Well its Friday and this is wear the rubber meets the road for me. THE WEEKEND! My husband already said steaks tonite? I looked it up on calorie king ... ok 415 calories and a small glass of red wine to boot keeps me in line still. It's sooooo hard on friday nite though. I've decided per teresa on this site to have one cheat day . The best day is Saturday. I will tend to want to blow it for "just one meal" on Friday, however. But I cannot. Any words to encourage me will help! My hubby is very overweight 6'- 250-260 and likes to eat , drink and be merry on the weekends. When I don't join in. He gets down and sad and depressed. I've been good all week and don't want to blow it. I actually haven't lost anything yet. Only been doing this since MOnday 1/9/06.:) still 192 and holding. But hopefully for long. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.AS well as why my weightloss ticker looks this way! Ha!

Hi, welcome to DT. Weekends are hard, my dh is kind of the same way, we like to celebrate a bit together. As long as I keep things in check, I can usually splurge a bit.

As for weight loss ticker, I think you need to get rid of the "link" part. I think it should look like this, without the spaces:

[ URL = http:// blah blah blah then URL and bracket again

does that make sense? Hopefully someone more computer savy can help you out:)

Hi Lisa,

Yes, it's very hard when DH keeps encouraging us to keep up with them meal-wise. You can have your steak, but try eating half instead of all of it. And any other time DH coaxes you. Just have a small amount without going all the way. That way you get to enjoy some, and that is better than none at all, right? And if DH keeps at you, just tell him that for now you are doing what is best for you, and leave it at that.

Good luck to you. Weekends are a hard time for most people.

Hi Lisa
Nice to see you posting and I also enjoy our chats. I seen you there tonight but I was making super. And didn't want to get into a comfortable chat. I will be at Nancy's chat tonight unless I go to bed super early. Nice to see your thinking before eating. Keep it up the lbs will come off.

thanks so much you guys! I really appreciate it. I normally try to keep at 1200 calories but Friday night ( last night) went to 1500... I guess not ALL that bad considering! Thanks for the support! I LOVE our chats too boblin missed you yesterday. And thanks to sandielynne and nikic for the ticker help!:)

Well, its a new week and at least I am still here. didn't lose 1 oz. Was a little bummed. Cheated on Saturday intentionally in hopes to jump start metabolism. I also upped my caloric intake from 1200 to 1400. I think going from 1900 to 1200 made my body think it was starving??? Thats what I heard anyway. NOt to sure on that one. I feel like this weill be the week I lose and if I could even lose 2 pounds that would make up for last week. So we'll see. The support here is terrific. I feel like my stomach is shrinking today. I'm noticing it takes a LOT less to fill me up. Actually had a sandwich and was content! :)

WEEK 1- 191:(
WEEK 2- ???

well I had success today finally! I lost 1 pound!!!!! YeaH!!! I could not sleep at all last night becuase I could just feel that I had lost. I was up at 6am to check! How lame is that? Do I see a 190 this week?:)

Hi Lisa. Happy to see you started a journal and I can pop in to see how things are going. Hubby can sometimes be a support and sometimes be a sabotor in our household. This is just something you have to decide you're doing for you and ask him instead to be a help to you in it. Maybe it will turn things around for him and he'll start losing weight with you. You never know. But even if it doesn't, you have to do what you need to for yourself. I think upping your calories might have been what you needed to do for now. Keep up the good job!

Well today I woke up and found I lost yet another pound. thats 2 which I am thankful for.. I was beginning to get a little worried. Had an issue with one of my employees at work. ( She cried) I felt bad and wanted to eat and eat and eat. But I didn't. I decided to turn to my journal with a cup of tea and read everyones journals and chat a bit instead . I feel better already. It sure was nice to see I had a visitor kerri and boblin thanks!!!

Hi Lisa
I have'nt been journaling much due to the fact that I spend all my computer time in the chat room. Nice to see that your scale is going down. You will do good. because you want it. So you will get it. go girl. The more you chase the cows and hog tie the hogs the more you will loose. LOL.

Thanks for the vote of confidence for those of us down on the "farm". Yesterday I made a decision after gaining BACK the 2 pounds I lost that the scale was going to be put away until 2/1. then I lowered it to 1/27. My will power did not hold out long I felt like it was gone so I checked this morning! Yeah it did go back down the full 2 pounds. I know I'm eating right. Today I had my first big hurdle. Art ( my hubby) asked me to go to Big Boy for lunch. Normally I would have the Big Boy combo with huge burger, fries and coleslaw. To top it off he got stuck in traffic and I had to sit there by myself for 45 minutes looking at everybody eating THEIR burger, fries and coleslaw! And smelling it! Darn!

But I noticed something interesting ALL those people were significantly overweight! I do not want to be one of them anymore. I don't want to be fat for the rest of my life! I want to enjoy it! I ordered a grilled chicken salad with lo cal dressing at 322 cals! I was really proud of myself. Hubbie ordered the combo! Ha! ( i did have one fry) I couldn't resist. When I got up Inoticed the lady behind me having a salad as well. She was a size 6 at worst. I smiled to myself.

Todays going to be a good day I just know it. Even though its friday I will save some of my snack calories for a minor indulgence. We are going to traverse city this weekend on Saturday to a resort to celebrate my sons 15th birthday. I am allowing myself 1 24 hour period of no holds barred to indulge. and then back to it Sunday.

Good job on the will power. I know it's hard but you always feel so proud of yourself after you do it.

:cheer:CONGRATULATIONS ON LOSING 2 POUNDS!!:cheer:

You are doing great Lisa. Keep it up girl!

Have a grat weekend, and enjoy that birthday celebration. Neither of you will ever see that particular one again..........LOL

Thank you dec1905 and sandielynne! I made it didn't really "keep track" this weekend but I was happy I filled up on less and paid attention to when I was full vx. starving and truly hungry. the day before I left for some reason I was unusually hungry!!!!! When I ate I sensed the feel of real hunger vs. eating to eat. That is good to pay attention. Definitely no fun though. I noticed all the skinny and overweight ladies in the pool and another reminder of my goal !I don't want to be fat and old.:) The old part is hard to change except in attititude but the fat part I can. I'm going to check out your journal now sandielynne all like 1000 pages of it! Ha! I don't think I gained! Now it will be hard to get back on track but I will do it!!

The Core List is quite extensive but I'm going to ATTEMPT to give you the list a little at a time ... lol otherwise I'd be here forever.


Apple, 1 small (or large)
Applesauce, UNSWEETENED 1 cup
Apricots, FRESH 3 medium
Artichoke, HEARTS 1 cup
Asparagus, 12 spears OR 1 cup
Avocado, 1/4 medium
Bacon, Canadian Style, 1 slice
Banana, 1 (7 to 9")
Barley, cooked 1 cup
Beans, baked vegetarian, canned 1/2 cup
Beans, black, 1/2 cup
Beans, cannellini 1/2 cup
Beans, garbanzo 1/2 cup
Beans, green 1 cup
Beans, kidney 1/2 cup
Beans, lima 1/2 cup
Beans, navy 1/2 cup
Beans, pinto 1/2 cup
Beans, REFRIED FAT FREE, canned 1/2 cup
Beans, soybeans 1/2 cup
Beans, wax 1 cup
Beans, white 1/2 cup
BEEF, COOKED
Lean cuts, TRIMMED (other than those listed here) 1 slice OR 1/2 cup cubed or shredded (2 oz.)
Cube steak, trimmed 1/2 cup (2 oz.)
Filet Mignon, trimmed 1 small (4 oz.)
Flank Steak, lean 1 slice (2 oz.)
Ground, 95% lean/5% fat 1/2 cup (2 oz.)
1 Patty (3 oz.)
KC strip, trimmed 1 small (4 oz.)
New York Steak, trimmed 1 small (4 oz.)
Sirloin, trimmed 1 slice (2 oz.)
Steak, lean (round or loin cuts other than those listed here WITH ALL VISIBLE FAT TRIMMED), 1 small (4 oz.)
Strip sirloin, trimmed 1 small (4 oz.)
T-bone Steak, trimmed 1 small (4 oz.)
Tenderloin, trimmed, 1 slice (2 oz.)
[left]Beets, 1 cup
Blackberries, 1 cup
Blueberries, 1 cup
Broccoli, 1 cup
Brussel Sprouts, 1 cup
Bulgur, cooked 1 cup

I will attempt to come back tomorrow to post the others .. hope this helps. LOL that's why I prefer to count points it's easier for me to follow ..
__________________

IF YOU FIND A PATH WITHOUT OBSTACLES IT PROBABLY DOESN'T LEAD ANYWHERE -- Weight Watchers
When We Change The Way We Look At THINGS .... the THINGS We Look At Change. (authored by Wayne Dyer ).....



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#317 01-22-06, 03:57 AM

I love reading stories of success in difficult situations in people's journals, so it was great to read about your success at the restaurant. Good for you! Hope you had a good time celebrating your son's birthday. When I was at WW (just for a couple of months before I couldn't go anymore), I found the CORE list harder to follow than points, too. Different strokes for different folks, as they say. Do what works for you.

thanks for the vote of confidence kerri! I have been gone a couple of days from here. Celebrating my sons birthday on a hotel overnight. Splurged but got right back on on MOnday. In fact purposlely dropped cals from 1400 to 1200 for yesterday. Today was another tempting moment. Had a meeting at work with my favorite broasted chicken with skin on it! I managed to limit myself to 1 large breast( I did eat the skin):( I will count the cals though) I filled up on lots of salad and did splurge with a breadstick also. These situations are my WEAKNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Any help ideas. Funny thing is I had good intentions. In the morning I packed a tuna sandwich and an orange. But felt like a dork having that in front of everyone! I still think I will be ok today calorie wise. I didn't snack at all today but am still content.

I found a new website I LOVE! Found out about it reading someones journal. its called flylady.com. It talks about ridding ourselves of clutter in general ( which is a problem for me) setting up routines that keep our mind off food!
And ridding ourselves of body clutter as well. I'm all about that. Check it out !

WEight loss the same holding at 190 hopefully another pound will be shed by the end of the week. There are no more meetings!

well still at 190 and holding. I guess thats a good thing it could be up! I just noticed I am now a jr. diettalker! Yeah! Not sure what that means but it sure beats newbie! Ha! Fell like a loss coming on. I wore a cute outfit today. Tights, boots skirt and could FEEl it. You know you just know sometimes. I hope my feeling is right. could not do it without all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Lisa,

Just hang in there. Eventually it has to drop down lower, regardless of what your body may be thinking.........haha

I'm glad everything went well and you had such a good time celebrating your son's birthday.

I made a roasted chicken yesterday, and I have to admit, that skin sure is tempting when it's so nice and gold brown and crispy. But I behaved myself and gave it to the dogs instead. Hubby did just the opposite and ate his! Bad boy!

Have a great weekend

thanks for stopping by sandie speaking of chicken skin. I ate some at a workmeeting. those always tempt me. I managed to compensate calories in other ways and lost 2 pounds today! Yeah. Going to update the ticker. Splurges on a little vino with the DH last night. only 12 oz and I was a gonner what a lightweight! Probably because nothing in the ole stomach these days. I made up for it with a 3 oz baked potato and a huge salad with a smidge of dressing. Thanks to crazy2 for urging me on to drink lots of water that helped!

WEll , I am just going to be brutally honest with this. It is a little after midnight est and I feel really depressed. I don't know where to begin but sure it ties in to weight loss somewhere.Embarrassed to say another argument with hubbie.He went to bed at least I have somewhere to turn for once ...this site. Sometimes I feel really alone, I'm just bearing it all! I need some help!I just want to cry. I don't know whats wrong. But I am not happy.At least not now.Because of this stress i blew it today and tonight! At lunch i went out for mexican( lovely!) and tonight junk... no calorie counting just stuff my face and drink wine. Not good I know. Will probably gain what I lost the last day after working soooooo hard. Makes me even sadder.why? How will I turn it around?

Hi Lisa,
i have been meaning to stop in for a while now but only just found some spare time so here i am..
i am sorry about the argument with hubby..isnt it strange how we can undo all our good work with a moment or two of stress eating..i eat when i am stressed or upset too..
anyway remember that tomorrow is a new day...a fresh start..failure is only when we let one of the hurdles keep us down..just keep on getting up and starting again.
i believe in you. i look forward to getting to know you better.
hugs bell :)

thank you bell an gotfruit. Your care and concern means soooo much to me! Your words of encouragement really helped me and I will look at your post often bell when I'm feeling blue and maybe I won't eat out of control! I can only hope. I probably would have continued to feel guilty and down today for the binge but with the support of my new friends I really feel like I can accomplish this! Its nice to have a place to turn that is readily available when we need each other. I hope to be able to "pay it forward" for someone else. thanks so much !Wish me luck. Going on a "date night" with DH. Obviously I will make wiser choices.:)

Hi Lisa,

I found your journal!

An upside of making such mistakes (i.e., last night's events) is taking the opportunity to learn from them. The more you journal, the easier it will be to identify triggers and patterns of binge eating. The most important thing is that you are being honest with yourself about your situation and you are actively searching/striving to control what has been controlling you. The fact that were able to log-on to this site after overeating (your estimation) speaks volumes to your commitment to beginning the journey to health.

I find that coming to this site helps when I am feeling anxious and/or depressed, it's a tool for refocusing versus raiding the refrigerator to satiate raw feelings.

I hope your date with DH went well...and who knows, maybe he'll be motivated to lose weight when he notices you getting healthy (that has been my husband's response)....

Cori

Hi Lisa,
meant to stop in this morning but i forgot..better late than never though, right? :)
i am glad that you are feeling better about things today. Hope that you have fun with hubby tonight!
hugs bell :)

Hi Lisa
How did the date go. Hope it went well and that the communication went better. Like I said a good relationship needs communication.. It's a great big word in any healthy and good relation. and for falling off the wagon look at you your trying to get back on after just one day. Better and bigger loses to come. See you in chat.

Thanks all of you for stopping by. I love visitors!:) The date went really good. I moderated. Had whitefish, vegis, mashed potatoes. Passed on bread and only ate half! topped with a wine spritzer too. Had a great night. He apologized.( I knew I was right) SHHHH.... I won't tell him that. Ha! Anyway...

Mom2woo... A great big thankyou to you! Yes I am continuing to learn and turning here instead of binging.

Bell.. its been really nice getting to know you in these posts .

Boblin... what can I say from one farm girl to one fry girl you are always prodding me along.

See ya' all in chat!

Glad the date went well and you're feeling better. It's so hard not to let things get in the way of what we must (and I do mean MUST) do for ourselves. I tend to be very reactive to my DH's moods, which isn't a good idea since he suffers from depression, so it's something I work on all the time - not being brought down and thus, off my program, but the events we go through. Posting and chatting here will always be a great help to you. Just keep at it.

Kerri that is so huge what you said about what we MUST do for ourselves. I always feel guilty when I'm not eating and drinking with him or pulled down by his sometimes negative mood. THis just makes me come here more! Thanks for the kind words.

does anyone know where the header MY TOPICS went it now says my replies!?

I'm back from San Diego now and wanted to check-up on your progress....

Sounds like you are doing a great job keeping focused on your goal!

In one of your past posts you mentioned feeling awkward about eating different food at your office potlucks/dinners. I used to feel that way also, but realized that I would never meet my goal of I didn't get a handle on the office eating. It is amazing the amount of food that gets consumed by our staff....

Sometimes I will bring a salad or side dish that fits within the parameters of my eating plan to a potluck. Other times, I'll just join in with the group and eat my own meal. No one makes a big deal or asks intrustive questions.

It also was helpful to realize that I can nurture my professional and personal relationships without food. So much conversation and celebration focuses around food, leaving us sometimes to feel that we are not being "supportive" or "one of the gang" if we don't join in the eating festivities. At least that was a big issue for me....

I hope you have a great weekend -- keep up the great work!!

Cori

thanks Cori for stopping by. You are to good to me:)

Well unfortunately I have not posted in here for a while. I am still picking one day to splurge friday nite it is gonna be steak. but I think I can actually work that into my cals for the day if I plan in advance. Maybe my new chicken/vegetable low cal soup. Its so awesome. Its just chicken broth , leeks, chopped forozen broccoli & cauliflower and carrots. a little seasoning to taste. It really satisfies me and helps me get through snack and binge time I'm noticing this week. So today Saturday I had just one piece of white toast( its all I had and fat free bologna slice ( 100 cals) the soup concoction at lunch. Wendy's jr cheeseburger withthe mayo wiped off ( left a tad for flavor!) mmmmmm so rockin good not bad on the cals though. NOt sure what I will do for dinner I may just try to do the soup thing tonite as well since tomorrow is super bowl sunday and we will maybe go to a local bar for a few beers and I'm sure a fun appetizer. As long as I maintain on the weekends I am okay. I need something I can LIVE with and that allows me to stay on track during the week. I will weigh in tomorrow morning for hopefully some good news I am due for a loss! Can feel it and feeling better with just the few pounds I have lost!

Hi Lisa - Welcome to DT (as Bell says, better late than never.. although my grade 9 teacher used to say "better never than late")!

:wave:

Corinna

Oh yeah! I love the Core way of eating. :)

Corinna

Hi Lisa,

Just checking in to see how all is going for you. Thanks for stopping by my journal yesterday!

Hope you are doing well! Looking forward to learning of your continued progress...

Cori

Just checking up to see how things are going :wave: . Hope you post again soon.

Hey Miss LisaB!

I found your journal and decided to have a read :)

I had some tips to share that may/may not be helpful. I've posted them elsewhere (because it's all I currently have to offer!!) so you might have already come across them...

I wondered if you'd heard of the hunger scale? When I posted it on another thread someone said they found it a useful concept so thought I'd share it with you. It's a scale to use as a tool to try and tune back into your hunger so you're not eating when you don't need to and stop eating when you're actually full. I know you've mentioned in your journal this is something you're trying to do. The scale goes from 1-10. Before you eat, and whilst you're eating, you need to think where you are on the scale. Basically you should aim to start eating at around 3-4 and stop at 6-7.

1 Physically faint
2 Ravenous
3 Fairly hungry
4 Abit hungry
5 Neither hungry nor full
6 Satisfied
7 Physically full
8 Stuffed
9 Bloated
10 Pass the bucket!

If you wait until 1-2 to eat you'll overeat because you're starving! Eating when you're starting to feel hungry is the right time. Also, if you eat when you aren't hungry then you can never feel satisfied because you didn't need the food in the first place! You should stop eating at 6-7 when you're satisfied or full. Never go beyond that point!

It's a good system if you can get used to it and keep it in mind. Also if you don't eat when you're hungry your body starts to panic because it thinks there's a famine on and because it doesn't know when it will get it's next meal it starts to store fat! Like camels store fat in their humps! Yuk! I also know when you said that you felt starving on 1200 cals that 1500 cals is medically classed as a semi-starvation diet! I know many people on this site are having that many calories a day but personally for me with 90lbs to lose it's just not realistic. My weight would perhaps come off quicker but it just wouldn't be sustainable for me.

The other tip (which you might know anyway) is the 90/10 rule of eating. I know you might be feeling bad about your Sat splurges but this ties in with this rule of dieting. So 90% of the time what you eat is healthy and nutritionally sound so that 10% of the time you can eat things that are higher in cals/fat. When you think about it that's really what a lot of slim people do! You see someone skinny eating a bar of chocolate or a burger and think 'How can she eat that and stay thin? It's not fair!' - but you probably don't see that she's eaten healthily all week, that's her one bar or burger of the week!

I wouldn't beat yourself up over having the odd 'treat'. I wouldn't even think of them as being treats - it's just all part of your new healthy, balanced way of eating. If you deny yourself things you really want you're only going to become fixated on it and then you're likely to go and binge on whatever it is! For me I love pizza! But I've found some WW pizzas that are only 4.5 points. They're not the same as ordering one in but it means I could have one everyday if I chose to (I won't!) and still easily stay within my points allowance.

Anyway, I'm glad to see you've lost some weight and that you're feeling motivated. I love this site and I'm glad that it's working for other people too :)

Keep up the great work Lisa and I hope to see you in chat again soon.

Have a good rest of the weekend...

Sally

WOW! I just noticed I have not posted since 2/4! shame on me! Thanks for checking in on me mom2woo, Kerri, Corinna and Sally. Actually seeing you check in on me reminded of me to journal more often. so thank you all! Phd your tips were VERY helpful. LOved the 90/10 thing that is SOOOO true. But why DO we feel that when you see that thin person eating a burger that they eat that way all the time? anyway here we go

Friday- BAD BAD BAD ... BUt as Sally said that was my 10% the rest of the week I stayed on target and even managed to lose another pound. Yeah! I noticed when I splurged on Fridays lunch that I could only eat 1/2 of my normal half pund burger and fries. I also had a crock of the most deliscious cream of mushroom soup. Gave the other half to my son. Then that night for dinner waited to long to eat and had a few glasses of wine to boot.I know when I do that what happens. Pizza overload, salad with too much dressing and breadsticks. oh well I balanced that with a good rest of the weekend.

Saturday- toast with FF bologna

vegetable soup for lunch

broiled sea bass with loads of veggis on top! Yum AND stuffed!

SUnday- small bagel w/ 1T whipped cream cheese

vegetable soup for lunch

chicken breast for dinner

Glad to see things are going well and you're not beating yourself up for an occasional oops. I'll pop in again soon.

Hi Lisa,

I need to put you on my list of subscribed threads, so I can find you easier from now own.

I'm really glad you are losing, even if it is just one pound at a time. I don't even seem to have that luck. I am down 1 lb. from last Monday, but not really lost anything, because I am exactly where I was that first week after I first started my diet. Still playing with that same 5 lbs and parts of it. I'm totally disgusted, but I keep trying.X-(

I reconfigured my Fitday program today, and it is now telling me approx. 1312 cals. per day tops if I want to lose 2 lbs a week. Odd, I average right around there, and still don't lose. Oh well!8-|

Keep up working on it kiddo. You'll get there. I guess we both need to learn to have more patience though, right? :laugh:

Monday breakfast - 1 piece of toast and 2 VERY thin slice of salami- 100 cals
LUnch- lettuce wraps- 550 cals- staff members birthday out
Dinner- 2 glasses wine :( 200 empty cals probably from my splurge at lunch
1.5 servings of lasagna- 500 cals
1 low cal peanut butter cup- 75 cals

total- 1425 roughly

funny I thought I did really bad but I guess it was ok after all

Tuesday- BAD BAD BAD ( I didn't eat breakfast at home which threw me out of whack went to a meeting on the WRONG day! STRESS! So what do I do of course TREAT myself after all I deserve it don't I. Hmmm... so unfortunately a egg mcmuffin ( no butter on it :)) As if that really helped and hash browns total - 500

Lunch- since I did bad at breakfast I convinced myself the day was off to a bad start and why not splurge at lunch after all it was... VAlentines day! A holiday. Had egg drop soup, one egg roll, 1/2 order of fried rice and almond chicken. At least I ate half -589 roughly

dinner- going out for valentines this will be challenging but I am really going to try to make good choices and STILL have fun. couple cocktails, fish,salad and do my own dressing w/ oil & vinegar and maybe a little mashed potato

I will probably end my day around 1800 all said and done. But I have GOT to stay on track. This is an especially hard week. Meetings, meetings, meetings! Again 1/2 bagel tomorrow vs. whole. watch portion of whatever at lunch.PRAY!! for will power.Same thing thursday , in fact for breakfast thursday at that meeting I will just eat at home.Friday boss is buying! Why does it tast better when it is free?? I am going to post that one right now!

Thanks for stopping by Kerri and Sandie!

Yo Lisa,

We can't be perfect every day. Just make more days good ones than bad days and we are bound to win eventually!

Hang in there! :)

Hi Lisa,

I succumbed to pizza at the conference event I went to yesterday! It was because it was free - so I hear ya! I could have had a baked potato, panini, baguette or pizza - and they all seemed dull choices compared to the pizza! It was a 4 slice (about 7"?) thin crust pepporoni pizza - and greasy as you like! At least it made me feel bad and that I'd let myself down, so I can perhaps turn that to my advantage, by remembering the feeling and making sure I don't do it to myself again!

I'm out for meal with a friend tonight before we go to see a film, but I'm taking my WW Eating Out Guide and I'm hoping to decide on where we'll eat before we go, so I can go in and pretty much decide what I'm having without needing to see the menu.

I didn't exercise yesterday because I went out early and then when I got back at 630pm I was too tired. I was asleep by 8pm! So, Aaron ended up going to see a friend! We did swap cards though and I've got us tickets to go and see a gig next Wed so that can be our 'date'. Hope you and Art had a lovely evening?

Hang on in there! If you keep getting tempted by food at work you'll just have to leave and become a lady of leisure so you can concentrate on your workouts and spend allday in health spas :D

Take care,

Sally

ps I missed Nancy's chat because of my early night, but hope to see you in Monica's chat on Sat 1pm est if you're free

Hi Lisa
see your still here and doing great. I sure miss you in chat. Don't you get up in the mornings anymore. We used to have some great early morning chats. Hope to see you soon.

thanks sandie and sally! Sally Love your idea of me becoming a lady of leisure and spending all day working out and in health spas because of work temptations. I'll run that one by my husband and see what he thinks! Ha!

Going to concentrate on water intake today and staying on plan as I am going to ANOTHER meeting! Went out to dinner for VAlentines day and ordered my salad with oil and vinegaron side. It came WITH dressing and I was so proud of myself rather than cower and not make a scene and put on the calories... I sent it back. Yeah!did overdo it a little the past few days but that will help me stay on track for the rest of the week actually. The guilt outweighed the indulgence and NOT worth it when I have been working so hard.

Hi Lisa,

Glad you're feeling good again after rocky few days - mindue, you don't sound like you went too over calories?

After my pizza indiscretion yesterday I've been good so far today. I'm trying to have 20 points (instead of the 24 I'm allowed to have) and I've left enough for meal tonight with my friend. Plus, because I got up early I decided to be productive. I walked 35 mins to my local pool (couple of miles I think) and did 45 mins swim, then bussed part of the way home and walked the last 15 mins. So, I'm back on track!

Hope you've had a good day.

Take care,

Sally

Hi Lisa,

I don't have a clue on my calories today. We had dinner at our favorite Chinese Buffet, so it was yummy if not the best of choices. I don't think I did too bad though since I didn't eat breakfast, and I actually didn't get as much at the buffet as I normally do. I got full too fast, so that was that. Of course, now I will be drinking water by the quart, so maybe it is a good thing after-all?? hahaha

Tomorrow is a new day, and I plan to behaving myself tomorrow! You will do the same, I am sure. Take care.

I waited until the holiday was over because I knew I wouldn't stay on track. You're obviously trying to make good choices. Keep it up.

I BOUGHT A TREADMILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I USED THE TREADMILL FOR 10 MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those were both huge hurdles for me . I was sadle tired after just 10 minutes. But I had to start somewhere. I read maybe in your journal Kerri you did 5 minutes and thats what made me realize 5 minutes or 10 minutes is better than 0 minutes!!! Its a starting point until I can increase up to 20-30 minutes daily.

Breakfast- 3 eggs w/ veggies- 210 cals
Lunch- 1/2 leftover seafood paella- 400 calls?
Snack- 1 oz baked lays- 100 cals
Dinner- 2 turkey sloppy joes on lite buns, 8 oz skim milk and brocolli- 770
7 glasses of water so far too! wow never got that far yet!

total - 1480 with 50 cals burned net- 1430 yeah!!

Phd- Great job on the walking! I miss chatting with you. I will try to stop by your journal soon.

Sandielynne- chinese is my weakness too actuall so is mexican , italian... etc. :) what can we have that is lo cal any ideas? are you getting your fiber???water???:)

Kerri: read your journal LOVED it got some great ideas and encouragement thanks for stopping by again!

Congratulations on the treadmill. Hey lady, we all have to start somewhere, right? I started out with just 5 minutes too. Now I can walk 20 minutes. My next thing is to try and walk a little faster. When I started, I could barely make the 5 minutes at 1.5 mph. But now I am walking the 20 minutes at 1.8 mph, and working towards a minimum of 2 mph. So start slow and work your way up. And don't worry about inclining it right now either. Just doing it is the first step. Baby steps, remember?

Yay Lisa!!

Hey Lisa,

Just read your post in my journal -- thanks. Congrats on your new treadmill! Hang in there...it gets easier. I believe I could only walk 20 minutes (and was winded) my first week. Your body will adjust and before you know it, you'll be pounding down the miles!

With regards to Chinese food...I really don't know of any Chinese food (served in America) that is low cal. My body has funky reactions to MSG, so I typically try to avoid the standard fare. Now sushi is a different story! I crave the stuff...

Looks like you are doing a great job keeping focused on your goals. You have a great strategy to eat only 1/2 portions. A colleague of mine does that and has lost around 75 lbs. over the past 18 months. She looks wonderful.

I almost caught you in chat the other night. I was logging in just as you logged out. That's when I pm'ed you. We'll get connected one of these days.

Awesome job on your focus and determination!

Cori

Hi Lisa and everyone!

Re Chinese Food, in my WW eating out guide, some things aren't so bad. Obviously things deep fried aren't good, but noodles aren't so bad. I'm not sure of the calories but to give you an idea, I'm on 24 points a day and here are some points values of food:

Starters:
BBQ spare ribs 10; Soups 2.5; Crispy Spring Roll (each) 5; Deep fried squid (yuk!) 7.5; Prawn crackers (average portion) 5; Satay Chicken 5.5; Sesmae Prawn Finger (each) 1.

Mains:
Araomatic crispy duck with pancakes (per filled pancake) 7.5; Beef Chow Mein 8.5; Beef Chop Suey 6; Beef in Balck Bean Sauce 8; chicken and cashew nuts 6.5; chicken chow mein (my tipple!) 7.5; chicken with pineapple 3; king prawn chow mein 5.5; prawn chop suey 3; Roast pork Cantonese style 4.5, sweet and sour pork or chicken balls 10.

Side Orders:
Chicken fried rice 9.5; egg fried rice 10; tire-fried beansprouts with garlic and spring onion 2.5; sweet and sour sauce 3.

Desserts:
Fortune Cookies, each 2; ice cream 6

So that's just a selection. I know you aren't doing points Sandie but it gives you a sense of proportion. WW in UK work out the cals and saturated fat to get the points values. I think in US version it also includes fibre - but this is UK version. I've heard people say it's about 50 cals to one point, but you can't really work it out like that because they take the fat into account too.

Anyway, sorry Lisa for taking up your journal space! Thanks for posting in my journal :) Bummer that you're not coming to England now! I wanted to take you to the 11th pub in Nottingham! If you ever do get chance to come over you should come to Nottingham for the day. The castle is no longer there but you can see the grounds and there's a museum/art gallery there. You can go on a cave tour underneath the grounds and hear the stories about what happened there in medeival times. It's really cheap - about $3 maybe - and the pub is part built into the cave walls too. There are lots of cafe culture type wine bars in the city too. You know for the pavement culture you get in Europe in summer. There's also a really cool bar that's built into an old church! Although, I don't know if Christians might find that offensive? But, it's a lovely place. It's in an area of the city called Lace Market (in years gone by Nottingham had a big lace industry) and it looks just like a church from the outside. It's basically all the original building, they've just taken the pews out and put a bar in! It's a spectacular setting, with all the stained glass, really beautiful. Everyone's always impressed when I take them in when they visit! We're 80 miles from the nearest coast, but that's a traditional (rather tacky) British sea-side resort. If you ever make it then we'll have to go there for traditional fish and chips (in batter so not good for dieters!) and a go on the funfair :)

It's great you've invested in a treadmill. When I joined a gym last year they advised me to do 2 mins 'hard' and 1 min slow. Seemed silly to me, but I guess they knew what they were doing! It annoyed me to keep changing the machine though, so I'd just do about 5-10 mins 'hard' and then 2-3 mins slow! It was to get your heart rate up, but then bring it down, then get it up again. You could try that? Or just do 15 mins at a moderate pace. Do 15 mins twice a day if you can - then you're still getting recommended 30 mins a day in 5 x a week in.

I'm fine. Sticking to points, but anxious now my weigh-in is on Thu that I've barely lost anything. I got scales just over a week ago so that I could be reassured something was happening and they've only moved 1lb in that time! So, I'm worrying on Thu she'll be like 'You've lost 2lbs' in 3 weeks! God, I'd be gutted! It should be working, it did last year, but I'm just anxious... :(

I don't think I'll be in chats Tue and Thu because of the time difference. I've managed to sort my sleeping pattern out abit and I've been getting up 630am so I'll be fast asleep by 2am - which is when it starts here. I was in chat at 1pm yesterday, although I got there slightly late, and Vlynn said you'd been and gone! She said she was away from her keyboard when you popped in so she missed you. I stopped about 45 mins and chatted (including to Sandie) but then had to leave. I'd hoped to do my own chat Sunday (today) at 2pm est but I've arranged to go to the cinema with my friend so I can't now! We'll have to arrange a time :)

Hope things are good generally for you. Take care,

Sally x

Hey again Lisa,

Just saw that you asked Cori about Chinese food around 400 cals! As I said above I don't know just straight cal values, but these are low points (so must be low cals/sat fat):

Any Soup 2.5pts
chicken with pineapple 3pts
prawn chop suey 3pts
mixed Chinese vegetables in oyster sauce 4.5 pts
stir fried beansprouts with garlic and spring onion 2.5 pts

Or you could get some thing else and eat half like you have been doing? That would widen the choice. You do tend to get big portions with Chinese food anyway. So, for instance, if you order some chow mein noodles and ate half, then that would be okay.

Sal x

Hey Lisa,

Just popped in to check on you and your doing great!! Thanks again for the support...I so want a treadmill, do you have a manual one or one that moves for you???
You're doing great!

Shan

Sunday 2/19/06

Breakfast- 3/4 cup egg subs- 100 cals
Lunch 1 cup macaroni & cheese- 260
Snack- some nachos & 4 pita chips with hummous- guessing 200 cals worth?
Dinner- 1 glass red wine- 100 cals
1 thigh and part of one drum with vegis from chicken cacciatore- 400- cals?
1 dove chocolate- 30

that looks like about-1090 which is under but I am full and I don't know exactly how much at snack or dinner. So I will call it a day. Most surprising that 1 cup of mac filled me up for lunch. I was so carb happy!

treadmill-15 minutes/2.5/.36/70 cals

Hi Lisa,
Congrats on your loss so far. Sounds like you are doing good. I wish you all the best on your journey! Great job at the treadmill, sounds like you are off to a good start. Keep up the great work!

Hi Lisa,

How's the treadmill workout going?

I'm getting weighed on Thu and I'm abit anxious the scales won't have moved because my period's due - good old water retention!

I've added a pic of me and Aaron to the gallery if you want to take a look It's not a very good one, I'm abit technically challenged so it's really small!

Hope you had a good weekend...

Sally

Hi Lisa,

Hope you have some luck with your weigh-in this week. You seem to be sticking with it well, so the pounds should come off.

Have a great week!

Hi Lisa,

I see you've seen my pic! It's not actually a very good one of Aaron. Well, it's what he looks like (ginger :) ) but it looks like he's got a really long face in the picture! Maybe it's an optical illustion because mine's so round...

Hope all is well with you?

I might join a gym at weekend. Going to look Friday morning and see if I feel comfortable and weigh up the cost against the benefits...

Sally

Millie- thanks for stopping by to visit. I will stop and see you soon too. thanks for the encouragement.The treadmill feels good because its like something was missng in my life and I knew it but could not put my finger on it. Even though I am only doing 15 minutes or so. I know it is the right thing and I don't feel as guilty and am a little happier!HOpefully I stay committed to it though THAT would be a first as I HATE exercise.:)

Sandiegirl! HOw are you chick I need to swing by your journal and check up on you. Scale is moving a little but VERY slowly.But I really don't care if it takes a year sandie I know others are losing more quickly but its ilke the story of the tortoise and the hare!:)

PHD- I miss seeing you in chat. HOpe weigh in goes well for you on THurs. Just a thought before dropping cash at the gym. what about a treadmill? This one one only $279 at sears and you can get them online. I just plop in front of the TV.

Ok reporting for yesterday- I went on a college tour with my daughter and out to lunch so ... I walked a t a brisk pace at minus 2 below for 1 1/2 hours. :c( ate a 1 oz bag of cheetos someone was handing out. I just plain did not care about the cals at that point!- 130

Had mexican for lunch another one of my weaknesses but tried to eat only half. Chowed on the nachos before hand because I was starving. total for lunch I am guessing after looking it up on calorieking.com was.... I am afraid to say this is a HALF portion of a beef burrito and all the fixins... 880 :)

dinner- I mad chicken ala king and put mine on a lowfat english muffin vs the flaky biscuits my family had. turned DOWN the glass of wine hubbie offered.- 500 cals guessing

Breakfast was a low fat eng muffin as well - 130

I am afraid to add I know I went over but I DID wal ALOT!!!!

Total- 1670-or so

Today have to go to ANOTHER work meeting. will do breakfast at home and go easy on lunch. Unfortunalety meeting a colleague for cocktails afterwards but will just have a couple bud lites at 100 cals each and drink slowly!!!!

Lisa,
You are doing so well...
Glad to see that the treadmill keeps you feelin a little happier. Happiness is definatly a bonus *smiles*

Take care
Shan

Hey Lisa,

I have my Gazelle Glider at home that I use but I like aqua aerobics classes and it's difficult to get to the pool that I used to go to last year.

I'm going Friday morning to look around the gym and take part in an aqua aerobics class. If I feel comfortable there I'll join. It's a 6 month contract so it will only be until August.

It's a nice gym. It's in a hotel (Hilton) and it has pool, gym, sauna, steam room, spa, exercise classes. They have instructors to work out a plan of exercise with you and they check back with you every 4 weeks to see how it's working out for you. I told the manager I need to lose weight and he said some of the staff are also qualified nutritionists and could give me advice if I was interested. Plus, because it's a nice gym you get complimentary towels and toiletries, which is useful. I reckon I'll sign up for 6 months. It's not that long if I end up not going much. But I think having somewhere nice like that to go, with classes, the pool, etc will encourage me to want to go and exercise, you know? So, I think it will be a good thing. Time will tell!

Glad you're okay. I wouldn't worry too much about having a bad food day. Just move on from it...

I'll let you know Thu what I weighed in at!

Sally

I just worked out cost of gym membership in dollars on yahoo currency converter. It's $68 one-off admin charge (how annoying are they!) and then because I'm a student I get a reduced rate so it's $62.85 a month - and I'll have to sign up for 6 months. But, that's not so bad if I go 3 times a week - might love it and go everyday!

Sally

Ohhh Sally, I love the aqua fit aerobics...i do it here!! love it love it love it...

How are you doing Lisa???

Shan

That seems like a lot of $, I pay $30 a month for a gym. It was $100.00 to start though.

I'm in UK and it's not bad. That's student rate too. It's a nice one with pool etc but that's quite a good price as they go...

Sally

Littlebeetle- thanks for stopping by! Its nice to see you posting. You are doing great and I sure hope your spirits are lifting since your original post. I think they are just by reading your recent posts!

Sally, I think the gym sounds awesome and so spa.. ish :)Anything that tricks our minds into getting exercise is great. $$ is not the issue at that point.

Well things have been going pretty well so far. 7 pounds all together but close to 20 from last year! it all adds up little by little.

I am sticking pretty well to my 1400 cals per day and I am noticing it definitely takes less to fill me up!This is hard to believe.

Yesterday

Breakfast- 1 english muffin- 130
Lunch- healhy choice meal - 300
snack 1 girlscout cookie- 35?
Dinner- 1 glass wine-100
Pork mexican verde with 4 corn tortilla's- about 600? give or take
didn't really track dinner since not much during the day. I knew it was healhy food so I enjoyed myself in moderation of course!

Exercise- went on a 15 minute hilly hike with my daughters kindergarten class. My aching back today! what a wimp I am!

LOL
You are not a wimp Lisa! Sounds great. I enjoy doing things with my children's classes! There is just getting to be so much though *S* I swear they are asking for parent volunteers everyday!

I am feeling better Lisa. Thank you so much for asking and for your support. What system do you use to track your calories???

I really need to start writting down everything I eat. Perhaps if I log it in my journal I can get some advice from everyone.

It was nice chatting today. I hope you have a great day!
Shannon

Hi Lisa,

Today I went to look around the gym. To call it a 'gym' isn't accurate really,it's more of a health club - but it has a gym. I did the water aerobics class and it was a man that took us for it and he actually got in the pool to do it with us! They didn't at the one I went to last year somewhere else! So that was a nice touch. Everyone was chatting to him and was obviously relaxed. He was like 'Yeah, it's Friday!' then 'Oh, and it's two days til pay day - beers on my credit card tonight then!'. So it was all nice and informal.

After the class (which was 45 mins) he made a point of coming over to me to ask how I'd enjoyed it. He said 'You did really well' and I told him I'd lost 40lbs last year and he was like 'Brilliant!'. After I finished the class I swam a little then sat in the spa a while. Afterwards I showered and you get complimentary toiletries and towels so it's really handy. When I went back out to the main reception the manager showed me around the gym and said they can work out a plan for my exercise that they'll review with me every four weeks and said that some of them are trained nutrionists if I want any advice in that area. I said I'd like to join so he sat me down and made me a cup of tea! I'm going tomorrow for my gym induction.

It was £39 ($68) today for the admin fee - which is annoying - then they've got an offer on so I get the rest of Feb (think they started promotion last month) and all of March for FREE! Then I've signed up for 6 months, so from April I'll pay £36 a month ($62.85). That's a student rate so it's less than normal but what is good is that I can go in anytime (some clubs only do off-peak memberships for students) and they're open everyday from about 8am - 10pm. Someone said they thought the monthly fee is alot, but it really isn't for the UK. It's cheap! Especially because there's a pool etc and it includes all the classes, plus the gym and advice. And the fact that you get towels provided, that's unusual for a lot of them here too. So I'm pleased anyway. The gym is in the city centre (about 6 miles from me) so I've also invested in a 6 month travel pass for the bus and that was £185 ($323.40) - so I'm all set!! I think having the bus pass and the nice facilities to use will encourage me to go a lot. Plus I go into the city to meet friends, clothes shop, go theatre/cinema etc so I won't just be using it to go to the gym. I'll just have to make sure I get some work done at the same time!!

Hope you're okay Lisa? Got any plans for the weekend?

Tonight I'm meeting a friend for a few drinks, tomorrow I have my gym induction in the afternoon and I'm going to see Grizzly Man in the evening. Sunday Aaron and I might be meeting up with his sister for the day. I also have mucho work to get done too!

Take care and have a good one,

Sal x

That sounds wonderful, good pick!

Sounds like a fab set up Sally....now that you spent all that moula I am gonna be on your butt to put it to good use *grins*

Shan

Hi Lisa,
Stop by to see how your doing. Congrats on the loss:cheers: ! You are doing great! keep up the great work.
Thanks for stopping by my journal! It was real nice seeing you there.
I love walking outside. I bet that hilly walk was a work out. Keep it up and you will see that goal.

Have a great one!

PHd- love reading about whats going on with you. the health club sounds awesome!!!!!!! Can't wait to hear further info as you progress.

Emy- thanks for stopping by... how do you like DT so far ? you are doing jenny craig I see how is that going?

Shannon- glad you are feeling spunky. I can tell! we all get into those funks.

MIllie- thanks as always for stopping by have a great week.

WEll lets see this weekend I didn't journal much I typically go off plan somewhat starting Friday nite back on saturday during day although I didn't this weekend. Stayed out late partying it up a bit Friday and needed a little grease to feel better Saturday!:) Which led me to feeling...:( afterwards.
But I have experienced a nice loss thus far so one weekend won't kill me. I'll be back on it tomorrow.Need to work on the water. I have been treadmilling every day for 15 minutes!

Its 3 a.m. now I got up an hour ago because I could not sleep. I made split pea soup for dinner and its wreaking havoc on the ole intestines. :) Need a little beano next tome! Ha! Ok I know TMI but thats what you get when you read someones private journal! :)

Saturday-
lunch
cheeseburger and 6 onion rings- 1600 yowza!
dinner- 5 oz t-bone and 1/2 potato,steamed veggies, coleslaw- 500
total- 2100!!!!!!


Sunday-
Breakfast- 5 oz steak & 1/2 potato-350 cals?
Lunch - 1 cup chicken soup- 100
snack- 1 oz fat free pringles- 70
dinner - split pea soup- 3 cups -420
3 glasses wine- shame on me - 300 cals

total- 1250- not too bad I am surprised
exercise- 15 minutes

I am rolling on the floor laughing my BUTT off (hey! Is that exercise *snort)

I love the comment about TMI for reading someones private journal~ I hope your tummy is feeling better Lisa.

Who cares about going off plan. You had a nice weekend and now you know what to do to keep yourself going! We can't be perfect everyday!

Have a good one
Shan

Hi Lisa
Looking good the weight is coming down. I have been sleeping in so don't do the 6:30 chat thing much anymore. Was there at 7:30 this morning but now going on 9 and no one yet. So hope to run into you there soon. Take care.

Hi Lisa,

I wouldn't worry about the weekend booze and grease-fest. It was your 10% again!

I'm loving my health club! It is actually a health club - it tells you so on the door! It's called Living Well Health Club. Do they have them in USA? They're a chain, part of the Hilton Hotel group...

Hope Monday is good to you :)

Sal x

oops my last post did not get posted will redo tomorrow hope its not in one of your journals!!!

Breakfast- english muffin-130
Lunch 1/2 corned beef & swiss sandwich- 240
Snack- pizza-240
dinner 5 oz pork tenderloin, salad with dressing broccoli- 400
vino-:( 300

Hi Lisa

:cheer:CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 7 LBS GONE!!:cheer:

I am really happy that you are doing so well. Hang in there, it seems to be working for you!

Hi Lisa,
Stop by to say hi. Hope you are having a great day.
I am thrilled that you are doing so good. Keep up the great work!

Hi Lisa!

Well done mate! :cheers:

Sally

Wow Lisa you are doing so very good. Congratualtions. Are you sleeping in I don't see you in chat. i've been there since 7:15 this morning and only talked with Tess a few min. Oh well hope to run into you soon.

sandie- nice chatting with you yesterday. You are my chinese foood cohort in crime!
MIllie- thanks for stopping by. I need to visit you soon! YOu are soo faithful-
Phd- thanks for the PM hang in there toots
Boblin- i haven't beensleeping in but the 5 year old is getting up earlier and I need to get her taken care of thanks for stopping by and checking in. I miss talking to you!

Yesterday 3/2/06
Breakfast- paczki- 420
Lunch- large salad- 100 cals
dinner-corn/broccoli and 1/2 sandwich corned beef & swiss- 300
chocolate- 40

total cals- 860 trying to offset yesterdays splurge alittle low I kinow

exercise 15 min

Oh my goodness!! Now I'm a cohort in crime???
I don't think Chinese food is bad for us at all, but like any other cuisine, you have to make smart choices is all. Our buffet provides several vegetable offerings, and some meat only offerings. So I don't starve when I go there at all. One of the reasons why I keep going back I guess.

Keep up the good work lady! That is, on the days you are not hunting the Chinese Restaurant!! hahaha

Hey girl,
You seem to be doing so well!
How are things goin???

Shan

well as usual temptation sets in on the weekends had a wendys#1 which is a greasy cheeseburger, fries at 870 total cals then off to friends on sat nite she had beers, & tons of mexican appetizers and fajita's with all the toppings. Yummo!

did pretty good sunday but not sure on the dinner cals

breakfast- local yogurt with granola- 100
lunch at big boys- cabbage soup- lo cal and salad with veggis and lo cal ranch
dinner- buffet at fashion show 2 little pices of chicken piccata, tiny bit of redskin potato salad, tiny bit of beef stirfry, little bit of baked ziti mmmmm
chocolate covered pretzel! 1/2 pork chop and a little unsweetened applesauce.

MOnday back at being good.
Breakfast- 2 eggs w/ veggis in it scrambled
lunch- brussel sprouts and lo cal vegetable soup
snack- more vegi soup
dinner turkey spincach burger with green beans and lite buns
wine- 100 cals?

recap for today-
breakfast-1 slice whole grain toast w/ FF bologna- 140 cals
lunch- 1 cup lemon chicken rice soup- 200
2 coney dogs- 670
dinner-1 cup couscous w/ roasted vegis- 250
wine 1 glass-100
1 pc dark chocolate- 40

total- 1400 but obviously high in fat!!

exercise 15 min treadmill

saw 184 on the scale twice now so if it appears again tomorrow it will be official an 8 pound total loss!!

the weather was nice today and supposed to be close to 60 thurs/fri & saturday. that will help me sooo much. I need to go out and buy a cd player or something with headphones to walk with cd player i think for me versus the new ipod... just easier and I could plop in whatever motivational cd etc.

tomorrow home with the kids another day off school will have a healthy breakfast and try to do the soup & vegi thing again. That really works-

Sounds terrific Lisa, hope you see that number tomorrow!!!!

Thanks for coming to chat, it was great to have you there.

Hey Lisa,

Glad to see you're still rockin! Thanks for posting in my journal and for having me in your thoughts - it's always appreciated :hug:

We'll have to try to hook up in chat sometime soon. Will you be around for Monica's on Saturday? I'll try to stop by because I should be around - I just forgot last Sat!

Sally

Hey Lisa,

Just wanted to stop by and say "hi"....great job on your weight loss. I am impressed by the way you quickly refocus when you have an "off" day. Keep pounding the treadmill! Like you said, fortunately we are moving into spring which makes getting exercise a bit more interesting and easy.

Have a great evening,

Cori

Miss you Lisa guess i'll have to visit here LOL. 8 lbs gone already that's great seems to me you just got started. Good luck. Keep it up.

Hey Lisa,

Seems you are doing so well. Fajitas are sooo my killer...I love love love them!

Hope all continues to go well for you! Congrats on your losses :)

Hugs
Shan

recap for wednesday

Breakfast- 1 slice whole grain toast w FF bologna- 130
Lunch- 2 cups veggie soup- 100
Snack- asapragus steamed - not much
dinner- couscous w/ roasted veggies and 1 pork chop- 250 for couscous plus chop- 450??
wine- 200 cals 2 glasses
snack-7 FF pringles -40 cals

total-1170
NO EXERCISE was really feeling LAZY!!!!!!!!!!

also noticed I like most of my cals at dinner. Like to have 1 glass of wine with the hubby after work and try to alot cals for that even though I know they are empty cals. it makes it more realistic to follow . they say 1 glass a day is heart healthy tooo . Bottoms up! Ha!

Today Thursday-
I forced my fat a** on the treadmill !! We are going to dinner tonight to the country club which is unusual for us especially during the week . I prorably will have a creamy pasta dish so I am trying to alot some cals for that today by eating only a 1/2 portion of pasta no bread and a salad with a lite vinagrette dressing. Calorking.com says it will be about 560
Vino- guessing probably 2 glasses. I'm thinking about that though. 200 cals if I do

Breakfast today- whole grain toast w/ FF bologna- 130
snack- FF chex mix- 100
2 coneys- 620 ( they are 99 cents all this month and tempting me every day) but I am trying to alot for them also. Its all about tradeoffs. NOrmally I would get chili fries on the side and gobble those up as well. But I don't even miss them!
Dinner- see above

tommorow I will have to check the weight was still 185 today I'm sure those coneys aren't helping with the sodium. Should I just eliminate them all together you guys or is it ok if I am not taking in over my cals? Its such a nice treat from lo fat food! I also like to go out to lunch with my husband and its CHEAP!!!!!!! I will try to be in chat tonight at 9 for Monica hope to see some of you there!

by the way i have major onion breath!!!

Hi Lisa,

The country club! Well, aren't you posh!

Glad to see you're well.

Sally x

sally- well you know sally since you joined the "health club" i got to thinkin'
Ha! I will never be a country club snob ! :) i am curious how things are with you and aaron I will visit your journal in a moment. hope all is well hon- ( did I actually say hon?):) Damn I AM GETTING OLD! you know that is the first sign! Hon! hmmmmm

cori- thanks for checking in. and yes can feel spring fever in the air! Lets just face it unless you are GotFruit in Hawaii we love 50 degree weather!

Crazy- that was nice of you to stop by also we'll have to chat soon. Can't wait to see what your topic will be!

Linda- Miss you lady what can i say nice seeing you in chat last night but we are long overdue for a long chat. Hope all is well with your grandbaby. she is an absolute doll and I am so happy for you!

Shan- hey girl I will stop by your journal and see you. you are so sweet to stop by and check in!!

Actually as much as I planned on what to have it didn't turn out so hot. The pasta came laden in heavy evoo. Many cals I'm sure. I did eat half and only 1 glass of wine. I know I went over but not all that much.

Today- Friday

Breakfast- 2 eggs w/ veggies mixed in green onion & tomato- 140
Lunch - steamed zucchini, carrots, summer squash & tomato-not much:)
Snack- 70 cals FF pringles
Dinner-16 oz T-bone steak-650 cals ( do I hear indulge?)
wine-?? not countin its friday! :) I'm sure I appear like a lush at this point for sure!!!!!:D

As you can see thats why I ate like a rabbit today

I did do the treadmill for 15 minutes.

Sat in on Monicas chat on thursday at 9pm EST Please try and attend. This lady is soooo motivating and I am truly blessed by her. And all of you guys too. that is definitely not a second thought.

Saturday- today is a lazy day after working all week. I am enjoying reading online. I went to fool.com which has great financial info for us women. check it out! I also went to Monicas chat at 1 which was very good as usual.Please join her sometime. I really enjoy her. EVEN if she is at goal weight! Ha! I lost another pound. yeah! I am trying to plan ahead for weekend eating so its not totally a binge junk food fest. I did well so far today.

Breakfast- english muffin extra crispy-130
snack- it was so good I had another-130
Lunch- 1 turkey burger-300
dinner will be broiled sea bass and a baked potato w/ spray butter

I know I will have a snack soon just not sure what... i'll add that tomorrow
Its 60 here today! Spring is in the air!

Hi Lisa,

It's freezing in UK right now! I wish it was 60 here!

Congrats on losing another lb!

Sally

Lisa,

I checked a couple of my recipe discs .... and I did come across a recipe that I cut out of the newspaper a long time ago ... it's from Dole -- I will keep checking but so far this is it ..

DOLE HONEY-LIME FRUIT TOSS -- Serves 8

1 (20 ounce) can Dole Pineapple Chunks, PACKED IN JUICE
1 (11 ounce) can Dole Mandarin Oranges, DRAINED
1 LARGE banana, SLICED
1 Kiwi Fruit, PEELED, HALVED AND SLICED
1 cup strawberries, QUARTERED
3 teaspoons lime juice
1 tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon honey

DRAIN pineapple BUT RESERVE 1/4 cup of the juice

COMBINE pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, banana, kiwi fruit and strawberries in a bowl.

STIR TOGETHER reserved pineapple juice, lime juice and honey. Pour over salad and toss to coat.

Total Calories per serving: 110
Total Fat 0 grams
Saturated Fat 0 grams
Carbohydrates 28 grams
Cholesterol 0 milligrams
Sodium 10 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 3 grams
Protein 1 gram

When I have the chance I will continue to look thru my recipe discs .. I used to make this a lot years ago .. lol it's amazing what I find on those discs . In fact I've made a shopping list for next week .. and I think that I will reintroduce it ...

Again thank you so much for stopping by and chatting with me this morning IT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. I am as always, Monica

Thanks MOnica,

sunday- went to bible study this morning. Art & I are in a group that is focusing on disciplining children. It is really good and we have made alot of new friends in there. AFterwards we went to church the sermond today was kinda boring.:( Is that sacriligious to say?? The weather is beautiful again today. I might go for a brisk walk later with hubby. Am on the way to the grocery store to load up and just busy today doing HH chores and routines the flylady way!:)I have the windows and doors opened and it feels awesome!
I can really feel the weightloss which is soooo uplifting!

Breakfast- 2 whole grain pieces toast with 1/4 cup FF mozzarelly and 4 turkey peppperonis-300 yikes
Lunch- jr cheeseburgur delux minus mayo, small fries and diet wendys- 520
dinner- pasta alfredo& salad -400
corona- 100
wine- 100

total- 1420

well went to work today and had a pretty good day. My desk is a disaster! I am working on gettng it organized. A little bummed that I most likely will need to add another employee soon we are sooo busy. $$ out the door unless they bring $$ in.NOt sure what I will have him do quite yet. I have a person in mind and he is comining in for an interview thursday.

Breakfast- I am trying to get in more fruit
dannon light & fit yogurt w/ 1/4 cup fresh berries and 1/4 kashi granola on top- 100
lunch- 1 cup egg drop soup- 100
egg roll-200
1/2 c fried rice- 225
1/2 portion kung pao chicken no nuts- 240?

dinner- pot roast - 5 oz and veggies-500

total- 1400
exercise- 15 minutes and leg lifts 50 each

Hi Lisa,

Glad to see you're still rockin' :)

I'm okay - back on track after my weekend of high fat food and no exercise!

Do you run your own business or are you the manager of a company?

Sal x

sally- thanks for stopping by. Gotta have those cheating days once in a while we just have to make sure we get back on track! :)

Breakfast- lite yogurt, 1/4 c berries & 11/4c granola kashi on top.- 130
Snack- banana- 120
Lunch- 2 cups greek salad with dressing and pita- this was from a restaurant so not sure whta the cals are. guessing -600 on the high side
Dinner- celebrating st pats day a little early with the kids and since I am italian we are having green spagetti. 1 cup noodles are - 258 cals & i will just put spray butter on them for myself and a salad. For the family I will saute garlic, butter & olive oil and put a little buttered breadcrumbs on top.
wine- 1 glass- 100
exercise- 0 I got home later than norm and out of my routing that just KILLS me

I have been really tired lately & not sure why been going to bed around 10 and normally stay up til 11 or so. hmmmmm

I am staying home tomorrow to cut down on daycare expenses so I will stick to just veggies and make some new soup for the week. Last weeks batch stunk too with beef/chicken broth , cabbage, diced canned tomatoes, carrots & celery was VERY bitter! Yuck! Looking forward to a relaxing nite with hubby tonight!

Nice to see your still with it Lisa. Miss you in chat. But guess your busy. And this week being march break. Even more busy. In woman's world magazine they have an article on how veg. soups made with a broth helps lose weight. So bring on the soup. I made a pot of chicken veg. today. Yummy and i made some fruit jello pineapple and mandarins in sugar free jello. so today was good. Take care.

Hey Lisa,

How goes? I seem to have finally broke my mold, and I'm actually losing weight. Took me long enough, and I've had to struggle like mad to do it, but it's going now. Hope you have more success real soon too.

Take care!

Lisa,

I read your message in my Journal and I wanted to suggest that you try eating blackberries, blueberries or strawberries (in that order) for fewer calories and MORE FIBER ... also eating a cup of berries is imho VERY BENEFICIAL ...

I don't know if you like applesauce ... but that's another way to having a fruit as part of your breakfast menu ... 1/2 cup is 50 calories ...

Thanks for the visit and for the ENCOURAGEMENT :cheer: ... Have and make it a great evening. I am as always, Monica

Hey Lisa,

How are things going today?? What type of business do you do? I hope the guy you interviewed turned out well. I know all about daycare costs hun. My two kids are gonna be 8 & 10 and are in school all day. We still pay almost 400 a month in before and after school care *grumble*

Glad to see you are still on track.

Have a great day!
Shan

Hey Lisa,

Great job on sticking with your program! How's your progress on the treadmill going? Hope you have a great day!

Cori

Breakfast- dannon lite yogurt w/ 1/4 berries & 1/4 kashi granola- 100
LUnch- 450 cals / this was a HUGE plus for me as I had to go to a meeting today. NOrmally that would absolutely sabotage my diet. But today was different. I planned ahead! Yeah!!! I am soo proud of myself. i counted on them having sald which they did. So I brought my own dressing. they did have Mr. Pita and I had a veggie half & a turkey half and lots of salad. I didn't even look at anything else seriously like the chips and cookies. Totally NOT on the radar today! I got tons of compliments on my weight loss too these people have not seen me in a month. Ok I felt pretty good today. Dare I say hot! :) Ha!!
funny how we can feel hot in a size 14 after being in a size 18.

We are going out for St patty's day tommorow so I got some cute jeans with the flare leg. And got the hottest shoes in town! Joan and david $70 smackaroos which is 3x the price I would normally pay. they are stillettos with 4 " heels and glittery snakeskin with a buckle at the toe... so cute! I did reward myself for all my efforts of weight loss with this purchase. Now I need a top.

dinner - monicas recipe for chicken marsala- 400 cals with a few green beans
wine- 3 glasses- 300 ( more than I should have had but I am off tomorrow and feeling really happy like celebrating a little) Not that this is the best way to do it.

snack- 2 oz pringels FF- 170
total- 1420

Erin go bra everyone! or braless if you want! Ha!

Happy Patty day to you. Wish I would have burnt my bra's back in the 70's when it was cool. LOL. Oh I don't know if I want those hound ear boobs think i'll keep them in the bra LOL. Have fun tonight i'm trying to convince hubby to go out for supper but i'm having one hell of a time LOL.

well had fun on st pattys day. shoes were too summery so will take tham back and save some$$.Had fun but defintely felt much older than the partiers out that night. for example everyone was drinking while hubby and i had a nice dinner of irish stew! Ha! oh well we had a great time. Got hit on which was an ego boost! NOt sure if it was my new physique or just drunks! Ha! I am extremely happily married but it felt good nonetheless.

Sunday-
breakfast- 1 eng muffin- 120
lunch - 1 bean burrito taco bell- 370 ( normally I eat 2!)
snack at movie theatre- 3 cups buttery popcorn- 500??
dinner - corned beef, cabbage, potato, carrots-6 oz

exercise 50 leg lifts each and 20 crunches thats all I can handle right now

Hi Lisa,

Glad to see you're feeling so happy!

Is St Patty's Day St Patrick's Day? We call it Paddy's Day.

I've just got back from trip to London so tired, but my presentation at the conference was very well received (lots of glowing feedback from people, which was very nice and a few people are emailing me to stay in touch) and I had fun with my friends I stayed with. Friday we met up after conference/work at went for dinner then out drinking (til very late!), Saturday we just hung out in her local area (Ealing Broadway, which is West London) then went to see The Exonerated in the evening, and today (Sunday) we went to Covent Garden for a mooch around then to Shaftesbury Avenue cinema to see Capote. It was extortionately expensive so I'm glad we both really enjoyed it! Afterwards we went for some pasta before I headed to Kings Cross for my train home. I'm proud to report that apart from going over my points on Friday (due to booze and not food) I've stayed within my allowance all weekend.

Glad you're doing so well and feeling the benefits of it. Hopefully a bit of that can come my way next weigh-day!!

Sal x

monday food recap

breakfast- 1 lite yogury w/ 1/4 cup berrys and 1/4 cup of granola- 100
lunch- 2 locarb tortilla w/ 8 strips of chicken total spread with FF s cream, salsa lots of lettuce and a sprinkel of ff cheese- 400 ish
dinner- chicken breast- 6 oz and veggies- 300
wine- 200
chips- 100
i could be off on lunch and dinner cals so I am done eating for the nite! :)
pushing 182 and soo excited.

Hey Lisa! Just a quick e-mail to let you know that I left a response to your questions in my journal.

By the looks of your own journal, you are doing great! I can relate to your feeling of being happily married and at the same time enjoying a little "extra" attention from others. I believe it is part of the human condition! :laugh:

Keep up the great work...you are doing awesome!

Cori

Hey Lisa!
YOu are really doing fantastic. Glad to see it!!

Hang in there....its always nice to hit new levels!

Shan

3/23
I have been feeling really lethargic and super tired the past few days. I think I may have been reducing carbs without really realizing it a little much and wacking me out. I don't know if anyone has heard of this or not. Also thought I just needed a little splurge for a couple of days . It concerns me that I still feel I need a "break" from healthy eating. Guess I'm still not there as far as accepting this as my new lifestyle if I need a break from eating right and exercise. Am looking forward to some warmer weather to get out and walk.
i have kinda fallen off the exercise wagon too. I think because I have been continuing to lose weight this week with out it. But I know that has to stop!! Besides I feel myself getting stronger and can actually feel muscle tone developing in my thighs! :)

Cori- it absolutely amazes me how you are so diligent in your workouts. I think about that often.

yesterday I was totally bad did a #1 for breakfast at mcdonalds egg mcmuffin, has browns diet coke- 430
lunch a salad with about 3-4 oz chicken and 2t dressing-300

snack- jr cheeseburger delux & small fries- 602- yikes

dinner - 1.5 cups tuscan turkey pasta very good from MOnica's chat- 200

total- 1532 cals not bad considering only 100 cals over!

Today I am going to try and make up for it as I am home today with the kids off school. I had a lean breakfast pocket for 140 cals
and just made a huge pot of chicken rice soup w/ veggies. It is really satisfying. I try to make a new pot every week and change it up a bit but like the chicken best. Comfort food.I put water chesnuts in this time and I love the crunch! I just heard about a new workout I am going to try . Check it out its called T- tapp. you can go to t-tapp.com to get free exercies. It claims in 15 min per day you can lose like 2 inches in 2 weeks or something. a local reporter I know tried it and said it really works!

Dinner tonight will be steak on the grill as always. Well going to check out some journals! Thanks for stopping by!

Hi Lisa,

You sound like you're still doing fine. I've had a pretty poor week of eating! Gone over points Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri :o Not been exercising either - although did get some exercise in with Aaron Wed night that should have burned quite a few calories :D

It was my birthday yesterday and he got me the pendant I wanted and turned up with a bunch of flowers for me, which was a nice surprise. Things still are far from perfect, but we'll see... Wed was the first time in a LONG time!!! So, that's a good sing at least!

I went for dinner and drinks in the evening with a few friends. I tried to be quite good with dinner and had melon to start, pork cutlet with some potatoes as main and then a dessert, which was less good! I had a fruit crumble with custard. I don't usually have stuff like that but I thought it might be better than chocoloate cake. I've read crumble is less calories than a pie anyway. I drank lots of wine though and when I got home Aaron came over and we cracked open a few beers so I will have gone over points.

I'm going out for MOther's Day tomorrow (think USA one is later?) and Mon-Wed I'm away at a conference, which is always tricking eating-wise. Then when I get back I'll only have a week til weighed by nurse. Sure I'll see 0lbs loss again and she'll be judging me! :(

I'll get there slowly but surely - I'm sure - just find it negative feeling that other's are judging me and waiting to see the results you know? I lost 40lbs last year so I can do it, just not got off to a very good start this time around!

Anyway, I hope you have a lovely weekend and I will definintely try to hook up with you in chat sometime!!

Sal x

thanks to all who stopped by! I have been really non motivated since my last entry and had more splurges than not so of course you know what happens! I GAINED LIKE 2-3 POUNDS!

So at least I recognized that I need to get back on track.

Sally- I can understand how you feel about your weigh in but keep in mind we are doing this for US , to look better, feel better be healthier and live longer. I assume you already know that from your huge loss last year with 40 pounds. WE WILL DO OT. THis is our challenge right now. The nurse may have her own issues . Try to keep that in mind. Hope that helped.

I have not been eating well, the scheduled chats aren't as motivating to me ( probably because I have a case of bad attitudeitis on myself ) I guess I just have to change it up a bit for myself. I have also not been exercising. I was close to 181 and feeling sluggish as I had mentioned so I relaxed ont he diet and exercise. Funny thing is I DO feel better. It was that TOM so maybe I have Iron deficiency anemia from my flow which is heavy right now. ( sorry TMI)I need to ask the doctor about that next time.

Yesterday MOnday I did better as follows-
Breakfast-1 cup applesacuce w/ cinnamon - 100
Snack- 1 cup FF chex mix - 100
LUnch healthy choice frozen meal- 300
Snack- 2 cups chicken veggi soup and 1 roma tomato w/ cilantro- 250
dinner - 2 cups turkey tuscan pasta - 400

total-1150

I HAVE BEEN DOING FLOOR EXERCISES TO tONE however and I am sooooooooo sore. I did not exercise MOnday but feel better today. The weather should be nice here around 60. I will force myself to do a double workout for myself and walk 1.25 miles!

Going to stop by some journals!

Tuesday recap- well I stayed on track
Breakfast-3 chicken wings late ( i jsut checked and these were really high in cals shocked me! I mean its a wing!) said one is like 150 cals. I don't know how to count these they were from a deli and very small.
Lunch- 5 oz roast chicken breast w/ lettuce and 2 T dressing- 300
snack- 1.5 cups chicken pastini soup- 300?
dinner-2 crab cakes and broccoli steamed 1 cup milk- 500
dove chocolate- 40

if I count wings 1600 which is actually 200 over my goal RATS but I don't think the wings I had were that much! ( Denial right??)

Today will need to be thought out as I will go into work. I am trying to incorparate 2 snacks so I don't get tempted.This is only a plan:

Breakfast-eng mufin- 120
snack-brocooli w/ lo fat cheese sauce frozen- 150 ( I can eat the whold box and I LOVE this! Soooo satisfying. I love quantity!
lunch- healthy choice meal- 370
snack- chicken rice soup- 200
dinner- crab cakes , brocolli, potato & milk- 600

total- 1420 I should have no problem dong that!
I have also been incorporating fruit 1x per day will work up to 2
NOt exercising yet one thing at a time getting back on track food & drinkwise . The scale is not budging yet shows 184 still. :( Surprise: i actually DID exercise today! 15 minutes on the tread.

Wednesday- its funny how my mind plays games or I play games with my body whichever! I said to myself on MOnday if it is nice I will walk 1 mile outside. Well Today it is 67 no walking! My schedule WAS disrupted ( is this an excuse?) I do find it easier to exercise at 4pm everyday. I am a real planner for sure. This I know. Got home at 5 and had other stuff to do such as relax! Ha! Shame on me I know-

The thing I realized today is that I think I eat to escape responsibility maybe. Just thinking out loud here so go with me ... But the sun was shining and I felt a need to get out at lunch today ( like I deserved it) went to a great burger/beer place with outside seating and we sat outside and had a Corona ( light) at least I asked. I had a huge cheeseburger. NO mayo though and no fries but yes to ranch dressing & chips. should've just had the fries!! when I eat fast food which is my weakness it takes me back to CAREFREE days of being a TEEN I think this is what I TRULY think. I get WARM FUZZY's. Why is that though? Any ideas? Very strange, however I have been trying to identify my eating and drinking patterns and I think even with my nightly glass of wine not all nights but many, my weekend binges and sunny days and beers and burgers are college kids stuff. I need to name this "inner brat " of mine . Taking suggestions on that too. Meggin? My daughters FAT irresponsible friend? mean mean mean... Pam my fat irresponsible friend in HS? food and drink for me definitely is a method of escape which concerns me. I do love my life and am happy and love my husband . I do want to be thinner rather than living on past carefree days and trying to recreate those memories through food , smell and taste. I am going to be giving this alot of thought.

Breakfast- cereal bar- 120
Snackc- none ( i notice i tend to binge when I skip this as I did today)
Lunch- Cheeseburger no mayo, salad with ranch dressing and lays chips & corona light
Snack- didn't need one after that lunch!
dinner- that will be interesting to see what I do as I only have about 150 cals left. I think I will really try to have salad with a smidge of sirloin steak and 2 T local italian dressing. It is my SS birthday but I am stuffed! so that will help. :)

Hey Lisa,

Thanks for stopping by my journal earlier this week. I replied to your post within my journal.

As you know, I can relate well with the emotional eating. I use food (I'd like to say "used" as in past tense, but don't want to get too cocky), basically to ground or numb myself. Some people use alcohol, nicotine, others use food to deal with stress/anxiety. I'm now trying to get in front of the overwhelming feelings by identifying the triggers and talking myself down before it escalates to the point of raiding the fridge. If self-talk doesn't work, I'll drink tea and write/journal/read to my boys, whatever it takes to get me over the urge self-medicate the raw feelings and/or fears with food.

The point is...you are willing to look at the issues driving your eating. I believe this is the first step to managing the condition. You've made a plan and although you may stray from time to time, you continue to work towards your goal. You're not only doing good things for yourself, but also modeling important habits for your daughter. Hang in there!!! I'm rooting for you!

Cori

Hey I can quit writing in my journal, I just need to read yours. I identify way to much with everything you said. Excuses or inner child or whatever, we just need to learn to work around it. Somehow we will find a way.

have a great day.

Hi Lisa,

I've not been to this site much in the past couple of weeks so sorry I've not stopped by to say 'hi'. I've been feeling pretty unmotivated too and I'm still just maintaining instead of losing. I went to a couple of conferences recently and I tried to make good choices. I had the fruit salad instead of the tiramisu for dessert and things like that. I didn't have biscuits with my coffee on the breaks etc. I've not been to the health club for about 2 weeks so I'm planning to go for a swim tonight. Need to get back into the swing of things.

I think I might cancel my appointment with the nurse on Friday because I wont' have lost and I'll feel crap if she knows I've maintained AGAIN! I'll just find it negative so I think I'd rather just do it on my own, which is what I did successfully last year when I lost 40lbs. I bought scales so I've got some that are accurate now. I might lose some and then perhaps visit her in a few weeks/months so she sees I didn't just give up!!

I went to my friend's house last night and her brother asked if I'd lost weight. I was like 'Not since the last time you saw me' and my friend said 'Oh, take the compliment!' - but I haven't lost any! Perhaps it was the outfit I have on. I've got a particular top that seems to attract the 'Have you lost weight?' comments. I'll have to just wear that and carry on eating burgers :laugh:

I'm glad you're well anyway, even if you're not feeling 100% motivated right now. It's a long process so I'm sure we'll get there in the end! It's not the winning it's the taking part!

Sally

ps I'm hoping to be in Monica's chat at 1pm (which is 6pm my time) if you are around x

well,time to face up to something. I eat pretty well and stay on track mon, tues,wed,thurs THEN THERE IS THE DREADED WEEKEND- food & drinkwise that is. I overindulged on Friday so felt like doo doo on Saturday. Had to overeat to soak it up . Plus felt mad at myself for this bad red wine habit. It is a habit that will need addressing if I don't get a check on it. Its my method of relaxation after a long week. But it seems EVERY SATURDAY I have a hangover. I am ashamed to be so brutally honest to all of you but maybe it will make me more accountable. I am even thinking of starting a thread on the subject. I'm not sayng I'm an alcoholic but it is a habit that could turn problematic if I don't keep it to moderation. I personally think even binging once per week is not good. Because it my case its damaging the greater good of losing weight!

Sunday- gong to my grandmothers 92nd b-day but will follow my diet nonetheless

Breakfast- yogurt w/ 1/4 cup granola- 150
Lunch- Steamed brocolli, 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese, 8 oz milk and a small sandwich with 3-4 inch french baguette 3 very thin slices of oscar mayer deli ham and lofat mozzarela cheese with yellow spicy peppers & mustard- 325 total cals and very satisfying
Dinner- chicken cordon bleu- cals 580, with small portion vegi & starch ( not sure what she will have so hard to plan
salad ( will bring my own dressing ) - 100

monday-
breakfast- 1/2 cup of cottage cheese- 90
lunch- stressed from employee at work- broiled salmon on bed of rice and steamed green beans and salad with ranch ( calorieking says-817)
dinner- 1 cup macaroni & cheese and 8 oz milk- 500

total- 1407 not bad for a stressful day
DD was sick with fever and strep thats all I needed to escape from exercise!:(

Lisa,

Just wanted you to know that I ready your menu for today ... I'm going to check my recipes for a recipe for Macaroni and Cheese that is lower in calories .. (I'm assuming -- and correct me if I am wrong that the milk was 90 calories .... )

SORRY ABOUT THE stress :console: BUT imho YOUR LUNCH WAS SUPERB. Take care and I hope your daughter feels MUCH BETTER (btw did she pick the dress for the prom?). I am as always, Monica

Lisa,

I did a quick look on my recipe disk and you might give this one a try .... this is a really OLD RECIPE that I have modified you can make the changes or stay with the ingredients ...

MACARONI & CHEESE BAKE -- Serves 6

1 can condensed Cream of Chicken Soup *
1/3 cup Nonfat milk
10 ounces elbow macaroni **
7 slices Kraft FF Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 tomatoes, SLICED
* I now use Fat Free Cream of Chicken Soup
** I now use whole wheat elbow (small) macaroni

Bring a pot of LIGHTLY salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook (according to package) until al dente; DRAIN.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saucepan HEAT soup and milk over medium flame until SIMMERING. Remove from heat and STIR in macaroni.

Pour macaroni into a 9 x 13 baking dish. Place a layer of tomatoes, then a layer of cheese slices over macaroni. REPEAT THE PROCESS.

Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and BUBBLY.

Total Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat 6 grams
Saturated Fat 1 gram
Carbohydrates 43 grams
Cholesterol 14 milligrams
Sodium 360 milligrams
Dietary Fiber 2 grams
Protein 16 grams

Monica- thanks I will give that a whirl. thands for stopping by!

Tuesday
breakfast- skipped due to having to take DD to last minute dr appt the 5 year old was diagnosed with strep. :(
snack- 2 cups local chicken wedding soup ( mix campbells select with one can FF chix broth for only 50 cals per cup- 100 cals

Lunch- cold couscous salad awesome had red onion fresh parsley & basil, kalamata olives sparingly grape tomato halves, cukes and a little chicken breast with olive oil sparingly and lemon juice s & p- 1 2/3 cups- 353 cals

Snack- 1 cup more of salad yummy! -210

Dinner- chicken enchilada casserole - 358 from cooking light mag and salad -60and 8 oz milk-100 total- 518

total- 1171

Well I am branching out and trying a new color here.I got on the scale when I got home and COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES!the scale said 180!!!!! that was at 4pm mind you the heaviest of the day! I don't even weigh that in the morning. It seems a little to good to be true to be possibly breaking the 180 mark in the near future. I have been trying to curb the wine before dinner for a total of 5 days now. wooo hooo. Combined with my good eating habits that must have made a difference.But I do want wine in moderation to be PART of my life. Total abstenance seems a little impractical. But it WILL not control me.Because of the weight loss today and the sunny weather ( which brings out the irresponsible part of me. Why do you think that is? sun/fun/booze I guess takes me back to carefree days. Oh well I would rather lose weight. I think. :laugh:

Breakfast- proud of myself for this one stopped at mcD's and got dry english muffin with egg and nothing else!- 190 cals ( yes it was disgusting!

Lunch- 2 cups couscous salad- 400 cals

Snack- 2 cups lo-cal chix soup- 110 cals

this leaves quite a bit for dinner . I had insomnia last night perhaps from not eating enough . HOwever, I seem to get that way right before I have a major loss. NOt quite sure why. Its wierd!
dinner- 1cup mac & cheese, 8 oz milk- 500
snack- cheeze it chips- 136

total-

Lisa,

You are doing really well. I hope that 180 hangs around long enough to be 'official' and then keeps dropping for you. It is great when you get done to the next number.

Keep up the good work.

Nancy, Thanks so much for stopping by . I miss you!I will try and rememer to come to chat on Tuesday!

Thursday- 4/6/06
Breakfast- yogurt lite w/ 1/4 cup granola-150

Snack 3 egg white omelete STUFFED with wonderful veggies spinach, mushrooms yellow & red peppers and onion-100??

Lunch 2 cups couscous salad- 400

Snack 1/3 portion of betty crocker WARM delights ( yes I was able to stop but wished I had a glass of cold milk but I was out! bummer- 123 cals

Dinner- 1 cup Beef Stew 1 small portion of bread- 400

Snack- ?? going to a meeting where they might serve something so I am saving room. The temptation will be if it is wine. I feel like saying no because I have been on a 6 day roll now. The true test is tomorrow night. Please pray for me. I get alot of nonverbal pressure from the husband. aka deep groans & sighs and facial expressions. Then he will say I DIDN'T SAY YOU ANYTHING!:)

Lisa,

If you want a glass of wine ... and CAN NURSE IT by taking small sips then YOU SHOULD HAVE IT.

Our weight loss journey (imo) isn't about DENYING OURSELVES or feeling we have to DEPRIVE OURSELVES .. it's learning to make CHANGES. Also depending on what product you are using 1/2 cup (which is 2 egg whites) is 50 calories so I would think that 3 egg whites is approx 75 calories .... and vegetables ARE terrific ...

You're doing great ... I am as always, Monica

Hey Lisa,

Great job on your success! Thanks for your continued encouragement and posts within my journal. I was on vacation for the past week, hence no reply recognizing your accomplishments. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Cori

Well not toooo bad on Friday-
Breakfast- yogurt w/ granola- 110
Snack- cottage cheese 1/2 cup- 50
Lunch- couscous salad- 400
snack- lo cal chix soup- 110
dinner - 16 oz t- bone 4 glasses red wine plus 1 serving cheeze its crisps-1256- WAY TOO MUCH WINE had it over 5 hours drank slooooowly but did not feel well the next day but I did not indulge in food however on Saturday too much.
total for splurge Friday- 1906

Saturday-
breakfast- egg beaters w/ vegies 1/2 eng muffin-160
snack- 1/2 serving reduced fat cheeze its- 70
lunch- turkey burgers and steamed caulifower w/ 1 tsp evoo-300
snack- chix noodle soup 2 cups- 110
dinner- ordered thin c rust veggie pizza with 1/2 the amount of cheese ( they put ALL the cheese on it had 2 pieces plus 1/2 meat lovers pice and one corona light beer plus salad w/ italian dressing- 800 cals approx

total-- 1440 roughly not too bad considering the pizza was somewhat of a splurge.

Sunday-
breakfast-1 piece of thin crust veggie pizza( still craving the taste!- 200
Lunch- 2 pieces of thin crust veggie pizza( want to get this out of my system and GONE- 400
snack- veggie pizza- 1 piece-200 ( i am laughing as I write it!) It was sooo good I will never have pepperoni again!
Dinner- 5 oz polish sausage, sauerkraut & salad with 1 T dressing 1 corona- 630

total- 1430

Monday- recap
Breakfast- lite yogurt w/ 1/4 cup granola- 130
Snack- 1 serving of lo fat cheeze its- 136
Lunch- 2 cups couscous salad- 400
Snack- 1 piece of thin crust pizza veggies- 200
Dinner- Beef stew, 8 oz milk, bread- 600

total- 1466 Hungry, tired after a long day of work CRAVING a glass of wine but am going to PUSH through this and going to have 2 cups of mint tea! NOt quite the same effect but...... :)

Lisa,

NOT TO BE THE LOVEABLE NAG THAT I AM ..... but what happened to your serving of fruit for breakfast ... I thought you were going to start incorporating servings of fruit in your menu ...

In my opinion as previously stated, IF YOU WANT THAT GLASS OF WINE have it .. I think it's better that you have it (in moderation) SO THAT YOU DON'T FEEL YOU ARE DEPRIVING YOURSELF. Because if you feel deprived YOU'LL PERHAPS INDULGE IN OTHER THINGS. Take care my friend. Keep moving forward. I am as always, Monica

Dear Lisa,

Here I am SO WHERE IN THE HECK ARE YOU? LOL don't I have enough to worry about LIKE WHAT GEORGE W. IS GOING TO DO NEXT? ... or IF THE PRICE OF A BARREL OF GAS IS GOING TO BE $70.00 lol instead of $1.98 ...

Boy all of you sure know how to MAKE AN OLD LADY WORRY. lol Just wanted you to know I was thinking about you. I am as always, Monica

thanks for stopping by my friend, Monica! No, you are not being a nag thanks for mentioning it. I'm slackin' . I'll get some berries next shopping trip. :) I wish they would make the yougurt container with a little more room on top so I could stuff my cereal and fruit in there ! I am one of those crazy drivers on the road trying to eat that and drive with granola flying everywhere!

Tuesday recap

Breakfast- ( don't cringe! ) lite hamburger bun with lo fat mozzarella cheese and 3 thin slices of shaved deli ham- 160 cals

Lunch- the last of FINALLY the couscous salad- 300.. yes I DO have an iron stomach

Snack- on the fly ...the kids had frostys at Wendys and I had ( so proud! ) a small chili- 220 cals

dinner- sat on the deck with my DH our traditin in the nice weather and had 2 Corona lights- 200
1 1/3 cups red beans and rice from cooking light mag- ONLY 282 cals and I was STUFFED!

total 1160 approx AND.....
EXERCISE!!!! I know don't faint but I walked 2 miles ate radishes ( idea from monica's journal 7 exactly. ( I'm a little anal) and drank 16 oz water while doing it. It kinda helped although I had a little to juggle. I did it in 40 minutes. YEAH!! I feel great and managed to get a little sun as it was 74 today!!!

Lisa, you are doing such a great job making sustainable life changes! I like your idea of getting recipes from Cooking Light. I am getting a little burnt out on the SB cookbook (good food, it's just that I need to mix things up a bit!). Does Cooking Light give you carb and calorie count? Have a great day -- enjoy the Michigan spring weather!

Corine

Hey Lisa,

It was great to have you in chat last night!!! Thanks for coming by.

Keep up the good work, glad Monica is keeping a close eye on you!!!

Thanks cori & nancy for stopping by. Yes cori it does have all the nutritional info and GREAT food. I know you enjoy cooking. ( i think :))

Nancy- it was nice stoppng in to chat however briefly!

NOTE TO ALL I WILL BE ON VACATION FOR 2 WEEKS SO I WILL NOT BE POSTING

I AM GOING TO KEEP A PAPER JOURNAL AND JUST TRY TO MAINTAIN. I AM REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THIS. I HAVE WORKED SO HARD

Have a wonderful vacation .... AND DON'T WORRY ... you've developed SOME GOOD EATING SKILLS . You can do this Lisa. I am as always, Monica

Hey Lisa!

Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you! Hope you are having a great time on your vacation. Looking forward to hearing the details!

Cori

Hi everyone! It was nice to see a couple entries from you when I arrived back today! Funny how I missed my online routines and friends!!!

Well It was a little stressful in Disney with 6 kids ages 5-23. :)

I was surprised to see with a little indulgence and although I walked in the theme parks EVERY day for 4-5 hours . I GAINED 2 pounds. HOping its water retention. I DID NOT get enough water thats for sure. I find that makes a difference. all days for breakfast were either an english muffin or yougurt with granola- 120 cals total

Lunch was mainly a sandwich, 1 oz serving chips and carrots and 8 oz milk- 400 cals

dinner splurges sometimes as much as 1000 cals? didn't really keep track of dinners since I was walking so much!

Unfortunately I am home for only 2 days today and tommorrow and then hubbie and I are of to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for some much needed rest and relaxation WITHOUT the kids. :) I'm very concerned about the gain there as we are staying in a hotel where I won't be cooking. I'll check in with Cori ( mom2woo) as she does this quite often. I'm off to shower and then I'll check journals and post a little more!

Hey Lisa!

Good to see that you are back (if only temporarily). Awesome job keeping up with your exercise while on vacation!!

Regarding Cabo....go and have FUN! You might check your hotel's internet site or call to inquire what type of food is available. Let them know that you would like a list of their low-cal or low-carb (preferably both!) entrees ready for you when you arrive. Or, you could ask them to e-mail or fax you the information for pre-planning (this can help reduce anxiety and the "what the heck I'm on vacation" attitude). The plan you outlined for Disney sounded great, the only change I would make is maybe having your splurge meal at lunch and counting the cals at dinner. This way, you will have the afternoon/evening to walk, dan