Welcome Paige!

I found Paige via my second favorite blog, the Big Yellow House. She has her own weightloss blog "Less of Paige" that you should all check out. Anyway, I invited her to be apart of our blog and guess what ladies....She accepted! WhooHoo! So lets all give Paige a great big welcome! How our family is growing!

Flying high one day, off the wagon the next....

Man, I fealt good yesterday! Today was a whole nother story. I was just off my groove all day. Struggling to make good choices. Sugar cravings out of control. Just hungry all day. Hanging on by a pinky nail, I had 9 points (WW) left for dinner. My husband and I had a chiropractor appoinment this afternoon.

So there we were......5:30pm...still hungry, but now tired and grouchy......just want a big burger and fries.....ok I won't go that far. I will just go home and cook the dinner I had planned.....Nope, family wants to eat out and I don't want to cook. Subway...ya...Subway is safe. That is, if you are making good choices. You know, go for one of the low fat sandwiches. Nope, not me, got the chicken parmesan. That wouldn't have been so bad, if I had skipped the chips. Yes CHIPS! (Eeww!) I could have stuck with water...nope went for the soda. And, and, AND... stopped on the way home for a non-fat, decaf mocha.

I am still hanging tight to Queenlivalot's mountain climb analogy (post 2/19/06). One purposeful step at a time. I am going to take my heart burn and slip into bed, reciting Lamentations 3:22-23 softly to myself.......Tomarrow is another day.

Welcome Sweet Jenny!

My great and wonderful (and beautiful) friend, Jenny, has just joined us today! Whoopee! You gals are going to love her. She is spunky and funny and oh so real. So, here is a big WAIWMIaWLI welcome to Jenny!

Fat picture alert!

Holy shmoles, Batman! I found this photo of me and my adorable husband Thanksgiving 2001. I had just started a walking regiment with my friend, Mary Kate. I have no idea what I weighed, but check out the alien! I think my pants were a size 22. I have come so far! I am so excited. The past is the past. I am treking on, girls, one visit to the Y at a time, one glass of water at a time, one honest day written in my journal at a time.

Journal updates from Jules

Ola, mi amigas! Here are my newest updates. We had our "weigh in" meeting last night at Prism. It was great. People were really honest and open about where they are at. Some, like me, were flying high and full of hope, others were struggling, but determined to make the next 6 weeks really count for something. I am praying for my friends there. They are such "real" people.

Day 47: 1062 calories, 10 glasses of water, exercise

Day 48: 1266 calories, 13 glasses of water, exercise

Day 49: 1145 calories, 10 glasses of water

I am on Day 50 now...I have started Phase 2 of my program which means I can enjoy up to 2 pieces of Whole Wheat bread a day, 2 whole wheat or corn tortillas a day, and three times a week I can have a potato and a sugar free dessert. This gives me more options. I cannot, however, increase my calories unless I work out 5 days a week. I look forward to a new and exciting 6 weeks!

Welcome, Ms Northwest! (AKA SueAnne's Mom)

All right, are you sure you want to jump into this crazy blog? Bring your honesty and your sense of humor, girl...We are driving the wit-mobile around here! And please post lots...We love to cheer others on and we are just, well, nosy. Welcome!

Week 3 Day 1

Feeling good ladies!
24 points (+1 bank point);12 (that's right) glasses of water, 2 fruit, and 5 veggies; and a workout!
Woo hoo!

I was able to wear them!!

You guys, I have had a new pair of jeans in my closet for three years now. I bought them a long time ago, when I was trying to lose weight. I bought them in faith, a couple of sizes too small, hoping that I would eventually be able to wear them. And girlfriends, I was able to wear them yesterday! For the very first time. :) Oh, sweet liberation! I'm feeling good!
Here's some stats ladies:
Day 43: 1,357 calories, 8 glasses of water, workout
Day 44: 1,334 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 45: 1,509 calories, 11 glasses of water, workout
(I was hungry yesterday!)

Week 2 Weigh In

So there I was. Waiting in line at a WW meeting to get weighed in thinking.....I used almost ALL of my bank points this week......I ate a heavier than usual meal tonight.... I didn't lose any weight.....One too many mochas this week......(Yes, I learned how to point them and order non-fat, no whip. Just feeding the addiction)........These WW meetings aren't exactly the one-on-one counsel I am really needing.......If I didn't lose any, or worse, gained, I am running right out of here never to return.....

I lost another 3.4 pounds! Bringing me to 5.8 in two weeks! Thank you God. I really needed that. I realize weekly weigh ins are a luxury and I won't always have these results, but it was just the momentum I needed to keep going. And the kids and I are back at the YMCA now. The cycle was a better workout than I expected and didn't exaust me for the day. Plus, I got to read while working out which stimulated me intellectually also- a must for moms:) I will continue that for a few weeks with stretching, then maybe get into some strength training.

So I am not officially out of my husbands pants, but I am wearing my jeans again (and breathing HAHA!). So my first goal is still ten pounds and to walk without a limp. Getting there.....:)

Welcome Lisa!

Lisa is our new friend, everyone! She slides in wearing a size 12, hoping to wear a size 8! She wants to drink up the agua! Let's give her a big WAIWMIaWLI welcome! (That is way too long of an acronym!)

Hi There!

Hi ya'll! Thanks for inviting me to join the group! Hopefully you guys will inspire me to stay on track!

I was once a size 4, but that has been several years ago. I was too skinny then, but I wouldn't mind being back to a comfortable, off the rack 8. At the moment, however, I'm at a 12 (on a good day) - yuck.

But no one ever got anywhere whining, so here are my "ate it, moved it, lost it" resolutions:

1) Water! You guys are amazing with your dedication to drinking water so hopefully it will rub off on me. I am going to do my best to drink 8 glasses each day, and hopefully break my coffee addiction.

2) I resolve to get to the Y and really get my tush in gear at least three days each week. In addition to this, I will keep up my yoga class twice a week and my two tennis sessions each week. That's the "moved it" part of this, right?

3) I will add to your butter stick count. I will eat right (ensuring I get enough iron, calcium and protein since left to my own devices I don't) and watch the chocolate, medicinal though it may be.

4) I will cheer for each of you and let you inspire me. You guys have done so much to be proud of, and I will do my best to help you remember that when it seems you might need reminding. You have each accomplished something amazing.

Four resolutions - I can manage that. Thanks for letting me join your group - onward and thinward!

I'm feeling great this morning!

It is amazing...After reaching my first goal, I just feel so reinvented. I worked out a couple of mornings in a row now, I think I will end up with 5 days total workout this week! Just thought I would say that change can be scary, but it can also give you such hope. I am just filled with hope, right now. Here are some funny self portraits. The one in the jeans shirt, I took the day I started phase one of Prism. The others, I took yesterday, my end of phase one, start of phase two picture. I don't know if you can see a difference. I wish I hadn't covered my face in the first one, I think you can really see it in my face. I can also see it in my tummy...The "alien" is shrinking. I feel great!

Monday and Tuesday

Not a lot to share but here are the numbers...

Monday 24 points, 11 glasses of water; 2 fruit; 4 veggies
Tuesday 23 points, 11 glasses of water; 3 fruit; 4 veggies; workout

Does anyone want to tell me about the Prism program?
SueAnne

day 5

Hey ladies!  I am on day five and I can start to feel the difference in my health.  I feel clean, if that makes any sense.  My jeans are loosing just enough to notice in my thighs!  Praise the Lord, every step I take towards health and freedom from addiction is because of Him. 

Day3: 1265 cal 8 glasses of water

Day 4:  1170 cal 7 glasses of water

I'll let you know how today goes when its over, so far so good.  I'm doing better at eating close to 700 cal before dinner, now my new habit to learn is drinking water.  Its so easy to forget if I'm in a groove for the day.  Thanks for your support!  And congrats again to Jules for her big milestone!

Mandi

I did it!! My first goal accomplished!

I weighed in at the Y this morning and I am happy to report that I have had a breakthrough! I have said goodbye to the 200's FOREVER!! I am at 199, baby...Oh, yah! That is a total loss of 16 pounds! That's 64 sticks of butter! That is a large turkey! That is a smoked bone-in-ham. That is the weight of the Olympic Shot Put ball. It is the record weight of the Spotted Seatrout caught by Jim Phillips in 1977. It is also the weight of this child...Max. Amazing what a little Google can do for the hunt of a word picture! Ok, I am done rambling and I am awaiting your congratulations forth with.

I bought two new outfits this weekend!

I did it. I finally did it. I actually bought some brand new clothes on Sunday. And oh my heck! I feel so cute and stylish in them! The last time that I went clothes shopping, ( before I had lost any weight), it was SOOO depressing. I actually had FUN trying on clothes this time. I got two outfits and a cute pair of shoes to go with both sets. I'd forgotten how it feels to actually have a good time trying on new clothes. So, yeah for me!
Here's some stats for you all:
Day 41: 1,324 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 42: 1,237 calories, 8 glasses of water
Day 43: 1,357 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout

Just saying hi

Hi. Just thought I would drop in...I have been doing great, good weekend, went a little over on my eating on Saturday, but did not go out of my program, just a little more than my normal. Today was great, but I did not get a chance to journal for the past couple of days, been a bit busy. Still working out lots and enjoying it. And, yes, I am drinking my water! Actually I pulled out the BIG water jug and drank the whole thing today, it is huge. I am still very motivated and feeling my jeans get a bit loser again, how they were before, and that is great inspiration! I am so glad to see everyone here and working at their own personal goals. Just thought I would drop quick note to say hello.
Tina

I have been drinking my water...Have you?

Oh my water goblet overfloweth! I have had 12 glasses of water today! Just slamming them down! Feels good. I also read for 3 hours today to my kids. I will be weighing myself on Wednesday morning...I am excited an nervous. I will be entering into my second phase of the Prism Weight Loss Program and I am liking the results so far. My energy level is great, my clothes are getting baggy, and my resolve has not faltered. Here are my stats for the last few days:

Day 43: 1237 calories, 8 glasses of water, exercise

Day 44: 1068 calories, 8 glasses of water

Day 45: 1260 calories, 7 glasses of water

Day 46: 1205 calories, 12 glasses of water, exercise

Sabotage and Friendly Fire

What do you do when your MOTHER buys you a HUGE Valentine heart filled with chocolates for your birthday, even though she knows you are not eating SUGAR!!!???? Just raging for a moment...That's all! Cripes!

There are certain comments that are worth a thousand of my favorite candy bars!

The day before yesterday, as I was walking up the stairs from the basement, (with my husband following closely behind me), he touched my back side and as we reached the top of the stairs he tenderly pulled me close and and said to me,'you're my hotty'. I wasn't looking for a compliment, I didn't ask him how my jeans looked on me. He just freely spoke these words to me. It made me want to work all that much harder to reach my goal. It gave me such a sense of pride. It was wonderful!

Week 2-Days 3-4

Not a very successful weekend. Spending my bank points, though at least I am still on debit instead of credit! HAHA-Can't lay off the sweets!
Sat 24 points (+5 bank points) ;10 glasses of water; 2 fruit; 3 veggies
Sun 24 points (+6 bank points); 8 glasses of water; 1 fruit;4 veggies

Hi All !! I know I know...I don't post much..well except for a cute cartoon every now and again. Well, I am needing prayer..here is my dilemma... I am really excited for all of you who are doing well and feeling better, but I am feeling sorry for myself. I have been overweight for so long...and its due to a hormone imbalance. I am truly trying to eat better, drink more water, exercise but I see no results !(AND I MEAN NO, NADA, ZIP, ZILCH RESULTS) In fact the more I exercise the sicker and more awful I feel!! I did 3 months of Curves 3 to 5 days a week and I gained 2 lbs and 2 inches...they said they had never seen anyone gain inches!! I did weight watchers for 3 months...faithfully...lost 4lbs ..gained it all back after one period. The doctor says it's because excess hormone stores itself in fat, and when I exercise and lose some of that fat ...it throws all those extra hormones into my system!! REEKING havoc on my body and emotions.....they tell me if I can fight through and keep exercising that it should get better...but I haven't gotten there yet. The yuckies just seem to get worse every day and I don't know about all of you but I just don't have the time to be sick!!!
Another dilemma..I am going to Disneyland for 5 days next week...I don't want to feel sick the whole time I am down there...so I am going to quit exercising until after Disneyland, because of past experience I know that within 4 days of no exercise I will be over this flu like feeling...and I will just go back to feeling fat and tired, but I will at least be able to get out of bed and enjoy the time with my family. So please pray that I will make it through Disneyland with good eating choices, and that when I get back I can get back in gear...that I will have the strength to finally make it though the YUCKIES and begin to see ANY results !!!

The Climb

Kristina is an inspiration. This post started out as a comment on Kristina's post then I got carried away.
Getting to a mountain top isn't easy. Not that I have done it myself but I am married to a mountain climber. There is so much preparation before the actual climb even begins - work and discipline. Climbing means putting one foot in front of the other - slowly with an even pace. It means not giving up when it even becomes hard to breath. He says the experience is incredible. I will have to take his word for that because the only mountain top I will see will be from an airplane. However I think the feeling of accomplishing substantial weight loss has to be close to the feeling you get when you when you summit a mountain. That I hope to do. I just have to remember that you don't run up a mountain, you take those slow purposeful steps - one at a time.

The summit is stil a long ways away and the going is slow, but it is reachable. Kristina isn't the only inspiration -you all are. Every one of you are inspiring as you struggle and accomplish what you have set out to do. We are all changing our lives. WE ARE NOT ON A DIET. That's the hard part sometimes when we think we are on this temporary journey. If we can just change the way we feel about how we eat, why we eat and what we eat and realize that it is a life journey.

The Girl Who Cried at Disneyland (and other tales)

Yes, I am back. I went to Disneyland with 2 of my kidos and my sweet, adorable husband. It was an amazing, forever memorable time. And the best part, I think Blake is hooked....he is talking about the NEXT trip we will take there. OMGoodness!

So, I am sure you are all wondering about the title. Yes, I did cry at Disneyland, well, to be truthful, I cried a couple of times. The tear of joy kind of cry, the choking up type of cry when Cinderella hugs you and tells you happy birthday or when your daughter meets Belle for the first time. But I also cried the other type of cry. The pitch a fit, feel sorry for myself, mad at the universe cry...and it was over a churro and a frozen banana (the chocolate dipped kind).

It was Thursday, our second day in the park, and I had done a great job staying on my program, with the exception of a beer at the Medieval Times dinner we went to the night before. I had packed apples for me to eat as a treat, and I had bought fruit plates and salads. Then Blake decided to go on a hunt for a treat. You know, he just felt like something sweet and yummy. So...we look here, we look there, we see this and we see that, we peruse this goodie stand...nah, nothing he wants there. We go around the corner to check out a different section and voila, a churro. A long, deep fried, piece of bread, covered in sugar and cinnamon. "That's it", says Blake, "that's what I want."
The kids chime in, " Oh, get one for me, too, Daddy!"
"Sure!"
Meanwhile, behind me, I spy an ice cream cart....I look at the selections, thinking I will point out some other fine choices for Blake and the kids...They had a selection of Chocolate covered frozen treats. I saw a Mickey Mouse shaped ice cream bar, a strawberry ice cream bar, a Nestle Crunch bar, and low and behold...a frozen banana! Could it be? An actual piece of fruit? That is what I eat, right? Fruit. I eat lots of fruit. When others are eating churros, I am eating fruit. This was fruit. In fact, it was probably 90% fruit. Maybe even 97% fruit, right? It was brown...a nice, smooth, chocolate brown.
Oh...I could have a frozen banana! Surly, I could! I felt my heart race a little. I felt this dash of hope, glee and ecstasy...I was at Disneyland and magical wonderful things happen there, right? I could have this frozen CHOCOLATE covered banana! I turn to Blake and I say, "I think I could allow myself to have that frozen banana!"
"Oh...you mean that chocolate covered banana?", says Blake.
"Yah...", whispers Julie. Hoping Blake will say the right thing to help me make it all come true and validate my assessment of the situation.
With a shake of his head and a chuckle, Blake says, "I want nothing to do with THAT decision."
Silence.
Tears.
Anger.
Tears.
Big anger.
Confusion.
Crashing spirit.
That was not what I was hoping to hear and I am mad. At first, I thought I was mad at Blake. Afterall, we were at Disneyland, I had been doing so well for weeks and weeks, he could have said, "That sounds like a good compromise." or "Wow, Jules, you have been doing so well, if you think it won't throw you off your momentum, go ahead!"
Honestly, I don't know what I was wanting him to say...It really wasn't his issue. It was mine. A big moment of weakness. A moment of dishonesty with my own soul.
I had to turn away. I had to go off by myself alone and I am ashamed to say, I had to find a spot to cry in Disneyland. I just felt like it was so unfair. People all around me, ths skinny and the fat, were piggin out. "Enjoying" themselves at Disneyland...on vacation...why did I have to eat this #*$&Q?(*^$ apple? Blake came over to me, tried to see what was going on, I told him I just needed some time. He gave it to me, and when I was ready, I slid down the stairs and sat next to him and apologized and told him I was having a "moment" and I was better now.
Geesh! After being on this program for 6 full weeks, you would think I would have gotten over all the "stuff". It takes time, girls. It takes time.
By the way....Part of what helped me get out of the funk and understand that it wasn't Blake I was mad at, was looking at the chunky women passing by (and there were many to see). I kept saying to myself, "You are doing this so you don't end up with a chunky ass all your life. You don't want to waddle your way through the rest of your life! Buck up and stay with it or you will have their ass!"
Well, if you are still with me on this long post, I thank you. I need you guys, big time. It was my bday today and no one made me a cake. I am glad. Don't get me wrong...It is just another sign that I am in a new chapter of my life. I am rewriting the rules on what is normal. Normal for me is now fruit and no cake for my bday. Normal now for me is going to bed each night with no regrets and a pride that no pastry chef can whip up.
'nough said.

Week 2 -Days 1and 2

Knowing I am going to have to post is keeping me honest, but I am struggling this week. Glad to be learning things like proper portioning. I would like to make the life style change permanent:)
Thurs 24 points (+4 bank points) 10 glasses of water; 2 fruit; 4 veggies
Fri 24 pts (+5 bank points) 8 glasses of water; 2 fruit;3 veggies

I discovered AppleBees WW menu. Makes it easy for me. My favorite part so far still is never having that overstuffed feeling. Doesn't mean I don't WANT to dig into a giant serving of dessert. Sweets are my weakness!

Here is to changing my life style! One week down, and assuming I live to be 75 or so, only 2,080 weeks to go! HAHA
It IS a journey isn't ladies:)..............................
SueAnne

Happy Birthday Julie!!!

Oh dear Julie - we raise our glass of water to you!

May your new year be full of every good blessing!

Day 2

Hey Ladies,

So I'm on day 2 of Prism and I'm really excited because day one went so well.  I was anticipating getting a major headache from lack of sugar, but I didn't!  The day went really well, and I found that I had a hard time eating 700 calories before dinner, so that is my goal today.  For the first time in years I feel like I've actually got hope that my life doesn't have to be about controlling what I eat. Yeah God!

Day 1: 1050 calories

          7 glasses of water

I'll let you know how today goes...

I feel like I'm on a mountain top!

My fifth workout this week, and 24 pounds lighter baby! The end of my first six weeks and I've dropped 24 pounds exactly! I'm not excited or anything guys.
Who'd of thought that I could feel so much better in a short amount of time?
Here's some numbers :
Day 37: 1,306 calories, 9 1/2 glasses of water, workout
Day 38: 1,365 calories, 7 glasses of water, workout
Day 39: 1,424 calories, 7 1/2 glasses of water
Day 40: 1,326 calories, 10 glasses of water, workout

I weighed myself....

Well ladies, I finally weighed myself, I have been working at this core program for 3 weeks now and I have lost 3 pounds. I am happy, but a little dissapointed. I was hoping for more in three weeks, but I won't whine too much. It is still a respectable loss. I am going to continue trucking along over here, making good choices and feeling good about it. Here is the last two days menus:

Yesterday:
Breakfast: oatmeal w/ sugar and cinnamon (I realized only a couple of teaspoons of sugar is not that many calories, but it is enough to give that sweeter flavor I really like in oatmeal!)
Snack: cottage cheese and pineapple
Lunch: taco salad, lots of veggies and chili on top
Snack: rice cakes w/ jelly
Dinner: fake "chikn" parmesan w/ asparagus topped with lite laughing cow cheese (this stuff is so yummy and only 1 pt each triangle, spreads and melts wonderfully!)
Snack: 2 corn tortillas w/ pico de gallo
Workout: The Firm body sculpt w/ weights on step bench

Today:
Breakfast: Smoothie
Lunch: 1/2 sandwich made up of avocado, tomato, lettuce and mustard. Carrot sticks on side
Snack: Pria bar (chocolate mint, YUM)
Snack later: 2 tortillas w/ pico de gallo (love this as much as hummus, but it has nearly no calories and no fat!!!)
Dinner: ww pasta w/ sauce
Snack: apple sauce and popcorn, 1 dove dark chocolate
Workout: 1 hour of martial arts - it is STILL kickn' my boo-tay! But I am lovin it! Oh, and I have to be in the belt ceremony doing things all martial artsy in front of PEOPLE! DOH! What did I sign up for? Master Chang told me this today....hmmm, this should be a very humbling moment in my life....

Honesty

Alright ladies,
Today I am hungry, tired, and grouchy. None of my low/no point foods are satisfying me. Wanting to feed my insatiable hunger for sugar with box of Krispy Kremes and I giant mocha frappe'.
I won't go that far, but my husband is out getting me a mocha. Anyone know how to WW point a 16 oz. peppermint mocha with 2% milk -no whip?
SueAnne

Week 1 weigh in-Still in my husband's pants

Hello ladies!
I weighed in for my first week. I was down 2.4 pounds. This is not the typical first week results I was hoping for. But none the less, I feel successful. This week I had two social events (a difficult thing when still trying to master the whole points thing), Valentines Day, and my period (I know, TMI but oh well), and still lost weight. The best part though, really is I never even ONCE fealt like I had overeaten. THAT is a wonderful feeling:)!
So this week, my only social event is the Women's Gathering at church on Friday. The plan-eat before I go and sit far away from the food table:) Plus, the kids and I will be back at the YMCA for homeschool PE which means I can work out on the bicycles there. (The only real work out I can do right now as the broken ankle heals).
So I will hang on to my husbands pants for a while...............

Have a great week!
SueAnne

Today is my third day in a row!

I'm feeling alot more lively than yesterday. I'm telling you, if I work out in the morning, versus the evening, I have quite a bit more energy during the day. Even though I may be getting up at stupid o'clock to work out before my husband leaves for work, the endorphins in my system help make up for the early hour.
I'm up to 21 pounds exactly this morning! I'm sorry if I'm tempting some of you others that don't want to weigh yet. I'm just so excited. I've not been down to this weight for about three years now. If I can feel this good now, how will it be when I lose another twenty?! I still have A LOT to lose, but I'm already feeling so much better about myself. : )

last two days of journal

Hello Ladies! I thought I better post here tonight, I missed yesterday and I am feeling munchy tonight, thought this would make a nice distraction. Well, before I journal, I want to say Hi to Mandi! Welcome back and congrats on the decision you have made, I really hope you have a lot of success with it. Next, I have to come clean. I ended up eating that 5th piece of baklava the other night AFTER I already posted here. Ok, so there it is, I feel much better now that I am being totally honest. I was afraid that if I felt I could "fudge" a little here and there that it was no biggie, but the truth is that the little dishonest things I tell myself about what I put into my mouth add up to pounds on my body. So, here is the last two days stats:

Yesterday:
Breakfast: cottage cheese and pineapple
Lunch: salad w/ lots of veggies, mandarin oranges and honey mustard dressing and fat free feta, 2 rice cakes w/ sugar free jelly
Snack: a bowl of cereal (correct portion sizes of course)
Dinner: steamed corn tortillas w/ pollo asada YUMMMMMY!, pico de gallo and veggies w/ spanish rice (that i made w/ brown rice and it came out great!)
Snack : Pria bar and grapes

Today:
Breakfast: banana, 2 eggs scrambled w/ pico de gallo on top
Lunch: 2 more of those delicious tacos I made yesterday! (w/ all the veggies and salsa on them)
Snack: cottage cheese and pineapple
Dinner: homemade chili w/ polenta on top
Snack: popcorn w/ parmesan on it and grapes

New program

Hey ladies, I haven't been able to do this lately and honestly much of that is due to a guilty conscience.  I had been doing some major soul searching the last few weeks and really struggling with this issue.  I think a lot of good things have come from it.  I really know that without the grace and strength of God almighty, I can't control what I put into my mouth and I have a serious addiction.  So, all that to say, I am going to the Prism informational meeting this Thursday.  I looked through Jules stuff and really felt like the program will fit me perfect.  The last one I tried was so strict I got depressed whenever I thought of doing it, and i want to be excited!  So hurray I'm finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, for real this time!  Thank you all for your support last time I wrote, I didn't even know you could comment until Julie showed me this past week, thanks!

Happy V-day!

Mandi

Just plugging along...

No funny pictures today. I just wanted to report my last few days of stats. I'm kind of tired, can you tell?
Day 34: 692 calories up until dinner. I went out to Thai food, not sure how many calories I had there. I did eat healthy, but I also did have a small fried spring roll and a small portion of Thai noodles amongst other things. Those two things were no no's for me, but I had them anyways.
I had 10 glasses of water, and a workout.
Day 35: 1,231 calories, 10 glasses of water
Day 36: 1,419 calories, 10 glasses of water, workout

Sorry nothing exciting today. We all have those days, don't we?

Days 2,3,4

Hello ladies! Accountability.....Accountability.....It is a good thing.

So far so good. Paying attention to what I eat has made me aware of how much I eat (or would like to). My WW point goal is 24 points per day.

Friday -social event-Mexican Food. I may have over pointed that meal but I thought it was better to over estimate and be realistic than to under estimate and kid my self. Used up 18 of my "bank points" that day. Saturday, very next morning-Social event-Ladies brunch. Had a wonderful time. My plan was to have a small piece of the egg bake that I knew would be there and point it as an omlet, then just stick with eating fruit. This worked well until she mentioned home made scones.......Had one, it was delicious. By the time I pointed the "omlet", scone, jelly, decidant topping, fruit, creamer in my coffee, O.J. and the fruit, I had spent 23 of my 24 points! Yikes! Discovered the WW no points home made vegetable soup to fill up on. It was quite tasty. Used 4 of my bank points that day. Then, yesterday (family night) I had four points left over at the end of the day and we went out for icecream. Could have stayed at my goal if I had only got one scoop (ate two). Used 5 "bank points" that day.

So here are my stats:
Fri: 24+ points ;10 glasses of water; 1 fruit 4 veggies
Sat: 24+ points; 10 glasses of water; 1 fruit 5 veggies
Sun: 24+ points; 8 glasses of water; 2 fruit 4 veggies

I am so thankful for this system because it works with my brain. I am definately steered toward the healthier food. The thing that has been noticable and wonderful this week is never having that feeling of being overstuffed! I find that if I leave the table in a few minutes I feel really good going about my chores because my body isn't working so hard to digest a truck load of food.

Struggles: Hungry in the afternoons. I don't mind the hunger pains, but I am filling up on veggies in the afternoons and by dinner it is not quite cutting it. I have a head ache by dinner. This may change as my body evens out-after all it is only week 1:)

Have a great day and a wonderful week!!
SueAnne

Hmmm, today was not as successful as I would have liked, however it was also not as bad as it could have been. I learned I have a new weakness, baklava. MMMMMMMMMMM I love this stuff! So, I will not have that in my house again soon. So I will honestly post my food today, even though I am not proud of it.

Breakfast: banana

Lunch: ww pasta and cantaloupe

Dinner: a Greek feast! I had 1/4 of a pita dipped in tzatziki sauce (low cal, low fat), carrots, greek salad loaded w/ veggies, feta cheese and greek olives I also had a strawberry and grapes, 1/2 a piece of spanikopita and I had 4 pieces of baklava. So, all in all not bad, just not as great as I have been doing. But I am back in the game now.

Snack: popcorn

Ya know, this does not really look as bad as I felt like it was, it seemed so decadant! Well, that is nice to know my view has changed so much! I think I will do my pilates tonight after everyone goes to bed. Thanks for helping me feel accountable. When I wanted piece number 5 of the baklava, all of you popped in my head and I asked myself how I would feel having to write that in here. What a difference a little support can make! THANKS ALL!

You guys, I've lost my first twenty!!

I went ahead and weighed myself this morning before I worked out, and I've lost about another four pounds! I couldn't believe it! Bringing my total so far up to 20.4 pounds. : ) I wasn't going to weigh until Monday, (my usual day) but I took the liberty this week. I am SOOO excited. Just when I think I'd settle for one, I lose almost four. I'm flying high girls, I'm flying high!

A possibility with my future?!?!... NAH!

Just jokin', I have no desire to become a belly dancer, and neither do my stretch marks!
I've been doing well, I've been a workout machine this week. After I go this morning, it will be five times for me. : ) Most of my pants are totally baggy on me, I'm going to need to get some new ones. A couple of them still look pretty good.
Hey, I did get a few peices of clothes at the thrift store the other day. I purposely got a couple of capri pants about two sizes too small to wear this spring. As an incentive. Can you imagine how wonderful it will be for me when I can actually wear them? I'll be a struttin' my stuff about!
Anyhow, here's a few stats for you all:

Day 30: 1,211 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 31: 1,215 calories, 8 glasses of water, workout
Day 32: 1,280 calories, 9 glasses of water
Day 33: 1,365 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout

Ok...here's today food stats...I would love to see what some of you all are eating...I could use some new ideas to add to my day!

Breakfast:
Berry smoothy

Lunch:
whole wheat pasta w/ sauce and a side of applesauce

Snack:
Chocolate mint Pria bar

Dinner:
Oriental chicken salad, dressing on the side

Snack: 2 dove chocolates and a banana

Did my winsor pilates fat burning workout and toning segment after.

Blogger ate my post......

Well, I worked hard on a post, and Blogger ate it. Ate it, moved it and apparently lost it. Imagine that.

Well here are my stats for the past few days:

Day 31: 1064 calories, 7 glasses of water.

Day 32: 1406 calories, 8 glasses of water.

Day 33: 1232 calories, 8 glasses of water.

Day 34: 1406 calories, 8 glasses of water.

Day 35: 1200 calories, 10 glasses of water.

Day 36: 1051 calories, 7 glasses so far, walked very far all day(exercise?)

I am really enjoying this program. It is such a secure feeling knowing the guidelines. It truly empowers me to make the right choices. I feel rewarded each time I follow what I know I need to do. It is so simple and so worth the effort. It just makes sense for me and fits into my life so well. I am excited for the future! Hope you all have a great weekend! Don't fall off the bandwagon!

Day ONE- NEED HELP!

Day one for me! The poing goal (WW) 24
points:24
Water: 11 glasses
Fruit:1
Veggies:4

I feel successful for the first day. But I have come to the point in my life where I finally realized this will be a lifetime thing. Finally realized I just don't have the genetic make up of my skinny friends:) and it will be a day to day journey. This is who I am. Boy I spent so long trying to be someone else!

NEED HELP! I am still new to the point system. Once a month, our church homegroup has a "date night" where one family provides childcare and everyone else goes out on a date. Well that is tonight. We will be eating at Peurto Villarta (mexican). Don't know how to point this meal. I would like to have a planned menu choice. Cheesy, cheesy stuff-real weakness for me. Any suggestions?????
SueAnne

Tina's journal

Breakfast: cottage cheese and pineapple

Lunch: terriyaki chicken and salad YUM!

Snack: a piece of meatloaf (also YUM!) & grapes

Dinner: burritos w/ lots of veggies

Snack: grapes

Check me out, no hummus this week! Ha! I knew I could beat that nasty old hummus addiction! Now what am I supposed to dip my veggies in? Ranch? Ewww.

Oh, did martial arts today, I am now feeling like a little old lady as it is a little hard to stand upright tonight, my thighs and buttocks hurts...it's a good hurt right? That guy just loves to watch us do lunges....dangit. And I did do 20 girly pushups too. Night all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELICIA !!!!

WE love you !!!

Mindless Eating

I have been a little slow in reporting my progress. Maybe I'm a little embarrassed to have lost only 1 pound last week. Most of the week I was really, really good and followed my WW plan. Then came Saturday. Dick and I went to a movie with friends. THEY wanted popcorn. I thought "just a little". Yeah right!

Have you heard the term "mindless eating"? Well my mind was definitely uninvolved with what my hands and mouth were doing. Anyway, on with the weekend. You would think that with all the guilt I felt over the popcorn I would get back on track Sunday. Sunday was the Superbowl!That's sort of like Christmas - right? Lots of food, drink and friends. Well, 3 Lemon Drops( who's counting) and an abundance of yummy snacks later I'm back in the "mindless eating" AGAIN!

I was afraid to weigh in on tues AM because I thought I had gained. Well, 5 days of good eating and 2 days of bad eating and I did loose a pound. Am am feeling like their are good changes going on in my body and will try and stay away from eating traps this week.

First Goal : Get out of my husband's pants

Hello ladies,
I went to my first WW meeting last night. It filled me full of hope that I can make a difference. Nice to have a PLAN (other than just getting out of bed each day and thinking I will eat better today:)
My first goal is to get back to a size 14 so I can wear the clothes in my closet and give my husband his pants back! This will probably take about 10 pounds. I don't have to breathe if I get my pants on right?
So today is day one for me. 24 points per day and lots of water.
Hardest thing for me to give up: Mocha Frappe's and seconds on pizza!
Have a great day!
SueAnne

2/8/06

Hiya everyone! Ok, here are my stats...I think I can quit journaling pretty soon...I am feeling more confident now and make great choices without the struggle. But for today the breakdown is as follows:

Breakfast:
English muffin w/ fried egg & applesauce (on the side)

Lunch: 2 rice cakes w/ cream cheese and grapes

Dinner: meatloaf, couscous and asparagus

Snack: popcorn, grapes and oj

I also did 45 minutes of martial arts and 10 minutes of pilates today. Oh, I learned something pretty cool too. I found out that if I am starving, I do not need to make a meal larger than normal because I have skipped a meal or not had anything soon enough. Instead I have learned that I can make a normal size meal, eat it and to my surprise I am satisfied! I am very happy about this...it is a big change for me.

checking this out

lets see if this works...

Kimiko, we are ALL here to cheer you on!!

Good news to share!

OK, can you tell I had my mammogram today by my little cartoon there? Well, I did! And it went great! They took 7 pictures...then called me in to do an ultrasound. They kept asking me to point to the area where my Dr. said I had a cyst...they could not find ANYTHING! Then they called the Dr. in to do the ultrasound and so of course I asked her about the mammogram and she said, "Oh, I just have to tell you, you have perfect breasts" (ok there is more to that story, I just like to stop there and decided I am going to go with what she said, that I have perfect breasts, tell your friends, post it on the web whatever, I have never had strangers tell me that before) ok, here is the rest of her comment: " perfect breasts for reading mammograms, can see through them perfectly on the film and see everything in there and they could see NOTHING!!!!!! So, looks great...still waiting for my blood test information, but that is the least of my worries compared to today, this was tough and scary, but Hallelu YAH I am fine!! Thanks all for listening and remember...I have perfect breasts.

I'm loving myself enough to eat RIGHT!

I'm discovering that as I continue to make healthy choices in my food selections, that it is really a way for me to show that I really do care about myself. Not just the outward, and what I look like. But the inward, and how it is effecting my attitudes on so many levels. I am finding that it is easier for me to be positive about things, because I feel more positive and confident in myself.
But you know, food was such a crutch for me. And food has always been there... when I'm angry, or when I'm depressed. When I'm tired, or when I'm excited and celebrating. Food has always been there. And I have abused food, and it at times has been my worst enemy. This last month since I've changed my habits, I have come across a new found determination, and grace. I've found that I don't have to be a slave to anything... and I've found that if I truly do love myself, that I will take care of my body, by eating right and excercising. It is truly a great feeling to have taken the control back in regards to my health, and my old ugly habits.
Here's some numbers for those of you who are number watchers:
Day 27: 1,370 calories, 10 glasses of water
Day 28: 1,349 calories, 8 glasses of water
Day 29: 1,274 calories, 12 glasses of water, workout

SueAnne's First Blog post EVER

Hello ladies!
Thank you for the welcome. This is my first experience with blogging EVER. I am enjoying reading your encouraging entries. I am not losing anything at this time. I am just trying not to put anymore on! I am hobbling around on a broken ankle and carrying around my "holiday extra weight" plus! (I broke the ankle two days before Christmas). This is a picture of me (left) with my aunt and my oldest daughter at Christmas. I have about 40-50 pounds to lose (more if you go by a calculated "ideal" weight) and am thinking about joining weight watchers. Does anyone have any experience good or bad with that? Have a great day!
God Bless,
SueAnne

Tina's journal 2/6

Hiya all,
Ok today is hubbies bday, and I still did great. Whew, this has been a struggle, but a great one. Here is today's menu...
Breakfast: cereal w/ milk
Lunch: tuna fish in lettuce wraps w/ an orange
Snack: banana, ONE rice cake w/ hummus
Dinner: bbq'd beef rib (one) w/ corn and salad and biscuit
Snack: rice cake w/ light egg salad
That's it. I did do a 30 minute Firm workout today too...my muscles are almost completely recouperated from last weeks martial arts....it all starts again on Weds! Tomorrow is my dr's appt. I will let you all know how it goes.

Thank you, Kristina!

I have been sick, really, really sick. Kristina came over today and helped me out, big time. She let me take a nap, cleaned up my kitchen, and then I went to the store (wandered around like a sweaty idiot) without all the kids...it was nice until my freeze dried brain allowed me to hit the back bumper of some kid's Hundai. I swear, I have been slowly blowing every one of my brain cells out of my nose all week!

Anyway, this is not about me and my over abundance of snot, it is about Kristina! I love you, babe. Like I said, it was nice just knowing that someone gave a "flying fling" that I was hurting and that you offered to help...I didn't have to ask, you just offered. Love that!

A big Hershey's Kiss (virtual of course) to you, babe! I am authorized to give a Hershey's Kiss because I am the mother of Reese! Bad joke, I know.

Love, Jules

I'm a happy, sassy mama!!

Do you see that smile upon my face? Well, I weighed and measured this morning and this week I have lost another 3 1/2 pounds. Bringing my total up to 16 1/2! And I also have lost another 1 1/2 inches around my body, bringing that total up to 23 inches. I'm feeling SOOO good. I'm feeling inspired all over again. The last few days I had been feeling so hungry, that my calories increased a little bit, and therefore, I thought perhaps I wouldn't lose very much at all. But my hard work is paying off, and it is so wonderful for me to already be seeing the results!

Sunday 2/5

Breakfast: cereal w/ milk
Snack: carrots, rice cake and hummus (I am thinking that hummus might be an issue for me...)
Lunch: 1/3 of a chicken pot pie, fruit plate, ice tea
Dinner: HUGE salad w/ couscous and fat free balsamic dressing
Snack: guess (yeah, hummus, big deal, I don't have a problem, I could stop eating it at anytime I want to, I just don't want to.)
And of course water water water.
Oh and the Seachickens lost....what a bummer and a total rip off! Anyone that followed knows what I mean. Well be proud Seattle, I don't know that they have ever made it THIS far before!

My First Full Month Behind Me!

Today is my 31st day on the Prism Weight Loss Program! I have been faithful and observant and I have reaped the benefits of healthier eating and more energy. I will not weigh myself for 18 more days, so I don't know the weight loss total yet, but I know that I am very, very close to meeting my first goal...To forever leave the 200's behind me! Yippee!

My second goal is this, to break the obesity barrier. That is right, ladies. I am going to forever rid my medical records of the word "obese" forever! The clinical definition of obese is to be 30% above your ideal body weight. According to Dr. Koop, my ideal body weight is 130-143 lbs. That means that I need to weigh in at 168-184 lbs. to be free of that label. (To get these numbers, I multiplied my ideal body weight by 1.29 and then rounded to the nearest pound.)

This is so attainable for me! I am jacked! I can feel it in my clothes and I can see it in my face...I am making progress. It is only a matter of time, ladies.

Here are my stats for the last two days:

Friday, Day 29: 1150 calories, 8 glasses of water.

Saturday, Day 30: 1130 calories, 8 glasses of water.

Discovery: If you eat soup, it is warm, filling, and so low in calories (the broth based ones) that you can have a big salad and a rice cake with a topping! It makes for a very filling meal. My new favorite soup is Healthy Choice's Chicken and Rice. Just 90 cal. per cup.

Welcome SueAnne!

I see we have a new member! Haven't heard a peep from her yet, but I wanted to throw out the welcome mat all the same! Welcome! (Please excuse the hairy legs...) We would love to hear from you. Our family, here, is growing and growing as we all are shrinking and shrinking!

Jules

New Ideal Body Weight Links!

I added two links to find out your "Ideal" body weight. I have been curious...Thought you might be, too. The first one is simple, takes body frame into account, and tells you how much you have to lose. Like it. The second one is very interesting, reviewing several different methods and giving you a "People's choice" weight...Which was higher for me than the medically recommended ones. Knowledge is Power, ladies!

Ok...I had trouble opening up bloggers for some reason, so that is why I did not post my journal but here goes:

Friday:
Breakfast - cereal w/ milk and banana
Lunch - split pea soup w/ veggies, rice cakes w/ hummus
Snack - rice cake w/ hummus
Dinner - tacos w/ salad salsa avocado soy cheese
Snack - popcorn

Saturday:
Breakfast - cereal w/ milk
Lunch - tostadas w/ salad
Snack - rice cake w/hummus
Dinner - went to Claim Jumpers and I did SO GOOD! I had broiled salmon w/ 1/3 of the order of red mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus!
Snack - 10 yogurt covered almonds and 1 tiny piece of dove dark chocolate, carrots and hummus

I am really proud of my choices at Claim Jumpers...it would have been so easy and natural to get a burger and fries...Keep up the great work ladies!
Tina

Do you ever feel like this is YOUR butt?

Most days I feel so good about myself. But then there are others where all I can see is how far that I have to go. This last couple of days has been tough, I'm feeling so hungry, and I'm craving all of the wrong foods. I haven't given in, (by the grace of God). But man, those Costco chocolate chip cookies are begging for my attetion. What was I thinking when I purchased them?! Perhaps I have this underlying drive for self torture! I'll be bringing them to the Super bowl party tomorrow. I'm sort of dreading going, because I know there will be gobs of junk food... I'll just have to bring a big veggie platter I suppose. Well, here's some numbers for the last three days:

Day 24: 1,351 calories, 10 glasses of water, workout

Day 25: 1,264 calories, 11 glasses of water

Day 26: 1,349 calories, 8 glasses of water

I weighed in after my first week at Weight Watchers. TWO pounds! It really doesn't seem like a lot after all that work, but it is a beginning. For awhile there I thought the calorie fairy was sneaking in at night and injecting me with calories. What - you've never heard of the calorie fairy? Surely at some point in your life you gained weight and you know had nothing to do with it. I know it's happened to me a number of times. I have actually been following the Weight Watcher Flex program very carefully. I have even been drinking all of my water. The Weight Watcher class I go to in Marysville is a lot of fun. About a fourth of the members are lifetime - very impressive. They have even put together a cookbook that you can download. I missed working out for a couple of days but got back on track today. I went to the Y and walked 2 miles on the treadmill and then did a cybex machine workout for half an hour. Like all of you, I just take it one day at a time and try to keep a positive attitude.

Well this week has been interesting. I worked out Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. That spinning class on Monday was a killer, but I really feel great after it's over (ha ha). I also bumped up my weights in the body build classes on Tues and Thurs. Yikes!!! I really felt it today at class. My weigh in at Weight Watchers was disappointing....I stayed axactly the same!

But I had a big loss last week and that is to be expected. I just need to stay dedicated. You girls keep me going!!! Thanks

Oh my aching body!

Did my 1 hour martial arts today...whew! You know what happens to thighs (and butt muscles) that are sore already and forced to do a bunch of lunges? They cramp. Yup, turn to hard little rocks and make you quiver in pain. Well, it wasn't that bad, but it could have been! Oh, and I did push ups too. Not to mention the kicking, punching and take down move I learned (and was the recipient of as well.) I am telling you ladies, if you want a workout that will work all your parts in all new ways, this is the ticket! I am feeling so good (more on the inside, my body aches right now)!
Now for my food journal for today:
Boring I know...but here it is anyway:Breakfast: berry smoothie and soy cheese/salsa omelet
Lunch: Salad w/lots of veggies, rice cakes w/ hummus and grapes
Snack: cottage cheese and pineapple
Dinner: whole wheat chili mac and corn YUM!
Snack: popcorn, orange juice, rice cake w/ hummus, fruit

A little humor for the ladies...

KEEEE YAH!

Ok ladies, be afraid, very afraid....I started my first class in martial arts today! WHOOO it was a lot of fun and a LOT of work! I did this exact move in this picture too! My son has taken martial arts for 5 years at the homeschool center, and today was my first time to try it. We work out for an hour...and I love that! So, I am signed up for the rest of the semester, I will go 2x per week for 1 hour each class. I like the mix up in my work out routine. And my body is already feeling it, my thighs are sore tonight. I had to share with you all about my new exercise adventure!

I haven't fessed up all week!

I just realized that I haven't fessed up all week on how I am doing. Well...Emotionally, I guess I have, but not the cold hard caloric numbers!

Friday: I took a vitamin! Whoo Hoo. Calories 1110, 8 glasses of water.

Saturday: Calories 1158, 9 glasses of water.

Sunday: Calories 1274, 8 glasses of water.

Monday: Calories 1388, 9 glasses of water. Exercised.

Tuesday: Calories 1428 (ut-oh), 8 glasses of water.

Wednesday: Calories 1294, 8 glasses of water. CLEANED MY BEDROOM!

Good job Jodie!

I looked and saw that you've gone from 1/10 of a stick of butter, to eight sticks. You must have updated that last night. Anyhow, I wanted to say, great job and keep up the good work! : )

I kind of like her hat...What's wrong with the hat?

Today's stats:
Breakfast: apple and cereal w/ milk
Lunch: vegetable soup and tabouli
Snack: cottage cheese and pineapple
Dinner: chicken, couscous and broccoli
Snack: english muffin w/jelly orange juice

I did the Firm workout today and one hour in martial arts. Oh, and I succumbed to the scale, there was an eye opener, I am up 15 pounds from my low weight. What a bummer...well, now I know and there you have it. I want to lose that 15 plus 5 more. I will let you know what happens. Thanks for being so supportive all!

I'm eating good, and feeling good!

I wish I was as skinny as the cartoon character... :) I would skip the hat, however. I've been doing well, eating right, working out. I'm going to weigh and measure again next Monday. So I have five more days to work my butt off, and hopefully see a number change in either the scale or the tape measure. (Both would certainly be nice!) One thing is for certain, I have a lot more energy since I've started eating better and excercising. And for that, I am thankful.
Here's my numbers for the last few days:

Day 21: 1,144 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 22: 1,409 calories, 11 glasses of water, workout
Day 23: 1,121 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout