Dieting for Disney

[bubba73]

I wanted to get back with everyone and let you know how therapy is going. The other day when I went, all they did was get some information and measurements. Today, I actually had my first day of therapy. The exercises was very lightweight compared to what I am used to doing but the reps were high. Even though it didn't seem like I was doing much, by the time I got to work my knee was burning. I will have to tell them about that next week when I go back in. The exercises are very basic and very much like what I have done in the past so it almost seems like a waste of time but I am not going in with that kind of attitude yet. Like anything, I know I will be able to see results down the road. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know.

On another note, I am missing hearing from all of you or even any of you right now. I know it is the craziest time of the year. We are all facing that issue. But we all have had so much positive influence on one another that it would be a shame for us to stop now. I just hope all of you are well and if the cold front that has come over the U.S. is affecting you, that you are ok. I miss my family!

 

[maslex]

Hey all. I just came upon this thread (haven't read all 47 pages yet) but I will sooner or later.

My family is planning another trip to Disneyworld for this upcoming summer (probably July) and I have MAJOR weight to lose. I just started Weight Watchers on Nov 6th and have lost 4.4 lbs so far. (Seems like I'm gonna be a slow loser) but anyhow....I am really looking foward to this vacation but not all that walking. We went last year and I ended up getting one of those ECV's because I couldn't walk. The pain in my feet and the blisters were too much to bare. My goal isn't to lose XX amount of weight before we leave, but I DO NOT want to use one of those damn things again. How embarrassing. My family was just watching home videos of our trip last year and my DH somehow thought it would be a good idea to film me driving along. What a sight that was.

Anyhow, I am just glad to find this thread and will be reading the rest and hoping to find some support on here. Even though I'm doing WW, I'm kind of doing my own plan right now until I fully "get" the whole point system thing. Right now, I"m cutting out my junk food (big problem area for me) and eating breakfast and using portion control. I've only used my treadmill a few times but just can't seem to make it a habit. I NEED to exercise because I know it'll help with the weight loss. How does one make it a habit?

Thanks for letting me ramble. Off to read the other posts in this thread. Have a great day!!!

 

[fromscratchmom]

Welcome Maslex! I don't know how those who are really great about it make exercise a habit, but I'll tell you what I'm doing.

I am continuing on with exercise, not as often and consistently as I should, but also not giving up altogether (and also not having to have those moments of realization that some huge amount of time has gone by and I've have effectively quit exercising).

I have probably used every excuse in the book in the past and I have dealt with a lot of depression. But there came a time when I was thinking about all of my excuses in a new light. I had been listening to someone else talking about why this that and the other helpful suggestion would not work for her and I realized that I would sound just as negative if I were talking about my struggles with the same sorts of problems and maybe had sounded that way to others in real conversations. I wasn't shocked or horrified. But is was kind of an epiphany for me.

I realized that I could completely understand why she was so negative and how hard it must be for her while at the same time I could recognize it as letting herself have a self-defeating mind-set. So I tried to think of all of the reasons that various exercise attempts had not worked for me and come up with ways to get into exercise despite the difficulties. I made an end to allowing myself to express my frustrations to others and a started to trying to establish positive communications and relationships. This was not a perfect thing. But it made a big difference that I was conciously trying. So now I reserve my need to express some frustrations for a very select few and I make myself be more positive most of the time.

Moving on with my story, after mulling over all of the reasons that I had ever quit exercising, my best idea (for me personally) was that I needed to buy a treadmill. And I was scared to do it. I knew that a lot of people buy them and then only use them to hang clothes off of. I could not afford financially or mentally to waste my money on a glorified clothes rack and I ended up considering whether or not to buy one (on and off) for over a year before I decided that I had to try it, rather than go along thinking I'd never be able to make myself use it. That was just more of my self-defeating attitude. And I knew that at some point I had to break through that and do something.

Eventually, when I was in a desperate diet attempt to lose some weight and was managing to lose, although doing so by too extreme of a method, I bought the treadmill and started using it daily. I was really upset at first about what a short distance I could manage. But I kept at it on the treadmill and I kept at it on my extreme diet, until I managed to lose 50 pounds.

I was feeling great and I was thinking clearly. I needed to quit the extreme diet thing, because I knew that it was not healthy for me inspite of the great results and the energy to exercise. And I was scared to do that since I was making headway and hating the idea of ending that huge streak of progress. But I did it anyway and went into about 3 or 4 months of really struggling mentally with wanting to lose weight and needing to get that momentum going again in a healthier way.

I was able to work through it in some ways. I am currently keeping up a good attitude about many aspects of my situation. Here are a few examples:
1) I try and usually succeed at staying happy about my successes, such as not gaining all of the weight back.
2) I recognize that anything I do for better health is good for me and something that I can be happy about, no matter how small. This probably sounds goofy to a lot of people but is a major accomplishment for me to not be desperately sad and worried and wallowing in it. I have had a very hard time in the past with terribly negative thinking. And my usual mental mindset in the past that would normally have set in during a plateau such as the one that I have been on, is to just discount everything that I had done so far and think, "well it wasn't really worth anything. I'm still fat and still unhealthy and apparently I'll never get any better than where I am at right now." Now I not only tell myself, but I truly believe that I am better off for having lost that weight and gotten that exercise. And I can be even better off again. I just need to find a healthy weight loss plan that actually works for me and then get that determination back and stick to it.
3) I plan on losing more, even though I am not currently losing. Somehow I manage to believe that I'll find a program that works for me and be successful on it. Once again this very morning I am managing a positive attitude and a renewed determination to try harder and do better.
4) I let healthy people roll off my back. All the people that think they know what it takes and what they are doing obviously works for them, just don't bother me very much any more. I've managed to become happy for them that they don't have such terrible struggles. And at the same time I've managed to not let their diet and exercise dictums hurt my self-esteem. Just because it is easier for them and they are ignorant of body chemistry and individuality to the point that they think that it ought to be easy for me if I really tried, doesn't make it true. The same principle holds for well-meaning people that think if you take in less calories you will lose and that they just have to convince me to believe it and then I'll stick to it. No matter how much they would like to help and no matter how strongly they believe that they are right I know that they are wrong and that there is no point in telling them. I've been at 1200 calories for a few weeks at a time. I've been at 1000 calories for a few weeks at a time. I've been at 800 calories for a few weeks at a time. They can't know my experience and my mind and my body like I do and I have to do what I know is right for me. And well meaning people who don't believe that I have any will-power are just a fact of life to be ignored as best I can.

I guess, while mostly I'd recommend ignoring recommendations, my one recommendation is to try to analyze why different things have not worked for you, assuming that you've been on the diet rollercoaster for a while, then try to figure out what way of approaching exercise will come the closest to breaking through the largest number of objections that you can come up with. Oh, and try to figure out what you have learned about yourself on any diets that worked or worked part way, once again, assuming that you may have lost and then gained it back, in the past. Maybe rather than saying ignore recommendations, a better way of saying it is that you need to be able to read and listen to a lot of different recommendations without really being influenced by them hardly any. Then you can analyze which of the many ideas that have worked for others makes the most sense for you to try. And even if what you try doesn't work out very well, you can go back and rethink it, then pick a new plan. Sometimes you may have to move away from something that is completely unsuccessfull and do something totally different and sometimes you may need to just tweak your plan, (more water, less caffiene, higher intensity workouts, lower intensity workouts, more variety, 5 days a week vs 3 days a week, etc etc).

So, don't give up. Believe me if I can do it, anyone can do it! Even though it is hard and you might have to find your own way... You can blaze your own trail!

 

[fromscratchmom]

...I am missing hearing from all of you or even any of you right now...we all have had so much positive influence on one another that it would be a shame for us to stop now.

I agree, bubba! Thanks for your encouragement. This is a tough time of year for me as well. But I'm managing to keep going and keep trying. I was in a multi-car pile up on the highway since the last time I posted. But we are all fine, no lasting bodily injuries resulted. It was just one more thing to be dealt with. Thankfully, I can report that I was not at fault and I even managed to not hit the guy infront of me after I was rearended. So the insurance of the guy at the back of the line is going to take care of my totalled car and I am going to move forward with a new vehicle. (or so it looks like, the official word of whether or not my car is totalled has not come through yet). I'm still tempted to be really upset about our expense in buying a new vehicle, which will obviously be a lot more than what I'll get for my 10 year old station wagon. But it was time for it anyway and I guess we can swing it. We'll have to put on hold, our plans to buy memberships to our community center, where I would have been swimming this winter with the kids. We'll also be skipping swim lesson for the winter quarter and a several other things that we had been trying to budget in. But that is part of life, that you have to deal with what life throws at you and I need to be able to cope and not get depressed. So y'all keep me in prayer please! At least we are not going to cancel our upcoming trip. That is something that I am truly thankful for!

 

[CJK]

Hi everybody!

I just got back from Branson on Friday so as usual, I have a lot of catching up to do! We had a terrific time. The shows are really quite spectacular and being there for all the special Christmas events made it even more exciting. I did make it to the hotel gym twice for 30min. each time (running on the treadmill). Other than that, I got NO exercise since we basically went from show to show. I did watch what I ate, but did allow some special treats (ie. pecan pie - amazing!!). I gathered my courage and weighed myself on Saturday and was actually down one pound from the day we left for our trip. I was shocked, but then I realized that I was pretty careful most of the trip.

Bubba: Thanks for the update on how you're doing. I hope that you find the exercises help you. Sending some positive thoughts and energy your way. Thanks again for keeping this thread going. This is exactly the time of year when we all need each other. With all the social gatherings coming up, we need all the support we can get! How is your wife feeling? I'm sorry to hear of those struggles. I can empathize (and I'm sure my dh can too). I was the heavy one and he was the fit one. It used to make him so sad watching me continue to gain weight. Thankfully, I finally had a lightbulb moment and decided to change my life. I'm keeping you both in my prayers.

maslex: Welcome!!!! You've come across a wonderful group of people here. I know EXACTLY what you mean about those blisters from walking! One year we went to Disney I had the worst blisters of my life. I was determined not to let that happen on our recent October trip and you know what? Not a single blister! Keep up the great work and you'll be pain-free on your trip!!

fromscratchmom: I'm so glad you're okay after the accident! Good job on avoiding the car in front too! I'm glad you stayed safe. Thanks too for sharing your personal story. I could really see a lot of myself in your story. It's nice to know that we're all in this together isn't it? People aren't judgmental here and that's something very special. Keep at it - you're an inspiration!

twotoohappy: I think you're on your trip right about now, so I hope you're having a WONDERFUL time!!! Congrats on that weightloss!

Here's a little inspiring story for you all (hopefully!). I started my healthy lifestyle in June of this year. I thought I was only about 40lbs overweight (I didn't weigh myself until 2 months into my new lifestyle), but I finally had to realize that I was at LEAST 60lbs overweight. Well, since June, I've been very consistent with my healthy eating and exercise (while allowing for treats now and then). On our recent bus trip to Branson, I had to get into the compartment above my seat to get my book. While rummaging through my bag, some fellow passengers needed to get by me to get to their seats. In order to let them by, I had to squeeze into a row of seats with other passengers. It was a tight squeeze! Well, a nearby woman exclaimed to me, "it's a good thing you're so tiny"!

I smiled politely, but inside I was JUMPING UP AND DOWN with joy!!!! Such a comment wouldn't mean anything to most people, but for me, it was a small victory. Six months ago, I would never have been called tiny! But now, about 50lbs lighter, someone actually called me tiny! I just want to say that if I can do it, YOU CAN ALL DO IT TOO!!!!! I've re-evaluated my final goal and would like to lose 10 more pounds from this point (which will put me nicely into the middle of my BMI range).

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

[bubba73]

Maslex You have come to what I consider the most positive site on all of the web. You can find encouragement, support and aid in motivation here. You have already met some of our loyal members so you can see what I mean. We all share the same goal here and that is to be healthier. So I hope you can find the encouragement and information that we all need from time to time.

Fromscratchmom What an incredible ordeal you have went through! I know we are all glad to hear that you were able to stay safe during the incident. I guess the positive is that you will be able to get another car out of the deal. It's also great to hear how you are able to stick with your routines. It is true. Life will always try to throw something at us to keep us down. You are showing your determination and will by not letting it keep you down. Way to go!!

CJK Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. It actually sounds like you enjoyed the moment on the plane more though. That is a great feeling that makes all of our hard work worth it. Let me also add that it is good to have you back. Your infectious attitude and obvious enthusiasm is always missed whenever you go away. You have obviously worked so hard and taken your fitness to even a level that you hadn't thought about when you started. It's a wonderful feeling. I am so proud of all that you have been able to accomplish.

This weekend has been interesting to say the least for me personally. My knee has been tempermental all weekend. It still feels like it could go at any moment but then it feels fine. I know that I have just started therapy on it so this is probably to be expected but it doesn't make it any less of a nuisance. I just wish it was over so I could focus on my training and my family a lot more than I have been able to recently. Oh well. I guess I need to stop venting. I really need to count my blessings and focus on that. I hope all of you enjoy the rest of your weekend and have a fantastic week. Remember, there is only 22 days until Christmas!!

 

[maslex]

Thanks guys for the open arms. Everyone seems so nice here. I have my next weigh in at WW tonight so I'm hoping to atleast maintain (kind of a rough few days)

I just sat down for a few minutes to check out the boards before heading back to work. I've been Christmas shopping all morning and now I'm beat!!! But I still have 3 more hours to work before I get back home tonight. I'm hoping once I get home and get dinner ready and wrap the rest of the gifts that I can jump on the treadmill.

I'll be peaking in and out of this thread and hoping to get to know some of you.

Have a great day!!!

Pam

 

[bubba73]

What a wonderful day I have had!! I am going to talk about this in backwards order but I think you will understand. Tonight, I was able to get back into the gym for the first time in a week. It felt great. Even though I am not able to do anything for my legs because of my knee, I was able to do a great chest and triceps workout. What a feeling! I have always considered myself one of the smallest guys in the gym but tonight, I actually had a couple of people wanting to ask me for some tips and wanted to workout with me. Then, at the end of my workout, I glanced in the mirror and I couldn't believe myself. I looked quite large. That was something that I am not used to. I almost didn't have to drive home. I floated. Ok. Enough of that. Otherwise, my District Manager was talking to me about moving on up into a higher level of management. Of course, it does mean more resposibility but it also means more money so I am looking into my options.

I also got a call from my best friend today and he let me know that he is taking a new position with a different company. It also means that he will get close to a $10,000 a year raise. I am very proud of my boy. He has busted his backside and deserves it. Plus, he has a baby girl and this will help him provide for her better. So, even though I didn't get the position, I am just as happy for him as I would be for myself.

Anyway, that pretty much is what my day was like. I really consider it a good day. I hope all of you have had good days as well. We are only three weeks away from Christmas. Have we met our goals for this month or this year? Are we going to have to start off the New Year having to make the same New Year's Resolution that everyone else makes every year? No is my answer. I will not make a resolution to go on a "diet". To go against what the title of this thread says, we do not encourage diets here. We encourage healthy lifestyles. Diets fail and are temporary. Lifestyle changes are forever. Just remember that just because you change your lifestyle doesn't mean that you can never have anything sweet or fried or any of that stuff that you desire. It means that we have learned when to say when and when to eat it and when not to eat it. I can't tell you all how proud of each and everyone of you I am. You all have put in such a tremendous amount of effort. Keep up the good work and don't ever get discouraged just because it isn't happening as fast as you want it too. Any loss is better than a gain.

Have a great week everyone!!

 

[blestmom]

Hi Bubba!

Nice to hear that you had such a good day! I know what you mean about looking in a mirror. I generally don't like mirrors, but in my step class today, it was so crowded I had to take a spot in the front...with mirrors on two sides. Amazingly, I was surprised to see that I look a little lighter. Cool!

I'm not dieting, either. Portion control, smart choices. That seems to be working. I'm taking a step class at the gym 3 times a week. That's what I can do right now, so I am consistent and happy.

Welcome to the new members, and it's great to hear how everyone is doing.

Deb

 

[CJK]

Wow Bubba. Now we are proud of you!!! You have worked so hard that you deserved that float home! Congratulations to your friend. What a wonderful day! Thanks for your inspiring words yet again. You're absolutely right. Diets do not work. When someone asks me about how my diet is going, I just cringe. It's not a diet, it's a lifestyle change. It's my ambition to gently teach people around me that diets don't work, but changing your lifestyle does.

Blestmom: You know you're doing well when you can look at yourself exercising in a mirror and be pleased with what you see!! Congratulations!!

maslex: I hope WW went well last night. Did you have the chance to get on the treadmill last night?

I started the day by weighing myself (even though tomorrow is my official weigh-in day). I've now entered a new decade, weightwise!! I'm pretty excited! I have two scales right now. They differ by about 8lbs. I've been using the higher number as my weight, but dh is now saying that he thinks it's too high. His gym scale is consistently lower. I don't want to buy yet another scale, but it would be nice to know what my actual weight is!!!!

I wish everyone a terrific day. I'm going to try to do Taebo this morning. It's a tough one for me, but I always feel soooo great afterwards! Best wishes!!

 

[bubba73]

Hey everyone! It has been a very looong week. I know as it gets closer to Christmas the weeks get longer and longer but our time to prepare gets shorter and shorter. Sounds like an oxymoron but I bet you all understand what I mean. I have been to therapy three times now for my knee and I really feel like I am being restricted. I am so use to being able to pick the weights and tempos for my routines and right now, I can't. Frustrating!

Also, I have to let you all know a couple of things that have been going on in my personal life. Money is getting really hard to come by to the point where I can't always say if I am going to be able to pay the bills or not. So I am looking at ways to get out of this rut. One thing that I am looking at right now is cancelling my gym membership. That is $500 a year that I can use to other bills. Besides the fact, I haven't been able to get to the gym with any regularity in quite sometime. This is very frustrating for me as I love my time at the gym. (Hopefully, you can all tell that.) I am still pondering over this decision but I can't really justify the expense when I know my family needs that money. I have been very prayerful that something would intervene in this situation and fix the problem but as of yet, nothing. The last thing I want to do is to go to my Father and beg. I have the utmost amount of love and respect for my Dad and I am even quite sure that he would help me out. I just cannot let him see that I am a failure. I want him to be proud of me. Not disgusted. I still have a few other avenues that I am looking at so I am still hopeful.

Thank you all for letting me vent for just a couple of minutes. What a Christmas present, huh? I know things will be fine in the long run. Just right now they look a little bleek. I sincerely hope you all have a great weekend and a fantastic week next week. I love you all!

 

[CJK]

Bubba

I'm so sorry to hear all that you are going through right now. I'm glad that you feel that you can come to us to vent and just let it all out. I just had to respond right away. I wanted to say that in NO WAY, are you a failure in any form whatsoever. I'm sure that all of us have been through difficult times whether it's financial, emotional, spiritual or anything else and it doesn't mean that we have failed. If you do end up asking for support from your dad, it's not because you are a failure. Family is there for each other, and it sounds like you come from a great family. From what we know of you, you'd do anything for your family (and for us!). Now it's time for us to be here for you! Hang in there Bubba. I know you will make the right decision. I hope that 2007 promises to be a wonderful year for you and your family. Hopefully you'll be able to figure out a plan for your knee in therapy. I wish I could take away the pain. We're thinking about you!

Not too much new to report for me. christmas shopping is finished so now we're getting into Christmas party season! This week alone we have 3 so the pressure to overeat has begun. If I could just maintain over the next 3 weeks, I'll be thrilled. Portion control, exercise and spending quality time with family/friends will be my focus.

How do the rest of you plan to get through the holidays? Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

[fromscratchmom]

I know things will be fine in the long run. Just right now they look a little bleek.

(((((((((Bubba))))))))))

You are a great example to us all. Your faith will pull you through. And I have to say ditto to what CJK said to you! Hang in there and focus on the prayer and the positive thoughts.

Sheril

 

[bubba73]

CJK and Fromscratchmom - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much for your very kind words. They really meant a lot to me. The words that you have shared have really given me the motivation and inspiration to be able to forge ahead and tackle this head on. I am going to the Court house early next week to see what we can do. Otherwise, I am trying to get all of the money that I can gather to make a big down payment with the possibility of getting a loan to combine that with a couple of other debts to bring all of my bills down. Hopefully, I will be able to report something very good real soon.

Otherwise, I did go to the gym last night. I wasn't able to go tonight because my DS has a small fever and my DW had to go with my DD. She was singing with her class at one of the local churches nearby. I hated to miss it but I have been really tired today so I am just trying to rest a little. But tomorrow, I will be back at the gym. I am going to walk on the treadmill the whole time that the Biggest Loser is on. I can't think of a TV show that is on that can motivate someone to be healthier more.


Oh well, I really hope everyone's week is going really well. It is so hard to believe that we are down to less than 2 weeks until Christmas. Time is flying so fast this year. The downside to this time of year is the fact that there is so much to do that you lose sight of doing for you. Let's make sure that we take a couple of moments out of each day and focus and relax. This is a very joyous time of the year. Why do we get so stressed out? Try it. I am sure you well feel better.

Have a great day!

 

[silverangel879]

Everything is going to be fine...those are little bumps on the roads to make us stronger...Sending a big HUG...and warm wishes!!!!

 

[thelionqueen]

Hello to all my "dieting for Disney" thread mates! I've done so much since I've been away, but have thought of all of you often!

I have still been going to the gym and dieting and am happy to report another 11lb weight loss! That brings my total weight loss to just over 50lbs! I have gone to the gym regularly until last month, when.....DUH DU DA DUH...I got a full time JOB!! I have been a stay at home mom since 1999 and am just back to work. I must say I LOVE it, although it leaves no time to work out like I am used to. I am still going to the gym 1-3 times per week, and feel great!!

BUBBA...MY DIETING FOR DISNEY SOUL BROTHER...I am so sorry to hear of your current situation. I would like to offer a bit of encouragement.
- We are never given more than we can handle (although we are often put to the test)
- Asking for money from a parent is not a sign of a failure, it is a son who knows his parents will be there for him through thick and thin.
- No parent I know would consider such a request anything but a band-aid to help until the bleeding stops.
- Good things come to good people, that being said..you should prepare yourself for a FANTASTIC holiday and new year!
- Try not to worry, give your concerns to those that can burden them, and focus on the things you CAN make better!

I hope that helps you a bit, but just know that there are MANY of us who are wishing for the best for you, just weather the storm..it's a comin!!!

I look forward to catching up with everyone here as soon as I can (may take a week or two) and see the progress!

Until then, I hope your days are filled with prosperity and hope, and you all deserve the best!!

TLQ
Lanette

 

[CJK]

thelionqueen - WAY TO GO!!!!! Your weightloss is absolutely fantastic! You must feel (and look) like a completely different person! Congrats on the job too. I can just feel your energy through the screen!

fromscratchmom and silverangel - Thanks for dropping in! It's nice to hear from you and see how supportive you are. What a terrific group we have here!

Bubba: We're sending you lots of warm thoughts and encouragement as you head to the court house next week. I am sure you'll be able to figure something out. Did you watch Biggest Loser finale from your treadmill? What an unbelievably inspiring 2hrs that was!!!!

I'm doing well. I was pretty down earlier this week for various reasons, but today I'm back to my old self! The scale dropped a couple more pounds and I'm wearing an old pair of size 8 jeans! Woohoo!! I doubt I'm actually in all size 8's in the stores (but I'll probably check that out in January to be sure!), but I definitely fit in two size 8 jeans that I had from a few years ago. What a wonderful feeling! I have now officially lost 9 inches from my waist and 9 inches from my hips. I started my healthy lifestyle exactly 6 months ago. It feels good. I'm not at goal yet, but it really feels like I'll make it.

Thank you to all of you for your inspiration and enthusiasm. It can be done! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

[bubba73]

I want to start this off by saying that "Disney people are the best people in all of the World!" You have all been soooo wonderful to me. I can actually feel your love and support to me. I don't feel that from most of the people that I see on a daily basis that call themselves my friends. But I guess that is the difference from them being my friends and all of you being my family. You will never know how much you all mean to me.

I was also looking at the fact how it was 10 months ago when we started this voyage known as "Dieting for Disney". Now granted, not all of us has been here for the whole journey but that is not what is important. The important part is that we are here now or others have been here in the past, met their goal or took their trip and went on their way. That's fine. That's what was expected to begin with. But then something amazing happen that was totally unexpected. We became a family. I can't tell you how many times I have talked about all of you to people I work with or come in contact with on a daily basis. With the excitement that I have about all of you, everyone thinks I am talking about people I workout with at my gym. When I tell them that this is all online, they think I am lying. It's like there is no way that we can be so close to one another without having met. I can't help but get excited when I talk about all of you and what you have been able to accomplish. How many of you have been able to lose 30, 40 or even 50+ pounds? The totals that we have on this thread is staggering!! But, from a selfish standpoint, I think that I have to say that the people here on this thread have literally saved my life. Because all of you, I feel like I have a greater source of "self" than I have ever had before. What I mean is that there are few things if any that I have more passion for than training and helping people train. My problem was that no one ever asked me for any help or advice. I was basically a "trainer-want-a-be" with no one to train. But thanks to everyone here asking for advice, tips or just an encouraging word now or then, I have been able to meet that passion head on. You are all such a big part of my life that I can't imagine what my life would be like without you.

IMHO, you are all WINNERS!!! I love you and I thank you for all that you have done for me. I can honestly say that there are several times that I actually cry tears of joy and happiness from many of the posts that all of you have made. Thank you so much for being apart of my family.

Bryan

 

[thelionqueen]

Happy Sunday everyone! I actually caught up on the numerous pages of post in my absence, and all I can say is WOW You are ALL Amazing and I am so honored to be a part of this thread again!!

CJK-So we're still here and fighting the fat battle, GREAT JOB and thank you for your kind words! I look forward to beginning the new year 10lbs LIGHTER (instead of heavier) after the holidays!

I have been REALLY good at work (still sounds weird to say that ). I eat 3oz of chicken breast for breakfast (strange I know, but I just eat my pre-packaged portion) and keep trucking. I drink at LEAST 64oz of water while Im at work and I actually move around quite a bit. The inability to make it to the gym lately makes the absolute MUST of revving my metabolism forefront of my mind.

Bubba..I'm sure I speak for many of us when I say the we the feel the exact same way about you! The one thing that has been a constant on this thread is your infectious inspiration and CONSTANT motivation for everyone who has come and gone...or is still here. You are NOT a wanna be in any way, shape or form. You are our unofficial leader and DEFINITELY worthy of the title of Trainer! Keep up the good work and keep your chin up, we're here for you whenever you need us!!

We had our Holiday party Friday night and I must say I felt like CINDERELLA in my dress! It was a very fitted size 18 (when I started on this thread, I was tight in a 24) and fit me perfectly! I felt SOOOOO good in that dress, and, this may sound weird, but all the hard work I've done for a Year REALLY paid off on Friday! Not to be conceited, but I was walking in the lobby of the Grand Hyatt in Downtown Denver, and so many people looked and smiled at me I felt like a queen! I had 7 (YES 7) women ask me where I got my dress and raved about how I looked in it! Funny how months of sweating and going without seem effortless when a stranger can make you feel that good! Anyway, just had to share with you all, I felt so beautiful..so much more than I've felt in YEARS!!

I look forward to losing more in 2007 and thank all of you for your support and inspiration..especially you Bubba..THANKS big bro for all you do!!!

Start this week with a positive attitude and eat in moderation. I think giving up the Holiday treats completely is just not right but eating a bite here and there and keeping it small is just the key!

Enjoy the week everyone, I'm glad to be back!!
TLQ

 

[CJK]

I just love this thread! It's like a lovefest! Bubba, I echo everything that Lionqueen said. Where would we be without you? We are all winners from you - the constant on this thread - and your support. Thank you. It makes me happy to know that we can offer you some of the same. As you said, "we're all winners".

Lionqueen - YOU GO GIRL!!! I can just imagine how stunning you looked in that dress. The best part is the confidence you must have been exuding. Sounds like Cinderella had nothing on you! Any chance of seeing a picture?

I'm doing pretty well. I am coming down with a cold today that I'm hoping I can kick very quickly. The last thing I want to do is be sick when we're visiting with family and friends. Dh and I also figured out our scale dilemma I think. We have 2 scales that are 8lbs different. I've been going by the heavier scale, but due to our experiment today (putting weights on the scale), we discovered that our accurate weights are closer to the lower weight scale. That's nice to know that I'm actually lighter than I thought!

We've agreed to go on a last minute all-inclusive trip somewhere in January! I can't wait!! We've been to the big 3 (Mexico, DR & Cuba), so we'd like to try somewhere else if $$ allows. Anyone have any suggestions?

I hope you all had a great weekend and a great week ahead. Only one week to Christmas!!!