COMMITTED LOSERS [Group Open Again!]

Hi guys!  I'm baaaack!  Basically spent about 6 months UNDOING all of the weightloss you all helped me with last year and am now at a whopping 148 lbs, 8 lbs more than what I started with last year.  I feel disgusting and totally ashamed.  Time to get back on track.  Hope to be down to 130 by the end of the summer.  Anyone new want to join me for weekly weigh-ins and daily motivation?  Anyone still around from last summer?

[OP from last summer: Well, I've been on CC for about a month now and have gone from 140 to 136.6.  I am female, 28 yrs old, and about 5'3.  My goal weight is 115.  I expected to lose more than 3.4 lbs by now, but I also expected that I'd be much better at staying under my daily calorie limit (1200-1400).  In any case, I'm realizing that I do a much better job of disciplining myself when I am able to regularly check-in with people who care.  I've been doing weekly weigh-ins in a couple of CC forum groups, but no one seems to want to offer support and motivation on any other day than weigh-in day!  Everyone checks in about once a week and that's it.  I need an active forum that I can turn to every day for inspiration.  I think it would be best to limit such a group to about 15 really committed members with similar stats and goals.  I'm looking for people who can check in and post regularly, people who turn to this group instead of binging, people who will share their weaknesses, rants, raves, progresses, and plateaus as often as possible.

I'm proposing that we weigh-in on FRIDAYS and that we keep "weighing-in" metaphorically every other day of the week.  Who's with me?]

Original Post by todeinotaton:

ladyfirelyght: Have you tried drinking water with cucumber and/or lemon? Just take a pitcher of water and add several thin slices of either the cucumber or the lemon (or both if you're feeling sassy) and let it sit in the fridge as you keep refilling your glass. It's incredibly refreshing, way better for you than splenda, and probably as close to 0 calories as you can get without drinking just plain water.

So, a couple questions for you all: 1) Does anyone keep track of their measurements regularly? I've been thinking about doing so and I was wondering if that shows more progress or if the measurements decrease as slowly as the incriments on the scale do. Also, I'm slightly concerned about losing my boobs and was thinking this would be a good way to see if that's happening. 2) Yesterday I knew I was going to hang out with one of my friends and smoke pot (deal with it) and inevitably get the munchies. So, I didn't consume anything all day except for my morning coffee with soymilk in an attempt to save up my 1400 calories for the pizza I expected we would order. Well, we ordered said pizza, I ate half of it, and kept my grand total at about 1500. My question is: Do you think this is incredibly unhealthy? It isn't a daily practice; I'll probably only do it like once a month. It's just that ever since I've been on CC I've realized that a calorie consumed is a calorie consumed and I'm starting to wonder if it really even matters when that calorie is consumed. You know?

Sorry for the long-windedness. I hope everyone is well!

I've tried lemon in the water but hate cucumbers. It just isn't the same :(

I measure myself every 2-4 weeks. My next planned measuring day is Friday. I figure since I'll be weighing in I may as well measure up! For those who don't know exactly where or how to measure, this page is quite insightful. I use those general guidelines for myself and it works out pretty well.

jennelaw: My 20 year old brother was diagnosed with MS a few months ago. They fired him from his job because of it, so now he is coming back home on Tuesday for a couple months. While he's here I'm going to try and get him eating better and we are going to quit smoking together. It's difficult, how are you dealing with it?

todeinotation: Ugh. I totally know what you mean about smoking weed then getting the evil munchies. That and drinking too much is most likely why I gained weight in the first place lol. I'm trying to cut back on both. Now I only smoke weed before bed and I'll have a bag of smart pop mini bags while watching a movie, then fall asleep so I can't eat anymore lol. Oh, and I started taking my measurements last Friday. I plan to weigh in every week, and take my measurements every second week. Hopefully that will be a better way of keeping track of my results rather than just relying on the scale.

Count me in. I weight myself on Fridays. Since I started my exercise & being very careful what I eat. In 5 weeks I have lost 18 lbs. I started at 221 on June 3. Now I am at 203 July 11. I am on my lowest since 2001 when I started gaining weight, after I got married & started to be a couch potato. I have been around 150 thru my teenage years. My highest was 254. I can’t wait for the scale to have the 1 in front. My goal is to be or less at 176 for Halloween Day. But my journey will keep going... Joining CC has been great source to keep me motivated.

Some days I deal with things better than others.  I am a public defender down here in south Georgia and my work schedule is REALLY hectic most days.  I am very lucky that my employers and co-workers have been really supportive (I had also been here over two years when I was diagnosed, which helps.)  I take shots three times a week and get botox in my legs for spasticity.  I haven't had a major flare in almost two years (a mild one last year that was just mild optic neuritis and facial numbness).  This one is really kicking my rear and is kind of depressing.  I am spending most of my time in the office this week doing paperwork that has been piling up and having our other two attorneys do my jail visits, etc.

I have four children (15,13,11 and 5).  My oldest is on the high school football team, my daughter is a cheerleader for the middle school and dances with a semi-professional ballet company, my 11 year old is on a traveling tournament team for baseball and the 5 year old is just very active.  It is hard not to be able to do all the running and organizing.  My husband helps, but most of it is still my job.

When I was going to the MS treatment center in Atlanta they really focused on nutrition and exercise to help with the disease process.  The Swank diet is really good (I had problems with the restriction on red meat).  Let me know if there is any info I can give you for him with my limited knowledge!

susiecue: Wow, so you have a PhD in Chemistry?  Incredible.  I am working on my PhD in Philosophy.  Not looking forward to the job market next year.  Things are really rough in my field.

ladyfirelyght: Someone needs to learn to love her veggies! :)  You *hate* cucumbers?  Who hates cucumbers?  I'm kidding.  But really, maybe being a little more adventuresome with your diet will be just the change your body is looking for in order to shed those pounds!  Let me know if you want any tips on particular veggies.  I'm a vegetarian and I love to cook and share recipes.

colorblind: Smoking weed before bed!  What a novel idea!  Why on earth haven't I thought of this?  Stoned probably.

mirian: Welcome and congrats on the weight you've lost so far!

odeinotation: I am a veggie too! I eat milk and eggs but i dont eat any meat. on a rare occasion i will take a bite of chicken in order to get some protein but i hate doing it. i def dont do red meat at all!

i have been looking to get ideas to get more protein in my diet. i would LOVE any suggestions

Also, for lunch today i am going to binge. a few friends of mine are meeting at Pizza Express (for all the Hoosiers out there) and their breadsticks are to die for. they are litterally worth wearing my fat pants for another week! I know the calories are going to be high but not sure how high because i cant find any nutritional info anywhere on the website or in the store. so i am just going to not think about it and try to munch on fruit for dinner and start fresh tomorrow. maybe wont even weigh myself till friday after i have drank 30 gallons of water to get rid of the sodium from these breadsticks!

Hi all, is it too late to join in.  I like the idea of pretty much checking in everyday and see what everyone is up to and if they need any support.  I'm 5 ft 1 in and as of today 135.8  My GW is 125 then my UGW is 115.  I had a pretty good day today.  Worked out this morning, did a 20 min run then did a 20 min circuit before I headed off to work.  I had some quaker instant oatmeal this morning.  Its about 8:54 a.m. her in Hawaii.  I'm pretty wired.  How is everyone else doing today..

jennelaw: Yeah, I've done quite a bit of reading about the subject and learned that nutrition and exercise is very important. So I'm going to try and get him to eat better hopefully! He is very active though, he loves to play sports so that shouldn't be a problem. I don't know about the Swank diet though because, like you, he would have huge problems with restricting red meat! Lol, yes he loves his steaks and hamburgers!

todeinotation: Hahaha, yes I am a genius.. I know. Lol, just kidding.

bettyboop71: Welcome! You live in Hawaii!? I'm so jealous! Actually, I have been thinking about going to school in Hawaii next year to study psychology. But I'm Canadian, so I would have to take my SAT's or ACT's and I don't really want to do that but who knows lol.

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Anyway, today has gone well so far. I did my weight lifting routine, and my friend is coming over soon so that we can go rollerblading together. I love rollerblading. It's so much fun, and it's awesome exercise.

Agh Im already at 1249 cal and its only 300 Im screwed. I really need to exercise. Any suggestions when theres no equipment and no motivation and its 94 degrees outside. Besides walking I do that already.

Hi everyone - I was just looking around these forums and I always seem to just miss deadlines when people start up support groups :)  I am pleasantly surprised that not only does it seem like everyone in this group is around my age but also trying to loose the same amount of weight!

My name is Kelly, I am 25, 5"5 and weight about 180lbs.  I have always carried my weight pretty well and my friends are always shocked and think i'm overexaggerating when I tell them how much I weight.  Needless to say I feel the need to loose at least 30lbs.

Last summer I stuck to the Atkins diet and worked out regularly and saw a drop of about 25lbs. but of course by March I gained it all back plus probably about 5lbs. becuase I didn't merge off of the Atkins diet gracefully.

My new approach is just a lifestyle change in my diet.  I am really avoiding fast foods, fried foods, and as much white starch and refined sugars as possible.  My weakness is undoubtedly beer and alcohol since I thoroughly enjoy unwinding with my friends on the weekend!

Anyways, I am pumped to be shedding the pounds with you.  I'll officially weight in with you on Friday!!!

I love it her in HI, the weather is great for outdoor activities all year round!

foxymama1406:  you can do a quickie circuit with just bodyweight exercises. 

1 min push ups, 1 min jumping jacks, 1 min squats, 1 min jumping jacks, 1 tricep dips, 1 min jumping jacks, and 1 min lunges.  Do that 3 times and see how you feel.  Anything that gets your heart rate up will do the trick.

Just pump up the music and go.  You'll feel way better after.  Good luck!!!!

foxymama: Hmm.. It's difficult to think of exercises to do when you don't have any equipment and it's that hot out. Maybe you could just do some little things like jumping jacks, lunges, pushups, the plank, the wall-sit, etc.? I don't know, that's all I can think of right now. Oh, I used to run up and down the stairs in my house! That actually was pretty damn good exercises and was extremely tiring.

k837mh: Welcome! :) My weakness is beer and alcohol too... but luckily my favorite drink is rum and diet coke so it's not THAT bad.

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So, I just called my friend who was supposed to go rollerblading with me... of course she forgot about it and is doing something else at the moment. Ugh, it's soooo annoying when people do that! Well, I suppose it's all for the best though because right now it's beginning to thunder outside and I think there is going to be a thunderstorm soon.

todeinotaton: I really do hate cucumbers. Some people call them "cukes", I call them "pukes". To me they taste like dirt. I'm what you might call and adventuresome eater. I try lots of different things as often as I can, even if I'm SURE I'll hate them. A rare gem has oft come from that which I assumed I would dislike. But try as I might, I can't like cucumbers :( I try them every year or so to see if I like them, but I don't!

People look at me strangely when I longingly look at a tomato and say, "I wish I liked tomatoes" as I frown. I want so much to like more raw vegetables. I can't stand raw veggies no matter how often I try to eat them. I can choke down raw carrots, I'm okay with most of the non-bitter lettuces, onions of all types, and red bell peppers, but that's as far as I go with RAW veggies. I love most vegetables that are cooked but many veggies have to be -in- something for me to like them. Tomatoes have to be in soups or sauces, I can't have them on sandwiches (I try it at least once a month, but I end up peeling them off because I actually want to manage to eat a little) or in salads. Cauliflower and broccoli must be cooked until no remnant of firmness remains (not complete mush, though, unless it's going in a sauce). Corn, asparagus, broccoli, peas, onions, green bell peppers and artichokes are my favorite kinds of vegetables but onions and peppers are the only veggies that my house manages to keep stocked.

Oh man, I got this recipe a few weeks ago for a vegetarian Mexican lasagna. It is SO good, and with a few alterations would probably be quite good for you. Let me know if you're interested. I could eat it by the bucket-load.

I've been so engrossed in working on imputing recipes from books into my computer that time has gotten away from me. The last I looked at the clock, it was 11:47am. It is now 2:07pm. Where did the last 2 hours and 20 minutes go to?! Ah well, I'm actually managing to make some progress in my work and getting some pleasure reading done to boot.

I've found that reading, for me, is a great way of keeping myself from eating. I can't eat and read at the same time (for the most part) because I'm afraid of dropping food on my book. So sometimes I'll be hours between meals because I can't tear myself away from a good story! I'm reading the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I'm only on book 2 but dang is it ever good. I need to eat something, though. I haven't eaten since 9 and I normally eat every 3-4 hours.

Original Post by foxymama1406:

Agh Im already at 1249 cal and its only 300 Im screwed. I really need to exercise. Any suggestions when theres no equipment and no motivation and its 94 degrees outside. Besides walking I do that already.

When I don't feel like doing any exercise, I pump up some crazy music and dance like a madwoman. A couple years ago I lost over 50lbs doing no exercise except that.

I'm a vegetarian as well, but carbs are my killer. When you don't eat meat you tend to eat alot of bread, pasta, etc. I'm trying to redo most of that to cut my carbs down and my protein waaaay up, but it sucks! I get to go to a family reunion this weekend (think ranch people who smother EVERYTHING in gravy, pour dollops of whipped cream on pie, and keep pushing you to "eat more". Sadly they all are skinny.)  and am scared that I'm going to just dive in with a fork and call it good.

ladyfirelight please post the recipe for the veggie lasagna.  it sounds great and I'm trying to find more things to do with the veggies in my garden (besides give them away...LOL)  I did make a modified squash casserole the other night with squash, yellow tomatoes, jalapenos and fresh basil that was pretty tasty.  Of course, it didn't have the stick of butter and cups of cheese from the original recipe.....

I envy all of you getting ready to exercise today.  I have a treadmill in an airconditioned room that I usually try to use (even though I can only do 10 minutes at a time) but with this latest flare my legs are too weak for any of that.  It's really funny - I really don't like exercising at all but I miss it when I can't do that.

I'd love to chime in as often as possible. I will be around more frequently on the weekdays.

I'm 5'7", 165 pounds or so. I was 145 before I got pregnant a couple of years ago, got up to 190 with my pregnancy. I'm looking to lose about 20 pounds that seem to just be stuck. I'm pretty active, but I've always had a hard time controlling what I eat. I've just recently become commited to counting calories and a support group would help a lot!

k837mh: My big weakness is alcohol as well on the weekends. I've discovered that vodka or whatever spirits you  like some crystal lite and ice in a blender made into a slushy is really good and refreshing. Also a sweet red wine like lambrusco club soda and ice in a blender mixed into a slushie is delicious. Thanx for the suggestions for exercise will put them to good use.

Can't figure out what to do for dinner....I still have about a 500 calorie range but nothing sounds good.  I have a freezer full of healthy options and I am trying to overcome the craving for either takeout pizza or a cheeseburger from McDonald's.  I just read a great thread about "goal jeans" and I'm trying to keep that in mind when I make my choice for the evening.

What are your favorite low calorie "cheats" when you want something that tastes sinful without blowing the calorie budget?

I'm not sure if I fit in with what you're looking for, but I am interested in joining.  I am 39, 5'6" and weight in at 195.2 this morning.  That may seem like alot but it's actually down 4.8 pounds from last Wednesday, which is when I joined CC and started this.  I like the idea of having a group to turn to, and I understand that being accountable to a group can help us stay motivated.

My goal weight is 140, which is 60 pounds, not 30, but I figure if I reach the first 30 I'm halfway there, and I'll deal with the second 30 at that time.  But our calorie goals are the same 1200-1400, so I thought maybe  you might let me join?

Either way, I think this is a great idea and I'm sure y'all will do fine. 

Safiyah