Maybe I will try an experiment and cut out caffeine for a couple of weeks to see. You would think that it would speed up something since it speeds up my heart rate just a bit, and wakes me up.
Caffeine dehydrates your body which works against you when you are working out.
that is what I was going to say!
Hello all. I didn't get to log on on Friday because I was busy (did three cakes and babysat my nephew after pre-K). So now I'm relaxing before I actually hit the sack 
.
I feel slightly more embarrassed because I won't post my weight like everyone else, but I just cannot do it 
Only my mom knows 
Anyway, I had a small epiphany today, while going to make my Crystal Light today. I only had Lemon flavored CL left and was bored with it (wishing I had Peach Tea). So I added frozen blackberries to it! It was delicious, like a new flavor of drink and I figure that's got to do something in the way of adding a fruit serving to my daily allowance, right?
Today/Tomorrow (Saturday 
) I'm going to a birthday party... I'm going to do my darndest to behave. I've lost another pound and don't want to sabotage myself like last weekend where I went up one and then had to lose that pound all over again 
WIsh me luck, please 
Well I am off to a family party today. Wish me luck as there will be alot of food and always very good food!!! I will post all in my Monday confessions
good luck at your parties! I am going to a wedding. So of course there will be cake that I will want to test. Maybe just a bite. Lets make it our mini goal today to not overeat today.
Sounds good to me, Merrissa! No overeating.
I'm thinking about making a cake for our anniversary, but there are only the two of us to eat it so I may not.
It does look like I have some cleaning to do, both inside and outside. So I'll get a workout anyway.
Have a good weekend, everyone!
Well tonight I'm eating at my parents house. Usually it's when I decide to take care of myself that she makes greasy, not so healthy meals... So I'll see what she's up to.... But this time,I won't taste the chips and dip! I won't eat ice cream! I'll be a good girl!!
Anyway I'll post it all in my Monday confessions!!
Good weekend everyone and may the "will power" be with you!
Lynda-Bob, don't be embarassed. No one cares about how much you weigh (I don't mean that in a mean way), the more important thing is that you are here, you are trying and that you are healthy. We're here for support and that means not doing anything you are uncomfortable with and not feeling bad about it.
Alright it's the weekend. I should be able to do good. I'm pretty much at home all weekend except for lunch tomorrow with a friend I haven't seen in a long time. As long as I don't overeat, which I totally did that last night with my honey garlic wings that I haven't made for a very long time simply because of that reason.
Oh yeah I appionted Susan123 as cheerleader totally forgetting the fact that she was going to be in Paris this weekend so I'm re-appointing jenbenjr as our cheerleader.
Good luck to everyone this weekend!!!
Ok I did quite good this morning, I watched the x-weighted show and exercised while doing so. Been on the step machine actually during the show, and doing weight lifting during the commercials.
I decided, that since today it's a sunny day (cold but sunny, around 40) we are all going to go at my parents by foot! No driving the mini van! My kids are 13½, almost 12 and 9, they can do a 20-25 minutes walk with me!
Yay for us!!!!
Thanks clsilvus I needed that 
Pootchi, that is awesome 
I wish my mom lived that close that I could walk there in half an hour. That's great incentive, actually having a destination for the walk and then having to walk back home maybe. It's like a double duty done
Today, we're invited again at my parents for lunch. It's still sunny today, so walking we go!
My mom cooked a beef and veggies casserole yesterday! it was so yummy and lean! For desserts she had fresh strawberries and light whipped cream! My kids were eating chips in the evening, I LOVE CHIPS!!! So I asked my 13 y-o to give me a very small bowl, just to content me. So he gave me around 10 chips. That was enough for me!
Today my dad is cooking! it'll be very different: pancakes, sausages, bacon..... we have a big fat breakfast for lunch. I'll try to do good... if not, well, like it's lunch I'll have time to burn out all of it... anyway I'll tell all on my confessions on Monday!
Hi Everyone~
I LOVE this group! Casey, I panicked when I read you appointed me cheerleader because I'm just seeing that on Monday morning but then I read more and saw you appointed someone else. Thank you for the honor though! I'd love to take it on anytime.
I had a fun weekend in Paris. I ate good French food but took it easy. Yes, I did have cheese but I never overdid it and yes, I did have my favorite dessert (okay, twice!), creme brulee and I'll take the rap for that. I walked more than usual so when I got on the scale this morning, I was one pound up but it didn't bother me so much because I'd been flying and tend to get a little swollen so I'm confident it will be gone by Wednesday.
I'm going to try and take my measurements tonight (I'm at work right now).
This is a little about me and I hope it encourages people to come forward because it seems I weight much more than many, but I"ll confess! This morning I weighed 236.5 and this period is the heaviest I've ever been. I've lost 8-9 in the last couple of weeks and am encouraged. I've never been married and don't have children. I'm originally from Texas/Louisiana but for the past 5 years, I've lived in northern Italy, just outside of Venice. I'm soon to be 48 years old but really don't feel that age! I work for a company that cotnracts with the US Army and I'm a clinical social worker at a small Army post where I provide mental health treatment/therapy for soliders and their families. In my spare time, I like to take advantage of being so close to other countries and do a lot of traveling. About once a month, I take a little trip somewhere. I also love crafting, although it's a bit harder to get supplies here to do that. I love making soap and next week I'll be gone from Sunday-Friday to take a beginner's mosaic class in Ravenna, Italy, known as the mosaic capitol of the world. So that's my story....I've chosen to remain single and without children, and for me, it's been a good decision. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be here, probably at least another year but I'll make that decision next year. Thank you to everyone in this group and I'd be happy to be cheerleader anytime after I return from my class on October 12!
Good morning, everyone!
I did alright over the weekend. I managed to at least eat breakfast. I only had two meals on both Saturday and Sunday, though. I am having a hard time getting this fluid out of my ear. 
Today is the day I start back on my diet. I brought my gallon of water in and had a little something before I left the house and then again when I got here.
Well, it's about time to think about starting my day, so I'll talk to you later. Have a great day, everyone!
Thanks for the trust Susan! We love to really get to know each other and just be as real a friend to each other as poss.
We are never going to be condemning people who weigh any amount! We have all had our ups and downs.....and some of us are seemingly always going on the up , up and away!!!!!! uuuummm, that would be me by the way!!!!!
We all fall but it's how many times you get back up that counts. If you never fell and tasted that bitter pill, you'd never know how sweet it is to get back up and do it again.
TOGETHER WE CAN DO THIS FOR EACH OTHER, OURSELVES AND OUR FAMILIES!
We are the standard woman, we are the REAL WOMEN!
I say this as I have gained 2 pounds this weekend....sighs.....it's the 4 different kinds of fudge and the 4 dozen banana/choco ganche cup cakes I had to make for a client for today. I cooked and baked all weekend, which means I tasted a lot due to I havent made fudge since last dec so I needed to make sure it turned out alright ya know.....
But today is the 1st of oct, new time of year, new cooler weather and new healthier me!!!!!!!!
So to walk my 2 miles with my 2 heathians in tow I go!
Wow! I just saw that I was appointed cheerleader! I haven't been on here much this weekend so sorry for the late response. So today is Monday and lets start this week off right. I challenge everyone to stop drinking caffiene!!! No soda, coffee, or tea. Lets all cut it out of our diets to see if it makes the difference. Water, water, water. I find it easier if I have bottled water on hand. It just seems harder for me to grab a glass out of the cupboard and fill it up.........I refill my bottles. Do it the easiest way for you! Also...I challenge everyone to add 15 more minutes to their exercise routine. I first started out with a 30 minute workout. Every couple weeks; when I felt comfortable enough, I added 15 minutes. Now...I can workout for 2 hours at a time and I feel great afterwards! If it is possible...add a 2nd workout to your day also. If you can't everyday...strive for maybe 2 or 3 days this week. Watch what you're eating and I promise that weight will come off!! I know these challenges might be alot to ask for some.......but the benefits you will see will pay off for all the hard work. Losing weight is definately not easy, but at least we know we have eachother struggling beside us! Also......set a personal goal for your weight loss this week. I would like to lose at least 2 pounds this week to reach my 30 pound loss......another milestone! LET'S ALL TRY AS HARD AS WE CAN THIS WEEK!!!!
Good morning all
Well.....my first confession Monday, and it will be a doosey
Friday night we had pizza, love the stuff had two big pieces and a piece of garlic bread.
Saturday we had a family get together, first off I am always the designated driver for my DBF and myself so I never drink. We decided to stay the night at his mothers house so I drank....a lot.....!!! We had two dips, chips, bread.....then for dinner BBQ ribs and chicken legs and thighs. A ceaser salad, potatoe salad, macaroni salad and a pumpkin roll for dessert. Then yesterday morning we had skillet breakfast...potatoes, ground meat with taco seasonings, eggs, cheese and tortillas. for lunch pick the left overs from the night before and dinner was the same. I knew it would be bad!!! Oh and I forgot the chocolate pound cake that was made with chocolate sauce, at least I passed on the ice cream!!!
Pootchi, great job walking, I too wish my dad lived a bit closer in the winter. He show birds so is only in AZ for 6 months and lives about 30 min away by vehicle so a bit far to walk.
Lynda-Bob, the numbers dont matter, what matters is your heart and determination and that you work hard.
Otter, happy anniversary!
Susan123, wow I would love to live in another country for a while. My brother is in the Airforce and he lived in Germany for a while and traveled a lot, I could kick myself for not visiting when I had somewhere to stay for free!!!
Jen, I will take you challange of no caffeine, I actually had started this last week (but had one cup yesterday morning) I am now going reconfirm to this no coffee no soda. I will take your challange to up my workouts I also started this a couple of weeks ago by adding an afternoon work out, but my morning workouts are 30 minutes, I will make them 40. I already get up toooooo early in the morning so adding 10 minutes is the best I can do right now. I will take your challange for the personal goal, my goal will be to loose at least 1 pound. I know one pound does not sound like a very big goal, but for me...If I make one that is too big I get very discouraged when I dont make it then want to give up!!!!
My dad will be here for the winter tomorrow, and this will mean that one afternoon workout is forfeited for my weekly dinner date with dad and step mom. Have had this "date" with dad for 5 years, even after he met and married is second wife. I will make up this lost workout on the weekend, getting up early on Saturday or Sunday and working out. This I pledge to myself!!!
Now may I ask a favor please, I am happy we have a cheerleader everyweek, and will be very happy to take my turn, however please give me some time to get used to exactly what the cheerleader does before nominating me. I do travel for my job and will try to give a heads up by weigh in Thursday because I do not have computer access when I travel so would be a very bad cheerleader if chosen for those weeks.
Love this thread guys, and thank you.
Great challenges! I am on track for the no caffeine. I have my gallon of bottled water with me.
Weight goal, let's see, I'd like to lose 2 pounds this week also. I think I'm up from my illness and the not being on my eating/drinking plan.
I'll try to add more exercise, it might not be easy.
Thanks for the happy anniversary, Karate. Unfortunately Hubby and I were both sick that day. We are better now.
I've been saying for years that I would like to live in another country. We were hoping for that when Hubby was in the Navy but neither one of us got to leave the US. Maybe if DD gets sent overseas we will be able to go for a visit. If not, i'm hoping we can get overseas ourselves anyway one day.
I did good this weekend... I had one diet-pepsi on Saturday night at my parents, (I drink diet-pepsi only there) and on Sunday when we went for lunch I had a cup of coffee. I made a really good effort at that lunch to stay on track: I ate only one pancake, with a little peanut butter and a little dab of syrup, and 3 little sausages with bacon rolled around them. I had one glass of orange juice with all that, and water!
Today I have an appointement with the nutritionist, to help me with my liver problems. I want also to have her check my foodmover program, to make sure I have enough for my life style. I do believe in personnalized programs... And I'll go there walking also! it rains a little but hey it's about 15 minutes from my home, and I have a good umbrella!! no more excuses to not walk!!!!!
So today is Monday and lets start this week off right. I challenge everyone to stop drinking caffiene!!! No soda, coffee, or tea. Lets all cut it out of our diets to see if it makes the difference. Water, water, water.
I would suggest to those that drink a lot of caffeine not to totally stop it cold turkey. Please reduce your intake slowly. Your body gets addicted to it and you will feel it in a negative way if you just totally stop it. Horrible headaches are one of the things you can look forward to. Some is okay, but if you drink it all day every day then reducing it will be good for you.
I dont drink all day, I have 1 to 2 cups coffee Mon - Fri, then maybe 2 diet sodas a week.
However I just realized that chocolate has caffiene and I have at least one square a day, how will I ever live without my one square a day.....then I was just about to put my Lipton Green Tea to go in my water and thought does green tea have caffiene? does anyone know, it doesnt say on the package. I am thining no, but cant remember for sure.
It's so fun to hear about everyone's life! If you ever find yourself in the Venice area, please let me know and we can meet for a walk-and-talk!
My question for the week is: besides common foods (fruit and vegetables), what are your ideas for good, healthy, low calorie snacks? I'm always looking for something quick and easy to throw together or to reach for when I'm either starving or in a hurry. One of the not so common vegetables I like to carry around is soy beans in the pod, also called edamame. You often find them in Japanese restaurants served as a free appetizer. I boil them for 6-7 minutes (I like them crispy) and then just pop them out of the shell. They taste nutty and are filling. Sometimes I pour low sodium soy sauce over them and it kind of soaks into the shell before I open them. They're easy to carry around in a baggie and not messy, which is what I like. I like citrus fruits but it's a little more challenging to eat them without being so messy. You can find edamame in the frozen food section at the grocery store. Who has other ideas? I try to take my lunch everyday, there's only fast food on post, so I avoid that at all costs. If I don't eat enough during the day, I'm ravenous after work and then I won't go to exercise, I go straight home for dinner. And believe me, I need to exercise! Any ideas?
I like low fat mozzeralla cheese sticks, lowfat yogurt and cottage cheese, carrot sticks, celery sticks, a couple of slices of lunch meat. I try not to eat a lot of starchy carbs like bread or crackers. But if I do, I try and get something with a lot of fiber in it. Sometimes a fruit smoothie using a frozen banana or berries, lowfat milk and a little splenda.
Ok I went to see the nutritionist for my liver problems today. She said I need to really cut back on my fat intakes, even the good fats like: olive oil, avocado... My liver doesn't like it!! So that'll be ok for my plan to loose weight! She even offered me to follow me for my diet, and it doesn't cost me a penny (the state health insurance covers it!) I meet her again on the 29th. At her office I weighed in at 204.5 pounds (in the middle of the afternoon, with all my clothes on, not the same that being naked in the morning) I showed her my foodmover program and she readjusted it for me. So now I can officially start the program! So tomorrow morning I'll start! and I have to write everything down on paper also for her. Like she'll know if I've been good, and if I eat well for my liver.
And since I bake desserts for diabetics, she asked if she could refer me to her diabetic clients.... duh! of course I said yes! She just wants me to bring my recipe book to make everything is ok, and she suggested another cookbook that she suggest all her diabetic clients too. YAY for me! But I still can't eat cake nor cookies nor either pastries because of my liver! but hey, that's good for my hips doesn't it???
Good news, bad news, Pootchie? Hope all goes well for you. How many grams of fat is your nutritionist allowing you per day?
As to snacks, I like to keep almonds or some other type of nuts around for a quick snack. I really like the edamame, too.
I managed the no caffeine thing yesterday and am going for it again today. It also really helps with my water consumption if I don't have the cola.
Green tea does have caffeine, but you can get it decaffeinated. Black tea has the largest concentration of caffeine of all teas, and the red tea is caffeine free. I'll have to check on the white.
Hi Otter! She didn't say for the maximum of grams yet. She wants me to try the first month just cutting back a little, to see how my liver reacts. Since I'm writing everything down, we'll see when I have troubles, if I have those anymore. She said that at the next appointement, I'll learn how to calculate the fat from food. That's good! She said I can have a cup or two of coffee each day, but decaf. it only has .5grams of fat in a cup of coffee, and a 3oz chicken breast (no skin, boneless) has 5 grams. so I should not have troubles with it. She suggested decaf because I want to lose weight, but the regular one won't hurt me otherwise. So if I go somewhere, and I drink one cup of regular coffee, it's ok! But I'll stick with the no caffein thing for sure!
I can do it!!!! I want to be healthy!
My weekend was ok. Not too bad.
I'm sorry, I just can't give up my morning coffee. I can give it up for the rest of the day but not my morning coffee 
( 
--me without coffee).
Good news, we re-joined the gym yesterday, did it over the phone with credit card so I have to wait 2 days for it to go through.
I'm going home for Thanksgiving this weekend...that's a scary thought. On top of that we're also going out for my Nana's b-day dinner.
I swear as soon as I get back (starting Monday) weight watchers and the gym will become a very big part of my life!!!
OK, Casey, you gotta 'splain that one...home for Thanksgiving? Does that mean you're celebrating very early or staying a really really long time?!
Good for you for joining a gym! Exercise (or lack thereof) is absolutely my weakest point...I really dislike it. Maybe you'll inspire me...
Canadian Thanksgiving. I moved to Oregon from Canada 7 years ago and really miss Thanksgiving with my family so yay turkey.
I hope the gym membership inspires me too =D We had one a couple years ago (a 3 year membership) I barely ever went, I'm really hoping this time is different! My thing is on-site daycare, my big excuse for the lack of exercise is "what am I supposed to do with the kids", so this better work.
I love that we're such a multi-cultural group! How does Canadian Thanksgiving differ from US Thanksgiving?
Here, this explains it better than I would've been able to. I actually had no idea why it was different until now.
http://www.thelaboroflove.com/articles/why-is-thanksgiving-celebrated-on-a-different-date-in-canada/
Aside from that I think the only difference is No Big Sales =( Our huge sale is on Boxing Day (Dec. 26th) which doesn't make any sense now that I live here. A big sale BEFORE Christmas makes more sense to me.
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%