I thought creating a journal might be a good way to organize my thoughts and make me accountable for my progress.

I'm 31/F 5'2" 179. Recently I have been fluctuating around 177-180. This time last year I was around 165, and three years ago when I got married I was 145. I never thought 145 would be my "goal" weight but for now, it is my first goal.

I work at home and get out to walk at least 3 times a week for about 30-40 minutes each time, but I know the walks are leisurely and are doing nothing for my weight loss. I don't feel as though I'm eating any differently than I used to, but the weight has been piling on so fast lately, I know I must watch more closely what I eat.

I will try to make today a good one--this is my first entry in this online journal so I feel today is a fresh start.

~bookworm~
179/179/145

Yesterday the weather was good so I walked to the store and back. It is about a 10 minute walk each way, not very challenging but when the weather gets better I will take longer and more challenging walks.

I read here on the BB that an important rule is *not* to eat while sitting at the computer. That's so true! My big culprit is snacking while working on the computer. And it's so mindless--I don't even enjoy what I'm eating because I'm concentrating on something else. I will challenge myself not to bring anything to eat while in front of the computer.

I've started making an afghan (crochet). That, too, is a good way to keep my hands busy and snacking at bay, especially while watching TV.

I'm thinking of starting to weigh myself once a week; since I started this journal yesterday, my day will be Tuesday.

Hi Bookworm. I just started here, too.

I also crochet to keep my hands busy. I usually need a gift or some project to keep me busy. Just crocheting not to eat isn't enough.

I read where an airline stewardess (is that what they're called now?) had gained weight and started knitting to lose the weight. It worked for her.

Good luck. :)

Thanks for your message, Debbi! I'm a real novice at crochet and knitting, but it's fun to make something when it comes out good.

:x bookworm

Two words for today: FLABBY ARMS.

I pulled out a short-sleeved cotton shirt to wear today (packed away since last summer) and the arms are too tight! Bleck! I've got to do something about toning my arms (as well as every other part of me except for maybe my nose).

After I post this I'm going to check out the forum dedicated to no diet--because I can't seem to stick to one strategy. Overall, I know I just have to eat less calories and less fat. My best friend took this approach and it went really well for her. She was a size 18 and went down to a size 12 in less than a year. She said she just got fed up with the fat and cut out loads of fatty foods from her daily fare. The pounds just came off. I guess everyone is different but it's sticking to that commitment that is really what I need to do. And exercise.

This is rambling...but...it does help to put these random thoughts in this journal.

Good luck everyone today! ;)

~bookworm~

Today is Easter. This weekend I think I did pretty well, did not splurge that much, though the Easter candy is tempting. Don't have much of it around, though. Weigh-in on Tuesday, and I'm a little apprehensive. I know I need to start exercising if I'm going to make any progress...so...I need to stop the excuses and get moving!

~bookworm~

Something I really like about this journal process is that it is helping me recognize and face the obvious. For example, since I am home all day, I tend to snack rather than eat full meals for breakfast and lunch. Of course, my snacks are usually unhealthy, but they are fast. I need to find fast snack-like food that is healthy. Sure, there are the obvious apples, bananas, and carrots, but what else can I grab that I don't need to prepare? That is a challenge for me this week--to come up with some quick healthy foods.

~bookworm~

Well today it's Tuesday--WEIGH-IN DAY (for me).

And....the scale didn't budge. Still where I started last Tuesday, 179. I guess I should have expected that. I need to be more conscious and committed.

~bookworm~

Well, OK, I am trying to come up with quick, healthy foods to eat for lunch...

One idea I am pondering is those frozen entrees, like Healthy Choice or what have you. They are expensive, but at least they are portioned out, and it is more of a meal than my snacking on cereal and whatever is lying around. I am going to think about that as one answer to my lack of willingness to prepare a healthy lunch at home. I am such a slug!!!

Went shopping for some summer slacks today. Yikes! 3 years ago I was a size 12 pant; now the 16s are too tight! I came home angry at myself for what I'm doing to myself. On the lower half of my body it's my rear that is really getting the weight....skirts, pants are too tight. This is ridiculous. I need to turn around.

X-( X-( X-( X-(
~bookworm~

Hi. If you're considering menus, read ThinLynn's journal. She's been posting what she's been eating. It's about 7 pages long now (with replies and all) but has a lot of good foods in there. Maybe consider NOT gaining weight, changing your eating habits, getting to know yourself an accomplishment and when the weight comes off that will be a double bonus...

Thanks for the tip, Debbi! I will check it out. I am always happy to read other folks' ideas! Though I have not yet gotten a hold of a good eating pattern yet, reading this bb and posting this journal is making me face facts and that is really helpful. Thanks for the support!

:rose: ~bookworm~

Well this coming week is going to be a very busy one for me so I might not have the chance to post in this journal for a week or so...but I definitely will be back. It is a big help. I'd also like to add that in trying to come up with quick stuff to eat, homemade soup is a good option for me. I like to make soup when I have the time, so I made a big batch of minestrone and I can just heat up some for lunch or a snack. Garbanzo beans, kidney beans, canned diced tomatoes, celery if you've got it, water, and vegetable bullion (beef would taste OK too), boil awhile, add ditallini or elbow macaroni (not too much unless it is whole wheat), boil till the pasta is done, and you've got soup. It is not an "authentic" minestrone recipe, it's just my version and it tastes pretty good! The beans add fiber but of course it's up to you how many you really want to eat!

Have a good weekend everyone!

<IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0"> ~bookworm~

Bookworm...a few ideas for healthy snacks:

a) Remember every piece of fruit helps absorb 7 grams of fat as it is going through your digestive system, so eat an apple or two every day. Speaking of apples, a good snack is an apple, cored and cut into segments with crunchy peanut butter on it.

b) Low fat yogurt with fruit is good. You can buy some protein powder from a gym and mix it with 1% milk, half a banana and some frozen blueberries and strawberries for a good "milkshake" with fibre and vitamins.

c) Air popped popcorn (with nothing on it) is a good food to snack on.

d) Don't forget to cut up carrots, celery, cucumber, etc and make a dip with low fat sour cream or low fat yogurt.

e) Lots of canned soups tell you the nutritional information.

f) Drink lots of water. I like to have hot water with some lemon juice in it beside the computer when I type. You can also make tea (good for your heart) or herbal tea to sip on.

You also need to get out the door for some serious walks. How about 30-45 minutes at a good pace after a meal? If you walk after a meal it helps to increase your metabolism. Try it a few times a week.

Have a great week. I hope some of these ideas help.

Originally posted by bookworm:
<STRONG>Well, OK, I am trying to come up with quick, healthy foods to eat for lunch...

One idea I am pondering is those frozen entrees, like Healthy Choice or what have you. They are expensive, but at least they are portioned out, and it is more of a meal than my snacking on cereal and whatever is lying around. I am going to think about that as one answer to my lack of willingness to prepare a healthy lunch at home. I am such a slug!!!

Went shopping for some summer slacks today. Yikes! 3 years ago I was a size 12 pant; now the 16s are too tight! I came home angry at myself for what I'm doing to myself. On the lower half of my body it's my rear that is really getting the weight....skirts, pants are too tight. This is ridiculous. I need to turn around.

X-( X-( X-( X-(
~bookworm~</STRONG>


I just restarted my dieting and journal writing and I eat those Healthy Choice entrees among other things (subway, chick-fil-a, etc..) as a meal. If you have a Walmart supercenter by you it makes a difference in the price when you buy it there and the Sunday paper and even the dinners themselves come with coupons sometimes. Having a variety of things to eat is a saving grace for me , and I believe is the reason this is working for me.

Dear Artsy and Redd,

Thank you for your support and your advice. I can use them! This past week has been very stressful for me, and today is the 1st anniversary of my dad's death, and so I'm sort of out in left field somewhere, brain-wise. I am back on the computer this week so I'm going to start journaling again. I love the suggestion of a cored apple with peanut butter! Actually it's something my mom would have us snack on and she's a healthy eater, but it's been years since I've had it and I didn't even think of it! Great idea! Yum! :)

~bookworm~ :peace:

OK, I admit my scale isn't the most accurate measurement instrument out there, but it looks like I've lost 2 pounds over the past week. I'm going to weigh myself again tomorrow morning to see if it still says the same thing.

hi bookworm,
congrats on the 2 pounds gone!
how are the walks coming along? i started out walking short distances and worked my way upwards.
i look forward to seeing more progress!
hugs bell :0

Bookworm...sounds like you are making some progress with your weight loss. I will keep my fingers crossed that your 'recheck" weigh in confirms the results. Good to hear that you are out walking too.