Sebastian's STRONG and SVELTE Under the Sea September W.I.S.H. Weight Loss Challenge - All Welcome!

[ThistleMae]

I've now gone two weeks without nemesis number 1, chips. I don't know if I've actually loss any weight because I'm too chicken to get on the scale & am afraid of being disappointed (it's a thing). But I do feel less bloated, most likely from not having all that sodium from chips. Today I'm going to start on nemesis number 2, sweets. I have to admit, I'm afraid of this one, it is the hardest. I do plan on eating fruits & health items that are sweet just not cookies, candies, etc. Hopefully, I can stay strong with it. I also discovered this weekend (the weather was so nice here for a change) that if I walk with my dog in a doggie front pack it makes the walk into a workout! She's a chunky little thing (16-17lbs). So when the weather is nice & not too hot, I'm going to walk carrying her. She loves it & has a little cap to keep the sun out of her eyes, for my other dog, I push her in her stroller, though we do get a lot of stares, lol. I was also thinking of our up coming Disney trip, we've hit double digits, YAY! I think I'll bring stick cheese & fruit for breakfast since we don't eat breakfast in the parks, it's healthy & easy to transport. Good luck to everyone here for the week!

Great start! Yeah the sweets will be harder but I like your idea of eating breakfast outside the park. My sweetheart and I are going to do our oatmeal with blueberries and walnuts every morning. But...we are going to splurge with desserts....but figure cutting back on one meal will help!

 

[ThistleMae]

Quiet here this weekend! Anyhooo...... Morning all! Happy Sunday! Rainy, cloudy, and cooler here.... but the cooler temps aren't going to last, as the week is supposed to be in the mid 80's.

Mom and I did a lot of talking and researching about our Bermuda trip yesterday. We had our resort nailed down and booked, but we got rethinking our decision and ALMOST cancelled and rebooked somewhere else (to save money and for a few other reasons)...... but DD did some research and we discovered that it would be nearly an hour's bus ride to go see her at her school from the alternate location (as opposed to probably 10-15 minutes by bus from our current resort)..... so despite a few things we aren't crazy about (no free wi-fi, no microwave available), we are going to stick with the Grotto Bay resort. Anyone familiar with it??

Now on to the issue of FOOD! I don't mind eating local and I am pretty good at balancing healthy OP eating with some local yummies when vacationing..... but the food costs on the island are really high (think Disney and then some!)..... so we are definitely going to be bringing along some foods! My plan is to definitely do breakfast in the hotel room..... I often do that when traveling, so NBD...... we will have a fridge and coffee maker..... so coffee/tea plus maybe instant oatmeal. I also found a recipe for some protein oatmeal muffins that are only 3 PPV each, so I am going to experiment with some of those. I figure I can make them ahead, freeze them, and then we will enjoy them room temperature. Also planning to bring some Baby bel cheese or the like, nuts, raisins (but in 100 cal packs to keep the portions under control), pretzels, mini bagels and PB, single-serve hummus kits, individual fruit-in-juice cups. I think we could DEFINITELY manage some lighter lunches and dinners from that stash. So as the plan stands now..... breakfast will be coffee/tea and fruit.... plus a bagel and PB or a protein muffin or instant oatmeal (nice to have a choice). Lunches and dinners will be a combo of local food trucks, and local market foods combined with our stash (like a fresh salad topped with our cheeses and nuts), and of course, just a few treat meals out in real restaurants! How does that sound? Any suggestions??

I was planning to pay for one large checked bag any how, in order to bring DD some stuff she could use..... so if paying $35 for a bag saves me that much or more (definitely MORE) on food costs, then it will be well worth it! Plus I can bring along a full size sunscreen for Mom and I to share.... not sure how Mom thought that two blonde white women from New England were going to manage 6 days on a tropical island with just 3 oz of sunscreen each!!!

If anyone has a garden currently overrun with tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and/or squash, let me know. I have a tried and true recipe that uses all of that stuff (plus onions) and it is SUPER delicious..... layered ratatouille . It is a a bit of work (my mandolin definitely helps), but it is like summer on a plate! I made three on Friday and cooked them last night. We had one with dinner and I put the other two in the freezer. They will be DELICIOUS in January when we are CRAVING the taste of a fresh summer garden meal!

Okay..... off to refill my coffee and fold laundry! TTYL.....................P

I pack protein bars for snacks...cut in half and have them with tea. They are full of nutrition and have a sweet taste so u feel like you are having a treat! They travel well.

 

[DisPup75]

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

 

[ThistleMae]

Another week into September! I'm traveling today so can't weigh in till tomorrow morning. I've increased my calories this week so don't expect to lose as much as I had been but I'm also working out and I was really eating well under the recommended 1200 calorie diet. So...I do need to still lose but it will be slower...we shall see after weigh in! So as long as I lose something I'm okay...but if the scale did not move I will push back on the calories. My metabolism isn't as good as my younger days so it's harder to lose. I'm hoping the gym will get it working a bit better. I also think raising the caloriies is a good transition to maintaining as I believe maintaining may be just as challenging as losing. I've been thinking about the use of olive oil in my salads. The mederteranian diet studies show good health results from people who have a life long diet which includes olive oil. It does up the calories quite a bit...but I did buy two small sample bottles to mix with balsamic vinegar. I'm not ready to use it yet but I have it on standby! Everyone enjoy your Monday! We are halfway there!

 

[DVCFan1994]

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

Ooh this is something I am really working on. I am totally someone who rewards myself with food. It was how I was brought up. "Oh you are (sad, happy, proud, got a good grade, mad at your brother, etc.) have a cookie, or better yet, have ice cream and an oreo." I was genetically lucky, I was a naturally skinny kid and even teenager. I could eat a silly amount of junk food my family always had around and stay skinny. Unfortunately that changed starting in my early 20s and has gotten worse over time. So now, I totally reach for chocolate whenever I am feeling down or frustrated, and usually ice cream when I am feeling celebratory. But, it puts the pounds on quick. I have struggled to come up with a plan for better rewards. When the weight came off fast in the beginning, 5 years ago, dropping sizes was enough a lot of the time. But then, once I'd hit so close to my goal, I stopped changing sizes. I don't expect to change sizes even if I hit my ultimate goal, maybe one size at certain stores that use vanity sizing.

I am struggling to figure out what else to reward myself with. I look forward to seeing other people's answers, maybe one will inspire me.

 

[ThistleMae]

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

I reward myself with shopping for new clothes! Love it! But our upcoming Disney trip will be full of planned treats in conjunction with smaller meal portions...but still eating anything on the menu.

 

[DisPup75]

I've now gone two weeks without nemesis number 1, chips. I don't know if I've actually loss any weight because I'm too chicken to get on the scale & am afraid of being disappointed (it's a thing). But I do feel less bloated, most likely from not having all that sodium from chips. Today I'm going to start on nemesis number 2, sweets. I have to admit, I'm afraid of this one, it is the hardest. I do plan on eating fruits & health items that are sweet just not cookies, candies, etc. Hopefully, I can stay strong with it. I also discovered this weekend (the weather was so nice here for a change) that if I walk with my dog in a doggie front pack it makes the walk into a workout! She's a chunky little thing (16-17lbs). So when the weather is nice & not too hot, I'm going to walk carrying her. She loves it & has a little cap to keep the sun out of her eyes, for my other dog, I push her in her stroller, though we do get a lot of stares, lol. I was also thinking of our up coming Disney trip, we've hit double digits, YAY! I think I'll bring stick cheese & fruit for breakfast since we don't eat breakfast in the parks, it's healthy & easy to transport. Good luck to everyone here for the week!

Congratulations on two weeks without chips! That is a great accomplishment! Wishing you well on the no sweets challenge. We've been eating a lot of farmer's market nectarines lately. I know the season is almost over but the last few batches have been almost as sweet as candy. Delicious!

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

I'm all about rewards!! Stickers, trinkets, treats...you name it! I ordered two new dresses when I hit 10 pounds lost and will do the same when I hit 20. A lot of my clothes are just plain old, stretched, misshapen, and they don't make me happy. I can't afford a new wardrobe with every size change but I would like to make sure that I have at least a few things that fit decently And the upcoming 20 pounds lost SHOULD put me fully back in regular sized clothing.

I've put pedicures on hold for now because I'm keeping a promise to myself: no pedicures unless I work out 4 times a week. I haven't done that once. My feet are not looking so pretty but I have a way to fix that called the gym (or the pile of DVDs, rowing machine, and free weights that live in my basement). Unfortunately I'm really good at ignoring that fix. Perhaps this will be the week!

Finally, I want to give myself bigger rewards for (1) returning to normal BMI - around 167 for my height - and (2) hitting my final goal weight - a number I'm not entirely sure of yet. I'm tall but tiny framed so really should be under 150 but I would really like to see 139. I should probably stop fussing about this and concentrate on current goal: leave the 200s in the dust! I'm just starting to think about the big goals/rewards because I need to start budgeting for whatever they might be.

 

[ThistleMae]

Ooh this is something I am really working on. I am totally someone who rewards myself with food. It was how I was brought up. "Oh you are (sad, happy, proud, got a good grade, mad at your brother, etc.) have a cookie, or better yet, have ice cream and an oreo." I was genetically lucky, I was a naturally skinny kid and even teenager. I could eat a silly amount of junk food my family always had around and stay skinny. Unfortunately that changed starting in my early 20s and has gotten worse over time. So now, I totally reach for chocolate whenever I am feeling down or frustrated, and usually ice cream when I am feeling celebratory. But, it puts the pounds on quick. I have struggled to come up with a plan for better rewards. When the weight came off fast in the beginning, 5 years ago, dropping sizes was enough a lot of the time. But then, once I'd hit so close to my goal, I stopped changing sizes. I don't expect to change sizes even if I hit my ultimate goal, maybe one size at certain stores that use vanity sizing.

I am struggling to figure out what else to reward myself with. I look forward to seeing other people's answers, maybe one will inspire me.

My story is very similar to yours. And as you will see in another of my posts, I do reward myself with clothes shopping. But...one of the ways I reward myself with treats is to figure out how to alter recipes. Last thanksgiving I made a pumpkin pie with stevia and no crust. I eat yogurt with berries with go lean crisp with 3 m&m's for a dessert. When I'm traveling, I'll keep a chocolate protein bar handy and eat a half. Another safe treat...rice cake with cream cheese and a touch of jelly. It can be fun to figure out low calorie, healthy snacks. And...I'm always prepared when I know I'll be out.

 

[lisah0711]

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

I am looking forward to having new smaller, clothes soon. I'm just about to the smallest size I have at hand right now. I'm pretty nice to myself already so I don't have any specific rewards except enjoying the way that I feel.

OK, a question for the WW folks. Haw anyone tried the personal coaching?

I'm all set to rejoin, found a meeting that should work so long as I get up at the crack of dawn on Tuesdays, went online to get the monthly pass set up, and saw a special that would get me meetings plus coaching for four months for about what I expected meetings to cost. I'm just curious if anyone has tried coaching and found it beneficial. Or, since I'm going to go to meetings anyway (and I have all of you too), whether I would be better off just putting the extra money in the Disney jar.

I've been doing personal coaching since it started at the first of the year. I'm also a meetings member. I have two coaches right now. One is a leader from Indiana and the other is my own leader who I added for face to face accountability and because she is an AWESOME leader. Click to chat is great tool for that yikes moment but personal coaching is much more personal because you talk to the same person each week. You get an unlimited number of 15 minutes one-on-one with a coach each week. You could have a 15 minute session with a coach every day if you wanted. But that would be hard.

I spread my coaching out. For example today I have a back to back call with one coach -- two 15 minute calls in a row. Because sometimes you need some extra time and 15 minutes can go fast. Then on Thursday I have my meeting and a coaching call with my leader. The big benefit to coaching for me is the one-on-one time coming up with action plan items that work for you and not tied to the action plan item relating to the meeting. For example, my action plan items for my coach today are: 1)I will eat 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (this is harder for me than it sounds). 2) I will monitor my portions with weighing and measuring to ensure my points plus values are accurate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For my leader my action items are: 1) I will pack my lunch for work on Monday and Tuesday. 2) I will shop for and continue my plan B back up meals for grazing or tired days on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 3) I will spend 5 min a day reflecting on how my day on plan went on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Added: Also your coach sends messages during the week -- Sundays are hard days for me and I always get a couple of messages. Or if I am doing a race I get messages. You can also message your coach anytime between calls. It's not an instant reply like click to chat but it will be someone who knows you and what you are working on.

At least half the weight I've lost this year is attributable to personal coaching because now I work the plan, instead of simply following it. It helps me to really work on those healthy habits that I know I need to do but don't always if left to myself. I would consider trying it for the four months and seeing how you like it since the price is what you were expecting to pay for meetings. You can read posts by other folks who do coaching on the WW boards -- click all so you can see the posts going back or PM me if you have any questions. Personal coaching to me is one of the best tools that WW has given its members and something that really makes their offerings stand out.

This is probably more information than you were expecting . . .

 

[JacknSally]

Weighed in today and it was a success... finally seeing the numbers I've been looking for.

Down 2 pounds, to 171.5.

Progress to date for month: 2.5 of 8 pounds, or 31.25% of goal

With big birthday dinners planned for this week, the pressure is on. Can I indulge without hurting my progress? I would love to break 170.. so I'm going to be extra good this week and not over-do it.

You are so close. OMG. It's going to happen this week - I can feel it. Sending you all of the positive vibes I can to get you to 199.9!

We are BOTH so close!!! I think this will be the week for both of us. Let's do it!! I'll push you if you push me! I was down to 201.2 this morning, so another .6 from yesterday. I have a hard time getting in a lot of water on the weekends because I get so busy and I just forget to hydrate, so hopefully I'll be able to refuel this week and that will help some. Fingers crossed!

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

I am TOTALLY a "Reward myself with food" person, but I am trying really hard to transition away from that. "You lost 2lbs! That makes it totally ok to have cake today!", "You had a really healthy breakfast and lunch, so let's have something really yummy and bad for dinner!", etc. I'm trying to transition into rewarding myself with clothes and other little goodies (accessories, crafts and home decor, etc.) every so often. I think manicures might be my new reward, if I can ever get to the point where they last. I really like my nails being painted, but I constantly pick at my nails/cuticles without even thinking about it (it's a major OCD/anxiety thing... They're very easy to fidget with without being incredibly obvious, which gives an outlet for anxiety, and OCD makes you need things to be perfect, so when I can see/feel unevenness or something in the nail polish or in my cuticles, I try to fix it, but generally end up making it worse... I don't have full blown OCD or even anything severe, but when I get stressed out, it definitely gets worse)... Friday my manicure only lasted 12 hours. But that's longer than my nail polish usually lasts, so that's something.

Another week into September! I'm traveling today so can't weigh in till tomorrow morning. I've increased my calories this week so don't expect to lose as much as I had been but I'm also working out and I was really eating well under the recommended 1200 calorie diet. So...I do need to still lose but it will be slower...we shall see after weigh in! So as long as I lose something I'm okay...but if the scale did not move I will push back on the calories. My metabolism isn't as good as my younger days so it's harder to lose. I'm hoping the gym will get it working a bit better. I also think raising the caloriies is a good transition to maintaining as I believe maintaining may be just as challenging as losing. I've been thinking about the use of olive oil in my salads. The mederteranian diet studies show good health results from people who have a life long diet which includes olive oil. It does up the calories quite a bit...but I did buy two small sample bottles to mix with balsamic vinegar. I'm not ready to use it yet but I have it on standby! Everyone enjoy your Monday! We are halfway there!

Be sure that you aren't keeping your calories too low... 1200 isn't a sustainable daily caloric intake, so if you've been there a while, your body has gotten used to that deprivation and may very well be in or entering starvation mode, especially if you're increasing your activity levels and not adjusting your caloric intake to match. If you aren't seeing the scale move at 1200 calories, definitely don't cut back. You may need to increase to 1500-1800 to see some progress.

 

[ohMom]

Morning everyone and what a great month September looks to be for you all! I'm a late joiner as we just got home from two weeks of a fabulous vacation, Alaskan cruise on the wonder and 4 days In Seattle. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we were very fortunate. The food was also excellent and plentiful! I haven't even stepped on the scale since I've been home, I figured I give myself Monday through Friday of this week to get back on track and face the music Friday morning.

Quick intro for those who don't know me, I'm Molli, A long time WISHer and thankful for the accountability of these monthly threads. I need it now more than ever, the summer was a bit of a wash and I dread that I've gained some of the weight I lost back. Then add in vacation. After a three-year health struggle, I have Addison's disease and replace multiple hormones. It's a roller coaster ride of water retention, intestinal woes, steroid replacement and much more fun LOL. I am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. i am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. Initially I had Cushing's disease, which packed on an additional 55 pounds, I have lost about 30 of it. But after seeing some of the vacation photos I'm realizing that in my mind I was a bit thinner than I in reality am. I really want to get the extra last bit of this off.

Post vacation days are always a struggle for me, as the extra activity and traveling require me to stress dose with my steroids. Now I'm weaning back to normal dose which makes me feel like crap, along with adjusting back to regular eating which I'm starting today. So I'm forcing myself to Pilates, even though it's a light workout it's a step. Also I'm back on MFP. The next two months I have overextended myself with commitments, but I am also committing to checking into this thread more routinely I need the accountability.

 

[pjlla]

Kind of a bit of a lazy Sunday here, wanted to go for a run, but somehow did not feel like it and now it is hot outside. While wonderful to have a last late summer day on a Sunday, not the best for running. I guess I will need to try to get it done later today when it starts cooling off.

I am struggling a bit with my eating today. Have been very good with what I ate, but unfortunately feel rather hungry. Might get a small piece of parmesan as cheese seems to always help me to get rid of that lingering feeling of being hungry that I often get. I talked to my doctor about it as I was thinking it might have something to do with my insulin levels. And he says yes, but not in an unhealthy way. It shows that I have low blood sugar and there are just some people who get low blood sugar more easily than others. I just need to deal with it...

I have low blood sugar issues as well..... they don't crop up as often as they did in my 20's, but still occasionally. I actually get light-headed and very nauseaous..... feeling like I was run over by a truck. Usually just a bit of natural sugar helps a LOT..... a few ounces of juice, a piece of sweet fruit (orange or banana) and a few minutes to digest and I feel right as rain! Hope you are feeling BETTER!

Weighed in today and it was a success... finally seeing the numbers I've been looking for.

Down 2 pounds, to 171.5.

Progress to date for month: 2.5 of 8 pounds, or 31.25% of goal

With big birthday dinners planned for this week, the pressure is on. Can I indulge without hurting my progress? I would love to break 170.. so I'm going to be extra good this week and not over-do it.

Congrats on the progress and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Remember... the biggest GIFT you can give yourself is the gift of good health.... so a small indulgence without going crazy and a good number on the scale next week should be a birthday goal!

I have been busy being active - I just added up this week and I am happy to say I am fast approaching my goal for the month - and its just 9/13!
Currently I am at 939 active minutes out of 1200 - don't ask me to tell you the %..........math is not my forte but when I get to 1200 minutes I will be able to tell you I am at 100% I would have had more to report but I didn't have time to walk (hurt foot) or ride yesterday because I am packing.............for DISNEY!

So jealous! When do you leave?

On my phone which is delaying typing making it hard to edit and fix errors. So quick check in then I promise to be back tomorrow. Weighed in this am down one pound. So that's 1/5 or 20%. Nothing huge, but better than last weeks 0. I think the fact I'm ramping up training for Avengers is keeping me ravenous, and I can't cut too much or I won't be fueled for training. Anyway, a pound is a pound.

Some of us would HAPPILY take a pound..... so be PROUD and DELIGHTED! Congrats!

I've now gone two weeks without nemesis number 1, chips. I don't know if I've actually loss any weight because I'm too chicken to get on the scale & am afraid of being disappointed (it's a thing). But I do feel less bloated, most likely from not having all that sodium from chips. Today I'm going to start on nemesis number 2, sweets. I have to admit, I'm afraid of this one, it is the hardest. I do plan on eating fruits & health items that are sweet just not cookies, candies, etc. Hopefully, I can stay strong with it. I also discovered this weekend (the weather was so nice here for a change) that if I walk with my dog in a doggie front pack it makes the walk into a workout! She's a chunky little thing (16-17lbs). So when the weather is nice & not too hot, I'm going to walk carrying her. She loves it & has a little cap to keep the sun out of her eyes, for my other dog, I push her in her stroller, though we do get a lot of stares, lol. I was also thinking of our up coming Disney trip, we've hit double digits, YAY! I think I'll bring stick cheese & fruit for breakfast since we don't eat breakfast in the parks, it's healthy & easy to transport. Good luck to everyone here for the week!

We always eat breakfast in the room when we travel (Disney and otherwise). It makes the morning go faster, it is FAAARRR cheaper, and I find it keeps me in the healthy OP mind-set to start the day with an ON PLAN breakfast! Good for you!

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

I've never really set up a reward system for myself..... being at a healthy weight and not being constantly P*SSED off at myself and frustrated with myself and DISGUSTED with myself (yes, I felt ALL of that) is reward enough!! That being said, I definitely own more clothes than I did 90 pounds ago!!

Another week into September! I'm traveling today so can't weigh in till tomorrow morning. I've increased my calories this week so don't expect to lose as much as I had been but I'm also working out and I was really eating well under the recommended 1200 calorie diet. So...I do need to still lose but it will be slower...we shall see after weigh in! So as long as I lose something I'm okay...but if the scale did not move I will push back on the calories. My metabolism isn't as good as my younger days so it's harder to lose. I'm hoping the gym will get it working a bit better. I also think raising the caloriies is a good transition to maintaining as I believe maintaining may be just as challenging as losing. I've been thinking about the use of olive oil in my salads. The mederteranian diet studies show good health results from people who have a life long diet which includes olive oil. It does up the calories quite a bit...but I did buy two small sample bottles to mix with balsamic vinegar. I'm not ready to use it yet but I have it on standby! Everyone enjoy your Monday! We are halfway there!

Healthy oils are my downfall as well.... I KNOW I need more fat in my diet overall.... and of COURSE it should be healthy fat.... but unfortunately I was developing my "diet' patterns in the late 1980's and forward.... and the whole LOW FAT craze was in high gear! I am, admittedly, very FAT-PHOBIC. Using your healthy fats for salad dressing is actually the ideal way to use it! YOu can ENJOY the taste! I would NEVER add EVOO to a dish just to sautee just for the sake of adding the fat because I wouldn't really get to enjoy it! If I eat fat I want to TASTE it and ENJOY it.... hence I eat avocados a few times a week, use LIGHT dressings instead of fat-free, and dress some of my asian-style dishes with toasted sesame oil (adds a TON of taste and fragrance).

Congratulations on two weeks without chips! That is a great accomplishment! Wishing you well on the no sweets challenge. We've been eating a lot of farmer's market nectarines lately. I know the season is almost over but the last few batches have been almost as sweet as candy. Delicious!

YUM!

I'm all about rewards!! Stickers, trinkets, treats...you name it! I ordered two new dresses when I hit 10 pounds lost and will do the same when I hit 20. A lot of my clothes are just plain old, stretched, misshapen, and they don't make me happy. I can't afford a new wardrobe with every size change but I would like to make sure that I have at least a few things that fit decently And the upcoming 20 pounds lost SHOULD put me fully back in regular sized clothing.

FWIW, I bought a lot of my clothes at the thrift store as I was losing so as not to spend too much $$ and still look professional.... but I have such good luck and have become such a savvy shopper that now pretty much ALL of my clothes (except for unders and bras and shoes) come from the thrift store or consignment store..... or the clearance rack!

I've put pedicures on hold for now because I'm keeping a promise to myself: no pedicures unless I work out 4 times a week. I haven't done that once. My feet are not looking so pretty but I have a way to fix that called the gym (or the pile of DVDs, rowing machine, and free weights that live in my basement). Unfortunately I'm really good at ignoring that fix. Perhaps this will be the week!
Finally, I want to give myself bigger rewards for (1) returning to normal BMI - around 167 for my height - and (2) hitting my final goal weight - a number I'm not entirely sure of yet. I'm tall but tiny framed so really should be under 150 but I would really like to see 139. I should probably stop fussing about this and concentrate on current goal: leave the 200s in the dust! I'm just starting to think about the big goals/rewards because I need to start budgeting for whatever they might be.

Set little goals, like our monthly challenges here! It can be overwhelming to look at the BIG PICTURE. You wouldn't eat an elephant in two bites, right?? You would take lots of little bites along the way, concentrating on small sections. So how about just concentrating on getting into ONEderland for now!?? Then take a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn't, what needs to change to keep going and then take a day to CELEBRATE how far you have come before dashing off on to the next mini-goal.

My story is very similar to yours. And as you will see in another of my posts, I do reward myself with clothes shopping. But...one of the ways I reward myself with treats is to figure out how to alter recipes. Last thanksgiving I made a pumpkin pie with stevia and no crust. I eat yogurt with berries with go lean crisp with 3 m&m's for a dessert. When I'm traveling, I'll keep a chocolate protein bar handy and eat a half. Another safe treat...rice cake with cream cheese and a touch of jelly. It can be fun to figure out low calorie, healthy snacks. And...I'm always prepared when I know I'll be out.

I love taking recipes and changing them up to be lower in calories and healthier (and for me, it also usually means lower fat and often lower carbs).

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

Morning all! I got a call from school today asking me to work tomorrow and then 9/23 - 10/8, which brings me almost right up to my Bermuda departure date, so I have today (and possibly a few other days) to get this house in order and meals cooked and frozen for the men before I am BERMUDA BOUND!

In an effort to make sure that my week is SPOT ON, I am making up a little "checklist" to add to my daily food tracker. I will be putting a water checklist, a healthy fats checklist , a fruit check list (trying to keep my portions to just 3 a day), and a protein checklist (I know I don't usually get enough). I am really motivated by CHECKING THINGS OFF on a list (LOVE a good to-do list!!), so hopefully this will help me stay RIGHT ON TRACK this week.... not that I've been bad, but I know I could be just a BIT better! I'm gonna make it pretty too.... that always helps!

And today I WILL WALK!!!!!! Even if it is just 15 minutes.... NO EXCUSES!!

TTYL......................P

 

[dsnyfn1022]

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

I don't reward myself a ton because I maintain the motivation just by seeing and feeling the difference. Plus, when I lose enough to go down a size I see getting new clothes as a "need" rather than a reward. I do plan to reward myself with some Sparkle Skirts and other running gear when I've hit my goal.

_______

As an update, I did survive the 10K. It was so overwhelming to complete 6.2 miles that I cried as I crossed the finish line, especially when I realized what the time was (I finished in 1:25:31.8 and my goal was to finish it in 1:30!). The medal was bigger than my palm and it was awesome! I'm so glad that I decided to do it because now I know that I can. However, I'm soooooo so sore this morning. My legs of course and then also my core. And yesterday I felt pretty miserable. So I think I'll be saving future 10K races until I'm really fully trained and have built up the endurance to run them!

As a side note my DH finished before I did but when I rounded the corner and saw Mile Marker 6 there he was waiting for me! It was just the pick me up I needed and he ran in the last .2 miles with me. I think I'll keep him!

 

[pjlla]

Morning everyone and what a great month September looks to be for you all! I'm a late joiner as we just got home from two weeks of a fabulous vacation, Alaskan cruise on the wonder and 4 days In Seattle. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we were very fortunate. The food was also excellent and plentiful! I haven't even stepped on the scale since I've been home, I figured I give myself Monday through Friday of this week to get back on track and face the music Friday morning.

Quick intro for those who don't know me, I'm Molli, A long time WISHer and thankful for the accountability of these monthly threads. I need it now more than ever, the summer was a bit of a wash and I dread that I've gained some of the weight I lost back. Then add in vacation. After a three-year health struggle, I have Addison's disease and replace multiple hormones. It's a roller coaster ride of water retention, intestinal woes, steroid replacement and much more fun LOL. I am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. i am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. Initially I had Cushing's disease, which packed on an additional 55 pounds, I have lost about 30 of it. But after seeing some of the vacation photos I'm realizing that in my mind I was a bit thinner than I in reality am. I really want to get the extra last bit of this off.

Post vacation days are always a struggle for me, as the extra activity and traveling require me to stress dose with my steroids. Now I'm weaning back to normal dose which makes me feel like crap, along with adjusting back to regular eating which I'm starting today. So I'm forcing myself to Pilates, even though it's a light workout it's a step. Also I'm back on MFP. The next two months I have overextended myself with commitments, but I am also committing to checking into this thread more routinely I need the accountability.

Hey friend!! Welcome back!! Your presence has been missed! Those trips sound incredible! Share a photo or two! Anyhooo.... glad you are back, hope it isn't too hard to back to real life!........P

 

[Flossbolna]

QOTD:

I don't have any specific rewards. If I set up a reward beforehand I just get frustrated if I don't reach it. So, just seeing a lower number on the scale is enough of a reward for me that way. But, one thing I sometimes use as a "I have been so good, I want to treat myself to something nice" reward is to get a silly magazine and sit on my sofa with a lovely cup of tea for half an hour and read the magazine. It does not break the bank (clothes shopping would be great, too, but it can get very pricey!) and gives me the feeling of doing something special.

Morning everyone and what a great month September looks to be for you all!

Great to see you back!! And I know all about not wanting to step on the scale after vacation!

 

[courtneybeth]

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

Rewards are the motivation that keep me going! I've been doing these as milestones, such as I wanted to break 175 by my birthday and I'm 3.5 pounds below that already and my b-day isn't until Friday. But really it's just keeping up the positivity and doing little things as I go. Knowing that I can splurge at Disneyland when I go but within reason. Have a chicken caesar salad for dinner and stay within my WW points for the week and I can have that cake pop because I've lost another 1-2 pounds.

I think this will be the week for both of us. Let's do it!! I'll push you if you push me!

Game on. We got this. BIG WEIGH-INS COMING THIS WEEK.

. I do plan to reward myself with some Sparkle Skirts and other running gear when I've hit my goal.

The sparkle skirts are super cute. Where are you thinking of buying yours?

 

[ANforever1030]

Happy Monday!!!

QOTD - September 14​

Rewards! Making permanent lifestyles changes is hard. Do you plan rewards for yourself? If so, are they time-based (sticking to plan for x weeks) or goal based (lost y pounds or went to the gym z times)? What types of rewards do you use? Or are the intangible benefits of good health, more energy, and smaller clothes enough for you?

It varies. The reward (both for myself and my DW2B) for losing my first 25 lbs. was shaving my beard off. I had used the beard as a cover because my face had gotten fat and bloated. I occasionally use getting a new suit or a new pair of shoes as a reward for reaching my goals. I do still use food as a reward, but not always in a bad way. I've set a reward goal for when I finally squat my bodyweight (which will be a few months) of going and eating a good steak dinner. I'm talking $40+ steak, and a good glass of scotch. So, not completely unhealthy food, but still something I wouldn't buy myself every day. The other reward I like is looking at a slimmer me and actually have muscular (not just big) legs and arms.

Another week into September! I'm traveling today so can't weigh in till tomorrow morning. I've increased my calories this week so don't expect to lose as much as I had been but I'm also working out and I was really eating well under the recommended 1200 calorie diet. So...I do need to still lose but it will be slower...we shall see after weigh in! So as long as I lose something I'm okay...but if the scale did not move I will push back on the calories. My metabolism isn't as good as my younger days so it's harder to lose. I'm hoping the gym will get it working a bit better. I also think raising the caloriies is a good transition to maintaining as I believe maintaining may be just as challenging as losing. I've been thinking about the use of olive oil in my salads. The mederteranian diet studies show good health results from people who have a life long diet which includes olive oil. It does up the calories quite a bit...but I did buy two small sample bottles to mix with balsamic vinegar. I'm not ready to use it yet but I have it on standby! Everyone enjoy your Monday! We are halfway there!

Sometimes I wish that burning fat and losing weight weren't such an exercise in patience; however, I think if it were too easy once we reach our goals they wouldn't be as satisfying.

Ooh this is something I am really working on. I am totally someone who rewards myself with food. It was how I was brought up. "Oh you are (sad, happy, proud, got a good grade, mad at your brother, etc.) have a cookie, or better yet, have ice cream and an oreo." I was genetically lucky, I was a naturally skinny kid and even teenager. I could eat a silly amount of junk food my family always had around and stay skinny. Unfortunately that changed starting in my early 20s and has gotten worse over time. So now, I totally reach for chocolate whenever I am feeling down or frustrated, and usually ice cream when I am feeling celebratory. But, it puts the pounds on quick. I have struggled to come up with a plan for better rewards. When the weight came off fast in the beginning, 5 years ago, dropping sizes was enough a lot of the time. But then, once I'd hit so close to my goal, I stopped changing sizes. I don't expect to change sizes even if I hit my ultimate goal, maybe one size at certain stores that use vanity sizing.

I am struggling to figure out what else to reward myself with. I look forward to seeing other people's answers, maybe one will inspire me.

Reaching for certain chocolates is not terrible, particularly dark chocolate with little to no added sugar. However, just make sure not to eat the whole bar (or whole box) as I am often wont to do.

I reward myself with shopping for new clothes! Love it! But our upcoming Disney trip will be full of planned treats in conjunction with smaller meal portions...but still eating anything on the menu.

I'm the same way. I'm not going to limit what I eat at WDW, but I will make sure I limit how much I eat of it.

Congratulations on two weeks without chips! That is a great accomplishment! Wishing you well on the no sweets challenge. We've been eating a lot of farmer's market nectarines lately. I know the season is almost over but the last few batches have been almost as sweet as candy. Delicious!



I'm all about rewards!! Stickers, trinkets, treats...you name it! I ordered two new dresses when I hit 10 pounds lost and will do the same when I hit 20. A lot of my clothes are just plain old, stretched, misshapen, and they don't make me happy. I can't afford a new wardrobe with every size change but I would like to make sure that I have at least a few things that fit decently And the upcoming 20 pounds lost SHOULD put me fully back in regular sized clothing.

I've put pedicures on hold for now because I'm keeping a promise to myself: no pedicures unless I work out 4 times a week. I haven't done that once. My feet are not looking so pretty but I have a way to fix that called the gym (or the pile of DVDs, rowing machine, and free weights that live in my basement). Unfortunately I'm really good at ignoring that fix. Perhaps this will be the week!

Finally, I want to give myself bigger rewards for (1) returning to normal BMI - around 167 for my height - and (2) hitting my final goal weight - a number I'm not entirely sure of yet. I'm tall but tiny framed so really should be under 150 but I would really like to see 139. I should probably stop fussing about this and concentrate on current goal: leave the 200s in the dust! I'm just starting to think about the big goals/rewards because I need to start budgeting for whatever they might be.

Four days a week can definitely be tough, but planning it out and knowing there is a reward for it can definitely help. It also feels so rewarding just doing it once you have gotten started.

I am looking forward to having new smaller, clothes soon. I'm just about to the smallest size I have at hand right now. I'm pretty nice to myself already so I don't have any specific rewards except enjoying the way that I feel.



I've been doing personal coaching since it started at the first of the year. I'm also a meetings member. I have two coaches right now. One is a leader from Indiana and the other is my own leader who I added for face to face accountability and because she is an AWESOME leader. Click to chat is great tool for that yikes moment but personal coaching is much more personal because you talk to the same person each week. You get an unlimited number of 15 minutes one-on-one with a coach each week. You could have a 15 minute session with a coach every day if you wanted. But that would be hard.

I spread my coaching out. For example today I have a back to back call with one coach -- two 15 minute calls in a row. Because sometimes you need some extra time and 15 minutes can go fast. Then on Thursday I have my meeting and a coaching call with my leader. The big benefit to coaching for me is the one-on-one time coming up with action plan items that work for you and not tied to the action plan item relating to the meeting. For example, my action plan items for my coach today are: 1)I will eat 2 servings of fruits and 3 servings of vegetables on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (this is harder for me than it sounds). 2) I will monitor my portions with weighing and measuring to ensure my points plus values are accurate on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For my leader my action items are: 1) I will pack my lunch for work on Monday and Tuesday. 2) I will shop for and continue my plan B back up meals for grazing or tired days on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. 3) I will spend 5 min a day reflecting on how my day on plan went on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Added: Also your coach sends messages during the week -- Sundays are hard days for me and I always get a couple of messages. Or if I am doing a race I get messages. You can also message your coach anytime between calls. It's not an instant reply like click to chat but it will be someone who knows you and what you are working on.

At least half the weight I've lost this year is attributable to personal coaching because now I work the plan, instead of simply following it. It helps me to really work on those healthy habits that I know I need to do but don't always if left to myself. I would consider trying it for the four months and seeing how you like it since the price is what you were expecting to pay for meetings. You can read posts by other folks who do coaching on the WW boards -- click all so you can see the posts going back or PM me if you have any questions. Personal coaching to me is one of the best tools that WW has given its members and something that really makes their offerings stand out.

This is probably more information than you were expecting . . .

Smaller clothes are always a great incentive!

We are BOTH so close!!! I think this will be the week for both of us. Let's do it!! I'll push you if you push me! I was down to 201.2 this morning, so another .6 from yesterday. I have a hard time getting in a lot of water on the weekends because I get so busy and I just forget to hydrate, so hopefully I'll be able to refuel this week and that will help some. Fingers crossed!



I am TOTALLY a "Reward myself with food" person, but I am trying really hard to transition away from that. "You lost 2lbs! That makes it totally ok to have cake today!", "You had a really healthy breakfast and lunch, so let's have something really yummy and bad for dinner!", etc. I'm trying to transition into rewarding myself with clothes and other little goodies (accessories, crafts and home decor, etc.) every so often. I think manicures might be my new reward, if I can ever get to the point where they last. I really like my nails being painted, but I constantly pick at my nails/cuticles without even thinking about it (it's a major OCD/anxiety thing... They're very easy to fidget with without being incredibly obvious, which gives an outlet for anxiety, and OCD makes you need things to be perfect, so when I can see/feel unevenness or something in the nail polish or in my cuticles, I try to fix it, but generally end up making it worse... I don't have full blown OCD or even anything severe, but when I get stressed out, it definitely gets worse)... Friday my manicure only lasted 12 hours. But that's longer than my nail polish usually lasts, so that's something.



Be sure that you aren't keeping your calories too low... 1200 isn't a sustainable daily caloric intake, so if you've been there a while, your body has gotten used to that deprivation and may very well be in or entering starvation mode, especially if you're increasing your activity levels and not adjusting your caloric intake to match. If you aren't seeing the scale move at 1200 calories, definitely don't cut back. You may need to increase to 1500-1800 to see some progress.

My DW2B is almost as bad with the nails. She had hers done before her Bachelorette weekend and she said they didn't last two days. She was hoping that they would last longer because this was where she wanted to get her wedding nails done and it is her favorite place for a pedicure.

Also sending good vibes for losing those lbs. this week.

Morning everyone and what a great month September looks to be for you all! I'm a late joiner as we just got home from two weeks of a fabulous vacation, Alaskan cruise on the wonder and 4 days In Seattle. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we were very fortunate. The food was also excellent and plentiful! I haven't even stepped on the scale since I've been home, I figured I give myself Monday through Friday of this week to get back on track and face the music Friday morning.

Quick intro for those who don't know me, I'm Molli, A long time WISHer and thankful for the accountability of these monthly threads. I need it now more than ever, the summer was a bit of a wash and I dread that I've gained some of the weight I lost back. Then add in vacation. After a three-year health struggle, I have Addison's disease and replace multiple hormones. It's a roller coaster ride of water retention, intestinal woes, steroid replacement and much more fun LOL. I am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. i am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. Initially I had Cushing's disease, which packed on an additional 55 pounds, I have lost about 30 of it. But after seeing some of the vacation photos I'm realizing that in my mind I was a bit thinner than I in reality am. I really want to get the extra last bit of this off.

Post vacation days are always a struggle for me, as the extra activity and traveling require me to stress dose with my steroids. Now I'm weaning back to normal dose which makes me feel like crap, along with adjusting back to regular eating which I'm starting today. So I'm forcing myself to Pilates, even though it's a light workout it's a step. Also I'm back on MFP. The next two months I have overextended myself with commitments, but I am also committing to checking into this thread more routinely I need the accountability.

It sounds like you had a fantastic vacation. My DDad and DM took my DSis and me on an Alaskan cruise two years ago and that is such a beautiful location. Seattle is also one of my absolute favorite cities. I hope the doctors can help you find a good medication that doesn't cause other problems, and good vibes on getting back to eating well and working out!

I have low blood sugar issues as well..... they don't crop up as often as they did in my 20's, but still occasionally. I actually get light-headed and very nauseaous..... feeling like I was run over by a truck. Usually just a bit of natural sugar helps a LOT..... a few ounces of juice, a piece of sweet fruit (orange or banana) and a few minutes to digest and I feel right as rain! Hope you are feeling BETTER!



Congrats on the progress and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Remember... the biggest GIFT you can give yourself is the gift of good health.... so a small indulgence without going crazy and a good number on the scale next week should be a birthday goal!




So jealous! When do you leave?



Some of us would HAPPILY take a pound..... so be PROUD and DELIGHTED! Congrats!



We always eat breakfast in the room when we travel (Disney and otherwise). It makes the morning go faster, it is FAAARRR cheaper, and I find it keeps me in the healthy OP mind-set to start the day with an ON PLAN breakfast! Good for you!



I've never really set up a reward system for myself..... being at a healthy weight and not being constantly P*SSED off at myself and frustrated with myself and DISGUSTED with myself (yes, I felt ALL of that) is reward enough!! That being said, I definitely own more clothes than I did 90 pounds ago!!



Healthy oils are my downfall as well.... I KNOW I need more fat in my diet overall.... and of COURSE it should be healthy fat.... but unfortunately I was developing my "diet' patterns in the late 1980's and forward.... and the whole LOW FAT craze was in high gear! I am, admittedly, very FAT-PHOBIC. Using your healthy fats for salad dressing is actually the ideal way to use it! YOu can ENJOY the taste! I would NEVER add EVOO to a dish just to sautee just for the sake of adding the fat because I wouldn't really get to enjoy it! If I eat fat I want to TASTE it and ENJOY it.... hence I eat avocados a few times a week, use LIGHT dressings instead of fat-free, and dress some of my asian-style dishes with toasted sesame oil (adds a TON of taste and fragrance).



Set little goals, like our monthly challenges here! It can be overwhelming to look at the BIG PICTURE. You wouldn't eat an elephant in two bites, right?? You would take lots of little bites along the way, concentrating on small sections. So how about just concentrating on getting into ONEderland for now!?? Then take a moment to reflect on what worked, what didn't, what needs to change to keep going and then take a day to CELEBRATE how far you have come before dashing off on to the next mini-goal.




I love taking recipes and changing them up to be lower in calories and healthier (and for me, it also usually means lower fat and often lower carbs).

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

Morning all! I got a call from school today asking me to work tomorrow and then 9/23 - 10/8, which brings me almost right up to my Bermuda departure date, so I have today (and possibly a few other days) to get this house in order and meals cooked and frozen for the men before I am BERMUDA BOUND!

In an effort to make sure that my week is SPOT ON, I am making up a little "checklist" to add to my daily food tracker. I will be putting a water checklist, a healthy fats checklist teeth: ), a fruit check list (trying to keep my portions to just 3 a day), and a protein checklist (I know I don't usually get enough). I am really motivated by CHECKING THINGS OFF on a list (LOVE a good to-do list!!), so hopefully this will help me stay RIGHT ON TRACK this week.... not that I've been bad, but I know I could be just a BIT better! I'm gonna make it pretty too.... that always helps!

And today I WILL WALK!!!!!! Even if it is just 15 minutes.... NO EXCUSES!!

TTYL......................P

It's amazing how everything we thought we knew 20-30 years ago about diet have become completely irrelevant.

Bermuda sounds incredibly exciting. Keep up with the excellent preparation.

I don't reward myself a ton because I maintain the motivation just by seeing and feeling the difference. Plus, when I lose enough to go down a size I see getting new clothes as a "need" rather than a reward. I do plan to reward myself with some Sparkle Skirts and other running gear when I've hit my goal.

_______

As an update, I did survive the 10K. It was so overwhelming to complete 6.2 miles that I cried as I crossed the finish line, especially when I realized what the time was (I finished in 1:25:31.8 and my goal was to finish it in 1:30!). The medal was bigger than my palm and it was awesome! I'm so glad that I decided to do it because now I know that I can. However, I'm soooooo so sore this morning. My legs of course and then also my core. And yesterday I felt pretty miserable. So I think I'll be saving future 10K races until I'm really fully trained and have built up the endurance to run them!

As a side note my DH finished before I did but when I rounded the corner and saw Mile Marker 6 there he was waiting for me! It was just the pick me up I needed and he ran in the last .2 miles with me. I think I'll keep him!

Congrats on completing the 10K. I know I probably couldn't do it right now. Your DH did a fantastic thing

 

[pjlla]

Okay..... it took a CRAZY amount of time but I finished up my check list and it is pretty cute! I went for FORM above FUNCTION if I may say so, but it will still function well. Sorry that the picture is so big! ...............P

 

[ThistleMae]

Morning everyone and what a great month September looks to be for you all! I'm a late joiner as we just got home from two weeks of a fabulous vacation, Alaskan cruise on the wonder and 4 days In Seattle. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, we were very fortunate. The food was also excellent and plentiful! I haven't even stepped on the scale since I've been home, I figured I give myself Monday through Friday of this week to get back on track and face the music Friday morning.

Quick intro for those who don't know me, I'm Molli, A long time WISHer and thankful for the accountability of these monthly threads. I need it now more than ever, the summer was a bit of a wash and I dread that I've gained some of the weight I lost back. Then add in vacation. After a three-year health struggle, I have Addison's disease and replace multiple hormones. It's a roller coaster ride of water retention, intestinal woes, steroid replacement and much more fun LOL. I am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. i am also on insulin resistant medicine as others in this month mentioned. Initially I had Cushing's disease, which packed on an additional 55 pounds, I have lost about 30 of it. But after seeing some of the vacation photos I'm realizing that in my mind I was a bit thinner than I in reality am. I really want to get the extra last bit of this off.

Post vacation days are always a struggle for me, as the extra activity and traveling require me to stress dose with my steroids. Now I'm weaning back to normal dose which makes me feel like crap, along with adjusting back to regular eating which I'm starting today. So I'm forcing myself to Pilates, even though it's a light workout it's a step. Also I'm back on MFP. The next two months I have overextended myself with commitments, but I am also committing to checking into this thread more routinely I need the accountability.

Welcome Back! You must be an eternal optimist...you have such a positive attitude considering all of your health issues. We are here to listen and support and struggle along with you!

 

[ThistleMae]

Just a word about chocolate. I have bought two bars of the darkest chocolate I could find that is still tasty...about 85%. This is a tough one. I began by eating one square with almond butter and a graham cracker. It really is a good snack....but then I would eat four squares and then eight. So, unfortunately I had to remove this snack from my acceptable snack list unless I can limit it to one. For now....it's sitting in my fridge...unopened.