Why Not Now? Reaching weight loss and fitness goals in 2016--All Welcome!

[4HOLIDAYS]

I like this list! I am copying this list for reference , I think the creamy things like cheese,cottage cheese work for me.

 

[Zoesmama03]

Yay. Down about 4lbs this morning. Well that is what MFP said but I think my last weigh in on there was a teeny bit more, I forgot to update it at the beginning of the challenge. From the start weight for Jan I am down 3.5 lbs. Over half way to my 6 lb goal this month. Maybe I can make it to 8lbs off since we got two more weigh ins since I seem to be doing Sundays this time. I know with it being pretty "new" for me to be tracking food pretty consistently and exercising I might see bigger losses for a few weeks.

 

[indimom]

I really like that list of ideas for when cravings hit. There are quite a few items on there that I usually have on hand, I just need to make use of them.

Great job everyone on your losses! The planning and tracking are paying off!

I'm only 3 days in, but doing well. A little under on calories one day, a little over the next, and right on track for today. And all healthy foods. (Well, except one diet pop each night shift. I decided to keep this little treat in my diet, but restrict it to my 3 shifts a week, so I don't go overboard on the diet pop.)

I used a pp suggestion of putting the scale in the kitchen. I've got a corner by the pantry that works well and it's a good reminder when I start cruising for a snack or meal...

But, I'm trying not to weigh in right away because I don't feel "in control" yet and I find that the scale can undermine me at times. I'll have to come up with a plan to handle the scale (maybe weigh in right before bed??) because in the past I've used "good weigh ins" as an excuse to overeat (I can afford to/I earned it). And I've used "bad weigh ins" as an excuse to fall off the wagon (all this effort and nothings happening? why bother).

Anyone else ever undermined by the scale? Both positive and negative??? How do you handle it??

 

[jillbur]

I am so MAD at myself...after 15 days of pretty much right on target eating wise (NO SUGAR)...I was upset/bored/fustrated/stressed and did a major overload on sugar and crap! UGH...1 step forward 2 steps back. Today is a new day.

You're human and today is a new day! Don't beat yourself up. Get back on track and move forward. Don't dwell on the past. We've all be there, so we know how it feels.

To think about for today....

Do you have a plan to kick cravings when they hit?

Found on theberry.com

I love that list! I do love veggies with spicy hummus and celery and peanut butter. Usually when I am craving something, it's bread or sweets. So, I drink extra water and chew some gum. Sometimes that helps. If not, I will have a small snack like peanuts or a few pretzel thins.

I really like that list of ideas for when cravings hit. There are quite a few items on there that I usually have on hand, I just need to make use of them.

Great job everyone on your losses! The planning and tracking are paying off!

I'm only 3 days in, but doing well. A little under on calories one day, a little over the next, and right on track for today. And all healthy foods. (Well, except one diet pop each night shift. I decided to keep this little treat in my diet, but restrict it to my 3 shifts a week, so I don't go overboard on the diet pop.)

I used a pp suggestion of putting the scale in the kitchen. I've got a corner by the pantry that works well and it's a good reminder when I start cruising for a snack or meal...

But, I'm trying not to weigh in right away because I don't feel "in control" yet and I find that the scale can undermine me at times. I'll have to come up with a plan to handle the scale (maybe weigh in right before bed??) because in the past I've used "good weigh ins" as an excuse to overeat (I can afford to/I earned it). And I've used "bad weigh ins" as an excuse to fall off the wagon (all this effort and nothings happening? why bother).

Anyone else ever undermined by the scale? Both positive and negative??? How do you handle it??

I know exactly how you feel. If I see a decent loss, I think I can eat donuts for breakfast! If I see a gain, I think I might as well eat all the food in the house. Why not? This time I am thinking more about how I feel when I am eating healthier and all the hard work I am putting into it. I do not want to keep restarting! This time I have to get serious and stick to it. I know I'll feel so much better when I see the hard work paying off.

I keep my scale in my closet. I weigh myself a few times a week to keep myself in check. I also weigh myself first thing in the morning before I shower and get ready for work. If I see something I do not like in the morning, I can set my day up for better eating and exercising.

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It's pretty quiet around here. Everyone must be watching football!

I splurged a little yesterday after DS12's soccer game. We went out to eat with another family and ended up at Olive Garden. All the places to eat, and we went to the one that only serves carbs! I haven't been eating many carbs in the form of breads or pastas, so I was a little worried. Then I realized I do not want to completely deprive myself of something I love, so I got the Taste of Italy I ate the fettuccine alfredo and the chicken parmesan. I made DH eat the lasagna. I also ate salad and a bread stick. I was so full after, but I would say it was worth it. My weight this morning was up a little from Friday, but that's fine with me. This morning, I got right back on track.

Side note about spaghetti: have you tried the fake soy spaghetti noodles that have no carbs? They are packed in water (or something) and you rinse and add sauce to them. They are terrible! They are gluten free though, so I guess if you really want pasta and you can't eat noodles, it's an option. It's just not an option in my house anymore!

I cannot wait to sleep in tomorrow! Although, sleeping in will probably be 7:30 instead of 5:30 Okay, I'm off to get some stuff done around this house. Stay warm (22 degrees here with wind chill of 8 degrees)!

Jill

Oops...I forgot my weigh in! My weight this morning was 169.3. Thanks Rose!

 

[~~Darci~~]

Great job with the weigh ins! I actually weigh on Tuesdays but I'm looking for a loss

@jillbur. Try dreamfields pasta. Not no barb but low carb and really good!!!

Keep on keeping on!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Hi all! Sorry for the disappearing act last week. It was quite the week at our house. In addition to everything else going on we ended up with two foster dogs. We had one Tuesday-Sunday. And yesterday we brought home a puppy who will be with us for one to two weeks. He is a character and we absolutely love him. I am off now to do replies, update the first page and get organized!

This is our current foster. His name is Basil.

 

[Rose&Mike]

QOTD: What is your biggest temptation?

Oh my gosh what isn't? Haha! Salty foods. And cookies and brownies. It is not good.

I gave up the coke--and I am down to very very mild cravings, so I think I have kicked it. Now I guess I need to work on the salty foods next.

Fast food, and anything salty. Thank God I don't have blood pressure problems, but still my biggest downfall.

Right there with you--but after going through somewhat early menopause my bp crept up and up and now at 48 I am on bp meds. Boo! Don't know how much of mine is my salt craving, how much is gluten issues and how much is hereditary, but just watch that salt.

Was able to follow MFP plan for one whole week. Woo-hoo! Weight today 187, so down three pounds. I'm happy with that. Exercised 7 days in a row (walking on treadmill and using stationary bike for 45-60mins/day, i'm definitely not a heavy exerciser ) DH is doing well on it also and we're a bit competitive with each other, so I think that's helping.

For the QOTD, my biggest temptation is potato chips. I could eat a large bag in a couple days. So i've still been having them once in a while, in the prepackaged small bags for around 100 calories so I can limit myself. I have no willpower with a large bag.

I'm a bit scale obsessed so trying to weigh in once/week. I did cheat last week and peek at the end of the week though...

No will power with the large bag either! Congrats on a great week!

I'm a late-comer, but I'm in! I'm in my mid thirties. I have three young kids, and I work full time. I want to lose 25lbs total. I did the Marathon Weekend 10k (mostly walking and with virtually no prior training) and I plan to do the half marathon on the Dark Side weekend. My struggle is having tons of kid food around trying to get toddlers to eat--especially the carb-heavy diet they go through. Fortunately they eat vegetables well and love many protein packed options. Other good news is that my husband is totally in on the diet and fitness breaking point.

SO MY GOALS:

1. Change diet. Lean Meats, Vegetables. High protein. Etc. Cut empty carbs, minimize alcohol calories. Track calories. I use the SparkPeople site (it's free) to keep track of these. Eat regularly and not let myself get 'starving'.
2. Train for and walk/run a half marathon in under 15 min mile. Book other runs and keep training regularly -- 12/15 miles a week minimum.
3. Lose weight. I want to lose 30 lbs total but I'll be quite happy with a 25lb loss. That will put me at my pre-kids reasonable maintenance weight.
4. Drink water. I tend to forget to drink water and then drink non-water at night.
5. Sleep well. Goal 8 hrs a night.

I'm starting today. Have tracked my food. have had at least 67 oz water so far. Feeling pretty good so far. Just have to figure out when the heck I am going to get in 3/4 miles of walking/running! I can walk our dog but my dilemma is that it is quite icy up here most of the winter; we have a treadmill but it is so loud that I can't do it while the kids are asleep. But there has to be a solution, and necessity is the mother of invention.

Welcome!
I definitely think sleep effects my goals--so I think a goal of getting enough sleep is a great one!

Happy Wednesday!

To think about for today:

What's your favorite non-traditional vegetable (don't include potatoes, peas, green beans, corn, broccoli, carrots, spinach, lettuce)?
How do you like to prepare it?
What's your least favorite vegetable?

I really like brussel sprouts roasted in the oven. Actually I like most veggies roasted in the oven. I have been into zucchinis lately too.

I do not like mushrooms--it's a texture thing. And I have tried to like them. They just ick me out.

Just discovered this forum and this thread:

Name: Bob Iger(just kidding)
Male
Age: 41
Weight: A lot
Goal Weight: A lot less

I'm down 23 pounds since Halloween, using Weight Watchers. Very little exercise during that timeframe. So the eating plan is working for me, now I just need to factor in the activity as well.

My work/life schedule is CRAZY until the second week of February, so between now and then I'm just focusing on hitting 10,000 steps a day, and if I have time to do yoga, great.

My goal this year is to run my first 5K. There's one in April that I'd love to do, if my schedule allows.

I've developed a training plan for that, and will do yoga on the off-days. Really hoping the added exercise will accelerate(or at least keep steady) my weight loss.

Good luck this year, everyone!

Welcome! I think a 5k in April is a great goal!

I like brussel sprouts and alfalfa sprouts. Brussel sprouts roasted in the oven and alfalfa sprouts in a wrap are my favourite way to have them.
I have tried probably ever vegetable out there and there is only on vegetable I absolutely don't ever want to eat again it was okra. I generally love any vegetable and open to eating them all different ways. I may have a few other favourites that are different but just can't think of them this morning.

I like okra--but only fried. I don't know if once you fry it that it counts as a veggie anymore. haha!

Fav veggies? Brussel Sprouts, coated with olive oil and roasted. Or squash.

Non fav--definitely onions/celery/mushrooms. Yuck.

Right there with you on the mushrooms. But I love onions! Roasted onions are almost like eating candy. So sweet and yummy!

I missed checking in the last 2 days but I definitely thought about everyone! I'm still doing good with the eating and exercising. Although this week is hard to fit the exercise in. We have a concert tonight (county band and my nephew is in it) so I probably won't get a workout in. Tomorrow I will hopefully be trying out my new shoes and heading to the gym for a run. My old ones have way too many miles and I noticed my feet hurting Monday. I hope the shoes solve that problem!

Jill

Glad you got new shoes before it became a big problem. I ran 7 miles on shoes that were shot last summer and I am still paying for it.

 

[Dreamer24]

Checking back in. January isn't going well. 146.6 is my current weight so I'm down about a pound which isn't on track for my goal of 4 pounds this month.

I haven't done well with exercising. I'm getting like 1 or 2 times a week. My goal of 6 was a little too ambitious considering I'm starting from none and when I kiss one, I give up and miss a couple.

I am doing well with water most days and haven't been eating on the go. Honestly, I feel like I've changed my eating habits pretty significantly (for me at least) and I was thinking that would be a later goal because it's so hard for me. I've been much more conscious of snacking and of portion sizes. It's what's providing me the small changes.

For some of the recent questions. My biggest weakest is my eating habits/likes. I know that doesn't seem like a real answer. There are very few foods I like and most are bad. I don't like most veggies, beans and meats. I love carbs and of course sweets. I love a loy of fruits and probably over do them in summer. In winter I mostly eat bananas for fruit. I like fresh fruits and they aren't as good in winter so they go bad too quickly and we don't buy them.

I had a friend recently share a saying. Fitness starts in the gym, weightless starts in the kitchen. I think there's some truth to it

For now slow progress is at least progress. I've stopped the scale from going up and started going down.

 

[Rose&Mike]

To think about for today....
There are a lot of different thoughts on fruits and losing weight.
Do you eat fruit?
How do you think fruit fits into a healthy diet?
What is your favorite 'unusual' fruit?

I still have that old fashioned guilt sometimes that fruit has too much sugar and it's bad for you. But when I am on plan I do eat fruit. I don't know that I eat a lot of unusual fruit, but we love berries and pineapple. I also really like banana ice cream--frozen banana and toppings (ex cocoa powder) in the food processor. My favorite fruit is the peach. Almost forgot--I really like fresh pomegranate (sp?).

I eat much more fruit now than before I was watching my weight. I used to grab chips or cookies if I was hungry between meals, now I grab an apple or banana, etc. I eat the standards, nothing unusual, mostly apples, bananas and berries. Eating fruit for fun is still new to me. I'll answer the vegetable question though, since I missed it yesterday. We were part of a CSA for the first time last year and received all kinds of vegetables. The one that surprised me is kholrabi. It was good roasted, never had it before that.

I feel like I should look into a CSA. We have a great farmers market here--it is a huge regional market, but it is crazy busy! I want to work on eating more local produce this year.

The one time I ventured past the exoticness of a mango was to a papaya. Never eat a papaya. It tasted like actual vomit.

This made me smile.

We did an exotic fruit tasting a few weeks ago; quince, cactus pears, persimmons, starfruit, rambutan, etc. It was a lot of fun and we did it with the kids--added crackers and cheese and everyone was munching away!

I have been tracking my calories religiously and have dropped 5 lbs this week! I know most is water weight, etc but I'm motivated. My aim has been 1750 calories a day as calculated by my SparkPeople Nutritional plan.

That sounds like so much fun! What a great experience for your kids.
Congrats on that loss!

I do eat fruit. I love bananas, oranges, pineapple. I do like unusual exotic/tropical fruits as well star fruit and some others I've tried but don't see around that often. Mango and pineapple are definitely at the top of my favs list. Frog skin melon is soooooo delicious. I've only found it a couple times and have to travel to Whole Foods. It's so far to go for me I just rarely go. I'm not a fan of strawberries but work myself into eating them if they are ripe I do enjoy them sometimes. But the texture of the seeds or whatnot bothers me some and when they aren't ripe they just don't taste good to me at all. I think fruits can carry a lot of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants. We mostly get bananas, oranges(or other citrus fruits), apples on occasion, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, mango, and grapes.

You have tried some interesting fruits!

QOTD Wed- Veggies,...pretty much the standards with asparagus thrown in, all the salad stuff as well,
QOTD Thur- Fruit...again all the usual, apples, bananas,peach,pears..we have a mango and avacado tree so those as well, all the berries, coconuts, pineapple..

I get a few veggies in and at least 1 or 2 fruit/ usually 1 is berries.

I am still sick and its been raining all day so there's very little going on here.

My husband would love to have a fruit tree! Very cool.

To think about for today...
One of the keys to success on this healthy journey (in my opinion) is how you handle setbacks. What do you consider a setback on this healthy journey (one meal off plan, one day off plan, weight gain, etc.) and what is your plan to deal with setbacks?

I handle stress by eating, and unfortunately lately I have been handling setbacks by getting way off plan. I am seeing every mess up as a huge failure--not good I know. But ready to get on plan and get organized!

I hope that it's not too late to join. I told myself I would get started on my weight loss journey with the start of the year, and..... I haven't started. I just am not holding myself accountable. Always going to start tomorrow... and I'm sick of it. I had luck on the WISH boards a few years ago, and came here looking for inspiration and a group to join. I hope that that is okay with all of you.

I've read the entire thread and am really enjoying the articles and thought provoking questions, so I decided to answer most of them in my first post. I'll try to keep it short. lol.

Introduction: My name is Susan. I just turned 43. I'm a relatively new (6+ months) night shift RN on a surgical floor. I work 3 12-hour shifts per week, unless I pick up extra. Married to my husband for 20 years. We have two kids. Our daughter is 18, a senior in high school, and gearing up for college this fall. Our son will be 16 soon, ready to start driving, and trying to gain weight for football.

Goal: I need to lose about 50 pounds. Which just breaks my heart. I had it all off the year before I turned 40. And I spent the last couple years in nursing school putting it all back on. Ugh. But more than the weight, I just really need to get healthier. I'm over 40 now, and I know that my bad habits are going to lead into health problems if I don't get myself reigned in and stay that way. BP issues, Diabetes, joint wear and tear are all issues I'll face if I don't get healthier and maintain that lifestyle.

What is Your Motivation? Obviously, I want to look better. I'm girl enough to admit that. I'm so disappointed with myself when I see family photos. But, I also want to set a good example for my kids. And I want to feel strong again.

Why is this time Different? I really don't know. But, I know that I HAVE to start making this a priority. I see patients every day suffering from the affects of the same poor lifestyle choices I'm making, and I know what I need to do to avoid that... and it's all do-able. I just have to woman up and do it.

What are your roadblocks? I know I do better on a schedule and with a strict routine to follow. But, with the type of job I have now, that's hard to do. And it makes it hard for me to start something and stick with it. When I have my night shifts, I have next to no time for anything else. What little free time I have, I just want to veg out and relax. And when I have my days off, I'm home alone, with too much time on my hands to "get into trouble." I've got to figure out how to make this very different work/personal life schedule work for me.

How are you going to do this? I used WW years ago and know that diet tracking is a key feature to my success. So, I'm going to try My Fitness Pal for food tracking. I don't have a specific "diet" in mind, because I'd like to make this work in a way I can maintain long term. So, I'm just going to try to focus on eating a healthy balance. Avoiding "junk carbs" and focusing on healthy choices. More veggies. Pre-planning more.

Do you have foods you HAVE TO avoid? I know that "junk carbs" are a real issue for me. Even crackers can set me off and before long I'm eating everything I can get my hands on. So, I need to avoid crackers, breads, pastries, and the like.

Family/Friends want you to eat something not on the plan? I don't have a major issue with this. Enough people in my group have had similar issues, that they generally are helpful when they know I'm watching what I eat.

Fall off the plan when feeling out of control? To an extent. I mentioned earlier that I do better when my life is scheduled and organized. But, I also know that's not something I'm going to have again as a nurse. It's rare to find a 9-5 job in this field. So, I need to find a way to manage those super busy days vs those super lazy days to find a balance in my eating/exercise routines.

Negative Self Talk? Overall I consider myself a "glass half full" kind of gal. But, when it comes to dieting I do notice a trend toward "Perfectionism/Polarizing." If I eat one lousy food I didn't plan on, I tend to consider the whole day shot. Then I eat and eat and eat. Then try to start again the next day. I need to get over this line of thinking since it's just giving myself an excuse to eat more once I've "blown the plan" on a given day.
Ways to combat the negative self talk? Honestly, I've really only got one way. To recognize it when it happens, and before I turn one little stumble into a fall off the cliff. lol.
Are my goals easier or harder to meet in winter? I would say harder. The comfort foods are so, well, comforting. And it's harder to get outside for walks. It's been icy here most of the week. It's hard to find a place to walk. And even if you walk, the pace is slow, because you're trying not to fall. Top that off with hating to be cold, lol, and it's a "perfect storm." I'm working on this though. My BFF is a teacher at the local highschool and when she's available to open the door, we can walk in the halls rather than outside.

Two o'clock, Crazy busy, forgot lunch, starving, 15 minutes to eat. What do you do? In the past, I probably would have just not eaten. This is one of my problems, going from days where I eat almost nothing, to days where I binge. And I know it's no good for my diet. My body is just putting what I do eat into stored fat because I'm not eating regularly. I'm trying to keep some healthy snacks on hand now. Dried veggies (peas and soybeans are pretty good and have a satisfying crunchiness), nuts (in moderation for the protein). I can keep those in my purse, just in case, and are easy to grab on the go.

Favorite non-traditional veggie: Again, I really like brussel sprouts and asparagus. I eat the sprouts steamed usually. I eat the asparagus roasted.
Least Favorite veggie: probably carrots. Can't say why, but I just don't love them.
Fruits: I pretty much like them all. But try to keep it to one a day while dieting. It could become easy to binge on when it's the only "sweet" thing in my diet.

I think that was everything. lol.

My starting weight. 195.
My goal. 145.
I'm 5'4". I know that many sources would say I should weigh less than that. But, I've only weighed under 140 once as an adult and I was NOT eating enough and used ephedra (the older crowd may recognize this dangerous med) to achieve that weight. I feel like I'm older now and I'm looking for a healthy balance I can live with, not super skinny crash diet approaches. So. 145 is my goal.
Since January is half over, I'm going to try for 5 pounds this month. My weight loss tends to be slower now that I'm older, but I'm sure I'll lose a few pounds of water weight in the beginning. So, 5 pounds should be doable. And it will be nice to get into the 180s.

If you need more info for the record-keeping let me know. And again, hope you don't mind me jumping on board a big late.
Good Luck to everyone else!!! Can't wait to join you all in meeting our goals!

Welcome! I saw a lot of my same journey in your post. I lost 50 pounds in 2010 and have put over 40 back on. So frustrating. But enough with my personal pity party. We can do this!

I eat fruit. I do weight watchers so I will eat some no-no stuff but you just have to allow for that in the point totals and eat very small portions. I also do not drink any calories.
Down to 136.5

Drinking calories is the worst. I am with you on drinking calories--except I have not completely given up cocktails. Trying to keep it as low calorie as possible.
Congrats on the loss!

Trying not to over stress about setbacks but trying to keep them to a minimal amount. I am already worrying about our next hockey tournament weekend. Trying to decide if I am booking a hotel or going to take the long drive there and back everyday so I can stay more on track. I find hockey tournaments one of the worst for calorie control. There is always one or two meals out with the team and I have no idea where we are eating ahead of time to plan what to order off the menu which isn't a bad choice. Plus this time the hotel rooms don't have kitchenettes in them not even a mini fridge. The crazy schedule of games, the snacks and if we do stay there is always a few beverages flowing.

Down another 2.8lbs this morning so 9.4lbs/10lbs for January goal.

So since you didn't have the mini fridge it would be harder, but since I deal with the gluten intolerance I will tell you what I do when I end up at an unplanned restaurant--I order a glass of unsweet tea and don't eat. Have had to do that at work lunches several times when I just didn't trust the restaurant to not make me sick. I then went back to my desk and ate what I packed. Is there a way you could pack a cooler of emergency food just in case you ended up somewhere where the choices were not good? Eating out can be so tricky--and so tempting!

My DDs play travel softball and it's the same. You have the snack shack food or have a 45 minute break to run out and end up getting fast food. I can pack a cooler which is better but if we're in a hotel that can be a pain. And the team dinners are usually at places that aren't the best for diets. Plus when everyone is trying the Philly cheese steaks since we're in Philly for the weekend, well, you got to try too.

I just look at it as a big picture. You can have some off days but then get right back in it. It's the overall, monthly or weekly, goals that matter and not so much day by day.

Great reply!

I try not to stress at all over setbacks. Since 5 yrs ago when the migraines and vertigo issues started I have definately changed that part of my personality. I have had to to learn to let go of so many things that used to push my buttons. I am now of the "don't sweat the small stuff...and its all small stuff." I just start over anew and realize I can only do what I can do. I will try for a salad if I had cookies the night before, extra walking , even if just up and down all the isles of Publix even if dont need that much just for extra movement...

Another great reply!

I just deal. Usually on Friday before work I see a loss for week, but by Monday morning I have found all the weight I lost plus some. Is very frustrating. So I mope on Monday and then try and get back on track Tuesday. Is a bad cycle.

I have found myself in the same cycle lately.
I guess we need to talk about how to handle weekends!

A setback to me is when I make the decision to go "off plan" and then feel guilty for it. I then tend to sabotage myself and eat "off plan" more than I need. That's why I am here. I tended to tell myself that since I ate terrible for one meal, I might as well make it one day. Then 2 days. Then 3 days. Low and behold, I'm 25 pounds overweight. I think I have a good mindset this time. If I decide to eat a little "off plan," I'll jump right back on to make sure I do not ruin all my hard work!


Don't be jealous of my Friday night grocery shopping or my next activity...paying bills
Yes, I want to get that done tonight so it's not lurking around all weekend. It's funny how organizing my eating and exercise has expanding to organizing other parts of my life!


Jill

I am still stuck in the--I had a bad day so I deserve these xxxx. Then I feel crappy about that and the downhill spiral continues. Great job jumping right back on plan!!

I absolutely believe that being organized in one thing helps with organization in other areas of life. I actually have read some articles that link clutter and over eating. It's all very interesting.

Hi, I'm new. I restarted on WW on December 28 (crazy date to start, I know, but I felt that I wanted to have gotten going by the New Year). My goal is to lose 70 pounds. Since I restarted I am down 5.8 pounds.

Fruit....I'm not a big fruit eater (I eat more veggies). I often have tangerine or clementines, and apple slices. In summer, I eat lots of watermelon. I think that fruit should be part of healthy diet, and it's something I need to work on.

Welcome!
I love watermelon in the summer!

I am so MAD at myself...after 15 days of pretty much right on target eating wise (NO SUGAR)...I was upset/bored/fustrated/stressed and did a major overload on sugar and crap! UGH...1 step forward 2 steps back. Today is a new day.

Sending you a big hug! Hope you are back on plan!

To think about for today....

Do you have a plan to kick cravings when they hit?

[GALLERY=]

[/GALLERY]

Found on theberry.com

I thought this was a great list. I am going to print it out as well.

I really like that list of ideas for when cravings hit. There are quite a few items on there that I usually have on hand, I just need to make use of them.

Great job everyone on your losses! The planning and tracking are paying off!

I'm only 3 days in, but doing well. A little under on calories one day, a little over the next, and right on track for today. And all healthy foods. (Well, except one diet pop each night shift. I decided to keep this little treat in my diet, but restrict it to my 3 shifts a week, so I don't go overboard on the diet pop.)

I used a pp suggestion of putting the scale in the kitchen. I've got a corner by the pantry that works well and it's a good reminder when I start cruising for a snack or meal...

But, I'm trying not to weigh in right away because I don't feel "in control" yet and I find that the scale can undermine me at times. I'll have to come up with a plan to handle the scale (maybe weigh in right before bed??) because in the past I've used "good weigh ins" as an excuse to overeat (I can afford to/I earned it). And I've used "bad weigh ins" as an excuse to fall off the wagon (all this effort and nothings happening? why bother).

Anyone else ever undermined by the scale? Both positive and negative??? How do you handle it??

I think lots of people (including me) have a love/hate relationship with their scale. What I have found is that if I don't weigh everyday that the pounds creep on quickly. The scale keeps me honest with myself. And while I know fluctuations occur, I also know that if the same extra pound is there for three days, then it's probably a gain. That is my reasoning for weighing every day.

I keep my scale in my closet. I weigh myself a few times a week to keep myself in check. I also weigh myself first thing in the morning before I shower and get ready for work. If I see something I do not like in the morning, I can set my day up for better eating and exercising.

I splurged a little yesterday after DS12's soccer game. We went out to eat with another family and ended up at Olive Garden. All the places to eat, and we went to the one that only serves carbs! I haven't been eating many carbs in the form of breads or pastas, so I was a little worried. Then I realized I do not want to completely deprive myself of something I love, so I got the Taste of Italy I ate the fettuccine alfredo and the chicken parmesan. I made DH eat the lasagna. I also ate salad and a bread stick. I was so full after, but I would say it was worth it. My weight this morning was up a little from Friday, but that's fine with me. This morning, I got right back on track.

Jill

Oops...I forgot my weigh in! My weight this morning was 169.3. Thanks Rose!

Great plan with the scale!
And great job enjoying that dinner and then getting back on track.
Have you tried spaghetti squash? Some days I really enjoy it and some days it is mushy and ick!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Checking back in. January isn't going well. 146.6 is my current weight so I'm down about a pound which isn't on track for my goal of 4 pounds this month.

I haven't done well with exercising. I'm getting like 1 or 2 times a week. My goal of 6 was a little too ambitious considering I'm starting from none and when I kiss one, I give up and miss a couple.

I am doing well with water most days and haven't been eating on the go. Honestly, I feel like I've changed my eating habits pretty significantly (for me at least) and I was thinking that would be a later goal because it's so hard for me. I've been much more conscious of snacking and of portion sizes. It's what's providing me the small changes.

For some of the recent questions. My biggest weakest is my eating habits/likes. I know that doesn't seem like a real answer. There are very few foods I like and most are bad. I don't like most veggies, beans and meats. I love carbs and of course sweets. I love a loy of fruits and probably over do them in summer. In winter I mostly eat bananas for fruit. I like fresh fruits and they aren't as good in winter so they go bad too quickly and we don't buy them.

I had a friend recently share a saying. Fitness starts in the gym, weightless starts in the kitchen. I think there's some truth to it

For now slow progress is at least progress. I've stopped the scale from going up and started going down.

I am sorry you are struggling in January. I am right there with you.

So I have two thoughts for you. I think you need some 'successes'.

One--exercise. When I was on plan and losing regularly I had a rule for myself. IF I had a planned workout I had to at least start. It was not optional unless I was really ill. (Fever, wheezing, etc.) IF after 10 minutes I absolutely wanted to quit then I could. I think I only stopped one time and I was just absolutely exhausted that day. The majority of the time I enjoyed the workout once I got going and every time I was very proud of myself for getting it done! So what about scheduling three workouts for this week and not making them optional? You can build up from there if you want.

Two--food. I struggle with food sometimes as well especially with the gluten issues. And I love carbs and sweets as well. But a diet of all carbs and sweets makes me sick. So what about planning to try two new veggie recipes and two new protein recipes each week. Food is fuel and we all need to find healthy fuels. Have you tried roasting vegetables? So easy and so yummy. It makes the veggies a little sweeter and avoids the mushiness.

You can do this!

 

[Rose&Mike]

To think about for the day...
I set out to find an article about how to stay on plan during the weekend and I found this article....Thoughts???
Whether You Lose or Gain Weight Depends on Weekdays
http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/op/weightrhythms

******

Good morning!
My plan for the day is to update the first page this afternoon. Thanks for your patience!

I was so off plan last week. And I am up a half a pound from my initial weigh in.

But there is still almost two weeks left in January and lots of time to see success this month!

 

[Tigerlulu]

Two things to share for today. Well, maybe three.

1. Ate at outback over the weekend and was surprisingly able to find options keeping me within my calorie allowance! The Victoria steak is like 215-ish calories! Ate asparagus and a salad with low fat dressing. Kept my meal at about 400 calories and finished out my day on target with 1200 cals. Woohoo!

2. Tried this quick recipe this morning. Made 4 small pancakes. Super yum! Banana taste was not overwhelming at all. http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/01/11/flourless-pancakes-vegan-banana/

3. I feel so great since I've not had sugar for over 2 weeks!

 

[Rose&Mike]

***I updated the first post. I tried to catch everyone who posted and I apologize if I missed anyone.

If you would like to check in for yesterdays weigh in or I missed you from earlier or I need to correct something please let me know.

I am hoping to have a positive personal result to post on Sunday!

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

I think that article is right. Most people are busy during the week so less time to focus on food and there is more activity, things needing to be done. During the weekend you can nosh all day or wherever you are. you can do as much or little (like a couch potato) as you want-no schedule to follow.

I am home most of the time so it makes it much harder for food self control. It's always right there! Plus with teenage boys and thir friends, we are always fully stocked and lots of snacks, bothe healthy and unhealthy.

Today is the first day I woke up and did not sould like I am coughing up a lung so will head out for a bit of a walk. We are loving our "cool" weather here. It is currently 63. Love it.

 

[4HOLIDAYS]

I think i forgot the weight this weekend- 3 lb off total. So, now 222.

 

[Tigerlulu]

***I updated the first post. I tried to catch everyone who posted and I apologize if I missed anyone.

If you would like to check in for yesterdays weigh in or I missed you from earlier or I need to correct something please let me know.

I am hoping to have a positive personal result to post on Sunday!

I'm down 5.2 lbs. Jan goal was 5 lbs.

 

[jillbur]

Great job with the weigh ins! I actually weigh on Tuesdays but I'm looking for a loss

@jillbur. Try dreamfields pasta. Not no barb but low carb and really good!!!

Keep on keeping on!!

Thanks, I'll look into it.

Hi all! Sorry for the disappearing act last week. It was quite the week at our house. In addition to everything else going on we ended up with two foster dogs. We had one Tuesday-Sunday. And yesterday we brought home a puppy who will be with us for one to two weeks. He is a character and we absolutely love him. I am off now to do replies, update the first page and get organized!

This is our current foster. His name is Basil.

Omgsh how stinking cute!! Have fun while he's with you!

Glad you got new shoes before it became a big problem. I ran 7 miles on shoes that were shot last summer and I am still paying for it.

Oh no
Running is so much better in my new shoes. I looked into the Kentucky Derby race, but I think it's too far. It's just under 6 hours away and I'm trying to stay less than 4. I'll probably do the Pro Football HoF race again. It was fun, easy to get to, and had great crowd support. Plus, it's a good weekend for me.

Great plan with the scale!
And great job enjoying that dinner and then getting back on track.
Have you tried spaghetti squash? Some days I really enjoy it and some days it is mushy and ick!

I haven't tried spaghetti squash. I see it all over Pinterest, but I would probably be the only one in my house to eat it, so is it worth it? I buy whole wheat or protein plus noodles and do not eat much, so I think I'll just stick with those for now. One day maybe I will be adventurous and try it!

To think about for the day...
I set out to find an article about how to stay on plan during the weekend and I found this article....Thoughts???
Whether You Lose or Gain Weight Depends on Weekdays
http://foodpsychology.cornell.edu/op/weightrhythms

******

Good morning!
My plan for the day is to update the first page this afternoon. Thanks for your patience!

I was so off plan last week. And I am up a half a pound from my initial weigh in.

But there is still almost two weeks left in January and lots of time to see success this month!

I find this article true. Since I work Monday through Friday and have a schedule, I tend to eat better. On the weekends we are running around or at home, so I have more opportunity for poor choices. Tracking my calories seems to be helping with that right now.

Two things to share for today. Well, maybe three.

1. Ate at outback over the weekend and was surprisingly able to find options keeping me within my calorie allowance! The Victoria steak is like 215-ish calories! Ate asparagus and a salad with low fat dressing. Kept my meal at about 400 calories and finished out my day on target with 1200 cals. Woohoo!

2. Tried this quick recipe this morning. Made 4 small pancakes. Super yum! Banana taste was not overwhelming at all. http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2016/01/11/flourless-pancakes-vegan-banana/

3. I feel so great since I've not had sugar for over 2 weeks!

Nice job eating out!
I pinned that recipe so I have it when I decide to make them. Thanks for sharing. Do you think the pancakes would freeze? I'm thinking these would be good for me when I go to work early and take breakfast with me.

I think that article is right. Most people are busy during the week so less time to focus on food and there is more activity, things needing to be done. During the weekend you can nosh all day or wherever you are. you can do as much or little (like a couch potato) as you want-no schedule to follow.

I am home most of the time so it makes it much harder for food self control. It's always right there! Plus with teenage boys and thir friends, we are always fully stocked and lots of snacks, bothe healthy and unhealthy.

Today is the first day I woke up and did not sould like I am coughing up a lung so will head out for a bit of a walk. We are loving our "cool" weather here. It is currently 63. Love it.

Ahhhh...63. Perfect running weather. I had to take on the dreadmill this morning. It was 8 degrees with a wind chill of -10 when I left for the gym at 10:30. It is currently 11 degrees with wind child of -7. We've warmed up!


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a nice relaxing day. Unfortunately, DS12 has pep band tonight so I have to venture out in this freezing weather. I'm wondering if we'll have a 2-hour delay tomorrow. We are a walking district and they delay when it's pretty cold. I would love it. Although, teachers still report as close to regular time as possible, but I could use some extra time in my classroom without the kids.

I think I am going to spend the rest of my night trying to finish a class I am taking. I have 2 assignments left and I'd love to just get them turned in. Then I can start the next class I signed up for. Why do i do this to myself?!?!

Have a great night and a great week this week!

Jill

 

[Tigerlulu]

@jillbur You should try it! I didn't put any syrup on it--just some ghee. It was really good. Good luck! I can't believe it's that cold there. How do you stand it? I would hibernate and it wouldn't be pretty. I'm a flip flop year round kind of girl. Lol

 

[Julia M]

Hello, after a girls weekend away (wine tasting one day, outlets and a fancy dinner the next), I'm happy to be down 1.4 today. I tried to plan well and then make good choices. I enjoy inspirational sayings, and one I tried to think about was "in a year from now you won't remember how _____ tasted, but you'll be glad of how far you've come".

 

[Tigerlulu]

Hello, after a girls weekend away (wine tasting one day, outlets and a fancy dinner the next), I'm happy to be down 1.4 today. I tried to plan well and then make good choices. I enjoy inspirational sayings, and one I tried to think about was "in a year from now you won't remember how _____ tasted, but you'll be glad of how far you've come".

That's awesome! I keep telling myself I can eat ____ next year. And then I feel better. Lol

Especially cupcakes. "I can eat cupcakes next year. When I'm skinny again and at Disney." Totally works.