June 7, 2008.

This is my first attempt at keeping a journal which will focus on my weight loss journey. Along the way there may be twists and turns....perhaps even detours. My journey is not about starting over, but rather continuing on to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy. My goal is to create a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy food, exercising, and maintaining a positive outlook on life. I will share my thoughts, feelings, and beliefs along the journey. I welcome all of you who read my journal and it is my hope that you will choose to share your thoughts, feelings and beliefs as well.

Hi, CJL:

Congratulations on starting a new journal. I keep thinking about doing that very same thing, but then I don't get it done. Maybe you will inspire me to start one.

At any rate, best of luck to you on your weight-loss journey. And I believe that it is a journey, a never-ending journey. Even those of us who have achieved a goal still struggle with our personal issues and continue on our individual ways to maintain and stabilize our losses. Old habits die hard you know.

I guess I did share some thoughts and feelings with you.

Anyway, enjoy your journal.

You inspired me already...:)
You will never have to travel this journey alone. You have made many friends here.
So glad your back!!!

Hi Jo, Thanks for visiting my journal. I am not sure I am disciplined enough to keep a journal...time will tell. Jo, it is so true what you said about achieving your weight goal. I was at goal for three years and I thought I was home free. The trouble was, I have had years of experience trying to lose weight, but I didn't have a plan or experience to maintain. This journey is one that is more about the process than the destination perhaps.

Hi Sanity. Thanks for visiting and the welcome back. I am hoping to be inspired by the success and perseverance of others here at Diettalk. Everytime I get on Diettalk I learn and grow from reading about the experiences of others.

Everyone: I have been on both sides of the fence regarding weight loss and maintainence. I've done both, but at the present time I am struggling... really struggling. Each day I try to begin with desire, dedication, determination, and discipline...only to find myself feeding my emotional hunger rather than my physical hunger. Even when I am physically hungry, I tend to eat too much. I need to find a way to lessen my dependence on food and develop a healthier relationship with food.

If anyone has any suggestions or ideals, I would welcome them. This is an area in my life that I really need support.

Hello! I havent had the experience yet in maintaining but 2 different times i had lost 40 something pounds each time only to regain. i am now on the journey again, praying for God to give me strength to not only continue on and lose the weight but once im there to keep it off. Its nice to see you journal again. I beleive the journaling really does help.

Hi CJL.. I remember you when you had reached your goal.. am curious.. do you know why you struggle with food.. Is it inner issues, stress in your life.. and I out of curiosity and also for others sakes how much have you gained back from when you were at goal? Not trying to pry.. I am just wondering and curious.. I seem to have lost the lbs I have lost about 30 or so but never gain them back... which I am happy about..but on the other hand never lose any more.
Good to see you back :)

About the only piece of advice I have to offer is that, as a "maintainer," I continue to weigh myself daily, without fail. It is a part of my routine. This helps me notice when those unwanted lbs. reattach temselves to me so that I can do something about them immediately, if not sooner.

As far as I can recall, the main reason I gained weight was that I would get busy with other things and fail to pay attention to what I was eating. When I FOCUS on my eating I do quite well.

I guess when we eat for other reasons than to sustain life we can get into trouble.

Old habits die hard, and I like to eat. Don't we all?

Hey CJ,
You got me looking back at all the times I got to my goal weight...and yes, I have tried every diet, only to regain..ughhhhhhh...and the times I was successful I did things that worked for me, but probably wouldn't for others...as I said in the journal about bingeing..I drank yoohoo..did WW..didn't eat after a certain hour..Nutri System....all kinda stuff...no matter what I do, I have learned I have to let myself have some kinda treat everyday, or I'm gonna break big time.
One thing I did notice, that no matter what diet I was on, the ones that I was successful with I always seemed to write down everything I ate. It's pretty easy to think your not eating much by just having a bite of this or that.......soooooooo after reading alot of forums, that seems to be what helps alot of people reach their goal.
Your gonna reach that goal again...I have faith in YOU!!!:)

Hi CJ welcome back! :hug: You'll do great because you already know what to do and you have done it before this time it will stick I promise. Have a blessed tomorrow.

Hi CJ,
i am really happy to see you have started a journal and are being so open and honest about your thoughts and how you are feeling.
i think many people think that goal is the ultimate destination or the light at the end of the tunnel but you and i know it jsnt...its the beginning of some really hard work and ongoing struggles.
over the years i have been obssessive and then relaxed and to be honest somewhere in the middle is what works best for me..i know that i need to remain vigilant but i do have days where i just think Gosh i have worked so hard for so long surely i can take it easy
i have come to the conclusion that its a lifelong struggle and some days that feels like a life sentence hahahahahhaha.
i have faith in you my friend that you will hang in there and remember all the tools you used to get to goal and use them again. emotional stuff doesnt disappear with the pounds unfortunately and as i lost weight i realised that for me my emotional stuff hadnt been examined at all as i was so focused on the numbers..having a healthy relationship with food sounds easy but it isnt..for many people thats the reason we got heavy in the first place.
not sure i have offered many answers but know that you have all of us around you to support you and cheer you on.
hugs bell :)

Oh my gosh....it's great to see so many visitors at my journal. I always feared that if I started a journal no one would visit. That is my low self esteem talking....because I know how supportive DT members are.

Bell: You have always been so supportive over the years whether I was losing or maintaining. Sometimes, for me, the light at the end of the tunnel is the train coming! There are days I just feel like a trainwreck...only now I have added a couple of cabooses to by backend! Right now it seems like I am stuck at the train station. The good news is that I have my DT friends boarding the train. I am so glad that I have friends going on this journey with me. It doesn't matter whether we are losing or maintaining because we know it is a life long journey. So many things you said rang a bell with me......sorry, I just had to write that. You understand the journey and everything you said really helped me!

Sunny: How's my Sunny Girl! All of those pounds you lost found their way to my body. Congrats to you on your weight loss! You are doing fantastic. I may need your help pulling this velcro off my body so that these pounds won't stick! My "tomorrow mentality" has taken up residence in my head. "I'll eat this today and eat healthy tomorrow." If I eat this today, it won't be around to tempt me tomorrow." "If I eat this today, I will be ready to do better tomorrow." I used to focus on being healthy just for the day and not worry about tomorrow and it worked. The trouble is that I can't seem to get through one day at a time.

Sanity: I hope you can keep me sane! I have probably not been disciplined enough to follow a specific diet. In the past I have just cut down on portions and tried to eat healthier. I was most successful when I really listened to my body, ate when I was hungry and stopped when I was full. Lately I have been listening to my heart rather than my head....you know the emotional voice rather than the intellectual voice. I used to keep a menu and count the calories before I ate them and that helped me to make better choices. I belong to TOPS and I keep a menu, but I write the food and calories after the fact which doesn't help when it is a "done deal already."

Jo: You always are so wise! Whenever I read one of your posts I know it is going to be something that will be beneficial. I do weigh everyday because I need to know where I am. I try to keep in mind all of the variables besides food that determine my weight. If I don't weigh, my weight tends to be out of site, out of mind...and the number on the scale goes up. In the past, I have wrestled with the "metal beast" as my one friend calls it. Like so many others, my mood would be dictated by what number appeared on the scale. Depending on that number I could be happy and confident or depressed feeling like a failure. I just decided one day that a metal object should not control my emotions. My DT signature used to be: "The scale shows you where you have been, not where you are going." Now I try to use the scale as a tool in my weight loss journey. Jo we have to have the 4 D's and focus on what we eat. Losing weight and being healthy does not just happen by accident....it happens by making healthy choices.

Lulu: You are my proof that I used to be at goal! I wish I had taken a ton of pictures when I was at goal. People I meet now, find it hard to believe I used to be alot smaller. I've even carried around my "thin picture" to show the unbelievers. I know, I know why should I care...but low self esteem motivates one to do desparate things sometimes. Weight wise I gained nearly fifty pounds back....46 to be percise. You may remember, I have a pattern of gaining and losing back and forth. I have gained and lost the same 10 pounds several times in the past year. Why did I gain my weight back? I started gaining when my sister-in-law died suddenly. Shortly there after I sustained a knee injury. Since then I have had other injuries from an accident that make exercising very difficult. I've experienced alot of stress from difficult situations in the last couple of years that lead me back to my old habits of emotional eating.

Angel: Congrats on that new little guy in your life. Yes I do keep up with you! So many of us have lost weight only to gain it back eventually. The focus has been on losing the weight, but we aren't taught how to keep the weight off. It is so easy for those old habits to creep up without us even realizing that they are back. Everytime I try to lose weight, I keep looking over my shoulder and I see those habits trying to catch up to me. Sometimes I turn the corner, thinking I have lost them. I slow down and relax alittle....and then I realize they have caught up with me again! I think the secret is to keep moving forward. Like Sunny says, we have done it before and we can do it again. Just take one day at a time. With each step we take we will be closer to our goal.

Everyone: I thank you for being so patient and reading to the end of this post. I value each post and I like to respond to everyone. I am a very open person and I will try to share as honestly as I can. Feel free to share anything or ask anything. I want to be there for all of you as well...let's do it together!

Good morning sunshine! Today is a new day and a new week I hope you have the best week may stress and temptation of food flee from thee. :D You can do it.

Hey Sunny, It is a new day and a new opportunity to eat healthy and sensible. Yesterday is gone and it is today that counts!

My mind went on a journey this morning and when it does I never know where it will wind up. This is what just popped into my head:

I was thinking about this weight loss journey and I have concluded that sometimes it feels like we are at an amusement park. Sometimes we are on the physical and emotional roller coaster of ups and downs. Other times, we feel like we are on a merry go round...going fast in a circle and not getting anyway. What we must remember is that these rides are short lived and we then we can move on. We can decide which weight loss rides we are going on and only go on the ones that are healthy and positive for us.

I feel more positive knowing that I do not have to travel this road alone. I am so grateful for all of the support you all have given me. Lately I have questioned whether I could change my lifestyle or lose weight. The lack of confidence comes from seeing so many days go by in which I have not been able to get through one day without making unhealthy choices or eating too much. I have felt in my heart if I could just get through one day, I could build from that exerience....and do it again, just one day at a time.

Yesterday, was different for me. I felt encouraged and inspired by the support, and all of the information shared. I started out the day thinking I can do this. I went to the health club and worked out for an hour and a half.
I went to the store and bought healthy fruits and vegetables and nothing from a box. I thought about what I was going to eat before I ate it. I did not eat anything after dinner. I had my first healthy day!!!!!

I promise if you visit my journal I will read every word and listen carefully. I hope my journal will be a place where we can exchange ideas and support each other.

Proud of you:hug:..that is your first day on the road back to living healthy...one day, one step at a time and you will be there before you know it...

Congrats on the first healthy day which will lead to many more successful days ahead!

Good for you CJ on your first healthy day!
i always remind myself that even if i slip up one meal it doesnt mean that the whole day is a write off..i have the chance to improve with every choice i make everyday.
thanks for the great scary food ideas at my journal..i know i am going to have fun researching it.
Have a happy and healthy week!
hugs bell :)

Hi there sweetie! Sorry it's taken me so long to post in your journal! My life has been experiencing moderate upheaval :D But I'm back (for now anyway!). I'm so glad that you had a wonderfully successful day. That is all it takes, just a string of those and you're in the clear. Now the trick is to make them happen one after the other, of course.... :) I think you've done really well in identifying that your personal downfall is the "I'll start tomorrow" thing because that really can be a very strong force. I actually had that exact problem and it kept me at my highest weight for at least 3 years. I finally just made a date in my head and wrote it down and made a permanent decision that as of THAT DATE I had started and that was that. It did work. The date was June 2, 2006, so just over 2 years ago. I recently celebrated my 2 year anniversary of not waiting til tomorrow anymore :) Feel free to be retroactive by the way. No reason that June 9, 2008 can't be the day ;)

Have a great day tomorrow! I hope you're avoiding all this crazy weather stuff that is hitting us out here!!

Sanity, I do think the key to successful weight loss is being healthy. Short term, low calorie, deprivation diets do not work. Who can keep them up! We need to learn how to be healthy and incorporate healthy eating into our lifestyle. Each person has to decide what works best for them. Here is what works for me: I try to eat fresh foods including meat, fruits, and vegetables. I avoid processed foods because I don't need the artificial coloring, preservatives, additives and chemicals that I cannot even pronounce. I bake, broil or grill my food. I don't add salt or sugar to foods. Now before you claim me to be a saint or an alien, I do have my moments. There are times in which all kinds of processed foods call my name. There are times in which my portions are too large. I love apples and dip, veggies and dip, cheeses, nuts, and yes I can devour chocolate. I love potatoes, rice, etc. It wasn't healthy eating that lead to being 50 pounds overweight!

Prada, I made it through another day and I look forward to adding more successful days. I am convinced it wasn't my willpower, but rather feeling the support of you and everyone else. When others believe in me that helps me to believe in myself as well. It builds my self esteem and confidence. When we first begin our weight loss journey we are full of excitement and hope. I want to prepare and plan for those days in which I do not have willpower. I would like to hear from you and everyone on how you handle those days.

Bell, You are so right about the opportunitites we have to eat healthy. One unhealthy meal or snack should not be used as permission to blow the entire day. The next meal provides the opportunity to eat healthy. Even if we have a horrible, disasterous day, we can leave that day behind and get back on track the next day. I think all too often, individuals are disappointed in themselves when they eat unhealthy. They blame and judge themselves. They fill their heads up with negative talk such as, "I knew I couldn't do it. I knew I would fail. Why don't I have any willpower? What's wrong with me. I am hopeless." The script is different for each of us, but the message of self doubt is the same. This self doubt leads us to a point where we no longer believe we can be successful and we give up. It is a dangerous road to go on.
We need to stop blaming and judging ourselves and start to learn from what we do. If we can identify what leads to our unhealthy eating then we can plan ways to avoid those situations.

Nausicaa, I am so glad you are back from your "vacation from hell." I know you made the best of it, but who would have thought you would have to suffer from the effects of a tornado. Nausicaa I watched you add up your string of days leading to your weight goal. You stayed focused and you did not give up if you had a "less than perfect day" or if the scale didn't move. It was your ability to plan and persevere that lead you to success. It takes hard work and effort to change and you did it. Now the focus switches to maintainance which still requires hard work and effort, but I know you will be successful in that part of your journey as well.


Thank you all for visiting my journal. I can talk the talk, but I really need help walking the walk!

Good morning honey hope your having a great start to another fab day of healthy eating and taking care of you! I know you can do this. You have been very successful in the past. Your on your way to getting to goal again. I look forward to seeing your success every week and getting to cheer you on. Have the best day! hugs

hi CJ

COngrats on your journal...Really you are an inspiration..

Don't worry . It's is just a small deviation in your graph..But you will make it straightline within no time. Just occupy yourself someway or the other to avoid your emotional stress. We are here for you.

All the best.

:balloons::flower::flower::flower:

Hi CJL,

I have a journal, not many visit, but I try to keep it updated as good as I can.... Alex keeps me on my toes and off my laptop ;)

Glad you're back and you've started a journal...

Prada: You have always been so supportive and it means alot to me. Did I tell you where I am going in August.....alittle shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills! Yes that one and a few more. I'll be looking more than buying, but you never know!

Ido: Thanks for visiting and thank you for your kind words. Intellectually, I know what to do, but it is finding the emotional desire, dedication, determination, and discipline to do it! Although, like everyone else I try to eliminate or reduce stress, but the fact is, we cannot escape stress. That means we better figure out a way to respond and work through stress in a positive and healthy manner. Not only do we need to find an alternative activity, but also examine our thoughts in relation to the stress. Why is a given situation stressful and how can we change our attitude towards it.

Heather: Thank you for visiting and I will be sure to visit your journal. Having a journal is a new thing for me. Historically I have always posted as a response to others. It feels awkward to me, to focus on me. I am hoping my journal can be more of a meeting place for mutual support and an exchange of ideas. In an hour I will wrestle with the metal beast at my weigh-in. I hope my last few days of healthy eating will be translated onto the scale. I am trying to be patient. No matter what the scale says I will know the scale only shows me where I have been and not where I am going! I need to continue to persevere in order to move forward. In time the scale will surrender to healty eating!

Good morning! Sending good wishes to you for a great day. Ahhh shopping you know I believe shopping burns more than money I believe it burns calories! lol Shop away sweetie you'll have to share what goodies you get though.

Hope today is a total success for you in every way! :D

CJ,
Good luck at weigh in...remember what you taught me..."it's only a number"..I think of that so often.. There was a time that my day would be based on that number, but I am slowly getting over that. THANK YOU for that!!!

Good luck at your weigh in :rose:

Prada: The correct term is "RETAIL THERAPY" :)

Sanity: I was shocked when the weight recorder said I had gained 1/4 of a pound. My weekly calorie average was 1228 and I had 24-40 grams of fiber each day. I was beside myself for a few minutes, then I got a grip, and I am moving forward. It's not a huge gain at all, but I tried so hard this week. I just wasn't expecting a gain! I did go for thyroid tests yesterday since I only have half of a thyroid and I am on Sythroid.

Heather: Usually Thursdays, after my weigh in, I tend to consider it a cheat day. I decided I was not going to cheat myself by eating unhealthy or larger portions today. I don't want to cheat today and then spend all week trying to get the extra pounds off. Been there, done that. I went to the health club once this week and I will be going back tomorrow.

:hug: I am sorry about your weigh-in but you know that weight recorder may have had her toe on the scale as well! hmmmmmmm..... Just keep on going and see what those test show. You know some weeks I would workout and eat perfectly and lose .50 a pound then the next I would drop 6 pounds. Our bodies are weird sometimes. I am positive next weeks weigh-in will be a loss! Have a great weekend.

OK..lets look on the bright side...it was only a 1/4 of a pound...not a pound or even a half pound...that could of been the clothes you were wearing...keep doing what you are doing and next week you will see a loss...I haven't weighed myself since last Thursday...I am petrified to get on the scale...I know I will have to sooner or later :(...I had a horrible eating day today..I think I ate everything that didn't move...thank goodness I am done for the day...I know how discouraging it is to do good all week and gain, but you hang in there..it's gonna come off...
You said you only have half a thryoid? I am anxious to see what your test results say..you may need your medicine adjusted...that may be your problem..so glad your getting it retested...
Big hug to you my friend...

I have found your journal, I hope I will be able to find it again. Maybe if I bookmark it.

I have never tried Nutrisystem or JennyCraig, because the girls I worked with that tried it gained their weight back when they went off it.

Years ago, I joined Overeaters Annonymus, It is a good program and I learned quite a bit. One of the important things I learned from it was that sugar causes me to binge. I gave it up along time ago. I admit there is at times some sugar in what I eat, but very minimal. That didn't keep me from gainning weight. Other foods also called my name, but I didn't eat as much.

For me, I find, if I keep busy, even when I am sitting, which I do a lot of, I am better off. If I can find something that really takes my whole attention that I enjoy it keeps my mind off food. I am sure that when I end up eating out of control, there was an emotional reason. I wish I would write about it before I eat, instead of afterwords, which I tend to do. OA always said to write about what you are feeling before you eat, and it will help you the next time to give you strength to resist. they also said to call someone. Maybe by writing in you jounal, it will help almost as much.

I'm so sorry about the gain, but I know you will lose it and then some come next weigh in. Good for you for not making it a cheat day!

:rose:

Hey Prada, It was a different gal filling in for the regular weight recorder. I did step on twice because my home scale showed a loss. It is just one number and one day. Thank goodness it was a tiny gain. If only all of my gains would be that small! There are times in which it seems like the scale looks the other way when I have made unhealthy choices. The scale is indeed a fickle friend!8-|

Sanity, I wish I could say it was what I was wearing. I wore the same outfit because I knew I might have a small loss or gain. Everytime I try to type a sentence to you my dog brings in something else for me to pull out of her mouth.... 2 socks, boxer shorts and a t-shirt. so far...translation: my son left his dirty clothes in his room before leaving for work. My teenage son is a golf caddie and leaves for work at 6:30 am. I guess I need to realize it is a small miracle that a teenager gets up that early and works! He got a full four year caddie scholarship to attend U of I so I won't complain. How is your pooch doing? I'm sorry you had a bad eating day. It seems like when it starts it is so hard to stop. Looking back, can you figure out why food called your name yesterday? Have you thought of changing your name so food can't find you?:laugh:

Pattie, I'm glad you found me. Next time you can just click on the word journal in any of my posts to find my journal. I think some individuals initially can benefit from prepared food programs because they give you healthy foods in healthy portions. Unfortunately some programs do not tell you what the calorie or nutritional value is so you don't learn how to apply that when you are on your own. You brought up some excellent points that I need to incorporate in my weigh loss journey. I do notice that when I eat sugar I am more hungry and I think it is the body's way of dealing with the sugar spikes and lows. You know when I am busy I don't think about food. It is just not an issue. It is in the evening when I sit down to relax. I do admit that I associate relaxation with food. I need to learn other ways of relaxing! In the past I have gotten on DT when I felt like eating when I wasn't hungry and maybe I will do that again.:D

Heather, Oh I think you better read on and see what happened to me. I think we can officially call it a cheat day!:o

Everyone: Yesterday was a learning experience for me. I would like to share it with you in the hopes that you can take a different path than I did. The store was giving away free full size bags of chips. I entered the danger zone with red flashing lights warning me and a voice said, "DON'T GO THERE!!" The other voices said, "But it is free! Give the bags to your husband and son to eat. They will enjoy the snacks!" Well you already know which voice won.
The tortilla and potato chips don't temp me so I went ahead and grabbed them. That was OK, but I eyed a new product, Tom's Jalapeno & Cheddar Oven Baked Fries. Maybe I should try them, I thought. I walked away knowing that the bag would be totally mine for my husband and son do not like hot or spicy food. Well to make a long story short, I walked back, grabbed the bag and through the course of the rest of the day I polished off the bag. The contents looked like french fries, but they were light and airy like Cheetoes...can you say rationalization! The bag had 1120 calories and 64 grams of fat. Let's see that is almost about a day's worth of calories and about 2-3 days worth of fat. Why did it happen....opportunity and a lack of a plan. I was getting hungry in the afternoon and I made a poor choice. I finished the bag off in one day so I wouldn't have to deal with it again. It's funny the logic we use when we want to do something illogical!X-(

Here is the lesson: If you bring it in the house, you will be tempted to eat it.
It you bring it in the house you will probably eat it. If you bring it in the house you will probably be the one to finish it. I am not saying this applies to everyone here at DT, but for some of you, it will prove to be true. The solution: Don't buy the item that triggers you or buy only one snack size portion. An example: get a single dip of ice cream out rather than bring a gallon of ice cream home. If it is not there you can't eat it. Everyone has their own strategies that will work. [U]Do any of you have trigger foods that you find hard to stop eating once you start? Do you buy them or avoid them? How do you deal with them? Let's share some strategy here and exchange ideas:help:

Hey, we have days like these... my trigger foods are cakes and cookies. Oh and ice cream....

haha...

Today I overate at dinner... a couple tacos too many... but I'll just have to workout harder tonight...

Have a good weekend my friend and great reminder - don't buy it if you're gonna binge on it...

Hugs!!!

Oh YES YES YES I do this too!!!!!! I even made a "DO NOT BUY" list of foods that are supposed to be off limits! Those are the foods that, once I start, I am unable to stop eating until it is GONE. It is like a compulsion and I honestly believe that it is beyond my control. Thus, I am not supposed to buy them. That would be fine... except that I DO buy them sometimes. Even having a list of things I'm not allowed to buy, I still break down and do it. Here is my list, along with when I last gave in:

Potato chips -- last bought them in September 2007! :cheer: -- 9 months chip-fre!
White icing -- last bought it in April 2008 :(
Nutella -- last bought it in January 2007 :cheer: -- 18 months nutella-free!
Dried pineapple -- last bought it in May 2008 :(
Trail mix -- last bought it in June 2008 :(
Dried papaya -- last bought it in March 2008 :(
Chocolate covered almonds -- last ate them in June 2008 at friends' house :( -- luckily, since they weren't mine, I only had a few. I bought them in May 2008 as well.

So as you can see, I've more or less conquered nutella and potato chips, but dried fruit and white icing live on to torture me.

If I buy that can of white icing that's pre-made, the one my mother would be ashamed to have in her house because it was made in a factory, the one with a month's worth of trans fat, I will eat the ENTIRE ONE-POUND CAN in one day. I know because it happened.

Dried pineapple and (newly discovered) chocolate-covered almonds are my most persistent addiction. Dried sugared fruit is what I have the hardest time walking past in the store. I struggle literally every time I go to the grocery store.

OOOOOOOHHHH CJ....it's like you were watching me eat or something...as I have said so many times...I can NOT let anything alone in my house (junk food) that I like...I will go through a bag of cookies and eat justa bite out of each one and throw the rest away...(thinking I am saving calories)..I've told this story before, but writing it again and again reminds me of my addiction...Today we bought a box of Belgium chocolates...they are friggin sinful...I am going to have to have my husband hide them and only bring them out after dinner..if I don't do that, I will polish off that box so fast....soooo what I am saying is...I know exactly what you are going through..

i think its so cool when we can look back and see where we slipped up and know why we did it!!!!
i dont buy my trigger foods..i know if they are there they will be eaten..if i really want something then i go and buy a single serving and eat it but dont bring it home.
its all a lesson no doubt.
Have a wonderful weekend when it comes around to your side of the world.
hugs bell :)

Bell, how wonderful that you have kept it off for 8 years, I hope I will be able to do that.

CJL, I had 4 sons, and I know about clothes on the floor. I had to laugh about your dog bring them to you. My grand-daughter is much worse. Not only are they on the floor, but also on the bed. When she lived with me I had to keep her door closed so I wouldn't see it.

The difficulty I have with some of my binge foods is that my dh likes them and wants them in the house. He can eat a handful and stop, I can't. I have at least been able to have him not bring home peanuts in the shell. I asked him that if he did to hide them. He stopped bringing them home. I don't have a problem with potato chips or tortilla chips, but the cheezits get me in trouble once in a while. Ice Cream used to be one of my favorite binge foods. I could eat a whole half gallon in one day one cup at a time. Now I only buy sugarfree ice cream and I don't seem to have a problem with it. I eat sugarfree fugecycles instead.

I had a very bad night.... got up and munched on DH's lightly salted chips. :( Ugh!! He needs to put them higher up so I can't reach 'em...

Hi Everyone: Well my Friday was nothing to brag about! I went to the grocery store and they were serving a hot dog, chips and a drink for a dollar. I hadn't had a hotdog in a long time and for a buck....what a deal. Don't you know it is always better to unhealthy food and get a bargin at the same time!:( I have to remind myself that just because there is the opportunity, and availability does not mean that it is a good choice. I had a healthy dinner, but found my hand in the chip bag again. We don't usually have chips in the house so that was the temptation. Today I have to be more focused and THINK before I eat!

Bell, Not only have you been successful in weight loss, but also with maintaining. What has been the most important factor leading to your success? What is an area that still challenges you? I think if we look at the areas of our difficulty, we will find the answers that will allow us to move forward. Just curious what are your trigger foods, Bell? So do you have any special plans for your time off?

Nausicaa, I think it is so important to know our trigger foods. I like your idea of a "Don't Not Buy List". The day may come when I can have trigger foods in the house, but I know it is not today!! Here's my trigger list: pizza, chili, homemade mashed potatoes, rice, cheese, nuts-especially cashews, almonds, or mixed nuts, ice cream, and specialty crackers. I loved dried cranberries. Like my other trigger foods, I can't leave them alone.

Sanity, I just can't throw food away. It just dawned on me that I am throwing my health away when I make unhealthy choices. I've said it before, I think we would be more diligent about making healthy food choices, and lifestyle changes if we could see inside our bodies...see the damage we are doing. For so many, the subject of our health is kinda like a "out of sight, out of mind mentality." The trouble with that kind of thinking is that our bodies keep track of what we do, even when we don't. The effects of our choices are there, even if we do not see them. I am especially reminded of this when a high profile person dies suddenly of a heart attack and I realize how fragile our health can be.

Heather, Sometimes I think I eat more at dinner time because I have not eaten enough during the day. For some reason food is not an issue for me during the daytime. I guess I have more acitivites during the day and my mind is occupied. It is when I slow down at the end of the day that my mind starts thinking about the food. I like your idea of having hubby put the snacks up high! Anything that makes it more difficult for us to indulge will help!

Pattie, My husband buys snacks for himself and for my son. We built a new home a couple years ago and we had a special cabinet built for snacks! I should just make that cabinet off limits for myself. My husband is sensitive to my food problems and he will put his snacks out of sight and he does not eat them in front of me. He tries to avoid buying my favorite flavors which helps. My son has all of his snacks in the "snack cabinet". He has zero tolerance for my eating problems and he tells me just to stop eating.

So easy to say "just stop eating" wish it would work, but it doesn't. I was reading today about having 6 small meals aday. I don't think I can do that. It said that you are less hungry if you eat that way. But, I am like you CJL, I am okay during the day, it is when I let down at night, especialy if my dh goes to bed before me and I am alone. It's a trigger. Soon as he goes to bed, I think of food.
Pattie

So sorry that chip monster got ya for just a minute but hey your back and got your fighting game face on. Next time you'll leave the chips and they will not be a burden to your day or scale. Great job on chosing healthy over the hotdog. I buy smartdogs they are veggie dogs zero fat and 50 calories and tons of protein. I even make chili cheese dogs in the winter with them even hubby loves them on a whole grain bun.

Hope you have a blessed Sunday and keep on being aware of those sneaky unhealthy foods stores try and get us to buy. I like Naus have a list of foods in my head that I don't buy nor do I walk buy in the market I shop the first two rows only and leave. That's where all the veggies and vegetarian items are ~ lucky me!

I found these Crab Cakes at Smart & Final, they are very good and only 140 calories. One is enough for me. They could even be used in a hamburger bun as a crab cake sandwich. I just didn't want extra cals. We had them for dinner tonight.

I also had sugarfree jello, with sf Cool Whip. only 30 cals with the Cool Whip. I have Jello quite a bit.

Pattie

Pattie: Fortunately, my son does not have issues with food. He makes healthy choices, works out, and has always maintained a healthy weight.As he was growing up, I always prepared healthy meals and snacks so that has been his way of life. His decisions are based on logic rather than emotion.I need to follow the principles that I taught him! Sounds like you have been able to find some low calorie alternatives. My son is having his wisdom teeth out on Monday so Jello will be in the frig here. I made it through Saturday night without eating. I made the decision not to eat after dinner and for me that is proving to be helpful.

Prada: Luckily Friday nite, I only put my hand in the chip bag rather than my whole face! I didn't eat enough to show a gain, but clearly it was not a healthy choice! I've noticed that my husband is starting to snack after dinner so I am going to serve something healthy such fresh fruit as a dessert. He doesn't have a weight problem, but unhealthy eating can cause health problems. My philosophy has always been that it is better to eat healthy to prevent problems and to avoid taking medication.


Everyone: I am just curious.......do you eat differently than other family members? Are you influenced by what they eat?

Hi CJ,
i had grand plans for my weekend off but came home from school on Friday feeling lousy and it has developed into a full blown head cold..so my weekend was spent lying on the couch feeling sicker...
i think that exercise has been the key for me..once i started exercising i really became addicted to the buzz i got from working out..exercise is the key for me..if i exercise my eating is automatically better because i dont want to ruin the effort i have put in with working out.
trigger foods for me are crisps, chocolate, carbs in general.
As for your other question i do eat differently to my family..my husband eats more junk that i do..i make the same meals for all of us but the portions are very different. once a week Jason and the kids have Mc Donalds...i have one of my frozen dinners. i do what i have to to stay at my healthy weight..
hope you are having a great weekend.
hugs bell :)

CJ, I want to share something with you that might help with the hotdog deal you found yesterday!

Now I know that you have a VERY sweet personality, so this may be such a foreign concept to you that you can't implement it, but hear me out:

I am not naturally as sweet as you, so I have no problem being a total snot if I want to. I decided at one point that certain processed foods were "below me." I was "too good" for them. They were "not worthy" to be put into MY superior body. After reading Fast Food Nation and Michael Pollan's incredible books on what our food is ACTUALLY made of and contains, trust me, this was an easy jump from "Nausicaa is in a snotty mood today" to "Nausicaa would never deign to put that piece of crap in her body."

It works incredibly well. It's funny that someone who is actually quite self-deprecating in real life (you will never see me actually stand up for myself, and I let the whole world treat me as a doormat) can become a total food snob. I don't translate it to other people, so I don't think less of others for eating at McDonalds (well, actually.... that's not entirely true. I went into McDonalds for a coffee in Virginia and I did find myself JUDGING a woman who was feeding her adorable, precious 6 year old daughter a McDonalds hamburger, french fries, and Coke. I wanted to kidnap the little girl and take her to an organic vegetable farm.) But I think of the FOOD as something that is just totally below me. I think of the companies that manufacture and market the food as also totally below me. I think of myself as smarter than the average Joe who thinks a roast beef sandwich at Arby's has fewer calories than a Big Mac (it has more), and I think of myself as somehow superior to Arby's, McDonald's, and the entire concept of food that, if I let it into my body, would happily morph my body into a pile of quivering adipose gunk.

You are SOOOOOOOOOOO much better than that crap so just tell yourself that and maybe you can channel your inner snot.

Is it possible for someone who is as nice as you are to channel their inner snot?

I'm considering giving lessons.

As for family members... good question! As you know, I don't live with family at the moment. Does John count? Let's say John counts. We eat totally differently but you know what? Since I was already eating RADICALLY differently from him from Day One that we lived together, we're both very used to the idea that Nausicaa eats this and John eats that. But nevertheless, yes I am influenced by what he eats. He loves to offer me food that he knows I love. He hasn't had to struggle with his weight (except in the sense that it worries him when his weight drops) and doesn't understand that developing the ability to refuse food that I am craving/smelling/seeing/being offered is a very difficult thing to do, and while I wish I could do it consistently, when I give in, I ALWAYS regret it. We are working on it. I think this summer will be better because I am not trying to lose weight, besides summer is just better in terms of what kinds of food is cheap and available. I will FILL UP THE HOUSE with farmers' market goodness, and he WILL eat that stuff.

I think I have influenced HIM more than he's influenced me in terms of eating. I see him eating basically the same as before, but with a greater awareness. So he hasn't changed his habits but he's changed the way he sees food.

Bell: I am so sorry you are feeling bad. Colds do not care about days off. It is summer here, what season are you in down under? I hope you will soon be rid of that nasty cold. Like you, I do eat differently at times than my husband and son. My husband eats oatmeal during the week but he "treats" himself to eggs, bacon and biscuits on Sunday. I just can't stand putting that much fat and cholesteral in my body. When I am the cook I try to prepare healthier foods so that we are all eating the same thing, but I take a smaller portion.

Nausicaa: As usual, thank you for your kind words, although let me assure you I have my days in which no one would accuse me of being nice or sweet! I think as we learn more and more how food is processed it makes us think twice about putting it in our bodies. In college I swore off hotdogs and other processed food because of what was in them and what is allowed by the government. It does take your appetite away. Conveniently I didn't think about that fact when I wolfed down the hotdog.

I don't think you are being a "Food Snob" at all. I see you and myself as being "Food Naturalists." We seek foods that are more pure and less processed because they are healthier....and we want to know exactly what we are eating. I do need to consider more carefully what I am eating, especially in a public setting. You have brought me back to my senses!! Once again you prove the value in thinking before we eat!!


Prada: I thought of you when I got on the scale this morning. I dropped two pounds overnite. Then other times I can't lose a pound in a week. I think we were separated at birth!!

:congrats: on the two pounds down! See I told ya that mean old scale would drop.
I am so happy your hard work is paying off just keep on moving forward and next week it will drop again and you will as in the past be right back at goal in no time.

YAY for the drop on the scale!!!! i remember when i was doing ww you could always bet on weigh in day i wouldnt budge much and then a day after i would go down hahahahha.. typical..as long as its coming down thats the main thing..
Our seasons are opposite to yours..being that i live in the tropics even in Winter we never really get down very low..but its cold/flu season.
feeling better today though but my son is feeling low with the same thing..
i have learnt to bite my tongue when i see some of what my hubby eats..naturally in my head i am calculating how much fat etc would be in what he is consuming..i just keep that info to myself though lol.
hugs bell :)

Prada, I am not working as hard as I should in the weight loss department, but I know every healthy day I have is appreciated by my body. Five days out of the last seven were healthy. I am still working towards making a real commitment to changing my lifestyle...rather than just eating healthy when it is convenient or easy. The little kid in me would drather not change at all. I must decide what kind of changes I can live with. I tend to start out with adding healthy food to my diet to lessen the feeling of deprivation and leaving less room for the unhealthy food.

Bell, I thought it would probably be winter. Last summer my walking partner went skiing in New Zealand. I, too bite my tongue in regards to what my husband eats. He comes home with chips, crackers, cookies, etc. I cringe when I see him put mayo on a sandwich! I casually mentioned to my husband that we need to make our diet healthier and he agreed. I planted the seed( of thought) and I will water that seed with suggestions. Hopefully that small seed will grow into a healthier lifestyle. Of course many dishes are easy to prepare it in a healthier way that does not compromise the taste. Little changes will add up.

Sending good wishes for a great monday to ya!

Hiya CJL!!!

Just wanted to pop in & say *HI* & wish you a Happy Monday!!

Oooh BTW Congrats on the 2lbs Down!!, & Your right it's all those small changes that really add up. I sooo know what you mean about the Kid in you the Kid in me always wants Candy & when I take my own kids to Mc Donalds I always want an Ice Cream Sunday I am just horrible, We have to make these little changes here & there but still be able to treat ourselves once in a while!

Hope u have a Great Day!

Cathy

Nausicaa, I loved your message regarding junk food. I had to laugh, it was good. At the hospital today I picked up a facts sheet on the Mediterranean Diet. Quite different then the way we now eat. I would like to slowly incorporate it into the way we eat, as it is healty and a good plan for your heart. We eat entirely to much meat.

CJL, I do eat differently then the others. for breakfast and lunch each of us fix our own meal. Dinner I prepare and many times I eat differently, unless I prepare something that I can also eat. Since I count calories, it is hard for me to include such things as pasta, potatoes, and rolls, which they eat. I usually have a salad, with fat free italian dressing, 2 vegtables and 3 oz. chicken, fish or beef. I do have a snack at night, and it isn't fruit. I think it is great that you are not eating after dinner, I would like to try to do that. For me, it will be difficult

Hi CJL

HOW ARE YOU???????

Think you got a good going................

GOOD day

i am a big believer in lower fat not meaning lower taste... i recall my father being so anti low fat until i started making things that were low fat but he didnt know it..he would compliment me on the meal and wouldnt believe me when i told him it was from my low fat cookbook..
Hope you are having a great week.
hugs bell :)

Prada, I'm still thinking about your fifty roses. Take pictures of your beautiful roses. You can preserve some of them to put into an arrangement or to have potpourri. I hope you are feeling better today.

Pattie, What I try to do is to wait for physical hunger. I stayed at goal for nearly four years just by eating when I was hungry and stopping when I was full. I did try to eat healthy, but my diet was not perfect. I do well when I listen to my body. I am trying not to feed my emotional hunger when I feel bored or stressed. If I feel like eating just to be eating, I won't eat at night. If I am phyiscally hungry I do plan on having a snack of fruit or a dry high fiber, low sugar cereal.

Cathy, Thanks for stopping by. I think we enjoy feeding our "inner child "because it often brings up happy memories. Many of our comfort foods are those that we enjoyed when we were growing up. Great minds think alike. I did just have a McDonald's sundae over the weekend. I justified it by saying it was better than eating a huge bowl of ice cream at home. It did satisfy my craving so in the long term I think I am better off.....or is that another justification on my part?

Ido, Glad to see you! I would say I am still working towards controlling my desire to eat when I am not physically hungry. I need to get the temptations out of the house. I just heard a talk on the importance of not dwelling on thoughts of the food one is craving. We all know how it goes. The thought of let's say ice cream pops into our head. We think about the last time we had it and how good it was. We think about the taste, the texture, how it felt in your mouth. We think about the hot fudge or caramel topping we put on, etc. From there the thought becomes maybe I could have a little. If I just have a little it will be OK. Then before we know it, we are dishing out the ice cream. Perhaps you only will have a little or perhaps your thoughts go a different way....I might as well have more and get it out of my system....or even I might as well finish it so that it will be gone and not here to tempt me.
It was suggested in this talk that the moment we have a thought of eating we should try to get it out of our mind by distracting ourselves. We shouldn't let our thoughts go to that food because if we do the temptation gets stronger and stronger...and harder to resist. What does everyone think of this?

Bell, I hope you are feeling alittle better. I hear it is going around in your household. Here you are trying to feel better and get your energy up and then the little ones catch it....ah the story of motherhood. My son had oral surgery yesterday to extact four impacted wisdom teeth. My world consisted on gauze, ice, drugs, and cold soft foods yesterday. He was a trooper so hopefully today will be easier for him. I had two of my wisdom teeth out at age 20 and I still have two left. I am still waiting for alittle wisdom from the two remaining teeth! I need to start cooking low fat meals. I have eliminated heavy sauces but cheese still calls out my name! Have you seen any online sites you like for low fat cooking?

Hope your having a great day. If I had a camera I would post a photo but I don't have one my camera died quite a while ago and I still haven't bought a new one yet! I don't even have a throw away camera at the house.

I hope you have the best day and may today be an easy day for you.

Prada, I am glad you are having a better day. A new day often brings hope and helps to lift one's spirits. My son's bleeding finally stopped from the surgery and now we are working on getting the swelling to go down. He's been a real trooper.

While my son was sleeping I found pictures and love letters my husband saved from our college days. I couldn't believe how tiny I was back then and how little I wore! It was fun looking back and even better to realize how wonderful our relationship is today. Looks like you and me both have keepers.

CJl, What you wrote about thinking of food that is best left alone is so true. It is hard to get your mind to change, sometimes I am able to do that, by reading something. Or calling someone on the phone and talking about other things. But sometimes it just doesn't work.

All the cherries are ripe at once, I don't want to give most of them away, just a few, I am looking for cherry recipies, low cal, that I can freeze in individual portions. Hope I am able to find a few on the internet.

CJ..I must of missed something...is your son OK...Surgery????? I hope he gets better soon...

Hiya CJ,

Just wanted to pop in & say "HI"

Awww what happened to your Son??? How's he feeling now??? I hope he gets better Soon!

That is sooo Cute your Hubby saved all the Love Letters & Pictures awww what a sweetie!! Yup he's a Keeper!!! Wish my hubby was a little more Romantic 8-| Oh well what can I do!

Hope u have a Wonderful Day!

Cathy

Good morning!

Hope you have a nice day. How sweet of your hubby to save those sentimental things! :rose:

Off to make lunch for us... waffles...and COFFEE!

Hugs, Heather

CJ,

What you are conveying is exactly true. Have to slowly practice it. Saturdays are off for me and I'll be alone always. The minute I think of the loneliness , will goto the refregirator and ....ooooops... everything crashes....

Whereas during officedays it's verymuch controllable.

ZZZZzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

How's your son lol? say my wishes to your hubby . Seems he is a wonderful person for you. Goodday.

I hope your son gets to feeling 100% again really soon..good that the bleeding has stopped..now to get rid of the swelling.
i havent really looked into many online sites for recipes to be honest..once in a while i check out the diettalk kitchen section and have made quite a few nice things from there.. i love chicken recipes so am always on the lookout for a new chicken dish to make..
here in Australia i subscribe to a magazine called Super food ideas..they always have a lot of lower fat recipes ..its like my bible for cooking..i always cook out of it..
hugs bell :)

Pattie, I'm convinced we have to distract ourselves when food starts to call our name. Sometimes I hear that voice when I least except it and I am not prepared! I think I will have a better chance of succeeding if I have a plan in place that offers me some options. I have to recognize or anticipate where the temptation lurks. Once I know where the temptations are, I can develop a plan of action against the temptation. One activity that has really helped me when I am home is to get on Diettalk. I can either share my thought and feelings or I can read great ideas from others who understand temptation. Not one thing will work everytime and it will be different for all of us, but we definitely need to have a plan in place that we can try. I'd like to hear from everyone what works for them. I could use some ideas to add to my plan.

Sanity: I might have missed writing about my son's surgery in my journal. He had oral surgery to remove four impacted wisdom teeth on Monday. His face looks alittle like a chipmunk...probably how I look when I feed my face! He's on painkiller, antibiotics, ice, and using salt water. He's taking it easy watching TV. Yesterday he was back on the computer like a typcial teenager!

Cathy: Men show their love in different ways. Some give flowers and do romantic things while others work hard at their jobs and are very dependable.
I think men like it when we are romantic with them and sometimes that rubs off on them. They wouldn't admit it, but they like when we tell them how proud we are of them or how much we appreciate something they have done.

Heather: I have every letter and card my husband ever sent or gave me. He has always been very thoughtful. He gives me romantic gifts, but he also gives me practical gifts too. I am thrilled anytime I know he has thought of me and showed his love. My focus has been on my son and at times I am sure he has felt neglected. When my son goes away to school this fall, I want to make my husband the focus of my attention.

Ido, Often when we are alone we are bored or feel lonely. I used to consider food a good friend. It was always loyal and always available. The trouble with food is the feeling of comfort goes away. We keep returning to food because we do feel better when we eat...on some level it works for us. I am convinced that we will keep wanting food until we find another way to find comfort or pleasure. We have to find a way to make food less important in our lives...easy to say, hard to do!

Bell, One of my favorite magazines is Taste of Home. If you click on Healthy you will find recipe makeovers, healthy menus, etc. Here's the link:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/

There is always the fear that if we make a recipe healthy that it won't taste as good. I think often you can't tell the difference...especially when a low fat ingredient for example is not the main ingredient. I make a stuffed manicotti that uses spinach in place of part of the ricotta cheese...which reduces calories and fat. I often use less salt than a recipe calls for and no one seems to notice. Little changes add up!

Everyone: If you are reading my journal, I would love to meet you if you haven't posted. The more the merrier!!

Good morning! Hope your having a great start to the day.

How is your son doing? Hope he is feeling better I am sure he is thankful to have such a great caretaker as YOU! :D

I agree distractions work great. If I get busy I forget to eat which isn't good but if I stay busy and then listen to my tummy when hunger comes eat and then get up and do something else it keeps me from overeating.

Hope you have a fab day.

Hi CJ...I'm glad your son is feeling better...I wish I had a scanner so I could but a pic of my daughter in when she had her wisdom teeth taken out...she looked like a chipmunk too...I put an ice pack in a scarf and tied it up...don't know if you remember seeing people in the old days when they had mumps...LOL..after doing that I took her pic.....Your son would thank you after seeing that pic for not doing that to him.

I just made a cake from the Taste of Home Comfort Food Diet Cookbook...I just posted in Cathys forum about it...
just 2 ingredients...Cake mix and a can of diet pop...
was delicious and very low in calories.
I also just wrote out the ingrediets for "Special Brunch Bake" I need to get the stuff from the grocery store..Jill said she gave that recipe to a lady to take to work for a breakfast and the lady said everyone loved it..was gone in minutes...If it turns out I will let you know..
Jill lent me this book...(since she is pregnant she isn't worrying about dieting just eating healthy) soooo I am trying some of the recipes...

I have come to the conclusion that if I diet I feel like I am depriving myself and then I binge...this way trying low cal recipes that are tasty I'll be OK... The cake was delicious....

Hope your having a great day!!!!!!

CJL, how is your son doing today, is the swelling finally going down. When I had mine out I don't remember a lot of swelling. His must have been really impacted.

It's so true that our bodies fluctuate from day to day. Sunday I weighed and I was up 2 and a half pounds. It upset me, I didn't think I could eat less, except stop my snacks at night and try to get more exercise. This morning I weighed again and I had lost 3 pounds, without changing what I ate, or exercising more. Must have been water weight.

Sanity: My son's swelling is about the same. He didn't take any Vicodene last night or today. I do remember seeing pictures of people that had the mumps. When I had two of my wisdom teeth out, I didn't have any swelling. I just remember having the gauze in my mouth.

Do you get the Taste of Home magazine by any chance? I love the magazine because the recipes are easy to prepare without alot of exotic ingredients. My girlfriend has had two recipes featured in the last year. The Taste of Home restaurant is alittle over two hours away from me. My sister went there just yesterday on her way to Milwakee, Wisconsin. I would love to eat there!

Pattie: I think my son is improving. He had scambled eggs this morning and pudding for a snack. At lunch time he fixed himself a Hot Pocket. That would not have been my choice for him! He asked for Hot Pockets last week and I bought them for the first time.

I've always said the scale is fickle! Sometimes it does not reflect our healthy eating. It is so easy to become discouraged by the number on the scale. We must realize however that number on the scale is only temporary and changes often. I'm glad you did not give into the temptation to eat after seeing the scale go up. You persevered and stayed healthy which is the way to do it!

Hot Pockets - How was your son able to eat one? He must be getting better.

CJ..stock up on hot pockets...they seem to eat a lot of them at college...also Ramen Noodle soup...it's cheap and easy....when you go to visit always check their microwave...the group my son lived with had a theory...the food wasn't done until the container blew up...the microwave was always a mess.............oh the memories..LOL

Pattie: I was shocked when I saw him eating the Hot Pocket! I think he got tired of all of the soft foods. For dinner I made him meatloaf and mashed potatoes. He ate slow but finished everything.

Sanity you gave me my first smile of the day. I loved your comment, "the food wasn't done until the container blew up...the microwave was always a mess.." Each roommate will have their own microwave and dorm frig. I've bought just about everything for college except for the dorm frig. Keep those ideas coming-I need all of the help I can get!

Everyone: Well I feel like I have been living at this computer the last few days since my son's oral surgery. This morning, I am going to my TOPS (weight loss) meeting. Thank goodness it is not one of those talking scales because it would say, "You've been bad....very bad!":o We do have to announce our weight loss or gain to everyone. 8-|Then this afternoon I do volunteer work with the visually impaired. It will be good to have alittle activity out in the world and less time to eat!

Hi, CJL! Enjoy your tops meeting. Reading through your journal and wanted to say that I'm glad your son's oral surgery went well.

Also, I love Taste of Home and all their publications. I get them all!

Hey sweetie hope you have a great meeting at TOPS and no the scale isn't going to say you've been bad. Be nice to yourself! A wise Chicago woman told me that I should be nice to myself too! LOL She's a very smart girl and I think you should listen to her and take her advice she gave me. She is very sweet I think you would really like her a lot!
Hugs & prayers that the scale will be kinder this week!

Amarantha,
Oh you brave one to come aboard during my rough seas! I feel like I have a albatross around my neck just like in the Ancient Mariner! My body is being held captive by my thoughts. I am on the plank trying not to go overboard as I toss out to sea what is holding me back. I must raise my sails to catch the winds of change.

Sometimes when I want to eat, I read my Taste of Home magazines! I would love to go to one of their demonstrations. I always had a secret desire to go to culinary school...just for my own enjoyment.

Prada, The scale didn't say I was bad, it just told the truth. The truth is we know before we get on the scale whether we have made healthy choices and ate sensible portions. It merely translates our actions into a number on the scale. It tells me where I have been yesterday, but I must decide today where I want to go tomorrow on my weight loss journey. I must realize that I control the scale, it doesn't control me. I must realize I am always in control...whether I make a healthy decision or unhealthy decison. The fact is that I have made a decision. I have made a choice. It is a choice whether to be healthy or unhealthy in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We alone are responsible and accountable for ourselves. The scale is just a tool we use to measure our weight.

It is interesting how wise we can be about food choices, and what it takes to be successful. But so hard to do. I have decided to try not to have a snack in the evening, from what you said and also from something I read, that said a snack at night is more likely to turn into fat. It is very hard to give it up. Last night I couldn't get to sleep until after midnight, and of course I wanted to eat something. I was able to make it through, without giving in, thank goodness.

Armarantha: Wow, you have lost over a hundred pounds, congratulations. that is just wonderful. I only had around 37 pounds to lose and it has taken me a year.

Pattie, We all know how to lose weight. We have all lost weight. The difficulty is keeping the weight off. There are a variety of reasons why individuals do not maintain their weight loss. One common reason is the fact that some individuals do not change their lifestyle, but rather go on diets. Once they lose their weight, they return to old eating habits. Another reason is that some individuals did not work on their emotional relationship with food. Even those who have changed their lifestyle and have worked on why they eat may have difficulty if they lose their focus and take their weight loss for granted. I fit in the last category. After being at goal for nearly four years I gained alittle. That first five pounds did not seem that critical...it was only five pounds. All my clothes still fit. Well, throw in a couple of parties and that five became seven and at some point I found myself on a different path. Eventually my old eating habits we no longer in the past, but were once again with me. This time around I have alot of stress in my life that created a stronger dependence on food. The answer for me is to deal with my stress in a non-food way.

To snack or not to snack.....I think it depends on what you snack on, how much, and what time. I snacked all of the time when I was losing and when I was maintaining. The secret was eating a sensible portion of a healthy food and not eating late in the evening. It depends on whether one is actually physically hungry or emotionally hungry (just wanting to eat or having something to do.) Some individuals get hungry because they did not consume enough calories at dinner. Others want to eat a snack because it is a form of relaxion or even just a habit. Some individuals can have a healthy snack that satisfies them and keeps them on track. Others will have difficulty stopping once they start snacking and it will cause them to get off track. The bottom line is that each of us has to decide for is best for us. As I have said before there are many different paths that lead to success. So how do the rest of you handle snacks?


Amarantha, Let me also say CONGRATULATIONS on losing over 100 pounds! That is so amazing and I am very proud of you! I tend to forget to look at everyone's statistics. Your weight loss proves that you have found a successful path. While each person is own their own weight loss journey I think that we all can benefit from hearing what path you took....so....what made the biggest difference, what was the biggest change you made, where did you find your four D's and what still challenges you?

Hi hope your son is feeling much better today. Sending good wishes for a great weekend for you. Keep on keeping on.

Hi Prada: Thanki you for your kind wishes. My son's progress is slow and he is still very uncomfortable. He returns to the surgeon on Tuesday. I like the saying: keep on keeping on...a great slogan to go along with perseverence! Have a good one!

Everyone: I hope all of you will plan for a healthy weekend full of healthy food and activity. Let's make it happen!

Hello! You are so right in what you said. When people go on a "diet" the weight comes back because a diet you go on then go off, its not a lifestyle change. Some people want to lose weight for special events too and then the weight comes back. I try to not eat at night now. i have a snack by 8 usually and that does it for me. eventually i want to stop eating by 6 or 7. Im sure maintaining is much harder, havent gotten to my final goal to ever experience it. I have however lost weight and regained it too many times to count, wanting this time to be the last of it. I learned that my eating has always been emotional dependance from stress(which i have alot of) and depression. I need to now learn to cope without the food. That is the tough part since this way of coping has been with me so long now, but i know i can do it.
Hope your son feels better and have a good weekend.

It worries me to think that after 4 years of maintaining, you began to gain your weight back and now you are struggling again. I have lost my weight many times on different plans, but never kept it off for long. This is the longest I have been able to stay down, not quite maintaining yet, but pretty close. I tried giving up my snack last night,it didn't work. I might have to accept it and just eat it a little earlier. I stay within my calorie range most of the time.

Last night was different. I had a call from my grand-daughter, just as I was sitting down for dinner. She was very upset and crying. She cried through my whole meal. When my meal was over all I wanted to do was eat. I fought it until around 8. Then I ate 2 large bowls of popcorn (unbuttered), some tortilla chips and a fugcycle. No sugar, so I didn't have "a hangover to day" One of my problems is I can't really exercise, which makes it hard to keep the weight off. I am scheduled to have an epidural July 16th, that may help, so that I can exercise a little.

CJL I will pray for you, and your son. To look to the Lord for comfort and peace from you stess. I know how that can cause overeating. I've been there many times.

Pattie, If I had taken one day at a time, reflected on my feelings, reached out for support and/or prepared a plan to deal with stress I would still be at goal. It was the combination of stressful events including the loss my sister-in-law suddenly and unexpectedly, building a new house and sustaining an injury all at the same time that lead me down the wrong path. It was during that time that I developed the "tomorrow mentality". "I will just eat what I want today. I will eat healthy tomorrow." I started eating my stress. After that my husband lost his job, and I was involved in a car accident which left me with physical and cognitive injuries. The stress continued and so did my unhealthy eating. The pattern of turning to food was established and became a habit. The mindless eating continued until I had gained almost all of my weight back. I mention these events not as an excuse, but as an explanation. I regret that I allowed myself to gain my weight back. It was a series of unhealthy decisions over many days, weeks and months that lead to the weight gain.

What is important is for me to be aware and learn from the past. I can choose to be healthy and lose weight. I can now take one day at a time, be aware of my thoughts and feelings, reach out for support and develop a plan for not only healthy eating, but how to deal with challenges and stress in a healthy and positive way. I have the opportunity to make positive changes in my life...my attitude and my actions.

What I have learned is that stress can be overwhelming. I may not have control over all the situations I find myself in, but I have the control as to how I want to react and handle situations.


Pattie, It is so upsetting when a loved one is so upset. It is wonderful that your grand-daughter knows she can turn to you in time of need. It does bring up alot of emotion and it is an uncomfortable feeling. We have learned that food is comforting. We turn to food because it does calm us down. Unfortunately the comfort doesn't last as long as the extra pounds on the scale. Learn from last night and continue your journey. Plan a strategy of what you are going to do the next time you are stressed or upset. Write it out, study it and know it. The next time you are stressed, you will still have the desire to eat, but you can choose to calm yourself another way. It may not be as satisfying as food, but in time you can teach yourself a healthier way to cope. It is a process that at first will not seem very rewarding, but in time you will have given yourself the reward of a healthier body and mind!

Sandy: As much as we try to avoid or reduce stress....stress is a part of our lives. You have had to deal with an enormous amount of stress and you know the toll it has taken on you. Many days you just have to be in survival mode. Despite the fact that you have so little time for yourself, you have been able to lose weight. I think that is amazing and it shows how strong you are. I know you may not feel strong everyday, but I see your strength. I hope your weekend is peaceful and relaxing. I am praying for you and your family.

Hi sweetie just popping in to say hello and hope you have a great weekend. Hope your son is better too. I also hope that today is a better and easier day for you stress wise.

Your such a blessing!

Thanks Prada for sending some sunshine my way! I hope you can find alittle sunshine for your heart and soul this weekend. Find some relaxation and fun today and enjoy yourself!

Everyone: I had a nice evening with my husband and another couple. After dinner, we came back to our home for dessert. We had a lively conversation in which we shared and exchanged ideas and opinions on a variety of subjects. I love creating a culinary experience with great food that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and the palate. True confession time: I have eighteen sets of dishes!

I am happy to report that my son has turned the corner and he is improving each day from his oral surgery to extract his four wisdom teeth.

LOL CJ I just donated not long ago several sets of china. I use to love to use china all the time and set the table for each holiday and then keep the dining table set all year long with china, crystal, and silver. A pain to keep clean so I don't do it anymore. I donated mine when the tornadoes came and they lost everything. I did keep a few sets and then I have regular dishes too. But I got so tickled when I read your post above because I probably had more than that at one time too. Your the only person I've met that had as many as me. My friends thought I was crazy. You and me are better than Martha herself! lol

WOW you and I could have hosted a banquet that wouldn't stop! lol Yes I use to love to entertain too imagine the fun we could have had mixing and matching our dishes for dinner parties. I love old movies from the 20's, 30's and 40's that showed elegant dinner parties were everyone got all dressed up in cocktail dresses and the men in suits to go for dinner every night. I loved that.

Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. Hope this next week brings nothing but good things to you and may your tops meeting go perfect. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.

Hi CJL, just wanted to say Hi and hope that you had a great weekend, and thank you for posting in my journal, your words really helped me alot, and made me re think about how bad I was thinking for the past 2 days, I feel much better now and thank you for supporting me. :hug:

Hi, CJL!!! :wave: I think it's neat that you have a collection of 18 sets of dishes.

You are doing great, also glad your son is feeling better. Enjoy what's left of the weekend!

Hi CJL,
Wow you sure seem to be doing really good. That is so Great! I read some of your journal but will need to come back and read more so as to catch up with what is going on with you.
Happy to hear your son is doing
good, that can be a rough surgery.
That was so sweet of you to welcome me back to DT. I have missed being here and of course I sure need the support I get here.
Have a great day!
...Hugs, Millie

Hope your having a great day sweetie. I looked at dishes yesterday when we ran to town! It's an addiction isn't it??? :( These were not squares but irregular square dishes I loved them they sort of looked modern but asian too. They were red and black. Sort of rock n' roll looking actually. I just keep remembering what Dr. CJ says retail therapy!

I could tell my hubby well my doctor recommended we get new ones. lol

Have a blessed day.

EIGHTEEN SETS?!?!?!

WOW!!!!!!! I am a ceramicophile (lol) and I love traditional pottery. But I don't have a lot of it yet. I have one amazing set from Crete that you would love. I'll take a photo this summer. It's all handmade, Aegean blue with green and a touch of yellow.

I hope your son is doing better. I have been hearing "you need to get your wisdom teeth out" for over 10 years and I don't want to do it. I hate pain. I'm a big baby about it. My brother's were impacted and they had to be smashed off the bone to get them out, and he had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and was out for days. I really don't want to think about it. I'm so glad your son didn't have that kind of experience obviously!!

Prada, Welcome to Dishes Annonymous! I may have you beat in the dish department. When I counted my sets of dishes I forgot to look at one cabinet so the official count is actually 25! I have everything from expensive china, theme, seasonal, and holiday dishes. This week my niece is giving me my mother-in-law's Wedgewood...#26. As far as shapes I have round, octagon, square, multi point, and oval. Most are 12 and some 16 place settings. My Christmas dishes are the exception...27 place settings with dinner plate, dessert, salad, fruit, soup, cup, saucer, cereal bowls plus several serving pieces. In addition to regular coffee cups, I have pedestal mugs, stemware, highball glasses and tumblers to match. Did I mention the matching silverware. For a few years everyone gave me this pattern for my birthday and Christmas. They are not fancy dishes, but I just love the pattern and the shape of them. It is Christmastime by Nikko. You can click on the picture to get a closeup. I did donate three sets of dishes when I moved. I think I have unpacked all of my dishes since I moved .......

OK back to the weight loss journey!

Ele: My weekend was not perfect, but today I am determined to make it a healthy day. I bought strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and kiwi to snack on. If I buy healthy, I will eat healthy.

Amarantha: My dishes give me so much pleasure! If I had more room, I would probably have more dishes. I'll tell you about my other vices another time. Thank you for your interest in my son. He gets his stitches out on Tuesday.
I am having a good day. Tonight I am supposed to do a market research taste study for Dannon Activia. I'll work those calories into my day and enjoy getting paid to eat!

Millie: You and I go way back! I always wondered what happened to you. It will be fun catching up with you. You'll have to fill me in on all of your news.

Nausicaa: You are enabling a dish addict! Your dishes sound beautiful! I will look forward to seeing a picture of them! I had two of my wisdom teeth pulled when I was twenty and the only concern was that I would reveal something coming out of the anesthesia. My son was actually awake when they extracted the four teeth-two of which were impacted. Usually the oral surgeon can tell how much work is involved by doing a panaramic x-ray at the consultation.

Hello! I agree, if you buy healthy then you will eat healthy. I now only buy myself good snacks that are healthy. I love the 100 cal snack packs. they get me through and work out well. I have been buying and eating more fruit too. So far from yesterday and today i have had watermelon, cantaloupe and oranges. i love plums, bananas, peaches and honeydew, oh yea and pinapples. im not big on pears at all or apples but i also love all the berries but dont like kiwi(my kids do). Blueberries are my fav next to raspberries and strawberries but they dont last too long in this house. well take care.

Hey Cjl,
It sure is nice coming back and getting to catch up with old friends!
I loved the dishes you have. I to love having lots of disehes, just don't have know were to put them,lol.
I am with you on buying healthy then we will be much more likly to eat that way. You are sure thinking on the right path! You GO GIRL!!!! Hope you have another great day!
....Hugs, Millie

Sandy and Millie: I am convinced that we are creatures of habit and opportunity. I think one of the ways to change a habit is to create an environment where it is hard to sustain the habit. One of the easiest ways to change our eating habits is to buy healthy and buy in smaller portions. I like the idea of the 100 calorie snacks. You know exactly what you are eating and the portion control is done for you. My problem is that if I buy a multi-pack, I will eat more than one if my desire for food is strong.Therefore most of the time, I will buy a single serving of something at the grocery store or I will order a small portion at a restaurant.

Everyone: On my weight loss journey, I have gotten up early, packed my bags, but have not gotten out the door when it comes to how I am eating. There were days I actually got on my way only to get lost (given up) and decided to go back home(to my old, unhealthy habits). Yesterday, along with my desire, I packed dedication, determination, and discipline. I know where they are in my bags. If they get hidden, I will search them out. I know that I cannot be successful unless I know where my desire, dedication, determination, and discipline is at all times.

Yesterday, I packed my roadmap (plan) for when I get lost or want to find a better route. Along the way I will stop and rest, enjoy the scenery and continue on my journey. Perseverence is the key. If I want to reach my destination, I need to stop giving up, and giving in. I must make gradual changes that I can live with. I need to create a healthy lifestyle. What is important for me is to think carefully before each meal....what is the caloric and nutritional value of the food I am eating. Am I feeding physical or emotional hunger? As I am eating I need to eat slowly, enjoy my food thoroughly, and watch for signs of fullness.

What are all of you doing to make your weight loss journey more successful?
Do you follow a structured diet? Do you keep a menu or food diary? Do you count calories, fat, fiber, carbs, etc. How do you handle portion control?
Do your emotions affect what and how much you eat?

Hi CJ,
i love the analogies you used about the journey that we are all on... i am a big believer that we all have the tools that we need to be successful..its just a matter of believing in ourselves and using those tools and not coming up with excuses for why we didnt or cannot achieve what we set out to.
planning is key to me although lately i feel like i have so many variables going on that i dont know how to fit them all in on my plan.
i know for me that exercise is the key..when i exercise i eat better that has always been the case..so i need to get those workouts in...i need to schedule them in like any other thing that i MUST do.. that will in turn impact on my eating.
i have always been an emotional eater..i eat when i am unhappy i eat when i am happy..i eat any old time really. for me i need to find other ways to deal with the feelings.. i find that exercise makes me feel better emotionally so when i am stressed a good workout is better for me physically than stuffing my face..instead of rewarding myself with a fatty meal maybe buy a book or something for the house and treat myself to something else( not food).
i believe in you my friend..keep reminding yourself of the road map and if neccessary get a satellite naviagtion device to keep you on the right path..i have mine handy and have been using it plenty lately to remind me of the path i need to stay on.
hugs bell :)

Bell, I was just writing in your journal as you were writing in mine. Hey, great minds think alike! Your post got me thinking about the tools we have for our weight loss journey. I agree, that sometimes there are so many tools in the tool box, it is hard to know which one to use first. When I try to pick up too many tools, I tend to drop a couple and sometimes all of them!

Whenever my husband takes on a building project in the house he always does his research, plans what he needs to do and makes a list of all of his supplies. He refers to his list and he does one thing at a time and then moves on. In relation to my weight loss journey, I am thinking about building good lifestyle habits. Like my husband I must review what I want to build first, make a plan, follow the blueprint, and gather up all of my supplies. I can consult with others who have been on this journey to find out the best way I can build a strong foundation. Without a strong foundation, what you build upon it will not be strong. Once certain things have been built, they can be enjoyed. It's like after you build a room with the walls and floors, you still have to maintain them, but there is more time to devote to decorating the room. You can mix and match and change things around when you need to bring new life into the room. That is how I see building my foundation for food and exercise. Once I establish a plan and it becomes routine, I can go onto to add new ideas to the plan.

Right now I am focusing in on eating healthy...buying and eating healthy.
I am not working on every aspect of the nutritional value, but just trying to establish a baseline. My exercise program is established and I am just trying to make sure I fit it into my schedule. The hardest aspect for me is learning how to not turn to food out of emotional hunger. I am looking for ways I can relax and deal with stress in non-food ways.

I do need to get a navigational system...sometimes the old maps do not reflect the best path! Thanks for all of the great ideas!

CJ I know how we can get rich and skinny! We need to invent a diet navigational system that would stear our cars away from fast foods places and all unhealthy places. We could invent one that you could wear on your wrist for those who don't drive and every time they enter an unhealthy restaurant, make an unhealthy choice or try to purchase a item at the market that is unhealthy a loud alarm would go off. Hey I would buy it! What do you think? LOL Ok maybe not such a great idea imagine the noise of all those alarms going off. lol

Guess we will just have to stick to our planning ahead and praying plan. It's much quiter.

I know your going to have a very successful day today I just feel it! Have fun taste testing.

I think the navigational systems they have in cars, instead of saying "turn around" (when you get off course and are stopping to eat) should say...YOU DON"T NEED TO EAT>>>DO NOT STOP AT FAST FOOD RESTUARANTS....REMEMBER WHAT YOU WEIGHED THIS MORNING!!!"
That would kinda help ...at least it would be a reminder.....:)

CJ, I think the key here is to accept that you're not packing your bags, you're packing your moving cartons. You're moving out of the house (old, unhealthy habits), and you're on the market for new real estate. You're not looking for a hotel room, and you're not looking for a lease -- you are investing everything you've got in a NEW HOUSE where YOU WILL LIVE.

And to my mind, it's less about the drive to the new house, and more about decorating that house the way you want it. You know where the house is CJ. You just need to figure out how to put your personal stamp on it so it feels like home when you're there.

Do you see what I mean?

My son and I got back from the oral surgeon and my son got a good report. He is suppose to exercise his jaw by opening his mouth to accomodate three fingers. The surgeon said it is physical therapy for the mouth. Between my ability to talk and stick my foot in my mouth, I would say my jaw is one the strongest parts of my body! My son is not quite ready to be carnivorous, but he is eating more solid foods.

Prada: I wish I could adapt our car GPS for home use. There are times I need to steer away from the frig and pantry! I'm lucky that fast food places do not tempt me or even appeal to me.My blind friend has a personal GPS for walking which is really awesome.

Sanity: My son is the one who says, " Are you eating again? Do you really need that? Are you hungry? Eating is not going to solve your problems..."
As I have mentioned in the past, my son does not have any food issues and wouldn't dream of eating when he is not hungry or eating beyond full. I sure wish I had some of his genes. Since Monday, I have developed my own mantra of sorts. I verbally repeat words of affirmation. It really reinforces emotionally, what I have been working on intellectually.

Nausicaa: Oh I love your analogy about moving! You are so right about leaving our old eating habits in the past and moving in to a new permanent residence. You know I did once live in a healthy place, but I didn't stay. I didn't realize all of the attributes of where I was living. It had a great view and I enjoyed that place physically and emotionally. I had fun decorating the place and filling the closets full of new clothes.

I am in the process of getting rid of old habits that I do not need...kicking excess baggage to the curb. I am acquiring a new attitude which requires positive and healthy thoughts and actions. I am keeping them in a backpack, carrying them around so that I always have them near. It is exciting to think about moving on. I appreciate all of the guidance you have given me in regards to finding my new residence. I see my new residence....it is in view! You are a great realator!!

I like how you put things. Some of your metaphors make me smile (got up early, packed your bags, but never got out the door, use the GPS to stay away from the fridge, etc.) and you describe very well what the weight loss journey requires. I was curious, since I'd read some of your posts in other peoples' journals. Thanks for sharing what you are going through...it helps everyone, not just you.

CJL Where do you put all those dishes. I only have 2 sets. One set my dh and I bought when we were first married. They were put away when my children were born and I forgot all about them. When we moved up in the mountains, I found them while I was packing. They also have extra dishes, bread plates, and small desert bowls that are cute. I now use them once in awhile.

Boy, you sure had to go through a lot in a short period of time. A little like Job. I sure hope it's over now, and it is smooth sailing in the future.

The events in my grand-daughters life seem to be getting worse and worse. She may be comming to my house again to live. Trouble is she has 2 very young sons. One is almost 2 years old, the other son is 9 months. It is going to be stressful, I'm afraid. But she is in a very bad relationship, and she needs to get far away.

Hi CJL,
Wow your post and others sure is helping me more than you will ever know! It really helps to keep me in the right frame of mind!
I love the packing the dedication, determination and discipline, that is such a GREAT way of thinking of it. I will sure try and work that into my journey also!
You are doing so great!!! keep kicking Bu*t!
Happy to hear your son is doing better.

You asked what are we doing. ok
I am eating low calories between 1,200 - 1,600 .Also trying to stay low fat eating and DT is helping. I know I have to do it for many reason and I keep reminding myself of my knee's and heart. I think that is helping me stay on track so far.Also I have prayed that God helps me stay on track!

hope you have another Great day my friend!!!
....Hugs, Millie

Chum, you are so sweet to say such nice things! My mind often takes unexpected journeys and I never know where it is going to lead me! My weight loss journey has taken many twists and turns. Not only have I experienced detours, but I have gotten completely lost. Recent life experiences have helped me to see life itself more clearly, to bring into focus what is important and how I want to live my life. From reading your posts that seems to be true of you as well. I have found motivation from your thought provoking posts and I really admire you.

Pattie: Well, where do I put my dishes...where there is a will, there is a way!My kitchen is 33 x16 and I have alot of cabinets. I have filled them completely!

We all face trials in our lives and I firmly believe what the Bible says in James 1:2-4. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith developes perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." I think James is speaking of our spiritual maturity. Often times when we face trials, it brings us closer to God. Your grand-daughter's time with you will give her stability in her life. I am sure you will be able to be a good role model for her and she will learn much from you.

Millie, The 4 D's were created by a Diettalk member a few years ago and I have never forgotten them. Like you, I depend on the sharing and exchange of ideas to stay positive and on track. Learning from others really helps me to understand the journey. The support really helps me to know that I am not alone as I travel on this path.

Thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement. It was just on Monday that I set out again on my journey. I want to prevent health problems and improve my quality of life. I don't want to be a prisoner of my weight or be chained to unhealthy habits. I don't want to be a prisoner of the plate!

CJL,

My, my, what a philosophical journal this is, but all good points. Glad I checked it out.

Thanks for encouraging me in my journal also. Hope your son is on the mend. My DD is doing very well, eating more and more 'normal' all the time.

Keep up the good work!!!

Hi

Have a successful day. Now what are you doing??
How is your kid?

Hey Nancy, Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words....You sure you got the right journal! When things get deep, that is usually when I put on my boots! :laugh:For the fun of it I looked up the definition of philosophy. My mind does tend to wander, but I 'm not sure it qualifies as philosophy!

Philosophy considers such general and fundamental questions as the sorts of things that exist, the nature, scope, and limits of knowledge and moral judgments, and the nature of mind and of language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing these questions by its critical and generally systematic approach and the use of reasoned argument. The word philosophy is of Ancient Greek origin: φιλοσοφία (philosophía), meaning "love of knowledge", "love of wisdom".

Ido: My son got a good report from the oral surgeon yesterday. My son still has stitches and the surgeon said it will take another 2-3 weeks to heal. The worst is over with. I am so glad he had the procedure done during the summer...during the school year would not have been pretty! As for what I am doing.....just trying to get through today and have healthy thoughts and make healthy food choices.

Knowledge is a good thing. I love learning new things all the time. I hope your able to get through today and have healthy thoughts and make healthy food choices. Enjoy the day.

Hello! Good thing your son did have it done in the summer and not the school yr. Its a pretty big procedure and healing time with it all. Hope hes feeling better. Glad to see your doing so well. take care.

That's good CJL. "a prisoner of the plate", let's make it a small low cal plate.

Hi CJL,
Hope you have had a great day so far.
That is so true about getting the weight off before we get healh promblm. I feel had I taken my weight off sooner I would not have had to have a knee replacement and still need another, as I have bone on bone. The orth Dr said to me , You are just a baby and you need both knee's replaced. Also don't think I would have started with this Afib (heart). So now I to have to keep repeating to my self, you have to eat healthy if you want to get your life back half way at least. So you sure are on the right path when you look at it health wise. You have got a good start so on we go together we CAN DO THIS!
Have a great day! Hugsssss!
Millie

Good morning! How are ya? Have you started your new meds yet and how are you feeling on them if you have? Hope you have a great day today in every way.

Huzzah, CJL!!! :wave: Have a great day!

Just checking in. Had a very busy day and am tired. I don't think I am going to class tonight. I hate going out at night, especially so early. I have to fix dinner to early this way.

Prada: Each day I pursue knowledge as a means to broaden my horizons and to grow intellectually and spiritually. I welcome the opportunity to learn about anything and everything via different venues. My thirst for knowledge is never quenched and has no boundaries. It is a never ending process that I take delight in.

Millie: Our quality of life depends on healthy eating and having a healthy lifestyle. If we want to improve our health we must make the choice to do so each day. We cannot change the past, but we can control today. What we do today will determine our health tomorrow. As you know I helped to develop an agency to aid the visually impaired. I am familiar with macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Are you under the care of a retina specialist? Have you ever been to a low vision clinic? There are a number of low vision aids that you might find helpful. I want to consult with my low vision specialist for information that I can send you in a private message.


Pattie: You are so right...we don't have to give up our plates, we just have to change our plates.....and what we put on them. I begain my week with a fourth of July theme using my flag dishes, my star shaped bowls, etc. It created a more festive atmosphere and made my low calorie foods more appealing. I've been eating strawberries and blueberries together. Tonight I ate a 1/2 pint of raspberries. Snacking on fruit satisfies me and I know it is healthy as well...a winning combination. What class are you involved in on Thursdays?

Amarantha: I faced the metal beast today and it gave up 3.25 pounds. I'm sailing on smooth seas today! I am on the lookout for demons that continue to lurk around the dark corners so that I can prevent a mutiny on the ship! How are the seas in your world?

Congrats girl on the drop of pounds that is fantastic! I am so happy for you! Go buy yourself a non-food happy to celebrate. You deserve a little something special today.

Btw a car dealer called me and said he got in a black and chrome mercedes 4-door. Oh the temptation! lol I did go look at it but I just can't bring myself to spend that much. I am so stingy in a lot of ways. But we are wanting to build a new house so to me that comes first. Hubby is so ready for me to buy a car. I will in my own sweet time. They had a red one too I thought about you.

Congrats again and have a blessed weekend.

hey CJL, just wanted to say hi and to wish you a great weekend, Im sure that you will have a good one and I hope that you get what you want out of it. :hug: and well done on the weight loss, you are doinf so well. Be proud of yourself.

That's a great weight loss, in just one week? Good going.

My Thursday class is the study of the book of Daniel by Beth Moore.

Right now the fruit I'm eating is cherries, until they are gone, then it will be rasberries and boysenberries. They are ripe now. Infact this morning I had to cut back some of the vines to get to the rows. You should see my arms, they are all scratched up.

WAY TO GO CJL !!!! A bIG CONGRATS :cheers::congrats:!! I am so happy for you!
Yes I see a Retina Specialist every 6 months. I have had 4 cane lessons so far. They want me to go to the Com. for the blind but I need to be there like 2 months, which on weekends I could come home. I just have not gone yet due to there would be no one here for the house dogs and to pay bills. they want me to get all of this in before I go total (who knows when). Sure you are welcome to send me anything, I like to learn all I can. I now have a few friends that are blind I meet when all this started, one has a seeing eye dog, she goes everywhere. She says she is so much free now. Not sure I would ever get a seeing eye dog, they are a lot of work,lol. Last year I went to Omha Ne. called RP social, it was really great!

Cj, Keep up the great work and you will get to your goal!!! I am so happy for you!
...Hugs, Millie

Prada, It never hurts to look. When you win the lottery you will know exactly what you want! Sometimes it is not just about the money, but about our priorities. We all scrimp on some things and splurge on others.

Ele: My first week was a successful and I am happy about my loss. The key will be my perseverance. I need to have several successful weeks in order to get to my goal. I keep looking at my "at goal" pictures telling myself it will be a reality once again if I just take one day at a time and make healthy decisions.

Pattie: I just finished my Bible study for the summer. I have taken two Beth Moore studies. I have heard that the book of Daniel study is a good one. You make me want to come to California just to eat the cherries, raspberries and boysenberries! Yesterday I went to the store and bought more fruit. It is still alittle high but I told myself it is the price of being healthy and worth it! I went out for breakfast yesterday and I got a fantastic fruit plate that had a beautiful presentation.

Millie: I am so glad you are seeing a retina specialist. Have they evaluated you for any low vision aids that you might use with your available sight? I will be out of town July 2-5 for a convention but after that I hope to gather some resources for you...you may already have all of them, but I will share what I find out.

Everyone: I have been officially on track since Monday. This will be a long race in which I hope to cross the finish line. Each lap will get me closer to my goal. With a pit crew like all of you, how can I go wrong! I know you will keep me fueled and charged up! When I feel like I am just going around in circles, not getting anywhere...you will get me out of the pit.

I have decided to have one cheat meal once a week. On Thursday after my weigh-in, I went to Ruby Tuesdays for my cheat lunch. Here is a description: Ruby Minis & Garden Salad-A pair of mini masterpieces, these fresh, USDA Choice burgers come with a side of piping-hot fries and your choice of our Fresh Garden Bar or Signature House Salad. Here is the nutritonal value: 655 calories, 45 fat grams, 36 carb grams and 1 fiber gram. From the salad bar, I had a salad with blue cheese dressing and some apple salad which were not counted in the nutritional values. Yes, it was definitely a cheat meal!

I decided to have one cheat snack per week wh