Thursday I was at my highest weight, after gaining 4 pounds. I've lost 2 of the 4 pounds so far.

There are 30 weeks left until New Years Eve day. If I lose 1 pound a week, for the next 30 weeks, I will be at my New Years Eve Day Goal. I will go out to celebrate, to bring in the new year.

I put up two pictures for motivation to get there. One of me at my current weight 147 lbs. (what I weighed after my second baby), and one of me at 117 lbs. (what I weighed at 3 months pregnant with my first
baby). What I would like to look like for my New Year's Eve Goal.

It is me, so I feel that it is obtainable, it is not some unrealistic expectation of somebody else. So I am starting my new online journal today.

Monday Day 1 / Week 1

1 strawberry waffle - 100
2c coffee - 0
4tea LF nondairy creamer - 40
6tea sugar - 90 (I am out of Equal)

1med peach - 37

VEGGIE FAJITA
1 flour tortilla - 130
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
1/2 deli style pickle - 0
1/4c red peppers, 2 1/2T onion, 1c lettuce - 25
2 T salsa - 15
1/2c baked beans w/onion - 150
1serv tomato soup - 80

1 english muffin - 130
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
2/3T maple spread - 40

FRUIT PLATE
1med peach - 37
1med kiwi - 46
1med granny smith apple - 80
1 1/2c strawberries - 70
16 wheat thins, reduced fat - 130

Total 1,200 Calories

I've stayed within my calories for the day, and I've drank 5 of my 8 glasses of water. (Getting in the last 3 won't be a problem). And I put in my minimum of 20 minutes of exercise on the treadmill.
* * *

[ 06-04-2001: Message edited by: Jennalynn ]

Hi Jennalynn,
I just want to wish the best in reaching your weight loss goals. Just take it one day at a time and be very patient with yourself and you WILL reach your final goal weight.

cindy

Jennalynn hi. It looks like you know where you are, what you want, where you're going and how to get there. All that has to equal success. Your food looks good. Keep up the good work.
* :rose:

Tuesday Day 2 / Week 1

Don't ask. I totally fell off the wagon. I am back on again and I am determined. New Years is still my goal. No do-overs.

Thank you for the encouraging words Mertz and Debbi. It means alot to me.

I planned out todays meal choices already.

Wednesday Day 3 / Week 1

CHEESY EGGS
1 egg - 70
1sl FF cheddar cheese - 30
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
2sl lite white bread toasted - 80
1c tea - 0
2pkt equal - 0
1/2c sliced strawberries - 25

1c skim milk -90
2 chocolate graham crackers - 130

2sl lite white bread - 80
2oz. tuna in spring water - 60
1T FF honey dijon dressing - 25
lettuce, chopped onion - 10
1/2 deli style pickle - 0
1oz. potato chips - 150

1med kiwi - 37
1med peach - 46

4 oz. eyeround steak, lean - 185
1/2c stewed tomatoes w/ onion, peppers, celery, and spices - 35
1c zucchini - 28
1/2c summer squash - 14
1/2c corn - 14
1/4tea onion powder - 5

Total Calories 1,210

149/147/117 by New Year's Eve!!

JennaLynn, you are so smart to plan it out and jump right back on the wagon. You know what? If you eat healthfully like the days you posted you will be at goal WAYYYY before New Years! You'll have to get some sexy little outfit for Halloween!! GO FOR IT!

Discomama a sexy little outfit would be fun for Halloween!! I've always wanted to do that. I guess if I'm ever going to, I should before I get any older. lol That would be great if I were there by Halloween. I figure if I keep my expectations reasonable I won't feel so overwhelmed by losing all 30 pounds. I preplanned todays meals. Here it is:

Thursday Day 4 / Week 1

1c Special K - 110
1/2c skim milk - 45
1/2csl strawberries - 25

1c FF vanilla yogurt - 120
1/4c LF granola w/ raisins - 83
1glass diet coke -0

GRILLED CHEESE/SOUP
1serv tomato soup - 80
2sl FF cheddar cheese - 60
2sl lite white bread - 80
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
16 Wheat Thins LF crackers - 130

1 english muffin - 130
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
1/2T maple spread - 62
1c tea - 0
2pkt equal - 0

3oz. chicken breast grilled - 116
1c green beans - 30
3.5oz. baked sweet potato - 118
1/3T butter - 33
1T sour cream - 30

Total Calories 1,252

[ 06-07-2001: Message edited by: Jennalynn ]

[ 06-07-2001: Message edited by: Jennalynn ]

Hi Jennalynn!

With your great attitude you will do this! Just take it one day at a time. Your food choices look really great! I like the fact that you said no do-overs. Just a little side step off the path and I'm so happy that you got right back on! ;)

Take Care, *

I've decided to add to my journal my exercise for the day. I plan to exercise for a minimum of 20 minutes every day, unless I am sick. Today I used my exercise bike for 1 hour 5 minutes.

I've read some of your journal 1luckystar. When I get a chance, I'll read the rest. It looks like you are on your way. Welcome to the b-team, I am on the b-team also. :) If I lose 30 lbs. by New Year's I will be so happy.

I know that it will take planning and hard work to get to goal, and I know that I need to find things to keep me occupied instead of eating, and find more constructive ways of coping with emotional stresses in my life. My journey is 30 weeks. I have until the end of the year to make it to goal.

I read this from a link from one of the DT-er's:

Set an initial goal you're sure to attain; early success will propel you onward.

Okay,I have 30 pounds to lose, 10% is 3 pounds. 3 pounds seems attainable to me.

That is like ten - 21 day challenges to lose 3 pounds. Which = 100% to New Year's Eve day goal.

Now for my rewards at 10%, 20%, 30%, etc. Any ideas anybody?? ;)

I felt like bingeing so I went downstairs with my calorie counter book and made up my menu for tomorrow. I had half a dill pickle 0 calories to kill that craving to binge. Now I am exhausted, so I will go to bed after I post tomorrows meal plan. That way I will stay 100% op for today. Why blow it now right.

Friday Day 5 / Week 1

1c maypo maple oatmeal - 210
1/2c skim milk - 45

1med granny smith apple - 80
1med kiwi - 46

TUNA MELT
2sl lite white bread - 80
2sl FF american cheese - 60
2oz tuna in spring water - 60
1/2c baked beans w/ onion - 150
1/2 dill pickle - 0
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0

2 chocolate graham crackers - 130
1/2c skim milk - 45

CHICKEN FAJITA
1 flour tortilla - 120
3oz. grilled chicken breast - 118
1sl. FF cheddar cheese - 30
1T sour cream - 30
2T salsa - 15
sauteed onion - 10
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
1/2 dill pickle - 0

1c blackberry tea - 0
2pkt equal - 0

Total Calories 1,229

I've given myself permission to go over a little on the 1,200 if it will enhance the flavor of a meal, otherwise I may be tempted to have an eating binge. :peace:

[ 06-07-2001: Message edited by: Jennalynn ]

Hi Jennalyn,
Stopped by to tell you--GOOD JOB TODAY! You are doing good! I like the menus above and the exercising!!
"WEIGH" TO GO!!
:rose:

Thanks Otto. Nice 4 pound loss for you fellow b-teamer. 4 roses for you.

:rose: :rose: :rose: :rose:

I made it through yesterday 100% on program. No binges. I will do my best to make it through today. :x

Hey Jennalynn!

I am so happy to be on the "B" team with you! I just hope I will have a loss to contribute to the pot next week!

Bravo for just having a pickle! You will make it my dear, just take it one day at a time. Or like me sometimes one hour at a time! ;)

I have also put myself on a reward schedule. I am going to buy myself something with the star motif each time I lose 10 lbs. I may stick some more shortterm rewards in also because like you said sometimes that seems like so much!

I better go eat breakfast, your menu is making me hungry!

Take Care!
*

WOW!!! I am so excited for you! You are doing fabulously well! This journal looks great...balanced and yummy!! I can't believe you ate a pickle to overcome cravings!! Oh, that is the BEST move, you deserve a big cheer for that one; YAYYYYYYY!!!!!! You go girl!

Wow, you are a good inspiration to a fellow dieter. I certainly will check out your journal on a regular basis because I need all the inspiration and motivation possible.
Hope you don't mind me stealing some of your food ideas. They sound yummy!
Keep it up girl!
Have a tremendous good day . :)

Noenoe

1LuckyStar we'll get there together, don't you worry. You are doing well I've noticed. Two weekends ago I was in Salem, Ma. at one of the shops I picked up a beautiful pewter man in the moon magnet for my refrigerator. It has a little star at the tip with a sparkle-y gem and two for its eyes. When the light hits it, it's like a prism of different colors. When I go to the frig now, I will think of you and make the best food choices possible for our team. * * I'm still thinking about my rewards. I'll let y'all know.

Discomama, you are doing so great with your plan. I have been reading some of your journal, I must read all of it. Your are doing wonderfully. Great work. I'm so happy for you!! I remember how you motivated me when I was ready to quit the b-team. You are always so positive, encouraging, and supportive. You are quit a women Joni. :rose: :peace: I do try to keep my meals nutritionally balanced and eat from all the food groups and still manage to stay around 1,200 calories for the day. I think I did make a wise decision to add a few if it will enhance the food. If I am enjoying meals I will be more satisfied, and less likely to binge.

NoeNoe I am flattered that you like some of my ideas. Actually, I am trying out some new recipes tomorrow. I'll let you know how they are.

NO BINGES TODAY!!!! YEAH!!! FOR ME!! <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">

Saturday Day 6 / Week 1

oven puffed pancake - 140
1 sliced apple w/ brown sugar - 95
1c skim milk -90

BREAKFAST TACO (FOR LUNCH)
2 egg whites 34
1 1/2serv frozen spinach - 35
3T sauteed onion - 12
- cooking spray - 0
1sl ff american cheese - 30
2T salsa - 15
1 flour tortilla - 120
1/2c grilled spicy sweet potato - 125

1 oz. chocolate - 140

BARBECUE TURKEY BURGER
3 oz. lean ground turkey - 160
(bbq sauce, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, mustard, chili powder, garlic powder w/ lettuce and tomato)
2sl lite white bread - 80
red bliss mashed potatoes w/ roasted garlic - 150

Total Calories 1,226
I did 50 crunches before bed tonight. I'll get my butt moving tomorrow. Something is better than nothing. It didn't take long to find those ab muscles, maybe I will do this for awhile every evening while watching tv. Good idea. I could use it. Okay, I'm rambling time for bed.

hi jennalynn,
todays menu looks so yummy!!!!
you are doing really great jennalynn. you are going to be looking awesome come new years eve my friend!
hugs bell :)

Good job! Keep up the good work. You have good food and reward ideas and are an inspiration. Keep focused and reach for the goal.

You are just on a roll. Doing incredibly well!
Thanks for stopping by my journal. I need all the encouragement I can get!
Can you tell me more about the b-team?
And yes, let me know everything there is to know about yummy food!! :D
Keep in touch!

Noenoe

I haven't had any binges the last few days, but I haven't really kept track of what I have been eating. It is T.O.M., I've been very moody and on a personal note things aren't going my way lately. I am at 148 today. Hopefully, I am retaining water. I will keep track of tomorrow and will continue with my food journal. 29 weeks to go.

149/148/117-New Year's Eve day goal *

Hello!

I know that TOM can be really tough. I am just at the end and finally starting to feel normal again! 8-} Just keep on making good choices and you will be so much happier in the end. Also don't be afraid to vent and ask for help. I did and the DT buddies came a running to my rescue. You will make it through this. Just take it one day at a time.

Let me know if I can help. Keep your chin up! ;) Just keep an eye on the star on your frig and know that I am watching over you!

*

Come back Jennalynn, come back.
Don't run off with TOM.
We're here, waiting for you!

Noenoe

Noenoe, how could I not. Too funny for words. Okay I didn't keep track of what I ate for Sunday day 7 / week 1 and Monday day 8 / week 2. No binges though.

Tuesday Day 9 / Weeek 2

1c Smart Start cereal -180
1c skim milk - 90

1/2c pineapple chunks - 70

2sl lite white bread - 80
1sl FF american cheese - 30
- yellow mustard - 0
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
- sauted onion - 10
1 1/2oz baked sweet potato - 50
1/2 pickle - 0

1 english muffin - 130
1T maple spread - 65

2 whole eggs - 140
3sl white bread toasted -120
cooking spray - 0
10 garlic and herb crackers - 100

5 chocolate chip cookies - 135 (pms chocolate craving)

Total Calories 1,200

Well the bad news is I bought a scale last night and figured out I weigh 4 more pounds than I thought. And ended up adding on another 140 calories. But at least it didn't lead to a total eating binge.

2 chocolate covered short bread cookies - 140 (oh so not worth it)

Grand Total for the day 1,340 Calories

Wedneday Day 10/ Week 2

Made a conscious decision to eat whatever I wanted all day as long as I stayed within my calories. Tomorrow I am going back to my usual healthy eating pattern.

2pkt maple and brown sugar oatmeal - 320

1oz chocolate - 70 (blame TOM, he was late too)

1 hot dog - 150
1sl italian bread - 70
1T hot dog relish - 15

1/2c applejacks - 65

2 1/2 chocolate covered shortbread cookies - 175 :(

1 hot dog - 150
1sl italian bread - 70

What poor food choices. Definitely going back to healthy tomorrow. At least I stayed within my calories for the day. Hopefully, I've killed all pms chocolate cravings.

Total so far 1,085 :o

What a very sweet and supportive post LuckyStar / Karen. And thank you Noenoe for calling me back to my journal. I didn't think anyone would notice that I was MIA. I have been re-evaluating my goals. With my new accurate scale I am weighing in at 153. I will shoot for New Years Eve day still to lose as much as possible. I will continue to plan my meals, as I do better that way, and keep my meals more nutritionally balanced. And get in more exercise. And remember to drink all that water.

153/153/117 :)

Just wanted to know: What happened to that other half of that chocolate covered shortbread cookie? :laugh:
Great idea to set new goals.

Noenoe

LOL Noenoe. Actually, I took 2 because that is the serving size. And my 2 year old, veggie lover that she is, ate half a cookie and left it, so I didn't want to waste it. Still a life long member of the clean your plate club, that is why I try to take only what I plan on eating.

By the way, that oven puffed pancake was great and easy to make if anyone wants the recipe. It smelled wonderful baking in the oven along side an apple with brown sugar.

I'll be camping over the weekend and made some really great recipes. I've been cooking all day. I made lemon dill potato salad, salsa with roasted peppers, a marinade for the meat, and I'm bringing along apples to put in foil with cinnamon and sugar (to go with the marinated pork), and bananas in rum with brown sugar, (chocolate syrup for the kids), and I have to make s'mores, gonna try them with chocolate graham crackers this time. (I'll try not to get carrried away).

Well, I'll share the recipes when I get back. Actually, I found them on www.foodtv.com (http://www.foodtv.com) the potato salad with olive and lemon juice dressing with dill, sweet chili and pepper salsa, and rosemary garlic and lemon marinade (for the pork). I'll also, be making roasted red onion with thyme and butter (I'll improvise by wrapping it in foil and putting it in the hot coals over the campfire).

All the recipes are by Jamie Oliver, the Naked Chef. He is such a cutie. I watch him every Saturday and Tuesday. Okay, I have a little crush. I love his recipes because he uses all fresh ingredients and foods that most people use and have on hand. His recipes are simple to make and are fabulous. I've been expanding my horizons with foods and trying to incorporate alot more fresh fruits and vegetables into my diet. My life style is changing, hopefully the weight is next to follow.

Have a great weekend everyone. -Jennalynn
153/153/117

Hey, I'm always in for a new recipe. I love cooking. And I like your taste. Jamie sure is cute. So when you're in for it, after the camping, pls e-mail me the pancake recipe.
Thanks in advance!
Hope you have lots of fun. Great to plan all your eating and do the cooking up front.
This is going to be one fantastic weekend!!

Noenoe

P.S. It would be handy to have my e-mail address, now wouldn't it? noetje@ivillage.com

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: noenoe ]

Noenoe I posted the recipe for the oven puffed pancake on the recipe board and i e-mailed it to you also. I hope that you are doing well. hugs - Jennalynn

Hi Jennalynn,

I am doing well but my question is: How are YOU doing? I've been looking all over this place for you.Glad you're back.
How was the camping? Did you have fun?
I'm going to check my email right now.
Thanks Jennalynn!
Talk to you later.

Noenoe

Hi Noenoe. I had a wonderful time camping. I headed up Friday night to Epsom, New Hampshire to the Circle 9 Ranch campground. I was surprised there were so many bikers, they were having this really huge rally. We set up Friday night, built a campfire, and made s'mores.

I stayed up a little late, but I woke up early the next morning and made my own campfire and cooked scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast over the campfire. Kind of a treat. I hardly ever eat bacon and I usually eat only one egg or two or three egg white or egg beaters.

After that we headed for the pool. It was very relaxing. We went back to the campsite after that and had some lunch. Hot dogs, hamburgers, salad, salsa w/ tortilla chips, hummus w/ fat free potato chips, baked beans, and potato salad made with olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. I had a little of each. And had a little fresh fruit.

That afternoon we went to the races. I ended up eating my daughters ice cream, it was melting all over me. I threw the last little bit in the trash.

I picked up some berry wine coolers and headed back to cook dinner. I had marinated pork with garlic, olive oil, and rosemary, we had that with winter squash (I added maple syrup, honey, sugar, brown sugar, sugar, salt, and soy margarine), corn of the cobb, baked potato w/ the left over bacon from breakfast, green beans, and apples in cinnamon and sugar. For dessert I made bananas in butter and brown sugar with rum.

We went dancing, there was a country band playing and it was byob, so I brought my wine coolers with me. I had such a good time watching the kids dance. One of the slow dances I was holding our two year old and the 3 of us slow danced. I felt like I was dreaming. It felt so great to be with the man I love.

The kids were getting tired after a long day, so we headed back and got them to sleep and stayed up late together by the campfire. Our quiet time together. We packed up the next morning and the last few minutes it was just pouring rain. It seems like that happens every time.

We then went to his dads for a cookout for father's day. I enjoyed helping out in the kitchen. I really feel like part of the family. I bought gifts and cards for my two year olds father and her grandfather.

We rented some movies and we went back to his house and spent the evening relaxing and enjoying each others company. I ended up staying two nights. Our two day weekend together turned into four.

I had a doctors appointment and my 7 y.o. had school so I had to come back. I had a very busy day of Tuesday so I haven't posted much.

Well, I was 152 when I got back. No eating binges while I was gone, so that was good. Now I am right back at 153. I am trying to regroup after realizing my true weight. I don't know why it has thrown me off somewhat.

I had a really good day today, so I will start again from here and continue on with my New Year's Eve Day Challenge. My goal is to lose as much as possible by New Years. New Years eve I'm sure I'll be partying, so I'm having whatever I want. And whatever my weight is, and what shape I am in physically will determine my New Years resolutions. Such as how many more pounds to lose, what toning exercises I will be doing to help reshape my body once I can see what it looks like underneath how fat I look/feel to myself now.

I have 27 weeks and 4 days (or 193 days) to continue to work towards my goal. I'd better start working harder at it. :o

153/153/117

Back on track.

Thursday June 21st (first day of summer, it is always easier to eat lighter in the hot weather).

Brunch
FRESH FRUIT PLATE
1 1/2 bananas - 165
3/4 kiwi - 35
3/4sl granny smith apple w/o skin - 62
1c green grapes - 60
2T cream cheese fruit dip - 70 (so goooood)
8 LF wheat thins - 65

Lunch
2sl LF italian bread - 80
2sl deli roast beef - 60
- yellow mustard - 0
1/2 dill pickle - 0
1oz. potato chips - 150

Dinner
1 herb and spinach tortilla - 110
1 fire roasted veggie burger - 120
1oz. FF cream cheese - 30
2oz. shredded cheddar and monterey jack cheese - 110
1T FF honey dijon dressing - 23
1 3/4c mixed greens (escarole, endive, and radicchio) - 10
- butter flavor cooking spray - 0
onion, red peppers, sliced mushrooms, and tomato sauteed - 20

Evening beverage (warm and satisfying)
12oz. coffee
2pkt equal
1oz. FF french vanilla nondairy creamer - 50

Total Calories 1,220

I did crunches and jumping jacks and have been drinking water all day. I think I may get in a little more exercise and make sure that I drink all 64 oz. of water. That will make it a perfect day. *

153/153/117

*G* Jennalynn, next time I go camping I go with you. I do the one-pot suppers but you are managing to squeeze out a 10-course dinner.
I'm happy that you've had a good time and now it's back to business lady!
27 weeks till New Year's, say 15 weeks of
1 lb loss and 12 weeks of 2, that totals
39 lbs. 40 lbs to make it a round number.
You can do that! I believe you can; do you believe it?
Thanks for the recipe, I will try it on the weekend. I was reading it and thought: wow, that is a lot. I still like to eat a lot, think my stomach hasn't quite shrunk yet. And then I saw the little lettering on the bottom, makes 4 servings.
But it sounds great and I will definitely try it; I bet my kids will love it.
Here's to a great day O/P tomorrow.
Be strong!

Noenoe

Hah, just noticed that you don't even need 40 lbs to get to goal.
Now it is even more do-able. <IMG SRC="smilies/cool.gif" border="0">


Noenoe

Today I will make a list of all negative emotions that lead me to binge eating, to find alternative ways of coping with life stresses.

Today I will manage my food intake, and keep my calories within reasonable limits.

Today I will make a specific exercise plan/goals for the week.

Today I will stay on my plan, and drink all my water.

Today I will take pride in all that I've learned from my struggles the past 6 months, and use it as a learning experience to now take the next steps toward losing the weight.

Today I will take control and do what is required of myself.

I will focus mainly on today.

153/152.5/117 :peace:

Oh, I love this last post, Jennalynn! Great attitude!! GO JENNALYNN!!!!!!!!