Weight Watchers November~ Holidays with a Plan!

[AZJane]

Just starting the November thread :)

[nycbetty620]

I would like to join this thread! I am a constant on-again, off-again WW'er, and right now, I'm on. I lurk on the WW message board, and wow are those folks crazy!! I read the General/ Daily Thread often and the constant, immediate nasty replies are such a turn off. Now that I lurk on the CL message board I think you folks are *much* more supportive and interesting. So, here I am...

Last week, I was saying to myself that I have got to get back on program. Then I immediately started in with "well, November is busy, then there's Thanksgiving, then there's holiday parties, then there's the holdidays... I might as well wait till New Year ..." and something finally snapped in me that there's always going to be an excuse and I might as well just STOP the excuses now. Why not, right? So I made a vow to just stay on program and make it through the holidays, and hopefully start the New Year in an even better place.

I just have to hold on to that when all the gift baskets and things start rolling into the office....

[Couperine]

I'm having an awful time with Halloween candy - I can't bear to think about the holidays yet! I think I need to be more aggressive about eating vegetables - I've been having willpower issues about the serving size of my entrees because I feel ravenous at dinner. I did it again tonight with 1 1/2 servings instead of 1. Granted it did taste good, but that's the kind of thinking that got me to where I am.

So for tomorrow, it's go for the long walk in the morning, plus eat more veggies at lunch and at dinner. I hope everyone else is having a better time than I am coping with Halloween candy in the house. I may ask my husband to get rid of it for me - I feel rotten throwing out my toddler's candy even if he would never know the difference. :)

Nancy

P.S. Those WW message boards scared me off too - the one I had hoped to join was pretty vicious to new people, so I'm glad there are other WW who share more things in common on this CL board. I want to cook well AND lose weight!

[AZJane]

Morning Ladies!

I'm struggling here. Not so much bad choices, more to do with portion size. Grrrrr...ticks me off. I plan on doing some shopping today to stay busy and keep outta the fridge :mad: I have my meeting tonight and that always revives me and makes me feel recomitted. I just haven't been able to spring back into action like I usually do after a bad weekend. Oh well, babbling now. I just wanted to pop into the thread to be accountable. :confused:

[emilyn]

I have to agree on some of those weight watchers boards. I used to hang out on the 30s board but they can be pretty nasty too. There are some nice ones too so I go there sometimes.

I'm still doing pretty well. We were hit hard by the trick or treaters so no leftovers to deal with. I had 1 peanut butter cup and that was it. Maybe the candy urge was already out of my system because I had a pretty good binge last week. :o

My plan for today is lifting weights at home and I need to get in the water again, I've been slacking.

[jmccune]

Hi Everyone,
I haven't posted in a while but am doing well. I also have my WI tonight and have been doing well about losing. Hopefully it will continue.

Couperine I'm also having a hard time with the Halloween candy, just yesterday I ate 4 fun size candy bars and wasn't even hungry and didn't work out to boot. So today I'm trying to be good and not walk by the candy bowl.

Yes I agree with you guys that the WW chat boards are pretty nasty. I popped my head in on the new moms and the 30s boards.

Well hope you guys have a great day.

jen

[AZJane]

Morning Losers! Happy Friday to you!

The scale is finally going back down. Glory Hallelujah! I was starting to wonder if it ever would! LOL...of course that wouldn't have anything to do with the ridiculous amount of 'snacking' I've been doing, would it?? LOL..

I had a great meeting last night. Our leader was not there but the sub she had was fantastic! She has lost 175 lbs and is in such fantastic shape! woohoo! I think it really inspired the whole group!

I'm off to do some errands today and get some walking in. I walked this morning for 1 hour and will chug my water today too. I think I've been having way too much diet soda and maybe that is holding on to some of the water weight??? hmmmm..things to ponder. So, water, water, water and more water for me for the next few days with a diet soda here and there for a little variety.

Make it a great day everyone!

[Couperine]

Sounds like you had a great meeting AZJane - cheers!

I finally made it through a day this week without using flexpoints or activity points - thank goodness for main dish salads!

I have meals planned for the weekend, so I'm hoping to stick to my guns this weekend. Of course it helps that my husband finished off the "good" halloween candy last night. :)

Have a great weekend all-

Nancy

[MNGirlTX]

Hi, all. I've been kind of absent, I know. But, I had a good weigh-in this week - down 2.6 pounds! That puts my total loss at 45.6 pounds!!

Have a good weekend - and resist that Halloween candy!!!!!

Lori

[JenniferJJ]

Hello

I have been doing WW since June. I didn't have a huge goal, but to me it was huge. I'm 4'11" and had gained ~24 pounds in 8 months - I think I had reached my lifetime high. When you that short, that means up four sizes. Well, actually I was only wearing, for the most part, clothing only three sizes too big, but that was uncomfortable. Anyway, after trying on my own (totally unsucessful) for 7 months, I joined WW.

It has taken me much longer that I would have liked. However, if this sticks, that is really what counts. I am really learning to eat only if I need it - no pizza just 'cuz it's there - and portion size. I also need to battle depression/sadness eating.

I have lost 14 pounds - a few on my own before WW. I have at least 5 more to go and then I will see if that is the goal that I want. I weigh myself daily - just a habit that I don't think I can break. I know they discourage it in WW, but I really think it is ok for me.

I am getting good at planning.

My challenges this weekend will be:
getting in enough workouts - that has really helped, but I am getting burned out of it
getting in enough water
eating my food at the right intervals - I just don't feel like eating today since I didn't do well on a job interview, and know I can't get in all my points at the end of the day. I think I'm getting tired of planning. Also, sadness eating: I had an exchange student for a few weeks. Ever since she found out she was going to a permanent family (the plan all along), she really treated me awful. The experience and her had meant a lot to me, so it really hurt. I generally do fine with it. However, the last time that I had to see her new host mom and listen to her talk about their time with her, I got sad again and ate poorly for a few days. I see the host mom again this weekend.

Nancy - great job for not using flex or activity points!

AZJane - Congrats on the weight loss!

Jen - They had a sign at last week's meeting that "Itty bitty candy bars do not make itty bitty butts." Well, I did I two itty bitty candy bars Wednesday.

Hi to Betty and Emilyn.

[RobinC]

Hi everyone. I had been doing WW at home (basically following the plan and not going to meetings) for a while. I lost 50 lbs (half of my goal) and have been pretty much stagnant for the past several months. :rolleyes:

I know that I have to get back on plan. For me, traking what I'm eating is critical. I have to monitor those portions. I've had a hard time getting started and keeping with the program. (I won't even get into Halloween candy...)

I finally confessed to my DBF that my goal is to loose another 50 lbs, get a tattoo, and go to Hawaii (and wear a bikini). He's pretty excited about that last part. I'm just getting over a very nasty cold, so no more excuses. It's time to start tracking points and make some use of the treadmill in the front room. I know the holiday season is a very difficult time to loose weight with so many tasty treats everywhere you look. I keep reminding myself that I want to loose weight more than I want a slice of pie, a Christmas cookie, a muffin, a second helping of mashed potatoes, etc.

I'm armed with my food diary and Complete Food Companion. Weight loss here I come! :D

[AZJane]

Morning Losers!

Things are going good here :) My food has been on plan and I've enjoyed a few cocktails this weekend (vodka with diet tonic water). We'll see what this next week brings. I'm going to do my monthly weigh-in either later this week or early next week. I'd love to be at a new low. I know what to do to get there, I just need to do it :cool:

Congrats to all our group for posting and being accountable through the good and the challenging times. I really believe I've finally lost the weight FOR GOOD! This WOE really works!

[JanetJ]

I haven't checked in for a bit, but things are going well here. I'm down a total of 12 pounds so far and am feeling great, well except for this cold. I made it through Halloween in good shape so I'm hoping to continue that for the rest of the holiday season, especially as I start my Christmas baking.

Hope everyone is having a good day!

[SusanPC]

I haven't checked in in a while either. I have sortof fallen off the wagon in terms of going to meetings. I haven't gone in two weeks! But, I had a happy moment today. I was at Nordstroms with some friends. They are tiny and shop in the trendier sections of the store. They convinced me to try on some "Seven" jeans. I fit in a pair! I was very psyched! Shallow pleasures but it made me feel good all the same.

My DH and I head on vacation in two weeks for 2-1/2 weeks in Australia. So, I am trying to make these two weeks really count and will just try to mitigate the damage when on vacation!

Have a great week everyone. I WILL weigh in next weekend and report back good or bad!

[jilliniowa]

I have done WW several times in the past, each with success, but then rebound right back to where I started (and then some). I rejoined on Tues. night, but did not start on the program until Sat. :eek: I'm trying it a little different this time; going for the real lifestyle change, instead of just dieting. I think my weight loss will be slower, but hopefully more permanent.

I'm trying not to buy special foods for myself, just healthy foods for my whole family, and most of all, PORTION CONTROL.

Heading for Hawaii the last week in Jan.!

Good luck to all at WI this week.

[AZLorena]

good morning everyone..... Can I join you all. I have been on WW since last december....and I love it.

Some of you already know this, but in 2000 I weighed 287 lbs. I started eating better and exercising and I managed to take off abou 85 lbs in a year and a half. Then I hit this major plateau for a couple of years. I could not budge that scale. I even trained for and walked in 2 breast cancer 3-day walks.....and not an ounce came off. In fact, I ended up gaining after the second walk......I had a pair of jeans that I couldn't button and it freaked me out, so that is why I decided that I needed some more support. I joined Weight Watchers. I am now 27.8 lbs down since then which makes a total of 107.

This week I am 2.2 lbs away from my next 10 lb ribbon.....I am no longer in plus sizes....and I actually bought a new jacket this weekend that is a Large....(with no X in front of it).

AZJane....Where do you go to meetings. I go to the center on 7th st. and bell in Phoenix. (from your name, I am assuming we are neighbors)

Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Lorena

[Couperine]

Welcome to new posters this month! I find your successes and problems very helpful, so I look forward to reading how everyone is doing.

I weighed this morning, and I'm down another 1.6 lbs. I'm fairly sure if I have a good week that I'll hit my first 20lb loss - that's certainly a goal to keep in mind this week! I'm just happy to have lost through Halloween week.

I planned meals this week again, and things worked out fairly well for dinners last week. My big killer for points was an entree I had made and frozen before I started WW - we had it Saturday, and though it was amazingly yummy, it was 13 points. This week they are all 7 pts or less, and I'm going to see if I can sub something to make the one 7 pt entree into a 6 pt entree.

My goal for this week is to maintain my weekday walks, using the treadmill when it is raining (like today), and adding one day of strength training.

I hope everyone has a successful week - thank goodness it's a few more weeks until Thanksgiving!

[greysangel]

I'm back to my post belize which was 206. I'm hoping for some new numbers for next week

[AZJane]

Good Morning losers!

Lorena, I go to the Thursday meetings at Desert Lutheran church? I think that is what it is called. lol..can't remember at the moment. It is a really great meeting group :)

I've got a full day planned. My walk is complete and now I'm getting ready to do some Thanksgiving shopping with a friend :) I'm not sure what is going to happen today on the food front but I will stay within my points and chug a lug the water.

Make it a great day everyone! :cool:

[nycbetty620]

wow, reading these stats is very inspiring. 107 lbs? Lorena, that is incredible.

As for me, I have about 25 lbs to lose (have already lose 8 in the past few months). I just follow the program on my own and don't go to meetings, but I'm generally ok with sticking to it and weighing in once a week.

I had friends in town from New Orleans and overdid it at dinner last night, but that's why I make my weigh-in on Thursday.... time to repair the weekend damage!!

I also watched and cheered on lots of NYC marathoners yesterday (the route goes right by my apt.) and it was so moving to watch these people do such and incredible thing. There are people of all ages, sizes, shapes, whatever out there chugging through it. I am a ve-e-e-r-r-r-y slow jogger, but have been wanting to work up to a 5k in the spring and a 10k at some point in '07. Watching the marathon was the kick in the pants I needed, so that's my goal through the holidays-- to keep running and keep the points in check.

Have a great week, everyone! :)

[AZLorena]

This week is going pretty well so far. Yesterday I managed to get to yoga (I am totally addicted)....and take a tandem bike ride with the hubby. I dropped 2 points this week, so, I hope that means with all of the activity that I have planned, that I will have a good loss this week.

A couple of really cool things, size-wise, have been happening lately. Saturday I was a Sam's Club and I found a new jacket. The Large fits me just perfectly. This is the first time in a really long time that I am not buying plus sizes....and Larges actually fit. I also bought some yoga pants XL ( I couldn't try them on)....and they are actually a little too big. I can zip up size 14's now......they don't look great yet...but I can at least zip them up.

Anyway, off to plan my food for the day. I hope everyone has a great day.

Lorena

[greysangel]

I'm just wondering...do people read what other people write? It just seems like people check in, but not so much commenting on what others are saying.

Anyway..after complaining about going up and down the same numbers over the past 6 weeks, I peaked on the scale this morning and saw 205..yippie! So that's 135 total for me.

Lorena for me 14 was like the golden key to the city. I know it's still considered a plus size, but when you are a 14 it's like so many more stores open up to you and clothes just start to look better..they are not cut like sacks any more. Congratulations!

Jill portion control is where it is at for me. Core alone did not work so well for me because I didn't work it. I completely ignored that whole 1-5 hunger scale. Someone says I can have unlimited something and if it's there I eat it. Some tricks for me:

1) Casserole dish/pot stays on the stove in the kitchen. Servings are plated (small plate for me so it looks like a lot!) and extras are served in tupperware so if I go back for more, I have to go to the serving in the tupperware.

2)packaged "serving" things...I know it costs more but it's worth it. I buy individual oatmeal, mac and cheese, trail mix etc to have at work which is a trigger place for me.

3)Planning when you go out ..either appetizer or dessert. Splitting a meal. How much alcohol etc..

[SusanPC]

I read but maybe I need to be better about calling out specific people and commenting. I am going to try to be better at that. (135 lbs is awesome....you have been an inspiration to me over the past couple of years as I watch you post about your journey!)

I was great all day yesterday, got home and felt sorry for myself b/c DH was out of town and ordered Pizza. What was I thinking. I NEVER do that. Usually when he is on business I am super good but lately we have some other stuff going on and I just want him around all the time. Ugh.
I am feeling down in the dumps. I am hoping vacation will clear my head.

greysangel- the suggestion to plate food is a great one. My biggest problem here is actually cooking when I get home from work. I just don't want to do it. I love to cook when I have time to relax, play some music and enjoy some nice wine. But, mid week cooking...I detest. Especially when I am not home from work before 7-8pm. I am seriously thinking of hiring a personal chef service. But, I know my DH will laugh when I suggest it.

[jilliniowa]

Good morning, everyone! Just got in from a 3-mile walk, but tonight is WI, so maybe I'll walk to my voting site as well.

betty, I'm trying to work up to jogging as well. I have a couple marathoners in my family, but I would be very happy with finishing a 10K. Heck, at this moment I would be lucky to make a mile! I ran CC in college so I know I have it in me, but I'm carrying around 50 more pounds now--that gets heavy!

greysangel, that tip on plating will help me too. I don't get out to eat much, so that is not a concern, unless I'm taking the kids through the drive-thru!

Those of you that have lost 50+ lbs. are very inspiring. To be that successful you must have made the "lifestyle" change that is so key for me. In the past I have lost 25 lbs. then go back to old ways. This time the plan is slow and steady and... permanent.

Off to find my Fruities and drink a glass of water :D

[AZJane]

Morning WW'rs!

Grey, I usually read and comment. I've just been busy this last week due to holiday preparations so I'm posting more to just be accountable to myself (if that makes sense :confused: ) 135 pounds is FANTASTIC!

Betty, have you ever checked out the couch potato to 5K challenge online? Great way to work yourself up to a 5K!

Lorena, congrats on your clothing shopping! Big fun to get into smaller sizes! I've never done yoga. Do you attend classes or do a video or??

((Susan)) I hope today is a better day for you. Vacation sounds wonderful to me too. We're going to Vegas for Christmas. Can't wait!

Jill, great job on the walking! Best of luck to you on your weigh-in tonight!

I've done 4 miles on my treadmill, chugged some water and here's my menu plan for today:

B: 2 slices 9 grain toast w/sf jam along with half a canteloupe
L: LF salad from Trader Joe's w/roast beef
D: LF salad from Trader Joe's w/roast beef
Snacks will be apples w/cheddar, cottage cheese

Water, water and more water for me!

[MNGirlTX]

Betty and Jill - I started running this year. I'm slooooooooow...but steady :D I've been sidelined for a few weeks with an injury, but I can't wait to get back to it.

You might check into the coolrunning.com Couch to 5k program. Or, a lot of people really like the Jeff Galloway method (run/walk). You can check that out at galloway.com.

There's also a virtual running buddies thread here every week. Everyone there is VERY encouraging and helpful.

Lori

[emilyn]

Lorena congrats on the 14s!!! I know that fabulous feeling of getting out of the plus sizes. I remember telling my mom a long time ago that I'd be happy with my weight if I could just get into the 16s and shop in "regular" stores. I did eventually get there but then just seemed to stay there forever. Oh well, I finally dropped into the 14s myself very recently.

Seem to be lots of runners on the thread. I've tried that couch to 5k a couple times and I stall out when they want you to run for 20 minutes straight. I wish I could get myself to try it again.

Susan, hope things are looking up today, that pizza is in the past, don't beat yourself up over it. Your vacation sounds amazing.

Things are going pretty well for me. The weekend was more successful than usual. I'm doing core and we managed to eat out and I only used a few points because I made it a point to order the way I needed things, except I forgot about the salad dressing. We went to the movies and the smell of popcorn was killing me and the fact that everyone around you is just munching away. But, I got through it and next time I'm just going to have to sneak something in that fits my plan.

[MNGirlTX]

emilyn - Honestly, I never got past running 3 minutes on the Couch to 5K program. I joined a class at one of my local running stores - and THAT's what really has kept me motivated. The first class I took was a 16 week walk to run program. Day one we walked 10 minutes, ran 10 minutes, walked 10 minutes.

Probably one of the best things that I came away with from that first day was to go as slow as I needed to go in order to finish the distance. The 2nd best thing was "learning" how to breathe right for me to run. I breathe in for 3 steps and out for 3 steps. When our coach wants us to pick up the speed, he says we should be breathing 2 and 2. Breathing on every step is a sprint.


And, Lorena - congrats on the 14s!! I'm right at that point now, too. It's exciting, isn't it!!!!!


Lori

[Kelly23]

I have been lurking for quite soem time on these boards in general and have always kept an eye on this group for motivation. I hope you don't mind an extra member? I am starting up on WW again today without going to meetings and am hoping posting here will help. Briefly, I am 148 lbs and would like to be about 130 lbs. I have done WW once before but found it difficult as I travel about every other week for work. My biggest problems are eating out while away and portion control. I hope to run/walk on treadmill for at least 3x week and go to pilates class once a week. Thanks for your support and I will be looking here often for tips and inspiration.

[AZLorena]

Jeanne...Congrats on the WI today. You are awesome! You are definitely correct about the size thing. Just looking at the racks at some of the discount clothing stores.....maybe a few things in the 16-18 sections, but tons of stuff in the 14's. Well, I will keep plugging away....maybe they will actually look good soon.

AZJane- I actually take yoga classes. I go to At One Yoga. It is a great studio (there are 3 that are not too far from my house)....with a really great schedule. It is a bit expensive, but I don't pay for a gym anymore. I absolutely love it. I really feel like I am building strength....much more so than I did when I was working with a trainer and going to the gym several times a week.

Thanks Lori and Emily....I have worked really hard for it.....but hopefully I can keep it going on down.

Welcome Kelly.....What part of AZ are you in? I am in Phoenix.

Lorena

[greysangel]

Welcome Kelly!

I love Pilates!!! I just went last night after not going for several weeks, and in one class I can really feel the difference in the way I sit and move. I love feeling the core engaged etc. It builds a tremendous amount of strength!

j

[SusanPC]

Do you take a mat or a reformer class? I think I want to try pilates or yoga when I get back from vacation.

Despite the rain today I am over my pity party and back on track. I will go to the gym tonight! It always makes me feel better.

[Kelly23]

Thanks for the welcomes! I am down in Tucson. I take a mat Pilates class and I love it! I just wish they offered it more often at the Y that I go to- I can only manage to go once a week. I hurt my back awhile ago and my doctor recommended doing exercises to strenthen my core so that's how I started with it. My back used to bother me every time I traveled and sat for long on the plane and now I have no problems!
Yesterday was a good first start with WW. I only used 21 points (my daily pts are 20) and made it to the gym for 30min on the treadmill. For those counting points, how do you feel about using the weekly allowance of 35? I know they are there to be used, but I feel like I should try not to use them. Do you save them for one special meal a week or use a couple every day? I find it hard keeping what I eat to just 20 points, so I usually use a couple every day. Have a good day everyone!

[JenniferJJ]

I'm just wondering...do people read what other people write? It just seems like people check in, but not so much commenting on what others are saying.



I do!

I fell off the wagon during the past week - I can't believe it. I was so good and was so close, but yes, you really can gain 6 pounds in one week. I was volunteering at the campaign HQ and just got tired of planning. I had turned down pizza there so many times and just stopped resisting. Tomorrow I'll go grocery shopping and hiking and cook my own meals. I hope that by posting this, I will do it!

[Couperine]

I always read but don't feel like I have much to contribute to weight-loss tips since I'm only in my 5th week of WW; as to weight gaining, I'm a pro. :eek:

I've been there so many times Jennifer - saying no to what you know you don't need is even harder when you're tired and hungry. I hope things go better for you this week - I'll be cheering for you!

[applecrisp]

Woo, hoo been really good for a couple of days -- and can it be, the scale moved down a bit.

I really enjoy reading this thread -- get some great suggestions.

So tonight I tried Greysangel's suggestion and divided the food into portions before I sat down and ate -- I think this might help with portion control. Big problem for me.

I mentioned this before but I see that water is really key for many of you. I am trying to up my water -- it would be interesting to see if it helps.

Keep up the great work everyone.

[nycbetty620]

arrrggh! I know it's TOM, but getting on the scale and seeing a 2 lb. gain when you're worked hard all week is incredibly frustrating!!!! I know, I know, I know I shouldn't get hung up on that number, but sheesh I need to vent. See? Just typing the word "vent" makes me feel better.

I will say that all the pilates talk has me inspired. I've been wanting to take a class at my gym but they look so ... painful. Needless to say, I have zero to negative core strength (!) and it's something I should work on. So, thanks, posters -- I'm going to go to a pilates class. And not give the scale so much #$*(ing credit.

:rolleyes:

[AZJane]

Hi Losers!

Feeling under the weather so I skipped my meeting tonight :( I'm going to take it easy and lay around with my laptop. LOL..takes more than a headache and bad stomach to keep me off the internet :D So, no exercise for me today. Hopefully I will wake up feeling better tomorrow. I hope everyone is doing well.

[emilyn]

Jane, hope you're feeling better.

Betty, sorry about the gain, keep on plugging away. I'm inspired by the pilates talk too. My gym offers it at the oh so convenient time of 9:30am every day. What about us poor working saps? They do have a class I might make on Sunday.

Kelly, I usually use the 35 points or at least some of them. Did you just start weight watchers? Once you hit about week 4 they'll introduce you to the activity points. Those will help out too. 20 points is not a lot.

Jennifer,it's so tough to turn down things like pizza, especially when tired and out of other options. Sometimes you just need a break to regroup. I hope you got your shopping, cooking and hiking in.

I've been really trying to up my water the last couple days. I've had canned soup almost every day for lunch this week and I was feeling the effect of all that sodium. Anyway, I must have flushed it out because I was down a whopping 2.4 this week!!!! I'm super excited because I'm seeing a new middle number that has been very elusive for me. I hope that keeps me motivated all weekend. I struggle with the need to treat myself with food on weekends.

[AZJane]

Morning Everyone :)

I just put the Cranberry Chicken recipe posted on the board in my crockpot to have with mashed cannelini beans and some cranberry bread for dinner :cool: I hope these recipes taste as great as they look on paper.

I did an hour on the treadmill and am chugging away on my water. I'm working on my "to do" list for Thanksgiving. I'm using the shopping list on this site. It sure is handy and is helping me feel organized.

Keep up the good work everyone! We can do this! Have a great day! :)

[Couperine]

It sounds like you are feeling better today Jane - good for you on the crockpot Cranberry Chicken. I've been at a 25% pass rate on making worthwhile dishes in the crockpot, so I hope yours turns out.

I better get hopping on planning a Thanksgiving meal or else I'll get pretend to not be hungry and nibble on stuff I could have had if we had prepared it differently. I hate sitting at a meal where better planning would make it possible to partake and enjoy without guilt.

My husband joined WW online on Monday - that's made things sort of funny when it comes to tracking points. He's much more virtuous about following the water part, while I'm pretty good at shoveling in veggies and fruits. It's working out thus far - I hope it keeps working that way.

Been a pretty good week for points, and I'm even making a pear-gingerbread cake tonight that fits into our plans. I'm so excited to eat a real dessert that I keep checking the clock to see if it's time to start baking! :)

[Couperine]

Good morning all!

I saw that your Crockpot Cranberry Chicken turned out well AZJane - I guess I'll stick it on our list in the next few weeks. :)

Lost 3.4 lbs this week - I drank more water than I had been in prior weeks, so I'm guessing that must have helped.

I planned out a Thanksgiving menu with my family, and I think it will be a good meal for us. I'm not a fan of pecan pie, so that's what I'll be making. I'm looking forward to an old family favorite of ambrosia instead!

I know quite a few of you have WI's today, and I hope you are happy with your results!

[Kelly23]

Well, I have finished my first week back on WW and went to the gym today to work out and weigh in. Unfortunately, I stayed the same. :( I don't really know where I went wrong and I am a little discouraged right now- but at least I did not gain. My goals for this week are to drink more water and eat smart while I'm on the road for work. Happy Monday everyone!

[AZLorena]

Good morning everyone....

According to my WI this week.....I am down another 1.4lbs. I am .8 lbs away from my next 10 lb ribbon. That will make 30 lbs on WW...and 110 lbs total. I am excited. Also, I calculated my BMI this weekend, and I am no longer in the OBESE category.....I am just OVERWEIGHT. I have now purchased 3 pairs of 14 pants....gotten rid of all of my loose 16's .....and went out and bought some new...smaller size bras. I am not going crazy with the new clothes just yet....because the 16's that I purchased just 2 months ago are already too loose and on the donation pile.

Kelly...don't get discouraged.....just keep on pushing through. You will get there.

Lorena

[Kelly23]

Congratulations Lorena on the great work! You deserve a little shopping! Everyone's losses definitely help keep me inspired.

[Couperine]

Congratulations Lorena - that sounds so exciting. I hope to be where you are by summer - one of my longest held wishes is to be able to shop comfortably in regular sized shops. It's great to see this wish coming true for you!

I hope you keep trying Kelly - maybe this week will be more like what you had hoped.

[MNGirlTX]

Lorena - How exciting!!!!! And, what an accomplishment.

Lori

[greysangel]

Congrats Lorena! Hang in there Kelly..just focus on this week and what you can do to make the next weigh in a great one!

I'm down one and I'll take it.

[SusanPC]

Lorena, that is amazing! Congratulations.

Greysangel, congrats on the loss.

I leave for just over 2.5 weeks in Australia this weekend so I have been busy trying to get work wrapped up, shopping for Christmas for the Australian side of the family and trying to get my house ready for the step kids who are coming back with us for a month.

I haven't been going to the meetings and quite frankly haven't been eating well. We have been trying not to shop, etc. so the fridge is empty by the time we leave. Despite this, I have managed to maintain but definately no loss to report here.

My goal on vacation is to keep up with the exercise. We rented a house on the beach for 1.5 weeks of the trip and my DH said there are lots of running trails.

I'll report back when I am home and fully back on the wagon.

In the meantime, my thoughts are with everyone for continued success!

[AZLorena]

greysangel.....congrats on the loss. I am generally a slow loser.....so, a lb is a big deal for me. Good job.

Thanks for the words of encouragement everyone....You all are the best!

[pambrack]

I am entering week 8 of being on WW flex plan and have 14 pounds off of my body, hopefully for good. I only lost .4 this past week and I know it is because of my portion size. I was hungrier this week than any others. Is this normal? I would think you stomache would shrink and you wouldn't get the hungries as often after 2 months. Anyway, I am still losing so no complaints. 6 pounds to go to goal!

[JenniferJJ]

Hi

Coupine - I wasn't tired so much as I was tired of planning and cooking. That's so cool that your husband has joined WW. My mom started last week. I **think** that I inspired her. This is good for me because 1)one of my downfalls has been eating all the processed junk and candy that they usually have there. This won't stop because my dad is not on board, but I think she will buy some WW appropriate stuff now. 2)While we are not in competition, I'd feel like a loser if my MOM can do this and I can't and 3)since I *think* I inspired her, I feel like I have to keep it going for her to keep going.

Emilyn - I think I needed just as you said - a break. When I have done this and seen results, it's been a lot of work.

AZJane - great job on the treadmill and water.

Kelly - Wishing you well to eat well while on the road. When I now I'm going to be gone for a while, I pack apples, popcorn and yogurt with granola. Do you have the WW Dining Out Companion? Don't rec fast food for everyday, but it helps if you are going to have fast food once in a while. Like Lorena said, don't get discouraged.

Lorena - congrats on not being "obese" and purchasing new clothes. It does feel great to wear smaller clothes.

Susan - Wishing you lots of hikes in Australia. When I went on vacation, I ate lots but walked EVERYWHERE, so I considered my only 2 pound weight gain a sucess.

Yay Pam on the .4

Hi to Jeanne and anyone else.

I am pretty much on track as far as eating goes. However, when I had some really great weeks, I was also at the gym 3 - 5 days/week. I haven't gotten back to that routine, and think it will be hard to fit in until at least Sunday. I will try to get in a walk outside before then, however it's cold out so it would be short and I just don't push myself like I do on the treadmill.

Have a great Wednesday.

[emilyn]

Jennifer, glad to hear you're back on track.

Pam, congrats on the loss. Were you drinking enough water? that can help with the hungries.

Susan have a great vacation!

Jeanne, congrats on the pound.

I'm up .6 this week which is ok. I struggled Sun and Mon/Tues in the evenings and my exercise was not where it should have been either. But the last couple days have been better. I've got my exercise planned for the weekend. Saturday night we're going to an event at a chinese restaurant and I don't really know what to expect, it might be a buffet type thing. I will try to do my best. I really need to save the points with thanksgiving coming up.

[Couperine]

I know that there are other folks out here with Monday weigh-ins, so I'll go first. :)

I ate very close to my points this week - my closest thus far - and I lost 3.2 lbs last week. This got me a lecture from the online weight tracker saying that I need to use up all of my points each day, and eat my activity points. However with this week being Thanksgiving, I don't really think that eating too few points will be a problem. It's nice that the online tracker prods you about things like this though. At the same time, I found it bizarre that I ate even closer to my points yet lost more. My exercise was similar to other weeks too. I will try my best not to obsess about it since I've already planned for this week to be a week to use lots of flexpoints.

emilyn - I hope that you had a good meal at the chinese buffet. I still get a panicked feeling initially when I think of choosing what to eat at a restaurant.

JenniferJJ - thanks for the kind words - things are going well with both of us on WW; we each bring our own strengths to weight-loss, and he's been part of planning a healthier family thanksgiving.

I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and that your plans for the week turn out well!

[greysangel]

Congratulations Nancy! That's terrific :)

I stayed the same :( I've lost *only* 5 lbs since September 11. I'm not too thrilled though I suppose it could be much worse. I'm going to try for the HOLIDAY FIVE challenge...try to challenge myself to exercise five days a week and to lose five by Xmas instead of gain five like people usually do. I would really like to see onederland for new year's and this would get me there.

[emilyn]

Nancy, congrats, that's a great loss!

Jeanne, sorry about your staying the same but that sounds like a good goal to reach for over the holidays.

I was not overly successful with the chinese meal because I didn't have a choice of the entrees, someone ordered for everyone. But on a positive note I avoided alcohol and the fried wonton thingies even though we were sitting waiting for food for a long time. At least the portions weren't huge. I also exercised a ton this weekend so all is well.

Now on to worrying about thanksgiving. My concern is not so much the day itself but the rest of the weekend and leftovers and having family around and not staying strong about resisting the things I need to resist. I just remember eating pie with ice cream 4 days straight last year. I tend to want to eat things that other people are eating just because it's there and they get to eat it so why shouldn't I? I need to figure out a plan.

Anyone else have concerns about the weekend and strategies?

[Shechef]

Hello all-first post on the WW board.
Congratulation to ALL of you on your successes, and on continuing to support each other! I have been on WW for about 5 weeks, lost 10 lbs. I do love the program, I really enjoy the flexibility.
I am nervous about this weekend, though. Thanksgiving on Thursday, then a celebration on Saturday with my family for a birthday. I think my Thanksgiving day approach will be not to beat myself up over food. I will enjoy a little bit of everything, but I don't want to pig out either. So I sure hope my SIL is serving salad I can fill up on before dinner!! I may even bring my own salad dressing. (I found a really yummy one-Newman's Own light Sesame Ginger)

[Kelly23]

Hi there! Week 2 is better for me with a loss of 2 lbs. I am happy with this since I was traveling for a couple days and that is always hard.

I also have a problem wanting to eat what others are eating. It's very hard for me to eat in social situations and control it. This weekend will be hard for me as I will be going to my in-laws and have no control over the meals. My goal is to eat small portions and try to avoid dessert (OK- I will let myself have one piece of pie :D ) and get lots of work-outs in. I am off to the gym now!
Happy Thanksgiving to all !

[Shechef]

Well, how did everyone survive Thanksgiving??? I did eat too much, but I took an a.m. walk and a p.m. walk, and went to the gym this a.m. And ther scale was actually nice to me!! Yippie!!!
Now let's see how I do at tomorrow night's B-Day party............

[JenniferJJ]

Hi

Congrats Shechef on the nice scale! That's great that you were able to take walks.


Kelly - Congrats on the 2 lbs.

Emily - My strategy is the eat smaller servings. It worked for lunch - I had a potluck-type meal at the church where my mom attends. I found a small plate that was being used for cookies and put my food on that. It was buffet-style, so I had to get up from the table if I wanted something else. The problem was that I was also invited for a dinner elsewhere at dinner time. This was family-style, served on china (so I wasn't about to ask for a smaller plate) and the food was right in front of me if I wanted more. Oh well, it's one day.

Jeanne - I like your 5s goal.

Nancy - Congrats on the 3 pounds.

I really don't know how much damage I did yesterday. I woke up to TOM so I know that some of my weight gain is bloating, just have no idea how much. I am hoping to have some enery to go to the gym later, but I don't know for sure if that will happen.

[Couperine]

Well I dipped into my flexpoints in a huge way yesterday, but I planned to use them while trying to eat better portion sizes. I'm so glad that I don't like pecan pie or else I'd be looking at negative flexpoints. :) The killer was having brunch and then I was hungry at dinner-time.

I'm glad the food worry is over but it was a very enjoyable meal spent with family - I definitely need to plan more extended family meals since we all live in the area and had a great time. In all honesty it feels like yesterday I changed the TV channel, and today is "now back to our regularly scheduled programming".

Shechef - congratulations on having a good Thanksgiving and scale - I weighed before I went to brunch yesterday, but I'm in no mood to check the scale until Monday's regular WI.

JenniferJJ - You had a huge challenge with two big meals; I hope your scale says happy things for you even with those big challenges and TOM. I'm having a hard time getting off my behind and getting some exercise as well, but since you reminded me, I'll commit to heading out for a long walk after my toddler wakes up.

Have a great weekend all!

[Couperine]

Oh the joys of a Monday morning WI after using flexpoints the day before - I gained 0.2 lbs for the week. At least the snarky little comment about needing to eat more from last week doesn't pertain anymore. :)

If I were ultra competitive, I'd be jealous that my husband had negative flexpoints even before Thanksgiving eating, and he still lost 2.2 lbs - in reality I think it's great that he lost, and I do know that men lose weight differently than women do. He had a pair of pants fall off when he took his belt off, and I can wear everything in my closet with some things being too loose. We're ready for a week without a flexpoint black hole in it.

I think our weekend suffered from lack of meal planning - I fell off the water wagon as well since I've been trying to do ovulation testing and it recommends a 4 hour period in the day without using the bathroom. So this week's goal is planning a 7 day meal plan as well as exercising more than twice.

Good luck this week with WI's everyone!

[JenniferJJ]

Nancy - I think a gain of only .2 is great for this past week. I don't go to a weigh-in on the same day every week and did something to make it emotionally easier for me: I weighed in on Wednesday last week and then will not weigh in until Friday or Saturday this week.

I had another big meal Saturday night (while it was at my house, I thought a menu that included pizza, dessert and wine would be good for this crowd). As someone who weighs in daily, I am up 2 from Thursday morning, and I am okay with that. I have control over every day this week. I have bread leftover from Saturday night that I will take to my job-seekers support group tomorrow night. (It's safe - sitting in my car.) If the plumber gets here soon enough this morning, I will go to the gym, a little later, I'll go for a walk outside (it's unseasonably warm), but if not, maybe I can do something after my job interview.

Even though I gained over this past week, I think about the fact that I am 13 pounds lighter than I was after Thanksgiving last year. So when I gain or just didn't lose (with me, my body always responds, it's just me not eating right and not exercising), I don't think I'm a failure. I just think about what I've been able to accomplish so far and realize that I am on a path to success and that I will lose the rest. That's a great feeling.

Have a great day everyone.

Jennifer

[Kelly23]

Nancy- I think I would have a hard time if my DH was doing WW with me. I know men lose weight differently but it frustrates me to no end that my husband can work out one day and lose several pounds. But he is also one of those naturally thin people so I know I won't be doing WW with him anytime soon :) But, it must be nice to have someone going through it with you.
Jennifer- Good luck on your job interview and congrats on being 13 lbs lighter than last year at this time!

I went to the gym today after being at my in-laws all weekend and was surprised to find myself down 1 lb. I am happy with that as my MIL is a great Italian cook and I did not count points this weekend. I am off to travel for work again this week, so my goals are to try and eat healthy out at restaurants and get a couple days in on the hotel treadmill. I am also bringing my Pilates DVD with me.

[greysangel]

Good morning everyone!

Sounds like there was pretty good damage control over the big foodie holiday. I stayed the same and am ok with that for last week. I barely hit the gym and not having leftovers was pretty much the only thing that saved me!