Lulu201's Healthy Living Log (comments welcome!)

[lulu201]

OK, here I go!

My history: I've had to watch my weight since 6th grade and have had varying degrees of success. There have been times when I've been able to lose pounds on my own, more times when I've lost it at WW, and other times when I've just strugged unbelieveably! (Lots of those, lol) Anyway, I'm 5'8" and have fluctuated between 148 and 201 during the last 11 years. Right now I'm at 190, having lost 10 pounds this summer. There is a STRONG history of diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis in my family, and while I don't have any signs of any of these at this moment (I'm 41), I've got regular hip and back pain (tendinitis and degenerative disc disease) and feel like I've got to look over my shoulder to ward off these other health problems.

I'm tired of feeling self conscious about my weight. I'd like to walk confidently on the beach, move with ease while I'm teaching
(I'm an active preschool music/piano teacher), have fun with my teen age DD, and live a long life with my loving DH. I want to look smashing on our cruise this fall and amazing at my 25th (!) high school reunion next June.

I'm also tired of the constant yo-yoing. I want to find a plan for life that works for me, without paying someone else to tell me what I already know. I want to be inwardly motivated and strong, but know that I can really use a little help from my friends
(I hope these boards will help with that). I plan on exercising at least five times a week, counting points, and making low carb food choices (I'm a classic carb addict, I've found out along the way).

In this log I'll keep track of my food choices and struggles and my exercise accomplishments. Since it's only 7 a.m. and I haven't exercised or eaten much, guess I'll have to re-visit tonight, but at least the plan is written now and the journey to wellness has begun. . .

[Auntmeme]

Great job starting your journal. I need to do that. I emailed you cause I also am from bucks. I am a few inches shorter but at the same weight. When I had my son 2 years ago I went over 200 and have not lost it all yet. I seem to get stuck when I don't plan and I need to exercise more, finding the time is so hard. But I also want to look great for our october trip and my 20th reunion in November.

Your motivation is going to be my motivation. So let's take it day by day and have a great week:Pinkbounc

[Castillo Mom]

I'm so happy to see that you started a journal Lulu! Old habits are difficult to change, I've experienced that myself. This board is great for motivation. Different people are on different plans but all have the same goal, weight loss with resultant better health. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress.

[lulu201]

Tuesday, 8/20
Well, I'm at the end of day one. Here's my report!

Exercise:
**Walked my little dog twice around the street in my development.
**Rode my bike for 20 minutes this a.m. and hope to ride again tonight. Out of all my exercise this is my favorite--it makes me feel like I'm 10 years old!:)
**Walked on my treadmill to the WW audiotape I have for 55 minutes. I thought I'd never get to the end!

I was going to lift weights, but I was just too tuckered out. Tomorrow I want to do the 30 minute WW walk--hopefully I'll have enough energy left to do the weights.

Food:

Breakfast:
Coffee with some kind of vanilla soy milk my DH got at the store. The soy milk has fewer carbs than my regular 2%. As you may have heard, I love my coffee!
:p

OK, I also had one slice of high-fiber toast with 1 TBS peanut butter and a cup and a half of berries.

Lunch:
Salad with ham and cheese, olives, and dressing

Snack #1
Plum

Snack #2
Cheesestick and 12 small olives (I love those olives almost as much as I love my coffee!)

Dinner:
Chicken and broccoli over pasta in an alfredo sauce

Dessert:
SKINNY COW FUDGE BAR! YUMMY (This is my reward for having made it through the day without a carb binge)

As I look this over, I know that I should NOT have had that pasta--too many carbs--but I tried to go easy on the portion size and eat more chicken instead.

So, that completes Journal, Day #1.

Thank you, MeMe and Castillo Mom, for posting. Your kind words and encouragement--hey, just your understanding of this struggle--mean a lot to me.

We're all in it together, and we will succeed!!! :wave:

[lulu201]

Wednesday, 8/20 (Oops posted the wrong date yesterday!)

I'm tired and mad at myself for eating three stupid munchkins, but I'm here to confess and write it all out. . .

Exercise:
**lifted 10 pound weights with DH's plan that he designed for me.
**rode my bike for 30 minutes.
**walked on the treadmill for 30 minutes.
**shopped!

My food:
**coffee and creamer--1
**strawberries/blueberries-1

**2 eggs and bacon--7
**1 oz. cheddar cheese--1
**plum--1

**lettuce--0
**olives--1
**tuna--3
**mayo--1
**dressing--2

**munchkins:( --4.5

**skinny cow;) --2

Total points for the day: 24.5
Hey, I guess that's not too bad, after all; I'm just so darned tired. . .

I should just call it a day and try to get a fresh outlook in the morning. 'Night

[lulu201]

Thursday, 8/21

Wow, the end of another day. I feel like I did much better today--no munchkins or pasta!

The exercise:

**long walk with McDuff
**biked around the development for 30 minutes.
**walked for 40 minutes, 2.5 miles, on treadmill. I set up this cute little "motivation station" around my treadmill with quotes, inspirational messages, etc. Also have found that the time that I exercise is a good time to pray and think about other people and things besides my big ole bottom!

The food:

**slice of toast with pb--4
**strawberries/blueberries--1
**coffee with vanilla soy milk--1

**ham and cheese roll up--4

**2 eggs with 1/2 oz. of cheese--5.5

**salad with tuna, olives, green pepper, dressing--7

and, of course,

**my skinny cow!--2

Total: 24.5 WW points

The attitude:

For the most part, today was a good day, though I have to admit my 41 year old body is a little achey from the exercise. I have a great sense of accomplishment, though, that I've set these few goals and have achieved them, even if it has only been for a few days. I look ahead and wonder if I'll really be able to lose the weight and keep it off--particularly after our WDW/Cruise trip in 6 weeks. I've lost and gained so many times. . .I hope that this time will really be different. I try to stop myself from thinking about it too much. Just want to take it day by day. . .

'Til tomorrow
"15 in 42":)

[Auntmeme]

You had a great day, so much exercise I think your fat is slipping into my house at night and attaching to my big ole bottom:p

Where do you buy skinny cows? how many carbs?

You inspire me, thanks:)

[MsDisney]

I have a great sense of accomplishment, though, that I've set these few goals and have achieved them, even if it has only been for a few days. I look ahead and wonder if I'll really be able to lose the weight and keep it off--

Lulu...great job!!! Doesn't it feel great to exercise? I have spent so much of my life beating myself up for various things, now, at the end of each workout I find myself actually saying out loud, "good job, Karen". It's a very strange thing for me!!!

I am right about your weight (200) and have been as high as 212, and at that time I did a low-fat (high carbs...this was several years ago) diet and lost almost 40 pounds when I plateaued (sp?) and slowly it has crept back. So I only got to about 175 then. I have zero self-esteem and I was eating and drinking more and more it seemed because I figured "what the heck"! Vicious cycle! Now I've started Atkins (day 11 here) and I have been exercising everyday and I feel great! I don't want to lose this feeling again and my mini-goal is to be at 174 by my birthday on Dec. 6th (this would be the lowest I've been in a LONG time, and 1/2 of my goal).

I'll be here with you and have already drawn support from you and so many others here! I didn't have this before and I sure am glad to be in the company of so many inspirational and motivated people...and human, cuz everyone slips up, but that's what friends are for...to help get past that!

Anyway, I'm too disorganized to make a journal, maybe I'll try Monday...but I want you to know I'm pulling for you and I'll be here to help keep you motivated, and as meme said, your motivation will then be mine! :)

Karen :smooth:

[lulu201]

August 22, Friday

Oh, MeMe, you are just too funny--my husband is beginning to wonder about me after hearing me laughing out loud at the computer screen!!! I'm telling you, though, if my big ole bottom is slipping out and over to your house at night, it's back home when I'm trying to get into my shorts in the morning!LOL It feels so good to laugh with someone going through the same stuff. . .

Oh, I'll find out about the carbs in skinny cows tomorrow and let you know. I'm afraid to touch the package again tonight.

Karen, thank you for taking the time to respond to my journal. You've got to try it--it's a great helper for staying on track. I'll be looking for your journal on Monday!;) We'll help each other along the way. You're going to make that goal on Dec. 6th!:Pinkbounc

Guess I should talk about my day, though I must say, I have some rather mixed feelings. It all started OK. . .

The exercise:

**one walk for little Mick.
**30 minutes on the bike around the development. Like I said on the exercise thread, I think my neighbors think I'm the new patrol officer or something.
Here was the killer:
**55 minutes on the treadmill, 3.02 miles. Now, the walk itself wasn't bad, but my treadmill is in the un-airconditioned garage and by the time I was done, I thought I was going to die!

The food:

**strawberries, 1 cup--1
**coffee with vanilla soy milk--1

**ham and cheese roll up--4

--uh, oh, this is where things start to get a little scary--

At the Mall

**four chick-fil-a strips with honey barbeque sauce--5
**diet soda--0
**coffee with creamer a couple of hours later--1

And now things get really scary:

A trip to the Chinese Buffet!

**two cups of steamed shrimp with cocktail sauce--5
**1/2 cup crab meat with butter--2
**1/2 cup chicken and broccoli--1
**1/3 General Tso's chicken--:rolleyes: 6
**1/2 cup vegetable rice noodles--2?
**1 teeny tiny stuffed mushroom--1

And for dessert, OF COURSE, my good friend, the skinny cow--2

That put's my grand total for Friday at, gulp, 31!:(

Now, I'm trying to have some perspective on this. I know that I have points in the WW food bank, so I'm not REALLY over my points, but I'm not too proud of that General Tso's chicken. I do have to say, though, it sure was good. . .

Pointwise, now, I had 24 for the day and took 7 from the bank (I'm trying to follow the new flexpoint program mentioned on one of the other threads). So for the rest of the week that leaves me
with 27 left in the bank. Hey, that's pretty good!:) Now, though, I've got to go drink a quart of water to flush out all that sodium from eating Chinese!:eek:
If anybody reads this who follows the whole point thing, I don't use any activity towards food points. I don't want anything to slow me down(except for a little General Tso)!

Well, I'm going to sign off for another day. I'll check in again tomorrow.

[Auntmeme]

I also love that general, but the mall & the chinese buffet, yikes. You really didn't do too bad, you could have gone over the wall and who knows when we would have seen you:p I actually gulped when I saw chinese buffet.

I also lol alot reading these boards, so I burn alot of calories sitting on my big ole bottom.

You are an exercise queen but watch the no air garage, I don't want to have to do CPR, though I know how. 55 minutes WOW, I only had 30. You have given my a challenge for tomorrow, thanks!

And give that general the boot
:p

[lulu201]

Sat., 8/23 Wow! What a beautiful day! Tomorrow is the last day of my first week on a strict plan, though I didn't start journaling until Tuesday. I'm going to do an official weigh-in on Monday.

Here's my report for the day:

Exercise:

**52 minutes spent biking around.
**2 walks for Mick
**32 minutes on the treadmill, 2 mi.
**weight lifting program with 10 lb. weights

Tomorrow is my DAY OF REST!!! Except for walking the dog and leisurely biking, I'm not doing a dang thing!

Food:

**slice of twelve grain bread (toast, actually) with pbutter--4
**coffee with soy milk--1

**Lulu's special tuna/olive salad--11.5

**7 oz. chicken breast--7
**broccoli--0
**cucumbers--0
**bit of butter--1

**slice of ham and 1/3 slice of cheese--2

**my yummy skinny cow--2

Total: 28.5

I'm happy with my food choices, but I messed up. I forgot that I had made an extra good salad at lunch--I didn't write any of this down until now--and accidently (hey, it was an ACCIDENT!) had more points than I thought. That means I have to draw another
4.5 from the bank. Total left in bank now: 22.5 (still a good amount)

At least I didn't overeat 'cause I had another date with General Tso. . .MeMe, if you're reading this, if I give the general the boot, do I have to break up with the KFC Colonel, and ditch my romance with the Burger King? Man, this healthy living is going to ruin my love life!
:p Please don't tell my DH about these other men in my life!!!

[Auntmeme]

You made me laugh so hard. You know with all those affairs you should be burning alot of calories:p

Your kicking my a-- with your exercise routine, how do you do it?

Not a bad day for your points, why was your tuna so many?

I'll exercise tomorrow so I'll check up to you. Onward to my cheat free day 3.

[lulu201]

Sunday, 8/24

Gee, today I really wanted to eat. I didn't. . .but I really wanted to. Not nutritional eating, but recreational. You know, munch through a bowl of popcorn or have a big, huge hot fudge sundae. . .I didn't, though, and that I can feel good about. One of the things that helped me was thinking about the people on this board. I thought of all of us trying our best and that gave me strength.

The exercise:

**two walks around the circle with Mickey.
**22 minutes on the bike with DD.
I think the rest today did me good. I'm looking forward to my date with my treadmill tomorrow a.m. I'm going to walk as early as I can make myself because it should be cool in the garage (I do put the door up, btw)

The food:

**1 and 1/2 cups of berries--1
**coffee and that vanilla soy milk--1
**more coffee:) with 1/2 oz. half and half at church--.5

**2 eggs and 3 slices of bacon--7

**more berries--1

**5.5 oz. of chicken--5.5
**grilled summer squash and mushrooms--2 (for olive oil)
**1 oz. cheddar cheese--3
**10 small olives--1

**s.c.:p--2

Total for Sunday: 24

I'm trying to finish all my eating, except for maybe a s.c. on nights I teach late, by 6 p.m. I end up drinking a lot at night and my stomach does tend to rumble, but I think it's better for me to try to break my habit of eating late. I'll have to bring my dinner to work with me and eat when I can.

:) Because MeMe asked what was in the tuna salad I had, I went back over it and found that I had made a mistake counting (thank you, MeMe!). Seems the salad (1 sm. can of tuna, 1 tsp. mayo, 2 servicings lite salad dressing, olives, 1/2 oz. of cheese over lettuce) came in at 9.5 points, not 11.5. I can give 2 points back to the bank; I've got 24.5 in there now.

:) Tried on a suit that I hadn't been able to wear last month AT ALL, and it fit rather nicely this afternoon. That made me smile. I don't know if other people can see that I'm losing weight (AGAIN), but I can.

:) DH said I'm looking five years younger! Now that's a man who knows how to get on my good side!


Tomorrow's my official weigh-in day, so I'm anxious to get the low-down on the week. Hope I can stay OP again tomorrow.

[Castillo Mom]

You crack me up Lulu! Come to think of it, I've been involved with those men! You're doing really well with the exercise. Don't get too overheated though, and remember to drink plenty of water to rehydrate. I'll check in with you tomorrow. Have fun on that treadmill!:D

[lulu201]

Monday, 8/25

I woke up this morning and remembered I had to get weighed in, and you know what? I was a little bit afraid. I'd been feeling so good about the hard work I'd done--the exercise, the food choices--that I knew if I didn't see a loss, I'd be all depressed and negative about it instead. I had to give myself a pep talk just so I could get on the scale! In fact, I kinda circled it, stepped gingerly upon it, and peeked down: and I saw that I'd lost 5 lbs. After a "thank you, God," I had to sit down!!!

What an ordeal! How can I let those numbers on that dumb scale have such power over me?!? They do, though, and that's a sad fact. I hope that I can get to a point where just having the good habits--water drinking, exercise, good food choices will be enough. Also, I know the bloat fairy is making a bee-line for my house even as I type, and an attack from him can easily add 2-3 pound in water retention.

So, here's the new deal:

Officially accepted WISH challenge on 8/17 at 192 (began journal on 8/19--had lost 2 pounds!)
First official weigh in on 8/25--187

First mini-goal: 185 by 9/1
Second mini-goal: 175 by 10/3

Big huge WISH goal: 158 by 12/31/03

Thank goodness for the people and support on this board. MeMe, Castillo Mom, and all you posters. . .I can't begin to tell you how your encouragement helps me to stay on track.

:p Today's a happy day. Now, let me get my sneakers, I gotta get on that treadmill before I get the urge for a donut!

[Auntmeme]

5 lbs you go girl, get that clippie:Pinkbounc

Great for you and fitting better into that suit, that's the best feeling. And your dh what a doll, next week you'll look 10 years younger:p

Have a great workout & stay focused. Whre are you a teacher?

[MsDisney]

Awesome job, Lulu!!! I don't know what to tell you about not letting the scale rule your life...but stoppit!!! :)

We hear it all the time, and it's SO true...as long as you are eating healthier and feeling better...and clothes are getting looser, it really doesn't matter WHAT the scale says! (this is easier said than done!)

Remember, it's about weight loss, but it's also about getting healther and even if the scale isn't cooperating, you KNOW you're doing well and getting healthier!!!

Go get your clippie! Where is it? :confused:

I will try to start my own journal of sorts today too...and I'm hoping for some PD that I can claim my 5lb clippie tomorrow! :)

Keep up the great work and enjoy wearing those clothes!!! :bounce:

Karen :smooth:

[Auntmeme]

Did you have a good day? I want to see your clippie and then you can tell me where to get one cause when I lose 2lbs this week that's where I'm heading:p

You need to tell me about the Atlantis deal? my dh is not interested in any excursions, I'm alittle disappointed so maybe we can head to the Atlantis.

[Castillo Mom]

Congratulations Lulu! I bet you feel great. Isn't it encouraging when you put on an outfit that didn't fit so well, or didn't fit at all and now it does? Cool!

Keep away from that donut, remember, it's poison and it doesn't taste good anyway.:rolleyes:

[lulu201]

It's been almost impossible for me to get just a minute to myself to update this journal. . .finally, I can catch up!

First let me thank you MeMe, Karen, and Lisa, for your kind and supportive words. You sharing in my "weigh-in joy" yesterday made my whole day. When I read your words, I got quite choked up!:)

I've been teaching a lot the last couple of days, trying to reschedule students so that I can go away for a few days and still make some money!:) MeMe, my DH and I direct our own little music school. I teach piano, keyboard classes, Kindermusik in our studio; I also teach general music at two local preschools. We have some wonderful teachers who work with us. . .we love what we do. . .it's fulfilling and meaningful, BUT back to school is a crazy, chaotic time for us, and it seems that I often lose myself (and my intention for a healthy lifestyle) when Sept. comes. I've been so busy I haven't even had time to get my clippie!!!!!!!

OK, quickly now, because I have to get to choir practice at church:

8/25
Exercise: 30 min. bike, 60 min. (3.77 mi.) treadmill, 1 walk with Mickey

Food: Total points were 26.5/left in bank: 32.5
I'm going to skip the whole list--suffice it to say, as you know, girls, it began with coffee and ended with a skinny cow!:p

8/26
Exercise: 30 min. bike, 30 and 1/2 min. treadmill (hee, hee)--2 mi.

Food: b--5 points
s--coffee at a jazz workshop, 1
l--11.5 Mc.D. salad
s--more coffee, .5 (drinking way too much coffee today!)
d--ham/cheese rollup, 5 olives, fruit, cow--6

Total: 24/left in bank: 32.5

Happy about my eating today, but still wishing I was having a donut! As I rush out the door, I'll chant Lisa's words of wisdom:
Donuts are poison, donuts don't taste good, donuts are poison, donuts don't taste good, donuts are . . .

[FEEBEE]

THANX FOR THE JOURNAL LULU MAKES ME LOL AND VERY INSPIRING.

LIKE THE DONUT MANTRA.THERE ARE 4 EVIL LITTLE DONUTS FILLED WITH CUSTARD IN MY KITCHEN RIGHT NOW CALLING TO ME. ......I WILL NOT BE DEFEATED.

NAUGHTY DO-NUT.........

DIRTY DO-NUT........

BAD DO NUT.......

[Castillo Mom]

You did great today Lulu. I was really busy today too. You know, I've gotten so used to posting to my journal and to all of yours too, if I don't, I feel guilty.

Feebee, I've been meaning to say hello and give you a warm welcome, but like I said, busy, busy, busy. But here goes: Welcome! I actually have read your journal and you seem to progressing well. It's hard to stick to a plan when you're socializing, isn't it? So much temptation. That's one my weak points as well. I haven't gone out to dinner or accepted an invitation anywhere since I started Atkins 2 1/2 weeks ago. I'm not ready.

Both of you stay away from those donuts!

[lulu201]

Good morning, girls! I agree, Lisa, I feel the need to check in with everyone or I feel like something's missing! Now I want to add Feebee to the list! Thanks for your kind words, Feebee. I cracked up when I read your definition of a skinny cow on Lisa's journal page. . .I'll have to fill Lisa in on my version of the cow later.

Anyway, I usually try to post on my journal in the p.m., but I'm doing it this morning because I have to catch up on yesterday. I came home from choir and felt weak and headachey and HUNGRY--kind of like a low blood sugar thing, so I had some chicken salad and three crackers. Points from the old WW point bank? -5.5. Total left in bank 'til next Monday: 27.

Really agonized about eating that chicken, but I felt much better about 20 min. after I did. I sat and thought long and hard about what I should eat, how many points, would it be healthy or junk, etc., so felt it was a good choice. A few weeks ago, hungry or not, I would've binged on cheese curls or had a candy bar. (No donuts, though, they're poison!!!)

Ole bloat fairy is hovering over my house. . .the craving for chocolate yesterday was wicked, but drank coffee instead (Uhh, not the wisest choice, there). Today, more water, less caffeine.

On my way to get Mickey's haircut!

[Auntmeme]

Oh how the bloat fairy can make us do things we don't want to do:p

Remember to keep some kind of snack w/ you at all times. Your music school sounds delightful.

I saw skinny cows at sams club. I have to go read Lisa's definition.

Keep the focus:D

[FEEBEE]

girls, I have been buying Diet Drinks and Flavoured water with no carbs, I know they arent ideal and contain sweeteners but they do fill you up, satisfy the sweet cravings, and served chilled over ice in a wine glass can feel like quite a treat. I buy a lovely Spring Water flavoured with Lemon and Lime which does kill the sweet craving. And the water is of course a bonus.

Again I know not ideal, but 'damage limitation'

:cool:

[MsDisney]

Lulu! Look at that clippie! It looks FABULOUS on you!!! It matches mine too! You could have at least told me you planned to wear it today! :mad: Actually, I have nothing else to wear, so I guess we just have to deal with it! :jester:

Great job and don't agonize over chicken, chicken is not evil. Donuts are. :)

Sorry to hear the BF is on the way...take heart that most seem to have a visit from the whoosh fairy when BF leaves the building!

I, myself, don't really have TOM...although, I still experience some bloating but it's usually because of something I ate or too darn much water! I don't miss TOM...TOM was evil too and he probably ate lots of doughnuts!!! (I've spelled do-nuts both ways today to ward off boredom :rolleyes: )

Did I see that you went a whole 1/2 minute on the treadmill? I guess with 60 of them the day before, you can be forgiven! LOL You might want to try working up to 1 minute and see how you feel! :jester:

I think I'm feeling silly today! Must be the special treat I had of blueberries and cream. :rolleyes: I wish it were baileys! LOL

Keep up the great work!
Karen :smooth:

[lulu201]

Wednesday, 8/27

Another day trying to lead the good life. . .today's easier for some reason. Got up and exercised--30 min. on the bike and 40 on the treadmill. It felt good. I've been slowly taking over our garage and making it into a gym. Today I put down an indoor/outdoor carpet that used to be on our patio to go with the treadmill, CD/cassette player, towel and towel hook, and bulletin board (for motivational messages!). I'm going to try to talk DH into getting a weight bench and getting all the weights out of our bedroom. Have to see how that goes over. He might as well give in and get one. . .there's no room in the garage for his car, anyway!;)

Hey, Karen, were you making fun of my 1/2 minute walk?!:mad:
First you start wearing my outfit and then you're mocking my workout. Well! OK, here's what I'll do. . .when it's time for us to change our clippie outfits, we'll call each other first.lol And about my short little walk. . .

Uh, I meant to write that I did a 30 minute and 1/2 minute workout--a more than a bit compulsive about time keeping, I'll admit:rolleyes: but every second counts when I'm on that treadmill, you know what I'm saying!:p I'm trying to work off at least a couple of oz. from my big ole bottom before I put on my bathing suit and walk onto Castaway Cay!

Speaking of walking, Karen. . .have you ever thought of walking in the WDW half-marathon? If you or any of you other great WISH buddies of mine ever think about doing it, let me know. To me it would be like the ultimate in challenges! I know there was some thread about it on the board. . .I'll have to check it out.

Foodwise, I've been OK, so far. For breakfast I had coffee with milk and fruit salad. Lunch was a peanut butter sandwich (total of 10 points thus far). I stopped at 7-11 and got a diet pepsi slurpee--just the ticket for this hot, humid day. Feebee, I like the idea of those flavored waters in wine glasses. . .gonna do that.
Tonight's dinner will be a cheeseburger, no bun, and some fresh green beans. Oh, and y'all know what dessert will be by now.;)

Leaving tomorrow morning to visit my mom for a few days, and am slightly nervous about staying OP, but you guys are such inspirations for me, I think I'm going to be able to stay focused. I know how you feel, MeMe, not going to the shore. . .it's just easier in some ways not to venture out. . .it's a relief to stay home. I keep trying to remember to stop myself and ask myself how I'll feel AFTER I eat something: will I be upset with myself? Lately, I'm getting better at staying away from stuff if the answer is yes. Sure hope I can do that when we're out for breakfast at the famous Wellsboro Diner!

I'll try to check in tomorrow before I go. . .

[lulu201]

Just a quick wrap up of the day:

Dinner: 9
(plus b--2, l--8, dessert--2)=21 for the day, 27 left in the bank.

Good night

[FEEBEE]

have a good weekend lulu

:cool: keep up the good work !!! :cool:

[lulu201]

OK, this is my last journal entry until Sunday or Monday! I have one pound to go to reach my goal for 9/1 (185), but I'm seriously entering the DANGER ZONE: four days of restaurant meals while I visit my mom. [An aside here. . .it's not that my mom doesn't know how to cook. . .though she doesn't like it, that's for sure. . .she lives in a lovely assisted living facility and when we visit, she only wants to eat out. DH, DD, and I stay at a nearby hotel, so we see mom as well as swim and live it up!]
We have access to a fitness center at the hotel, so I'm hoping to keep my morning date with the treadmill, but I've hoped to do that on previous visits and never have.:( This time will be different, though. Right? Right??

No routine, no skinny cows, bountiful buffets at every turn. . .YIKES!:eek: Send me telepathic motivational messages, girls, I need all the help I can get!

See you next week.

Onward and downward?? Gulp.

[Auntmeme]

Can ou hear me? I'm wishing out to you, STAY FOCUSED! Hit that treadmill not the buffet. Only 35 days till you see Mickey. You're doing so well, YEAH! Yummy a diet pepsi slurpee:D

You're going to hit your mini-goal, you may even by-pass it, have a great downward weekend:Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

Hmmm. I'm back, and I've been so very, very, VERY bad:rolleyes:
I had a great Labor Day vacation, filled with all kinds of yummy things, but I'm here this morning to get myself back on track. I didn't even get weighed yesterday because I was afraid I'd have to give my clippie back!:( MeMe, I guess I was just too far away to hear your support!

I'm ready to begin a new mini-goal: cheat free until Oct. 3rd (the day we leave for our WDW/DCL vacation! As far as my other mini-goal (185 by 9/1), I haven't been brave enough to check. . .

[Duggas]

Well that's two of us who were really really bad this weekend (but wasn't it great!). Time for us both to get back on track now, to eat good and healthy and exercise. Don't worry about what's happened, its in the past and can't be changed. So come on, its back to you and me exercising :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc and trying to recover from our slight blip (actually mine was huge but never mind!).

[DoeWDW]

Lulu, you're in good company - I've been oopsing as well. But today is a new day and we can get right back on track. You had a good time and made some good memories on vacation and that is what's important about this past weekend! Now, it's back to business, for both of us!

[lulu201]

Well, I made it to the end of the day. Here's how it went:

B--coffee with milk, toast with peanut butter 6
L--Rita's water ice and a soft pretzel 9.5
D--spaghetti with about 2.5 oz. chicken
honey roasted almonds for dessert :D

Not one single bit of exercise except for the running up and down the stairs that I did while doing the wash. . .rather pathetic.

I'm listening, Pam and Doreen, it's a new month and tomorrow, once I get my DD off to school, I'm hitting that treadmill hard. Your words have encouraged and comforted me.

(I do have to say, though, I have no regrets about that homemade brownie with the peanut butter icing over the weekend.:p)

[lulu201]

Yuck! Yesterday was a bad day--terrible, terrible eating! I had a candy bar, pretzels, a beer, and cheese rolls! Talk about carb loading. I was depressed about the first day of school (happy for DD, sad for me), worried about work, fighting with DH--yuck! (Oh, I said that already.)

I'm kinda still in my blue funk this morning, but I think what I need is some time on my bike, so after the last school buses leave, I'm going to hit the road for awhile.

Today's a new day. Plan to eat better, exercise (though yesterday I did do 2.18 mi. on the old treadmill), and count my blessings. I'm working until about 8 now and need to spend more of my evening time (when I finally walk in the door) with DD
so a.m. will most likely be my only computer time.

It's Day 1 of my cheat-free-'cause-cruise-is-coming challenge!

(Watch out, MeMe, I'm fast approaching you on that Cheat Free Trail!):p

[DoeWDW]

{{hugs}} to you, Lulu!! You sound like you're struggling a bit! Take heart - each day is a new day. In fact, each time you eat, you can choose to eat healthy - you don't even have to wait for tomorrow!!

Now, you'd better be getting your exercise!! I'll be checking in on this thread and I want to see that you've MOVED today!! It seems to help you so much with your mood - it's a wonderful gift to give yourself!

You go, girl!! You're gonna look and feel great on that cruise!!!

[Castillo Mom]

Hey there Lulu! I'm back! I know I haven't been around this last week, but you've all been in my thoughts. It was really crazy at work these last two weeks, but things should start to die down now that my boss is back. But enough about me in YOUR journal....

I see you hit a slight bump in the road. Not to worry, we all go through that from time to time. If you fall off the wagon, just dust yourself off and get right back on, don't beat yourself up, ok? It's admirable that you've at least continued to exercise, so give yourself a pat on the back for that. It's amazing how our emotions can affect our eating habits, isn't it? I think that's what's so great about a journal. You can look back and see if there's a pattern and make adjustments when needed and it's a great avenue to be able to vent.

I'm going to keep my post short. Just wanted to say hi, and that I haven't gone anywhere. Like I told MeMe, I'm hanging in there with you all. Good night!

:o

[lulu201]

Yesterday was better. Not exactly cheat free, thanks to those mean little tootsie roll midgees that I keep for my students as a practice reward (I swear they jumped out of the treat jar and landed in my mouth when I wasn't looking!). . .but better. I walked on my treadie in the a.m. for 1.75 mi. and tried to eat in a healthy way (still not getting a good WW point count), took my vitamins. Overall, a day that was a step in the right direction.

I have to tell you that the hugs and kind words from you, Doreen and Lisa, help tremendously. So often in the past I've felt alone in the day to day struggle of weight loss and management, but with you terrific WISH friends, I feel such support. Thanks for understanding and for taking the time to post. You're so sweet!:p

So, Doreen, now I have a new slogan, courtesy of you: Lean and Mean by Halloween! That made me chuckle!:p I know I'm not going to be lean and mean by our cruise (27 days and counting!), but today I'm going to make a real effort to STAY AWAY FROM THE MIDGEES! And of course, the donuts, Lisa. I haven't forgotten how evil they are. . .:p

Onward and downward, once again--

[Auntmeme]

Hi Lulu,

No tootsies for adults they're only for kids - that's what I tell myself. My ds was eating some last night and boy I could just taste it. But I love being cheat free. Here's a wish that the scale/tape measure is good to you this week :D

[MsDisney]

Hugs to you Lulu!!!

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Lulu}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Good job for dusting yourself off and getting back in the right direction!!! It's not easy, I think we have all gotten to a point where maybe we don't feel like anything is going as well as it could or should and so we fall...the important thing is you didn't stay down, you got back up and you are doing much better!!!

I'm a little depressed the scale isn't moving faster, but I guess it just makes me more determined to make it happen somehow...:mad:

Keep exercising, remember, everytime you do, you're burning calories and boosting your metabolism, so if you do that, you're doing well, even if you slip a little on the food! You're also getting healther and stronger!!! :bounce:

Hang in there and remember we're all here rooting for you, even if we don't look like we're here for a few days...we are!!! To test this, simply find a shell and put it up to your ear...you will hear chants of "Go Lulu, Go Lulu" coming from it...that's us, your WISH cheerleaders!!! (it might work with the toilet too...but I'd prefer to use a shell if I were you! :rolleyes: )

Karen :smooth:

[Castillo Mom]

Yeah, we're with you during the ups and downs. Go Lulu, go Lulu! I haven't exercised in three days, but tomorrow I will for sure. I'm trying to up with you, but you're tiring me out Lulu!:Pinkbounc :p

[DoeWDW]

Go Lulu, go Lulu!!! Can't you just HEAR all of us??? And Karen, I definitely like the shell idea better than the toilet....LOL!!! Lulu, you just gotta hang in there, girl!! Make good choices!!

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Lulu. Just checking in and hoping you had a wonderful calorie free weekend. I'm pretty sleepy and it's past my bedtime:o so I'll keep my post short. Hope to hear from you tomorrow!:D

[lulu201]

Good morning, all! I'm heading for my first cheat free day in a LONG time! 25 days 'til our trip, and I'm determined to be in my new bathing suit by then! The weekend was a little rough, but I announced to my family that I'm counting points on Monday a.m., so they'll be watching me. Just got everyone out the door, so after I post I'll go exercise before I head off to work.

Thank you, everyone, for your friendly words--I appreciate knowing you're in my corner. :)

I'll try to post with details later,

Lulu

Onward and Downward
Lean and Mean by Halloween!

[lulu201]

Oh, Karen, planning to go to the shore this coming weekend--when I pick up a shell, you'd better be there!:p

[Castillo Mom]

I'm rooting for you! You're going to look so sexy and svelt in that new bathing suit!:Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

Hee, hee--what a chuckle, Lisa! No one has ever used the words bathing suit, sexy, and svelte in the same sentence and had it refer to me!:p I love it! LOL

Well, I DID IT!! :Pinkbounc My first cheat free day since Labor Day! I'm having some problems with my clippie, but I'll keep working on it. Anyway, let me give you the lowdown on yesterday:

Exercise: 15 min. bike, walked the dog
Food: B--toast with pb, coffee with 1/2 and 1/2=5
s--berries=1
L--ham and cheese rollup with 5 olives=3
D--salad with tuna and dressing=7
s--cheese=4
s--toast with jelly=3
s--skinny cow:p=2

Total:25 (34 remaining in the bank)

I'm back on track!!!! Finally, right? Your support, you guys, has made all the difference. Thank you.

I'll try to check in again later. Having a hard time on the WISH board today--some kind of technical problem when I'm trying to post or switch threads!

[Auntmeme]

Good job your train is on the track:Pinkbounc I see it going down, down, down.

If you figure out the cheat free clippie please let me know, I can't even find it:mad:

[lulu201]

I'm so frustrated!:mad: I've been trying for 45 minutes to get the darn cheat free clippie into my signature and in the mean time have lost my 5 lb. clippie to boot!:mad: :mad: :mad:

At any rate, I'm going to celebrate yesterday: my second day cheat free!

exercise: 30 min., 1.9 mi. on treadmill
b: coffee with 1/2 and 1/2, toast with pb, berries=5
l: slice of ham, olives=2
d: McDonald's salad=11.5
s: 2 eggs=4
skinny cow=2

Total: 24.5/left in bank 33.5

I'm gonna go and battle with my clippies again! Wish me luck!

P.S. If anyone wants to give me (more) advice. . .

[DoeWDW]

Lulu, you sound like you're really on the ball!! Your points look great (although I confess I don't know much about WW). You've made it 2 days cheat free - WOW - AND you've exercised both days!

I promise, we'll get those clippies straightened out! I sent you a PM. They are so tough to figure out in the beginning but once you get it, they become so easy. I spent 2 hours figuring mine out, read through Dan Murphy's entire clipart thread on the technical board and PMed back and forth with Dan himself a couple times - all for a couple silly clippies! But I really love them cuz they keep me going.

Enough about me, I'm really proud of you! Make sure you plan ahead for food at the shore. There are lots of temptations there! If you plan ahead, you'll be fine!

Onward and downward!!

[lulu201]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Doreen! I PMed you and found yours waiting for me! I didn't even know there was a technical thread to read! I'll have to look for it later today. I've been at this so long already today, I'm bug-eyed!:earseek:

You've given me hope for my clippies!

Lulu:)

[lulu201]

Look at me, everyone, look at me!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
Thanks to Doreen, I have my clippies! I've been so preoccupied with these darn things, I haven't even made our bed yet. Housework calls, but now I can go willingly. . .I have my clippies!:p

[DoeWDW]

YAY LULU!!!! You get the "Patience and Perseverance" award for the day and your clippies look GREAT!! I knew you could do it!!

[Auntmeme]

Great clippies, aren't they the best!

Keep up the great job:bounce:

[lulu201]

Another day cheat free! I can't wait 'til tomorrow to change my shiny new clippie! You know, Doreen, at first I wanted a small and tasteful one like you and MeMe, but now I've kind of gotten used to it. I like it BIG and BOLD to remind me that I made it another day!!:Pinkbounc :p :Pinkbounc

The low-down for 9/10:

Exercise: 20 minutes on the bike, 1 walk with Mickey with Westie
B--coffee with 1/2 and 1/2, tst. with pb, berries (yeah, I'm a creature of habit)=6
L--tuna salad with 5 saltines=7
s--cucumbers and green pepper=1
d--chicken salad with slice of high fiber bread=7
dessert--skinny cow;) =2

Total: 23/34.5 in the bank

Went to Kohl's to get something new. . .grabbed the XL like always, it was too big! For the fun of it, I picked up a M and an L; the M was passable but not the best--ended up buying the L, but I could completely button the M--even over my chest (my biggest problem next to my big thighs!). Oh, happy day!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

I'll check in with journals tomorrow. . .

[Castillo Mom]

Love the new clippies you're sporting Lulu! Great job on you cheat free mission. Don't you just love going shopping and picking up the size you normally wear but it doesn't fit? Before you know it, you'll bearing wearing that size M. Keep up the good work Lulu!:D

[lulu201]

Things were kind of tough today because I was out of my routine!:eek: Yikes! When I have to go out to eat, it's a whole new ballgame. Anyway, I met a dear friend for breakfast, but I figured out what I was going to eat before hand and checked the points, so I felt in control when I sat down to order.

OK here goes:

b--2 egg ham and cheese omelette=9
one sausage link, 2 oz.=6
coffee, and lots of it=2
d--2.5 oz. of chicken salad=4.5
berries=1.5
s--(it gets really dicey here. . .)Vanilla gelati with lemon water ice from Rita's=8
1 oz. pretzel=2

Total (gulp)=33/total in bank 24.5

It's hard for me to see that 10 point withdrawal from the bank, but I have to look at the big picture. A month ago, I would've had a water ice and then come home and grazed around the kitchen for awhile and ended up with a 20 or 30 point binge. This time I was careful so that I wouldn't go overboard and blow my cheat free clippie away!:) I feel like I had quite the treat (especially that pretzel :p) but stayed focused and in control of things.

No exercise today; just couldn't fit it into the day, though I did try to park my car far away in different lots I was in. Tomorrow I've got to spend some quality time on that treadmill, especially because DH and I have plans to go out for dinner (DD is spending the night with a friend).

Another day onward and downward. . .

[DoeWDW]

Lulu, you did so good with your food! You splurged a little but kept an eye on your points - you're truly learning to eat healthy for life!!! Besides, that's what those extra points are for.

That shopping story was wonderful! Don't ya love it when you pick out "your" size and it turns out to be too big?? Be prepared, Lulu, for many more fun experiences like this on your way down!

[Auntmeme]

I agree with Doreen. You did good. You had a treat but you were focused and had the extra points to use. That is the way to eat for life. This is not a one time deal, this is a life time change. So congrats and I love your shopping experience. No more xl!!! And be sure to throw away/donate all those xl clothes in your closet. This is the new you. Have a great weekend, stay focused on your night out;)

[lulu201]

Friday, 9/12. . .

Got through the day OK--very busy with this and that, so didn't have much time to think about food, though I did give a lot of thought to the marathon!

Exercise: Did some research on the WISH board and found a great website on beginning a walking program and training for a half marathon. If anyone wants to know more, just let me know.
Anyway, I began with the end of week one on the beginners chart; just 15 minutes on the treadmill, went .95 miles. I looked over the chart and figured with the exercise that I've been doing the last month I could start on one of the later weeks, but decided I'd really like to take this gradually and get into the habit of walking every day on the treadie (except my rest day). It should take me approx. 12 weeks to complete the beginner walker pre-marathon training program, and by the end of that (I guess that'll be Dec.), I'll know whether or not I have the discipline to begin the 12 week half-marathon training which includes, gulp, a 15 mile walk on one of the Saturdays!!!!! If I do have the dedication and the stamina, I'll sign up to do the half marathon in 2005!:Pinkbounc

Oh, yeah, I walked Mickey, today, too.

Food: b--coffee with cream, toast w/pb=5
l--3 oz. chicken salad=5
d--2 and 1/2 cups steamed shrimp=5
1/2 cup General Tso's chicken=7 :eek:
1/2 cup rice noodles=2
mushrooms and broccoli in brown sauce=2
1/4 cup cocktail sauce=1

Total: 27/total in bank 21.5

I know, it's been awhile since the ole General Tso and I have been out, but girls, you would've had to lol if you saw me in the restaurant with my 1/2 cup measuring cup, weighing out my chicken and putting the rest on to my DH's plate. I like to go to the Chinese buffet because I can get all the shrimp I want while my DH has anything that he's in the mood for. As you know, I went to the buffet a few weeks ago, but wasn't quite as successful that night. When I went this time, I felt like I was in charge of what I was going to eat, and I wasn't at the mercy of the egg rolls!:p

I guess it's been a month since I started the WISH challenge--will have to check the exact date--but a lot has happened to me since I began! I fell off my original wagon when I went away for Labor Day, but got back on with the help of you sweet WISH friends. Doreen, I get a lump in my throat and a little teary, too, when I think about how generous everyone's been and how wonderfully supportive. There are times that I really think that I'm changing my life for good--that I won't be a slave to the scale (well, most of the time at least;), that I'll exercise and eat right for the rest of my life. Not that I won't slip up. . .it's just that now I know I can mess up and get back on track.

MeMe, when I got your note today and read the part about giving my xl clothes away, I was taken aback for a minute. You know, I never even thought about not ever wearing them again! I mean, I know some people give away their "big" clothes, but I've been in and out of them so many times in my life (I have a least three different sizes in my closet!) that reading your comment introduced to me the possibility of NEVER going back there to xl world again! I have dieted and lost and failed and gained and dieted and lost and failed and gained SO many times that I never even considered that this time the changes could be permanent. But you know what, they might just be this time. I think that that's one of the reasons that I'm considering the half marathon. It represents a long term commitment to taking care of myself and to choosing to lead a healthy life. . .what I wanted, but never dared to think I could really achieve.

Geez, I'm getting quite philosophical tonight! Better get my DH to
take me out before he falls asleep on me!

Onward and downward:)

[DoeWDW]

Lulu, what insight you have!! I'm so proud of you and am also learning from you! You can get philosophical anytime - it gives me so much to think about!

We really could be doing this! We could literally be changing our lives FOREVER! I know that even when I fall off the wagon, I don't choose the same foods I would have in my past life. Even if I do have a little, there's something inside me telling me that a little is enough. I don't think I could ever go back to eating that way on a regular basis again. WOW!!

Hmm, the half marathon....this has been on my mind also. I like your idea, Lulu, of trying to do the beginner's training to see if I've got what it takes to stick it out. Besides, it would sure wrack up those steps on my pedometer....LOL! Maybe we should get together somewhere for one of the long walks?? Valley Forge has an 11k (about 7 mile) trail mapped out courtesy of the local volkssport club. There are others in the area. Maybe there's one that's centrally located for all of us.....just pondering here.

I got a good chuckle out of your measuring cup at the Chinese restaurant - sounds like something I'd do...LOL!! You really are doing great!

I was being silly last night - thinking that two of my best buddies here are Lulu and MeMe - maybe I should start calling myself DoeDoe...:crazy: What do ya think????

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

[Castillo Mom]

You go girl! You're so disciplined and focused right now. You're doing an excellent job! And now you want to do marathons. Did you even consider that six months ago? Amazing the changes you're going through, and we all get to witness them. I feel privileged because you're keeping me going. With the way you're going right now, I'm sure you'll meet your goals. We're really proud of you Lulu!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

You guys are so nice and so encouraging--I really feel blessed to have you on this adventure. :) There is no way, 6 months ago, Lisa, that I would've ever imagined what's going on now with my life, with all our lives, and how we've come together to support and care for each other. It's quite amazing. I wonder if anyone not on the boards could really understand it?

Doreen: DoeDoe. . .that is too cute for words! We'll have to form some kind of two syllable screen name club! You may not have wondered about this, but Lulu isn't my real name!! Surprised?:p I know, you all really thought my mom named me Lulu! No, it's Erin. But now that I've used Lulu for a month, I don't know if I can answer to Erin on-line anymore!:p Maybe I should sign my posts with it everyone once and awhile so I don't forget it! Oh yeah, I've seen that there's a lulu71 on the WISH, too--all the more reason to use Erin. But if you become DoeDoe:p. . .

I made a cheesecake today, but not yours, Doreen. I was afraid to buy the whey protein because I had a bad experience with that Atkins baking mix.:mad: I made a WW cheesecake. Not enough fat and too much sugar (1/2 cup), but it's low enough in points and can fit into my plan.

Speaking of points:

b--coffee with cream, tst. w/pb=5 (what a rut I'm in. Tomorrow I'm having cheesecake!)
l--3 oz. chicken salad=5
d--chick fil-a filet, no bun=5
bleu cheese dressing=5
side salad=2.5
des=s.cow=2

Total: 24.5/left in bank 21

Exercise: 20 min. on treadie/1.28 mi.

Anyone interested in the half marathon should check out thewalkingsite.com to get the beginner and half-marathon training schedules. I already told MeMe, but Doreen, why don't you look at it and tell me what you think?

I'm up for meeting somewhere and doing one (or more) of these long walks. . .you should PM me, Doreen, and let me know what city you're in so we can find a half way point. Maybe ask MeMe if she'd like to join us? Hey, anybody on the WISH for that matter. . .maybe we post an invitation on the board then have a few PA training events in the spring, summer, and fall so we could get to know each other and motivate each other?

You all motivate me every day with your strength and your honesty, your successes and your challenges. Thank you so much.

Off to email my brother-in-law stationed in Khazsistan (sp)

Erin:)

No, that doesn't seem right--

LULU:p

[Auntmeme]

Thought I'd try your real name. My real name is not Meme though my nephews call me that. I'll sign my journal once with my real name -see who's paying attention :p

I'd love to do the meet & walk and definitely post to all others and see who want to join. I must admit I ran track in hs and did a 6 mile race once, but that was years ago.

Lulu(oh Erin) you are doing great:Pinkbounc Hooking up with the general again? at least you gave him some boundaries this time:p

Looking forward to your weigh in tomorrow, how close are you to the 10?
I think we all need to be philosophical sometimes. I read somewhere it is motivation to get rid of the old sizes, it's like a passage to a new you. I also have the 3 sizes going in my closet and I plan on having a bonfire one night, hopefully real soon:bounce:

[lulu201]

Hey, MeMe, can I pitch my clothes into the fire, too?:D

Sunday, 9/14

b--WW homemade cheesecake (yum!)=6 I love having cheesecake for breakfast, Doreen!
coffee with cream=1.5
l--progresso vegetable italiano soup=2
1 serving of multigrain wheat thins=3
s--1/4 serving of vanilla yogurt, fruit smoothie=1.5
d--1 cup pasta (yum)=4
1/4 alfredo sauce=2
broccoli, peppers=0
olives=1
2 oz. chicken=2
dessert--s.cow=2

Total: 25/20.5

Wasn't going to have that s.cow 'cause tomorrow's weigh-in, but I was just too hungry!

No exercise--taking the day off, but dreaming of the h-marathon!
MeMe, you did track!?! Oh, man, you're going to be leaving us in the dust, aren't you? Guess I'd better get into training! Yep, we're gonna plan some local PA WISH events next year!:)

We'll see how things go tomorrow. . .I'm feeling lighter and I'm seriously into the mid-size range in my closet and I know that should be enough for me, but I'd love to be wearing that new clippie before I sail. . .

'til later--
l.

[DoeWDW]

I was thinking about you while I was eating my breakfast cheesecake!! Don't we have a tough life?? LOL!!

You're doing great, no matter WHAT that silly scale says tomorrow!

[lulu201]

Starting a new week focused and down 2 pounds! Yay! I'm doing the Two Pound Happy Dance!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Three more to go and I'll be wearing that new clippie on Castaway Cay!:smooth:

I'll journal at the end of the day. . .

Lulu (AKA Erin:) )

[DoeWDW]

WOO-HOO ERIN!!!! 2 pounds lighter - way to go!!!! :bounce: :bounce:

[Castillo Mom]

I was thinking about you today as I was sitting in that boring meeting I was in. I'm still at work and I wanted to rush over to your journal to see how you did. Oh my goodness, two pounds! Woo hoo! Let's do the happy dance together because I lost two pounds as well!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Ooh, it's later than I thought. I'll check in with you later or tomorrw a.m. Bye!

[lulu201]

Hee-hee! Lisa and I doing our little dance!:Pinkbounc :bounce:
Hey, we gotta celebrate when we can, right?:p

What a day! Busy from 5:30 a.m. Now that my work schedule is picking up, this healthy eating and exercising is going to be quite a challenge, but I think if I can just make it one day at a time. . .

Exercise: 20 min. on the treadmill/1.3 miles
Walked the dog (boy, was he happy!)
Food: cheesecake with 1/2 cup fresh fruit. What a way to start the day! =6
coffee with cream (x2)=2 I don't care how bad caffeine is, you all can have my tootsie rolls, but you're never touching my coffee!
5 oz. chicken salad=7
2 servings of wheat thins (one at l, one at d)=6
progresso minestrone=2
yellow and green pepper slices=0
berries, 1 cup=1
ham and cheese roll=4

Total: 28/31 in the bank

I can't believe I had quite this much to eat; somewhere during the day I counted wrong and I messed everything up! I thought I'd only eaten 24! Oh well, thank goodness for the bank.

I'm gonna roll over my clippie now and hit the sack.

Onward and downward, day by day by day. . .

E.

[lulu201]

OK, new day.

Exercise: This week I'm going to follow week #2 of the beginners walker training schedule which means I plan to walk Mon. 20 min. (which I did), Tues. 20 min., Wed. 15 min., Thurs. 25 min., Fri. 20 min., and Sat. 25 min. Sunday I have off! My plans are just to make it through the week; if I can do that, then I'll consider doing week #3!

Long day ahead, work from 8:30 to 5:30 and then rehearsal at church from 7-9. In between there, I'll pick up DD from her after school activity and grab some dinner--probably McDonald's, salad for me.

Had to take some time this a.m. and plan out the whole day's worth of food. If I leave it up to chance, I know I'll end up grabbing a candy bar.

B--cheesecake w/fruit, coffee w/cream=7
L--ham and cheese roll up, cucumber spears, berries=5
D--McDonald's salad w/dressing=11.5
Dessert--maybe a s. cow if I'm hungry.

Wish me luck, girls. . .no, wish me STRENGTH and a smile!
:) :)

Have a good day, I'm hitting the treadie now. . .

9 p.m. The real deal:

B and L as outlined above=12
10 black olives=1
2 taco supremes at Taco Bell=10
1 small vanilla nonfat at Baskin-Robbins=2

Total: 25/30 left in bank

Funny moment: the lady who works in Taco Bell is the first person to ask if I've lost weight since I started watching what I was eating in June. Anyway, she said my face looks thinner. . .she can see my eyes better! I must've had quite the pudgy cheeks!:p

[Castillo Mom]

Mountains of strength to you Erin! Step away from that candy bar, I can see you!

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you are doing SO GREAT!! I'm so proud of you and you should be very proud of yourself! Your encouragement has meant so much to me - THANK YOU SWEETIE!! Did you know you're getting healthier AND helping ME get healthier AND encouraging lots of others around here?? You rock!!

I'll send you a PM about finding a central spot for a PA DIS WISH walk!

Now, in spite of your busy schedule you are staying on track! I hope those training walks are going well. Hopefully we'll both find the courage to face our fears and maybe, just maybe, do that half marathon together. If not the half-marathon, there are lots of shorter 5K and 10K races closer to home. There are also 5K and 10K volksmarches in PA that are not timed. They set up the walking trail and everyone walks at their own pace. Talk about no pressure!! You can walk for free, although I pay $3-$4 per event and get credit in my record books. You can just show up - don't even have to pre-register!! Maybe we should try one together and see how we do? You can check www.ava.org for walks that are available year-round or walks that are only held on a certain weekend. Let me know if you see any that look interesting.

I'm thinking of you and cheering you on, Erin!! Hope you have a GREAT day!

[Auntmeme]

2lbs YIPPIE:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

You make me laugh so much, I bet I lost a couple of lbs(I can only hope, since my scale didn't move:mad: ). I read your other journal posts and each time I chuckle. Thanks!

You are doing so great!!! Let me know where your walking meets are going to be. I'm there:D

I am concerned that the Taco Bell girl knows you :p

keep it up you are doing fabu!

[lulu201]

Hi. I'm here, but just barely. An 11 hour day at work, come home and DD needs every bit of attention--which actually I'm glad to give her 'cause when your almost 13 yr. old wants to be with you, you pretty much jump for joy!

Anywho, I'm just gonna tell it like it was:

Exercise--15 minute power walk, 1 mi.
Food--25.5/28.5 in bank

Tomorrow I'll have some free time in the morning, I'm going to nose through everyone's journals then. Thanks for checking in, girls, I appreciate your encouragement. You're almost as nice as my friend the Taco Bell Lady.:p

Her name is Vera, btw.:p

[lulu201]

Today has been TOUGH. For some reason, I want to munch everything sight. I've been having food fantasies all day about buttered popcorn and big soft pretzels with lots of salt and chips, oh yeah, lots of chips. I'm struggling and the only thing that has held me in check is knowing that you guys are fighting this war, too, and that if I mess up I have to start with Day One on my clippie!

Even though I've resisted a lot, we still went out to dinner and I ended up needing 9 more points from the point bank. It's hurting!:(

The bottom line:

Exercise: 20 min., 1.35 miles
Food: b--cheesecake and coffee;) =7
l--chicken salad=4
s--soft pretzel and diet pepsi slurpee=3
d--small serving of chicken parm and spaghetti, salad
with lite dressing=19.5
Total=33/18 in bank

This is the lowest amount that I've had in the bank and I'm feeling rather nervous about it. I feel like I'm very close to using up all my extra points and going on a terrible, awful binge! My success up to this point is now on very fragile ground.

Help!:eek:

I'm going to turn over my clippie and hope that keeps me from thinking about food for the rest of the night!

[DoeWDW]

Erin, {{ hugs }} for you!!! I'm here, sweetie, and I know what you're going through! If I were writing in MeMe's journal I'd tell her to go try on those skinny jeans - do you have any of those clothes that are helping to motivate you?? Go try them on!!!!

You're doing so well. You've been on the right track and your cheat free clippie is looking so beautiful. That silly little clippie has been my biggest motivation lately!! ;) I REALLY don't want to have to start over just for a silly binge. I want to start over because of a major holiday dinner or a big celebration or hitting goal.

Your exercise has been looking good! There's a 5K (3.1 mile) volksmarch in Delaware county at Ridley Park coming up in mid-October. Is that when you're on your trip?? Is that a long drive for you?? I think it's probably 2 hours for us but I'll have to check the calendar and ask DH. If we can't make that one, then I'm sure we can find another one. I would truly love to get to meet you and thank you in person for all the times you've encouraged me and kept me going!

Now, take a deep breath and focus on all the healthy stuff you've been doing for you lately. All that healthy eating and exercise is paying off. You're feeling better than ever and you have that wonderful trip coming up soon!

Chin up, girl!!!! Take good care of yourself!!
DoeDoe :jester: :jester: :jester:

[lulu201]

Oh, Doreen, thank you for being here tonight! I know that you're sitting somewhere in the middle of this hurricane and you're helping ME with my food addictions! :(

We came home from the restaurant with three pieces of chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream icing and little chocolate shavings on them (they were included in our dinner but I suggested :confused: we bring them home!! so that I didn't have to sit and watch DH eat his right there). DD and I weren't going to have any, but we know he loves this chocolate cake so we said we'd give him ours. . .

I go upstairs to our bedroom to watch TV because I don't trust myself to be on the same floor as the kitchen, but after about an hour I go down to get a diet Sprite. I open the door to the frig, and instead of the cake slices being in the nice brown bag the waitress gave (oh, MeMe, if you're reading this, the waitress was my new restaurant friend Star, who was very nice, but she'll never take the place of Vera, the T. Bell Lady:p ), the slices of cake are directly in front of the sprite in clear plastic packages, one on top of the other like a doggone tower of chocolate!!!!!!!!!
:eek:

At that moment I knew I was sunk. I grabbed one of the little boxes and opened it up and stuck my finger right into the buttercream icing. I put my fork into the cake, brought it up to my mouth. . .and stopped. :confused: I thought, wait a minute, I'll just check to see how many points is in this thing. I ran and found my book, and 1/12 of a 9" cake is 12 POINTS!!!!! I went downstairs with my head hanging, handed it to my DH, ran to the freezer, grabbed my last skinny cow and am now at the computer confessing and grasping at your hand of support, Doreen. Thank you so much for being here.

So now my total is 35 points for the day :eek: with a measly 16 left in the bank:mad: , but now I feel better and I'm glad that I didn't blow my clippie on a silly chocolate urge. Like you said, Doreen, if I'm going to blow it, it should be for a good reason! Out of curiousity, I looked at my calendar to see if the TOM was upon me; I'm 9 days away, but there must be some hormonal connection. Maybe my body's screaming for seritonin?

I printed out a whole bunch of the volksmarch stuff; I'll check the dates for Ridley Park. I'm not sure of the distance to R. Park, but I think it would be doable as long as the date is OK.

Tonight's Survivor--I'm going to go drink my diet Sprite, watch the show, and get my mind off things. Thanks so much for putting up with my craziness.

You're a pal, Doe-Doe.:jester:

Erin

PS School's been canceled for tomorrow. No alarm clock. YAY!

[Castillo Mom]

Erin, I'm sorry I missed you in your hour of need, but you've definitely been in my thoughts. Actually, all of you have. You should be so proud of yourself for resisting temptation. I know I'm proud of you. We really are doing this together, aren't we? I'm glad Doreen was able to be there for you. Doreen, you're such a sweetheart!

I'm sorry I have to cut this short, but I'm exhausted and I promised myself that I would visit everyone's journal tonight. I'll try to see if I can drop by tomorrow. Take care of yourself and remember that you're not alone. If we can't physically be there with you, our hearts are with you! Good night.:o

[lulu201]

Thank you, Lisa, for your kind words of encouragement and support. We ARE all in this together; it's amazing that we've all hung in there this long and are still plugging away. You're a honey for lifting me up when I'm down in the depths!:)

I've passed through the storm--at least for now--and am getting ready to get on the treadmill. I'll check in later.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin - what WILLPOWER!!! Oh my gosh, you must be so proud of yourself - you were on the edge of the abyss and you stopped mid-bite???? What a long way you have come!! You are making such great choices - WOW!

There will come a time in the future when you will be able to have those yummy treats again, in moderation. But for now, you are in control and choosing to eat healthy and not let the food control you. You're winning!!!!

DH and I went out to dinner tonight at our favorite little hang-out. Usually I have a Hurricane (mixed drink w/ lots of sugar!) and chicken quesadillas. Tonight I had a diet Coke and rum and I asked them to give me all the quesadilla stuff without the flour tortillas. I was in heaven and still eating on plan!!! Fortunately, I was so full that dessert had no appeal. We CAN do this - we can eat wonderfully yummy food and still lose! Then, when we're at goal, we'll always know how to maintain it. We are truly changing our relationship with food - one day at a time.

Keep up the great work, Erin!!!

[lulu201]

Day is done--almost. I just want to log this in before I crash for the night.

Exercise: 15 min. on treadmill, 1.04 mi.
Food: b--tst and pb, coffee w/cream=5
l--McDonald's salad=11.5
d--slice of pizza=9
s--small baskin-robbins vanilla nonfat=2

Total: 27.5/14.5 left in bank

Only worked from 12:30 to 6:30, but took DD and friend to the mall and after walking all around, I'm pooped. Maybe it's also because my DH bought me an AquaMassage (have you seen those at the mall?), and while it kind of spooked me out--it was like an MRI gone beserk--it sure did relax my muscles! I just think I need to go to bed.

I'll check in with everyone tomorrow. Thanks, as always, for your sweet and helpful words. Going through this with you all, day by day, has made all the difference in the world.

Good night,
Erin

[Auntmeme]

You did it-YEAH! I am in awe of your will power. I loveeee chocolate and your description has me salivating. You are doing fantastic and you still have points in the bank. Your walking plan looks like it is working and you're keeping a 15 min mile, wow:D

Keep it up to go down and your clippie looks fantastic!

[lulu201]

I'm on my way to take a nap--I don't know why I'm so tired! Will check in with everyone later, but had to write this down before I forgot:

Food for 9/20

coffee w/cream=1
chili, 1 cup=8
salad w/chicken=3
dressing=2
sunflower seeds, 1/2 tbs.=.5
coffee w/cream=.5
strawberry nonfat yogurt=2

Total for day, so far=17

No exercise yet, later for sure!

OK, it's later. . .

I did my 25 min. walk, 1.65 mi., and walked the dog, and rode my bike for about 10 min. Still have loads of laundry to get done. . .where does it all come from?:confused:

Oh, back to the foods: soup and 1 serving high grain wheat thins=5
12 grain tst., one slice, slice of tomato (thin) and 1 slice swiss=3.5

Total for day=25.5/15 in the bank

Here's a thought: how about we walk in Valley Forge (I found this on the ava website, Doreen) on 10/18 (MeMe, we could bag the Warminster walk) or 10/25? Let me know what you all think.
It's 10K. . .is that too long?

[lulu201]

P.S. Hey, MeMe, thanks for noticing my 15 min. mile. . .it's a personal goal that I accomplished. I'm feeling mighty proud!:p

[DoeWDW]

Valley Forge looks good but it's rated a 2, which means it can be a little hilly.

There's also a 10k year-round walk in Doylestown that looks very stroller friendly and has very cool sights - it's rated a 1, which means it's flat.

I'll go check my calendar! 10k is actually 6.2 miles - no problem for me as long as we're walking at a comfortable pace and not trying to do a 16 minute mile the whole time...LOL!

Edit: 1:25 PM
I checked the calendar. The kids have a band festival on the 18th so that won't work for me. I'm free on the 25th, though! I'd LOVE to meet some of my new WISH friends!!!

[Auntmeme]

You're doing great Lulu. I'm going to look for a pedometer this week, in the mid prize range. The Doylestown walk sounds great, that's pretty close to me. I look forward to it! I still have to check out that site you found to start training, probably when I return from disney. Only 2 weeks to go:bounce:

[lulu201]

The First PA WISH Walk: 10/25/03, Time ? in Doylestown! I'm right there with you guys! I can't wait to meet you in person! Why don't we post a thread on the boards and see if Nancy or anyone else would like to join us. Hey, Lisa, if you want to fly out for the weekend, you can stay at my house!:)

OK, here's the scoop for today. I'm proud to say I MADE IT THROUGH THE IN-LAW VISIT! After they go is when I usually have to eat my way through the kitchen, but instead I'm going to log my points and call it a night!

Exercise: Walked the dog a few times and ran around with my DD and twin niece and nephew.

Food: 33 points--that's tracking every bite as best as I could/6 points left in the bank!:(

From now on, when it's left up to me, I'm scheduling family events on Saturdays so that I have Sundays to lose the water weight from eating more than usual! I'm afraid that I'm going to pay for this when I get on the scale early tomorrow a.m. But, you know what? That's life! Truly, it is! I'm sure not going to be perfect, and I'm not going to NOT have a piece of the cake my DD made because I'm getting on the scale the next day. It probably was the smallest piece of cake I've had in my adult life, but it made her happy just the same.

Wow, our walk on 10/25 will be the first 10K of my life. I'm so excited! My bet is that it'll be a nice, leisurely, filled-with-laughs stroll!

See you all tomorrow--
Erin

[Castillo Mom]

I feel left out all the way down here in California! I'm just kidding. What a coincidence that you three (Erin, Doreen and Maryellen) all live in PA. I posted in someone else's journal that once I get my digital camera, I'll have to post pictures of myself so we can have a virtual meet!

Erin, nothing wrong with having a piece of your DD's cake. I bet it was good, huh?:D Don't worry about that nasty old scale tomorrow. Maybe wait a couple of days until your system is a little more stabilized? But if I know you, you'll be on there first thing tomorrow morning. So will I!:teeth:

[lulu201]

Hee, hee! Lisa, you know me too well! I was on the scale at 5:35 this morning--as soon as the alarm went off--and now I'm doing the Two Pound Happy Dance :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc . I'm saying good-bye to those pounds; they better never show up around me again!:p

Walked 25 minutes and began week #3 of my half-marathon training program. Now I'm off to NJ for a workshop. I have no idea where I'm going--hope I can trust my mapquest directions!

I'll check back here and in with everyone later.

[lulu201]

Update from yesterday: Food 41 points/18 left in bank. Gulp.

Totally exhausted from extra long day yesterday and busy weekend. TOM expected later this week. Just trying to hold on, girls, just trying to hold on.

I'll try to get around to everyone's journals soon.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Hang in there, Erin!! Between your hectic work days and your vacation coming up, I think you're doing FABULOUS!!! I'd be way past stressed out and well into OHMYGOSH!!! mode :p

Try to find a little time to pamper yourself in some small way. You're coming up on a whole pampering vacation soon!! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear all about it on Oct. 25th!! Are you and MeMe on the same cruise???

Chin up, Erin - vacation is coming! I see you in a lounge chair on the ship's deck with that extra-yummy pina colada (with the little umbrella in it, of course!) just soaking up the sun and feeling oh so relaxed! Have a sip for me, OK??

[Auntmeme]

2 lbs you go girl:Pinkbounc :bounce:

You're doing great, are you ready to leave? i'm getting a little stressed with 12 days to go. Are you a pina colada girl? i go more for the hard stuff:p

[lulu201]

Well, I'm a pina colada girl when in the islands:p and a margarita girl when I'm in Bucks County!;) That is, when I'm out and about in Bucks County. Most of the time, I don't get out and I'm just a Diet Sprite girl, lol.

Exercise and food-wise today, I did great! Did the 20 min. walk on the training schedule, and then ate only 24 points. No withdrawals from the bank!:cool: It's my goal to stay at 24 points until Friday. Actually, I'd love to stay at 24 points until I leave for vacation, but that's pushing it. 24 points isn't much! Though, I still manage to have cheesecake for breakfast!:rolleyes:

Gotta get ready for bed. I'm going to try to take a quick peak at everyone's journals, now. . .

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I like your idea of staying at 24 points a day for a week or so. I think it's important that we learn to eat within our limits. You just need to find those foods that have low points but still really fill you up.

I'm also more of a margarita girl. My favorite margarita is at Outback Steakhouse - they make a yummy cranberry frozen margarita. I suppose I should stop this discussion before I start fantasizing about them and get myself off track! :p

Hang in there, Erin! That vacation counter is clicking away and you'll be tropical before you know it!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

Thanks for the encouragement to walk the straight and narrow, Doreen. I know that if I keep borrowing too much from the bank I'm going to slide out of control. I'm happy to report, though, that today was another 24 pointer!

b--coffee w/cream, cheesecake w/1/2 cup berries=7
l--Subway ham and honey mustard 6" on Italian=6.5
d--peanut butter sandwich=8
s--1 thin slice of swiss=1.5
chocolate peanut butter skinny cow;) =2
Total=24/18 in the bank and holding fast!

Exercise: walked Mickey and did my assigned walk for Wed., week #3--15 minutes. Walked 1.03 miles

I'm beginning to tell people I'm going to try to do the half marathon. I was afraid initially that people would laugh, but the couple of people who know are just so kind and encouraging--and impressed that I'd even try! I put my name on Kamy's list and have started fantasizing about my next WDW trip. Uh, maybe I should take next week's trip first?!:rolleyes:

Gonna hit the sack. 'Night,
Lulu

[Auntmeme]

You are doing amazing! sticking to the 24 pints yeah and even had a skinny cow, this healthy living isn't so bad:p

Wow we are all margarita girls - how amazing, I say when we all hit our goals we have a margarita party to celebrate - what do you say?

I am also starting to plan my next trip, so funny since we haven't taken this one. Are we too organized??? I definitely want to do the 1/2 marathon and will register for it. My best friend said no and my dh looked at me as if I lost my mind. I'm going to ask my mom next. I think I'll start training in January that will give me a whole year to get ready and we can meet to do the big training days, ok?

[lulu201]

Here I am again, totally exhausted at the end of the work day (today was 8:30 to 8:15:( ); it's a good thing I truly love my work.

OK, here's the basic lowdown:

exercise: 25 min. treadmill
food: queasy today
b--two eggs and 1/4 oz. cheese=5.5
l--bagel with cr. cheese=8
d--two ham and cheese roll ups and olives=6
s--instant oatmeal and s. cow=4
Total: 23.5/ total in bank is 18.5

Happy thing: wore my skinniest pants in my closet today, size 12 stretch capri pants. Hee-hee!

I'll go visiting everyone's journal tomorrow. Long day today, but have tomorrow morning off.:)

Night.

[Castillo Mom]

Hey girl! How's it going? I see you're doing great, sticking to your goal of only 24 points, woohoo!

Wow, only one more week until your incredible Disney cruise. I can't wait until you get back so you can fill us all in. Are you taking a seven day cruise or are you doing the three to four day and combining with with WDW?

I'm encouraged to see that you're still hanging in there. Still hectic at work/home but will try to drop by tomorrow. Goodnight!:D

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you had a half-point left over yesterday - WOO-HOO!! :bounce: You're doing great with those points!!

I saw in MeMe's journal that you're thinking about how you'll eat during vacation. Don't be afraid to throw food away, especially on the cruise! Order that yummy dessert, take a couple bites and savor them, and then trash the rest!! Portion sizes in this country are WAY too large - we really don't have to eat it all! Split meals with your DH - you can always get a healthy snack later if it's not enough to fill you up. I just know you'll do fine!! You'll overindulge a little but I don't think you'll go back to your old way of eating. After vacation, it's back to business and any extra weight will melt right off!!

I'll check back in later - gotta go do some work now! :p

[lulu201]

Doreen, thanks for the support and suggestions. I have to give some thought to this vacation eating. Hmmm, sharing an entree with DH:confused: . I'm very territorial about my food these days. . .I'll have to think about this sharing stuff!:p Sampling the desserts--that idea I like a lot, but do I have to sample just one? How about three or four? lol

Just got off the treadmill, 20 min. and 1.28 mi. (a little slower than usual, but my hips are sore and I decided to pace myself down a bit)

Food plan:

b--was cheesecake and coffee=7
l--maybe tuna salad and a couple high grain wheat thins=7
d--slice of pizza at the mall=9
s--coffee with 1/2 at wawa=1

I'll check in with an edit later on. . .

Oh, man, the day did not really turn out quite like I had planned!

Better replace the l, d, and s above with
l--Burger King, chicken tender 5 pack=5
small french fries=5 (been a long time since I had fries!:p )
d--Taco supreme at T. Bell=5
s--skinny cow=2

Fast Food Friday: Total points= (drum roll, here) 24!!:p

Lots of temptations, but lots of sweet victories, too.

Feeling good and looking fine:smooth: hee-hee!

Will check in tomorrow--gotta go look at the weather in Orlando!
Erin

[DoeWDW]

You go, girl!!! With all those temptations, you stuck to your 24 points - YAY!! You've gotta be so proud of yourself - you really are changing the way you look at food!

As far as all those desserts....LOL.....maybe you could just skip the real food altogether and eat desserts for dinner???? I'm just trying to be creative here!! Tasting 3 or 4 desserts at dinner while on vacation is not a problem - eating 3 or 4 whole desserts by yourself may just be a problem :p I've heard it said "your body, your experiment" so I'll leave this one up to you, Lulu!! As long as you're CHOOSING to eat the desserts, do what you want to do, but if you're BINGING to medicate your emotions - be more careful, OK? ;)

[lulu201]

A fun day today!

Slept in LATE--until after 9. It was wonderful! Maybe I slept late because I woke up at 4:30 a.m. with my stomach growling? I went out and walked two miles and tried to time myself--it was a little harder than on the treadmill, more of an incline at times, and I was slower. Still it was good to be out in the sunshine. I think I'm going to try to make Saturday, which is usually the long walk day on my training schedule, a walk off the treadmill.

Food:

b--tst. w/pb, coffee w/cr.=5
l--girls' lunch out at Bertucci's, 1/2 chicken caesar salad=10
d--1 cup pasta, 1/4 cup sauce, 2 oz. chicken=9
s--fat-free, sugar free froz. yogurt at mall=2

Total (NO drum roll please)=26/16.5 in the bank

I was OK with taking the points out of the bank; that IS what they're there for, and I've been doing well all week. I'm hoping for good things on Mon. weigh-in.

Laying out the clothes and getting ready to pack my suitcase. I have my new bathing suit ready to go. Can't wait to wear it!

Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I hope weigh-day for you tomorrow is a happy occasion!! You've done so well with your points and food choices this week!

I am so excited about your trip!! Your countdown timer says 4 days now!! I truly hope you and your family have a magical time!

Walking off the treadmill actually uses some different muscles than walking on the treadmill, so it's a good idea to do some of both during the week. I bet you're feeling stronger every day because of doing that exercise!! Your body is loving all that movement!

Erin, thanks for allowing me to walk with you on this journey! Your journal and your contributions to my journal have been such a support and such an inspiration to me. Now, you better go pack for that vacation before I get mushy!! :D

[lulu201]

Whew, it's been a busy day. Church, shopping, washing, ironing, packing, cooking. . .barely a chance to sit down! I'm off to pick up DD from choir practice in a minute and then I have 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies to make! I'm hoping if I log in all my food from today and update my cheat-free clippie, I won't be tempted to have a cookie.

Food: b--tst./pb and coffee/cr=5.5
l--small taco=5
s--1 oz. chicken, 10 sm. olives=2
d--3 cups shrimp, cocktail sauce=7.5
dessert--s. cow sundae=4

Total: 24 on the nose/16.5 left in the bank this week.

Tomorrow is weigh-in, and no matter what the number, I'll be OK. I spent a couple of minutes re-reading my journal from the
start of this journey, and I'm amazed at how so many things have changed for me this last month. I may not talk about my faith much, but it is extremely important to me, and knowing that I
run the risk of sounding corny to some people, I really believe that this board and the people on it--especially my special WISH friends Doreen, MeMe, and Lisa--are real blessings from above! You all have given me so much support and direction. . I am so grateful.

Doreen, you're not the only one around here who's feeling mushy today. I'm so glad that we're walking this walk as new friends, and I can't wait to meet you and Todd on the 25th.

Now I'm off to pick up DD and bake up a storm!:)

Erin

11:18 p.m. Aw, geez, I remembered that I had a cup and a half of berries after the taco; I have to add another dumb point!

25 for the day, and 15.5 left in the bank. :mad:

[lulu201]

Well, here's the deal. Remember last night how I said that no matter what the scale said I'd be OK? I LIED!!!! I'm NOT OK, I'm pretty darned disgusted! I guess when I said I'd be OK, it was because I'd seen a loss whenever I weighed myself during the week. I really thought that I'd show a loss this a.m.--at one point during the week I was down 2 and 1/2 pounds! This morning, after TOM arrived with a vengeance yesterday I had GAINED 2 and 1/2 pounds! NO LOSS AT ALL THIS WEEK!!!:mad:
I walked 6 times, I stayed cheat free, I made 10 dozen chocolate chip cookies without tasting a cookie or even a drop of the batter and NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!:mad:

OK, so I've learned this again: the number doesn't mean much because it's something totally out of my control. All I can really guage my success by is my behavior, and that is something that I'm proud about this week. With the help of prayer, my WISH friends, and almost constant focus, I was able to stay the course this week. The rate of which the pounds fall or don't fall is something I can't control.

So, now I've got to keep going. I've got to get on the treadmill and keep plugging away--even without my 10 pound clippie:( . I was sure I was going to be wearing that thing today.:( I've got to keep counting my points--I just have to be truthful and add those two chocolate chip cookies for breakfast after I had to deal with that nasty scale. Hey, MeMe, could you come over and kick it for me?:rolleyes:

I'm going to wallow is self-pity for a little while longer, at least until I finish my coffee, and then I've got start a new day.

Here, I go. . .onward and ?

Erin

[lulu201]

Oh, and where the heck is my 21 day cheat free clippie???????????:mad: :mad: :mad:

[DoeWDW]

Erin, {{{{{ hugs }}}}} for you!!! Sounds like we're both having a tough morning! Don't worry, I'm here beside you and together, we'll get through whatever we're facing!

Now, as far as that silly scale of yours, the scale and TOM are CONSPIRING against you!! I can hear them whispering together - "let's make her miserable and break her spirit!" You are stronger than TOM AND THAT SCALE!! Time is on your side, sweetie, and in a few days TOM will be leaving and the scale will have no choice but to cooperate and show you that lower number you want to see. Trust me, I've been there!!! I know how well you've been doing and all that hard work WILL pay off!!

I so admire your willpower last evening baking all those cookies!! I also completely understand the 2 cookies with breakfast this morning. I must confess to you that it was my own homemade chocolate chip cookies that lured me into my cheat last night, only I had 6. You see, I made 12 quarts of applesauce and needed room in my freezer so I took out the cookies and gave some to the kids, and they smelled so good, and then I just wanted one, and then it tasted good and I was hungry and tired and.....I didn't think it was that bad until I plugged them into Fitday and found out that 6 large chocolate chip cookies have over 150 carbs!!! So much for my 60 carbs a day! Okay, my confession is over - this is YOUR journal! :D

You and I both need to listen to that strong inner voice - you know, the one telling us the TRUTH about how much we've exercised, how well we've been eating, how healthy we're becoming and how wonderful we're feeling. We have to see that other voice for what it is - IRRATIONAL! We've done so well for so many days that one little setback is just that - LITTLE - a small bump in an otherwise very wonderful road. Your scale will behave later this week - I promise!!

Now, here we go, Erin, into another healthy day. We're doing this for us, so we feel better about ourselves. We're just going to cruise on over this little bump in the road and keep on doing what we gotta do.

I wish you a happy, healthy, positive day filled with all the good things in life!! Chin up, sweetie, and let's just keep putting one foot in front of the other! :sunny:

P.S. The website that houses our cheat free clippies is down at the moment. When it comes back up, I'm sure our clippies will magically reappear!! :D

[lulu201]

You made me smile, Doreen--I KNEW it was a conspiracy!:p And you know what, I think those chocolate chip cookies have some kind of mysterious secret power! My mom said that I gained those 2 lbs. from smelling them!:p

You've helped me to be hopeful again. I guess I can say
"Onward and Downward":)

Erin

[lulu201]

9/29 Here's the plan

Exercise: Rode my bike 3x around the circle
Walked 30 min. on the treadmill/2 mi. (began week #4
of my training program)

Food: b--2 choc. chip cookies=5
tst. w/pb=4
coffee w/cr.=1
s--mixed berries=1
l--thinking around 1:30, 4oz. chicken salad=7
wheat thins=3
d--pb sandwich on the run, mixed fresh veggies=8
s--more choc. chip cookies=5

Total: 34 points/remaining in bank 25

OK, definitely not the best day, but not the worst either. Thank goodness I'm following a plan that allows for some flexibility or I think that I would've just eaten a hundred cookies and said, "bag the whole day." As it was, I had a couple more than I would've liked, but I didn't do too much damage.

I can move my rings around on my hand much easier now; maybe the whoosh fairy is going to come soon? We'll see tomorrow morning.

Got my new Shape Fitness walking CD's. I'm going to try one tomorrow a.m. Only have 20 min. to do according to the training schedule.

Thanks, everyone, for seeing me through today. You lifted me up so much.

Erin

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning! Just dropped in to say a quick hello and wish you a bon voyage in case I don't get to visit your journal before you leave. I expect that you'll be pretty busy the next couple of days. You're doing a great job, so don't worry about TOM. You know TOM will visit you every month, so try to prepare yourself mentally a couple of days before he arrives and know that if you don't like what the scale says, it's not because you're doing something wrong. Maybe you should weigh yourself a few days after TOM has left, that might help.

Well, have a great trip Erin! If you cheat here and there, don't worry, you're on vacation!:D

[Auntmeme]

have you found your scale? I snuck in last night and smashed it into tiny pieces and then fed it to the garbage disposal. Maybe he'll like it. :p

Sorry no loss but I bump what Doreen said. You're doing great, exercising, eating right, all in good time, right? this is a life change and we will conquer that scale:mad:

You are kicking butt with those 15 min miles - AWESOME!I am kneeling in your honor, ahh my knees.

The packing begins, my dh was a nutcase yesterday. Oh he has nothing to wear, no shoes, etc. nothing like waiting till the last week, MEN! I'm off today to buy a bigger suitcase, I need lots of room for souvenirs, yeah:Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

Erin, ya gotta read this post!!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=445596

It's on the WISH board and it concerns eating while on the cruise (could be applied to vacations in general).

How did your new walking CD workout go this morning?? I hope it's fun!

Please be extra kind to yourself this week. Things are going to be crazy until you leave for vacation so be sure to cut yourself some slack. I'm not saying you should go off plan and eat everything you want. I'm just saying that you shouldn't beat yourself up over every little thing when you have all this added stress. You're doing just fine!!!

Have a great day, Erin!!!!

[lulu201]

Your post, Doreen, really helped make a tough day easier yesterday. Thank you. When the school year is in session, the days are full anyway, but when I add in the planning details for vacation. . .well, that has almost eliminated the extra time I need to care for myself. I left for work yesterday without any lunch or dinner packed and set myself up for a big cheat.

Which is exactly what I did. It was, however, not a mindless cheat--which is when I roam through the kitchen cabinets looking for comfort. No, I just decided to eat dinner and not count the points. So, I'm not quite sure what kind of damage I did, but whatever it was, it's over now and I'm going to stay on track for the next couple of days--until I leave on the plane Friday a.m.

I've stopped my clippie, but not eliminated it. I'm afraid that if I do, I won't be able to get it back. My plan is to stay cheat free today and change it to 1 tonight.

I just felt like I needed to give myself some room. I'm proud of my accomplishments up to this point, and I know that I can do it again. It's all good.

Doreen, your post helped me be OK with my decision. Also, I enjoyed reading the thread you sent. . .I'd read part of it on the cruiseboards--the people there unfortunately, IMHO, flamed the original poster because she was concerned about maintaining her weight. I guess it's easy to criticize if you're not walking in those shoes.

OK, back in the game--will post before bed. . .

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you are doing so well!! You made a very mature decision about dinner last night!! You didn't do a mindless, eat-everything-in-sight cheat - you just decided ahead of time that you needed to not stress about this one meal. I'm so proud of you!!!!! :bounce:

I think the post about eating on the cruise had some very good points. Sometimes when we've been controlling our food intake for a while, our bodies get used to that level and our metabolism adjusts. Eating more on vacation may just give that metabolism the kick it needs to ramp up and help you lose more when you get back. Just try to make sure you eat some healthy stuff every day - you shouldn't have ALL junky food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ;) Eat some healthy stuff and THEN have the junk food! :teeth:

I'll miss you while you're away, Erin! Have a wonderful time with your family and don't forget to have a pina colada for all us WISHers still at home! :wave2: I'll try to be extra good so I have a loss to celebrate when you get back!

[lulu201]

I hope to post one last time before I go tomorrow--we'll see if I get that clippie--but I just wanted to give a quick report.

Exercise: Did 20 min. on the treadmill, 1.31 mi.
Food: 24 points exactly!:) Easier to stay on track today.

I'm off to visit everyone's journals. . .

[lulu201]

Wow Wee! Look at that countdown timer--Zero hours!!:cool:
Got on the scale this morning and witnessed a half pound loss--can't count that, so looks like everything is status quo. Nine pounds and holding. No clippie, but no worries. Almost everything's packed and I'm about ready to start the long list of "do's" for the day. . .I have to go to work, but I honestly feel like my head has left the state and I'm already seeing the MK castle in front of me!

:grouphug: for my WISH friends. Doreen, MeMe, Lisa--I'll post when I get back. Thank you for your ENDLESS support and encouragement. . .when I put on my new bathing suit, I have you to thank!

Love to all,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, your big vacation starts TODAY!!! Well, at least you're leaving home today! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

Have a fabulous time!!!!!!!

I'll be good while you're gone, I promise. You, on the other hand, have my permission to indulge. It's your vacation so don't obsess over your food. Just eat some healthy food each day, in addition to all the goodies.

Focus your time & energy on having a fun trip with your family and making some great memories!!

Bon voyage!! :boat:

[DoeWDW]

Hi Erin!! :wave:

I hope all went well on your trip! I missed ya!

Doe-Doe :sunny:

[lulu201]

Hi, I'm home!:p We had a really wonderful time--the weather was fantastic:sunny: and the seas quite calm. Now I haven't stepped on the scales yet, but I'm prepared for some major repair work that's going to have to be done. I just haven't decided quite how to go about it. . .

I've got a sore throat today--not feeling quite 100%, so I think I'm going to have to ease back into my walking and dieting schedule. I indulged the whole time and have absolutely no regrets--I'm ready to get back onto a healthy eating program-- but I'm going to take a couple of days and re-evaluate what I want it to be.

I'm still interested in the half-marathon, but the honest truth is that we spent so much money on this trip, I'm not sure I want to commit more finances to the Mouse. . .hmmm, have to think about it. For now, my name will stay on the list and my mind will stay open.

I thought about everyone on the WISH whenever I had a pina colada (MOST of them non-alcoholic:p ). I'm glad to be back!

[DoeWDW]

Erin, it sounds like you had a wonderful time - I'm glad to hear it!

I hope you're feeling better soon! ::yes::

Doylestown in 2 weeks - WOW! I'm looking forward to meeting you!

[lulu201]

Well, it's Monday morning. . .still haven't stepped on the scale and today's the official weigh-in day!:rolleyes: One thing at a time.

Still feeling a bit under the weather, but better than before. Haven't resumed my walking, though. I'm watching what I'm eating and will list it tonight or tomorrow, but I'm not controlling my points yet, only counting them. I feel like I'm easing my way back into my regular life!

One thing I realize, though, is that eating in a healthy way and exercising regularly are things that I do want in my life. I cut up lots of fresh veggies yesterday and made a beautiful berry fruit salad, so I feel like I'm setting myself up for success. I received my AVA membership booklet so I can register my first 10K on 10/25. I'm excited about that!:teeth: Long distance walking is something I want to develop as a hobby--even if I don't go ahead and do the half marathon in 2005.


OK, it's a new day and it's coming back into focus. :D
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you are so inspiring to me! Your healthy attitude about slowly getting back into the groove is just what I needed to hear! Are you psychic or something???? It doesn't matter - just keep journalling - you're helping yourself AND me!

I'm off to have a great day! I bet your day's gonna be great too!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

You're always so kind, Doreen. Thank you for your sweet words.:D

I went out to breakfast with a friend yesterday and had a big meal-- 2 egg omelette, homefries, toast, coffee--the works. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but realize it was not a lean and mean way to start the day. I did bring veggies and fruit to snack on at work, but when I came home at 8:30, I overdid it with the cheese and crackers.

Today's a new day, though, and I have a better plan.
b--coffee, berries, 1/2 large bagel (DD ate other half) w/cr. cheese
l--tuna salad and veggies
d--2 tacos (it's our weekly T. Bell dinner on the run)

Still not walking on the treadmill, but I'm wearing my cheap-o pedometer; it's working better with the pants I'm wearing today. I woke up in the night with my cold--still have yukky throat, but will HAVE to walk this weekend because my first 10K is coming up!

Off to start the new day--E.

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!! :sunny:

It sounds like you have your plan in place for today - good for you! You're getting back in the swing of things!

Onward and downward for both of us! :Pinkbounc

[lulu201]

Yesterday wasn't the best, eating-wise. . .gave in to the call of a Butterfinger candybar.:eek: Today's a new day, though, and I'm off to a good start.

b--berries, coffee w/cr., 1/2 bagel with pb

Woke up with a headache and still have that darn scratchy throat and today's a very loonnnnng day of teaching, but I'm determined to find the joy hiding in the midst of the routine. I know it's out there, I just have to find it!:D

Very active day yesterday, so even though I didn't walk on the treadmill, I wasn't sedentary. Today will be the same. Still, have to get back on the treadie. Friday a.m. I have a date with it! Please, Doreen, hold me to it!

I've got to set aside some time to read posts on the WISH--I always find it inspirational. It's just finding the time that's the problem!

Off to work--
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Hope you have an inspirational day at work, Erin! Teaching is such hard work but it can be so rewarding!!

I'm glad to hear that you're moving. We exercise every time we are not sitting on our bums and I bet you're getting plenty. The treadmill will be there for the days you aren't going to be busy, busy, busy! I'm making a note of your Friday treadie appointment - I WON'T FORGET!! :D

I hope you have a FANTASTIC day!! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!! :sunny: Today's a new day and it's gonna be a good one!! ::yes::

:wizard: I'm sending healing pixie dust your way - hope you feel better today!! I'm going to banish that headache and that darn scratchy throat!!

Do you have another busy day?? You can handle it, Erin!!

Tomorrow - TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE! (treadie :D )!!

Make good choices!

[lulu201]

Doreen, you're too funny:p You helped me start my day with a smile! Yes, it's another long day--8:30 until 8 p.m., but if I'm able to uncover the joy, I'll be OK. I was successful with that yesterday--cherished the smiles and laughter of small children and parents--today I'll try for the same.

Eating-wise I did a LITTLE better (no Butterfinger incident), but there's definitely room for improvement. Will have to plan out a strategy for dealing with the after-work hunger/stress relief eating.

Onward and downward, here I go!

Lulu

[DoeWDW]

IT'S TREADIE DAY!!! YAY!!! I'm sure you won't forget it, since you can hear me chanting TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE!! :)

It's a good day to walk inside :umbrella: but try to smile - we won't let those grey skies bring us down, will we??!! It will be :sunny: all around us today!!

It's Friday, Erin, and the weekend is coming soon!! Hope your day is a great one!

[lulu201]

Made some good choices yesterday:D and some bad choices:( .
The bad ones totally revolve around comfort eating in the p.m.
TODAY IS MY TREADIE DAY:Pinkbounc and once I knock out some paper work and lesson plans, I'm going to hit it hard. I'm looking at it as some quality time for myself.

I'm finding myself quite stressed right now:scared: with the combination of business and home planning that I need to be doing. I'm trying to juggle a lot and I think I need some quiet time to help me get off this :yo-yo: yo-yo eating pattern that I'm on. I still haven't faced the scale since I've been home. . .tomorrow I've just got to do it so that I can get back in the healthy living game.

I'm off to visit your journal, Doreen. Thanks for the friendly and fun treadie reminder. Once again, you helped start my day with a smile!

Erin

[Castillo Mom]

Welcome back Erin!:wave2: I bet you had a wonderful trip. Did you post on the trip reports board? I would love to hear all the details of how things went. I see you're getting back into the swing of things diet-wise.

As for me, I'm still working ten hour days as well as six on Saturday. My hubby has been really patient and helpful which has made it so much easier on me. Due to the business he's in, he's able to be home when the kids get out of school.

I'm in trip planning mode again and have been on the resort and transportation board a lot lately and have been neglecting WISH:blush:. In fact I booked out flight early this morning so I've been pretty hyper all day.

But enough about me. I'm glad you're back and I hope to check in with you again on Monday (weigh in). Be good!:D

[DoeWDW]

Take a deep breath, and try to relax all your muscles. Clear your mind and imagine a beautiful place where you feel relaxed. Stay with it for a few seconds............there now, don't you feel better??

Now try to do this a couple times throughout your hectic days. I hope things calm down soon for you!!

I'm off to get the kids off to their band festival and get myself ready for a church dinner. I'll check in with you tomorrow!

[lulu201]

Thanks, Doreen, I appreciated that quiet moment. For a second there I was back on Castaway Cay:boat: enjoying a day in paradise.

Today was a busy but fun day. DD and I did a group piano class/party for some of my students--creative and fun work. Still I jumped up at 7:20 and haven't sat down again until now. We went with DH to the mall afterwards because DD had a gift card she wanted to shop with. She went off on her own for a bit and DH and I did our own strolling around. Happily, I found a few things on clearance that were the sizes I was wearing when I left for vacation--12s and 14s. Maybe the scale won't be as bad as I fear? Or, even if it is, does it matter that much? I had thought I'd gone back up into the 16 almost 18 category! Now I'm feeling some more motivation stirring in my bones.

B--coffee and two slices fresh pinapple.
L--English muffin w/pb
S--slice of cake, some chips and some popcorn at our group class:eek:
D--small salad, chicken parm. w/side of spaghetti, sm. roll, diet soda

I think I'll have two more slices of pinapple for dessert and call it quits. Not the best day, but it's the first day that I've listed all my food since I went away.

Walked the Treadie Walk on Friday--it felt great. It was my first walk with my new Shape Fitness walking cds--I used #2 'cause #3 is the advanced cd and I'm not there yet. I loved it! I was strutting along to "We are Family" and thinking of all you WISH friends. Can't wait to meet you all on Sat. Doreen, I can't believe you were in D-town just a few minutes from me!!!!!

OK, I'm feeling some new energy here in the midst of the rushing around I've been doing. It feels good!:D

Erin

PS Doreen, your pixie dust worked. My cold is just about gone. Thanks!:Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you're sounding enthusiastic and positive - good for you!!!

Sounds like your day was busy yesterday! I hope today includes some relax time for you! Don't forget to take a few moments for yourself - even if you're just sitting at the kitchen table sipping a hot cup of tea. You can mentally go back to Castaway Cay again - like a mini vacation whenever you need it! :D

Take good care of yourself today!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

OK, here I am, really quick before I get DD off to school. . .

Gained 4 pounds, total lost on WISH 5. Can still keep my clippie.

Goals for today:

1. I will eat up to 26 points (24 plus two from bank)
2. I will exercise between 30 and 45 minutes on the treadmill.
3. I will drink 6-8 glasses of water.
4. I will take my vitamins.
5. I will choose healthy foods and avoid candy.

Short term goals: To regain my cheat free clippie today, 10/20.
To lose 5 pounds by Thanksgiving.
To lose 10 pounds by Christmas.

Gotta run, but now I'm clear about what I want to accomplish as far as my healthy lifestyle goes for today.

Edit,

It's 11:40 p.m. and I'm still writing lesson plans!!! Did want to check in and say

b--eng. muffin w/cr. cheese and jelly, coffee=6
s--strawberries=1
l--tuna, salad, drs.=7
s--peppers and tomatoes=0
s--coffee=3
d--soup and crackers=7
rice pudding=3
over by a point, big whoop!

drank over 6-8 glasses
walked 30 min., 2.05 miles
took the vitamins
ate no candy, was hyper enough from all that coffee!:hyper:

Am really not making much sense with the lessons, better pack it in for the night. I was happy with this day!

Bye:wave2:

[lulu201]

Tuesday, Oct. 21st: brand new day! Still, quite sleepy from working on lessons late last night.:o

Healthy living goals for today:

1. Avoid candy and sweet junk.
2. Take vitamins.
3. Drink lots of water (6 to 8 glasses).
4. Eat up to 26 points.
5. Stop during the day to count my blessings!:D

Onward and downward. . .
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you're doing GREAT! You certainly seem to be back on track now. Keep it up, girl, and that extra vacation baggage will soon be gone again! Hopefully I'll be joining you back on that track very soon - don't count me out just yet!

Here's a big :hug: for you, Erin! Thanks for being a great WISH buddy!! :sunny:

Sincerely,
Doe-Doe :D

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I hope you have a :sunny: day! Thanks for helping me get back on track!! ::yes::

[lulu201]

Review of yesterday: took vitamin:D , drank water (but it was tough 'cause I was busy):D , avoided candy:D , counted my blessings:D , ate 26 points and MORE!:rolleyes: What can I say--thank goodness it's a new day.

Goals for 10/22

1. I'll take my vitamins. For some reason, I hate doing this!
2. I'll drink my water.
3. I'll get on the treadmill and walk for as long as I can (20-30 min.)
4. I'll eat NO MORE THAN 26 points.
5. I'll take food with me to work.
6. I'll pray for lots of inner strength to help me stay within those points!

Here I go. . .

[lulu201]

Yesterday was OK goal-wise. My greatest area of weakness was eating within the points when I got home from work at 8:30 p.m.
By then I'm tired and hungry and just don't care! Tonight I'll do better--new plan is as follows:

1. Drink lots of water today.
2. Take the vitamin.
3. Stay within 26 points.
4. Have soup and a little rice pudding cup for dessert when I get home at 8 p.m.

Exercised yesterday; plan to get on the treadmill again on Friday.
I'm off to get DD ready for school. . .

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin!! :sunny:

Don't forget your TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE!! :p I can see ya boppin' along to those tunes on your walking music tapes!! It doesn't feel like exercise, does it?? It feels like a treat to your body and mind!

I hope you ate well after your long day yesterday. Planning ahead and knowing what to eat when you walk in the door is so good!

I hope you have a great day, Erin! See ya tomorrow!!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Well. . . :rolleyes: let's just say that it could have been worse. . .
when I got home last night at 8:30 I had a peanut butter sandwich and a little bit of Capt. Crunch cereal:confused: I know, quite a combination. TOM is fast approaching and I know that my cravings are tough during this time, so I'm giving in to them a little. Not much, but a little. No beating myself up. Oh, and as far as my beloved treadie goes. . .this morning I'm giving up my time on it so that I can visit with a friend who just lost her husband in July. I hope that I can get to it before this afternoon, but we've got a recital tonight and I sincerely doubt I'll have myself together enough to walk on it. BUT, there's always TOMORROW! Now that will be exercise!! I can't wait to walk my first 10K and to meet my WISH friends.

Onward and downward,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, it sounds like you have your priorities straight. Being with your friend is more important! Besides, you'll get enough exercise tomorrow to make up for today! I promise we'll take it slow and easy with stops to rest.

By the way, I had Cocoa Puffs last night....if it makes you feel any better about your Captain Crunch. :crazy:

[DoeWDW]

Erin, it sounds like you have your priorities straight. Being with your friend is more important! Besides, you'll get enough exercise tomorrow to make up for today! I promise we'll take it slow and easy with stops to rest.

By the way, I had Cocoa Puffs last night....if it makes you feel any better about your Captain Crunch. :crazy:

[DoeWDW]

Sorry for the double post - OOPS!! :(

It was so great to meet you yesterday, Erin! You are as wonderful in person as you are here on WISH!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!!!!! Wish I had known yesterday - we would have arranged a surprise for you! Well, there's always next year! ::yes:: I hope we're still here on WISH and still good friends!

It sounds like you had a great time last evening with your sweetie! I bet that margarita tasted good - you earned it!! I hope you're feeling OK today. I know my legs are a bit sore but I'm stretching them and they're feeling pretty good.

Here we go, Erin! Onward and downward! I gotta start eating right and getting more walking in so we can do our next walk a bit faster. I'm not ready to give up on training for the half marathon even though I doubt I'll make it to the 2005 Disney race if my kids go with the marching band over Christmas break. However, ya never know - maybe the money and time will be there so I might as well keep training and getting healthier, right?

If you decide to do any more walks, even at the last minute, let me know! We often wait until the day before to decide to walk - gotta see what the weather's going to be like! :p

I'm going to make it a cheat free day! How about you??? If those evil munchkins are still there, make sure DH or DD eat them or throw them away! They're POISON!! Let's start back with our cheat free stars, OK????

[lulu201]

Ok. . .I'll throw away the munchkins.:( It's a new day and I know I have to do it--no waiting for Monday.:(

I had such a good time yesterday, I came home all psyched to walk again and get my AVA book stamped! I sent Ron my email address and expected him to get back to me with the walking club info by now!! After all, it's been more than 12 hours!!:p I'll be letting everyone know when I'm going--maybe you and I can meet up again, Doreen. I'd love to get together.:D I'm glad we're friends.

This morning I feel good--retaining a lot of water (just didn't drink enough yesterday and then had Mexican food!:eek: ), but I'll drink a lot today to offset it. By the end of the 10K my hips were sore, but today they're not bothering me.

Cheat free. . .I'll give it a whirl, but I'll be honest: I hate counting those points sometimes. Still, it does help me to be very precise and accurate. DH and I talked about having chicken wings for dinner which would put me off the chart point-wise, so I may have to make tomorrow my date to start. If we're not going to, I'll try for today. I'll keep you all posted! I'd really like to make my goal to be cheat-free until Thanksgiving.

Well, I'm going to start the laundry. Maybe I'll check in later. . .
Erin

[lulu201]

This is how today went:

b--Eng. muffin w/pb plus coffee=6
l--cheese and crackers and olives=10
s--4 oz. fresh pineapple=.35
d--1 cup pasta=4
2.5 oz. chicken=2.5
1/4 cup sauce=3
dessert--sugar free jello=0

total--25.85 points.

I'm cheat-free! Yay!:jumping1: Here's to Day #1

I'm going to try and get my clippie back tonight; if I eat anything else, I'll erase it, but I know I won't. I'm back in the game. Hooray!

Oh, exercise: Walked one mile with Mickey the Westie. It was a good stroll for us both.

Now I'm going to check the AVA website and see if I can get some ideas for our next walk. . .details to follow.

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you ARE back in the game! WOW! You sure have some beautiful clippies! That cheat free star is lookin' good!!!

I'm finished eating for the evening also and am heading to my profile to put my cheat free star in my signature. We did it, Erin!! We both had a cheat free day! :bounce: :bounce:

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin! :sunny:

I hope the scale wasn't too bad this morning. Don't worry - we're gonna be extra good this week so our scales are gonna look GREAT next week!!

Have a wonderful, cheat free day!!

[lulu201]

Here I am on a brand new Monday. My goals for the week are as follows:

1. Take those darn vitamins every day. I don't know why it's so hard for me to remember, but this week I'm going to do it.
2. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
3. Eat within the points (including my bank)
4. Exercise M, W, F, S, and Sun. To "count," walk must be at least 1 mile.
5. Oh, this is a biggie: cut back on coffee. I'm going to have coffee in the only in the a.m., and hopefully, not every day. I'm going to drink more green tea instead. Yesterday I saw Nicholas Perricone on PBS talking about how if you gave up coffee (regular or decaf, it doesn't matter) you'd lose weight even if you didn't do anything else. He talked about how coffee increases your cortisol levels which increases carb cravings, etc., so I'm going to give it a try.

I'll check back in at the end of the day and log in my food and exercise.

Doreen, I can hear you yelling "TRED-DEE" from here--thanks!:teeth:

Oh, I've been thinking that maybe I should reduce the size of my clippies--I've got quite a long row of them. Doreen, how do I do that??:confused: I think you tried to explain it to me once. . .

[DoeWDW]

Erin, your journal keeps inspiring me!! I know you're writing it to inspire YOU but I always find it helpful.

So far today I am meeting "your" goals....LOL!!
1. Took my meds AND a vitamin.
2. I've had 48 oz. water already and it's not even 1:30 PM.
3. I'm on my way to an under 60 carb day (my version of points).
4. Did my Pilates tape this morning.
5. Well, this one doesn't apply to me because I never drank coffee, tea or soda on a regular basis. However, I know that caffeine withdrawal can bring on terrible headaches so make sure you taper off slowly, OK?? Mr. Perricone has some interesting theories about coffee - wish I would have caught the show - I'll have to do some research on this!

About those clippies....you must be using an IMG tag to show your clippies. Is the IMG surrounded by "[]" or does it have a "<" in front of it? If you want to change the size you start with a "<" followed by "img height=100 src=http://whatever.jpg" and then end it with a ">". Make sure you do not hit the ENTER key while entering all this - just the spacebar. Sorry it looks so strange but if I type it all together, you won't be able to see it. You can change the value of the height until the clippie is the size you want.

Also, if you want to put two clippies on the same line, take out any carriage controls / returns between the two clippies. You can use spaces between them so they are not right against each other, but you CANNOT hit the enter key between them.

Hope this helps with the clippies. If not, let me know and I'll try to explain it differently. I'm sure we can get your siggie the way you want it! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Wow, Doreen, you never fail to amaze me when you talk that computer-ese. I'm too tired tonight to try it, but tomorrow I'll try to downsize. Tomorrow my clippies, the next day maybe my hips?:p Oh, BTW, anytime you want to share my goals it's OK with me. . .what are friends for anyway?:D

Here's my rundown of the day, 10/27

1. Took my vitamins.:D
2. Drank my water.:D
3. Walked 2 miles on the treadmill, but I was off my time a bit--took me 31 min.:D
4. Stayed within my points.:D
5. Only drank coffee in the a.m., and only one med. large cup.:D
Did have two cups of green tea. Dr. Perricone says that, not only does it help you with your skin, the chemicals in them help you to be alert but not hyper--more calm and centered. Hey, that works for me.

The food:
b--eng. muffin w/nonfat cream cheese=3
coffee w/cream=1
s--2 slices fresh pineapple (ahh, for a moment I was back on the cruise!)=.5
l--4.5 oz. of chicken salad=6.5
1/2 serving of wheat thins=1.5
s--carrot sticks, celery, red/green pepper strips. I forgot these at home, but DH brought them down to the studio for me so I wouldn't be ravenous and HAVE to eat a candy bar.=0
d--veggie soup=4
more wheat thins=3
tuna salad=4.5
sugar-free cherry jello made with lemon selzer (refreshing!)=0
Total for the day=23.5/in the bank 35.5

I did it! Another cheat free day! I know that I hope to have many cheat free days before Thanksgiving, but I can't even think of them. I can only do this one day at a time. I started thinking about the "what ifs"--what if I can't do it and I let people down, what if I slide down into the TOM pit and have to eat everything in sight, what if. . .and I said STOP, YOU CRAZY THING! IT'S JUST ONE DAY AT A TIME! And so it is, onward and downward.

As you can see, I'm getting a bit silly in my fatigue. . .off to check Doreen's journal and then to dreamland.
:o

[lulu201]

No time to do the clippie down-sizing yet, but will get around to it soon.

Plan for 10/28

1. Take vitamins. Did that.:D
2. Drink 6-8 glasses of water. As of 8 a.m., have only had 1.
3. Stay within the points. 24+
4. No exercise today.
5. One cup of coffee (about 12 oz.); green tea after that.

So far (8 a.m.)
b--eng. muffin with cr. cheese and pineapple=3.5
coffee w/cream=1

Got on the scale this a.m., one pound down from yesterday! Weighing in at 186.:eek:

Continuing on (10 something p.m.)
l--pb sandwich and veggies=8
s--strawberries=1
d--two taco supremes (T. Bell night)=12
dessert--more pinepple=.5

Total for day=25 (33.5 left in bank)

Goal-wise I did OK: points were good and I managed the coffee thing (though I was headache-y), but I think I was a little under on the water. Will try again tomorrow.

Off to bed; will check journals tomorrow when I'm fresh:sunny:
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Look at that beautiful star clippie, Erin!! Two bounces for your two cheat free days!! :jumping3: :jumping3:

What a great day you had yesterday! You met all your goals and walked 2 miles - WOW!!

Your DH was so sweet to bring your snacks to you!! He sounds like a keeper!!

You are right about taking things one day at a time. I was thinking the same things yesterday - what if I mess up and let Erin down? Then I realized that it's not a race or a competition and we are NOT going to be cheat free forever. But each day that we are cheat free helps our bodies to shed some of this extra baggage and be healthier. As long as the majority of our days are cheat free, we'll be just fine! And besides, if and when we cheat, we'll just dust ourselves off and help each other to get back on track again - that's what friends are for! ::yes::

Have a wonderful day today, Erin! I'll be thinking good thoughts for ya!! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Just popped in to say good night, Erin! I hope your day was a good one.

Congratulations on that one pound loss - COOL!! :bounce:

[lulu201]

Ooooh, very rainy day in Bucks County today. It's the kind of morning that would be very nice if I were in bed all cozied up!
Can't do that, though, have to get up and face the new day. DD's off to school with her model of the sun and I'm planning my goals:

1. Take the vitamins. (Haven't done this yet.)
2. Drink lots of water--6-8 glasses. Only one glass in so far.
3. Coffee only in the a.m. Had my cup already;); thought about opting out and having green tea, but was too headachey yesterday. Like Doreen says, I have to cut back gradually.
4. Exercise--TRED-DEE!
5. Stay within my points.
6. Pack lunch and snacks to take to work. Long day today.

b--eng. muffin w/real cream cheese, coffee w/cr.=5

Now I'm off to try and downsize my clippies. . .will edit back here later.

Oh, more good news. Dropped another pound. . .guess the old Whoosh Fairy has been hanging out at my house! Thank you, WF!

Edit: 8:58 p.m.

Took the vitamins, drank the water, avoided coffee and candy, and exercised. Had a few more points than I bargained for, but I was hungry and didn't graze around the kitchen.

Here it is:
l--salad w/drsg. 11.5
s--yellow and red peppers, banana=2
d--soup and crackers=10

Total: 28.5/30 left in the bank (I think)

I'm really beat. Have to go to go crash.

[lulu201]

CLIPPIE SUCCESS:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc Thanks, Doreen!

[DoeWDW]

WOW!!! Another pound gone - say bye-bye to it Erin, cuz it ain't comin' back! :wave: :Pinkbounc

You are doing so great! Your food, your exercise (TRED-DEE!!), your new habits (green tea gets you a green bounce! :bounce: ), and even your clippies!!

It's going to be another good day! :sunny: I wish you happy smiles, laughter, and a real sense of success when the day is done!

[DoeWDW]

I hope you had a good day today! :sunny:

It seems as if Tuesday is a long day for you as far as work. I hope it flew by and you managed to have fun with your students.

Night!

[lulu201]

Starting another cheat-free day! The plan for Thursday is as follows:

1. Drink lots of water.
2. Take that vitamin.
3. Avoid coffee and candy. Had to add candy to the list; I'm seeing so many of those little Halloween bars, I have to run the other way! THEY ARE POISON!
4. Stay within the points.
5. Rest--no treadie today.:(

I'm finding it really helps to list my goals like this. I feel a lot of accomplishment when I can go through the checklist at the end of the day. Plus writing them down kind of recommits them to my life!

Today is LONG. Teach 4 classes (two at a nearby preschool) and eight private students. In between there are lesson plans to do.
Had hoped to do some late last night, but I just couldn't. Too tired. This weekend looks like it's going to be a good one for catching up on things--because of Halloween I don't have any late afternoon lessons or classes. Looks like tomorrow my treadie and I have a date for a four mile walk!

Off to the breakfast routine, will edit here later.
Onward and downward!

Today was a little dicey:
b--eng. muffin w/ cream cheese and coffee=5
l--ham and cheese on a roll=7
s--banana=2
s #2--munchkins, 3=5.5
d--soup and crackers=7
Total: 26.5 total, left in bank 27.5?

Took vitamin, tried to drink water--no way did I touch two quarts like you, Doreen. Avoided coffee; I had to pick up the Munchkins at Dunkin Donut and I thought I'd bust having to walk out without one of their coffees! Still, I feel good not having as much caffeine and the truth is, I really like the green tea.

Gotta go to bed--just a day too long and full of drama.
E.

[DoeWDW]

That 4 day cheat free clippie is lookin' good! :sunny:

You seem like you are really doing well and feeling very committed to making positive changes. You're meeting your goals daily. You're making this look easy :D even though we both know it takes a lot of energy and effort to set goals and then follow through on them. You should be very proud of yourself!!

I hope you have a great day!! :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Erin! Good to be back if only for a minute to say hi! You're doing great with the exercise, I'm jealous. No time to exerise for me. I know what you mean about the candy problem. Someone put out some chocolate cupcakes. Very tempting! Look away Erin, look away!:D

[lulu201]

Hi, Lisa! It was nice of you to stop by! I'm glad you haven't forgotten us!

[lulu201]

It's FRIDAY!:Pinkbounc I don't have much to do at the studio today, but how come I'm going to be so busy?! It seems I never get enough chance to just relax!:mad: Uh-oh, I think it's my lack-of-coffee headache talking. I'm not really that grumpy. . .but this green tea I'm drinking this a.m. just hasn't done the trick yet. Hopefully soon, or I'll have to take some ibuprofen.

Enough moaning. . .today is a beautiful sunny day:sunny: ! So far I've had 24 oz. of water and I've taken my vitamins. Next I'm going to walk an hour on the treadie then I'll work on DDs Halloween costume.

b--banana, green tea=2 Feeling a bit queasy this morning. Don't know if it's related to my caffeine withdrawal or not.

I was thinking yesterday about how good I feel about myself when I'm living a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, though, I realized that it involves a lot of denial. Saying "yes" to good things (like donuts and tootsie rolls) doesn't necessarily make you feel good. I actually have to tell myself "no" to the Good-ies to feel good!!! Weird, huh. It's true to so much in life. . .if you say yes to overindulgence anywhere (spending, eating, working) it loses it's goodness. Like they say, "too much of a good thing. . ." It's a narrow walk I have to walk sometimes to find balance. . .and I have to focus on the positives, those things I can say "yes" to and let them take the place of the things I'm saying "no" to. I have to look at what I'm giving myself by saying no to mindless eating--a healthier body, a stronger sense of self. OK, that was my philosophical moment of the week.

Now I'm off to face the world!

Edit #1 10:55 a.m.

Hey, I can't believe this: I JUST WALKED 4.13 mi. in 60 min.!!!!
I have to give MYSELF bounces over this!:jumping1:
I have never done anything like this in MY WHOLE LIFE!!!!!

Edit #2 3:20 p.m.

l-- 1 slice 12 grain bread, 2 oz. light cream cheese, olives=4
Trying to keep the points down as DH and I are going to the Chinese Buffet tonight to have a shrimp fest! If anyone is looking for me, I'll be the one with a measuring cup, measuring out the shrimp!:tongue:
s--vanilla cream coffee with caramel steamer, 12 oz. from WaWa
My only coffee for the day! I had two cups of green tea this a.m. and that gave me the caffeine fix I needed to get rid of my headache. I'm not sure of the "pointage," but I'll look on Dottie's Weight Loss Zone and see if I can come up with it.

DD is going to spend the night with a friend; I'm going to catch up on some letter writing and work on my afghan.:p Guess I will get a chance to relax after all. I'm not grumpy anymore; I've had my java for the day!:p

[DoeWDW]

Oh, Erin, you are so right about too much of a good thing not being good for us at all!! What an appropriate musing on Halloween morning! Too much of that good-tasting poison truly is not good for me. I'm going to try to be extra-good to me today by saying NO to the goodies! :D Once again, you have come up with just the inspiration I needed to get me through a tough day!

I hope you're feeling better soon! I also hope you get a chance to really kick back and relax this weekend sometime. Maybe you should make an appointment with yourself for relax time just like you make an appointment for anything else important in your life. Your body and mind NEED that time to unwind and recharge or you can't be a good wife, mom, teacher, etc.

Do the best you can today, Erin, and it will be good enough!! :sunny:

Edit: 8:45 PM
Erin, over 4 miles in 60 minutes!!!! :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

There's 4 bounces - 1 for each mile!! Wow, you must have been bopping along to your walking music tapes!! I'm so impressed! Do you realize you did almost 1/3 the half marathon and kept under a 16 minute mile???? With over a year to train, the half-marathon may be a reasonable goal! Way to go!!

Your food choices have been great so far. I hope you did well at the buffet. I can see you with that measuring cup :earseek: !

I'm off to work on MY afghan....LOL! Enjoy your relax time, Erin!

[lulu201]

Wow, I finished up yesterday pretty strongly! I think I've figured out how to do the Chinese Buffet! Here's what I had:

d--1/2 cup Gen. Tso=7.5
1 cup chicken and broccoli=2
1/2 cup veg. rice noodles=4
2 cups steamed shrimp=4
1/4 cup cocktail sauce=1

Oh, and my WaWa coffee was 1.

Total for 10/31=25.5/25 left in the bank (I made a little mistake before)

Got a late start at dinner, went to pick up a movie--never did get a chance to work on my afghan. Maybe this afternoon?

Yes, Doreen, I was thinking that doing 4+ miles at that pace was making the 1/2 marathon a possibility:scratchin Haven't been too sure of DHs willingness (to go again since our cruise) or our finances for 1/05, but yesterday he bought me the book "Complete Guide to Marathon Walking"--looks like a good sign to me!:goodvibes I'm glad I didn't take my name off the list.

I feel like I'm making changes that are going to last a long time. I'm too chicken and have failed too many times to say "a lifetime," so will settle for "long time" for now. I'm feeling good and I'm feeling strong--emotionally and physically.

Off to start a brand new day, onward and downward.:sunny:
Erin

Edit #1 11 a.m.

Walked around Peddler's Village and Rice's Market this a.m., had a cup of coffee w/creamer, glass of iced tea, and bagel w/cr.cheese. Large bagel, so total of all breakfast=9

Now off to do some housework. . .

Edit #2 2 p.m.?

Ran some errands with DH, stopped at BKing, had chicken tenders w/bbq sauce=6 Total for day so far=15

Edit #3 6:30 p.m.

Forgot to take my vitamins--I'm going to run downstairs and do it when I'm done here. Have been drinking a lot all day, will continue tonight. For dinner I had a salad with 3 chicken strips, 7.5, plus salad dressing=3, snack of celery=0

Total for day=25.5/23.5 left in the bank

Walked 2.1 miles at a nice leisurely stroll; I mapped out a new walking course around my development today--it's 3.2--I'll have to try it out tomorrow because it's supposed to be such a nice day.

Might have dessert later. . .if I do, it'll be sugar-free jello with light whipped topping. Yum!:tongue: Zero points!

That's all for now. It looks like it was another CHEAT FREE DAY!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

You did so well at the Chinese Buffet! Practice makes perfect and now you know what you can eat there. Erin, you're doing so well with making healthy food choices! :D

Keep up with your walking training and who knows how far you'll go. DH was so sweet to get you that book! He sounds like he is so supportive of you.

Did you consider yesterday a cheat-free day? You haven't updated that beautiful star clippie..... Looking at your food choices, I think you did fine so you have my vote for a cheat-free day!

Have a wonderful sunny day, Erin!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Well, it's the end of the week and tomorrow is weigh-in day. I hope to stay low on the points, so that I can see good results on the scale. I've seen a drop the last couple of days, but I'm waiting to update my signature again until the official weigh-in.
Maybe I'll join Doreen in the 10 pound clippie club?

I did something crazy on Friday. . .I bought a new pair of jeans--that are too small.:confused: I know, a little strange, but I liked the color (they're a burgundy shade) and the price. They're a size 12 slimfit stretch, and I've decided that during the Turkey Challenge I'm also going to be on a Skinny Jeans Challenge. Hopefully by turkey day, I'll be in those jeans! I can zip them up and all, but you wouldn't want to see me in them at this point.:eek: Every week I'll try them on as motivation and inspiration.

OK, let me clarify what I'm doing goal-wise today.
1. Walk my new outdoor walking trail-3.2 miles.
2. Take my vitamins.
3. Drink 8 large glasses of water.
4. Eat no more than 24 points--after all tomorrow's weigh in!
5. Have my coffee only at church this a.m.

Yesterday I cleaned like crazy, so today I'm going to put some laundry away, maybe sweep the porch or vacuum out my car, do those thank yous/letters I haven't done yet, and CROCHET!!!

With prayers for strength and perseverence to run this healthy living race,
Erin

Edit #1

b--Eng. muffin, cream cheese, pineapple=4.5
s--coffee w/creamer=1
l--ham and cheese=5
exercise: 3.2 miles on the track
water: about 4 glasses so far

Time to get the laundry taken care of and to write those thank yous! Thanks, Doreen and Jean, for your support and encouragement.::yes:: It sure helps to know we're all in this together!

Edit #2
s--strawberries=1
d--baked ziti, 2 cups=12
jello w/topping=0

Total points for the day 23.5

It's 8:20 p.m., and I haven't had a chance to sit down all day. Thank goodness I had a walk. Gotta go make cookies for the
Cookie of the Month club--I've got to pray a lot to keep myself on track. I know: a prayer and a diet root-beer. That should do the trick!:teeth:

'Til tomorrow!

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I do hope you can join me in the 10 pound clippie club!! We've both worked so hard this week. I'll be praying for good news tomorrow morning!!

I LOVE the idea of a Skinny Jeans challenge!! It's a great way to SEE the progress you're making. I have a pair of too-small pants in my closet - maybe I'll drag them out and join you.

{{ Hugs }}, Erin!! I hope you have a wonderful day!! :sunny:

Edit: 10 PM
Erin, your food looks great for the day. You have really been on track lately! Good luck tomorrow morning with the scales. I hope you can avoid the cookies and have a restful night's sleep.

[jean88]

Erin thankyou for cheering me up with your post's you have some great one liner's in there;)

Jeanxx :teeth:

[lulu201]

Yippee!! I've lost FIVE POUNDS THIS WEEK! :jumping1: I'm doing the happy dance! The Whoosh Fairy must've blown through my neighborhood! Oh, and maybe the eating right, exercising, and drinking water had something to do with it, too!;)

From what I can remember (haven't checked old posts to be 100% accurate), I walked 13.43 miles this week. Now if I could just walk it all in one day. . .

Well, have to go, DD is having a before-school crisis.

Smiles to all!
Erin

[lulu201]

OK, I'm back and still celebrating my new clippie!:smooth: Guess I should try on my skinny jeans today and see if they fit any better.
For some reason, Thanksgiving seems a lot closer now--25 days away--I don't know if I'll be wearing those jeans when I go to my mom's or not! I can only try.

Speaking of trying. . .I want to review my goals for last week and set new ones for today.

First of all, I was much better at taking my vitamins. I drank much less coffee, and I exercised 5 times last week. I also stayed within my points (using the bank, of course). I was more aware of my water intake, too. These behaviors are feeling more "normal" now; "cheating" is less on my mind and would feel kind of weird. The crunch time isn't here yet, though. THAT will be the test--when TOM is knocking at the door!

Long term goal: to adopt life-long healthy living habits
to walk the 2005 WDW Half Marathon?

Short term goals: to walk 2 more 10Ks before the end of 2003.
to join The Liberty Bell Wanderers, the local
walking club
to lose 5 lbs. by Thanksgiving (that will meet
my Tgiving Challenge and earn me my 15 lb.
clippie)

Goals for this week: to take my vitamins every day
to drink 8 large glasses of water/day
to drink green tea only (no coffee at all!) on
Tues. and Fri., and only one cup of coffee
the other days
to exercise 5x this week for at least 30 min.
each time
to stay within my points each day.

Writing out a plan like this really helped me last week. Here's hoping I can stick with it!

So far today--

b--coffee w/cr.=1

Today's a long, busy day. I didn't get ANY time to crochet this weekend. I was so tired from all the running yesterday, I crashed at 10 p.m. after making the cookies. Feeling tense and rushed, but trying to regain a sense of peace. I'm supposed to be at a workshop this a.m., but to get there, I'm going to have to do more rushing around. Hmmmm, will have to think about this. :scratchin

Edit #2

Ate on the run all day long and still feel stressed and frazzled! Thank goodness I packed some stuff to eat!
s--bagel w/red pepper cream cheese=4
l--tuna salad=5.5
s-berries=1
s-veggies=1
s-butterfinger bar (hey, it's my treat for the week! That's what the bank is for!:p =7
d-baked ziti=6
dessert-skinny cow=2
Total=27.5/31.5 left in the bank

Going to go try and get some rest!

Onward and downward,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

WOW - 5 POUNDS!!!! :jumping1:

Erin, that's FABULOUS!!! I noticed your very pretty new 10 pound clippie - HOW COOL!!

You have KICKED BUTT this week, girl!!! Setting those goals is really working! I am so happy for you!! Can you hear me cheering???

I hope all that stress melts away for you. Pajama day - great idea! Maybe you should do that on Saturday?? I'd like to do New Hope but DH isn't quite finished with that nasty old roof.... You can always walk it without us. I promise we'll get together again - either for a walk or just for fun.

Have a wonderful day, Erin! :sunny:

[lulu201]

11/4

1. No exercise, day off.
2. Coffee OK today, it's tomorrow that I meant to take off.
3. Drink lots of water; try for a glass after each class.
4. Vitamins.
5. Points; goal for today is 24-25.

I'm moving into a brand new day determined to slow it down and regain a sense of centeredness.:D I'm not going to sweat the small stuff!

A happy day:D . Better perspective on things. Anyway, here's the lowdown:

b--eng muffin w/red pepper lite cr. cheese=3
coffee=1
l--tuna salad=3+1+.5+1=5.5
strawberries=1
d--grilled Italian chicken sandwich=11
dessert--skinny cow:p =2

Total=23.5/32 in bank

Took vitamins, tried to drink a lot, no candy. Made it through OK.

MeMe, it's good to have you around. I heard Dr. Nicholas Perricone, author of "The Wrinkle Cure" talking about the insulin and cortisol effects that coffee has. He said that if you gave up coffee (and I'm not sure, but I think this includes decaf as well), you'd help yourself lose weight. It isn't so much an issue of caffeine--it's the chemical properties of coffee itself. Hey, it's worth a try, right? He also went on to talk at great length about the benefits of green and black teas.

Oh well, got to go--we just got Finding Nemo, and DD is dying to watch it. We'll probably fall asleep!

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin! :sunny:

It looks like you made the most of a tough day yesterday - good for you!! You had a yummy treat and worked it into your points, which is a sign of healthy eating.

Today (it IS Tuesday, right??) is a busy day for you. I'm glad to hear you're looking for pockets of peace and contentedness. I hope you have a peaceful day in spite of the busyness.

I'll keep you in my prayers. ::yes::

[Auntmeme]

You are unbelievable, awesome, amazing, and outstanding:Pinkbounc 5 lbs WOW - you go girl! I have read only the last page so I've missed so much and when I have a chance I promise to catch up. Looks like you are making strong progress. Not only in weight loss but in changing to a healthy lifestyle. I see you are walking miles and miles and miles, your legs most be looking good:p Still doing the WDW 1/2 marathon? I'm in, can you please give me the web site again? I am embarrassed to share my unhealthy lifestyle for the last 3 weeks so we'll leave it at that.

What's with the switching to green tea? is coffee that bad? I drink at least 4 cups per day sometimes decaf.

You and Doreen both crochet? I have an afghan started over 10 years ago 1/2 finished maybe I should get it out.

Have a wonderful Tuesday and keep it up - you are my inspiration:wave2:

[lulu201]

Wednesday, 11/5

Doreen and MeMe, thank you for all the encouragement. . .I feel so blessed to have you guys--and the other WISHers, too--as a support system as I try to make all these lifestyle changes. You two, though, have been there since the very beginning :grouphug: You help me when I'm down, you celebrate my victories. . .thanks for being there.::yes::

So, here I am. First coffee free day (gulp). All I can say is, "bring it on, 'cause I'm ready." I think.:rolleyes: I'm going to put the tea kettle on in a couple of minutes.

Plans for today are pretty much like yesterday, except I have a treadie walk set for 8:30 or so. I hope to go two miles. On Friday I'll try another long walk. Still haven't decided anything about New Hope on Saturday. . .it'll depend what my energy level is like.

Well, here I go. . .

[DoeWDW]

TRED-DEE! TRED-DEE! TRED-DEE! YOU GO GIRL!!

You are my exercise inspiration for the day! In honor of your treadie walk, I pledge to walk 1 mile this evening either in the rain or using WATP, instead of just sitting on my tushie being lazy. ::yes::

You're not thinking about doing the 10k in New Hope on Saturday, are you? Have you checked the weather report?? Weather.com says it will be sunny with a high of....gulp....48 degrees. Do you like to walk in the cold?? My DH is more of a fair weather walker. :p I like your idea of just strolling around the area with DH (and DD??), though.

As for the coffee - good luck today!! I'll be rooting for you! I know it's a tough habit to kick. Extra hugs :hug: and pixie dust :wizard: for you today!!

Onward and downward, Erin!! Here's a sunny smile :sunny: in spite of the rain :umbrella: today to match your sunny attitude!

[DoeWDW]

I hope yesterday went well for you, Erin! I didn't get my mile in yesterday so I did WATP 2 miles this morning!

Onward and downward, sweetie! :sunny:

[lulu201]

11/6

OK, here's yesterday. Came home last night and wanted to post, but couldn't get computer to cooperate for some reason. Anyway, here are the facts:

1. Exercised--2 miles at 30:06.
2. Vitamins--took 'em.
3. Water--drank about 4 glasses, had tea, diet root-beer. I'll try for more today.
4. No coffee. THIS ONE WAS HARD. I didn't have a headache, but I missed my caffeine rush in the a.m.
5. Food:
b--eng. muffin w/olive cr. cheese=4
s--berries=1
l--salad=11.5
s--veggies=0
s--popcorn=3
d--soup and crackers=7
dessert--skinny cow=2

Total=28.5/27.5 left in bank

Overall, I was tired most of the day; I came home at 8:15 and was sound asleep by 9 p.m. Saturday will definitely be a pajama day! I'm disappointed that the scale hasn't moved in many days, but I'm trying to not let that get me down. Last week's loss was so rapid--and I know not to expect that every week-- but I kinda got used to it! There isn't anything I can do if I'm staying within my points and doing everything else! I'll just focus on my cheat-free clippie.

I hope to check in with everyone later. . .if not, I'll say "hi" tomorrow.

[DoeWDW]

:hug: for you, Erin! You need to take good care of you and a guilt-free planned Pajama Day sounds like just the kind of pampering you need. You do so much for so many people and you've been working so hard to take good care of you - it's time to recharge your batteries!

You have been cheat-free for 11 days!! We both know that the next couple weeks will test us, so I think it's great to focus on how well we've done the past 2 weeks. As for the scale, it will cooperate in it's own sweet time, as much as we'd like to beat it into submission!! :D With low-carb, it's really common for the scale to stay the same for a while and then whoosh - 5 pounds gone. Maybe your body is doing the same thing?

I think a Pajama Day on Saturday will help you recharge and prepare for the weeks ahead. We can do this, Erin!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Today turned into a good day.:D I really felt blessed in many ways and fortunate to see it. DD worked through many of her school problems by the time the day was over and came home ready to begin a new marking period with enthusiasm. The students and families I worked with touched my heart in many ways, too. I came home knowing that there had been lots of goodness around me--that's a nice feeling to have.

Here's the scoop on the goals:
1. I took my vitamins.
2. I drank lots of water; I have to figure out a way to measure this.
3. I had my cup of coffee.:p
4. I ate 25 points: b--same as yesterday plus coffee=5, l--fries, hamburger, truly free frozen dessert=14, s--veggies=0, and d--soup and crackers=6. 26.5 in the bank.

Thank goodness for everyone here. You WISH buddies and the whole structure of this--the fellowship and the accountability--are helping me to establish a new of living. To be able to check in any time (not just once a week like WW meetings) is invaluable as I figure out this eating/exercising thing.

I'm going to turn over my clippie, check out buddy journals, and head to bed. It's been a long--but good--day.

[DoeWDW]

Isn't it great to see the goodness in the world?? :sunny:

I'm so glad your DD is all caught up now! After our trip last October, my kids told me they do NOT want to miss school for our trips anymore because getting caught up is just overwhelming. So for the next few years, we'll be going over the summer months.

Today is treadie day, Erin! Enjoy your walk. We are so fortunate to be able to move our bodies and exercise!

I hope you have a wonderful and wonder-filled day!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Hip, hip, hooray. Three cheers for Friday!:Pinkbounc The sun is shining again!:sunny:

I've hit today pretty hard--I've done two loads of wash, cleaned the kitchen and straightened the downstairs, and I'm almost ready for the treadie!:hyper: I feel like I've jumpstarted the weekend cleaning in a big way!

Got on the scale this a.m.--still no change, but I figured out why I'm so stressed over it: the darn Turkey Challenge.:mad: Hey, don't get me wrong--I'm glad I'm in the challenge--but I must've been on a whoosh fairy high when I set my goal at 10 lbs.! :crazy: I've been feeling pressured to get the scale moving, but as we all know, it only happens when it's ready to happen. All I can do is what I've been doing, right?::yes:: At least the challenge is one of the things motivating me to stay on track.

So far:

1. Vitamin--OK
2. Water--drinking lots.
3. Exercise--walked 2.01 mi./31:00; a bit down on my time.
4. Coffee :rolleyes: Uhh, well, even though I THOUGHT I wanted to have Fri. be a coffee-free day, I forgot about my afterschool trip with DD to WaWa. . .I GOTTA HAVE IT
5. Points--doing OK so far:

b--eng. muffin w/pinapple cream cheese=4
l--plans for a salad?
d--plans for slice of pizza, more salad

Off to the treadie, o. and d.
Erin

[lulu201]

:( I totally fell off the wagon. No, I can't say that. It was more like I intentionally DOVE off the wagon. . .into a plate of chocolate chip cookies. Remember the ones I baked last weekend and stayed away from? Well, tonight just seemed like a good night to have one--or five.:rolleyes: It was weird; I knew all day that I was vulnerable to a binge--I was in a good mood but physically tired and kind of weary. And the truth was, I willingly chose to give up my clippie and to enjoy those yummy cookies. Now that I'm back to 0, I feel oddly OK with it. The cheats are out of my system and tomorrow I'm willing to start again happily.

No guilt, though I am sorry if I disappointed you, Doreen. Especially after your good example of taking the Halloween candy to work!

My goal for tomorrow is to reclaim my Day 1 clippie in the evening.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Silly Erin!! How could I ever be disappointed in you?

Here's a :hug: to help you know that I think you're doing just fine! We all find those times when enough is enough and the fight just isn't worth it, especially after a long week and being tired.

I know you'll have your bear back in no time. I'm not perfect either and I'm sure I'll lose my little bear a time or two also! :D

The great thing is that you made it 12 DAYS!!!! One cheat every other week is NOT a problem!

By the way, I bet those cookies were YUM! ;) It's good I wasn't there - I would have matched you cookie for cookie, girlfriend!! ::yes::

No worries, Erin. I think you're STILL on the right track! :sunny:

[jean88]

Isn't it funny you just know that when you get up some morning's that you get the feeling that this is going to be a cheat day, and also the more you think about it the more your more likely to cheat. I have a fundraiser this evening and i know already that i'm going to have some wine at it, and no matter how much i say no your not i know i am.( do's this make sense girl's).

Jeanxx :wave2:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

See, Erin?? It's a nice sunny day!!

I hope you're doing well and still in your jammies! :wave: I'm still in mine! It IS Pajama Day, after all!

Have a wonderful day, Erin!

[lulu201]

It IS a sunny day:sunny: It's almost noon and I'm still in my pajamas--it's wonderful to just kick back and relax. It sometimes seems that I spend so much time running around; today feels like I'm on vacation! Even my DD made a remark about it, "today feels like we're on winter break." I think I'll put some laundry in the washer, make our bed, and then crochet for an hour. Mmmm, better than a chocolate chip cookie!;)

Thanks for stopping in Jean and Doreen. It helps so much to know that you understand what it's like. It IS funny how you can just know that you're at the end of your self-control. Maybe it's that feeling of denial. . .you know, you've told yourself "no" so many times that you're at your limit. I don't know, but I know that today I'm planning to cut back and my craving for cookies has subsided in a big way--I guess because I gave myself permission last night to just enjoy them.

I got on the scale this a.m. and didn't see any damage from my indulgence. It seems a bit windy out, but sunny enough to take Mickey on a nice long walk (well, "long" from his perspective). We'll walk a mile and if I feel like I want more, I'll take a stroll on the treadmill. If not, I'll be happy with the mile. I haven't taken the vitamin yet, but I did have my cup of coffee.:p I'm going to re-think getting rid of my a.m. cup, because I really do like it! I haven't had any water yet so will try to get in lots this afternoon.

b--sugar-free jello and coffee=1.5
l--jello again! and an apple=2.5
d--2 cups linguine plus 1/2 sauce and bit of parm. cheese=10.5
salad w/olives and dressing=2
I'm feeling full and don't think I'll want anything else today except maybe a cup of tea, so I'll total out and renew my clippie!:D

Total for today=16.5/ZERO in the bank:p :rolleyes:
I really didn't feel like eating too much today. Must've been from the heartburn last night's pizza gave me.

DD and I ran some errands and parked way-far from the stores we went to. Guess that will have to count as my workout for today!;)

I wish that I had a dollar for everytime DD made a positive comment about today--"this is fun" or "today's been a good day,"
etc. The pace and stress of the past week had been getting to all of us.

I'm signing off for today--
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm so glad that yesterday was a wonderful day for you and your family! I was getting worried about you!! ::yes:: You've done a good job of recognizing when to take a well-deserved break!

I hope your tummy is feeling better this morning!

Here we go - into a new and fabulous day! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Down two pounds this a.m.! Yay--the scale is moving again! I'm kind of cautious about this loss, though. I hope I can keep it off so I can see the loss on Monday for weigh-in. I'm not going to change my siggie yet. . .we'll see what the day brings. Time to get ready for church; I have to be there at 8:30 to rehearse for the 9:15 service.

One thing, though. Losing my cheat-free clippie this time turned out to be a big deal! I learned something about myself. I can go off program AND GET BACK ON. Not in two weeks (or six months!), but right away. I don't think that's ever happened for me before.

Now, off to worship. . .

Edits:
b--teeny weeny slice of mini-loaf of banana bread=2
coffee w/creamer=2

l--buffalo chicken salad w/dressing=10.5
jello and topping=.5

d--4 oz. chicken piccata=7

Total: 22

Drank my water, took my vitamin, walked 1.65 on the treadmill, and TOOK A NAP!:p It was a good, relaxing day!

I'm off to bed; tomorrow's weigh-in!
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm not going to congratulate you on your loss yet cuz I don't want to jinx you for weigh-in tomorrow :jester: but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!! ::yes::

Back on track already??? WOW! You're truly on the way, Erin!! You go, girl!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Goodbye, Two Pounds, you are gone forever and won't be invited back!:p :Pinkbounc :bounce: A Two Pound Happy Dance for ME!

[DoeWDW]

:jumping3: :cool1: YAY ERIN!! :cool1: :jumping3:

Bye-bye 2 pounds! :wave:

You've been working so hard and you've been so patient! It's paying off, girlfriend!! :sunny:

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Onward and downward! ::yes::

[lulu201]

11/10 First, let me bask in the joy of having lost 20 pounds since June 2003! I feel like I've really accomplished something and am on my way to having a whole new attitude re: food, exercise, and healthy living. I have God, the WISH, and friends like Doreen to thank for that.

OK, it's time for goal review.

My long term goals remain the same: to lead a healthy lifestyle, and to walk the WDW Half-Marathon. I have to admit, I fluctuate a lot on the marathon from day-to-day, but I'm not writing it off yet.

Short-term goals: I think it's unrealistic to think I'm going to walk two more 10K before the end of the year. Our weekends are just too busy during the holidays and what weekend time I do have, I'm going to have to use to recharge. I still might join the walking club, though.

Last week's goals in review: I was good with my vitamins, improved with my water, realized I want one cup of coffee a day, and stayed within my points every day except one. I only exercised four days--not 5. I'm OK with missing Sat., though. My body was telling me to rest, I did, and Sunday's walk was more energized, though only 22 minutes. What I learned last week: I can slip up and get back in the game!!

Goals for this week: Continue taking vitamins daily, drink 6-8 glasses of water/day, exercise 5x a week at whatever pace/distance my body will allow :D , and stay within my points every day (NO chocolate chip cookie binges:p ). Only one cup of coffee per day; green tea or herbal tea w/splenda the rest of the time I need a hot beverage. PMS-wise, I should be OK this week; next week is usually the toughie.

Today, so far:
b--teeny weeny banana bread w/tbsp. lite cream cheese=2.5
coffee w/1 oz. half and half=1

Edit:
s--strawberries=1
s--ONE chocolate chip cookie=2
l--chicken and salad=7
s--cheesestick and veggies=2
d--soup and crackers=6
skinny cow=2

Total: 23.5/35.5 in the bank

Exercise: 2.07 mi. at 30:06 Yahoo!

Tired, time for bed. . .
Erin

[DoeWDW]

You are sounding so strong! 20 pounds - what an accomplishment! You're practically halfway to your goal, Erin!! I know you're going to make it!! I also know that you're learning how to be healthy for a lifetime - what a wonderful gift to give yourself, your DH and your DD!!

I'm sorry to hear of your DFIL's fall and fracture. I'll keep him in my prayers for a quick recovery. I'll also keep you in my prayers for your big extended family early Thanksgiving celebration.

Thanks for the vitamin reminder - I'm off to take mine! I'm glad we are on this journey together, Erin! :hug:

[lulu201]

11/11 The start of another day. . .it's supposed to be warmer, but our day of "plentiful sunshine" is gone in favor of some rain:umbrella: . Oh, well, we get what we get!:D

My FIL is home and getting around with a back brace--or at least that was the most recent plan. He was lucky to have not been more seriously hurt.

I'm happy to report I've said goodbye to another pound! Hey, Pound, just so you know, you can't come back around me again! I'm sick of carrying you around and seeing you bulging on my thigh! Good riddance!:mad: (Either it's very early in the a.m. or I've been at this WISH thing a little too long!:p )

So, here I'm going off into the world of drinking water, taking vitamins, and eating right. It's a good world to be in!:sunny:

Edit #1:

Quick check-in before choir:

b--banana bread and lite cr. cheese=2.5 +1 for coffee=3.5
l--salad=6.5
s--berries=1
d--tacos=12

Total thus far=23. Depending on how I feel when I get home, it'll be jello or s.cow for dessert. We'll see. . .

Edit #2:

I decided on the jello. That gave me 23 points with 36.5 in the bank. Today I didn't have any junk cravings, but the Wed. and Thurs. are going to be especially long--just the right kind of day for a little after-work grazing through the kitchen? NO!!!

Enough, I'm going to bed. After I check in w/ Doe-Doe, of course.

[DoeWDW]

Another pound gone and you've changed from the 180s to the 170s!! :jumping3:

You are doing so fab!! Keep up the great work, Erin!!

I noticed how good you were on your food for yesterday. The cookie monster was kept at bay!! All good things in moderation.

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you have SUCH a great attitude now! Please keep up the good work. Your journal keeps inspiring me! I've got to join you back on the healthy living wagon - could you give me a hand to get back up?? :teeth:

Today's Wednesday and I hope it's a good one for you! Here's a little sunshine :sunny: to help get you started on the right foot.

[lulu201]

Wednesday, 11/12

I'm getting ready to hit the treadie. I checked my bmi on the WW website today and found that I've gone from a 30 to a 27. I'm happy about that. I've also been thinking about special events coming up that I want to look good for:

*visits to my mom over Thanksgiving and Christmas. We stay at a hotel w/ an indoor pool. I want to be happier in my bathing suit.
*on New Year's Day I want to be sitting around in my skinny jeans looking fab!
*at the end of May I have my 25th high school reunion:eek: and I want to wear one of those sleeveless sheeth dresses I've always been too heavy to wear (except for those couple of days in 1992 when I was 148).
*at the end of June, DH and I want to go away for a few days for an early celebration of our 20th wedding anniversary in August.
I want to be on the beach in a new tankini by then!
*at the end of August we'll go on a family vacation at the shore for a week. I want to be so comfortable with myself that I might just FORGET to wear my cover-up!:p How's that for an amazing accomplishment?

My hip and back pain are almost gone since having lost 21 lbs. I don't want to go back to how I felt before, so for today--and I can only take care of this one day--I'm going to stick with my program of taking my vitamins, drinking water, eating within my points, and trusting in God for strength.

Onward and downward!::yes::

[Auntmeme]

How are you doing? Looks like great - looking pretty sleek with all your losses. Only 2 more before thanksgiving - you are amazing! such motivation and dedication. I am so proud to be your wisher friend. I have been a little lax lately and I'm glad to have the chance to check journals, it gives me the push I need to get going again. THANKS to you and Doreen:wave:

Sorry to hear about your fil, hope he will have a quick recovery!

Sounds like you have much to look forward to, lots of events to show off the new & healthy you - Congrats on the 21 loss! The compliments will be flying your way;)

Have a great healthy day!

[lulu201]

Hey, everybody! Thank you, Doreen, for checking in on me today and sending the sunshine. I needed it. I bottomed out with fatigue about 5:30 and could barely hold it together until I left work at 8 p.m. Tired, but a good tired thanks to those extra rays you sent.

What a fun surprise to hear from MeMe today! Thanks, MeMe, for all your nice comments:blush: . I'm proud to be your WISHer friend, too. It's so amazing to have this support system. It has made such an incredible impact on my life.:grouphug:

OK, down to the nitty-gritty.

Hmmm, took the vitamins.
Drank and drank and drank.
Exercised: 2.10 miles in 30:06

The food:

b--itty bitty banana bread and lite cr. cheese. My stomach was roaring this morning (uhh, not roaring as loudly as you in the office, Doe-Doe:p , but loud enough). This equals 3.5 when you include the coffee I had.
s--strawberries=1
l--my McDonald's salad (oooh, I love these. I have one every Wednesday!)=11.5
s--cheesestick and veggies=2
d--soup and crackers=6
dessert :rolleyes: 2 cookies=4 Hey, I didn't binge here. I was going to have a skinny cow for 2 points, but I really wanted cookies and knew that after I had the cow, I'd STILL be wanting those cookies, so I figured out my points and decided that it was OK for me to withdraw four points from the bank for this treat. I happily had my cookies and felt satisfied.

Total points: 28/32.5 left in the bank

I'm stumbling off to bed now. Doreen and MeMe and other WISH friends like Jean and Lisa. . .thanks.

Tomorrow I'm having another weigh-in, this one for the Turkey Challenge. Weighing in twice a week is a good thing, I think. Maybe it'll help keep me focused? What are your opinions on this?

E.

[lulu201]

Windy, windy, day here! I wouldn't be surprised if some poundages were blown off today! Just got weighed for the T-giving Challenge and I came in at 178; four pounds lower than what I weighed last Thursday! Hooray!:Pinkbounc Seeing the scale move is sure helping me to keep on track. I can feel my middle of the week tiredness starting, though, and I know that I'll be descending into the d-zone this weekend. Oh well, one day at a time.

Off to update my t-giving challenge. . .I'll come back with my goals and the food later.

[DoeWDW]

Another pound gone bye-bye!! :wave2: Hooray for you, Erin!!

That cheat-free bear is sure doing his job!! You're melting away!

I'm so proud of you for enjoying your cookies last night within your points and without letting the cookie binge monster get the better of you!

I'm joining you and MeMe in the cheat-free til Thanksgiving challenge, and I'm starting today!! We can do it together, even through the D-Zone!!

Onward and downward! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Isn't it funny how the scale can stay stationary and then begin to move again??:confused: I'm just riding this wave of losing and feeling grateful, but I keep this thought in the back of my mind: success is never secure and failure is never final. One of my old WW leaders--actually the best one:D --used to say it at the end of every meeting. It gives me hope when I flub up and keeps me cautious when the going is good, because I know that if I can easily gain as much as I've lost in the same amount of time--or less!:eek: And then the yo-yo starts again.:yo-yo: I'm really trying to think that this way of living is IT. It's how I'm going to live my life every day. It's an overwhelming thought sometimes, so I really have to think of it as "one day at a time." You're right, Doreen, the little bear--and also the challenges--help to keep me more in the moment and not worrying about the long term.

Vitamins--have to take 'em.
Exercise--nope, enough at work! My little guys keep me hoppin.'
Water--only one glass so far.
Food: want to stay at 24 points today.
b--itty bitty banana bread and lo-fat cr. cheese plus coffee=3.5
Edit:
l--hamburger and small fries=12
s--strawberries=1
d--soup and crackers, some mixed veggies=6

Didn't do too great w/water; but drank whenever I could. Never took my vitamins.:( Tomorrow for sure. Just didn't have enough time to eat. Down on my points a bit, and I'm not really happy with that, but I'm not really hungry, so I'm just going to let it alone.

Total=22.5

Tomorrow I have to go to a luncheon meeting. I've discovered I don't like to go places where I don't know what I'm up against food-wise. Will just have to loosen up and go with the flow, right?

Good-night all,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I hope you had a fantastic day! Did you take those vitamins? Did you drink your water? Did you stay within your 24 point goal?

:hug: for you, no matter how your day turned out.

Downward we go!! ::yes::

[DoeWDW]

You really CAN wave bye-bye to those pounds you've lost, Erin! They are truly gone for good. If, by chance, they come around again, you know just what to do to send them packin'!!

Will you have time for your beloved treadie this morning?? TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE, TRE-DEE!! :P

Good luck with your luncheon meeting. You may want to take an extra snack along! That way, if you choose not to eat what they are serving or to only eat a small portion, you can sneak off and munch something to keep you going! Being prepared is half the battle! Of course you could also eat something small before you go so you're not starving when lunch is served. Let us know how it goes, OK?

The weekend is almost here! I hope you have a wonderful and fun-filled day, Erin! :sunny: We can do this, in spite of the D-Zone!

Doe-Doe, proud member of the 3 WISHketeers! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[lulu201]

11/14 Uhh-oh, luncheon day. :worried: I'm feeling a little vulnerable here. I'm meeting with the president of the company who licenses a curriculum I teach. I'm not sure if difficult topics will be brought up by other teachers. . .I'm just feeling unsettled and unpleasant emotions make me want to. . well, you know. . .EAT!!! I'm going to try to remain centered and find my happy place. . .yeah, that's what I'm going to do. Doreen, I'm also going to take your advice and pack a little snack that I can eat in the car AFTER the meeting if I'm not feeling satisfied. Thank you.

Well, it might help if I articulate what my goals will be for today, right?

1. Take the vitamins--especially since I missed them yesterday.
2. Drink more water.
3. Walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes; more if I want to?
4. Eat 24-27 points. I want to give myself some leeway since I don't know what the day holds. I want to make sure I get up to 24 points, too. I think it's healthier--especially when I exercise.
5. Go to Kohls and buy myself a transitional item or two. I hope to put some more of my larger sized clothes away this weekend.
Should I give them away now or wait until next winter? I need help with this, friends. What are you all doing?

Calendar-wise, today is supposed to be the beginning of my Challenge Week(aka major D-Zone). I'm going to try to be really good to myself--cutting myself some slack if I feel I need it (without binging, of course;) ) and giving myself to permission to rest more when I can. Extra time set aside for prayer or just being quiet might be what I need to keep my perspective on things.

OK, here I go. Onward and Downward!

Lulu, proud member of the three WISHketeers! :cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I put the main ingredients of the pumpkin pie filling into Fitday, but I didn't put in the spices. I used 3/4 C Splenda, 2 eggs, 1 15oz can pumpkin and 1 12oz can evaporated milk.

I forgot to add that my mom makes 2 8"x8" casseroles using this recipe but you could put it all into 1 casserole if you like. I figured on getting 8 servings out of the above ingredients so here's the breakdown - both the recipe total and by serving.

Calories = 824 / 103
Fat = 40 / 5
Carbs = 97-14 fiber = 83 / 10
Protein = 44 / 5.5

I hope this helps AND I hope it fits well into your points scheme!

[lulu201]

Doreen, thank you so much! I'll get out my pointfinder and check this out, but one question: is that 10g of fiber /serving?? Wow, if it is that would be great--high fiber cuts the points fast!

Today was full of ups and downs. It's still cheat-free, but it's not like I hoped it would be.

Vitamins: not yet.:(
Water: drank, but not enough. I'm going to go chug a few glasses.:(
Exercise: 2.07 miles in 30:06
Coffee: Major oops here. Had my morning cup, a cup of decaf at the luncheon, and a 12 oz. cup at WaWa this p.m. This is the most coffee I've had in a couple of weeks. Not happy here in retrospect.:(
Food: b--3.5
l--DID GREAT HERE! 1/2 cup pasta salad=3
1/2 small roll=1
roasted veggies=1
a bit of fresh pineapple=.5
decaf coffee w/creamer=1
s--WaWa coffee w/steamer=2?
d--uhh-oh:( 2 slices of pizza, gulp, and and a skinny cow=
20

Total for day=32/34 in bank (added 1.5 back in from yesterday)
-8=26 left in bank

OK, here's my positive spin on this. I did great at lunch. I passed up dessert, and didn't miss it one bit. I was fine. Dinner, though, while it wasn't what I originally intended, was better than last Friday because last Friday I binged out on cookies and milk and anything that wasn't nailed down in the kitchen. Tonight I thought out my points and decided it was OK because DH and DD wanted to go for pizza. If I decide that I want to, tomorrow I'll cut back. If I have heartburn again like last Fri. night, I'll definitely cut back!!

So, that was my day. The luncheon meeting ended up being kinda fun even though it was deep in company politics and propaganda! Still, that's big business for you. It is what it is.

I'm going to turn over my clippie, go take my vitamins, and drink a ton of water. I may be up in the night, but there's nothing too new about that!

G'night, all-
Erin

[lulu201]

11/15 There's going to be tons of running around today, so I'm up early so I can think through the day, exercise, take my vitamins, etc.--all before the rush starts.:D

1. I've gotta take those vitamins--this a.m.!!
2. Exercise--30 minutes at whatever pace I want.
3. ONE cup of coffee!
4. Stay low within the point range.
5. Lots and lots of water; 6-8 tall glasses.

I may avoid the scale today after last night's pizza; I don't think I really need to SEE the water weight gain that I can feel in my hands!

And away I go:moped: !

Edit #1:

I'm about to leave the house. So far I've completed goal #1, goal #2 (2.13 miles in 30:06!:hyper: ), and had 2 glasses of #5. I'm feeling good about today. Dinner tonight will be shrimpfest at the Chinese Buffet. Am I predictable or what?:rolleyes:

Doreen, thank you for the terrific, supportive message--aww, you even gave my Wa-Wa coffee a bounce. And to think about all I'm doing today and to have you feel a little worried that I'll get stressed out and slip. . .thank you for caring and for looking out for me. Thank you for your advice. . .I will take some Lulu time. Maybe a few minutes to crochet? :D

OK, I'm heading out to school and the Mall and Kohls and the Rag Shop and . . .

Edit #2
b--banana bread w/lite cr. cheese=2.5
s--coffee steamer=.5 (checked this on DWLZ.com)
l--banana bread w/lite cr. cheese=2.5

Bring on the shrimp!:teeth:

Edit #3

Made it through the buffet with moderate choices.
w/dinner and my jello dessert I ended up at 18 points. I'm going to eat a skinny cow, so I finish with 20. A little too low; I'll do better tomorrow. The truth is, I just not as hungry as I used to be! I think that puts the bank back at 30, plus I have to add back in another 1.5 because I overestimated on the steamer. Total now in bank =31.5

I accomplished all the goals I set for the day and did TONS of Christmas shopping besides! After church tomorrow I'll come home, do wash, crochet a bit, and maybe nap? Oooh, now that really sounds yummy!

Onward and downward,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you did GREAT yesterday!! Here's a bounce for being extra good at lunch :jumping3: and here's another bounce for thinking through your points and having the dinner of your choice :jumping3: Considering the stress of eating in an unfamiliar place AND the fact that Friday afternoon has always been Wa-Wa time, I'll even send an extra bounce :jumping3: for extra coffee consumption! :crazy: There's just no stopping you, Erin!! You're doing fantastic!!

I almost forgot the bonus bounce :jumping3: for getting up early today and taking care of you before the mad rush begins today!

I'm a little worried that you'll overdo it today and be tired & rushed and make poor food choices, so watch those points, OK? Also, make some time to sit back and relax, even if it's just for 10 minutes. Take care of Lulu!! :sunny:

Good luck with your busy day! Here's a :hug: to get you through any rough spots!

Your faithful companion on the journey,
Doe-Doe of the WISH :cool1:

PS: I almost forgot to explain the carbs in the above stats for the pumpkin pie filling. The total recipe has 97 total carbs - 14 carbs for fiber, leaving 83 carbs for the total recipe. If you divide this by 8 servings, you'd have about 11 carbs - about 1.5 grams fiber = 10 grams carbs per serving.

[DoeWDW]

WOW!!! You had an awesome day yesterday - but then, I knew you would! :D I'm glad to see the General didn't get the better of you at the buffet! ;)

Your little bear is lookin' so happy and proud!! I bet weigh-in tomorrow is gonna be good!! ::yes::

Don't forget to get some of your points from veggies today, OK?

Sounds like today is Relax Day!!! Good for you, Erin!! I've finished crocheting my daughter's afghan but I still have to tuck in the loose yarn ends. Hope your afghan is going as well!!

See ya later, alligator!!! :tongue:

[lulu201]

Here I am, Sunday morning, 11/16. I've had the dog out, eaten some breakfast, and am doing a quick load of laundry before church. Today should be less hectic than yesterday, thank goodness.

1. Gotta take those vitamins.
2. Coffee--having a cup here and will most likely have a cup at church, but that's it.
3. I've got to get in 24 points. I did go up yesterday to 21, but I've got to hit 24. When MelanieC gets home, I'll ask her what's the point target for my new weight--I think it's lower than the 24, but will check with her to make sure. She's the WW expert! Like Doreen says, I should eat more veggies--and fruit, too--but I was getting a bit sick of salad at the end of last week and was avoiding it. I did eat broccoli and mushrooms last night, though.
4. I'm going to drink lots of water today.
5. I'm planning on exercising a least 30 minutes.

OK, that's it. It helps me to write down what I've got to do, even though it's pretty much the same every day. Writing it just seems to make it very clear and keeps things in focus.

Gotta hit the shower,
Erin

Edit #1 and 2:
b--2 slices banana bread (I don't know what it is w/me and this bread--I love it!) and coffeex2=6.5
s--1/2 oz. cheddar caraway cheese and 3 saltines=2.5

l--buffalo chicken salad=10
d--soup and crackers=6

Edit #3:

dessert--s.f. jello=0
Total for day=25/30.5 left in bank

Walked a slower walk after dinner tonight-1.9 in 30:06
Met all my goals AND took a 2 and 1/2 hour nap in my favorite chair!:p Did some crocheting, a little bit of wash and the dinner dishes, but not much more.

Gotta get a plug in for my Dear DH. He's just so good and supportive about all this. Tonight he made dinner, and I just wasn't going to be able to eat it and stay within the point range I wanted for today. He had no problems with me eating something else--didn't even bat an eye. He knows that this way of eating is important to me, and he does all that he can to support me. He's a sweetie.:lovestruc .

Tomorrow's weigh-in--bring on the scale!:teeth:

LULU OF THE WISHprincess:

[DoeWDW]

Erin, it's Monday!! We're going to make it a GOOD Monday, aren't we? I hope your day is filled with smiles :teeth: !! Let's try to banish those Monday blues, OK??

Good luck with your weigh-in!! I'm thinking of you and hopnig your scale is cooperating! ::yes::

Here we go, onto another cheat-free day. We can do this, one day at a time. :sunny:

Be extra good to you today - after all, you're royalty!! That princess icon says it all, girlfriend!!

Doe-Doe of the WISH! princess:

[lulu201]

Hey, hey, look at me! I have a new outfit! I'm wearing my 15 lb. clippie today!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc Those three bounces are for the Three Pound Happy Dance I'm doing! I went from 180 last Mon. to 177 today (with a stop at 178 on Thurs.) ! Yeah, I'm liking the 170s a whole lot more than the 180s.:p

I checked my old WW booklet, and it's been almost two years since I was in the 170s. Getting out of them will be the challenge I think--it's been about 11 years since I was in the 160s! No worries, though. It's gotta be one day at a time, one pound at a time.

I think the BF is sitting on my shoulder, too, Doreen. Yesterday I was 176, and even though I drank tons of water, I can feel the difference this a.m. Oh, well, we've dealt with this before. We'll just keep focused on what we've got to do, and let nature do the rest! We may be in the d-zone week, but it's not going to knock us over--we're WISH princesses, after all!

I did better with my goals last week. I exercised 5x, stayed within my point range--actually withdrew less from the bank than I ever have, tried to drink my water and have my vitamins, and made peace with my coffee intake. Here's my plan for this week.

1. Take my vitamins every day. Last night I set them out on the counter; I think this is what I need to do regularly.
2. One cup of coffee/day--watch Fridays 'cause of WaWa.
3. Go easy on myself--three recitals and inlaw Thanksgiving this week--just what I need during the d-zone?!?!
4. Exercise 5x to minimize stress!
5. Stay within my point range. I wanna be cheat free 'til Thanksgiving!

Edit #1

b--banana bread, lite cr. cheese and 1 tsp. pb=3.5
coffee w/creamer=1
2 glasses of water and vitamins

Edit #2
Plans for rest of day (I'm going to write them down here so I can figure out my points ahead of time):
l--chicken salad w/olives and mayo=6
crackers=2

s--apple=2

s--cheese and tomatoes=1.5

d--soup and crackers=6
skinny cow=2

Should total out to 24 exactly. I still plan to get on the treadie for at least 30 minutes.

I'm feeling stressed today, so I appreciate your upbeat and :sunny: attitude, Doreen. I had to make DD a drs. appointment to have a small lump on her neck checked; DH is taking her because I'm working, and I feel awful about it. I want to be there instead. Geez, I just feel so yukky.:worried:

princess: Lulu

[DoeWDW]

THREE POUNDS AND A NEW CLIPPIE!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Of course, I chose to write that in Royal Blue, since you are, after all, a Princess!!

I'm so happy for you!! You're looking mah-velous in that new clippie! There's no stopping you, Erin!!

I hope the excitement of this helps you get through your busy week - filled with events AND the D-Zone! I can see you sailing :boat: through everything with a beautful smile on your face!

Here we go, Erin, sailing through Monday, cruisin' along without a worry, because it's all gonna turn out just fine! :sunny:

princess: Doe-Doe of the WISH!

Edit: 2:30 PM
Here's a :hug: for you! Your sweet DD will be fine and it's GOOD for DH to take her. They need to bond over these types of circumstances too. It's a good opportunity for them! I know that doesn't help you now - I'd be going through major Mommy-guilt! - but it's all in God's hands. In the meantime, take a deep breath, say an extra prayer, and try to relax, sweetie. I'll send up some extra prayers myself. It will all work out just fine.

[jean88]

Well done Erin i'm so chuffed for you. it's such a good feeling getting the girl's behind everyone and just being so nice. and lot's of hug's to you and your family just now:grouphug: let us know how you all are, and if you need to talk just pm me at any time.

Jeanxx :wave2:

[lulu201]

Oh, my goodness. It has not been a good eating day. I'm seriously in the d-zone now and the added stress of DD and the dog (who has an ear infection!) was enough to put me seriously into my WW point bank.

Here goes:

b--4.5 points
l--6 points
apple-2
cheese/tomatoes-1.5
butterfinger!--7
coffee w/lots of cream-2
d--peanut butter sandwich--8
skinny cow-2
more dessert--jello-0

Total for day: 33:eek: /Total left in bank=24

Girls, it was just one of those days. I knew I was vulnerable and if I didn't have you all to be accountable to, I'd have gone through the kitchen eating everything I could get my hands on! As it is now, I'm safely upstairs and won't come down until morning. Thank goodness for the safety of my bank and this wonderful WW program or I would've had to hand in my cheat free clippie. As it was, I stopped the damage before it got totally out of hand.

DD got to the dr. and he said that the lump felt to be a swollen lymph node from a recent cold/infection she's fighting. He specifically said why he didn't think it was a Hodgkins (or NonHodgkins?) lump, so that made me feel better. Because it's not hard or painful and can easily be moved around under DDs skin, he was not concerned at this point. If it's still there in a couple of months, he'd like to see DD again. I know I can trust him to be cautious--he lost his beautiful wife, a friend and DDs first pediatrician to a cancerous tumor that was found on her collarbone and had spread through her body.

Now if I could just get the dog straightened out!:p

You guys mean so much to me. Thank you for your care, concern, prayers, and encouragement. Thank you for being in this healthy living program and understanding how difficult it can be sometimes. It helps to know you're there.

Erin

[lulu201]

Bring on the new day!:sunny: I'm ready to persevere and face the Munchie Monster! Shoo, you nasty, thing!

Today I'll

1. Take the vitamins.
2. Drink the water.
3. Stay within the WW program. I'm hoping for 24-27 points. (Trying to be realistic here.)
4. ONE cup of coffee. Yesterday's second cup was my first rebellious act--followed shortly by that yummy butterfinger!
:p
5. Be gentle with myself; I won't feel like I have to take on every single thing on my to-do list at work. I'll sit down for a couple of minutes this afternoon and go over my lessons just to give myself a break.

I almost avoided the scale this a.m., but knew I had to accept ownership of yesterday's large point total. The scale didn't show any increase, so I'm onward and downward from here!

Edit #1:
b--banana bread w/ cr. cheese and coffee=3.5

Took my vitamins and had one tall glass of water. YAY!

Oh, and Doreen. . .thank you so much for your hugs and encouragment. It really helps to know you're here--especially in the d-zone!

Edit #2:

Will just cut to the chase--point total for the day=28.5. Total left in bank-19.5. Yikes, looking kind of low compared to last week, but I'm deep into the d-zone and it's the best I can do.

I'm going to turn over my clippie, jump into bed, cover up my head, and pray the Munchie Monster can't open my bedroom door! I'll check in with everyone tomorrow--if it's safe to come out!!

[DoeWDW]

Here are extra hugs :hug: :hug: for all you went through yesterday!! You took some emotionally tough situations and managed to stay within your points! You are my hero today, Erin! :sunny: I'm so proud of you for doing your best to take care of you, recognize that you needed a little "extra" yesterday, and stay on program - that's what those points in the bank are for!! I'm also so happy that you're giving yourself a little extra leeway, considering we're in the D-Zone. You truly seem to be making choices that you can live with for a long time.

I'm so happy to hear DD is fine!! I know how we can worry over our babies (even when they're teenagers!!).

We'll get through this Tuesday in spite of the clouds outside. I know Tuesdays are long for you, so your break to review lesson plans this afternoon sounds like a good idea.

We can do this, one day at a time!! :sunny:

princess: Doe-Doe

[lulu201]

Well, I made it out of my bedroom and I don't see the Munchie Monster around, but even with going to bed a 9 p.m., I can feel my body kind of bottoming out in the midst of hormonal depletion--where's that estrogen when you need it????:confused: :p Oh well, I've felt a lot worse in my life, so I'm just going to ride the wave.

Goals for today:
1. Take vitamins--did it.:D
2. Drink water--considering where I'm at in the d-zone, I think I need about 14 gallons today.:p
3. No exercise. Now, this is a tricky one. I've thought, hmm, maybe I need the endorphin surge from my Wed. treadie walk, but then I thought, no, I just need to get myself ready for work at the pokey pace my body is requesting today. No rushing. I have enough physical activity in teaching my toddler/preschool classes today (you can bet I'll crawl, jump, skip, gallop, and crabwalk (!) before the day is done. Isn't that enough for a 42 yr. old woman in the d-zone?). I'll see how it goes and evaluate tomorrow.
4. Low points. I really don't want to go over 24. I have jello waiting in the fridge for dessert tonight, lunch and dinner are planned, too. . .T-giving weigh-in is tomorrow!
b--tiny banana bread w/cr. cheese and coffee=3.5
5. Don't sweat the small stuff--no fretting about the pile of clean laundry I didn't get put away, the dog throwing up in the car
:eek: this a.m., just take things in stride.

One day at a time, onward and downward--with a little help from my friends :happy1: .

princess: Lulu of the WISH :p

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I know we're deep in the D-Zone. It has hit me like a Mack truck this morning. I can relate to jumping in bed & pulling the covers over my head!! :(

BUT, we are Princesses of the WISH and we are Stronger than the D-Zone, the Munchie Monster AND the BF!! We will Conquer them All! :sunny:

I'm celebrating today!!:Pinkbounc My WISH buddy, Lulu, (I think you might know her ;) ) has a beautiful 15 pound loss clippie. She also has a wonderful and hard-won 11 days cheat free clippie. In addition, she has a Thanksgiving Challenge clippie and has already met her Challenge goal!!! She is doing so well and I'm so incredibly proud of her, so I'm celebrating her accomplishments today!! You can celebrate too!! ::yes::

I think we only have a few more days of D-Zone left, so hang in there! We have so much to be proud of.

Considering all things, I think your points for yesterday were fine! Get through the day today as best you can and try to remember to celebrate all the good things - there are so many of them!!

I'm beside you, girlfriend - we'll make it through together! :happy1:

princess: Doe-Doe of the WISH

Edit: 4 PM
I'm thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way, Erin. I hope you're hanging in there! Only a few more hours and we can claim another day cheat free!!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

You know, Doreen, that post you sent today really lifted my spirits and carried me through the day. I wasn't thinking at all about my clippie or any of the positive changes I've made--thank you for reminding me and celebrating them like that. It made me feel special.:D

Food for today:
b--3.5
l--11.5 salad
s-.5 mint and two french fries
dinner--soup and crackers, 6 + skinny cow, 2=8

Total: 23.5 Whew!

Thanksgiving weigh-in tomorrow. Whatever the scale says I'm going to claim it--I have to cling to any success I can get!

Off to watch the Bachelor w/DD:p

princess: Lulu

[lulu201]

11/20 It's a brand new Thursday!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc Weighed in at 175 on the Thanksgiving Challenge--that's down another pound from yesterday. Yippee! Even though the Munchie Monster is lurking on my back, the water that I'm drinking must be keeping the BF at bay--for at least today. I'm looking out for him, though. He can't be far away.

Plans are the same as always:
1. Vitamins.
2. Water.
3. One cup of coffee. No more, no less.::yes::
4. Stay within the points. I'd like to shoot for 24-27 today, closer to 24. With the family T-giving coming up on Sunday I have to make sure I have a healthy amount in the bank.

I'm ready to start the day:sunny:
Erin

Edit #1:

b--coffee w/creamer, banana bread (this is almost gone!) and lite cream cheese=3.5

Edit #2:

Oh, no, it was not a good day eating-wise. I was pretty tired and felt like eating whatever I wanted. So, here it goes:

l--chicken salad and a soft pretzel (!)=8
d-- 6 chicken nuggets7.5 w/ 1/2 packet of sauce.5 and small ffries, 5.5=13.5
dessert=5.5 Three munchkins!

Total for the day: 30.5/13 left in bank:eek:

I'm not at all happy with this, and I don't know why I was so weak, but I'm trying to look at the bright side. There was a time not so long ago when PMS would've had me eating a large fries and a breaded chicken sandwich and maybe 10 munchkins. I would've just said, "forget it" and fed the Munchie Monster. . .but this time I didn't. I thought about what I was eating and decided not to have the healthy salad. Still, even though it was conscious and I had the points in the bank, I'm not happy. I feel like I'm dangerously close to the edge--probably because I'm just so tired tonight. Tomorrow I'll be fresh and able to have a better perspective, so I'm going to go relax and face this all in the a.m.


Cheat free, but barely.
'Night,
princess: L.:p

[DoeWDW]

OK, I wrote out this wonderful long message and apparently I used too many smilies so I lost it all!! Guess I'll have to be briefer this time....LOL!!

:wave2: Bye-bye pound!! YAY!! Erin, I hope you sent that pound to chase after the Munchie Monster....LOL!

I've been wondering about our Cheat Free Til Thanksgiving Challenge. Since you're celebrating twice, shouldn't you get 2 cheat free days?? It's only fair, right? As long as you're back on plan the very next day (I'm sure you will be!), it shouldn't be a problem, especially since you've already exceeded your challenge weight goal by 2 pounds - WAY TO GO!

I'm glad I could lift your spirits yesterday, Erin. You've lifted my spirits so many times that I'm honored to return the favor. Having you as a daily check-in buddy has kept me going. I never would have made it this far without your daily encouragement and support.

Here are some extra smiles and sunshine :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: to brighten your day and keep the Munchie Monster away. A good friend tells me that he hates bright light! I never knew that!! Next time he tries to sneak up on me, I'm going to close my eyes and picture me warding him off with a big bright light! I love those kinds of mental pictures!!

Have a wonderful Thursday, Erin!

Onward and downward!

[Auntmeme]

How are you? looks like you are doing mighty fantastic, my hat off to you:wave:

Congrats on your turkey challenge and losing more, I am sooo happy for you and in awe of your dedication.

Since coming back from vaca I just can't seem to get back in the swing. The weekends are doing me in, any advice???

Have a wonderful Thursday.

[DoeWDW]

:hug: for you, Erin. It sounds like it was a rough one today. :(

Tomorrow will be better! You're almost through the D-Zone and you'll feel so much better soon. Be kind to yourself until then. We don't have to be perfect. You're doing well in minimizing the damage instead of just throwing in the towel.

I'll check in on you in the morning. Things will look brighter then. :sunny:

Sleep well, Princess Lulu.

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Erin! I actually have a little time to spare this evening, so I thought I'd drop by and say hello. Hello! Looks like you're hanging in there. It's ok to have a day to ease up just a little, no harm in that as long as you get back on track the next day which I know you'll do. I'll check in with on Monday for weigh-in, ok? Take care!

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Good morning, Erin!! :sunny:

I hope you're feeling refreshed this morning. If you're still feeling rough around the edges, you may want to take a break from the treadie today. I bet you have lots to do to get ready for your early Thanksgiving on Sunday so you'll get plenty of exercise this weekend!

Be extra good to yourself today. You've had a stressful week and you have a stressful weekend coming AND you've got the D-Zone to contend with. Boy, when it rains, it pours! :umbrella:

I'm sending good thoughts your way :goodvibes ! Take care of you, girlfriend :happy1: and don't be too hard on yourself. You're doing just fine! ::yes::

:hug:
princess: Doe-Doe

[lulu201]

Friday, 11/21

Three recitals. One family holiday dinner. Massive housecleaning and cooking. D-Zone. OK--it's all been said now--it'll all get done--I'm deep breathing and finding my happy place.::yes::

Thanks, girls, for all of your support. I do feel a bit like it's raining and pouring and I'm madly treading water in the middle of a raging stream, but I know I'm not going to sink. I'm just going to float along with my faith, you guys, and my little clippie bear all in my boat!:p Last night I told DH that there have been many months when I've dieted successfully all month long, and then blown it during this one week--but this month it's going to be different.::yes:: I'm going to weather the storm 'til its end!

I thought about what you said, Doreen, about Sunday not being
a cheat free day 'cause it's a Thanksgiving celebration, but I don't think I should do that. Traditionally, after any visit with in-law
family, I have stress-related eating. I think that I need to work through those feelings in a healthier way and trying to be cheat free will help me. Thank you for thinking about that, though. It made me think about the day in a realistic way. I think I'm up for the challenge, though.

I don't really know if I'm up for the treadie today, but I'm going to give it a try. I certainly don't FEEL like doing it, but I don't have to feel it, right? I just have to DO IT!:D

The plans for today:
1. Vitamins--check!:D
2. Water--8 large glasses. No diet soda today.
3. Coffee--only one. No WaWa w/DD, not in the schedule.
4. Exercise--30 minutes on treadie. Maybe more? Not less.
5. Healthy eating--stay around 24 points. I'm feeling the BF today (could it be from all the empty carbs yesterday?????).

OK, I feel like I'm on the right track. In fact, I'm almost feeling princess-like!:p
princess: Lulu

Edit #1:
3 glasses of water done.
Coffee done.
Exercise--2.5 mi. in 36:25 min.:p
B--banana bread w/cr. cheese and coffee (sounding like a broken record here)=3.5 points

Edit #2:
s-- 1 oz. cheddar cheese, 3 saltines, 5 olives=4.5, more water

Edit #3:
l--tuna w/1 tsp. mayo and olives, 6 saltines=7.5, more water
one glass of diet rootbeer (at least it was caffeine free!)

Strategy for recital--eat apple and peppers on way to recital. No snacking at the reception table!

Edit #4!
Forgot to eat the apple and peppers; did have one munchkin at 1.5 points.
Ate a bit of cheesy bread=1
Total so far (9:50 p.m.)=18

Received a few nice compliments tonight about how good I look; I felt good, too.

I'm going to go have something around 6 points to finish off the day. I'll post tomorrow what it actually was.

I'm going to turn over my clippie and call it a (cheat free!) day,
E.

[lulu201]

11/22 Last night I finished with another 7 points which gave me a total of 25 points with 12 left in the bank. Today there will be more challenges at the reception table, but I hope to hold fast and follow the goals I list here.

1. vitamins.
2. water, 8 glasses.
3. exercise--maybe this afternoon
4. food--24-27 points.
5. coffee--one cup.

OK, I'm off and running. . .:hyper:

Edit #1:

Made it through the recitals without any attacks on the reception table. I feel good about that. Haven't had vitamins or nearly enough water, though. No exercise either, but maybe later? I did have my coffee, of course!:p

Food thus far: 6.5 points

We're going out for dinner to relax a bit before tomorrow's family gathering, so I have lots of points to work with. I'm off to check dwlz.com for point totals of different restaurant entrees.

Edit #2

Dinner out: salad w/diet drg, two slices of pizza=18
skinny cow=2
26.5 for the day/9.5 left in the bank?

Going to update the clippie and hit the hay. . .

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I hope your day is wonderful! Bask in the glow of your students and all they've learned. Those recitals must really be uplifting for you as a teacher! :D

Good luck with your points! I'll be sending good thoughts your way! :goodvibes

princess: Doe-Doe

Edit: OOPS I almost forgot! Here are two cool guys :cool1: :cool1: ! They're dancing and celebrating your 2 WEEKS CHEAT-FREE!!!! You go, girl!!!

Edit: Sunday 5:30 AM
You made it, Erin! WOW! I was worried about you yesterday but you sailed on through and made it look easy!

I'm sending hugs, good thoughts and pixie dust your way for a good day today. I hope you truly enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities at your house without feeling too stressed. :sunny:

[lulu201]

11/23 I'm in a good place this a.m.:sunny: ; I stayed up late last night and did a lot of cleaning. I also made the crustless pumpkin pie with the splenda--it looks so yummy--so while I'm a little tired, I feel in control of the family dinner situation. DH has the turkey ready to go, and I have the good china out. . .we're going to make a go of this!:D

Yesterday I forgot the vitamins, didn't exercise, didn't have enough water. . .but I managed to stay within the points--no binge eating. Today I have the vitamins out on the counter and will try to drink enough water, but I know I'm not going to have a chance to do my treadie. I'll try to make up for it tomorrow--maybe with an hour walk?:hyper:

BF is STILL hovering over my shoulder. . .maybe he's just hanging around to see how this dinner turns out today?;)

Off to church. . .
Erin

Edit #1:

b--english muffin w/pb=4, plus 2 coffees=6 so far

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, Erin! :wave2:

I hope your early celebration was a rousing success yesterday! ::yes::

Good luck with the scale this morning. Here's some pixie dust, just in case you need it! :wizard:

Onward and downward! :sunny:

[lulu201]

:scratchin Hmmm, how shall I put this. . .uhh, well, I TOTALLY CAVED YESTERDAY!!!!! It all began with my MIL calling FOR my SIL and asking if she (SIL) really had to bring an appetizer--because if there was going to be "too much food," she didn't want to be bringing a half-eaten appetizer home! By the time I sat down at the table, I decided, "what the heck" and ate a regular Thanksgiving meal. It was delicious, but today I'm up two pounds in water weight! Or turkey weight. . . one of those.

Anyway, I'm changing my siggie, but I'm not reporting in for the week until I give myself another shot at weigh-in tomorrow.

We ended up having a really lovely meal and family time together, and we're glad we made the effort. Now, though, I just have to keep the house this clean the rest of the week--or at least until we leave for my mom's on Wed.

Goals for today:
1. vitamin--check
2. exercise--?
3. water--one down, 7 to go.
4. points--BELOW 24!

Breakfast: pumpkin custard and coffee=3

Edit:

Jeez, forgot to update my siggie. Now that's done. Went out to Kohl's this a.m. to take advantage of the sales. . .now I'm wearing size 12 jeans (not my slimfits, though;) ) and a new knit shirt, size L (not XL)! Feeling good that my clothes fit again!

Still not drinking enough water--I can barely get my rings off! Going to Saladworks with DD for lunch--just something light.

Edit #2:

Total points for the day 24.5/34.5 in bank
Water--tried to drink as much as possible--rings slide off again!

I'll just have to wait and see what the scale says tomorrow, but I'm glad to have a new cheat-free day behind me!

[DoeWDW]

:hug: for you, Erin!! Couldn't we just say yesterday was a planned cheat day????? Of course, your little bear must go back to 1 (cuz I'm sure you'll be cheat free today, right??) but I don't think you should feel bad about what you ate yesterday.

I'm glad everything turned out well and you had a nice time. How was the pumpkin custard??

That water weight will be gone in no time!

No worries, Erin - you're still on track! Look how far you've come!

[Castillo Mom]

Hang in there Erin!:)

[lulu201]

11/25 It's a brand new day!:sunny: I've got to get some work done early this a.m. so I'm going to make this short and sweet!:rolleyes: (Is that possible for me???)

Anyway, lost one of my turkey lbs.--hopefully I can get the other one to go today. Oh, Whoosh Fairy, can you hear me????

I don't know if I'll get to the treadie today--tons of stuff to do before we leave tomorrow morning, but I will take my vitamins, eat lightly, and drink tons of water.

So far:
b--pumpkin custard (finished it up)=4

I'm going to change my siggie, but I've decided that tomorrow I'll post on the WISH challenge and on the T-giving challenge. I might as well do it all at once.

Edit #1:
add some coffee to the points +1=5 so far today

Edit #2:
Well, let's just say it all went from bad to worse--it started with Nachos Bellgrande and ended with a caramel brownie (or two:rolleyes: ). I was really patting myself on the back and thinking that I had this vacation thing under control; when I went on the cruise I caved in a few days before we left--I honestly thought when I woke up this a.m. that I was going to be able to hold out until Thursday, but I must have some kind of party mindset already going on, because when I was at 22.5 points by the end of lunch, I had a few doubts about where the day might end up. Especially after I ate french fries!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still, even though I've not had the best couple of days, I'm still resigned with myself in an odd sort of way. I feel like, hey, this is real life! I know that I'll go to Wellsboro and eat all kinds of yummy things, but when I come back I'm going to accept the New Year's Challenge and go for it! I'll be back on my treadie and living the good life. . .won't I?;)

Today I'm not quite a princess. . .

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you are amazing! You are right back on track! I know this weekend in Wellsboro will be a tough one. I don't know if staying cheat free is realistic, but I'm sure you'll make choices that aren't too far off the path. Enjoy the time with your family and friends - we can get back on track next week.

Have a wonderful day, Erin!! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Dearest Erin, you have been, are now and always will be Princess Lulu - no matter what you eat!!! It's not about the food, girlfriend - it's about what's in your heart! You love yourself and you are making peace with the food and exercise part of your life. You will stray and that's OK, but you also won't accept those old habits back again. You have new healthy habits now and you will come back to them, maybe in a day or a week, but you will come back to them. Have faith! :happy1:

You haven't thrown away your kingdom - you're just on a Royal Visit Abroad - just make sure you come back before YOU become Broad again..... :crazy:

:hug:
princess: Doe-Doe

[lulu201]

Doreen, :hug: right back at 'cha. I'm feeling more than a little disappointed in myself--not to mention bloated.:rolleyes: I'm not happy with my lack of self-control at all. (Yesterday I didn't mind so much!;)) Oh well, we live and we learn. . .maybe this experience will carry with me into our little vacation and I'll be less likely to eat with wild abandon! :crazy:

Thank you for your friendship and support; I appreciate it so much. I feel like I've come so far (hey, two binge days out of 28 isn't bad, is it? When it used to be 26 out of 28. . .), and a lot of it has to do with your kindness and uplifting words. Thank you.:hug:

princess: ? Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I hope you enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family. I must admit that I'll miss our daily "chats" :chat: but family time is so important!!

Here's some extra sunshine :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: to help you through any rough patches in Wellsboro.

princess: Doe-Doe

[DoeWDW]

princess: Lulu, did you enjoy your visit to Wellsboro?? I hope you and your family shared smiles and made happy memories!

I've been a bit naughty since you've been away but I'm getting back in the groove again today. :D

Have a great day, princess: Lulu!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

I'm back.:D Tomorrow is a new healthy living today. This afternoon we're going out for pizza; I plan to begin drinking LOTS of water--I've been missing it!

Catch up later,
Lulu

[lulu201]

Oooh, woke up with a nasty headache this morning--I know it was from carb loading last night. This a.m. I'm grateful to be back OP!

Goals for Sunday, 11/30

Drink tons of water: 10-12 glasses! 2 done so far. . .
Take my vitamins.
Eat low on the old point scale.
Exercise if I have time. Today I'm decorating for Christmas, inside and out. By the end of the day I'll have the Christmas tree up, all the boxes out, candles burning, and then I'll flop!:D

Food so far:
b--coffee w/creamer=1
l--tuna salad w/saltines=7

Tomorrow I face the scale. . .yikes!

Edit: d--buffalo chicken salad w/bleu cheese dressing=13
dessert--s.f. jello w/lite topping=0

Total for day=21

CHEAT FREE AT LAST!

[lulu201]

12/1 Whoa. Today is sobering, to say the least. My Thanksgiving weekend indulgences have given me THREE added pounds. Yikes!:eek: Still, I'm OK; just need to get back on the wagon, clarify my new goals and get on with things!

Short term Goals:

1. Regain my 15 lb. clippie. I'm going to change it back to 10 until I lose these 3 pounds; as soon as I can get it back, I will!
2. Get into the New Years Challenge. I think my goal will be to get down to 170; that will give me a total loss this year of 30 lbs. I sure like the sound of that!
3. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and spiritual aspects of the holiday season, and let it fill me with a sense of joy!:D The house is all decorated and a good portion of the shopping is done. . .I want to take my time, simplify things, and really be focused on what is important this Christmas. Taking care of myself and honoring my energy levels will be key!

Goals for today:

1. Take the vitamins.
2. Drink the water; 8-10 glasses!
3. Walk on the treadmill for a minimum of 30 minutes.
4. Eat low within the point range--I can feel another cheat free day ahead!:D
5. Cut back on caffeine--back to my a.m. coffee with green tea the rest of the day if I'm so inclined.

Edit #1:
b--hazelnut coffee w/cream, 1 egg, 1 slice toast w/butter=6
Onward and downward!
E.

[DoeWDW]

I'm so envious of your preparations for Christmas - decorating and shopping are all practically finished?? WOW!! Guess I should get started soon, huh?? :crazy:

Those 3 Thanksgiving celebration pounds will be gone in no time. You certainly seem like you've got it together! ::yes:: You're my inspiration for today! If you can walk the walk, then I can too!

Onward and downward we go! :sunny: