No More Fat Freaks! Support Thread

[ChickieShannon]

I'm starting this thread for those of us who want to lose weight and need support. Feel free to post what's on your mind, what you need help with, offer support to those who need it, etc. Let's share our fears, our goals, our accomplishments, and our setbacks. We can do this!

***I want to link my original thread that started this because it has some great heartfelt posts and lots of great info and support: http://www.scrapfreak.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9706

[Beffy]

:pickme:

[Tracy]

Thanks Shannon!

Sorry for hijacking your other thread. :o

[Jess]

:banana:

[Beffy]

Thanks Shannon!

Sorry for hijacking your other thread. :o

:yeahthat: me too :o

[ChickieShannon]

No!!! Y'all did not hijack! I hate that everyone struggles with this but to hear others going through the same struggle means I'm not alone and we truly do have each other's support. :grouphug:

[ChickieShannon]

And I only started this one instead of letting the other one keep growing because that was my thread and I want everyone to feel this is their thread, KWIM?

[Wendy Reed]

Heyyyyyyyayayayayay! AWESOME! :)

I can add a blog too if we all think that might benefit us some how. Maybe we could add recipes and stuff to it. What do you all think? I can add one to my Typepad for no extra fee. :D

[Wendy Reed]

And I only started this one instead of letting the other one keep growing because that was my thread and I want everyone to feel this is their thread, KWIM?

It rocks!!!!!!!!

[ChickieShannon]

My first goal is to drink water more and only have 1 Dr Pepper a day. By next week I hope to be start having 1 Dr Pepper every other day. Is that feasible?

[Shannon]

Heyyyyyyyayayayayay! AWESOME! :)

I can add a blog too if we all think that might benefit us some how. Maybe we could add recipes and stuff to it. What do you all think? I can add one to my Typepad for no extra fee. :D

I think that is a great idea!!! :D

[KrissyM]

I would be interested in help and support!!! I think this is awesome!! I would love the blog as well!

[Tracy]

My first goal is to drink water more and only have 1 Dr Pepper a day. By next week I hope to be start having 1 Dr Pepper every other day. Is that feasible?

I only have one a day but its a 32 oz fountain Dr. Pepper. :o

[KrissyM]

I am NOT a water drinker, no matter what I do....I DO mix Crystal lights in with my water, which, according to weight watchers is considered a water, so I can do that more often again....

[Wendy Reed]

I think that is a great idea!!! :D
Okie dokie! I will work on that in a bit.

I would be interested in help and support!!! I think this is awesome!! I would love the blog as well!
Krissy... come on in! :)

I only have one a day but its a 32 oz fountain Dr. Pepper. :o
:eek::eek::eek:

[Jess]

i cut out Pepsi a few years ago, right around the same time i quit smoking....good gosh, i was such a B for awhile, but i managed. :) I still have an occasional pepsi or other soda, but i no longer have the "need" to have it daily.

what i did was buy a 12 pack of Pepsi and told myself that needed to last me 2 weeks. and eventually, a 12 pack to last me 3 weeks, etc. Heck, if it helps...write the date of intended consumption ON the actual can!

[Wendy Reed]

Jess... clever idea!!! {high five}

[Wendy Reed]

Ok... off to shower, take pics of new stuff to post in my shop (of course I will get dressed first, lol) and then I will start on the blog.

[ChickieShannon]

Great idea, Jess!

Thanks for setting up the blog, Wendy!

[blizzie]

Thanks Chickie for starting the thread. This is great! :grouphug:
As I got dressed this morning I thought uuuuggghhh!

[Wendy Reed]

This is gonna be the hottest group of Freaks out there! :giggle:

[Shannon]

I am NOT a water drinker, no matter what I do....I DO mix Crystal lights in with my water, which, according to weight watchers is considered a water, so I can do that more often again....

I just posted something like this in the other thread. Walmart has their brand with a lot more flavors and for like half the price. I LOVE the fruit punch and the peach ones!

[blizzie]

Heyyyyyyyayayayayay! AWESOME! :)

I can add a blog too if we all think that might benefit us some how. Maybe we could add recipes and stuff to it. What do you all think? I can add one to my Typepad for no extra fee. :D

The blog sounds great!

[Tamara]

All I can say is *I* need to be here with y'all. I struggle and have my whole entire life.

My biggest problem is chocolate. it is real hard for me. And I always want to snack. I love water. Hate exercising.

Have 20 pounds from the last two kids to lose. But I really have more than that. I was heavier when I first got pregnant. I do weigh less now than I did a few years ago. So I know I can do it. I just have to really talk myself into it. And that happens rarely.

[Beffy]

My first goal is to drink water more and only have 1 Dr Pepper a day. By next week I hope to be start having 1 Dr Pepper every other day. Is that feasible?

u can totally do that shannon :yes: :banana:

[Beffy]

i need to start drinking more water
i just got outta the habit when i was preggie & it was making me sick, kwim?

[Tamara]

I totally know what you mean beffy. I was that way while I was pregnant too.

[Beffy]

:sigh: & I am thinking i need to start taking the kiddos for walks every day :yes: its not a ton of exercise but its better than nothing right? :o

[Beffy]

part of prob w/ working out is that i do NOT wanna give up the couple of precious hours i have to do whatever i want while the babies are sleeping exercising :no: i wanna scrap or freak or whatever, kwim?

[Tamara]

OMG Beffy, I can TOTALLY relate.

[Amy]

I'll get in on this. I'm considering weight watchers - but I will NEED people to be on me about keeping up on it.

now what can you do to get me back on my cleaning schedule? :giggle:

[blizzie]

:sigh: & I am thinking i need to start taking the kiddos for walks every day :yes: its not a ton of exercise but its better than nothing right? :o

This is a great place to start. Walking is good exersice.

[KrissyM]

part of prob w/ working out is that i do NOT wanna give up the couple of precious hours i have to do whatever i want while the babies are sleeping exercising i wanna scrap or freak or whatever, kwim?
__________________

Oh GEEZ do I know!! And then there are times that my youngest doesn't even NAP!!

[april]

What a great idea! Thanks for starting this thread!

[jclizzzard]

first of all, BIG hugs to everyone :hug: :hug: :hug:

chickie, I too could have written your exact post a few years ago. I still sometimes feel that way when my weightloss is not going as fast as I want it to. while I am by no means at my goal weight or even close to it, I feel like I finally got moving in the right direction and turned the tide towards implementing a healthy lifestyle... I hope some of my advice can help!

1. I would talk to your doctor (the one you get anxiety meds from). I had reached a point 1.5 years ago where I wanted to honestly give up on life all together because I was so depressed about the overwhelming amount of weight I had to lose. It was important for me to get support on dealing with the depression side of things (I had previously only ever dealt with anxiety) so that I could get my negative emotions out of the way and focus on taking productive steps. I also tried hypnotherapy and self-hypnosis, which I found helpful. There are psychologists and therapists who specialize in weight loss - it's worth checking one out.

2. Buy new clothes. Period. it's been said already, but I'll say it again - as much as it pains you to go in the store and try things on that are sizes bigger than you are used to, you will feel so much *better* when you walk out of the store with a few cute, comfy outfits. This helps with the "I feel like a slob/slug/yucky mom" feelings. I shop mostly at Lane Bryant & Old Navy Women's Plus online. They have great stuff that doesn't look to old/frumpy but is cut appropriately and is good quality and most importantly - FITS. You will *look* thinner when you start wearing clothes that fit, even if those are technically larger sizes.

3. Set a long-term goal, medium-range goals, and short-term goals. The long-term goal may be your goal weight or it may just be "I want feel like a MILF" :giggle: whatever works for you. For a medium-range goal, consider something you can shoot for that is a big step but is still achievable long before your final goal will be. At Weight Watchers, they set your first goal at losing 10% of your initial body weight. This is a great goal - it's a significant amount of weight, and research has shown that there are great health benefits just from losing that much. For short-term goals, one thing I learned from Sparkpeople was to pick 3 short-term goals to focus on for the first few weeks... 1 food, 1 exercise, and 1 motivational goal. For example, 1. only 1 regular soda a day. 2. stretch for at least 10 minutes every day. 3. write down a positive choice you made once a day or once a week. These goals are the "pick one thing to start with" that wendy & tracy were talking about. focusing on them for a week or two at a time helps you really build up habits, while not getting overwhelmed by trying to do too much at once. Sparkpeople has a whole list of potential goals, I'd be happy to post more of them if you need ideas.

4. Track what you eat. One of the things I did on Weight Watchers when I first starte (and when I went back... and back again...) was to give myself a week of eating as I had been, but to write it ALL down. Be honest. Don't worry about meeting your point totals - just get in the habit of tracking it all. First of all, when you know you have to write it down later, you tend to make better choices to begin with. Secondly, having a written record of your current habits will *really* help you identify where your calories are going and when. Just how much of your calories/points per day are consumed in beverage form, for example? What is your balance of protein/carbs/fruits/veggies? What times of day are you most prone to making impulse choices? tracking can help you identify all of these things and help you find strategies for making better choices. Bethany - I would recommend the same thing for you! track what you really eat, and see what it adds up to. You can track food for free at Sparkpeople.com, and weight watchers has a similar website as well. You may be surprised that the little bites you take of your kids lunches are actually adding up, and that you have more "hidden calories" than you think, or you may find that your calorie total for a day is nowhere near enough to provide your body with energy it needs, so like Wendy said it is going into starvation mode instead.

5. Don't deny yourself, but avoid "red light" foods. This is something I learned from weight watchers - there are certain foods that at certain times are the kind of thing you can't have just one of. For me for a while it was peanut butter - if I had peanut butter in the house, I would have it with an apple, I would pile it on a sandwich, I would make peanut butter toast as a late night snack - I would find any and every excuse to eat as much of it as possible, and eating a little of it just made me want more. These are the things that it is best for you to avoid for now - don't buy them, don't bring them home, don't order them when you go out (cuz you'll just get cravings for more more more). There will come a time when you can approach that food in a different way and maybe have just a little bit, but for now, they are just bringing you down and sabotaging your efforts to lose weight. Think about what it is that you love most about those foods and how to meet that need some other way - I like the 100 calorie snack packs for a taste of sweet (cookies) or salty (chips/pretzel mix/etc). they are portion-controlled, and actually taste good in and of themselves. They're not the *same* as full double-stuffed oreos or something, but for me they did meet the "I want a cookie in the afternoon" cravings. Ice cream is another HUGE one for me. I found skinny cow & weight watchers ice creams to be pretty good - I can't have a regular scoop kind of ice cream in the house because I will just eat it all straight from the container with a spoon. But individually wrapped chocolate bars or ice cream sandwiches or the skinny cow caramel sundae cones have filled that need for me.


ok, I'm sorry for rambling on and on so much. I just want you (all) to know that you are not alone! but that it can get better. I feel so much better about myself just for taking steps and making progress, however little or slow it may be. I know you can do it, but I also know how overwhelming it can feel! :hug: :hug: :hug:

[jclizzzard]

:happydance: great thread, chickie! I just posted a whole long rambling thing in your original thread before I saw this one. I'm glad we can all support each other!

beffy - i think taking the kids for a walk is a *great* idea. tire them out, get a little exercise in for yourself - win, win!

I struggled for a long time to realize that "exercise" doesn't have to mean "1 hour at the gym on cardio equipment". There are lots of activities that burn calories, and little things can add up to a lot! park farther away in a parking lot and walk that little bit extra distance. purposefully take a lighter load of laundry upstairs so that you have to go up and down more times. I've recently discovered the exercise videos on sparkpeople, they're 5-20 minutes each. I love them! take 15 minutes to do one, and then reward yourself with scrapping or time on the computer afterwards. http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=823

[jclizzzard]

:blush: my post is so huge! I'm sorry!

[ChickieShannon]

:blush: my post is so huge! I'm sorry!
No! It's great! That's why I copied it over. I want everyone to see it. :D

[Shannon]

Sparkpeople is awesome!!! It is such a great tool for us trying to lose the weight!!!

[jclizzzard]

lol ok! I just don't mean to sound like I've figured it all out already lol I definitely have a long long way to go.

my latest food thing is that I needed to develop a routine, because I was wimping out and saying I didn't have time to cook so I'd just order delivery. So now I have soup for lunch every day & then for dinner I have a chicken breast or a pork chop with couscous and a vegetable. I have a big crusty roll with my soup so it makes me look forward to lunch lol I love carbs! I need to go make my soup for the week now - trying a new turkey barley soup today but couldn't find "quick cook" barley so it's going to be 1.5 hrs :grrr:

[Tracy]

Thanks Julie for all the great advice. I agree with the shopping thing too. Do go shopping and do buy new stuff. It will make such a difference in how you feel. If you feel better about yourself, it is easier to make changes. Sounds wierd but I know it to be true. I discovered Lane Bryant a few months ago and I love them. I have a hard time finding things in my size, most everything is too big but I still shop there. I needed a place to shop and find tops that would accomodate the girls. :giggle: Lane Bryant is perfect for that.

[Scrapnmom81721]

Alright guys, I LOVE this!!! THIS is what I need! I know with the surgery coming up... (Wednesday) I can't exercise much, but I CAN do sitting stuff, like lifting small weights. I can also avoid as much snacking cause I can't so easily get up and down to get stuff... and I can drink more water. I am gona take this time of being "down" to really concentrate on tryingt o be more healthy, and maybe lose a pound or two in the meantime... then once I am able to get around again, I will hopefully feel better and be more in control so I can exercise!! Love you guys!!!

[Simply:D]

This is great thread for a fresh start! With spring right around corner and summer coming this will be very encouraging! I too go through the same as listed by others. I beat myself up talking myself down all the time. I try to stay positive but why when you put your pants on & they are tight. (ugh) Then you say "must have shrunk the in the dryer"....... Hugs to all of you!

Wendy..........Do you think that Slurpee recipe would work well with splenda? That would make an excellent cool down summer drink!

[Cherie]

Because of this thread, I just ate a healthy lunch for the first time in a long time! :hoorah:

[Tracy]

Because of this thread, I just ate a healthy lunch for the first time in a long time! :hoorah:

WooHoo!!! Way to go!!!

[Scrapnmom81721]

Way to go Cherie! I guess I shouldn't confess I have had neither breakfast OR lunch!

[LisaS]

This is a wonderful thread. One step at a time, right? Having support is always a great thing, too.

[LisaS]

part of prob w/ working out is that i do NOT wanna give up the couple of precious hours i have to do whatever i want while the babies are sleeping exercising :no: i wanna scrap or freak or whatever, kwim?

I totally know what you mean!

[KrissyM]

Because of this thread, I just went and cleaned my bedroom and bathroom instead of my husband doing it LOL. I figure if I can't get out to exercise or whatever, at least moving about the house kills two birds with one stone LOL

I figured one room a day, and I mean like detailed, organizing and everything which is what we need to most of LOL....

[KrissyM]

OH! I think we need mini goals, challenges!!! Who's up for it!?

Maybe little buttons for our siggy - I've lost XX amount of pounds, etc?

[Wendy Reed]

Wendy..........Do you think that Slurpee recipe would work well with splenda? That would make an excellent cool down summer drink!

Ummmmmm... I have to be quite honest. I don't use Splenda, Sweet & Low, Nutra Sweet... any of that stuff. I know how it's made and studies that have been done with it and quite honestly, you are better off just having sugar. BUT, I do use what's called Stevia. It's made from a "REAL" plant that you can actually eat the leaves of.

http://www.stevia.net/ (http://www.stevia.net/)

You can find it at stores like Whole Foods and Wild Oats. It's very sweet, so you have to use less of it but it's SOOOOOOOO good!

I won't touch anything that contains the fake sweeteners. Sorry! I can share more info about it if you want to know, but some people probably won't want to know. :(

My Mom used to use only Sweet & Low or Splenda and then I told her about them and got her hooked on Stevia... she will never go back.

Oh and a little note to those of you who get headaches and use the fake sweeteners.... they are probably partly to blame for your pounding head!!!

[KrissyM]

Maybe we can do a RAK list...If everyone is comfortable, we can get one person to organize it, and then we can exchange our mailing addresses and send cards and RAKS of encouragement?

[Slush]

I walked four miles and had slim fast...now if only those elfkin cookies would quit calling my name...lol

[Wendy Reed]

OH! I think we need mini goals, challenges!!! Who's up for it!?

Maybe little buttons for our siggy - I've lost XX amount of pounds, etc?

I can do the buttons and put the challenges up in the blog! Sound good?

[Beffy]

Way to go Cherie! I guess I shouldn't confess I have had neither breakfast OR lunch!

:sigh: me either Linda :o

[Wendy Reed]

I walked four miles and had slim fast...now if only those elfkin cookies would quit calling my name...lol

Were you shakin' it like a Slushee that you sucked most of the liquid out of? :laugh2::laugh2::laugh2:

CONGRATS girl... you rock!

[KrissyM]

I think that's a great idea! Maybe an entry to celebrate those who have lost a certain amount, so they feel special since they've earned it!

[Wendy Reed]

Because of this thread, I just ate a healthy lunch for the first time in a long time! :hoorah:
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.... you guys are making me all sappy gettin' your grooves on! I lovey you all! Keep it up!

Way to go Cherie! I guess I shouldn't confess I have had neither breakfast OR lunch!
HOLD THE PHONE..... :eek::eek::eek:

[Wendy Reed]

I think that's a great idea! Maybe an entry to celebrate those who have lost a certain amount, so they feel special since they've earned it!

Heck yes!!! I can do albums on the side and we can put pics of them or something.

Also was thinking we could do like a Spotlight each week on someone!

[KrissyM]

Way to go Cherie! I guess I shouldn't confess I have had neither breakfast OR lunch!

Neither have I, but I hear that's BAD.....That you should eat several small meals a day, like 5. The reason being is because your body stores the food that you DO eat as fat instead of metabolizing it, so that way, when you don't eat again, it can use that stored fat as resources.....

Off to get a yogurt LOL...

[Beffy]

HOLD THE PHONE..... :eek::eek::eek:

:hide: uh oh, shes gonna get to my post next :eek:

[KrissyM]

Heck yes!!! I can do albums on the side and we can put pics of them or something.

PROGRESS PICS!!! WOOT WOOT!! :cheer2:

[monica]

This is a great thread. Julie, your post was fantastic...lots of good info!

I went back to remembering my COMMIT word this morning. I keep saying it over and over...COMMIT, COMMIT, COMMIT. I also took a small spiral and started writing down everything I'm eating with the points. I usually do it in my head but thought this would help me. AND, I'm drinking water. SO, so far so good.

Interesting idea on the blog. How will that work?
Oh, and just be sure it doesn't reference Scrapfreak anywhere. For copyright purposes, the name can't be used outside of the forum.

[monica]

Never mind on the blog questions, I'm getting it now that ya'll keep posting. lol

[Wendy Reed]

:hide: uh oh, shes gonna get to my post next :eek:

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm hmmmmmmmmm..... you should see me now... stickin' my lips out actually making the Mmmmmmmmmm Hmmmmmm noise!

:youfool:

[Beffy]

:backaway:

[Wendy Reed]

Neither have I, but I hear that's BAD.....That you should eat several small meals a day, like 5. The reason being is because your body stores the food that you DO eat as fat instead of metabolizing it, so that way, when you don't eat again, it can use that stored fat as resources.....

Off to get a yogurt LOL...

Yeah girl... you are in trouble too!

I posted that exact same thing earlier.... eat.... Eat.... EAT!!!

[Wendy Reed]

This is a great thread. Julie, your post was fantastic...lots of good info!

I went back to remembering my COMMIT word this morning. I keep saying it over and over...COMMIT, COMMIT, COMMIT. I also took a small spiral and started writing down everything I'm eating with the points. I usually do it in my head but thought this would help me. AND, I'm drinking water. SO, so far so good.

Interesting idea on the blog. How will that work?
Oh, and just be sure it doesn't reference Scrapfreak anywhere. For copyright purposes, the name can't be used outside of the forum.

:backaway:

That's AWESOME Monica!!! The notebook is a smart idea.

Yupper on the no reference thing. ;)

[april]

OKay.. I'd like to put my two cents in ... :D

A thing that has worked for me is to basically reprogram how I viewed food. Through watching a show that I saw when I was living in England really brought out a lot of good points. I learned that I would eat when I was bored. I was never one to really love sweets, but I do have them. I learned to when I go to the refrigerator or the panty to stop for a moment and really think, am I hungry? Or do I want to change my mood? Most times I came to realize that yes, I was bored. Eating gave me something to do. So then I'd close the door and redirect where I really needed to put my attention.

Another thing I've come to realize that people do is have this positive association with certain foods. Many times a favorite for people is sweets, chocolate, for instance. When I changed the way I thought about foods this incident really illustrated it for me completely.

I was at the BX with a friend, and she too struggles with being overweight. SHe was about 200+ and same height as me (5'2"). We got some ice cream at Baskin Robbins and as I looked at my ice cream I really didn't want it that much. We were talking about stuff and she said something that really stuck with me. She said.. "...oh but you're about to feel sooooooo good." I was like what? What do you mean? SHe said that since I had two scoops of the ice cream it was about to make me happy. I told her no, it wasn't, and that it actually disgusted me to see that much sugar in front of me. I had already conditioned myself to view ice cream as several pounds of melted, frozen sugar. Picture a 10lb bag of sugar. Would you sit down with a spoon and put spoonfuls of sugar in your mouth? CHances are, no you wouldn't. I thought of ice cream as a big bag of sugar and didn't like it all that much anymore. I took maybe two bites of the ice cream and threw it away. But it showed me that yes, we tie in happiness with foods. We have this artificial feeling of happiness associated with foods. It really helps to reprogram how you view it all.

[Scrapnmom81721]

Neither have I, but I hear that's BAD.....That you should eat several small meals a day, like 5. The reason being is because your body stores the food that you DO eat as fat instead of metabolizing it, so that way, when you don't eat again, it can use that stored fat as resources.....

Off to get a yogurt LOL...

Oh I know I SHOULD eat.... I've just been busy. I had a grande Cappucino!

[Tamara]

Now that I finished the three pages of this thread, I forgot what I was going to respond to. :sigh:

[Wendy Reed]

Oh I know I SHOULD eat.... I've just been busy. I had a grande Cappucino!

:eek::eek::eek:

[Sherrie]

Wow - it's great to hear everyone open up so much. This is just the kind of motivation I need. I was doing pretty good with the biggest loser thing then my motivation just waned and I think I know why.

I unfortunately have embraced the fat chick rather than divorce myself from her so I have zero motivation to stay commited. Kinda of like being short on cash and you tell yourself it's okay to spend $25 on that cute shirt at Old Navy. I'm not like that anymore with my money. In fact, the more money I make the tighter I get with it. I hope to translate that same attitude with my weight - lose it once for all and never have to do it again.

My biggest problem is that I was extremely thin most of my life then my metabolism totally changed around 25. I had developed the worst possible eating habits that I'm still overcoming and I went from an athlete to a couch potato.

I truly only need to lose about 25 pounds. My first step was to limit sugary beverages to one per day. Like Wendy I do not use any artificial sweeteners and I have grown to love club soda with lime and I love La Croix flavored sparkling water. Now my next steps are to simply make better choices and dramatically increase my activity level. Now that the weather is warmer, I have no excuse not to walk the baby or get on my bike!

[blizzie]

Because of this thread, I just ate a healthy lunch for the first time in a long time! :hoorah:

Way to go Cherie!!!!

[blizzie]

I walked four miles and had slim fast...now if only those elfkin cookies would quit calling my name...lol

Good job Slush! I walked 2 miles today and 3 yesterday.

[Wendy Reed]

Here's a link to the blog so far.... I need to work on it some later. I have to pick up my kiddo and then the gym at 3p. So we'll see what I can get done.

What do you think?

http://wendyreed.typepad.com/we_are_workin_it_off/ (http://wendyreed.typepad.com/we_are_workin_it_off/)

[Leaf]

wowsers wendall you knocked that out in no time! it's super cute! :)

[Stacey]

My first goal is to drink water more and only have 1 Dr Pepper a day. By next week I hope to be start having 1 Dr Pepper every other day. Is that feasible?

one a day is fine. once you cut it down to that and you're drinking more water, you'll find you don't want the dp every day. i only have a coke 2-3x a week...

[Wendy Reed]

wowsers wendall you knocked that out in no time! it's super cute! :)

I seriously just snorted at "Wendall"! :D

[Tamara]

left ya some love Wendy! :yourock:

[Tracy]

Ummmmmm... I have to be quite honest. I don't use Splenda, Sweet & Low, Nutra Sweet... any of that stuff. I know how it's made and studies that have been done with it and quite honestly, you are better off just having sugar. BUT, I do use what's called Stevia. It's made from a "REAL" plant that you can actually eat the leaves of.

http://www.stevia.net/ (http://www.stevia.net/)

You can find it at stores like Whole Foods and Wild Oats. It's very sweet, so you have to use less of it but it's SOOOOOOOO good!

I won't touch anything that contains the fake sweeteners. Sorry! I can share more info about it if you want to know, but some people probably won't want to know. :(

My Mom used to use only Sweet & Low or Splenda and then I told her about them and got her hooked on Stevia... she will never go back.

Oh and a little note to those of you who get headaches and use the fake sweeteners.... they are probably partly to blame for your pounding head!!!

I feel the same way about splenda and the other ones you mentioned. I have seen it have bad affects on friends and family.

[Wendy Reed]

I feel the same way about splenda and the other ones you mentioned. I have seen it have bad affects on friends and family.

:yourock::yourock::yourock:

[blizzie]

Here's a link to the blog so far.... I need to work on it some later. I have to pick up my kiddo and then the gym at 3p. So we'll see what I can get done.

What do you think?

http://wendyreed.typepad.com/we_are_workin_it_off/ (http://wendyreed.typepad.com/we_are_workin_it_off/)

I like it Wendy. Thanks for being so awesome!!!!!!

[KrissyM]

LOVE IT Wendy!! Thanks so much!!

[ChickieShannon]

Wow, I've just catching up on this thread. We can do this ladies!!!

[SarainMN3]

ya, ya, I'm here!!!

[SarainMN3]

I drink Diet Coke and coffee everyday-I can't live without it :sadwalk:

[Cherie]

I'm so proud! :blush: I just went to the "gym" in my apt. complex.

I did a lot of strength training and I rode the strength bike for 5 miles....I wanted to do more but Logan was hurting (he attempted to work out with me - he's the one that just had knee surgery) so we came back to the apartment.

[Beffy]

I drink Diet Coke and coffee everyday-I can't live without it :sadwalk:

i drink diet dp & coffee everyday too Sara :consoling: there is still hope for us :yes: I am sure of it :giggle:

[Beffy]

I'm so proud! :blush: I just went to the "gym" in my apt. complex.

I did a lot of strength training and I rode the strength bike for 5 miles....I wanted to do more but Logan was hurting (he attempted to work out with me - he's the one that just had knee surgery) so we came back to the apartment.

:banana: :highfive: go CHerie go Cherie :hoorah:

[SarainMN3]

at least its diet right (the soda) :dontknow:

[Beffy]

at least its diet right (the soda) :dontknow:

yep :D

[Wendy Reed]

LOVE IT Wendy!! Thanks so much!!

THANKS! ;)

Wow, I've just catching up on this thread. We can do this ladies!!!

Heck yes we can! GOOOOOOOO Freaks!

I like it Wendy. Thanks for being so awesome!!!!!!

Danka... danka!!! :D

I'm so proud! :blush: I just went to the "gym" in my apt. complex.

I did a lot of strength training and I rode the strength bike for 5 miles....I wanted to do more but Logan was hurting (he attempted to work out with me - he's the one that just had knee surgery) so we came back to the apartment.

YAY! Congrats!!! Baby steps, right... baby steps! Proud of ya girl! Whoot!

[blizzie]

I'm so proud! :blush: I just went to the "gym" in my apt. complex.

I did a lot of strength training and I rode the strength bike for 5 miles....I wanted to do more but Logan was hurting (he attempted to work out with me - he's the one that just had knee surgery) so we came back to the apartment.

:snoopy:

[blizzie]

I just got back from a 2 mile walk. I walked this morning 2 miles and my boys wanted to ride bikes so I took of on foot.

[Cherie]

:hoorah: Melissa! That's awesome!

[monica]

I've done good today I think. I'm at 19.5 points for the day and I'm still going to have a WW ice cream in just a few.

I forget exactly how many points I get...anyone care to calculate my stats for me to remind me? :prettyplease:

[Leaf]

wow -you chicks are really gung-ho! :cheer2:

I uhm... had a skinny cow ice cream sammy for dessert (mmm-mm-mmmm-mmm-mm). :D and I did do good with my water today ...baby steps

[Wendy Reed]

Ok, here's the blog so far....

http://wendyreed.typepad.com/we_are_workin_it_off/

What all would you like to see on there? I have a spotlight section so far. And a category for recipes.

[Tamara]

Oh, I am going to be on the....who lost this week sidebar. :yes:

[Scrapnmom81721]

I need to go eat some breakfast... if this does nothing for me but get me to eat right duringt he day, then I am happy!!!

[ceekay]

Hi gals! so good to see this support thread! I'm a serious meal skipper and need to start eating breakfast every day so that I can control the hungries!

[Tamara]

If I skip, it is lunch. I never skip breakfast. But I alwasy eat the same thing. Eggs. :D

[Wendy Reed]

Oh, I am going to be on the....who lost this week sidebar. :yes:
Heck yes you are!!!

I need to go eat some breakfast... if this does nothing for me but get me to eat right duringt he day, then I am happy!!!
YAY, breakfast is good for you!

Hi gals! so good to see this support thread! I'm a serious meal skipper and need to start eating breakfast every day so that I can control the hungries!
Yupper hungries under control! LOL

[blizzie]

I like the blog Wendy. Its so fun looking!

I'm headed out to lunch with a friend. I'll be looking on the menu for a salad of some sort and will be drinking water! I will get my walk in this afternoon. Hope yall are all doing good today!

[Leaf]

"A year from now you may wish you had started today." -Karen Lamb

I got this quote in my e-mail this morning and it totally hit home! :)

[Amy]

:cry: today is bad and i know my eating is going to be BAD :cry:

[Tamara]

Amy, tomorrow is always a new day. :hug2:

[Leaf]

hang in there Ames! :hug3:

[Amy]

thanks girls.
I am SO an emotional eater. there's NO questioning it.

[Wendy Reed]

:cry: today is bad and i know my eating is going to be BAD :cry:

Hey... that's when you put your http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff190/mle81082/Smilies/boxing.gif up and say NO WAY! I am gonna rock the food today no matter what!

[Leaf]

I feel ya Ames -I'm the same way! can you take the kiddos out for the day -keep busy?

[Wendy Reed]

Amers... maybe this will help! A little eye candy instead of real candy?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/2sidesoftheLAW/EROTIC-SLASH/Athletes-%20sports/Boxing/boxing.jpg

Licking your computer screen = NO CALORIES! :giggle:

[Leaf]

or maybe just go in and get some good for ya stuff ready like baby carrots or something -so it's easy to grab when you need to nibble.

[Amy]

HA wendy.
nah. actually i've realized i don't have too much in the house to eat.
I'll have a slim-fast for lunch b/c I'll have no time to cook.
then i'll figure out something for dinner.
i'll be ok...

[Wendy Reed]

HA wendy.
nah. actually i've realized i don't have too much in the house to eat.
I'll have a slim-fast for lunch b/c I'll have no time to cook.
then i'll figure out something for dinner.
i'll be ok...

SUPER HUGS today babe!

[lizardlize]

I won't touch anything that contains the fake sweeteners. Sorry! I can share more info about it if you want to know, but some people probably won't want to know. :(

My Mom used to use only Sweet & Low or Splenda and then I told her about them and got her hooked on Stevia... she will never go back.

Oh and a little note to those of you who get headaches and use the fake sweeteners.... they are probably partly to blame for your pounding head!!!

Me too. I read this article about it too. I have an autoimmune disorder and when I drank diet drinks, I completely noticed a higher level of pain than when I didn't drink them. So then I stopped and felt much better. I kept telling people about how I felt and I don't think anyone believed me. Then I found that article and had proof.

[lizardlize]

I've done good today I think. I'm at 19.5 points for the day and I'm still going to have a WW ice cream in just a few.

I forget exactly how many points I get...anyone care to calculate my stats for me to remind me? :prettyplease:

I can if you want. Just let me know.

[Wendy Reed]

Me too. I read this article about it too. I have an autoimmune disorder and when I drank diet drinks, I completely noticed a higher level of pain than when I didn't drink them. So then I stopped and felt much better. I kept telling people about how I felt and I don't think anyone believed me. Then I found that article and had proof.

YES!!! There is a video too... sooooo good but scary that they let that stuff be sold.

[lizardlize]

YES!!! There is a video too... sooooo good but scary that they let that stuff be sold.

Do you have the video?

[Beffy]

so, whats the deal w/ diet sodas then? (I am asking altho not really sure I wanna know :giggle:) I have heard that even tho they are diet they can make you bloated -- what else?

[ChickieShannon]

Well, I started a food log yesterday to track my eating habits like Julie suggested. I'm not making any changes this week... just wanna see my normal habits so I can learn to make the right decisions. BUT I did only have 1 Dr Pepper yesterday! I had one at lunch and then didn't give into my craving yesterday late afternoon! :woohoo:

[Tamara]

Chickie, that is a fabulous start! :hoorah:

[april]

So no one mentioned anything to what I posted earlier.. so I wanted to ask it straight out.. does anyone eat when bored/unhappy/feeling down? It seems like a lot of us turn to food when something is not going our way..

[Leaf]

April, i'm totally an emotional eater -if I'm stressed, bored, preoccupied... I eat and don't even realize I've gobbled stuff up. :sigh: then I really get bummed because 1) I just ate stuff I prob didn't really need and B) didn't even take the time to appreciate or enjoy it.

[lizardlize]

so, whats the deal w/ diet sodas then? (I am asking altho not really sure I wanna know :giggle:) I have heard that even tho they are diet they can make you bloated -- what else?

http://dorway.com/dorwblog/?page_id=17
http://www.dorway.com/badstuff.html

[Wendy Reed]

Do you have the video?

I lent it to someone and they never returned it! :furious: It was a customer at an old job and I don't know how to get a hold of them. BUT let me see if I can find it online.

[Tamara]

So no one mentioned anything to what I posted earlier.. so I wanted to ask it straight out.. does anyone eat when bored/unhappy/feeling down? It seems like a lot of us turn to food when something is not going our way..

totally a bored eater!

[Wendy Reed]

Here's a quick rundown of it on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqIFDoOwSFM

I will keep looking though!

[april]

I used to be too. It took a while but it has gotten way under control!

[Wendy Reed]

Here it is:

http://www.mercola.com/forms/sweet_misery.htm

It's soooooooooo good and very interesting!

[Wendy Reed]

Well, I started a food log yesterday to track my eating habits like Julie suggested. I'm not making any changes this week... just wanna see my normal habits so I can learn to make the right decisions. BUT I did only have 1 Dr Pepper yesterday! I had one at lunch and then didn't give into my craving yesterday late afternoon! :woohoo:

A food log is VERY smart!!! Then you can see what you have eaten.

[lizardlize]

thanks!

[Wendy Reed]

thanks!

You're welcome!

[Simply:D]

Breakfast- choc chip cookies
lunch- choc chip cookies
hmmm...........I wonder what I am doing wrong today?

[jclizzzard]

i'm glad you are keeping a log, shannon! and congrats on just one dr. pepper! :woohoo:

I had so much energy today, I went for a walk in the park and actually jogged! :thud: not for very long at a time, but still :giggle: I did my own "interval training" jogging up and down the stairs on the hill, too. I am proud of myself for being active!

[Wendy Reed]

i'm glad you are keeping a log, shannon! and congrats on just one dr. pepper! :woohoo:

I had so much energy today, I went for a walk in the park and actually jogged! :thud: not for very long at a time, but still :giggle: I did my own "interval training" jogging up and down the stairs on the hill, too. I am proud of myself for being active!

YAY Julie... way to bust it out!

[Cherie]

That's awesome, Julie!

I worked out tonight too....I did the Nautilus machine and then....(Katie, don't faint! :giggle:) I actually jogged for awhile on the treadmill. Again, I left before I wanted to because Logan was bored! lol

[monica]

I did good today right up until I got home and then I swear I wanted to eat everything in sight. What's up with that? I wasn't bored, tired, or feeling any different than I was yesterday. Obviously I was but I can't put my finger on it.

[Wendy Reed]

That's awesome, Julie!

I worked out tonight too....I did the Nautilus machine and then....(Katie, don't faint! :giggle:) I actually jogged for awhile on the treadmill. Again, I left before I wanted to because Logan was bored! lol
HI FIVE! Congrats!!!

I did good today right up until I got home and then I swear I wanted to eat everything in sight. What's up with that? I wasn't bored, tired, or feeling any different than I was yesterday. Obviously I was but I can't put my finger on it.
I do that too Monica, even when I am not bored and stuff like you. I just a little snacky. That's when I drink a lot of water and maybe have fruit snacks if I want something sweet or maybe Triscuits if I was something crunchy and salty.

[Tracy]

I have become an emotional eater and I hate it. Life has had so many downs lately, that I turn to food or Dr. Pepper.

[ChickieShannon]

Okay, idea...

I just came across Rhonna Farrer's 21 Day Challenge (http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2503814) at 2peas. The thought behind it is it takes 21 days to make/break a habit. Anyways, so everyone chooses what they want to do and journals their journey. So in browsing the gallery, I came across one member's project (http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=317648&w=3&pos=2&pg=1) she's doing and fell in love with it. I think I want to do the same. I think it'll really help motivate me to stay on track. What do y'all think? We could start Rhonna's challenge next week and make our own weight-loss journals.

[ChickieShannon]

Another cool quote:
A wish changes nothing, a decision changes everything.
[Unknown]

[Tracy]

Another cool quote:
A wish changes nothing, a decision changes everything.
[Unknown]

Love this!!!

[Wendy Reed]

The new blog is up and running... I started a thread about it here:

http://www.scrapfreak.com/forum/showthread.php?p=332315#post332315

[Wendy Reed]

Okay, idea...

I just came across Rhonna Farrer's 21 Day Challenge (http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2503814) at 2peas. The thought behind it is it takes 21 days to make/break a habit. Anyways, so everyone chooses what they want to do and journals their journey. So in browsing the gallery, I came across one member's project (http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=317648&w=3&pos=2&pg=1) she's doing and fell in love with it. I think I want to do the same. I think it'll really help motivate me to stay on track. What do y'all think? We could start Rhonna's challenge next week and make our own weight-loss journals.

Oh that could be our first post! What do you think?

[Tracy]

The blog looks great!

[ChickieShannon]

Oh that could be our first post! What do you think?

That's cool. We could post a link to the challenge each day and then in the comments section everyone could link that's day entry. :)

[ScrappnNess]

I know that I'm a little late, but I've been reading about what you guys are doing, and I'd like to join. I definitely need to lose weight, so can I join in on the fun? I promise, I don't bite :biglove:

[Wendy Reed]

I know that I'm a little late, but I've been reading about what you guys are doing, and I'd like to join. I definitely need to lose weight, so can I join in on the fun? I promise, I don't bite :biglove:

OMHeck of course you can girl! I will put you in on the blog!

[Wendy Reed]

Ok, I posted today at the blog!

I just added a link in my sigi.

Another question... Shall we invite some of your friends that would like to do it to that are not on the board maybe? What do you think?

Oh and do we want to password protect the blog? That means when you click on the link for it you will have to enter a password.

[jclizzzard]

i just updated my ticker :blush: i am so excited! i weighed in today and the motivation you gals have provided has really helped me focus on each little choice I make, and it is already making a difference!

[Wendy Reed]

i just updated my ticker :blush: i am so excited! i weighed in today and the motivation you gals have provided has really helped me focus on each little choice I make, and it is already making a difference!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I am so proud of you girl!!!

[LisaS]

Good for you, Julie! :yay:

[lizardlize]

Can you include me? I am trying to do weight watchers. Maybe this will give me the extra motivation.

[Wendy Reed]

Can you include me? I am trying to do weight watchers. Maybe this will give me the extra motivation.

Yupper.... Doing it now! :)

[melanie]

Can you include me? I am trying to do weight watchers. Maybe this will give me the extra motivation.

I really need to get my butt back into gear and going to meetings. I did so well with it before kids. Since then I've just been good at excuses.

[Wendy Reed]

I really need to get my butt back into gear and going to meetings. I did so well with it before kids. Since then I've just been good at excuses.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh! You can go it girl! Think of it this way... you will be away from the kids for a bit BUT you will much healthier just for them! :)

[Beffy]

Okay, idea...

I just came across Rhonna Farrer's 21 Day Challenge (http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/mb.asp?cmd=display&thread_id=2503814) at 2peas. The thought behind it is it takes 21 days to make/break a habit. Anyways, so everyone chooses what they want to do and journals their journey. So in browsing the gallery, I came across one member's project (http://twopeasinabucket.kaboose.com/userprofile.asp?user_id=317648&w=3&pos=2&pg=1) she's doing and fell in love with it. I think I want to do the same. I think it'll really help motivate me to stay on track. What do y'all think? We could start Rhonna's challenge next week and make our own weight-loss journals.
great idea! love her project too :yes:
Another cool quote:
A wish changes nothing, a decision changes everything.
[Unknown]
thats a great quote shannon

[Wendy Reed]

Ohhhhhhhh look what I am workin' on girls...

Board (http://weareworkinitout.yuku.com/)

:woohoo2::woohoo2::happydance::woohoo2::woohoo2:

This might be easier for some thing than the blog!

[monica]

The blog looks great Wendy!

So, since we're not starting the challenge until next week, does that mean I can eat bad this week? :evil:

[Wendy Reed]

The blog looks great Wendy!

So, since we're not starting the challenge until next week, does that mean I can eat bad this week? :evil:

Thanks Mon!

:tsk::tsk::tsk:

[april]

but what about the BL challenge? are we done with that?

[Wendy Reed]

but what about the BL challenge? are we done with that?

BL challenge?

[april]

The biggest loser challenge a bunch of us are on and still doing right now! Beffy is hosting it!

[Wendy Reed]

Oh duh Wendy DUH!

Ummmmmm I know know?

[Tamara]

THe biggest loser challenge is not over until March 31.

[april]

I know it's not over until then.. but it just seemed like it was being left behind. I didn't want Beffy's hard work to become forgotten..

[Wendy Reed]

I know it's not over until then.. but it just seemed like it was being left behind. I didn't want Beffy's hard work to become forgotten..

Heck no!!!! We can do both, right?

[Beffy]

I know it's not over until then.. but it just seemed like it was being left behind. I didn't want Beffy's hard work to become forgotten..

awww! thanks April! u're a sweety :D

[april]

Hehehe no problem Beffy. I seriously don't know how you keep up with all you have on your hands. :) And OMG! Can't believe is almost over! I hope I don't lose focus in California! hehehe

[Tamara]

it's ok April....you can lose focus. :evil:

[april]

it's ok April....you can lose focus. :evil:

:eek:

MEanie head! I don't want to gain the weight back!!!!!

[Beffy]

i think tam was thinkin u were going to CA be4 the BL challenge is over -- so if u didnt have as big a loss she might get the lead lol

[april]

again, she's a meanie head!

[Beffy]

lol

[Tamara]

I am sure I will in no way get the lead anyway. I am just starting this week and the challenge is almost over. :lmao:

[Tamara]

But yes, I thought April was going before the challenge was over. :evil:

[Beffy]

when are you going April?

[april]

I am going.. hehehe right when the challenge is over. So maybe I'll text in my weight since I won't be around internet all the time. Unless I bring this computer with me. hahahaha :laugh2:

[april]

I will be in San Diego on the 25th :)

[Beffy]

of March? :eek:

[april]

yep! Less than twoo weeeeeeeks! :woohoo:

[jessicabree]

i just updated my ticker :blush: i am so excited! i weighed in today and the motivation you gals have provided has really helped me focus on each little choice I make, and it is already making a difference!

:yay: 35 so so rocks! Way to go Julie!

I have been super crazy all week so I am just joining this thread! I rejoined WW at work this week. I am still not fully back OP, but I am trying and feeling more motivated. I made some better choices today so I am feeling pretty good.

My newest obsession is Korean style sour frozen yogurt. Anyone else tried this? Near me there is one called JuicyGreen. In CA there is Pinkberry. So yummy, fat free, healthy!

[ceekay]

I have been pretty bad about my choices lately! My goal for this week, starting today is to journal what I am eating, post the time and a note about how I am feeling when I am eating!

[Dorothy]

"A year from now you may wish you had started today." -Karen Lamb

I got this quote in my e-mail this morning and it totally hit home! :)
That's a fantastic quote!!! Wendy... can ya add that to the quote section on the blog? Pretty pwease?!

I have been pretty bad about my choices lately! My goal for this week, starting today is to journal what I am eating, post the time and a note about how I am feeling when I am eating!

That sounds like a great way to start. :hug:

And Juliekins.... :highfive: I am SO SO SO proud of you!!! You are doing awesome!! :hug2:

[Wendy Reed]

That's a fantastic quote!!! Wendy... can ya add that to the quote section on the blog? Pretty pwease?!

Of course my sweet!

[Wendy Reed]

And don't forget... tomorrow (Monday) starts your 21 day journal challenge!

[Beffy]

ok, so what if I am starting a challenge for myself 2moro but dont have time to journal lol
I shall just tell u all about it I guess :giggle:

[Wendy Reed]

ok, so what if I am starting a challenge for myself 2moro but dont have time to journal lol
I shall just tell u all about it I guess :giggle:

:hmmm:

[Beffy]

well, I can either journal or exercise (my time is very limited you know lol)
so which do you want me to do :D

[Wendy Reed]

well, I can either journal or exercise (my time is very limited you know lol)
so which do you want me to do :D

Fine... FINE... have it your way: http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/aishi_au/exercise.gif

:giggle::giggle::giggle:

[Beffy]

i thought thats what you would say lol

[Wendy Reed]

i thought thats what you would say lol

:laugh2:

[Dorothy]

ok. Honestly... being half a day ahead of y'all sucks sometimes. :grrr: I sooooooooooooooooooooooo wanted to have brownies for breakfast this morning. But I stayed strong. No brownies. I had a healthy breakfast... and Noah & I have a date for a bike ride this afternoon. Guess it's not such a bad start, but I still wish it was Sunday. :D

[Tracy]

I signed up at the gym today!! :hoorah: I will be there bright and early in the morning.

[Wendy Reed]

I signed up at the gym today!! :hoorah: I will be there bright and early in the morning.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! You go girl!

[Tamara]

You Go Girl! :cheer3:

[ceekay]

21 days of journaling. I will be doing this!

Hooray for Julie!

[blizzie]

Here we go. Today is the day. Good luck everyone!!!!

[Tracy]

I almost forgot about this. Oops. :o

[Wendy Reed]

Yupper girls... today is the day!!!

Does anyone want to share a healthy recipe for the blog?

[Dorothy]

I don't have a recipe... but I did eat healthy for dinner. I had a salad with low fat dressing... and less than half the amount of dressing I'd usually slather on my salad.

And I figured out why I'm having so many cravings for sweets. I usually have a small bowl of ice cream or sherbet at night... but I gave that up for lent. Without my daily fix, I want to eat everything in sight. :rolleyes:

[Wendy Reed]

Uh oh.... everything?! Whew!!!

YAY on the salad dressing, that can really rack up the calories and fat even low fat dressing. You go girl! ;)

Hmmmmmmm... we have to figure something out for that sweet tooth!

[Dorothy]

Yeah... last night I had an apple as a snack & that really helped. I guess I need to stock up on some fruit again so that I eat that for the sweet cravings.

[Wendy Reed]

Oh yeah... apples, oranges, strawberries... yummy sweet stuff! :)

Sometimes I dip my apple in peanut butter (just a tad) to cover the sweet and salty craving!

[Beffy]

:rolleyes: could someone please tell my husband to quit buying Oreos :grrr:

[ScrappnNess]

:hmmm: So I was thinking, if I buy a Double Chocolatey Chip Frappucino from Starbucks, with the intent of taking a picture of it for my scrapbook, is it okay then if I drink it??? Because I'm pretty sure that the ice in it freezes out any fat and calories that it may have :giggle:

[Beffy]

:tsk:

[Beffy]

nice try tho lol

[scrappinlala]

OK Gals.. I am late to this thread.. it got so big so fast! (WAY TO GO!) that I was on the road and didn;t have time to go through it.. I plan to when I get home today...

I just wanted to share something I wrote on another forum I am on.. of photographer friends... it is about my weight loss journey and some medical stuff that might be worth looking into for many of us.

[scrappinlala]

OK- some of us are working hard on loosing weight and being more healthy- I have learned this year to look at it as a lifestyle change... I have never been able to do that before!! It has made a huge difference and I just wanted to share some of my thoughts in maybe helping to encourage others- plus share some resources!

By the way- I had about 140lbs to loose when I started this seriously about August of this year... I have 115 left.. so I just wanted you to know I am not all talk! LOL

I was diagnosed with PCOS this year- "Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a complex hormone disorder that causes such symptoms as irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, excessive body hair, acne, and obesity. The syndrome is named for the cysts that may [or may not] form in the ovaries... If the hormone imbalancce is left untreated, the syndrome may lead to life-threatening illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and uterine and endometrial cancers." - Living with P.C.O.S. by Angela Boss, Evelina Weidman Sterling, with Richard S. Legro, M.D.

A lot of things go with PCOS... High Blood pressure (CHECK!), Hypo-thyroidism (CHECK!) high Cloresterol (CHECK!) Insulin- resistance aka "pre-diabetes" (CHECK!), depression (CHECK!), Thining hair (CHECK!), acne (CHECK!) All these things came to light this year when I changed Dr's. (If you have been having health related issues and even if they seem unrelated, but you don't seem to be getting anywhere- the best thing I ever did was change Dr's! He saw everything together instead of this thing one month, another thing next year... ) Anyway...

With PCOS is generall weight gain- but the medical issues make it difficult tloose weight... which really pu a chink in my whole "plan" to loose weight this year...

Instead what I had to focus on, was changing my life... changing my lifestyle... my eating habits, those kinds of things. It became as much about HEALTH finally as loosing weight. (I cannot say MORE because I am young and cute and I really DO want to loose weight!! LOL)

So... here is basically what I am doing:
* yes I try to keep it low-cal but it is not the only part of how I eat..
* I have cut out (as much as possible.. when I do better I loose more) white breads, white rice and potatoes...
*I try to eat 5-6 small meals every day
* Whole grain, protein and green tea for breakfast EVERY DAY
* I go to an awesome chiropractor/ clinical dietician who has helped me with supplements that help with the chloresterol, cravings, blood-sugar and soon blood-pressure.
* I take fish oil.. a lot of it.. every day! LOL
* Veggies are the main part of every meal if I can make them be... the meat is more like the side dish...

(PS- my face has never been clearer more consistently- now that I am eating right!)

OK- sorry to ramble... I Just know that as I started this journey- hearing how other people were being successful has helped me in so many ways... I am not perfect.. the scale goes up as often as it goes down.. but for once.. I am not freaked out about it... It just means I am learning, growing and making this a way of life- not just a diet.. diets never work (I love you Revenda- you have no idea how much your healthy life-style encouraged and helped me!!)

This year I would like to loose the full 100! I travel so much for work (over 75% of my time) so this will be my special challenge this year- to figure out how to keep the healthy living, make good choices and stay actuve even when most of my time is spent in a hotel room!

I would love to chat and share ideas and thoughts with anyone who needs encouragement or ideas... I am good at encouragement!!

I am going to link some resources I have found sooo valuable to me over the past few months!!
Thanks for reading all that... just felt compelled to share...

YOU CAN DO IT! It is hard, it is a HUGE change.. but it is so worth it!! I just wanted to share! I know you can do it!!

Love La-

PCOS links:
medifocus
women to women
PCOSnet
PCOS Association
US Dept of health and services

www.sparkpeople.com
Inflamation Symdrome
Chronic inflamation
www.traneo.com

Experience Life magazine- this month's issue was soooo helpful!

PS- I am also trying to cut out Dairy as of this week... we'll see how THAT goes.

[monica]

Wow La...very inspiring!

I started journaling again today and counting points. On the days that I don't feel frustrated, counting points works for me. I have my water here too. I'm not making any big goals as I just want to take a day at a time doing whatever I can towards a skinny life.

One other thing I did NOT do this morning that I always do is weigh myself. I know you're not supposed to get on the scale every day but I always have and when I'm trying to lose weight, I expect too much from my scale I think so I'm not looking at it. I'm only going to weigh in once a week. That way if I get frustrated, it'll only be one day, not 5 of the 7!

[Beffy]

good luck Mon!! I cannot seem to keep myself off the scale :no: it calls my name lol

[blizzie]

Wow La...very inspiring!

I started journaling again today and counting points. On the days that I don't feel frustrated, counting points works for me. I have my water here too. I'm not making any big goals as I just want to take a day at a time doing whatever I can towards a skinny life.

One other thing I did NOT do this morning that I always do is weigh myself. I know you're not supposed to get on the scale every day but I always have and when I'm trying to lose weight, I expect too much from my scale I think so I'm not looking at it. I'm only going to weigh in once a week. That way if I get frustrated, it'll only be one day, not 5 of the 7!

I started journaling and counting points today too. I weighed this morning and I"m thinking of not weighing again until next Monday.

[Tamara]

I used to be a once a week weigher. But now, I am a mulitple times a day girl. :eek:

[scrappinlala]

I only weigh once a week too!!! It helps...

I don't know if you all noticed- I dropped out of the Biggest Looser challenge- because concentrating on weight loss... not on healthy life-style made me crazy... and I started to doubt myself and feel bad about myself.. I need to make the focus healthy eating and healthy life...

Where is this journaling challenge..

La-

[ceekay]

La, thanks for sharing your story!

I did start my journal today! I find that when I have to write down, I think twice about eating the junk.

I bought a new exercise video today! Now to challenge myself to use it!

[Wendy Reed]

Where is this journaling challenge..

La-

Here ya go: http://wendyreed.typepad.com/we_are_workin_it_off/

La, thanks for sharing your story!

I did start my journal today! I find that when I have to write down, I think twice about eating the junk.

I bought a new exercise video today! Now to challenge myself to use it!
Oh yay girl! I can't wait to see it!

[scrappinlala]

THANKS!

[monica]

I had exactly the 21 points I'm allowed today. I consider that a good day. :)

[scrappinlala]

YAY!

I did low cal today and managed not to feel hungry and had lots of protein too!

[Tamara]

Yesterday I had no carbs and no sugar. Woo-hoo!

[Cherie]

I worked out last night! :hoorah:

[Tamara]

:highfive: Good job Cherie!

[ceekay]

Good for you Tamara and Cherie too!

I did some light weight work this morning! I am really out of shape and could only do 2 reps of my routine!

[Cherie]

:highfive: Charlotte! That's awesome! Something is better than nothing - right? Keep it up!

[Dorothy]

I made it to walk Monday & Tuesday. Noah is getting faster on his bike so I get quite the little work out trying to keep up with him!! lol I think I'll try riding my bike with him next week.

[Tamara]

Well, I am a soooo weak. I had something from the bakery today. :sigh:

[Cherie]

Well, I am a soooo weak. I had something from the bakery today. :sigh:

Weak isn't good, sweetie. You need to eat!

[blizzie]

Yesterday I had no carbs and no sugar. Woo-hoo!

I did good. I had no sweets or fries. Although I was tempted. I had fries right infront of me.

[Beffy]

Well, I am a soooo weak. I had something from the bakery today. :sigh:

oh no :hug:

[Tamara]

no, not weak as in my body felt weak. Weak as in I couldn't hold out any longer. That is worse. :sigh:

[Beffy]

I did pretty godd yesterday
I drank half my water (:sigh: better than nothing, right? :o)
and I stayed under 1500 calories :D
I didnt do any exercise cuz I had a stupid headache :grrr: again! or still! I dunno I cant even remember if this is the same headache or a new one :rolleyes:

[Beffy]

no, not weak as in my body felt weak. Weak as in I couldn't hold out any longer. That is worse. :sigh:

:eek: OH!
well in that case :tsk: no no Bff!!

[Tamara]

See, that is what I need beffy.

I told Spencer I was a loser and he said why. I told him and he got the look of, I can't believe you caved on his face. i think he wants me to succeed more than I want to.

[Beffy]

next time you are gonna cave get yer booty on the puter, u know there is always someone here to help talk you out of it!!

[Beffy]

oh & here is a :hug: it is over & done w/ now!
quit beating yourself up about it!
just move on from here :yes:

[Cherie]

no, not weak as in my body felt weak. Weak as in I couldn't hold out any longer. That is worse. :sigh:

:whack: And here I was all worried about you! :rolleyes:

[Cherie]

See, that is what I need beffy.

I told Spencer I was a loser and he said why. I told him and he got the look of, I can't believe you caved on his face. i think he wants me to succeed more than I want to.

Hey - no beating yourself up about it!

Isn't it funny how into it our kids are? Logan is constantly asking me if I'm going to go work out! lol

[Tamara]

don't need to worry about beating myself up. Cherie will whack me instead. :laugh2:

[Cherie]

don't need to worry about beating myself up. Cherie will whack me instead. :laugh2:

:yes: I'm there for ya, babe! :D

[scrappinlala]

Sounds like some good accomplishments girls!! keep it up!!1

[Beffy]

:yes: I'm there for ya, babe! :D

so, is that a GOOD thing :rofl2:

[Cherie]

so, is that a GOOD thing :rofl2:

:shrug: I guess that's up to her! :lmao:

[Wendy Reed]

I just put 3 new posts in our blog today! Some facts and tips! :D

[Beffy]

I just put 3 new posts in our blog today! Some facts and tips! :D

I will check it out this afternoon after I pick up my chillin from school

[Tamara]

I did check it out. Good stuff there Wendy!

[Wendy Reed]

I will check it out this afternoon after I pick up my chillin from school
Chillin' :giggle:

I did check it out. Good stuff there Wendy!
Thanks! :)

[ceekay]

Some great info here Wendy!