A Note Of Thanks

I just wanted to say thank you to all of you gals (and Randy)! I love this blog, I love all of the support that is here. I love the humor, the honesty, and the knowledge that I can reach you all with my good or bad news pseudo-instantly. I love that people have joined without knowing a soul on the blog! How great is that? I love the inspiration you all can give. I am so proud of everyone. Change is tough. Change is a minute by minute occurrence. You guys are tough. You guys are committed. I am so thankful for each one of you, really. Thanks for traveling this road with me. I am finding that not everyone understands. This blog is a soft place to fall. I need you.

Lovingly,
Jules

The biggest loser, for the month of March

I finally got my t-shirt from Curves this morning. We were having a contest to see who could lose the most inches and pounds during our food drive for the month of March. I lost the most pounds out of about 400 memebers! 11.6. However, my weight has not gone down any more since Monday. It is funner when it goes down, even a little bit. But Im not discouraged. I'm so proud of what I've accomplished so far. And you guys... the manager handed me a size large t-shirt. Not an extra large, or a 2x, just a large. That is a huge deal for me. For those others of you that have been plus size, I know you understand. Anyhow, here's a few stats:
Day78: 1,436 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 79: 1,667 calories, 8 glasses of water, workout
Day 80: 1,401 calories, 9 glasses of water
Day 81: 1,377 calories, 13 glasses of water, workout

Argh.

Well, the scale officially hates me. I'm up two pounds.
But, it's actually not bothering me. Is she crazy, you ask? No, she's not. I've made good choices most of the week. The bad choices have not weighed me down. I can feel my body changing- before? not so much.
So I'm doing ok. I hope one day the scale reflects the changes. I'm sure it has to eventually.

My big debut

Ok, this is the best shot I could find from the ceremony last night. Kinda blurry and I had to crop out all the other people who were hoggin' my spotlight, namely my kid and husband! :) Ok, it went great, I was very nervous. Yesterday afternoon at the end of class my teacher informed me I would be doing my "kata" on stage, which I have only been instructed on it a total of 2 times. THANKS! Well, I practiced it last night and it went fine. Not perfect, but most people would never know that. I was on stage with all the other grown ups (total of 4 us) each doing their own kata. Oh, and a kata is a combination of punches, kicks, blocks and stances that are done in a predetermined pattern, kind of like a dance, but with martial arts. My son and I were in two other demos that night and those were a blast, there were lots of kids on stage during those so that made me more comfortable. My son, on the other hand, had a great time, loved all his moments in the spotlight and did a fabulous job! So there ya have it, and now all of you know what I look like in my "gi" (that is gee, with a hard g sound...and it is the martial arts uniform, k?) Glad that moment is over now! Thanks all for listening. Now we are on spring break for a the next week and a half...then back to work! Oh and as for the eating...things are going strong right now, I am journaling at home, even if I blow it for a meal, I still write everything down. I am very proud of that. But really, overall, things are going very good. Tina

It was bound to happen.......:(

Well, it was bound to happen sometime with weekly weigh ins. I was UP this week. Up 1.2 pounds! uuggh! OK, re-examine.... I'm sure I have been pushing it with the creamer in my coffee, especially since trying to stay off the mochas. How shall I console myself? mmm...icecream......
kidding!
SueAnne

The Ultimate in Self Sabotage and Eating Disorders!

Compliment!

Tomorrow is my secretary's birthday so I got her a gift which I wanted waiting for her when she gets there in the morning. Since she gets to work at 7:00 and I get there at 8:30, I went back to the office tonight after tennis to place it at her desk. While I was there I ran into one of the other secretaries (Cassie, who used to work for me) who was decorating her cubicle.

"Don't take this the wrong way, but you are really slimming down."

There's a wrong way to take this?

I think most of it is just redistributing (fat to muscle) since the scales haven't shown much difference (although I haven't stepped on them in 2 weeks) and further compounded by the fact that I was in a tank top and skirt and Cassie has only ever seen me in suits or other work clothes - but hey, I'll take it! And I feel great!

Even though she's no longer works for me, Cass is so getting flowers on Secretary's Day!

another update

Hey all!
So i'm doing pretty good on my program, although the frustration level is sometimes high. I went to a friends house this weekend for a girls night and both of my girlfriends there are so small and cute. It was really hard. I had been so excited about the progress I've made so far, but instantly forgot all about it. I'm doing better now, but i just hate how easy it is to compare myself to others. So I'm trying hard not to. Also i went running last night and have every intention of going again tonight, much needed.
Its cool see all the new people, and i really love reading what everybody has to share. Jules, you are a steady rock on this site, way to go!
mandi

This weeks numbers

Hello everyone! I weigh in again tonight. Not expecting a lot. My journal is revealing...

Thu-24+ points; 12 glasses of water; work out
Fri- 23 points;12 glasses of water
Sat-24+ points;7 glasses of water
Sun-24+ points;7 glasses of water
Mon-24+ points; 12 glasses of water
Tue-24+ points;8 glasses of water
Mon (so far) 9 points; 10 glasses of water

Bank points used this week: 34 (out of 35) yikes! That would be..ummm.....icecream. Had a little problem this week.....
Mochas:1 ONLY one! That is for you Kristina!

I hope everyone is well. Remember it is not a sprint, it is a marathon!
SueAnne

Pushing through

So you all know I've been in the midst of a bit of a plateau... I had a loss last week but I'm not sure I actually believe it. But, I'm doing some things to try and get myself out of the rut.
I have been drinking water (Kristina is my inspiration here!)- and for two days in a row I drank 9 glasses of water!!! I'm thrilled. Also, I went out and spent the $$ on the TransFIRMer system- the new The Firm videos. I love them so far, I'm thrilled!! I'm tracking all my food intake on a website I just found- www. sparkpeople.com- it's a fantastic site!! It keeps track of calories, fat, etc etc and so much more.
Even if the plateau remains, I'm feeling good about being proactive. AND, even if the scale is being mean to me, I have a few pairs of pants that are falling off!!!

New Weight Loss tickers!

Hey all! I added a new feature to the blog...For all of those who need a new visual on your goals, or just like to have fun in cyberland! Just scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and you will see my ticker. If you go to this site, you can build your ticker, each one can be different! Get creative! You can then go to the template and add your code under your name. If you don't see your name and want to do this, just add it! I only put names of those who have participated in the butter sidebar, or those who still check in! Debbie are you out there? Anyway...just having fun where I am. BTW, did you notice I have a new weight loss number to boast about? I am down to 192.4. Almost out of the 190's, people! Yippee!

It's official...

As of this morning, I am exactly at a forty pound loss. I feel such an awesome sense of accomplishment! I'ts so fun for me to be able to say out loud how much I've lost. It seems unreal. And then I try on those cute new clam digger jeans that I got yesterday, along with the new funky shoes, and I feel oh, so, GOOOOOD! I look at myself in the mirror and say to myself, 'Yes, Kristina, that really is YOU'.

My M&M's are cruising right along!

I got measured this morning, and this last month I've lost another 8.5 inches! Making my grand total 44.5 inches thus far. My body fat % has gone down another 1.2 % as well. Bringing that total now up 4.5%. I feel like I am kicking some serious booty you guys!
I'm SOOO encouraged by those numbers. I mean, I can see the difference in how my clothes are fitting. But it's just so nice to see my hard work show up on the tape measure as well.
Getting into that size 10 doesn't seem so far fetched now. I still have a long ways to go. But it is an attainable goal, in fact, I may just surpass it.
Numbers from this weekend:
Day 76: 1,434 calories, 10 glasses of water, workout
Day 77: 1,519 calories, 8 glasses of water

I always lie on my drivers license....Accept once

Do you do this? On my driver's license, I always lie on the weight question. Well, almost always. In 2000, when I had lost 60 lbs., I told the truth, gladly. But otherwise, I always say 170 lbs. Even when I weigh 186 (wedding day) or 225 (9 months after baby #3). I was actually proud of myself this past December, after needing to replace a lost license, that I upped the weight to 200, even though I knew I weighed about 218! What a shmuck! What am I trying to do? Impress the officer? Convince him of my "innocence" when pulled over by lying on an official document? Geesh! Another way I would live in denial of my true weight dilemma.

The funny moment came when I realized that I now weigh LESS than the lower, untruthful weight I put on my license the last time! HA! The joke is on me! Feels good, this kind of untruth...I can't wait until next February when I have to renew it again...I will tell the truth to the actual pound. I will tell the truth and be proud of it! Silly ol me!

A little about me

Ok, I am dressed in my new green spring top and my toeless sandals and it is cloudy and breezy and cold! Where is our sun? I am ready for change. I am ready to see more change in the weather and in my body. I am in my 12th week of my program, and I am not supposed to weigh in for 11 more days. I don't "know" what the scale says, and I wasn't blown away by results in the changing room at Ross on Friday, but I am determined, and as President Bush says, I am resolved, to see this thing through.

Things I love about this program are: The control it gives me. The guidelines. The feeling I get each time I work out at the Y. The consistency. I don't have to think, think, think about food and how I am doing. Wowwing myself daily on sticking with it. This blog. My Thursday meetings. Splenda. Fruit. Rice, rice, rice! Thai food. Peanut butter. Farm fresh eggs from Truman.

Here are some of my totals for the last few days:

Day 76: 1273 calories, 8 glasses of water, exercised
Day 77: 1068 calories, 8 glasses of water, exercised
Day 78: 1076 calories, 10 glasses of water, exercised
Day 79: 1325 calories, 8 glasses of water

Have a great day. And hey, it would be nice to hear from some of you who haven't checked in in awhile.

Jules

Thanks for the welcome

Hello my name is Randy and I have been doing prism since October. I have lost 40 pounds, most of which came off in the first 10 weeks. I have come to appreciate healthy food, and working out at the YMCA, and prism meetings. Most nights I am the only man. It is refreshing to be with people that aknowledge that feelings exist, unlike the men I deal with on a daily basis at work. While my weight loss has plateaued I have not given up, and I hope to continue down the road with you all.

Ode To Kristina...

She is a fine lady
(na na na na na na)
She knows what she wants
(na na na na na na)
She goes out and gets it
(na na na na na na)
No matter what it costs
(na na na na na na)

She's drinking lots of water
(na na na na na na)
And she pumping at the gym
(na na na na na na)
She's weighing every moment
(na na na na na na)
She's getting really thin
(na na na na na na)

Oh I wish I had her muscles
(na na na na na na)
I wish I had her style
(na na na na na na)
She encourages all the ladies
(na na na na na na)
She makes me want to smile
(na na na na na na)

She is a fine lady
(na na na na na na)
A superstar in her own realm
(na na na na na na)
I wish her every joy
(na na na na na na)
I wish her into a size 10
(na na na na na na)

President of the Kristina Fan Club
Jules

Congrats on your 39.2!

39.2 and I'm shouting WOO HOO!!!

I have lost four pounds for the week! 215.6 said the sweet little scale at Curves this morning... I'm really beginning to like that scale. 39.2 pounds totalled. I'm just fifteen and half pounds away from breaking the 200 pound barrier you guys. I want to be below the 200 pound mark so badly that I can taste it. I'm feeling so good. I feel like I can do ANYTHING!!

Day 74: 1,389 calories, 13 glasses of water, workout
Day 75: 1,543 calories, 18 glasses of water, workout

Okay, so, how much is too much?

Yesterday, and the day before too, actually, I drank SOOOO much water. In fact, I think that I drank more yesterday than any day ever. I had eighteen glasses, and I felt like I could probably drink more. There came a point in my water drinking that I actually felt thirstier the more that I had. Has that happenned to anyone else? Anyhow, can drinking too much be harmful to your body? I know when dieting it is essential to drink a lot. But I didn't want you guys to think that I'd totally gone overboard. So, is there anyone out there that has some input?

Six Long Weeks, and

I've finally lost weight!!! For SIX weeks I've been battling the five pounds I put on, um, six weeks ago. And this week? I'm down FOUR pounds.

I'm REALLY excited. And REALLY hoping that next week the scale rewards me in a similar way.

Kissing another 1.2 pounds away!

First of all, yes, those are MY lips. : ) You can't say that I don't have a sense of humor. Anyhow, you guys, I've lost another 1.2 for the week. I am simply amazed. It's like the weight is literally falling off of me. I'm up to 37.6! Perhaps it has something to do with my drinking SOOOO much water yesterday. I don't know, I don't care, I'm just happy to see those numbers getting smaller. I'm so very encouraged. Yesterday, as I looked over some photos of myself from last year, was very eye opening for me. We have a way of fooling ourselves into thinking that we don't really look that bad. We all seem to live in denial of something at some point in our lives. For me, it clearly was my obesity. Well, I'm working on that nasty O-word. I'm more like, working OVER that nasty O-word.
Here's the last couple of days:
Day 72: 1,513 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Dat 73: 1,326 calories, 14 glasses of water

What do you guys think??? False Advertising or No?

There's a whole string of posts going on in blogland about whether or not gaining weight after marriage is False Advertising.

I wrote about it in my blog, here, and this is a really great post that references a bunch of other bloggers who wrote about it. I'm curious what you guys think?? It'll take some reading, but if you go to my blog I link to the original post.

I think the whole debate is incredibly fascinating. What do you think??

1.6 sticks of butter from my first goal!

Hello everyone!
I haven't posted in a while, but am still reading your thoughts, victories, and encouraging words. I went for weigh in this week, just hoping that the scale wouldn't say I was up. My journaling these last two weekends has been in the tank (social events). Long story short, I thought for sure I would have gained or stayed flat, but I am down another 1.6 pounds for a total of 9.2! Woo hoo! My first goal was to get out of my husbands pants, lose ten pounds and walk without a limp. Well, I gave Frank back his pants and I almost have no limp. My workouts are getting better and I can fit back into my own jeans:) When I make that ten pound goal, I will do some measuring to see if I can add to the m&m list. Then I will move on to goal number 2!
I am so thankful for all your posts. Keep it up and don't give up!
SueAnne

Just for fun...

Yikes! Who is that ?!

100_0282, originally uploaded by willemkristina@verizon.net.

I came across some more lovely photos of myself... And hey, what is he smiling about? I'm squishing him to death!

My totals and a saddness to report...

I need to post up some totals for you guys. It has been awhile! Also, I wanted to let you all know that one of our members, Kimi, has had a life altering event effect her this week. Her mother suffered a stroke. Please keep Kimi in your prayers and her mother, as well. The left side has been majorly effected. She is a seamstress and is self-employed. Obviously, this will devastate her business and her income.

Here are my totals:
Day 67: 1259 calories, 9 glasses of water
Day 68: 1204 calories, 9 glasses of water, exercised
Day 69: 1134 calories, 8 glasses of water, exercised
Day 70: 1088 calories, 8 glasses of water, exercised
Day 71: 1195 calories, 8 glasses of water
Day 72: 1180 calories, 8 glasses of water
Day 73: 1201 calories, 8 glasses of water
Day 74: 1164 calories, 10 glasses of water, exercised
Day 75: 1056 calories, 8 glasses of water, exercised
Day 76: today in progress...but I did work out! I am averaging 4 workouts a week. I am so happy about that. It is not a rarity anymore, but part of a routine. I never thought exercise would just be another part of my life, something I do regularly. What a change that has been for my brain to wrap around. I am so thankful to my husband for freeing me up to work out so much. I get out much more than he does. He is so generous. Thanks, Blake. He loves to support me in these practical ways.

Have a great day!
Jules

Seventy-one days behind me!

Seventy-one days behind me on this journey... what will the next seventy-one bring me? I am so full of hope! Every week is bringing me a little bit closer to my goal. I am down another 1.4 pounds. Bringing me up to 36.4! I can't wait until I lose a few more just so I can say that I've lost forty. If I can feel this good now, I can't imagine how I'll be feeling in the months to come.
It has been a lot of hard work. Working out, measuring food, etc... But it is so worth it to me.
I'm so much happier now that I've taken back the control. Knowing that food does NOT have to be my master.
Here's some stats:
Day 68: 1,373 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 69: 1,473 calories, 9 glasses of water, workout
Day 70: 1,669 calories, 6 glasses of water
Day 71: 1,321 calories, 8 1/2 glasses of water, workout

Hiya

Hi there to all our newbies! Glad you are here to join our group. As for me, I am doing weight watchers, and I mostly pop in here to write down my food journal, it really helps me make some better choices. So here is today's stats:

Breakfast: honeydew melon and cottage cheese
Snack: banana
Lunch: huevos rancheros
Dinner: ww pasta w/ sauce, salad, english muffin
Snack: bowl of oatmeal w/ raisins
Desert: ice cream sandwich and later some carrots



I am very proud of the fact that I decided to measure my foods again. I was not doing that for the last few weeks again, thinking that "I got it" already. Well, I wasn't losing either. My brains measuring cup is WAY bigger than my real life one. Oh well...it was fun for a while! At least I did not gain anything...but I have been staying the same. So back to measuring all my food for serving sizes. It makes the food last longer too, there is another upside to it. On goes the battle. Oh and Paige, I did my FIRM workout today and I love them. They are wonderful workouts, although the girls are a bit "stepford wife"-ish - so if you can get past that (or laugh at it like I do when I watch them) then you will get a great workout. I also really love Winsor Pilates workouts...I do those not as regularly as the Firm, I feel like the workout is not as hard. But the reality is, I see more results from Pilates than I do from anything else. Gotta get past that feeling that I should be huffing and puffing more, or in a lot of pain, or sweating buckets etc etc etc :) Well ladies (and gentleman) keep up the good work!
Tina

My baby is 3 today!

My little boy is 3 today! I love him and I wrote something a little more detailed on my Poor White Oprah blog. Isn't he a dolly? Here he is with all of his presents. When I came down the stairs this morning, he shouted out to me, "Happy Birthday, Mom!" He was so excited. We have a tradition in our house, the birthday table. Each night before a family birthday, I decorate a table in the house and load it up with wrapped gifts. When the birthday person wakes up, it is like their own personal Christmas. So much fun! The last two years, my kids and hubby have even done up a table for me!

On the weight loss side of things, I am feeling terrific. I feel like I am really in my stride now. Kind of like when you are working out and the first 7 minutes seem tough, but somehow, by the 14th minute you feel like you are really in a good rhythm. That is what I feel like. I have done this Prism program for 74 days now. It has become a way of life. I still am tempted to just eat what looks good, but I have proven to myself that I can refrain and that, most of all, my body just doesn't NEED that stuff. It is my best friend, working for me, as long as I give it what it needs. Simple. Tough sometimes, but ultimately very simple.

Jules

I've been MIA and so has my weight loss

Sorry I haven't been around much. I had another cold last week, I know I'm a whiner. So I didn't have any fun exercise tales to tell. I did pretty good eating, so that's good. The food journaling is not going so well right now, but I'll get back into it. At some point.

This morning I tried to do Carmen Electra's Striptease "workout" video. I'm not sure that anyone actually got a workout, because I know for sure that I didn't. And then I got uncomfortable with all the touching "As you do the sexy walk forward, touch your body!" and then at 23 minutes in and all I had really done was stand there, roll my head a few times, and listen to Carmen talk, I decided it was a waste of time. I wouldn't recommend it. My next attempt will be the Firm videos, when they come from Netflix. Hopefully I'll have better tales to tell about them!!!

It's not that I lied a week and a half ago when I said I was going to weigh myself, it's that I'm weak, so very weak!! So when my sister and weight loss buddy told me "It's water weight!" I decided that I better weigh myself this week to make sure.

They were wrong. And I should have refrained from temptation, because it did not a pretty weekend make. I weighed exactly the same, and while I can console myself by the fact that at least it's not another 1/2 pound up, I still want it to be going down. So I'm trying very very hard to convince myself to get back going. I did ok eating today (except for the hot chocolate and donut, ahemermahem) and plan to exercise tomorrow? If I feel like it?

One bright spot is that Yoga for Weight Loss starts Wednesday. I'm excited. AND, ladies, even though I'm not commenting, I'm reading, and you guys continue to be an inspiration. I hope one day to be as cool as you. And lose weight like you are. :)

Monday Madness!

Since it is Monday, and we all need a boost to start our week, I thought it would be great if we brag a bit about our proudest moments! Think back on the week and let us know what you did (or did not do) that made a difference in your weight loss week.

I feel like celebrating!

I am officially into the teens today! (Just by the skin of my teeth). I am down another .8 putting me at 219.8. I know it's still a very big number, but when you start off in the 250's, and when you get to see the scale get down into these lower numbers, it really does something to you pscychologically. I'm exactly at a 35 pound loss. I'm so happy! I celebrated and bought myself three much needed new bras. Sorry Randy, I know you don't want to hear about these sorts of things, it's a girl thing. But I feel much more attractive when I wear things that fit properly. Anyhow, I hope the rest of you are having a great weekend!

The Male Invasion has occurred! Welcome, Randy!

Welcome to the group, Randy! You are truly a brave man to join all of us of the female persuasion! I thoroughly have enjoyed getting to know you each week at the Prism meeting. You are an honest and very funny guy and those two qualities are of the highest regard here. Welcome, welcome, welcome. Now I can say that, like the chocolate banana, our blog is only 95% female!

See what we have accomplished?

We have lost 250 pounds as a group. That is comparable to:

A 7-10 cu ft. REFIGERATOR!

A female sealion!

An Iron Anchor for a ship!

And this crazy dude's pile of silly putty!

The Weight of a baby elephant at birth!

A Eurasian Reindeer!

Your average size market hog!

A female jaguar!

Two full size sheep!

Way to go, gorgeous, healthy babes!

Proud to be a part of this game of "Let's beat the flab" with you all.

Jules

Welcome LordLightLady!

Everyone at WAIWMIAWLI, I would like to introduce a new friend to our group. LordLightLady is a fellow Prism-ite and a fellow follower of all things healthy! We look forward to getting to know you better and receiving and giving encouragement to you through your journey in weight loss and good health. Please give us a bit of history, and we will add your "butter" count to our sidebar! Please bring your sense of humor (which I personally know you have in bountiful amounts) and your honesty! Welcome to the group, Lady!

I have a new goal!

I have a new goal to lose one hundred pounds. Originally I was going for an 85 pound loss, which would be awesome. But even with that much weight lost, I would still be a little over weight. Julie challenged me again, the other evening when we went out. Who says that we have to settle for looking ,'Good', when we have the ability to really become, and look,'Great?' Just because the numbers that we want to get to are so far off in the horizon, doesn't mean that we can't acheive them. For me, I haven't been down to 155 since high school. Twenty years people, TWENTY years. So, here I am, down 34 pounds and 1/3 of the way to my new goal. I'm going to need some extra encouragement. One hundred is such a large number. And, quite frankly, it is pretty intimidating. So, here's to working out, eating right, and drinking tons of water!
Just a few numbers:
Day 66: 1,435 calories, 11 glasses of water, workout
Day 67: 1,403 calories, 7 glasses of water
Day 68: ( only had breakfast so far) But I did work out! : )

I'm back!

So I have been hiding out because I've been sick and I haven't been doing so great but I'm motivated again and I'm back on! I weighed in today and I'm down 10.2 pounds total taking me below the 200 mark :) This makes me so happy! I had a bad weekend. I had a few drinks which count as 2 fats each (BAD) I also ate out and I was so hungry that I didn't make great decisions. I have less then 15 weeks left before we leave for Cabo so I need to pick myself back up and get moving. I've been working out more and getting more water in.

In Sympathy...

Dearest ladies, I thought I would bring to your attention a sadness that has effected one of our sweet members (and me as well). Jodie's(Queenlivalot) youngest brother, Kelly Aikins, died yesterday, he would have been 45 in May. Kelly had struggled with alcoholism for years and it just took a huge toll on his pancreas and other organs. He is the father of 3 daughters, A.J., Nicole and Julieanna and 1 son, James. Two of his children live in Brazil with their mother. Kelly was in Brazil at the time of his death and will be buried there. We are having a family memorial for him here in early April. Please uphold Jodie, her mother Janice, Kelly's father Jim, and the rest of the family up in prayer. Kelly is survived by three siblings: Jodie, Rick Ivie of Oregon, and Kim Smith of Alaska.

Love to all of you. Hold your families dear today.

Jules

Some more SICK pythons...

So sick in fact, I think my husband would literally hurl if I had them! Thanks for sharing about your pythons, that was great for a good laugh and I did use it on my hubby tonight and he was cracking up on that one! (Hope you don't mind I stole it from ya!)

Well here is my menu today:
Breakfast: cereal soy milk
Lunch: Chicken and wild rice soup w/ veggies
Snack: almonds, cereal
Dinner: cod, potatoes, broccoli, A SUPER yummy meal from the menu mailer
Snack: popcorn and one chocolate chip cookie my daughter made for me today while she was at her grandmas house.

update!

Hey y'all, I love hearing how everyone is doing. I'm still plugging along with Prism, I'm on week 5 (technically) and I get to weigh in on week seven, so I don't know how much I've lost. But people have begun to notice, which is great, my clothes are fitting way better and I'm just trucking along.
yesterday was a good day for me because my roomate made cookies, that smelt devine, and I didn't think seriously of having one. I just enjoyed the smell, and got oughta there! Also, last night for my evening snack I had this really good orange and I purposfully savored every bite, knowing that was all I could have. I was a real victory. The night before I scarfed my orange down and wanted another one, but had to "suffer" through not having another one. So just enjoying what I had was a great start.
I've settled into around 1100 calories a day with 7-9 glasses of water. I still need to intergrate exercise, I think I'm going to kick that in phase two.
Thanks for the stories and the support!
Mandi

I cheated...

Okay, Kristina had her pie, Tina her cookies, Lisa her Swedish Fish, SueAnne her retreat sugar...I stepped on the scale. I know I wasn't supposed to, but I had to. I have been Curious George over here, people! Well, the number was smaller. Not quite as dramatic as Miss 34.6 woman, but lower none the less! I am down another 4.4 pounds! I am just .6 away from a total 20 lbs. lost (since 1-6-06)! And 36.4 lbs. since I began this journey from my highest weight. Whoopee! I am widening the gap between me and that dreaded 200. I am soon to be "no where near 200 lbs." Which will be a happy thing. I already feel released from that label, but the numbers shrinking is my assurance. I am just 11 pounds away from breaking the obesity barrier! That is my next big goal. It might take me 5 or 7 weeks to do, but I am doing it, girls, I am doing it. As sure as time is marching on, so am I!

Love you all!
Jules

Happy but worried!

I am so happy that this is working. Seven weeks of dieting and I weighed in yesterday at Weight Watchers for a total loss of 11.2 pounds. I have been making good choices.

A huge challenge awaits me this coming week. Friday we leave for San Juan, Puerto Rico and Sunday we board our cruise ship.
If you have never been on a cruise there is food, food, food................... It's endless. I will be with 7 other family members so it's even harder to resist when every one else says "lets go get icecream" or "I know we just had dinner 2 hours ago but pizza sounds good" or "gee, both desserts sound good - yep, I think I'll try both" or "are you really going to have oatmeal when you could have eggs benedict with hash browns" or "OK, let's all meet back here at 11:30 so we can be the first in line for the midnight chocolate buffet" There will be good choices but it will be harder to make them. Would you eat a carrot stick when everyone else is having an ice cream cone? There will be a track to walk and an exercise room - which I intend to use frequently. Dancing will burn a few calories too.We also will be diving on 4 different days. Anyway, I will do my best but your prayers and tips would be helpful.

My hips are getting smaller, and my hair is getting shorter!

I got my hair colored in a shop yesterday for the first time in six years. I wanted to do something to reward myself for all of my hard work. I'm really happy with the color, and the cut is even a bit shorter than last time. I don't believe that my hair has ever been this short. : ) Anyhow, I'm totally digging this metamorphasis. I'm gonna be a cute sassy blonde for my high school reunion. Just watch!

Still on program today but....

Ok, I am still on program but here is my day:
Breakfast: english muffin w/ no sugar jelly and a banana
Lunch: big salad w/ couscous
Dinner: bean soup, salad, strudel, cookies (a few too many)

Here's the deal, we went to a party tonight and I baked cookies for it (and brought the soup that was completely core) but I grew week from the cookies. I think they were like cryptonite. So, I ate too many of them, however, I also did a kick *blank* workout this morning and really worked HARD, and I did not go over my flex points for the week, actually I still have some left. (wow was that a run on sentence or what?) So, I am giving myself a few emotional blows for eating them, while still trying to remember I can eat them and stay on program. Oh well...the rest are out of here tomorrow, so I won't have to fight that temptation. So, I plan to workout hard in martial arts tomorrow. I am still haning in there, but I usually like a few more points hanging around for the weekend. But I won't give up posting here so I can keep accountable.
Night all!
Tina

A little photo algebra

Refined sugar
White cake
The thing I love
Makes the thing I hate

I really, quite honestly, am in shock

Okay, so, I weighed myself again this morning. And despite the pie, and despite my period, I have lost another 2.2 pounds! This is like crazy for me. Anyhow, I wanted to weigh because at Curves they were having a contest during their annual food drive,( which is two weeks long), to see who could lose the most weight and body fat percentage. And I my friends, am the champion! : ) I won another t-shirt. Yippee! And so, I am currently at a 34.2 pound loss. I can't believe it. I really can't. But you know, I believe that most of the reason why I have succeeded this far is because of the body type that I am. I build, and retain muscle mass relatively easily. And we all know that the more muscle that you have, the easier it is to burn calories. Anyhow, I hope that I am encouraging you ladies, and NOT discouraging you by my weight loss. I almost feel bad because some of you have really struggled for every pound. Well, let me just say this, if you are not currently excersizing, I encourage you to do so. And drinking lots of water helps too. I need to kick my water drinking back up a couple of notches myself.

Do you know a good vet?

Child asks adult, "Do you know a good vet?"

Adult inquires, "Uh, yes. Why?"

Child makes arm muscle flex and answers, "Because, I have some SICK
PYTHONS!"

Here is to all the women in here who's pythons are getting sicker by the day :-)

Dr. Livingstone's Got Nothing On Me (or A Little Bit of Goofiness and a Confession)

Day 20 of this expedition and I found myself having problems controlling rations. Food consumption has increased without explanation. And yesterday I was distressingly attacked from out of nowhere by a horde of Swedish Fish. I had no choice but to devour them before any damage was done. Tomorrow, however, I resolve to increase my water rations; moderate to heavy exercise shall likewise help me avoid any adverse side effects of the Swedish Fish. Wish me luck.

(Okay, you caught me on a goofy day, but I gave into my sweet tooth yesterday while reading, but I'm back on track today. And not a moment too soon! Any more lapses like that and I won't be able to fit into my safari gear.) :)

This is how I've been feeling the last couple of days...

Periods can make a sane person kind of crazy... in more ways than one. It seems like all I've been wanting to do is snack. I even had some banana cream pie last night. ( We did have company over though). BUT, I did work out this morning, so that will help off set the pie... right? I'm hoping so. It's cool because I'm starting to see more definiton in my legs... like when I was much younger and athletic. They will never be the same, but I'm sure working hard to make them look as good as they can at this stage in my life.
Anyhow, I hope the rest of you are having a good
Monday. Here's the numbers from over the weekend:
Day 64: 1,529 calories, 8 glasses of water, workout
Day 65: 1,708 calories, 7 glasses of water. ( I know, I pigged out) : (

An Aha Moment!

Thursday night, I was at my Prism meeting, listening to a guy in our program talk about his success at the Y and feeling that his exercising was his most positive part of the program. As I listened, I had an Aha moment. I began to think about the incredible job my body was doing at assisting me in reaching my goals. Sure, I was putting good food, limited calories, and lots of water into my mouth, but from there on out, MY BODY was doing all the work. It has been chemically altering my fat and whisking it away from my vital organs and my middle and my everywhere. It has been generating energy to get me through the days and it has been converting all of this good nutrition into fuel.

For years, I always thought of my body as my worst enemy. I blamed my body for betraying me. Other people seemed to be able to eat whatever they wanted and they never grew fat. My sister's body seemed to be able to take the food and metabolize it quickly. Why couldn't my body? (Never mind the fact that my sister probably didn't consume as many calories as I suspected she did and that she was a first string player on our high school volleyball team). But since doing this program, I have seen that it was not my body's fault at all. My body is my best friend right now, doing all the hard work for me. Truthfully, it has been on my side from day one, but I have not treated it well.

I think it was Dr. Phil who said something like this, "You cannot be overweight unless you live a lifestyle to support it."

Amazing.

I have a neck!

I checked myself out in the mirror this morning, yes, that vain side of me is coming through...And I am ready to announce the debut of my neck! WhooHoo. I've got one! I am really seeing a definition in my face and neck and even my calves and legs. This stuff is working, by golly! I am starting my 67th day today and I have a feeling of satisfaction, hope and expectation. My emotional roller coaster for the month of February and early March is over (for at least another 3 1/2 weeks) and I am ready to be my pleasant, happy, encouraging self again! Let's go, ladies! My next weigh in won't be until April 5th or 6th, depending on when I get to the Y that 6th week of phase 2. I am in my third week, now. My calories I am shooting for are 1100-1300. If I end up working out 5 days (I have 2 days done so far), then I can have as much as 1500 a day, but I am trying to stay around the 1300 mark, regardless.

Here are my recent totals:

Day 61: 1304 calories, 8 glasses of water.
Day 62: 1159 calories, 8 glasses of water.
Day 63: 1100 calories, 8 glasses of water.
Day 64: 1064 calories, 11 glasses of water, worked out.
Day 65: 1129 calories, 8 glasses of water, worked out.
Day 66: 1394 calories, 8 glasses of water.

Back in the saddle again...

Hello friends!
Just returning from women's retreat. Aaaaahhhh. Spiritual renewal...The Lord is so good.

HOWEVER. My food choices...........Could've been better, could've been worse.The busy-ness of the weekend made it difficult to write down and track everything, in fact I recorded nothing. I definately didn't consume enough water, and ate sweets that I would not have eaten sticking to my plan. However, there was still no binging and no overeating. I am not feeling defeated and like a failure, but I am happy to be back in my "structured" and "normal" life so that I can resume my journey. My last post listed a few things to enjoy with these good, lifestyle changes even when the scale is not budging. Today, let me refresh your memory on a few things that I don't miss.......

That lovely, bloated feeling when you have consumed too much sugar.

Sugar head aches and blood sugar "crashes".

A giant, painful gas bubble in your abdomen that won't go anywhere.

The taste of GAS-X

The not-so-sexy feeling I have when that gas bubble finally turns into flatulence!

Have a great week ladies!
SueAnne

This says it all....

Sunday 3/5

Just getting my journal in here...it really is helping! Thanks, Julie, for the advice!

Breakfast: oatmeal w/ raisins, stevia and cinammon
Lunch: huevos rancheros, apple sauce
Snack: banana
Dinner: well, the family wanted Burger King so I had a bowl of cereal, TA DAAAAA! (and a bit of brown rice)
Snack:cottage cheese and pineapple, and a fudge bar
WOO HOO! I did it! I did not blow the rest of the weekend! I went off for Friday night, but regained it and stuck to it for the rest of the weekend! Thanks all for just being here!

How the weekend is going...

Ok, well things are not too bad so far. I am a bit sad and frustrated with my hubby...and it makes me want to eat. Thankfully I am going dancing tonight...so I will burn a bunch of calories and workout my frustration and sadness.

Breakfast: 1 egg and 3 pcs facon
Snack: bowl of cereal, small piece of bread
Lunch: facon and lettuce sandwich, I had no tomato, what a bummer
Dinner: steak, potatoes, peas, carrots
Snack: popcorn and a oj
Lots of water. Not bad...now just to get through tomorrow! PS I had 3 roasted marshmallows too, still not going off program! I did it for TODAY! YAY!

I'm like a fast moving locomotive... there's no stopping me!!

You guys, for the whole week I've lost just about another four pounds! I'm up to 32 pounds exactly! I've not been at this weight for SIX YEARS. Six whole years. I was so happy on the way home from Curves this morning that I cried a little bit. And I thought to myself, if I can make it this far, what's stopping me from going for the whole enchilada? Nothing, absolutely NOTHING!
And I did something else this week. Something that I am rather proud of. I worked out a solid six times. : ) I know, it is a bit much. But I am so stinking determined to get this fat off of my body. Let me tell ya, this summer I am going to wear shorts. Probably every day. Despite those nagging spider veins. In the past I've been too embarrassed to wear them any where other than my own yard. Well, not any more baby. Not any more!
Here's my stats:
Day 61: 1,450 calories, 10 glasses of water, workout
Day 62: 1,334 calories, 7 glasses of water, workout
Day 63: 1,628 calories, 7 glasses of water, workout

Going Strong...

... Despite all odds, it would seem!! I've been exercising, and eating well! I'm thrilled about that. There have been tough times- like late afternoon, when I'm home from work and dinner's not ready yet- I always used to snack at those times, but now I distract myself and wait patiently. Also when my mood is not the best it's hard not to try and find fattening and tempting things to dig in to. But I'm trying very hard to separate my emotions from my eating habits. I'm not perfect, but am getting there.

Even though I don't comment all the time, I'm reading the posts and am finding it incredibly encouraging. I'm not struggling through this alone, and if other people can lose I can too!!!

Weekends are my hardest times...

Ok, well here we are at the weekend....I am really going in with the attitude that I am going to do this right. But to start I will get you updated on this evening. Well, first, I will tell you I have a regular date with a very good friend of mine, we meet the 2nd Friday of every month. Normally we go out to dinner and then do something fun. Tonight we tried a new Italian place, it was superb by the way. (it is called Smashed Tomatoes and it is right across the street from the Children's museum in Everett) Anyway, I went in thinking, I will enjoy myself but make good choices. Yeah right. I chose the garlic chicken in asiago sauce on fettucini. Oh yum. Well, I ate my bread (thankfully they only give you one piece) and most of my dinner as well as a salad. But here is the upside, I had saved nearly all of my points for this evening, so I don't think I went over much what I was allowed, not to mention I never eat extra for the workouts I get in every day. (which on Weight Watchers you can add more food if you exercise). So, all in all not bad. But I will need some serious encouragement here to keep up the good work for the whole weekend. My attitude is good, I am not going to be eating anymore this evening. So, I will get in here and post tomorrow and let you all know how it goes. Just knowing you all are here really helps!
Here is the menu for the rest of the day:
Breakfast: cereal w/ soymilk
Lunch: Bean burrito and water
Snack: banana
Dinner: well you already read it, boy was it good! That place ROCKS! And if you go have the pesto ceasar dressing, a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

Night all!

I didn't do it!

I resisted the urge to weigh! I was at the Y, that is where I do my weigh ins because they have a great scale, and I resisted. In my program, I am supposed to only weigh at the end of a phase. That means, I can't weigh in until April. This is a hard rule for me, but I know it makes sense. I just want to update my butter sticks so badly!

On another note, I tried on two pairs of pants that I wore when I was at my lowest weight, and I could button them and zip them! I am closer to actually being able to breathe in one pair than the other, but I am greatly encouraged. I didn't really think I could even button them. Yippee! I am changing, girls, just melting away!