10-20 pound support group?!?

I really would love to have a group of people to share tips, successes, frustrations and support!  There are several other groups out there that I contemplated joining, but some of them have been together for so long now that I kind of feel guilty joining a group where everyone has already been together for a year. 

Anyway, I am 28 and just joined this website about a month and a half ago.  I have tried diets for several weeks at a time in the past several years but was never fully committed like I am now.  For a little history - I was always thin growing up, played tennis and then played tennis in college.  My unhealthy/"eating whatever I wanted"  didn't catch up to me until after college when my activity level dropped substantially and my metabolism slowed down as well I guess.  I am still not overweight really, but am overweight compared to what I am used to.  My goal really isn't a weight goal (although I have set one at which I think I would be happy 125), but rather to have my clothes fit again.  I started at 140 or 141, and am currently 136.6 after 4 weeks of recording my foods and activities. 

I would love to lose 2 lbs a week, but just haven't yet. I am trying to run at least 3 times a week and am doing weight lifting, pilates etc. at home on most of the other days.  I think I have gained some muscle back in the past month and am noticing more changes in the way my clothes fit than 3.5 lbs would likely produce (or maybe that is wishful thinking?).  I am trying to stick to a 1500 calorie diet which I think is reasonable for weight loss.   I am also going on vacation to the Caribbean in about another 5 weeks and would be really excited if I could be under 130 pounds (probably a bit of a stretch considering I have only lost 3.5 lbs in the past month). 

Anyway, I would love to have a group of friends to do weekly weigh ins, celebrate each others successes, and to have support when every week isn't a success.  Anyway, if there are any other like minded people I'd love to start a thread where we can check in with each other regularly, maybe even share recipe ideas, our daily diets, exercise and other life events. 

sweatpants,good job...!

but I am not sure what deficit means... ... I looked it up online but I still don't get the meaning of the words all put together...

will you tell me?

Btw,How tall are you ?

Good morning ladies!  So, super exciting - I weighed this morning (I know, easy to say not to but the scale was looking at me and I just wanted to see) and I was down to 133.8 (it deserved to be bolded)  Whoo Hoo!  This is the first time I have seen 133's.  It is just a great day all around....last night after your inspiration and encouragement I ran for 35 minutes and 46 seconds (not that I was timing it or anything!!).  So 5 minutes longer than I normally run, and although I totally wanted to stop at 29 minutes I just kept going.  I have to say though, I must have been running funny b/c my left calf is SUPER sore this morning. Maybe I will do strength training and some abs and stuff today and take a day away from cardio. 

I wish I had an exercise bike - then I could sit in front of the tv to workout (hee hee!).

fluffy - so deficit is your (daily burn at rest +any burn with the exercise you do) minus the calories you eat.  So for example I will calculate my deficit for you for yesterday:

Breakfast 100% Whole Wheat Bagels - Bagels & English Muffins A- 100 250 Cream Cheese Original   28 100   Lunch Lasagna with Meat Sauce - one dish favorites C+ 294 320   Dinner Beef, Chuck, Arm Pot Roast - Separable Lean Only, Trimmed To 0" Fat, Select, Cooked, Braised B 142 277 Beans, Cut Green - Canned Goods B- 250 30 Bread, French Or Vienna, Toasted - (Includes Sourdough) B 40 128 President Le Connoisseur Brie - Bries & Soft Ripened B- 28 90   Snacks Crackers Baked Whole Grain Wheat Rosemary & Olive Oil B 14 60 Mini Babybel Light Original A- 21 50 Total Calories Consumed 1,305

Daily burn at the minimal activity on calorie count (to enable you to add in your own workouts) is 1745 + 375 (35 minutes of running at 6.7 mph) = 2120 minus the 1305 consumed from my food calculator= deficit of 815 yesterday.  Does that make sense?

PS. they say that 3500 calories deficit = 1 lbs lost.  So 500 deficit a day for 7 days gives you your one pound weight loss.  And 7000 calorie deficit over a week would give you 2 lbs per week, supposedly.  I always aim a little on the lower side of inbetween the ranges.  I am super paranoid about "starvation mode" since I ate so terribly before and my body is used to lots of calroies... and the last thing I want is to stop losing weight from not eating enough.  I mean really!!! 

sweatpants - great job on the deficit two days in a row...stringing it all together really is the hard part huh?  I can do anything for a day, but doing it consistently is hard!  139.5 is great too.  Remind me, what is your goal?  I feel like I should remember everybody's goal---but it is hard. 

Do you all have tickers posted on your profile with your goal?  That might be helpful so we can put everybody's loss in context.

Ash?  where are you?  Margie- you doing ok?

hey all!!!  Sorry I've been away so long!  I ended up staying the whole weekend with my parents, then working....grr.  Glad to be back!!  Thank you everyone for the encouraging advice.  I did fine while visiting for the most part....there was the occasional key lime pie and margaritas....but other than that, I basically maintained. So for today's weigh in, I am still the same, which I think I'm ok with that.  At least I haven't gained.  So, I'm still 9 pounds away from my first goal. 

fluffy- to figure out a deficit, first look up how many calories your body will burn keeping its self alive.     There is something on this site that can do that.  I think everyone put themselves as sendentary.  So once you figure that up, figure up the calories your eating, subtract them from the calories you burn.  If you workout, figure those in as well.  Wow, a lot of words.  Ok formula:

Calories burned + workout calories burned (if any) - calories eaten = deficit. 

well, hopefully deficit. 

I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well.  I think Margie mentioned Olive Garden....and now that will be on my mind all day.  I love that place!!!  It was your daughter's birthday, it's ok to cut yourself some slack!   So today's plan: Fiber chewy bar (120), apple (80) kashi meal (240). strawberries (80), tuna wrap (180), salad with italian dressing (200), smart ones cookie dough sundae (170).  Right around 1100.  I feel like that's a ton of food!! 

I'll check back in later.  Have a great day!

Been MIA due to college. Can you believe on the first day my English teacher assigned for me to write and essay? Lawlz. Plus I had to read 4 chapters for my farming class.... Ended up just skimming it and high lighting the important parts. Add gym and work to the mix and my schedule is just RRRRRRRRR. I also am just going to use the internet on my campus.

I did eat bad the day before and after labor day so I'm avoiding the scale. And by bad I don't mean I ate a donut or anything.... I totally binged to the point of stomach pain. I was triggered by stress (Lack of sleep, lack of water) and I know I can avoid that particuler trigger in the future.

somoa and ash - we've been mising you!  Welcome back. 

Somoa - glad the trip home went so well, I think maintaining is great when you go away for the weekend.  Plus you have to live a little, right?  Mm...olive garden. I LOVE, LOVE LOVE the pasta fagioli soup.  Oh my gosh, I am totally that girl that gets a soup refill.

ash - sorry, going back to school is a change, huh?  Sounds like you are busy already?  What is your living situation like?  Do you live in an apartment or somewhere where you can't really fix your own food?

Erica- we must have posted at the same time!! lol.  Congrats on the weight loss.  133 is AMAZING!!!  Keep up the good work!  

soup- school can be very stressful.  I use to get so stressed out that I became quite sick.  Just try not to let everything overwhelm you.  At least you can pinpoint what triggered your binge and avoid that situation next time.  Good job!!! 

 

hi.  weighed today, still the same at 149, shooting for 140.  149 was my start weight a couple of weeks ago.  However,  my pants fit better in the stomach area.  At this point, early on in my life change plan, the deficit I'm shooting for is such that I will only lose about 1/2 pound a week, or 2 pounds per month.  I have reduced my calories and increased my exercise, so that I will lose weight , but not quickly at all!  I have very limited time as a full-time working single mom, so my goal is to increase the intensity of my exercise a little each week, so that I'll burn more calories and the deficit will grow.  at this point, I just know I'm not ready to give up more calories, I already have to work hard to stay at that total.  Maybe I'll be ready later, maybe not.  If I just do what I'm doing, and give myself a month where I just maintain over the holidays,  I will reach my goal weight of 140 in March of 2010.   I have to remind myself that is perfectly OK!!  It's not a race, and spring will be a good time to debut my new body in some cute clothes!   I just have to take this one day at a time, one foot in front of the other.  Log, eat well, and exercise.  One meal at a time, one snack at a time.  getting right back up after i fall down, since i am human.  progress, not perfection.  I'm talking to myself here, but I hope it encourages someone else!

Hi All!

 

Got really sick this last weekend with a stomach flu of some sort, and have had a hard time eating enough calories because of it to maintain my energy levels. I weighed in at the doctors office (has anyone noticed how evil the doctors scales are?) and I guess I'm quite a bit heavier than I thought I was... which was depressing and frustrating and all those terrible things that get you off track. It's hard to stay focused but I am trying!

 

I'll keep you all posted on any developments (i'm sure everyones holding their breath )

 

Any tips on where to get a cheap scale? I think it'll help me stay on track. I'm worried about becoming obsessive but at this rate, I need to face reality once and for all!

 

Also- does anyone here do Bikrams yoga?

anita - yeah, sometimes the body contouring is just as rewarding as the actual weight loss. I will take a pound of nice sculpted muscle for belly fat any day of the week!!!  I think the slow pace sounds great. I really only had about 10 pounds to lose (I initially thought 15, but not so sure now) and it has been slow. I have lost 6 pounds in 2 months-ish and it has still been hard work.  When you don't have a lot to lose I think your body hangs onto it more.

pixi - sorry to hear that you are sick.  Yuck, I am sure working out is the last thing you want to do, and the scale...terrible.  Doctors offices always are like 5 lbs heavier...seriously.  Walmart as far as the cheap scale goes, they have ones for $15 I think. I finally splurged and got a digital scale and body fat monitor.  BTW, my body fat has gone from 30 down to 21 with only a 6 lb weight loss. 

Wanted to post today's meals now (haven't had my dinner dessert, but that is what I am having!!!) since I am travelling tommorow.  I am going to CHicago for work for 2 days, will be back on Sunday. I am taking my computer, hopefully hotel has free wi-fi, we'll see.

Thu, Sep 10 2009 Grade Grams Cals   Breakfast chex mix bar     140 Light Key Lime Pie A 170 100   Lunch Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup - Condensed Soup B- 252 140 Apple Sauce Unsweetened - Mott's Organics A- 123 50 100 Calorie Right Bites Fudge Shoppe Grasshopper Cookies C- 21 100   Dinner Potatoes, Au Gratin, Home-prepared From Recipe Using Margarine B 61 81 Chik' n Nuggets B+ 65 144 Crackers Baked Whole Grain Wheat Rosemary & Olive Oil B 28 120 2% Milk Reduced Fat Mild Cheddar A- 28 80 Ranch Dressing B 15 38 Dessert - Double Chocolate Brownie   83 147   Snacks Vanilla & Chocolate Combo - Low Fat B+ 100 140 Total Calories Consumed 1,279

Hi everyone!

Erika: Congrats on the loss! I think I'll have to find a strapping man to help me in with my groceries. I'm on the first floor, so it's not too bad, but I have to go in one trip, so it's sketchy in terms of looking like hulk girl carrying the things in :/. The other day I did a half an hour of weights (not a big cal burner) and 40 min of cardio (20 min stepper, 20 min jog). I find running doesn't burn a ton of calories unless you're very fast or run until the sun sets, so I tend to stick to the machines that can give me maximum calorie burn for the time (elliptical, stepper, aerobics or k-box class). I mix it up with some jogging at times though. I haven't weighed in about a week. I'm afraid of the difference between my old scale and the wii fit. My last weigh-in was 164, which would make it seem like I'm huge, but I'm a size 7-10 on bottom and 6 on top.  I think the toning could have a lot to do with it, because I wear the same clothes as I did when I was 155. My sedentary burn is 1940.

ash: I'm in the same boat... my eating is okay, but my exercise has gone downhill pretty fast. There's just no time. It'll work out though. Do you cook your own meals?

Samoa: Maintaining is good, and your meal plan looks great now :).

Sweatpants: Congrats on the loss. I know how much of a struggle the binge eating can be. You're doing so well :).

Wed, Sep 09 2009 Grade Grams Cals   Breakfast Coffee - Black   540 11   Lunch Skinless & Boneless Pink Salmon - Salmon   140 150 Apple Juice from Concentrate A- 450 216   Dinner Italian Dressing A- 16 27 Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad - Featured Salad   300 135   Snacks Pop Secret 94% Fat Free Butter B+ 89 281 Safeway Winter Blend Vegetables (prepared) - Frozen Foods B+ 300 100 Dairyland Chocolate 1% Partly Skimmed Milk - Dairyland Chocolate milk A- 500 336 Coffee - Black   270 5 Rum - 40% Volume   50 111 Safeway Winter Blend Vegetables (prepared) - Frozen Foods B+ 75 25 Total Calories Consumed 1,398 Thu, Sep 10 2009 Grade Grams Cals   Breakfast Coffee - Black   540 11   Lunch Dairyland Chocolate 1% Partly Skimmed Milk - Dairyland Chocolate milk A- 500 336 Rice, Brown, Medium-grain, Cooked A 145 162   Dinner Haddock, Fillets - Seafood, Frozen D+ 250 180 Safeway Winter Blend Vegetables (prepared) - Frozen Foods B+ 300 100 Rice, Brown, Medium-grain, Cooked A 293 328 Rice, Brown, Medium-grain, Cooked A 49 55   Snacks Pop Secret 94% Fat Free Butter B+ 89 281 Rum - 40% Volume   50 111 Total Calories Consumed 1,564

p.s. I didn't really have four shots of alcohol (I'm the lightest weight ever, and wouldn't be able to type this message). I couldn't find the info for smirnoff diet coolers, of which I drank two (200 cal). Apparently, that's the caloric equivalent of four shots of rum. Close enough...

542 + 376 = 918.

Erika: I do drink a lot of milk. I think I was just raised that way. My mom gave me milk with every meal growing up. LOL, she was a health nut. I think it's good for weight loss, and I tend to think it reduces abdominal fat more quickly if you're already dieting. I drink it all the time, and my stomach has always been pretty flat. Now, for the hips...

 

fluffybunny - yup, erika explained it pretty well.  It's your calorie intake - calories burned.  So  [Calories eaten] - [Calories burned through activity] - [Calories burned through living (also know as BMR, I think)]

Welcome back Samoa!  (err sorry I don't know/forgot your name if you told us before.)

Ash - so sorry about the binge...it's good that you know your trigger though.  That's the first step.  Good luck!

Erika - great job!!  Yup, I've kept a deficit like 5 days in a row now?  I'm so proud!  (ok so I didn't keep it today, but I'll explain later)

anita - definitely not a race...although sometimes I feel like it is.  I feel like I have these deadlines to meet!  Anyway, slowly is definitely the healthy way.

pixipm - oh yeah, dr's scales SUCK.  I ignore those, always.  I know it sounds stupid, but I just can't take the ego blow and I just decide that they're totally wrong, haha.  I bought my scale on amazon.  I think target or bed bath and beyond would have cheap ones too.  I did Bikram for a while about 1-2 years ago.  The heat really helps with flexibility, but I don't think it burns calories for ya, so if that's what you're hoping...sorry!

hilary - good job avoiding total alcohol binge.  Your day looks totally healthy, great job!  (well...besides the "rum" hehe)  I love fish too.  Fish and tofu are my main protein sources when I cook for myself.  (I do turkey for sandwiches, but if I'm having a "main course" it's always fish.)

So I didn't have a deficit today, but stayed at maintenance instead.  I've kept a good deficit for the past 5 days, so I think it's okay and hopefully it'll keep my metabolism from slowing down too.  Ah!  I'm just having such a good week, haha.

I'm 5'4" and around 140.  I'm hoping to get down to....125?  Not really sure about my goal, but I'll be overjoyed when I'm below 130, for sure.

Good luck everyone!!

pixi- I hate doctor's scales!  I just hate weighing with my clothes on...I usually take my shoes off.  I hate it.  It's so awkward.  I got my digital scale at walmart and have had it over 3 years.  It's been super great. 

Anyway-.......yesterday I was soooo tempted by a lovely chocolate cupcake at my mother-in-laws.  They were fresh and warm.  With sprinkles!!!!!  I totally avoided it and kept drinking my water.  I just felt like if I gave in I was ruining my whole day.  I did very good yesterday and something clicked in my mind that the taste of the cupcake wasn't worth ruining all of my effort that day.  I cannot believe I did that.  (proud) Chocolate is my number 1 offender. 

 

sweatpants- Great job on the 5 day deficit.  That's fantastic! 

 

So today's plan isn't too exciting ( I would post my meals from CC but I'm still logging on thedailyplate.com so I just give their calorie count)

kashi mocha almond bar (130) Smart ones ziti (320) 1 cup raw pineapple (78) kashi ranchero beans (340) smart ones cookie dough sundae (170) total 1034

Have a great Friday!

 

I just paid $13 bucks to get internet at the hotel for a day...geez, are you serious?  What a racket. 

Somoa - good job on the cupcake, gosh it is so hard isn't it?  I love how you actually thought about it and decided it wasn't worth it...way to go!

sweatpants - I agree, one day of maintenance isn't going to kill your week if you other days have been good.  As a matter of fact, it is probably good for your calorie burning.  125 sounds like a good goal, although only you know your body and what you would be comfortable at. 

hilary - so it is a combination - your BMR is a little higher than mine and your workouts are definitely higher calorie burning.  Is it strange that I am weirdly jealous that you can eat more calories...I guess that is the true sign of a dieter..food envy  Hee hee. Yeah, without a gym though I can't really see myself buying a stairstepper or elliptical. Running is just going to have to do, the other thing is that I have kind of been enjoying it lately.  Which brings me to:

Today I got here at 11, then went for a 45 (yes, I typed that correctly) minute run all along the lake here this morning.  I think I actually am starting to like running. It has always been a means to an end, not something I enjoy but do to stay in shape.  I mean I obviously get tired and want to stop after a while, but I like it a lot more...and then I had this mini-epiphany that I am going to keep running this time. Not run for a couple of months to lose weight and then go by the wayside..but really run just for me.  So..what did that lead me to?  I spent 300 bucks (300 dollars, again 300 dollars) at this store I found while I was shopping on running clothes. All running clothes.  Have you all ever heard of lululemon?  It was SOOOO cute, the running tights and little shirts with bras in them fit soooo well (maybe it's the 6 pounds??) and I bought a 3/4 running tights, a full length running tights, two spaghetti strapped shirts with real bras in them (not just the shelf bra), a sports bra and a loose shirt.  That crap was not cheap...and now I feel super guilty b/c a) 300 dollars is just a lot of money, b) for running clothes?, c) I didn't really have 300 to blow b/c of the plane tickets to father-in-law when he was sick.  So tell me, honestly, is it ok?  My rationalization side says that running is really important and investing in good running clothes is investing in my health?  Am I full of crap?

Hi everyone!

Sweatpants: Fish is awesome! Heart disease runs in my family, so I guess it's lucky I'm naturally inclined to eat omega-3's. Glad you're doing well :).

Samoa: Holy willpower. Thanks for telling us the little victory too, it's those little things that can ruin your day and cumulatively, your diet. It's great inspiration to hear about your successes :).

Erika: That internet does sound like a racket... holy macarel. I think the workout clothing purchase is completely justifiable. You said in an earlier post you like working out more when you have cute workout clothes. That's the perfect incentive. Besides, you've worked hard for this, and you deserve to look and feel great working out, imo.

Fri, Sep 11 2009 Grade Grams Cals   Lunch Cinnamon Roll D+ 105 420 Milk, Reduced Fat, Fluid, 2% Milkfat - With Added Vitamin A A- 488 244   Dinner Chicken Parmesan B 311 300 Rice, Brown, Medium-grain, Cooked A 146 164 Broccoli - Raw A 176 60   Snacks Pop Secret 94% Fat Free Butter B+ 101 319 Skinless & Boneless Pink Salmon - Salmon   109 117

Total Calories Consumed

1,623

 

647 + 918 = 1565.

I got to the gym for an hour today, which was good. However, I'm starting to rely too much on what is called a "dcb" plan (a requirement for those who live in residence). It entails a $700 food allowance (forced purchase). It can be used at the starbucks conveniently located in the main lobby of the sports center as I exit the gym (conveniently located meters from my residence). There's also a little coffee shop convenience store just across from the library. I picked up a "cinnamon crunchie" there today. After realising it was 420 calories, it became the lunch crunchie with a side of milk. Hopefully I'll avoid that place for everything but emergency beverage purchases and garden salads in the future. Yikes...

 

Ok, so I either maintained or had a small deficit for the day.  I'm still happy, haha.

Erika-  I've totally heard of how awesome and expensive lululemon is, and so I forbid myself from going into the store.  I'm scared that I'll be so addicted that I can't help blowing a ton of money there.  I stick to target (champion) running shorts and bras and hanes tshirts.  But that shopping spree sounds like so much fun.

Hilary - oh yeah, those coffeeshop baked goods are the devil!  I try to limit myself to one a week.  They are my cheat food, I guess.  Chug water after your workout and maybe you won't be tempted!

samoa - I LOVE cupcakes and sprinkles are my favorite topping.  great job avoiding that pitfall!

I gotta get back on that deficit horse this weekend!
I'm going to try to sleep in tomorrow so I'm not sure when I'll work out.  I hate seeing people I know at the gym (which is hard to avoid on a college campus unless I go way early in the morning).  Oy, we'll see.

Good Morning Girls,

Sorry I've been MIA for most of the week. To be honest, I had a horrible week with my eating, I think I kind of fell off the wagon, but I woke up this morning (a little more rested) feeling more positive about my efforts on losing this weight. I don't have time to read all the post, but I hope that all of you are doing great. I've been super busy and haven't been home a lot this week. I don't know what happened? My son started school on Tuesday and that has created a longer commute and carpool. I carpool some kids from both of my kids schools. My friend is in a bind with her Daycare and needs my help, so all of a sudden I'm working part-time and I'm 3-4 weeks into my school and all of the assignments and reading are really coming down on me. To top it off, my daughter is on a Soccer team and is trying out for her High School team which has caused practices 4 practices per week  and  a game once a week and my son started Art classes once a week which equals A LOT OF DRIVING! I've been so exhausted all week that I guess I just didn't care and tried not to think about what I was eating. Ugh... I'm so frustruated with myself, why does this happen? I should be able to handle some schedule changes or add ons.. what's wrong with me? I know some of you are in school too and it sounds like school always affect the diet or workout at some point, how do we overcome this?

I hope you all continue to do well, I will post soon again. Gotta go, off to a soccer game... and still haven't eaten anything. I'll just grab a healthy snack while I run out the door. Talk to you girls soon.

Margie

Hey all!  Happy weekend--

Margie-- I can definitely tell you're frustrated.  Right now, it sounds like your life is very busy and stressful.  Remember to take a breather and take a few minutes to yourself everyday.  Feeling guilty about not being able to handle all of these changes immediately will only hurt you.  It takes time to adjust to things and get into a routine again.  Don't beat yourself up!!!  You're doing fine because it seems like you've had a lot thrown at you.  Take a little bit to refocus yourself and get everything (and everybody) in line.  You're doing great and we support you!!!! 

Erika- I love, love, love workout clothes!!!  I don't blame you for buying them because when I have them, I only feel like I should be working out.  The bras are the best.   If you're feeling super guilty (as I sometimes do) just return some items.  If I ever overspend and feel really bad, I just take a portion of things back because I hate wearing things I feel bad for buying.  Otherwise, I think splurging on cute workout clothes is worth it sometimes. 

Thanks all for the support of me looking the other way from the cupcakes.  I was around them again last night, but if I can do it once, I can do it again.  It makes me feel totally better there are people who care what decisions I make!!  Thanks! 

As far as today, it's an up calorie day for me, but I still need to do it as healthy as I can.  I'll post later on the details...when I figure them out! lol

Emma

"Ugh... I'm so frustruated with myself, why does this happen? I should be able to handle some schedule changes or add ons.. what's wrong with me? I know some of you are in school too and it sounds like school always affect the diet or workout at some point, how do we overcome this?"

It's okay! You know life is just lots of cycles. Sometimes we are on the ball and other times we fall off. We aren't robots. So, yea a little slips here and there are normal. In weightloss, relationships, schedules, and whatever else seems to get thrown in the mix. I have to get this great quote I read about how every day is the next day to change yourself. I'll look for it!

When our schedules get interuppted it kinda causes the mental focus to be put elsewhere. Ya know? I kinda try to role with the punches. I'm in my sophomore year of college, and I have learned to mold my schedule if I know it is going to start changing for a week or two.

Sometimes it works, others it doesnt. Start planning ahead for working out or if you know you are going to be tired, work out early in the morning or only go for a walk for a bit with your SO or something. If your kids can handle you walking or jogging while they are at their sports maybe you can do that? Not sure. haha dont have children so I have absolutely no idea.

I'm back to working out, five days a week for an hour. Eating 1,300 or more. I just havent been hungry. My room has no air conditioning, so I find the heat upsets my appetite. Might also be the pill who knows. Oh well.

 

Hi everyone,

Margie: I'm sure things will balance themselves out once you get into a routine. Can you delegate any of your current responsibilities? I find it hard to balance a ton of things this year too, now that I'm back in school. It helps a lot to get on a predictable and adequate sleep schedule, even when you're busy. It's hard to get to bed early when things need to be done, but you'll be more productive in the waking hours if you get enough rest. You'll also make better food choices if you're less tired.

Emma: Happy weekend to you too! lol Glad to hear you're doing well. I thought about you and the cupcakes this evening when I was putting the groceries. I think you helped me avert a total meltdown of carbohydrates. (Details on this later).

Claudb: Does the pill cause weight gain? It's my biggest fear for using it. I have enough problems with that as it is...

Sat, Sep 12 2009 Grade Grams Cals   Breakfast Egg, Scrambled B- 103 218   Lunch Lemon Chicken - spa cuisine C+ 252 280   Dinner Sweet and Sour Chicken - cafe classics C- 280 300   Snacks Pop Secret 94% Fat Free Butter B+ 100 316 Dairyland Chocolate 1% Partly Skimmed Milk - Dairyland Chocolate milk A- 500 336 Honey Oat Breakfast Bars A 123 457 Total Calories Consumed 1,907

623 + 1565 = 2188.

"The new all bran bars taste great". It's true, I ate three and a half in one sitting this evening. Isn't that awful? I was really hungry because I had an early dinner, but I think that's an unreasonable amount of food, so it's a binge. I think it could have been a lot worse though, since I had just purchased groceries and there were other tempting things in the room. I also made it to the gym for an hour of cardio so I have a decent deficit. I'm really starting to notice the difference in my body since my deficits have been getting bigger. I've had abs and some tone for a while, but they're really showing a lot more now that I'm losing the flab. It's exciting :).

Am I too old to join this group??  48,  5'3",  135lb.  I'm very frustrated at this point and about ready to quit, so maybe this group can encourage me.  I gained 6 lbs over the summer. On my small frame that translates to one size!  I go to the gym 3 days a week, track all my calories, don't eat more than recommended, but still gained the weight.  I don't understand it and I'm totally p....ed right now.  How can only 6lbs make me go up one whole size??  I really don't know what to do at this point.  I don't want to go into starving mode either, as I'm told that too few calories makes one gain (which I don't understand).   I'm supposed to burn around 1700 cals per day and I eat 1400 usually - so why the gain??

Also, my cat didn't come home last night...

Thanks for letting me vent.