WISH Away the Pounds--January 2013 challenge--Everyone Welcome!

[Greenfield1984]

QUESTION OF THE DAY SATURDAY JAN 19:
If someone asked you what your secret to consistent weight loss is, what would you tell them?

Bonus QOTD: Who's going to Disney this year???

My secret is diet AND exercise! My body is incredibly stubborn and if I don't do it 100% right (both the diet and exercise part) then I don't lose weight. I'm always envious of people who can lose weight through only one or the other but alas that is not my fate...

We are skipping Disney this year We were there in December though. This year is going to be a Myrtle Beach vacation in August with my entire family (parents, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents). I love my family so it should be a great trip! I imagine we'll probably be back at Disney in 2014 (gotta squeeze in one more trip on site while our youngest DD is still under 3 so we can fit in a value room!)

 

[araes2102]

You are doing great-- don't get discouraged. A lot of those 9 pounds the first week may have been water and not actual fat loss. And as your body adjusts you may have gained back some of that water and of course lost a little more water and fat. While we are on a monthly goal thread and looking at our losses week to week it really isn't the week to week that counts in the big picture-- it is the overall direction that you are headed. As long as you are seeing any loss then you are doing AWESOME! Keep doing what you are doing. And remember that hormones can also do strange things to us so one week you may lose a bunch then do the exact same things the next week and lose nothing.

Thanks for the encouragement! I am definitely NOT giving up! I know the first week was for sure water weight so I am hoping the scale just catches up to show the good work I have been doing with actual progress I am gonna wait for my actual weigh in tomorrow though, I am close being down 2 lbs so I hope to see that in the am

 

[araes2102]

My secret is diet AND exercise! My body is incredibly stubborn and if I don't do it 100% right (both the diet and exercise part) then I don't lose weight. I'm always envious of people who can lose weight through only one or the other but alas that is not my fate...

We are skipping Disney this year We were there in December though. This year is going to be a Myrtle Beach vacation in August with my entire family (parents, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents). I love my family so it should be a great trip! I imagine we'll probably be back at Disney in 2014 (gotta squeeze in one more trip on site while our youngest DD is still under 3 so we can fit in a value room!)

Oh I feel you on having to do both! But it is that much healthier though, right?

And that sounds like an AMAZING vacation! I am sure you will have a great time!

 

[Eliza32]

QUESTION OF THE DAY SATURDAY JAN 19:
If someone asked you what your secret to consistent weight loss is, what would you tell them?

Bonus QOTD: Who's going to Disney this year???


********************************************************

My secret is movement! I can stick to my daily points all I want, but unless I move and exercise in some fashion the weight just won't come off. So MOVE!!! I need to get back to doing Zumba at home. In fact this looks a lot like me doing Zumba. lol

I am most definitely going to Disney in May of this year. Can't wait!!

Planning is key - working out at the weekend all of the meals I intend to eat over the next week then going to the supermarket and buying ONLY what I need!! That way I can't cheat myself.
Never go out for lunch at work, always take what I need to keep on track...my colleagues haven't even figured that I'm trying to lose weight yet as I always have so much good stuff to eat. Slimming World is sooo easy to follow!

No Disney for us this year, it's sooo expensive from the UK right now, hoping for September '14

 

[Rose&Mike]

QUESTION OF THE DAY SATURDAY JAN 19:
If someone asked you what your secret to consistent weight loss is, what would you tell them?

diet and exercise...small portions and lots of movement. But I really do the best on weeks that I meal plan.


I got new running shoes yesterday. I did a 4 mile run in 40:21 and feel pretty good. Still keeping up on my mile a day challenge. My weight is back to before the marathon, so I will take it! Might not have much of a loss this month, but will be happy without a gain.

Keep sending in those weight updates.

 

[araes2102]

Been very quiet today! Usually is on the weekends I guess, which is when I usually have time to be on! Anyway, had a good day, got all the chores done around the house, and made the banana flax bread for breakfast (for everyone else) and creamy salsa chicken in the crock pot for dinner... which was really good! Made it into tostadas for the family and I had mine over salad, yum! Also made it to them Y today! Not a super strenous workout but got in both weights and elliptical so yay me Feeling good and gonna settle down and watch a movie with my love now that the kids are in bed Hoping for a good weigh in tomorrow! Night all!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Happy Sunday!!!

QOTD for Sat? I would say, quit sugar & exercise daily.

(I guess this question is so we can remember what we used to lose weight consistently? Nice...)

Bonus? I am not vacationing anywhere, anytime in the near future. One of these days....

Happy planning wishers.

 

[Greenfield1984]

Oh I feel you on having to do both! But it is that much healthier though, right?

And that sounds like an AMAZING vacation! I am sure you will have a great time!

Haha, yeah that's what I try to tell myself. Because if I didn't have to exercise to lose it I'm sure I wouldn't be working out 6 days a week. Much healthier all around

 

[pjlla]

I have had trouble with the scale... I only lost 1 lb! Now I know slow weight loss is healthy, but I have A LOT to lose and it is only my second week so I figured it would go a bit faster than that... I was on OP all week (except missing 2 workouts). Well maybe it's like on the BL, little to no loss on the second week, especially if you had a good loss the first week (I lost 9 lbs).

And GREAT job on your choices (even with the lesson learned about the veggies)

Don't get too frustrated. It WILL happen... and 1 pound is actually just right!. BUt if you don't have a good loss again this week though, it may be time to take another look at what you are doing/eating. But fingers crossed for the next weigh in!

Planning is key - working out at the weekend all of the meals I intend to eat over the next week then going to the supermarket and buying ONLY what I need!! That way I can't cheat myself.
Never go out for lunch at work, always take what I need to keep on track...my colleagues haven't even figured that I'm trying to lose weight yet as I always have so much good stuff to eat. Slimming World is sooo easy to follow!

No Disney for us this year, it's sooo expensive from the UK right now, hoping for September '14

I agree about the planning! I am HUGE on making plans of ALL types, including meal planning, etc.

diet and exercise...small portions and lots of movement. But I really do the best on weeks that I meal plan.


I got new running shoes yesterday. I did a 4 mile run in 40:21 and feel pretty good. Still keeping up on my mile a day challenge. My weight is back to before the marathon, so I will take it! Might not have much of a loss this month, but will be happy without a gain.

Keep sending in those weight updates.

YEAH on new shoes! I am in the market, but need to make the time to actually go shopping!

Ending the month without a gain is just fine!

Been very quiet today! Usually is on the weekends I guess, which is when I usually have time to be on! Anyway, had a good day, got all the chores done around the house, and made the banana flax bread for breakfast (for everyone else) and creamy salsa chicken in the crock pot for dinner... which was really good! Made it into tostadas for the family and I had mine over salad, yum! Also made it to them Y today! Not a super strenous workout but got in both weights and elliptical so yay me Feeling good and gonna settle down and watch a movie with my love now that the kids are in bed Hoping for a good weigh in tomorrow! Night all!

Did the family enjoy the bread? Good job on making it to the Y! I struggle with exercise on the weekends.

**************

Happy SUNNY Sunday morning friends!

I've already dropped DD off at the HS to catch the bus to today's meet. I'm running my 2nd load of laundry and I've had breakfast, so my day is moving along well. Next up I will pack my lunch and snacks for today, since I will be sitting at this meet for at least 5 hours!

DS did NOT bring home any ice cream cake last night. I was partially relieved and partially disappointed!! Instead I had a TEENY TINY bit of peppermint ice cream (about 1/4 C) that was the last of our holiday goodies. I stayed just about perfect on points with that. The ice cream cake would have DEFINITELY put me over, so just as well!

Dinner was homemade pizza. I make it on low carb tortillas for DH and myself and it is really tasty. I do enjoy the healthy whole wheat crusts that I usually buy, but the tortillas is much lower in fat/calories/carbs/Points, so I use those about half of the time. I slathered on some nice Trader Joe's marinara, some sauteed onions and red bell peppers, a few baby spinach leaves, and just enough cheese for taste (weighed portion, of course ). I had two HUGE pizzas for 5 Points! I didn't think I could eat it all, but I certainly did! (I know, I know.... the funky WW math shouldn't allow me to count each tortilla for 1 Point if I am eating BOTH at the same meal, but I cut myself some slack in that regard.)

Not sure what I am packing for today's lunch, but DS brought home some leftover broccoli slaw salad, so I am definitely splurging on a bit of that for a snack! The dressing is full of fat and sugar, so I may put my portion in a small colander and let it drain just a bit before packing it up. And maybe I'll make myself some popcorn to bring along.... we'll see.

Time to get cracking! I need to out the door about 10 am. TTYL.............P

 

[ColoradoLime]

Question of the day: Sunday, January 19

What inspires or pushes you to lose weight? Is it health problems, your kids, other's success, etc?

Bonus QOTD: What will you do for fun today?


I was just thinking last night that the success of others doesn't really inspire me. I have one friend who has lost 100lbs and I think that's fabulous, but it doesn't affect my ability to get with the program. However, I have this friend from high school who was always skinny like me. Now we both are overweight and our highest weight was the same. I just saw on Facebook that she is back to losing weight and is currently 10lbs less than me. THAT pushes me. I keep thinking, no way will she ever weigh less than me. Never! That will push me to get back on the program and stick with it!


Today for fun, I'm taking the kids to the park. Running around with them will not only be fun but will have the added bonus of exercise to it!

 

[Figment1990]

Don't get too frustrated. It WILL happen... and 1 pound is actually just right!. BUt if you don't have a good loss again this week though, it may be time to take another look at what you are doing/eating. But fingers crossed for the next weigh in!

I agree about the planning! I am HUGE on making plans of ALL types, including meal planning, etc.

YEAH on new shoes! I am in the market, but need to make the time to actually go shopping!

Ending the month without a gain is just fine!

Did the family enjoy the bread? Good job on making it to the Y! I struggle with exercise on the weekends.

**************

Happy SUNNY Sunday morning friends!

I've already dropped DD off at the HS to catch the bus to today's meet. I'm running my 2nd load of laundry and I've had breakfast, so my day is moving along well. Next up I will pack my lunch and snacks for today, since I will be sitting at this meet for at least 5 hours!

DS did NOT bring home any ice cream cake last night. I was partially relieved and partially disappointed!! Instead I had a TEENY TINY bit of peppermint ice cream (about 1/4 C) that was the last of our holiday goodies. I stayed just about perfect on points with that. The ice cream cake would have DEFINITELY put me over, so just as well!

Dinner was homemade pizza. I make it on low carb tortillas for DH and myself and it is really tasty. I do enjoy the healthy whole wheat crusts that I usually buy, but the tortillas is much lower in fat/calories/carbs/Points, so I use those about half of the time. I slathered on some nice Trader Joe's marinara, some sauteed onions and red bell peppers, a few baby spinach leaves, and just enough cheese for taste (weighed portion, of course ). I had two HUGE pizzas for 5 Points! I didn't think I could eat it all, but I certainly did! (I know, I know.... the funky WW math shouldn't allow me to count each tortilla for 1 Point if I am eating BOTH at the same meal, but I cut myself some slack in that regard.)

Not sure what I am packing for today's lunch, but DS brought home some leftover broccoli slaw salad, so I am definitely splurging on a bit of that for a snack! The dressing is full of fat and sugar, so I may put my portion in a small colander and let it drain just a bit before packing it up. And maybe I'll make myself some popcorn to bring along.... we'll see.

Time to get cracking! I need to out the door about 10 am. TTYL.............P

Thanks pjlla- for your post. I too had a no-loss week and I think it was due to a bunch of things (increased muscle, no more initial water weight loss, TOM). But- your suggestion of examining what I'm doing has encouraged me to start Tracking again more closely. I know I didn't cheat at all last week and I feel good about what I did eat (more fruits and veggies, lean protein, less carbs). But I have had good results when I track so I'm going to try that for the next 10 days and maybe I can lose a few by the end of the month. Thanks for the reminder!

QOTD- getting on the scale everyday is one way I've managed to be successful at staying committed to a weight loss effort. Whether it motivates me to workout or pass up that pizza night. It definitely works.

Bonus- mom, daughter, wife, dependable, leader, runner, planner, analytical, Gemini, Disney-addict!

 

[ColoradoLime]

We bribed the girls with ordered in pizza and went out on a date. I was really torn on where to go. I wanted to go to Carrabbas-- really, really, really wanted to go there. Saw a TV ad for a pasta dish I have been drooling ever for the last week. I. want. that. dish.

Carrabba's is my absolute favorite restaurant. I never need a menu because I always get the sirloin marsala. Steaks at other restaurants just can't compare. And there is no way I could ever skip the bread...fabulous! Fortunately, they closed the one near us so it's quite a drive to the other location which means it's limited to special occasions - like our anniversary coming up at the end of this month.

Fav exercise... Crossramp at the Y.

I am thinking about giving myself a treat next month, a Fitbit! Or something similar... Anyone have one they love? Or a suggestion for something similar? I would like something to track how many calories I burn and maybe have a pedometer...

What does cross ramp consist of? I haven't heard of it before.

I considered a fitbit because I get a major discount on them, but decided it was just a glorified pedometer. I went with a more expensive Polar Heart Rate Monitor. This will not only tell me how long I'm working out and how far I've gone, but also monitors my fitness level and tell me when I'm improving. I love it so far.

Was kind of disappointed with my weigh in this morning. Just had a maintain.

Just remember sometimes the scale lies. Especially when you've been working out hard and will retain water. Are you tracking your measurements too? I quite often see results in my measurements even when the scale doesn't show it.

My secret is diet AND exercise! My body is incredibly stubborn and if I don't do it 100% right (both the diet and exercise part) then I don't lose weight.

This is the healthiest way!

Planning is key - working out at the weekend all of the meals I intend to eat over the next week then going to the supermarket and buying ONLY what I need!!

I have to do this too, it's not only helpful but it makes the decision on what to have for dinner so much easier!!

diet and exercise...small portions and lots of movement. But I really do the best on weeks that I meal plan.

Again, ditto on the meal planning

Happy Sunday!!!

QOTD for Sat? I would say, quit sugar & exercise daily.

Sugar affects me too. I cut out sugar from all my drinks last year. It was hard but not drinking my calories/points has made a world of difference in how much I can eat.

 

[lisah0711]

QUESTION OF THE DAY SATURDAY JAN 19:
If someone asked you what your secret to consistent weight loss is, what would you tell them?

Bonus QOTD: Who's going to Disney this year???

Thanks for coaching this week, Emily!

I think the best secret for consistent weight loss is never give up!

I just got back from WDW and will be going to DL in August for the Dumbo Double Dare!

Bonus: A whole lot of fun to spend time with.

You're even fun to spend time with virtually!

The new job is with a popular weight loss company. I'm excited about the opportunity, but they are really slow about things! I was hired October 20 but ended up waiting until January 10 before I had a day scheduled to go in and have all of the paperwork witnessed! Now I do my web-based training and then my in-person training and hopefully be ready to help people improve their lives and health at that point!

I know that you will do an excellent job with this!

I have had trouble with the scale... I only lost 1 lb! Now I know slow weight loss is healthy, but I have A LOT to lose and it is only my second week so I figured it would go a bit faster than that... I was on OP all week (except missing 2 workouts). Well maybe it's like on the BL, little to no loss on the second week, especially if you had a good loss the first week (I lost 9 lbs).

And GREAT job on your choices (even with the lesson learned about the veggies)

You had a great first week and any loss the week after that is a great one! You're off to a great start!

I'm going to Disney!! Whoohoo! 6 More days and I cannot stand the wait!

You are going to have such a great time!

I joined WW this week so have a big planning and prep day ahead of me for the week. I need to get my eating under control and eat a more balanced, healthy diet instead of just trying to keep under calories. I got an Activelink, too, so it will be interesting to see how this goes. I need to shake things up!

Having a great time cheering my friend Lisa who is running the Tinker Bell right now! Go, Lisa, Go!

P.S. Neener, neener poof fairy!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Question of the day: Sunday, January 19

What inspires or pushes you to lose weight? Is it health problems, your kids, other's success, etc?

Bonus QOTD: What will you do for fun today?

So when I started in 2010 and lost the 50 pounds it was for health reasons. I felt horrible. Sluggish and yucky all the time. Turns out some of that was the weight and some of it was the gluten.

Now I am inspired because I like it that my college student is proud of me and likes having active parents. I like that we can mostly keep up with him and his friends (at least until they go out at night ). And I like it that everyone around me expects me to be healthy and active. I don't know if that makes sense.

Not sure what we will do for fun today. We might just do nothing. We haven't had a day like that in a long time. Yesterday I worked an event and Mike helped out. Today I ran my mile and walked for a little bit. Now I am seriously considering a nap. Meal planning is on the plan for the day too!

Keep those weight updates coming in. I will probably update the first post tonight.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Good Morning!

Woke up because DD12's cough was so terrible I couldn't sleep through it! When she gets sick she gets a croupy seal bark cough that can be heard through the whole house. If it doesn't go away I may have to take her to the dr this week because she may actually have croup. She has had it almost every year but I don't think she got it last year. I may still have her inhalers they gave her last time so might try that.

Question of the day: Sunday, January 19

What inspires or pushes you to lose weight? Is it health problems, your kids, other's success, etc?

Bonus QOTD: What will you do for fun today?

Great question! I am inspired by others but that doesn't push me. Originally I did it because of a fear of health problems. Other than the affect it was having on my ability to get around I wasn't having any weight related health issues when I started. I had actually had a whole bunch of tests done to *evaluate* my health and the dr and I agreed I was the healthiest darn fat person around! But I knew that could change quickly and the consequences would not be good. I want to be around to see my children AND my grandchildren get married! The wall I hit that made me decide that it was time was when I realized I needed to go up another clothing size. I decided if I was going to have to buy all new clothes then I wanted to get them in smaller sizes, not bigger!

And the clothes are a lot of what keeps me going! That feeling of putting on a pair of pants that are usually a bit snug and realizing you are going to need a belt to hold them up . Deciding to try a shirt that a month ago was too tight to be decent for work and now it fits perfectly And then looking in the mirror and realizing how much better I am looking. Of course that makes me feel great. I don't really have any self esteem issues and loved myself 50 pounds ago, but it sure is a lot easier to love less of me!!!

Not sure how much "fun" I will have today. May try to go for a walk so that would probably be it. DD is miserable, I need to work on getting DD17 to explore some college options and she is NOT thrilled with that, and I have the usual housework to be done. I need to plan my meals for the week and do some cooking.

Speaking of which, I want to change my answer to yesterday's QOTD!!! Reading all the responses got me thinking and as I look at the last few days which haven't been great and plan for the next week I realize that PLANNING ahead is what allows me to continue to lose weight. If I don't have a Plan or the plan gets disrupted in any significant way then everything goes . I try to make my plans intentionally flexible so that no matter what life throws at me I can adapt quickly and easily but some days it just doesn't work out.

 

[tinkerbye]

It think what drives me is that I'm just sick of being big. I love to be active, run, swim,etc. and I can't go as fast or as far as I want. But I will!

For fun today I'm heading down to my brother's house. I'm in Washington visiting family and only see everyone twice a year.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

How totally cool!!! How did he get that special gig?

He applied for a spot. He had built a WWI ambulance a few years ago and wanted it in the parade.
Over 2000 groups applied and only 63 were accepted.

Sent from my iPhone using DISboards

 

[pjlla]

Question of the day: Sunday, January 19

What inspires or pushes you to lose weight? Is it health problems, your kids, other's success, etc?

Bonus QOTD: What will you do for fun today?
[\QUOTE]


Wellll... My initial inspirations was DISNEY! In looking at the photos from our first trip in 2002, when planning our 2004 trip I was determined to lose weight so I wouldn't hate every photo again!

I lost about 40 pounds and felt great heading to Disney at about 173 lbs. I look okay in the photos and was happy...but fell off the wagon immediately and forgot to jump back on! I regained about half of that before our trip to DL in 2005. That was a fabulous trip, but I'm sad I didn't get my butt in gear and lose the weight (again ) before that trip.

Fast forward to January 2008 and we are planning another trip to WDW...and I am bound and determined NOT to return there any fatter than I had been on our previous trip! I pulled out all the stops, hit the gym, stuck rigidly with my points, NO CHEATS, NO SPLURGES...and lost about 30+pounds in 3.5 months, returning to Disney in the high 160's!

But this time something changed! When we got back from our trip, I didn't give up...I didn't stop or throw in the towel after gaining a few vacation pounds. I got right back on track and kept losing! It had finally clicked that this was not a "temporary situation!" And I haven't stopped yet! On my next trip to Disney in 2010 I was at goal, (in the 130's) and BELOW goal at 128 for my 2011 trip! And the photos are GREAT!

But what keeps me going, day to day,even when I'm not planning a Disney trip? I love not hating myself any more! I love not dreading getting dressed! I love not avoiding cameras! I love not being embarrassed to meet new people! I love not feeling like I am an embarrassment to my kids! I love feeling in control of my life! I love feeling strong, powerful, and healthy, especially when so many people my age are not! I know it is HARD to understand how wonderful all of this is when you are struggling to lose weight, feeling like you will NEVER get to goal, or that you can't even consider giving up pizza and fries for the rest of your life. But take it from me, that old saying is SO TRUE......Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

Fun ? Today? Probably watching something on Netflix between walks outside and watching DD swim. We got here about 11:15 and the meet is due to run until 7:30 tonigh! not much time for FUN! But I'll try!

Thanks pjlla- for your post. I too had a no-loss week and I think it was due to a bunch of things (increased muscle, no more initial water weight loss, TOM). But- your suggestion of examining what I'm doing has encouraged me to start Tracking again more closely. I know I didn't cheat at all last week and I feel good about what I did eat (more fruits and veggies, lean protein, less carbs). But I have had good results when I track so I'm going to try that for the next 10 days and maybe I can lose a few by the end of the month. Thanks for the reminder!

QOTD- getting on the scale everyday is one way I've managed to be successful at staying committed to a weight loss effort. Whether it motivates me to workout or pass up that pizza night. It definitely works.

Bonus- mom, daughter, wife, dependable, leader, runner, planner, analytical, Gemini, Disney-addict!

I think you'll find that faithful tracking of every bite is a huge help. Even if I have to guesstimate, I try to track everything. It keeps me honest, it (sometimes) keeps me from overeating (because I don't want to see it in writing) and it gives me something to look back on and reflect on if I've had a particularly good or bad week on the scale.

Thanks for coaching this week, Emily!

I think the best secret for consistent weight loss is never give up!

I just got back from WDW and will be going to DL in August for the Dumbo Double Dare!

I know that you will do an excellent job with this!

You had a great first week and any loss the week after that is a great one! You're off to a great start!

You are going to have such a great time!

I joined WW this week so have a big planning and prep day ahead of me for the week. I need to get my eating under control and eat a more balanced, healthy diet instead of just trying to keep under calories. I got an Activelink, too, so it will be interesting to see how this goes. I need to shake things up!

Having a great time cheering my friend Lisa who is running the Tinker Bell right now! Go, Lisa, Go!

P.S. Neener, neener poof fairy!

So happy to hear you are returning to the WW basics! Love to hear how you like the Activelink...I'll be getting one soon as part of my job.

So when I started in 2010 and lost the 50 pounds it was for health reasons. I felt horrible. Sluggish and yucky all the time. Turns out some of that was the weight and some of it was the gluten.

Now I am inspired because I like it that my college student is proud of me and likes having active parents. I like that we can mostly keep up with him and his friends (at least until they go out at night ). And I like it that everyone around me expects me to be healthy and active. I don't know if that makes sense.

Not sure what we will do for fun today. We might just do nothing. We haven't had a day like that in a long time. Yesterday I worked an event and Mike helped out. Today I ran my mile and walked for a little bit. Now I am seriously considering a nap. Meal planning is on the plan for the day too!

Keep those weight updates coming in. I will probably update the first post tonight.

Enjoy your nap! Sometimes that can be as good for your health as a good work or a salad! Your muscles mend and build when you sleep!

**********

Still waiting for her first event! This is a huge meet and there a many heats in each event. She swam great yesterday and got 2new PB, so not sure what today will bring.

Brought along a great salad plus broccoli salad, a baby bel cheese, some Beanitos chips for a treat, and an apple. Hope that will be enough for the day!

Off to check on the swimming...........P

 

[pjlla]

He applied for a spot. He had built a WWI ambulance a few years ago and wanted it in the parade.
Over 2000 groups applied and only 63 were accepted.

Sent from my iPhone using DISboards

Send pictures!

It think what drives me is that I'm just sick of being big. I love to be active, run, swim,etc. and I can't go as fast or as far as I want. But I will!

For fun today I'm heading down to my brother's house. I'm in Washington visiting family and only see everyone twice a year.

Enjoy your family time!

Good Morning!

Woke up because DD12's cough was so terrible I couldn't sleep through it! When she gets sick she gets a croupy seal bark cough that can be heard through the whole house. If it doesn't go away I may have to take her to the dr this week because she may actually have croup. She has had it almost every year but I don't think she got it last year. I may still have her inhalers they gave her last time so might try that.

Great question! I am inspired by others but that doesn't push me. Originally I did it because of a fear of health problems. Other than the affect it was having on my ability to get around I wasn't having any weight related health issues when I started. I had actually had a whole bunch of tests done to ***** my health and the dr and I agreed I was the healthiest darn fat person around! But I knew that could change quickly and the consequences would not be good. I want to be around to see my children AND my grandchildren get married! The wall I hit that made me decide that it was time was when I realized I needed to go up another clothing size. I decided if I was going to have to buy all new clothes then I wanted to get them in smaller sizes, not bigger!

And the clothes are a lot of what keeps me going! That feeling of putting on a pair of pants that are usually a bit snug and realizing you are going to need a belt to hold them up . Deciding to try a shirt that a month ago was too tight to be decent for work and now it fits perfectly And then looking in the mirror and realizing how much better I am looking. Of course that makes me feel great. I don't really have any self esteem issues and loved myself 50 pounds ago, but it sure is a lot easier to love less of me!!!

Not sure how much "fun" I will have today. May try to go for a walk so that would probably be it. DD is miserable, I need to work on getting DD17 to explore some college options and she is NOT thrilled with that, and I have the usual housework to be done. I need to plan my meals for the week and do some cooking.

Speaking of which, I want to change my answer to yesterday's QOTD!!! Reading all the responses got me thinking and as I look at the last few days which haven't been great and plan for the next week I realize that PLANNING ahead is what allows me to continue to lose weight. If I don't have a Plan or the plan gets disrupted in any significant way then everything goes . I try to make my plans intentionally flexible so that no matter what life throws at me I can adapt quickly and easily but some days it just doesn't work out.

Love me a good plan too!

Prayers that DD is feeling better real soon!

Good of you to be proactive about your weight and health. So sad that so many folks wait until they have weight-related health issues before they do something about it!

**************

DD just swam a great 200 IM! Just about equalled her previous best time and was a qualifying time for States, so she is delighted. Big gap now until her next swim, so hopefully she will stay warm, hydrated, fed, and study hard! Mid-terms start Tuesday!

I'm ready for lunch! Wishing I had a big sandwich to dig into, since I am so hungry, but I know the salad will taste good. BBL to chat..........P

 

[araes2102]

Question of the day: Sunday, January 19

What inspires or pushes you to lose weight? Is it health problems, your kids, other's success, etc?

Bonus QOTD: What will you do for fun today?

I have always thought it was a goal such as going to Disney last year or getting ready for a wedding now, but when I really think about it, I know that it is the way I feel, physically and emotionally. When I lost 100 lbs a few years back, I still wasn't at my goal but I felt GOOD about myself and I (most of the time) liked the way I looked. I want to get back there...

Bonus: NOTHING Have to write a court report for work, usually takes all day... Need to try to get to Target later though and look for a few last things for DS's bday tomorrow! So I will look forward to that

What does cross ramp consist of? I haven't heard of it before.

I considered a fitbit because I get a major discount on them, but decided it was just a glorified pedometer. I went with a more expensive Polar Heart Rate Monitor. This will not only tell me how long I'm working out and how far I've gone, but also monitors my fitness level and tell me when I'm improving. I love it so far.

Crossramp is basically an elliptical but its movement is slightly different (and you can control the angle) so it isolates the muscle movement more. At least that's what it feels like!

Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into the Polar too!

I just got back from WDW and will be going to DL in August for the Dumbo Double Dare!

Yay! Lucky you, two trips in one year! That is awesome!

Wellll... My initial inspirations was DISNEY! In looking at the photos from our first trip in 2002, when planning our 2004 trip I was determined to lose weight so I wouldn't hate every photo again!

I lost about 40 pounds and felt great heading to Disney at about 173 lbs. I look okay in the photos and was happy...but fell off the wagon immediately and forgot to jump back on! I regained about half of that before our trip to DL in 2005. That was a fabulous trip, but I'm sad I didn't get my butt in gear and lose the weight (again ) before that trip.

Fast forward to January 2008 and we are planning another trip to WDW...and I am bound and determined NOT to return there any fatter than I had been on our previous trip! I pulled out all the stops, hit the gym, stuck rigidly with my points, NO CHEATS, NO SPLURGES...and lost about 30+pounds in 3.5 months, returning to Disney in the high 160's!

But this time something changed! When we got back from our trip, I didn't give up...I didn't stop or throw in the towel after gaining a few vacation pounds. I got right back on track and kept losing! It had finally clicked that this was not a "temporary situation!" And I haven't stopped yet! On my next trip to Disney in 2010 I was at goal, (in the 130's) and BELOW goal at 128 for my 2011 trip! And the photos are GREAT!

But what keeps me going, day to day,even when I'm not planning a Disney trip? I love not hating myself any more! I love not dreading getting dressed! I love not avoiding cameras! I love not being embarrassed to meet new people! I love not feeling like I am an embarrassment to my kids! I love feeling in control of my life! I love feeling strong, powerful, and healthy, especially when so many people my age are not! I know it is HARD to understand how wonderful all of this is when you are struggling to lose weight, feeling like you will NEVER get to goal, or that you can't even consider giving up pizza and fries for the rest of your life. But take it from me, that old saying is SO TRUE......Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

You truly are an inspiration! Especially with all the support you give everyone here I really look forward to joining you!

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Well I got good news on the scale this am! Lost 3 lbs this week. Guess I just needed to give my body time to show the good work I have done! Also, probably because I am really watching my carb intake, but I am not struggling as much with cravings as I have in the past. On Friday we had our usual family movie night with everyone enjoying a Costco pizza and I happily munched on my stufffed mushroom caps, really did hit the spot! And last night I had quite a few calories left over and could have easily had some low carb ice cream while the family enjoyed the ice cream cookie sandwiches I made them, but I found I didn't REALLY want it, so I didn't eat it. And I was FINE!