Doreen's New Way of Life (comments are welcome)

[DoeWDW]

Erin, thank you! :hug:

1. DONE - meds & vitamins taken.
2. 36 oz so far
3. B & L as planned - 22 carbs so far today.
4. DONE!
5. Finished the 9 AM meeting. On to the other 2 goals!

I'm starting to feel the munchie monster, but he isn't too bad. The BF and the munchie monster are my two pre-TOM visitors. :p However, they have come knocking on the wrong door this month!! I may go around them, over them, or through them but I will NOT give into them! Bye-bye guys!! :wave2:

Edit: 5:30 PM
1. Done
2. Done
3. Still at 22 carbs for the day
4. Done
5. Made significant progress on these goals but not done yet.

Stayed cheat free! No more urge to cheat - I've got it under control today!

Edit: 9 PM
3. Had a snack of string cheese - 1 carb. Had a Wendy's salad for dinner - 20 carbs and 4 bites of Frosty - 8 carbs. Total for today = 51 carbs

I'm updating my cheat free bear and heading to bed.

[lulu201]

You and I are going to remain strong and steadfast against the dreaded Munchie Monster, Doreen. :scared: We will not let him get the best of us!!!

Your attitude and your success yesterday are my inspirations for this brand new Tuesday.:sunny: Let's go forward to grab another cheat free day!::yes::

princess: Lulu of the WISH :p

[DoeWDW]

I am heading onward and downward!! The scale is the same and my measurements haven't changed but I'm hoping for a little whoosh by Sunday weigh-in. I know my cheat free bear won't let me down as long as I don't let HIM down! :D

The Munchie Monster is hereby BANISHED from the WISH kingdoms of Princess Lulu and Princess Doe-Doe!! Be gone!!

Today - same goals - why change what's working?
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the desk
2. 12 oz down, 48 oz to go!
3. Pumpkin custard - 12 carbs. L will be the last of the meatloaf - 10 carbs. Dinner??? Don't know - it's our turn to drive DD and her friend to baton & dance classes tonight so we'll be on the run, but DH eats low-carb too so I'm sure we'll find something in my carb range!
4. Exercise - do I hafta??? OK sorry for the whine and the moment of self-pity! Yes I do hafta if I want to lose weight and be healthy so I'll walk a mile today during my breaks and lunch hour. I really MUST get a new pedometer. Maybe I'll order one online today.
5. Work: 1. agenda for RAC mtg. finalized & sent out by noon 2. revise & send out critical reports list 3. prepare tactful email reminding functional leads about their responsibility to test and approve I-PA equivalent reports during UAT Home: I already hung up the clean clothes in my room and emptied the dishwasher, tonight I'll just try to keep my sanity while rushing around

I can feel a little downward pull on my mood, but nothing like I usually have around this time! I know it will only last a few days so I think I can just smile my way through it. Life is so good! I have been so blessed in countless ways. I am truly feeling very thankful during this Thanksgiving season. I often catch myself singing Martina McBride's "I Have Been Blessed" - my theme song at the moment!

Onward and downward, ready to start a new and wonderful day! :sunny:

Edit: 1 PM
1. DONE
2. already have 16 oz tea and 48 oz water - WOW, DONE!
3. 22 carbs (pumpkin custard & meatloaf - at separate meals!)
4. No exercise yet...... :(
5. Agenda out, on to the critical reports list & the tactful email :p

So far, so good today. The Munchie Monster is beckoning me toward the evil poison sweet & salty mix in the vending machine but I haven't given in! I LOVE my bear and do NOT want to start back at 1! I have some string cheese if I get hungry!

Edit: 6 PM
3. grilled cheese sandwich on new Schmidt's Carb Alert bread - tasted pretty good!! 16 carbs Total so far = 38 carbs. I've stayed away from the Munchie Monster so far today - I think I'm gonna make it!! :D

[lulu201]

Doreen, you said you're experiencing the "little downward pull on my mood." I can relate to those words--that's how I feel today. It's pretty gray out there, so we're going to have to make a lot of our own sunshine
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:
to help us through the day!

It sounds like you're doing great with your lo-carb goals and with your work goals! Stick with it for today because we're going to be CHEAT FREE 'TIL THANKSGIVING!!!!

I'm thankful to know we're in this together, Doreen. :happy1:
Have a great day!

princess: Lulu ( I love that little pink princess!)

PS Are you and DH going to WDW for your birthday?

[lulu201]

Hi, Doreen, I forgot to tell you how much I liked the royal blue you used when you helped me celebrate my new clippie! I'm trying to see if I can do it, too! Now, I want to try altering the size. Did it work?

Treat yourself like a princess today!

[DoeWDW]

The Royal Blue is LOVELY, isn't it?? Once you change the color and have it in your message with the color tags, you copy everything, including the color tags. Then you select the size you want and paste it all into the size box. That will put the size tags around it. When you know the tags well enough, you can just type them in manually, instead of using the vB code boxes.

I am so tired and draggy (is that a word??) this morning. The D-Zone has hit! My mood is down as well, but it's definitely manageable and better than usual, so the new meds and all my hard work must be paying off! I am thankful for that! :D

I made it through yesterday without cheating! YAY! The scale seems to have moved down a pound today, though I don't know how when the BF is here :confused: but I'm not ready to claim it yet - think I'll wait until Sunday's weigh-in.

Same goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out
2. Drinking my hot tea, and have my water handy
3. B = pumpkin custard - 12 carbs. L may be a burger or a big salad - not sure. D??? who knows
4. Exercise - oooo I'm beginning to HATE that word (I think it's PMS witchiness talking though :p )
5. Critical reports list, tactful email and prep for the big RAC meeting I have to run tomorrow. Joy! :rolleyes:

Yep, I have that PMS attitude lurking just below the surface. As long as things go well, I can keep up the smiling face, but my sarcasm & witchiness are way too close to the surface today! What can I do about that????

[lulu201]

:scratchin Hmmm, what can we do about witchiness and sarcasm? How about--stay away from people?!:p Or eat enough chocolate to make you forget the Munchie Monster?? No, that wouldn't be healthy. . .oh, here's the best one--:hug: and more :hug: from your WISH buddy!:p

We're going to get through this, Doreen. We really are. And this time, we're going to be happy when we get through the d-zone--not disappointed with ourselves because we felt like we let it get the best of us. This time we'll go with the flow, but hold fast to our goals. We're riding that wave, girlfriend.:boat:

I'm heading off to work with my PMS smile firmly in place.:teeth:

Hee-hee,
Erin princess:

[DoeWDW]

Chocolate.....I heard the C word......chocolate.......gotta have....NOPE I'M NOT GIVING IN!!

You're so right, Erin. If we get through this D-Zone, we should definitely be proud of ourselves!!

That little boat.....can I just get on and sail away??......please???....I won't be witchy if I'm sailing instead of working, I promise......oh well, back to reality...

Gee, Erin, that PMS smile looks happy but if you look real close, I think the teeth are clenched together real tight!! :teeth: OK, I can smile through gritted teeth today! I guess misery really DOES love company cuz somehow this is easier knowing we're both going through it together.....LOL! :sunny: :happy1:

[DoeWDW]

Goals:
1. Done
2. 28 oz so far
3. Strive protein bar - 3 carbs. Total so far = 15 carbs
4. None yet
5. Working on them and making progress

The Munchie Monster is working overtime to derail my progress!! Even though I am full, I want to munch. I may have to wander around to all the vending machines and look for sunflower seeds. I can suck on one at a time just to have something in my mouth while still staying within my carb limit.

I'm glad this will only last a few days. I can understand why I got so depressed in months past - I didn't realize this was tied to my cycle and was not sure if or when it would EVER end.

If I had a car at work, I'd put in for vacation time, go home and curl up with the puppy! Since I carpool, that isn't an option, which is a good thing, I think! :p Otherwise I'd have no more vacation time left....LOL!!

I can do this. I've just got to keep up that good internal pep talk!

Edit: 1 PM
I spent some time over lunch hour in prayer. That has helped me put my attitude right. I'm feeling better!

I'm eating a big salad - probably 20 carbs - so I won't be hungry this afternoon. Total carbs so far = 35.

Edit: 4 PM
Time to leave work - YAY! I avoided the Munchie Monster this afternoon and haven't eaten anything since my lunch salad. I don't know what's for dinner, but I'll tackle that when I get home. Maybe I'll make another grilled cheese - it was YUMMY last night. I know I can't make low-carb bread a daily staple in my diet but it sure is good now and then.

I'm feeling better overall but am worried (as usual) about my meeting tomorrow morning. The good part is that it's finished at 11 AM so no matter how good or bad it turns out, it's over before lunch.

Nothing on the calendar at home tonight, so we'll just kick back and relax! It's too yucky outside to do much of anything else!!

Edit: 8:15 PM
Dinner was 3 meatballs and 3 fried mozzarella cheese sticks - 22 carbs. Total for today = 57 carbs. I made it cheat free but I'm going to change my clippie now and not eat anything else!!

[lulu201]

YOU DID IT!:Pinkbounc YOU DID IT!:Pinkbounc YOU DID IT DID IT DID IT!!!:Pinkbounc

It sounds like today was TOUGH, Doreen, with the Munchie Monster on your back, but you held fast and managed to fight him off. Do you know how strong you are? Feel good about this accomplishment, OK?:D I checked in a couple of times, but can't send messages from work--I can't remember my password and they haven't sent it yet--but I was thinking about you and trying to send you strength.

Oh, man, I had to wear my toothy grin :teeth: a lot today! Sometimes it was quite hard to keep it on, but in a few days the real one will be back! Thank goodness I work with some really nice teachers and families.

Good luck with your meeting tomorrow. I'll send some :goodvibes and prayers your way. Too bad I can't send sunshine!:sunny:

Good night,
Erin

[lulu201]

Doreen, you've made it a whole week cheat-free, YAY!:Pinkbounc
And you've lost a pound (shhh, it's a secret ::yes:: until Sunday's weigh-in, so no celebration dance yet;) ). Carry these victories around with you today as symbols of the huge positive changes you've made in your life.

Take care and have a great day. Here's some extra sunshine.
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: (Munchie Monsters can't stand that bright light!)

Erin

PS Doreen, did you see I posted above this? Check it out!

[DoeWDW]

Erin, it's wonderful to have you as a daily check-in buddy!! It's like a party every time you post! I get this silly grin just watching all the bounces and seeing all the YAYs - am I really 39 years old?? Sometimes I feel like a kid who got a gold star on my school paper - and it's a great feeling! :p

Well, I'm glad I didn't claim that one pound loss yesterday - the scale is back up to 132, thanks to the BF! It doesn't bother me because I know it's all water and will be gone in a few days (hopefully by Sunday weigh-in!).

My mood is brighter today and will be even better after this meeting is over. I'll be feelin' fine by 11:30 AM! Thanks for the good vibes - I'll need them for this one! No gritted teeth grin for me today - I think I've got the real thing back again! :teeth:

Same goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on desk
2. 12 oz water so far, working on my green tea
3. Atkins bar - 2 carbs
4. Pilates 20 minute workout :D
5. Prep for meeting, critical reports list distributed - that's enough!

It's going to be a good day - I can just feel it!

More later!

[Auntmeme]

Just a quick hi to see how your are doing:)

you are doing great, the cheat free days are adding up and Erin to keeping you in check, you two are amazing! keep it up. And I will be following your lead with the daily goals. Have a great Thursday:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

MeMe! It's always so great to see you! Thanks for popping in to encourage me!

1. Done - meds & vitamins taken
2. 16 oz tea and 24 oz water so far - 40 oz total
3. I keep forgetting to count my Splenda packet for my tea as one carb! L = 1/4 lb burger, lettuce, mayo - 3 carbs, evil poisonous sweet & salty mix - 24 carbs. Total so far = 30 carbs. I did not binge or give into the Munchie Monster - I knew my carb and fat counts were way too low so I decided to boost them. If I don't eat enough fat, I get very hungry which leaves me vulnerable.
4. Done
5. I survived my meeting. Of course, now there's more work on my to-do list and another meeting this afternoon! :rolleyes: The taxpayers are getting their money's worth! :p All in all, I'm pleased with the direction that things are heading and am feeling better about work.

My Winsor Pilates DVDs arrived yesterday, so this morning I did the 20 minute workout - the easy one. My daughter joined me - she wants to be my exercise buddy!!! We both agreed that it was too easy this morning so tomorrow we're going to try the 50 minute advanced workout. I hope I can get out of bed on Saturday morning....LOL! I'll take measurements tomorrow morning so I can see if it's helping.

Edit: 9:15 PM
Another cheat free day!! Today wasn't bad - all that bright light really must scare away the Munchie Monster!!

I ate 2 string cheeses this afternoon before I left work - 2 carbs. Dinner - fried chicken breast - 8 carbs and SF jello / whipped cream for dessert. Total carbs = 40 carbs.

Life is good! :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Doreen! Good to see you're doing such a great job. Looks like you've been exercising pretty regularly. It's commendable that you make the time and that your daughter can join you as well. Just wanted to say a quick hello. Take care and keep up the good work!:D

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Happy Sunny Friday!! :sunny:

It has been a long and sometimes tough week but I made it through and my little cheat free bear has made it through with me!!

I met all of yesterday's goals - WOW! The scale is back to 131, even though I can still feel the BF's presence. If I can stay cheat-free, I bet I'll get a visit from the Whoosh Fairy soon!! :D

Today's goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out
2. 64 oz caffeine free liquids
3. Another 60 carb day. B=ham & cheese sandwich on low-carb bread - 15 carbs. I have plenty of Atkins bars & string cheese to snack on if I need them.
4. Exercise - DD & I did the 50 minute advanced Winsor Pilates workout this morning. I definitely felt it today! It's working all the areas I need - tummy, hips, tushy, thighs - and it was challenging but do-able. So far, so good!
5. Work - List of major reports out to RAC members with instructions, RAC meeting minutes. If I get these two things done, it will be a miracle, but then they'll be out of the way and I can start next week fresh!

The weather is supposed to be beautiful tomorrow. DH suggested a volksmarch, maybe New Hope. DD wants to come along - she's my new little fitness buddy! I'll probably drag DS along, just to get him out of the house. :D

That's it for now. I'll post updates during the day.

Edit: 1 PM
Usually during the D-Zone I feel physically good but mentally down. Now the D-Zone is over and I feel mentally great but physically....UGH! My back is killing me!! So in addition to meds & vitamins, I've just popped an Ibuprofen. I hate to take any more drugs than I have to! I'm sure I'll feel better soon and in a day or two I'll be feeling great again!! YIPPEE!!

1. All pills taken
2. Am finishing 52 oz - only 1 more mug of water to hit goal!
3. Splenda in my tea - 1 carb. Carb Solutions bar - 2 carbs. Total so far = 18 carbs.
4. Finished this before 6 AM!
5. Gotta get a move on with my work stuff!!

The weekend is coming - only 3 more hours of work! :sunny:

Edit: 5:30 PM
Home from work - let the weekend begin!!

Ate sunflower seeds this afternoon - 4 carbs. Total so far = 22 carbs.

Time to chill out. My only goal this evening - eat 38 carbs or less! :p

[lulu201]

Oooh, Doreen, you go girl!:Pinkbounc You are my role model and inspiration for healthy living!:hyper:

It sounds like you and DD are taking the Pilates world by storm! What video are you using again? Maybe I can talk my DD into trying it with me? Also, I'm envious of your trip to New Hope! It sounds like a fun family trip. Wish I could go. . .but we'll be well into our 2nd of 3 recitals at the time you're probably going to be starting. Oh, well, another time. . .my jobs are to make music and to cook this weekend!::yes::

Thank goodness, a sunny day.:sunny: Actually, yesterday ended up being sunnier than I thought it would be. . .I think today's brightness is strong enough to get that Munchie Monster away from us!

Congrats on 131--when the Whoosh Fairy comes through you're going to blow away in her wind!:p

Have a great day, dear Doreen!

Erin

[lulu201]

Ahhhh, you made it through the work week! Have a great weekend, Doreen, and if you head out on a walk, enjoy yourself.
Here's an extra dose of sunshine to add to this beautiful day!:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

(Make sure you pack some ibuprofen in your pack, just in case.:( )

:hug: Erin

[DoeWDW]

Looks like we will go for a local walk and take the monster puppy along. :p I've always heard that a tired puppy is a good puppy and it is SOOO true! Exercise always makes her tired enough to not get into any trouble. :D

I've already popped a couple Ibuprofen. I have a terrible headache but I'm hoping the meds do their job and we can go for our walk in Lititz.

Today will be :sunny: and cheat-free!!

Edit: 11:15 AM
Brunch was a couple ounces fried chicken and SF jello w/ whipped cream - 8 carbs total. Meds taken.

Edit: 4 PM
Well, we ended up at DH's dad's house - more roof work. The whole family came so I took a walk with DD & DS & the ferocious doxie - I'm going to count that as my exercise, although I'd also like to do the Pilates workout this evening when we get home.

Dinner - Wendy's salad and 2 small pieces of candy - 35 carbs. Total for today = 43 carbs. On my way to another cheat free day!!

[DoeWDW]

I battled the headache all day yesterday. When we finally got home last night, my head hurt so bad but there wasn't anything low-carb to put in my stomach so I could take the Ibuprofen. I ended up with 2 slices of low-carb bread toasted with butter and cinnamon/sugar. I was very close to the 60 carb limit but I truly don't think I went over and if I did, it was only by 1 or 2 carbs. So I'm keeping my cheat free bear.

The headache is still here this morning, though not as bad. I really must get to the store and get some low-carb staples. I also need to plan my meals so I don't have this problem. Unfortunately, we'll be at DH's dad's again today - the roof again - and then off to a Student Ambassador meeting for Chris' trip to Australia / New Zealand. It will be a long day.....

I'll do the best I can today. :sunny:

[lulu201]

Awww, Doreen, you need some hugs!:hug: I'm sorry that you have that nasty headache to deal with--see if you can fit some time to lie down into the schedule today.:worried: Do you have responsibilities at church or can you take the morning off?

Whatever the case, here's some :sunny: , some pixie dust :wizard: and some prayers and good wishes :goodvibes to be with you through this day.

Did you feel like weighing in or did you just decided to skip it today? Doreen, like you said, do the best you can and that's all you can do. Be good to yourself, friend.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Thanks for the :hug: and the sympathy, Erin. I'm sure "this, too, shall pass." I weighed in this morning but the scale said 131 and I'm SURE that's not right, so I'm postponing my official weigh-in until tomorrow! :p I'll accept whatever it says, I promise. :earseek:

Breakfast was 2 servings egg custard - 6 carbs. Lunch was an Atkins bar - 2 carbs. Total so far today = 8 carbs.

I've had time to plan my menus for the week - all I have to do is make up the store list. I can do this! I've even planned to put some new vegetables on the table - we'll see if the kids turn up their noses....LOL!!

More later!

Edit: 9:30 PM
We made it to DS' meeting - learned lots of interesting stuff about his trip.

Dinner was take-out from Outback Steakhouse. 1/4 lb burger, cheese, lettuce - 2 carbs tops, 1/2 sweet potato - 25 carbs tops, 1/2 salad - 10 carbs tops. These are all high estimates. Total for today = 45 carbs - well under my limit. Another cheat-free day for me!!

Tomorrow it's back to the weekday grind. I'm going to try to have a positive attitude. I don't know if I'll get up early to do Pilates - we're all pretty exhausted.....

It was a good day! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

:sunny: Happy sunny Monday!! :sunny:

It may not be sunny outside but I'm feeling sunny! The next 2 weeks are usually my "happy" weeks so I'm going to enjoy them!

The silly scale said 131 again this morning so I'll claim it for this week. I think I lost some inches in my measurements but I was rushed this morning and didn't write them down. Tomorrow's another day to try to remember.

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on desk.
2. 64 oz water - I actually have a mug of water AND a mug of hot tea on my desk at the moment! :p
3. 60 carbs or less. B = egg custard - 6 carbs, 1 Splenda for my tea - 1 carb. Total so far = 7 carbs.
4. Exercise. I did the 50 minute Pilates workout this morning. I really enjoyed it. My little exercise buddy didn't make it out of bed - she had a long day yesterday. :p
5. Work goals: Report list & instructions out. This is the top priority today. Schedule follow-up RAC meeting.
6. FLY: Subscribe to the emails, shine my sink and spend 15 minutes in my zone cleaning.

For a while I used FLYlady's system to help me keep the house clean. I've gotten off track, but a challenge on the Community Board has put me back on. www.flylady.com is the website. I just have to learn to ignore most of the emails in the beginning, because I will be starting slowly and taking babysteps.

I'm off to the doc's tonight to tell him how wonderful this new medicine is! I used to have 2 horrible weeks every month and I only had 2 mediocre days and 1 nasty day on the Effexor this month. What an improvement!! I'm feeling more and more like my old self again!

Off to another great day! :sunny:

princess: Doe-Doe of the WISH :p

[lulu201]

Good morning!:sunny: Oooh, I'm so envious of you--up early and doing your Pilates. . .I haven't done any exercising since Sat.!

Doreen, I'm coming over to kick your silly scale. Don't worry, I do it all the time--I had to go to MeMe's once and do hers.:teeth:

Sounds like you're well on your way to another successful day--YOU GO,GIRL!

I'll stop by later,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Goals:
1. Meds & vitamins taken - DONE
2. 36 oz down, 28 oz to go!
3. Sunflower seeds - 4 carbs. I'm STUFFED!! Total so far = 11 carbs.
4. DONE
5. Struggling with how to format the report list, but I'm sending it out today come heck or high water!
6. Have to wait til I get home.

Life is good! Regardless of that silly scale, I FEEL thinner. Erin, you are welcome to come and kick my scale ANYTIME!!! :teeth:

Edit: 3:20 PM
1. Done
2. 58 oz so far, only 6 oz to go!
3. Still at 11 carbs so far today.
4. Done
5. YAY!! I sent out that nasty reports list that's been bogging me down! Now I have to schedule the follow-up meeting - I can do that! I'm proud that I accomplished this today and am patting myself on the back! I was putting this off - some kind of fear holding me back - but I talked myself through it step by step and got it done!
6. Will do this at home tonight. Signed up for the reminder emails from Flylady again. My depression has lifted enough that I think I can handle this again, but I will try to stay aware of my feelings. If I'm feeling too overwhelmed, I'll have to rethink this.

Edit: 8:30 PM

Dinner was fish - 28 carbs. Total for today = 39 carbs. Tomorrow I'll have more veggies!

Another cheat free day! :sunny: I'm proud of me! I think I'll actually make it until Thanksgiving day. I had my doc's appt - all is well - and then DH and I stopped at the grocery store. I have lots of healthy food to get me through.

I'm off to check which zone Flylady is in. Then I can finish my last goal of the day!

[lulu201]

I KNEW you were doing flylady!!:D When you were going to clean your frig for five minutes, I wondered if you were wearing your white sneakers indoors! I've never been on her reminder loop, but I've tried to do some of the things she suggests. I should get back into it. . .my house and my sanity need it!:p

Doreen, I loved the pumpkin custard. I'm going to make it again and have it after I get back from my moms. It's almost as good as starting the day with cheesecake!

Keep up your good work today!

Erin

[Castillo Mom]

You did really well Doreen, keep up the good work! :D

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen!:sunny: Are you at work today? I just wanted to stop by and sprinkle a little pixie dust:wizard:on you, your Royal Highness Princess Doe-Doe of the WISH princess: .
Have yourself a grand and glorious low carbohydrate day!

It sounds like you're feeling good and you're ready to celebrate your success. Here's a bounce :Pinkbounc for all that you've accomplished! You're eating right, exercising, and taking care of yourself. What a wonderful way to live!

Enjoy your day, Doreen, and now, if you're at work, go write some of those complicated reports that you do so well! What are they about, anyway????:confused:

Erin

[DoeWDW]

I didn't do my Flylady goal last night - was just too tired. But I did find out the zone for this week is the living room.

I had to weigh in at the doc's office last night. I've lost 7 pounds since my appointment last month, according to their scale!! :bounce:

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out.
2. Working on my tea & water.
3. B=egg custard - 6 carbs and Splenda for my green tea - 1 carb for a total of 7 carbs. Dinner is in the crockpot - pork roast & sauerkraut.
4. Exercise - didn't get up this morning - have to do this tonight.
5. Work: I have an AM workshop (should be there now - oh well). This afternoon I'll field questions about the reports list and schedule the next meeting.
6. Flylady: Shine my sink and do 15 minutes in the living room. Even if I only have time or energy to do 5 minutes, I need to start making this part of my routine.

Here we go, ready to embark on another cheat free day! The scale said 130 this morning, so I'm claiming it!! I'll probably have to unclaim it after Thanksgiving Day but....I just want to see it in my siggie for a day or two. :D

Edit: 10:30 AM
1. Done
2. 24 oz down, 40 to go
3. Atkins bar - 2 carbs, total so far - 9 carbs.
4. Thinking of bagging the workshop - I really have nothing to contribute. Still need to answer questions, schedule meeting and (new) work on meeting minutes.
5. FLY at home tonight.

Edit: 1:15 PM
2. just about finished 48 oz
3. The evil sweet & salty mix in the vending machine called me - 24 carbs - total for today = 33 carbs.

I'm starting to get a bit of an attitude! That "bad voice" inside me keeps saying that Thursday is a cheat day anyway, so why not have some goodies now. Since I'm going to cheat and gain ainyway, what will it matter? The rational part of me sees this and I must try to resist this mentality. A cheat DAY is one thing but if it becomes a cheat WEEK.....that's a problem! I've worked so hard - why blow it now? I'm starting to worry that I'll cheat before Thursday, eat a LOT of carbs ON Thursday and not get back on the wagon for a few days after.... :(

[lulu201]

WOW!:jumping1: 130!::yes:: Good work, Doreen! You're a lightweight AND you have a clean sink!;)

princess: Lulu

[lulu201]

Hold fast, Doreen. Remember: "Strength is a matter of a made-up mind." You can do it!!!

Encouragement from a former princess who has given away her kingdom for a caramel brownie.:rolleyes:

Lulu

[DoeWDW]

I've made it through another day. The pork & sauerkraut was yummy and it was only 10 carbs at the very most - I think that's way overestimated! I also had one Hershey's miniature - 5 carbs. My carb total today was 48 carbs.

I also did my 20 minute Pilates workout tonight. I really want to do this 6x a week. Mon, Wed, & Fri are the 50 minute workout and Tues, Thurs, & Sat are the 20 minute workout. I should be seeing good results in 5 weeks. I have 10 weeks until my trip for my birthday and I want to turn 40 looking my best. Size 10s and maybe even size 8s????? We'll see!

I didn't do too well with my Flylady goals. It's harder than I thought to add this into my routines. I'm not giving up but I'm not going to beat myself up over this either. I'm going to give myself time to ease into this.

Time for bed. We stayed up late to watch Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. I'm not one to get hooked on TV shows but this one really holds my attention! I'm sure I'll pay for this tomorrow when I try to get up at 5 AM to do my Pilates workout! :p

[lulu201]

Doreen, you're doing an AWESOME job!!! I'm so proud and happy for you!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc Healthy eating, exercise, being realistic with your personal goals. . .you are walking the walk, girlfriend!:cool1:

I hope you and your family have a Thanksgiving blessed with love and peace. Enjoy yourself and find some time to relax, OK? I'll talk to you when I get back sometime on Saturday.

:hug:
Erin, who is totally green with envy ::yes:: of anyone who can dream of wearing size 8. :p

[DoeWDW]

Here we go! Last cheat-free day before Thanksgiving and a planned indulgence day. I'm not worried about tomorrow but I am worried about whether I'll be able to get right back on plan on Friday.

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out.
2. I've started on my water and my green tea. I'm really enjoying that cup of hot tea when I get to work!
3. Carb Solutions bar - 3g carbs + 1 carb for my Splenda packet. Lunch will be a big salad. I have nuts for snacks. I even managed to put a beef roast and sweet potatoes in the crock-pot this morning!
4. Exercise - done. Week 1 workout 3 - 50 minute Pilates DVD. This is getting more challenging but I really like it. Now that I'm getting more familiar with the exercises I can target the muscles better and I definitely feel it in my abs, buns, hips & thighs. I'm going to try to do this 6x a week for 5 weeks.
5. Work - meeting minutes, answer Joel's questions.
6. Flylady - my sink is clean this morning! It's a start!

I'm feeling great! :sunny:

Edit: 1 PM
1. Meds & vitamins taken
2. 36 oz down
3. Taco salad - this thing is HUGE and I won't eat it all. I'll estimate 20 carbs. Total so far today = 24 carbs.
4. Done
5. struggling to get my work goals finished
6. at home tonight

[tlgoblue]

Doreen, I love this last post! What a great way to approach your day! Have a great Thanksgiving!

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

[wovenwonder]

http://www.wovenwonder.com/sz318.gif

[DoeWDW]

3. I had 4 carbs for breakfast. I didn't eat even a quarter of the taco salad - just wasn't appealing - so 5 carbs for that = 9 total. I had some evil sweet & salty mix - 24 carbs = 33 total. Now I have a bag of peanut M&Ms in my hand - 28 carbs. OK, it's the day before Thanksgiving - what the heck! At least they're low glycemic :rolleyes: .

Edit: 5:45 PM
3. OK, here we go again. 4 carbs for breakfast, 5 carbs for the less than a quarter of the taco salad, 24 carbs for the evil sweet & salty mix - 33 carbs total.

I did NOT eat the Peanut M&Ms. I added up the carbs and they would have put me over my daily goal by 1 lousy carb - I couldn't do it! Am I really that obsessed with one extra carb?? No, I just decided that right then and there, I wanted to eat a healthy dinner rather than use up all my carbs on junk and then go over my daily limit. I'm considering this a victory!

Edit: 8 AM next day
I did go over my carbs for the day, but I ate healthy food! I had roast beef, a baked sweet potato and a little homemade applesauce (no sugar added). Everything was YUMMY AND HEALTHY! I have to start my bear back to 1 anyway because of Thanksgiving.

[DoeWDW]

Today is a new day! It will be my first planned indulgence day since starting back in August. The scale was down a pound this morning - 129!!! It was exciting to see it, but I'm still going to have my indulgence day, knowing that the scale will be up for the next few days. As long as I get right back on plan tomorrow, I should see that 129 again by Sunday or Monday and I can live with that.

I'm also taking a day off from my goals. If I have time, I'll do the 20 minute Pilates workout but if I don't, then I'll just do it on Sunday which is usually a free day as far as exercise.

I'm so used to thinking about my daily goals that trying NOT to think about them is tough! It will be an interesting experiment!

Edit: 9:30 PM
I had a lovely day - very enjoyable. I focused more on the people than I did on the food. I did indulge a little, but only on the things that I can't / won't make myself, like my uncle's homemade cranberry sauce - he only makes it twice a year. I really didn't eat that much - wasn't all that hungry - but it was definitely a carby day. :p

I managed to come home with NO LEFTOVERS!! This is a good thing! I don't have any off-plan foods in my fridge to tempt me. I think I'll be fine getting right back to low-carb eating tomorrow.

My DD and 2 of her friends want to go to the mall, so I'll be there for 5 hours. I'm gonna try on clothes to my heart's content!! :p

[DoeWDW]

I survived Black Friday at the mall, but I had a Subway 6" sub for lunch - so much for my cheat free day. It was so crowded and I was tired and I'd already had an Atkins bar for breakfast. I'm not over my carb limit by much, but enough that I'll have to wait until timorrow for a cheat free day to reclaim my bear. It's OK - the girls (DD & 2 friends) had a really great time shopping and I had so much fun watching them and laughing with them.

I still weighed in at 129 this morning. I'll be eating low carb the rest of today, so I don't think my sub will show up on the scale tomorrow.

I did my Pilates 50 minute workout this morning before I did anything else. I also remembered to take my meds. These are really becoming habits for me - good!!

[A1A1]

Hi DoeWDW. I am only on page 2 of your journal, and I can relate to the feelings of depression. Mine, too, have subsided a bit since doing low carb. I will read on soon to find out if these feelings have stayed under control.

Thank you for sharing.

[DoeWDW]

A1A1, thanks for stopping by! You are welcome to read through my journal - I hope you find some information to help you. If you have any questions, feel free to post them here or PM me.

Dinner last night was anything BUT low-carb. The family wanted pizza so I had thin crust veggie-topped pizza. I also had some Pepsi - I don't miss soda on low-carb but I felt like having something different than water for a change. This is what happens when I don't have good low-carb food handy. No cheat-free bear for yesterday. I'll get back on track, honest!

I made egg custard this morning, so I'll have a low-carb breakfast. I also have all the fixin's for yummy tuna salad so that will be lunch. I just need to remember to make it BEFORE I'm ravenously hungry!! :p A store trip is in order before dinner tonight and I have nuts to snack on. I should be able to claim my cheat free bear again this evening!

I also need to do my 20 minute Pilates workout. It's almost 11 AM and I'm still in my jammies - :p - guess I'd better get my exercise done and get dressed.!

I'm still feeling great! :sunny: The scale was up 2 pounds this morning from the water gain due to my carb intake yesterday but that will be off in no time.

[lulu201]

Hey, Doreen! It sounds like you're doing such a good job of staying in the flow during the holidays! Good for you!:Pinkbounc
We had a nice, relaxing time with my mom; tomorrow I'm back into the healthy living mode, and Monday I face the scale!:eek:

:p Erin

[DoeWDW]

It just occurred to me that if I want to get back on track, I should get back to my daily goals!

1. Meds taken, vitamins - not yet.
2. Water - not enough but I'll work on it
3. Under 60 carbs today! B = egg custard - 6 carbs. L = Atkins bar - 2 cabs. Total so far = 8 carbs.
4. Exercise - did my 20 minute Pilates.
5. ? It's a lazy day - no goals
6. I'm tempted to give up on Flylady - just can't seem to remember it? Maybe after the holidays.

I'm off to shop for my WISH gift exchange buddy. It's a little scary to shop for someone I don't know but on the other hand, it's a lot of fun!

[lulu201]

Hi, Doreen. Here's a cheer because you're in the 120s. Yay!
:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

What did you end up getting your WISH buddy? Oh, yeah, I guess you can't say 'cause that would ruin the surprise!:p

How did things go with the scale this a.m.? I bet you had a really happy weigh-in. You should be so proud of yourself--losing weight over the holidays!

Hey, go tell that flylady you'll clean your sink when you're good and ready!:p

Erinprincess:

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen, and Happy December!:Pinkbounc

I hope you had a good weekend and that you're ready to start a cheat-free Monday! Hang in there, Friday's coming!:teeth:

:hug: princess: Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Monday - hmmmm. I'm trying really hard to find some enthusiasm for going back to work after my 4 day weekend but alas, the joy and motivation are eluding me. :(

I stayed up too late crocheting and my morning has not gone as planned. I'm sure in an hour or two, after I wake up, I'll be back to my old perky self.

Goals:
1. Meds & vitamins are at home, I'm at work.
2. Water - have a mug right here! :D
3. Food - didn't bring any with me from home.
4. Exercise - was supposed to get up early and didn't...
5. Work - you mean I have to WORK today????

So I've started on one out of my 5 goals! :p

I did buy a new pedometer at Walmart over the weekend - have to get it out of the package. I've missed it!

I was cheat free yesterday so I'll have to put my little bear back in my siggie.

The scale is firmly on 130 for the past few days and shows no sign of moving but now that I'm back to work, the routine should help.

:sunny: Here we go! I can do this. Step by step, minute by minute. :sunny:

princess: Doe-Doe, the sleepyhead! :crazy:

[lulu201]

princess: Doe-Doe, I'm loving your tags. Green with jealousy::yes:: , but loving them for you just the same.

I need some help, though. Could you tell me how to get that New Year's Day clip art? I can't get it and I need your expertise.:(

Thanks,
Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Erin, I sent you PMs regarding the clip art. The first one got messud up but the second one should clarify things! :p

I blew it today - a coworker is selling candy for a fundraiser for their kid's school. Of course it's right where I have to look at it ALL THE TIME!!! I was weak - what can I say!

Tomorrow's another day..... :(

[Castillo Mom]

Well hello lady! Hope this past week has been a good one for you. You're right Doreen, tomorrow is another day, so chin up! It's a new month, so make yourself another goal. We're in your corner and cheering you on Doreen!:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

[DoeWDW]

I'm back on track today! I just feel like I've got it together.

Yesterday, from the time I got up, things just did not go well. I should have recognized that and cut myself some slack, instead of trying to keep to my high standards. I should have just said "today is one of those days and my goal is just to get through it". It's over now and, surprisingly, I don't feel bad about it. I'm ready to move on.

Today's goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the desk.
2. Water - 12 oz down, 52 to go.
3. B=egg custard - 6 carbs. I brought hamburger patties for lunch and I have chicken to make for dinner this evening. I feel very strong and am not craving chocolate today (probably because I ate enough yesterday to CURE me for a while....LOL!!)
4. Exercise - DD and I did the 50 minute Pilates workout this morning. She actually came over and encouraged me to get out of bed and exercise with her - how could I turn down an offer like that??
5. Work - haven't set goals yet....

Onward and downward to my first cheat free day! :sunny:

P.S. I got my new tags yesterday! I was very surprised that the Tag Fairy noticed what I wrote in two other people's WISH journals! What fun! It really made me feel special - thanks Tag Fairy!!

Edit: 11:30 AM
I forgot to note a couple things this morning that I wanted to make sure I put in my journal.

First, the scale was back to 129 this morning! :jumping3:

Second, I can really feel the Pilates workout in my muscles today. I think as I do it more and more I get better at targeting the correct muscles and the exercises are becoming more effective. I FEEL thinner but haven't done measurements in a while.

Edit:1:30 PM
1. Meds & vitamins - check!
2. Water & decaf mint green tea - 36 oz down, 28 to go.
3. L = 2 hamburger patties, 1 string cheese - 1 carb. Splenda in my tea - 1 carb. Total for today = 8 carbs. No urge to cheat at all!

I finally got my new pedometer out and put it on during lunch. It seems accurate but it makes a funny noise when I take a step! I can see that getting REAL irritating. However it only cost $9 at WalMart - what can I expect? I'm happy to have a pedometer again! :D

[Castillo Mom]

Hey Doreen, you're doing great! You're really hanging in there with the exercise, good for you! You kept your carbs really low today. I'm sure you'll see a loss next week if you keep up the way you're doing. Have a great week!

[DoeWDW]

Well, it's Wednesday. I was hoping to have a cheat free week but it isn't turning out that way. I'm not really sure why either. For now, I've taken away my cheat free bear clippie. I'm going to regroup and think about what's going on, instead of working at being cheat free every day only to give up sometime in the day and then feel bad about it. It will be OK. I know I've built up good habits and I will get back to them.

I did great until dinner last night. Then the evil carb candy called me and I was really tired and didn't have any legal treats around. I didn't overdo it, but a few pieces was enough to push me over my 60 carb a day limit and at the time, I wanted the candy more than I cared about being cheat free for the day.

The scale is back up to 130 this morning. I keep losing and gaining the same pound. The funny thing is that I don't seem to care. 130 sounds like a good weight to me. Part of me feels that this is good enough and another part of me wants to lose more. Maybe I should just try to maintain for a while?? Again, more things to think about.

I was up late last night talking with DD. I'm extra tired today, which is NEVER a good sign. I'm going to cut myself some slack today. I'm not setting goals but I'll let my healthy habits guide me.

Onward? Yes!
Downward? Maybe.

Edit: 9:30 AM
B = 4 strips bacon and a protein bar - 3 carbs.
Drank 12 oz water so far. Am taking meds now.
No exercise this morning but I have my pedometer on.

[lulu201]

Hi, Doreen. Sorry I've been away--I feel like I was MIA! Our computer was down. I'm going to PM you my home email and address so that if I'm ever not around, you can contact me.:D

I'm so tired tonight, I can't really write much, but I read your last post, and I think that you're on the right track. Maintain awhile and then decide if you really need to lose more. If you're just trying for a number or clippie, I think that you should question that goal--you need to listen to your body.

I'll check in tomorrow.

Erin

[lulu201]

Hi, Doreen! I'm so happy to be able to visit you this morning!
I'm hoping you have a great, :sunny: day, filled with :D and:wizard: . Thank you for being the friend you are to me!:happy1:

Oh, Doe-Doe. . .drink your water today, OK? Also, let me know how your pedometer is working for you. Do you like it as much as your old one?

Have a good one,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I have discovered that this journey is much harder alone. I have many friends on WISH but my special WISH-sister, princess: Lulu really helps me keep going on a daily basis. ::yes:: I'm so happy you're bacK! You were missed! :happy1:

Today is a new day. I'm trying to take it easy. I have been wondering why it's been so hard the past few days. I now recognize it's been the beginning signs of the Depression Monster. I have 2 options. One is that I can let the Depression overtake me - just sit here and do nothing as it washes over me.

The other and far better option is to be lenient with myself as far as goals but still recognize that my choices in food and exercise can make a difference. I have the power to fight this, even though it isn't easy. Even if I can't totally avoid the depression, I know that my choices can lessen it.

I am not helpless - I can fight back!! Now, I need to remember this when the chocolate calls my name today!!

I've taken my meds and am drinking my water. I'm going to make this a good day! :sunny:

My pedometer read 3700 steps yesterday. THAT won't help me with the depression! I'll try to walk more today. I don't think I'll set a number goal - I'll just try to move more.

princess: Doe-Doe, even though my crown is slipping a bit... :tongue:

Edit: 8:45 AM
12 oz water, B=protein bar - 3 carbs, so far so good

Edit: 10:30 AM
24 oz water, Munchie Monster is calling - I'm putting my fingers in my ears and sticking my tongue out at him while shining bright light in his eyes!! :sunny: :sunny:

Edit: 1:15 PM
almost 36 oz water, L=2 hamburger patties and a hot dog - 0 carbs, total so far today = 3 carbs.
The Munchie Monster is still insisting that I NEED chocolate. I have avoided him so far.....

Edit: 2 PM
36 oz water, the Munchie Monster finally got to me - 37g carbs, total so far today = 40 carbs

Edit: 3:45 PM
40 oz water, no more food - I'm having blood drawn tonight and I have to fast for 4 hours - all for a new life insurance policy!! I can't eat until the nurse leaves - about 8 PM tonight. That should help me cut back on the munching....LOL!

I don't know what's for dinner after she leaves but I'd better figure it out. Leaving dinner until the last minute is always dangerous for me.

[lulu201]

Hi, Doreen. How did you make out with dinner tonight? Isn't it funny how out of balance we can feel when we don't have control over what our meals are going to be? It gives me quite an unsettled feeling to not have a game plan!

I'm sending you tons of light to blind that Munchie Monster and send him running!
:sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

You'd better be wearing your sun glasses as you read this!:smooth:

I think you're safe now. . .

Oh, before you think you only walked 3700 steps, double check that pedometer. My Wal-Mart pedometer was notorious for not keeping track the right way, and it wasn't the cheapest one, either!

I'm too tired to try my clippie project yet. Maybe tomorrow?

Have a good night,
Your WISH-sis,
princess: Lulu

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen! Still wearing those sunglasses I made you put on last night?:smooth: I'm sending lots of :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: again today: Beware, O Munchie Monster!:mad:

What's your weather supposed to be like today? We're not having much right now, but this afternoon it's supposed to pick up, so I'm getting DD off to school and then running my errands before work.

:goodvibes to you, Doreen.
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Dinner last night was not low-carb. The nurse was running late and didn't leave our house until 8:45. Since I didn't have anything else around, I whipped up grilled cheese sandwiches & Ramen noodle soup! :eek: At that point, I would have eaten ANYTHING!

Today is a new day. I've got my shades on :cool1: and I'm a happy camper! We already have an inch or more of snow and the schools are all closed. The commute into work wasn't bad at all, just a little slower and more cautious. It looks like a Christmas card picture outside - it's beautiful! We're expecting another 3-6 inches today so the trip home might not be as much fun. I'm glad I'm in a vanpool and I'm not the one driving. :D

Meds taken. Water started. B=protein bar - 2 carbs.

Onward we go! :sunny:

Edit: 11:30 AM
I'm still drinking that water! 24 oz so far.
I'm eating a big salad for lunch. I got it early because the Munchie Monster was calling again - figured I'd fling veggies at him and watch him run! :p It's working!!

I have my pedometer on and it really motivates me. Yesterday I only had about 3000 steps. Today I took the stairs down instead of the elevator!

It looks like a quiet weekend at home - they're calling for a total of 12 to 16 inches of snow here by tomorrow evening. :p I love enforced relaxation! :teeth:

Edit: 1:30 PM
Salad - about 16 carbs. After lunch chocolate fix - 36 carbs. Total so far today = 54 carbs.

Edit: 6 PM
Well, I'm over my carb limit today, but everything else is going well. :p I made it home from work - the roads weren't too bad. I got my WISH gift exchange box - so cool!!! I have to finish getting my buddy's gifts ready and get my box sent out!!

[lulu201]

Hey, WISH-sis, we're on at the same time again!:p It IS beautiful outside, isn't it? I'm in the office with a big double window and I can look out at some pine trees filled with snow. I love it.

Glad you had a safe trip into work and that you're wearing your shades.:cool: It looks like you're off to a great start for the day, Doe-Doe!::yes::

'Til later,
Erin:wave2:

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen! Are you going to get your exercise today by shoveling snow? It's a winter wonderland out there!::yes::
I'm going to need a lot of :sunny: today to blind the Munchie Monster, though. It's easy to get into Snow Party mode and forget I don't want to eat evil things.

Take last night for instance. . .no, let's forget about that popcorn fiasco. Today is a new day and I've decided I'm going to try to be Cheat Free 'til the End of 2003! Send lots of :goodvibes and :wizard: my way, OK?

Have you and DD been up yet to exercise? You two are such an inspiration to me. I'm thinking about getting us an exercise DVD for Christmas so that DD and I can try it over Christmas vacation. . .

What did you get from your WISH buddy? I'm so curious! (Notice I didn't say "nosy.") I'm sure it was fun to participate; I just couldn't add another person to my "must shop for list." I haven't even gotten things for my 30 piano students and 72 group class kids! OK, won't think about that now. . .

Promise me you'll treat yourself well today. Drink your water and stay away from evil candies. Are you going to stay in your pajamas a long time? I liked what you said about Enforced Relaxation--it's almost mandatory that today is Pajama Day at our house!

Take care, Doe-Doe.

:hug: for you, WISH-sis of mine,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, you have 102 students???!!!! You are my new hero! No wonder you have such hectic days!! :eek: My jaw is on the floor - just can't imagine keeping my sanity. However I'm impressed that you are touching so many lives with the joy of music - that is SO COOL!! ::yes::

My WISH gift exchange box was the highlight of the day. It was sent all the way from Phoenix AZ by Jackie (ibouncetoo). Everything was beautifully wrapped and tagged. She sent me a little stuffed reindeer to brighten up my cubicle at work, a Mickey snowman antenna topper for my van, a small vanilla cookie scented jar candle from Yankee Candle, and Dana Carpender's 500 low-carb recipe cookbook. The card was very sweet and included best WISHes for a wonderful holiday and New Year. It was so much fun to get! Now I have to put the finishing touches on the box I'm sending out and mail it early next week. Hope my WISH buddy likes everything I've picked!

Anyway, last night's dinner wasn't terrible but it wasn't low-carb. We had sandwiches and soup. Do I get brownie points for using low-carb bread??? I did stay away from the treats - DH is sick and wanted chocolate pudding. I made it but didn't have any. :D

I'm off to get dressed (it's 10 AM now....LOL!) and start on the driveway - lots of snow to shovel. I also want to do my Pilates today. When I do it, it really works!

Onward to a low-carb wintry wonderland family time day!! :sunny:

Edit: 11:30 AM
B (at 10:45 :p ) a hamburger patty w/ mayo/mustard - 2 carbs??

DS & I spent 45 minutes shoveling - we're 2/3 done. I'm sweating so I KNOW I'm burning those calories! We took Maya the ferocious doxie out - she wouldn't walk ON the snow. If she did, she'd sink in past her legs!! It only looks like we got 6-7 inches to me. She did put her nose in the snow and then she'd shake it off - too cute!!

I MUST go take my meds. Without my workday routine, I tend to forget... :rolleyes:

[lulu201]

Hi, Doreen, I just stopped by to say THANK YOU FOR MY CLIPPIE!:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc I'm doing that clippie dance!

Oh, and yeah, :blush: I heard the snow removal team outside the door at about 4:30 a.m. as I woke up all warm and cozy. Boy, I love those guys. :lovestruc We've got some light stuff coming down now. . .it's so beautiful. Mickey has snow problems, too, just like Maya--except instead of sinking, we just can't see him! We have to put a red sweater on him so we don't lose him! I hope to get out with him for a walk later.

Your box sounds like so much fun!:p Enjoy it all!

princess: L.

[DoeWDW]

I'm so glad you got your new clippie in your siggie, Erin! It looks good!!

Meds taken and about 16 oz water drank? drunk? drinked?? :tongue:

L = PBJ on low-carb bread - 19 carbs, small bag chips - 13 carbs. Total so far today = 34 carbs.

Shoveling is all finished!! DD helped me with the last 1/3 and we just got in. Mr. Sun :sunny: can now dry off the driveway and sidewalk! He's out in force and the sky is a beautiful blue - it is so pretty outside!! I think I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit! Guess I'd better get started - I have NOTHING done yet! :teeth:

Erin, enjoy your walk and don't lose that precious puppy in a snowbank!!

Edit: 6 PM
I'm not sure where the afternoon went. :confused: Apparently shoveling snow and walking the puppy were more tiring than I thought - I took a nice long nap!!

S = 1/2 oz mixed nuts - 4 carbs. Total so far today = 38 carbs.

Edit: 10 PM
D = grilled cheese sandwich on low-carb bread - 20 carbs. Total for today = 58 carbs. I made it under the 60 carb limit but it wasn't a healthy eating day - no veggies. Tomorrow's another day and I'm due for a grocery store trip!

[lulu201]

Good morning, princess: Doe-Doe! Did you sleep well last night? I hope you dreamed of going to the grocery store and stocking up on some nice veggies!!!:rolleyes: Promise me you'll do that today! Oh, and don't forget your meds and your water, too. Don't worry about being out of your routine. . .you've got me here to remind you of your WISH life.:p

:sunny: :sunny: and :hug: and :wizard: are coming your way for another lo-carb day. You go, girl! Healthy living looks good on you!

princess: Lulu

[Castillo Mom]

Doreen, as long as you're going to the grocery store today, can you pick up a few things for me? It's raining outside and my nice warm bed is calling!:D I hope you enjoy the rest of your day. Tomorrow starts a new week plus it's weigh in time. Have a good one!

[DoeWDW]

I think I overdid the shoveling - my back is NOT happy today. I'm sure it will be fine after a day or two. Now I vividly remember why I do NOT want to grow old in Pennsylvania! Only 19 more winters until DH and I retire in Orlando!! :p

Not sure if I'll make it to the store. I did make egg custard so I ate a low-carb brunch - 9 carbs.

DH has a bad cold - he spent yesterday in the living room with a pillow & blanket, which is not his usual style at all. Today he's still feeling wiped out. What little energy I have is wrapped up in taking care of him and donig laundry for the week ahead.

Chalk it up to another lazy day! :sunny:

Edit: 9:45 PM
Not a cheat-free day - blame it on the pizza & breadsticks that my family ordered and forced me to eat... :p OK, OK, so they didn't force me.....but it was the easy way out and I took it. :sunny:

Tomorrow's a new day and I'm hoping my back will be feeling better and that DH will be feeling well enough to drive me to the store... :D

[lulu201]

Maybe that tomato sauce on the pizza can count as a veggie? Or at least a fruit?!:rolleyes: Seriously, the old family pizza dilemma is one that has captured me from time to time, too. Hey, it's real life, isn't it?

Today's a new day, Doreen, so go get it!:hyper: Just beware that the old Munchie Monster may be particularly strong since your carb intake yesterday was a bit higher than usual. :sunny: Here's some extra sunshine to ward him off. Also, don't forget, the d-zone is lurking ever closer. . .be extra good to yourself so that you're prepared physically and emotionally.:goodvibes

Good luck at work today. It's Monday. Enough said about that.
:hug: for the day.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

I feel GREAT today!! :sunny:

I'm ready to get back on track. I'm HAPPY that it's Monday and I'm at work, because the routine helps me accomplish my healthy living goals. Those free-form weekend days are TOUGH!!

Goals - the usual:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out for lunch
2. Water AND green tea are both on my desk and being consumed. I'll drink 64 oz before I leave work today.
3. Food under 60 carbs. B = 3 servings egg custard - 9 carbs. I brought hamburger patties for lunch and I have a roast in the crockpot for dinner.
4. Exercise - I WILL do Pilates when I get home and I have my pedometer on. Pedometer goal today will be 5000 steps. I do think this pedometer does not count steps as accurately as my old one but as long as I'm increasing the amount, that's what matters.
5. Work - publish SAP RAC meeting minutes and work on the agenda for the next meeting

I will be going to the store tonight. I brought my new low-carb cookbook so I can look for a new recipe or two to try. I'll have my store list finished during lunch hour today so that I have no excuses!

I'm a bit worried about my scratchy throat and swollen glands. DH had a bad cold that kept him down all weekend and I think I'm next. The best thing I can do is be good to me by eating healthy and getting a little exercise to boost my immune system and having low-carb food around that's easy to make.

I've got a new attitude - I'm ready to shine! :sunny:

Edit: 1:45 PM
Vitamins taken
L = 2 hamburger patties. Forgot the Splenda packet for my tea this AM - 1 carb. Total carbs so far = 10.
Water & tea - 36 oz so far - I'd better start drinking faster!

I have discovered that my pedometer is a piece of junk! It definitely does not do a good job counting steps. It has to be perfectly upright to be accurate. Guess I'll order another one from Amazon - my first one worked so well!

All's well so far today! :sunny:

Edit: 3:30 PM
S - protein bar - 2 carbs. Piece of Trident sugarless gum - 1 carb. Total so far today = 13 carbs.

Water & tea - 56 oz so far.

Woo-hoo! I'm on track for a cheat-free day with a good attitude to boot!! :teeth:

[lulu201]

Wow, girlfriend!:Pinkbounc You're having a great day!

Oh, good, it's not just me. . .my Walmart pedometer has now found a very nice home at the bottom of my purse.:mad: Sounds like yours is just as frustrating. Tell DH you'd like Santa to bring you one for Christmas!

I'm off to hit the hay, princess: Doe-Doe. With your swollen glands and scratchy throat, you'd best do the same.
::yes::

See you tomorrow,
E.

[lulu201]

:wave2: Doe-Doe, it's just me stopping by to say good morning!:sunny: Do me a favor and drink lots of water today, OK? You need it to help you fight that nasty cold you're getting.::yes::

Enjoy your day,
Lulu

[DoeWDW]

I was totally cheat-free yesterday!! YAY!! :bounce:

Dinner was roast beef, a little homemade applesauce (no added sugar) and SF jello w/ whipped cream. I made it to the store and spent $144 stocking up on good food!! I figured if I'm getting sick, I'd better have healthy stuff on hand for me and the family to eat.

Today looks like it will be another great day!

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out for lunch
2. 24 oz of water and green tea are on my desk - I'm working on them.
3. Food - just counted 40 cashew pieces out for a 1 oz 7 carb breakfast. If I'm still hungry I'll have a protein bar - 2 carbs. Lunch will be leftover roast beef and dinner will be chicken. I may also have a salad at lunch - gotta eat those veggies!
4. Exercise - DD woke me up to do the 20 minute Pilates workout this morning - good kid!!
5. Work - gotta finish & publish those meeting minutes AND do a monthly update for the bureau director.

The scale said 131 this morning. I haven't done measurements in a while - gotta do that soon. It would be easier if I had paper and pen handy in my nightstand drawer, so I'll try to remember to stash them there tonight.

Life is so sunny right now! :sunny: This healthy eating and exercise thing is feeling easy at the moment. I know there will be tough days coming but at the moment, I'm going to think about how good I'm feeling when I take good care of me.

Edit: 2:45 PM
1. Meds and vitamins - check!
2. 36 oz down - 28 oz to go.
3. B = cashews - 7 carbs and Splenda for my tea - 1 carb, AM snack = protein bar - 3 carbs, L = roast beef - 0 carbs & Trident sugarfree gum to keep me from cheating - 1 carb. Total so far = 12 carbs.
4. Check
5. Update for my bureau director is finished, minutes....gotta do 'em!

That Trident gum really saved me after lunch. I'm never hungry but my mouth feels yucky. Why that triggers me to eat foods I shouldn't - who knows?? Now I have a new secret weapon!!

Edit: 4 PM
Caved and had sweet & salty mix from the vending machine - 24 carbs but low-glycemic. Total for today = 36 carbs. I can still easily make it under my 60 gram limit easily so it really wasn't that terrible.

Edit: 9:15 PM
Should have skipped the sweet & salty mix :D ! I had a Wendy's mandarin chicken salad (no rice noodles) and it came to 35 carbs. Total for today = 71 carbs - over my 60 carb limit.

We did Wendy's because DD had a baton / dance recital tonight - no time to cook. I wasn't over by much and the salad gave me some needed veggies, so I'm not worried about it.

I made all my other goals, so I'm going to consider today a success! :sunny:

[lulu201]

:sunny: What a strong, sunny attitude you have, princess: Doe-Doe; you're brightening up my day before I'm even awake!:cool:

I hope that today brings you continued success and strength to hold the Munchie Monster--and vending machine:p --at bay. Now that you have that Trident gum in your arsenal of strategies, you can stand strong against the enemy! For me, well, I have to beware the dreaded Butterfinger in the candy bar box. We have a little display set up in the studio for DD's choir, and sometimes they call for me when I walk by. . .miserable little bars that they are!:rolleyes:

Have a good day, dear Doreen--I'm so glad that we're doing this together!

:hug: Erin

[DoeWDW]

Dear princess: Lulu, run out and get some Trident for yourself!! Butterfinger bars (and chocolate in general) are not as appealing after you've chewed some mint gum! :teeth:

The scale was back to 130 today - hooray!!

I am still feeling :sunny: but I am sooooo tired today. Had to work really hard at getting to work - my eyes just did not want to stay open! In the past, this was a classic sign of one of my depression crashes but it was always accompanied by a feeling of hopelessness - not this time!! I am full of strength and hope and happy feelings in my heart even though my body is craving rest. I'll be heading to bed early tonight, after our monthly visit to the chiropractor.

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out.
2. 12 oz down - 52 to go
3. 60 carbs today and NOTHING from the vending machine!! B = 1 oz cashew pieces - 7 carbs, and protein bar - 3 carbs. Total so far = 10 carbs.
4. Exercise - judging by how tired I am, I'm going to allow myself a rest day.
5. Work - same old, same old.....

Here we go!! :sunny:

Edit: 1:30 PM
1. Meds & vitamin - check.
2. 36 oz water down - 28 oz to go.
3. L = leftover roast beef - 0 carbs and 1 oz cashews - 7 carbs. 2 pieces Trident (one after B and one after L) - 2 carbs. Total so far = 19 carbs.

I'm doing well and feeling strong! :sunny:

Edit: 4 PM
I'm leaving work soon and have avoided the evil vending machine all day!! Still at 19 total carbs for today. 48 oz water down - I'll drink the other 16 oz at home tonight.

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning Doreen! I had all of the good intentions of reading your journal last night, but youngest son is still sick with the flu and needed nurturing. I'm glad to see your spirits are high and I wanted to say great job on staying away from that evil vending machine. It can sure be a temptation, especially with a busy lifestyle, it's so easy to cave just to grab something quick. Keep up the good work and have a great day! And get some rest!:D

[ZerasPride]

Doreen - you are doing so well! Please keep up the good work. Congrats on your cheat free day. I didn't have a chance to read your journal yesterday and I see I missed a lot. Your positive spirit really shines through on your posts. We can all use encouragement as we struggle through our temptations. So thanks for sharing your day with us!

[lulu201]

:umbrella: Good grief! It's pouring outside! Are you getting this same rain, Doe-Doe? Here's some extra :sunny: to help brighten the day.

How are you feeling? Did you get to bed early last night? You've got to take care not to get the flu.

Have a great day, Doreen.:Pinkbounc

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Last night's dinner was not the best in low-carb choices - no veggies again! - but it was within my carb limit for the day. I had a grilled ham & cheese sandwich (16 carbs) & some Ramen noodle soup (12 carbs) - total for yesterday = 47 carbs. I was freezing and needed something warm. That did the trick!

I was so tired and achy yesterday but I forced myself to go to work. Today I'm staying home and sleeping. In spite of going to bed early (8:30 PM!) last night, my glands are still swollen, my throat is sore, and I'm tired & achy. No fever, so I don't think it's the flu, but I think I'd best take extra precautions with the holidays coming.

I'm still feeling bright and sunny on the inside though!

More later, after a nap....

[littleducksmom]

i hope you feel better soon.........so you can get 100% back into the swing of things..........glad you are able to get some rest today. hope that sunshine on the inside helps the rest of your achy spots to heal quickly.........hang in there!!!!!

[ZerasPride]

I hope you feel better soon Doreen! I enjoy reading your posts.

[lulu201]

:hug: and sweet dreams :o for you, oh Wish-Sis of mine. Take good care of yourself today. . .I'll check back in to see how you're doing later.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, all, for the well wishes! I've been resting today and resisting the urge to do all the things that need doing around the house. Today is about taking care of me!

I'm feeling a little better and saving my strength. Tonight is the holiday concert at the high school. DS is in the band and DD is in the band and womens' chorus. There's no way I'm missing it!!

I made egg custard and had 2 servings for a late breakfast - 6 carbs. That's it, so far. Guess I'd better go drink some water and take my meds and figure out what's for lunch! :p

[lulu201]

Hey, princess: Doe-Doe, I only have a minute, but I wanted to prance over to your journal and model my new clippie for you! How do I look?:p

Did you enjoy the concert? I bet you had a great time, but I bet you're feeling a bit tired this a.m. Combine that with the entry into the D-Zone and you've got to make sure you treat yourself right. Here's some :sunny: and :D to get you through the day.

I'll check back later--I've got to hurry and get some breakfast on the table.

Erin (soon be re-instated to her princess: hood)

[DoeWDW]

Quick recap of yesterday:
Late lunch - turkey sandwich - 20 carbs.
Concert - absolutely wonderful!! Usual concert attire in the past has always been black pants/skirt and white shirt/blouse. This year they went formal!! Boys in suits and girls in gowns or formal dresses. WOW - they clean up good!! The stage was fronted by red poinsettias and small white lights - beautiful! The quality of the music was breathtaking!
Late dinner - Wendy's chicken BLT salad (no croutons) - 17 carbs.
Total carbs = 43 for the day.

Today:
I'm still tired and achey but managed to come into work. My glands don't seem quite as swollen and my throat isn't quite as sore, so maybe the worst is over?? I did have to cancel my blood donation appointment for today - gotta wait 'til I can give healthy blood!!

I'm glad to be back to my routine!
1. Meds taken, ran out of vitamins at work & forgot to bring more.
2. 16 oz water down - 48 to go.
3. 1 egg custard - 3 carbs.
4. No exercise - only have enough energy to go through the motions today. :D
5. I think just showing up was enough of a goal! :crazy:

I'm still feeling sunny on the inside! The accomplishments of my WISH-sis (including, but not limited to, that bright and beautiful new 20 pound clippie!) are probably a big part of the reason - WAY TO GO, ERIN!!! Sunday promises more snow - hence another lazy day. I think the whole weekend will be a lazy one as I continue to heal. We have NOTHING on the agenda except maybe some final Christmas shopping. :p

Edit: 1:45 PM
Hear ye, hear ye!! I will NOT be counting any more carbs today!

I was so tired this AM that I wasn't thinking properly - took my meds on an empty tummy - BIG NO-NO!! My tummy is feeling better, but only after being coaxed with carb-laden ginger ale and crackers. The crisis seems to be over and carb-counting will be resumed tomorrow morning. :teeth: :sunny:

Edit: 5:30 PM
I'm home from work and feeling better!! YAY!!

Edit: 10 PM
My tummy is still a bit off. I haven't eaten anything since the ginger ale and crackers at work (98 carbs total - just in case anyone is wondering....guess I'm too used to counting...LOL!!).

I know I need to eat but nothing sounds good. I'll try to find a small nibble before I go to bed.

I finally got everything put together and ready to send out for my WISH gift exchange buddy. I'm so excited!! I'll take it all into the UPS store tomorrow and send it off. I hope my buddy loves everything in the box!! I'm not sure which is more fun - receiving a box or putting a box together and sending it off! This was the first gift exchange I've ever participated in and it took some nerve for me to sign up. Now I'm glad I took that leap of faith. I think it's good to challenge ourselves and get out of our comfort zone now and then.

I'm off to nibble and to hit the hay. 'Night all!!

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doe-Doe. You are something--going to work and all after having a glorious, but late night the night before. I hope that the weekend turns into as relaxing a one as you have planned.

Here's :goodvibes and :wizard: to help your recovery. You've got, by far, the sunniest disposition that I've ever seen on a sick person! You're amazing.

Doreen, eat before you take your meds today, OK?

Thank you for your posts--to me and to your journal--about my clippie. It means so much to have you to share my joy with. :happy1:

Talk to you soon,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Well it's 9:15 AM - and I just got up! :p I'm usually up by 5-5:30 during the workweek and I MIGHT sleep in until 6:30 on the weekends - so 9 AM is really a LONG sleep for me! Guess my body needed it!

We won't discuss what I nibbled on last night before bed. It capped off a carb-laden day nicely! :p :eek: The key was that it settled my tummy so I'm looking forward today and not backward.

I must make the final Christmas shopping list. My goal is to finish it all up today so I'll have one less thing to worry about. One other goal is to have DH bring the Christmas decorations in from the back garage so we can put up the tree tomorrow. We usually have a tabletop artificial tree in the living room and a real tree downstairs, but I think the living room tree will be enough this year. I'm conserving my strength! :p I also want to pick up Christmas cards today so I can do them tomorrow while I watch the snow fall, with Christmas music playing and a Yankee Candle burning - sounds like a wonderful way to spend a few hours, thinking of and writing to family and friends near and far.

It sounds like a lot but I'm going to take things slow and easy today. Even in the mall crowds, I can still take on an attitude of being centered in God's love and grace, and walk with unhurried steps and a smile on my face. It's all in the attitude on the inside, not in the circumstances on the outside! :D

Here I go, step by step, living healthy and happy today!!

[littleducksmom]

glad to see you are feeling better...........loved your thoughts about the "inside" attitude.............deb

[lulu201]

Dear princess: Doe-Doe,

Thank you for your kindness and support today--and for NOT putting up with my moaning.

YOU'RE THE BEST!:Pinkbounc

I've off to bed. I'll talk with you tomorrow.

:hug: Queen Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday didn't quite turn out the way I'd expected....do my days EVER go off as planned??? With DH, DS and DD to account for, my plans seem to change moment by moment :p but I'm not complaining! I pride myself on being easy-going and taking changes in stride!

Let's see! I did make the shopping list. I also did a little shopping with DD. She was having a sleepover last night with her 2 best friends and needed to get their gifts ready. We had a great time putting everything together at KMart - great mom-daughter time with almost no eye-rolling and no whining! :p With a 14 year old daughter, that's a rare treat!

Instead of shopping with DH, we stayed home. We put up the decorations and Christmas lights outside. Then we ordered pizza and watched a movie - so relaxing and cozy!

Today's plans - always subject to change, of course - are for church this morning, putting up the small artificial tabletop tree and decorating it, and doing the Christmas cards.

I have veggies in the fridge, cut up and ready for snacking - carrots, red peppers and cucumbers. I have some egg custard. It will be a healthy eating day!

I'm still feeling sunny! :sunny: I haven't been exercising as much as I'd like but I'm determined to celebrate what's going right and not focus on what's NOT getting done. It's the busy holiday season and I think I'm happy just maintaining for now. :sunny:

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen. How are things snow-wise? Right now, outside my window, I looks like a beautiful Christmas card. We've been told to expect more flooding today, but right now it's very cold and if the temp holds we're going to get lots more snow than predicted!

A new day and a :sunny: attitude to keep the chill away! I like your veggie idea--I think I'm going to cut some up and have them handy, too. Also some s.f. jello. One thing I should get is that diet hot chocolate. It sure would be good on a day like today.

I saw your post about walking the 5K in 1/05. Are you giving it serious thought--even with the band's trip? I'd consider going down, too, but I'd have to go alone as DH is hoping for a trip to Germany w/his dad and finances wouldn't allow a big family WDW vacaiton. This could be my little solo excursion? I'm not sure about the half-marathon any more. . .it may be more pressure than I want at this time of the year. Who knows?

Enjoy your day. :hug:

Erin

[lulu201]

Hey, WISH-sis, I tried to PM you, but your mailbox is too full!:D
I'll try again tomorrow. . .

Erin

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, Princess Doe-Doeprincess: ! How are things over your way? Are your kids having snow days or delays? We didn't have any changes to the regular schedule. . .we came out of this storm no worse for the wear. I have to admit, I was slightly disappointed--I love cozy, stay-at-home days--but the sunrise this morning took away the blues. It was awe-inspiring and set a wonderful tone for today.:sunny: :sunny:

So, thanks for cleaning your mailbox! Your PM should be there now. :cool:

Are you back to work? I hope you're feeling back up to par. Here's a :hug: for you and some:wizard: to sprinkle on your new day. Have a good one!

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, my sunny WISH-sis Erin! :sunny: Thanks for your post this morning (not to mention all your other posts to my journal!). Just coming to the DIS and finding a post from you brings a smile to my face - before I even open and read what it says!! :happy1:

Yesterday - what can I say. I forgot to take my meds, I made cookies and snacked on the dough, I ate carby stuff for the most part, I didn't drink my water......

Let's just move on to today! I'm once again actually HAPPY to be at work. The routine is comforting. I'm eating a protein bar, have my meds in front of me to take AFTER I've eaten, have hot tea and water to drink - what a great start! :sunny:

The scale said 131 this morning - I can definitely feel the extra water weight. It will disappear in a day or so, now that I'm at work and in my routine.

Onward to a healthy day!! :sunny:

[lulu201]

:rotfl: Hey! I thought I ate all of yesterday's cookie dough!

I chose cookie dough over being a princess!
Lulu

[DoeWDW]

Give us time, Lulu!! We'll be able to choose cookie dough AND being princesses!!!

All those extra calories we burn off training for the half-marathon - don't they give us an excuse for a little cookie dough now and then??? :confused: :teeth: ::yes::

P.S. Sometimes it's SCARY how we do the same thing at the same time, isn't it????

Edit: 1:30 PM
I didn't post my goals this AM - what was I thinking??

1. Meds taken, vitamins - keep forgetting to bring more to work!
2. Only 24 oz liquid so far (12 oz water, 12 oz decaf green mint tea). Gotta drink!
3. Food under 60 carbs. B = protein bar - 2 carbs and packet of Splenda for tea - 1 carb. L = hamburger patty, raw veggies & 1000 Island dressing for dip - 6 carbs, and sugarless gum - 1 carb. S = 2 oz nuts - 14 carbs. Total for today = 24 carbs.
4. Exercise - I've committed to doing the half-marathon at WDW in 2005 - does THINKING about exercise count?? :p
5. Tons of work goals - gotta get crackin' on lots of stuff!

I feel great! :sunny:

P.S. I forgot to answer Erin's earlier question. School was delayed for 2 hours but both kids stayed home. My son had a very sick tummy and slight fever. My daughter was worried about the hilly walk to school on icy sidewalks by herself. Guess I'm an overprotective Mom - I let her stay home. :eek:

Edit: 3:15 PM
I fell off the low-carb wagon today. Had intense munchies and chocolate cravings!!! I believe the D-Zone is coming up - UGH! - and all those extra carbs & sugar this weekend have revived my cravings. It'll be OK - just a bump on the path. I'm in this for the long haul!

[littleducksmom]

doreen........get back on the wagon immediately.......dont let this day go to waste!!!!!!!!!!

what is the d-zone?

come on girl start exercising.......and no thinking bout it doesnt count!!!!!!!!.........NO MORE EXCUSES!....are you IN or
OUT?.....this your life........do not let yourself down again for the rest of this week.....i'll be checking on you........

deb

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doreen - I just wanted to pop over to your journal to see how things are going. I agree with Deb. Get right back in the saddle again. I had a real strong craving yesterday for a McDonald's double cheeseburger (with the bread no less - gasp)! I fought it hard. This time I was successful thanks to DH's yummy chicken and cheese roll-ups, but I know the next time I have a strong urge for something I might not be able to resist and hopefully I'll have the guts to come and post my transgression in my journal like you did. You are doing so well so none of us are allowed to give up or give in, 'kay?

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen. It's supposed to be a warmer, less windy day here. . .hope you're getting the same. Before I have to rush over to my journal, I want you to know the book is "The Complete Guide to Marathon Walking" by Dave McGovern. I started thinking about Dave (David) Holt--did you know he's a musician specializing in Appalachian music? You weren't thinking of him, were you?

My advice for today: do the best you can, girlfriend. :p

Enjoy the season; I'll try to check in later, but if I do, it won't be 'til very late--immediately after work I have a Christmas dinner party/rehearsal. I'm bringing dessert!:eek: :p Cheesecake sounds good to me. Not good FOR me and not actually good TO me, but I'm sure the others will eat it up. Guess I'll have to save some points.

Remember, lots of :sunny: blinds the Munchie Monster! AVOID THE VENDING MACHINE!

Q. L.

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, all, for stopping by! Your words of encouragement really help!

Deb, the D-Zone (danger zone) is the 2 weeks before TOM. I tend to have terrible cravings. The other two weeks of the month seem to be easy for me to stay on plan, but my D-Zone weeks are TOUGH!

My son is sick - I think it may be the flu but I'm not sure. I'm staying home with him today, and if he seems any worse I'll take him into the doctor's office. Lots of kids at the school are out with the flu. The good part is that I'm home and I can catch up on things around here, like wash and making some healthy low-carb food - always plenty to do at home! :D

My goals - the usual. I haven't started any of them yet but I'm headed off to eat breakfast and THEN take my meds and fix my large bottle of water to carry around with me today, just as soon as I finish my DIS stuff.

Thanks for the kick in the pants on the exercise, ladies!! I'm getting a new pedometer. The easiest way I've ever found to incorporate more exercise was when I wore my pedometer all day and it counted my steps. I'm going back to what works! Right after the holidays I'll start training for the WDW half marathon with a daily training schedule. I haven't decided if I'll walk the whole way or maybe incorporate a little running, but I'll have a year to train and figure out what works best for me. I'm really excited about doing the half-marathon at WDW!!

Enough for now - I'll update later! :sunny:

[A1A1]

Hope your family is feeling better.

I enjoyed reading more of your journal, but it is going to take more time to get through all 24 pages! Wow! I like hoe you post your goals. I think I might try that. It may help me stay focused on my day's priorities.

Have a good day..............I'll be thinking of you and the other WISHer's when I am at WDW. :wave:

[ZerasPride]

:wave2: Doreen!

Just checking to see how your day is going. I'm sorry your son is sick. I know that flu is sweeping through a lot of areas so I hope he's okay. My son was just diagnosed with migraines as he's been missing a lot of school lately and just not able to get out of bed. Not good for a high school student but hopefully the meds he just started taking will help.

It's so wonderful you'll be doing the Marathon. I wish you well with that. Now go get that big bottle of water and sip, sip, sip!:teeth:

[DoeWDW]

I am definitely in the D-Zone. This one snuck up on me! Usually it's marked in my Palm but I lost everything when the batteries died. I'll be sure to mark it down for next month! Forewarned is forearmed, so they say!

The Bloat Fairy is here for a visit. It feels like 2-3 of his closest friends came along! I should get one heck of a Whoosh Fairy visit in a few days! :p I just hate that swollen feeling! I'm going to make an effort to DRINK, DRINK, DRINK today!!

My DS is still sick but is on the recovery side. His fever broke late yesterday so the worst is over. I'm keeping him home today but he should be back in school tomorrow. Would it be so terrible if we snuck out to see the 3rd Lord of the Rings movie in the middle of the day, as long as we didn't sit near anyone else?? He's getting a bit stir crazy at home but isn't well enough to be in school.....

I'm on to another healthy living day! :sunny:

[lulu201]

I'm so glad to hear that DS is on the mend! I say run out and go to the movies!:p Seize the day!

Drink that water, Doreen, and take your vitamins--that old Bloat Fairy will be out of town soon! Stay as strong as you can.

:hug: for the day,
Erin

[ZerasPride]

Doreen,

I'm glad your son is feeling better! I remember my father giving me the Lord of the Rings 4 book set when I was a pre-teen and would sit and read them on the porch in the summer munching on bag after bag of plain M&Ms while the other kids played! Don't know why that's such a vivid childhood memory for me. I think it's so funny they made movies from those books.

I think if you drink tons and tons of water, that bloat fairy will just float away from you! Have a good day whatever you and DS decide to do.

[DoeWDW]

We didn't go see LOTR - we did, however, make it into the doctor's office! :teeth: DS has been out of school for 3 days now and he needed a doctor's note to return. The doctor says he should stay home tomorrow and then go to school on Friday. I'll be back to work tomorrow!!

We couldn't fit the movie in between the dr. and picking up DD from school, so we postponed. DS said he is so sleepy that he probably couldn't stay awake for all 3+ hours of the movie anyway.

I just joined the Campaign to Maintain on the WISH board - I will weigh no more than 130 pounds on January 1st. I just don't want to be worrying about losing weight when there are so many other things going on. If I maintain, I'll be happy. That's hard enough for now.

I did remember to take my meds today. I need to drink more water! My eyeballs aren't floating yet!! :crazy:

Edit: 9:15 PM
I've been drinking lots of water. I haven't been eating all that well but for some reason, I'm not bothered by it. I usually eat pretty healthy and low-carb and one or two days will not take away all the work I've done. I'll get back to it soon. Until then, I'm not going to count every carb - I'm going to just eat sensibly and try to maintain.

I usually feel all upset and ashamed and guilty, but I don't feel that way. It's hard to explain, but I feel at peace with myself and my general routine of healthy eating. I know that when I stray, I'm not truly out of control and it won't last forever. I always feel better when I eat low-carb, so my body tells me when I've over-indulged and then I just naturally go back to my healthy eating.

No worries - I'll just keep drinking water. I'm not going to pressure myself to count every carb when my heart's not in it. As long as I maintain my weight, I'm going to just make good choices. If the scale goes up, I know what to do to make it go back down.

Here I go, still striving to be healthy, just not so compulsive about every bite.....:D

[lulu201]

Your healthy attitude is why you are a princess: , my friend!
It's the holidays, it's real life. . .and you have the right strategy in mind.

I hope DS mends some more today and is back up to snuff tomorrow. It's hard to be out of school, and harder still to go back when you're feeling under par AND have lots to make up.
Here's some :wizard: for him!

Back to work today? Enjoy the comfort of the routine. Here's some :sunny: :sunny: :sunny: to keep you strong in the D-Zone!

Take care, Doreen,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Thanks for the sunny message, Queen Lulu!! It helps!! ::yes::

DS is still home but I am back at work. I've been off 2 days and have mountains of stuff to catch up on and a very critical meeting to run at 9 AM. I don't have much time to write here now, but I'll do more later.

Goals - the usual. Meds - yes. Water - started. Food - 3 g protein bar. Exercise - not yet. Work goal - keep my sanity through the 9 AM meeting - it's not gonna be pretty!! :(

Edit: 11:15 PM
Whew!!! My big meeting is over and it went really well. I've been dreading this meeting. I am the committe chair and have to run the meetings but there are some very contentious people in the group. I want everyone to be heard, but I can't let them get off on tangents. Also, I need to be the agent of compromise between the people in my agency and the people from the outside project team. In the end, it's my responsibility to make sure that our agency has the reports and reporting capability we need to continue to do business after our accounting system is replaced next July. The people on the outside project team are implementing this accounting system for 53 state agencies - our agency is only one of them - so obviously we can't demand that things be done our way, but we do get $1.6 billion dollars in federal funding and anything that jeopardizes that money MUST be addressed.

A co-worker sat in on this meeting. She runs the ageny's mentoring program for women, which I participated in last year. She sat in for a different reason - she's helping to coordinate the training for the new accounting system. She complimented me after the meeting for the way I ran things. She said I took charge and commanded respect while still making sure that everyone was heard. I sometimes worry that I come off as too *****y but she felt I did an excellent job of keeping things moving but not being too brassy about it. She is an objective person, and I can trust her to give me an honest critique, so getting praise from her made my day!!

I also talked to most of the meeting attendees one-on-one after the meeting. They all felt it was very productive and they have a greater comfort level that we are all on the same page. This means that I've met my goals of fostering greater understanding between the groups and finding compromises to conflicts where we all win.

At the moment, it's good to be me!! :sunny:

OK, enough about work! I've had 40+ oz of water so far. I've had a protein bar & some cashews. I have some veggies and 1000 Island dip for dipping. I'm eating low-carb but trying hard not to COUNT them! :p Maybe I'll treat myself to a walk at lunch! I'm so high from this meeting that it's hard to just sit at my desk. I want to dance through the aisles, singing a happy song!! Wouldn't THAT look interesting???? :eek:

I'm making good choices today and I'm proud of me and the work I'm doing for the citizens of the Commonwealth of PA! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Here we go again! It's Friday so I'll be heading to work. I'm still riding high on my success from yesterday - it's the best I've felt about work for a very long time! Lots of things to get done at work today, but if I break it all down into baby-steps I should be able to get a lot finished.

Chris (DS) will be off school again today. The poor kid hasn't eaten anything other than Jello or bread for almost a week. He doesn't have a fever anymore but he's so tired that he sleeps a lot. His tummy is still terribly queasy. His cough seems to be getting better, thank goodness. He's just too weak to put in a whole day of school - he can barely make it 2 hours at home without a nap! He is getting very anxious about how he's going to make up all the work at school, but he just isn't up to going back yet. I've emailed his teachers and he has stuff to work on at home in between naps.

Other than that, things are going well at home. I have to finish the Christmas shopping this weekend - I only have the kids to buy for and I know what they're getting. It won't be much since they've both gotten lots of big stuff lately - Chris' trip to Australia, Steph's class ring, etc.

So here we go - off to the races again!! :sunny: Chris' flu and holiday preparations are taking my attention away from my exercise and healthy eating, but that's OK for now. I'll be back to it very soon. I still find that I make good food choices, but I don't take the time to count every carb. This is real life!

[lulu201]

:wave2: Doreen!

:jumping1: Many happy bounces in celebration of yesterday's great day at work! You sound like a fair, organized, and thoughtful leader--your co-workers are lucky to have you (as are all of us in the Commonwealth!:D ). ::yes::

So much has been going on with you this past week: poor Chris and the flu, work issues and deadlines, and Christmas plans and preparation, and still you've stayed positive and balanced throughout. You've modeled an attitude that's been an inspiration for me all week long, and I'm really grateful to have had you as my example.

I hope your day is filled with joy-full moments and that you can find times to renew yourself in the midst of all you have to do.

:hug:
Erin

[DoeWDW]

So far, so good today!

I've eaten a protein bar and some cashews - somewhere under 10 carbs. I've been drinking lots of water and I took my meds.

The holiday goodie table is set up here at work - very close to the water cooler! I have not had even one thing because I know if I start, I won't be able to stop. I'm just gonna keep drinking!! I think lunch will be a big salad - YUM!! I need to be good to me!

The Bloat Fairy is here in a BIG way - I'm feeling big!! :p It will be better in a few days.... :sunny: .... this, too, shall pass!

Onward, and possibly downward, although I'm not making any promises.....:tongue:

[lulu201]

:scared1: Yikes! Holiday goodie table right next to the water cooler?!?! Send out the alert! All the :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:
that can be mustered must sent to princess: Doe-Doe's desk to defend her against the ever dangerous Afternoon Munchie Monster!

Stay strong, princess: Doe-Doe! (Or at least moderately strong:rolleyes: --what's on that goodie table, anyway?:p )

E.

[DoeWDW]

There's NOTHING good on that table!! :teeth: :crazy:

I've actually walked by it and nothing looked that good to me! However the evil Carb Vending Machine.....well, I won't be going near it this afternoon. Nothing in there tastes as good as thin feels!!! :sunny: :sunny: :sunny:

I'm chowing down on a nice big salad - lots of dark greens, a few carrot slivers, bell peppers, olives, ham, shredded cheese with my favorite Kraft 1000 Island dressing. I've run out of Trident gum, so I may have to make a snack bar run to get more if the Munchie Monster even TRIES to get near me!!

Edit: 2 PM
No sign of the Munchie Monster!

Yesterday was my dreaded monthly meeting. At the very end of the meeting, it occurred to me that this meeting falls in the worst part of my D-Zone every month! No wonder I was over-stressed! I asked the participants if I could change it from the 3rd Thurs. to the 4th Thurs. of the month and all agreed. I just finished adjusting the meeting schedule and the conference room schedule! I'm so proud of me for finding a way to make this already stressful meeting a little easier on myself! YAY for me!!

Edit: 4 PM
As soon as I wrote about the Munchie Monster - he showed up!! The snack bar had my trusty Trident so I was safe!! I was NOT lured to the Evil Carb Vending Machine - YAY!

I've been drinking TONS of water today and I don't feel as bloated so maybe I'm drowning the Bloat Fairy??!!

Just about quittin' time at work - I got a lot done today! Now it's on to the weekend. The only "gotta dos" are the Christmas shopping and Christmas cards and one little package that needs to be mailed out. I'm HOPING to get to see the new Lord of the Rings movie....<crossing fingers>. I also am responsible for Sunday School attendance this month.

Good news about my son, Chris! He has branched out from Jello and dry toast! He has successfully eaten some chicken noodle soup and some tapioca pudding today - sounds like he's on the mend!!

Life is good! :sunny: I've made very healthy eating choices today and I feel better because of it. Can more exercise be far behind?? :D

[ZerasPride]

:wave2: Doreen!

I was panicking myself when I realized I was running low on Trident. I like the Speariment and they only had the small one that has 5 sticks in it but it will have to do until I can get to the store tonight. You are doing so well, keep it up!

[DoeWDW]

Lately, I've been having very good days, and horrible nights! :rolleyes: I struggle to eat healthy for the entire day, avoiding all the nasty junky food. I'm proud of myself for not giving in. Then I go home and undo all of it! :confused: This has happened a couple times this week!

Doreen's First Rule of Avoiding Junk Food: If you know it's a trigger food that you generally overeat, do NOT bring it into the house. For instance, if you KNOW you will eat the WHOLE pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, stop rationalizing in the store aisle that you can just eat a little each night for a few nights! Duh!!

Doreen's Second Rule of Avoiding Junk Food: Learn from your mistakes. For instance, if you've eaten a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream two nights ago, then DON'T buy another pint, thinking this time will be different! Duh!!

There!! I've written it down! Hopefully I can LEARN this lesson once and for all! I've been willingly setting myself up for failure by buying this stuff and I don't know why?? Yes, I'm in the D-Zone and craving carbs. Yes, I know that once I've overeaten carbs it takes DAYS to get rid of the cravings. Yes, my son was sick this week and I was stressed. Yes, work was a bit stressful too. Yes, the holidays are coming up and I still have things to get done so I'm stressed about that. Etc. etc. etc........

There are lots of good EXCUSES I can come up with but they do not change the fact that I'm putting unhealthy food in my body and I'm feeling lousy (physically and mentally and emotionally) about it.

Being very strict doesn't seem to work for me, but obviously being very relaxed doesn't seem to be working either! I need to set some realistic goals somewhere in the middle, but I don't know where that is yet. I've been thinking about it for 2 hours now and have not come up with any answers. I just know that what I'm doing right now is NOT helping me get healthy. I also know that putting this off until after the holidays just sets me up for more failure. I need to find a middle ground and stick to it through all the upcoming festivities.

Time to stop moping and having my little pity party. I need to stop TALKING the TALK and start WALKING the WALK. All these pretty words and goals and promises mean nothing if I don't honor them with the right actions.

Where do I go from here?? I'm not sure, but I'll be trying again today to take baby steps toward healthy living. Those baby steps do NOT include Ben OR Jerry!!! What's done is done, and I can't change it. I need to move forward. The road is shrouded in fog at the moment, but I know it's there. If I go slowly and carefully I hope to find it again...... I will not give up!

[ZerasPride]

Doreen - I just read your latest journal posting and wanted to send you a great big :hug:. The stress of everyday living can really contribute to sabotaging our weight loss efforts. I appreciate your sharing so candidly how you are feeling right now. I just wanted you to know that you are supported here and give you a bit of encouragement. Losing weight is not easy and there are so many temptations and pressures that make us want to go back to our old eating habits.

I know you can find a middle ground that is right for you. Please take care and I know you will find the answer that is right for you. I have a feeling you are going to find a way to kick Ben and Jerry's butts out of your freezer! :hyper:

[lulu201]

Hey, WISH-sis, I'm sending a private message your way. . .

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, thanks for the kind words and the hug - I needed both!

Today was a better day. I was so disgusted with what I've eaten the past week that it was easier to be good today.

I missed breakfast - not sure how I did that? I had a yummy lunch at the mall with DH - it was a marathon Christmas shopping day!! We're all finished now - YIPPEE!! Lunch was a chicken cheesesteak without the roll and stir fried veggies. Dinner was a Wendy's salad. I ALMOST reached for some chocolate for dessert but I decided that would just set me up for more cravings, so I'm staying away from it!

Tomorrow, I'm back on the wagon. I'll be eating on plan, drinking my water and getting some exercise. I'm not making any long-term committments - but for tomorrow, those are my goals and I WILL meet them.

I'm feeling more hopeful and am encouraged by my WISH-friends and their unfailing support, even when I feel like I don't deserve it. I couldn't do this alone - I have all of my WISH-friends to thank for helping me get this far.

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doreen! It sounds like taking things one day at a time is the best way to go. I know you will be able to stay on plan for Sunday. Take care!

[DoeWDW]

I'm up early and already in my workout clothes. I want to get that exercise in early - it seems that I get lazier as the day goes on! :p

I have no meals planned yet but I'll tackle that later. For now, I need to exercise. One thing at a time......

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: We're doing this, Doreen! :sunny: :sunny:

I'll check back in to see how things are going around lunch time. Make sure you've had your meds and vitamins by then, OK? I'm going to get my vitamins out now--oh, and I'm going to set them out for tomorrow, too.

Talk to you soon,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

WOO-HOO!! My exercise is DONE! I did the WATP 2 mile (the OLD one without weights). I'm sweating! Boy, I always feel good when I'm finished - it's the getting started part that's so tough!! But with my WISH-sis's encouragement, I was determined to get that exercise in today!!

Now I'm off to make a healthy breakfast and get ready for Sunday School and church.

I feel fat and bloated today, but if I drink lots of water, I think some of that will go away by tomorrow.

Edit: 4 PM
Breakfast = 1 serving pumpkin custard & meds - 6 carbs. Lunch = 2 servings pumpkin custard - we were on our way out to the movies & I didn't want to go hungry :rolleyes: - 12 carbs. Snack after the movies = 1 oz nuts - 6 carbs. Total so far = 24 carbs.

Dinner will be hot dogs and baked beans (I'll be having VERY few beans!) at the family's request. I'll have some raw veggies too. I have some sf jello & whipped cream in the fridge for a sweet treat if I need it.

Hey, WISH-sis Erin :wave2: ! Hope you're doing great too! This day hasn't been easy for me - those cravings can be a real pain - but I haven't given in!! Stay strong, girlfriend!! ::yes::

[lulu201]

Hey, WISH-sis, you're walking the walk today--in more ways than one! :Pinkbounc I hope you're enjoying the movie; I think it was a great strategy to have your protein bar on hand in case you wanted a snack. It beats Junior Mints anyday!:p

I'm going to do some laundry and wrap some gifts. Maybe put some Christmas music on? It's going to be a mellow afternoon.
(Sigh of relief here.) :D

Talk to you later,
E.

Edit:

You know, I agree. It WASN'T an easy day, but for me, it was tolerable because we were in it together. Because I exercised, took my vitamins, drank water, and didn't binge, I can hold my head up again and look in a healthy direction. Thank you, Doreen, for accepting this challenge with me. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I'm totally on the right track--I feel like my situation is still rather precarious, but I'm a day stronger and a little bit more confident about tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, I'm going to do this again for Monday. Just for tomorrow. What do you say, WISH-sis? Do you want to try or was today enough?

[DoeWDW]

Count me in for another healthy day, Erin!! We can do one more day together! :happy1:

Dinner was 2 hot dogs with cheese and some baked beans - 30 carbs in all. I also had an sf jello and whipped cream for dessert. I finished up the Christmas cards and we saw the movie we've been waiting to see.

Today was a good day! :sunny: Thanks, WISH-sis Erin, for helping me through it!! ::yes:: I, like you, am holding my head up a little higher and facing tomorrow with a little more confidence.

Let's do it again, Erin.....just one more day! :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Here we go! 16 hours of healthy living today, and one hour is already just about over! :eek:

I was up at 5 AM and did my 20 minute Pilates. TOM is here with a vengeance - wicked headache, nasty low back pain and cramping. It will only last a day or two, so I can get through it, as long as I have my Ibuprofen bottle with me! :tongue:

I'm off to work this morning. There's lots to do at the office, but it's all stuff I can handle. I'm looking forward to the comfort of my regular work routine. I definitely drink more water there!

I have pumpkin custard to take for breakfast. Lunch will probably be a big salad from the cafeteria salad bar. Dinner?? That seems awfully far away and I really have no idea what to make. Everything sounds kind of boring. :confused: I'll think about it later. :(

15 more hours to go!

[lulu201]

Ouch!:( I'm sorry that TOM is bearing down upon you; I know that discomfort all too well. I'm on the other side of it now for this month, but I'm, uh, dealing with the consequences of giving in to the cravings I had last week. More about that later in my journal.

Congratulations for getting up and exercising in the midst of your ouchy time! :Pinkbounc What an inspiration you are for me! Yeah, you're a great WISH-sis and a terrific example to boot!

I'm singing that same "dinner is kinda boring" song; our challenge must be to come up with some yummy new things to eat. I'm going to seriously think about something new for breakfast. . .I haven't had the pumpkin custard since Thanksgiving; maybe I'll start with that. It always sounds good to me when I read that you've had it.

Yep, today is going to be lived hour by hour. WE CAN DO THIS!

Healthy and happy and enjoying the holidays--that's us, Doe-Doe!
:sunny:

Erin

[DoeWDW]

I've followed my WISH-sis' example. I got on the scale this morning and accepted the consequences of all my latest actions. I'm at 132 - at least I can still keep my clippie. :confused: Yesterday I weighed 131 in the morning even though I felt more bloated, exercised, ate healthy...and now I'm UP a pound?? :confused: Oh well, my siggie has been changed and today is a new day. Living the healthy life is not ONLY about the number on the scale! I will perservere!!!

I'm eating breakfast (12 carbs), have taken my meds and ibuprofen, am drinking my water - off to a great start! I brought lots of vitamins to work - I'll be taking one with lunch (thanks for the reminder, WISH-sis!).

I can do this!

Edit: 9 AM
12 oz water down. Took a second ibuprofen. Baby steps....

Edit: 10:20 AM
More water, third ibuprofen....
The pain is wearing me down, but I'm working hard to stay sunny on the inside. At least I'm still getting some work done.

[lulu201]

Here's a :hug: to help with the pain, girlfriend. Oh, and some extra :sunny: , too. Do you have any tea there with you today? Have a cup as a way of pampering yourself just a little bit. Remember, yummy snack mix from the E. V. M. (Evil Vending Machine) will NOT help in the long run. NO! A nice cup of gentle tea, though, will soothe and calm your raging cramps. ::yes::

:goodvibes and another :hug: to help with your afternoon.
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Erin, what a great idea! I'll make a cup of hot tea - sounds soothing - and I'll toast to you while I'm sipping - CHEERS!

(how did you know the E.V.M. was calling me???)

Lunch was a protein bar - 2 carbs and a 1/4 lb hamburger patty w/ lettuce, mayo & mustard - 2 carbs? That's only 16 carbs so far today. I purposely ate a lot so I'd be very full this afternoon - no snack mix from the E.V.M. for me! I also took my vitamin.

My headache is better - not all gone, but manageable. I think we women just learn to tolerate a certain amount of pain. :D

Here we go, into the afternoon! :sunny:

Edit: 3:45 PM
Almost time to go home! I made it through the workday - hooray!! I never did get around to making tea, but it's on my list for tomorrow. The E.V.M. stopped bugging me and I was busy all afternoon so the time passed quickly.

I'm headed home around 4:15 - won't get there until 5:15-ish. I'm hoping for a quiet evening at home, but I'm afraid DH might have other plans. He was talking about taking DD and a friend to the mall.....sigh.

Dinner - still have no idea....

Onward we go! :p

Edit: 7:30 PM
Everyone stayed home tonight. It's 7:30 and I STILL have no idea what's for dinner!! DH & the kids are talking about Pizza Hut pizza - what will I eat???? I am determined to stay low-carb, even if it means eating the toppings off the pizza and throwing away the crust!! ::yes::

Edit: 8:45 PM
Dinner - grilled cheese on low-carb bread - 16 carbs and sf jello w/ whipped cream. I stayed way below my 60 carb goal today. I did NOT give in to my cravings for the pizza my kids ate in front of me OR the chocolate in the house.

It wasn't an easy day, but I made it through and stayed true to my healthy living goals! I'm proud of me but I feel exhausted, tired of working so hard at it. I think tomorrow will be a healthy living day but I'm not ready to commit to it.

[littleducksmom]

doreen.........what a great day you had!!!!!!!! stay strong thru the pizza!!!!!..........you are inspiring to me!!!!!!!i'll be checking to see how you do.

deb

[lulu201]

I LOVE SURPRISES!!!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! A PM is on its way!

:Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:

[DoeWDW]

Today will be lived one decision at a time. I just don't have the energy to map out a game plan and goals. I've been walking the healthy walk for a while now (since August) and I'm going to let my good habits carry me through today.

My first good decision was to get up early and do WATP 2 miles. I feel so good when I get my exercise in early! I also tell myself that I can't visit the DISboards until AFTER I've exercised - THAT gets me motivated!! I LOVE to DIS!!

Now I'm off to get ready for work. DH is off through the holidays so he's taking care of things like DD's orthodontist appt. today - she finally gets her braces off after 4 LONG years!! He's also picking up the ham for Christmas dinner and doing some other errands. He's such a sweetie!

Step by step, decision by decision today - no grand plans or goals - just healthy living one baby step at a time.

Scale this AM = 131
Pedometer - steps yesterday = 5100.
I already have 3700+ for today from my WATP this morning!!

Onward, maybe downward :D

Edit: 8 AM
B = pumpkin custard - 6 carbs. Meds taken. Working on my water. Vitamins on the desk for lunch.

These healthy habits will get me through the day! I can almost operate on auto-pilot!

Edit: 9 AM
Snack = 2 pieces bacon - YUM and no carbs! 12 oz water down.

Edit: 10:45 AM
24 oz water down. I'm still making good choices today!

[lulu201]

Yay!:Pinkbounc You've made it past 8 a.m.! Only 13 more hours to go (if you go to bed at 9)!:p You know, Doreen, you've got to give yourself a pat on the back for even TRYING to lead a healthy life during the holidays. Even when it's not fun, you're plugging away at it. Congratulations!:bounce:

I'm so grateful I have you to understand what this struggle is about and why it's so important to deal with it daily. We can do this, WISH-sis, baby step by baby step. And if one of us falls, the other will be there to help her WISH-sis stand and walk again.

:sunny: :sunny: Beware, Oh Munchie Monster! We have sisterhood, light, AND Trident! :sunny: :sunny:

Keep living the healthy life 'til noon. I'll stop by again then to see how you're doing.

E.

Edit:

Well, it's 12:10 and it seems like you're doing a great job! Keep it up, Doreen!:sunny: I hope you get a chance to go out a lunch for a quick walk--it sure is a beautiful day!

[Castillo Mom]

Good morning Doreen! Wow, you had a great day yesterday. You were focused and stayed away from that nasty ole pizza. You should be so proud! It's difficult to stay on the straight and narrow during this time of year, especially if you have folks at work who bring in yummy treats. I hope you have some good low carb snacks in your desk at work; that'll help you stay away from that evil vending machine! Have a wonderful day Doreen.:)

[DoeWDW]

Actually, Lisa, lunch was from the vending machine today! I had 2 packs of Kars original trail mix - 14g carbs each. Total for today = 6g at breakfast and 28g at lunch = 34g carbs so far. Next up - a small piece of Trident gum!

36 oz of water down, and I'm getting ready to take my vitamin just as soon as I refill my water mug. :p

I'm feeling a bit tired and unfocused today - could it be 3 days of exercise in a row is getting to me, or the stress of the holiday coming up? It doesn't matter - I'm still making good choices so far. Step by step.....

Edit: 4 PM
The workday is finished. 60 oz water down! Vitamin taken. Total carbs so far = 35g (had to add 1g for the Trident).

I have no idea what's for dinner - again! I think DH and the kids are going out and about so I'll only have to feed me. There's gotta be SOMETHING low-carb at home I can eat. :confused: The puppy even eats low-carb! Maybe I should steal some of her dinner!! :teeth:

Edit: 6:30 PM
The kids are here but DH is still out and about. I just looked for a quick snack - 3 tablespoons salsa and 1/2 serving tostitos - 11 carbs. Total so far = 46g carbs. Dinner? Who knows!

[LAinSEA]

Doreen: I finally made it through your journal! Your's is quite an inspiring story...you've lost weight, maintained that loss, got the exercise bug, battled depression (and you're winning) all while working full-time and taking care of your home and family! You deserve that castle in Orlando (only 19 years to go!). WOW!

Thanks for your kind words in my journal...it sure helps to stay movtivated when you know you are not alone in this struggle to be healthy.

I wish you and your family the best for the holidays and the new year beyond.

-Laurie

[DoeWDW]

Laurie, thanks for the kind words!

Well, it's 9 PM and I'm ready to head to bed. Dinner was not low-carb, but I'm okay with that. I'm tired, very tired. I'm also a bit depressed, if I can admit that to myself. :rolleyes: I'm having a bit of a pity party for myself - you see, the kids and DH are now off until Jan. 5th. I, however, only have off on Christmas Day and New Years Day. Wish I had a few days to just relax.... :confused:

OK, enough! I chose to take my vacation days earlier in the year. I also chose to save a few vacation days in case we get more snow and I CAN'T get to work. I know the kids and especially DH have worked very hard and need some time off to keep their sanity.

I will not let these feelings derail me totally. I will still try to make good choices. However, I'm also going to cut myself some slack. I had a Subway sub and a cookie for dinner. Was it the best choice - given how tired I was, I could have done lots worse. I also left the kitchen to avoid snacking on anything else - lots of junk to get me in trouble in that kitchen!!

Tomorrow morning, I'll get up and exercise - Pilates 20 minute workout. I'll also eat low carb for at least 2 of my 3 meals - sort of like the Carb Addict's eating plan. I'll drink my water, take my meds and vitamins and wear my pedometer. I'm not going to promise any more than that.

Speaking of the pedometer, it says I walked 8400+ steps today.

All things considered, I'm comfortable calling today a success. Was it perfect - no - but it was successful.

I'm going to bed with a clean conscience and a will to live healthy tomorrow. That's what's important.

[DoeWDW]

It's Christmas Eve! Wow, this year seems to have flown by!

The scale said 130 this morning - I like that number!

I've just finished my 20 minute Pilates workout, so I'm off to a good start today. Choice by choice, step by step, I'll do the best I can today. :sunny:

Edit: 8:30 AM
B = protein bar - 2 carbs. Meds taken. 12 oz water down. Vitamins out for lunch.

I'm feeling pretty sunny this morning. There aren't many people in the office so it's quiet! I'm getting a lot finished already!!

[lulu201]

Good morning, friend!:D Here's a Christmas Eve :hug: for you. I'm so proud of you, Doreen. You made "good enough" choices yesterday and you saw success on the scale. Hooray! :Pinkbounc

It's OK to be a little sad about not having Christmas vacation time to rest and recover with your family. Hopefully Friday will be another quiet day in work and then IT'S THE WEEKEND!:D Of course, you have your WISH friends to pop in and say "hi" and send :sunny: !

DD is calling me--we've got to head over to the mall to look for a lost cell phone (:mad: ) that may have fallen out of her coat at a movie last Fri. I'm hoping that we'll be early enough to avoid lots of traffic. I also hope we'll find it; DD has been :( about this.

I'll describe my battles w/food later in my journal. I just wanted to pop by this morning and send you some holiday cheer.:p

Keep walking the walk, girlfriend,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

WOOHOO!!! An early Christmas present from our "esteemed" (and I use that term VERY loosely!) governor. We can leave 4 hours early today. That means I'll be leaving work at 11:10!!

I'll have to remember to take those vitamins when I eat lunch.....AT HOME!!! YIPPEE!!!

As you can tell, it doesn't take much to make me happy! :teeth:


Edit: 1 PM
I'm home! Lunch was a grilled cheese on low-carb bread - 16g carbs, and 2 Dove promises - 7 carbs. That makes 25g carbs so far today. I also remembered to take my vitamin. I had to leave the kitchen, though, because I caught myself prowling the cabinets and eyeing up some pretty unhealthy stuff!!

Now it's off to the store for the last minute groceries for tomorrow's dinner. I cook but I take the food to my brother's house 20 minutes away. That way, I cook and he cleans - MUCH less stressful than doing both!!

Later DH and I will wrap all the gifts. Then it's off to church for Christmas Eve service.

I feel wonderfully calm and un-stressed for a change. I'm looking forward to Christmas Eve service at church with my family around me. I'm also looking forward to spending time with my extended family tomorrow.

[lulu201]

Just stopping by to say Merry Christmas, Doreen. I'm wishing you a beautiful evening tonight and a happy day tomorrow.

With a hug,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

We decided as a family to skip church and go see Christmas lights, primarily because....and I know this will sound like a lame excuse....none of us wanted to leave Maya home alone. :p

[DoeWDW]

I don't have much time - gotta get to work early! Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were both truly wonderful, filled with great times and great memories and great people! I enjoyed them so much this year - my new anti-depressant is helping and I really think my healthy living is helping! I feel so much sunnier inside than I did last Christmas - what a difference a year can make!

I totally indulged and that's OK. It was a planned break from my healthy eating. I also intentionally did not wear my pedometer.

This morning it's back to business as usual. I did 1 mile of WATP already with my pedometer on. Now it's off to work with DH as my chauffeur - no one else in my vanpool is working today.

More later! :sunny:

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, sunny princess: Doe-Doe!:sunny: :sunny: I'm glad you had a great Christmas. Now, like you said, business as usual.

Did you take your vitamins and meds to work with you? Don't forget to take them. Drink lots of water, too, to combat yesterday's indulgences.

You have lots to celebrate today--big changes in the last year that have helped you to be a healthier, happier you!:Pinkbounc

Take care, girlfriend,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm at work a whole hour early!! We have flexible hours in my area so I sign in when I get here and then stay 8.5 hours. That means if I sign in at 6:40 (like I did today) I can leave at 3:10. It will be a nice change to leave that early in the afternoon.

Meds taken. Vitamins out for lunch. B=protein bar - 2 carbs. Water and hot tea on my desk - 28 oz of fluid that I'm working on drinking! Pedometer on.

I'm back in the routine and it feels good! The scale said 132 this morning - I'm sure the extra 2 pounds are water so I'm not changing my siggie. When I weigh in Sunday morning, I'll change my siggie to whatever it says. I also NEED to take measurements on Sunday morning. I haven't done that for a LONG time!

Here I go, back to my healthy living habits. They're starting to feel like old friends - it's a good feeling! :sunny:

Edit: 9 AM
I'm so tired - am really dragging today. Perhaps it's a carb hangover??!!?? That's OK, I'm just going to ease back into the healthy life. I don't have to be perfect today - just better than yesterday.

28 oz liquids so far. Sweet & salty mix from the E.V.M. - 24 carbs. This was definitely the lesser of all the evils available and was not eaten in binge mode or craving mode. Total so far today - 26 carbs. Trips to the bathroom so far - well, I shouldn't have any problems getting 10,000 steps in today! :teeth:

Edit: 10:20 AM
I'm still really dragging. I also am very busy and didn't bring food from home so I'm resorting to the E.V.M. for food. One pack of crackers - 20 carbs and one pack of peanut M&Ms - 28 carbs. Total so far = 74 carbs. Not real good but I'm too tired to fight it. I have resolved to be honest about recording EVERYTHING I eat today here in my journal, no matter how ugly it gets. I'll probably have lots more carbs today but then I'll eat less of them each day until I'm back to my usual 60 carb limit.

I'm more focused on my water intake and pedometer today, because I don't think I have the energy to do it all. Liquids so far today = 40 oz. Pedometer = 3300+ steps.

Edit: 1 PM
Only 2 more hours of work - if only I can stay awake. :rolleyes:

I have resorted to a can of Coke - 39 carbs and another pack of sweet & salty mix - 24 carbs. Total so far = 137 carbs.

Edit: 3 PM
Erin, thanks for stopping by and dropping off those hugs! I needed them!

I'm ready to leave work - YAY! I'm still at 137 carbs and holding. I've taken my vitamin and I've had 52 oz of water & decaf green tea. I've also had 8 oz of Coke but can't count that! ;)

[lulu201]

:hug: for you, Doreen. You're going to be OK. Today's a tough day, and I admire you so much for writing down your carb intake and drinking your water. Just ride the old fatigue wave--maybe you can take a nap when you get home? The holidays--while wonderful--can really zap us, particularly when we're used to a healthier way of living. Hey, that's kind of nice to know, isn't it? We're used to a healthier way of living!!:D

I don't know about you, but unless I have time to get out that good food in the a.m. and take it to work with me, I'm in a risky situation all day long! This weekend you'll have access to lower carb stuff (and no access to ye olde E. V. M.), so things are bound to be better.

Keep your chin up and know I'm thinking about you!:goodvibes

:hug: for the afternoon,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm finished eating for the day, I think :confused: . When I got home from work I had leftovers from yesterday - ham, scalloped potatoes, cranberry sauce, just a little of each.

After running around this evening I ate half of a Wendy's mandarin chicken salad. The rest is in the fridge for lunch tomorrow.

Not the best day for me, but tomorrow will be better. I'm home all day tomorrow so I'll be able to make healthy food and get to the store if I need to. It also looks like a nice day to walk the puppy, so I'll be getting some fresh air and adding steps to my pedometer.

[littleducksmom]

oh doe....tomorrow is another day.......come on girl...get back on the right track. i am so impressed with your honesty on what you ate today.........

it's gonna be 58 here tomorrow.....sounds like it will be nice there too for your w/e. get some walking in outside while you can.......your gonna feel great after that.

drink up on your water to get them bad foods out of your system faster.........you'll get that water wt off faster too. hang in there and get outside tomorrow.......maybe i'll do the same for a run in the morning.

[lulu201]

Good morning, dear friend!:sunny: Here's some :wizard: and a big :hug: to get you started on your brand new day. ::yes:: Take first things first: drink your water, take your meds/vitamins, prep. some good healthy food, and get some :sunny: with Maya.
Baby steps, princess: Doe-Doe, baby steps.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers as I'm on the road today. I'll check in tomorrow if I'm back; definitely on Monday.

Be good to yourself.

Erin

[DoeWDW]

Good morning, all! :sunny: Thanks for the encouragement! I'm ready to ease back into my healthy living. My goal today is to do better than yesterday. I don't have to be perfect - just better.

Breakfast this morning was some leftover ham - delish!, my meds, and a big glass of ice water. So far, so good!

[littleducksmom]

progress not perfection.........that's the key. how did you do today? did you walk outside?

[ZerasPride]

I like that comment about progress and not perfection . . . something I'll keep in mind. Just wanted to check in on you and see how you are progressing. Take care Doe!

[DoeWDW]

Well, yesterday (Saturday) went downhill pretty quickly and I ended up "grazing" through the kitchen - definitely NOT healthy and NOT better. On the positive side, I did take the puppy for a lovely walk outside with my DD and her friend. In the beginning of this journey, if one area of my healthy living would slide (like my eating) I'd consider the whole day as a failure. Now I see that my eating was not where it should have been but my exercise was OK and my mind was still THINKING about healthy living. It's not all or nothing.

My depression seems to be hitting me harder. I didn't really put the signs together until last night when I realized what I'd been eating and how I'd been feeling. Looking back, my feelings of blah and lack of motivation really hit the day after Christmas. I guess all the adrenaline of stuff to do for the holidays kept me going and once it was over, I just bottomed out.

I know I'll get my eating back in shape, because I physically FEEL better on low-carb. I used to have terrible acid reflux until I started to eat low-carb. If I stray too long, the acid reflux, the bloating, the gas, the water weight all comes back to remind me. Then it's much easier to go back to low-carb and see all that disappear again.

So I still have a sunny attitude :sunny: ! I'm not proud of the way I've eaten the past few days, but I'm not beating myself up for it either. This is a REAL accomplishment for me. I used to become almost paralyzed with shame and guilt. Now, I just recognize that I'm not doing myself or my body any favors by over-indulging for this long.

So today is another day. It shouldn't be too hard to make today healthier than yesterday as far as food :p ! I still have my sense of humor. I also still feel my depression tugging at me - not as bad as in the past but still there like a shadow in the back of my mind pulling me down.

I know that my healthy living will help me fight the depression, so today will be better. I will do my Pilates workout. I also will focus on a grocery trip and making some healthy food for the freezer, so I don't have to stress out about not having anything low-carb handy.

On a scale of 1 (nothing healthy) to 10 (perfect healthy living), yesterday was probably a 4. Today I'll strive for a 7!

Let's hope I can keep these positive feelings throughtout the day!

[DoeWDW]

I have REALLY gotten lax about doing my measurements! You know how I always say they're important, that the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story? Well, it's true!!

I took my starting measurements on August 28th. My last set of measurements were from November 9th!!! I REALLY must post these every week. My weight has stayed the same since early November, but my measurements show that I've gained back some of those inches I had lost.

Here are the stats. The first number is today, second is 11/9 and third is when I started on 8/28.

Weight: 131 / 131 / 142
Bust: 39 / 38 / 39.5
Chest: 33 / 32.5 / 33.5
Waist: 33 / 31 / 34
Hips: 38.5 / 38 / 40
Thighs: 39.5 / 39.25 / 41

There's some motivation to go back to healthy eating! No wonder I'm feeling fatter at the moment!!

Brunch (around 10:30 AM) was a ham & cheese sandwich on low-carb bread - 16 carbs, a big glass of ice water and my meds.

Onward and inward!! (inward meaning less inches :p )

[LAinSEA]

Holiday season is always a struggle...this modern life isn't helping the situation. Don't get discouraged about an inch or two - a busy January will turn things around. TOM will add an inch also. (I used to battle it more in the middle of my cycle than at the end for some reason.)

Winter is doubly tough for depression - not enough daylight - and when the sun comes out we're usually at work behind windows and can't get any of it. Right now it's dark here where I live about 4pm and the sun doesn't come up until after 7am. I know that the dark and grey gets to me. But If I try to take a 5 minute break here and there outside (even with the rain) I feel much better.

I have to agree - I feel much better overall without the high-carb diet. Low-carb is just feels better - I get confirmation whenever I eat anything high in carbs, even just a spoonfull, that my body just doesn't need the extra insulin flowing through my system.

Doe, hang in there. Stay strong. Onward, downward, inward.

-Laurie

:sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Laurie, thanks for your encouragement. Also thanks for the reminder that I should get out and soak up that sunshine! I often forget in the winter, and I do think it affects my moods.

I forgot to post about my exercise earlier. I did my 20 minute Pilates workout first thing this morning. I also just got back from walking the puppy. It is a beautiful day outside - sunny and in the 50's - which is heaven in PA during the winter! :sunny: I logged about 2 miles on my pedometer. I shouldn't have too many problems getting my steps in today.

Since I had a late breakfast / brunch, I just got around to eating again. I had 1 serving of pumpkin custard - 6 carbs. Total so far today = 22 carbs. There's some chocolate calling me in the kitchen, but the kids have strict instructions to eat all of it soon, before I throw it away!! :p

I'm doing all I can to make this a healthy day! I'm drinking lots, took my meds, exercised (Pilates AND a walk!), am eating low-carb, and have been getting a lot done around the house.

It's almost 3 PM so I only have 6 more hours to hold off on those cravings and get back to a cheat-free way of life, even if it's only for today. ::yes::

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doreen! You can do it. One day at a time. That's how I'm trying to look at this new way of life. Progress and not perfection. I have enjoyed the nice weather here today in Cleveland in the 50's. Makes me and DH think about reconsidering our move to North Carolina (not!). Hope you have a peaceful and crave-free evening!

[DoeWDW]

I did fall prey to the evil chocolate - but the kids finished it last night so it's all gone!! YAY!

The rest of the day went very well. I definitely did better than Saturday, so I'm counting it as a success. My pedometer said 9300+ steps for the day. Progress, not perfection!

Today should be better than yesterday. I've had pumpkin custard - 6 carbs for breakfast, taken my meds and am drinking that water. I have my pedometer on and will do more walking at lunch. Normally this would have been a WATP morning, but DD cleaned out her room in preparation for painting so all my usual exercise spots are filled to the gills with her "stuff"! :p

Onward and inward! :sunny:

Edit: 11 AM
I can tell this is one of my tricky situations. It's not time for lunch but I need a light snack. I briefly thought about the sweet & salty mix in the E.V.M. but remembered I have a protein bar - 3 grams - in my purse.

I will have to get to the grocery store tonight and get some snacks to have at work that will help me stay away from the E.V.M.

Total so far today = 9 carbs. Only 12 oz water so far - am working on my second mug. I plan to walk at lunch - no playing at the computer for a whole hour!!

Edit: 11:45 AM
24 oz water down, vitamin taken.

[lulu201]

Hello, Doreen!:sunny: I'm home and sending you some more of this beautiful Pennsylvania :sunny: and lots of :D . You are going to get through this day in a healthy way and love yourself for it!

You are STRONG, girlfriend! You picked a protein bar over the E.V. M.! Munchie Monster, beware! You can't mess with princess: Doe-Doe!

Seriously, Doreen, you know that it's just one choice at a time that makes the difference. I know that if you're determined to make good choices all day long--and you can visualize yourself at the end of the day happy with how you've lived it--you will succeed!

Good luck and :hug: ,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm having a salad for lunch - about 12 carbs. Total so far = 21 carbs. I also have my Trident handy just in case that nasty Munchie Monster tries to lure me toward the E.V.M.!!!

Dinner tonight will be one of the new Subway Atkins-friendly wraps. DH and I are so excited to try these! I think one will be around 10 carbs, so I should be under my carb limit for the day. This will be a great accomplishment for me!!

I didn't walk at lunch - I just get lazy when I'm on the computer. I WILL walk at break-time this afternoon though. I've just GOT to get some sunshine today.

I do think I am my own worst enemy on this journey. I'm trying to change that, but it's been tough the past few days. I don't know why I'm making such bad choices but I really must put a stop to it. :confused:

[littleducksmom]

glad you are remembering that progresss not perfection phrase, doe..........hehehe......now let's live up to it!........you still need the progress part of it

i'll be checking back to see if you went for that walk.dont let me down!

[lulu201]

Hey, Doreen, p.m. coming your way. . .

[Castillo Mom]

What?! Did you just say Subway has a low carb wrap?!:hyper: Thanks for sharing Doreen, I had no idea. I'm definitely going to check in with you tomorrow to see how liked it. When I find a fast food joint that has low carb food on the menu, I go running. Never though Subway would ever offer anything like that. Have a good evening.:D

[lulu201]

Good morning :hug: for my WISH-sis, Doreen! I'm going to raise a glass of water and toast you this morning, Doe-Doe. We can make this Tuesday of ours a great :sunny: day--especially if we try to do it together.

The Great A.M. Challenge: Your challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to walk the walk until 11:59 a.m. You have to avoid the E.V.M. unless it can spit out something healthy. You must drink lots of water or decaf green tea, and you must engage in many positive, Doreen-affirming thoughts. Got it? More importantly, will you accept this challenge? (I'll be peeking in later to check on your answer.)

Here we go, Doreen, off into the :sunny: new day.

:cool1: :cool1: WE CAN DO THIS!
Erin

[DoeWDW]

It's a brand new day! It's rainy and gloomy outside, so I put on my brightest yellow turtleneck to add some :sunny: to my day!!

Recap of yesterday:
On the negative side, I never did make it out for that walk. I had every intention both at work and then later at home, but it never happened for a multitude of reasons. Pedometer yesterday = 6200 steps.
On the positive side, I had a snack of some macadamia nuts and some leftover ham and then a healthy dinner of a Subway turkey bacon low-carb wrap - 11 carbs! I figure I had about 40 carbs for the day -YAY!!!! I had NO chocolate and NOTHING from the E.V.M.!! I think I may have broken the nasty food cycle!! :bounce:

I'm making definite progress!! The junk food just doesn't look as inviting as it did a few days ago.

Today's goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out on the desk for lunch.
2. Water - 64 oz at work.
3. Food - under 60 carbs and NO chocolate or unhealthy E.V.M. stuff. I'm eating my pumpkin custard for breakfast - 6 carbs. I brought string cheese and another pumpkin custard for snacks. I think I'll have a salad for lunch. Dinner is a roast which is already in the Crock-pot (patting myself on the back for remembering to put it in this morning!).
4. Exercise - none so far, but I have my pedometer on. My goal is to top my 6200 steps from yesterday.

I think that's enough for me to do today.

Deb, I'll be getting more steps in today - you can count on it!

Lisa, the Subway turkey bacon wrap is DELISH!! I really enjoyed it and it didn't feel like "diet" food. Who needs all that bread, anyway! I want to taste all the good stuff INSIDE! We will be making regular trips to Subway! You can also get ANY of their sandwiches on a low-carb wrap - you'll just have to calculate the carbs yourself.

Erin, I'll see your A.M. Challenge and raise you one - I'm ready for a Tuesday Challenge! I can walk the healthy walk all day long today, especially if you're walking with me! :happy1: I'm mentally ready to commit to the whole day - are you with me, girlfriend?? My goals above will cover everything but the Doreen-affirming thoughts - hmmm, have to work on that one. I am proud that I was cheat-free yesterday and that I've got dinner in the crock-pot already and that I have healthy snacks with me at work. I'm on a roll!! Here's a toast back at ya, Erin - to my WISH-sis, who helps me more than she could ever know!! ::yes::

[lulu201]

princess: Doe-Doe, you're on! We're going to make this a cheat -free, living-healthy-and-loving it-Tuesday!:Pinkbounc :bounce:

Queen Lulu (but not for long!:hyper: )

[DoeWDW]

Goals so far:
1. Meds taken, vitamins still waiting on the desk.
2. 24 oz water down.
3. 6 carbs from breakfast so far. I made a salad for lunch but haven't eaten it yet. I wasn't hungry over lunch hour and I think it's silly to eat just "because it's time". I have the salad in the fridge so that I can have it when I'm hungry this afternoon. I'll take the vitamins then too.
4. Walked for part of lunch hour - about 2800 steps. I'm up over 7000 for the day so far. This is a big deal - I usually just sit on my bum over lunch hour - takes a lot of willpower to walk!!

I'm doing well and I'm cheat-free so far. I can't see anything that might derail me! :sunny:

Edit: 2:45 PM
Ate my salad an hour ago and took my vitamin. I'm finishing up 52 oz of water. I'm feeling so full! Can't imagine cheating at the moment!

[lulu201]

Hey, Doreen. . .YOU'RE DOING IT! A CHEAT FREE TUESDAY IS OVER HALF WAY THROUGH (that is, if you go to bed by 10 p.m.:p ).
I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers all day. Just wanted you to know that.:D

You're beating me on steps today, too. I'm at 7389 and I'm on my way to take a nap! DSIL didn't come today--long story--but now I'm into some serious R and R. DD is at a birthday party/sleepover and DH, who has a bad headcold, is already snoring away. Might as well join him, don't you think?:p

Did I tell you I'm going to Subway to have a turkey wrap? It's sounding good at 10 points!

'Til later,
E.

[DoeWDW]

It's only 6:30 but I've finished eating. If I have anything else it will be sf jello w/ whipped cream, but I don't think I'll even want that. I've had my second cheat-free day!! Dinner was roast beef and 2 Dove dark chocolate Promises. I was going to make veggies but all the stuff in the freezer had freezer burn! :confused: The kids and DH will have carby stuff with their roast - I have left the kitchen!! :p The Dove dark chocolate Promises are the only chocolate I have no desire to overeat. They have lots of healthy stuff in them, believe it or not. 2 of them = 7 carbs.

My goals:
1. Meds & vitamins taken - A+
2. 64 oz water - drank it all - A+
3. Food, under 60 carbs for the day - A+
4. Exercise - 9100+ steps at the moment - A-, but walking at lunch bumps it up to a solid A.

I did GOOD today! I'm feeling better and stronger each day. Gotta love this healthy living!! ::yes::

[mudnuri]

Good job on not cheating! DH brought home chinese food tonight, per my request, and I had to eat in the living room, and stay away from them with all their carb laden food. DD's had sweet & sour chicken, loaded with carbs, and the sauce must have tons of sugar!....so I know the feeling of leaving the kitchen!

Congrats again....your quite the inspiration!

Brandy

[Castillo Mom]

Congratulations on your cheat free day and staying away from the E.V.M. Thanks for the feedback on the Subway wraps, they sound good. I'll probably try one this weekend. Keep up the good work Doreen!:D

[DoeWDW]

Brandy, I thought I was the only one who fled the kitchen.... :tongue: Glad to hear I have good company!!

Today will be another healthy day for me!

Goals - the usual.
1. Meds & vitamins.
2. Water - 5 12 oz mugs = 60 oz before I leave work.
3. Food - under 60 carbs for the day and avoid trigger foods.
4. Exercise - I have my pedometer on and will try to motivate myself to walk at lunch for at least 15 minutes.

No big plans for tonight. We're staying home and I don't have anything special planned. I'm not even sure I'm going to stay up until midnight - am feeling tired already this morning. I feel guilty - shouldn't I create a festive atmosphere for the kids and DH? It sounds like work. Maybe we'll play a game as a family tonight, so we can at least spend time together - that's what is important, right? I don't HAVE to do a special meal, have party favors and toast in the new year, do I??? So many mixed feelings. :confused:

More later.....

[lulu201]

Good morning, Doreen!:sunny: It's another healthy-living day for you and me. Today's going to be a bit toughter, though, because I'm seriously into planning yummy snacks for tonight! I've got to figure out how I'm going to eat all this and stay within the points, too. Oh, well, that's my problem, not yours. You've got to make sure you stay away from the E.V.M.! :sunny: :sunny: Run, oh, Munchie Monster!!!

About tonight: no, you don't have to plan a whole big thing. Ask around the family--what do they want out of tonight? If they want a fancy meal and the works, invite them to get busy with you! It would definitely be more fun if they're involved, too. Maybe DS and DD would like to be in charge of entertainment (games, movies, noisemakers? :crazy: ), you and DH could handle the food. Or, maybe you'll find out that it's no big deal to anyone and everyone would just like to crash around 10:30!::yes::

We'll probably have dinner/snacks around 8 p.m., but I don't know if we'll make it to midnight. DD had a sleepover last night. We're bowling with friends this afternoon, so she won't have a chance to nap much--I predict serious crash around 9:30 or so!

Yep, we've got to plan out what we're going to do training-wise. Let's look at the AVA schedule and set some things up. You want to begin walking together in March? Jan. and Feb. could be too cold, don't you think? As far as walking vs. running goes, I'm going to start incorporating some running in my training schedule to build endurance and increase my speed. My goal is to walk/run the half marathon. . .if I end up walking the whole thing, so be it. Running the whole thing? I don't think that could ever happen! I have some good info from about.com's walking site; they're sending me a weekly half marathon training schedule. According to them, I should be able to do the walk by April (16 weeks)! If I'm that fit by then, I'll just work to maintain that level.

I've heard some talk about the Jan. 12th registration; one person said she didn't believe that's true. Do you know the real scoop? HOW do we register anyway? I'll have to go to the Disney site and check things out.

OK, I've got to get to the treadie. Today's my three mile day. So we're on for a January challenge tomorrow, right? We're going to go forward even though we know we're going to have some hard moments, right? We're going onward and downward into the new year without looking back, right? Fearless! Brave! Healthy!
Right? RIGHT!!!::yes::

Have a great day, Doreen!
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Change in plans!! Eddie the Weasel.....oops.....I mean PA Governor Ed Rendell :teeth: has given us 4 hours off today! I'll be leaving work just after 11 AM.

1. Meds taken, vitamins will have to wait for lunch at home.
2. Only 12 oz so far
3. Pumpkin custard (6 carbs) for breakfast and 2 string cheese (2 carbs) for snack. Total so far = 8 carbs.
4. Will it be warm enough to walk the puppy this afternoon?? I sure could use the sunshine AND the exercise!!

Then maybe I can take an afternoon nap and stay up til midnight. I'll take Erin's advice and ask the family what they want to do. Now I'll have time to get to the store and make food, etc. I love the idea of letting the kids take responsibility for part of the fun! Hopefully DH will play along with whatever they decide.... :p

[lulu201]

Eddie the Weasel!:rotfl:

[septbride2002]

Doe it sounds like a great day! Enjoy the extra hours off and I hope you get to take a walk this afternoon. I just got back from mine and it was great! :)

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

My plans are always fluctuating! Why do I even bother? :p

The extra hours off were NOT spent walking the puppy and napping - they were spent at Lowe's getting paint & painting supplies for DD's bedroom.

Now DD is heading out for a sleepover at a friend's. DH, DS and I are getting take-out for dinner - Wendy's for DS and Subway for DH and I. Who knows what will happen next? :p I guess it's good that I'm a very flexible person. ::yes::

I had an ounce of nuts (6 carbs) and a protein bar (2 carbs) for a snack / late lunch. Total so far = 16 carbs. Dinner will be a low-carb wrap from Subway (8 carbs).

I'm walking the low-carb walk - this will be my third cheat free day. I put the cute bear back in my siggie in preparation for the cheat free January. Why wait til January to start, right??

princess: Doe-Doe, fearless, brave and healthy!! RIGHT! :sunny:

[lulu201]

Good morning, dear WISH-sis! :hug: for the New Year. It's 2004,
Doreen, and you're going into it 11 pounds lighter and ready to take on the physical challenge of your life: the 2005 Half Marathon! Let the training begin! :Pinkbounc

Doreen, I can't begin to tell you how much your friendship and support mean to me. I'm so grateful that we're walking the walk--in so many ways--together.

So, it's you, me, Amanda, Deb, and Lisa Zeraspride aiming for the cheat-free January. Let's do it!

Did you make it to midnight last night? Just wondering if I'm the only one who petered out early.:p

Here's :sunny: for you and Maya. Enjoy your day. Are you going to begin DDs painting project today? What color did you all decide on?

May your 2004 be filled with blessings,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Last night we managed to stay up til midnight but were in bed by 12:20. :p I was cheat-free yesterday - 3rd day in a row!! I'm proud of me for turning around that nasty cycle of eating junk, craving junk, eating more junk, etc.

I'm starting 2004 off right!

I did my weight & measurements this morning - will post them later. I think I'll try to avoid the scale except for once a week at Sunday weigh-ins.

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins are on the table.
2. Water - not enough yet but I'll keep my mug with me today.
3. Food - Pumpkin custard (6 carbs) for breakfast. Not hungry for anything else yet. Dinner will be pork & sauerkraut at Mom & Dad's house with them and some good family friends. I'll be skipping the mashed potatoes. She asked me to bring cookies for dessert - bought them, since I was afraid I'd munch the dough if I made them. :D I'm also bringing a cheese ball (low carb) and crackers. I'll be counting all my carbs and staying under 60 for the day.
4. Exercise - I signed up at coolrunning.com and am keeping a journal. I did the Couch to 5K (C25K) week 1 workout. I was surprised at how well I did but I may have to do week 1 for 2 weeks to build up my stamina and endurance. I took Maya with me and she did well, so I think she'll be my training partner. I asked for a mentor on the site and asked about low-carb eating while running - I've heard it's tough to do them together.

My goal - to complete the 2005 Disney half marathon without being picked up by the sweeper bus!! I don't want to be fast - I just want to finish! :teeth:

I feel like the sky's the limit this year. I love the support system here on WISH - you all have helped me so much already, especially my WISH-sis, Erin! I feel like I can accomplish anything with my WISH friends!

Onward and inward.

[LAinSEA]

Doing the half marathon in 2005 is completely within your reach. I think its a wonderful goal and its great you have a "training partner" - I wish you both a successful year as you work towards your goal.

I have a feeling that as you train, you will probably reach your weight, size and health goals as well - without any worry.

Onward and inward, Doreen!

-Laurie

[DoeWDW]

I wanted to post my January 1st weight & measurements.
Weight - 129
Bust - 38
Chest - 32
Waist - 31
Hips - 38.5
Thighs - 39.5

My next weigh & measure day will be NEXT Sunday, the 11th. I'll try to stay off the scale until then....

Today's wrap-up
1. Meds taken, vitamins....will get them tomorrow.
2. Tons of water - at least 72 oz.
3. Food - Dinner was pork, a little sauerkraut and some waldorf salad - couldn't have been any more than 20 carbs total. While everyone else was snacking on cookies, I had some of the crackers and cheese ball that I brought - no more than 25 carbs. I was well under 60 grams for today - YAY!! This is my 4th cheat free day!!
4. Exercise - My thigh muscles have noticed the running today. :p They're just a little achey, but it feels good!! :D I told my family about doing the half marathon and they did NOT take it seriously. That's fine - it gives me that "I'll show them" attitude! They can make all the jokes they want but I'll be shaping up, looking good and crossing that finish line while they're still wondering how I did it!! Eat my dust!! :teeth:

I feel so positive starting this new year! This half-marathon is a gift to myself, for me and no one else, because I'm worth it. I saw a saying today - "triumph" is nothing more than "try" with a little "umph" - I have "umph"!!!

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doreen!

You're doing the half marathon? Good for you. I feel like I am missing out. I wish I could join you guys but it's not to be 2005. Maybe 2006? Who knows. What wonderful goals you have set for yourself. I know we each will be able to reach our weight loss goals this year with the awesome support on this board and our determination. Keep up the great work!

[septbride2002]

You will show them Doe! I went to the website that you mentioned and signed on as well and will be doing the same program. I ran yesterday and my thighs are punishing me today. I plan on walking and running again tomorrow. I was going to work out today but then ended up doing very strenuous housework for about 3 hours and was exhausted by that - so I figured I had enough. You are doing Great! I asked Lulu this techinical ques but since you are a protein person I will ask you as well. My goal everyday is 30 carbs or less and today I ate 31 carbs but also all the housework. Did I cheat? I want to say no but then again this is a techinical kinda thing.

~Amanda

[littleducksmom]

doreen........i am there with ya on the half marathon, but i want to run the whole thing.......how much did you run today?.........that sore feeling in your thighs is a good thing!!!!!!do you want to walk or run or combo the marathon?...i have a feeling that you will be able to run it.......if you really train for it. i mean i weighed 250 and started running last jan and i feel that i could run it today without a problem.......and i still weigh in the 190's.

glad to see ya being cheat free for another day!!!!!

[lulu201]

OH, MY GOSH! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc :bounce:
You're in the 120s!!!! The only time in my life I remember being in the 120s was in 6th GRADE! May I live vicariously through you for a few moments? :p

Doreen, your attitude and honest sharing of your feelings in your journal are so powerful and have made such a difference in my life. I'm sorry that your family wasn't receptive when you told them about your half marathon goal, but you know that here your dreams are embraced and encouraged. Thank goodness for WISH (and for our DHs), right? What matters is that YOU know you're going to do this! And when the times get rough, and we know that they sometimes do, we'll all be here to support you. You know I'm just a PM away. . .:D

Are you working in DDs room today? What are your exercise plans?

We're heading downtown (Phila.) today to see Stomp. My DH, the drummer, is excited. DD is willing to tolerate the whole thing, and I'm thinking of it as a big adventure. I'm still a small town girl at heart--all those skyscrapers give me a thrill!. I'll check in with you later.

Let me know if you join a fitness club, btw. I'll come and pay to be your guest for the day, and we can walk side by side on the treadies for one of our training walks! :p

:hug: , princess: Doe-Doe,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support! You have no idea how much it helps to know that I'm not alone on this journey!

Actually, I'm kind of glad that my family doesn't believe I can do the half-marathon. There's something very motivating about proving them wrong. :teeth: It's great to know that there are a bunch of us here with the same goal. I know we can do it if we support each other, cheer for each other and lean on each other through the ups and downs. Working together as a group can be so powerful!! I feel blessed to be a part of this!!

Today I'm back at work - no time off for me over the holidays! I'm actually carrying 3 vacation days over into 2004. That's a new record for me!! I usually use my vacation up and carry over only a few hours. :teeth: Now I have extra days for snow, for me, for all my Disney trips, etc. It's a good feeling!

My thighs are a little sore today, but not nearly as bad as I thought they would be after my first training session yesterday. I still find it hard to see myself as a runner. I'm more of a walker. I just don't think I'll be able to walk a 16 minute mile for 13 miles. I'm already thinking about race strategy....LOL!! I figure I'll walk the first half mile to warm up and to let the crowd thin. Then I'll jog a few miles to put some space between me and the bus that picks people up who can't stay at a 16 minute mile pace. That way I'll have a cushion and I can probably walk the rest of the way, unless I'm really feeling good and want to jog some of it.

A year ago, I never would have set a goal this big. It still scares me a little but with everyone else here who's working toward the same goal, I'm not overwhelmed with fear like I would have been last year. I truly feel like I can achieve this and I'm excited to be going for it. I can't wait until January 12th when I can register for the race. ::yes::

Goals for today:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the desk
2. Water - 24 oz down - 36 oz to go while at work.
3. Food - B = protein bar (2 carbs). I have nuts and string cheese to snack on and I'll get a salad for lunch. Dinner? I have some chicken thawing in the fridge. Maybe I'll check out that lowcarbfriends website for a new recipe to try.
4. Exercise - Did my 20 minute Pilates workout this morning. I have a sore neck (been bugging me for a couple days - the chiropractor will adjust it next week) so I put a pillow under my head for support.

It's going to be a good day! I can just feel it! I truly wish I could bottle this positive feeling and get it out when the d-zone hits in a few weeks! :D

Erin, I avoided the scale this morning! We use it as a door stop in the bathroom so I can't hide it. I THOUGHT about stepping on it but we promised to wait, so I held out. I FEEL thinner, though! :p

Edit: 1:30 PM
Meds & vitamins taken, 36 oz. water down, lunch was a Subway low-carb turkey bacon wrap (11 carbs) - total so far today = 13 carbs. I had to get off my lazy bum and walk to Subway. It isn't that far, but just getting out of my chair and outside is great for me!! I LOVE those Subway wraps!!

I'm doing well and feeling sunny! :sunny:

Edit: 4 PM
I changed my goal in my signature - I'm just not sure what my goal should be. I want to be healthier and fitter. I know that is at a weight less than I am now. I just am not sure what that weight will be. Do I really HAVE to pick a number? Maybe I should find a better way to define success....

[septbride2002]

Girl you are off to a great day! I am craving those subway wraps - I might go get one tomorrow for dinner tonight or I might wait till tomorrow can't make up my mind at the moment. Good job on the pilates, I might do some yoga tomorrow to help stretch myself out from all the running.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Yesterday's recap - I finished the day cheat-free. I had a Wendy's mandarin chicken salad (? carbs - no more than 40) and 2 Dove dark chocolate Promises (7 carbs). My total was under 60 carbs for the day.

I was wide awake at 3 AM this morning. I was worried about training for the half-marathon. I just can't figure out how to train. Should I train to walk it? Should I train to run it? Should I be more worried about the distance for now and then work on time or should I start doing short distances at race pace and then build up distance? Should I train at the fitness center on the treadmill so I can see my distance and time or should I walk the local sidewalks or should I use the local rail trail? So many questions!! I looked at the walking training schedules and the running training schedules.... After a few hours of making myself miserable, I have decided to....not decide.... :laughing:

I've conned my DS into walking with me today. I'm going to do 4 miles on the local rail trail with DS and the puppy. I'm going to walk it as fast as is comfortable and not look at my watch until I finish. Then I'll need to start making some longer term decisions. But I know what I want to do for today and that's enough for now. This half marathon will be more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge for me!! I'm not giving up though - I really want to do this.

Today so far:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the table.
2. 12 oz water so far - tough to drink when I'm at home but I'll try.
3. Under 60 carbs for today. I've had a scrambled egg & some ham - I suppose I should count 2 carbs just in case? Eating low-carb and running do not seem compatible, which is another reason that I'm questioning how I want to train. I may have to up my carbs as I up my distance, even if I'm walking. I'll eat more fruit and NOT more processed junk.
4. Exercise - see above goal - 4 miles as fast as comfortable.

I avoided the scale this morning!

I'm still in the game! :sunny:

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, princess: Athlete Doe-Doe.:sunny: :sunny: Let the sun shine down on you and banish all your cares about this Half-Marathon. I know that you're going to work it out.

Did you read what my strategy is? I'm planning to use the next few months to establish the mileage and then try to cut my time down to something I feel comfortable with. To get that time, I know that I'll have to eventually do some kind of walk/jog, but right now, I'm more concerned with developing the strength and endurance part of it. You are a different person, however, and may I say, a much "lighter" person, so your issues may be different. As you know I'm committed to a very brisk race walk attitude--if I'm the last one over the tape I don't care (as long as I'm not riding in the sweeper bus!:D ). I don't really like running. Maybe it sounds as if I'm not setting my goals high enough, but this is what I feel comfortable with. ::yes:: If you decide to run, girlfriend, then go for it! Do you LIKE to run? Is running a hobby/sport that you'd like to continue doing after the half marathon? Many people here on the boards enjoy it. If you do, then aim for the stars and go for it! Also, if you're feeling that you want to do something different and our little training sessions won't be compatible with that--don't worry! We don't have to train together--I won't be upset. It's enough for me to know that we're in this Half Marathon together. Do you know what I'm trying to say? You have to do what's right for you. Period. End of lecture.

Have fun on the walk with DS. What exactly is walking a rail trail? Are you walking on railroad tracks??:confused:

Congratulations on another cheat free day! We're doing this, Doreen!

Erin

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe,
Since I checked out the cool running website I would stick with the plan they given you for the Couch to 5K. After getting through that 9 weeks then start building for distance and speed. Whatever you do listen to your body and let it be the judge of what you can handle right now. And thirdly - don't stress about it! Part of this is suppose to be fun! :) Per other runners I know the treadmill is great for clocking and watching speed but running outdoors will actually help you burn more calories and build your endurance faster. Why? Because of the terrain and the wind. The trails will be softer and easier on your knees, legs, and chin bone for running. Concrete is hard and unforgiving but is still good for walking if you are not comfortable running on it yet.

You are going to have a great day I know it! (Ohhh.... Dove Promies.....yummy).

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

OK, just got back from my walk and want to post times, steps, etc. while I can still remember them. :p

I walked 4 miles at my usual brisk-walk pace that I use on longer walks. We walked 2 miles out and 2 miles back. I finished the first 2 miles in 31 minutes. I did the second 2 miles in 32 minutes. Total was 1:03 for 4 miles - this is definitely race pace. 4 16 minute miles is 1:04 - so I was ahead of the sweeper bus! YAY! Could I keep it up for 13+ miles - no, but I definitely could have walked further today. I was fighting off a stitch in my side at about 2.5 miles but it was gone by 3 miles. I felt great!

Total steps were almost exactly 9,000. That means I walk a mile in 2,250 steps. This will be handy to know when I'm walking on the local sidewalks. I won't have to take the car out and measure all my walks. :tongue: Gee, the half-marathon should only be about 30,000 steps! :hyper:

I'm feeling much better now that I've seen my stats. I know what race pace "feels" like. I think I'll just do the walking training this week - 3 walks of 3 miles each at a bit slower pace. Then I'll try another 4 mile walk in a week or two and see how I feel. For now, I think I'll hold off on the running. I want to start slow - I have a year, so there's no need to push things.

I also am OK now with having a plan for the next week or two and then reassessing. This morning, I was feeling like I had to have every walk, distance and time goal written down on a spreadsheet for the next 12 months and that's just silly. I do not think rationally in the wee hours of the morning - I should know that by now. :teeth:

I'm back on track and feeling positive. I'm off to find lunch. I'm still working out the details of my eating plan - I may want to up my carbs to 80 - 100 grams a day, as long as the extra carbs are coming from higher carb veggies and fruits. I'll still consider that a cheat free day. I can't walk all these miles with no glycogen stores in my muscles. I may have to be more concerned with calories and lower my fats.

Weight - who knows. I think the scale will become less important. I'm going to be building muscle so I may even gain weight while losing inches. Maybe my measurements should mean more than the scale number from here on out. I think I need to rely more on how healthy I feel. Again, not something I have to decide now. All in good time.

Erin and Amanda, thank you so much for your posts and kind words. I appreciate all the information and support you've so graciously offered. It especially meant a lot when I was feeling so low this morning before my walk.

Enough for now! Onward! :sunny:

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Doreen, just wanted to say a quick hello and happy new year!:D

[littleducksmom]

doreen.........have you read about body for life?.........you are so much the kind of person for this program.......maybe you should check it out....bfl has changed the way my body looks,seriously..i mean look at my sept pic.....i weighed 190# in it....not too many would dare have a pic in a bikini at that wt., but i have changed my thinking....it's not just about what the scale says.......it's how i feel and look.......the way of bfl eating seems similar to what you are doing already.......not trying to push you into this but you really seem prime for this program.........the emphasis is eating equal amts of protien and complex carbs.....exercise-wise you workout with wts 3 days for 45 mins.......and do only 20 mins of interval cardio training the other 3 days........this interval cardio training will totally help you in preps for the marathon whether you walk or run..........i have one other suggestion re: running the marathon........before you switch to running you probably should be able to do a 12-13 min mile walking........this is really tough.....but it is certainly doable if you train with intervals........and it certainly something to set as a goal.

personally, the 20 min interval training on a treadmill has helped me so much with decreasing my times.......and the long runs, which i prefer to do outside, help with the endurance. i only run 5 miles and wont ever run more than that, i am sure, in prep for the half marathon.

hope this helps and doesnt cause you more grief.........we have a whole year........nothing has to be decided right now. please dont put pressure on yourself, this is not what this new lifestyle is about.........

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, thanks for stopping by! Always good to hear from you!

Deb, thanks for all the info. I think Body for Life stresses less fat than I'm used to on low-carb and more complex carbs, especially from whole grains - more like the Zone, I think. I got away from eating that way because of bad acid reflux. I'm very concerned about getting too much insulin pumping through my body, and low-carb prevents that, and forces my body to burn fat, but now that I don't have as much fat to burn....hmmm. I do miss my oatmeal in the AM.

I think the Body for Life exercise program is very interesting. I've read about high intensity interval training and its many benefits. I may try to incorporate some of that into my training. I also have used resistance training - large rubber band-type things instead of weights - in the past and it may be time to start that up again as well, once I get my mileage up. Thanks for helping me consider all this!

I think I've met my goals for the day, although I didn't eat as much as I should have. After my walk I had a banana (25 carbs) and string cheese (1 carb). For dinner I ate chicken (6 carbs for the seasoning). I'll probably have 2 Dove dark chocolate Promises (7 carbs) before bed. I'm way under my 60 carb limit and I don't think I ate enough calories. I've GOT to get to the store tomorrow!

It was a good day and I'm feeling great. My legs feel so much better after my 4 mile walk today than they felt after my short running workout on Thursday. We'll see how they feel tomorrow morning! :laughing:

I'm going to roll over my clippie and head to bed.

[lulu201]

:D Wow! What a great day you had, Doreen. :D I can feel your strength and positive attitude coming through the computer screen. :Pinkbounc

I hope you have a good night's sleep. You figured out a lot of stuff today. :o zzzz

:wave2: Good night,
Erin

[lulu201]

:sunny: Good morning, Doreen!:sunny: Just wanted to stop by and offer a :hug: and some :D for your brand new day. Are you helping with Sunday School this morning? Whatever you do, remember to eat enough.::yes:: Jocks like us have to make sure we eat right!

princess: Lulu

[DoeWDW]

It's Sunday, which is official weigh and measure day for me. For those who don't know, first number is today, second is from last time (New Year's Day), third is what I started at in August:

Weight - 130 / 129 / 142 (gained muscle from working out?)
Bust - 38 / 38 / 39.5
Chest - 33 / 32 / 33.5
Waist - 31.5 / 31 / 34
Hips - 38 / 38.5 / 40
Thighs - 39 / 39.5 / 41

All in all, it looks like I'm holding my own. I will see more changes as I continue to train for the h.m.

Goals today - same as usual:
1. Meds & vitamins are waiting for me
2. Have started drinking - am hoping for 4 16 oz mugs - 64 oz
3. Food - Protein bar (2 carbs) for breakfast. No idea what lunch and dinner will bring but I am headed to the store and I want to try some new recipes from my low-carb cookbook.
4. Exercise - Today is supposed to be a rest day. It's hard to NOT exercise, but I know my body really needs time to repair and recharge. :rolleyes:

Today I'll focus on creating a food plan for the week. I am at my weakest when I'm tired and have nothing planned for meals. We've been eating out WAY too much lately.

I feel good after my walk yesterday. My muscles are not nearly as sore as after my run on Thursday. I think my body likes walking better. I'll focus on walking this week and may add running later in the year after I've got a solid mileage base built up.

Onward and inward! :sunny:

[septbride2002]

Doe you definately need to do a day of rest when exercising as hard as you have been. Even personal trainers will tell you to switch off every other day on the body parts you exercise. With walking/running you are doing total body::yes::

Sounds like you had a great day yesterday! Good for you! Keep up the great work today!

~Amanda

[Castillo Mom]

Doreen, looks like you've made some really steady progress since August, good for you! You ladies are making me consider walking as a form of exercise. Hope you got some rest today so that you're ready to take on the rest of the week. I agree that planning ahead makes it easier to stay on plan. Have a great week!:D

[DoeWDW]

Gotta post these carbs before I forget 'em! :p
B = protein bar (2 carbs)
L = frozen fish filet (19 carbs) - not a great choice but it was handy
S = organic trail mix (11 carbs)
Total so far = 32 carbs for today.

Now I'm off to cook dinner - a new recipe involving ground beef, tomato sauce and green beans? :confused:

I also have to finish putting away groceries....LOTS of groceries! :eek:

I got my new workout shoes - they're actually running shoes but for the mileage I'll be putting on them and for the fast paced walking, the guy at the store thought they'd last longer and feel better than true walking shoes. They're Saucony Grid Omnis, or something like that....in a 7 1/2 wide.....sooooooo comfy!! Were they worth the $80.....I'll let you know in a week or two. :p

[septbride2002]

Let me know how that recipe works out - sounds interesting.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Well, it got so late that I scrapped the "Green Bean Spaghetti" and made "Dana's Tuna Salad" instead - really good! She uses lots of veggies so it has a nice crunch! I had one serving of tuna salad on a Wasa fiber rye cracker - 9 carbs total, and I'm full! I packed the rest up to take to work the next two days for lunches.

I even bought some of the Breyer's low-carb strawberry ice cream AND the Klondike Carb Smart ice cream bars at the store - and I am too full to even want to try them tonight! :D

I'm getting these recipes from Dana Carpender's 500 Low-Carb Recipes cookbook. I'm trying new recipes every night this week!

So, the green bean spaghetti is on tap for tomorrow's dinner - I'll keep you posted!

It's time for me to update my adorable cheat free bear clippie and head to bed. Tomorrow it's off to another work week and I'm prepared with yummy food! :sunny:

[A1A1]

What you are doing is so wonderful! It is so exhilarating to read your posts. For now, I will walk vicariously through you, but see that I am headed in that direction.

I am now out of work----finished my assignment, and am looking for another. I will have more time to walk. Think I will just get outside and see how it goes. I have a treadmill, but never use it. It is collecting dust. I never thought about walking a half marathon, but now see that it is a possibility.

Thanks for the inspiration. Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wave2:

[lulu201]

:wave: Hi, Doreen! Happy Monday! You sound like you're raring to go into the new week. . .you've got all those yummy menus planned. Good for you! :Pinkbounc

Keep your chin up and head bravely into another Cheat Free Day!
What kind of exercise are you doing for today?

:hug: , girlfriend--
Erin

[DoeWDW]

The whole family is back to work and school today. There were some long faces at my house this morning - especially the puppy, who has been spoiled with lots of attention during the holidays. I did feel bad leaving her this morning. :(

Other than enduring the puppy's sad eyes, I am happy to be back in the routine. I feel like I'm prepared for the week ahead. There is no mystery about what's for dinner on any given night - all the menus are planned and the ingredients are in the kitchen waiting to be turned into yummy healthy meals. It's funny how menus can make my day feel lighter and brighter. :p

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins on the desk.
2. Water - 24 oz down, 36 oz to go
3. Food - protein bar (2 carbs) for breakfast. AM snack is an apple (26 carbs). Lunch will be tuna salad on fiber rye cracker (9 carbs). Afternoon snack will be trail mix (11 carbs). That will make 48 carbs during the day. Dinner is green bean spaghetti - don't remember how many carbs but it's pretty low. I may go over 60 carbs today because of my apple but I'm considering it a cheat free day, because it's all healthy food.
4. Exercise - I brought my new running shoes & a pair of white socks with me to work. It's raining today, so I figured I'd walk inside around the capitol building. My goal is 3 miles during lunch hour, but I can't afford to get all perspired since I have to be back at my desk all afternoon. My coworkers wouldn't appreciate that! We'll see how I do!

I feel so sunny today. It doesn't extend to my work, however - would rather not do the stuff on my to-do list. :( Oh well, that's what they pay me for, right? :rolleyes:

Onward to another cheat free day! :sunny:

Edit: 1 PM
1. Meds & vitamins taken.
2. Working on my last mug for 64 oz - will end up drinking more!
3. Had my apple around 10 AM, and was hungry by 11:30! Now I remember why I don't eat carbs without fat or protein. :rolleyes: Had my tuna salad on a rye cracker for lunch at 11:30. I'm on track today!
4. Walked 3 miles at lunch in about 50 minutes. LOVE my new walking shoes!

On days like this, the healthy living thing feels so natural and so easy. However, I know tougher days are coming. I'm going to savor this feeling of having it all under control! :D

Edit: 4 PM
2. 76 oz for the work day!
3. 48 carbs so far, just as planned

[littleducksmom]

doe,

wow what a great day you are having!!!!!!!! very inspiring to see how you are doing today!

funny how my house was the same way this a.m........poor kids i feel so sorry for them........not!.......hehehe.

keep up your positive attitude and what the heck is green bean spaghetti?.........sorry if i missed a post about this.

[septbride2002]

What do you put in your shake?

Hey Doe - I make my shakes with 1/2 cup cottage cheese and 1/4 cup plain vanilla yogurt the 1/2 cup frozen strawberries and pinch of either strawberry lemonade crystal light or splenda. Blend - It is yummy, full of protein from the cottage cheese, and only 9 carbs.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

Final entry for today.

I had green bean spaghetti for dinner (14 carbs) and a Carb Smart Klondike ice cream bar (5 carbs). Total for today = 67 carbs. It's a little over my 60 carb limit but it was all good food and none of it was eaten in binge mode, so I'm considering it a cheat free day.

Green bean spaghetti is from Dana Carpender's 500 Low Carb Recipes cookbook. You make french cut green beans and top them with a concoction of ground beef, onion & green pepper in a light tomato sauce with parmesan cheese on top. I liked it OK and will happily eat the leftovers. DH is NOT a fan of ground beef, so he tried it and then made himself an omelet. :p :rolleyes: The kids shun anything that contains tomato sauce so they made their own stuff for dinner.

It was a good day for me. Time for bed.... :wave2:

[Castillo Mom]

Oh Doreen, you're killing me with low carb Klondike ice cream bar!!:crazy: I'm reducing the amount of low carb ice cream from my diet this week and now I hear about Klondike. Next week I'll be on a quest for Klondike after I get over this hump.

But enough about me. You sound like you had quite a spring in your step today!:D It is nice to have menus planned out for the week, no staring in the fridge or inside the cabinets wondering what to cook and less temptation to cheat.

I hope the rest of your week is as sunny in spirit as today Doreen!

[DoeWDW]

Sorry, Lisa (Castillo Mom)! I am not eating those kinds of treats on a daily basis - am going to try to limit them to once or twice a week. I hope that makes you feel a little bettler. :D

Thanks, all, for dropping by my journal! Your presence helps encourage me and keep me on the healthy living track! :wave2:

Today's goals:
1. Meds taken. Vitamins out for lunch.
2. 64 oz water at work.
3. Food under 60 carbs or at least very close to that, no trigger foods, no binging (boy that word looks funny! - maybe it's bingeing?). B = tuna salad on rye cracker - 9 carbs - YUMMY! Lunch will be leftover green bean spaghetti. Dinner will be ham steaks with mustard sauce, broccoli piquant and homemade coleslaw. Snacks - string cheese and macadamia nuts as I need them.
4. Exercise - did my 20 minute Pilates workout this morning - felt so good to stretch my legs! My hamstrings are noticing all this walking. :p I don't know if I'll do anything else today or not. I do have my pedometer on so I'll keep track of my steps.

I'm hoping to make a nice dinner in spite of having lots of running to do tonight. I may put that yummy dinner on hold until tomorrow night if things get too hectic. It's our turn to drive the carpool for baton / dance lessons for DD & her friend and we need to stop by the mall to get birthday presents for DS who turns 16 on Sunday. Leftovers may have to suffice if I'm too tired to cook after all that running. Gotta be good to me!!

I'm feeling pretty good again today. I feel like things are on track and under control. :sunny:

Edit: 9:15 AM
3. String cheese (1 carb) - total so far = 10 carbs.

Edit: 1 PM
1. Meds & vitamins taken.
2. Only 24 oz so far - gotta drink up!
3. Lunch - green bean spaghetti (14 carbs) - Total so far = 24

Edit: 9:45 PM
2. Finished up with 48 oz water
3. Dinner - green bean spaghetti (14 carbs), trail mix (11 carbs) and an ice cream bar (5 carbs) - Total for the day = 54 carbs

Another cheat free day for me. They're getting tougher, though. The Munchie Monster tried to sneak up on me this afternoon, but my trusty Trident gum sent him packing. It's that time of month, though, when he'll be lurking around every corner. It's good that we have our cheat free challenge for January - it will help me stay strong!

[septbride2002]

Hi Doe sounds like another fabulous day! I love String Cheese and it is great to grab for an extra snack, I also usually stock up on cheese cubes for snacks. I know what you mean about the Pilates my hamstrings were thanking me for the extra stretching that it allows for.

~Amanda

[LAinSEA]

Sounds like your doing great - I agree, it's good to be back to a normal routine after the holidays for a bunch of reasons. The green bean "spaghetti" sounds like something to put on the list to try. I've been missing fruit...and that apple sounds so tempting...

More sunshine to you!

-Laurie

[lulu201]

Hey, WISH-sis, sounds like you had another awesome day.:Pinkbounc You are doing so well. Your walk at lunch yesterday was amazing and inspiring! I hope to get my three mile in tomorrow as soon as I get DD to school. Are you doing three miles tomorrow, too? I've got to start doing some Pilates to better stretch myself. Are you doing the Windsor Pilates still?

I'll try to stop in early a.m. to wish you well on the journey.

Good night,
Erin

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, dear WISH-sis, good morning to you. . . :sunny: :sunny: Can you hear me singing? I hope you have a good day, Doreen, and can feel the warmth of all your WISH friends on this COLD day.

Can you believe that we're 9 days cheat free?!!! This week or so ahead is the testing ground for us, and I know that we're going to do our :cool1: :cool1: right through the Danger Zone. We're going to be lean, keen, walking machines!

Have yourself a great day. Keep the Trident close at hand and stay far away from the E.V.M. throughout the day. Whatever you do, don't make eye contact with it. Resist!! ::yes::

Talk to you later,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

Yes, Erin, I actually COULD hear you singing!! ::yes::

Nine days....hard to believe! DH said this morning that he can notice that I'm thinner. Who needs the scale??!! I haven't stepped on it since Sunday and I'm not even tempted to. I just FEEL thinner! My pants are getting looser as well - soon time for a mall trip! Maybe I'll get to buy those elusive size 10s! :bounce:

I'm staying home from work today. I've already stopped by the fitness club to get prices for their various membership options - OUCH! But, realistically, I do NOT want to walk miles and miles in 20 degree weather, snow, etc. If I get a limited membership (cardio equip & weights Wed. - Sun.) it's only $20 a month. However, if my family wants to come along or I want 7 day access or I decide to take fitness classes, the price really goes up. I think I'll sign up for the cheapest membership now and then upgrade if I need to. I do like the idea of working out on a treadmill so I can easily measure time & distance.

I also need to see the chiropractor this morning - my neck is "out of alignment" as they would say and needs an adjustment. It's been getting worse and worse this week because of working on a computer all day.

I have lots to do around the house as well. Those personal days really come in handy! I'm fortunate that I didn't have any major meetings or anything due today.

Goals - always the same
1. Meds & vitamins - haven't taken either yet.
2. 64 oz water - none yet.
3. Food under 60 grams carbs, no triggers, no binges - none yet.
4. Exercise - 3 mile walk - none yet.

Gee, I'd better get moving! :p These goals are tougher to meet when I'm at home but I'll give it my best shot!

Edit: 12:45 PM
1. Meds taken.
2. 12 oz water so far
3. Protein bar - 2 carbs - for breakfast.
4. 3 mile walk at 15 minute mile pace. Joined the fitness center and walked on their treadmill. This definitely uses different muscles - I'll probably feel them tomorrow. I have to get new shorts - mine are chafing... :eek: The rest of me feels great and could have gone further but all the research says I have to start slowly and build up to the higher mileage.

Now I'm off to find a healthy lunch! Onward to another cheat free day! :sunny:

[ZerasPride]

Hi Doe!

It's so good to hear that you feel so in control of your eating plan right now! I love that feeling. I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems with your neck. It sounds painful but I hope it's not too bad for you.

That green bean spaghetti does sound good. I'll have to run it by DH to see if he wants to try it. We're trying to add some vegetable variety to our diet.

What a good idea to pre-plan meals. I have the entire month of January planned with dinners so when I make my weekly grocery list, all I have to do is check the list and buy the ingredients we need - like you said, it makes you feel in control and makes staying on plan so much easier! Those ice cream bars sound yummy but like Lisa (Castillo Mom), I'm trying to cut down on the ice cream. I started off with two times a week and it grew to four so I'm laying off the stuff for now.

Congrats on 9 days on the cheat free challenge! Keep up the great work and I hope your sunny and positive disposition sticks with you for a long time!

[littleducksmom]

doe..you are still doing great.........wonderful!!!!!.....and it's starting to show physically......hooray!!!!!!! i hear ya on those elusive 10's........i have been in 12's for several months now.......i hope that by the time i hit my goal i will be in 10's.

great to see that the scale means nothing to you too........enjoy that new gym membership........now you can even push yourself further........

[lulu201]

Just stopped by to say "Good night, Doreen." I wonder if I'll be able to sleep tonight? I'm so excited about the WISH walk!!!
I just can't believe it. When I think back to where I was a year ago, I could only have dreamed that this was what I was going to be doing. And to be doing it with my WISHsis and special WISH friends. Wow. That's all I can say.

:D Erin

[DoeWDW]

So nice to come to my journal and find that others have visited - thank you all for helping me to keep going!! :grouphug:

Let's see if I can remember everything I ate today.....

B - protein bar (2 carbs)
L - trail mix (11 carbs), coleslaw (4 carbs)
D - tuna salad on rye crackers (18 carbs), 2 Dove dark chocolate hearts (7 carbs)
Total for the day = 42 carbs

Drumroll please......I've made it 10 DAYS CHEAT FREE!!!!! :jumping3: Who would have guessed, especially after the holidays when I over-indulged?? Thank you for starting our January cheat free challenge, Erin, and thank you to all the other participants!! There were several times in the past few days that I would have caved, but then I thought of all of you trying your best and I just couldn't bring myself to eat those evil carbs!! ::yes::

I'm off to change my clippie and head to bed. :wave2:

[lulu201]

:jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1: :jumping1:

Celebrating those 10 Cheat Free Days! Doreen, you are doing it! You're leading a healthy life and it feels GOOD!

I think you and I learned from our holiday experience that this feels much better than THAT! While it's hard to resist temptations sometimes, the peace of mind and the healthy body are WORTH IT! WE'RE WORTH IT!!

I hope the feeling of success and lots of :sunny: follow you throughout this day and warms you up so there's a big :D on your face.

:wave: Erin

[DoeWDW]

I'm tired today and feeling out-of-sorts, kind of unfocused and fragile. Don't know if that makes sense.... :confused:

I was starting to feel like this yesterday and took the day off work to try to ward it off, but I'm feeling worse today. I think it may be just the part of my cycle - a hormone thing? I am at work but I could easily have stayed in bed and slept.

I am still on the healthy living track, though. I did slack off on exercise this morning - didn't do my Pilates. I just felt like I needed the rest. At this point, the walking is more important to me and today is a rest day in that regard.

Goals:
1. Meds taken, vitamins out.
2. 12 oz down, 48 to go.
3. Splenda for my green tea (1 carb), protein bar (2 carbs).
4. No exercise today - conserving my strength.

Onward I go! :D

[A1A1]

I hope that you feel better. Your healthy attitude and eating should lessen the illness you may be on the cusp of.

Sounds like you are doing really well with exercising. Have you always been an exerciser? I never exercised, and it's been the most difficult thing to change.

Did you decide to train for walking? I could probably go back and refresh my memory.

Have a good day. Rest. Relax. Be healthy.


;)

[DoeWDW]

I have never been a regular exerciser. It has always been difficult for me to start a routine and then stick to it. I don't consider myself athletic or coordinated. :p Having the half-marathon as a goal has really inspired me to stick with the routine though.

Snack - 2 tuna salad rye crackers (18 carbs). Total so far = 21 carbs. It isn't even close to lunch-time but I just felt like I needed to eat - very odd. I wasn't binging - my body just was feeling weak, like it needed nourishment. However, I could see today becoming a binge day if I'm not careful. Definitely a day to stay away from trigger foods - my willpower is low! :rolleyes:

What happened to all my sunny feelings from the past week? I felt like I could conquer anything. I was on top of the world. Now I feel like a limp dishrag with no energy and no confidence. I want to curl up in a ball and hide under the covers. My healthy habits are keeping me going though. I'm so glad I have healthy food with me at work. I did peek at the E.V.M. but there's nothing good in there.

Maybe I'll treat myself to a Subway wrap at lunchtime. I'd have to walk outside in the cold weather to get it - NOT appealing at all! Or I can make a salad at the snack bar in my building. I will have to make sure I eat until full at lunch, so I'm less likely to crave a snack this afternoon.

I'm feeling :( - just wish I could figure out why. :confused:

[ZerasPride]

Doreen - I'm so sorry you are feeling down. I hate that feeling. What I appreciate the most about your attitude though is that you are not letting your down feelings cause you to cheat! Good for you - now that's progress isn't it?

I hope your sunny diposition and positive attitude come back real soon. Take care of yourself and go get that Subway wrap, they look so good on the commercials!

[DoeWDW]

Thanks, Lisa!

Late lunch - protein bar (2 carbs), half ounce nuts (4 carbs). Total so far = 27 carbs. I feel full so have not been tempted too much by the E.V.M. However, I feel like I could eat a truckload of chocolate! :eek: :teeth:

I took my vitamins and have been drinking lots of water - not sure how many ounces, but lots.

I'm waiting for the workday to end. I'm ready to go home. We have a visit to the chiropractor tonight (never made it yesterday) and then I can go to bed early.

[LAinSEA]

Doreen - I love your attitude and your courage...you feel down and get right back up and get going again, very inspiring!

I may have mentioned it before - I'm on a study for PMS where they have put me on BC meds that I take consecutively so I will not have a period for 15 months (how long the study lasts). Prior to the study, I had blue moods (worst at mid-cycle) through that TOM. Since starting the meds in October I feel like my emotions are completely in balance - even though the loss of my DH's job, flooded out bedroom, flu at Christmas, bully of a Exec. Producer at work...etc. While I've always suffered from painful TOM - I never experienced the "blue moods" until I was about 36 yrs old...I'm 40 now.

Sometimes you have to keep after your doctors to get the right diagnosis and meds for your situation. (My sister's DH was first diagnosed with depression - but actually he's bi-polar and requires a totally different set of meds...the original diagnosis was because he sought help during the depression side of the illness because the manic side was pretty cool, lots of energy!) You don't have to settle for bad days, even occasionally. You are in charge of your life.

Please forgive me if I've overstepped here. I just think that you are an amazing woman. When I hear the EVM is calling to me, I think of your strength and I pass it by too.

take care,
Laurie

[DoeWDW]

Laurie, you have definitely not overstepped any boundaries. Thank you for the insight into your history! It's nice to know I'm not alone! Your story is very similar to my own!

I've been doing some research into PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). I have noticed that my mood changes are definitely tied to my monthly cycle. I am just past mid cycle now and that seems to be when this low mood, fatigue, over-emotionalism, etc. hit me every month. I'll feel better within a day of TOM's start. These symptoms are severe enough for me that I often miss one or two days of work at this time every month and don't get much done at work for another 4-5 days. I will need to go back to my doctor to see how we can address it but I think I need to do some more research first.

I'm already on Effexor SR for depression. It has done wonders for me for the first 2 weeks of my cycle! I am no longer miserable the whole month, now I'm only miserable for half the month! :p But I need to research how to treat PMDD when I'm already taking an anti-depressant.

Your story brings up another option - birth control pills to prevent the cycle altogether. However, I've been working so hard to lose weight and birth control pills seem to add 10 pounds to my weight, no matter what I do.... :D I guess I'll have to decide if I'd rather have stable moods and be 10 pounds heavier or if my vanity will win out. :teeth:

Thanks, again, Laurie! Keep me posted on how you're doing!

[LAinSEA]

Unfortunately I don't know the exact company or prescription of the BC they put me on - it's a blind study. But I do know that they are very low-dose - so low in fact that if I don't take them in the correct hour window each night I experience some break-through bleeding the next day. But I do know that they have made a world of difference in just 4 cycles!

Are they making weight loss harder for me? Maybe. It was really easy in 1999 to lose 30 lbs in a month and 1/2 when I was not on any meds. But more realistically, I think I did this to myself...I was eating very little, somewhere between 500 & 800 calories per day and I think that my metabolism just shut down. I actually put on the last 20 pounds on 800 calories or less! I'm starting to drop 2-3 lbs a week now - but it took me doubling or tripling my food intake and dumping the carbs over a whole month. (My DH reminded me that yes I was 180 when we started induction...but the last time I'd weighed myself prior to that was at the beginning of Nov. when we weighed our cats...and my weight then was 189. That means I'm actually down 15 lbs instead of just 6 lbs.)

I think with your low-carb diet and all the training you're doing for the marathon, adding a low-dose BC to the mix wouldn't add too many or any lbs. Talk to your OB/GYN and see if he/she has any ideas.

take care,
Laurie :sunny:

[DoeWDW]

Dinner - Subway turkey bacon melt wrap - 16 carbs (had tomatoes on it), 2 Dove dark chocolate hearts - 7 carbs. Total for the day = 50 carbs. Another cheat free day! This was a tough one and I'm proud of myself for making it through without cheating!!

I'm feeling better thanks to all the support here and thanks to the adjustment I got at the chiropractor's :D . I'm still down but not as far down as I was! What would I do without my WISH buddies?

I'm off to turn over my clippie and do more research on PMDD. Then it's early to bed so I can rest up for tomorrow.

:grouphug: to all of you for helping me get through the day!

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, Doe-Doe! This is your daily dose of sunshine!:sunny: :sunny: I hope if follows you through another wonderful CHEAT FREE DAY! How are you feeling this a.m., anyway? Know that I'm WISHing you strength to get you through!

What are your exercise plans? Do you have time to walk but at a slow, relaxed pace? Try not to push yourself. Are you at home or at work?

:hug: ,
Erin

[DoeWDW]

I crashed this morning. I periodically am so fatigued that I just can't move very quickly for a day or two. I'm at home today and I'll be taking things slow and catching several naps along the way.

I was thinking of going to the fitness center to use the treadmill for my scheduled 3 mile walk, but I'm afraid I'll push myself too hard. Instead I've decided to do my 3 mile WATP workout, so I can stop or slow down if I need to. It's all about listening to my body and doing what's right for me. Thank you to everyone here who has helped me learn that I don't have to do it all and I don't have to be superwoman!

Goals for today:
1. Meds & vitamins.
2. 64 oz water
3. Under 60 carbs for food
4. 3 mile WATP at a pace that I can live with

I'm walking slowly but fearlessly into another cheat free day! :sunny:

[littleducksmom]

doe.......i hope you feel more up to par soon........i wish i had some answers for you but i dont........keep up with whatever exercise you can do.......it should give you a bit more energy and better attitude........sounds like eating wise you are hangin in there.........that's a tough one ....but remember we all will looking to see your cheat clippie change daily.......hugs!!!

[A1A1]

So much to type. I am sorry that you aren't feeling quite yourself. I live in Western New York, not very far from you. I am in a state where I just want to sleep. I am chilled through to the bone, and want to curl up under my covers for a few days. Feel kind of like a bear that needs to hibernate. I get the "blues" or a feeling of being.......as you have said a "dishrag" every winter. I hate winter. It is too cold to go out, and the sun shines for such a short time if at all. I think I have that Seasonal Affective Disorder. Is this something that you think might affect you, too?

Good for you for resisting the EVM. There must be a hidden magnet or hypnotic device in some of them.

You sound mentally healthier than I think you know right now. You are right to just "give yourself a break" every once in a while. I think the whole world would be a better place if everyone did that or took a mental health day or two every month.

Take it easy. Get the rest your body and mind are telling you they need. :faint: You will feel :sunny: shortly.

[DoeWDW]

Deb and A, thanks for the encouragement!

A, I may be impacted somewhat by SAD. My crash episodes seem to be throughout the year though. They are tied to the middle of my monthly cycle, somehow. I'm still doing research and trying to piece the puzzle together on this. I can relate to feeling frozen and unwilling to go out in the cold - I despise the cold weather! DH and I are committed to retiring to Florida - I cannot grow old in this climate!

I'd better journal my goals before I forget...
1. Meds taken, gotta remember vitamin at dinner...
2. Water - 36 oz at least, will work on more
3. Food - B = protein bar (2 carbs), no real lunch but I've been snacking when hungry, sunflower seeds (1 carb), organic trail mix (11 carbs), apple (24 carbs). Total so far = 38 carbs.
4. No exercise yet. Not sure if I'll do it today or not.....

I've been taking it easy today and am feeling better, more rested. My son turns 16 on Sunday and the family party is tomorrow night at my house. Fortunately, he wants pizza and subs, so I don't have to cook. But I do need to clean - UGH!! Guess I'll leave it for tomorrow and get the kids to help (whether they want to or not! :p ).

Edit: 8:30 PM
3. D = roasted chicken (0 carbs), lemon pepper green beans (3 carbs). I also forgot to put down earlier that over the course of the day I've had 4 pieces of Dove dark chocolate (14 carbs). Total for today = 55 carbs.

Another cheat free day - unbelievable! I really didn't think I'd make it this long. I'm quite proud of my cute little bear!! :teeth:

[lulu201]

You're getting close to the two week mark, princess: Doe-Doe. Can you believe it?:Pinkbounc Keep walking the walk--sometimes fast, some days slowly--and you'll be OK. Baby steps, one day at a time.

Get those kids helping out over there! :p Teen labor is the best!
All that youthful enthusiasm channelled (sp?) into something as worthwhile as cleanliness! (Oh, but if my DD asks, you never heard that from me!)

Be good to yourself. Stay warm. :sunny: Eat right and drink lots of water. Find the joy in the moment.:D

:hug: ,
princess: Lulu

[septbride2002]

Thanks for helping me with my carb recipe dilema - I really appreciate it . I know today you are going to have a fabulous day and remember housework does count as exercise so don't over do it to much.

~Amanda

[DoeWDW]

I confess, I ate 5 more carbs last night before bed. That took me to my 60 carb limit, but I didn't go over!

I also confess that I did not exercise yesterday and I probably won't today, if I look at my day realistically. I'm disappointed in myself for letting this happen. I WILL be at the fitness center tomorrow - no matter what!

Goals today:
1. Meds taken, no vitamins yet
2. 12 oz water - gotta keep drinking
3. B = tuna salad on rye cracker (9 carbs), last of the organic trail mix (11 carbs). Total so far = 20 carbs. Not sure what lunch will be but dinner will be a low-carb Subway wrap. We're having my son's birthday party tonight (my family is coming over) so I'll have to be extra careful with the desserts! I do have lc ice cream in the freezer that I haven't tried yet and my dad is diabetic - maybe he and I will have that!
4. Exercise - lots of errands to run but no walk today. :( This makes me sad - guess I really have made exercise a habit I enjoy because I really do miss it when I don't do it. That's a new attitude for me!

I'm off to balance the checkbook and run all the errands and get things ready for the party. I think it's gonna be a good day!

[septbride2002]

Hiya Doreen! How do you make this Organic Trail mix? Or did you buy it from somewhere?

~Amanda

[Castillo Mom]

Hi Doreen! Looks like you had a couple of rough days but you got over the hump.:D I really admire your perserverence, I know it's not always easy to face the world on a daily basis when you're suffering from the blues. I've also had some bouts with depression, and it can be debilitating at times. I remember just letting things fall down around me which caused a vicous cycle. The only thing I could bring myself to do was the bare minimum. But you seem to have a handle on things and recognize when you're going into a low phase and you approach the situation head on. And yes, you should be very proud of your cute little brown bear, it's a symbol of all your hard work! Looks like you'll have a pretty busy today with your party. Hope everything turns out well. Have fun!:D

[DoeWDW]

Well, the checkbook got balanced - enough money to cover what had to be covered. The errands got run, despite wind chills below zero (why am I living in PA and not FL???). The party has come and gone - everything was wonderful AND I stayed within my carb limits.

Lunch was tuna salad on rye cracker (9 carbs) again - no time to make anything else, and 2 Dove dark chocolates (7 carbs). Dinner was a turkey bacon wrap from Subway (11 carbs) and 1/2 cup Breyers lc ice cream (5 carbs). Total for today = 52 carbs.

Another cheat free day for me!! :bounce:

My dad also ate the Breyers lc ice cream. I was glad that I had something he could eat (diabetic) for dessert - it's hard to turn down all that carb-laden stuff when there's no alternative. He was eyeing the ice cream cake until I told him I had the lc ice cream - he looked relieved and happy.

I'm off to change my clippie and head to bed. Getting ready for and hosting parties is exhausting to me! Tomorrow is DS's official 16th birthday so we have late lunch planned at Outback Steakhouse - no problem with low-carb there!

Amanda, the organic trail mix is made by Waymount Farms and is sold at my grocery store.

Lisa (Castillo Mom), my depression used to be debilitating practically every day, until the doctor switched me to Effexor. Now I only go through this a few days a month - a change for the better! Before I had depression, I really never believed people who said they were so tired they could not get out of bed - I just figured they were lazy. Well, I learned my lesson on that one!! Now I'm much more likely to listen when my body says it needs to rest, but it's a fine line between "rest" and "emotional and physical shut-down". It sounds like your depression is in the past - happy to hear it!

I'll catch up on everyone's journals tomorrow! :wave:

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, princess: Doe-Doe of the WISH:sunny: :sunny: Here's some warming sunshine for you in the midst of our PA deep freeze. I was lying in bed this morning thinking, "this is as good as it gets. I'll never be this warm again until I come back to bed tonight." Quite the positive way to start the day, wasn't it?:rolleyes:

At any rate, I'm here to wish you well on your healthy living journey. Take your meds and your vitamins and have a little of that lc ice cream!:p It was nice that your dad had an option for dessert. My dad was diabetic; it was hard for him to always be saying "no, thank you."

Go forward into the new day. :Pinkbounc Have a fun time at Outback and enjoy the birthday party. :Pinkbounc

princess: Lulu of the WISH

[DoeWDW]

I have not gotten on the scale since weigh-in last Sunday morning. That alone is reason to celebrate - I've never been able to go that long without weighing!

This morning the scale said 128 - that's 2 pounds less than the 130 I weighed last Sunday!! I didn't take measurements yet - I'll post them later.

I guess all these cheat free days and the 3 mile training walks are paying off!!

Erin, knowing I could finally weigh in today is what drove me out from under those warm covers! :p

Edit: 10:15 AM
Official Weigh-In and Measure Results
Weight 128 / 130 / 142
Bust 37.5 / 38 / 39.5
Chest 33 / 33 / 33.5
Waist 31.5 / 31.5 / 34
Hips 38 / 38 / 40
Thighs 39 / 39 / 41

So I've lost 2 pounds and half an inch off my bust, while the rest of my measurements remain the same. All in all, it's been a good week and I'm happy with the results. It will be interesting to see how continued training for the half-marathon affects my measurements.

Can't stay - have egg custard in the oven. It will be breakfast today and for the next couple days at work. :D

[lulu201]

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc Wow! Two pounds gone! That's fantastic! They just jumped off when you weren't even looking!:p

Don't forget, Doreen--we've got to stay up late tonight and sign up for the half marathon! :hyper: :hyper: (that's us getting to the finish line on 1/9/05!)

It seems warmer today. Hooray!

Erin

[DoeWDW]

I surprised myself today! I went to the fitness center to use their treadmill - I really didn't want to walk outside with wind chills in the teens (I'm a cold weather wimp....LOL!). I walked 2 miles in 30 minutes (4.0 mph). Then I got bored so I walked another mile a little faster (4.2 mph). Then I REALLY got bored so I jogged a half mile (5.0 mph).... :hyper: I walked the last half mile (4.2 mph) just because I thought I should - I could have kept running, I think.

I'm a little worried about training there - they have big signs up saying there's a 20 minute time limit on the treadmills. I figure I'll go during the slow times and hopefully no one will say anything, as long as there are other treadmills open for use.

I had 1.5 oz honey roasted sunflower seeds (9 carbs), drank 24 oz water and took my meds before I went to the fitness center. I think I'll save the egg custard for later. Late lunch / early dinner will be at Outback Steakhouse - a 1/2 pound burger and baked sweet potato. I'll go check their website for carb counts before we leave.

I'm so excited about registering for the half-marathon tomorrow! Do you really think they'll start taking registrations at midnight tonight??? If I knew they were, I'd seriously stay up! :tongue:

[A1A1]

Woooooooo HHHoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!! Great job. This is wonderful news. Good for you! Way to go!!!! Wonderful!!

[A1A1]

Doe---I will be up with you and Lulu. I am registering for this race!!!!

[lulu201]

Doreen--and all interested folks:p--registration is open for the half marathon. I'm registered with a confirmation number and everything!

Uh, now, Doreen, could you help me with my little running Mickey clippie?:confused:

Erin :hyper:

[DoeWDW]

I'm excited beyond belief!! I'm all registered for the 2005 WDW Half Marathon!!!! I'm really going to go to Orlando, meet lots of other WISHers and do the half-marathon next January!!!

I've never done anything like this in my life. I've set such a cool goal and I have no doubts that I'll meet this goal. A half-marathon at age 40 - I would never even have dared to dream this a couple years ago. Now I'm not only dreaming it, I'm doing it!! I'm hearing strains of "When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are....".

WISHCon 2005 and the 2005 WDW Half-Marathon - LOOK OUT, HERE I COME!! :sunny: :sunny:

Back to reality for a moment....we went to Outback for my son's birthday dinner and I stayed on plan. I just entered everything into Fitday, including the 2 sips of cranberry margarita, the 2 pieces of DD's mac & cheese AND the 3 fries, as well as the burger (no bun), half a salad and half a baked sweet potato. The whole thing came to 45 carbs. Add the 9 carbs from earlier and I finished the day with 54 carbs!

That's 2 weeks cheat free for me!! I'm turning over my clippie and I'm going to TRY to go to bed. :p :hyper:

[LAinSEA]

Now it's REAL and so exciting! It has got to feel great to be registered and have a concrete goal to go after.

I'm so thrilled for you - be proud of yourself!

-Laurie

[lulu201]

I'm wearing my new clippie!:Pinkbounc Thank you so much, Doreen. Your post about the Walk made me smile--it's an amazing, wonderful goal to have, isn't it? And we're going to do it!

:cool1: :cool1: We're walking The Walk, 1/9/05!

Good night. Try to sleep--you're an athlete in training!

Erin

[A1A1]

This 1/2 marathon is the most exciting thing that has happened to me in a while. I am not letting anyone in on it yet. I want it to be all about me and not about my family and what they have to say about it. I don't want anyone judging me or my progress. I want to do it by myself and for myself.

I am glad for you that you not only lost the two pounds, but remain positive and "cheat free", may I add.

Have a great day. Stay warm.

[lulu201]

:sunny: :sunny: Good morning, Doreen!:sunny: :sunny: I think we're supposed to get lots of sun today, aren't we? If not, we'll be making our own just thinking about how well we're doing.

Your times yesterday on the treadmill were fantastic! You're going to be leading the pack! :Pinkbounc Just think how fast you'll be a year from now!!!!

Remember to take your vitamins and meds to work.

:hug: for your day,
Erin