SHIP OF FOOLS SISTERHOOD - Strong & Healthy in 2005!!!

[YrMajesty3]

Hi everybody. I've not been around a while but I 've caught up on this thread a little bit. I am wowed by how it took off since I last visited!

Tracy, I've enjoyed your posts . They are as helpful as your great newsletters!

Well girls, I cancelled my autoship NutriSystem meals today. I tried there special priced " starter" meals (5 weeks for price of 3). The food isn't horrible but I still didn't look forward to eating it. I feel that life is too short and good eats too important to give up. I'm not talking about junk now, but good ,healthy food.

The money spent on these meals wasn't a waste though. I'll continue to use them when I need something fast. They did teach me what an appropriate portion is though. I was shocked to find that I was overeating before and didn't realize it. So , I'm hoping that I will lose my 15 lbs by continuing with smaller portions and no junk with a little activity thrown in. Thinkin about joining Curves for that purpose.

With the big 40 comin on soon, I hope to end the cycle of obesity (on my mom's side) before it gets started. All the women in my family were obese by the time they hit 45.

Wish me luck doin it "My Way"


Carla

 

[Denine]

Carla: That is why I didn't want to do a program where the meals are provided. I need to be able to make my own apprpriate meals. We do eat the occasional Lean Cuisine when I don't have time to cook and they are pretty good.

Debbie: You are more than welcome to stay here and maybe you will be inspired to cruise!

 

[gaba2de]

Weigh in was last night and guess what - 1.4 pounds lost! This makes a total of 6.4. I am thrilled! In addition, in the last 4 weeks I have lost a total of 10.25 inches in my bust, waist, tummy, and thighs. This just gives me so much motivation to keep going. I just have to remember to keep going, even when I feel like I have messed up, and hopefully slowly but surely that weight will come off.

Denine - I too was skeptical about all the pre-packaged meals at Jenny Craig. But what I have found is that there is so much food that I actually need to be responsible for as well. All of my fruits and vegtables that I need to eat each day I need to prepare. In addition there are extras like cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, low fat breads and crackers, etc that I am responsible for. I feel that the packaged meals are helping me to learn portion control, calorie counts, and fat counts and this will help down the line when I do need to prepare my own meals. And obviously they don't keep you on the meals forever. Once I meet 1/2 of my weight loss goal they give me two days to eat on my own, and of course additional days are added as I decrease my weight so that I can become self sufficient.

I guess the main reason I chose Jenny Criag was a time issue. As I am sure all you wonderful women can agree with, working full time, being a wife and mom, this all takes so much time! And initally, while I am still learning how to feed myself, I figured the less time I spend taking care of meals would be better for me. What I was hoping would happen would be that I would be able to educate myself, loose some weight, and motivate myself all the while taking the least amount of time possible. Boy, as I read this it sounds kind of selfish. But on the other hand I only have one life and one body, and for the time being this is what I am choosing to do. Of course this does not work for everybody, and everybody needs to evaluate their own cirsumstance and figure out what works for them. But after evaluating myself I decided this was what might work best for me. And so far, for me, it has worked best!

Also, and this is kind of silly, but did any body see that article, well cover story really, in People magazine, about all those people that lost weight with just plain old diet and exercise? The women profiled all used various methods, but one of the women used Jenny Craig and I guess that just stuck with me. She lost over 100 pounds and I thought - If she can do it, so can I! Of course I am just at the beginning of my journey, so I don't think anybody is ready to put me in a magazine. But you never know!

So keep up the good work everybody. And have a great weekend!

Gabrielle

 

[eye R.N.]

I think I have offically lost my mind. To start out you need to know that while I have been a swimmer, dancer and weigh traininer in the course of 46 years, I have NEVER run. Well maybe a mile a gym class in college 25 years ago but that's it.

Last september my wonderful, kind caring boss lost his 16 year old daughter when she was a passenger in another 16 year olds speeding car. The boy survived, she didn't. In her honor, and to promote responsible teen driving, the family is sponsoring a 5K race to be held on what would have been her 17th birthday. May 1st. I have comitted to running in the race so the folks at work can sponser me without running themselves.

5k is 3.3 miles I am thinking that 40 minutes would be reasonable time. So today I got on the treadmill to see how far I could go in 30 min. 1.9 miles, that's it. And yes I felt like a quivvering mass of jello when I got off. I have a lot work ahead of me and only 8 weeks. Also I don't have a clue about the best way to train for this, espically with the snow (and more predicted for Monday) on the roads. Please send positive energy my way, I am about to become a runner, or face real embarassment at work.

 

[YrMajesty3]

I don't think you have to worry EYE. You don't NEED to run the whole time while you train. Walk it out if you need to for just a bit.

Try to increase your distance only a little every other day. Trust me, your endurance WILL increase relatively quickly if you are consistent (even if you walk out part of your distance.). 8 weeks can easily be enough time to reach your goal. You are already more than halfway there!!!!

 

[pampat]

I think I have offically lost my mind. To start out you need to know that while I have been a swimmer, dancer and weigh traininer in the course of 46 years, I have NEVER run. Well maybe a mile a gym class in college 25 years ago but that's it.

Last september my wonderful, kind caring boss lost his 16 year old daughter when she was a passenger in another 16 year olds speeding car. The boy survived, she didn't. In her honor, and to promote responsible teen driving, the family is sponsoring a 5K race to be held on what would have been her 17th birthday. May 1st. I have comitted to running in the race so the folks at work can sponser me without running themselves. .

What a wonderful thing you are doing, supporting and caring. Your attitude and determination to do something good will see you through and give you all the motivation you need. I applaud you.

Pam

 

[Lisa F]

Last september my wonderful, kind caring boss lost his 16 year old daughter when she was a passenger in another 16 year olds speeding car. The boy survived, she didn't. In her honor, and to promote responsible teen driving, the family is sponsoring a 5K race to be held on what would have been her 17th birthday. May 1st. I have comitted to running in the race so the folks at work can sponser me without running themselves.

...

Please send positive energy my way, I am about to become a runner, or face real embarassment at work.

Okay, it may just be me but your last statement doesn't jive at all with your second paragraph! How could you possibly be embarassed when you are doing such a wonderful thing for your boss and coworkers? This is truly a case of "be proud of doing the best you can do." You have 8 weeks to train and I have no doubt that since you are in such good shape to begin with you will be able to finish the race, even if you have to walk part of it. That's all that's really important in this case. What an amazing thing to do!

 

[Denine]

EYE: what a great thing you are doing. I, however would walk it. Just keep at it and in 8 weeks you will surprise yourself.

Lisa: I love your cats! I have 2 myself.

I bought an incentive dress over the weekend. It was only $10 at BMoss. It is a pink halter and I need to lose all of my weight to fit into it even though it says it is a 14. Should I hang it on my closet door? DH says I should try it on every few pounds.

Gabrielle: Whatever works is what I say. Our biggest problem has also been portion control. We are learning that on WW too, but I cook our food. I am mostly a SAHM, so I do have more time in the day. I have a turkey in the oven now.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Eye, what a wonderful thing you are doing!

May I suggest something that everyone should do? Take a picture before you lose anymore weight and then take another one down the way. LA Weight loss took one of me when I began. I was telling them that I don't "see" that I have lost 38 pounds so they took another picture in the same spot and pose and WOW I can see the difference. That really gave me a huge boost. I just thought that in case any of you might have self image problems like me, that would help immensely! I still want to lose another 20 and that just gave me a huge push!

I, too, chose LA Weight Loss because I can choose healthy food and a life style change. I feel I have learned portion control by buying and preparing my own food. Quite honestly, any weight loss program is perfect if it works for YOU!

Debbie, you are more than welcome to stay with us!

 

[eye R.N.]

Up to 2.0 miles so it's getting better.

Here is something that showed up in my in box this morning I thought you might like.

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the
Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli,
cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red
vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would
live long and healthy lives.

Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben
and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And
Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And
Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as
you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained
10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman
might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And
Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and
sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman
went from size 6 to size 14! .

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan
presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons
and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman
unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy
vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And
Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried
steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained
more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named
it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan
then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's
Food."

God then brought forth running shoes so that His
children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan
gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would
not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and
Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue
light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low
in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled
off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy
center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man
gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so Man might consume fewer
calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan
created McDonald's and its 99-cent double
cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with
that?" And Man replied, "Yes!
And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is
good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery.

Then Satan created HMOs.

 

[Debbie7452]

Hi,

You all have made me feel so welcome. I have continued lurking here to keep up my motivation. It makes such a difference when you don't feel alone in your efforts! I have lost about three pounds this first week which is more than I could have expected.
I have been doing the firm tape faithfully following the schedule that came with it. This week I have to add a lot more workouts but I am dying to see if the "see results in 10 workouts" guarantee holds true. I can't believe I picked out a set of tapes that works for me. I just grabbed them at Target without doing any research. My angels were looking out for me!

I love that last post Eye R.N.

 

[mississaugamom]

Debbie - glad to see you back! We're all here to support and motivate each other. Good for you following "The Firm" Workouts! Keep us posted on your progress.

Dee - I LOVED your "In The Beginning ... " I guess I know which side I'm on ~ "The Devil Made Me Do It"!

Hope everyone's having a good week!

Arlene

 

[invaderzim]

I think I am a suicidal dieter! I know I have to lose the weight -- I know I want to -- and I know it will make me feel a lot better! But I had P.F.Chang's on Sunday and tonight we ordered pizza (my suggestion!) -- and I had way more than I needed to. I fear I may never get into gear with this diet.

And since I am having so many physical problems with my back and my arthritis in my left leg, exercising has become nonexistent. Oh, my -- maybe I should be put into a cryogenic state until August 1st

 

[eye R.N.]

I got off of work ready and excited about getting to the college work out room and the treadmill. My hint that something was amiss was the tent now covering the entrance and the five folks putting little american flags around the building.

It really started looking bad when I ran into oldest DD ex- co worker and boyfriend who works for a company called staged right. They've done lights and sound for previous "big government" appearance and some of January's parties and balls. He informed me that the President will be speaking in the community college gym tomorrow and that both the gym and work out room were closed until 3:30 tomorrow to get ready. Since I wasn't dressed for outdoor running, I went with plan B, home to the elliptical.

So think of me tomorrow when you see the 10 sec. sound bite on the news. As for me, I'll miss it since I'll be back in the workout room then off to class.

 

[winotracy]

Sorry it has taken me so much time to get last week's notes posted. I was busy with the Newsletter and a little down on myself. Couldn't bring myself to post here. I did lose last week, but not enough to have a loss or break even for February. I went to a fitness person today and got an accurate body fat composition done. She gave me lots of ideas (basically see the last notes I posted here lol). RESISTANCE TRAINING.

There is a new product coming out this month from Kraft. Kraft is partnering with South Beach Diet. They are basically Lunchables for dieting adults. They are a Deli Ham & Turkey Wraps (4 pts), Turkey & Bacon Wraps (5 pts) and Southwestern Chicken (unknown).

The topic of the week was on saboteurs. A saboteur is someone or something that does something to sway you from progressing with your goal. We were asked to make a list of saboteurs. The first that came up was co-workers. Second was family and friends, and third was your self. We then listed what they did or said to sabotage us. Co-workers may say "one piece won't hurt you", "you're doing so well", by putting food in the breakroom. Family play the guilt-trip "don't you like my cooking", "you're no fun", eating out, "can you eat that?". You tell yourself you can start later, "I deserve this ___", talk negative to yourself.

You need to find good ways to respond because all of these are not meant to sabotage you. You need to be assertive, not aggressive with your response. Tell your co-workers "maybe later" or tell a fib and say "I don't like that". With family, telling them you don't like something may not go over well. Use portion control. Calmly explain that you can have anything you want to eat, you just control your eating or exercise in other ways to compensation for your "treat".

Dealing with your self is more difficult (my problem lately!). You need to ask yourself, "what is this all about?". You need to focus on what you are doing. You need to nurture yourself and reflect why you are losing weight.

Saboteur comes from the French word Sabo which means wooden shoe. It is said that factory workers would throw wooden shoes into the machines to stop the machines, thereby sabotaging the machine.

Asserting...

You need to identify what you need and who you need to get it from to achieve your goal.

Balance what you need and want with the needs and wants of others.

Modify your posture and body language to bring on resourceful, self-assertive state.
Sit/stand the way you do when you're feeling/looking resourceful. Lift your rib cage and center your weight. Put an expression of self-assurance on your face. Breathe the way you do when you're feeling self-confident. Be on the same eye level as the other person.

Use straight talk to ask for what you need.
I need you to ______________ because (so that) ___________________.

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. Dr. Suess

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Tracy, don't be too embarrassed to post. Never be down on yourself. You are doing your best and that is all that counts. You will get there. Hugs your way!! Don't give up.

Resistance training, huh? Any good DVD's out there with it? My FLAB needs so much help. I am doing yoga and pilates. I am wondering if maybe there is something else out there that I could do, also. I think that a variety would be great as I think they all target different muscles.

The Kraft lunchables sound interesting. I wonder if LA Weight Loss will allow them. They just broadened their diet which makes it nice. But at the same time, I think the added food on the list will slow down the diet.

Today is weigh in so I will probably check back in later to report the findings. Wish me luck!

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Just got back from weigh in. I lost another 2 lbs for a total of 40.2. It seems to good to be true. I am so excited AND happy.

 

[winotracy]

Way to go Sandy! Keep up the good work.

I didn't mean to give anyone the impression that I was embarrassed, I am just at a point of deciding what to do and a little depressed at the solutions to the problem. I have stalled in my weight loss for over a year, fluctuating within a 5 pound range. We'll see if adding resistance training will help. By the way, Pilates is resistance training if you are using the bands, rings, etc.

 

[Denine]

Tracy: I think you really need to read the meeting notes you posted. We are doing this for ourselves and no one else! We are here to support each other in our efforts. You gave me a lot of support when I first started WW and wasn't losing anything.

I weighed in today and lost another 2 pounds!

Now I have to walk another 5 minutes on the TM to earn my 2 activity points.

Everyone should think about an post your motivation to lose weight.

Mine: I am tired of looking fat and clothes not fitting and having to wear body armour under dresses just to look decent. I want to wear a bathing suit with confidence. I don't want diabetes or heart disease which both are prevalent in my family.

 

[winotracy]

Denine, I do understand that I'm doing this for myself, but I have a big problem here. I'm happy with where I am at. I've lost 40 pounds. I don't think I need to lose more. You all will say, then what's the problem. The problem is I want to continue to go to WW meetings. In order to do that, I need to lose 10 pound to be free. I don't want to continue to pay $11-12 per week for what could be the rest of my life, just to go to the meetings. The only way around this is to convince my doctor that I should be heavier and to give me a note. This is why it bothers me. I am a lifetime member, so I never have to go through maintenance again (I've been doing it for the last year) and I feel like I need the group to continue maintaining. Does this make sense? It's like someone is taking a friend away from me.

I can tell you I haven't always been happy at this weight, but with all the exercise, I have toned and now I am happy about the weight, I just wish I could be able to continue to attend the meetings without paying because I'm satisfied.