Okay, I think I'm ready to come back. Maybe the fact that I'm saying that I think I am means I'm not, but here I am either way.

First things first. I was rac284, and I came here regularly up until about a year and half ago. I fell off the bandwagon for an extended period of time, and now I guesstimate that all the weight's back. My size that I was originally is what I am now, and it fits the same, and it never gets tighter or looser. So I think the guesstimation is a safe bet. I'll step on the scale once my clothes start feeling loose.

Now, I'm mostly back for my husband. He suddenly got the inspiration to get back on Weight Watchers, and asked me for my support by following the program with him again. I can't say no to that. So, we can't afford meetings or even the online program, but we still have enough literature to follow the plan. I made a detailed spreadsheet with my recently acquired Excel expertise for us to track points and all that.

I guess I should say a bit about where I am in my life now. I am now a junior in college, I'll be graduating in December of next year. I'm an accounting major...this one I'm sticking with, I absolutely love it. I got my associate's degree in general studies last December. My husband and I lived with my parents for almost all of 2007, and then finally made the leap and moved into our own apartment in mid-December. We love it, it's a small 2 bedroom 2nd floor apartment right outside of the city, across the bridge from my husband's school. We have a really nice view, anyone from this area would know about the pagoda...if anyone does...we have an amazing view of that and of the city. My school is 20 miles away, but it's not a bad commute. It takes about 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. I work at Blockbuster, and am coming up quickly on my one year anniversary there (April 25!). I started as a CSR (which in Blockbuster terms is pretty much just a cashier), then I was promoted to shift lead in September. I've never been promoted in a job in my life, so it was exciting. It's a high stress job, but I like being in charge and my CSRs are great. Basically, life is really hectic, but I'm absolutely happy with it.

Today is the first day I'm counting points again. Wish me luck :)

Good luck, Phoenix. :wave:

Hi :wave: & :welcome:

The Pagoda ! Oh my goodness - those are my old stomping grounds lol Is that old cell with the bars on still in the bottom basement? That was so freaky, as a teen - we would dare each other to go down there alone lol


I am happy to see you back and see you ready to reach for your goals :D

THRILLED to hear you and hubby have you own nest now to live in :up:

The best of luck to you, Phoenix. Just take it a day at a time. It's great that you and your DH are working on this together. Have fun!

Hi Phoenix. Welcome back. I too was here over a year ago, and than fell and gaines all and more of what I had lost. Now I'm on track, and just started WW tonight with my wife. My parents are form Wernersville, so I know the Pagoda. I love your new screename. You're rising up from the ashes to start a new life. I too am a Phoenix to the new life style. We will succeed.

Welcome back Phoenix. I wish you and your hubby much success. You can do this! One day at a time! Lots of support here for you!


Vickie :)

Good luck Phoenix! Welcome back! Good for you, it is not easy to start over but it might be the best decision you ever made :)

Rac!!! You're back! I was thinking about you recently, wondering what had happened to you! I think last time you were here, you weren't married yet, were you? I think your wedding was within months. You had moved back from California and were living with your parents. Whatever - I'm glad you're back.

You know how to do this and I'm sure you'll do well. Getting started can be the hardest. Good luck and check back often. Good to see you. :hug:

Welcome back!
I too recently started back with Weight Watchers, this is my 3rd week. Last night was my weigh in night, so I suppose it's technically the beginning of the 4th week, but I missed the meeting with car issues last night. Tha's life for you!

Glad to hear you are doing well! Congrats on the new home and upcoming graduation. It feels so good to get so close, doesn't it?

Can't wait to hear more!

Wow, an overwhelming response...it always makes you wonder why you stop coming to DT, doesn't it? But, I guess we all know how hard it is.

Response time! This'll take a while...

Amarantha - thanks for the good luck wishing!

butterflylady - I definitely remember you! I don't know if I've ever actually gone to the Pagoda...or at least not in it...even though I lived in Berks County for...hmm...adding it all up...19 years? Geez, maybe I should get more involved in my community :laugh:

JoThrive - it is really nice to have support...well, even a push this time. Last time I was on WW, my husband (then my fiance) went just out of support for me. Now it's the other way around...either way, it's much easier with someone to lean on!

THE TOOTH - I hope you like WW! I've loved it since the first time I went! I see you're in Bucks County - that is where I was born :) I like my new screen name, too :laugh: I was really suprised it wasn't taken yet

Vickie - thanks for the support! :)

nausicaa - yep, starting over is probably the hardest part...especially thinking about losing ground...But, here we are :) I hope someday I get where you are!

Mel - I think last time I was here was like...last January? I had just moved in with my parents again, so that seems like forever ago now...I got married in July... I should put some pictures up, huh? Anyway, I'm glad to see you in my journal :laugh:

Melissa - it's nice to have someone here that's starting up WW again, too :) that's the best part of DT - people you can relate to! Good luck with your WW journey!!


Okay, now. I stayed in my points yesterday *yay* so that's the first step. I did some exercise, kind of. See, I have a Wii, and I do Wii boxing. It makes me sweaty and my heart races, so I count it as moderate activity on the WW exercise thing. The problem is, now I am too sore in the places I need to move to do the Wii boxing, that I can't do it today. Ah, well. Eventually my body will get more used to it. Oh, Wii Fit is coming out soon-ish, which I'm excited for. I don't buy games for the Wii, I just do the Wii Sports that came with it and rent games from work (I get 1 free game rental per week)...but, for Wii Fit, I'll make an exception. It's supposed to be a pretty good workout, and it calculates and records your BMI.

Now that it's getting warm-ish, I want to start exploring the neighborhood. We live in a place with a lot of boutiques, cafes, and specialty shops within walking distance. We're about 3 blocks from the main street. There's this market I want to check out...it's an African Food Market, I think that would be neat to try making some African food. Exercise and discovering new cuisines - sounds good to me. On Saturday we're already planning to walk probably an hour around the neighborhood and end at this Beatles-themed sub shop we always drive by that's only like 4 blocks from our place. I found a menu online that someone scanned in, so we can plan what we'll get ahead.

Now time for my confessions of the really bad habits I've picked up...
-when I work, I'm not allowed to leave the building since I'm the manager on duty...so,
if I get hungry, rather than planning ahead and bringing something with me, I usually buy king size candy bars. Sometimes 2. Eek.
-I've never used caffeine as a crutch, until now. I work second shift 3-4 times a week, and I have to be up early for school Monday through Friday, so coffee is now my best friend. I have to wean myself off of it, or at least switch to half caffeine.
-we can't afford it, but we are both junkies for restaurant food. So, probably every other day we end up at a restaurant. That now stops for money AND health purposes.
-I'm a vitamin water junkie. It has 3 points a bottle, and I'm relatively certain it's not especially healthy, but it just sounds good for you. It's totally psychological, but even though I know I'm being dupped, I love it.

So, for now I'm just counting points and attempting some regular exercise. I'm not doing the fruit, veggie, water, good oil thing yet. I want to take this one step at a time.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d103/rac284/wedding-1.jpg

This is a test to see if I can insert the image, if so...this is blurry because it's a picture of a picture, :laugh:

Hiya Phoenix,

Welcome Back! Looks like ur already off to a Great Start congrats on a Good Day One! Oh my gosh the Wii Boxing is Brutal:D I did the Boxing Training on MOnday where u are hitting the Punching Bag I worked up a Sweat & I was soooo Sore yesterday & today I am a little sore I am planning on doing it again Today, That Wii fitness sounds awsome do u know when it's supposed to come out? I'll buy that for sure! Ya I dont buy games either I just rent them I rented Mario & Sonic Olympics & it was Ok.

Cute Pic by the Way!

Hope u Have A Great Day!

Cathy

Hi Cathy :wave: I think Wii Fit comes out at the end of May, but the release date is kinda unstable. They've pushed it back a few times, but now game stores are taking pre-orders so I think it's getting more certain. The punching bag thing on Wii boxing is what I do, too. My left arm is really sore right now, but only if I move it the way I do for the game...so, rest time I guess.

Lovely picture!!!

Sounds like you need to treat the Wii activities like regular exercise and make sure you stretch out after working out. You don't want to get tendonitis or something from boxing on Wii, lol.

Welcome Back Phoenix :)
I remember chatting with you and wondered where you were.
Love your picture.

I too have a wii - Mario and Sonic at the Olympics is a great one for exercise. Golf is not bad. Boxing is great. Also try tennis and baseball. I can't wait until they come out with Wii-Fit later this year. It will be expensive, but I think it will be worth it.

Hi Nancy, yes, I guess I should have stretched. I have no idea why that thought didn't even occur to me...whoops :o

Wendy - since you mentioned Mario and Sonic at the Olympics as a good workout, I rented it. I'll try it out this weekend...thanks for the idea :)

Good on points for the day, didn't do any exercise. I did work tonight, that's exhausting enough. I have to say I'm really tired and have a big test in my worst subject first thing in the morning, so this post will be lacking. Oh, something I did today...I looked at the nutrition facts for the candy bars I used to eat at work, and 2 of them (my normal "meal") is 29 points! Geez. I just had trail mix today, a little individual pack. I was hungry when I got home, but I still had enough points for a small sandwich, so it worked out. I can barely stay awake right now, and I'm really not feeling confident about this test tomorrow at all. It's on 4 chapters. 2 chapters I have down, 2 chapters I feel really clueless. My hope is that I know 100% of the 2 chapters I know, and 50% at least of the ones I don't get, so I can get a 75% on the test :laugh: Ugh, I've never gotten lower than a B- in a college course, but I think I'll have to settle for a C in business statistics. I just don't get what all the numbers are about. Sigh.

Okay, enough about that. Goodnight all :)

I like the pic! Is that your wedding pic?
I, luckily, have never gotten hooked on a Wii. I hear they are quite expensive.

Hope things are going well with you. Giving up the king sized candy bars can be hard but you can do it. I swear, TWIX bars used to know me by name and call out to me as I passed by the candy rack in stores. :help: My vice now is Lays Potato Chips! OY! What an addiction!

I'll check back in later!


Vickie :whip:

PS.....Good luck with the test!

My fiance has the Wii Olympics game, the first time he played it, he had to go take a shower when he was done, it's definitly a workout!

I am also excited about the Wii Fit when it finally comes out! I really like that video games are becoming so much more than kids sitting on the couch holding controllers. WE get up off our tushes, and make things happen.

On the work front...do you have a fridge or cupboard space in the back? We have a kitchen area at my office, and I have a cupboard full of food and snacks, so when lunch time rolls around, I have plenty of good options. You might consider this, or just keep a few snacks in your car so you don't eat them at home and can just grab one or two when you go into work.

I also love to eat out, but it does add up quickly. I think it's fun to try to recreate restaurant meals. Take a meal that you really liked when eating out, then make it your way at home. It can be fun, and you save a ton of cash making it yourself. There are a lot of copycat recipes online too!

Keep up the great work!

hi,

Hope your tests went ok, it is hard when you just don't get some of it.

Good for you for paying attention to the nutritional facts, it is surprising sometimes. But last week I WANTED a chocolate bar(I seldom eat them) so I just checked the calories for a few of the ones I like and took the lowest one, lol. Not sure what the other customers thought of me reading the calorie info on the chocolate bars!!!

Vickie - yep, that is my wedding pic. It's from last July. The Wii is pretty expensive, but we did get it retail and not third party, so that shaves off something like $150. Plus, I just do the free rentals at work, so no game expense. I'm not very into "stuff", you know? I mean, I guess I'm saying I'm not very materialistic...but, the Wii was something I really wanted for some reason. I am glad I got it, though.

Melissa - do you know what activities your fiance plays on the Mario and Sonic game? I was kinda bored with the ones I tried and it was moving too slow, just wondering what he plays because I'm pretty sure I was doing the wrong things for what I wanted the game for.

Nancy - I think the test went okay, except for about 95% of the test time I blanked on a whole chapter of information. Luckily, it came back to me with about 15 minutes left to take the test. I am thinking about getting one of those 10 packs of little Hershey bars and having my husband put it somewhere I can't reach. Our cupboards are so high, there's no way I could reach on top of them. Plus, he's not a big Hershey bar fan, so I don't think he'd be tempted. And he knows I'd be really mad if I asked for one and there weren't any left :laugh:

Ugh, so I am really Wii sore today. I am going to lay off it until at least Sunday, because I really want to go walking on Saturday and I need to be in decent shape to do that. Tomorrow I have 1 class, then 2 tests (for a distance learning class, so no classes actually, but I have to take the final tests to finally finish it up) and then I work 7-midnight. Thankfully I have the whole weekend off, which is a rare occurance. In fact, I have no idea when that ever happened before. Maybe last summer...geez. Anyway, I plan on relaxing big time. Sleeping in definitely, and I'm going to vacuum and dust the apartment tomorrow so that's not on my mind at all. It's clean besides that. I have a bunch of movie rentals I've had no time to watch, so I anticipate some serious marathons.

Again I am good on the points, so yay. I had a not-so-happy morning of hunger...make that morning/afternoon. I didn't eat until 3pm, and then it was just an individual package of trail mix. No, I didn't plan extra poorly...see, I had an accounting club meeting today. Accounting club feeds us pizza. Unfortunately, pizza is after the presentation, the presentation went long, and I have class wayyy far in another building at noon. The presentation was over around 11:50. 10 minutes does not equate to enough time to scarf a piece of pizza and run across campus, so I had to skip food. Not happy about that, but it was an okay day anyway.

I should probably go to bed now, so I can get a decent amount of sleep...Goodnight DT friends :wave:

try hurdles, 100 metre, rowing, dream race, 4x100 relay

I play them all, but those ones will really get your arms moving.

BECCA!!!!! I'm soooooo glad you're back. Your wedding picture is BEAUTIFUL. :) I was pleasantly surprised to open my journal and find you in it! Congratulations on beginning again. Monica used to tell me it didn't matter how many times we started again as long as we keep trying.

You like accounting??? :laugh: Good for you sweetie...you can be my "go to" person! LOL I always try to get away from accounting and end up right back in the middle of it. This will be my biggest challenge ever - to replace the Controller of the company I work for. :help: LOL!!

We can do this Becca - we've done it before - one meal at a time, one day at a time! The more support we get and the more we support others the more it seems like the right thing to do! Okay girlfriend - you old married lady :laugh: let's get it started again!!

So glad you came back! :dc

LadyWendy - thanks for the suggestions :) I'll try those out

:wave: Hi Char!! :wave:

Okay, yesterday I walked 3.5 miles...which was probably too much, but I survived. It was only supposed to be half that, but I had to return some DVDs to the school I was taking a distance learning course at, which is not even a mile away, so my husband and I decided to walk there first. We ended up going to the museum, too, and then the sandwich shop...I got a small cheesesteak and we split the smallest size fries they had. So, even with that I was in my points for the day with all the walking.

Today we're going out with my parents for my husband's birthday...it was last Monday, but we drove down to D.C. for the day then because he really wanted to see the Magna Carta, they have a copy from 1297 on display at the National Archives right now I-) :laugh:, I am not really a history person myself. Anyway, the restaurant we're going to is an Italian one, and I have something like 32 flex points left for the week, so I don't know if I'm going to use those or not. I like their calzone the most, but I don't know if I like it enough to use my flex points. I might just get a salad or something.

Anyway, this is early for me :laugh: I got up at 10:30! But I went to bed sometime after 2...I don't like being on a second shift schedule. I'm not a morning person per se, but I do like being awake more when it's light outside. I'm going to watch a chick flick now while my husband's still sleeping :laugh:

Im glad you're doing well. I am too. I worked out a lot today, and although I'm wiped out. I feel great. Don't overdue yourself, because than you won;t want to do it tonorrow, and then the next. Than all the excuses start pouring in. That's how I am at least. It's so hard to get into these good habits, but really east to go back to the bad ones. Keep up the good work.

Hi THE TOOTH :wave: thanks for visiting :)

I am tired and busy right now, so I don't really have time to update...just wanted to report that week 1 ended with me still having 11 flex points left. I had the calzone yesterday and it hurt my stomach a little so I didn't want to eat any more... oh well. I guess I won't get that again :(

Hi Phoenix,
Sounds like you are doing well. Flex points are part of the Weight Watchers program, aren't they? I have been seriously thinking about joining Weight Watchers.
I solved my candy problem by separating it into individual servings and freezing it. Then I have to thaw it some before I eat it so I eat less. I also have started keeping a very detailed food journal and I have to sign out every bite of candy that goes into my mouth. Knowing that dh or my doctor will see my journal keeps me from indulging too often.

Have a GREAT day,

Vickie :hug:

Hi Vickie! Yes, flex points are part of WW. I had done WW in the past and liked it a lot, but fell off the wagon.

I did what I am going to call a trial weigh-in because it was tonight, and I don't like to weigh-in at night. It was just curiousity since we just got a new battery for the scale. The number was horrid, but for some reason, I didn't feel the tightness in the chest (panic!and disappointment!) that I was sure I would feel. I'm assuming it's because there wasn't a 3 leading the number...maybe at some level I was sure I'd reached that point. But, with the number I did see, there's a good chance I did reach it, since I've been doing WW for a week now and water weight would go fast in the first week. Whatever, either way I don't feel upset and I don't feel discouraged. Whatever the number, I'm on the right track now. I am going to weigh tomorrow morning to see what my morning weight is, but my normal weigh-in will be Fridays since I am doing the Biggest Loser challenge on here starting next week.

Ah, well, on to homework. Oh, that big test last week? I got a C, which means if I do my homework and do decent on the third/last test, I can get a B in the class :)

Hi Phoenix :wave:

Happy your test went well.

and thrilled you did not see the 3 on the scale :up:

Hi Phoenix,
Good job on the test. I see a final grade of "B" waiting for you!
I have felt that dread and panic feeling before when I was weighing in. I don't like it. Lets make sure we never have to dread getting weighed again!!!!!!!

You are doing great! Keep going! I am right there with you!!!!


Vickie :whip:

Okay, I guess I will post things I eat and exercise I do for something to stay current with.

Monday:

Coffee
Vitamin Water
Banana
Individual Trail Mix
Chef Boyardee Overstuffed Italian Sausage Ravioli
SmartOnes Cheddar Broccoli Potato
Bread with ICBINB
Chicken Breast with Cheese
Croutons

Total Points: 38
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 0

--------------------------

Tuesday:

Coffee
Banana
Granola Bar
Individual Trail Mix
SmartOnes Pizza
Salad with Grilled Chicken
Chef Boyardee Overstuffed Italian Sausage Ravioli

Total Points: 38
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 0

--------------------------

Wednesday:

Coffee
Banana
Granola Bar
Chef Boyardee Pepperoni Ravioli w/ Parmesan
Individual Trail Mix
Vitamin Water
Banquet Frozen Turkey Dinner
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
Grapes

Total Points: 38
Exercise Points Earned: 2 (used 0)
Flex Points Used: 0

--------------------------

Thursday:

Granola Bar
Individual Trail Mix
Coffee
McDonald's Salad and Fruit & Yogurt Parfait
Chicken Hot Dogs (2)
Hershey's Chocolate

Total Points: 37
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 0

--------------------------

My exercise stinks and I was planning on making up for that this weekend, but now I'm in bed with a nasty cold...sigh...at least I have the weekend off so I can rest.

Oi, yesterday's eating was in points, but mostly junk! I'll post it anyway:

Friday:

Granola Bar
Grilled Turkey and Cheese
Vitamin Water
Chef Boyardee Overstuffed Italian Sausage Ravioli
Hershey's Chocolate
2 Reese's Cups
1 Mini Bag of Peanut M&Ms


Total Points: 37
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 0


Wayy too much candy, sigh. I just felt like crap. I still kind of do...I'm really congested. Anyway, I think today will be flex point day as we start our week on Monday and DH is very against using his flex points the day before weigh-in.

I basically ate just candy and Uno's yesterday for flex day which is not acceptable...I did stay in my points, but I am now adding the fruits and veggies component to my spreadsheet and setting a 1 candy item per day maximum except on flex days, but on flex days I still must adhere to the fruits and veggies rule. I need to be eating healthier, not just less. Today so far I had whole wheat pasta with a little parm and ICBINB. I want to buy some olive oil or at least Smart Balance, though, because the ICBINB nutrition facts are horrendous.

This cold is still a bit too bad for exercise, I've been feeling naseous and coughing things up...sigh..

Much better with eating today:

Sunday:

Whole Wheat Pasta w/ Parmesan, ICBINB and Pepper
Vitamin Water
Tea w/ Honey
Grilled Turkey and Cheese
Applesauce
1 Mini Bag of Peanut M&Ms
Salad w/ Sun-dried Tomato Flavored Tuna, Cheddar, FF Croutons and Light Dressing
Watermelon
Grapes
Garlic Baked Pretzels


Total Points: 38
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 1

-----------------------------------

No energy still with the cold, the coughing has subsided and now I have an awful runny nose. I slept until 10:30 this morning and still passed out for a 4 hour nap in the afternoon...DH thinks I should skip school tomorrow, all I have is a 50 minute class and that's it so I don't think skipping is necessary. What's really the problem is the drive, that makes up more of my day than the actual class. I'm hoping to be up for a little walk tomorrow, maybe half an hour around the neighborhood. I figure I should be fine if I come equipped with a load of tissues.

I also added the fruits and veggies space on our spreadsheet today :)

Phoenix,
Take care of that cold sweetie. They can sure make you feel miserable.


Vickie :)

Hi welcome to DT hope this finds you feeling better today. Hang in there the changes will come and you can and will reach your goal. Sugar is satan, LOL is what I say I had a huge problem with sugar and for me I just have to avoid it all together. I use organic maple syrup, stevia, or organic honey but sugar in any form I avoid as much as possible I have even quit eating a fiber bar I liked because it had sugar in it although it had 9 grams of fiber I just can't eat it. Have a great week & hope the sicky ickies leave soon.

Hi Vickie and Suny :wave: :)

I am still sick! Too sick to work out! This is getting ridiculous... X-(

I went to the doctor today, but it was unrelated. I know I just have a cold. I had to get a tetanus shot...which was loads of fun, heh. My account at school has been on hold because I haven't had a tetanus shot in something like 13 years, and if I wanted to register for fall classes tomorrow like I'm supposed to, I had to get documentation of a shot to them by today...so, after class I came home, ate lunch, and DH went with me to a clinic that takes walk-ins. I was avoiding the shot for 2 reasons : 1. It's a shot. Need I say more? 2. We don't have health insurance. But, really, I'm in upper level classes now and I can't just wait and hope that the 300-level accounting classes don't fill up while I pretend that I have no way of getting a tetanus shot. So, that's a load off my mind anyway. AND I got to see last semester's grades finally, 4 A's and a B which is better than I thought I did. And the shot didn't hurt, but I know tetanus is that nasty one that makes your arm hurt for days afterwards, so I have that to look forward to.

Ah, well, tomorrow is weigh-in for the new Biggest Loser Challenge, which I'm joining. I guess I'll see if I'm losing at all.

Take care of yourself the workouts will be there later! Feel better. :)

Thank suny :)

I am now at the point where I can't taste anything, which is bad for me. I don't eat for nourishment, so when I can't taste I have no desire to eat at all. Yesterday my points came in a little short because of that. Today, I haven't eaten much yet and I now have to work...I was scheduled off, but the other shift lead needed to switch with me so now I have tomorrow off instead. That would be fine if I weren't coughing, sneezing, and barely able to lift my arm. Sooo...I've also only eaten 9 points today out of 38 and I don't get breaks at work. Eep. Okay, anyway, here's yesterday's points:

Monday:

Whole Wheat Pasta w/ Parmesan, ICBINB and Pepper
Vitamin Water
Applesauce
1 Mini Bag of Peanut M&Ms
Banquet Frozen Turkey Dinner
Toast w/ Jam & ICBINB
Chicken Soup
Goldfish Crackers
Grapes


Total Points: 35
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 0
Fruits/Veggies: 5

Just popping in to see how you are feeling today. Sorry you have to work feeling so icky hopefully tomorrow you can rest and heal some before having to go back to work.
Take care and better days are coming.

Hi suny :wave: thanks for checking in on me :)

Today at work there was some drama as it seems 3 of the 4 managers (including me) are sick. The one I was filling in for today came in to rent movies and asked me to cover her shift tomorrow...I said I can't as I'm sick as well, and she got very irritated. Later, I had to call the assistant manager to let her know she works an extra hour tomorrow because of screw ups in the shift coverage...she was not happy, and I told her the night manager may call off as she had asked me to cover for her and I told her there's no way I can cover because I'm sick, too. So two managers are not happy with me despite the fact that I didn't do anything wrong...in fact, I was doing one of them a favor by covering tonight. I'm sorry, but to me if you're well enough to come in to rent, you can work. I've worked there for a year and I've not once called in sick. There have been several times when I felt like crap, but it's my job to be there. As a manager, there is almost 0 chance of coverage for a dropped shift, and that to me is not acceptable. If you can't be there 100% of your scheduled shifts, don't be a manager. So now I feel like the bad guy because I wouldn't cover for anyone...but I need to take care of myself, too!

Ah, well, positives today...I scheduled fall classes, yay! I came home with my new schedule and DH asked how many "nerd classes" I have - that means accounting to him, but I said none because accounting classes are fun. I'm taking cost accounting, tax accounting, intermediate accounting, and non-profit/government accounting. I also have to take some gen ed music class that's supposed to be super easy. I'm excited about an accounting-saturated semester :) Seriously.

Points are below today and I will probably be off to bed in the next hour or so, so I don't know if I'll make it to 38. I'll try. I am going to have some veggies right now, though, to make sure I get the 5 in for the day. I think my taste is back, at least a bit, so we'll see. If it is, I'll probably get up to 38 points for the day.

Good job for sticking up for yourself. If your sick your sick you can't help it. I agree if she could come in and rent you would think she could work a little bit even if half a shift.

Congrats on all the new classes. What is your major?
Have a great day rest and restore yourself.

suny - I am an accounting major, but I'm just getting into the real accounting classes. So far I've just had some basic intro stuff, so I'm excited to start the real stuff.

I feel maybe 85% better...functional with a cough and some residual congestion.

I lost .8 pounds in a week, but I couldn't exercise so that could be a factor. Plus, I know my weight loss is always weird where I can do everything right and one week I'll gain, then the next lose a bunch. So, 1 week doesn't really paint a picture.

Here's my eating for Tuesday-today:

Tuesday:

Granola Bar
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
Applesauce
Vitamin Water
Individual Trail Mix
2 Chicken Dogs
Broccoli w/ Zesty Lowfat Cheese Sauce
Croutons
Mini Bag Peanut M&Ms

Total Points: 35
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 0
Fruits/Veggies: 4

-------------------------------

Wednesday:

Crackers and Cheese
Grilled Turkey and Cheese
Reese's Cup (1)
Whole Wheat Pasta w/ ICBINB & Parmesan
Yam
Red Potato w/ ICBINB & Parmesan
Root Beer Italian Ice
WW Yogurt

Total Points: 37
Exercise Points Earned: 3 (0 Used)
Flex Points Used: 0
Fruits/Veggies: 3

-------------------------------------

Thursday:

Granola Bar
Goldfish Crackers
Individual Trail Mix
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
WW Yogurt
Oreos
Cheesesteak
Baked Fries w/ Cheese
Applesauce

Total Points: 38
Exercise Points Earned: 0
Flex Points Used: 12
Fruits/Veggies: 5

----------------------------------


Well, it was supposed to be flex point day but DH picked homemade cheesesteaks for his flex choice (we take turns each week), and that wasn't really that many points. I used about a third of my flex points! I even had Oreos because I'd been craving them for a while, but I got a single serve package so that was controlled. I had to make a ton of brownies for an accounting club bake sale tomorrow, but they have caramel middles and need to set, so I can't even try them if I wanted to. I'm full, anyway, so I don't really want any.

Note the 3 exercise points yesterday :) DH and I went for a walk at a park...I wanted to go today, too, but there was no time.

I'd write more, but it's very late and I have to be up super early...so goodnight all :)

Congrats on the scale moving downward keep it up!

You're soing great. Glad to see you're starting to feel better, I am too. So, it's back to figuring out an excersise routine that works. Keep it up. :D

Look at you!!! Back with a vengence!! Good for you sweetie. Sorry I haven't been around. That accounting you love so much has been making me CRAZY!! :laugh:

Well, I fell off the wagon and lately have been to wayyy too many buffets...sigh.

I don't know that I'm going to jump in today, but I'm back here anyway.

Soo...school is over soon which I can't wait for. I am sooo sick of it.

We got a kitten...not exactly a smart move, but what can I say? His big brother (our 2 year old cat) is majorly jealous, it's seriously exactly like kids when one is an only child for a while and a baby shows up. He's being very mopey even though the kitten is confined to the bathroom because he's sneezing and I'm pretty sure he has an upper respiratory infection. He's (the kitten) going to the vet this afternoon. The little one's name is O'Malley after the Aristocats Abraham de Lacey Guiseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley :)


Okay, well...that's it for now.

Hey Phoenix,

Sending out a search committee to find you and bring you back. I sent you a pm about tomorrow, Friday being weigh-in for the BL. Hope you will come back and join us. We don't want to lose anyone on this challenge.

Just jump back in and start where you are!!! Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Hey ~ where the heck are you? Come on back, let's struggle together. Two struggles might make a positive. :D

Here I am

Still doing poorly. I got a Wii Fit today, maybe that'll help.

More later.

There you are, we have missed you. I think you will have alot of fun, and sweat, with that Wii Fit!!! LOL

thats a cute name for a cat, i hoe your feeling better today though. youll have to let me now hw good te wii fits are i love one but there very expensive!
i guess you will find your own motivation soon enough.

Here I am

Still doing poorly. I got a Wii Fit today, maybe that'll help.

More later.

Oh I WANT one of those!!! It really looks like fun! Give us an update on that. Do you like it?

I finally used the Wii Fit today :) I really did not want to weigh in, but after spending $85 (I got a little bit of an employee discount) I thought I better use it. I was just happy not to see 300 even though it was VERY close.

I did an hour on the Wii Fit, but I didn't start eating right yet. I tried to eat at least a little less. I don't know if the Fit weighs you every day, if it does I guess I will see if there's any flucuation.

If you do a body test everyday, it will weigh and make a graph.

We are really enjoing it. My Grandchildren are here this weekend and we have had a blast with it all evening and alot of laughs. :)

Hi LadyWendy :) I am using the Body Test graphs, it's definitely working because on Saturday I ate horribly and it showed a gain and yesterday I was good and today's test showed a loss.

I am going to set a goal of 10% of my body weight (rounding up to 30 lbs.) by the time school starts again in 13 weeks. That's about 2.3 lbs. a week, which is pretty reasonable at my weight and considering that I am just starting (which should mean considerable loss of water weight for the first week or two).

Anyway, getting off to a good start this morning with grapes cut up in cottage cheese and a cup of coffee (Splenda only).

I forgot to mention that I'm going to my parents house for a picnic this afternoon...I think they're having burgers and hot dogs. My mom had said she was making chicken, but on Saturday we went over and she said they might not do that. I wish they would, but if not I'll just eat 1 burger. She's also making potato salad...red potato salad she makes from scratch, which is actually the only kind I will eat. My plan is just everything in moderation, and I'm aiming for an hour on the Fit today before we head over. I went to bed at 10 last night because I was exhausted from opening at work, so I got up early (a little before 7), so I have an early start today.

Lots of posts for me today..making up for lost time? Anyway, I read this today:

"The West Reading Main Street Foundation is happy to present the third season of the West Reading Farmers' Market. The market will be held every Sunday from 9AM to 1PM through the duration of the season (Sunday, June 1, 2008-Sunday, November 9, 2007). The market will be located in the 500 block of Penn Avenue on the same side as the West Reading Drug store.

The West Reading Farmers’ Market will offer consumers fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and other products raised or made by the market stand vendors themselves who are the producers of those products on local and nearby farms. The mission of the West Reading Farmers' Market is to educate the public on the benefits of supporting local agriculture and the continuing preservation of farmland in the surrounding community thereby strengthening the diversity of the community in general."


And I am super excited because that is something like a quarter mile from my apartment, so I can get a little walk in and buy fresh produce on Sundays now. I'd imagine it'd be fairly cheap, too, at least compared to the stuff they import at the grocery store.

Good to see you back, rac! Our farmer's market is opening June 7th, so that will be nice too. We got the Wii Fit and I plan to start using it regularly. Actually, I joined Wendy's challenge - seems to me you did too, didn't you? So I'd better get to it today!

I'm sure you'll do fine at your picnic if you just stick to your plan of moderation. We don't have any plans for today, so I'll have an easy day. My husband and I walked 3 miles this morning, so it was a good start to the day! Have a nice holiday. :)

Glad to see you back Becca! :D

I can't seem to get on board with eating less food...yesterday, I took a lunch to work and ended up getting spaghetti and meatballs anyway...and ate that in addition to my packed lunch. After work, DH and I went to a Mexican restaurant and I had pork tamales...then we went out for dessert. Ugh. We can't even afford that, but we went anyway.

I'm going to try WW points...not that it's all that different from counting calories, but I need to try something else.

Becca ~ JayJay (Joanne) is having fabulous results with her Wii Fit! Are you using yours sweetie? Just curious if you love yours too. I'm struggling terribly also. I love food..I do, I love it! Every social activity I do revolves around food which is sad but true. We've done it before (lost the weight) we just need to get back to that place where we were some way some how. Our support system here is a major part of that. :D

You did really well with WW points before didn't you? It can't hurt to give it a shot. I remeber reading way back when you and your Mom went on vacation and you were so damn determined to stick to your points EVEN on vacation!! You did it, YOU DID IT and you, WE can do it again!! That motivation is somwhere inside us. We just need to dig it up! :hug:

Hang in there sweetie...:wn

Oh, I remember those days, too, Char. That was two years ago now...I walked something like 4 miles a day that summer and I was awesome with WW. Sigh...what's wrong with me now? Why can't I get back that determination? It's like...every day I'm totally stressed at work...so I eat candy for dinner. Or, I eat candy AND fast food. Even if I stock the apartment with "good" food, I get fast food instead. I have no idea why my mind has not been able to wrap around weight loss for the past year and a half. I mean, work is stressful, yes...but, to a level that any job is. School was stressful, but that's over until the end of August, and then I'll have all accounting classes anyway which I'm excited about. My marriage is great. Our finances cut close, but we get by...we're in better shape than we have been. I just don't get it. Why is everything so good now...except my ability to take care of myself?

Honey there is NOTHING wrong with you. I think women as a general rule always take care of themselves last. Getting married is another thing...lots of women gain weight after they get married. WE get comfortable, we're happy, we're in love, our husbands say oh just eat it honey because they know we love food and they love us fat or skinny. Then we don't worry so much about gaining weight and it adds up over time.

I didn't bring up that summer to make you feel bad, I brought it up to remind you that you can do this again, I can do it again, we all can. The more we beat ourselves up about it though the harder it gets. We get angry and frustrated and give up. Dear Lord...I should be in my journal!~:laugh: I'm struggling just as much as you are and so are a lot of people here. But there are so many success stories here too! If we keep coming back we may just find that certain something we had way back then that motivated us. I've told you this before...YOU were the very 1st person I talked to at DT. You helped me get started. You helped me navigate the site and if it wasn't for you I probably would never have returned and eventually lost that 30 lbs the 1st time around!

I know if I posted my calories on fitday.com like I used to I would be horrified. So what stops me? Probably the reality that I MUST make a change. It's much easier for me to complain and keep eating than it is to do anything about it. But who are we hurting by doing that? Ourselves, we're hurting ourselves. We don't have to forbid any food in our diet, we just need to make some small changes that will add up to results in the end. Right? RIGHT! :D

Hang in there and don't give up. Now tell me about your Wii Fit! Do you love it? Have you tried it?

Sorry I hijacked your journal, the thoughts just came out here and they came from my heart...:D

:hijacked: :o

Char - I know you weren't trying to make me depressed about things...that you were trying to say "see, you CAN do it, because you DID." I guess right now I can follow your lead and keep coming back here, no matter what. I've always stopped coming here when I fall off the weight loss wagon because I feel embarrassed...but, this site is all about empathy. Everyone's been there. I need to just keep coming back here to see that. If I can't do anything else, I can at least do that.

I am counting points today! I am at a high weight (302ish according to the Fit), and I'm just fed up. What am I doing? I'm 23 years old...and my body acts about 60 with all the aches and pains someone my age should never feel. What about when I have kids? Well, what about having kids at all...if my weight keeps up, I won't be able to have kids. And I use the stupidest excuses...like, I can't afford healthy food. Okay, so I can't afford healthy groceries that might cost $75 a week for all my and DH's meals, but I can afford to go to the buffet and drop $30 every other day just for one meal? It's such backwards logic, and it needs to stop.

So, this is what I'm doing. I'm taking it one day at a time. I get 39 (eek!) points. I've had 29 today (after my WW soup w/ meatballs for dinner). It's 5:30pm...I'll be in bed around 1:30am...that's 8 hours with 10 points. I've got to make this work. I'm eating a pretty hearty meal right now, 8 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein, and I hope it holds me for a good amount of time. I have to pick up DH at work at midnight. Until then, I want to enjoy my day off with Wii Fit, Super Mario Galaxy, and a trip to the grocery store to get something I can eat without being 20 points a serving! Here's my plan for the rest of the day:

Now: Eat dinner
6-8: Play Wii - make at least 1/4 of that time Wii Fit time
8-9:30(?: Grocery shopping
9:30-10: Make something healthy to eat with the groceries
10-11:30: I don't know yet...read? Be online? TBD
11:30: Leave to pick DH up
12:15: Get home, eat a little (filling) snack
1:30ish: Bed

Well, I'm back from the grocery store. While I was there, I saw WW cream cheese...and lurking on DT has made me aware that people are raving about it if they have tried it, and searching everywhere for it if they haven't, so I grabbed a package. Then, I needed some *light* bagels...I was looking for WW bagels, when I saw something that really surprised me...Western Alternative Bagels! Apparently they now sell them this far east! I never tried them when I lived in CA, so I am now...with the WW cream cheese, it's 3 points total :) And so far not bad at all.

On points yesterday !!

Welcome back...:D We'll do it...together. Just like always, one day at a time. Posting here is the 1st step. :)

This is Day 4 of counting points successfully :) As of right now, I have not used my flex points yet (I will do like I did before and save them for a "flex meal") and I have racked up 12 exercise points (not using them at all). I did 2 hours and 5 minutes on the Wii Fit so far this week :)

Flex point day today :)

No exercise for now, I hurt my leg somehow and it's swollen and very painful :(

I just found out today I work Tuesday now...which means I work 7 days in a row...6 was bad enough...sigh.

Okay, according to the Fit I've gained 2 lbs. in 2 days. Yesterday was flex point day, so I'm sure there was a lot of SALT (It was Arby's food) involved and it needs time to process. I'm thinking either just doing a body test on the Fit once a week, or at least not doing a body test the day after flex days. Anyone have suggestions? I'll post this in the Wii Fit Challenge thred, as well.

@#$^%$$^@#$%^%^%$^#%$^%$^^)!*^*&^(%

...I just want to say that I really, really hate my job sometimes. Not the job itself, but the PEOPLE. Not the customers, the employees...and not my subordinates, my peers. Ugh. I am always the manager being stepped all over because I'm nice and don't put up a fight. Well...not anymore...this isn't going to make sense to anyone but me, lol :)

@#$^%$$^@#$%^%^%$^#%$^%$^^)!*^*&^(%

...I just want to say that I really, really hate my job sometimes. Not the job itself, but the PEOPLE. Not the customers, the employees...and not my subordinates, my peers. Ugh. I am always the manager being stepped all over because I'm nice and don't put up a fight. Well...not anymore...this isn't going to make sense to anyone but me, lol :)

Oh you have no idea how much sense that makes to me! Chin up girlfriend. I know EXACTLY how you feel.

Hey Char...so, guess what? After my 7 (argh) days in a row of work, I was super stressed and didn't even care about points. I mean, I don't think I was out of control...we went to a Chinese buffet one day, I had 2 plates, one full and one not so full and also a small vanilla ice cream cone, and that was pretty much all I had all day. Yesterday, we went to Friendly's for breakfast and then I didn't eat all day until Burger King like 13 hours later...I wasn't feeling too well (gee, maybe because of the huge Friendly's breakfast and pot of coffee?). So, I mean, it was bad, but not like my usual bad...I didn't get up to 300 lbs. *only* eating that much. But, today, I weighed myself because I wanted to join the 5 lb. Challenge...I was down 4.2 from 4 days ago! Woohoo! I really think it is probably delay from when I was doing well and I wasn't seeing results. Anyway, today I am going to count again. I might even do some Wii Fit because my leg is feeling better since I didn't have to spend all day on it yesterday.

I have been thoroughly unsuccessful in counting points, and I still can't exercise because my leg won't stop hurting. I can barely walk at work because of the pain...I'm going to have to go to the doctor, I guess.

Phoenix, sounds like you had better get to the doctor alright!!!!

Congratulations on the 4.2 pounds down, that is great!!!

Congratulations on the 4.2 lbs! That's awesome!!

What's going on with your leg? If you're in that much pain I agree with Nanc...get your little fanny to the Dr.

I read that my leg could be a blood clot, so I went to the emergency room on Saturday. They didn't think it was one because the pain was in a place where it was likely not a blood clot, but they did an ultrasound on the leg anyway. Everything was negative, the Dr. said it could be either a muscle strain or a stress fracture and that I should kind of balance between using it (to prevent the muscle from "tightening up") and resting it. With work, I don't get much of a chance to rest it anyway. It still hurts a lot, so I have been taking Motrin for the pain and swelling and if that's not enough I put some IcyHot on it. It helps a lot with the pain, especially at work. It's just it hurts to walk, so I can't do any exercise. I don't know how long this will last.

I am also sick...I thought it was the flu, because on Sunday night after work I had chills and was burning up at the same time, I was achy and it was obvious without even checking that I had a bad fever and I felt nauseous all night. I felt better yesterday morning when I got up for work - thankfully, because I can't call off of work as a manger, but if I was the way I was Sunday night, I wouldn't have been able to drive, so I was really scared about what to do. Anyway, I'm not 100%, but I feel a lot better still. I'm not sure what would make me feel that sick only for 12 hours or so.

Eating right has been on the back burner, which is probably stupid since I need to take care of myself. The thing is, I need to go grocery shopping badly, but I don't feel up to it at all.

Feel better soon sweetie! :D Just take it easy...

Ugh, I really wish I could afford Weight Watchers because I definitely need the meetings and all that...

I am so depressed. I haven't done anything worth while in forever...I haven't even cleaned the house in at least a month, it's disgusting and I would be embarrassed if anyone actually ever came over. My husband has been out of work for a year and a half, I hate my job soo bad, but I have no leverage to quit and find a new one since my husband is unemployed. He hasn't seen his parents in 7 months, but with plane tickets the way they are, we don't even have the option to THINK about it right now. I wanted to sell my Wii and Wii Fit to pay for it, but that doesn't even cover it and he was mad I would consider that because I did work hard for them.

All I do is eat and sit around and go to work, get stressed and pressured and ugh...come home and eat and sit around...I'm in the worst shape I've ever been in, we walked to a diner 3 blocks away and I was winded. What's happening to me?

I just feel like I'm in an unbelievably deep hole that I can't even begin to fathom getting out of.

Help?

Becca ~ I know exactly how you feel. I'm in the same place you are right now feeling down and out. I eat, I sleep, I go to a job I hate every single day. I don't even come and post here very often I mostly read and lurk because I'm ashamed. I'm proud of you for coming here and having the guts to say what's on your mind and ask for help. I'm sure that wasn't easy for you.

The only people that can really pull us out of the hole we're in is us. We both know what we have to do. Part of feeling so down and stressed I think is directly related to our weight issues. I know you're probably thinking "no sh*t"! But seriously our lack of confidence in ourselves and our lack of commitment to ourselves makes the whole world seem a lot worse and every day is a struggle. We put everyone before us and we try to fix everything for everyone so we don't have to deal with ourselves. Having money won't change that. I know your husband is unemployed and you're not talking about being rich but honestly this is about you and you alone and has nothing to do with money. You can't take the weight of the world on your shoulders and be expected to carry it for very long with out becoming down and out. You've had some things happen to you recently that were life altering. Don't be so hard on yourself.

I know you are a wonderful, caring and giving person. I KNOW THIS!! You need to know it about yourself.

You don't have much longer in school and all that hard work will pay off. You'll get a job that will compensate you well for all the effort you have put in and you'll be doing something that you love.

In the mean time we both need to work on getting back on track with food. You are an expert at WW. You know every trick in the book and can count points of any food in your head! I know you can...but you miss the meetings. I understand that. So why not at least come here and get support until you can afford to sign up for meetings again? You have a lot a great friends here who are just waiting to help you but you have to let them. WW has a wonderful free community too.

So what are we going to do about this? Should we get started so 6 months from now we can be talking about our weight loss?

Still not out of it, and going to California for 10 days which will be horrible because it involves a lot of in-law tension

But you came back here to post. That's a step in the right direction. :)

Well California is actually a lot better than expected, and while my eating is no better than at home, I have motivation to exercise.

I'm also looking into Weight Watchers Online and a Planet Fitness membership.

Well, I'm going to try to start being *good* today. That's not very determined sounding, but what can I say? I'm still in California...where I feel more motivated to eat well and exercise. My mom thinks it's just being in *vacation* mode - because for me that just means all my stress falls away. Not having to go to my horrible, painfully stressful job makes me feel a thousand times better and willing to focus on myself and my health. I figure maybe if I start here, I will get into a groove and continue that at home. Of course, I'm going home on Thursday, so it's not like we have a long time here still.

My plan at home is to plan my weeks ahead of time - on Sundays, probably, since my work weeks run Monday-Sunday. School starts in 3 weeks, so I will definitely have to be a planner then. I'm going to join Planet Fitness on their black card membership, which allows you to bring a guest everyday. I'm going to try to get my mom and my husband to go with me, at least sometimes.

We're going to Universal today, so we will probably be walking a lot :) My in-laws bought us the tickets because they felt bad we had nothing to do while we were here, really, and they're working a lot.

Okay I get 39 points a day and if I walk all day today I'll get exercise points, too, but I'll figure that out later. Here is the plan so far:

Breakfast (it's big because I'll be at Universal all day and don't know when I'll get to eat):

1 cup Special K w/ Berries and 1/2 cup 2% milk - 4 points
Low fat pina colada flavored yogurt - 5 points
Large banana - 2 points

Total for breakfast: 11 points

Lunch (this is what I WANT to do, don't know if hubby will go for going over to CityWalk for lunch, though):

1 6in. Roast beef sub from Subway w/ American cheese, ff sweet onion sauce and lots of veggies plus a small bag of Baked Lays - 10 points

Total for lunch: 10 points


So that's 21 points planned so far, and if I walk for 4 hours today and count it as *light* exercise I would get 17 points from that, so I'd have 35 points for dinner if I needed it...which I may, because DH still wants to go to In-N-Out and Jack in the Box while we're in California.

Yeah, I didn't do well on vacation. Today we went to a buffet, but that's all I've eaten today. I had 2 small pieces of pizza, a salad, about 1 cup of pasta, mini cinnamon rolls....yes, I did not care about what I ate but at my weight, that's not too much for 1 day. Certainly not healthy or planned out well, though. We went to the grocery store, though, and got a lot of good things.

I am planning my meals for tomorrow now. I can't believe I have to work in 10 hours...and I'm not tired at all because I'm still on California time and woke up 10 hours ago...argh. Anyway, meals:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 light vanilla yogurt 2 points
1 sugar free frozen latte with skim milk 6 points

Lunch
------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1/4 Cup Tribe All Natural Hummus with 40 spices 2 points
35 Wheat Thins (generic kind) 6 points

Dinner
------

3 oz. (dry) whole wheat thin spaghetti 5 points
1 cup diced tomatoes 0 points
2 tsp. olive oil 2 points
1 yellow squash 0 points

Snacks
-------

2 cups Total Cinnamon Crunch 7 points
1 large egg, hard boiled 2 points
1 chocolate chip cookie 3 points

Estimated points for today - 59

2513 calories
110g fat
17.5g fiber

blah...but I most likely eat an average of 4000 calories at my weight, so it's still almost 1500 calories less than normal.

Good day, I stuck to the plan

I was wondering what other DTers do for a sugar fix...I know I need to get over that, I can probably eat about 2 lbs. of candy in one sitting...and not chocolate candy, things like Twizzlers, Bottle Caps, Red Vines, Swedish Fish...basically anything that's just sugar and flavoring. How can I get over that need to have mass amounts of candy?

Tomorrow's plan:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 light vanilla yogurt 2 points

Lunch
------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1/4 Cup Tribe All Natural Hummus with 40 spices 2 points
35 Wheat Thins (generic kind) 6 points

Dinner
------

1 large homemade meatball 9 points
1 1/2 cups cooked spaghetti 6 points
1/2 cup Classico Tomato and Basil Sauce 1 point
1 slice Italian bread 2 points
1/2 tbs Smart Balance 1 point
2 brownies 19 points

Snacks
-------

9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points
2.8 oz. sourdough bread 4 points
2 tbs. Smart Balance 4 points



Note: 24 out of 35 flex points were used

This is just for my reference, but if anyone reads this and disagrees with my analysis let me know so I count correctly.

I am figuring that a creamed chipped beef meal at a diner has 2 cups creamed chipped beef, 2 pieces of toast, and 2 cups of home fries, and that the point calculation for those totals 25.

Getting ready for flex day :)

Way to go girl!! :D Glad to see you back on track...now I need to get me on track.

Hi Phoenix,

I read some song lyrics once that said.. out of the the ashes of defeat a phoenix will arise. And I like to think that a new you will arise.. a happier, healthier and slimmer you.

I have come to realise that I have to do THIS for the rest of my life.. what is THIS.. THIS is being mindful with my choice of foods and portion sizes. However, I will plan a controlled pig-out here and there along the way.. but not too often. I got the term controlled pig-out from Elizabeth Taylor's diet book. Yes, I have read many books over the years hoping to find a miracle diet, where you can have all the food, and have good health and a slim body too.

What a shame.. I never did find a miracle magical way to have the slim body and boundless energy. My advice to you is to keep your goals small, and go at them in a absolute determined way. You might like to list your small goals here for futher motivation.. I'm talking about small daily goals.

I sorry about your job.. perhaps you might like to study your skills, and quietly start looking around for a less stressful job. You might end up in an equally stressful job.. and have to keep hopping until you stumble upon a job that you don't dislike.

My daughter left a job where she was working sixty to eighty hours a week.. and her boss would not pay overtime because he said she was getting a good wage. She is now in a government job where she works regular hours and gets more money too.. but it take courage to comtemplate change sometimes..

But on the other hand, you might not want to change your job, but find a different way of handling your stress.. you know things will get done whether you stress over them or not..

Enough rambling, best from Melly

I will post replies after work...I just have 10 minutes or so before I have to leave and I want to post my weights

08/08 - 306.9
08/09 - 305.8
08/10 - 304.9

I don't know about weighing everyday, but I really want to know how my body fluctuates and what affects it (positively and negatively), so for now I am doing a daily weigh-in.

I'm starting WW online on Thursday, maybe then I will just go to weekly weigh-ins.

Hi there! I just happened to notice your journal and I read your post about what to do about getting over sugar....

and my only thought is...(probably not gonna like it...) is to just quit the sugar! There are several women at a local OA group that SWEAR by just staying away from it...sort of like an addiction (well, no sort of about it)....
you know...how an alcoholic can't have a drink? well, it's sort of like that with ppl and food addictions....you have to know your trigger foods and just stay away from them...try substituting for grapes and other sweet fruits (In moderation though...because they still have calories...some fruit can have a lot of calories)

I don't know any other answers for ya....certainly no easy ones. anything thats worthwhile in life just doesn't come easy, does it? lol...oh well...we all have to have something to work on! GREAT JOB with your drop in weight!

Hope you have a super Sunday!

Char - :wave: I wish you would spend more time on DT! Get your diet in gear so I can have some steady support :laugh: I'm totally being selfish about that :)

Melly - It's hard about my job because I get conflicting advice. Some (cynical) people say I should stay because the grass is never greener on the other side. Some (most people - you, my mom, DH) say I need to get out of there, because it's unbelievable the stress I am put through. I don't know. The past 2 days have been okay, but I think my boss is really clever. I think she KNOWS when I am really unhappy about work and builds me up then just enough to get me to stay. And of course, it works. It's so hard to job search, I don't know if I want to do it or not. It's confusing...

Yogi - I'm sure you're right about the sugar, but it's a scary thought for me. Maybe I can wean myself off? It's also shocking how much sugar is in EVERYTHING...looking at food labels is frightening...I couldn't believe how much sugar a low fat yogurt I bought in California had, I ate it but I was thinking...wow, I was trying to be good and this is clearly NOT good for me. My new light yogurt has about a third of the sugar as that one...better anyway. I wish sugar wasn't in everything...it would make it a LOT easier to be moderate about it.

Tomorrow's plan:

Lunch
------

Restaurant meal of creamed chipped beef with home fries 25 points
Coffee with sugar substitute and creamers, 1 point

Dinner
------

Swanson Classics Roasted Carved Turkey 7 points
Green beans, steamed 0 points
Yellow squash, steamed 0 points
4 oz. cooked pinto beans 1 points
10 sprays Ken's Lite Accents Italian 0 points

Snacks
-------

1 large egg, hard boiled 2 points
1 medium banana 2 points
1 regular size Rita's Gelati, mango 8 points




Edit note - I woke up way too late for breakfast, intended to wake up at 9am and ended up sleeping until 11:30am...oops

Also, I intended for a flex point day, but note I used a lot of flex points yesterday...I planned for the dinner at my parent's, and then I was greeted with brownies. I had 2...almost threw in the towel on WW , but I thought...why don't I just count this accurately and use flex points? So that's what I did and today the scale is showing 304.0, .9 down from yesterday. I'm so glad I stuck to it. Anyway, I'd doing the meal I intended to do as flex, and then dinner is loaded with low and zero point veggies to make up for that. We'll see how the scale reacts tomorrow...I am really curious to see how much it will go up as a result.


Used 7 flex points today for a total 31 of 35 flex points used this week

I want to talk a little about *stuff*

When I flew to California, I of course needed a seat belt extension. I am so thankful that DH is so sweet and kind, he let me have the window seat because he knows how much I would hate to sit next to a stranger and inconvenience them with my extra weight, and he's the one that asked for the seat belt extensions when I was too embarrassed. On the return flights, I had unknowingly reserved seats in the front row of coach, which have no leg room and also do not have arm rests that go up, they're stationary. Consequently, I couldn't fit in the seat at all. I was crying I was so embarrassed...DH quietly took a flight attendant aside and explained the situation so we could get different seats. On the second flight, the first thing he did when we got on the plane was pull a flight attendant aside so I could be accomodated...I am SO embarrassed that it was even an issue, but I am so thankful for such a sweet husband. Anyway, I don't anticipate flying again for another year as Hanukkah coincides with Christmas this year, and my job does not allow me to request Christmas off, so I won't be able to travel to visit my in-laws for Hanukkah. The only bright spot there is that I have a year to lose weight and not need a seat belt extension. I would also really like to surprise my in-laws...this is something to motivate me, anyway.

About not fitting in seats...I had some trouble at Universal...in the Terminator 2 3-D show, where I kinda hurt myself because I was sitting on the edge of my seat due to not fitting and I didn't know it lifted and dropped at one point...blah...also, we went to see The Dark Knight at the CityWalk IMAX...I REALLY had to painfully squish myself in that seat...here I just barely fit in theatre seats, so that's another thing I want to do, not have to worry about that. And I've been avoiding Hershey Park for the past year due to my weight, so DH has never gone there...I know I won't fit on most rides. I will lose weight and we will go next summer, definitely.

Anyway...that was just some weight related rambling...

OH>>>>don't listen to the negative ppl about trying something new as far as a job go!!! If there is something else "out there" calling you...DO IT!

I had a job several years ago that was just AWFUL and I had plenty of people (well meaning family members included) tell me the grass isn't any greener...that i had a good steady job and should just stay where I was at...am i EVER glad I didn't listen! I'm making three times the amount of money, better benefits...and better working conditions by FAR! Sometimes the whole "social scene" at work is a bit much...but thats at any job!

The sugar thing...oh...it's hard...i've been fighting it forever...and just when i think I have it beat....it comes back to get me! lol...the fact that your trying and you want to be aware is a great first step!

I'm SO glad you have such a wonderful and compassionate husband! I have a very thoughtful hubby when it comes to my weight/food issues....he doesn't always understand how i could possibly follow dinner with three bowls of cereal and a pint of ice cream and a half bag of cheetos (slight binge problem at times here...)
BUT...he does understand somethings...and he's always very supportive...we are lucky ladies!!!

A year is a good amount of time to definitely see some results!!! I look forward to reading about your success...one day at a time! don't forget that!

When we went to the dinner this afternoon we walked there rather than driving :) it's only .28 miles each way anyway, why waste gas for that, right? I also went walking with my mom for probably 20-30 minutes, neither, of us had a watch or our cell phones with us so we're not really sure. On Thursday my mom and I are going to check out that gym I was talking about, it allows a certain level of member to have 1 guest each day so my mom will be going with me most days and possibly DH once in a while.

They just opened a big 11 screen plus IMAX theatre right by our apartment...I mapped the walk on mapmyrun.com and it's .85 miles each way. That would be a really nice reward for a 1.7 mile walk :laugh:

My mother-in-law taught me how to make chile rellenos while we were visiting...it's my favorite Mexican dish. I think I can make it lighter, really it's not that bad except the frying part so I'm thinking of maybe sauteeing it in a nonstick pan. Anyway, the Mexican market is right near the new theatre and I'd like to plan a day where we go see a movie and stop by the Mexican market on the way home for chile rellenos ingredients and then I can make that for dinner.

Tomorrow's Plan:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 light vanilla yogurt 2 points

Lunch
------

12 slices Oscar Mayer Shaved Honey Turkey 2 points
2 slices Stroehmann's Sunbeam White Bread 3 points
2 tbsp. Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Dressing 1 point
6 oz. pinto beans, smashed 2 points
Green beans, steamed 0 points
1/2 cucumber, 0 points
10 sprays Ken's Lite Accents Italian 0 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point


Dinner
------

1 can Chef Boyardee Overstuffed Italian Sausage 8 points

Snacks
-------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points
1/4 Cup Tribe All Natural Hummus with 40 spices 2 points
35 Wheat Thins (generic kind) 6 points
2 cups Total Cinnamon Crunch 7 points

Using 2 flex points bringing weekly total to 33 out of 35

303.8 this morning! Down .2! I thought with the creamed chipped beef I'd be up just because of the salt and everything...woo hoo :)

Yogi - I had a dream last night that a job I had sent my resume in for called me :laugh: it was one I REALLY wanted, but that was like 2 months ago, so I don't think they'll be calling. I do at least glance at job listings on a regular basis to see if something catches my eye, but it's not going so well.

I went for a 20 minute walk with DH hubby today :) Have to work in an hour :( I'm working until 11:30pm :( I hate 2nd shift...

good job on the walk...and yes, second shift bites. :( I KNOW I would have a much harder time with my food on second shift!!!

Hey Bec! Looks like you're back on track. I'm so proud of you!!!! You go girl...

Yogi - the hardest part is being located in a strip mall right next to a pizza place! And they have some really good specials...today is 2.99 spaghetti and meatballs day, which is pretty good and I have to avoid because I'm sure it's something like 20 points with how much pasta they give you! Monday and Tuesday they have 20 cent wings, and Thursday they have 4.99 extra large pizzas. Plus, since I work at Blockbuster there's a TON of *theatre size* candy bars and boxes in my face everyday. Not easy for someone with a sugar problem

Char - Thanks :) Now, you follow suit :laugh: I know you are stressed and have no *me* time, but believe me, not taking care of yourself doesn't make it any better. I'm speaking from experience!


Up 1.3 pounds today, which is disappointing, but I know it's because my body has not yet fully processed what I ate in the past 1 and half days if you get what I mean :laugh:

Anyway, didn't feel up to planning today after work last night. So, I'll do it now:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 light vanilla yogurt 2 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point

Lunch
------

6 slices Oscar Mayer Shaved Honey Turkey 1 points
2 slices Stroehmann's Sunbeam White Bread 3 points
2 tbsp. Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Dressing 1 point
3 oz. pinto beans, smashed 1 point
Green beans, steamed 0 points


Dinner
------

Swanson Classics Roasted Carved Turkey 7 points
1/2 cucumber 0 points
10 sprays Ken's Lite Accents Italian 0 points


Snacks
-------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
18 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 6 points
1/4 Cup Tribe All Natural Hummus with 40 spices 2 points
16 Wheat Thins (generic kind) 3 points
1 sugar free frozen latte with skim milk 6 points


I'm 2 points off...but, I left a bunch of my Total cereal at work yesterday, I know I counted it in yesterday already, but I don't really have anything else to eat and I don't want to buy anything so I'll just go with 37 points for the day. I know they say to eat all your daily points at least, but I don't know what else to eat. If I think of something, I'll add it.

I'm impressed!! :up:

I didn't use a flex point today, made some adjustments because once again I left my snacks at work and it was after I set the alarm so I couldn't go back in. Sigh...I'm getting forgetful. Oh well, now there's two backup snacks waiting for me.

Oh, I also did 20 minutes on the Fit today.

Down 1.1 lb. - 304.0

Plan Today:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point

Lunch
------

3 oz. (dry) whole wheat thin spaghetti 5 points
2 tsp. olive oil 2 points


Dinner
------

2 large bay scallops 1 point
6 oz. baked salmon 7 points
Snow peas, boiled 0 points
Mixed greens with tomato and cucumber 0 points
10 sprays Wishbone Italian Salad Spritzer 0 points


Snacks
-------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
18 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 6 points
2 cups Total Cinnamon Crunch 7 points
1 Cracker Barrel Reduced Fat Extra Sharp Cheddar Stick 2 points
1 string cheese 2 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point

We just came back from the grocery store...got a lot of good stuff, I wasn't planning to buy so much but we really don't have anything here that could be compiled into a meal. Tomorrow I'm going to make bbq pork and beans in the crockpot...lean boneless pork, pinto beans and honey bbq sauce. We'll see how that turns out.

Ugh, money is such a pain...I always dread going to the grocery store. It was a little over $60 and it'll probably last 2 weeks, I am very conscious of sales, coupons, and discountinued items (which are generally 50% off). That's a lot better than fast food or diner food, though. Although I am pretty good with that, too...the diner by our apartment is pretty cheap, so for $16 we can both get a meal with a drink and that includes tax and a generous tip. Although we usually waste $2.50 on the jukebox...that's 8 songs, 4 each :laugh:

Textbooks are going to be $600 for me this semster, accounting changes rules so often there's little opportunity to buy used textbooks. Sigh.

Oh, well, I'm off to the gym.

YEAH on the poundage down!!! :) Thats awesome! Money is a pain...unless your one of those very fortunate few who have loads of it....

I hope you had/have an awesome w/out at the gym!!! :)

Hi Yogi :wave: so, we went to the gym but we didn't join ? I guess my mom is being really cautious and just wanted to check everything out. We got a tour, it has a lot of aerobic machines so it looks like it'd be unlikely for them to be full, which is nice. She's paying for it, so she wants to talk to my dad first. I just wish I knew earlier that we weren't going to work out, because I would have done at leave 15 minutes on the Fit. Now it's too late in the day.

The good part was that I went over to her house afterward to watch a movie (Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day, which was very good), and we stopped at the farmer's market first to get something to make for dinner - she left it up to me to chose, and I picked salmon and scallops which is not something DH and I can afford, so it was a nice treat :) I wasn't really expecting to be treated to dinner.

You're back on track girlfriend! I'm so proud of you. Your whole outlook has changed!

:congrats:

Well, I'm done with week 1 and I lost 2.9 pounds (weight was the same today as yesterday). I guess I am okay with that. Usually the first week brings bigger losses, but oh well. I have put my body through a lot of yo-yo dieting, and I'm sure it's pretty screwed up because of that. I know it'll be slower this time...that's why I'm giving myself a goal date that's 2 years and 4 months away. Losing anything is certainly better than gaining, and it's clear that I would have just continued to gain as I was constantly posting highest weights on here.

NOTE: I just realized that I've been adding a pound to my weight by accident. I've been putting "+1" in the clothes weight on the Fit...I don't know when that got messed up, but I'll fix it tomorrow and see what happens :)

Plan Today:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 Yo*Plus peach yogurt 2 points

Lunch
------

1 Barber Parmesan Stuffed Chicken Breast 7 points
1 ear of corn 2 points
1 Pepperidge Farm Artesan Sourdough Roll 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points

Dinner
------

1 Hamburger Helper Express 4 points

Snacks
-------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points
1 cup Total Cinnamon Crunch 3 points
1 string cheese 2 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point
1/4 Cup Tribe All Natural Hummus with 40 spices 2 points
16 Wheat Thins (generic kind) 3 points

Also...I was going to make the bbq pork and beans today, but I left an onion from the farmer's market at my parents' house last night. I'll probably pick it up after work and make that tomorrow.

I did 30 minutes on the Fit today :)

Hey girl 3 lbs is nothing to sneeze at! That's 3 pounds of icky, yucky fat. Now just picture that in your mind and you'll feel a whole lot better about your accomplishemnt! You did great, be proud! :laugh:

Okay, I am done with the daily weigh-ins. I fixed the +1, did perfectly yesterday and didn't even use all my regular points, and I'm up .4 pounds today. Going to weekly weigh-ins before I go crazy.

Shouldn't losing weight be a lot faster for someone that weighs over 300 pounds?

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 Yo*Plus peach yogurt 2 points
1 string cheese 2 points

Lunch
------

1 Smart Ones Salisbury Steak Entree 5 points
1 McDonald’s Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad with Newman’s Own Low Fat Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing and butter garlic croutons 8 points

Dinner
------

1 Smart Ones Pepperoni Pizza 8 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point

Snacks
--------
1 Smart Ones Mint Chocolate Chip Sundae 3 points
1 egg, hardboiled 2 points
1 Pepperidge Farm Artisan Sourdough Roll 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points

Hi, Phoenix! :wave: Congratulations on that excellent loss! You are doin' GREAT!

The Wii Fit sounds fun and it sounds like it's really effective for you also. What a nice mom also to be thinking of buying you a gym membership! That'll really be enjoyable!

Congrats again on your successful week!

Hi Amarantha :wave: ! How nice of you to drop in and give words of encouragement :) And yes, it is VERY nice of my mom buying the gym membership...I know she really worries about my health. We're locked in for a year, and since she's being so kind as to pay for it I REALLY need to show results so as not to be ungrateful.

We went to the gym today, tried the ellipticals but we're both out of shape (although my mom probably weighs close to half my weight, apparently you can still be out of shape at that weight) so we did 2 minutes of elliptical and 28 minutes treadmill. I hope to work up to doing mostly elliptical over the next few months.

Tomorrow's Plan:

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 Yo*Plus peach yogurt 2 points
1 sugar free frozen latte with skim milk 6 points


Lunch
------

1 egg, hard boiled 2 points
1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1 string cheese 2 points


Dinner
------

¼ recipe BBQ Pork and Beans 8 points
1 Pepperidge Farm Artisan Wheat Roll 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
1 ear corn 2 points
Green beans, boiled 0 points
Squash, boiled 0 points

Snacks
--------

½ cup Turkey Hill Rocky Road ice cream 4 points
1 cup Total Cinnamon Crunch 3 points
1 small Juicy Juice juice box 1 point


I was hoping to get to the gym tomorrow, but DH is acting kinda mad that I would go without him and not with my mom...she's busy and I don't see the point of wasting gas to pick up DH at home when the gym is probably less than a quarter mile from work. I guess maybe we'll just go for a walk.

Ah, well, I woke up early today (probably got 5 hours of sleep) and I work at 9am tomorrow...I don't have to be awake for 9 hours but I am very tired, so I guess I better be off to bed :)

Becca - you're doing fantastic. It's not a race...you're going to take this weight off and keep it off! You've set very reasonable goals for yourself! :D

Char I know, it's just hard when it seems to be happening so fast for others. Oh well...if I stay on points the weight has to come off sometime. I can't be eating half as much and weigh 300 pounds forever.

My mom decided to go to the gym anyway today and we did 30 mintues on the treadmill :)

I have decided to make Saturdays my flex point days once school starts as those will likely be my only day off from both work and school - although this varies as other managers request off and I am sometimes required to work all weekend. The first Saturday of school I happen to work, so it won't start then.

This week will be Saturday because I have a bridal shower to go to for my cousin, and my aunt is very much a foodie that loves to cook so I know there will be a lot of yummy food there.

Next week I will probably go with Friday since I am working Saturday...I have school but I have off of work, so I can relax Friday night.

Anyway, after all that rambling, I think I will go for a Friday weigh-in day if my flex point days will likely be Friday or Saturday.

Plan for tomorrow:

Breakfast
---------

1 egg, “fried” in nonstick pan 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
1 Original Thomas’ English Muffin 3 points
1 oz. pepper jack cheese 3 points

Lunch
------

¼ recipe BBQ Pork and Beans 8 points
1 Pepperidge Farm Artisan Wheat Roll 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
Squash, boiled 0 points

Dinner
------

Smart Ones Broccoli & Cheddar Roasted Potatoes 4 points

Snacks
--------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 string cheese 2 points
1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1 cup Cocoa Puffs Combos 3 points
9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points

I forgot to note that since my weeks run Friday-Thursday then, I still have all my flex points for this week still. Saturday will be "next week".

I'm really hungry, I think I might use some of those now :)

Used 9 flex points to quell a major bread craving:

1 string cheese 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
4 oz. Pepperidge Farm Artisan Sourdough Bread 5 points

No exercise today, had way too many errands to run. I think we might walk tomorrow, or maybe do some Wii Fit. Wednesday and Thursday will be gym days.

I have to go to work now :(

Hi Phoneix,
Wanted to stop by and wish you all the best on your weight lose journey! Sounds like you are already off on a great start!
Keep rolling you will get there!

....Hugs, Millie

Thanks for your support, Millie :)

Ugh, work was horrid and I got out late which I am going to hear about tomorrow since we're trying to cut labor, but the new releases need to be put out after close and my CSR was very, very slow at that so I had to do all of my end of day work plus half of that. I didn't get home until after midnight, exhausted and very hungry. I still was in points, though, and didn't use any flex points today...although maybe I should, because weigh in is Friday and I don't want to do a flex day right before that. I work longer tomorrow (ugh), and have off Wednesday and Thursday so maybe Wednesday I'll use the bulk of my flex points. I'm going to the gym with my mom Wednesday afternoon and then DH and I are going to my parents' house to watch Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978 Donald Sutherland version :) ) with my dad. He's making chicken mole, mostly for my husband. I hate it, maybe I will ask him to cook some chicken seperate for me.

I'm running out of meal ideas, I know we have the food but today and tomorrow are too stressful for me to think, so this is my plan for tomorrow. I know it is lacking nutritionally, but none of it is *bad* food and I did manage to throw in a banana :laugh:

Breakfast
---------

1 egg, “fried” in nonstick pan 2 points
1 Original Thomas’ English Muffin 3 points
1 oz. pepper jack cheese 3 points

Lunch
------

½ can Chef Boyardee Overstuffed Italian Sausage Ravioli 4 points
1 Pepperidge Farm Artisan Wheat Roll 3 points
1 Smart Ones Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sundae 3 points


Dinner
------

Smart Ones Pepperoni Pizza 8 points

Snacks
--------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 string cheese 2 points
1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1 cup Cocoa Puffs Combos 3 points
9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points

Did 30 minutes on the Wii Fit this morning. Advanced Step is my favorite activity on there, but wow it leaves me literally dripping in sweat. Although that's probably a good thing. Oh, I resisted weighing myself since it's only been 3 days :) even though the stupid balance board cartoony thing was hasseling me, lol! They should give you an option to turn off his nagging if you only weigh-in once a week, because weighing in weekly oppossed to daily is not a bad thing!

I just have to get through 7 hours of work tonight and then I have 2 days off! Woo hoo!

Breakfast
---------

1 medium banana 2 points
1 Yo*Plus peach yogurt 2 points

Lunch
------

1 egg, “fried” in nonstick pan 2 points
1 Original Thomas’ English Muffin 3 points
1 oz. pepper jack cheese 3 points



Dinner
------

1 cup sangria 3 points
Salad greens with tomatoes and green peppers 0 points
10 sprays Wishbone Salad Spritzers Balsamic Breeze 0 points
3.25 oz. boneless, skinless chicken 3 points
3.5 oz. Spanish rice 6 points
3.05 oz. refried beans with cheese 6 points


Snacks
--------

13 oz. watermelon 2 points
1 Tootsie Pop 1 point
2 oz. Mexican blend cheese 6
2 hamburger rolls 4 points
2 tbs. Smart Balance 5 points
1 2.05 oz. Milky Way bar 6 points (this is pretty much my big *indulgence* for the week)

Hi there,

I responded in my Journal that I would be subscribing to your Journal ..

THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH for your UNDERSTANDING AND FOR YOUR SUPPORT .. I'm appreciative of both ..

If I can ever be of any assistance, PLEASE LET ME KNOW .. have and make it a great day. Monica

Hi Monica :wave: so glad you came back...and that you visited my journal :) and you were correct in thinking my given name is Rebecca.


So, I did 30 minutes on the treadmill today and kicked it up a notch...I'm still slow, but I want it to be challenging enough so I know the workout isn't wasted.

I used 15 flex points today, still have 11 left for the week which is only 2 more days long...

You're doing great Becca!! You're and inspiration!! :D

Thanks Char :)

I know this looks bad, it is, but we did get groceries today, just didn't get home until about 8:30 at night so no time to care about what I am eating

Breakfast
---------

2 eggs, scrambled 4 points
½ green pepper 0 points
1 oz. Colby cheese 3 points

Lunch
------

1 Hamburger Helper Express 4 points


Dinner
------

2 slices Butterball White Turkey 2 points
1 Thomas' English Muffin 3 points
2 slices yellow American cheese 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points

Snacks
--------

1 Pringles Mini Pizza Chips 3 points
9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points
1 2.05 oz. Milky Way bar 6 points
1 1.4 oz. Heath bar 5 points
1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
2 slices white bread 3 points
2 slices yellow American cheese 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
1 Mott's Healthy Harvest Peach Medley 1 point

Hi,
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15/15_1_70v.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYYYUS) Wow you are doing really great with your points!!! Good for you! You will sure get to goal as hard as you are working!
Sounds like you will have a nice vist with family, I bet dad will cook some chicken just for you.
keep rolling you are doing good!
....Hugs, Millie

Thanks Millie :) my dad did set some chicken aside for me, which was very good since I wasn't a big fan of the side dishes and I probably would have been really hungry without the protein.

I know weigh-in is tomorrow, but I did it today :o I am down 4.4 pounds, though! Now I'm at an even 300. This will be the LAST TIME I ever see a *3* starting out my weight, I am determined to guarantee that.

Dear Rebecca,

:congrats: on YOUR PHENOMENAL WEIGHT LOSS :koala: :koala: :koala: :koala: .. FOUR GLORIOUS POUNDS GONE FOREVER and :cheers: HERE'S TO YOUR FUTURE SUCCESSES .. have and make it a great day .. Monica

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_32_7.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYYYUS) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_33_12.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZSYYYYYYYYUS) Hi,
OH RIGHT WAY TO GO LADY!!! A Big Congrats tp you!!! You are sure rolling !
I know you will love never seeing that 3 as the first number on the scale again!!!!!
I can'r wait to do the same thing. It can be so much fun losing weight and I am so much happer when I am doing what I need to be doing for me and so are you!!!
Have a great Friday!!!....Hugs, Millie

Thank you so much for the praise/congrats on my loss, Monica and Millie. Millie, I know you will be where I am soon, never to see that stupid 3 again.

I did 30 minutes on the treadmill, added incline for some of it to make it more of a workout. Food wasn't great, it was a hectic day. I stayed in points, though, so that's good.

Breakfast
---------

1 string cheese 2 points


Lunch
------

1 medium red potato 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
4 oz. chicken breast, skin removed 5 points
1 Mott's Healthy Harvest Peach Medley 1 point


Dinner
------

1 Banquet Turkey Meal 4 points
Green beans, boiled 0 points

Snacks
--------

1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1 cup Cocoa Puffs Combos 3 points
9 Stauffer's All Natural Animal Breakfast Cookies 3 points
1 Yo*Plus Cherry Yogurt 2 points
1 large banana 2 points
1 Thomas' English Muffin 3 points
2 slices white American cheese 3 points
2 slices Butterball white turkey 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points

Just got back from the gym - did 30 minutes on the treadmill. Have to leave for work in 20 minutes :(

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO!!! Way to go Becca!! :jn

Thanks Char :) I am actually liking the gym, it's pretty much my favorite place to be right now because I can zone out and relax. And they have TVs, lol and Mythbusters was on one day and Cash Cab was on the next. We don't have TV at home, and we thought we wouldn't miss it but we really do. Once I graduate and become an accountant (and don't have time to watch TV, lol) we can get it.

Tomorrow I'm going to a bridal shower for my cousin. I don't have a clue as to what's being served as far as food, so I'm going in prepared to use all my flex points for the week if I deem in necessary. I kinda doubt that, though, because my mom only plans to stay for 2 hours. Since I don't know the nutrition of anything I'll just jot down approximations of the amounts and then look it up when I get home.


Breakfast
---------

2 Aunt Jemima Low Fat Frozen Waffles 3 points
1 1/2 oz. maple syrup 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points

Lunch
------

6 mini quiche 10 points
1/2 smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese sandwich 3 points
2 small chocolate covered strawberries 4 points
1 stick rock candy 1 point


Dinner
------

1/2 recipe chicken teriyaki, cooked without oil 8 points

Snacks
--------

1 Mister Salty 100 Calorie Pack 2 points
1 extra large banana 3 points
1 small McDonald's Vanilla Cone 3 points
6 pieces Hershey Bliss Milk Chocolate 5 points
1 Smart Ones Cookie Dough Sundae 3 points
1 Thomas' English Muffin 3 points
2 slices white American cheese 3 points
2 slices Butterball white turkey 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points

Used 20 flex points for the week so far

I forgot that the gym actually has hours on the weekend (they're 24 hours during the week). I didn't get home from the shower until about 6pm and DH cooked dinner. The gym closes at 7, so I decided we would walk to McDonald's and I'd get a small cone. DH's phone has a stopwatch and I had him run it while we were actively walking. 42 minutes total :)

Breakfast
---------

1 extra large banana 3 points
1 Yo*Plus Cherry Yogurt 2 points
1 cup Cocoa Puffs Combos 3 points
1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points

Lunch
------

1 Thomas' English Muffin 3 points
2 slices white American cheese 3 points
2 slices Butterball white turkey 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
1 Pringles Mini Pizza Chips 3 points

Dinner
------

1 slice plain pizza 7 points
1 slice pepperoni pizza 7 points

Snacks
--------

3 pieces Hershey Bliss Milk Chocolate 3 points
1 string cheese 2 points


Used 3 flex points and did 30 minutes on the treadmill

I have to make some goals for when school starts, because stress is going to be high and eating and gym visits will have to be planned ahead. My goals:

*Bed by 1am, up by 9am (except Friday when I work until 12:30am and then Saturday morning when I don't have to work normally)
*Plan gym visits and who my gym buddy will be for the week on Sunday. Here is this week's plan:
-Monday before work (probably around 3pm) w/ DH
-Tuesday after school (5pm) w/ mom
-Wednesday before school (11am) myself
-Thursday after school (5pm) w/mom
-Friday after school (5pm) w/mom
-Saturday REST
-Sunday after work (5pm) w/mom if she wants to
*Take showers at night instead of in the morning
*Plan points/food 1 day in advance
*Spend 9:30am-10:30am M-F on homework in addition to evenings when not working
*Keep the apartment clean (this is also DH's goal, whether he likes it or not :laugh:) I have enough to worry about without living in the middle of a mess. I'll clean tomorrow while DH is at school and then we have a magnetic chore list that I'm filling out and we HAVE TO follow it.

Working on planning this week right now :)

Plan tomorrow:

Breakfast
---------

2 slices Butterball White Turkey 2 points
1 oz. Colby cheese 3 points
2 eggs, scrambled 4 points
Chopped sweet onion 0 points
Chopped green pepper 0 points


Lunch
------

1 Hamburger Helper Singles 4 points
Green beans, boiled 0 points
1 ear corn 2 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points
1 Pepperidge Farm Artisan Wheat Roll 3 points

Dinner
------

2 slices white bread 3 points
2 slices yellow American cheese 3 points
1 tbs. Country Crock 2 points


Snacks
--------

3 pieces Hershey Bliss Milk Chocolate 3 points
1 Quaker Chewy Granola Bar with Protein 2 points
1 Mott's Health