Lulu201's Back In Action Journal

[DoeWDW]

Beth, I LOVE your idea about a search party - I'll put my DH on alert when I venture in to clean my DD's room tonight! Her dust bunnies are the size of a small country!! I THINK her carpet is grey but I haven't seen it for quite a long time........

Dear Erin, do I have to wait 7 YEARS to do the half with you??????? Can't we make it your 45th birthday present???? You know that I'll be there WHENEVER you decide to walk the half, providing you'd like me to be there.

I found your idea about a "switch" that turns on out-of-control eating very appropriate to me and how I end up eating way too much. Right now, my switch is on and I'm developing some very bad habits! I KNOW I shouldn't be eating this junk but somehow I still am! Tomorrow is pay day and I'm going to head to the store on Friday morning and stock up on HEALTHY foods!! Thanks for the visual of the switch - I'm going looking for mine and I'm determined to shut it OFF!

Hugs for you and your day, dear WISH-sis!!

 

[lulu201]

Oh my gosh, I love it when my WISH buddies come to visit! Thank you, Beth, Amanda, and Doreen, for your encouraging words. You know how grateful I am that we're in this thing together.

Hmmm, half marathon in 2007? I have to think about that one! The truth is, I also have to think about college expenses and/or private school! Also, I have our 25th wedding anniversary in 2009 and DH and I want to take a terrific DEBT-FREE vacation then. Hmmm, maybe if I take Tracy's envelope system the heart. . .or if I can plan around DDs school schedule so that I don't have too many worries about her being absent. . .or if I can train for the next two years so I'm a super-jock athlete that whips off half marathons without a blink of an eye (no snickers, you guys, it COULD happen ). I'll get back to you on that, Doreen. If I EVER commit myself to it again, I'm going to be POSITIVE I get there!!!! But maybe in 2007?

Amanda, before I forget to say this, I have to let you know how much I love that picture of you and Brian in your siggie. Whenever I see it at the end of your post, I smile. It's almost like you've visited me face to face.

Beth, I'm glad you're home! I'm going to pop over to your journal right now to see what's new. . .

to you guys,
Erin

 

[geetey]

Erin!

I am SO proud of you! Despite feeling like you are struggling, you keep plugging along - learning more and more about the beautiful person you are. So many would just take the rest of the year off, but each day you strive to do your best. Kudos, Erin!

Thank you for sharing of yourself here on the WISH journals! You have given me lots of things to look inside myself about.

 

[lulu201]

December 30, 2004

Thanks for that compliment, Terry. I like the idea of me just "plugging along." That's what I feel the answer is to healthy living: just plugging along at it, day by day. I read on the Nat'l Body Challenge website that those of us over 40 can't overeat and then get away with it anymore. Our metabolisms won't allow it. Geez, ain't it the truth.

So, it's a brand new day and I plan to seize it! Here's the outline for my day:

1. Devotions: 30/31 Today's message was on forgiveness.
2. Vitamins: 25/31
3. Water: 19/31
4. Exercise: Did 2.75 in 41 minutes. Did a little running in there, too. 11/31
5. Food: My treat will be my skinny cow bar or ice cream sandwich. Breakfast was an English muffin w/pb and coffee. Snack was small DDonut coffee w/skim milk. Lunch was buffalo chicken salad. Afternoon snack was some kashi (dry) with a few walnuts thrown in. Dinner was grilled chicken, small amount of pasta w/alfredo sauce, and broccoli. Dessert was mint skinny cow w/tad of chocolate syrup. 14/31
6. Scale: 25/31

Lots of housekeeping to do and a little bit of errand-running. I plan to stay at home most of the day, though, if I can. I want to think through my New Year's Resolutions and get them posted tomorrow; I'm excited about the start of 2005!

I'm happy that I got through yesterday with SIX ! I really felt the need to lean on God at different times when I wanted to have a second slice of pizza or a second ice cream bar. . .He held me up when I couldn't go it alone!

This morning I spent some time watching the reports from Southeast Asia; what a tragedy.

I'm moving onward and looking Upward--
Erin

Edit: Read through the "South Beach Diet" this afternoon, and I'm highly interested in Phase II. Phase I sounds awful and I don't think I'd like to do it. Anyone mind if I just skip that part?? LOL It did give me something to think about, though. I know sugars are bad for me and insulin surges have to have a MAJOR role in the eating switch being flipped and then hard to turn off, so why don't I just go on South Beach? I'm afraid, I guess. It all sounds so strict--I don't know if I could do it. I look at Lisa Z. and see how wonderfully successful she's been. . .and I do want a program for LIFE. . .what do you guys think?

 

[septbride2002]

You sound nice and bright this morning. Glad you like the picture in my signature! It is one of my favorites from the trip. You need to put a picture in your sig now

Have a great day and good job on the 5 smiles!

~Amanda

 

[Princess Michelle]

ERIN!!! Smilies, smilies everywhere! You go girl!

I've been doing South Beach for a couple of months now and it's really not that bad. Phase 1 was a little hard to get through for me because it doesn't allow any fruit. I gave Terry a great laugh by saying that I told myself the fruit was full of worms so that it wouldn't be appealing to me anymore. LOL They say that Phase 1 is crucial to get rid of sugar cravings and such but I can tell you that for me, it didn't take away my desire for anything. Maybe because sugar/candy/sweets isn't my weakness but I love my bread and pasta, rice and potatoes and it didn't take away my cravings for those things. I still see bread and start salivating. I will say though that I was seeing a huge difference in how I felt in just two days on Phase 1 so maybe the detox thing really does work, it's just different for different people. Phase 2 is great, it's really not as strict as it appears. You just have to learn to have things in moderation and eat the whole wheat version (which are not bad at all). I haven't seen my weight just fall off fast like some people have, for instance my best friend lost around 22lbs. in 7 weeks. I've only lost around 8 on it so far (I cheated quite a bit during the holidays) but I like the way I feel not eating the "bad" carbs and intend to stick with it for life (with the ocassional indulgence). I say give it a shot, you only have weight to lose!

 

[lulu201]

Today is December 31, 2004!

I can't believe it's the end of the month and the end of a year! WOW! I don't have too much time right now to post, but I'm going to come back later today and reflect a little about the year and what I've learned. I'll also think through some goals for the coming year.

Right now, though, it's time my for my Good Old Plan:

1. Devotions: 31/31 100% for December
2. Vitamsin: 26/31 83% for December
3. Water: Still drinking, but will hit it by midnight! 20/31 67% for December
4. Exercise: Walked 6 miles with a good friend. 12/31 38% for December
5. Food: Had oatmeal this morning w/coffee. I ate a lot of junk after my walk then when to Olive Garden. Didn't overeat there, but had some M and Ms at the movie. Snacks this evening will be nonalcoholic daquiris (sp?), TGIFriday's mozzarella sticks, and maybe popcorn? No comment about the carbs, please. There won't be a smilie here, but tomorrow is a new day AND A NEW YEAR! 11/31 35% (gulp) for December
6. Scale: 26/31 83% for December

I'm not quite sure yet, what I'm expecting of myself tonight. I know I'll be eating more than usual, but I guess I'm just hoping not too binge. Following my hunger signals will be key here. I don't want to eat for the sake of eating.

Today's devotional was about God providing strength in our trials and tempations; the prayer focus was for "people with addictions." An appropriate reading for New Year's Eve, don't you think?

Michelle, I really appreciate your thoughts on South Beach. I tried Atkins a while back and couldn't make it through the first few nasty days. I felt so yukky, I just thought "bag it, I'm going back to my points." They say those first two weeks in Phase I, South Beach can really jump start your weight loss, though, and that's darn attractive, I must say. I'll give it some more thought this weekend. It does sound like a great plan for the long haul. I wonder how similar it is to WW's CORE program.

All right now. I'm going to shower and get ready for my walk. Like I said, I'll be back later.

Edit:

Here's how my stats compare from last month:

1. Devotions: 11/04--93%, 12/04--100%
2. Vitamins: 11/04--63%, 12/04--83%
3. Water: 11/04--80%, 12/04--67%
4. Exercise: 11/04--47%, 12/04--38%
5. Food: 11/04--53%, 12/04--35%
6. Scale: 11/04--30%, 12/04--83%

I'm happy that I kept myself relatively sane (through devotions!) and on top of things (the scale), but I really could have done myself a favor by increasing the amount of water, exercise, and healthy eating through the holidays. I managed to lose 3 lbs. since I screamed in desperation earlier in the month (lol). I'm OK with that. A year ago I weighed 172. Today I weighed 175. I'm not upset by that fact if I forget that in March I was 156 and then gained back TONS!!!!! Still, I haven't climbed back to 200 (6/03) and I'm trying to walk the walk--for the most part--and want to stay commited to healthy living.

So, in 2005, I resolve to:

1. Keep striving to place God at the top of my list. Through devotional reading, prayer, and worship, I will seek to develop a closer relationship with Him and to fulfill the purposes He has for my life.

2. Work to prioritize my husband and daughter and their needs in my day to day life. I want to love them--and my dear family and friends--with an extravagent (sp.) love. I heard that term today and I like it!

3. Continue to work on becoming physically fit through an approach which emphasizes consistent exercise and healthy food choices. In order to help achieve this goal

*I'll take part in the National Body Challenge. My goal, while on that
program, will be to lose 10 lbs. toward my goal weight of 158.

*I'll take part in the 10K a Month Club with Doreen. Anyone else care to
join us?

*Continue to explore the South Beach diet as a lifelong plan for healthy
eating. I just don't think I want to go around counting points for a
lifetime; this diet seems to make sense. I'm figure out more about that
in the coming days.

*Continue to journal and post on the WISH boards in an attempt to give
and get support on this journey. My friends are an invaluable source of
strength for me.

So, that's the plan for 2005. I'm ready to go, let the New Year begin!
Erin

 

[plutosmyfav]

Today is December 31, 2004!

I'm not quite sure yet, what I'm expecting of myself tonight. I know I'll be eating more than usual, but I guess I'm just hoping not too binge. Following my hunger signals will be key here. I don't want to eat for the sake of eating.

Erin

Hi Erin,
I did just that for Christmas-- eat for the sake of eating. It was miserable. I found myself trying to squeeze everything I've wanted for the past 3 months into a day and a half. Not smart, not fun-- DON'T DO IT!!!!!! You have a great plan, I'm sure you'll succeed and feel great tomorrow morning

Sundie

 

[Princess Michelle]

Erin, I tried Atkins about 5 years ago and it made me so sick. I kept a constant headache and had absolutely no energy. It definitely was not the plan for me. With SB I haven't had that at all. I checked my stats this morning too and I've actually lost 10lbs. since I've been on SB (hopefully more tomorrow!), could have been a lot more if I had not eaten out so much and splurged over the holidays. I'm looking forward to the New Year and seeing what I can really do on this plan.

I hope you have a wonderful New Year!

 

[geetey]

Hi Erin!
Happy New Year!! I *am* impressed with that 3 pound loss since your cry for help! You are learning and discovering so much about yourself and that's wonderful! I am so proud of you.

As a fellow WWer, I will tell you that the SB has intrigued me as well. From the research I have done, the CORE plan is similiar to SB. I think I like the guidelines of SB better (if that makes sense). It would be nice to not have to count points, wouldn't it? WW works for me though, so I don't know what I will do when I get back on the weight loss wagon. Probably back to FLEXing.

You are doing so well, Erin. I will be here in 2005 to continue supporting you (with or without that whip ).

 

[lulu201]

Today is January 1, 2005 The start of a brand new year! Hooray!

And just like every other day, I'm starting it with my little plan to keep me on track--at least that's what I hope!

1. Devotions: 1/31
2. Vitamins: 1/31
3. Water: 1/31
4. Exercise: It's like FLORIDA OUT THERE! I went out to get the paper and walked right outside in my pajamas. It's beautiful and the sun is shining. I'm planning on walking the DDog, plus doing my 2 treadie miles. 1/31
5. Food: Well, last night was not pretty, but I'm back on track today. I'm not starting South Beach yet (I haven't decided if I'll try Phase 1 or skip to Phase 2), but I'm going to prepare by looking through the menus and getting some foods in the house which will support my new endeavor. I realized I have lots of "white" stuff in the kitchen--like this morning's English muffin--which will have to hit the road. Edit: I've eaten in an OK way, but not totally healthy. I had a piece of chocolate dipped biscotti that one of my students gave me--I figured it was now or never! As long as I don't binge today, I'll give myself a smilie.
6. Scale: reflected last night's late indulgences, but I'm going to flush it all out today with lots of water. 1/31

A moment of reflection. . .
In June 2003 I weighed 200 lbs. In August of 2003 I joined the WISH at 192, and I haven't seen that weight in 17 months. I get sad sometimes when I think about being 156 (for a day ) in March 2004 and how I've gained a lot back, but I need to stop and celebrate how I've been able to keep 25 lbs. off for the last 18 months. That's an accomplishment for me! If truth be told, I think my body "likes" to be at this weight 170-178; it's what I weighed 15 years ago before I was pregnant with DD, but it's not the weight where I feel the most comfortable and at my healthiest. So, I'm going to plug away, pound by pound 'til I get back to my WW goal of 158. It's funny; when I reached that goal in March, I thought maybe I should be thinner, but now I'll be darn happy to get that number back in my siggie!

Back to the here and now:
I'm going to be a house cleaning MACHINE today; we have company coming tomorrow, so I have to really straighten and clean up so our Sunday can be one of relaxation. On my rest breaks I'll stop by and see how everyone's doing.

Edit: Looked through my SBeach book and I think I've decided to try Phase II beginning Monday, 1/3. I read an article on skinnydaily.com that talked about the dangers of losing weight rapidly, and as strange as this sounds, I don't WANT to lose 8-13 lbs. in 2 wks. My goal for January is 6 lbs., that's enough. I would be so thrilled to be 169 on the 31st. I don't want "extreme" anymore. I want slow and steady. . .kind of like me.
Moving onward, looking Upward,
Erin

 

[Strings]

Happy 2005 Erin!

You have done an incredible job keeping those 25 pounds off Erin. You should be very proud of yourself. You continue to be an inspiration to me. Thank you.

If you're looking for some lc recipes, I can share.

Enjoy your time with friends tomorrow.

Take care,
Beth

 

[lulu201]

Hi, Beth! Thanks for stopping by! Today is January 2, 2005.

I'm a bit crunched for time this morning. I have to leave the house by 8:15 w/DH and DD for church; the house has to be pretty much tidied before I go. . .

The plan:

1. Devotions: 2/31 I need to "water" others with Love.
2. Vitamins: 2/31
3. Water: 2/31
4. Exercise: Edit: It's almost 9:30 p.m., but I got those 2 miles in! 2/31
5. Food: yesterday was a bummer, food-wise. Today I'm thinking right! Breakfast was oatmeal w/skim milk, banana, walnuts, and coffee. Had more coffee at church. Gosh, I love my coffee! Anyway, I stopped and got some fresh produce, cheeses, nuts, and whole grain breads/Eng. muffins.
For lunch I had a tuna sandwich on this amazing whole grain bread and a pickle. Are pickles OK on SB II? Gotta check into that. Today we're entertaining and having buffalo chicken dip (I'm putting in lowfat cream cheese and lowfat cheddar cheese but keeping the Marie's Blue Cheese. I'm afraid to tweak the recipe too much since it's for guests). You're supposed to serve it with tortilla chips--which I have--but I'm also going to cut up some red pepper for myself (and others, of course) to use. DH is making homemade pizzas; I'm still thinking through this one. I've never just eaten the toppings. If we weren't having company, I'd do this without a thought, but I hate to draw attention to how I'm eating when I'm with other people. Does anyone else experience this? I just don't want to have to discuss it! Sometimes it makes other people uncomfortable if they have weight to lose, too. We're also having salad; I'll load up on that. Dessert is mint chocolate chip ice cream with homemade brownies. I think I'll have a half or quarter portion with some (you guessed it) coffee. I have mint skinny cows--maybe I could have that instead and no one would notice? What will I do with all the skinny cows in the freezer when I start this plan tomorrow? I can't throw them out--the darn things are too expensive! Maybe I'll have them sporadically and then not buy anymore when they're used up. . .yeah, that sounds reasonable. Edit: The end of the day went OK. I didn't overeat and
refrained from binge eating. Today was a winner! 1/31
6. Scale. 2/31

Edit @ 9:30 p.m. or so:

Tomorrow I start my modified South Beach. I'm going to try to follow the SB Phase II; if I'm not losing, I'll go to Phase I. It not might make sense to the strict SB people out there, but it seems like the right way to go for me. My food for tomorrow will be b: peach s.f., non-fat yogurt w/almonds or walnuts. Lunch will be two hard-boiled eggs, fruit, maybe a slice of whole grain bread. Dinner will be a salad w/grilled chicken with the SB ricotta cheese thingy for dessert. Snacks will be an orange and/or pistacchios if I need them. Sounds like a nice, healthy plan! I'm excited!

Yeah, well, as excited as I am, I have to tell you that I'm still feeling a bit wary about the whole thing. I'm 8 days out from TOM and can feel myself beginning "the hormonal descent." I AM GOING TO PUSH MYSELF TO GET ON THE TREADIE EVERY SINGLE GOL-DARN DAY THIS WEEK to help myself from feeling the brunt of the fatigue and "dishragness." I'm so hoping that eating this way will help me from giving into cravings that I usually have during the DZone. I can feel so positive and secure in my commitment one day and then then next I'll feel so yukky I'll eat a shoe if it's in front of me! But all I have to do is manage it one day at a time, right? Just one little day. . .I can do that.

I guess I've thought this over enough for one day. . .sweet dreams, everyone.
Erin

 

[toystoryduo]

Hi Erin!

Happy Sunday! I've been thinking about South Beach again myself. I just ate a ton of pierogis and I feel quite weighed down. I think I may give SBD a try in February. I"m not sure yet. I WISH you with best with Phase 2!!!

Have a great evening!

Tracy

 

[lulu201]

Today's January 3, 2005

Went over the SB lists--no walnuts at breakfast. Had those almonds instead. I have lots to learn, that's for sure. Also have to think higher protein for snacks. It's a little bit if an adjustment.

Here's the plan for Monday:

1. Devotions: 3/31 Message was about being an imitator of Christ
2. Vitamins: 3/31
3. Water: 3/31
4. Exercise: it's a two mile kind of day! 3/31
5. Food: B: nonfat, s.f. peach yogurt w/2Tbsp. sliced almonds. S: 1/2 cup blueberries and a cheesestick. L: egg salad on 2 slices whole grain bread, orange S: 15 almonds, celery D: grilled chicken salad, cocoa ricotta creme (I made this for DH and I). I did it! 2/31
6. Scale: 3/31

Back to work today. It was a good vacation, but I'm ready to get back in the swing of things. After I take DD to school, I'm going to sit down and plan out the day--up there on the list is getting Mickey to the groomer.

Tracy (or Michelle?), could you tell me a little more about SB? Is mayonaisse--light or regular--acceptable? What about salad dressings? Is it oil and vinegar only? For some reason I can't find this in my book!

Here I go!
Lulu

 

[DoeWDW]

Good morning Erin!!

So you're moving to the Beach! Sounds like a wonderful, warm place to be! Don't forget the cabana boy! All WISH beaches come with one! I believe (someone more in the know can correct me) that low-fat mayo in moderation is OK and the salad dressing of choice is balsamic vinaigrette. I'll be watching how it works out for you - maybe I'll join you after the half.

You sound enthusiastic and ready to jump into your day with gusto! I hope it's a wonderful day, filled with the comfort of familiar routines and with the newness of those SB tweaks - the best of both worlds!

 

[septbride2002]

Good Morning Erin!

I've never just eaten the toppings. If we weren't having company, I'd do this without a thought, but I hate to draw attention to how I'm eating when I'm with other people. Does anyone else experience this? I just don't want to have to discuss it! Sometimes it makes other people uncomfortable if they have weight to lose, too.

YES! I feel this weay as well! I never want to draw attention to myself and what I am eating because then you have to answer alot of questions. Especially when you are low carbing and you are dealing with people who know nothing about low carbs except what they hear in the media. Then you are constantly defending your stance. I also don't like to hear other people's "war" stories about how that diet didn't work for them, or they gained everything back plus 10 pounds. I wonder if they realize how discourgaing they are.

You sound so amazing today! I hope you enjoy the beach - your menu sure does sound yummy! Don't worry about being perfect in the beginning we all go through an adjustment period when we are starting a new way of eating. You may feel a bit fatique since your body is use to having a larger supply of carbs and sugar then you are going to be giving it. It usually last about 48 to 72 hours. I usually have to up my diet soda consumption a bit and exercise really does help. I always sleep better when I am low carbing - so that is a big help as well.

Have a great day today!

~Amanda

 

[lulu201]

Thanks for the support, Doreen and Amanda. I need it and I appreciate it.

Cabana boys and balsamic vinaigrette. . .I'm going to like the Beach.

E.

 

[geetey]

Welcome to the Beach, Erin!

I am going to be watching you closely, as I am also very interested in the Beach as a way of eating plan. I already try to stick with good proteins and whole grains as my carbs, so maybe the transition won't be difficult. I am simply used to WW and comfortable with the plan.

I hope you have a fabulous trip to the Beach!!

 

[plutosmyfav]

Hello

Good luck with SB, sounds like you have a great plan and are off to a good start in January with all your commitments

Sundie