P-- You are living my dream come true. A size 6? I was larger than that at age 10. I know you have worked your butt off for every single one of those pounds you have lost. You deserve to be living this dream come true. You are such an inspiration!!
Thank you for your nice words...and thanks for taking the time to be a great coach! Enjoy your trip!
Friday's Question of the Day I know that is it still 9 weeks until Thanksgiving but my Oct/Nov issue of Tast of Home magazine came today. I sat there thinking about all the great things I could make for Thanksgiving. Then I got sad becasue if I made anything different for Thanksgiving I would never hear the end of it.
My question for you is: As we get closer to the holidays do you think your family will accept new recipes that will help you keep on track?
Have a nice evening everyone. Talk to you tomorrow.
As some of your know, we celebrate most of the bigger holidays twice... once with my family and once with DH's family... so holiday eating is a double whammy for me.
For T.giving, we spend Thursday with DH's family at his brother's house in MA. His wife is an over-the-top fabulous Italian cook. She tries new things every year, so making something different would be FINE. The problem is, she cooks SO MUCH FOOD, that anything additional I bring is usually overlooked and I end up bringing much of it home. That said, I often do bring a "lighter" side dish and low fat dessert to share.... even though I'm usually the only one enjoying it!!
For my side of the family it would be a bit more touchy. (We spend Friday of T.giving weekend with them.) No one would say anything, of course, but a few of the members of my family struggle with their weight and I wouldn't want it to appear that I am trying to force my healthier lifestyle on them. I would have to be casual about it and not emphasize the fact that it is a lower fat or lower calorie food.
That said, as long as the "traditional" foods were there, they would be very accepting of something new.
But if it tells you anything about my reputation as a cook, I am usually asked to bring the soft drinks!!
Tomorrow will be dangerous, we have club seats for the Indians game. A full buffet is included. If my weigh in goes well, I might splurge on a hamburger!
Hope the dog gets better quickly! Enjoy the hamburger... but make sure it is just the way you like it. I tried to enjoy my first real burger in over a year this summer.... and I was only having a half... but it was cooked too much for my liking and that really spoiled it. If you're gonna splurge, make sure it is JUST RIGHT!
Well it is such a sad story: She is 31, has 2 kids ages 7 and 5. She got divorced 1 1/2 yrs ago and it is messy. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor 2 years ago. We were together one weekend and that week her husband now ex called to tell me she had a grand mal siezure and was in ICU. They found the tumor and it is inoperable. It is complicated and i dont understand it all but its cancerous but not the kind that is growing.

Like its sleeping and hasnt been awakened yet. Well the worst issue she has had is siezures. No meds were helping and about a month ago she had one that lasted 3 hours. They have decided to do chemo and radiation to see if they can shrink the tumor to aleviate the siezures. She is in week 3. She has lost so much weight, and now she is loosing her hair. She is on a medical leave and ran out of her short term disability payments. She had to move back with her parents and only gets to see her kids every wed. and every other weekend. It is truly heartbreaking to see my friend go through this. I was so upset after talking to her today. I wish I could do something to help her. This has been on my mind alot today and I think just talking about it helps.
Otherwise I feel better. Not sure what my weigh in will show tomorrow I think I may be about the same. Which aggrevates me. I need to plan and not get lazy. I did a bit of over eating and mindless eating yesterday and today.
Theres no better time then now to start. I am going to drink a big glass of water and head to bed.
I will definitely add your friend and her family to my prayer list. I agree... it is heartbreaking to see someone going through SO MUCH.
About the bolded part.... good for you!! Right attitude!
I just hopped back on to say my DH is so wonderful. Those dishes I was talking about on Tuesday? I never got them done.
But, when I got home from work yesterday, they were all washed! He did them all for me! (This coming from a man who rarely washes dishes) He is amazing. But now he is waiting for me to finish typing so we can watch Grey's (not patiently!!) He is encouraging the kitten to come jump on the keyboard....I should go!
Nice work DH!!
Well - I'm gone for a day - and there's like 7 or 8 pages--not gonna have time to read them tonight... but had to post for my goal.
Also wanted to share a triumph this morning--I am a SLOW walker--usually at abt 20 min miles. Well - earlier this week I timed a 1/2 mile with walking to the song 'Buenos Aires' from the Evita movie--and it turned out to be at a 18:30 pace for me. So this morning I started at a 'normal' pace--and then that song came on and I decided to keep up with that song as long as I could--and I kept it up for 2 1/4 miles!!! (12 times through the song) Of course by the end of that I felt like I couldn't breathe and I wanted to fall down on my bed--but I was still over a mile from my house--so I just kept swimming all the way home. There is hope for my time after all!!
So today I have spent every spare minute going through all of my CDs and loading them onto my computer so I can load them into mixmeister's bpm program to get the bpms for them--so that I will have some choices in my music. Thanks for letting me share.
Can you share more about that mix meister thing?? Do I have to buy it somewhere or is it something I can download? I really could use something like that!
Also have 1 more question. My engagement ring is pretty loose now, and I currently have it and my wedding band hanging from a chain. Since I am still in losing mode I don't really want it sized right now, but would like some good alternatives so I can wear them right. I tried a ring guard from my store the other day and could tell right off the bat that it wasn't going to work. So if anybody has some ideas I'd appreciate it.
Well.... might not be the best solution, but how about just putting the rings away for a while? That is what I did. Actually.... after struggling to wear my rings for years after I gained weight, I finally broke down in about 2006 and had them made bigger... it made me so mad and sad. But I was tired of not being able to wear them comfortably. Lo and behold.... a few years go by and I lose the weight and they are too big! I continued to wear them for a while, but I was swimming on vacation with the kids one day and it was chilly and my hands were shrunk. I nearly lost the rings right off my finger into the lake!!

I went in and took them off right then and there and didn't wear them again until I got them resized back to my original size! It took many months and I suppose there were times when people questioned whether or not DH and I were having marital troubles.... but honestly, no one asked. When I got within 10-ish pounds of my goal weight, I had them resized and they fit like they did on my wedding day.
If this isn't an alternative for you, ask the jeweler. They may be able to put a little gold filler in the back of the inside of the band to make them a bit tighter.
QOTD:
One good thing (the only good thing) about our fractured families is that we generally don't see them on major holidays. My husband's side has a lot of drama and my side is still figuring out a new normal after my parents died in '02 and '05. My sister can't deal with holidays without them so we never get together on the actual date - usually a week later. For example, our "Christmas" get together is always on January 1st.
What that means is that we don't have to deal with traditional food.
My big worry is this crazy wedding in two weeks. The rehearsal dinner is at an Italian place and we have to choose between three choices - none of which I want to eat. But I have to be really careful because the bride (my niece) is very overweight and also pretty sensitive. It's her weekend and I want it to be everything she needs it to be. I have no clue what I'll do - eat a half portion maybe.
The wedding dinner will be just as bad. I'll survive.
Do you know the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner is being held? Perhaps you could call them a few days in advance and request a special meal... it wouldn't have to cost the host any more. Sometimes if you fib a bit to the chef about being on a "special diet" (hinting at medical issues) they can provide something for you..... like perhaps one of the entree choices without cheese or sauce or something like that. It might be worth a try. Or ask what they offer for a vegetarian meal (although those can be laden with cream and/or cheese, so watch out). Or eat a healthy filling salad before the rehearsal and eat just a small portion of one of the offered choices.
I'm feeling a little guilty because I haven't been able to get on here and post. Mom's in the hospital so I'm running around like a maniac taking care of her, her house, working full time, kids activities, etc. (You all know the drill! LOL).
I do sneak on at work here and there to read your posts and want you to know you all motivate me. I'm glad I got started with the healthy eating and exercising before all this was going on. No matter how busy I've been, I almost crave that time for me on the treadmill or doing my weights, so I am now programmed that I have to do it. And I want to do it. It makes me feel so much better, and helps to destress.
So my house is a mess, but I don't care. I'm losing weight.
!
Take care of yourself while you are spending this time taking care of others. You will do them more good in the long run if you are healthy!
It's been a really rough morning for me. I gained nearly 2 pounds this week which puts me up from the starting weight. I feel like I should drop out of the challenge. I am hurting the overall weight loss that you are all working towards. I've been making such horrible choices. I do well with some of the healthy habits, water, 20 minutes exercise (usually walks), 5 fruits/veggies - mostly fruits for me. It's everything else. Bad meals, bad other snacks, eating when I'm not hungary, getting to the gym, portion control.
This morning feels like a "rock bottom". I knew I've been eating bad all week, but for some reason, the tears still came this morning. I can do better for this and there's no excuse.
I am feeling so bloated. At the risk of sharing too much info, I went off of BC pill 2 months ago for medical reasons. I was never regular before I went on the pill and had been on it for many years so I don't know if I ever will be but I haven't had that visit yet. I have been feeling that just before bloated feeling for over a month! It's very frustrating.
What is an OP day? I keep reading it!
Don't you DARE drop out!! It sounds like you need to be here more than ever! You need to think back to what motivated you to start on this journey. Draw from that initial motivation. REmember that feeling of determination. Use it.
Most of all... remember that we are all here to help you over this bump. Chances are we have ALL been there!! Let us help you as much as we can. Ask questions, look for motivation, find a virtual "exercise buddy". HANG IN THERE!
Hi Everyone,
I got some sleep last night. The weather has been changing too much for me to sleep as well as I would like. Plus, I am having nightmares again. Have to take those in stride too.
Today is a busy day. I'm kind of embarrassed though. My sister is coming home to help my mom wash my hair.

I can't wait for my follow-up appt on Monday. I am hoping for a removable cast so that I can be more independent. I'm sure my mom will still feel more comfortable with my showering when she is home, but at least I'll be able to shower with the curtain shut and not one leg hanging out of the bathtub while I am sitting down. Okay, probably TMI. You get the point.
Okay, so after that "experience" is over, my mom will be taking me to my undergrad reunion. I helped plan tonight's event and I really want to be there. My mom was great and somehow got me a wheelchair to use so I could move around more easily and actually help set up.
I'm off to eat breakfast. Lots of stuff was left out for me and I get to microwave my own food today!

for weigh-in and WIN!
Have a great day everyone! CC
I'm so glad you found a way to attend the reunion. You will have so much fun!
Don't feel bad about Mom and Sis having to help you wash your hair. You would do the same for them if they needed it, right? Enjoy the pampering!!
Pretend you're at the spa!
I have planned all of my eating for the day.
Breakfast - Cereal, a banana, and my coffee drink
Lunch - 3 hard boiled egg whites and strawberries
Dinner - Grilled chicken with BBQ sauce, Broccoli and Red bliss potatoes, also grilled
Snacks during the day - Apple, baby carrots
Dessert - Skinny cow cookies and cream ice cream cup
I will be able to stick to this because it's planned out and having a planned dessert will help me resist any temptations that come up at work!
For my exercise: I'll walk about 3 miles at lunch time. I do not want to go to the gym because we are doing saturday and sunday and I don't like 3 days in a row so I will do W1D2 on C25K.
I will not give up!
You've made a GREAT STEP by posting a plan here! I find when I do that it helps me really stick with it, because I know others will be asking about it!
I will say that breakfast should have some more protein, unless you are eating a high protein cereal like Go-Lean or something like that. And lunch.... okay on protein, but not enough food... assuming you are eating 1 C of strawberries, your lunch would only be 2 points on WW.... even on my low point days I have at least 3 or 4 pts for lunch. How about adding some high fiber whole grain carbs to lunch??
And apple and baby carrots for snack isn't adding any protein either. Maybe you could look into some lowfat cheese sticks or lowfat cottage cheese? Those would give you both protein and calcium.
I see 4 fruit servings (one banana counts for 2 servings), but only 2 servings of vegetables (assuming the baby carrots is 1 srvg). You should strive for another vegetable serving... possibly with breakfast or lunch.
Anyhow..... I'm not trying to be critical of your plan. I LOVE that you have a plan and you shared it here! That is a HUGE step... ask any one here... I am kind of the "planning queen"! Just be sure your food is keeping you full and fueled!
I have a strategy for staying on track....Since we put it all on a buffet I can select what we want. I can take only a little of the items that are higher in calories and load up on the lower calorie items. Another strategy I have is to serve myself last and not to load up too much. I can always go back. I'm thinking if I eat slow and take my time I'll be able to feel satisfied after the first plate and not go back.
My mom was a home economics major in college in the 60's so she always prepared light food....you know no fat on the veggies, skinless chicken breasts(and boneless, skinless chicken breasts were not available like they are now) , lean cuts of meat etc. I learned from her and generally mealtime and cooking methods have not been a problem for me. For me it's all about the portion size, between meal snacking and the fast food.
On another note....both my DDs are allergic to nuts(peanuts and tree nuts) and one is allergic to eggs. No donuts, cakes, fried dough, store bought bakery items, etc. allowed here.
I look at their allergies as a positive thing....because God only knows how many home baked cookies and other baked goods I would have eaten if I would have been able to make them during the holidays and throughout the year. I know I would have been even heavier.
Finally...now for the good news....I lost 3 lbs this week and made it to my 10% at ww. Now on to the next 10%
Kim
Like me, you are SO lucky you had a Mom who taught you healthy things early on! I am constantly astounded by people who NEVER eat vegetables because they never had them growing up. My Mom was ahead of her time, healthy food-wise.... whole wheat bread was a mainstay in our house... Wonder Bread never crossed our threshhold.... neither did soda or store bought cookies (except for Fig Newtons... Dad loved them). Dad has always had a huge organic vegetable garden and we ate from it in abundance all the time. I need to remember to thank my Mom and Dad !!
Also, my DS has tree nut allergies, so we avoid lots of bakery things in this house too... and I hate baking, so no problems there!!
You T.giving plan sounds spot on!! And a big round of applause on reaching your WW 10%... that is a reason to celebrate!
You have a great plan for the day! I'm guessing pjlla will come by and mention that some protein at breakfast would be a good idea. I am going to concur with her now. Which cereal to do you eat? I am a huge fan of Multigrain Cheerios. There is just enough sweetness, but still fiber and filling. I also have my cereal in milk. I should be the last to talk, but I'm also thinking that you are not eating enough. You have great snacks built in, which is something I envy. I cannot seem to get myself to snack during the day.


OMG!... am I that predictable??!

I just about spit my seltzer on the screen laughing when I saw this! Have I become the "protein police"??
And CC... good call on the protein for breakfast!
QOTD: I confess, that I have no plans for Thanksgiving. Working at Target and my family living in a different state means that it is spent here at home just DH and Me. We do not cook, and since I traditionally go in to work at O

ark something, I intentionally overload on carbs for the day so I can hit the sack an an unnaturally early hour. IF God does not have mercy on me and grant me a new job by then after I get the license, I will do the same thing this year. If he does, it will still be an off program day for me. I just want to enjoy it.
I totally understand about the O:dark something. I worked in retail for years and that Black Friday was truly BLACK for those of us who had to open the store at 3 am or so! Truly puts a damper on enjoying T.giving day. Hopefully you can find a new job.
How much protein does everyone get at breakfast? I find that most of the common things for protein, are not things I like. The only eggs I like are hard boiled and I only like the whites. I don't like red meats, fish, I HATE yogurt and beans. I do like peanuts and almonds but not at breakfast time and I don't like peanut butter. I have such horrible unhealthy likes/dislikes!
How about almond butter?? Or Nutella...high in fat, but protein like peanut butter and SO yummy (just be sure to measure!). Lowfat cheese is an easy protein for breakfast. And there is no rule that says you can't have chicken for breakfast.
Hi everyone,
Well I am not officially part of the challenge but I have been following the thread which I hope you don't mind. I have lost about 15 lbs since I have started to work out and get healthier for my wedding in November

I am still trying to lose as much as possible!

I have been lifting free weights, doing the C25K (on the third week), also walking at least a mile more a day with my mom to get her out and exercising since she has high cholesterol, making healthier food choices, and drinking lots of water! phew!
Anyways I had a few questions and though maybe I could get some good suggestions here.
Does anyone know of a fat free sour cream and a fat free shredded cheese that actually still tastes good and not fat free? I know sounds dumb but sour cream and cheese are two of my favorite things on food and I have yet to find a brand that is fat free and still edible! I have mastered the fat free ranch but the sour cream and cheese still eludes me
Thanks in advance everyone for letting me read this thread and post my question here
Nope.... I've never found a FAT FREE sour cream or cheese that is decent. I use low fat sour cream and 2% cheese and just use a bit less of them. And fat free mayo...might as well be white jello... EWWWW!
Well, Happy Friday afternoon all! Do you believe I sat down here almost 2 hours ago and I'm not finished yet!! Of course, I kept interrupting myself to go make lunch, hang laundry, etc.
Weigh-in this morning was not what I hoped for.... I was up .1. Trying to take it in stride. That said, I'm going to stick with it today and do another weigh-in tomorrow. I've only ever done that once or twice... it feels like "cheating" but I'm just curious. Plus it will help keep me on track today... and usually Friday is a big splurge day.
Had a good WOG this morning (6.4). I was able to run 4 of the smaller hills that I walked on Wednesday. Only cut my time by about 2 minutes, but still... I figure I am walking a .5 mi warm-up, a .5 mi cool down, and probably another .5 on the big hills and I am running the rest, so not too bad. I was really dragged out by the time I was done. I really need to keep myself hydrated without having those pesky bladder issues.... I'm sure that some water would have made it a more bearable run.
I'm brewing another recipe in my head to share.... great for fall. Not specifically a "diet" recipe, but healthy and delicious. I'll try to get it post on the recipe thread later.
Tonight's dinner was scheduled to be take-out pizza. I need to plan something else for myself.... maybe Subway? DD is going to a football game with her boyfriend (YUP.... she officially has a boyfriend

), but DH and DS will be looking for pizza. Wonder if they would be okay with a take and bake from the grocery store?
I absolutely MUST hit the grocery store for some essentials today. The fridge is getting bare! The only fresh produce left are a few strawberries, three potatoes, and 3 onions! Nothing else... no apples, no grapes, no broccoli, no spinach!!

And we haven't had a loaf of bread in the house in a week... I've been sharing my Sandwich Thins with the family.
Well... it is a beautiful early fall day here and I have spent enough of it inside! I'm going to finish up here on the DIS and head out to the sunshine! TTYL.......................P