Lisa's Journal (Life on the "Beach" - Part 2 all the way to goal!)

[Strings]

Lisa, You have an amazing attitude. Yours is such a positive approach to weight loss. You are right that it is how you feel about the positive changes in your life, and not about an arbitrary number. It's a new year, and your goals are concrete. Stay on plan, drink more water, exercise faithfully. I know you will succeed, and the weight will come off with it. I'm so proud of you.
Beth

 

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, you are doing so fabulous! Congratulations on that beautiful 20 lb. clippie you're wearing!!

Look how far you've come in just one month!! Healthy eating, exercise, more water than you used to drink (even if you're not drinking as much as you'd like to yet), and 20 pounds you no longer have to carry with you!!

Keep up the great work! You're right - that silly scale will have no choice but to cooperate as long as you're walking the walk!

 

[Strings]

I forgot to congratulate you on your 20# clippie. It looks fabulous on you!!

beth

 

[littleducksmom]

lisa...........i love love love your attitude on the scale number......you have the same attitude that i have developed over the last year.........it's gonna be a big help to you to keep up these healthy perspectives on things.......hooray for your new clippie!!!!!

 

[ZerasPride]

January 4, 2004 (Sunday) Day 35 on the Beach

I had a very busy Sunday but managed to get in a much need nap in the afternoon which was nice.

I'll make this entry short and sweet because I've got to get up at 5:30 (yawn) in the morning so I can work out and I gotta get some sleep!

Food:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole wheat flakes and 3 slices of bacon
S: 7 whole almonds
L: mock french toast, 3 sausage patties and 1/2 glass of milk
D: 3 slices of roast beef with mushrooms, broccoli and cheese sauce and a salad with lf dressing and home brewed ice tea sweetened with splenda

Exercise/Water Gauge:
I did my FIRM ab scuplt tape and water was a 5.0. Pretty good for a weekend.

That's a wrap for Sunday. I hope everyone has had a cheat free day!

A1A1 - thanks for reading my journal and being encouraging to me. Maybe we can plan on the 2006 marathon as I'm sure all our WISH and DIS buddies will have a great time next year. I think it's awesome (and very flattering) that you picked up the book based on my experiences so far. Let me know if you decide to do South Beach. It's really a great plan and I honestly can't imagine eating any other way now!

Beth - thanks for the vote of confidence! I am trying to get this water in, even though it makes for some pretty interesting situations when I've got to "go" at work and have to wait until the last minute. I'm sure fellow co-workers think I'm nuts as I race for the bathroom! Thanks also for noticing my new clippie! It might be a while before I get another one but that's okay with me.

Doreen - thanks to you too! I can't believe I've lost 20 pounds. I don't think I've ever lost that much at one time before. It's kinda scary but I'm trying to focus on how good I feel and not what would happen if I fail at this way of eating. People are noticing my loss and for the first time ever, I don't feel like I'm going to be my own worst enemy and start eating bad foods because I'm afraid to succeed. You guys play a part in my confidence so thanks again for being here for me!!!

littleducksmom - we can't let that bad old scale dictate who we are now can we? Nope. There are so many other ways to measure our success, right?

I hope everyone has a good evening. Hopefully, I'll be able to check on some of your journals tomorrow.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Hello there Lisa. You're probably snoozing away right now and resting up for your early start tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by my journal today. It's not always easy to make time to read everyone's since we all have a busy schedule. Yes, I'm fine, hanging in there. You're doing well and you seem like you're becoming more active with all of the exercise you're doing. I'm keeping it short this evening too since I'm trying get to everyone tonight. Take care and I'll check in with you tomorrow.

 

[ZerasPride]

January 5, 2004 (Monday) Day 36 on the Beach

Things are finally back to normal at work and there's no candy or other type of foods to tempt me. I'm happy about that.

I mentioned that I am getting compliments on how much weight I have lost. I don't think 20 pounds is all that much but I think I have lost quite a few inches and that's what people may be seeing. Anyway, it is nice to hear that people notice, it helps to make all the hard work worthwhile.

I still can't believe I have stuck to this way of eating for so long. I know it hasn't been years or anything but over 30 days is a record for me. DH and I will be attending a jazz concert on Sunday (David Sanborn - one of our favorites) and we're going out to dinner for the first time since we started life on the Beach. We chose Ruby Tuesdays for their low carb menu and their now infamous low carb cheesecake. I'll definitely be checking it out! I will also report back on how the lc food is in general.

Food:
B: mock french toast and 3 small sauage patties with 1/2 glass of milk
S: 7 whole almonds
L: grilled pork chop and salad with lf ranch dressing
S: cheese stick
D: 1/2 bowl of whole grain flakes, 3 slices of bacon and 2 scrambled eggs (I love breakfast for dinner!) no dessert

Exercise/Water Gauge:
Did my FIRM cardio tape for 30 minutes and water was a 6.0. Now that's more like it!

That's a wrap for Monday. I hope you all have a great afternoon.

Lisa, you are so right that we can't always comment on each other's journals but I try to be good and keep up with as many of my WISH buddies as I can. It's nice to see the number of views of your journal go up every day but it's also nice when someone can take a moment and give you a word of encouragement. I know I appreciate it so I am going to try to do better and give lots of encouragement too!!

 

[Strings]

Lisa, 20# is a huge accomplishment. You've worked hard, and deserve all the compliments you are getting. I love David Sanborn. Have a great time at the concert, and savour the cheesecake. Menus look great, and good job on the water.
Beth

 

[LAinSEA]

David Sanborn concert - I hope you have a wonderful "date night"! (and congrats on the 20 lb clippies too)

I picked up a copy of the SBD at Costco yesterday and have gotten about half way through it. It is very similar to Atkins (even if the author is trying to make you believe otherwise). I think I will stick with Atkins for now but incorporate some of SBD as I get closer to my goal because it seems to be a more realistic program for the long term.

Keep up the great work.

-Laurie

 

[ZerasPride]

January 6, 2004 (Tuesday) Day 37 on the Beach

It is so cold here in Cleveland. Yikes! I was tempted to get some hot chocolate but resisted because I don't know what Starbucks (their in my building) puts in their cocoa mix so I didn't chance it. One of ladies here at my firm started South Beach yesterday and she's doing very well. That makes 4 of us and it's so nice to have others in person and on-line working toward the same goal. I have support all around me and I know that contributes to my success. I mentioned having dinner at Ruby Tuesdays on another board and my SBD buddies reminded me we are NOT on a low carb plan and that many items on the lc menu at Ruby Tuesdays are full of fat. I plan on having a steak, veggie and salad so I think I'm covered but it's nice to have friendly reminders. I do plan on tasting that lc cheesecake that I heard is just great so maybe DH and I will split it.

Food:
B: oatmeal and 3 slices of bacon
S: none
L: tuna salad on a bed of lettuce and diced tomatoes
S: 7 whole almonds
D: sloppy joes (no bread) with a salad and a little lf sour cream on the side (it reminded me of when I would eat a sloppy joe with french fries, I liked sour cream on them) - no dessert tonight but I did have a diet Pepsi

Exercise/Water Gauge:
I rode my exercise bike for 5 miles and water level was a 4.5. Not too shabby but could be better.

I'm still bumming a bit about not being able to at least support my fellow WISHers at the marathon next year but I'm trying to keep a stiff upper lip. I made reservations for DVC Hilton Head this morning for a villa for me and my family (I've got 2 sisters and their husbands joining us in their own villas) and since we'll have a 2 bedroom, I might let me son bring a friend. That made me feel a little better. Plus we've got reservation points that have to be used by July 31st and can't afford to go down to Disney so DH and I are inviting a couple we're good friends with to join us at the Grovepark Inn Resort and Spa in North Carolina over Memorial Day weekend. Anybody ever stay there?

That's a wrap for Tuesday. I hope everyone is having a successful day!

Laurie - I think Atkins and South Beach are pretty similar except one biggie. South Beach is pretty strict about limiting fats. Other than that if you are comfortable with Atkins, I'm sure it's the right plan for you. All that really matters is that we find what is right for us individually and support each other to our goals.

Beth - thanks for the encouragement. I keep telling myself to just accept the compliments I get and not feel guilty (like I don't deserve them) or embarassed (like they shouldn't be putting me in the spotlight for fear that I might fail). I'll let you know how the cheesecake is next week. Looking forward to me and my "skinny" husband having a date night!

 

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, you are doing fab, girlfriend!! All this talk of Ruby Tuesdays is making me hungry!! I really must convince DH that we need an evening out!

Enjoy that concert and your "hot date" with DH!

 

[Strings]

Lisa, Have a fab. time on that date.
Beth

 

[lulu201]

Good morning, Lisa!
Every time I look at your cheat free bear racking up the days, I'm awed and inspired. I remember what you said about all the time previously spent cheating yourself and how your not tempted to cheat now. . .those words have had a great impact on me.

Your vacation plans sound like so much fun! Right now, in the midst of all this cold weather, is the right time to be planning fun times in the sun. Just picture yourself all skinny on the beach at Hilton Head---ahhhhhh.

Thanks for stopping in at my journal. You asked about my work. Well, it is crazy sometimes. A lot of the time. BUT, I love it. Truly. My work is my purpose in life and an incredible blessing to me every day. My DH and I have a small music school (we both met as music majors in college). There are 8 of us teaching there with enrollment of over 200 children. I specialize in early childhood music classes, group keyboard classes, and private piano. I also teach music enrichment at a local preschool a couple of times (or 3 or 4 ) a month. AND I also write music programs for a staff member of ours who teaches them at different township rec centers. My DH and I love working together, love the musical community of parents, children, and teachers we've developed; every day (as long as I'm not exhausted! ) has its share of joy. We're not living large, believe me. There are times when money is tight, but we're fulfilled and happy and feel we make a difference.

My advice to you (uhh, didn't I hear you asking? ) is to JUMP into your plans to be a teacher. If you feel this is your calling, go for it with your whole heart. The lives you touch will enrich yours many times over, and at the end of the day you'll know that what you spent your life doing was what you were meant to do. Be fearless, Lisa.

When I look at the changes you've made in your life this last month, I can see your high levels of courage and determination.
I think many of us on these boards have reached the time in our lives when we are going to be our truest, best selves. We're proving to ourselves and to each other, that there is nothing that we can't do with strength, our friends, and I believe, some support from above.

You can dream it and you can achieve it, Lisa.

Erin

 

[A1A1]

I have enjoyed reading your journal this morning. You are doing very well in reclaiming your life!

I can relate to the feelings of not wanting to draw attention to yourself because of the fear of failure. There is no failure to fear. You are changing your entire life for the better----you are not on a diet that is black and white. This is part of your evolution as a person. You are growing and changing. Good for you. All of nothing thinking may be what got me into this overweight situation to begin with. You are doing so well with changing your mental attitude along with your behaviors.

Have a great day.

 

[Strings]

Lisa, I think you would make a great teacher. You give good clear explanations. You are very supportive and patient. Most importantly, you have a great sense of humor. It is amazing what you can tell over the net. You also never have typos. Have a great cheat free day.
Beth

 

[ZerasPride]

I can't even start my entry for today without saying that you guys have made me want to cry with all the support and encouragement you are giving me. I am almost overwhelmed with emotions as I type this. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am that I started this journal. It can be scary to put yourself "out there" with your feelings for others to read but when you get back gifts like I have been getting - it's truly priceless and worth all the effort! Thanks to each of you - Beth, Erin, Doe and A1A1 and Lisa (Castillo Mom) for supporting me and believing in me. It does help to keep me going!!!! Sometimes people in your life can't see the day to day struggle you go through and of course they don't read my journal so that's a disadvantage but I appreciate your being here for me, even if we don't have time but to post a word or two to one another, it just means so much! Okay, I'll stop now or I will start to cry!


*********

January 7, 2004 (Wednesday) Day 38 on the Beach

I had lunch with my Mom today which was a nice treat. I am so fanatical about my eating plan that wouldn't even go out to a restaurant with her. We ate the Starbucks in my lobby where they have tables and chairs set up. I had my packed lunch and my mom grabbed herself a little something. She also had a friend of hers along and they both marveled at my willpower. I told them I loved the foods I was eating and didn't consider it exercising self-control at all. Plus I am getting pretty cheap. I haven't bought a lunch in over a month and I knew I was meeting my sister on Friday for my first lunch out since starting SBD and I wasn't spending a penny before that! My mom couldn't believe it!

She also paid me the nicest compliment. I wore a pair of slacks, a turtleneck (previously too tight to get into so yea for me) and a short jacket. My mom said she couldn't get over how my hips and butt were slimming down because she watched me as I walked away from her. It's always nice to get a compliment from your mommy!

Food:
B: 2 scrambled eggs with lf cheese on top, 3 small sausage patties and hot tea sweentened with Spelnda
S: forgot to eat snacks today!
L: tuna salad on a bed of lettuce with diced tomatoes and lf ranch dressing
D: grilled pork chop and broccoli with lf cheese sauce and a ff fudgesicle for dessert

Exercise/Water Gauge:
I did my FIRM cardio workout tape for 30 minutes this morning and water was a 6.0. Getting better with that water. I am trying to shoot for half my body weight in ounces which is hard and I never reach that level but I drink more water trying to reach that goal than if I just went for 8 glasses a day.

That's a wrap for Wednesday.

Erin - thanks so much for sharing with me your love of teaching. The desire to teach has been getting stronger in me over the last year or so. There is an education program at the state university (down the street from my job) that I am starting to look into. I have never set foot on a college campus and it's a little scary to get started but I am going to make an appointment to meet with a counsel at the college soon. Your job sounds awesome and my goal is to be as happy teaching first grade (hopefully) as you are teaching your students. I'll keep you posted!

Beth - Thanks for believing in me! I rarely have typos because I am a legal secretary. It's in my nature to spell things correctly. It will probably come in handy in the classroom!! You are a sweetie to pay me such high compliments - and btw, right back at ya! I guess we all have to have a sense of humor in this weight loss journey. Perhaps that's the key!

A1A1 - you are an inspiration to me. I think of you and my other WISH buddies when the thought of cheating or giving up comes fleetingly across my mind. I know that you guys are out there cheering me on as I do you and I appreciate your support so much!

Doe - Thanks for the well wishes for our date Sunday night. I can't wait for the concert or that delicious cheesecake!

 

[DoeWDW]

Lisa, please let us know how your college plans are coming along. I know it can be scary but we need good teachers for our kids. If you feel led to teach, then you owe it to yourself to look into it. Best wishes as you consider a new career!

A compliment from your Mom must have meant so much to you! I'm almost 40 and I LOVE when I get a compliment from my Mom. Believe me, it doesn't happen very often, but I still cherish them!

Also, enjoy your big lunch date with your sister today! I can't wait to hear what yummy on-plan food you had!

Onward and downward, Lisa! Keep racking up those cheat free days, girlfriend!! You are truly living healthy!!

 

[ZerasPride]

January 8, 2004 (Thursday) Day 39 on the Beach

I can't believe that DH and I let our lunch meat go bad in the fridge! I think with all the days off we have had these past 2 weeks, I've been making hot lunches at home and just thought for some crazy reason the deli meat would keep in the frig. Boy was I wrong! We had to put that stuff in special plastic and take it outside with gloves on! Yuck!

So there I was stuck without a lunch for today. I was literally almost ready to pass out. I was not going to spend one penny on nasty cafeteria or fast food. DH has a back up plan and gave me one of his baked pork chops. That was so sweet of him. We have also discovered that until we get some better containers (more airtight) we are not buying the great big bags of premade salad. They end up turning brown before we can finish them, end up getting thrown away and it's a waste of money. For now, we'll just by the smaller bags and I'll make sure the date is far enough in the future that we will be able to get full use of them.

Food:
B: 1/2 bowl of whole grain flakes and 3 strips of bacon
S: 7 whole almonds
L: baked pork chop and a salad with lf ranch dressing
S: no snack this afternoon
D: grilled sirloin burger and salad with lf ranch dressing and no dessert

Exercise/Water Gauge:
I rode my exercise bike for 5 miles for about 20 minutes and water level was 5.0. Pretty good.

That's a wrap for Thursday.

Doe - thanks so much for visiting my journal today. I'll report back later today (or tomorrow) what I had for lunch. We're going to Fuddruckers and I'm either going to get the taco salad or a small burger with a side salad if they have such a thing. I have no intentions of giving up my beautiful continuous cheat free clippie over Fuddruckers food. Now when go to Disney in the spring that will be a different story. I'll definitely need extra will power to resist all that delicious food at the House of Mouse!

Everyone have a lovely and cheat free afternoon!

 

[littleducksmom]

lisa...........i am so happy for you!.....you know i think so many of us like reading your journal because we can see the determination that you have.......it is very inspiring for us. i bet you are saving some big money these days by eating less and packing your own meals and snacks.

i am sorry i havent been able to post in your journal til now......i often have to get on here in spurts depending on what my 3 yo is up to.........i am very proud of you!!!!!!........you are doing great with your exercise and water!!!!!...keep it up!

 

[ZerasPride]

Hi Deb!

It's so nice of you to stop by and check on me. I know everyone has busy schedules and I like to read my buddies entries but don't always have time to post so I totally understand. Just knowing I have people out there cheering me on helps me to be successful!

I mentioned that I would report on my lunch today with my sister. I did have the taco salad (ground beef, lettuce, diced tomato, black olives, cheese and salsa and a bit of sour cream on top). It was yummy! I was a bit concerned because the last time I had Fuddruckers was in November when we were at Hilton Head and I always get a big burger and an order of cheese fries and onion rings. I honestly didn't miss that stuff. Thank goodness! It is so liberating to be able to go into a restaurant and know you will be able to find something yummy to eat on the menu but not have to pollute your body with bad stuff that makes and keeps you fat. I love South Beach!!!!