A Healthier Me in 2016

[Libby Pritchett]

Hey girls!

Sorry I forgot to post a new thread again!

This is the place where we can share our weight-loss and fitness journeys! We're here to offer support and encouragement! Anyone on any plan can post. So feel free to jump in and share away!

[Libby Pritchett]

Well, I was stunned to weigh in tonight and see that I'd lost 3.4 lbs this week! That puts me at a total of 12.4!! The past couple of weeks have just been a pound at a time, so it must've all been catching up with me! LOL

Also, we're having an "inspire me" session at our WW meeting next week, and the leader asked me to speak for a few minutes just on how our eating habits have changed as being a part of WW. Ack!!!

[rdjrneace]

Congrats Libby - great job and how awesome that you were asked to be a role model (year YUCK on the public speaking but at least it is for something you know about).

I have been doing good on my exercising (stepped up to about 90 minutes a day spread out into 3 - 30 minute sessions) and food has been pretty good so I am hoping for a good loss (last week was only 1 pound).

[littlekiwi]

I did really well on the exercise front for about two weeks....then I let excuses take over (don't want to get out of bed, its hot, its raining, im not feeling well etc). Need to swiftly get back on board with a) wearing my fitbit everyday and b) attending both wed and sun aqua zumba classes while I can- I was good for 2 wednesday classes and thats it so far. From the end of the month I won't be able to do the Wed night class so I really need to make Sunday's a habit.

Eating wise I've been atrocious - can't be bothered eating a meal, miss it or graze all day, oo hot to cook, order pizza & garlic bread, out at a food court.....order a burger combo so I really need to kick myself back into gear big time.

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[rdjrneace]

I have had my first week of feeling tired of this change and thinking I was never going to loose weight again. I don't know why this week was so rough but then yesterday I felt a little better and this morning I stepped on the scale and I lost 2 pounds.

[Libby Pritchett]

Hey girls!

I'm changing this thread to a monthly format since we don't have a lot of chatter right now. If it picks up, I don't mind changing it back to weekly.

How's everyone doing?

I'm down 14.8 since the first of the year. Slow & steady!

My goal for this week is to up my water intake. I know I haven't been drinking enough, so I want to really focus on that before my next weigh-in.

Can't wait to hear how everyone else is doing!

[rdjrneace]

As of today; I am down 27 pounds from 12/28. I had a week where I felt yucky about all of this but I am getting a second wind and feeling better.

I went through my closet and have about 20 items that I am taking to consignment shop tomorrow since they no longer fit.

Funny how it seems the weight went on overnight (even though I know it didn't) and the weight seems to take forever to come off.

[Libby Pritchett]

Debbie, 27 pounds in 2 months is AMAZING!!!! That's actually considered really fast progress! I'd say you're doing awesome!!

[rach3975]

Wow-27 lbs since the end of December is amazing! I'm close to Libby, down 12.6 lbs since Jan 3. There are no specific changes I plan to make this week.

I'm a little nervous about a trip we have coming up in late March. We'll be eating only in restaurants for 9 days. That's especially challenging as a vegetarian; lots of restaurant meals for vegetarians are either high calorie foods like pasta or are lots of vegetables with no protein. Not that big a deal when you're eating out 1 or 2 meals a week, but difficult when restaurant food is the only option. We'll be at Disney World (plus 2 days of driving each way), so I'm hoping all the walking will help me not gain too much.

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[rdjrneace]

Thanks Libby & Rachel - I have about 90 pounds I want to loose so I knew the beginning would go quick and I am hitting that area where it will be slower which I know is the way it should be.

Rachel - good luck with eating out; I have been eating out just not eating bread and so forth but I am not a vegetarian so I really don't know what you can eat.

[JMC1988]

Seem like everyone is doing amazing! Way to go ladies!

Me on the other hand fell off the band wagon for a few days. I am really discouraged as I still haven't lost anymore lbs but I think I am losing inches off waist instead. I like to see the lbs and not inches. Haha. All together I am sticking to the only 1 day a week I can drink carbonated drinks. I got semi-tired of the bland plain water and went out an bought every flavor of Crystal Light I could ever want and am sticking to the water better now. I am being wiser in what I eat and "snack" on. Still eating a lot of veggies and making better lunch/dinner choices when meal planning.

Today we are having Gluten free White Chicken Ranch Chili in the Crock Pot and it smells amazing as it is cooking.

[mariewilcox]

It sounds like everyone is holding steady :) I've been sticking to my lifestyle changes and the pounds are slowly but surely dropping down at 2 to 3 a week and I'm fine with that since I don't want maintenance to be an issue.

I've been reading the book Proteinaholic and it's been very eye opening and interesting. Confirms for me the choices I've made in spades.

I cooked my meals/snacks for the week today so I'm ready to go. Cheyanne was on vacation all last week and I only worked part-time during the week, so I'm looking forward to getting back into our regular schedule.

[LeeAndra]

I joined a women's Bible study a couple of weeks ago with a particular focus on food issues (not just weight loss but also bulimia, anorexia, etc.) & we are starting to read the book 'Made to Crave' by Lysa TerKeurst.

I'm so excited to finally get to the heart of my emotional eating so I can be healthy on the inside as well as on the outside. :wub:

[Libby Pritchett]

LA, I just bought that book, but I haven't read it yet! I can't wait to hear what you think of it! I'm totally an emotional eater, but I've been doing a lot better recently. Still, I'd love to get to the root of it with this book!

Marie, I'm totally with you! I don't want to lose too quickly because I want to be able to maintain. I don't want this to just be a "diet" to shed the pounds quicky. I want this to be a way of life from now on.

[mariewilcox]

Another good book to read as far as eating "habits", emotional eating, etc. is Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink (I might have mentioned this before but I can't remmeber! LOL). So many things in this book hit home for me!

[littlekiwi]

Really struggling at the moment - next to no exercise and filling up on junk food with no real meals....I can't seem to stay away from white carbs.


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[bcgal00]

Ugh....Jennifer....I am in the same boat. I am trying to eat clean and healthy most of the time but those pesky white carbs keep finding their way back into my diet. Mostly it's the restaurant and takeout foods. The good thing is that this month I am down a few lbs so at least I haven't gained.

[KristinCB]

I've been reading the book Proteinaholic and it's been very eye opening and interesting. Confirms for me the choices I've made in spades.


Just bought this - I saw its only 1.99 for kindle :thumbup::thumbup:

http://www.amazon.com/Proteinaholic-Obsession-Meat-Killing-About/dp/0062279300/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456856025&sr=8-1&keywords=proteinaholic

I was thinking about signing up for weight watchers but after some reading it sounds as if the new points plan is very paleo friendly which means it isn't very vegan/vegetarian friendly :( I'm going to start tracking with either lose it or a different app

[jumbbumble]

Ok i gonne hope in on this healthy me for 2016 . for me it is a bit harder to really lose weight i can not eat glutes so a lot of products without glute are with a lot of sugar so i try to bake and make as much as i can homemade . Excersize is also diffrent because my fibromyalgie and hypermobilitie ..

So here is my plan
- Walk every day ( some days it wil be 1 hour other days only 20 min depends on the health )
- Don't eat candy and oh my i love my candy
- Skip the soda drink tea and water instead
- Try to do a bit of excersize on the good days

[mariewilcox]

Just bought this - I saw its only 1.99 for kindle :thumbup::thumbup:

http://www.amazon.com/Proteinaholic-Obsession-Meat-Killing-About/dp/0062279300/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456856025&sr=8-1&keywords=proteinaholic

I was thinking about signing up for weight watchers but after some reading it sounds as if the new points plan is very paleo friendly which means it isn't very vegan/vegetarian friendly :( I'm going to start tracking with either lose it or a different app

It was an excellent book - a lot of scientific documentation included (which might annoy some but I have a brain that needs scientific data - LOL). I just track my calories in my fitness pal every day and have it set for 80% carbs, 10% fat, and 10% protein so I know when I'm going over those totals. I weighed in today at 22 pounds lighter than I was in mid January, and I feel fantastic :thumbup: (and I eat WHITE carbs all. the. time).

[KristinCB]

i'm going to PM you!!

I have the starch solution but haven't got to reading it yet - i love that i don't have to feel guilty about carbs anymore though - what an eye opener

[mariewilcox]

Ok i gonne hope in on this healthy me for 2016 . for me it is a bit harder to really lose weight i can not eat glutes so a lot of products without glute are with a lot of sugar so i try to bake and make as much as i can homemade . Excersize is also diffrent because my fibromyalgie and hypermobilitie ..

So here is my plan
- Walk every day ( some days it wil be 1 hour other days only 20 min depends on the health )
- Don't eat candy and oh my i love my candy
- Skip the soda drink tea and water instead
- Try to do a bit of excersize on the good days

Sounds like a great start!

[mariewilcox]

i'm going to PM you!!

Okay! I'll be back shortly to read it - have to pick up the teen and drop her off at driver's ed school :blink:

[Libby Pritchett]

I went ahead and just changed the title of this thread so we can just keep posting here. I hate to have to start a new thread when we've got conversations going on. :)

[Libby Pritchett]

I was thinking about signing up for weight watchers but after some reading it sounds as if the new points plan is very paleo friendly which means it isn't very vegan/vegetarian friendly :( I'm going to start tracking with either lose it or a different app

It sounds like you have a good plan with Marie!

I love WW, and I've found that it works well for me even though I don't eat a lot of meat. But you have to find a plan that you feel comfortable sticking with.

I'm down 18 lbs since the first of the year, and I honestly don't feel the slightest bit restricted. I'm just eating less, moving more, and drinking water. I feel stronger and healthier. I've still got a long way to go on my journey, but I don't feel burnt out like I often do by this point in a "diet."

[mariewilcox]

I went ahead and just changed the title of this thread so we can just keep posting here. I hate to have to start a new thread when we've got conversations going on. :)

Makes perfect sense!:thumbup:

[Libby Pritchett]

So here is my plan
- Walk every day ( some days it wil be 1 hour other days only 20 min depends on the health )
- Don't eat candy and oh my i love my candy
- Skip the soda drink tea and water instead
- Try to do a bit of excersize on the good days

Good for you! Even the smallest changes can lead to big results! You've got this!

[KristinCB]

It sounds like you have a good plan with Marie!

I love WW, and I've found that it works well for me even though I don't eat a lot of meat. But you have to find a plan that you feel comfortable sticking with.

I'm down 18 lbs since the first of the year, and I honestly don't feel the slightest bit restricted. I'm just eating less, moving more, and drinking water. I feel stronger and healthier. I've still got a long way to go on my journey, but I don't feel burnt out like I often do by this point in a "diet."

That's really awesome! :wub::wub:

[mariewilcox]

i'm going to PM you!!

I have the starch solution but haven't got to reading it yet - i love that i don't have to feel guilty about carbs anymore though - what an eye opener

Isn't it though?!? I have 2 potatoes every morning for breakfast with mustard (I have a mustard collection... I think I need a mustard anonymous group :w00t: ) I have a potato for a snack when I need one; again with mustard - LOL. And I eat pasta at least once or twice a week (sometimes whole wheat but sometimes white pasta) and I eat a lot of rice too :)

[rdjrneace]

March's goal is for me to loose 5 pounds - I have hit that time when the weight is just slowing falling off which I am sure is the healthy way but very slow.

[JennNtheBoys]

Can I get another Do-Over? (seriously, how many do overs does one need....ugh). I know what works for me, what I need to do and it's not hard to do at all, but I am seriously lacking the motivation to stick to things. I know when I am ready ready I'll know it, but man, I want to be ready now :S

[bcgal00]

I too just got the Starch Solution book and will read it soon. I do eat more carbs now (I was really low carb for a few years and felt good, had less achy joints, and less bloating but felt deprived) but try to eat them earlier in the day, have smaller portion sizes and don't eat carby snacks after dinner (much).

[mariewilcox]

I too just got the Starch Solution book and will read it soon. I do eat more carbs now (I was really low carb for a few years and felt good, had less achy joints, and less bloating but felt deprived) but try to eat them earlier in the day, have smaller portion sizes and don't eat carby snacks after dinner (much).

That's one thing the book Proteinaholic pointed out was that people who did the low carb thing couldn't sustain because they felt deprived - some sooner than others, but he said so many would come back to his office with the weight back on and bummed out because they couldn't stay on the paleo without getting cravings for carbs. I tried low carb myself years ago and yeah, that didn't last long! LOL

[bcgal00]

I have tried so many different types of dieting i.e. paleo, WW, low carb, low fat, vegetarian (my shortest attempt b/c I just can't go without meat) and I'm sick and tired of working so hard at it and depriving myself that initially I am thrilled with the weight loss but then gain it back. So this year I have decided to not focus on the scale so much, am eating much less white flour, white rice and sugar and am eating as clean as I can (not a lot of processed/boxed/canned foods) and so far this is working well. I indulge every now and then but it's not an everyday or even every week thing, so maybe this will be better for me to follow. I eat butter, not margarine, I eat full fat cheese but in smaller quantities and I try to eat grass fed meat but in smaller quantities to make it more economical b/c it is more expensive.

[LeeAndra]

I met with my Bible study again last night -- reading 'Made to Crave' by Lysa TerKeurst -- and we decided to make weekly goals for ourselves that the group will then help us to be accountable for from week to week.

The book has seven 'go to' scripts (+ applicable Bible verses), and the one that most struck me is the last one: 'I have these boundaries in place not for restriction but rather to define the parameters of my freedom.'

I have always failed before at healthy eating/lifestyle changes because I do feel restricted by not being able to eat the 'good' stuff. I am hoping that reframing it mentally will help me get past that. Bear with me here but I am imagining myself as a wild stallion (I know, I know -- but just listen!) that needs a fence around him because he doesn't understand the strength & power he possesses. He needs to be guided and trained first before he is let loose on the prairie. Being let loose before he is ready, before he has 'grown into' his power, will just wreak havoc on the beauty around him, and he won't understand why or how it happened. He is not being restricted from the good life but being prepared for the good life first.

I need the visualization to help me remember the point so my goal this week is to remind myself of this go-to script + that image whenever I am craving something unhealthy or otherwise on the cusp of making an unhealthy choice. I am also using my commute time taking my daughter back and forth to school to pray/meditate/reflect on the day & my long-term goals for myself.

[mariewilcox]

Re-framing is a powerful tool LeeAndra - I decided last year that I can eat whatever I want but I am CHOOSING to not eat certain things. I just remember that I have the freedom to eat whatever I feel like but I'm consciously making a choice every time I put something into my mouth. I'm choosing to fuel my body with good foods (which I also happen to think taste really good too!) so I can live a great life.

I also refer to some foods in my head as poison - every time I want to eat something fried and oily I remind myself that it is poison to my arteries and I successfully make a better choice. I have other "poisons" too but oil is my #1 poison.

[rdjrneace]

LeeAndra - I love your visualization of the "wild stallion" and may be stealing your thought process.

I know I can have what I want but I must make better choices. I have done so well (31 pounds since 12/28) but I really am feeling cramped with life and it is reflecting in my choices and the scale. I have still not chosen to eat chocolate/candy which is a plus for me but the scale not moving is starting to really impact my thoughts.

I know the weight was not put on overnight and I am in a journey but I wish the journey was to a beach instead of the mountains.

[TracerM]

Hi, everyone. I started weight watchers this week. I have a lot of weight to lose. I have tried every diet out there: vegan, vegetarian, paleo, weight watchers, low carb. I always do well for a while but then 1 thing sets me back and I don't get back on the right path. Then I end up gaining all the weight I lost plus some. I am now at my highest weight ever and I can't keep going in this direction. For the last month or so my knees have been hurting and I'm sure it is from all of the weight. I am uncomfortable in my own skin.

I decided to try weight watchers again because on paleo there isn't a lot of measuring. In fact a lot of recipes don't show serving sizes or measurements. I know I was over eating. Portion control is one of my issues along with emotional eating. So, I decided to start weight watchers and start measuring my food. I am still trying to eat vegetables as my carbs but if throw some dairy, bread or potatoes in I'm okay with that as long as I work it into my points. I don't feel deprived. I think it is working well and tracking my food is making me aware of what I am eating. I am trying to make sure I make healthy choices so I can do more with my points. In fact, I lost 5.5 pounds this week! I am very happy with that.

[NellahBean]

Not sure how I missed this! I need more support and accountability, LOL! I had my third baby last April, was at my highest weight ever and actually gained even more weight after I had my babe. It was so much harder for me to be active with three than it was with two. This last September my sister convinced me to start a Riot conditioning class (which is just a local crossfit type class) and it gave me just the boost I needed to get started. I lost 5 pounds and inches all over that first month and I've been working hard ever since. I joined a gym where they have fitness classes and daycare for my kiddos and I go every morning after I get my daughter off to school. I was down about 10 pounds by Christmas and then got stuck at the same weight for about a month. I think it's because my eating habits hadn't really changed. I started the FitGirl challenge and once I started eating their meal plans, the number on the scale started going down again. I'm now down a little over 20 pounds and I'd like to lose another 15. I'm taking my husband on a cruise in May to celebrate his med school graduation and is like to be down another 8 pounds by then. I LOVE to exercise but eating healthy is the hardest thing for me because of all the prep! I've totally quit buying junk because if it ends up in my shopping cart I WILL put it in my mouth when we get home. I have absolutely no will power when it comes to not eating it so not buying it has been the simplest best solution for me. You ladies sounds like you are doing awesome! I'm excited to have some more accountability! Make me reach my cruise goal, LOL!

[rdjrneace]

Tracie - WW is a great tool to assist with weight loss. I also have been on every diet & fad pills there is. I understand the yoyo and emotional eating so welcome to our little world.

I am with you on alot of weight to loose (60 pounds to go - already lost 30). Keep trying and start with little steps (exercise) and you will get there.

Debbie

Hi, everyone. I started weight watchers this week. I have a lot of weight to lose. I have tried every diet out there: vegan, vegetarian, paleo, weight watchers, low carb. I always do well for a while but then 1 thing sets me back and I don't get back on the right path. Then I end up gaining all the weight I lost plus some. I am now at my highest weight ever and I can't keep going in this direction. For the last month or so my knees have been hurting and I'm sure it is from all of the weight. I am uncomfortable in my own skin.

I decided to try weight watchers again because on paleo there isn't a lot of measuring. In fact a lot of recipes don't show serving sizes or measurements. I know I was over eating. Portion control is one of my issues along with emotional eating. So, I decided to start weight watchers and start measuring my food. I am still trying to eat vegetables as my carbs but if throw some dairy, bread or potatoes in I'm okay with that as long as I work it into my points. I don't feel deprived. I think it is working well and tracking my food is making me aware of what I am eating. I am trying to make sure I make healthy choices so I can do more with my points. In fact, I lost 5.5 pounds this week! I am very happy with that.

[TracerM]

Thanks, Debbie!

[bcgal00]

I'm trying to remember that it is all about balance. Last night I was really craving pizza, so we had it. But today I will balance it out by drinking lots of water, green tea, whole grain toast with peanut butter and then for dinner a huge salad with lots of greens, shredded chicken and a dressing with a bit of ranch mixed with plain greek yogurt and a few drops of stevia.

[Gemma]

Confession. I haven't been very good with the healthy eating the past 5 weeks and have gained 7lb :thumbdown:

It means I am now 33 weeks pregnant and now 6.5lb lighter than pre pregnancy weight so still not bad going I suppose lol.

I keep meaning to be more healthy but it's the snacks that are killing me. I think I'm making up for being good for 28 weeks :D

[KristinCB]

Confession. I haven't been very good with the healthy eating the past 5 weeks and have gained 7lb :thumbdown:

It means I am now 33 weeks pregnant and now 6.5lb lighter than pre pregnancy weight so still not bad going I suppose lol.

I keep meaning to be more healthy but it's the snacks that are killing me. I think I'm making up for being good for 28 weeks :D

you're pregnant!! it's ok to gain weight <3

[bcgal00]

Gemma - don't worry about the weight, eat healthy. Try to avoid the junk food and try making some smoothies, have fruit and dip, or bake your own tortilla strips with spices and coconut oil on them (I add parmesan spice to mine).

Here's my pin for a chocolate spread that is good if you are interested.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153615037266360908/

This one is my fave.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153615037264925765/

[Libby Pritchett]

I love to see everyone chiming in here!! :wub:

Still rocking and rolling over here. As of this week's weigh-in, I'm down 19.8 lbs... soooooooooo close to that 20 lb mark! I feel confident I'll hit it next week. I'm feeling good, not hungry, no junk cravings, and I'm actually enjoying our morning exercise.

And a little NSV (non-scale victory), I actually had 2 people comment at church that they noticed I was losing weight. I still don't see much of a difference in myself (though my husband says he does), so it was nice to know that other people are noticing.

[Libby Pritchett]

Hi, everyone. I started weight watchers this week. I have a lot of weight to lose. I have tried every diet out there: vegan, vegetarian, paleo, weight watchers, low carb. I always do well for a while but then 1 thing sets me back and I don't get back on the right path. Then I end up gaining all the weight I lost plus some. I am now at my highest weight ever and I can't keep going in this direction. For the last month or so my knees have been hurting and I'm sure it is from all of the weight. I am uncomfortable in my own skin.

I decided to try weight watchers again because on paleo there isn't a lot of measuring. In fact a lot of recipes don't show serving sizes or measurements. I know I was over eating. Portion control is one of my issues along with emotional eating. So, I decided to start weight watchers and start measuring my food. I am still trying to eat vegetables as my carbs but if throw some dairy, bread or potatoes in I'm okay with that as long as I work it into my points. I don't feel deprived. I think it is working well and tracking my food is making me aware of what I am eating. I am trying to make sure I make healthy choices so I can do more with my points. In fact, I lost 5.5 pounds this week! I am very happy with that.

Tracie, I TOTALLY understand where you're coming from. I could've written your post word for word. I got to the point where I didn't want to even leave my house because I didn't want anyone to see me.

You've got this, girlfriend!

[Libby Pritchett]

Not sure how I missed this! I need more support and accountability, LOL! I had my third baby last April, was at my highest weight ever and actually gained even more weight after I had my babe. It was so much harder for me to be active with three than it was with two. This last September my sister convinced me to start a Riot conditioning class (which is just a local crossfit type class) and it gave me just the boost I needed to get started. I lost 5 pounds and inches all over that first month and I've been working hard ever since. I joined a gym where they have fitness classes and daycare for my kiddos and I go every morning after I get my daughter off to school. I was down about 10 pounds by Christmas and then got stuck at the same weight for about a month. I think it's because my eating habits hadn't really changed. I started the FitGirl challenge and once I started eating their meal plans, the number on the scale started going down again. I'm now down a little over 20 pounds and I'd like to lose another 15. I'm taking my husband on a cruise in May to celebrate his med school graduation and is like to be down another 8 pounds by then. I LOVE to exercise but eating healthy is the hardest thing for me because of all the prep! I've totally quit buying junk because if it ends up in my shopping cart I WILL put it in my mouth when we get home. I have absolutely no will power when it comes to not eating it so not buying it has been the simplest best solution for me. You ladies sounds like you are doing awesome! I'm excited to have some more accountability! Make me reach my cruise goal, LOL!


Ooooh a cruise!! That's definitely motivation! I'm SO like you in that I can NOT buy junk or I will eat it. If it's in the house, I have no willpower. I *will* say that the junk cravings have gone away since I've been drinking Shakeology, so it's easier for me to resist. But still, since jeff & I are both doing this together, there's no sense in buying junk. Chloe certainly doesn't need it. And it saves money on the grocery bill. LOL

[TracerM]

Tracie, I TOTALLY understand where you're coming from. I could've written your post word for word. I got to the point where I didn't want to even leave my house because I didn't want anyone to see me.

You've got this, girlfriend!


Thanks Libby. Congrats on your achievements so far! You are doing awesome.

I get that...I find myself getting up really early on weekends to go to the store and to run other errands in hopes that a lot of people aren't up yet. I work full time so it isn't like I never leave the house but on weekends I find myself trying to avoid people.

I did have a little more pep in my step this weekend though because I am proud of my loss this week. That has also helped to keep me on track. I want to keep losing. I also have my lunch and breakfast for the week made and all of my food for tomorrow is ready to go. The heavy cooking for dinners is also done. I have no excuses this week.

[littlekiwi]

I was super proud of myself today as I found a great cafe/bakery for lunch- bought a chicken wrap and had honeydew melon which is a great step for me


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[Libby Pritchett]

Go Jennifer! Baby steps!

[LeeAndra]

I NEED A HALLELUJAH, LADIES!

I just went to the grocery store and bought NO UNHEALTHY SNACKS for me. I bought a couple of things for the kids but things I don't like to eat so they won't tempt me. I bought bananas and cottage cheese + pineapple chunks and orange sherbet for me. I did buy a small thing of chocolate milk; in the past, having a couple of swallows of chocolate milk (straight out of the bottle -- don't tell!) helps me to feel like I've had a treat without blowing a bunch of calories on candy or cookies.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAS.

:w00t::w00t::w00t:

[bcgal00]

Yay LeeAndra! WTG! I find that night time snacking on carbs is not a good thing for me. I also tend to overeat (the whole bag of chips, not just a handful). I need small quantities and there needs to be a protein in it. I am going to make up a batch of whole grain english muffin mini pizzas and freeze them so I can have that as a snack sometimes at night with a tea. The trick is to only have 1 so I will wrap them individually and only grab 1. I can toast them up quick in the toaster oven.

I always feels bloated and yucky when I've had a large carb snack the night before, plus salt bloat...yuck. I need to stop doing that. Last night I felt hungry, about 9:00 pm, but really I wasn't. It is just that I am so conditioned to eat (junk) at night that I start craving. So I decided to grab 6 little M&M's to have a small chocolate treat and then had a banana. Then I scrapped a page for Flerg's March Challenge. It kept me occupied and no more eating. Yay.

[mariewilcox]

I used to snack mindlessly at night and now I have a hard and fast rule of no eating after dinner, period. I brush and floss my teeth after dinner and I'm done. I do intermittent fasting where I have an 8-hour window for eating during the day and that's it. It has really helped me get to know my true hunger and that it's okay to actually feel a bit hungry and that I won't starve to death - LOL. I usually have a cup of tea in the evening while I scrap and watch TV (love my Teavana store!)

[jumbbumble]

wow good job girls ,
Rae doing other things always help me to not think about my cravings and you dit very good with only the banana and the small M&M

Today i had a very good day no cravings at all and i spend all day in the kitchen to make healthy options for lunch and dinner and a healthy snack well it is not as bad as a normale snack lol and i made some smoothies with lots of fruits and veggie's

[TracerM]

I was super proud of myself today as I found a great cafe/bakery for lunch- bought a chicken wrap and had honeydew melon which is a great step for me


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Jennifer,

That is a great achievement! Those little things add up. Just being aware of choices we make is a step in the right direction.

[bcgal00]

I'm making jello for a snack tonight. It's good to make a plan.

[jumbbumble]

Whe don't have jello here in the netherlands :( i always look at it and think this i wanne try !

So how is everyone doing today ??
I hat 2 very good days , all do today i have giving my self a little bit of a threat because i got very good news where i whas waiting for a long time ! so i made burgers without the bread just with veggies and a vanilla cola
But for the rest it is all veggies fruits and healthy eating

[TracerM]

Hi, ladies. It sounds like everyone is doing really great. I discovered something really yummy last night...zoodles (zucchini noodles). I used one of those little tools to make noodles out of a zucchini. I threw the zucchini, some garlic, and some mushrooms in a pan and cooked until the noodles and mushrooms were soft. I added some cooked ground turkey and some organic tomato sauce. Yummy! I probably could have eaten more than 1 zucchini but I only had one.

[bcgal00]

Tracie - I've got that tool too and its great. This year I think I will get the spiralizer though as it is so much faster. I'm waiting to see one on sale. I love using the zucchini and carrot strips in my stir-fry. I don't eat a lot of pasta/noodles so often have the spiral/shredded veggies instead and instead of pasta noodles have sphaghetti squash. Tonight I'm having BBQ shredded pork loin, carrot strips, brown rice, soya sauce, ginger, garlic and green onion with fried eggs mixed in.

[Libby Pritchett]

Ooooh I'm a big fan of my spiralizer! This is what I have. (http://inspiralized.com/the-inspiralizer/) It's SO worth it. I do zucchini, sweet potatoes, onion, cabbage, and just about anything else you can think of on it!

[jumbbumble]

ooooh i think i need a spiralizer now i wanne make zucchini spaghetti

[mimisgirl]

Just found this thread and so glad I did. I have been struggling since #three unexpectedly came to our family in early 2013. After he was born I had some issues with infection that kept me from getting back into a good exercise routine for a few months- threw out my back when he was 3 months old further adding to the problem, then had some emotional upheavals with the hubby just after that - so, it has been a long hard road to get back into the motivated place to get back in shape and really take care of me - In January he turned three and I am starting to feel stronger in my core finally so started with a heavier exercise routine and really focusing on eating healthy and ONLY when I am actually hungry (big emotional eater here). I was doing really well, then last week I got in a motorbike accident and that kinda went out the window.

So, seeing this thread is very encouraging to me, to have somewhere to check in and help with my motivation! I really just want to loose the baby weight: get in shape again ( I used to run 5ks ) and get at least closer to my pre-pregnancy size though the shape will never be the same (if you know what I mean, lol)

So thanks Libby - and I have enjoyed reading about you all's progress - Way to go! Keep at it!

[bcgal00]

Had a long walk yesterday with the dogs and had brown rice/pork/veggie dish for dinner. I had a few cups of green tea (I put in a few drops of orange flavored Stevia) and then for my snack I had apple slices with my peanut butter/yogurt dip (recipes posted earlier in this thread). Today I'm making a few bowls of jello for the next few nights for a snack. I love that this thread helps us all to be motivated to try a bit harder to be healthier.

Yay to us!

[TracerM]

Hi, guys. I've been doing well this week. I've been packing my lunch at night for the next day so I have time to weigh everything. This week I have been eating some shredded buffalo chicken I made in the crock pot. I put it over a bed of mixed greens. I don't even need any dressing because the chicken has a lot of flavor. I've stayed in my points and I even did 5 miles on the recumbent bike last night. I think the challenge for me this week is going to be Saturday night. I will be going out to eat. I have to remind myself that food is not a reward. I plan to make the healthiest choice I can and do some homework ahead of time so I know what to order at different places. Hope everyone else is having a good week!

[Libby Pritchett]

Tracie, that's great!!!

And I so hear you on eating out. My mindset used to be that if we were going out, I should "treat" myself to something, but we went out so often that it was really the norm more than a treat.

The true test came for me a few weeks ago when we went to a Mexican restaurant. In the past, I would've ordered something covered in cheese with rice & refried beans and eaten my weight in tortilla chips. Instead, I ordered some chicken fajitas dry (not cooked in oil) in lettuce wraps instead of a tortilla. I just used a little dab of sour cream and guac and avoided the tortilla chips altogether. You know what? It tasted AMAZING, and I didn't go over my points for the day.

We're going to weigh in later this evening. I *should* hit the 20 lb mark tonight. So excited!

[rdjrneace]

Girls - I need some help; I am so frustrated. I have stayed in my calorie range but the scale is not moving (gain a pound; loose a pound). I have been at this plateau for 3 weeks.

Any suggestions for reving my body up?

[mariewilcox]

Girls - I need some help; I am so frustrated. I have stayed in my calorie range but the scale is not moving (gain a pound; loose a pound). I have been at this plateau for 3 weeks.

Any suggestions for reving my body up?

Maybe examine what kind of calories you're consuming? Limit the fats - no oils (even for cooking), no dairy, easy on the nuts if you eat them. (I won't say no meat because I know most people aren't vegetarian) ;) Make sure you're not "treating" yourself for exercising by eating a little bit more of something (even something healthy - there are on magic calories ;) ) And on the other hand if you're exercising too much make sure you're getting enough calories or you won't lose either.

[armygrl]

Good day ladies :-) I thought I'd join the conversation as I just joined the "green smoothie" fad. Im not looking to loose weight that way, but increase healthy eating and get more fruits and veggies (especially) in my life.

This morning's smoothie consisted of
1/2 cup plain greek nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup almond milk (can't tolerate it unless its in a smoothie...e.g. can't use it for cereal)
1 cup spinach
1 banana
1 tbl spoon oats
1 tbl spoon ground hazelnuts
1/4 ts spoon cinnamon
1 tbl spoon local honey

It tasted GREAT! Next time I'll more oats though, make it more hearty.

I weight myself regularly so I'll let you know if I start gaining or loosing weight by having a smoothie for breakfast.

[LeeAndra]

I passed my first BIG TEST tonight! *fistpump*

We were supposed to go to a Mexican restaurant where I had already planned out what I was going to eat but at the last minute it got changed to Red Robin (a hamburger place). Ladies, I could eat my weight in bacon cheeseburgers. ZOMG. They are one of my very favorite foods.

I ordered a chicken sandwich without dressing AND didn't eat any of the fries that came with my meal.

:w00t::w00t::w00t:

[TracerM]

Girls - I need some help; I am so frustrated. I have stayed in my calorie range but the scale is not moving (gain a pound; loose a pound). I have been at this plateau for 3 weeks.

Any suggestions for reving my body up?

I agree with a lot Marie said. Make sure you aren't overeating the healthy fats like nuts, nut butters, avacodos, etc. Some people get stuck on too much fruit too. Maybe add some more veggies in place. Also, I don't know what kind of exercise you are doing but maybe adding some weight training or mixing up your exercise routine might help. Make sure you are drinking enough water. Hope that helps.

[TracerM]

I passed my first BIG TEST tonight! *fistpump*

We were supposed to go to a Mexican restaurant where I had already planned out what I was going to eat but at the last minute it got changed to Red Robin (a hamburger place). Ladies, I could eat my weight in bacon cheeseburgers. ZOMG. They are one of my very favorite foods.

I ordered a chicken sandwich without dressing AND didn't eat any of the fries that came with my meal.

:w00t::w00t::w00t:

Yay, LeeAndra! Awesome job staying on track. Don't those little victories make you proud of yourself? I know they do for me. Eating out is one of the hardest things for me because it is so easy to say "it is only one meal" and "I'll get back on track after this".

[TracerM]

Tracie, that's great!!!

And I so hear you on eating out. My mindset used to be that if we were going out, I should "treat" myself to something, but we went out so often that it was really the norm more than a treat.

The true test came for me a few weeks ago when we went to a Mexican restaurant. In the past, I would've ordered something covered in cheese with rice & refried beans and eaten my weight in tortilla chips. Instead, I ordered some chicken fajitas dry (not cooked in oil) in lettuce wraps instead of a tortilla. I just used a little dab of sour cream and guac and avoided the tortilla chips altogether. You know what? It tasted AMAZING, and I didn't go over my points for the day.

We're going to weigh in later this evening. I *should* hit the 20 lb mark tonight. So excited!

Good job on the Mexican food. I always would get a chimichanga with cheese, sour cream, guacamole and probably my weight in chips and salsa. No wonder I have a weight problem. ;) Good thing I'm changing my ways. I didn't think to ask for lettuce wraps. I will have to remember that. Hope your weigh in went well.

[Libby Pritchett]

Thanks Tracie! It did! I lost another 1.2 for a total of 21 now! I love seeing that number change each week. It doesn't have to be a lot... I'm just glad to see progress!

[bcgal00]

LeeAndra - yay for you! Mexican food is my weakness, as is Chinese food....oh...and pizza too (ugh...the list goes on and on).

I try to remember that a calorie is a calorie (within reason b/c what you eat does make a difference in how your body uses it).

I am in a transition phase. I am not counting calories, am not weighing myself everyday (like I used to) but am paying attention to what I eat and trying to avoid empty calories, but also paying attention to how many foods I eat that have high fat/calories. So I eat lots of veggies, normal portion of meat (or sometimes less), keep grain and dairy lowish, with a bit of fat at every meal (mostly avocado, grape seed or coconut oil) and limit my intake of fruits and nuts. I also watch my starches and don't eat potatoes or rice more than 2-3 times a week. So far so good. This balance seems to be working for me.

[mshanhun]

Jumping in! I've been doing my post baby physio 3x daily and it paid off with over a 1kg (2lbs) lost this week :
Are you girls all on My Fitness Pal? I'm mshanhun there and would love some new friends in my feed to keep my motivated


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[mshanhun]

I love to see everyone chiming in here!! :wub:

Still rocking and rolling over here. As of this week's weigh-in, I'm down 19.8 lbs... soooooooooo close to that 20 lb mark! I feel confident I'll hit it next week. I'm feeling good, not hungry, no junk cravings, and I'm actually enjoying our morning exercise.

And a little NSV (non-scale victory), I actually had 2 people comment at church that they noticed I was losing weight. I still don't see much of a difference in myself (though my husband says he does), so it was nice to know that other people are noticing.



It's great when people notice!


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[TracerM]

Congrats on the loss this week Libby! I am down 3.8 pounds this week. I am super happy with that. I have a lot going on this weekend so it is going to take some effort to stay on track. I'm going to do my very best to do that.

[rdjrneace]

down 1 pound since the end of February -- March has not been a good month for me but I guess it is better than gaining weight.

I have really been trying to improve my steps/exercise in March so I want to believe that I am gaining muscle mass which will help me loose weight (burn fat).

Now just get through Easter without gaining 3+ pounds and I will be good. I have already decided I am going to enjoy the Easter holiday without worrying about counting food. The good thing is I am preparing the dinner so I can watch what goes in the food and try to keep low calories.

[Libby Pritchett]

Tracie, congrats on a great loss! That's super awesome!

Debbie, I know it's easy to get discouraged, but you are so right that losing 1 lb is definitely better than gaining! I wonder if you need to change things up a bit? Do you find that you're eating the same foods every day, getting the same amount of calories, doing the same exercises? Sometimes you just need to shake it up a little and add in a few more calories one day or try a new exercise program. That can sometimes help jumpstart things again. Also, be sure you're drinking enough water. For me, when I start to stall, water is the only thing that helps me. You should take your current weight in lbs, divide that number in half, and drink that amount in ounces. It sounds like a lot of water, but it really DOES help.

As for me, I had a pretty good week last week... I am now down a total of 23.2 lbs. :) This week, however, I'm hoping just to stay the same (obviously I'd prefer to lose, but I'll take a "not gaining" week.) I've splurged a couple of different times... pretty big splurges... and my daughter is here for spring break this week. So, she and I will be going out for iced lattes and shopping one day. But ultimately, I want to live my life, and the fact of the matter is that I'm GOING to have splurges throughout life. So, I need to learn to have them in moderation and get right back on track. That's why I'm just gonna be glad for no gain this week! LOL

[JMC1988]

That is so true Libby! I have found that everything in moderation makes you stick to something better. I have just decided to eat healthier and exercise when I can and I have been feeling much better. We have been eating more veggies here in this household and not a lot of starches since my dad has diabetes and starches (specifically potatoes) are so bad for him. I have been making the roasted veggies of onions, red potatoes/sweet potatoes and carrots with a smidge of olive oil and some Mrs. Dash Original seasoning and they are to die for and my family keeps asking that I make them over and over again.

I was pretty down for the count 2 weeks ago as I caught a nasty C. Diff. infection and got severely dehydrated and had to go into my doctor's office for some IV fluids. So I am still catching up as I am still a little under the weather and recovering. Boy did it ever take a toll on me. I have not been that sick since I was a baby. So, I am pretty sure I lost some weight with not eating for 7+ days except for the occasional rice boiled in chicken broth. I have not weighed since I have been sick.

Went to the grocery store today and bought a lot of fruits (fresh pineapples and cantaloupe). I am proud that I am making smarter and healthier choices.

[bcgal00]

I'm making Easter dinner on the weekend so am starting to think of the menu now so I can make it healthy but with a bit of a splurge. I want to make a veggie casserole and another veggie dish to go with the scalloped potatoes and ham.

[Libby Pritchett]

Jennifer, I'm SO sorry to hear that you've been so very sick!! Sounds like it's gonna take a little time to recover from that much illness. *BIG HUGS* Glad you're on the mend!

[mariewilcox]

Sounds like everyone is at least putting in effort to not totally go off the rails lately! :D I'm down 21 pounds and feel pretty great. My sugar cravings are honestly gone and I don't even have the urge to splurge, which I LOVE! I've been sticking to making my meals for the week every Sunday, which helps so much with portion control (and no time spent in the kitchen at night other than warming up dinner since Cheyanne eats them also). Jenn and Kristin - I've been lazy about posting my recipes on my FB group page - I'm going to post some today! :D

We're having our monthly Sunday dinner at my parents' this coming weekend and everyone is omni except for me, so I'll be bringing my whole food options, including a lemon blueberry "cheesecake" to celebrate spring. Of course it actually has no cheese or dairy of any kind but they're game for trying it. I'm also making a Brussels sprouts and quinoa salad with dried cranberries and orange vinaigrette and deviled potatoes - little baby potatoes stuffed with a hummus filling to eat in place of deviled eggs (I hated eggs even before I went vegan!)

[Libby Pritchett]

Marie, while I'm not vegan, my hubby makes a delicious banana lime vegan cheesecake. You can't even tell that it doesn't have any dairy in it, and everyone RAVES about it. So, I bet your lemon blueberry one is amazing, too!

I should point out that my splurges this week were more about situations than about real desires. I don't mind splurging when I've really got a craving for something (which hasn't happened in a long time). But this week, my splurges were all results of being out with other people. And honestly, in each case, even though I splurged, it was on a MUCH smaller scale than what it used to be regularly. So, I'm still counting it as a victory. But today, I'm chugging water and making only clean, healthy choices.

[mariewilcox]

Oh I hope I didn't sound condescending about splurges Libby! I'm just so happy that for me it's so much easier now - I would never judge someone else since I've been there 1000 times before!

[Libby Pritchett]

Oh no no, not at all. :) I try to follow the 90/10 rule... if 90% of my choices are healthy, I don't mind that extra 10. But this week has been more like 80/20, and I definitely need to reel it in a bit. LOL The situational stuff is still a struggle for me. I have a hard time saying "no thanks" when I'm in a situation where others are having something "bad." So, I'm definitely a work-in-progress. LOL

[KristinCB]

little baby potatoes stuffed with a hummus filling to eat in place of deviled eggs

OMG! Do you have a recipe for this?

Deviled eggs are probably the one thing I miss (crazy as that sounds) Holidays for me that is what I was most excited about. However i LOVE potatoes and hummus soo if there is a recipe for this i'd love to try it!

[bcgal00]

Marie - I agree about losing the sugar cravings once you've been away from them for awhile. I am awful, if I have some, it starts up a steady stream of cravings and I really struggle to resist. But if I stay away from them for a week then I hardly even think about it. Luckily, I'm in the "hardly thinking about it" stage.

[mariewilcox]

Oh no no, not at all. :) I try to follow the 90/10 rule... if 90% of my choices are healthy, I don't mind that extra 10. But this week has been more like 80/20, and I definitely need to reel it in a bit. LOL The situational stuff is still a struggle for me. I have a hard time saying "no thanks" when I'm in a situation where others are having something "bad." So, I'm definitely a work-in-progress. LOL

Yeah, the situational stuff is hard and then everyone saying oh, you only live once, something's gonna kill ya might as well eat what you want, etc.

[mariewilcox]

OMG! Do you have a recipe for this?

Deviled eggs are probably the one thing I miss (crazy as that sounds) Holidays for me that is what I was most excited about. However i LOVE potatoes and hummus soo if there is a recipe for this i'd love to try it!

Here's the one I use Kristin :)

http://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/smoky-little-devils/

[mariewilcox]

Marie - I agree about losing the sugar cravings once you've been away from them for awhile. I am awful, if I have some, it starts up a steady stream of cravings and I really struggle to resist. But if I stay away from them for a week then I hardly even think about it. Luckily, I'm in the "hardly thinking about it" stage.

Good for you Rae! For me it's sugar and oils (aka chips and the like) - Now that I don't cook with oil I have an aversion to it and if I do eat some (salad dressing or something at a restaurant) it makes me feel like crap for a couple days, which is a great incentive to avoid it in the first place! :D

[TracerM]

Hi, guys! Marie and Libby, your desserts sound wonderful. I splurged this weekend on Mexican food. I knew better but I got right back on track which is a good thing. I am down 13 pounds after 3 weeks so that is still motivating me to push through and keep going. I am trying to eat less meat during the week. I will see how that goes. I've never been a huge fan of meat anyway. I could easily live off of carbs alone but people have always pushed me to eat more protein. I do like dairy though. That one is a little harder for me to give up. I am going to try to eat a little less though.

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[mariewilcox]

Hi, guys! Marie and Libby, your desserts sound wonderful. I splurged this weekend on Mexican food. I knew better but I got right back on track which is a good thing. I am down 13 pounds after 3 weeks so that is still motivating me to push through and keep going. I am trying to eat less meat during the week. I will see how that goes. I've never been a huge fan of meat anyway. I could easily live off of carbs alone but people have always pushed me to eat more protein. I do like dairy though. That one is a little harder for me to give up. I am going to try to eat a little less though.

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13 pounds is great! I gave up meat 34 years ago and really don't miss it at all. Dairy was harder to give up for me, well not milk, but cheese and ice cream. Did you know that cheese is as addictive as opiates? No wonder it's so hard to give up! I still eat ice cream made from coconut milk or almond milk though and the same with yogurt. Even my teen daughter gave up dairy and her skin is so much better now :) Carbs aren't the devil (unless you're only eating cookies, cake, and processed simple carbs) and Americans eat way more than enough protein; unfortunately protein is the "in thing" right now and people have been led to believe they need tons of protein and no carbs. Great books on the subject are Proteniaholic, How Not to Die, and The Starch Solution. I'm not saying everyone should stop eating meat or dairy, that's a personal decision of course, but most people eat more than enough.

[KristinCB]

13 pounds is great! I gave up meat 34 years ago and really don't miss it at all. Dairy was harder to give up for me, well not milk, but cheese and ice cream. Did you know that cheese is as addictive as opiates? No wonder it's so hard to give up! I still eat ice cream made from coconut milk or almond milk though and the same with yogurt. Even my teen daughter gave up dairy and her skin is so much better now :) Carbs aren't the devil (unless you're only eating cookies, cake, and processed simple carbs) and Americans eat way more than enough protein; unfortunately protein is the "in thing" right now and people have been led to believe they need tons of protein and no carbs. Great books on the subject are Proteniaholic, How Not to Die, and The Starch Solution. I'm not saying everyone should stop eating meat or dairy, that's a personal decision of course, but most people eat more than enough.

It was a true OMG WHAT?! moment for me when I watched the documentary forks over knives.

Thanks for the recipe!!

[TracerM]

Marie, I am actually reading proteinaholic right now. It makes sense but it is hard to still wrap my mind around. Everyone says one way to eat is the best and there are so many opinions and studies out there. Sonetimes it is overwhelming. You know what I mean? I used to eat vegan for a while and my trainer took me off and told me I needed protein. I am trying to move more in that direction again. I have been trying to find all of my old recipes. I think cheese is the hardest for me to give up. I love cheese. I have done it before though. I like almond milk and coconut milk ice cream so no problem there.

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[mariewilcox]

Very true, there is so much info out there. The thing I loved about Proteinaholic was all documented studies and the explanations of how the studies work (as a former scientist I love data - LOL). I track my protein intake on MFP and I get more than enough every day through plants-based foods; it's very hard for someone in the US to not get enough.

[JMC1988]

Here's the one I use Kristin :)

http://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/smoky-little-devils/

Thanks for sharing Marie! And no problem about the Facebook recipes.

[TracerM]

Marie, I notice that a lot of plant based recipes don't list serving size. I am bad about portion control so I need serving suzes. How do you handle that?

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[mariewilcox]

Marie, I notice that a lot of plant based recipes don't list serving size. I am bad about portion control so I need serving suzes. How do you handle that?

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Hmmm, I use mostly Happy Herbivore recipes from their blog and cookbooks and they always have serving size and nutrition info... Where are you getting your recipes?

[TracerM]

I had been looking on the internet. I will check those out. Thanks.

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[Libby Pritchett]

How's everyone doing?

I had a slow couple of weeks with some bad choices, but I'm staying on track for the most part. We weigh in tonight, and I'm hoping to hit the 25 lb mark. I was at 24 last week, and I think I can do it!

[bcgal00]

Libby...that's awesome! I feel good this week. Had a high calorie weekend with the Easter dinner and goodies but for the rest of the week I've been eating healthy, no snacking after dinner and have eaten lots of veggies. So I may not have lost this week but I'm pretty sure I haven't gained, so I'll take that as a win :)

[rach3975]

I'm doing well. Over Spring Break we went to Disney World, and I was worried about the 9 days of all restaurant food (2 days of driving each way plus 5 days there). I let myself have a few "bad" meals and treats but made the healthiest choices I could the rest of the time. Between that and all the walking (15,000-19,000 steps a day on our 5 theme park days) I didn't gain. :) I'm actually amazed I didn't. I had to stop tracking by the 2nd day because seeing how high the numbers were compared to what they usually were was really bothering me. We've been home since Sunday, so things are back to normal now with tracking and eating.

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[Libby Pritchett]

Rae, that is definitely a win! Easter was hard for me... the candy just about did me in. Did I mention I have a sweet tooth?

Rachel! Girl, that is AWESOME!!! I'm super imressed that you took such a major vacation and didn't gain!

We had our weigh-in last night, and to my surprise, I was actually down 2.4 lbs for a total of 26.4! SO happy to hit the 25 lb mark and now I'm looking 30 square in the eye. LOL

[rdjrneace]

Well I finally came off the plateau MOUNTAIN I was on and am down 33 pounds and am just 4 pounds away from onederland which I have not seen in probably 15 years.

A BIG win today was I went shopping for some work clothes and was able to buy some dresses (which work best for me as I loose more weight) in the MISSES department. I am finally out of the PLUS Size.

[Libby Pritchett]

Good job, Debbie!! So happy for you!! I love being able to buy smaller sizes!

[icindi]

That's awesome Debbie! Way Togo!!!


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[bcgal00]

WTG Debbie! That is great! I'm down 5 lbs for March. I was able to splurge a bit on pizza and take-out food but I think it's b/c I also balanced it out with lots of veggies/lean protein and low carb for lots of other meals. Hopefully I can continue it this month. I need to get an exercise regime started so I can get rid of the muffin top.

[mariewilcox]

Sounds like everyone is doing great! I haven't weighed since I don't have a scale but a pair of my older jeans fit so much better so I'm going in the right direction :D LOL

My NSV (non-scale victory) these past 2 weeks though is that my eye doctor visit went great. A little background info: I have early macular degeneration (have I told you all this? I can't remember!) - it runs in my family at a young age (I've been diagnosed since I was 48 years old, same as my mom). One of the reasons I chose to change my eating habits is to help slow down the progression of the disease (my mom has been pretty much blind since she was about 60, which gives me less than 10 years of good vision left if I follow in her footsteps). Anyway, my eye sight has gotten BETTER for the first time since I started wearing glasses when I was 10 years old!!! And on my in-depth eyeball scans the formation of drusen (causes the macular degeneration) has halted since last year's scans - no change at all! Now for me that is the BEST incentive to continue my healthy habits.... I want to be able to create for years to come, not just 10 more years - I can't bear the thought of not being able to see well enough to scrap, quilt, paint, or even watch TV:crying:

[bcgal00]

That is wonderful, Marie! I think eating a clean diet is so good for our bodies.

[Libby Pritchett]

Wow Marie! That really IS a major victory! So happy for you!!

[rdjrneace]

It just hit me today at in 10 weeks I have lost 14.5 (almost 15 pounds) which I think is really good. I have actually been jogging a little (maybe 5 minutes walk for 5 and repeat) and actually am starting to enjoy the exercise (feel yucky when I don't get my steps in).

[Libby Pritchett]

Super awesome, Debbie! I actually missed my exercise the past 2 mornings cause I hurt my leg and was trying to give it time to heal before I jumped back in... I can't believe I actually feel sad about missing it! In the past, I would've been happy to have an excuse! LOL

We weighed in last night, and I'm now at 28 lbs lost since Dec 31! Super happy with that!

[rdjrneace]

Great loss Libby -- funny how when we become determined to do something and change a few things (such as exercising); it becomes 2nd nature just like breathing.

I hit my 35 pound mark this morning which made me even more determined to up my step count (I have a fitbit if anyone wants to become friends let me know) and have been stepping around 8-10 miles a day. People at work has really been commenting and one person calls me the "shrinking lady".

I am determined that I will loose the weight and keep it off this time. No more being unhealthy.

[littlekiwi]

Well I've been semi lactose free for several years and after a discussion with my dr she wants me to cut out refined sugar and try a low fodmap diet to hopefully eliminate some niggling reactions that aren't related to lactose...been doing some reading and boy am I confused, I think it's mainly cause I'm not a confident cook



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[Libby Pritchett]

Good luck, Jennifer! I know changing up your diet can be scary! I don't know anything about that specific diet though. Is it going to be a big change for you?

[littlekiwi]

Good luck, Jennifer! I know changing up your diet can be scary! I don't know anything about that specific diet though. Is it going to be a big change for you?


It's going to be a massive change for me not only physically but financially if it turns out I need to go gluten free as part of it. Here is a handout on fodmaps http://fodmapliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Stanford-University-Low-FODMAP-Diet-Handout.pdf



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[anelia]

Hey, girls. Sorry for the long post but I'd like to share my experience. It might be helpful for some of you.
I've been struggling with my weight all my life. I've done like every other diet there is with unsatisfactory and very temporary results -- you know the "yo-yo" effect thing.
I've been doing different diets since I was 14 or 15 years old...I've done super extreme diets like the fruit diet (you're allowed to eat up to 1kg/2.2lbs fruit of ONE kind a day). I think this was the worst and gave me awful health problems like hormonal misbalance, irregular periods, etc.
The one thing that helped me the most (10 years ago) was a very strict diet-fitness regime...like, I was eating only 2 pieces of chicken breasts + green salad (lunch and dinner time). For breakfast, I'd eat a banana and then hit the gym.
For 6 months, I lost a significant amount of weight then (~33lbs; 15 kg) which I gained back too quickly.
Since then I've tried anything with almost no results. The last thing I did was the low carb diet which I was doing for like half a year and lost like...say 10 pounds (5kg).
I felt so down I decided to give up.
Two months ago I went to a new (for me) OB/GYN to seek help for my inability to conceive. The doctor was like an angel sent from heaven for me because she immediately diagnosed me with insulin resistance and told me I couldn't lose weight no matter the diet. I did blood tests and she sent me to an endocrinologist. He prescribed me metformin and advised me to cut the refined sugars (which I avoid anyway) and to cut the white flour products (white bread, pasta, etc) and potatoes because insulin resistance is treated like diabetes. I've been taking the metformin for 40 days now and I'm 22 lbs/10kg down so far which is AMAZING (especially for me because I couldn't lose any weight).
I'm sharing my story because I know there's people who struggle with diets and sometimes diet is not the only key to success.
I'd like to advise everyone who stores weight around the waist, gains weight easily and struggles to lose it, to seek professional medical advise because there might be something you're not aware of.

[Libby Pritchett]

That's great advise, Anelia! I'm so glad you've found something that is working for you!

[bcgal00]

I do well on a lower carb/lower glycemic food plan and when I keep my glucose levels evened out, I lose the intense cravings, headaches and achy joints.I do indulge sometimes but pay for it for a few days with a return of all those symptoms. It's crazy how food affects me

[lizziej]

Congratulations to all of you on your weight losses! Back in late February, my doctor told me about a free app called My Fitness Pal. I have logged in every day since then, and I have lost 24 pounds! That is about a pound a week; that's what I want to lose. It keeps track of calories, fat, sodium, and sugar on the main page (when you are on a computer), and when you click on a food, you can see other nutritional value information like fiber, cholesterol, calcium, iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin C. I also have the tablet/phone version which shows that info as well. You can also put in recipes. There is a paid version as well, but I don't know what additional features it has. This is probably the longest I've ever stayed on a healthy eating plan.

Although I may eat the same foods every day (like cereal and milk for breakfast and a salad, sandwich and fruit for lunch), I like to eat different amount of calories to keep my body guessing. That works for me.

Keep up the great work!

[talkativetau]

Hello all, I hope I can join the gang here as well. New in this place but it has been love at first sight for me.. Lol. So i m trying to be more active and trying to participate more in the forum.

Well coming bk to the topic, I am keeping a track of my food and workout too. I use apps for both and I am following Shaun's T 25 Focus plan. Its really wonderful for people like me who r not very outgoing and introvert... Lol...

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