August Weight Watchers

[JenniferJJ]

Hello Everyone

Well, it's a new month. All the ice cream is gone. I am doing good today with points, just need to get in some exercise and drink my water.

I have been maintaining 2 pounds over my WW goal limit for about 6 months now (so since they let you be 2 pounds over goal, that's 4 pounds over goal). Then I lose the 2 pounds each month so I can go weigh in. I'm both happy and frustrated with that. Happy because I can maintain this close to goal and can get myself back on track when I start getting out of control. Frustrated because I am on one of the people who set my WW goal above my "real" goal and have never gotten to my real goal.

My first goal: Get within 2 pounds of my WW goal so I can attend meetings again this month.

2nd goal: Get to my WW goal.

3rd goal: Get to my goal.

Other goals:
1. work on eating the correct number of servings I should for each food group
2. more water
3. exercise 30 minutes 20 days this month with at least 5 of those days being 45 minutes

Future challenges:
This entire weekend - Friday is dinner at someone's home, Saturday lunch will be sandwiches that someone is providing at a service project workday and Sunday I'll be out all day, so who knows what I will eat. I might be able to plan for Sunday. My current plan is to exercise and eat some 0 - 1 pt. foods during the rest of the day.

BTW...in one of my meetings, we were talking about how some months are not good months to lose weight because there are too many challenges either with season-related parties and celebrations or not very many opportunities to exercise. The point being that we need to work through the challenges since there are so many during the year. The leader then said that her and her husband went through the year and decided that August would be the best time to lose weight.

So ladies here's to August...no special holidays and the weather will allow us to at least walk (even if it's after 9 on some of these really hot days.)

[Terri_A]

I am starting to get a good handle on the food. I've eaten right on points for a few weeks now. That being said, it's time to move on to exercise. I started yesterday, but not really on purpose. I took the weeone to the swimming pool we belong to after work yesterday. I had ordered her a pizza and taken myself some grilled shrimp and cucumber salad. While she swam - I headed to the deepest end of the pool and treaded water for 45 minutes! It wasn't horribly difficult, but it wasn't terribly easy either. Seeing as my bum and arms a bit sore today, I'd say it was as good of a resistance workout as it was cardio. Anyway - I'd never thought of treading water before, so I thought I'd share my find. We're at the pool at least 3 times a week and usually 4 or 5, weather permitting. If I do this every time we go, I think I'll be in good shape in terms of exercise! And....even though it's almost 100 degrees, I won't sweat! :D

On another note, one of the two other ladies that goes to WW with me told me last night she is now trying to GAIN weight so that she will weigh enough to qualify for lap band surgery!:eek: I'll admit that I have researched the procedure myself, but I found it wasn't for me. I need to learn to eat right - not binge - not use food to feel better. Getting a lap band won't solve any of that for me. Anyway, it's surreal to me that someone who has been trying to LOSE weight for some time would now be trying to GAIN so they could have weight loss surgery. Just need to share that.

[scout1222]

Heh. Well, there may not be holidays in August, but there's my mom's birthday, and the fact that my BF's parents will be in town this weekend and we'll be eating out all the time. So yeah, that pretty much demonstrates your point. There will ALWAYS be challenges, so we need to figure out how to deal with them.

I know exactly what you mean about your goal vs WW goal. When I first reached my goal, my stated number was 134. I was 23 at the time, and that was the top end for that age group (this was back when they distinguished between different ages, instead of like now with just one max and min). When I turned 25, the top end of my range became 140. I kept my goal at 134. Around the time I turned 30, I started creeping up, and had a heck of a time making monthly weigh-in. So I crumbled, and decided to up my stated goal to 140.

Wouldn't you know, within a year I was AT 140, and not happy with it at all. :( So I had to refocus and get back down to "my" goal, and it took 6 months, but I did it. So now I've been back to "my" goal for about a year, and I'm quite happy about it. It's funny, you give yourself an inch, you take a mile!

By the way, since it's now August, I have officially reached my 10th year at goal. :cool:

[robinf]

I lurk on this thread occasionally as I am a 7 year lifetime WW. You'd think after all these years I'd be used to the WW lifestyle but I do still have "issues" and have gotten some good advice from you all. JenniferJJ, your post hit home.

I spent the last year or so 2 -3 pounds over the 2 pound limit over my stated goal. For whatever reasons, I just could/would not get back to my goal. One day I decided to talk to a leader to get some advice. By finally talking about it, I came the conclusion that the goal I set at 40 was not working for me at 47. We decided to reset my goal 3 pounds above my original goal. I felt like a big rock was lifted of my back. I spent the last year stressing over 3 pounds (dumb I know) but could not let it go.

Don't you know, as soon as upped my goal I lost the weight and have been at or below my original goal ever since, without really getting all crazy.

I'm not sure what your goal is, or when you set it. There is nothing wrong with reevaluating and changing your goal. It may help in the long run.

Best Wishes

- robin

[Terri_A]

I thought I would post a link to the thread I started a while back for WW recipes. I know I"m always looking for new ideas and it's great to already have the points calculated for me!

WW Recipes Thread (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=107079)

[marteka]

Is it August already? I just finished summer school last week, so only 26 more days until I return to the school house. Summer's are hard for me b/c of the lack of routine. It's so much easier during the school year when lunch is at the same time and I'm forced to plan my meals.

My goal for August is to establish a summer routine. I'm not at the point where I can set lose this # of lbs by whatever date. I'm at home w/ a 4 & 2 yrs old all day until school resumes. I'm likely not to eat at all. But I'm still exercising 3-4 times a week. The lbs aren't dropping like I believe they should be, but isn't that true for everyone.

Good luck and stay focused...and cool!

PS-Gaining weight to get surgery? The idea of surgery scares the c#$p out of me. I'll take extended route to a healthy weight & lifestyle...exercise & food control

[doggerham]

Hello fellow losers!

I made my first new grain while on the Core plan. Kasha! Luckily I read on the WW boards that it helps to stir the grains with a beaten egg, then dry sautee them til dry....and then add your liquid, etc. Otherwise, it sounds like they can absorb a ton of liquid and turn into mush.

Kasha (which is buckwheat) is very nutty, almost woodsy tasting, and very filling. I made a sort of pilaf with sauteed onions and mushroom. It's a little bland, so I used plenty of pepper on my serving. It kind of grew on me. I served it as a side with grilled steak and steamed spinach.

Today, I made a salad of the kasha, leftover steak, raw onion, avocado, and dressed it with a dressing made of evoo, lime juice, cumin, cayenne, s&p, and a bit of sour cream. All core except the sour cream.

DH wouldn't touch it. :rolleyes:

What are your favorite grains?

Amy

[scout1222]

I like barley and bulgur. Quinoa is also pretty good.

The bulgur I soak with water overnight, and then add stuff to it just like I would for a couscous salad.

There was an issue of CL a while back, probably 2 years ago now or so that had a large amount of recipes using "alternative" grains. There was a recipe for "grits" that was tasty:

Southwestern Barley "Grits" (http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=698604)

Of course, it's not Core as written, but you could probably achieve something similar.

[JackieO]

Good news: I was down 1.6 today, which leads me to believe that my 1.2 GAIN last week was all about hormones and humidity! Last week's meeting topic was reprogramming our self-talk to be positive instead of negative. I have to say that I was bummed for most of the week because of the gain...I don't know how many times I told myself, "I am much more than a number on the scale!"

DH and I are going out to dinner tonight -- he and DS are leaving tomorrow for a tennis tournament on the other side of the state, so the dog and I will be on our own this weekend. I'll have to think of something to cook that I like and that the boys don't like/eat...strike while the iron is hot.

Has anyone ever heard of/seen tofu noodles? As in spaghetti or linguini type noodles? I was reading Allure magazine at the gym yesterday and there was an interesting article about what you find in skinny women's refrigerators! I can't remember the brand/name of the noodles, but I think I'll see if I can find some this weekend. Other items on the list will be familiar to WWs -- Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches, Laughing Cow cheese wedges, Edy's (Dreyer's) hand-churned light ice cream, Greek yogurt, etc.

August is off to a great start for me....hope I can keep the momentum going (I can't begin to tell you how many business lunches/breakfasts I have on my calendar this month. Oi. I see lots of salads for dinner.)

[scout1222]

Probably Shirataki Noodles (http://www.amazon.com/House-Foods-America-Corporation-Shirataki/dp/B000AQJRWG). Never had 'em myself, but I've heard of them.

[JenniferJJ]

Terri - Great that you found a new exercise. I love treading water it the pool.

Robin - I think I'm realistic about my goal. My body can do it, it's my mind that has the problem. Thanks for your story though.

Amy and Scout - I went to a cooking demo at the grocery store and they introduced two recipes that had whole grains - one with quinoa and the other with couscous. I really want to try both of them.

Hi Marteka.

My WW goal is 110, which means that I can get to 112. "My" goal is 106. I am 4'11", so I don't think that I will be skinny when I get to my goal. To complicate things a little, my scale is a little lower than WW scales. So from day-to-day, I think in terms of my scale, of course. I have had it for quite a few years, and so know what number on that scale I like for my goal, since I have achieved it before. So, I think in terms of my WW goal is 104, "my" goal is 100. I am one of those daily weigher-inners. I know that discourage it at WW, but for me it is good: encourages me to keep going if I see a loss and helps me get back on track if I see a gain. It only has whole numbers, so keep in mind that I might have lost less than a pound.

Days 1 and 2 were good. I ate exactly 18 points and didn't feel deprived due to what I was eating (meaning no junk, ice cream, etc.) or how much. I walked for 30 minutes last night, but just did not have time tonight.

Tomorrow will be a challenge since I have a dinner at someone's house tomorrow night. I just have to focus on on the other people/socializing, looking forward to fitting in my new sundress and being able to go to WW meeting Sat. morning (which I can't do if I am at my current weight).

I don't know if I will be able to exercise tomorrow. I might have to walk in the night again.

I also need to be more disciplined about my bedtime. I will turn off the lights sometimes as late as 1a.m. Being well rested influences my energy level to clean my house (and I especially need a clean kitchen to want to prepare meals). Also, I'm just happier when I feel well rested and then don't try to make myself happy with food. I feel like if I lived with other people I'd feel more accountable, so I'm hoping that posting it here will make me accountable.

Here's to a great weekend everyone.

[Angelina]

Scout, I have a question for you...last week, sick of being always so close yet not quite at my goalweight (135), I went ahead and declared 137 as my goalweight, so this weekend it would be my first week of maintenance.

I am having a little trouble however figuring out when I can go to a meeting. Is it kind of mandatory not to miss any maintenance weigh-ins, or is it ok if I skip a week? If not, I can try to squeeze one in somewhere, either my usual place (at 7am :eek: ) or near work (a nice long walk in the boiling sun when I am supposed to take only half an hour lunch!). My last weigh-in was last Saturday (goal weight declaration day). Would Monday be ok if I can't do it this weekend?

TIA!!!

Angela

[doggerham]

Well, tomorrow is my w/i, and *if* I have a good day today, and this bit of constipation ends, I *might* actually get another star. Even if I don't, that's OK, cause I know there's a loss.

Sorry about the TMI!

[scout1222]

Angela, your area might vary, but 'round these parts, we consider maintenance to be "six weeks of paid maintenance". And in my area in particular (which is VERY unusual) we don't charge you for weeks you miss. So here, it might take someone 7 weeks to complete it, because they skipped a meeting somewhere in there. But that's okay!

For areas that do charge a missed week fee, I think if you pay for a week you miss, it counts in the 6. But don't quote me on that, because I've never worked anywhere where that was the policy.

At any rate, you're welcome at any meeting, so even if it isn't your regular day, if you CAN make it, they'll be happy to have you. But if you just can't make it in one week, it doesn't really mess things up.

[Angelina]

Thank you, Scout...it's really not about the money, I just didn't want to lose "maintenance status" by not weighing in for a week. :D

Angela

[Kelly23]

So, I'm up 1.5 for the week :( I am really disappointed about this as I was good all week and worked out 3 times also. I don't know if maybe I'm retaining water? I pulled a muscle 2 days ago in my butt hip area so I'm trying to take it easy and let that heal. Plan was to go hiking tomorrow but we'll see how I feel. I am trying not to get too upset or I'll end up blowing the whole weekend by eating and drinking whatever I want. So, time to move on....
I made the Mornign Glory muffins from the recent CL last night and had one for breakfast. I think they turned out great and are filling. They are 3 points per muffin.
Well, have a great weekend everyone!

[scout1222]

Oh, they won't let you out of their grips that easily! :p

[doggerham]

HOW TO BAKE, YET STAY ON CORE.....

1. Use cake mix
2. Use readymade frosting
3. Make a brownie recipe with Splenda.

YUK, YUK AND YUK.

Now, I realize that the vast majority of people use cakemix and think its just fine. Heck, my Mom used cake mix.

But I'm not one of them.

I needed to get rid of the mix. Turns out I should have tossed it rather than waste adding eggs and butter to it.

However, I think the staff at my vet's office are about to get a little Friday afternoon treat!

[JackieO]

I am one of those daily weigher-inners. I know that discourage it at WW, but for me it is good: encourages me to keep going if I see a loss and helps me get back on track if I see a gain. It only has whole numbers, so keep in mind that I might have lost less than a pound.


This was a topic at my mtg yesterday -- and it tied in to the previous topic of negative/positive self-talk. JeAnne who frequents this board sums up the daily weigh-in best: It's just INFORMATION. It is not affirmation or negation -- it's just a clue as to how you are doing at a certain moment in time. Couple that with the previously posted article "Why the scale lies" (sorry, I'm too inept to post a link! :o ), and you KNOW that if the scale tells you that you are two pounds more than you were the day before but you KNOW you only ate fruits, veggies and other low-fat stuff, you really haven't "gained" two pounds. It all has to do with body chemistry.

But I am with you on the reason why you weigh yourself daily -- it's a way to keep from back-sliding. That daily information tells you whether you are maintaining or on a trend. As long as you treat it as information and not a form of punishment, daily weigh-ins are fine. If you find the rest of your day/mood is determined by the data on the scale each morning, then maybe it's not a good idea -- go for the weekly option.

Scout Shiritake it is -- found some at my large wholesale store this afternoon. It apparently has an "aroma" right out of the package, so a good thing I bought it whilst the boys are out of town this weekend. I think I will have it with the last of my ratatouille for lunch tomorrow.

I turned off the a/c in the house last night because a cool front moved through and it was SO pleasant outdoors and I was sick, sick, sick of canned air. I spent a marvelous day on a field trip with a colleague today visiting a wildlife rehabilitator, and got up close and personal with a bald eagle, turkey vulture, several sandhill cranes, a number of owls and a kestrel hawk. Rural Wisconsin is really beautiful, and when you can appreciate it with someone knowledgeable about the native inhabitants, it is all the more special. But the house has heated up, and even though the dew point is only about 45 degrees, it is rather uncomfortable. I'm going to sign off and set up a few fans around the house to draw the cooler night air in. I so LOVE this time of year.....<sigh>

[doggerham]

Good w/i this morning, down another 3.8#. Didn't make it to a total of 10 lost, but maybe next week!

[Terri_A]

Okay, confession time. I'm struggling. Big time. I'm on week 10. I'm the same weight I was on week 3!!! I keep losing and gaining the same 3 pounds. I understand that close to goal, but I"m WAY a way from that. I just want to eat. I do great for a few days and then I just lose it. I don't know why. I really really really want to lose this weight, but the old habits are soooo hard. I know there's nothing anyone can do really to help me, but I felt like I needed to vent about it. Oooof.

[SusanPC]

Teri---I hear you, so I can't give great advice on what I am doing now (I, too, am struggling). But, I find when I am in a workout groove my eating follows suit. So, tonight I AM GOING TO THE GYM or TAKING THE DOG FOR A POWER WALK. Generally when I get home from exercise (walking, gym, etc.) I am less hungry and then it becomes a virtuous circle. As I start to feel better about the work-outs I want to eat healthier to compliment it. I know you said you were going to try to start working out....maybe that will help?

Also, I meant to tell you the other day. One summer (living in the Houston heat at the time) I would aqua jog for 45 minutes every evening in the pool (it is a silly looking belt you wear---but I got over worrying what people thought of me). I was in awesome shape at the end of the summer b/c the resistence works all of your muscles. Plus, staying cool in the pool helps you go for longer periods of time. Maybe this or treading water like you did last week could be the ticket to getting into an exercise groove?


I know one of your WW buddies is now trying to gain weight, do you have another friend that you can lean on for support and to go to meetings with you? I wish I had that here....someone else in the same boat. I think that would make it more "fun" to know someone else is in the same boat as I. Anyways, posting here is a good first step--you aren't giving up, you've just hit a speed bump. You can do it!

[Terri_A]

Susan,

Thanks for your kind response. I think you're right about exercise, as when I do it, I do eat better ( and feel better ). It's hard to get going on exercise, as we all well know. I'm tired all the time and I know that will improve with exercise, but the catch 29 of it all is exasperating. I think I'm just having a rough couple of weeks lately.

I do have another friend doing WW with me and she's been great. Unfortunately she's in Trinidad right now so I can't whine to her - therefore you all are getting the brunt of it!

Thanks for helping me stay focused! I'm NOT giving up!

[mgs]

Lost track of a couple of the posts, don't know what happened... but

Terri - hey, I am losing focus here, too. As you may have read from some of my posts, our weekends are nuts. I think I am starting to get into a better mind set about what to order and/or how much to eat. Also if I am full, stop eating. I noticed this weekend if I slowed down eating !!hello!! you'd think I grew up in an orphanage - I could eat only 1/2 and when everyone else was done I would be done, as well. Or just simply put down the fork when my stomach is full instead of saying "just one more taste":o :rolleyes:

I have been at the same weight since starting on and off about 3 pounds - usually 3 then down to the starting point. I have been really trying to come up with a plan every day - I would like to start the day knowing how many points I want to give breakfast, snacks, lunch, snack, dinner... but it just doesn't seem to work for me. I am a great meal planner, but not a good day planner I guess. weird.

I have been reading the ww boards like crazy to try to stay focused and get some ideas.

Don't give up- it is a very long process to successfully get weight off and KEEP it off. You are relearning a relationship with food. You are in charge now, not the food.

I like the idea of excercise as a motivator. I know for sure the more I am out of the house the less likely I am to eat. and the more I am out of the house the more active I am b/c it usually means I am at a park with DS or walking to the store or just walking for the heck of it. It is usually not a major power walk, but I am pushing a stroller and it makes me feel good just to be moving.

Meg

[Terri_A]

With heat indexes in the 100's, I'm not up for exercising outside unless it's in a pool...SO - I've packed a gym bag for tomorrow already and will be getting at least 30 minutes on the elliptical in before picking the weeone up from camp and heading to the pool for the evening. I think planning this far in advance and knowing that I've prepared for it will help!

[mgs]

Good for you Terri!

it is 930 am and I still have no idea what I am going to eat today.:(

I just had frosted mini wheats and 1% milk - 4 pts down the hatch.

[robinf]

Jennifer - I know you can do it!

Best Wishes

- robin

[mgs]

Had a great 4 days of staying on plan - stayed about 20 pts but earned 1 activity point per day so On play. Tomorrow night we are going out to dinner and here is the menu:

http://www.eossf.com/menu.html


my biggest problem will be that our reservations aren't till 845... If I don't eat dinner till then I will probably have eaten my leg. I will probably eat all the bread at the table and ask for more. We will have a babysitter and I will be so excited I will be giddy....

Any ideas of how to get me to 845 AND what to eat? I suppose I could just use up a lot of weeklies tomorrow since I haven't yet this week.

thanks

[Terri_A]

I think around 6pm or so I'd make myself a plate of salad with a low point dressing, or some other type of "veggie plate". You don't have to use the extra points trying to make it to 8:45 - use them on some great wine or a meal that you really want but is slightly higher in points than a typical dinner for you.

I know you'll do great!!!

[SusanPC]

Hi ladies, haven't posted much because I have been dreadful in all respects lately. I am at an all time high, the scale is over 170 and at 5'2 I need to weigh in the 130s. Not having a plan is death for me, so--I have a detailed plan I will stick to this week.

It looks like I am starting my next IVF cycle now and I am majorly stressed about it (given my m/c in May) so I feel like taking some control in the eating department will at least help to calm me down.

See below and let me know if you want any of the recipes:

Sunday

Brunch (7.5 pts)- Strawberry Hotcakes with Blueberry Sauce (Australian Women's Weekly) and 2 slices Canadian Bacon

Dinner (11 pts)- JeAnne's Middle Eastern Burgers on Pita with Tatziki

Monday

Breakfast (4pts)- WW Individual Ham, Cheese and Veggie Frittatas and a cup of OJ.

Lunch (11pts)- WW Curried Chicken Salad on a wrap, pita chips

Dinner (6pts)- 2 Bean and Beef Tacos (AWW)

Snack (3pts)- WW Pineapple and Coconut Smoothie

Tuesday

Repeat of Monday (DH out of town :D )

Wednesday

Breakfast (4pts)- WW Individual Ham, Cheese and Veggie Frittatas and a cup of OJ.

Lunch (7pts)- Caesar Salad with Proscuitto (AWW), pita chips

Dinner (11pts)- Rosemary, Brie and Sun-dried Tomato Chicken on Corn Mash with Asparagus (AWW)

Thursday

Breakfast (4pts)- WW Individual Ham, Cheese and Veggie Frittatas and a cup of OJ.

Lunch (7pts)- Caesar Salad with Proscuitto (AWW), pita chips

Dinner (7.5pts)- Linguine Carbonara (WW TOT) and green salad

[mgs]

Susan I hope you find your planning works out for you. After I posted the other day about not having a daily plan I immediately started one and found that it worked well for me. I stayed on plan for the past 4 days and feel pretty good. The days I got an activity point I did eat it - I was actually a lot hungrier -something else I need to think on...

anyway, good luck!

Meg

[doggerham]

I used my "get out of weighing" pass today. My one-day meltdown turned into several days. Sigh.

Gotta get my focus and enthusiasm back.

[Terri_A]

Amy,

It happens to the best of us (like me for the past week)! I think weight loss is a learning event, not to be perfected the first time around. If it were easy, everyone would be a size 2. It's hard. I really lost focus when my one friend decided she wants to have surgery instead. It really through me for a loop and WAY sidetracked me. I ate french fries yesterday for the first time in 9 weeks. I didn't even want them in particular, but I ate them! Anyway, I tend to think that if you work full time, the weekend is the perfect time to get refocused. It's when I have time to plan my week, hit the produce market ( I go to the one on Airline about once a week ) and perhaps even cook a couple of make-ahead meals for the week. That's my plan for the weekend. Well, that and seeing the movie Becoming Jane, reorganizing the garage, spraying for bugs, and doing some laundry.

Point is...we're still here!

[doggerham]

Terri -- when are you seeing Jane? I KNOW that DH will think that's way too much a chick movie for him. And, he's working all day today, so I was thinking of slipping down to the River Oaks...wanna play?

Amy

[Kelly23]

Hi everyone and I hope you are all having a good weekend!
I had a rough week this week- I left on Monday morning and didn't get home until late Friday night and my flights were delayed both ways. I did manage to eat pretty well this week and I am down 0.5lb. I am fine with this as I didn't get much exercise in. I am at home this week so I'm looking forward to menu planning and plenty of workouts. Here's to a new week!

[Kelly23]

Hi there! Good news today for me- I am down 2 lbs! This puts me back at my lowest weight again. I think I did much better with staying on points this week than I have in the past and I'm trying to add some weight training into my exercise. I bought some weights last week so I can do this at home. I hope everyone is doing well and have a good weekend!

[SusanPC]

I stayed the same last week. Despite the meal planning working well during the week, I threw it all to the wind over the weekend. (Maybe I should change my weigh in day to Fridays :o ) But, I am trying again this week. My embryo transfer for my IVF cycle is Friday so maybe no wine will miraculously help :rolleyes:

I made another batch of those frittatas in the muffin tins. They keep me really satisfied until lunch time. Must be the protein. Goal this week is to be better about exercise, I only took 2 walks last week.

[Bonnie T]

Well another week down at the weight watchers meetings. Been doing good, lost 25 lbs, so now it's on to the next 25. I seem to be stuck going up a lb or down .6. I am up to walking three times a week 4 miles...doing some weights for the new bat wings on my arms (not so nice). Any suggestions how I might jump start the next 25 lbs???

[Terri_A]

After 3 weeks of little ups, I finally had a loss of 2.2 pounds this week! I am hoping this means I'm over this little hump and can continue to go down now! I found a 0 calorie, 0 carb margarita mix that tastes good finally, so that's my big news. It's called Zilch and it comes in powdered packets. You mix a packet with a shot of tequila and 3/4 c of water and voila - 2 point Margarita!!! Since it's in little packets I can even do it in a restaurant - I just order a shot of tequila! If you're interested.... www.zilchmixers.com will tell you a retailer near you. Happy Happy Hour!:D

[mlsmith67]

Hi, everyone! I just found this thread today, so decided to introduce myself.

I'm 62, living in the Colorado Rockies at 10,000 ft altitude. So far there aren't any WW meetings anywhere near, although I learned this week that they should start in October. I've been using WW Online for about a year now, and think I really need the meetings for inspiration and the weekly "kick in the rear"!

I'm not much of an exerciser (hate to sweat ;) ), but I tried water aerobics this week and enjoyed that, so maybe I can get back into a routine. I do a LOT better when I get regular exercise. I like the idea of treading water as an exercise - easier on my knees. I'll have to try that. I'm in a small town, but we do have a Rec Center with a pool.

Margaret
High in the Rockies and High on Life

[healthyjanice]

I, too just found this thread and hope I have figured out how to use it:) Also, like Margaret, I am a subscriber to Weight Watcher's Online. I have only been on the program for less than 2 weeks. The first week I lost approx. 3.6 lbs. It has been pretty good so far, but I find that I get weak right before mealtimes. I am afraid to snack because I do not want to use up my points. I need to find some low point snack food that will give me energy.

If anybody can relate to this, please reply. Thank you, jan

[mgs]

Hi Margaret and Jan!

the munchies right before dinner are a huge issue around here. I have gotten advice here. You can have a couple dill pickles before dinner or while preparing dinner. Also drinking some herbal tea helps stave off hunger a little while longer.

You could dip cukes in some FF salad dressing if you like that to get you through till dinner time.

What I have found works best for me is just trying to make sure I balance all my meals with some protein. I have to eat continuously all day long :rolleyes: but if I try to hold off eating protein till dinner I am starving - like could eat my toddler without thinking twice starving. I have to have protein at each meal. And I do a lot of 0-1 point snacking.

Hope this helps.

[marteka]

Hey Everybody! Welcome Jaice & Margaret!
TerriA thanx for the margarita tip! Maybe that why I've been hovering @ 179 all summer =). School starts tomorrow. Yeah! I at least I'll be back on a routine which is so hard for me in the summer. I going to try to start my mornings w/ a devotional and some core exericese, not much 10-15 squats w/ the ball some push-ups. Wish me luck. I actually like exercising now. I look forward to the hour long spin class. I'm glad it has other benefits besdies weight lose b/c the lbs aren't dropping quickly, but I feel better and stronger. Go figure. Enjoy what's left of AUgust

[Terri_A]

Hi Ladies!

Welcome to our newcomers!

Tonight I made Italian sausage and peppers - something I thought I'd have to give up on WW, however, I made it using Jennie-O Hot Italian Turkey Sausage. Each sausage link is 3 points. It was SO good!!! My dad is here and he couldn't even tell that it was turkey sausage! I just thought I'd pass that along for any other Italian Sausage lovers!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

[Kelly23]

hello to all and welcome newcomers!
I was on the road last week and was sick so I only made it to the gym one day and I still managed to maintain- I was happy to see that! Now I am home for the week and anxious to be more active as I am feeling better. I did 50min run/walk on the treadmill today to get me started.

Thanks Terri for the idea of using turkey sausage. I love italian sausage and so does my DH so I will have to try that! I wonder if he would be able to tell the difference.

Marteka- I have been thinking about trying a spin class but I'm not sure I could make it through an hour class without my legs completely giving out. I don't ride bikes at all so I'm not sure how I would do. How is it for you?

Jan- For snacks I try to stick with low point options and someone here menioned the low fat laughing cow spreadable cheese. I eat that on celery and I think it is 1 point. It usually fills me up enough to keep going.

Have a great week everyone!

[elnant]

Just wanted to post to say hi.
I re-joined WW online today ---- after 1 year + off.
I actually lost some weight using other methods (had a BF who did Atkins and he did a lot of the cooking for us -- plus he really pushed me to exercise regularily) but I've kind of fallen off the wagon and started gaining a few pounds, so I thought I'd get back on WW to get back to where I was. I'll definitely be checking in on this thread and possibly posting from time to time!!!

Ellen

[Terri_A]

I weighed in tonight and was -2.4!!! That's my biggest loss since my very first week. I'm attributing it to the Zilch Margaritas! I've decided that since I'm drinking Margs, I'm happier and therefore can lose weight easier!:D Or I'm just planning better!

[scout1222]

Terri, I know you put a smilie in there, but to some extent I bet you're right! If you're enjoying what you eat (and drink) you don't feel the need to "cheat" as much, you know?