Here’s the new thread for boot camp. April 1st begins the 2nd quarter of boot camp. So many of you have seen such wonderful success and others have struggled but are still trying. I congratulate all of you for where you have gotten on your journey and my hope for you is that this second quarter and beyond will bring you closer to your goal weight. In the meantime, we all learning to be healthier people.

Ahh, Jo, you’re a snowbird! It’s so good that your cat can travel with you. I have a snowbird client who leaves her cat here with me at my house for three months (cat does just fine and I love having him here). Hope you have a safe trip home and will find good tenants to rent your Texas home.

Oh Nebraska, I wish you luck on getting your thyroid evened out. Isn’t high or low (I don’t know which) a contributing factor in weight problems? Maybe that’s why you haven’t lost (but I know you’re much healthier!). So glad your regular doc has increased the dose.

Blanche, I bet you’re looking into the benefits of eloping right about now! I’m praying for your major accomplishment this weekend.

Hi my sweet buddy, Jean. I’m so glad that “as soon as I wrote out my problems here at BC, my problems seemed easier to deal with and I kept coming back to try again.” No need to be embarrassed. We’ve all been in the same boat at one time or another, that’s why we understand. I’m soooo glad you’re going to be a little easier on yourself this time and I LOVE what you said, “I will talk to myself for the next 14 days and get to the bottom of my fascination with food, especially sweet food. I just want food to be food ... a natural and pleasant part of each day.” We all want that. I wish you much success.

Hey Heather, CONGRATULATIONS on your new job. I know it’s not what you dreamed of, but I’m sure it will help having a job right now. Your degree sounds fascinating, and I hope one day soon you will be able to find a job in your chosen field.

And…yay me! No, nothing food related, but I DID finish my taxes!!! Man, that’s been like an albatross around my neck and now it’s DONE! Plus I’m getting a big refund, which will be slightly more than I needed to pay off my credit cards. I’m on a mission to get out of debt, get six months of money saved, and start seriously paying down on my house. I still don’t know what my future holds in store for me so far as my job is concerned but I want all my ducks in a row as much as possible before September, which is when my contract is up.

Have a good weekend, everyone, and may this second quarter be a good one for all of us! Sue

Hello :wave:
I am officially starting Phase 6 tomorrow. I wanted to do it today but my stress level at work was sky high and I came no where close to sticking with any goals. I did manage to avoid the retirement cake and punch that was brought in for a coworker this afternoon. So call it a rephase if you like but I will back at Phase 6 Day 1 in the morning.
I haven't even posted goals yet anyway. I am just being lazy! I ate horribly when I was home for my sisters surgery and although things are much better being at my own home again and back into "my routine" I am sure I gained a few pounds during those 4 days away! I will think about weighing in on Sunday again if I am feeling brave... :rofl:

Going to bed real soon......my legs feel like they have been crushed today....time for some Ibuprofen and a nice warm comforter.


Blessings:spring:


Vickie:pass:

Hello bootcampers ...

Sue, that's no small accomplishment finishing your taxes ... and getting a sizable refund as well. Good for you. Good for you too Vickie starting Phase 6. I'm sorry your job is so hard on you ... but to avoid party food at work ... you are my hero! There was food all over our offices where I worked not to mention the lunches we brought in. What were we thinking? Good luck tomorrow starting a brand new phase ... you can do it.

Congratulations Hnyack on your job! I'm glad this will help out your budget ... when that's a problem everything's a problem. I hope someday you get a job in your field ... and don't doubt it for a minute ... those kids of yours are proud of you!

Thank you all for your support as I once again begin Phase One. I did drink my 8 glasses of water today and I didn't have any diet coke! I chose my food thoughtfully and recorded everything on FitDay ... I've decided to go back to doing that. I had more real jello today and some caramel candies I PURPOSELY BOUGHT AT THE STORE TODAY. Sugar may not be my enemy after all ... it's a new theory I'm testing. We shall see.

I wish us all great progress and success as we enter this new quarter of the year.

Good morning everyone....
Thanks Sue for getting our new thread started. I'm doing a re-do again with Phase 3. I have been really having a tough time getting my exercise time in, even at 5 days. I have been in a foul mood and it's not all weight related. Some days I am just an idiot.
Yesterday was one..my boss got mad at me, tho he did come back and apologize...I was angry most of the day, being resentful and a bit "w"itchy.
I'm better today..it's the weekend, no one will be underfoot today and I will behave, take care of MY needs and adjust my attitude to one resembling a calm, quiet, respectful, peaceful GROWN woman.

Congrats to all of you...whereever you find yourself today...lay claim to this day as yours. Take good care of you....I will as well..and plan to have a great weekend.

Bren: Day 1 Phase 3

Hi guys. I found myself thinking about you last night and realized I often do that. You guys have become friends and part of my life.

Anyhow, one of the people I was thinking about last night was you, Heather, and I thought that your new job really actually IS in your field and is going to be good experience for you. I think the things you have learned in criminology, mediation, and social work will help you in understanding and dealing with the people who come into the store. Anywhere you have to deal with people will be an opportunity to take what you've learned and put it into practice.

I was thinking about you too, Jean, as I often do. I hope you will keep your focus on, "I will talk to myself for the next 14 days and get to the bottom of my fascination with food..." and that you will share with us regularly what you have learned. You're already doing that, one statement of which was, "I chose my food thoughtfully."

:ghug: to Bren and Vickie.

Hi everyone I/m back I have to do phase 4 over. :c( I feel sometimes will I ever get out of this phase? Well I weigh 199 pounds so that is execellant. I will start on Sunday April 3 - April 16 I have been in a blah state but I know it is time to get back on track. Good Luck everyone keep on losing. :D

CONGRATULATIONS, Leslie, on making it to ONEderland! Major accomplishment and something to be proud of. At the end of phase 4, you'll be down at least another pound or two! Keep going, girl.

For those of you who don't know, Beth's grandaughter made her entrance into this world: http://www.poems-com.com/matty.html (http://www.poems-com.com/matty.html) . Thank you all for the support and prayers you showed to Beth. You can congratulate her in her journal: http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46126 (http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46126) .

Grabbin' (((HUGS)))..... Thanks Sue!

I had a good day yesterday at work. Stayed very busy, but managed to get about an hour to myself. My friend came by and brought lunch. A nice Chef's salad and bread sticks. I plan to have it again for lunch today......minus the stix.
I'm getting laundry done.YAY....my most dreaded chore other than ironing. I woke up at 1:00 AM..changed my clocks...almost forgot..couldn't go back to sleep so am up "working". I may snatch a nap before Church.

Heather..I hope your new job is going well and you like it. I never thought of myself as a people person....but have come a long way since working at the office. You have the skills and education to do great things! Like Sue said..you will use some of those each day, dealing with folks.

Howdy do...Jo, Nebraska, Beth..........Blanche..FG.....all our campers. I wish you all the best....today and in the days ahead. We have work to do! I need a trip to the "tool shed" and a plan of action.
OK..and a NAP! I'm running down! I'll see ya'll here later!
Bren

I finished phase 4!!! THe end was a bit ragged, but I kind of squeeked by. I fought and stayed on track for the beginning of my visitors, but I was not strong enough, and now I am off track. But I will do what we discussed before, and not stay down long. I will either start pahse 5 today or tomorrow. I don't want to start and fail, so I may just wait till tomorrow and start then, and have 2 off days. Not sure yet.

Jean - glad you are hanging in there! When I started phase 1, I had only 2 goals, and they were not ones that would result in weight loss (no sugar and no caffine) but it helped me to start with just a couple of changes at once. I find it too hard to make lots of changes at once. I am trying to do wight watchers diet, but even after all this time I don't do it all. I just add one or two new things behaviors each phase. But I suppose for each of us, we have to figure out what is right for ourselves, and your conversation with yourself sounds like a great idea!

Heather - I'm so happy for you that you got a job. I agree with Sue, sounds like all your training will come in handy! And it sounds like it will be nice to get out of the house and interact with people a bit during the day.

Everyone - I'm so glad we are all here together, supporting each other and continuing our journey. It is so hard to make long term changes, and I hope that together we can accomplish some great changes. Congratulations all on making it through the first quarter without giving up and good luck on quarter two.

Now for my quarterly update. This was a very good quarter for me. I tend to focus on the day to day struggles, so it is good to look back and realize that I have made some very good progress.

I got sugar and caffine under control. I still have some amounts of them, but they are not controlling me, I am no longer unbearably tired without caffine, or governed by sugar mood swings and headcahes from over or under medicating myself with sugar and caffine. I will work to maintain this. For now, I am not going to try to be perfect and never have sugar and caffine; right now I think the limited amounts I am having are not too adversely affecting my health.

I got into a consistent pattern of exercising and very gradually increased my exercise, and I am able to move around much better (like can walk up the steps in the house without problem) and am not constantly getting injured anymore. Overall, I still need much improvement in this area, and I will continue to work on it.

I made some healthy changes to my eating habits, though I still have a lot more work to do in this area.

I started taking better care of my body, properly handling some teeth/gumb problems I have. I have more work to do here too, I gave up on my appearance some time ago, but I will work in this area too.

Although there were a number of bad days, overall, I was much more consistent that I ever was in the past. I had 0 off days in January, 4 off/bad days in February, and 8 off/bad days in March. March had more bad/off days that I would like, but overall, for the first quarter, there were 12 off/bad days and 78 good days. I am pleased with these overall numbers - 87% of the time I managed to stick to my plan. Even though much of the time I was struggling with it, I did this. I will continue to struggle and fight to achieve as much consistency as I can.

Finally, I lost 17 pounds during the quarter!!!! My loss was very uneven, sometimes over the short term I was up, and sometimes when I thought I should be down more I wasn't, and sometimes I was down when I didn't expect it. Which makes me start to feel more sure of my new focus on the longer term.

Thanks to all of you for supporting me during this journey! There were many moments when I felt like giving up, and reading a word or two of support, or reading about your similar difficulties and not feeling so alone on this journey, made the difference. I am proud of all of us for being so strong and committed, I think it takes a lot of strength to acknowledge these difficulties, face them, think about change, and begin to make some small inroads to change. THANKS!!!

Phase 5 Day 7 -- hanging in there. I have come down with the respiratory crud that has been going around at work. I am not really really really sick, just nose blowing and coughing with a little difficulty breathing :crazy: ; and tired and thirsty. No problem with getting my ounces of water consumed today!! :water: I can't seem to get enough! I took a nap yesterday and will take one again today, it is a blessing to have a couple of days off to get well.

Sue, thanks for posting the news about Matty. I looked at the pictures and posted to Beth's journal. I don't often wander far beyond boot camp, so I would have missed this if you hadn't posted the links.

Blanche, I am so proud of you for finishing phase 4!!!! :party: Phase 4 was my hardest phase, it seems to be difficult for many of us; and you finished under some difficult conditions! :ribbon:

Is anyone else going to post to the life balance thread for the special challenge? I have posted my first two sections and I think I have the rest of the challenge completed, but I am feeling a little naked and alone over there in that thread. :sigh: It has been an amazing exercise for me, I found out a lot of things about myself and what I want that I really didn't know before.

Well, I had a bad day today. My family really thows me way off. They are emotionally very difficult for me. But I am determined to start phase 5 tomorrow. I am telling myself if I start tomorrow and get right back up, these 2 days will probably not have much of an affect.

Nebraksa - hope you feel better soon. I think the challenge sounds great, but I have been so busy I have not had much time to think about it. I will try to think about it some. For what it is worth, my two cents are that if you are comfortable posting, that's great, but if you are uncomfortable posting, I think that thinking about it for yourself should be enough.

Ironing? What’s that? I’m right behind you in the line forming at the toolshed, Bren. Gotta whip these butts into shape.

Congrats, Blanche on finishing Phase 4 and best wishes to you on Phase 5. I hope your second quarter will be as successful as your first one. You really made some major accomplishments. I loved how you broke everything down. This is a good challenge. Does anyone else want to make a quarterly review? By the way, I can’t remember who came up with this challenge (Bren maybe?), but if anyone has any ideas for challenges, feel free to post them at any time. I think these are part of our success, keeps things fresh, keeps us thinking. WE are boot camp.

Re: the Life Balance challenge, by all means, post if you feel comfortable but don’t post publicly if you don’t. This was a deep, somewhat personal challenge and those who were able to really think about it I believe benefited from it. I’ve been avoiding it somewhat myself, mostly a time factor but for other reasons as well. However, it is something I personally need to do so I think I will work on it now.

I hope you feel better soon, Nebraska. I think most of you know that Beth is the one who actually started boot camp so any continuing prayers for her and her new granddaughter will be appreciated. Matty will be tested today for spina bifida. Please keep that pink bundle of joy in your prayers. Updates will be posted here: http://www.diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45733 (http://www.diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45733)

ALL Matty's Test Came Back GREAT !!!!!!!!!!!!! - She is 100% Healthy !!!! :D

Everything checked out fine - and they are going home this afternoon.

Your prayers and support has meant so very much to me & my family and with all my heart I thank each and every one of you :ghug:

Beth :peace:

Phase 5 Day 8

Hooray, Beth!!!!!! I am so glad everything has turned out good with Matty. :D Will they still be watching for that infection to show up over the next few months or is she absolutely out of the woods by now? I am thrilled with this great news. :cheer: You must be so relieved (and exhausted). Thanks again for keeping us informed and for sharing those precious family photos with us. :hug:

Sue and Blanche, I have posted just some final thoughts in the life balance challenge thread. I will print the rest of my more private thoughts and goals for my journal and work through them in the weeks and months ahead. Thanks for understanding that some of it was a little more personal than I was comfortable sharing. I printed out the questions and carried them with me in my purse. Over the course of several lunch breaks, I jotted notes and thoughts and finally was able to finish by working on the challenge in small segments. I was surprised to find that my biggest wishes are just to be content where I am and to build a stronger relationship with my family.

I feel somewhat better today. Of course, I am not at work and have been taking things slow and easy and that helps. Someone asked me today if I was "taking something for" the crud I have and I replied "I am taking vegetables, fruits, lots of water, and naps." :)

Today was weigh and measure day for me at Curves. I have lost only about 1.5 pounds total, but there is a difference in the inches in several areas. The biggest thing is that when I joined Curves the end of October I was 45.4 per cent body fat and today I am 43.1 per cent body fat. Regardless of total pounds lost, I think this is an amazing achievement and I am really happy with that. :D Obviously, I have replaced some pounds of fat with pounds of muscle. Perhaps with my thyroid medicine being adjusted, I will be able to lose some total pounds as well.

Congrats Beth!!! I am so happy to hear your good news!

Just have time for a quick note tonight, but I did complete day 1 of phase 5. Most of the family are gone now, and the rest will be gone tomorrow, so hopefuly things will calm down a bit and I can focus more on my goals.

Congratulations, Bren, on your loss of pounds, inches, and body fat! That's truly terrific and every little bit is to be commended.

Whew, Blanche, I'll bet you'll be glad when tomorrow's over. It'll be nice to get back to your routine.

There's a birthday party going on over in Beth's journal tonight through tomorrow night. Beth is celebrating her 43rd birthday tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5). She's a wonderful beautiful person and has been a good friend to so many of us. Stop in at http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46126 (http://diettalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46126) to wish her a wonderful, glorious day! Happy birthday, Beth!

Good morning Campers!!
WOW..Blanche what a GOOD report.....17 pounds down, habits changing for the better and knocking on Phase 5's door! YAY! I may linger in phase 3 'till my Birthday if I don't get my hiney in gear. I got so depressed when I started feeling crappy and GAINING....that I went into hibernation........and have been grumpy and mean!

Sue! Thanks so much for meeting me at the Tool Shed! We were at the head of the line! I have an armload of things to use, got my whipping out of the way and am BACK on Track! I will not let this little set-back knock me out. I may come in 47th, but I'm still in the race!

Nebraska...I hope you feel better quickly! I'm stealing a couple of your ideas....the printing out of the questions and taking notes..I'd done mine and now can't "find" it.....I have TOO much paper stuff in my place! That's Still on my list of things to tame!
And...the fruits/veggies/water and naps regimine. I think I've had maybe four servings of veggies in 5 days.

I've gotta get ready for my Doc's appt. in a bit and am spot cleaning today, while pages load......it's amazing what can be done in two minute increments! Hey..Like EXERCISE!
I am SO ready to be outside and the wind is still fairly howling most days. :c(

Have a blessed day everyone! I'm dancing at Beth's BD party..I'll use any excuse.....
I'll c-yuns later!....Bren day 4 Phase 3....round 6 or so

Hi Bren. I was thinking on the way home tonight that willpower alone just isn't going to cut it for me, at least not in the long-term, although willpower is a part of it, certainly. That I had to change from the inside, to make what I really want such a deep part of me that it's the way I think, the way I feel, what controls my actions. I was thinking that in the whole scheme of things, is food "really" so important that I'm willing to risk my health and peace for it. Aren't there more important things? What did I really want? Deep questions, for sure and certainly not figured out, but I do know I don't want my life defined by food and my lack of control over it. It is my goal that when I cross that finish line that food will be something I eat to sustain my body, something that is GOOD for my body, and something I enjoy, but that's all; that I will know what the important things are and will take major steps toward embracing those and making them (and allowing them to be made) part of who I am.

I know what that hybernation mode is. I've been going in an out of it for two months now. Hybernation's not all bad though. If I didn't rest a little when it got cold out, I couldn't build back up my strength, I couldn't pause to think and grow. I just need to not be sleeping in the middle of summer while there's work to be done. I can't keep running for shelter at every cool breeze that comes my way. I need to work on being strong so that when those breezes come they don't knock me over.

Attitude is everything. It makes all the difference in the world in my own journey. Too often I allow myself to be shaken and the big bad attitude comes and it can be hard to shake it. Now that I understand the concept of a good attitude a little better, I'm going to strive to have it more often.

You have a fresh way of dealing with things and you are a true fighter. You DO want this and you're going to keep reaching for what you want too. You are a gifted encourager. How did the doctor's visit go? And, hey, don't fret if you can't find your challenge paper. When you wrote down your thoughts, they were written in your heart. I've started working on mine too. Sue

Phase 5 Day 9 I think I am going to make it through this time! Maybe.

Sue, I agree with you that 'willpower' isn't the answer. I don't think most of my eating/drinking issues are about food at all, it is about underlying emotional stuff. I have Dr. Phil's daily calendar for this year, and so far I think two days had a message about food (the advice to eat one citrus fruit each day and one advising us to use the divided plate plan) and one day had a message about bodies (the list of diseases apple types are more prone to) and, if memory serves me right, every message besides those two has been focused on issues of thoughts and emotions and personal inner growth. I have been amazed to see how little of the daily calendar has focused on "diet" or "exercise".

I did all the Dr. Phil written checklists about a year ago, I should do them again now and see how my answers compare. I know I have made some changes.

I had a sort of breakthrough today. I went to lunch at a buffet with a friend. Buffets can be such a trap! But we paused a while between each plateful of food and I made my choices carefully. I did eat a little more than I thought I would, but I was surprised after I left the restaurant to realize that I felt light and comfortable and satisfied, not overstuffed and miserable. I had concentrated on vegetables and fruits in my choices, with just one or two other things added for variety. Even though there were sauces and dressings on the food, the smaller portions and my choices of fruits and vegetables served me well. :) Perhaps there is hope for me.

It is very quiet here the last couple of days. I miss you guys.

Sue - I liked what you said about learning not to make food the center of your life. I need to do this too.

I am completely off again. My family has lots of emotional issues, I have to find a way to see them and not go off track. I almost got back on, I withstood some sugar headaches, but then I gave in and ate a bunch of ice cream - too much! I realize I will have to go through three days of headaches now to get the sugar out of me and get over the headaches - during which time I will not be able to stay on track. So my goal for now is to start tomorrow and get off sugar and caffine, and then on Sat restart phase 5. SIGH...I am trying not to get too down about this and to tell myself if I am good for the rest of the quarter it will be ok.

I am concerned that I am getting more sensative to sugar. I don't remember getting these bad headaches so easily before. I did et sugar a couple days in a row, but not huge amounts. I am afraid of diabetes as most of my relatives have it already. But I try to tell myself don't get down, just pick up and do the best I can from here.

But I am quite dihearened. Sorry to be so negative, hopefully I'll find a way back to what I was doing - I was feeling better when I stayed on track.

(((HUGS))) to all.........me TOO!
Thanks so much Sue! I appreciate so much, the encouragement and support...and the hugs! AND......your input/ideas! You never know how much it helps us! Yep, I'm thinking you're right..about my answers being in my heart......and in evaluating myself, I didn't think of my size........as being part of who I am........it's not all I am.

OK....Doc's ideas: wants to put me on Zocor.....for the cholesterol...NOT happening from a financial standpoint.......she did change my BP meds and wants me to wean off the lisinopril, along with the new stuff...metoprolol.....1/2 tablet AM, 1/2 PM.
I told her I wanted to lose weight and get in shape and I HONESTLY hadn't TRIED before..so she gives me the eye..and says she'll give me 6 months and wants to re-test. She suggested the Sugar-Buster's diet plan, so I picked it up at the Library.
She also said to walk every day......that I CAN do......so today I will focus on what I can do to get myself in order!

Nebraska........let's go on a snipe hunt! We have several folks in the woods and yes it's too quiet here! LOL!

Hey Blanche..hang on girl! Breathe in peace/calm/quiet.......breathe out stress/frustration/strife..........take a day at a time and ice cream still doesn't fix things does it? I've tried to use it this week too!

I cooked some fresh black-eye peas yesterday...OH SO GOOD! I popped some bacon in 'em and two whole jalapenos. Had some last night with salsa..oh yum! The salsa has enough salt that they're just right!

Gonna boogy.....get some work done around here. Have a blessed day everyone!
Keep the fire going today! I'll bring weenies.......shhh!

Bren Day 5 Phase 3...

Hi fellow bootcampers ...

Bren you're right ... it has been quiet around here. You, Nebraska and Blanche have been holding the fort ... with Sue holding the flag! Still, the place feels good.

I'm here to report that I'm drinking my 8 glasses of water every day and yesterday I took my outdoor walk for the week ... I took the children with me so we were more like a parade ... the baby in her stroller and her brother leading the way. That one very tiny walk knocked me for a loop ... I fell asleep in the chair in the TV room after dinner. Then I couldn't fall asleep when I went to bed. I hate when that happens!

I'll be back to check in again over the weekend even though I read our thread every day. Bren you are a real trooper ... you inspire me with your cheerful upbeat attitude. Thanks for all that you share at bootcamp ... I hear you. Blanche I'm sorry that you already have "wedding day stress" ... weddings bring out all our emotions and some of them aren't pretty. Try to remember that this is YOUR DAY. Nebraska you sound like you're making some real progress ... I like how you wrestled with our latest challenge. Good luck finishing Phase 5 ... I know you will do it.

Bye for now. :crazy:

Yeah, it gets quiet here sometimes, but that’s okay. BC members and visitors are viewing the main thread an average of almost 25 a day, just choosing not to post at the time, but they are coming for inspiration, support and encouragement and I believe they are getting it here. Challenges don’t work for everyone. Whether we get 1 or 25 posts a day doesn’t matter, the ones who are reading and/or posting are being spurred on and that’s what’s important. All I know is that we have a WONDERFUL group here and each one of us is progressing in his/her own way. However, if any of you are concerned about someone in particular, it’s always a blessing (to both the reader and writer) to send a PM to that person. Sometimes it’s just what is needed.

Jean, that’s GREAT about your water and walking. I can just picture your little parade. :-) The next time will be a little easier and the next time easier still. Soon you (and Bren) will be walking with the energy of Demetri. Thanks for all the encouragement and wisdom you bring to this group.

Bren, glad you’re being weaned off some of your meds. Don’t be shy about asking the doc for samples (or even calling or writing to the company directly if you need the meds but can’t afford them). What’s the Sugar-Buster plan like? My doc recommended the Zone but I do my own thing—low fat, low cholesterol, low sodium, low sugar, exercising, etc. When I was eating right, all my numbers (cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure) dropped significantly and were in the normal range within just a couple months (they were dangerously high beforehand).

Blanche, sorry about your sugar sensitivity but if it wasn’t for the headaches, you’d think it was okay to eat that. The desire to avoid the pain keeps you eating right. And don’t forget, no one’s perfect, we all have good days and bad. DO YOUR DARNEST not to let this all get you down. Consciously do whatever it takes to not allow yourself to start to sink into a depression. This is NOT to discourage you from sharing when you are disheartened. We need to be honest and share, it helps us to do that and I want everyone to be free to be who they are and not just put on a happy face when they come to boot camp because that’s not real or helpful, we just can’t allow ourselves to be sucked into that feeling (cuz once we’re there, it can last too long and it’s harder to pull ourselves out). I’m not speaking to you directly, just talking in a general sense.

Nebraska, Dr. Phil seems right up my alley. I read his 7 Steps book and I tell others it changed my life and it did. Where can I get one of those calendars? It sounds very very helpful. Would you be willing to share what he says with us once in a while? And CONGRATULATIONS on doing so well at the buffet! That’s terrific!

Thanks guys! I'm trying not to get too down, and to focus on how much better I felt phsyically and emotionally when I was on track and that in two more days I can get on track again and that just a few days or a week after that I can probably start to feel better again. But it is hard - I don't want to let myself get so depressed that I give up. I will try to stay as positive as I can.

I got through today without any sugar or caffine, and only two juices.

Phase 5 Day 10

Sue, thanks for the reassurance that many people are still reading the posts and that boot camp is going strong. This is the first thing that has worked for me in ages -- so many good things have happened to me since I started bootcamp -- and I am terrified it will go away! Although I know I could continue to make changes and keep daily check lists and things, I just don't know if I would get very far without the companionship and accountability of this group!

The Ultimate Weight Solution calendar is available on Amazon.com and is really cheap from new and used dealer sources since it is so late in the year. It is one of those little daily calendars that stands on an easel and you tear a sheet off each day. The messages on the calendar have been a sentence of two taken directly from Dr. Phil's 7 Keys book. I have been using them as a starting point to journal a paragraph or two every day. Journaling is a wonderful tool for me, sometimes I am shocked to see what comes out of the end of my pen without my knowledge! Today's message was about drinking water, but earlier messages this week were about things like fence sitting.

Well, this day is almost finished, allergies are going strong but I seem to be over the "crud" that I was having on top of that. Not going to take chances, I am going to go to bed early.

Fence sitting.......hmm......we don't DO that, do we?
Sue, you're right.......many or few, we're here and in for the long haul. I'm glad to see you all here and this helps me stay on track. You're a terrific group and I'm blessed to be a part of it!

YAY......I'm down 4.5 pounds since Tuesday. It's fluid, but I'll take it! I was really sick for about 5 hours yesterday tho so hey guess what?? No PM grazing!! I'll take that as a wake up call and pare down servings as well as make better choices the rest of this month. I will do up my food list..shop for veggies and fish, get my menus done up.
I was so glad to feel better last night, stayed up 'till 11:00...rested well and am ready for a new day...

Hey sweet Jean....I can just see your parade! Good for you on getting out! The wind has been 30-35 MPH here the last two days so I hung out at home, other than my Doc's appt/Library run on Tuesday. Today it's back to work. I look forward to getting outside when I can! Yay! Getting your water in regularly! That's good!

Blanche...I'd gotten off sugar for about 6 weeks and then when I got into it again.....it was a real monster......the cravings came back again full force. I am getting OFF again and it usually takes about two weeks for me to feel ok without it. You've done very well in handling your "monsters"! Hang tight!

Nebraska.......I'm so glad you are feeling better. The allergies can knock ya on your butt and to have that flu like bug going around as well....EEEK! Take really good care of you today!

Hey Sue!.....I re-read what you said about the will-power issue. I know so well when I rely on it, it wanes depending on what mood I'm in and the commercials on TV......The Food Channel can get me wanting donuts when I haven't thought of donuts in 6 months........so we DO need backup! I can do up a great plan but if I lose it like my grocery list, then I'm not "following" it! I will DO better to GET better and FEEL better....

Thanks all, for showing up and sharing a part of yourself and your life here! Have a blessed day......I've gotta boogy or be late for work!
Love and hugs to all...Bren

Starting phase 5 day 12, doing ok. Still pretty congested, drinking lots and lots of water with this allergy/respiratory stuff. otherwise, doing well. There are still elements of this phase that are difficult for me while other things already have become habit. I need to start thinking about goals just in case I make it through these last three days. 8-|

I am looking at this week as a short break. I did well for 3 months, and now this week is not good. I will restart phase 5 tomorrow. I think that key for me now is to stay positive. I am up more wieght than I can probably lose a a day or two or three, but even if I have to relose it, I can still be down for the quarter, and maybe the month. I remeber a post from a while ago of someone who said she lost 25 lbs a yr. for three years, an on average that was only a couple of pounds a month, but a total of 75 pounds. I have to remember this is for the long haul and not get down and quit. But it is frustrating as some of my health concerns that I thought I was over have come back. SIGH.

I agree that it has gotten pretty quite in here! If there are people reading this who are participating in boot camp, or who would like to, it would be very nice to hear from you! What phases are people in and how are they doing? It is a new quarter and a good time to make a fresh start.

Nebraska - I've been having the same concern about everyone leaving. I think part of what helps is how everyone is so open and honest about how they feel, and also accountability - if I know that I have to come here and fess up, lots of times it stops me from going off track.

Good morning crew!

Hope all is well on the various home fronts. I'm holding down the fort here at my place.
I had a good day yesterday..plan wise and otherwise. I got a much needed attitude adjustment. I've been a brat for three weeks and acknowledgd to my co-worker I was in need of an adjustment as my behavior was unacceptable...to ME! I know part of it is frustrations over health, finances and my own trouble making stinkin' thinkin'. BUT..today is a new day and I go into it gladly, with a lighter heart and quieter spirit.
I can and WILL exercise control over my mouth today.

Sue: the Sugar busters is similar to other plans that knock off the white stuff: sugar, pasta, potatoes, bread. I can have whole grains: oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes,
WG breads...which I already use. The WG pasta....not yet! When I do have pasta, I'll use what I have for now. I've found I can cut down on the amount by cooking only enough for one meal. There's none left to call my name afterwards!
The only "trouble" I saw....see......seesaw.....is, if she wants to get my cholesterol down......why a plan that promotes animal protein and yummy EGGS?.......I'm ok with that and am a firm believer in portion control...just don't always practice it!
BUT....have now had two days without the PM binge thing going on and I actually did some work after dinner last night! I ate just what I wanted and no more, got enough of everything in but dairy, so I'm happy. SB says it will lower cholesterol.....I get lost deciphering WHY..somethin' about the liver and insulin and stuff......so I'll use it sorta kinda! LOL!

DING...time's up...gotta prepare for work. Have a great day everyone....I'll be back!
Bren:
Day 7 Phase 3

Week one Report: of Second Quarter

Water: @ least 60 oz every day..yay!
Exercise: 26,000 steps! YAY..13 miles....EOP.......barely squeaking by but am improving. 60 minutes for week one.
Avoid eating after 7: Almost a habit......still needs tweaking! Eating at the table helps, as does having what I want/need
Other: Collected and gave away: 2 bags of stuff.......will continue with thie project until I'm happy with results!

Hi boot campers!

I ate sugar again today - grrrrrr! But I am determined to restart phase 5 again tomorrow and get through it!

Phase 5 Day 13 I am a little nervous about today. After I get off work at noon today a friend and I are going out of town for a rubber stamp convention. It is just for the afternoon, but we will be catching lunch in my car. I am worried about getting all my vegetable servings in for the day. I sure don't want to re-phase now! Maybe I can find a way to sneak in one more vegetable for breakfast this morning -- I usually have a tortilla wrap with fresh spinach for breakfast. Or maybe I can make some carrot sticks to munch while I am driving.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Good plan Nebraska! I've done that with a V-8 before...for an extra veggie. Planning ahead will help you get through! Hope yesterday was a great one and you sqeezed the veggies in.

Hiya Blanche! Dig in your heals today..make it yours. I hope the weekend brings good rest and peace within.

Wishing all of you a blessed day and strength for the journey...whatever direction your takes you.
I'm off to work in a few minutes........the weekend slipped up so quickly it seems!
I need to get my breakfast and lunch prepared so better hop to.

Bren.....Day8 Phase3

Hi Blanche. I think you are doing terrific. You have already lost 18 pounds! Weight loss is not always steady progress, but it’s progress nonetheless. I am amazed just how quickly the weight and health problems come back if we’re not totally serious most if not all of the time. This is serious business we’re in. Let’s keep going and feeling and looking good and healthy.

Hi Nebraska. Your dedication with your veggies is wonderful. I hope you had a good time at the rubber stamping convention. That’s a wonderful idea about using the Dr. Phil calendar as a starting point to journaling. Does everyone on here have their own journal (either online or a personal one)? If not, I STRONGLY encourage you to do so, or feel free to use BC as your journal (that would be more than fine).

Hi Bren. I’m sorry you were sick, but glad it helped you not to PM graze/binge! 4.5 pounds down? Water weight or not, that’s fabulous and encouraging. You are doing absolutely terrific with your water and exercise. Love your weekly reports. I read something about exercising the other day, about how when we don’t exercise, our energy (not the motion stuff, the spiritual energy) kinda gets all bottled up inside and stagnates. When we DO exercise, we let fresh energy in and the old stuff goes out.

I assure you all right here and now that I will be the LAST one to leave boot camp. EVERY one else would have to leave first. If there is still at least one person here, boot camp will continue, but that’s not going to happen so don’t let it be a concern. When I agreed to be moderator, I took the responsibility seriously. Sometimes, not even I’m in here every day, but sometimes I just can’t (almost always due to time factors). It comforts me to know that you guys just encourage and gain strength from each other.

I am doing great. Haven’t binged now for, ummm, 5 days I think. I overate one or two times, but mostly it’s been eat when hungry, stop when full. I’m losing the weight I gained but still have a long way to go, but that’s okay. My way of thinking has changed and I hope and pray I will stay with this new way of thinking because it’s definitely working for me. Have a good day everyone, Sue

I got through today, and completed day 1 of phase 5. It was a struggle - I really wanted to eat more - I was telling myself, well if I go over, I can make it up by eating less tomorrow, and be ok for the week. But that is why I kept messing up before - I can't go over so much in the beginning of the week that finishing out the week is impossible. I have to use the flexibility when I really need it, like a safety valve, to let off some pressure when it is unbearable, not to go over just because I feel like it.

This is my long-winded way of getting around to saying that I realize I have become much less dedicated than I was in the beginning. In the beginning I would go to sleep very early rather than stay up and risk eating, I did all sorts of things to distract myself from eating. I have been slipping back to old habits. It is really hard to stay motivated. But I have to find a way to do it. I am in danger of slipping back to old ways - maybe I need to thing about my health issues andhow down I felt before - that is what motivated me to start.

Sue - Thanks for the encouragement and your dedication and commitment to us! It means so much to me that you are there. You too Nebraska and Bren, thanks for the encouragement. I hope we all stay here for each other. This was really working for me, and I am going to try to get back on track now.

Going to sleep hungry now,
Blanch

I read this thread every day often more than once ... and after hearing some of you worrying about whether this challenge will survive, I wanted to write and tell you that I'm in this challenge for good. I'm even thinking about next year when we get our new wave of recruits! Or maybe we'll get a bumper crop after the summer ... whatever. Sue said she's staying even if there's only one other person here ... so if nothing else ... lol ... Sue and I will be here talking to each other.

This losing weight business is hard. First there's the biology of things ... each day we get older and our metabolism slows down another notch. Then there's every day life ... we all have personal concerns that can turn any fine day into trouble and our diet into a disaster.

We want to eat better, look better, and be healthier, but even with the best of intentions, we seem to trip and fall regularly. So what can we do?

Well, boot camp is a perfect tool. Here we make goals and then try to meet those goals for two weeks at a time. It's an opportunity to watch ourselves as we ACT ... we become aware of where things are working and where they're not. Then we make adjustments to our ACTIONS and try again. By doing this over and over again ... if we are sincere ... we will eventually "get it" ... we will see what's holding us back. THEN we will make further adjustments, try again, and finally succeed.

Our comfort is the fact that no one ever did anything successfully the first time they tried. Famous writers filled notebooks with practice writing before they wrote a "masterpiece" ... painters had to learn to draw basic forms and how to work with different tools ... the first time a famous musician played his or her instrument, they only made noise.

I follow figure skating as a sport and you may know a move some of the pro skaters do on the ice ... a backward flip in the air landing back on their skates. Scott Hamilton did these back flips frequently in his routines and an interviewer asked him how did he ever learn to do them. Scott's answer stayed in my mind ... he said, "They are difficult to learn but easy to do." I think the same thing can be said about healthy eating. Think about it.

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday night. Talk to you again soon.

I just wanted to pop in and say "hi" to every one :wave:

You are all doing just :super: !!!!!

Beth :peace:

Hello everyone!
Hey Sue...you are a great Motivator as well as Moderator! I am so glad to see you here regularly. I am encouraged daily when I check in! All of you have something to share here and I am BIG on taking what I can use from others! LOL! Ideas etc. I've said before "why have an original idea.I'll just use yours!"

Yep..sweetjean.....learning and doing consistantly what needs to be done is a key factor. I know what certain foods do to my system, and somedays figure..ok let's see if it STILL does that! LOL! I'm just a rebellious brat some days. I WILL get this right...weight loss is a neccesity for me....as with a lot of others..due to health problems and risks. You'd think I'd have applied myself at 30 instead of waiting 'till I'm 52...but I didn't and now is a GOOD time to do so.

Blanche........you can get right back on track at any time! You've done a great job and yep..the habits are easier to pick up than change....but acknowledging what you're thinking and doing are the first steps to making a different choice! I need to do more of this myself! I've found myself in the tater bin after avoiding sugar. My body wants something and KNOWS..hey...a tater converts to sugar..let me have that!
And I want a LOT!.........so I have to do some re-training in my place in the week ahead!

Hiya Beth!! You're on our radar and we're thinking of you and your family. Hope all is well with your daughter and Matty.......hope when all is down to a dull roar, you can play catch up. Blessings to you and yours!

Hey Nebraska.......how are you this lovely Sunday? Hope all is well at your place too.
Mz Jo.......hope you're settled in at home again and back with us soon.

I'd better boogy 'fore I'm spotted and booted and I'd have to whine. Check out Jessica's thread...20 minutes 21 days..inspired me to re-evaluate my exercise schedule! Have a blessed day everyone...I will as well!
Bren Day 9 Phase 3

Phase 5 Day 14 -- I hope to finish this phase today. I REALLY struggled yesterday but ended up finishing my goals, although I had to do my 20 minutes of exercise in 5 minute increments. I stood outside with my family and visited in my son's front yard and sniffed up LOTS of oak tree pollen last night, all I really wanted to do was go to bed, but I decided to push through and not rephase and I made it, just by sheer will and luck :whip: , and walking in place for 5 minutes at a time and then resting.

Today is going to be a laid back kind of day, will do some laundry, some reading, some puttering, and maybe even some napping!

Sue and Beth, I appreciate boot camp so much! Thanks for starting this and keeping it going. Keep it up, Sue; it sounds like you are making progress.

Sweet Jean, your message has so much good stuff in it I know I will need to read it many times. I especially like the Scott Hamilton quote. He is a really inspirational man, from his start as a sickly child, to a champion on the ice, to his battle with cancer.He could certainly be a good role model for us. He seems to be so strong and have such a good attitude through all sorts of adversity.

Bren, as always, good to see your smiling face here. You add so much to my days with your messages, they always seem to spur me on, even when you are struggling.

Blanche, big hugs to you! :hug: The whole weight loss idea is really hard and I understand about being discouraged. I think we always start out gungho and filled with enthusiasm thinking this is the time when everything is going to work smoothly and quickly and then it turns out to be just another long uphill battle. I think the only way we can stick with this is to make small gradual changes in life style that we can live with permanently. For me, anyway, I have to look at long term lifestyle changes rather than a weight loss. FLYlady has helped me learn that small steady steps achieve great results if they are carried out consistently. Are you still under the influence of the recent family turmoil? make sure you get that out of your system before you attempt to do too much too fast. Maybe your energy needs to be directed to healing.

Today would be my beautiful daughter's 35the birthday if she had lived. She died in a traffic accident 9 1/2 years ago. Her death was a turning point in my life, I have grown and learned so much as I have learned to survive without her. 50 pounds of the weight I am carrying is from self-medicating my grief with food and alcohol the first three years after her death. It has taken me time to realize that wearing the extra weight as a badge of grief is foolish, and losing that weight doesn't mean I love her any less. Funny how our minds work sometimes, isn't it.

Everyone have a wonderful day!

I am really struggling again. I wish I took my own advise from last night - but I didn't. I ate too much and will have to work very hard to make it up during the week. I am determined (at least I hope I am) to get back on track, so although I am a bit down about all this now, I can at least say that I made it through day 2 of phase 5.

Thanks for all your kind and encouraging words - they keep my spirits from totally spiraling downwards. You had really good things for me to think about, Jean you said so many good things. I will have to reread your post. Bren - I find myself eating the breads and starches more too now that I cut back on suger. I'll have to address that in a later phase.

Sue and Jean - thanks for committing to stay here. I will make that committment too - so long as any are left in bootcamp I will stay.

Nebraska - Congrats on finishing phase 5!!! That's great!!! I'm truely sorry to hear about your daughter. I never know the right words to say, but I really feel for you.

Good morning campers.....
Mine came early, as I woke at 4:00 AM...and rested well for the first time in about a week..with no horrid nightmares! Thank God. I've had some rough ones..part is the new med.one of the "possible" side effects! OH FUN! BUT....I believe my big...I say BIG problem was the carbs at night. For any who have problems w/nightmares....consider your dinner. I'd not know this had I not read Potatoes NOT Prozac.......last year. Seems an over-do......boohoo taters :c( .bread, pasta and the like causes our poor brain to release too much of something...can't remember....selenium.....or somethin' that can cause nightmares! Yikes!
Last night I had none and Voila'........no nightmares and yep, I remembered to take my night dose of my med. Twice in 5 days! LOL!

Oh Nebraska.....many hugs to you sweetie. I too, am so sorry to hear of your daughter's death. Years don't matter....the grief of such loss lingers. I can understand the gaining weight during that period. We use what we have at hand to cope with losses. Mine have been the food too....big and small losses. Taking good care of you now will be a gift.....and you deserve it. You are an inspiration to many and I'm priveledged to be on your team!

I had a good day yesterday........tho I got sick at work. I was scared enough to "think" about calling 9-11.......locked the door for a few minutes and prayed instead.
I am 100% better this morning and am SO glad!

I'll be going to Mom's afetr work. She's giving me her 19" TV and buying a new one as the remote no longer works! LOL! I told her OH NO....changing channels manually..sounds like exercise! She wasn't impressed with my humor. I did get her to quit cussing during the remainder of our conversation tho. It no longer bothers me to ask her to stop it.......we can say all we need to without those words! I've gotten accustomed to my bit over the years!

I'd better boogy and get ready for work.have a blessed day everyone...I'll c'ya'll later!
Bren

Today I am between phases. I finished phase 5 yesterday but do not have my goals for phase 6 completely figured out yet. I am taking a day to shop and socialize with a friend, during the drive to and from our meeting place I should have time to think what I want to attempt in the next phase.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day today.

Hi all ... I am still hanging on; no losses, but still trying to behave. Been too busy and tired lately to do anything excersise wise. New job is very stressful, and realize it is not my kind of thing ... am contemplating quitting, as the stress is just not healthy.

Hi all. I need to keep this short. Yesterday, I slept most of the day and today I woke up feeling yukky too. Came home early from work and went straight to bed.

Seems like many of us are going through personal struggles. Let’s do what we can to not gain our comfort from food. Sometimes, I just hate food and my dependence on it. Why do we always resort back to harmful actions? We feel better, physically and emotionally, when we’re exercising and eating healthy. Let’s focus on that. Let’s focus on being good to ourselves. Let’s move out of and away from whatever tries to destroy our plans. Let’s be stronger than whatever tries to overtake our good intentions. And when we’re struggling, we know there are others who understand, who are going through the same things. We can gain strength from those who are conquering their demons, we can gain inspiration from the words and actions of others and apply what they have learned to our own lives. Hugs to each one of you.

Happy Birthday, Heather!!!

I came across this today and it helped me and thought it might help you guys too. "Love gives us energy to get through life. Loving your body helps, too. Nurture your body with exercise and you will find yourself able to be more loving towards others. Practice loving your body by carefully planning your meals days in advance. Be thoughtful about your upcoming meals as though you were wooing your own body to join you in a lifetime of happy adventures - because that's what you're faced with, and whether you make them happy or not is up to you!"

Thanks for the birthday wishes ... today was much better at work. Got problem solved from Saturday, so feel so much less stress. Computer at work had crashed, and spent half the day working without accounting software; then when I tried to make the books balance once i got the computer to co-operate, nothing would balance out. Stressed for nothing ... boss figured out the error easily, and all is now well. Laughed at me for getting so freaked out about it. She even snuck out and bought me flowers, both for my birthday, and to make me feel better for such a bad day last week.

Today I am making a vow to keep the cals under control ... told hubby no cake, and we are going out to dinner, my choice, so I have picked chinese.

Hi Campers,
It is with a heavy heart....no pun intended....that I must tell you that I am leaving bootcamp for awhile. I am having some problems with my heart again and cannot seem to keep up with everything. I realize that with my significant health problems I cannot afford to get to lax with the program so other things must go. I will continue to try to exercise and eat right. I will continue to try to lose some of this deadly fat! I am going to have to give up the overtime at work for awhile too....which I truthfully should have done weeks ago.
I will keep my journal here at Diettalk and will probably try to post in the Snow Angels forum at least once a week. And I may even pop in here to say hello from time to time. Hopefully, I will be back soon healthier than ever.
I am so proud to have been a part of the Bootcamp. You are all awesome people and I thank you for the opportunity to learn from you.
Stop in my journal whenever you can and say hello! And send some good thoughts and maybe a few prayers my way Thursday morning....I will be undergoing more tests on my heart.

I love you all!!!!!


Vickie:pass:

Vickilyn, good wishes for your improved health! I hope you are able to get good results with the tests and treatment -- of course you shouldn't be working all that overtime with your health problems!!!! I hope you will stop by here once in a while, I rarely stray further than bootcamp at Diettalk.com, so I would appreciate an ocassional update here.

Heather, happy birthday!!!!! I hope you enjoy your Chinese meal. I love Chinese food! In fact, I went to a Chinese restaurant myself today.

Sue, a few days ago the Dr. Phil Ultimate Weight Solution Calendar message said " Think about depirvation another way; by overeating you're depriving yourself of a healthy weight, an attractive appearance, self-regard, and peace of mind." As I was writing in my journal about that message I realized that almost all the things we hope to gain by exercising and eating right involve long term goals, rewards that come over time, later as it were. I wrote with regard to things like avoiding health problems WHEN do you truly notice and appreciate that you have NOT developed diabetes, or cancer, or some other disease. When it comes to weight loss, we are looking at a reward we expect in weeks or months. Chocolate is NOW. Gravy is NOW. The satisfaction we get from eating comfort foods, or eating until we are FULL, comes right now. I think part of the issue for me is developing the maturity to delay gratification, to learn to say no to fast and easy pleasure in exchange for a reward that may be several months away. That is a hard one for me, in the back of my mind I look at that piece of cake or that can of beer and I feel like if I don't consume it now I might never get another chance. I am not sure where that fear comes from. Anyway, for me a big part of it comes from learning how to say no to a quick and easy pleasure so that I can have a reward later that is worth more in the long run.

I haven't quite set all my phase 6 goals yet, but I think they may have to do with things that are not totally diet and exercise related. There are a lot of things in my daily life that are out of control and I think my overall mastery of myself and my weight loss life would be better if I also work on some of those other issues. Like the shower and make up goal in phase 5, which has been one of the hardest challenges of the phase for me, but has done a lot to help me feel good about myself and improve my ability to take better care of myself.

For tonight, I am enjoying being on leave.

Wow Sue - this was a great message that you posted before:

Let’s do what we can to not gain our comfort from food. Sometimes, I just hate food and my dependence on it. Why do we always resort back to harmful actions? We feel better, physically and emotionally, when we’re exercising and eating healthy. Let’s focus on that. Let’s focus on being good to ourselves. Let’s move out of and away from whatever tries to destroy our plans. Let’s be stronger than whatever tries to overtake our good intentions. And when we’re struggling, we know there are others who understand, who are going through the same things. We can gain strength from those who are conquering their demons, we can gain inspiration from the words and actions of others and apply what they have learned to our own lives.

I am going to save it. I hope you are feeling better.

It does seem like we are all dealing with things - I wish each of you the best, and hope that we can all stay strong and do what we need to take care of ourselves.

Vickie - I hope all turns out ok for you! Please do whatever you need to to take care of yourself, and come back to us when you are ready.

Heather - I remember you were so excited to get that job - maybe it was just a bad day and will get better if you hang in there - new jobs are always hard to get used to. But only you can know what is best for you to do - whatever you decide we are here for you. Congrats on no weight gain! I mean this sincerely, it is hard to stay the same, particularly with new stresses such as new job - usually if I am not actively dieting, I am slowly, or not so slowly gaining. So in my mind you are on the right path.

Nebraska - big applause on finishing phase 5 - good for you!!!

Bren - I knew sugar was evil for me - but never associated it withnightmares - will have to keep this in mind as another reason to avoid it

As for me, I completed day 3 of phase 5 today. I still struggling, and have used up much of my flexibilty for the week, and am very hungry again (but not over hungry on the verge of binging very hungry). I think I can still pull this out and finish up the week on track. I will try hard for this. I think I got used to eating too much while I was "off" for a week, and have to get used to smaller portions again. I just ordered a scale from Tanita (brand fat geek recommened) and hope it will cut down on my floating weight problem.

Vickie, I'm sorry you need to leave us for a while. I hope your tests on Thursday go well. You've been such a STAR :* here at bootcamp ... I hope you can come back soon. Glad to hear that you're giving up overtime at work ... no use pushing ourselves in one area only to hurt ourselves in others.

I will definitely stop in at your journal and say hello.

Happy Birthday, Heather! :balloons: Glad your job stress got resolved. Your boss sounds so nice. Have a nice dinner out with your husband.

Sue, sorry you aren't feeling your best ... hope you're doing better by now. I liked the passage you quoted ... it all does start with loving ourselves. I think most of us just assume we love ourselves ... it seems so absurd that we wouldn't ... but subconsciously self-hate is a destructive force for many of us.

Three more days and I'll be finishing Phase 1 ... all I need to do is drink my water for the next three days and I will finally advance to Phase 2. I walked outdoors yesterday and today so that part of my challenge is done.
:cheer:


Talk to you all soon. :ghug:

Hi Nebraska - you must have been posting at the same time as me.

I feel exactly like you said:

That is a hard one for me, in the back of my mind I look at that piece of cake or that can of beer and I feel like if I don't consume it now I might never get another chance. I am not sure where that fear comes from.

I didn't know anyone else felt that - it is such a strange feeling.

Thanks for the good things to think about - I'm exactly the same - eat for comfort now, and hard to focus on long term health benefits (unless I happen to have symptoms and be scared)

Vickie, I had been thinking and wondering about you. Your health absolutely must come first and if one of the ways of doing that is to slow down on all the activities you pursue, including BC, than I'm behind you. I know that even if you're not on here that you will be working hard at getting your health to improve. Know that we have come to care about you deeply and will be checking your journal for updates. If you need us, you know we'll always be here for you.

Ahh, Nebraska, that's a hard one but one worth really getting down, "say no to a quick and easy pleasure so that I can have a reward later that is worth more in the long run."

You're sounding strong and determined, Blanche.

Hope even after the excitement at work today, Heather, that you had a great birthday. I hope this year will be very good for you and that you'll enjoy those flowers you got today.

Jean, I'm so glad you've been in here more frequently. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you. I will be soooooooooooo happy when you finish Phase 1!!!

Hi Everyone :wave:

I am back in the battle again ! :D

I am not here this time as a "leader" I am just a BC member :)

Starting out with my phase 1 day 1 - tomorrow !

I am going to post my goals in the "official" phase 1 goal thread in just a few minutes.

But here they are in general -

NO chips of any kind.

water at least 40 ozs a day

curves 3 times a week


If anyone has any tips for getting away from a very bad habit - I would greatly appreciate your in put.

I eat in bed every night while reading ! VERY bad habit ! :o

I was raised to do this - every night my grandma got me a bowl of chips and off to bed i went with my book and everyone else in our house did the same thing.

My one goal is to not eat any chips for these next 14 days - which will be rough - but do able - I have done it before - however I replaced them with low fat/low calorie cheese nips and wheat thins or pretzels - today I realized no matter what I am eating I am "wasting" like 300 - 500 calories on my snack every night! YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!

Vickie - I am so sorry to hear about your health and my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Beth :peace:

Hello everyone, I just ran across this site and it is the place for me! I will be starting day 1 of phase 1 today!
my goals:
exercise (eliptical or walking) 4 times this week for atleast 20 minutes
ABSOLUTELY no chinese for lunch at work
not to let stress affect my eating

Here i go!!!!!!!

Hello Missyhope and welcome!! This is a great place to be and we hope to see you often!! Good goals to start Phase one!

Sue...I do hope you feel better very soon. What you said about loving ourselves and comforting ourselves in ways that don't include food hit home. We CAN change and with each meal we have a choice on what we'll consume.......we know our triggers and if we choose the food we are choosing the results as well. Be it bad or good.....

OH NO Vickie....I am SO sorry to hear this latest news and we will be keeping you in prayer in the time ahead. Do all you can to care for yourself and let a LOT of things go!
Hugs to you!

Nebraska....was it you with Dr. P's input? That is SO right and we don't think about that enough...what we give up in choosing to overeat and stay too heavy. For myself, I know I've no social life, no friendships.....I see people at work 5 days a week and at Church on Sunday but there's very little interaction. With my hearing problems and periods of related sickness, I have withdrawn further than ever and it requires a real effort to do something different. I know I want more...it just seems I've grown too accustomed to the "Path of least resistance".........and my poor body has paid a hefty price.

OK..I remember the S word..seratonin....not selenium! LOL! Yep, Blanche, I'm thinking the sugars would react in much the same way. I've had periods when I was indulging, that I'd kinda pass out from the overload.....I'd feel truly awful after a two hour sugar induced coma.......then two months later I'd think..oh yum....let's try that again! I'm silly some days..sillier others!

I came home last night from Mom's. I was exausted, overheated and she didn't evn argue last night! I get crabby when I'm too hot and she was probably glad to see me go! I got home about 10:00.

Gonna run and get some work done. I am off the next two days and my to-do list has only one thing marked off so far! Actually I added it to my list so I could mark it
off!

Have a blessed day everyone..........I will too!
Bren Phase 3 Day 11.....wow...how'd that happen?

Happy Birthday Heather!! Hope you had a great day and lovely dinner w/hubby! Oh how sweet..the boss getting you flowers! For whatever reason..they lift one's spirits!
We have an accounting program at work as well..we have 3 systems actually and two have to match...money-wise. We're still getting all the bugs worked out! Two years ago, the entire years info was archived..for no good reason and no one could find it! We had to pay to have info "retieved"...whoo..what a mess!

I had an epihany while posting at Sno Angels....after thinking of some of what Sue and Nebraska said......coming from an abusive background, "hearing" what Dr. P says about continuing to dump on ourselves when the original dumper is long gone......it was "what excuse am I using to continue abusing, the precious being I am?"
I AM precious....to God....to my Mama........and to my cyber pals. I deserve better than I've gotten, I'm sure and if I have to give it to myself..so what? Am I not worth taking care of? Would I treat my Mom or a dear friend the way I treat myself?
Thanks ya'll for the continued wake up calls!

Bren

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone. I had a good day. Only problem was getting a bit bummed that the cadet officers forgot it was my birthday. I always feel like I am treated differently than everyone else there as it is: its not my imagination ... for instance, all 7 have keys to the building, but me ... all are allowed access to the filing room .. but me ... the list goes on, and now is added by not having my birthday celebrated. The commanding officer, and her second in command have always made a big deal about all the other officer's b-days ... flowers, cakes, presents, etc. Last night, I did not even get a happy birthday wish, until my daughter brought it up at the end of the evening. The 2 head officers did not even act like they were embarrased to forget it ... just sang happy birthday with everyone else, and that was it. No personal wishes, or anything. I know I should not let it bug me, but it does.

The rest of the day was good .. food was ok.

Hiya Beth dear one..back in the saddle again! Yippee Ty-Yi-Yo and away we go!!
We'll boogy on down!

Aww Heather.....that bites! That was rude, crude and socially unacceptable. Others can hurt us whether "They" matter in the scheme of things or not. I'm sorry you were hurt by their lack of acknowledgement........I sing to myself on mine....ok I talk to myself regularly as well. HUGS to you........and may the coming year be one of the most special ever!

I have misplaced my dumb bells somewhere in this apt. I am thinking they will turn up when I de-clutter some more. I need vacation time and may take a couple of days soon to really tear into stuff!

Gonna run and get more coffee..I made some very nice Kona blend and it is SO good!
I'll see ya'll tomorrow.have a lovely, peaceful, restful night!
Bren

I got through day 4 of phase 5. It is hard b/c I am hungry. I ate too many (WW) points at the beginning of the week, and now each day I have to make a few up, which I am doing mostly by not eating my exercise points. I need to focus on making each day a “good” day, and using my flexibility only when I really need it rather than for fun, so that it doesn’t get hard like this later in the week. I have very little flexibility left now, but I am only over by 7 more points, so I think I should be able to finish out the week. I will try hard to do it.

Jean - Sounds like you are on your way to completing your phase - way to go!!! Your dedication to not giving up is inspirational!

Beth - Glad your grandchild and daughter are well! and that you are back in BC. For me, it is very hard to change a habit in the beginning, over time it become less difficult, but I am always in danger of slipping back to old ways. For me, what has been working it to only work on changing one habit (or maybe two if they are different types of habits, like one about eating and one about grooming) at a time. WHen I try to change a bunch at once, I do it for a few days, but then fail. Even though it seems like it will take forever to implement many changes that way, after a few months of this the changes do add up. Don't mean to be preachy, this is just what has worked for me.

Missyhope - Welcome! BC has been great for me and I hope it will help you too.

Bren - I had a difficult childhood which I think contributed to my overeating - problem is it involved family and they are still in my life -that is why it is so hard when I see them - they dump on me which leads to me overating - I have to find a way not to let this happen.

Happy Birthday Heather!!!
(Try not to let those people get you down - they are not worth it.)

I will try to finish out this evening and not eat any more - which is tough b/c I hae two more hours till bed and am a bit hungry - but not unbearably so - so here goes. Bye for now.

I have been loving these two days of leave from boot camp. But I need to start again tomorrow, it is too easy to go AWOL! I could stay off course way to easily! I have posted my new goals in the Phase 6 thread. Basically, I am continuing as before but I have added 12 ounces of water, promise to study the new USDA guidelines, and have added the goal of decluttering 4 days a week during this phase. I dropped the part about being hungry once a day, will try to begin thinking in terms of Dr. Phil's divided plate.

It sounds like most of us are at a crossroads here. Things are getting really tough and it is time to make a decision and get serious. Big hugs and lots of cheers all around to my boot camp buddies. If this was easy, we would all be slender and healthy without needing this support group.

Discussion at Curves this morning was interesting. It centered on how most of us gain weight or stay steady in the beginning, how building muscle and losing fat doesn't show up on the scale, and how it takes time for metabolism to kick into gear. It was encouraging for me because I just don't see much progress on the scale although I have made huge changes in my life.

That's a wonderful report Nebraska! Congrats on getting into Phase 6 already!!
That's encouraging too, what you said about the discussion at Curves....it helps us understnd why the scale doesn't move some times, but our health improves..we can BREATHE again, we gain flexibility and strength. Those things are so important!

I'm finally getting the hang of the exercise thing and increased my minutes, starting Sunday. Tomorrow will be Day 12 of Phase 3 and I'll give some thoughts to my goal list for the next phase. I've started each one over about 6 times! I'd get to day 4 or 5 or so and throw down my dumbells and wallow on the sofa......eating SF ice cream!
Speaking of....where did I throw those dumb bells?

Have a great evening.....my friend is coming by in the morning so I'm doing play time tonight.....I'll see ya'll later!
Bren

Ummm, weren't we just having a discussion recently about the lack of posts? That doesn't seem to be a concern today! :) Another ummm and a fair warning, this is LONG! Once I got started, well…

Ahhh, another soldier back to help fight the battle. Always love to see you here, Beth. You have a lifelong habit of eating snacks in bed. The way I see it, you have two choices. You can either stop eating in bed cold turkey (which means change your habit completely, like read in the living room instead and don’t bring snacks to bed. If you feel you need to snack, sit at the table and then go back and read) or you can take it slower (allow yourself one or two nights of eating a healthier snack in bed per week and gradually wean yourself away as you grow stronger, that way if you slip up you won’t feel like you failed).

Welcome Missy! You have good goals and I wish you all the strength you have to meet them during these next two weeks. Come let us know how you’re doing. Need help? Let us know! Want to share your success? We’d love to hear it!

What you said hit me right between the eyes, Bren (in a good way), “we know our triggers and if we choose the food we are choosing the results as well. Be it bad or good.....” Absolutely! We’ve been in this long enough that we KNOW. I wake up nearly every day praying for strength to make the right choices. It’s a game, a trap, we play with ourselves every day. Do we want to have success or not? What’s more important? And if this is so important, we DO have the power. We have to fight hard, like it truly is one of the most important things in the whole wide world to us…AND we have to do it every single day. I know it gets easier with practice because I had six months of experiencing it on nearly a daily basis. The only thing that changed, is I allowed it to, I let my guard down. I can tell you now, that my guard is back up. The trick is keeping our mind focused and not allow other things to take our focus away, no matter what it is. I hope you guys realize when I talk like this, I’m speaking most loudly to myself.

Being heavy and unhealthy plays a real number on us. When I’m losing weight and eating right and exercising, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling social. When the weight starts coming back on, it hits me at my very core. I’m embarrassed, I’m depressed, I feel all the aches and pains that the extra weight brings, I become isolated. Big difference between the two in my whole outlook. Dr. Phil says we get a reward for our actions, that’s why we do them. So really, what reward are we after? Is that reward worth it?

So THAT is why I sleep and sleep and sleep over the weekends—because I’m eating way too much sugar on the weekends! Of course, that’s it! I’d heard that before, but I guess I never put 2 and 2 together and internalized it! Yeah, it feels good to sleep, but it feels much better to be fresh and alive and getting things accomplished and feeling light on our feet.

Bren, you are soooo right. You ARE precious, you ALL are precious. Each one of you is special to each one of us, to God, to others who care about you. We deserve health and happiness, because we’re human beings. It hurts to our very core when others don’t/can’t/won’t give us what we need and want. If we can’t get all we want from others, we must give it to ourselves. We’re worth it, we really truly are. Here’s a big hug to all of you, :ghug: especially to Heather right now. I want you to know we really care about you and love you, Heather.

You guys make me think, things you say about your own lives I can see in me. You guys make me see reality. We all face the same things. We can all learn and grow and move past these struggles.

Blanche, do you like vegetables? I love them and find them to be very filling because you can eat so many without messing up on your numbers.

I got my subliminal weight loss tape last night. I listened for an hour and promptly got up and ate! Ha! But I didn't binge and I didn't even overeat. Today was darn near perfect. I reached twice for a piece of cake by son's GF brought home and twice I told myself I didn't really want it and you know what? I really didn't. I'm supposed to listen to these tapes 30-60 minutes a day for 6 weeks to really change my subconscious mind. I EXPECT this to work for me. If my conscious mind won't cooperate then I'll deal with my issues on the subconscious level. I've been in this for almost exactly one year now. I reached a 100 pound loss only to start gaining. I've been up and down emotionally and physically. I was at my wit's end, but unwilling to throw in the towel. I claimed success when I started and success I will have, by any healthy means possible. I've grown tremendously as a person over this year, I've changed. I still have a long way to go. I AM going to do this. It may not always be easy and I'll never be perfect, but I will get what I truly strive to have.

I'm way over my allotted time (do I hear an Amen out there? :D ). Good night everyone and may tomorrow be a good one for us all. Sue

Phase 6 Day 1 -- back at it again. In spite of enjoying a little freedom during my two day leave, I am relieved to be back working on my challenges.

Sue, you are sharing some really great thoughts with us. We all can benefit from the things you are learning. I think we have to deal with emotional demons and faulty thinking before we are able to make the changes that will help us make healthier choices in life. Please continue to share your journey with us!

Beth, I agree with Sue about the way to change the bedtime chips and reading routine. When I quit smoking I totally changed my morning routine. Instead of sitting and drinking several cups of coffee and smoking before I did anything else, I got up and brushed my teeth, drank a glass of water and went out the door to take a one-mile walk before I was fully awake. By the time I got back from my walk, I was in charge of my morning. I don't think I could have changed that cigarette habit if I hadn't totally changed my entire routine when I first got out of bed. Another thing I did, because I smoked a lot when I drove, was to finger and chew on a plastic straw. I don't know if something like that would help you with the comforting motion of reaching in the bowl and putting the chips in your mouth, but a subtitute like that might help. I was also going to suggest reading in your living room like Sue suggested. It must be hard to break away from a long standing family tradition.

Blessings to all of you!!!!! I check in here at least twice a day and read all your messages. Thanks to everyone who posts here.

Hi bootcampers ...

Well, tomorrow is Phase 1, Day 14 for me ... if I drink all my water for the day, I will be finished with Phase 1. It took me 15 weeks to do 2! On Friday I will officially start Phase 2, Day 1. My goals again will be 8 glasses of water a day (total = 64 oz) but instead of one outdoor walk per week, I'll do two. That's all I'll change ... and it's enough.

While I'm doing these next 2 weeks I will be experimenting with my diet. Yesterday and today I overate ... A LOT. I'll let myself drift a bit more tomorrow but starting Friday I will get strict with the food part of my plan. I'm in the mood to follow some rules.

Everyone here has been sharing their thoughts and feelings so freely. That is such a help to all of us here. Even if we're not doing well coming here and writing is the best remedy for ourselves and a wonderful lesson for everyone else.

My on again, off again performance has taught me something important about my own behavior -- I cannot take on too much at one time. I finally understand that I need to form one good habit FIRMLY before moving on to the next. By the time I complete Phase 2 of boot camp I will have my daily 8 glasses of water and walking twice a week down to a routine. It's a start.

See you all again soon.

Quick note - very tired - I worked since 10AM and then headed off to see Maddie and the rest of the family :D and we just got home.

I just wanted to post tomorrow is day 3 for me and all is well :)

Thanks Sue for your post to me - I need to give this some thought.

Night,

Beth :peace:

Thanks, Nebraska, it seems that everything you said tonight touched me.

So what's one of the things that are really important? Our family, others we love and who love us. I realized that today with a deeper meaning when I found out my mom is having a heart catherization tomorrow. I believe she will be okay. It's times like this though that the important things become obvious. Life, love, health, making each day we have worth it.

No matter what we are individually facing in the present or want in the future, let's make every day count, as much as we can. Let's focus on what's important, whatever and how varied that may be. Sue

Today was supposed to be the end of phase 3 for me. But since I have not lost one bit of weight this phase, and am just barely keeping the goals, I am going to rephase a whole lot, and go back to the start: Phase one day one tomorrow ... I am not really trying anymore ... I need to restart from scratch.

Hello all.....quick check in, then off to work....
Today will be a good day! The wind is dying down some days to where I can be outside and that will be included in my phase 4 goals once I get there.
Thanks Sue and Nebraska for the encouraging, insightful posts! Yep...we know how to play the game..it's time we were on the winning team and we're getting tghere step by step. We harm ourselves as much as anyone can and believing we deserve more and better is a battle at times.
In getting back where I need to be spiritually...I can release some of the behaviors that keep me unhealthy, overweight and anti-social. Like you said Sue.....when I overeat, gain weight etc. I don't want to be "out" there.....so I am gonna push the envelope a bit in round four. Even if it's an hour at the Park..reading or taking a walk...I will practice coming out of hiding!

Heather.......hang on honey......put yourself at the top of your priority list today!
Hiya Beth!.........and Blanche..............have a good day all.I'd better scoot! No boot just scoot!
Bren

Heather - Happy ( belated ) Birthday !!!!! :balloons:
I feel for you - on my birthday the only person who wished me a Happy Birthday was my 5 year old grand daughter - now THAT really touched me that she remembered ! Online here at DT I had a grand party though :)



Bren - you are doing wonderful ! Love your attitude !

Sweet Jean - that is wonderful that you know what works for you and what does not - ie. taking on too many changes at once etc. That is wonderful progress !

Nebraska - please post where I can find those new guidelines at. thank you so much for the "chewing" idea !!!!!! I never thought of that before. I will give it some thought - like maybe hot tooths picks or something with flavor.

Missy - HI :wave: and welcome !

Blanche - Thank you ! Your so right - I need to take just a few steps at a time. Your doing great !

Sue - your time and input here at BC is so appreciated ! Thank You for all you do !!!!! :rose:

Today is day 3 phase 1 for me - and all is well - IF I get my water in today I will be fine ! Today I am off work and off work days are so hard for me to get my water in....... 8-|

Beth :peace:

Wow - there are so many posts now - this is great!

Unfortunately I don't have enough time tonight to respond to them all, but I have to say Sue - when you said what I copied below - it meant so much to me - it is me - I am going to save it and think about it! THanks for sharing these great things to think about.

Heather - hang in there, you can do it!
Beth - glad you are back
Hi Nebraksa and Bren.

I am still struggling - but hanging in there. completed day 6 of phase 5.

OOOoops - I forgot to post it - Sue I loved this! - it is me exactly

What you said hit me right between the eyes, Bren (in a good way), “we know our triggers and if we choose the food we are choosing the results as well. Be it bad or good.....” Absolutely! We’ve been in this long enough that we KNOW. I wake up nearly every day praying for strength to make the right choices. It’s a game, a trap, we play with ourselves every day. Do we want to have success or not? What’s more important? And if this is so important, we DO have the power. We have to fight hard, like it truly is one of the most important things in the whole wide world to us…AND we have to do it every single day. I know it gets easier with practice because I had six months of experiencing it on nearly a daily basis. The only thing that changed, is I allowed it to, I let my guard down. I can tell you now, that my guard is back up. The trick is keeping our mind focused and not allow other things to take our focus away, no matter what it is. I hope you guys realize when I talk like this, I’m speaking most loudly to myself.

Being heavy and unhealthy plays a real number on us. When I’m losing weight and eating right and exercising, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling social. When the weight starts coming back on, it hits me at my very core. I’m embarrassed, I’m depressed, I feel all the aches and pains that the extra weight brings, I become isolated. Big difference between the two in my whole outlook. Dr. Phil says we get a reward for our actions, that’s why we do them. So really, what reward are we after? Is that reward worth it?

Blanche - You said - Being heavy and unhealthy plays a real number on us. When I’m losing weight and eating right and exercising, I’m feeling good, I’m feeling strong, I’m feeling social. When the weight starts coming back on, it hits me at my very core. I’m embarrassed, I’m depressed, I feel all the aches and pains that the extra weight brings, I become isolated. Big difference between the two in my whole outlook. Dr. Phil says we get a reward for our actions, that’s why we do them. So really, what reward are we after? Is that reward worth it?

Thank you so much for posting this ! It really made me think - :hug:

My "reward" is I do not have to enter a new world - I have been fat for so long I don't remember what it is like to live in this world and not be fat. I know it may sound strange but this is really the way I feel. It's like the fat is really a part of who I am - My brain knows that is not true - but my inner self fights it.

Also my "reward" is I don't have to change my life style - habits - attitude - or move from my "comfort" zone..... in other words I can remain lazy about this area of my life -

Brief Update:

I am Singing "I got my water in today" "I got my water in today" :dn :jn

I am THRILLED :dc

I really did not think I could/would do it.

I know I already posted today - but I wanted to come and toot my horn lol Tomorrow is day 4 of phase 1 for me.

Beth :peace:

Phase 6 Day 2 completed. I am tired, this is in the middle of my work "week" which is 35 hours in three and a half days. It gets pretty stressful and tiring. I am right on the verge of trying to do too much with this phase, but so far am coping all right. I think the recent change in thyroid medication is helping me a lot. The change in my morning routine to allow time for proper grooming has been a real adjustment, and even though I did it all through the last phase and 2 days into this one, it is still a big challenge for me. I tried out my new Susan Powter video tonight and I have to say, watching me would be funnier than any sitcom on TV. Talk about unco-ordinated! But I felt like I got a good workout anyway.

Beth, I think the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and some other links can be found at http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines (http://www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines) or do a search for 2005 Dietary Guidelines. I don't know how much new information is there, but it is interesting. Today I looked at a bar graph that showed the percentage of change (plus or minus) that men or women should do in terms of sugar, dark green veggies, etc. It was a very graphic graph! :D Shocking, actually. I eat lots of vegetables, probably way too large of servings, eventually I will have to work on how MUCH I eat, but I have made really good changes in WHAT I eat.

Heather, don't be so down on yourself! You can just go back to the beginning of phase 3, punishing yourself by going back to the start of phase 1 if you have successfully completed phase 1 and 2 seems like a harsh move. None of us are perfect here, and we don't want you to get discouraged. Besides, this is an on-going long term boot camp. Heck, we might do phase 180 some day!

Sweet Jean, I applaud your decision to build new habits slowly. It really does work. As long as you keep moving forward you are doing fine. This is not a race.

Sue, Bren, Blanche I hope you are having a good evening. We are all in this together! Thank you for being here for me.

Has anyone heard from Fat Geek? I was thinking about him today and hoping all is well with him.

Hello all!
Today is Day 14 Phase 3........I'm sneaking in by the hair on my chinny chin chin! I am learning still...what works....we all know what DOESN'T! Nebraska..I'm going to be exercising portion control in phase 4. My portions are much too large most days and I really WANT to start losing in Phase 4. I've dilly dallied, been on meds that altered things and messed around long enough! I am feeling better and it's time to up the ante a tad.

Thanks Beth, Sue, Nebraska, Blanche......for hanging in and on and taking the time to
post regularly and for the challenge to do more......to care for ourselves! We can make a difference.......and mostly for US!

Have a great day...a blessed and productive day..I will as well!
See ya'll here again soon!
Bren

Hi guys! I plan to relax and watch a bit of tv tonight, but I wanted to come on here first and wish you all a fantastic on-plan weekend. My mom came through her heart surgery fine—she ended up having two blocked arteries, they kept her overnight but she is now home and feeling good and on a renewed mission to exercise and eat right.

Heather, sometimes a fresh start with a renewed spirit is exactly what’s called for, but if you met your goals in phase 3 then start fresh at Phase 4. You worked way too hard to make it to that phase. I’ll be thinking of you.

Beth, I understand what you said completely: “My "reward" is I do not have to enter a new world. I don't have to change my life style - habits - attitude - or move from my "comfort" zone.” I wish it was easier to get over those thoughts. I do know as you lose weight, your confidence soars and you feel better able to meet whatever new things come your way.

Hi Nebraska. I’m glad your new meds are working. Thanks for all the support you give and I hope you'll get a chance to rest a little this weekend with all those hours you've been putting in!

Sue I am very happy to hear your Mom is doing well :D

I meet all my goals today :)

Beth :peace:

Today I officially started Phase 2. And I thought the day would never come. I drank all my water today ... no problem at all ... and I took my first walk for the week. Phase 2 is looking good!

Sue, I'm so glad to hear that your mother's surgery went well. They have wonderful procedures today that do amazing things. My mother had 2 stents (little springs that hold the arteries open) put in her heart last February and she has enjoyed a big improvement in her health since then. I know how relieved you must feel.

My full-time babysitting duties are officially done ... the vacationers have returned. It was more of a strain having the baby all by myself than I imagined. When I watch the kids during regular work-weeks there's always the comfort of having my daughter nearby in case of emergency. This past week I was on FULL-ALERT while they were gone. I wish I could have been more relaxed but I wasn't. Anyway, everything is back to normal again. I'm going to LOVE this weekend ... no matter what I do, it will be a JOY!

That's it for now. I hope everyone has a successful weekend.

Phase 6 Day 4 Not much news, just moving along and achieving my goals day by day. I am going to be SO glad not to have to set the alarm clock tonight! I am doing a lot more activities (laundry, things like that) in the evenings after work than I was doing before, I think the increased thyroid dose is really making me feel better!

Sue, glad the news is good on your mom!

Sweet Jean and Beth, congratulations on meeting your goals. Sweet Jean, phase 2!!!!! That is so wonderful, I am thrilled for you. :D I hope you made yourself a certificate for completing phase one!


Blanche, Bren, everyone else, keep on keeping on! Bootcamp is SO worth it.

Good morning all!
Nebraska, that's so good....finally getting what you need, meds wise.....I'd have had doubts as well...dragging on another couple of months at the low dose, tho it had no effect prior! Have a quiet/relaxed/peaceful weekend and do enjoy your time.

I will start Phase 4 on Monday.......giving myself the weekend to get my goals set and a plan I can live with and LOSE weight with.
I am doing better, tho I've had two sick days this week........Sunday and again yesterday. Same problem.......tummy and head pressure with pain and lots of potty time. :o The pain wasn't as severe yesterday but it was bad enough I was whiny.
Having to deal with it at work is the toughest part! Sunday I'd had a banana and peanut butter, symptoms appearing 20 minutes later.....yesterday I had asparagus and a baked potato........same...about 20 minutes after....lasted about 3 hours.

I'm off to do some info searching! See ya'll here later! Have a great day and take good care of yourselves!
Bren

Completed day 8 of phase 5. Feel like I am getting back on track and the last month of slipping is getting further behind me. Sue, you asked whether I ate begetables, and I realize I do not eat enough of them. Thanks for mentioning this, I started eating some more and they do help fill me up. A couple days ago I started thinking about all the habits I still want to change - I have a whole list of them - it started to feel overwhelming. But I fell better about it now, I am just going to stick to one change at a time, if I can do this and make the changes stick, in the long term I think/hope it will not make that much difference whether I started certain things a few weeks or months later. Though I feel like I am in a race to get this weight off before I get diabetes.

Sue - glad to hear your mother is doing well! If you don't mind my asking, how did you manage to lose 100 pounds? That is awesome!!! Any tips?

Beth - I can't take credit for the post about what reward to we get. Sue had posted it, and I thought it was great too. I've been thinking about it, and I think for me it is that I don't have to feel. I eat and somehow it makes the bad feelings, sadness, loneliness, anxiety, depression, go away, but only temporarily, afterwards I just feel worse, like a failure again. So I have to try to change this.

Heather - I agree with the others. You finished those phases! and phases are hard to complete. We've all been struggling to continue at one point or another. So my suggestion is that you keep those phases you completed and when you feel up to it, start the next one. (My phase 4 was very shakey, kept rephasing and just squeeked by.)

Nebraska - Glad your meds are working better. Those long hours sound tough too. I get into a rut sometimes in the evening watching too much TV - it feels great to get all that stuff done in the evening instead doesn't it?

SweatJean - Congrats on finishing your phase!!! Way to go!

Bren - that doesn't sound too good. do you know if there are certain types of foods that affect you? if not, and if this had been happening whenever you eat for more than a few days perhaps you should see a doctor? Myself, I am not good about going to doctors, hate it, and avoid it as much as possible, but it is probably not a good thing that I do this. Hope you're feeling better

I have made a choice to rephase tomorrow. That is a danger for me early in a phase, I guess, I get so much more serious about sticking to my plan late in the phase when starting over means losing more time. The thing is, I don't even feel bad about it today. I am going to drink a little beer and skip tonight's exercise, I did meet most of my goals for today, but I went to a baby shower and ate when I wasn't hungry and I have decided to just relax tonight. It seems like it makes more sense to start a phase on Sunday and end on a Saturday anyway, easier to keep track of the goals that are so-many-times-a-week things.

I think I balance some of this by looking at the overall picture. Since bootcamp I have changed so many habits and every day that I meet my goals is a day that is far better than before bootcamp, and rephasing because I relax the rules one day doesn't upset me (probably not nearly as much as it should) because I am looking at the overall picture because taking a break for one night doesn't ruin all those positive steps. Now, when the scale doesn't show a weight loss next week I will feel bad I suppose. But this is not a train wreck, this is not a total disaster, this is just a little respite.

So be it.

grrrrrrrrr - SPIT X-(

I blew my knee out !

It was going last Tuesday night and I stopped in the middle of work and went to the mall and bought a new pair of shoes - hoping it would help.

I need a knee replacement but am really trying to hold off and see if weight loss - strengthen exercises and good shoes will help it first.

Any ways - Weds was OK - Thursday I was off - and Friday I hurt so bad I could not drive the car home.......sigh

Today is was still pretty bad - I went fishing ( first day of trout ) but I just walked a little ways and sat fished.

It is still really bad - I have tried all the normal fix it things...... and what it needs is REST - so I am taking Sunday and hopefully Monday off work and I am not going to Curves next week :(

Hence I will need to rephase and repost my goals........spit !

Anyways I did get good news today when I weighed in - I went from 237 - to 235.5 :)

Great attitude Nebraska !

Good idea Blanche !

Hope your feeling better Bren !

Way to Go Sweet Jean !

Where's Sue? Hope all is well with you my friend.

I will be back after my knee heals !

Beth :peace:

X-( Ok let's see if I can stay on long enough to finish!

Beth I am SO sorry to hear about your knee! OUCH! My Mom had a double done about 5 years ago. Be gentle with yourself! You did not need one more thing to deal with!

Sue....YAY...that's so good that your Mom came thru the procedure without trouble and is home again and feeling better. AND..that she's ready to make some changes to improve her health. My Mom had a quadruple by-pass done last year and has changed nothing. I quit..for the most part...fussing at her 'cuz it made no difference and she's determined to NOT do anything to help herself...Bren needs to mind Bren's business and take proper care of HERself!

Blanche...I am a weenie when it comes to going to the Doc and I have no medical care, insurance etc. and no money for emergencies. I could go if I had an emergency I suppose but the money hassle would whip my butt. I feel for those with chronic problems!

Nebraska....I felt that way about re-phasing after awhile and am ok with it....we learn new stuff each time and after I got over being embarrased the first 4 times..figured hey......I'll eventually get this down and DONE! You've come a LONG way since the first of the year!
I'm still trying to stop eating after dinner, get my exercise in without whining and get enough fruits/veggies in. I will make these changes habit.....eventually!

Heather........keep on keeping on! Showing up is a key factor and you've done well....permanent changes take time to implement and we're all hanging with you, doing the same in our place!

Gonna run for now......will be back...have a great day everyone......

Bren

Bren I see why you're a DT moderator ... your posts are terrific and you don't forget about any of us here. You are an upbeat, motivating gal! Glad you're going to have an easy day at work ... love work days like that.

Beth ... that's terrible about your knee! Sounds like one big "ouch!" .... I hope you don't have pain for long ... too bad you'll miss your workouts at Curves. You sound much too young to be thinking about knee replacement surgery but I don't know a lot about it ... I hope weight-loss will do the trick for you instead.

Nebraska ... rephasing isn't a big deal. Plus a little holiday from our programs is often exactly what we need. Keep in mind that you are rephasing in PHASE 6 ... like, that's the highest phase anyone here has reached so far ... doesn't sound like you need to worry. You're doing great.

Blanche ... it's hard to come back after a period of overeating. Think of me today ... I am trying to make today a good day after days of overdoing it! I hope you're staying on track ... success breeds success.

Sue ... I figured out where you must be ... LISTENING TO YOUR NEW TAPES! I hope you write soon ... I miss you very much.

Now I need to go get serious with my day ... Sunday Morning is officially "over" .... lol. After watching my granddaugher all last week, my house has fallen around my ears! I must do my housework today. I've recommitted myself to eating better starting today ... so far so good and my intentions are firm. I have some tricks up my sleeve (listening to music, doing yoga, chopping fresh veggies) if I get the urge to eat "off program." I am counting calories and eating balanced meals all through the day. I've given up on all formal diets ... I'm convinced that's what made everything go wrong for me. Hey ... it's as good an answer as any, right? LOL.

This has been a rough few days. We made the trip home safe and fine. The last two weeks have been terrible and I have not felt like I had any control. I finally got on the scales this morning and they weren't as bad as I thought, but still bad. Worse, I have been avoiding DT. Haven't even logged in for over a week.

What is going on? Who knows. There is some emotional component on my part. Hassels with my elderly mother who has lost vision totally in one eye and looks like she may lose her support services due to state budget changes cutting support services for the disabled and elderly. (I am waiting for the details). Now that she is essentially blind, there is no way she can manage on her own without help in the apartment.

Since I got home I have had work coming out the ying yang. Hardly anything while I was in Texas, and now I'm snowed. I don't feel like I can not take the work because: 1. I didn't really work at all this winter; 2. I have no idea what kind of expenses we are looking at with my mother. 3. We have an an adjustible home equity loan that we used to help make the down payment in the house in Texas, I need one more year of work to pay that off.

What else is going on? I think I am just hitting that stage where something, my body, my mind, something... is rebelling.

The good news is my clothes still fit. And I'm back. And I will re-phase, as soon as I can figure out what my plan will be. I will probably go back and re-do phase 2, with some modifications.

Right now I need to get started on work that needs to be done by tomorrow. Yesterday I spent the day at a volley ball tournment that my granddaughter was playing in. Today I need to make up the hours.

Also, just so you good folks will know, when in Missouri we go to our lake place every week and I do not have internet access down there. So there will be gaps in my posting. And I need to go back and read what has been going on with the thread. But not now, work calls.

Jo

Hi guys. I just stopped home for a minute. I'm on a live-in petsit for a client without a computer (geez!). Anyhow, life is fine but I don't have time to write. Take care everyone and I'll catch up Monday. Sue

Sorry - but don't have much time tonight to respond to everyone. But, Beth, so sorry to hear about your knee! Idon't know much about it - is it something that can get better on its own?

As for me, I completed day 9 of phase 5. I am hanging on by