! :)

[marteka]

Hello All!
Welcome SugarBetty! Iwas new last week too and everybody is informative & supportive.

I thought today would be effortless, but we got invited to a cookout. I'm bringing guac & baked chips 4 me & reg. for everyone else. My vice will the sangria that I'm making. I will pace myself though. We're going to a cookout in NC this weekend & my family is known for its cooking. I'll post later on the menu

[mgs]

Hey everyone - I am starting ww also this week. Actually this is a horrible week to start as we just moved cross country, but I had in mind I would start as soon as we moved and it isn't really that easy when you have no food in your kitchen and are restocking everything.....the first 5 nights we went out to eat b/c we were so tired and didn't have anything to make real meals with. so now I am going to be a little more gentle with myself and maybe take another week to get my act together and also PLAN my plan. I have some friends who had incredible success with ww and I am really excited.

Honestly my main goal in starting ww is to start eating well. I have slacked so much since my son joined our famiy - he will be 2 at the end of the month. Everything I do is with him in mind - including eating. for the first 8 months I barely ate anything - who had time? and then I started to eat what ever was convenient. That blossomed into eating healthier but huge portions. which is where I am now. I have NO self control at all. If something tastes good I eat it till it is gone, even if I am full.

I like the idea of portion control a lot. am intrigued by the 100 cal snack packs, but by lurking for days on end over at the ww message boards (full of wonderful information, btw) I see that they can be a pit fall.

does anyone mind or have the time to tell me what they eat throughout the day? I am inclinded to do 3 meals and 2-3 snacks. That is just the way I eat. always have. I kind of graze. I believe it is a healtier way to eat but I just need to use better control.

Also I need to just power down more veggies. The key is FIBER:p

Meg

[Sugarbetty]

Welcome Meg. It is nice to know that someone else is just starting this road as well.

I weighed in a day earlier than a week (because my schedule was too busy the other days). I was only down .8 this week. I was a little disappointed, but I'm still dropping weight even if it is really slow. I haven't been able to get out and walk around as much as I would like this last week. Hopefully, this next week I'll be able to get the rest I need so that I can exercise early while my DH is still home.

[Couperine]

Congratulations on the loss, Sugarbetty. I know it can be a bummer when you have a smaller loss, but you DID lose weight this week!

Hi Meg and welcome! A move is so stressful - we did the same eat out/take out thing when we moved too. This part won't last though - I'm sure once you get things more normal that you will feel more like taking control of your food.

I have a 2 year old as well, and we eat together most of the day. Here's a better day for us:

Breakfast:
Me - Rice Krispies w 1% Milk, 1 cup of cut fruit or 3/4 of a piece of fruit
DS - Low-sugar Fruit Loops w 1% Milk, 1/4 a piece of fruit or 1/2 cup cut fruit, 6oz milk in a cup (if he's hungry I'll give him a larger size raisin box)

no snacks for either of us

Lunch:
Me - 1/2 cup 0 pt veggies, Tortilla Wrap with 1 roma tomato, 1 cup romaine, 1 TBSP hummus, 2 pt wrap, 1/4 english cucumber, sometimes 2 oz deli turkey or chicken, 1 cup carrots
DS - 1/2 cup 0 pt veggies, 1/2 PB&J sandwich, 4 baby carrots, milk or juice

Snacks:
DS: any one of these: less than 150 calorie cracker pack, raisins, dried apricots, cherry tomatoes, string cheese
Me: cherry tomatoes are a go-to at present - I'm fond of cucumber as well, and sometimes I'll do a string cheese on a low dairy day

Dinner:
We average 12 pt dinners due to how DH eats during the day - dinner is usually entree, veggie, veggie/fruit and DS drinks milk with dinner and eats what we do

We like Skinny Cow 2 pt fudge bars as dessert as well as FF/SF pudding. I find it hard to use points on just milk, so I like my dairy to do something.

When I need to fill in points, I like baked Tostitos Scoops with salsa, Multi-grain Sun Chips, and to fill out DH's points, I package crackers for him to eat when he comes home.

I hope our schedule helps you - DS is used to this, and he understands waiting for the next meal, even if he doesn't always like it. Of course, I've been on a baking kick, so our lunch and afternoon snacks lately have reflected this. I like to bake in the hour before lunch so we have a normal food time to eat the product of our labors. :)

[mgs]

Nancy thanks so much for taking the time to write all that out. It really helps me to see how to organize my day. Do you do this for you DS for a lifestyle? (btw does he still drink whole milk?) my son eats WAY healthier than me. I should be more like him! b/c I only give him healthy things. why don't I do that for myself?? I like your plan, but I would probably just spread it out more - like the fruit at breakfast would be my morning snack and save some veggies and crackers for afternoon snack, more crackers in the eve? See, it is weird, but I actually have a small appetite, I just eat all day long. I don't eat a lot at one sitting. In fact people say I eat like a bird!!!:eek:

i know exactly what you mean about eating out of the pot. I don't make leftovers. Unless they are left over for tv time! ha. Same with the snack packs. I have them from trader joe's to put in my purse for DS at the park or something and I could eat 3 of them and not think twice.

-Do you all eat the fat free dairy? I just simply hate it. The best I can do is lowfat, which is what we already do, and skim milk. but salad dressings and what not, I could make my own which I am horrible at, or maybe do lowfat -
-one more question before I wear out my welcome - what kind of baking do you do for sweets? I saw on the ww website making brownies or cake with diet coke? that sounds disgusting to me... there has to be a better option. I suppose portion control is that option? HA!

[Terri_A]

I weighed in yesterday. I didn't do very well, but found out today that I have an ovarian cyst - so I"m blaming that!:D

Welcome mgs - Congrats Sugarbetty- a loss is a loss, no matter how small or large!!!

As for dairy - I can do lowfat, but not nonfat. I find when you cook with nonfat there's nothing to absorb the other flavors - ick!!!

Salad dressings - I found a brand called Maple Grove Farms of Vermont that has GREAT fat free dressings. They make a terrific Vidalia Onion as well as a great Cranberry Vinaigrette.

If you haven't seen it - there's another thread that I started yesterday for recipes...please share yours - I need some variety in the 4-7 point meal department!!! Thanks!

[Cookin4Love]

Hi, everyone. We've been gone on vacation 2 of the last 3 weeks. I didn't even bother to weigh in until this morning. I showed a .6 loss. Considering that we really didn't worry about following plan, but just tried to be somewhat (but not completely) conservative, I'll take it.

It seems like travelling throws me into a tailspin like nothing else. It is SO hard to stay on program on vacation. This past week, we had four generations with us. Between cooking everyone's favorites, and going out to dinner with the in-laws several times, it wasn't pretty in WW land. ;)

The plan for the weekend is to get some groceries in the house, get back on plan, start journaling, and LOSE SOME MORE WEIGHT. (As an added incentive, I just ordered a bunch of clothes from the Coldwater Creek sale a size smaller than I am right now.)

[Couperine]

Cookin4Love - I had to laugh - I just popped over here after ordering from Coldwater Creek as well; that 50% off deal gets me every time! Any loss while on vacation seems like a big accomplishment to me - I'm sure you'll get going again in no time!

Meg - What I feed DS is by choice, not because he has any allergies. I hate the statistic that the most consumed vegetable in a child's diet is potato due to french fries; I grew up eating junk, and I figure it's better for DS to grow up exposed to a greater variety of foods, even if it isn't always the fastest choice. At age 2, my ped recommends any type of milk, so we use 1% as a family (just that hint of creaminess over skim milk is nice for 10 more calories). My lunch veggie intake can be way filling so sometimes I save some for my afternoon snack or to eat during dinner prep; I just can't spread my meals much further. I relish a sense of fullness, and smallish meals and snacks make me feel perpetually hungry.

Dairy - We use 1% since the taste over skim is worth the 10 calories and reduced-fat sour cream due to similar taste issues. I used FF sour cream in some muffins, and those worked out well, but I rarely find FF sour cream appealing - it looks too milky.

Baking - I'm still working on finding WW recipes that wow me. For my baking, lately I've been using Cookies by the Dozen and doing half batches of muffins. I have Small-Batch Baking, but those recipes tend to be 5-6 pts an admittedly large serving. CL has a ton of muffins hanging out at 3 pts, and most cookies can be around 3 pts as well. I give a lot of muffins and cookies away. :)

Terri - I'll post some recipes on the other thread when I get more time - DH is working this morning, and DS is feeling bored and trying to press the power button on the laptop.

[doggerham]

Hello all,

I'm considering re-joining WW and using Core. I've been working to eliminate sugars and processed stuff from my diet, but I lose focus pretty easily.

My history is that I originally joined WW in late 1998 and eventually lost about 75#. However, my weight crept up and up again over the next several years, due to a lot of things -- work, health issues, just not giving a dam!, to name but a few. As usual, I have regained most of the weight, being about 15# under where I started in '98.

My WW buddy re-started doing on-line and lost about 85# in a year. !! Then, she's plateaued since Easter, so decided to go back to meetings. So, those two things combined have me thinking about it again. Also, I'm reading the Beck Diet Solution, which applies cognitive behavior techniques -- which fits right in with a lot of the WW "mental" approach.

Terri -- you're in Houston -- which meetings/leaders do you like? Any other Houstonians here?

Please help give me the final push, ok? ;)

Amy

[mgs]

good to hear most don't use the ff dairy:) I don't know anyone that likes the stuff and it totally turns me off.

The recipes that everyone posted look so good! I want to try that pear muffin recipe. I am a little afraid to, though. I can never eat just one. Maybe if I freeze them I will forget about them.

Nancy - I guess what I was most interested in was the measuring of the veggies and stuff for your 2 year old. Not that it matters, really, it is just something that stuck out to me. I tend to give my son the same healthy things, but I don't measure. I usually just give him the amount I think he'll eat. I hadn't thought of 1/4 cup veggies - I just give him 2 broccoli florets and a couple carrot sticks. I think what you are doing is teaching him very good habits. Thank you again for the helpful advice and info.

Wow Cookin - you had a lot going on and still lost weight? That is quite an accomplishment. You should feel really proud of yourself.

today I am off to try some markets that my CLBB buddies have told me about here in SF. I am really excited to get some nice produce and fish. It is going to be fun!

Oh, have you all tried the Kashi granola bars? I hear they are really good and only 1 point each.

Is everyone here doing Flex? Is anyone on Core? there seems to be a big movement over at the WW Website to ditch flex and go Core? What's the deal?

Meg

[Terri_A]

Terri -- you're in Houston -- which meetings/leaders do you like? Any other Houstonians here?

Please help give me the final push, ok? ;)


Hi Amy - Welcome to the thread! I just started WW about 6 weeks ago. This is the 2nd time I"ve done it, but I didn't stick around long the first time and only lost about 10 pounds. This time I joined with a friend and we've been keeping each other motivated. Then another friend decided to join us so we're 3 strong now and all quite determined to not be fat anymore! We go to the WW on 290 at 34th. It's around the corner from Academy, sort of behind the Denny's. There's no signage, so it's hard to spot, but it's there. We go to the 6:30pm meeting on Thursdays. I really like the leader that's there now. Her name is Lydia and she's really funny and has great tips. Plus, she's quite thin and fit and motivational. She'll gladly show you her before photo which I think is a great quality in a WW leader. Anyway, you're MORE than welcome to join our clan on Thursdays. If want to send me a PM and I'll give you my cell number.

[SusanPC]

Hi ladies. Well, back from an awesome vacation in Australia. I weighed this Am and am up 3 lbs from when I left. So, I am sitting here with a Lean Cuisine 5pt meal and a zip loc of grapes.

I went grocery shopping yesterday and have a house full of food for healthy meals so I hope to be posting more regularly and positively in the weeks to come. Yesterday, I made the banana bread that I posted last month, and had my 2pt. slice this Am with an apple. A far cry from the polenta pikelets with strawberry curd I was eating each Am at the beach! Oh well, it's time to get back to reality!

BTW, when in Australia I discovered cookbooks put out by Australia Woman's Weekly Magazine. I bought a few and will post point friendly recipes as I try them.

Hope all are doing well!

[JenniferJJ]

Hi Ladies

Just a quick one here...

I am going out to eat at this oyster restaurant this evening. Could you help me decide what I should eat? I will most likely have eaten 6.5 points before I go (spread throughout the day) and I get 18/day. I could eat more than 12 (using my 35 extra), but I'd rather not since I don't know how many more extra I ate on Saturday.

I am thinking my best choices are:

FRED SCHROEDER, MARYLAND CRABCAKE or COLD POACHED SALMON

Is there any way I can eat any of the appetizers or the MARYLAND CRABCAKE PO-BOY or the SALMON BLT? I will take a soft lunch bag with ice so that I can put half of my meal in it when I get to the car if I need to.

Here's the link to the restaurant.


http://www.tomsoysterbar.com/menu_detroit.htm

Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to eat before I get there and just socialize.

[Angelina]

For anyone who has questions about Core, I have been on the Core program since I started with WW about 2 years ago. It has worked great for me and I am currently debating whether to keep fighting off the last 2 pounds for goalweight or just throw in the towel and declare my goalweight to be 137 and get it over with. ;)

I know this is not for everybody, but I have recently become vegan and that is REALLY helping me staying on the Core path as well. And I really don't eat a lot, so I hesitate to post my typical day because it's probably not WW approved. ;) However you do not have to be vegan to be on Core...this is just the last month or so, and I have been on Core for 2 years.

Let me know if you have questions!

Angela

[scout1222]

Is everyone here doing Flex? Is anyone on Core? there seems to be a big movement over at the WW Website to ditch flex and go Core? What's the deal?

Maybe on the boards, but tell that to my meeting members! Last night in a group of 35 or so, exactly ONE person was following Core. In my other meeting of say 20 people, I think there are 2-3 following Core. Maybe those online folks are more adventurous than my local members! :p

[Terri_A]

Hi Ladies

Just a quick one here...

I am going out to eat at this oyster restaurant this evening. Could you help me decide what I should eat? I will most likely have eaten 6.5 points before I go (spread throughout the day) and I get 18/day. I could eat more than 12 (using my 35 extra), but I'd rather not since I don't know how many more extra I ate on Saturday.

I am thinking my best choices are:

FRED SCHROEDER, MARYLAND CRABCAKE or COLD POACHED SALMON

Is there any way I can eat any of the appetizers or the MARYLAND CRABCAKE PO-BOY or the SALMON BLT? I will take a soft lunch bag with ice so that I can put half of my meal in it when I get to the car if I need to.

Here's the link to the restaurant.


http://www.tomsoysterbar.com/menu_detroit.htm

Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to eat before I get there and just socialize.

It's probably to late to give you any advice, since it's past dinner time, but I thought I'd let you know that a crab cake is generally about 2 points if it's about a 3" diameter and 1/2" -1" thick, so it's always a good choice. You cand always ask for a dinner salad and a crabcake and crumble the crabcake atop the salad!

Let us know how it turned out!

[Mlasley]

Hi everyone!

This is my 2nd week back on program (flex). I gained .4lbs but am trying not to be discouraged as it is that lovely time of the month.

My big challenge is when I am home from work - at work eating isn't a problem. I'm busy and my lunch and snacks are packed so there aren't that many choices. Today was not a great day. I was up a lot last night with DD (high fever) so found myself eating to stay awake.

Tomorrow will be better. I have the meals all planned; maybe I should pack my lunch and snacks the day before even on the days I don't work. Any thoughts?

[JenniferJJ]

It's probably to late to give you any advice, since it's past dinner time, but I thought I'd let you know that a crab cake is generally about 2 points if it's about a 3" diameter and 1/2" -1" thick, so it's always a good choice. You cand always ask for a dinner salad and a crabcake and crumble the crabcake atop the salad!

Let us know how it turned out!

Thanks Terri. Well, I was up two this morning. I did splurge and get crawfish bisque. I got a crabcake sandwich and didn't each the top. I don't know if the problem was the bisque or the ice cream I ate when I got home. In my defense, I was starting to have a sore throat again yesterday, so I thought the ice cream would be good. But, today I remembered that I have sorbet in my freezer, so I'll have that the next time I need something cold for my sore throat.

I should be able to get in some decent exercise tonight.

Mlasley - if you want to snack and snacking helps you stay awake, my only advice would be to stock up on low point food...carrots, tomatoes, grapes, sorbet.

In my meetings, they keep saying that each meal/day is a new beginning. In my dream last night, some people around me were having a conversation about that.

I am posting two recipes on the WW recipes thread.

[mgs]

I am starting to really see why I eat. Just like Mlasley mentioned, if I am busy I don't think so much about eating. Even if my stomach is rumbling I am not constantly searching for something in the fridge = 0 point veggies.

Also since I am currently in the middle of moving = have moved cross country but b/c we sold most of our household belongings we are now in the acquiring stages and so still sort of in limbo... I seem to have a lot of nervous energy and feel the need to be constantly doing something even if that has nothing to do with cleaning or organizing. If I am not in the mood for that I am once again eating....

Lastly, I am noticing I need to revamp my meals. If I try to keep my points too low during the day I am definitely hungry. I know that sounds very obvious, but it didn't to me. I thought I could get away with a couple points for breakfast and lunch then eat a big dinner and snack while watching dinner. well, I am STARVING all day.

It is a process. And I also have the philosophy that each day is new, and if you screw up one day just think of all the days you didn't! woo hoo for those days!:p This is the type of program where you have to really learn new habits and how to plan and truly think before you eat. It is a lifestyle.

Meg

[badunnin]

Thanks Terri. Well, I was up two this morning. I did splurge and get crawfish bisque. I got a crabcake sandwich and didn't each the top. I don't know if the problem was the bisque or the ice cream I ate when I got home. In my defense, I was starting to have a sore throat again yesterday, so I thought the ice cream would be good. But, today I remembered that I have sorbet in my freezer, so I'll have that the next time I need something cold for my sore throat.

I'm a lurker on this thread who is trying to lose weight, but not really lose weight (I need to drop about 10 lbs of fat and gain about 5 lbs of that back in muscle). So far so good - my eating has been excellent since my return from vacation, I made great choices on vacation, and managed to maintain a few workouts while in China. I'm pretty pleased.

Jennifer - the problem wasn't the bisque OR the ice cream. It was the bisque AND the ice cream AND the crab cakes, which, especially in a restaurant (and I've had them at Tom's - they're excellent) are likely to have butter or mayo as a binding agent. Let's face it - 2 lbs equates to about 6000-7000 calories more that you consumed over what you burned. A small scoop of ice cream isn't likely to break the bank. But all three splurges, in combination, will add up quickly. One of the things that I have struggled with in the past was my tendency to justify things, and all of a sudden I've justified my way into a 8 lb gain. I had a bad day at work, the kids were turds, mom was doing XYZ, I'm feeling under the weather.... I had to break the cycle. It's difficult, and you do it one moment at a time, one justification at a time, but I learned the hard way that in the end, trying to lose those pounds I put on was just not worth it - that ice cream didn't make my throat feel THAT much better.

[Terri_A]

One of the things that I have struggled with in the past was my tendency to justify things, and all of a sudden I've justified my way into a 8 lb gain. I had a bad day at work, the kids were turds, mom was doing XYZ, I'm feeling under the weather.... I had to break the cycle. It's difficult, and you do it one moment at a time, one justification at a time, but I learned the hard way that in the end, trying to lose those pounds I put on was just not worth it - that ice cream didn't make my throat feel THAT much better.

I think this is a great observation and lesson. I must say, however, that it's one that is terribly difficult to learn. I know that I eat for reasons other than hunger and nourishment - I eat to celebrate, mourn, to feel, to not feel, etc. In the moment the decision sometimes seems to be made up already as if you can't resist - you MUST eat what you are wanting. I'm reading a book right now called If I'm So Smart, Why Can't I Lose Weight? and it talks about this and that we should all try to NOT eat in that moment. We need to learn that the result of not eating is not death!;) We'll survive. It's a harder lesson to learn that we sometimes realize. Anyway, that was a bit deep for 2 in the afternoon, so I'll go now...but think about it the next time you feel compelled to eat something that you know you will later regret.

[SusanPC]

Badunnin--I agree with you that we have to have a mindset, etc. But, I also find the timing of my weigh-ins comes into play. I gained 3lbs on vacation, I have lost it and a little since Monday. And, I have already used 20 of my extra pts. Do I really think I have LOST 3 lbs forever, well, no....it has to be water weight. So, if I splurge and eat all of my 35 extra points on the night before weigh in (despite having been perfect for the 6 preceeding days) I will generally stay the same or post a gain. And, when I have been "bad" and then I have a super "good" day, at least in my own body I see big swings.

I really realize I am loosing when week after week I see a loss and I get around the 7lb mark. For me, at least, I can be up or down 5 lbs easily with a week and a half or so of "bad" or "good" eating.

MGS- I really like your reminder that each day is a new day. I have a tendancy to have a bad day point wise--and turn it into a bad remainder of the week until the next weigh in. In itself, like badunnin reiterates, the one slip probably isn't a big deal. But, when they add up they do make a difference. I think this is why I tend to gain and lose the same 5 lbs over and over. I am great all week, terrible on the weekend, over and over again.

I, too, am really trying to watch the slips. Honestly, what I am finding one of my hardest obstacles to staying on plan is 1) Wine and 2) Lunches with co-workers. When they are going out to lunch to socialize....I find a hard time sitting at my desk with my packed lunch. And, when I go out to lunch, I tend to throw good judgement to the wind. Eating at home more often, and eating my prepared meals at work, is the key to my being able to lose weight. Like badunnin said, you never know what is in restaurant food. It is a huge change for me to wrap my arms around---my DH and I plan our social life, vacations, etc. around nice wine and food...and that HAS to change if I will make lasting changes.

Sorry for the ramble. I am not sure I did much more than that, ramble.

[badunnin]

MGS- I really like your reminder that each day is a new day. I have a tendancy to have a bad day point wise--and turn it into a bad remainder of the week until the next weigh in. In itself, like badunnin reiterates, the one slip probably isn't a big deal. But, when they add up they do make a difference. I think this is why I tend to gain and lose the same 5 lbs over and over. I am great all week, terrible on the weekend, over and over again.


Susan - I like your ramble. :) I personally have problems with the each day is a new day thing, especially if I see myself making the same mistakes, over and over. Each day is a new day ONLY if I make changes. I can't say that today is a new day and I'm going to forget the splurge I had yesterday, and have a little splurge today as well. Losing weight for me (I lost about 40 lbs 10 or so years ago) was much more difficult emotionally than I had anticipated. It wasn't at all about the physicality of losing weight - it was breaking a ton of bad habits ("I deserve a glass of wine" or "One little piece of cake after dinner won't kill me"). I had to be painfully, brutally honest with myself, and that sucked. And I know this time around that although my eating is really good, my workouts could be more intense. I struggle currently with the fact that my aunt is dying, and a few other things are sitting heavy on my shoulders. My battle these days is getting my activity to the level that I know it can be at and keeping it there.

By the way, if you haven't figured out by now, I'm not a very touchy-feeling, supportive, "tomorrow is a new, sunshiney day!" kind of person. I'm more of a tough love girl. Which is why I tend to stay away from these threads.

[SusanPC]

By the way, if you haven't figured out by now, I'm not a very touchy-feeling, supportive, "tomorrow is a new, sunshiney day!" kind of person. I'm more of a tough love girl. Which is why I tend to stay away from these threads.


No worries here, esp. when the tough love is warranted. I am sorry you are experiencing some tough personal stuff. That is NO fun at all. I had a miscarriage in May and that was my license to start drinking wine again (obviously had stopped for a few months during IVF and early pg). I always am good at finding a "reason" to be naughty. Kudos for you to be so strong and not let personal issues blur with food issues (I may check out the book Terri is reading---although my Dh may revolt if I buy another "diet" book.)

Now, though, I am motivated by my next IVF cycle. Losing 10 lbs couldn't hurt me (in the words of my blunt doctor) and that my Dh is 11 years older then me and I want him to be healthy for our kids. He has high blood pressure and high cholesterol that are both controlled by medication. He looks fit but he has gained 15 lbs since I met him, so I try to think of all of the positive benefits of a healthier lifestyle.

The work outs, they are non existent at the moment. I need to get back in that groove asap. Being told not to work out during IVF was like a license to let it all go to H*LL :o

Terri--Your excitement is rubbing off some, btw. Good work!

[mgs]

Banduinn - I don't mind tough love at all. That's fine! it is all helpful. I do see your point, and I suppose it depends on your personality which way you can handle it. I don't see the 'each day is a new day' as a new day to splurge. I (as of right now, at least) can blow a day and get back on plan the next. BUT I do have trouble on the weekends.....which leads me to :

Susan - that is the biggest bummer of the 'plan' especially whey you are trying to lose. The socialization. DH will eat all the ww meals and lunches I plan for us during the week, but on the weekends we like to go out to dinners, grab a lunch, and well...he is supportive, but doesn't always want to grab a salad or eat at home. We are newly in San Fran and I can't really blame him for wanting to experience some of the fun places to dine around here. I do, too! so even if I save my 35 points for the weekends I still feel like I am depriving him or us. There is so much pressure with socializing and food. Do you go to meetings? I wonder what the leader would say about that? I hate to miss out on a fun activity like going out to lunch just b/c I am on a 'diet', that just doesn't seem fair. Anyhoo - you should be afforded the opportunity to get out of the office for a little while, too! I hate the image of you sitting at your desk eating a nice neat (pretty and healthful!) pile of veggies whilst your friends are sitting at a restaurant whooping it up.

Meg

[Terri_A]

Terri--Your excitement is rubbing off some, btw. Good work!


Susan,

Thanks. You know this has been a long road for me. I gained the weight about 10 years ago. Prior to then, I had never struggled with weight. At first it was hard for me to believe I was overweight. I felt the same as before and I was the same person, so it was weird. I finally accepted that I was "fat" about 3 years ago ( the same time I was getting divorced and faced the prospect of having to date again! ). I've tried MANY times to lose weight, but I suppose it was never "that" important to me as I always just gave up after a bad day or bad week. This time is different. I can feel it my bones. I know that I will do it this time. I know that if I eat an entire cheesecake today that I will continue the next day with sensible eating. I know that the road will have hills and valleys, but I am certain I will continue down it. I will not start and stop and start again - I will just plug along. I have a lot of weight to lose ( about 80 pounds ), so I'm thinking 2 years. That would be pretty slow weight loss, but then again I've been fat for 10, so it's reasonable.

I'm glad my enthusiasm is rubbing off. I believe you have to get there on your own, but it helps if someone is cheering you on from the sidelines along the way!

With that said...I'm off to have a snack!:D

[badunnin]

I always am good at finding a "reason" to be naughty.

Ah, I am as well - I love being naughty. ;) With finances short, as well, it can be challenging to find ways to be a little naughty without a) breaking the bank or b) resorting to food/beverage. A glass or 2 of wine in the evening, with a bit of cheese, is a wonderful, indulgent thing for me. Getting a book from the library and settling down with a cup of tea for some reason doesn't feel nearly as hedonistic. *sigh* But I'm trying to find inexpensive ways to feed my good habits. My latest is downloading tunes from iTunes that I can use to run/work out to, or new workout clothes (from the clearance racks at Dick's Sporting Goods).

Off to consider a salad. Lunch was out with a girlfriend (CPK - split a pizza and salad) and I'm going out for sangria tonight. Dinner tonight will be a salad with a bit of roasted chicken for protein, then a run about 6:30.

[Sugarbetty]

Thanks to everyone for the pep talk. I love remembering 1) that tomorrow is a new day 2) that I cannot justify 3) there are other people in the same boat. Sometimes it makes me feel better just because I know that I’m not alone with some of the experiences and feelings I’m having.

I weighed in today and I was down .4 lbs. I was very happy I was down, however, I really was wishing it had been at least 1lb. When I came home I kind of felt like having a bowl of ice cream as the heat and humidity were really getting to me, but I didn’t. For that single action I have been proud of myself all day. I know that being down is an accomplishment, but if I only keep losing .4 lbs. I’m on a VERY long road. I guess if this is a lifestyle change I will just have to be on this road forever. It was just so much more fun putting the pounds on while I was pregnant.:D

[Terri_A]

I weighed in last night and only lost .2 pounds. I guess that's at least in the right direction! :D I've been on a new medication for the past 10 days and I think it's screwing with my weight loss a little. I'll keep plugging along, though. I'm still averaging almost 2 pounds a week.

[doggerham]

So, I bit the bullet and rejoined WW last night. My regular meeting, for the time being, will be Saturday morning. However, I know that's a big, busy meeting, so I thought it would be easier to swing by a smaller meeting.

I'm feeling good and strong so far.

I switched over to soy for my cream, rather than powdered, trans-fatty creamer. Used splenda in my first cup of coffee. Tasted like A$$. Ruined a perfectly good cuppa.

[Terri_A]

Amy -

I know you already know this, but...it never hurts to hear it again - YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING!!! If splenda in your coffee tastes like a$$ then use sugar. Maybe use a bit less sugar or only one cup. But don't eat or drink something icky just because it's lower in points!

You deserve tasty food!!! :D

[Cookin4Love]

Just a bit of good news. All those clothes I ordered a size too small 2 weeks ago came, and I tried them all on. With the exception of 1 thing, they all fit. The scale isn't showing any loss, but I am hoping that my increased activity level is whittling down some size even if the scale isn't moving much right now!

[scout1222]

Susan - that is the biggest bummer of the 'plan' especially whey you are trying to lose. The socialization. DH will eat all the ww meals and lunches I plan for us during the week, but on the weekends we like to go out to dinners, grab a lunch, and well...he is supportive, but doesn't always want to grab a salad or eat at home. We are newly in San Fran and I can't really blame him for wanting to experience some of the fun places to dine around here.

There are a couple different schools of thought on this one here. First, there is a TON of good food in San Francisco, so it is real tough to balance your waistline against all those neat food experiences. But take your time and pace yourself - you'll get to them. But there are also a lot of NON-food things you can experience in San Francisco, right?

So a) does everything have to involve food? Not necessarily. There are things to do and see in your city that you cold grab a picnic lunch for. Or there are things you could walk to and from, to get a little activity. Life does not always have to revolve around food. Yes, it seems to, but we can change that.

On the other hand, when you DO want it to be about food (and who the heck doesn't - we generally need WW because we love food, right?) you can do it. Would your other half be open to sharing entrees? Splitting desserts? And just because "everyone else" is ordering a slice of cheesecake for dessert, doesn't mean you have to. How about a cup of cappuccino instead?

This whole thing is a process of rethinking your life and your habits. Are there things you could do that bring enjoyment which DON'T involve food? What are they? Make a list! Be prepared!

[mgs]

There are a couple different schools of thought on this one here. First, there is a TON of good food in San Francisco, so it is real tough to balance your waistline against all those neat food experiences. But take your time and pace yourself - you'll get to them. But there are also a lot of NON-food things you can experience in San Francisco, right?

So a) does everything have to involve food? Not necessarily. There are things to do and see in your city that you cold grab a picnic lunch for. Or there are things you could walk to and from, to get a little activity. Life does not always have to revolve around food. Yes, it seems to, but we can change that.

On the other hand, when you DO want it to be about food (and who the heck doesn't - we generally need WW because we love food, right?) you can do it. Would your other half be open to sharing entrees? Splitting desserts? And just because "everyone else" is ordering a slice of cheesecake for dessert, doesn't mean you have to. How about a cup of cappuccino instead?

This whole thing is a process of rethinking your life and your habits. Are there things you could do that bring enjoyment which DON'T involve food? What are they? Make a list! Be prepared!


Scout oh so very very true. And thank you so much for the reminder. It is hard to not make it about the food. Food has always been our adventure as a couple. When we were in the process of moving here DH said, 'we will only be there 1 year so we will only be able to make it to 365 restaurants. Make good choices!" Gee, that helps;) :D He was only half kidding. If I agreed we would be doing that for sure.

What is funny is we did live in San Diego for 4 years and as I was walking around the other day I thought about how different the 2 cities are. San Diego is really about an outdoor lifestyle and experiencing that life. San Francisco is just not like that at all. I live about 3/4 mile from a trader joe's and people thought it was weird that I would walk there. ?

Our food adventures will be more shopping the fun markets and different districts. Going to chinatown, the sunset markets, the ocean.... fresh good food that you really get a good supply of in SF. and SUSHI!!!

So - I made a plan that if it is less than a mile I will walk. There is a lot to do in that distance so at least once a day I will probably be walking somewhere. With a 2 year old we are always out of the house looking for adventures... we live very close to the Golden Gate Park so that is a no brainer.

Oh - sharing an entree isn't an option :p but taking home half is. Dessert isn't always necessary and neither is an appetizer so I guess I am good there. Smart choices are key.

Thanks for the pep talk - actually really needed it today and not in a weight watchers sort of way. so far so good with the food intake.

Meg

[scout1222]

Oh man, if you're only there a year, I can see how you'd want to fit it all in!

[Kelly23]

Hello to all! I am home now and should be back to my regular schedule of traveling every other week. I just read through these posts and realized how true all of the rationalizing and making excuses has been for me. With my crazy schedule lately, I just gave up totally. I started journaling again today and realized it had been a month since I last wrote anything down! It's been a week and a half since I worked out and another week before that. I haven't been too bad about my eating and when I went to the gym today I was happily surpised that my weight was 138 (only up 1.5lb from my lowest weight since I started). So, now I am back on and motivated again. My goal is to get to 130 in the next couple months and continue to log everything even if I have a bad day and no matter what my travel schedule is like.
Thanks everyone for continuing to motivate me!

[JenniferJJ]

Kelly - Good to see you.

Cookin4Love - Yay for the smaller clothes fitting.

Amy - Welcome

Terri and Sugarbetter - at least it's in the right direction!

Susan - Here's to some great exercise for you over the weekend.

Meg - I went to SF for vacation last September and only gained two pounds. I actually thought that was an accomplishment because I had to eat out for every meal. Anyway, I walked all over. (I finally took a bus on my second-to-last day.) I did this 1)for exercise and 2)I just really thought I could take in the scenery better if I was walking as opposed to driving by. Maybe if you are only there for one year, you could look at it that way to get you walking more. I think that will be key for you to enjoy all the restaurants.

As for myself, I am back on track after Tuesday. My throat is feeling better. I have a picnic to attend this evening at a park. I made a dip to take (black bean dip from WW Simply Bueno) and brought cucumbers (0 pts). I am just hoping that I can only eat what I am bringing or only take small bites of other thing. I'm also hoping to get in some kayak time at the park. If not, a walk - the park has decent-sized hills.

[JackieO]

Hi, everyone! There are lots of positive happenings and good motivational/inspirational thoughts on this month's thread.

I was happy to WI yesterday and maintain (at least, I think I maintained. Our leader is a dear, but she is something of a ditz in the addition/subtraction dept. She told me I had a loss of .6, but she marked my weight as the same as last week. Either way, I'm happy, but I think the reality is I maintained, didn't lose. Whatever. I'm at lifetime and either way, I stay there.)

Our mtg topic was plateaus and the reasons why we might be experiencing plateaus. The primary suspects are not being diligent with journaling or not accurately counting points. One woman admitted to being good at journaling at the beginning of the week, but once the 35 weekly points are gone, quits. (This was from a lifetime member.) Another woman admitted to journaling everything, but had racked up 100 points beyond her allotment for the week -- guess what? She gained! :rolleyes: But she said she was just trying to test the system to see how much she could get away with. I'll admit to both behaviors!:o

Anyway, I haven't been the greatest with portion control, and my BLT habit (bites, tastes and licks) while preparing dinner is creeping back in. BUT, both my neighbors with gardens are out of town this weekend, and I am to help myself to their stuff! I already have two zucchini, a yellow squash, fresh PEAS (yum!) and more lettuce than I know what to do with. My herb garden is in pretty fine shape, too, so I have lots of cooking options this weekend. And I'm running a 5k raace tomorrow morning, so I should have a good bank of activity points.

Next week will be a struggle, however. I have complimentary tickets to a Brewers game Tuesday night and have the trip to Milwaukee coordinated with work obligations, so the expenses are paid. On Thursday, we head to Minneapolis for my DSD's wedding (where we are to be seated at dinner with DH's ex-wife and ex-MIL -- not looking forward to THAT!) and a reunion of my cousins. Way too many opportunities to blow the diet. Fortunately, I don't WI until Thursday, so maybe I can redeem myself after getting back home.

Sorry to ramble....:eek:

[doggerham]

OK, I signed up Thursday night, and went to my first meeting this morning. So, I got an "unofficial" w/i, just to have it, and I was down 1.8 from Thu night. Of course, some of that is probably the difference between first thing in the AM and at 6PM.

But I'll take it; it will keep me focused for the week.

Who here is doing Flex, and who is doing Core?

[Terri_A]

Amy - I'm doing Flex. Congrats on the 2 day loss! Even if it's not totally accurate due to time of day - I wouldn't expect it to ALL be that! good luck on your first full week!

[JenniferJJ]

I am doing flex. One of the things I like about WW is that you can eat anything. Also, with Core the deal is that you eat until satisfied instead of counting points, and I don't think I can accurately assess that yet - maybe I never will.

I am; however, trying to incorporate more whole grains into my diet.

[marteka]

Hey! I miss a week and the threads grown by leaps & bounds. I not saavy enough to quotes from the various posts but here goes. First with my celebrations. WI in today and I was down 1.2. That was nicw with all the fried food that was consumed in NC last week. #2 I tried a sculpt class at my gm on tue... I didn't die. I felt much stronger afterwards, I felt like Iweighed a tone during thrying to fold myself up, but the feeling of strength afterwards is what I hold onto.

I like the sat. WI. You don't have to "be good" all weekend fearing an early week WI. SAt is day 1 so if you are "bad" on the weekend you have the reminder of the week for redemption.

I know weight varies throughout the day. When do you have your lowest weight during the day? I'm lowest in the morning.

Okay DH wants to go some local steakhouse tonight. I'm so not in the mood. I'm all syked about my decrease and he wants date night at calorie heaven. I checked the menu & NO entree SALADS! I liked the crab cakes & dinner salad Idea. THye did offer beef kabobs w/ rice. I'm just not feeling it. Sorry for the ramble!

[Sugarbetty]

I just wanted to post that I am doing the flex plan. I love it. I love to cook and eat what my family is eating for dinner and other meals (when we eat together). It is really important to me that I don't have to completely change what I'm eating or what they are eating. I like making one healthy meal that tastes good and everyone can enjoy. The flex plan really works best for me for that reason.

[Couperine]

Wow it's great to have so many people posting on this thread! I've been feeling rather unmotivated lately, as evidenced by my 2 week gain of 3.8 lbs. I'd like to kick this trend in the pants and get the scale headed the proper direction again.

So in my lazy meal-planning affairs, I think I will continue to work my way through the CL 5 Ingredients 15 Minute cookbook. I haven't had anything really stellar yet, but a few that are good enough for the time spent. If I feel uninspired, it may be time to experiment more with WW Take-out Tonight, or two other WW cookbooks that I bought a couple of weeks ago and haven't used yet. DH persists in choosing his meal selections from the CI library, and though they are better than Paula Deen and her perpetual stick of butter, they still have huge serving sizes especially about meats.

Been loving the exercise bike - I've been trying to concentrate on upping my overall speed and resistance, and I know that's the only thing that kept my weight gain from being bigger. Matter of fact, I think I'll go get some more bike time in while DS watches his favorite morning show, Peep.

Have a great week all!

[SusanPC]

Hi ladies, happy monday.

Nancy--Good for you for sticking with the bike, even when you are feeling unmotivated. At least you have caught yourself before the weight re-gain has gotten unmanageable. Hung in there and let us know if you find any particularly wonderful new recipes in the meal planning!

Marteka--I am definately lower weight in the AM! I can fluxuate a good 2-3 lbs throughout the course of the day.

doggerham--Congrats on the "unoffical" weigh in. A loss is a loss! To answer your question, I am doing flex.


Jackie--Maintenance is good. Enjoy the fresh veggies. BTW, good luck with the ex-wife at the wedding. I haven't met my DH's ex but am sure to meet her when his son graduates from HS. No doubt I will be scrambling to be the best possible for that occasion!

Terri--Is your WI today? Can't wait to hear how it is going.

Kelly--Hope it goes well on the work out front this week!

Everyone else, hi!

Me--I think I need to join meetings vs. do it online. I just need some motivation....I have good and bad days (last week I was down 3 lbs, but it was the vacation weight so I am net, net about 7-10 lbs before where I was last year when I started posting on these threads. Not fast or consistent :rolleyes: Goal this week for me is to get back into the gym and to actually stick to my meal plan.

A challenge will be a work dinner at a nice restaurant on Thursday night...so I need to plan for that.

[mgs]

HOLY S:eek: IT I think I ate my way through this **** city this weekend. We went out for dinner Fri/Sat/Sun and breakfast on Sun. It was all such good food and I haven't got a clue how many points - OMG I didn't even care. It was pretty bad.

But here I am on Monday morning and trying to get back. I went for a very leisurely stroll this morning pushing the stroller w/ds and then the playground where I sat on my butt and this afternoon the only thing i have to do is go to the grocery store. BUT I guess I could go on a good walk and start feeling a little bit better about things.

I am making a veggie pasta sauce - hoping to make it look as red as possible so DS won't turn his nose up to it. I filled the pot with veggies then added some tomato sauce and paste. As it cooks down I will just blend w/the immersion blender. If it isn't 'red' enough I will probably try adding more tomato paste or even red food coloring? Oh my, despersate times for desperate mothers.. lol He actually isn't too bad w/veggie eating, but he just doesn't eat a variety and I am sick of making broccoli and spinach every day. What is so awful about a carrot??? Geez! they are sweet! oh, he eats corn only off the cob, as well, but that is hardly a veggie of stubstance. that is just one for fun IMHO. Anyway I think it is pretty close to free points - I only used the 2 tsp of EVOO to start the onions and garlic off. then the veggies gave off so much fluid as I sweated them, then the cans of tomato sauce... it worked pretty well.

ACK here's to a better week.

Oh - I do flex and my biggest problem is that my allotted points are very low - only 19 - that is hardly enough for me to live on so I have to eat all of my 35 weeklies and try to get some AP as well. I am short and I swear WW discriminates against the short! LOL. But really, I am doing ok. It took about a week to get used to it, but now I am doing much better with it.

Meg

[PJB]

Is anybody doing Core out there? I just switched to it this week and am really liking it so far. My leader says it is a lot like being on maintenance so I thought I would give it a try. I would love any Core recipes you may have.

Thanks,

PJB

[doggerham]

PJB,

I am doing Core, too. I lost my weight originally using the Winning Points, but got so sick and tired of obsessing about food and points. I am finding Core much more to my liking. And it certainly gets you to eat a ton of F&V!

For me, I think Core addresses more of my eating issues -- not so much WHAT to eat -- by now, I'm practically a nutritionist. But, its an issue of learning what fullness is, and what is TOO full.

For example, I had brown rice with blackbeans, tomatoes and spices leftover from dinner. I added some cooked chicken breast, and a dab of Core guacamole. When I looked at it, I thought "that's too much, I should replate this" Then I thought, "We'll I'll just eat 1/2 or 2/3" Then, I did a bad thing, and ate my lunch while reading the paper, and ate the whole darn thing!

Now I feel stuffed, not satisfied. Lesson learned: if it looks like too much, it probably is, and if it isn't I can have more. Eat without distraction.

Amy

[Terri_A]

For me, I think Core addresses more of my eating issues -- not so much WHAT to eat -- by now, I'm practically a nutritionist. But, its an issue of learning what fullness is, and what is TOO full.

For example, I had brown rice with blackbeans, tomatoes and spices leftover from dinner. I added some cooked chicken breast, and a dab of Core guacamole. When I looked at it, I thought "that's too much, I should replate this" Then I thought, "We'll I'll just eat 1/2 or 2/3" Then, I did a bad thing, and ate my lunch while reading the paper, and ate the whole darn thing!

Now I feel stuffed, not satisfied. Lesson learned: if it looks like too much, it probably is, and if it isn't I can have more. Eat without distraction.



Amy,

This is EXACTLY why I'm not doing Core. I'd probably gain weight because I'd still overeat. I still need the points system to teach myself portion control, learn what satisfied feels like, etc. I'm envious of those who can do core and lose. I just can't trust myself yet to keep the eating in control.

[Angelina]

I am on Core too and I love it because it pushes me to eat good stuff. If I was doing points, two things would happen:

1. I would eat my points in Oreo cookies.
2. I would get tired of counting and throw it all out the window.

I would only get 19 points, and as far as portions go, as my meeting leader usually points out, it's hard to overeat and stuff yourself on Core foods. You can eat a bucket full of salad and carrots and brown rice and beans...but can you really overeat and gain weight with that? Veggies and grains don't have too many calories and they are very filling...

I don't know, it has worked great for me. :)

Angela

[doggerham]

Terri,

That's the beauty of WW, I guess-- different programs for different needs. I would not have gone back if Core were not an option.

And again, I'm trying to use my overeating at lunch as part of my learning experience -- that's what its all about. The upside is, I didn't want a snack before dinner!

[Kelly23]

Hi everyone! Hope you are all having a good week. I am on Flex right now and that seems to be working for me. My week has been pretty good. I stayed in points so far except yesterday and I got a workout in on Sunday and Tuesday. We'll see what the scale looks like on Friday! My newest treat to myself lately has been popsicles. I found Breyers fruit popsicles that are a mix of flavors and only 1 point per popsicle. This has been great for cooling me down and taking care of my sweet toooth. Have a good day!

[Mlasley]

I found new inspiration - A picture of myself that a patient took. Yikes. I'm carrying that baby around in my purse and just thinking about it has been enough to deter me from eating mindlessly.

[Sugarbetty]

I weighed in today and was up .4. I was actually happy with this weigh in. I have had a very tough week and have not recorded anything or really kept track of my points at all. I was thinking that my weight was going to be a lot worse.

My DH and I just found out that we are moving the end of next month. However, we planned a vacation for 2 1/2 weeks starting in 5 days. The vacation was booked in March so we can't change it without losing a lot of money. So this last week has been packing suitcases and boxes all with my infant son. I have been a crazy person.

I'm hoping I'll be much better this next week, at least until I go on vacation. I may eat worse on vacation, but I'll be exercising a TON more. Hopefully, everything will work out smoothly.

[Kelly23]

Hello! I am down 0.5lb for the week. Not as good as I had hoped, but I'll take what I can get. Hope you all have a great weekend!

[doggerham]

Yay Core! Down 5.2# for my first week. I know that will level out next week as my body adjusts. Also, we'll have the grandkids next week, so I will be faced with some food challenges.

[SusanPC]

Some great losses! I didn't do anything remotely WW last week....so I think I am going to try to physically join a group tonight or tomorrow night.

I think my biggest challenge is having meals planned/on hand. Do you all do planning at the beginning of the week? I am having trouble doing it. Generally, if I have a plan I will stick to it....but I can't see to get motivate to meal plan and shop. Ugh...not a good excuse I know!

[scout1222]

Keep in mind I am extremely anal. So yes, I've got a plan!

I do grocery shopping once a week (on Friday evenings). So 'round about Wednesday or Thursday I decide what I'm going to be making for the upcoming week. I then make my shopping list based on that.

It's not spontaneous at all, but I typically don't have an issue with getting to Tuesday night dinner time and saying "I don't want that!" Of course, I typically only buy what I'll be eating that week, so with few exceptions, if I don't make what I planned, I'm not eating!

I don't have a well-stocked pantry or refrigerator, that's for sure. Which is probably unusual for someone posting to a food message board. :D

Of course, this is what works for ME. Your mileage may vary.

[SusanPC]

Yeah, my kitchen isn't too well stocked either. I do live w/in walking distance to a Whole Foods, but I find that by the time I get home from work (7pm usually the earliest) if the food isn't in the house.....I go out or order in. Not good. And, the 7pm time is if I don't go to the gym. I just have a hard time planning meals that use similar ingredients (e.g. so I don't use half of something and then purge the rest a week later when the other half is all moldy.) Sigh....I just need to find a better way to get this all organized I suppose. My Dh is travelling this week...so I will eat mainly WF Salad Bar and/or Micro Meals. But, I do want to get better about cooking more (I love to cook but not day-to-day. I like cooking more on the weekends when I am not pressed for time, etc.) Hopefully joining a meeting will help for idea sharing and accountability :o

[Terri_A]

I lost 2.4 last week!!! I felt like it was about time for a good # loss for me - I'd had several weeks of .2, .3, etc and was eating really well. Of course, since I weighed in on Thursday night I've been HORRIBLE!!! What is it about a good weigh-in that makes me want to eat?

Also - anyone have any easy, quick and on-the-go breakfast ideas in the 4-6 point range? If I eat well at breakfast it seems the rest of the day goes really well and I struggle with this since I eat in the car on the way to work.

[mgs]

I do plan our meals most of the time, but sometimes I get lazy and what happens is instead of trying to figure out what we will have based on what we have on hand we end up going out. Not good for a budget or a waistline. It also interferes with our sleep sensitive toddler (too much stimulation at the end of a day) so why do I do it? It is really stupid, it is mostly just brain fatigue.

I do have our meals planned for this week, but the in-laws are coming in to town Fri-Sun and they will want to go out to dinner. I can't blame them, but another weekend of out for every meal....

I have had a hard time convincing myself to stick with the plan during the week when it seems like I blow it so bad on the weekend, but I am doing an okay job with it. I gave the advice and usually stick to it = each day is a new day = but after 3 full weekends of eating like a tourist I am kind of depressed. I have to make better choices at restaurants. I think I did this weekend - greek salad one place and swordfish taco's the next.

I am avoiding weighing myself. I just don't want to know.:rolleyes:

[scout1222]

I have had a hard time convincing myself to stick with the plan during the week when it seems like I blow it so bad on the weekend, but I am doing an okay job with it.


I don't know if this will help you, but here's how I look at it: I know that on the weekends I'm going to be eating more, for a whole host of reasons. Because of that, I view the weekdays as the days I must absolutely stay healthy. Because if I can rein it in during the week, that gives me more wiggle room to "misbehave" on the weekends. So I feel like I'm looking at it in the opposite direction. If I'm smart about food during the week, I'm allowed to relax on the weekends and I don't have to be so guilty about it. At least to some extent....

[mgs]

thanks Scout, another really good point and good motivation from the BB's!!

I used to eat a some candy or sweets everyday and that is how I would convince myself to go running! My motto used to be "I run so I can eat" hee hee. Since I had my toddler I don't run anymore - I am too short to comfortably run with a jog stroller - but I do a hell of a lot of walking and also some running around after him of course...So that form of justification just does hold up anymore. BUT I like keeping it healthy to have a fun weekend kind of motivation. That works well for my kind of thinking.

Meg

[Couperine]

Hi all-

Been busy and also had computer issues last week, so a small update from me.

I maintained last week - not a great thing, but after two weeks of gains, I was glad to see the scale stop going up.

This week I'm mixing up my exercise routine a bit, and we'll plan the rest of the week and weekend meals later today.

Have a great week!

[mgs]

I am up 3 pounds. I think it could be a little premenstral fluid retention. I hope. I do feel a little puffy today.

I know I haven't been eating great, but my meals have been really pretty good (accept the weekends) it is mostly the eve snacking. I am not even hungry I just feel like pushing the envelope I guess. I think I am just bored. The thing is when I am 'dieting' I seem to focus so much more on eating and tend to snack more. But when I am not 'dieting' I seem to not snack. but my meals go to crap. ugh. I know it is a process and I have only been at it a few weeks.

I am trying to be very active and I do notice that the more I am out of the house the less I overeat. I am way too cheap to stop in at a convenience store just to get a snack even if I am starving! ha ha.

[SusanPC]

As of this Am, I was down 6lbs this week. Don't be too proud of me yet, I have a stomach bug...I have been surviving on saltines and white toast :o

Hope to use this unfortunate bug to start a downward (healthy) trend once I can start eating again.

Not sure if I will join a meeting officially (do they make you pay an initiation fee) as I hope to start an IVF cycle in the next couple of weeks...

Hope all are well.

[scout1222]

Ugh, that stinks!

Costs for meetings vary by area, so you'd be wise to go to the WW website, click on "find a meeting" and search for one in your area for specifics.

But right now, WW as a whole is currently charging a $20 registration fee. That can be waived for a few reasons: you buy a monthly pass or another prepayment plan, you have health insurance through a company that has an agreement with WW. Companies that are in cahoots with WW include Kaiser, PacifiCare and a pretty big list of others that I of course can't recall right now.

[doggerham]

I don't w/i til Saturday. I will feel successful to maintain. I have had my 2 grandchildren here all week. Now you have to understand, I've never been a Mom, so its not like grandkids are just a refresher course. I've just flat never done kids before. My DSS is 10 years younger than I am, and he and DDIL got married the same year DH and I did. We just opted not to procreate, and let the young'uns do it. Hence, I was a Grandma at the tender age of 36. But as of this week, I've survived squabbling, projectile vomiting, fevers etc, but got a ton of hugs, kisses, singing and dancing.

So, here's to all you successful WWs who manage to plan their meals and stick with their plans while dealing with little ones. I have never seen so many darned chicken nuggety things in my life. I'm feeding them well, but it is SO different than just dealing with DH and myself. In fact, we had a meltdown midweek about the 2 phrases "I hate" and "I don't like" that were CONSTANT in regards to what we were eating. Now those are forbidden phrases, and we try to say something positive instead. Such as, "Grandma, I would prefer a banana instead of chicken soup". Also, there's a fine jar.


Sorry for the ramble, but right now, that's about as clear as I can think.

Amy

[scout1222]

Heh. Amy, I feel the same way when I hear tales of parenting. It's hard enough to stay on track by myself, much less with younguns.

And your story reminds me why I'm childless by choice. :p

[doggerham]

OK, just had my w/i, and was down .2. As I said before, after this week, I'm considering maintaining a victory, so I'm good! Onward and downward.

[JackieO]

It's a good thing I managed to get myself 4-5 lbs. below my offiically stated goal -- I've been on a steady climb upward the last three weeks. Despite "behaving" well last weekend with the wedding and reunion, I was up 1.4 lbs!!! I'm thinking I'm having some water retention issues because of the humidity lately, but the upward trend is disturbing. I also have lacked intensity in my workouts in the last two weeks (haven't run since I did the 5K two weeks ago today!) :eek: -- so, coupled with the several beers I've downed, it's probably deserved.

So....I'm dressed in my running clothes and I'm going to drive myself to the boat landing on the Fox River to do a 3-4 mile run in a few minutes. Change of scenery might help inspire me. And I'm coming home to make a batch of ratatouille (sp?) -- the farmer's market was really crowded this morning (I arrived at 8 am and couldn't believe the hordes of people there already!) but I have all the ingredients I need except fresh tomatoes. Muir Glen to the rescue! :D

TIFN.

[JenniferJJ]

Okay, what am I doing? I ate a diet of ice cream today. Well, almost. I probably had 20 points in ice cream today. That was in addition to a glass of Coke, a few handfuls of Doritoes, and a cheeseburger (at least that had leaf lettuce and a tomato). I finally realized that I was eating a lot of ice cream because I've been lonely. One of my best friends moved away a month ago (and has been out of the country so I have not even been able to talk to her) and that was preceeded by another one of my best friends moving to DC two years ago.

Anyway, I went to BR tonight and found some great pants and one of the pants had a matching jacket. They were on sale, are classic pieces and it would really be great for me to have something a little more polished at work. I think that picked me up enough. I left thinking that I need and should take better care of myself so I can wear these polished clothes.

Tomorrow I will be gone all day volunteering at an event and will eat the food there. I will be on my feet and active all day. I will be home in the evening to plan my food for the week.

I do need to lose two pounds by Wednesday so I can attend August meetings free of charge.

Will talk to you all more soon. Remember, tomorrow is another day.

[Kelly23]

Hi! I had a good week as far as my eating, even though it was a travel week for me. My WI on Friday was down 0.5 lb (7 more to go!) This weekend I have let that all go and had afew too many beers and too much food. I am home this week so I plan to work out at least 4 days and get back on track.

[doggerham]

It sounds like everyone is mostly on track -- or at least getting right back on!

I have a dilemma, and can use your opinions.

DH is a food pusher, and not too nutritionally aware, despite my efforts at education. He honestly thinks that bringing me an english muffin with butter and jam is healthy, and is hurt when I don't gobble it down. When I declined the 2nd half of the muffin, for the third time, and said "honey, you're kind of pushing me", he got a little short with me.

It's not as if he doesn't know it. When I decided to rejoin WW, I sat him down and we talked about him being a food pusher. He said he guesses its because he's always been so slim, and also from being in a family of 4 boys, where you had to grab and eat fast or you got shorted!

I know I just need to do what's right for me and my eating goals, but how do you manage with a food pusher/sabotuer around the house? Maybe a code word that means "STOP!" without being so confrontational?

[scout1222]

doggerham, check out the Asserting tool for living. It sounds like you've already sort of employed it, but it couldn't hurt to keep reminding him. I kind of like the idea of a code word - see if he's up for that. That way you can say "Bubbles!" and he knows to back off, and you don't have to devolve into an argument. :p

[mgs]

Doggerham - YES YES YES!! That is exactly our problem around here and I never really was able to put it into words! yes - food pusher! DH is being very pushy about going out to dinner and making it to 300 restaurants in 365 days (look back at my post about living in SF for 1 year) We had many discussions about it and he is ok for a little while then suddenly when I am making dinner he'll say, "Is that one of your 60?" It makes me feel like I am disappointing him. Or we'll be out to dinner and not even ask me if I want a bite of his food, just literally shove it in my face. He thinks it is a funny thing to do. Well, first off I hate it, secondly I don't need another bite of food,
kwm?

He is also naturally skinny. He sees food as a social thing and food is so obviously love to him.

I love the code word "bubbles!" that is hysterical Scout!

[doggerham]

Meg -- After re-reading a bunch of your posts, I wonder if you might do better on the Core plan? If your points are so low that you're hungry all the time, its very hard to do anything but think about food.

One of the most important points about Core is learning to eat until satisfied, but NOT full. It can be a challenge, but I think its a lesson worth learning for the rest of my life.

Also, if you follow the snack rules strictly, you will naturally increase your consumption of fruit and veggies. I know I have.

As for your husband, and the 1 year in SF -- man, that's a tough one. I think you got some good suggestions -- non-food activities, etc. The other thing, is that if everyone else is having cheesecake, and you're having cappuccino, you feel like "THIS IS NOT FAIR". And you know what, you're totally correct, its not. But life is not fair. If you read the Beck Diet Solution, this is an area she discusses. The approach basically is, "no, its not fair that DH can eat whatever he wants, and I can't. But, my goal of losing weight is more important than anything, so that should trump resentment at the unfairness of it all." Or something like that. I've wasted a lot of time whining that its not fair. But it doesn't change things -- I've just had to suck it up and do what I need to do.

Lastly, do you attend meetings? If not, you might consider it, to get some live support and tips.

Good luck!

Amy

[scout1222]

I have that Beck book on my shelf at home along with a bunch of other books "to be read". Maybe I'll put it next in line once I finish the book I'm reading now.

[mgs]

See, that is one of the reasons I didn't do Core. Eating until satisfied - in my brain - is far beyond full. It isn't before the feeling of fullness. :) If I am stuffed, but I still have some food on my plate that I am really enjoying I will try to stuff it down my gullet. This is why I chose Flex. It is portion control. Maybe once I reprogram my brain the Core would work better for me.

I just start to get back into the normal frame of thinking when they weekend hits me and it is 'where are we going for dinner tonight?' I just need to do better at restaurants OR just cut my portion in half immediately and put it in a doggie bag - or whatever.

I don't feel like I have a real problem with not being allowed a dessert - DH and I can both do w/o dessert and appetizer. BUT the 'it's not fair' thing would definitely apply with not being able to go out for a nice meal and not being allowed to finish it. If I really want to commit to this I just need to stop going out for meals. However we enjoy it. and, unfortunately, for this year it would be depriving my husband of something he has been looking forward to for the past year. I do enjoy going out to dinner, but I don't have to go out as much as we do. He really wants to for entertainment, to experience the city, to explore new things we haven't seen or done before. I get that.

Thanks for the wonderful ideas. I should look more into meetings now that I am getting settled in here - I am really going on what I have learned in my past experiences with ww and going to the ww boards for ideas/support.

Meg

[doggerham]

Ladies --

Can you help me pick my dinner from this menu? I am doing Core, and need to watch out for the usual suspects, oil, cheese, cream.

http://www.theravengrill.com/menu.htm


TIA
Amy

[Terri_A]

Ladies --

Can you help me pick my dinner from this menu? I am doing Core, and need to watch out for the usual suspects, oil, cheese, cream.

http://www.theravengrill.com/menu.htm


TIA
Amy

I'm not on core, so I"m guessing here, but what about the Poblano Lime Chicken or the Chipotle-Honey Glazed Porkchops ( which are DIVINE! )? As a last resort, you can always to do one of the salads with a meat add-on to make it more of a "meal". I hope that helps!

[scout1222]

The ceviche is probably a good choice - it's an appetizer but maybe you could make it your meal. Or have that and a salad.

A lot of the seafood dishes (salmon, fish of the day, etc.) come with herbed rice and grilled veggies. You could ask them to hold the rice and give you double veggies. It's then up to you whether or not you want to go the extra step and ask that they don't put any butter or oil on the veggies they roast.

That actually seems like a pretty doable menu there.

[doggerham]

Thanks for your input. Here's what I ended up doing:

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon,
corn/black bean salsa with wasabi aioli -- there wasn't much of either, and the aioli was kind of just drizzled on out of a squeeze bottle

I ditched the mashed potatoes and got a side of grilled veggies -- requested them dry grilled, and they were.

I also indulged in some lemon-coconut sorbet and a cappuccino for dessert.


Overall, very good and low in non-Core points!

[scout1222]

Great job!