I need to get off my computer chair and do more walking.

That way any extra weight will take care of itself. Since I don't snack or eat desserts, pizzas, burgers or junk food I have to admit that I'm not getting enough exercise, even with my machine Pilates class twice weekly. It's the sitting down working for long periods that has to change. :-)
(My fingers aren't fat though.)

SharonCb

I'm just waiting for true spring, it's supposed to snow here again this weekend. Then it's back to walking more than a mile a day.

And no, that weekend in Chicago didn't help.

Annie

Mini Goal: Break through this D _ _ _ plateau THIS month!!!
I am down 1.6 this week (from the UP 0.8 last week).
Can you say "YO YO"?

Fresh spring veggies are their way and they can't get here fast enough for me!!!

Let's keep at it!
Good idea on the mini goal Gardengrl!!

Deanna

Hey everyone! Quick check in here and then I'll be off for a few more days...

I'm at the end of my 90 day program (P90X) and did my final weigh in this AM. The scale is down 14 lbs, which means I've lost much more than that in fat - because I have built lots of muscle. And most importantly, my body fat dropped by over 10%.

It's so hard, but just what I needed. I was too tired of floating along and not really getting anywhere...now I am motivated to start another round after a much deserved rest week...:-)

I'm still eating lots of good for you stuff - and trying to eat often. I've found out how hard it is to get in an appropriate amount of calories when you aren't eating much butter or mayo - LOL.

Hang in everyone - and be careful not to eat too LITTLE! They say you can stall your metabolism if you're not eating frequently enough.

Stacy

I am just gaining and loosing the same 2 lbs., just like Deanna. But that's because I'm not exercising. I have a consulting job for the next month, plus my part time grant-funded job grant is winding down so I have a ton of wrap up stuff to do for it, plus find another job for when its over, plus 5 grad school applications. So I am working long, long hours sitting all the time, and stressed all the time. So my "mini goal" for the next two months is just not to gain weight. My weight is hovering between 135 and 140. I would like it to hover between 130 and 135.

On the plus side, I don't feel near as stressed and bummed about "Mr. Hyde" anymore. Looking back on it, I think the only reason I gave him the time of day is because I was exhausted last semester, working even longer hours than I do now. His actions and words were erratic, which is never a good sign, but my life was so erratic anyway I didn't really notice!

My fridge is full of healthy food, but I have no appetite for it. I am just too tired to eat or too nerved up. So I don't gain. But I don't loose either.

My mini goal is to use my gym membership at least once this month! Today, my manager jokingly asked if I've been going to the gym and when I said no, he said, "I can tell!" Well!

In the last week or so, I've purchased spinach, a cucumber, strawberries, and grapes... I had a handful of grapes before they went bad. The strawberries were awful to begin with (I haven't had a good strawberry in years, I don't think they exist anymore), so I was glad when they went bad. Maybe I can still eat the spinach and cucumbers before they go bad. I need to play with the salad spinner anyway! I took my friend Sheila to the Melting Pot (fondu) last week for her 31st birthday (got me out of baking and trying to decorate a cake this year), and I overate even though the food wasn't that good because I was paying for it!

May the force be with us all. Congrats to those of you who are seeing results. :o)

Weight looss seems so much better than weight loss... less intimidating... yay! :o)

Yeah -- weight looss. I like that. Like Lpink and Deanna, I keep losing the same two pounds over and over. I swear, all I have to do is smell something fattening and I gain weight. Last night we had a wine tasting party with "heavy hors d'oeuvres" -- a work related party. That didn't help.

Tomorrow I am off on vacation. I am hoping the walking will counteract the eating.

I just finished reading last month's thread. Shaun, you are so funny! You make me laugh out loud (so when I say LOL, I REALLY mean it.)

You're right, bro and BF are boobs, but neither of them run with me. They are having a red meat/beer gut and biggest cigar contest. May the best boob win.

Ok then! Glad to bring a smile to you October 17!

Don't eat too many jelly beans today guys, they are NOT vegetables!

I am almost back to where I started. Ate too much on the four day road trip and kind of lost the diet state of mind. Easter dinner should make up for whatever bit I did not regain. Sigh. It's a loossing battle.

OK... I get that jelly beans aren't vegetables... but can a vegetarian eat a chocolate easter bunny?

I'd like to say, "Who can stick to a diet when such things as holidays exists?", but it doesn't really matter... I've been pretty lax anyway lately!

Easter did not help!! But...I allowed myself to enjoy that one day (without TOTALLY getting crazy).
Back on (theoretical) track today.

Lpink: We could be twins! I'm at the same weight range, same goal. It's that 135 plateau I want to break. I just cannot seem to get there!

Homemade sourdough bread probably isn't helping, is it??
And oh so perfect with the pot of beans and ham I'm planning to make with the leftover ham from yesterday...

:-(

Deanna

Ok Alright, I'm back on the wagon.

You know what I've been looking into? Fit for Life; it's been in print since the 80's. It's food combining. Makes a lot of sense to me.

So just humor me and see where this takes me for the next two weeks.

Yesterday was a bust. I ate not one but two cupcakes, actually it could have been three, I lost count - I honestly dont remember how many I ate.

This food combining is supposed to help with memory issues. We'll see about that.

But anyway I ate almost everything except something my sil made. It was a gooey dessert that truthfully didnt appeal to me so that's the only reason why I didnt eat it.

I scarfed down eggplant parmesan, stuffed shells, baked ziti, ham, salad. There was also that sweet potato casserole but I didnt have any of that.

Today breakfast was a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice and an apple. Fruit only at breakfast *8am - noon* It's really plenty and filling.

Lunch will be a salad with all kinds of goodies in it. Romaine, Spinach, broccoli, zucchini, tomatoes, celery,cucumber,and some avocado in it. I can also have some whole wheat pasta with this. (starch and veggies)*noon til 4pm*

Dinner will be grilled chicken, veggies and salad. Protein and veggies. 4pm - 8pm

Nothing after 8 except maybe a piece of fruit. So far I havent needed it, not hungry after 8pm.

Ok, carry on diet buddies..... good luck.

Alright remember that memory thing I just mentioned? Well I forgot that I was having a veggie sandwich today not the salad.

The sandwich is whole wheat bread, lightly toasted, tomato slices, avocado slices, cucumber slices, romaine, spinach, and mustard. Boy it's good!

Avocado does something mysteriously delicious to a sandwich.

I am down to 135 with the high stress diet. Run around all day like a chicken with your head cut off and forget to eat until you get home late and are just too plain tired to eat. Works for me!

I re-joined Weight Watchers this morning.

A quick history - Have always had to watch my weight (am only 5'2", have a small frame - think Sally Field) and managed to stay in good shape until I hit my late 40's. Gradually, over the course of 10 years, I gained a whopping (for me) 20 lbs. Lost it last year on Weight Watchers.

Since January, my jeans were feeling tight after laundering, and they seemed to be getting shorter - LOL - I thought it was time to stop the backsliding, so I'm back on the Program in earnest.

This time I don't want to use any artificial foods. Last year I did use Sugar-free jello and Sugar-free pudding mixes to help curb my sweet tooth.

Gradually, I dumped those and just went with fruit. But I would love to hear if any of you have recipes or ideas that don't involve "Frankenfoods" for low-cal treats and desserts.

Good job to all of you who are doing well with the weight loss efforts!

My most successful diet was the marital stress diet. I got down to 118 and I am 5'6", average build. Although it felt good to be skinny (too skinny since my bones actually poked me at night), it wasn;t worth the worry and stress.

My weigh in is tomorrow...we shall see.
Based on some things that came up today at work, I may be on that high stress diet soon.....busier, which in my case is good. At least it means I get 40 hours instead of 32 for the next 3 weeks.

amck: I do use Splenda, but also looking for more natural options.

Really, honey or molasses is my choice, but just use tiny amounts.
Depends on what you're making I guess. Unsweetened applesauce, baked and pureed carrots, etc. could be used in some recipes.
Try a baked apple in the microwave with just a few raisins tossed in. Gets pretty sweet and isn't the "average" fruit dish.
Mix blueberries and plain yogurt and just a tiny drizzle of honey.
I love pineapple (canned, in its own juice).

Thankfully, I usually crave salt rather than sugar so it's somewhat easier. Not necessarily healthier, but since WW doesn't limit the salt intake, I can find things I like!

Deanna (keeping my fingers and lips crossed for tomorrow...makes it hard to eat!)

Sigh. Back up 1.5 lb.
I'm havin' a drink...........

But back at it tomorrow!

Deanna

Gosh I feel like I've been Food Combining for 2 weeks but it's only been one week, really.

No weight loss but I feel terrific. I have so much energy I can't believe it and I'm not sleepy at 3 pm anymore nor do I fall asleep on the couch watching tv at 9 pm.

This isnt hard to do at all. The first couple of days I felt all confused but now it's all coming together and I like it.

The book I'm reading is called Fit for Life. I read reviews online and of course some good/some bad, as with everything.

Now remember, I've quit smoking too so I normally I would have gained weight from that but I have not gained. I'm maintaining at the same weight. Maybe once my metabolism gets straight, I'll start to lose.

With this way of eating, there is no way I wont lose.

I'm not tracking my calories or counting points or anything. I'm just not eating certain foods together.

The basics are:

Breakfast - fruits only til noon
Lunch - Carbs and Veggies
Dinner - Protein and Veggies
That's it.

Just a good find.....Target has a frozen food brand Pilgrims Pride called "Eat Well Stay Healthy"...Approved by the American Heart Association...they haved grilled Chicken Cutlets,Grilled Chicken Breast Strips and Popcorn Chicken.....all are very delicous,low fat and approx 2 points on WW....I keep in the freezer at all times.

WAY to go Shaun! You're exercising too, right? pretty much? Very nice. Lots of energy is always a good thing.

I maintained my 14 lb loss during the week off that I took when we were in NYC. And this week has been tough with Will's b'day and him being home. I will be strictly back on the workouts next week, though!

Stacy

I lost another pound on the "Sick As A Dog With The Flu" diet. That brings my total weight loss since I started this quest to 5 lbs. Let's see if I can keep it off. It will all depend on if I can get myself exercising again. I have a lot of yardwork I would like to do and the weather is finally nice enough that going outside isn't a total drag. But right now I am flat on my back in bed and wiped out with coughing and lung congestion. So it will be a while before I have a lot of energy for much of anything.

Well, I am back on Weight Watcher's seriously now. Lost 40 lbs. two years ago, and put 33 of them back on. I am determined to get it off and keep it off this time. I spent a small fortuyne at the grocery today, buying all the staples that I need to do this successfully. It ain't cheap to lost weight, LOL. Lots of fresh ingredients and a bunch of oriental staples. Tonight I am making ham and green pepper and onion Calzones, (with my homemade pizza dough). That is 7 points for half a Calzone. Then an apple salad, maybe a point for the dressing, and roasted veggies., no points. I can eat 22 points a day.. I ate 2 for breaky, 3 for lunch, and after supper I still will have quite a few to have a healthy snack later, and maybe a 2 point ice cream bar this evening.
Wish me luck in this endeavor. Good luck to all of you here.
Sherry

Good Luck Sherry.

Hope everyone has a good week coming up!!

I just started on a diet last week, low carb and low fat. We will see. I have gained about 30 lbs. the last two years, just by eating anything and everything I wanted. We were gone 3 weeks in March and that contributed to about 10 of those pounds and will be gone in May for a week, so I have to do something.
I just have to realize I can't eat everything I want, and I have not been getting the exercise that I need.

We have a cruise coming up in mid May - you all know what happens on cruise ships! All that wonderful food and drink...... gotta lose some now cause I know I'll gain some then.

I'm stuck in my rut right now. down about 10 lbs, but bouncing on that last number. Today I was up about 2! I've cut out wine and spirits, but Sat night at a friend's house we had martini's and then she opened some wine with dinner. I'm suspicious that the alcohol does me in...d@mn!

Sherry, you go, girl!!!

Ellen, alcohol is fattening, trust me. No nutrition either, to speak of.

Fortunately I don't drink very often, so that's not an issue, and I don't smoke so I don't have to worry about gaining weight when I stop.

I've spent three full 8 hour days digging post holes, stretching barbed wire, pounding staples. I've raked the yard and I walk to work. Still haven't lost a single pound this month. (sigh)

I need to eat more vegetables, fortunately I love 'em. My downfall is crunchy/salty stuff. Gotta get rid of those pita chips, the crackers, the pretzels that require altogether too much peanut butter.

Summer is coming and that brings hard work. I've got to get back into "working shape", that fencing nearly killed me, LOL. Fortunately, I have a whole barn I need to clean and my only "work saving tool" available is a pitchfork. Yup, I figure I've got about 40 hours of manure shoveling to do.....

Annie

Recently I read somewhere that drinking coffee before exercising gives you a boost of energy. I'm trying it out, it might be working. Today, after drinking coffee, I was finally able to run the whole 2 1/2 miles without stopping to walk and catch my breath (25 yrs of smoking). Usually, I have to stop and walk two or three times.

Anyone ever tried one of those exercise balls? How about fit TV, anyone have a favorite show on there? I'd like to tape something that I can do in the evenings. Anyone have a favorite exercise video? I know someone who lost a ton of weight when she did some step video every day.

For snacks I've been dehydrating apple slices. I make my own bean dip by mashing a can of beans and mixing it with salsa and cilantro. Then I make my own chips with high-fiber tortillas. (I've actually eaten this for my lunch.)

But alas, my mother lives with us and she is a sweet-a-holic. Way too much temptation around here. I don't have that kind of resistance (won't bother you with details of what it is exactly I can't resist). At least BF went back to work so he's not doing much cooking or baking now. So there is some hope for me yet!

Good luck to everyone!

Hi everyone. I've been battling my weight since I was around 12. Seems like a never ending battle! I just love food and love to eat!

Anyway, I've tried every diet in the book, done some really stupid things when I was young to lose weight, have totally given up and ballooned up, then lost it again a hundred times.

I did manage to finally get to a reasonable weight for me (same as amck - barely 5'2" w/small frame) which was between 133-135. I was 155 most of my teen years, and got to 145 but stuck there most of my adult life. I've been managing to stay at roughly 135 (up and down a few times) for about 10 years now. I'm still technically "overweight", but in my mid-40s and after two kids, fine by me.

I then gained about 14 pounds over not this past winter, but the one before. I was up to 148 and I really didn't care, but none of my clothes fit me. Hubby joined weight watchers at work last June, which shocked me, and since I had to plan all his meals and count all his points for him anyway, I figured I might as well do it along with him. Well I lost the 14 pounds I gained, plus 6 more and got to 128 which is the lowest I've been since I was a kid! Hubby has lost roughly 50 pounds himself and looks great - he no longer looks 9 months pregnant!

Anyway, I'm a firm believer in WW now as I've tried every diet in the book and this is the easiest and most "common sense" healthy diet I've been on. I'm eating tons more fruit and salads than I ever did before. I've always loved veggies, but even those, I'm eating more.

I am struggling to stay at 128, however. I've been struggling since before Easter - the past few weeks I'm like a bottomless pit! Over Easter I ate everything in sight and went up over 130 again - 132 actually. I'm back to 129 but haven't been able to lose that pound. I'm content with what I am - I don't think I'd be able to sustain anything less, I just don't have the willpower and I love to eat too much! But I don't want to gain back anymore either!

I'm not an official member of WW tho and don't go to meetings or weigh in - I just follow the booklets and tips hubby brings home.

My biggest struggle is needing a sweet at night. I'm also a grazer - I could start nibbling after supper and not stop until I went to bed and be in heaven. I do fine all day, but after supper it's hard not to munch. And I'm an emotional eater, which doesn't help!

Anyway, I plan on checking in this thread often. Hopefully you guys can keep me inspired!

Lisa

I am losing, I am losing! 3.4 lb two weeks ago, 2.4 lbs last week...and I am not even tempted to cheat. I am finally motivated. I take long walks and eat healthy. I am gonna do this!

I'm still maintaining my 10 lb loss, but hoping that will change as I've had sleeping problems the past 6 - 9 months. My doctor gave me Ambien, which has finally let me get a good night sleep!

It makes a big difference when all you want to do is sleep, but can't, and you're supposed to be exercising.

The week after next, hubby and I will be on vacay to northern New York/Canada Nigara Falls. I can't wait!! My goal is to not gain and try to do a lot of walking.

I've lost a total of 4.5 lbs since Easter. Not much of a loss but at least I didnt gain that much! Still not smoking either - I quit Feb 9th.

I'm very committed to Fit for Life. I veered off of it for almost a week and really felt the difference in my energy level among other things. Honestly.

STACY where are you????????

oh I'm glad I checked in - my ears were ringing! LOL.

Shaun, I am so happy that you found the thing that works for you. That is what this is all about.

You too Sherry - WW is a program that works well for many!

gardengirl - nice to know about Ambien. I've wondered about it at times. And have fun in Niagara Falls!

Hi Lisa - ditto what I said to Sherry - I know a couple people who have great success with weight watchers, and it sounds like it is the program that works for you!

Me? I'm doing my second round of P90X and continuing to eat mostly clean. Lots of fruit and veggies, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, lean meats, steel cut oats, whey protein...and although my workouts have lightened up a little with this round, I still am getting regular exercise including weights, pushups/pullups, yoga, cardio, kenpo karate, and lots of core work.

Since the beginning of the year, I lost 7 inches off my wiast, and the scale is down 14 lbs. - even with the decreased workouts, I've maintained. I feel great and with a gorgeous weekend last weekend, I kept up with the little kids playing baseball - YEA! I've got noticeable definition in my muscles and it feels good!

I gotta run - today is Legs and back and I didn't work out this AM - gotta go get it done.

Stacy

GREAT to hear from you! I miss talking to you daily. Do you still journal your foods on livestrong? I havent been doing that.

I am still yo-yo-ing (definitely NOT a word) around 140.
139 today at my WW weigh in. I want to break 136. It doesn't seem to matter what I do, my body must like it here!!

Sigh.

Tomorrow's a new month!
Deanna (on the left coast where it's still April)

Has there been an update to the weight loss threads? I haven't been on much the past several months for various reasons, and I've talked about losing weight for 2 years now, but now I'm actually starting to do it, so thought I'd see where people have left off and join in.....

Nothing lately. Do you want to start a new one for "Fall"?
I am still maintaining my goal weight and attending WW meetings here at my work.
It's easier for me in the summer with all the fresh, delicious fruits and veggies. Plus being outside and more active.
It's winter that is hard. I want "Comfort Food" and I'm getting less natural exercise.

Deanna

I fell off the wagon.
Love,
Oompa Loompa

I did so well by only gaining 3lbs on our vacation. Then i came home starving and have been eating ever since. I haven't been on the scale in over a week, bad move! BUT I am eating sensibly yesterday and today. Maybe back on the wagon?

I'm still working on losing weight and exercising more.

I've lost 14lbs so far and feel so much better. I haven't had any candy since May. I was eating way too much. I don't deny myself if I really want something. I did have two caramel sundaes this past week. One of them was after a 12 mile bike ride with my son when it was 90 degrees. I so deserved that one.

I couldn't stand exercising before but biking with my kids is fun. We're out almost every day. I had a hitch and bike rack put on so we can go anywhere and ride.

I would like to lose 15 more but I'm not obsessing.

Ellen, I've fallen off the wagon on occasion too. I've found that keeping track of everything on Livestrong.com (the daily plate)helps keep things in perspective. Most of the time it isn't as bad as I think.

Tracey