The ME I WANT to BE - WLS January 24

[greysangel]

Hey there everyone!

Ok...first the big news. I lost two pounds which put me at 124.8 which is 125 pounds in my book!!! Celebrate! WOO HOO!! I put up new pictures on the website so check them out. There is not too much difference on the pics but you can see a slight reduction in the buddha area, the upper arms and back. I'll have to start taking pics with short skirts now woo! Anyhoo...I have been waiting for this number for some reason..next goal is 5th ten percent and ONEDERLAND! I haven't been under 200 lbs since early high school if that ;) I honestly don't remember.

This week's topic was consistency and persistency. I like this topic because I think these words are far more important for the long term successful healthy lifestyle change than a word like motivation. Motivation is a fickle lover! It comes and goes in the bat of an eye. Consistency is a series of moments (or next steps) strung together. We have the choice to focus on stringing positive moments together or negative. My past dieting attempts were definitely stringing negative steps together which ultimately led to abandoning my efforts. A series of positive moments however will inevitably end in a positive outcome. If you string together your successes (journaling, getting in fruit and veggies, water, scale success, handling a party etc..), you have positive reinforcement to keep you buoyant when motivation hits the door. Sooner or later, the positive becomes more second nature than the negative which takes awhile but is a large feat. Think of how long we have fed ourselves constant negative messages. Think of how we have allowed others to influence how we feel about ourselves.

The last thought I will leave you with is from a book called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. One of the agreements is Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality; their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering. I find this very simple and very profound. Not only for my present every day life but also in retrospect of my past weight loss attempts and how I have viewed myself until very recently. This has great impact on my success today.

Goals for this week:

BACK TO THE GYM TODAY!!
1 Fruit every day!
Vary my points!
Try 1 new veggie this week!

Have a wonderful week everyone and know that you are blessed, incredible people :)

IT'S WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT COUNTS!

JeAnne
338.6/213.8/Fifth ten percent (202.6)

[Laura B]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

That is awesome, JeAnne. I'm off to check out your new pics.

Laura

p.s. think I'm going to have to go to the doctor today. tummy still icky. have missed school all week. :(

[LaraW]

I am not on WW, but have been lurking on some of these threads a bit and following your journey, and just wanted to say that you ROCK!!! What a huge accomplishment! That is so great!

GOOD FOR YOU!!! :D

[Molli526]

YAY!!

[Molli526]

Well, I weighed in this morning. I am down 1, so that put me 2 pounds over my original goal. I am happy with that. I did good for about half the week, and had a couple days where I just blew it. I consciously made bad decisions. Like last Friday, DH brought home pizza, I tried a piece, thought it was only OK and ate 2 more anyway. ( I know, there is no excuse)

I am back on track now, thank goodness. I have a couple of new tapes that I like so I have variety for working out. DH says I look more toned, which always makes a girl smile. I am going to keep doing my thing and I will be back at goal, and maybe a couple under for kicks- I haven't been 150 in ages and it would be fun to see myself there, just don't know if I could do it.

Laura, I hope you are feeling better.

I will be much better this weekend and plan and not eat food that I don't think is worth the calories!


Molli

[amcleod]

Most awesome JeAnne! Did you get another magnet? when people get magnets, Our leader makes them put them on the back of their chair (metal folding chairs) and throughout "class", they can stand up and point at it, and everyone has to cheer, clap, generally whoop it up. I think it is so fun! Hopefully I will have good news after my weigh-in - in 1.5 hours.

congrats again!
ann

p.s. i just looked at your website again:
a) i love that dress you're wearing in the new pics!
b) what is the name of your lipstick and who makes it?
c) you are so pretty!
d) have you ever been to the restaurant Artisinal (sp?) in NYC?

[SuzyQuzy]

I lost 2.5 pounds this week! Woo-Hoo!

JeAnne- Congrats! You are such and inspiration to me! I'm going to check out those new pics now.

This weeks goals:

Drink that water!!! I said this last week, too. I really need to make sure I'm getting it in. The problem is that there are some days at work that I can't have any with me because I work in a research room environment...no food or drinks allowed!:rolleyes: I will have to come up with a plan for those days.

Get in at least four good work-outs. I only got three last week and I would like to bump it up to five next week.

Journal, journal, journal! I slacked a little over the weekend and had to back-track Monday. I don't want to do that again!

Eat my fruits and veggies!

Have a great week everyone!

Robyn

[HRJ]

JeAnne, Congratulations!!! Just checked out your new photos -- the dress you're wearing in the latest shots is just awesome!

Thanks for sharing your experiences and your wisdom with us -- the idea of valuing consistency over "motivation" is very valuable -- I never looked at it that way before. At the moment, my "motivation" is being able to lower my blood sugars by my next doctor appointment on March 20, and I've mainly been thinking of that day as my goal. But, even if I'm "successful," by March 20, what will I do on March 21? That's where consistency will come in ... I need to remember that.

Goals for the week: (Basically same as last week)

1. Work out at least 3x.
2. Water!
3. Vegetables!!!
4. Better meal planning -- particularly, need to work in more vegetables!

Helene

[jphilg]

Yay Robyn! Yay JeAnne! Yay Molli!

Yay!


Yay!

[Robyncz]

Congratulations JeAnne, what a great milestone! I can't wait to check out the new pictures.

I'm dreading my weigh-in tomorrow morning. It's been a LONG week and while I've recovered somewhat since my low on Friday, I haven't had a single day that was completely on program.

However, I am committed to going to the meeting and getting back on track.

I can do this. We all can!!

[Molli526]

JeAnne-

I wasn't able to see your new pictures :( Are they somewhere else on the table of contents?

[sassafras]

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE!!!!!!

JeAnne - Can't wait to see the new pics!

SOUNDS LIKE EVERYONE IS DOING GREAT.. We can't let those "celebration dinners" and over point days get in the way of this long-term lifestyle change. We ALL have those days, just start the next one with a clean slate and a positive attitude

Rebecca, I'm sorry that your job is a source of stress right now. Hang in there! Vent all you like, that's what we're here for!

Robyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all of Rachel's family and friends. I hope to hear some news soon.

My weigh in was yesterday and I am down another 2.5!! I was so excited that I was dancing around our house in my bathrobe. DH was laughing at me and is very proud. He's been a great support system as well as everyone on this board. You are the greatest!!!!!

I treated my self to a BIG reward this week.... My first NEW car!! Heaven after driving beaters throughout the years

Ciao
Sarah

[greysangel]

huh that's strange Molli they open for me fine :( Let me try sticking one here.

Testing testing :D

http://www.greysangel.com/wwjeanne/125front.jpg

[BeckyM]

I'm glad to hear everyone is having such success with their weigh-ins. And JeAnne -- what a wonderful milestone!

I don't weigh myself until Saturday, but I think this week is going well. My biggest success was last night at our Cooking Light Supper Club. I was tempted to go back for seconds on the pasta dish, but unstead I ate all the vegetables out of it and left some of the pasta behind. I also had a smaller piece of the Chocolate Angel Food Cake than my mouth was craving. It was difficult to estimate points, because I didn't have access to all the nutritional info for everything we had, but I tried to be conservative (over-estimate rather than under-estimate), and I ended up with an overall day of 23 points (my range is 18-23, though my personal target is 21), so I basically just ended up eating my activity points for the day, and I didn't have to dip into my banked points!

The other great thing about our supper club last night was that I discovered another woman in our group has just started WW too! She is attending meetings, while I'm just doing it online, but we decided we could be good support for each other. I also let her know about this thread, so she may be joining us here.

My biggest challenge for the rest of this week is going to be getting up to exercise in the morning. I almost didn't make it this morning -- overslept and was listening to my lazy voice telling me I should just sleep some more. Luckily my "be fit" voice was louder, and I was motivated enough to get in a short Tae Bo workout.

I'm a little nervous about getting on the scale this week, just because I have lost so well the past few weeks, and I am wondering when I'm going to hit that week where my weight just doesn't go down. That is typically the point at which my weight loss attempts in the past have failed, but this time I feel armed with tools to help me get past that -- the main one being the support of people here.

By the way, I wore some pants yesterday that had been getting too tight right after the holidays, and now they are really comfortable and even a bit loose in places. I was so happy, because they're my absolute favorite pants!

JeAnne -- thanks for the topic this week. I had never really thought about consistency in relation to weight loss before. I think that could be a very powerful way to look at things and to keep us going when it seems tough.

Have a great week everyone!

Becky :)

[jphilg]

Yay Sarah! Yay!

[slknight]

GREAT JOB EVERYBODY!

JeAnne, I just checked out your new pictures; you rock! I've got to agree with amcleod - that lipstick is really pretty too.

You are a continued source of inspiration. Keep up the good work. And I love what posted about "Don't take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What
others say and do is a projection of their own reality; their own dream. When you are immune to the
opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering." I really need to remember this. I am constantly worried about what other people thing about me.

-Susan

[Gracie]

I'd like to join this thread! Someone on the Food Board was nice enough to point me in this direction when I posted about WW over there.

JeAnne - how wonderful!! You are a real inspiration!!!!!! Since I am new to this, can you post the URL for your website?

I am down 27 since going OP (yet again) last August. I am a lifetime member, but I let the weight creep up again.

I would dearly love to lose exactly 50 to get back to honeymoon weight (and the honeymoon bathing suit I still have) but my leader said that at my age 44 she wasn't sure my body would let me get that far. That would put me at 120 where I started at 170. Does anyone know if that's a myth?? or just something they say to make you feel better?

I have been taking an awful long time to lose the weight this time. JeAnne, you are absolutely right about the consistency thing. I'm plenty motivated, but I think that sometimes I lose the "eye on the prize" and need to remind myself of my interim goals. As an example, I'll be skiing with my brother in a couple of weeks and I wanted to be down 30 by then. I'm close, but the last few nights I've overeaten after dinner, which have totally messed up my week. I weigh in on Saturdays.

Goals for the week (this is great to actually articulate them):

1. Exercise by myself if I can't walk with my usual friend
2. Drink water at home (I have no trouble drinking at work!!)
3. Stop eating after the daily point count has been reached.

JeAnne, thanks for this thread! I'll be reading it all the time now and hopefully contributing to share any good ideas I come across.

Loren

[greysangel]

Loren ;

WELCOME! Just click on the little WWW button on the bottom of my post and it will automatically take you to my website :)

Thanks everyone and keep plugging! Congrats to everyone for showing up and being here, physically and mentally!

JeAnne

p/s Susan, that lipstick is one of the few Revlon (I'm a M.A.C. gal) lipsticks I have. I love the name...BEEFY CHILI :D

[jphilg]

Beefy Chili. Wow.


Hey Loren! Welcome!

--Jen

[Molli526]

JeAnne-

Thank you for putting the picture on! My computer must be freaky b/c I can only see the pictures from October.

You look so great. Can I say I am so proud of you?

[HARRYET]

Hi everyone!

Hope you all don't mind if I jump in here. I tried to post last week when JeAnne started this thread (by the way JeAnne, Great name for the thread!) but the BB or my computer was "tempermental" and after 2 very long posts that disappeared I gave up.

Anyway, JeAnne your "pics" are awesome, keep up the good work!

I became a lifetime member at WW in 4-99, and continued to lose weight (another 14lbs). I hit my all time low and regained about 5lbs within a couple of months and hovered there for quite some time. This low weight was the weight I was when I got pregnant w/DS and was in my mid 20's. Loren to kinda answer your question, I personally don't think I could maintain that weight without really being disiplined, and working out constantly. I find that since my kids are getting older and I work very irratic hours PT, that I don't get in as many workouts as I'd like.

Anyway, I've since gained about 10 - 12 lbs over the last year and really want to get it off. So I'm back on program. It's been difficult, but I determined to do it!

goals this week:
drink my water
stay op
3 weight training sessions
2 pilates classes
5 cardio sessions

Good Luck everyone and keep up the good work!

Ann






:)

[JanetJ]

Yay to everyone for the fantastic weigh ins!!!!!!!! I'm so proud and happy for all of us. :)

JeAnne - you look fantastic. You are my inspiration. :)

Janet

[Jessica]

JeAnne--a great big Jewish Mazel Tov!! to you for reaching this most recent goal. You look stunning in that black and gold dress.

I weigh in tonight but I am a little nervous. I did not have a good week. Consistency is a good mantra for me in the upcoming week, because I swung wildly this week from high-point days to very low-point days. I know this is not good because it is not teaching me any healthy habits. I am going to keep your consistency/persistency chant in my head for the next few days and see if it helps. I taped a sticker to my computer with those words on it!!

Have a terrific week, everyone.

Jessica

147.7/141.2/???

[RebeccaT]

JeAnne, what a FAB dress! I love it! Did you buy it for an occasion, or just because it makes you look SASSY?!? :)

Congrats to everyone on their losses. WAY TO GO, SARAH (sassafras)!!!!

Can I just say, WE ROCK!!!

(I'm in a much better mood today than I was yesterday! :))

[greysangel]

I got it because DH has geisha girl fantasies :D ...too much info I'm sure :eek:

JeAnne

[SuzyQuzy]

JeAnne- Your DH sounds like my DB:D! So, where did you get the dress? ;)

Welcome Loren!:)

[greysangel]

I actually got it from an ebay store!! One of the few times I have been successful with clothes on ebay :) Now, I just either sell my stuff or buy buffy game collector cards!

Dig a little deeper and beneath the sassy lass you will find such a geek! :cool:

JeAnne

[amcleod]

You guys, I am so sad, angry, and frustrated. I just got back from my weigh-in and I gained .6. After gaining last week too, and being (For the most part) OP this week, this is not what I needed. I was hoping for a loss, any loss, to keep my motivation up. Right now I am feeling, "Sheesh, if I am going to count points and gain weight, I may as well eat what I want and gain weight!" This sucks.

So, yes, I did go out to eat 2x over the weekend in NYC and had alcohol...but in the past I've done that and it didn't override the rest of my good week.

I was feeling so sassy this morning before getting this news.

I am very tired of the thought that for the rest of my life I will have to wage a constant battle against food. I mean, I very VERY rarely overindulge as I used to. I cannot tell you the last time I ate a potato chip or a whole serving of fries or real ice cream. For heavens sake, I have a box of Godiva Truffles at home and I only ate 4 since my mom gave them to me at Thanksgiving!!

help me! and i hate feeling sorry for myself so this really bites.

a feeling-fat ann

[greysangel]

Ann;

"For the most part" sounds like "almost" which annoying mom used to say only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Sounds like it's time to do things a little differently. If things aren't working, time to change it :)

For a start...not something you may want to hear, but you have to count the alcohol. You may have been able to slide by in the past, but things change...our bodies change. Alcohol is major empty calories that add up quickly.

My advice is to journal everything. Then you can see what you are really spending your points on and adjust where you need to.

The battle against food...*sigh* I guess I'm just here to rain on your parade today so stop here if you have already had enough! You will always battle food. I will always battle food. People with food issues...same thing. When we get to final weight goal..don't you think the battle rages on? So many people make the mistake of putting their lives on hold until they get to a magical number and then think the work is over. Not only do they miss out on part of the journey...but so many end up back where they have started! Believe me, once you accept that you will have to journal forever..it's not as daunting anymore. I mean in the big scheme of life...so what? So what if you have to write what you eat? So what if you have to work out a bit more? It's not such a bad cross to bear. Yes it's a drag sometimes. Yes we would like to all sit around and eat bon bons with our abpack that jiggles the weight away while we are eating :) But it's a false dream. There are "civilians" like my DH who has no food issues what so ever. His internal clock knows when he has had enough. And then there's me armed for battle at every bite!

This is a little tough love here and I'm hoping you will still love me tomorrow :D

This week is a new week. Journal everything. Drink your water. Set up small goals for the week. Give it just one more week and if you do those things, see what happens.

JeAnne

[amcleod]

JeAnne, you are very very right. I need the tough love! I know I need to journal and journal honestly for the rest of my life. I just wish I didn't have to. But I do. So I will. And you're right about the alcohol, I was just deluding myself. I am gong to keep it to one drink unless either really out partying or a special occasion (which is only v-day, b-day, anniversary, DH b-day!!).

OK!!! No more feeling sorry for myself!

Goals for this week
1. No more feeling sorry for myself!
2. ULTRA-HONEST journaling...including alcohol :cool:
3. Get more sleep - being tired does not help my state of mind
4. Focus on how far I have come already
5. Do not focus on scale. Take measurements tonight and every other week after that.
6. Try a new 0 point food

Thanks for the encouragement and tough love!! JeAnne you really should become a leader when you've reached goal.

well, my water glass is empty, must go fill it!

[buffygirl]

I have to say it too - we do rock!!!

JeAnne, you look fabulous. Congrats on meeting your goal!

My week is going well. In looking over last weeks goals, I have to say that I met them. That feels so awesome, even though it did not show on the scale.

My progress this week: I've worked out 4 times already and plan to make it 5 tomorrow. I've eaten OP every day and banked points in preparation for tomorrow night's dinner out. My toughest challenge comes tonight when I go out for drinks with the girls and must limit my alcohol to 2 glasses of wine, not the bellini's that I really want.

Thanks for being there ladies!

Kim

[brykate]

JeAnne, I second that thought: you should, ought, and can be a great leader. No, I take that back. You already are a great leader. Seriously. You make me cry (I think I'm tired). I love how you encourage us, love us, impart wisdom to us, get tough with us, and move us. Thank you for who you are. :)

ok (mop mop sniff) .... I did better than I though this week! Lost a whole entire pound. Every one COUNTS!! Good job to all of us who've stayed OP and even lost this week :)

HANG IN THERE LADIES!!!!! (at least I don't think there's been any guys-?)

:) Katie

ps - Ann you sumerised how I (and others I'm sure) feel lots of times too. We can be strong! I love and think your response to JeAnne's tough love is wonderful. Probably a few of us are taking her words close to heart. I know I am.

[Jessica]

My meeting leader is pretty good, but JeAnne, you really find the most inspiring things to write and then you write them. Thanks!!

I was down another half-pound this week. I now have lost about 5 percent of my body weight :) I am doing the turtle plan--1/2 pound a week till I reach my goals. My leader is supportive of this (means I will pay longer, I guess) and said a slow weight loss means I may be less likely to regain the weight. I hope that is true.

One question--I started WW right before the holidays and the meeting turnouts were medium to low. Now, we have crowds of people!! Did this happen at anyone else's meeting?

Goals for the week

Journal EVERY day, not just when I feel like it
Eat more fruit points and fewer Jello pudding points
3 cardio, 2 yoga, 2 weight sessions

Jessica

147.7/140.6/??

[Gracie]

Jessica - since January we have lines out the door at meeting! That's how we know it's January!! :D EVeryone has these great New Year's Resolutions (me included!).

I am in my usual evening rut. I've eaten my points for the day and have to physically restrain myself from re-entering the kitchen. It helps to read the board since you can't eat and type!

I used to use some tricks to keep me out of the kitchen at night. It's tough for me since DH works evenings and DD is in bed around 8:30 so I'm all by myself. I'm on my honor not to go in the kitchen!

I used to:
a) brush my teeth several times per night (boy do I hate eating after toothpaste!)
b) shut out the kitchen lights and pretend they couldn't come back on
c) go to sleep early - sometimes REALLY early!

Maybe writing this will make me more aware and keep me out of the kitchen for tonight! One night at a time....

Loren

[MorningAWalker]

JeAnne~
Bow chicka bow bow bow, da da da da, da da da da -oh, cause she's a brick house, ow, she's mighty mighty....little sassy music for you, girl. ..You look mahvelous. You must feel wonderful. I feel your success with you!
The good news is: JEANNE Rocks! And I got up in the dark and went for an early morning five mile walk this morning. And I went to yoga tonight after work.
The bad news is I weighed myself yesterday and I've gained 2.5 lbs, since I've been trying to make concerted efforts this past month. What the heck is going on???? I began the day with Kashi Crunchy and FF milk & a banana. And today, feeling the rages of PMS, being satanically posessed I consciously went for one of those 99 cent bags of Fritos. You know, the ones that make you think are an average person's serving or maybe 2(because the **** servings keep getting larger. It used to be we had the small lunch packets or a big party bag, now they have a couple more sizes in between- Not that I'm suing anybody!! LOL), but when you look at the label, aghast, you discover they are 4.5 servings per bag. I ate 3/4 of it. AND, I had already had for lunch one of those Perdue chicken burgers, with lettuce, tomato, veggie cheese on a higher fiber, lowfat roll. AND a salad. But, no, I had to go & do that.
I feel so tired, like I've been hit by a mack truck. I'm sorry, but I am on a major pity pot. My skin is awful, and my hair is limp and thin.
Tomorrow is a new day, I can walk tomorrow. It's Friday. I'm not on a "diet". I'm working towards real life changes and transformation. I know the truth is, on day ONE, I will feel like a new woman w/ a little Advil and regular exercise.
What do you all put in your journals? I keep a food/beverage one with cals, fiber, fat, and exercise for the day and check off my vitamin. Do you all journal as in writing about more stuff?
Thanks for letting me majorly vent, and for being there. This, too shall pass!

[Jen]

Well, I had my first week weigh-in last night...but I've decided to post on Thursdays instead of Wed. nights (since then no one sees my post because of the new post Thurs. am!!). Anyway...distracted...I lost 4.6 lbs!!!! I was so worried I would go and not lose anything, and just get more discouraged. But I'm feeling a bit more upbeat now and hoping I can continue to lose (of course, I know that was just a big first week loss...but if I can keep this up I should be able to lose consistently over time, if not in big amounts...just like last night's meeting topic was about!).

And Gracie...LOL...my leader said something last night about how the days when she's used her points by 8 pm, she's usually in bed by 9!! So true...it's pathetic that once we've done our eating for the day, we feel like there's nothing else to do... :o

Anyway, my goals for the week:

drink water! (last week I was somewhat inconsistent on this)
exercise 3X (last week I met my 2X goal)
journal consistently


Thanks for being here...as I've said before, I may not post often but I check these threads every day and it makes a real difference to know there are others struggling with the same issues.

Jen

[Robyncz]

Oh, MorningAWalker, good question about journaling! I've been wondering the same thing. How do you guys journal?

I've been sucked into the WW marketing machine, and I bought their little spiral-bound journal with 12 weeks of pages. I'm liking it because I have a history of the past several weeks all together and I can look back and see what worked and what didn't. I like it a lot better than the little fold-up journals you get each week because those were a pain in the butt to store and I ended up throwing them away. But, I'm thinking when I run out of weeks (as IF I could lose everything I need to in 12 or even 24 weeks!!!), I might get something else to journal in. I'd like to maybe journal emotions and inspirations as well as foods and points.

What works for you guys?

P.S. I'm still terrified about my weigh-in tomorrow but I finally got back op today, so I'll at least have that to celebrate even if I do have a gain. . .

[SusanT]

I don't weigh in until Sunday but I've been doing well this week. I've been hitting my nutritional goals and doing well with exercise. To try to add some variety to my workouts, I went to Spinning class on Wednesday a.m.

I have had a sad week, though. A friend died suddenly and quite unexpectedly of heart failure. She was only 37. Her funeral was today.

I went to yoga class tonight and at the end of class found myself weeping. I just felt this sudden rush of grief. My instructor said that it was quite normal to have such a release after doing yoga. My friend had been a student of one of her colleagues.

Sorry for getting off topic.

JeAnne - congrats on hitting such a great milestone. You're an inspiration and a great leader.

[MorningAWalker]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about the unexpected passing of your friend...there are no words, really, for your loss.
One thing, though, that does come to mind is that if you can keep her alive in your spirit, taking the joys you experienced with her, and the things she taught you, and share them, she will live forever...in her own beautiful way. What was she like?
Good for you for going to yoga today! That was probably one of the best things you could do for yourself, any day, but especially when you need to take some extra good care of yourself. You deserve that!
I do yoga, too, and went tonight, as well. So, it is normal to have emotional releases after yoga? I wonder why? Looking back, I think thats happened for me, too.
I know that even on nights when its the last thing i feel like doing, it is the best thing for me.
Sometimes, all we can do is BREATHE, and be grateful for the breath. Our hearts go out to you, and we are here for you.
Namaste (I bow to the spirit in you)

[SusanT]

My friend was a very fiesty, independent, free-spirited woman who loved purple, riding motorcycles, her cats and her family. She doted on her nieces and took great pride in her Irish ancestry. She loved to dance even without a partner. She could be infuriating in her passion about her ideas but she was open minded at the same time.

Thanks for asking. She was truly someone who it was a pleasure to know.

Namaste..

[Jessica]

SusanT--

So sorry to hear about your friend. I just wanted you to know I had the same reaction to a yoga class last year when I was going through a difficult time. I was teary at the end of class and cried harder when I got home.

Take care.

Jessica

[SusanT]

Jessica - thanks for letting me know the same thing happened to you after yoga.. I was afraid I was going a little daffy.

[SandyM]

Susan,

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. What a crushing blow. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.

JeAnne - you ROCK!! What a gorgeous dress for such a beautiful person!

For the last 2.5 days, with a dreadful sore throat (I'm going to the doctor at 3:15 today - afraid it might be strep), I've only been able to eat soft foods (applesauce, pudding, soup) and drink tons of hot tea. So of course I'm down 3.5 lbs. I'm not reveling in that, because this rapid loss is going to crash and burn soon, I'm certain of that. My points level dropped (which I knew it would), and I've been at my max most of the week, until this happened.

Forge on, soldiers. Have a wonderful weekend.

[jphilg]

SUsan....big hug. I am so sorry. And I know that trying to maintain control of your life (and your eating) when you are feeling so profoundly sad is horrible. My thoughts and prayers and any e-hugs you need are with you.

Last night I was having a very sad (but on an altogether different scale) night, and even thought my mother is coming to town in about 3 hours, I opted to sit in front of TV and eat in lieu of cleaning my house and grocery shopping. And I am ok with that choice....I was eating a measured portion of homemade chocolate sorbet, and I needed that time to be me and to greive over my own disappointments. Take that time, Susan, and really feel the loss of your friend. Take care of yourself by feeding your body nutritious but cozy things, and letting your heart have a good cry.

Jen

[Molli526]

Susan-

I am sending you big hugs. (((((Susan)))))



About Journaling. I used to buy the WW kind- I hated the paper ones, because I ended up throwing them away- but $5 for the journals bound together!No Way! I got myself a little spiral boun notebook that I keep track of everything in. It is small enough that I can carry it in my purse when I am not eating at home. I rarely write in anything other than exercise and what I ate but on some days, I write how I felt.


Oh! I get reader's digest and they had an interesting article in the February issue about people who consume calcium lose weight better/ maintain than those who don't! Very interesting! I don't remember where the info came from, DH took the magazine to work. :o

[SusanT]

I'm feeling much better today. Thanks for everyone's support and sympathy.

I weighed in this morning and am back up to 138 but I feel like I've lost weight. Is it uncommon to have a slight weight gain during your period? Maybe that's what's up.

I'm thinking about not weighting in for a while and just doing measurements. I tend to lose inches faster than pounds and I'm getting frustrated with the scale. Should I do both? What do you guys think?

[MorningAWalker]

Susan,
Your friend sounds like she was an awesome inspiration. With all that passion, she must have lived well.
Hope you're doing better, and you're in our thoughts!

[NydiaC]

I've been lurking here too. I'm a returning WW lifetime member. I started the on-line program on Tuesday, mainly because of you guys. I'm doing pretty good so far.

This time will be different because I'm being realistic about how I eat, realizing that this is not a short term fix and that I'm training myself for how I'm going to live the rest of my life. The first time I did WW, it only took me 9 months to lose 50 pounds. However, I didn't do it realistically. I only had 3 alcoholic beverages in 9 months (at 23yrs old and single, let me tell ya, that was a challenge) and was VERY strict about what I ate (mainly lite TV dinners and salads). It wasn't the way I could or wanted to eat for the rest of my life. This time I intend to eat real food and drink when I choose, but do it in moderation and COUNT it.

Anyway...

Originally posted by MorningAWalker
The bad news is I weighed myself yesterday and I've gained 2.5 lbs, since I've been trying to make concerted efforts this past month. What the heck is going on????

MorningAWalker, don't fret about the gain. My guess is that its water weight because of PMS. That happens to me every month, and I get really tired and EXTREMELY hungry. This is a good time to eat at the top of your range so you feel satisfied and bulk up on lots of fruits and veggies. If you can muster the energy, exercise a bit more to compensate.

SusanT, definately monitor your measurements as well, especially if your exercising. I wouldn't do it more than every 2 to 4 weeks though, since you don't generally see differences with measurements as fast as you see changes in the scale.

Hope this helps.

My goals:

1) to eat within my points range
2) 5 days running
3) 2 upper and 2 lower body strength sessions

Have a great week, everyone! :D

[greysangel]

Susan;

Please know that you are in my thoughts. Big hugs for you and everyone is right...grieve and also honor the spirit of your dear friend.


On another note:

Weight gain is totally a symptom of period. I usually get the gain the week before (PMS). Weigh in is a few days into my period so I guess my body has released the water by then. Don't sweat it! Our bodies are cyclical!!! Life is cyclical!!

Journal...I keep a little fat notebook with me. On the front page I write my food, on the back my exercise. I do measurements or try to once a month. Sometimes I write feelings though I have a separate book for that. I also have this board so my thoughts journal has been pretty neglected!

Congrats for the losses out there!

I definitely encourage taking measurements as well as the scale although measurements once a week may be a bit much :) I would say once a month.

Take care everyone. Jen I'm also thinking of you as well. Please take care and good luck with mom.

JeAnne

[RebeccaT]

Susan, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Thank you for sharing with us - I will be thinking of you over the coming weeks as you come to terms.

Weekend approaching - have had two good weekend OP in a row but am nervous about this one - that 70's dinner party is tomorrow, and the food there will NOT be light. I am bringing dessert, and with some hints from Jewel will try to lighten up the cake I am making. Any hints for how to handle a dinner party? I am thinking that if I eat a Luna bar or something beforehand then I can just have little spoonfuls of what's served and not make a full meal out of it. Also, any idea how to come close to counting points in this situation?

Have a blessed weekend everyone - we are all doing great, and I want you to know how grateful I am for this group. All of you are so eloquent and encouraging, and I am honored to be walking this road with you.

[Molli526]

Rebecca-

Fill up on free veggies! Scrap the luna bar, that is 3 points right there! I have done this a couple times for events where the food is totally out of my control. It helps. Drink lots of water, eat high fiber with some protein for breakfast. The rest of the day veggies! It is hard but then you don't totally go over plan. It also helped me knowing the sacrifice I made, it was easier to turn down food that was only ok- why waste your points when you could have a piece of cake or something you like much better. I also use banked points if necessary.

OH! Try to drink a glass of water, or club soda etc between drinks/beer/ wine. It will help you to not drink as much. Alcohol is so points unfriendly when you are at a party.


This probably isn't what WW would say but, it has worked for me.

[JanetJ]

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my prayers.

Jen, I hope you are feeling better also.

I journal much the same way JeAnne and Molli do. I have a small, but fat, spiral notebook that I carry around in my purse. I write what I eat and my exercise. I have a seperate (I'm not quite sure why) book for my measurements.

Rebecca, I think you have a good plan for your dinner party. Make sure you aren't hungry before you get there. Have small amounts of the things you really want and load up on what is lighter....salad, veggies, etc... Don't stress too much about the counting the points. Be as accurate as you can - I always guess on the high side if I'm not sure.

I have a situation that is much the same. Tonight there is a group of us going out for a friend's birthday. Normally I wouldn't be too worried about eating out, but we are going to a fondue restaurant. Everything that you dip things in is high points - cheese, oil, chocolate. There is also drinks to contend with. I'm going to eat something beforehand, but I want to be able to also eat dinner with everyone else without completely blowing it. I will have one glass of wine and try to eat lots of the veggies that come in the first course - without dipping them in the cheese. Any advice out there? I know this shouldn't matter, but it is also a pretty expensive restaurant and I don't want my BF to think he spent big $$$ for me to just eat carrot sticks.

Happy Friday everyone!!

[pammy]

Susan...your friend sounds like she was a magnificent woman. Your description of her made me smile and I have the feeling she left the world a much better place than when she entered it. So very sorry for your loss.

I must say, Morningawalker, your posts crack me up! It is so funny, when I checked out JeAnne's website pics (way to go on the milestone, YOU ROCK!) I started humming that song - gotta love the funk.

Didn't weigh in this week...fate just seems to keep getting in the way. I scheduled a haircut/color appointment (came out awesome, my medium brown hair is now a beautiful, deep chocolate brown with mahogany highlights) for 5 p.m. Plenty of time to make my WW meeting about 10 minutes away at 7 p.m. Get to the beauty shop and the electricity goes out just as Sondra (my awesome stylist) starts spreading the goop on my head. The lights didn't go back on until 6:15 p.m. and I really needed a cut, so I was actually in the chair with Sondra ready to start cutting with the battery back-up light and a couple of candles to guide her. Talk about trust! Anyway, I obviously missed my meeting. Aaargh. I've really been on track and getting to that meeting was important to me.

Well, I won't let that get in the way of the fact that I feel great! Getting back into the exercise groove was just what I needed. It is a beautiful day here - sunny and around 50 degrees. I'm going for a nice, long walk, then doing some yoga. My goals this week are:

- Keep an eye on the sodium intake, I've been feeling puffy.
- Move my body
- I'm going to try varying my points a bit, but at 23 as a limit, that is a little diffiuclt. When I go under 22/21, I am ravenous.
- Give my body all the water and sleep it needs.

Lots of love to everyone - have wonderful weekends.

[greysangel]

I actually like the Luna Bar idea because it's protein and it will be much more satisfying than veggies. Hot also satisfies me better as well so if you are going the "free veg" route, I would make up a batch of 0 pt veggie soup :)

As far as the party..guestimate as best you can. It falls into that how much, how often. You have a measuring guide by your hand. A handful (palm) of nuts is apprx 1 oz, your thumb is 1 oz (as in cheese), palm of your hand is apprx 3 oz of meat etc... Use your best judgement. Stay away from the mayo dippy things if there are for apps. I like to have a little bit of everything that way I deny myself nothing. I do mean little though. Fill your plate with a spoon full of what you want. And remember, just because it's on your plate, doesn't mean you have to eat it! If something is less than stellar, leave it! Dont waste those precious points! More for dessert :)

Best advice: ENJOY YOURSELF! Focus on company, not food.

and now for a funny...

Top Ten Signs You're Being Stalked by Martha Stewart

10. You get a threatening note made up of letters cut out of a magazine with pinking shears, and they're all the same size, the same font, and precisely lined up in razor-sharp rows.
9. You find a lemon slice in the dog's water bowl.
8. On her TV show she makes a gingerbread house that looks exactly like your split-level, right down to the fallen licorice downspout and the half-open graham cracker garage door.
7. You find your pet bunny on the stove in an exquisite tarragon,rose petal & saffron demi-glace', with pecan-crusted hearts of palm and a delicate mint-fennel sauce.
6. The unmistakable aroma of potpourri follows you even after you leave the bathroom.
5. You discover that every napkin in the entire house has been folded into a swan.
4. No matter "where" you eat, your place setting always includes an oyster fork.
3. Twice this week you've been the victim of a drive-by doilying.
2. You wake up in the hospital with a concussion and endive stuffing in every orifice.

AND THE NUMBER 1 Sign You're Being Stalked by Martha Stewart...

1. You awaken one morning with a glue gun pointed squarely at your temple.

Have a great day!

JeAnne

[RebeccaT]

Originally posted by JanetJ
Normally I wouldn't be too worried about eating out, but we are going to a fondue restaurant. Everything that you dip things in is high points - cheese, oil, chocolate.

Janet, what fondue restaurant is it? Many fondue places will let you do the main course in a seasoned broth, which, IMO, tastes even better than the oil! The Melting Pot does this. That way, the only points you have to count are the ones for the meats themselves, not the oil.

Also, I sometimes find when I go to a fondue place that I can eat LESS than normal. Instead of having two fondue forks in the pot at a time, only do one. Then take your time eating that tasty little morsel - cut it into little pieces, dip it into the soy sauce (stay away from the hollandaise!) and savor.... then cook another piece. That way, you won't have a constant stream of food going into your mouth, and you can better gauge when you are satisfied.

You CAN manage this! If it were me, I would have to forgo the cheese fondue altogether, b/c it is my undoing, but maybe you can stop with just two or three apples!

Enjoy yourself!

[JanetJ]

Rebecca - good ideas!! I had forgotten about the broth (I am going to the Melting Pot). I know the cheese fondue will be there whether I order it or not since there is a big group of us. I will just eat slowly and sip on water (to make my glass of wine last longer!). I feel so much better now that you have reminded me about the broth. Thank you!! :)

Have fun at your party too!

[Gracie]

Susan - I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot begin.

JeAnne - Thank you for the Martha Stewart thing. I have several friends to pass that along to!

Loren

[SuzyQuzy]

Susan- I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I also lost someone a few months ago. It is so hard to let go when it happens suddenly to someone so young. Time and your memories will help ease the pain. My thoughts are with you.

Jen- Good luck with your mom!! I just found out mine is coming back this weekend! She just left Monday and she is coming back today. :eek: Luckily she is mostly visiting my sister this time, but I will still have to make the obligatory family dinners. :rolleyes:

My real test this weekend is going to be Saturday. My sister and I have a tradition of taking each other to afternoon tea for our birthdays and hers is this weekend (the big 30!!). Nothing about going to tea is low point!! I also dont know how to begin counting those points. I decided I'll just do half of the normal. Only half of the cute little tea sandwiches, half of a scone (no lemon curd or double devonshire :( ), and hopefully I can get fresh strawberries instead of the cute little dessert tray. :rolleyes: I'm still having that glass of Champagne, though! :D It won't be quite the same, but it will still be fun. :cool: I've also decided that for my birthday we are starting a new tradition!!

Just want you to know that I am so thankful for all of you and your support! Have a great weekend everyone!!:D

[BeckyM]

I see RebeccaT already mentioned the broth option with fondue -- that's exactly what I was going to say! I also think her idea of only using one fork in the fondue pot at a time is a good one.

On the cheese fondue, maybe it would work to take a bit of cheese (by dipping a veggie) onto your plate, and then just use a little bit on each veggie you eat? That way you would get the cheese flavor on them without each one being covered. It's that same concept as dipping your fork in salad dressing and then taking a bite of salad rather than pouring the dressing all over the lettuce.

On a personal note, I have to report on a VERY recent success! We just had a free lunch here at work, and there was the infamous cookie plate for dessert. Our department gets these really good, big chocolate chip cookies & brownies for dessert when we have lunch, and I normally cannot resist. My usual practice would be to have a cookie with lunch and then go back after lunch for leftovers. I am proud to report I did not even nibble a crumb! I decided I would much rather save points for a nice dinner with DH tonight and for yummy cake at my In-Laws' birthday party tomorrow. Besides just the good feeling of sharing my success, I felt compelled to tell you all because it will help me continue to resist the leftover cookies that are still sitting in our break room!

I had one more thing to share. I discovered a great snack yesterday for when you really want something sweet and rather indulgent -- Kudos bars! I saw them in the store, and on the front of the box it said only 90 calories and 2.5 g fat, which translates to only two points! In case you're not familiar with them, they're a sort of granola bar type thing with chocolate, and they're found near the fruit & cereal bars & granola bars in the store. I got the M&M's kind (with the M&M's mini baking bits), and they also have a chocolate chip kind. So last night after dinner I was craving some sort of empty calorie sweet, and this was perfect! It was sweet and chocolatey, and it was big enough to satisfy me. Plus, it was only two points! I certainly won't let this replace my fruits & veggies as snacks, because these have very little nutritional value. But when I am craving something chocolatey, this will be a great way for me to indulge myself without going overboard. (I don't think I could stick to eating just one little Hershey's miniature.)

Have a great weekend everyone! I'm hoping my weigh-in tomorrow morning goes well!

Becky :)

[m4star]

You look absolutely stunning!! What an accomplishment. You inspire us all.

[greysangel]

Becky;

Your behavior changes and the way you handled the cookie plate is AWESOME!!!! A reason to celebrate in itself!

Congrats!

JeAnne

[emilyn]

Susan, I second all the sentiments expressed already, I'm sorry for your loss.
Congrats JeAnne, what an accomplishment! Thanks for being a great leader for us.

I had an ok week, I didn't do so well over the long weekend which stretched through Tuesday for me but I did write it all down. I lost 1.5 this week which I'm thrilled about. So I'm gearing up for the weekend again hoping I can stick to my points. I haven't planned it out yet exactly but I will try.

My goals
1)keep journalling
2)make a plan for the weekend and stick to it and maybe try to plan out my weeks menu and get a head start on it cooking and shopping
3) avoid the chocolate covered pretzels when I go to trader joes :D
4) get to the gym one day this weekend to make up for last monday and keep up with my plan of 2 upper and 2 lower body strength sessions a week

[slknight]

Susan, I am terribly sorry to hear about your friend.

SandyM, Hope you feel better.

To everyone going out to eat tonight or to a party, Good luck! We can do it.

I have been doing pretty well this week. My weigh-in is Monday morning. It helps keep me honest during the weekend. :D I am afraid though, that that TOM is going to strike with a vengance, and I'm going to end up being bloated. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

We're going out to dinner tonight too. I'm meeting DH in Portland and we're going for Indian food. I'll have to check the points for chicken tikka. I think I'll be ok. We're going to a hockey game after that, so I'm a little worried about that. I'd better stay away from the popcorn and nachos!

Have a great weekend everyone.

[Molli526]

Becky-

That is so great you resisted temptation! YAY!

I hope everyone has a good weekend.

[Molli526]

This is the best "filler" soup. It is from WW.

0 Points per serving.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Garden Vegetable Soup

Recipe By : WW
Serving Size : 4 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : soup

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2/3 cup carrot -- sliced
1/2 cup onion -- diced
2 cloves garlic -- minced
3 cups fat-free chicken broth -- (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
1 1/2 cups green cabbage leaf -- diced
1/2 cup green beans
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup zucchini -- diced

In a large saucepan, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute the carrot, onion, and garlic over low heat until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add broth, cabbage, beans, tomato paste, basil, oregano, and salt; bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, about 15 minutes or until beans are tender.

Stir in zucchini and heat 3-4 minutes. Serve hot.

Description:
"0 Points per serving!"
Source:
"Weight Watchers"
Yield:
"1 cup"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 51 Calories; trace Fat (2.7% calories from fat); 10g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 556mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

NOTES : This recipe is very flexible with substituting "free vegetables". I usually add celery and tomotoes- or whatever else is in the fridge and I am in the mood to add.
Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

[Jen]

BeckyM - thanks for the point info on the Kudos bars! I've seen those too, and thought they looked like they could be a good chocolate craving-fixer, but here in Canada they aren't labeled with any nutritional info. :mad: We will finally be getting better labeling, I think by next January - but for now I have to follow the "if you don't know the points, don't eat it" rule! I'll have to pick some up on the weekend.

[slknight]

I love Kudos bars, especially the peanut butter ones. But for me, they are a danger food. I don't buy them very often. Be ware that although they are only 2 points, they are very tiny. I have a problem only eating one!

[sassafras]

I second the review on 0 Point soup. I follow the recipe except, like Molli, I add celery, chopped tomato (ussually canned:rolleyes: ) and yellow summer squash. Plus a couple of bay leaves. This soup has been a lifesaver for me. I eat it for lunch with a salad if I know that I'm going out that evening. I agree with JeAnne that hot food or drink is especially satiating.

Another lifesaver for me has been banking points for the weekend. Whether I bank food or activity points, they are great to get me throught the weekends and those special weeknights out on the town :cool:

Have a great weekend everyone!! My goal this weekend is to drink my water (I have a hard time doing this at home?!?!) and to stay OP!

Cheers to another great week everyone!!
Sarah

[Robyncz]

Hey guys, I wanted to report that I survived my dreaded weigh-in today. And surprise--I lost .8 lbs. One thing I've come to realize is that I seem to be on a one-week time delay when it comes to my weight. When I have a really good week (last week, for example) it sometimes doesn't show up until the following weigh-in. Likewise, when I have a bad week (like this one!), it often doesn't show on the scale until a week later.

So. . . . I'm hoping if I have a REALLY REALLY good week, I will either (a) never see the results of completely losing control this week or (b) feel so good about getting back on program that I won't be completely discouraged if I post a gain next week.

Does any of that make sense?

Anyway, here are my goals for the week.

1. Drink water (no REALLY!!!!!).
2. Get to Jazzercise twice (I've just been "released" back to my exercise program by my doctor who is monitoring an incisional hernia, so I have to start slow).
3. Find an "activity" to do with my family (an afternoon walk, for example).
4. Keep journaling--even if it's "ugly."

Thanks to all of you for helping me get through another week.

Robyn

[Molli526]

Robyn-

I'm glad to hear things are looking better in Texas. I bet you will have a great week now you can get back to exercise. :D



LauraB-

You must not be feeling so well, we haven't heard from you in a while. :( I hope you will be feeling better soon.


Happy Weekend All!

I made myself a double batch of soup so I can fill up on it and enjoy going out for a nice dinner tomorrow- and hopefully have a smashing week myself- although I won't weigh in again until February :p

[Laura B]

Here I am! I am actually feeling a lot better, just have not been posting much today. Thanks for asking about me, though. :)

I just finished dinner - we had the Linguine w/ Pancetta and Parmesan from Jan/Feb 02. This was the second time I've made it - we love it! 8 points. Yum. That will be dinner tomorrow, too. Then on Sunday DH is eating with some friends, so I'll have to figure out what I want to make just for me. I'm planning to try out that zero point soup this weekend. I hope I like it!

Susan, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. She sounds like she was a very special person.

Are any of you fellow WWers planning to join in on that Seattle trip being planned over on the Other Stuff board? I would love to meet some of you!!! Please come!!! SLKnight, I saw that you were planning to go, but what about the rest of you?

TTFN! :p

[Molli526]

I am VERY seriously considering it. I just have to double check with DH. That would be so fun to meet everyone!

[SusanT]

THUD.... That was the sound of me falling off the dieting wagon. I had fried catfish at dinner tonight. Feeling pretty queasy, though. When you don't eat very much greasy food it really does a number on one's stomach. I'll have to remember next time that it's just not worth it. In retrospect, I would have rather splurged on dessert.

Oh, well, live and learn... I'll go for a long walk in the a.m. and hop back on the wagon.

G'night!

[greysangel]

Susan;

Live and learn! It's true...after cooking light and eating light for a while..full fat stuff just starts to taste too oily/greasy and does not react well with the body!

Although I haven't found this to be true with chocolate or dessert :D

I would love to go on the trip. Unfortunately with DH and I moving and acquiring grown up furniture, a big trip cross country is out. I would encourage y'all to do it though. I have met lots of people online and its' a great experience. I have also organised a trip for WW gals in the big apple which was great fun. If you ever want to do an east coast thing...I'm in! For now the big trip is going to have to wait a year. WAHHHH!!! I was just thinking how great it would be to meet you all :(


JeAnne

[SusanT]

Yes, the same thing doesn't apply to dessert! :D

BTW - I stepped on the scale this morning and I'm actually down almost two pounds. You were right about the monthly cycle weight going away a few days into my period. THANKS!

[JanetJ]

LauraB - I plan on being at the Seattle gathering. I live nearby, so may not stay at the hotel, but I plan on attending the activities. Hope to see you there!

Janet

[MorningAWalker]

Hi All,
Have a lovely weekend, filled with joy and ease and pride in yourself!
Anyone know how I might begin to count cals/fat/fiber when dining in ethnic restaurants? I know that virtually every other country tends to offer more nutritious food than America- so, when I go to my favorite rest.'s that serve Indian food, or Lebanese, or Thai- is there a book out there, a guide, some kind of tool that measures classic dishes from ethnic cuisine?
Oh, back to that breakfast question. Someone was asking about good breakfast- In my little hand I have a delicious treat you might want to look for- Ready? get your pens- it's called "Amy's Organic Black Bean Ranchero Breakfast Burrito" Maybe someone could translate that old points system, but here's the stats: 210 cals, 6g fat, 5 g fiber.I'll read you some of the ingredients: tofu, potatoes, tomatoes, wwheat flour, black beans, bell peppers, etc. On second thought, now that I read that- it doesn't *sound* very good, so you'll just have to go on faith that its absolutely delicious.And filling. Got mine at Shaw's, I know Bread & Circus carries them.
Has anybody tried visualization in their weight loss? Not to sound airy-fairy, but I read that neurologists & brain surgeons swear by this technique- the theory being- if you can visualize X, then you can walk yourself through X, and your "subconscious" has almost a "pattern" or a "plan" on how to go about achieving X. The brain surgeons picture every single step of the operation . And so, if we can't even *imagine* ourselves thinner, or what that would look like, how are we going to get there? In a way, that's sort of subconscious defeatism. Also, I think that being realistic is also probably crucial in this technique. I think. Like, I first imagine myself 5 or 10 lbs lighter, and what that feels like, what I did to get there, etc. Are you with me on this? Has anyone tried it and does anyone want to try with me? I'm willing to try complimentary things, not as a substitute by any means, but things that add inspiration and positive assistance to this journey. JeAnne, have you tried? Do you know people that this has worked for?
Just an idea. Not going to pack up the bags and move to California QUITE yet...LOL.
PERSEVERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

[RebeccaT]

Just put on a pair of blue jeans I bought a couple of years ago - tried to wear them out of desparation two months ago and wouldn't be caught dead outside the house - too tight. Well, tried them on again this AM (desparation again - all other jeans are dirty) and WOAH!! They fit, and they actually LOOK BETTER than they did when I bought them! Happy happy joy joy!

It's definitely WW, but I have also been working out religiously since about a month before I started WW, and I think the results I am seeing are as much a part of my body changing shape (saddlebags significantly reduced) as it is the weight loss. I highly recommend weight training, everyone - I have found a class that keeps me motivated and keeps me from flaking out on reps or on certain exercises that I hate, and it's starting to pay off.

MorningAWalker, as far as the visualization is concerned, I do that all the time in Body Pump (weight training) class - whenever I feel like giving up for the last couple sets, I imagine myself in that bikini this summer!!! :D Makes me keep going, that's for sure!

Laura, I am glad that you are feeling better! I am going to have to try that linguine after your recommendation. I am thinking about going to Seattle, if I can swing it, but I am in a similar situation as JeAnne - we are buying a house, and need "grown up furniture" too! I am going to try, though - $240 plus sharing the cost of a room doesn't sound too bad, and it would be a ton of fun!

Happy weekend everyone - I just finished making a Watergate Salad to take to this 70's themed dinner party tonight - I have never seen anything so artificial looking in my life!!! How did they ever eat this stuff! :p

Cheers,
Rebecca

[SusanT]

Way to go, Rebecca! Isn't it nice to see hard work paying off?

[Laura B]

Well, all this talk of jeans made me go upstairs and pull out some jeans I bought about two months ago that did not fit. I bought them a size smaller on purpose. They are obscenely tight today but at least they actually button now!!! Just before Christmas there was no way that I was going to button any of the buttons. Hopefully another month of counting points and working out will make them comfortable enough to actually wear. I want to get some use out of them soon while it is still cool enough here for jeans before they get TOO BIG. :p

Amanda, I know exactly what you mean about visualization. I do it all of the time. It makes me frustrated, though, because it makes me impatient to get to my vision. ;) It really is effective for keeping me on track. If you have not already checked out the site www.myvirtualmodel.com that was mentioned recently, you should. I put in my goal weight and loved what I saw!! I think that I will go and look at my model at my current weight and then my goal weight whenever I need a really concrete visualization tool.

I got my WW books today from Molli! I guess I did not really need them, but it is nice to have something other than the computer to look things up in. I realized that I was counting my cereal at too many points. That's good! And I really do not eat at chain restaurants very often, but I want to keep that book in the glove compartment of my car for reference on those trips when it seems the only choice is a chain restaurant. :rolleyes: Thanks, Molli!

Rebecca and Janet, I cannot wait to meet you! JeAnne, I think that there should be a CL meeting in NYC. I would go in a second - I love NYC. In fact, I was thinking the other day that when I eventually go back to NYC for my big city fix I want to meet you. You're my inspiration. :)

I'm back to my verbose self. Feeling SO much better now!

Have a great weekend, everyone. :D

[Molli526]

Congrats Rebecca! I have a pair of jeans like that, I will wait another week to try them on though. Isn't it funny that we all have these clothes we hang on to "wear when we are thinner".

I talked to DH, me going to Seattle is not happening, even with a FF ticket. We are trying to get ourselves back to where we don't have any credit card debt, and right now isn't the best time :( I could do something in NYC as I will be there for work this summer.

[MorningAWalker]

Hi All,
Rebecca, CONGRATS on your jeans! You must feel absolutely fabulous!!!
Laura, thank you for the website, I'm going to go check this out!!! Sounds interesting!
Does anyone know how many lbs lost causes you to go down a dress size? Just curious!
Does Cooking Light have "meets"?
Have a great rest of the weekend, folks, be back soon! Love, Amanda

[SusanT]

Hey - just wanted to tell you guys about a class I'm taking through the local university's continuing education section.

It's called World Dance for Fitness! Here's the class description:

"Dance your way around the world, and get fit in the process! Sample music and dance styles from South America and Africa with low impact dance exercises. Warm up with fast-paced Latin Salsa, then move to the highlands of Ethiopia for exercises concentrated above the waistline, and Egypt for ancient dances great for the back and abdominals."

Doesn't this sound like a blast! The first class is next Saturday. Has anyone taken a class like this? I've only seen something like it on Sex and the City.

[MorningAWalker]

Susan,
Class sounds super! Keep us posted as to how you like it!
Laura, the website was cool! Is there a cost for "subscribing"?

[Molli526]

Amanda-

I once heard it was 10lbs for every dress size, but I know personally that isn't so. I think it varies, especially now with so many people working out, being more toned etc. I would think at least 5 - 7 pounds would be a loss in dress size.

[Laura B]

Originally posted by MorningAWalker
Laura, the website was cool! Is there a cost for "subscribing"?

It's free!

[MorningAWalker]

Great! Thank you to both of you!

[BeckyM]

Okay, I feel compelled to post, because today was my "weigh-in" (in the bathroom at home), and this week I only lost 1/2 a pound. I know I shouldn't complain, because at least I still lost, but it isn't much compared to my losses the previous two weeks. I also know that my body won't continue to lose at the same rate forever, and I was sorta anticipating that this week's loss wouldn't be as good -- not because I wasn't on plan, because I really did stay in my point range, and I had banked points left over. I just knew my body wouldn't keep losing so quickly forever.

So now the big challenge is to keep my motivation (actually, I guess my persistence!) despite the little bit of disappointment. Even though I knew not to expect too much, it's still a little disappointing.

Then tonight was the big birthday party for both my mother-in-law AND father-in-law. MIL had requested a famous cake of mine, and no matter how much I try to lighten it, it's still 6 points per really small slice. And of course I also had lasagne (4 pts) and some not so low-point bread, and salad, and appetizers, etc. It was all relatively healthy stuff, I just ate more than I feel I should have. I ended up eating 6 points over my range. I imagine some of you are thinking -- why is she upset about that? I know that's not really falling off the wagon, and I know I'll make my bank balance up during the week (it went to zero this morning), but somehow I feel like I should be more "perfect" at this plan than that. I know that's something I need to watch out for -- my perfectionism. I need to make sure my desire to do things perfectly doesn't drive me to give up on this just because I go over my point range on a given day. I actually had planned on it (maybe not by quite that much though), and I did forego a luncheon my women's group was having today with lots of heavy desserts. I need to focus on the fact that I am eating better than I would be without WW, and I still can slowly & steadily lose weight by following the plan. And actually, going over points occasionally can still be following the plan -- that's what the banked points are for.

Sorry I'm rambling so much! This is just a good way for me to acknowledge my feelings and try to re-motivate myself. I really get a lot out of reading all your posts too, and knowing I'm not alone in this. Knowing many of you have days where you eat more than you had planned helps me know it's not the end of the world, and I can just keep on going with my healthy eating and journalling.

So I'm starting off my week in the hole on points, but it will be good motivation for me to get back to positive banked points. I usually take the weekend off for exercise, but I'm going to try to squeeze some in tomorrow, just to work off some of the cake I ate tonight.

Good luck with the rest of the weekend everyone! And thanks again for the online support. This really does help me!

Becky :)

[greysangel]

Becky- I tend to be a perfectionist too and it took me a long time to put down the beating stick. You did a great job and six pts over is great. Think about nights out or big dinners in the past. Count up the points. I certainly know I have polished 50/60 pts in a meal before. You are on program - 6 pts or not. And the 1/2 lb is your body adjusting from losing big the first two weeks. You know that. Prepare yourself for the inevitable week you gain a bit. It's ok to be upset with not being perfect for now...as long as it doesn't lead you to be even more less than perfect ;)

Rebecca and Laura - YAY JEANS! There is nothing like going into a tight pair of jeans.

Laura I would love to meet you and for the matter anyone here! It is so much fun once you get over the initial giddy nerves ;) I'm a pro at meeting strangers now ...you realize that after talking so long, you really do get to know other people. To meet it's sort of a really warm, loving experience. How many people are interested in a NYC gathering? I could definitely plan something and Molli - you can just look me up this summer! Maybe plan something for either late summer or fall for those that wanted to do both trips.

SusanT - yay loss!

Amanda - there is an ethnic section in the WW food companion which is around $8 in my neck of the woods. However it's pretty general and by no means comprehensive. With eating out you just have to sort of break down the meal and guess as best you can. You will get better and better with it over time.

Also ...lbs per dress size. It really depends on what size you are to start, height, and clothing design. The lower the size, the lower amount of lbs between sizes. And you grow out of pants (more fitting) faster than you do dresses or skirts. When I was a 24 it was about 30 lbs to get to a 22 or 20. Now it's about 10 lbs per size which is why I don't wear a lot of pants! The fashion industry is also another rant I wont get into right now. There is no standard for women's sizes so an Elizabeth (liz taylor) 14 is not the same as a Lane Bryant 14 or a Jones NY 14. It's incredibly frustrating. It's actually a bit scary now going shopping! As much as I love all the new shopping choices...it's definitely more work to find things. I have gone from a size 30 to a size 14W or 16 misses. In jeans i'm still a misses 18. In dresses I'm definitely a 14misses depending on the cut. And the shrinkage issue is strange too. You will go weeks and something wont fit at all. One day you put it on and it not only fits but there's room. It's bizarre...like the fat fairies come in the middle of the night and take your fluff away! And yes the gym definitely helps with sizing and pulling in...more so than the weight loss per se. My weight loss has slowed down but at 5'4" and 213 lbs, I'm one of the few people I know over 200 that can wear an XL.

Yay!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend. I'm sore as all heck from packing but I will be sooooooooooooo happy to move!

JeAnne

[greysangel]

I knew there was something I forgot!

Visualization - yes I have done it but a little differently than you describe. Because I have had so many problems with really identifying with my body and size, I have done visualization and meditated on trying to "sink into" or become one with my body. It's difficult work because you don't want to always become one with your buddha belly! But if you make peace with it and accept it, your mind is free to do other more important things than criticism which is lose weight and feel great! Sounds mammy schwammy but it works!

I also chant the night before weigh in...two pounds gone two pounds gone...but I think that's just me being obsessive ;)

JeAnne

[Robyncz]

I have just moved out of my Lane Bryant 18 petites and into my 16s. Hooray!

I have a friend who is one size ahead of me in this weight loss thing. She gave me the 18s and the 16s and she has my 14s right now. Soon she'll be moving into "regular" 14s (as opposed to Lane Bryant 14s) and I'll be monving into the LB 14s. Neither of us is EVER going to wear the 18s again. They are in great shape and I would LOVE to pass them on to anyone out there who could use them for your own "transition" (I know how much it stinks to go out and pay lots of $$ for something you're only going to wear for a month or two).

So, if you're interested in two pairs of free jeans (size 18 petite), send me a private message. They're free for the asking. I'll even pay the postage cause I believe in karma and I love you guys!

Robyn

[jphilg]

Well, I appear to have survived the weekend with Mom....she has just left, and body and mind are still under control.

We ate in Friday, and Saturday for lunch,and then went out last night for sushi (sushi! The great WW dining out solution!) and this morning we had a diner breakfast, but I ordered oatmeal with a banana. And we really had fun....we were kind of girl-talk-ish, I think DH was bored some of the time, but all in all it was wonderful.

I agree that there are huge problems with the sizing of women's clothes in this country. I hate the way that they are jsut beginning to take the LENGTH of your body into account, instead of jsut your relative GIRTH. Even when I weighed 40 pounds less than I do now, I wore a 14 for the length (I am 6' tall). Now I am a misses 16, and rapidly approaching my old 14s, but for me I think it will take about 30 pound total loss before I am comfortably a size smaller (I have a few "cheater" size 14s that I know run a little big).

I am on the line about Seattle....I'd really like to meet everyone, but we are pretty broke and I would have a hard time justifying that expenditure.....and we have earmarked our FF miles for our trip to IRELAND this summer, so no help there. But I would LOVE to do a NYC trip. Late summer/august is fine, but maybe even sooner!?! JeAnne, do you want to organize something? Or I can organize? It sounds like there are several East Coasties on this board, at least, who would come. I am also happy to organize a Washington DC meeting if that would be more central.

Anyhow, I am feeling good. I feel like I have really gotten into the habit of being on WW....I can make good choices a little less consciously and obsessivly than I used to. My weigh in is tomorrow, and I feel good about that (however it goes, but I'd love so see a little downward movement). I do have to make it through my book club tonight which is generally wine and cheese, but I think I'll budget myself 1 glass of wine and sit by the fruit, not the cheese.

Take care all.....I am so happy to have such a motivated, stick-to-it gang of eating pattern modifiers to vent and celebrate with!

Jen

[Laura B]

ACK! Jen, I just wrote out a long reponse to your PM and your mailbox is full. Empty that thing, girl!

I have had a good weekend so far. It is getting easier and easier to make the right choices without thinking about it. And, when I do decide to splurge (like my silly pizza episode last week), it usually just makes me realize that the splurge was not worth the points. Of course, some splurges are SO worth the points. But I think my Domino's pizza splurges are going to be hard to convince myself to do again. Just not good enough.

For those of you with scales at home, what kind do you have? How accurate is it? Was it expensive, etc.?

[Robyncz]

Laura B

I LOVE my scale. I've had it for about 7 years and I use it for cooking as well as for portion control. Mine is digital, made by Terrailon. I've never heard of that company before but it has lasted 7 years with no problem. I think my mother got it at Bed Bath and Beyond or Linens n Things.

Here are the features I couldn't live without:

1) digital readout--so much easier than reading the dang needle!
2) converts from US to metric with the push of a button.
3) has a "tare" function--you can set your bowl or plate on it and reset it to 0 so you can put whatever you're weighing in the bowl and weigh it without having to do the math (i.e., weigh the bowl first then weigh the stuff in the bowl, then subtract).

[Laura B]

Oops! I meant bathroom scale! But I was interested to read about your kitchen scale, too. I have a really cheapo one that seems to work fine, but would like to upgrade eventually.

[jphilg]

Ooops....I never realized you could max out your mailbox!

We have a Terillion (ironically) bathroom scale, that has a dial sort of raised off of the platform. I never get on it, but DH claims that it is very accurate, or at least consistent in its inaccuracy.

It looks cool.....but I have no first hand experience.

Jen

[Molli526]

I would love for a NYC get together.

I am there for my company meeting the 22nd- 25th of July. I can easily arrive the weekend before or after. :D

What fun would that be! :D

[MorningAWalker]

Is there a way to do WW without messing with that pooints system?

[Laura B]

Originally posted by MorningAWalker
Is there a way to do WW without messing with that pooints system?

I don't think so. It would not be WW without points. It would just be counting calories. ;)

[MorningAWalker]

Hmm.. the points system just doesn't seem like a concrete way of dealing with food. Doesn't the "points system" seem a bit mysterious and disempowering to make good, healthy food choices? I mean this in the kindest way, I know it has worked for many people, and I respect that.

[Laura B]

Actually, no. I thought it was going to be strange when I first joined. But I have found that it is incredibly easy to use and gives you a good perspective on what you are eating both at the moment, during your whole day, and during the whole week. It emphasizes balance. Of course, anyone can abuse it if they want to. But if you use it properly as a guide to make better food choices, it is very useful and it works. I'm not sure what you mean by it being disempowering.

[Jessica]

It's true you could just eat 11 pudding cups each day and say you are on points. But the plan encourages healthy eating and reasonable portions, which is good for a lifetime.

I started WW 10 weeks ago and have lost 7 pounds, over the holiday time, no less. That is not such a great rate, until you consider I gained about 25 in the year after college and had yet to lose any of it in eight years. Or, more to the point, I lost and gained the same six pounds about 10 times.

I am not always within my points range, but I keep bouncing back because it works, and because I feel better. Since I started WW, I've eaten more fruits and vegetables and less junk. Even the days when I am not on points, I tend to eat very healthy food, just more of it. My hope is that over time the points will become a habit and I will continue to lose and maintain the loss.

For me, the support and encouragement at meetings also makes a difference, as does the accountability. I am paying $10 a week to have someone weigh me and by golly I want that number moving in a downward direction.

[MorningAWalker]

Laura,
What I mean by disempowering may be difficult to explain. I will do my best to define it: it just seems, from the outside, looking in, that relating to food on a points system is a bit unnatural. And are the points easy to figure out, for example, if I ate a dinner of , oh I don't know, chicken, pasta, sauce with cheese, and a garlic roll, and salad, would it be difficult for me to figure out what my points were? WE're measuring everything, right? What do we do when our servings are under or over our assigned points? And if we';re not hungry, do we still need to eat our "points"?

[jphilg]

You might be fighting a losing battle here, Morning.....this is the WW thread, after all. What WW does is allow you to have the occasional piece of pizza, or cake, without feeling the guilt that I have always experienced in the past. Points are a way of understanding the whole nutritional value of the food, without focusing on just fat, or just calories....it encompasses fiber, and unless you learn to love veggies, you will be constantly hungry on WW.

I have learned a lot about portion control from WW, too.

And when you think about it, "fat" or "calories" are jsut arbitrary units, too....they are just more universal. Points do have a basis in the physical characteristics of the food, but it is a different unit than we are used to.

So no, you can't do WW without the points. But although it takes getting used to, I find that I truely am getting to a place where I don't have to measure and weigh, but instead can just make reasonable food choices. And this is after just a month.

THat is my $0.02

Jen

[Laura B]

You do not have to measure everything exactly. I measure when I can, but not all the time. For the dinner you gave an example of, if you prepared it yourself you would know exactly what you put in and the points calculation would be very easy. If you ate it at a restaurant, you just estimate the amounts and look up what you ate in the WW food book (either look up the finished dish or the components). You may not be getting the actual point value, but you will come close. WW is very flexible. If you go over one day, no sweat. There are ways to make up for it, plan in advance for it, or you can just forget it and move on!

Just saw what Jen posted and I agree with everything she said.

[greysangel]

Amanda;

It may seem strange from the outside but it is actually very empowering. When you just count calories, every calorie is the same. With the points system, you get to discover the benefits of chosing lower fat calories, higher fiber options. It's a way of having a range instead of saying I can only have 1,500 calories a day. Life isn't like that. We need to be able to plan for days to take in more calories. To me, that is the beauty of the program...balancing...making choices. I really don't know how to explain it any better and would encourage you to try it. I'm pretty sure registration is waived right now so that's 11.95 to get the materials. If you don't like it, you don't have to go back. I have been completely broke and I have been where I am now which thankfully is doing ok. 11.95 is relatively inexpensive compared to food, gadgets, toys and socializing.

WW is definitely not the only way to go, but a lot of people these days have been saying it is the place to go if you want something other than yourself. Going to a program is incredibly empowering (just like this thread) because you accept that you cant do it alone....and you don't have to! It takes a lot of strength to undo what we have done over the years.

Getting off the soapbox now...promise! :D

JeAnne

[slknight]

Not sure I have anything to add about WW because I agree with everyone else. You do learn to make better choices to fit within your points range. As Jessica pointed out, you could just have 11 pudding cups. But you know what? You'd probably be starving because those were empty calories. You definitely start to realize what things fill you up for less points (i.e. good for you things like veggies) and you start to make better choices. Anyway, I agree with everyone else.

I had my home weigh-in this morning. I was down 1 pound for a total of 4.2 (2 weeks). But ARGH! I hate that TOM. I weigh myself every morning. I know, I know, I shouldn't do that, but I do. Anyway, I have been 1 to 2 pounds lower for several days. But serious TOM bloating has set in just in time for my "official" weigh-in. NOT FAIR! I'm trying not to let it get the best of me. I've got a big challenge this weekend for next week's weigh-in (going out of town), but I'll post about that later in the week.

-Susan

[Jessica]

I wanted to comment on the empowerment issue. I've struggled with body image and food issues for years, and it was getting to the point where I was obsessed about my weight and appearance. I wear a size 10-12, which most people would consider normal, but as we know, real size is not the point when we are struggling with body image.

In my 10 weeks on WW, I've noticed myself worrying less and less about food and about weight in general. It is as if I am telling myself, "OK, I am doing something to make a change in the way I view food, and I am gradually losing weight, so I can focus my energies and attentions on other things."

I am not all the way there, and I am not following the program perfectly yet. But to me, the ability to shove food and weight issues aside for more important things is extremely empowering.

[jphilg]

Does anyone else get really nervous before weighing in? I have my weigh in tonight, and the first 3 times, my heart has started pounding about 5 minutes before I step on the scale. Like, POUNDING. First date, public speaking kind of pounding. It doesn't really affect me for more than those 5 minutes, but I feel so silly!

Not sure how I will fare tonight. I feel good about my week right now, but a) it is TOM, and b) my "plan" for avoiding the cheese last night at book club royally flopped. The hostess had been to the cheese guy at Eastern Market (sort of an old-school market with dairy, buther, produce, cheese stalls.....fantastic way to shop if you live in DC!) and had acquired some really fabulous artisanal cheeses, some beautiful pears, and the best baguette I have eaten in a long time. I stayed away from the brie en croute, but I devoured probably a half pound of cheese. 8 ounces. And I relished that cheese.....and I will eat salads all week in repentence. I just wish that it hadn't been the night before my weigh in.

I had a great cardio workout this morning, and I am going to boxing class tonight, before my weigh in. So there is hope. And regardless of what the scale says, my jeans say I am making progress.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Jen

[Robyncz]

Originally posted by MorningAWalker
Is there a way to do WW without messing with that pooints system?

Amanda,
I've been thinking about this all morning. I think I understand what you mean with the empowerment thing. There are programs out there that don't teach you how to deal with real food in your real life. They tell you (or sell you) *exactly* what and how much you're supposed to eat at each meal. OR they don't give you food at all, but you subsist off a liquid diet. I think these programs may work in the short run, but for MOST people, they don't work over time (That said, I have a very good friend who lost over 100 pounds on a medically supervised liquid diet over 4 years ago, and with maintenance education, she's kept every bit of it off--but that's definitely not for me!!)

Anyway, I don't think you have a clear picture of how the WW points system works. There is absolutely nothing "mysterious" about it. As others have explained, it is about calories, fat, and fiber. There is a mathematical formula that you can use to figure out the points value of any food for which you have nutritional information. And there are materials to help you make generalizations about foods for which you don't have nutritional information (i.e., in a restaurant, or when you have a recipe that doesn't give you the stats.). All in all, it actually DE-mystifies foods and helps you make balanced and healthy choices.

Anyway, in my opinion, it is a system you can use your entire life, without being on a diet, and without feeling deprived, to manage your weight--and more importantly, your health!

Now, if you really don't like the points thing once you really understand it, I'd recommend checking into the OLD WW system, which was based on food exchanges (proteins, breads, dairies, and fruits and veggies). Another good way to make informed and balanced choices about what you eat each day.

Good luck making a choice. It can change your life!

[MorningAWalker]

I'm sorry, everybody, I didn't intend to "battle" or upset the applecart. I understand that WW is very sacred to alot of people, and has been a Godsend.
By asking questions, I was trying to understand more clearly, not be defiant or argumentative. Computers don't always convey words the way we intend them.
I knew alot of people here were doing WW, but I didn't realize that the purpose of this thread was just WW. Maybe that was not so smart on my part. Maybe I should try to find a different ss, because I'm doing a different thing than WW.
Thanks for clarifying the points, I did not realize that there was a formula available to all, to figure out on their own. I appreciate you clarifying that for me.
I wish you all continued success on your WW journey, and toward loving yourself more, feeling greater, more energy and living in a beautiful body! You've got alot of great support here, alot of inspiration.

[slknight]

Originally posted by MorningAWalker
I'm sorry, everybody, I didn't intend to "battle" or upset the applecart. I understand that WW is very sacred to alot of people, and has been a Godsend.
By asking questions, I was trying to understand more clearly, not be defiant or argumentative. Computers don't always convey words the way we intend them.
I knew alot of people here were doing WW, but I didn't realize that the purpose of this thread was just WW. Maybe that was not so smart on my part. Maybe I should try to find a different ss, because I'm doing a different thing than WW.
Thanks for clarifying the points, I did not realize that there was a formula available to all, to figure out on their own. I appreciate you clarifying that for me.
I wish you all continued success on your WW journey, and toward loving yourself more, feeling greater, more energy and living in a beautiful body! You've got alot of great support here, alot of inspiration.

Oh, no! Please don't leave us. I don't think that anyone felt attacked or argumentative. I think we've just been explaining how we feel about WW. I can't speak for others, but I never felt like it was a "battle." And although this thread's primary topic revolves around WW, there is still room for you here. You always make such interesting points. Please don't feel like you're not welcome here.

-Susan

[greysangel]

Amanda;

You are right...computers do not convey intent and that works all ways...your words and everyone else that posts on the internet. You saying that you felt it "may be disempowering" are pretty strong words. I don't think anyone responded harshly...if I did, I apologize. This is a weight loss support thread...anything you want to do is fine. Just understand that a lot of people are doing WW and having great success with it. That success alone says a lot for the program. Saying that, I have read "fit for life" and a lot of other books and people are losing and maintaining through a lot of different means! If it works for you, that is most important. We're all in the same boat.

I hope you continue to post on this thread as I value your imput in this journey. If you choose to find support elsewhere, that's ok too. It's all good!

JeAnne

[BeckyM]

Amanda,

I agree with JeAnne & Susan -- please do not feel unwelcome on this thread! I come here for support on WW, since I am doing that program, but I also come just for general support on trying to lose weight. I agree your posts are thought-provoking, and I really enjoy reading them. I would hate for anyone to think we are WW snobs here!

I thought your questions about WW were valid, and I know other folks were sharing their belief in and enthusiasm for the WW program. For me personally, I HAVE lost weight on other diets, but this plan is the one that is working best for me right now. I recognize that everyone is different, and various eating plans work better for different people at different points in their lives. Good luck on your journey, and I hope you'll continue along with us! (And I really like your quote, by the way!)

Becky :)

[MorningAWalker]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jphilg
[B]You might be fighting a losing battle here, Morning.....this is the WW thread, after all.

No offense taken, all is well. I was just trying to make it clear that I wasn't trying to "battle". As far as the disempowerment comment I made, but then the points system was clarified- if the way a food item got a point assigned to it was mysterious, then I think that would be disempowering and frustrating. But, as someone explained, WW gives you the formula to figure out yourself. So, that sounds good. That sounds empowering.
When I diet, I obsess about food all day long and I become rebellious and cheat and then beat myself up, into a viscious cycle.
Enough about me & my questions, how were everyone's weekends? Were you good to yourselves?
Goals: More water (numbered my bottles w/ marker 1,2,3,4 etc)
Healthy food, try to just eat when hungry, not grazing
Get exercise daily

[Robyncz]

Oh golly! I didn't feel like there was any battle going on either. I thought I was just answering the question. . .

This thread has been so awesome because so many people with different backgrounds and experiences feel free to post questions, feelings, successes, and "failures." I've never felt any animosity from anyone.

So, Amanda (or anyone else who feels sensitive--we ALL have those days!!!), please don't go. Stay and continue to share. Even if you feel WW is a load of crap (just keep *THAT* to yourself ;).

Robyn

[jphilg]

Ooops....I am the guilty party. I am sorry if you felt attacked. However, I stand by my comments. While I enjoy having lots of viewpoints on this board, I have stayed committed to this thread because pretty much everyone on it is doing WW. There is another more general weightloss thread, if you want to discuss other plans, or why you think WW is disempowering. I come here for support, not to justify why I am following the WW plan. And honestly, while I appreciate your upbeat comments and the kudos you give to people doing well, this most recent discussion point is not the first time you have posted here criticizing WW. And that is why I characterized this as a "battle" because I have percieved several negative jabs at WW in your posts.

There are lots of ways to lose weight. I am doing WW because I have tried several of them, and I still percieve myself as overweight. I am happy to be part of a discussion of the philosophies of various plans, but frankly, I want to come here and get slapped on the back for following the program for another week.

I really don't mean to escalate this....but I do feel sort of like you attacked first by coming to the "Weight Watchers Points Support" board and talking about how silly it is to do weight watchers. I get enough of that from people around me, and I really was hoping to have a little haven on this board.

And that said, I am having a crappy day, and I don't mean to take it out on you. But I do want to come here and talk about points and talk about meetings and ask JeAnne the WW Oracle questions.

Jen

[greysangel]

Jen-
First off..sorry you are having a bad day!

Second..I understand how you can see it the way you did because truth be told, I also perceived it the same way which is why I responded the way I did. I want all the kiddies to be able to play in the sandbox!!

I honestly think there are many paths to the ultimate goal which is living healthy and being well. At the same time, I personally think WW is one of the best weight loss programs out there and I am not alone in my thinking. I will defend it because I know it. At the same time I will educate and encourage others to at least try it. What do you have to lose? I have no problem with someone challenging me to defend the program I believe in. There is nothing disempowering about WW if it helped me lose 125 pounds. The weight loss is empowering...the coping tools and basic good info about portion control and nutrition is empowering. I don't care if I am counting calories, points or chickens!

What I will not tolerate is someone saying that one way is the ONLY way or putting down someone else's way...be it weight watchers, t.v. light dinners (see that thread and you'll see what i mean), sugar busters, abfab, magic pill etc... Don't knock what someone else is doing...worry about yourself.

With that...be good to yourselves and I honestly hope this haven is not lost :)

JeAnne

[pammy]

Jen, please do feel better. (((hugs)))

First time that I have hopped on this thread for the past few days (home sick with a sore throat, yuck). This weekend was not so great - went out to eat both Friday and Saturday nights. But, I exercised both days, and ate lightly earlier in the day, so I don't think I did much harm, though I did go over my points range by about 5 each day. Yesterday, I made a bag of popcorn to battle the impulse to engage in nervous munching while watching my Steelers fold like a house of cards. Not really a postitive thing that I don't have much appetite today, since it is because I'm sick.

I just want to say that this thread is important to me. I think that I'm at the place which is hardest for me, maintaining a healthy lifestyle after a weight loss. The discussions which take place here around emotional eating, body image, and the desire to be healthy for the rest of our lives have been inspirational to me. Quite honestly, I am not sure what it is about WW which has empowered me to face my disfunctional attitudes about food, but it has done that. That said, I hope that this thread remains a place where we can support and encourage each other to continue on this particular path which we have chosen towards becoming strong (physically and emotionally) and healthy women.

[HRJ]

Hmmm -- this discussion has been interesting -- but I don't know that I have anything of substance to add, so I'm going to turn it back slightly to the week's theme -- consistency and persistence.

First off, I weighed myself this morning (I'm doing WW online), and I was down 1 pound. Which I'm very happy about -- during my first week, I was down a lot more than I had expected, and I was worried that I'd "bounce back" this week.

Also, I wore a pair of pants in public this morning that I have not dared wear outside the house since last spring. (Maybe I didn't really look that much better in them -- but I felt better).

The idea of consistency has been most important -- for example, I have stuck to my goal of exercising three times a week, even though I have to admit that some days it has been a real internal battle to get to the gym or get on the Nordic Track. But, if I can stay consistent about it, then these workout sessions will, I know, become a natural part of my routine -- if I can just get through this initial period of fighting myself about it.

The same goes for journaling -- I've been using the online journal, which I like because it's easy to access from home or work -- that's been an excellent tool for helping me stay consistent about portion sizes and eating patterns -- hoping that the constant awareness of what and how I'm eating will become second-nature.

My goals still focus on:

Water; vegetables; workouts.

BTW -- made dinner Sunday night from WW's Great Cooking Every Day cookbook, which Ellyn (eas11) told me about -- made the "Moroccan Style Seared Salmon with Caramalized Onions" and it was delicious!!

DH and I both enjoyed it a lot. (I halved the recipe, since there were only 2 of us). It was a huge plate of food, for only 5 points a serving -- which seems almost unbelieveable. I highly recommend it -- and it's elegant enough to be a company meal, too, I think.

If anyone wants, I'll post it.

Congrats to everyone else on their loses! Have a good rest of the week, everyone!

Helene

[greysangel]

HRJ;

I'm so glad you are recommending this book. I had gotten one of their older books and wasn't impressed just because the recipes seemed kind of blah.

However the recipes I have made from the WW site have been really quite delicious. That chocolate cranberry tart is out of this world for 4 pts (good sized slice)

I may have to check it out!

JeAnne

p/s congrats on the gym! and the loss!

[pammy]

Helene, is WW's Great Cooking Everyday the cookbook put together by the group of chefs - either CIA or ICAP? I have eyed that one, but like JeAnne, avoided it because the WW cookbook that I have is bland. Like I need more cookbooks!?!

[Robyncz]

Chocolate Cranberry Tart?? And me with half a bag of fresh cranberries to use up. Hmmmmm?? Can I find the recipe on the site?

By the way, I want to report a positive but slightly demoralizing side story to my weight loss. Since I started WW at the beginning of December, DH (who did not join, but is following the program on his own, using some software for his PDA that he SWEARS by) has lost no less than 22 pounds. I'm very happy for him because I know he's much healthier than he was 2 months ago and he feels great. But on the other hand it is SOOOOO frustrating to watch it just melting off him when it's such an effort for me. He has stayed religiously within his point range and exercised almost every single day, and he has not had a weekly loss of less than 2 pounds. . . Lucky b*st*rd!

Robyn

[greysangel]

Enjoy!

WW CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY TART

This decadent tart has lots of fiber from the cranberries and oatmeal and is lower in fat than traditional tarts since it uses fat-free sweetened condensed milk.

4 POINTS PER SERVING


Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Topping
12 oz (340g) cranberries
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup water

Crust
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tbsp butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla

Filling
6 oz (170g) bittersweet chocolate, melted
1/2 cup fat-free sweetened condensed milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt


1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine topping ingredients. Cook over medium-high heat until cranberries have popped, 10 minutes. Cool.

2. Coat a 9-inch (23 cm) baking pan with cooking spray. Combine crust ingredients and pat them onto bottom of baking pan.

3. Combine filling ingredients and smooth over crust. Bake until chocolate has slightly set and crust is golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Top with cooled cranberry mixture. Cool completely on rack.

Number of servings: 12
POINTS per serving: 4

Nutritional profile per serving: Calories 205.6, Protein 3.6g, Fat 8.0g, Saturated fat 4.9g, Carbohydrate 33.5g, Fiber 3.7g, Cholesterol 6.83mg, Iron 1.4mg, Sodium 54.1mg, Calcium 59.7mg

[jphilg]

I hear you on the Amazing Shrinking Husband issue. My Dh is similarly effortless losing pounds and inches. Of course I am so happy for him, because he feels so much more confident, but when *he* pointed out the other night that he'd lost more weight on WW than me, and he hadn't even been to the meetings, I was a little peeved.

DO you think that most men just have faster metabolisms? Or is it that most men just have an easier time dieting because food is less of an obsession?

Either way, my DH is hunkier every day.

Jen

[greysangel]

1) Men have a different body composition. This effects weight loss as well as body building.

2)As a general statement, men who are overweight tend to have portion problems only as opposed to the emotional thing. Men tend to take out emotional problems in other ways..they dont generally have the same connection to the nourishment of food. This is a general statement :) There are exceptions.

Those two are biggies.

JeAnne

[MorningAWalker]

I wasn't saying that WW is "silly", or making "jabs", or trying to do anything of the sort. I feel like you didn't even read what I wrote. Somewhere, somehow things seem to have gotten all misunderstood. I hope you are not seeing me as this "toxic" element in this group. I thought I was being supportive, and uplifting and helpful and honest. And just asking a couple of questions, and being humble & honest about my own struggles. I've been here, cheering people on when they felt bad about themselves,or when they had an off points day, reminding everyone that they're worth it, and beautiful people. And I mean that sincerely. I've been recommending your website, JeAnne, in other posts too,because it is so uplifting, and I feel proud for you & with you. And everyone else! Let me again say that I have seen that WW works, that was not a doubt. I'm kind of surprised that you think these things about what I've written & asked. Of course this is the place to ask WW questions, and talk about meetings, and anything else. Of course the haven is not lost and will be safeguarded. Apparently I don't convey well at all...

[greysangel]

hehehe... a friendly suggestion here.

Sometimes the best way to forget about miscommunication or whatever is to drop it :)

I'm saying this in the nicest possible way. Please let's not start a "gotta have the last word" war.

It was miscommunication. It was the internet. It was misunderstanding or just enquiring minds. It was alien invasion.

It's over now and maybe we can talk about weight loss and SUPPORT?

JeAnne

[Molli526]

((((pammy))))- Pammy I hope you feel better tomorrow. :)


YAY Helene! Congrats on those pants! My only non-yay to you is telling me about another cookbook! I need another cookbook like a hole in the head ;) I guess I will wait for others to buy it, and tell me how much they like it :cool:

[ajkerkhoff]

Ok . . . being new at WW, I heeded the advice given on this board that weekends are more challenging when it comes to sticking to the program - and so I made an extensive meal plan for this past weekend. Protein for breakfast both days, veggie sandwich for lunch. For dinner Saturday I made the CL Navy Bean and Artichoke Casserole (only 7pts . . . if you just have one serving - oops), and Sunday I had a salad for dinner since we were having dessert with friends.

HOWEVER - I made all of these last minute "additions" - a glass of wine, croutons on my salad, regular dressing, an extra piece of dessert - to my meals (on both Saturday and Sunday) that put me pretty far over my point range both days. I was pretty bummed . . . even though I did a Spinning class and a Step class this weekend, I'm at -15 points, looking ahead to my weigh in on Wednesday. And I thought I had a solid plan!

Do y'all have any suggestions on how to manage my weekends better? I'd appreciate any advice - thanks.

Amy

[MorningAWalker]

Hi AJK,
no advice here, but I am curious how the CL Navy Bean & Artichoke soup was, it sounds delicious! Would you make it again? And sounds like you made alot of really great choices, that deserves a hearty applause. And the fact that you planned at all is worth being proud of. Good luck, and keep taking care of yourself! (((((YAY AJK)))))))))

[HRJ]

Pammy -- yes, Great Cooking Every Day is the cookbook from WW and the Culinary Institute of America.

I got it last week, and it seems very good -- I, too, had had some of the older WW cookbooks, and was less than enthused. DH, who is usually very open-minded and appreciative about any culinary experiments, even asked me to stop using one of those books (I think it was "Simply the Best") because the recipes were so bland.

But, "GCED" seems like a keeper. And Molli -- don't blame me!! Ellyn hauled this book out when we were having dinner at her place! She started it! ;)

Anyway, here's the salmon recipe, if anyone wants a taste of the book:

Seared Salmon with a Moroccan Spice Crust
From: "Great Cooking Every Day"

Makes 4 servings

12-16 white pearl onions
1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons anise seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 pound salmon filet, cut into 4 pieces
1 cup cooked green (French) lentils
1 small head frisee (curly) endive, rinsed and torn

1. Fill a medium saucepan with enough water to cover the onions and bring to a boil. Add the onions; simmer, covered, 3-4 minutes. Drain. When cool enough to handle, cut off the roots and peel away the tough stems.

2. Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, then add the onions. Cook, turning often, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Add the sugar and cook, stirring, until the onions are glazed, about 5 minutes. Add the salt and pepper and keep warm.

3. Combine curry powder, coriander, cumin, caraway seeds, anise and peppercorns in a small bowl. Coarsely grind the mixture in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Rub both sides of each salmon piece with a generous amount of the spice mixture.

4. Spray a large nonstick skillet with nonstick spray adn set over high heat. Add the salmon adn cook, turning once, until the fish is browned on the outside and opaque in the center, about 4 minutes per side.

5. Divide and arrange the letnils on each of 4 plates. Place the samon in the middle of the lentils and garnish withthe glazed onions and frisee.

Per serving: 5 points
263 calories; 9 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 66 mg cholesterol; 189 mg sodium; 17 g total carb; 4 g dietary fiber; 28 g protein; 62 mg calcium.

**my note -- I found the fish cooked much quicker than 4 minutes per side -- watch carefully. Also, I removed the skin from the filet before putting on the spices.
And -- went to two stores looking for fresh pearl onions -- couldn't find, so used little white boiling onions instead. Was still delicious. (The cookbook says you can also substitute frozen pearl onions). Also did not have anise on hand, so left it out -- crust was still very flavorful and spicy.

Helene

[ajkerkhoff]

I am curious how the CL Navy Bean & Artichoke casserole was, it sounds delicious! Would you make it again?


Actually, MorningAWalker, the casserole turned out really good. I think emilycat posted it on the Great Food board last week, and we really enjoyed it. It called for 5 oz. of goat cheese, and I used a little bit less, and it was still quite flavorful.

The only problem was that I wasn't quite full from one serving - so I had another 1/2 of a serving, and I probably would have been better off without it. Live and learn!

[jphilg]

I was eyeing that cookbook last week...it looked good, but I had such bad luck with Simply The Best. I think I'll pick it up tonight as a treat to myself!

I actually made the CL Bean and Artichoke Casserole myself this weekend...it was pretty good. I think that Bean and Artichoke Soup would be better, though! Amanda, want to develop that recipe and share it with us? As for the casserole, I lightened it further by reducing the oil both in the leeks and in the topping, and I used feta cheese because goat was too expensive for this week, but feta actually has fewer calories than chevre. Go sheep! Anyhow, I think my version was 5 points a serving, for 1/6th. Here is the unedited version:

2 (1-ounce) slices whole-wheat bread
2 (15-ounce) cans navy beans, undrained
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced and divided
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 cups chopped leek (about 3 large)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried
rosemary
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 (14-ounce) can artichoke bottoms, drained and each cut into 8 wedges
Olive oil-flavored cooking spray
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) crumbled goat cheese

Directions
Place bread in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs form to measure 1 cup.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Drain beans in a colander over a bowl, reserving liquid. Add enough water to liquid to measure 1 cup. Combine beans, thyme, sage, pepper, and 1 garlic clove.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 garlic cloves, leek, rosemary,salt, and artichokes; sauté 4 minutes. Stir in bean liquid mixture. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes,stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Spread half of bean mixture in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, and top with half of goat cheese. Spread
artichoke mixture over goat cheese; top with remaining bean mixture and remaining goat cheese. Combine the breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle over goat cheese. Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.

****
But anyhow, weekends *are* a problem. It is tough to say no to those glasses of wine and, in my case, hunks of cheese, but I think ultimately it is mind over stomach. Next weekend try "trading off" extras, like allowing yourself a glass of wine but skipping croutons and dessert. Instead of worrying about staying on plan, next weekend make 2 tradeoffs, and see if you end up only 5 points in the whole. Then the weekend after that, make yourself stay on plan.

Change is gradual. If you are having trouble making changes in your weekend habits, change them halfway first!



Jen

[buffygirl]

Checking in after a particularly "bad" weekend. I had a weekend of non stop emotional eating. It wasn't necessarily volume, but just junk. I haven't totalled it all up, but we are talking 2 35 point days. Again, it's not the end of the world, but I made the worst food choices I possibly could. I skipped meals and ate at the movies instead. Ate no veggies, drank no water. I'm done though and back OP today.

That book I ordered on emotional eating really needs to hurry up and get here!:D

I'm really getting so much from everyone's support. Let's keep it up!

[greysangel]

Just wanted to point out that WW has a great little superbowl snacks article with recipes on the site.

the reuben bites i have had before and they are good!

here's the link:

http://216.33.148.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=41b1b362b355c77833504524f2c2cc1b&lat=1012257490&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fweightwatchers%2elifecycl e%2demail%2ecom%2fgo%2fwwn00501574ave%2fdirect

hopefully that works!

if not go to weightwatchers.com

JeAnne

[MorningAWalker]

Hee hee, okay, lesseee.... to make the casserole into a SOUP, you add a gallon of water, simmer, and everybody gets to have a much bigger portion ...LOL.
Hey, wait a minute (scratching chin..) that is some kind of theory on volume, isn't it?
Anyway, the recipe sounds good. Going to try to make one new dish per week, to fend off boredom . My day has been very terrible, and PMS bad and tears and yuck. I hope that I will be able to have some sanity with dinner tonight, and not do the ol' emot'l eating. When that book comes in, I would be very interested in hearing about it (Emotional Eating).
PS- Goat cheese and feta are great. I even found a sundried tomatoe&basil ff feta. And garlic & herb goat cheese is great for us!

[Molli526]

Helene-

That looks great! Thank you! Well, I will be a good girl and just add it to my Amazon wish list :)


Amy-

You are doing great that you are planning! That is very admirable. Like Jen said, it gets to a point of deciding what do you want more- wine or croutons? That type of thing. I really try to not eat something that isn't *special* (things that aren't homemade, specialty of the restaurant etc) if I am somewhere and I am tempted. I would much rather have a great glass of wine instead of a store bought cookie for instance.

[RebeccaT]

I seem to have caught what the rest of you had last week - evil nasty cold bug!

I can't even walk and chew gum at the same time, how am I supposed to diet and be sick at the same time? Yesterday I had so little appetite that I was only at 15 points for the whole day - I wasn't even hungry - so what did I do to remedy the situation? I had two cookies I had just baked for a member of my church! I still wound up at only 21 for the day (btw - LauraB - your mom's cookies, the Coconut Chocolate Chip ones, are 3 points a piece!

Today has been better, still little appetite but I am eating - OP for the day with 12 to spare for dinner (which I won't use all of). Can't go to yoga - my headache is too bad.

WHINE!!! :o Sorry, everyone - and now back to your regularly scheduled program.

[brykate]

Poor RebeccaT!:( I'm sorry you've got it now too.
MAW - I hear ya about the PMSing and yucky stuff. Me too! Ugh! Make it go away!! I'm craving chocolate like crazy. I feel po'd at anyone who comes my way :mad: ... for no good reason. - I'm fighting it....

If I loose this week (which of course I'm planning on doing!) I think I might reward myself with a new cookbook. And when DH asks about it I'll have to blame it on all you guys!:) (he honestly won't care though)

Just coming to the board and reading here reminded me that I've not drank enough water today and I need to be more careful about that.

Doing my workout 3 days a week so far so good. Yeah me! I love my aerobics. I guess it's national; kind of like Jazzercise. It's called "Body and Soul" Anybody ever heard of it or have it in your area?? Just curious.

Have a good loser week! (:rolleyes:That was tacky!)
:) Katie

[Laura B]

Wow, lots has gone on since last night!

Rebecca, hope you feel better soon. I am glad to hear those cookies are just three points each! I imagine they must have gotten a point of credit for fiber. Yum. :)

I had a pretty bad day points-wise. The cup-a-soup from Whole Foods I packed for lunch today was yucky, so I made a bad choice in desperation and ate a three muskateers bar. The day was not lost, though, until I got home and decided I did not want my planned pasta dinner. Instead I NEEDED Chinese food. DH and I went to our favorite Chinese place and I have not yet added up the damage. How bad is Moo Shu Pork? ...and an egg roll... and three fried wontons? :o Yikes. Oh, well. That craving was takedn care of and won't resurface for a good long while. Hopefully. the next time it rears its head, I will be able to not eat so much fried stuff and maybe only one pancake instead of two! Oink, oink. :p This past week seems to be my week for giving into temptations. I had been so good my first three weeks on plan. Anyway, I am planning to be very good for the rest of the week because I am having people over on Friday for my favorite lamb chop recipe and want to be able to eat what I serve!

I also have the WW Great Food Every Day book. I have not made anything yet, but it looks great. I think I'll put the salmon recipe on my to make soon list. Thanks for recommending it!

[Jessica]

Hi Everyone,

Just thought I'd share a couple foods that are working really well for me right now.

1. veggies and hummus. Raw pepper strips, zucchini strips and baby carrots (I don't count them unless I eat a whole bunch) dipped in flavored hummus. You can eat 1/4 c hummus for only 3 points and the veggies are zero. This is a great snack or light meal and the hummus adds a little protein.

2. I've found that if I want a low-point breakfast, a banana actually fills me up longer than a bowl of cereal and has only two points.

3. Sushi. 'nuff said.

Jessica

[jphilg]

Just got back from my meeting.....1.2 down! Better than I thought, given CheeseFest 2002 last night.

I have set a mini-goal for myself to be 15 lbs down (210) by my birthday on March 4.

Later, all....

Jen
224.4/216.2/170

[Laura B]

Wow, Jen! You ROCK. You're doing so well. :)

I think mini goals are great motivators. My long-term goal is so large, that I find the mini-goals keep me from losing hope.

My goals are:
Be down 10 pounds total by Valentine's day (so that is only four more since I'm already down 6)
Be down 15 pounds total by my anniversary (3/15)
Be down 30 pounds total by graduation (5/19)

I won't despair if I don't make them, but they are little guidelines I have in my head.

[food girl]

I need some support from you guys!

I admit, I am a lurker on this thread. As a registered dietitian I am interested in what motivates people to lose weight and how support from others plays into that. I work with cancer patients and I am usually couseling patients to gain weight, but today I was asked to talk to a patient about weight loss. A RN overheard me suggesting WW and afterwards completely berrated me for "getting myself of the hook" with that one.

Yikes!

Don't you think that you all are getting far more out of WW that sitting down with me and making a one-time meal plan??

I did explained that I had researched WW and feel that it wonderful not only for weight loss but overall healthy eating.

BTW, the patient was interested in WW and said that my approval of the program meant a lot and she would stop by on her way home - and the consult with me didn't cost her anything.

So, I am not the lazy dietitian eh?

Lisa

[KelLeg]

I think your WW suggestion was a great one. I'm not in the program, but my mom and sis did it with great success. I think the group support is great. Way to go!

[navandoren]

i am new to this thread also, but here are my two cents anyway...

i don't really think you are getting yourself off the hook easy. i know for me i have done several weight loss programs, fad diets, etc. to no avail - or i should say no *permanent* avail. now i am quickly learning that it is all in the committment you make to yourself.

this time i am working with a nutritionist (i just started friday- see 'my first time to a nutritionist' thread on the board now) and she gave me a ton of information to take home that i can work with to change my eating habits. what she showed me that was most valuable (for me) was the portion sizes - depicted with fake rubber food in her office. of course i knew i was overeating - but i had no idea by how much. the plan i am working on now has sort of a points system like ww, but i count servings of food categories - starches, fruits, veggies, meat/protein, fat, etc. anyway, all this is to say, that it is all about the commitment that you make to yourself - and the support you have along the way! of course you have to get your information from somewhere, so resources like nutrionists, dieticians, ww are invaluable - but won't help if you aren't committed.

[amcleod]

Hey Everyone! I took a couple days off from posting here after my pity party last week! I am better now and very much back on track.

This weekend was a challenge as I went out for dinner (tapas) on Saturday and Sunday was my Supper Club. I made it out alive with just under 30 points each day (and I think I over estimated). I actually went to Spinning on Saturday which was v good since I never go to the gym on the weekends. Both Thursday and Friday I ran 3 miles on the treadmill, which I am v proud of! I am trying to diversify my cardio since my usual is 3 spins/week and one day on the elliptical.

My scale at home is giving me positive reviews; hopefully the WW scale will too. But if not, I feel better and think I look better so that is really all that matters!!

Once again I am going out for dinner (but it is sushi so that is a easy...Jen, you;re so right, sushi is the WW answer to eating out! I always lose well when I eat sushi) and was trying to have a rather low-point lunch...I brought a huge salad and was going to bring a bit of feta and 2 slices of light bread (Tip: The Baker 7-grain sourdough wheat is 1 point for 2 big slices) to supplement it. But i left the darned feta and bread on the kitchen counter at home :(. I do have a yogurt and an apple that I had brought in the other day but didn't eat, so I guess I will have that. I would have brought my standard can of soup, except I want to make up for a 2 point mishap this morning...

(embarrasing cooking fiasco) last night I was going to make biscotti because today is someone's last day and we're having some cake or whatever; i figured, I'll make biscotti and eat one while everyone else is consuming the cake. Well, I misread the directions and added ONE CUP of water rather than 2 TEASPOONS! ACK! I was so distraught but figured I would try to make a cake out of it. I figured, what is the difference if I throw away batter or something I tried to salvage? Well, it didn't exactly turn out but I had to sample it anyways (espresso chocolate chip....how could I not?)...so I charged 2 points for it. Oh well. I got my chocoalte fix for the day.

Jen, awesome job on the weigh in!

Laura and Buffy, I am right there with you on the emotional eating. But the first step is actually realizing that that is why you ate something and wanting to stop..so that is actually good progress. IMHO at least.

Sorry this was soooo long! Keep up the good work everyone!

[buffygirl]

The scale gods were with me this morning. I lost 2.2 pounds! This is unheard of for me. I'm generally such a slow loser. But, I had an unexpected gain of .6 last week, so perhaps this is 2 weeks worth of loss.

I am re-energized and re-committed. Last night I cooked a 9 point dinner at home and planned our meals for the rest of the week. I incorporated the Roasted Veggie Enchiladas that someone (sorry I can't remember whom) posted last week and the Superfast nachos since I've been craving Mexican.

My total loss is now 7.6. I can just smell that 10 pound mark. Now I need to remember what my 10 pound reward was supposed to be. I have a terrible memory, I need to write this stuff down.

Thanks for being there ladies!

Kim

[Molli526]

Originally posted by food girl

Don't you think that you all are getting far more out of WW that sitting down with me and making a one-time meal plan??


Lisa-

I have made my lifetime goal with WW. I have maintained my weight for almost 5 months now! I have learned so much from WW. It teaches you to choose foods that are better for you- foods lower in calories, with more fiber, lower in fat- while allowing you to chose what you eat. You learn portion sizes etc. as well. It is easy to do and doesn't make you feel like you are sacrificing everything for a "diet". Your patient will be able to make life changes, and not just do something to lose weight as fast as possible and not learn a thing.

I think your friend doesn't know enough about WW so she said that to you. I think your patient will get a lot out of WW and you could easily work with her again, to help her find low point foods etc.- if you are worried about keeping a certain number of patients etc.

I personally would love to have an RD in my corner with WW.

My 2 cents.

[Molli526]

Way to go Jen and Kim!!!



Wahoo!

[ajkerkhoff]

Jen, I'm right there with you on the mini-goal on your birthday! My goal is to lose 12 lbs. by my birthday (March 6) - I can't imagine a better gift I could give myself than being on the road towards health and fitness.

Yay March birthdays!

[greysangel]

Hey how bout yay February birthdays?!?

I'm February 24 and I'm going to be 30 !!! Non perishables please :D j/k


I was hoping to be under 200 by my birthday...It's kind of a long shot but here's hoping...if not than by my wedding anniversary (march 25) for sure!

Congrats to all the BIG LOSERS!

JeAnne

[Robyncz]

JeAnne, my birthday is February 26. I knew there was something about you I liked. Yay Pisces (even if we are "atypical.").

I never even thought of using my birthday as a benchmark. I'm down 7 now. I could easily be down 10 by then. Which will make me about 40 less than I was on my birthday last year (I was pregnant!!!!). Go me!


By the way, I'll be 34 this year. I just actually had to do the math. When did I forget how old I was????????

[slknight]

Another Pisces checking in here. My birthday is March 18th. I'm going to be 32 (yikes!). But I'll be in Hawaii on my birthday, so who cares?!

[RebeccaT]

Stayed home from work today. Feeling worse, and to top things off, today I started TOM. Today was my weigh in, and I stayed the same - no gain, no loss. I am hoping that I actually did lose, but it's not showing because of TOM or something. I am not going to let myself get down about it, because DH can't stop talking about how he can really tell I'm losing weight and toning up. Besides, I am too busy being sick to worry about how much I weigh.

Nothing tastes good to me right now, but for some reason I still am craving sugar! Why is that? I have no idea how to handle this - I have so little appetite for anything else. Can't stand the idea of a carrot stick, or hummus, or any of my usual lunch standbys. My oatmeal this AM tasted awful.

Oh well. I think I'll just try to sleep through lunch, and then see what I can figure out when I wake up.

Take your vitamins, ladies - you don't want this bug!

[BeckyM]

RebeccaT -- hope you're feeling better soon! TOM plus illness sounds just awful!

Speaking of short-term goals, my husband and I are going to a Bed & Breakfast for the weekend after our anniversary (Feb. 15-16), and I have been wanting to fit back into my little black dress in time for that. The dress is velvet, and it has an open back. I bought it for a friend's wedding, and DH has only seen me in it once. I wore it when I was about 135 lbs, and as of last Saturday I was 143, so I don't know if that's really a realistic goal. If I lose TWO POUNDS per week between now and then I can probably do it, but my weight loss has seemed to slow down a bit. I'll just have to keep being persistent with staying within my points range and exercising, and I'll see how close I get. I would just love to surprise DH by putting on that dress for our special Valentine's dinner that Saturday! That certainly adds to my weight-loss motivation!

I've been doing well so far this week, though I'm finding I'm getting a bit tired of my "staples". At the recommendation of a woman in my CL Supper Club, I bought some Broccoli Slaw at the store last night, and I mixed up a sauce for it using 1/2 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter (1 pt) and fat free balsamic viniagrette (0pts), so I'm going to try that as an addition to my lunch today. DH came though the kitchen as I was mixing that up this morning, and he laughed at how elaborate my lunches are. I told him I NEEDED to do that, so I stay satisfied with the food I bring and don't dip into my co-workers' candy jars!

This weekend will be a challenge for me, because one of DH's sisters is coming into town with her family, and that means we'll probably spend most of the weekend eating at my MIL's house. She is a great cook, but it's usually not light food -- especially when she has guests. It will definitely be a challenge not to overdo on all the sweets she'll have around for her grand-daughters!

Becky :)

[SuzyQuzy]

Originally posted by ajkerkhoff
Jen, I'm right there with you on the mini-goal on your birthday! My goal is to lose 12 lbs. by my birthday (March 6) - I can't imagine a better gift I could give myself than being on the road towards health and fitness.

Yay March birthdays!

I have a birthday goal, too! Mine is 15 (total) pounds by my b-day (March 15).

I just finished reading this very long thread. I had a long weekend since it was my sister's big 30th birthday. Congrats to everyone on their losses! I'm so happy to see everyone is still doing so well. Also, I'd like to chime in that I'm also interested in an east coast get-together. I can't afford the west coast trip although I wish I could.

Jen- I'm glad to hear you did okay with mamabear! I thought about you a few times and was sending good vibes your way!;)

Today I'm having one of those "ugly days". My self esteem is way low and I don't feel good about anything. I know this is all 100% PMS, but I'm still having a hard time with it. The pants I am wearing were starting to feel very loose last week and now they are snug again. Again, I know this is due to water retention blah blah blah, but that isn't making me feel any better. I had two very high point days over the weekend and I only got one workout in. I have a head cold and my nose is raw and sore from blowing it so much. I need a hair cut and my favorite shoes are really starting to show their age. Oh, and when I have PMS I don't make a whole lot of sense (in case you haven't noticed ;) )

I'm also feeling a little stressed emotionally. I have a lot of obligations and I can't seem to prioritize them. I promised DB I would spend the weekend with him (we haven't seen each other since New Years and I miss him terribly) but I haven't been home (home is NJ, I'm a DC transplant) yet to see my friend's new baby. In addition, my sister has asked me to babysit and I hate saying no to her. She really doesn't get out much without the baby. Also, a good friend is having his wisdom teeth out and he has asked me to stop by and maybe bring some of that soup he really likes. I could do it all if they lived in the same states!! What I'd really like to do is just curl up on my sofa with a few good movies and my kitty for the whole weekend. Its only Tuesday so I have a few days to think about it, or maybe I should say stress about it.

Okay, I won't force you all to attend my pity party any longer. :D

On a positive note, I am eating a very low point and healthy lunch and I penciled myself in for an extra long workout this afternoon. I haven't gotten in as much water today as I should have, but I'm making up for it. Its also very nice out today and I have promised myself that I am not going to work late (no matter what is still sitting on my desk at 4:30) so I can get a nice long walk in this evening.

Sorry if I brought anyone down. I won't do it again (until next month! :cool: )

[amcleod]

Kim - OH! I was going to make those veggie enchiladas. How were they??? They are on my to-make list for Friday.

Suzy, where in NJ are you from? I lived in Westfield (Union County, near Elizabeth) for 10 years (age 10-college).

Rebecca and Becky, feel better.

Birthdays - Mine is Feb 16. I hope to be under 130 by then. I think that is realistic. that is 2.4 lbs. Originally I was hoping to be back at my WW goal (127) by then, but I don't want to sabotage myself since I haven't been doing too well lately!

[HRJ]

Originally posted by slknight
Another Pisces checking in here. My birthday is March 18th. I'm going to be 32 (yikes!). But I'll be in Hawaii on my birthday, so who cares?!


Susan -- looks like we share a birthday! Yay March 18! And the rest of March, too! (OK -- and February!)

Of course, while you're enjoying the Hawaiian sun, I'll be celebrating in the New England gloom. Not that I'm jealous or anything.

Unlike most of you, I'm definitely not setting a birthday goal -- last year I turned the big 40, and I did not handle it well at all -- let's just say it was not the best birthday I ever had.

This year, I'm going to celebrate getting "over" 40 -- and I'm going to celebrate all the things I've been doing -- like WW -- that have let me take more control over my life.

But, if I set a "number" goal for the scale, and didn't make it, I'm afraid it would set me back too much, emotionally speaking. My goal is to still be posting good news on this thread.

BTW -- I'd be interested in a NY gathering, too -- is it worth starting a separate thread for that?

Helene

[eas11]

Originally posted by BeckyM
I've been doing well so far this week, though I'm finding I'm getting a bit tired of my "staples". At the recommendation of a woman in my CL Supper Club, I bought some Broccoli Slaw at the store last night, and I mixed up a sauce for it using 1/2 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter (1 pt) and fat free balsamic viniagrette (0pts), so I'm going to try that as an addition to my lunch today. DH came though the kitchen as I was mixing that up this morning, and he laughed at how elaborate my lunches are. I told him I NEEDED to do that, so I stay satisfied with the food I bring and don't dip into my co-workers' candy jars!



Becky, I agree about the lunches. I usually brown bag 3-4x a week and I bring a quality, elaborate lunch too :) I also don't want to be tempted by all the junk food around. I need to be good to myself. Everyone else on WW, eating their Lean Cusines and Smart Ones, look longingly at my roasted veggies, fancy salads. grilled chicken, etc. I was hoping to get a lunch co-op started at work but no one else wants to prepare nice meals!! So they continue to eat 9 oz of soggy rice and rubbery chix and envy my lunches :) Keep treating yourself well Becky and everyone else!
Sometimes I add some plain broccoli slaw to a simple salad, its got a big "crunch factor". Also, I make it like traditional slaw with lite mayo, a c vinigar, a pinch of splenda or sugar and then mix it with tuna for a nice crunchy tuna salad.

I've been in FL this week taking care of my Mom after her heart surgery. It's been hectic and draining although great to see her doing so well. Shes of course now on lf, low sodium. I've been cooking a lot, using many CL recipes, and I've lost 2 lbs since here! My goal for this next week is to keep it up, stay op and hopefully my new gym will have opened by the time I get home and I'll get back to my exercise 3x weekly.

Ellyn

[greysangel]

Keep it up brown bagging gals!!

I bring lunch 5 days a week plus some snacks and breakfast maybe 2-3 days a week. After being surrounded by the work food police, it was time to take matters into my hands! I have made it my mission at work to show everyone that I can eat well and still lose weight. Everyone knows that when that microwave is producing some seriously enticing smells, it is my leftovers! I bring in CL sweets for the office, my meals usually smell great and I usually have a small snack at work as well.

We can do this!!

JeAnne

[slknight]

No brown-bagging for me; I work from home. (Although I do generally pack DH's lunch for him). It's very difficult to work from home and eat well though because that fridge is ALWAYS there. Imagine the challenges you guys face eating on the weekends, and that is every day for me. Today is a very frustrating day work-wise, I'm starving, and I want to eat. I'm trying to munch on carrots. I have learned that there are some things I just cannot keep in the house while I'm working because I have no control.

[SusanT]

Ann - don't beat yourself up. I had a slight gain .6 to be exact followed by a pound lost the next week. Be patient eith yourself.

I don't see this as a battle with food. I try to see it as finding balance - I want to know how much my body needs to run efficiently. Yes, food is pleasurable but so is living a long healthy life.

[JanetJ]

Another brown bagger here! I usually pack my lunch 4 times a week. I'll often have at least one business lunch scheduled, but will bring my lunch from home on other days. I do a lot of leftovers and I've really been on a soup kick lately. In fact, there is some in the microwave warming up now!

Just got back from my weigh in and meeting. I lost 1 pound this week!! I achieved all my goals too.....getting much better on drinking my water, worked out 5 times and though I didn't try any brand new veggies, I did eat a good variety of them.

I won't mention what the meeting topic was, I'll wait for JeAnne to start that, but it was pretty interesting and gave me something to think about.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Janet
227/166/125

[eas11]

Originally posted by HRJ
Pammy -- yes, Great Cooking Every Day is the cookbook from WW and the Culinary Institute of America......

.....But, "GCED" seems like a keeper. And Molli -- don't blame me!! Ellyn hauled this book out when we were having dinner at her place! She started it! ;)

Helene

People on this board need NO help or nudging to buy a new cookbook, so don't blame me either ! :)

Thanks for the salmon review Helene, I've got it on my list to make, if I ever feel like cooking again after this week!
Ellyn

[buffygirl]

Ann,

I put off making them til tonight. Got home late last night and made the CLSF Nachos instead. Pretty good and fast. I will loet you know tomorrow how the enchiladas are. They sound great.

kim

[ajkerkhoff]

I work in an office of about 20 people, and 4 of us have a little "lunch bunch" thing where we take turns bringing a healthy meal one day a week to share with the other three. It works really well because everyone is pretty interested in eating right (although the one guy in our group manages to incorporate sausage into everything he brings!), and we've all found that it saves a ton of money. It's so much more fun to plan a meal for 4 than for just myself . . . if I was just bringing lunch for myself, I'm sure I wouldn't work quite so hard on bringing a balanced, healthy meal. (Shame factor?!?)

Also, since it's only 4 days a week, there's still one day to go out or meet with a client or whatever. These folks are directly responsible for my new addiction to baby spinach (yay!) . . . it's been a lot of fun.

Do any of you do things like this at work?

[vanillaheart]

JeAnne,
This has nothing really to do with WW, but I just wanted to tell you that my Birthday is February 24 as well! I will be 21. I can't wait!!! Happy Birthday to all you other Pices as well!

[vanillaheart]

JeAnne,
This has nothing really to do with WW, but I just wanted to tell you that my Birthday is February 24 as well! I will be 21. I can't wait!!! Happy Birthday to all you other Pisces as well!

[amcleod]

Kim, too funny - I am making them tonight too! I calculated 5 points per serving, not bad! I think I may cut down or use a different cheese though to bring the pointage down.

What are you going to serve with them? I am thinking a green salad (don't know if that really "goes" but I didn't bring a salad for lunch today, so I have to get it in tonight) and maybe some type of black bean salad. Let me know what you're thinking - I need some ideas!

I wish that I had a "lunch bunch" here at work but I really have no one to approach about this, becaue so many of my co-workers say "I don't cook!" I would love to do something like that though; it is such a great idea.

I am getting v nervous for my weigh-in tomorrow!

[Robyncz]

A few years ago I did the same thing with two other coworkers. There were three of us and we each prepared one lunch a week. That left 2 days open for business lunches, etc. It was so much fun, and I got a bunch of great new recipes that way.

Sadly, now that I'm home with my kids, I can't figure out how to make something like that work. But I would love to do it again!

[SuzyQuzy]

We have more of a breakfast club here at work. A group of us meet in the cafeteria at the same time every morning. I am the only one who brings her own breakfast (usually raisin bran and a banana). The others almost always get bacon, hashbrowns and eggs. I'm the only healthy eater in the bunch! Its hard for us all to eat lunch at the same time so we just eat at our desks. I'm pretty sure that none of them ever bring a lunch...they always buy hamburgers or cheesesteaks :rolleyes: . I try to bring my lunch everyday. I'm on a sweet potato kick right now...I bake one at night before I go to bed to bring in the next day. I usually have a free veggie with it, too.

I wish I had some friends here that would do a healthy lunch group. I know if I brought food in they would all eat it and love it, but getting them to cook would be a different story! :(

ajkerhoff- What sorts of things do you bring for your group? Do you make a complete meal?

[buffygirl]

You're much better than I am... I hadn't even thought of any sides. Probably a Skinny Cow afterwards:p

Actually a green salad sounds perfect. A veggie side wouldn't do, and spanish rice would be too many carbs for me since I'm already eating the tortillas.

I'm going ahead an using the queso fresco this time, but was thinking about RF Monterrey Jack for next time. I also calculated 4-5 points per echilada, kinda high because Lord knows I can't eat just one:D

We'll compare notes tomorrow!

Kim

[greysangel]

I have set up an east coast thread on the "other stuff board" for those interested in getting together.

I also have set up a hotmail account.

please email me at cleastcoast@hotmail.com if you want to meet up. Let me know what time of year sounds good.

JeAnne

[BeckyM]

buffygirl -- What's a Skinny Cow? Is it some sort of light milk shake or smoothie? It sounds interesting. Maybe I should add it to my WW menu.

Becky :)

[greysangel]

Becky

yummmmmmmmmmmm please join us in paying homage to the goodness that is the skinny cow :D

a skinny cow is an ice cream sandwich/flying saucer put out by Silhouettes. Most are 2pts per sandwich..some are 3pts. They are pretty yummy and satisfying for a 2pt dessert. My favorite are the dulce de leche ones that are 3pts. They also have mint chocolate, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and I have heard peanut butter though I have yet to see it in my store.

WW is also making their version of skinny cows which is 2 pts. they are so popular, WW got on the bandwagon!

JeAnne

[BeckyM]

I am SOOOOO excited!!! I thought a milkshake or smoothie sounded good, but I LOVE ice cream sandwiches! I'll have to check out the freezer case at the grocery next time I'm there, to see if they stock the Skinny Cows or the WW version! 2 points seems like a miracle for an ice cream sandwich! I can hardly wait! (Maybe if I'm craving a snack this afternoon, I'll scoot out to the nearby Kroger to see if these are there!)

Thanks for the info!

Becky :)

[Jessica]

The peanut butter ones are my favorite, although they are three points. My DH is hooked on the mint.

They introduced dulce de leche (caramel) in our area, but we were unimpressed with the taste and would not buy this flavor again.

[gertdog]

This thread is awesome! I am doing WW online and am so inspired by all of you. JeAnne, you are wonderful and I applaud your amazing progress!

May I join the support group? Is there a thread that explains how it works?

I weigh in for the 4th time this Saturday. My mini-goal is a total of 15 lbs by March 15th, when I go to CA to visit family. (Although over the long term, I have much more to lose than 15) So far I have lost 6 lbs. I joined a gym at the beginning of the year and have been "ramping" up my workouts over the past few weeks.

Thanks! :)

[Jessica]

Welcome aboard, gertdog. I think you already figured out the rules--you share your progress and encourage others :) That's it, as far as I can tell.

[SuzyQuzy]

Welcome Gertdog! :D

[greysangel]

Gertdog;

WELCOME!!! No rules..just play nice :) Most of us are doing WW though there are others doing something else. I post a new thread every thursday usually with a topic, weighin results and goals for the week. So look for a new thread tomorrow morning! And let us know how you do saturday!

JeAnne

[JanetJ]

Welcome Gertdog!! :)

[BeckyM]

All -- I've got a question/suggestion. I was thinking this thread is getting VERY long, so I was wondering if we ought to start a new one partway through the week? Maybe we could start a new one on Monday morning too, since people often have lots to say about how their weekends went. Of course if you all feel that would make too many different threads to look at, it won't bother me to keep it to one thread per week. It was just a thought.

I guess this says a lot about how much we're getting out of this support group, since we have SO MANY messages posted every day!

Becky :)

[gertdog]

Thanks, all of you! I think it will really help to participate in discussions, read JeAnne's inspiring words, and share my progress with others.

I'll let you know how Saturday goes! :)

[ajkerkhoff]

SuzyQuzy,
People actually get really creative for our lunches! But it doesn't necessarily have to be a "meal", like with a main dish and sides. Sometimes it's sandwiches (but we try to bring fun ingredients from Central Market if we do that, b/c it's less than a mile from the University I work at!) And sometimes it's pasta, or whatever.

Last week I brought the CL Roasted Vegetables and Polenta, we've had soup and salad, baked sweet potatoes, one of the gals brought Beef Wellington leftovers last week . . . and we always accomany everything with a baby spinach salad. Well, almost everything. A real variety. I guess that's why I like it - because I really wouldn't go to the trouble for just myself, but I love to feed others!

Amy

[Molli526]

IMO, the strawberry skinny moos are nothing to write home about. The strawberry flavor just doesn't mix well with the chocolate flavoring of the cookie. The chocolate/PB is VERY good.

[KLynn]

Another big proponent of the Skinny Cow checking in!

I just discovered them a couple of weeks ago, and they have been a real lifesaver. For 2 points you get a substantial, yummy dessert! I have only tried the vanilla, but I am looking forward to the mint!

Pretty good week so far for me after a TERRIBLE weekend. DH is losing weight also, but went "off" his plan this weekend because we had several special events going on. I tried to stick to my points, but just gave in halfway through the weekend. It was just so darn hard to watch him eat yummy food!

BUT, I am back OP this week - weighing in tomorrow. EEK!

Happy Wednesday to everyone!

[BeckyM]

Another Skinny Cow Question . . .

Since these are ice cream sandwiches, which contain ice cream, which is a "milk product", does this count toward the three milk & milk products servings I'm supposed to have each day?

(That would be just one more justification for having a Skinny Cow each day!)

Becky :)

[Laura B]

Well, bad weigh-in this morning, but that was no surprise. I am up 2 pounds. :( Honestly, I ate out too much and did not exercise enough. I also was pretty neglectful of my veggies. Lesson duly noted and this week I am back on track. I want a loss next week!

By the way, I don't mind one long thread. I think that if we split it up, some people mught keep posting on the first one not realizing a new one has started, etc. and it would be more confusing. Just my $.02

[Robyncz]

Hey LauraB,
We all know that there are going to be weeks when the scale goes the wrong direction, but that doesn't make it any easier, I know!

The important thing is you know how and why it happened, and now you can make the necessary adjustments to get back on track.

You can do it!!!!

[MorningAWalker]

Hi Laura B,
I don't understand why our bodies are so cyclical, either, but as JeAnne has said many times, there are so many factors that are at play! You might have a great loss in a couple of weeks! Is it possible to not weigh yourself for a week or two, but keep up with the health attempts? Since the scale is not *always* reliable, would it be so bad to not let that determine whether or not you've had a *good* week? I hope you soon feel better, and know that you're not alone! You know you're putting in the effort, congratulate yourself for that! Maybe our bodies need time to catch up with our efforts? Just a thought- And one last thought- on the weeks that there's no "loss", I need to remind myself of this: it's very difficult to measure a change in our Health, you have probably improved it greatly, despite the change in your scale...and muscle weighs more than fat-----