Posts by chelseadene

My fiance and I usually set aside close to a grand for Christmas. It's a lot of money, as we barely make enough to pay all our bills/groceries. But, we really like gift giving, and we have large families.

This year we feel really bad, but we won't really have ANY money to spend. Our wedding is in February, and we barely have enough to cover our remaining wedding expenses. I hate not being able to give gifts at Christmas. I was thinking about baking cookies and maybe some nice personal cards for everyone.

Does anybody have some inexpensive gift ideas like that?

The best gift I got was one my fiance gave me. I felt like I had enough piercings and tattoos, but there was a big tattoo I had designed, and he knew I was scared to actually get it. It was a banner going across my shoulders held by swallows, that reads "No lies. Just love." (a song lyric). He had the design airbrushed onto a the shoulders of a shirt for me. Really really sweet.

I think it's interesting that everyone says "it's ok to be bad" or something to that effect. How bad is pizza when you really look at it. One piece is what, like 350 calories. It's not such a bad thing if you eat it in moderation. Also tips to reduce the calories even further:

-Order thin crust instead of pan, or deep-dish.

-Skip the pepperoni and other fattening meat toppings and go for all the veggies you want on it.

-Blot the grease off the top with a napkin. It saves calories, and it doesn't taste any different.

Hope this helps.

I use this site to check out of the ordinary foods after I eat them, just out of curiosity. I have lost 30 pounds so far, and only the first ten were with counting cals. After that, I got the hang of how I should be eating, and lost 20 more without counting. I do estimate. Like you sid I just don't obsess anymore.

I don't know... I know exactly how good water is, and how bad pop is, but I am addicted to diet coke, and strongly dislike water. If it's really good bottled water, then I don't mind, but the chlorine, and iron in the tap water taste bad.

What you're saying is totally true. Especially about the portion size thing. Anytime my fiance and I go out to dinner, we only eat about half of what we order. I don't mind too much, though, cause then you don't have to cook the next night either, but I can imagine how it really could inhibit weight loss for some people. Also, the fat content. I find it harder and harder to order something healthy at a resturant. Alot of places have "low fat" or "low calorie" sections on the menu with only a few items, while the remainder of the menu is all deep fried or smothered in something or other. It really can make cutting calories hard.

I meant Proud I've stuck to my diet lately. also, I think sticking pretty close to the 500 hundred calorie deficit is a good idea. 300, is a little low for myself. For me, being a little strict can really help. I dunno. Let me know if  you want me as a partner.

For me, setting a rule helps me not to over eat bad things. Like: For a snack, I'm only allowed fresh fruits and veggies.It's easier for me to diet, or eat right if I set strict rules for myself concerning areas where control is an issue. If you keep reminding yourself of your snacking rules, and write down the snacks you eat, that could help. That's the only way I can do it. If I allow myself even a little bit of leeway, I'm a goner. Don't tell yourself "It's ok just for today" or anything like that. Tell yourself, "I'm changing my habits now." literally say it. It sounds silly, but it helps me.

hope this helped.

Don't tell yourself "I'll eat this today, and start tomorrow", or you never will. You have to tell yourself "I'm starting now." procrastination is the foe...

I don't really like watching some stuff like that either. In all honesty, I can say I will never give up eating meat and dairy. My motto is: everything in moderation. Obviously if I eat a ton of meat and cheese, I'm gonna have some health issues. But I don't think it's so bad to have a little. I was an ovo/lacto veg for a long time and a vegan for a short time, and I never felt all the 'amazing changes in your body' that everyone talks about. I did get sick the first time I ate meat again though...

I understand where you're coming from. I only have lost about 20 pounds, out of my goal of 60, and I don't see it at all. Everyone says stuff and all I think is What are you talking about? I look exactly the same!

But, I have to say, congrats. You really do look great. 60 pounds is a lot to lose. It looks like you have a ton of willpower. Just think of it this way. Even if you can't see yourself as someone different, you ARE a modified you. The scale doesn't lie. Even if your self-esteem is still low, know that the health benefits are great. You will live longer, and feel healthier, and the image thing will get there eventually too.

Just stick to your guns. I, myself, can only HOPE and try to get where you've gotten. Great job!