Over 200 club!

HI! My name is Laura and i am 5-5 and 235 lbs as of today. I did weigh 240 almot 2 weeks ago. I am counting calories cuz I do not know what ele to do. When i gave birth, I only weighed 201 lbs! My son is 5(his bday is halloween). I cant believe i have put on so much lately. I have high blood pressure so I am on Diovan. I am also on protonix( for heartburn). I took myself off depo provera lat Sept and currently have the IUD, Mirena. Birth control was part of it but that is why I switched to IUD. I am taking it slow, and watching what I eat. I guess I am supposed to stay under 1700 calories and I walked 20 minutes today. I hate exercise now but I have to do it to lose weight the old fashioned Way!
if you have any suggestions, please tell me....

Well, I made it to the store today for a new scale and I have good news to report - I've lost 3 pounds!  YeeHaw!  Plus, the scale that I bought came with a pedometer, so that was a bonus "score".  I guess it was worth waiting a day to weigh. <G>

Nice work hdnaussies! 

I've only been on this thing for a few days but you guys have helped me kickstart this whole thing and I find myself logging on just to see how you guys are doing - it's motivating.

I live alone and rarely prepare meals @ home which makes counting calories difficult - so a big lifestyle change for me will be to actually prepare healthy meals for myself instead of picking up a take-out menu or getting in the car and going out to eat. 

I went into a supermarket (haven't been to one in a LONG time) and I can't believe I spent 2 hours in there!  Time was mostly spent reading labels and comparing products so although it took me a while - it was a learning experience.  I tried to stay away from the middle aisles (where all the carbs and processed foods are) and just picked up what was on my list. 

I found the popsicles someone here recommended and I also found some Chicken of the Sea Salmon filets (single serving) packets that you just simply have to heat up in microwave.  Very little calories, no fat, and simple/quick to make.  I also bought some frozen mixed veggies to go with it. 

Weekends are harder than usual for me .... so it's exciting that we're already 1/2 through Saturday and I've made good choices so far.  I went out last night with friends and I stuck to club soda and diet coke. 

I think I'll weigh myself once a week on Monday mornings (another discussion suggested a Monday morning weigh in to encourage good choices over the weekend) and we'll see how it goes. 

May sound silly - but I'm actually having fun doing this.  Granted, it's only been a few days but nevertheless - all the planning and sharing has been fun. 

Alright for hrd!!!  I wish I found a bonus like that.

Serena, I am a bit envious that you spent that much time in the market.  I keep trying to do that but have resigned to the fact that I'll have to do my studying of the labels in spurts.  For now, I'm checking and comparing on the foods that I normally eat OR the foods that I want to eat.  I have barely hit the tip of the iceberg with new food discoveries.

I also log in here and there just to see what's up with everyone.  It IS encouraging and exciting to be on here, especially if you have the same issues being brought up but just haven't verbalized them yet.

I went to olive garden with my mom for lunch today.  I remembered seeing the restaurant listed here and figured I'd get the salad and it'll be easy to log when I got home...nope, it didn't work that way.  The salad isn't even listed as an option, only the dressing.  I estimated and listed everything individually.  Just griping...lol

hrd - Great find with the scale!  I love a good bargin.  I just got mine too.  I'm really curious to get a food scale.  I think I'm under/over estimating my portions.  I'd like to be more accurate.  I don't care about being over it's the under part that makes me worried.

Serena - I'm totally with you.  At first I as a little skeptical of the online  support group but, I really enjoy it and it helps to keep me focused even if I have a bad day here or there....or here again.  :)  I've been finding lots of new foods to enjoy.  Another good find was Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon - no sugar added.  130 calories a packet prepared with water.  Sometimes, I start the day with this or when I'm hungry inbetween meals...it's perfect!  Sticks to your bones???  Know what I mean??  I also keep cut up carrots and celery in the fridge - ALWAYS.  It's quick and easy to grab and healthy.  I just cut them up and fill up the dish with water to keep them from drying out.  They keep for a long time.  I just keep changing the water.  (BTW - Those popsicles rock!)

Okay, I found another hurdle today...not only do I have to watch out for eating with other people but, I also have to watch out for the weekend.  It's something about the weekend that makes me think...oh, break time!  Let's splurge!!  What is it about the weekend that makes me do that???  Anyone else feel this way about the weekend??

VK - just a salad at Olive Garden!!  I am soooo proud of you.  You are a better person than I am!

Thanks Hyechong, I also had one breadstick though.  I do really like their salads.  I still have enough calories tonite for 2 beers, 3 if I can handle it...Lol  It's been a while since I had a beer without guilt. 

I am the exact same way on the weekends.  My structure breaks down because I don't have to follow a schedule.  I made an effort today to eat breakfast at the normal time just like always and I think that helped.

whoaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!  I was only gone since Fri afternoon!!!!  woohoo!!  This just shows how much we all NEED this site!!! 

first, congrats to rockin, tabby, and hrd on losses!!!!!!!!!  woohoo!!

b/c I found it!!!  :(  It's okay though, I weighed this am and I did gain 1 pound. 

I was "good"  for most of the trip and then, it happened.  We were leaving the arena where the event was...all 14,000 people, and we were stuck in a standstill for 45 minutes.  We finally moved, and then I found a shortcut and went for it!  I was in that parking lot for over 1 hour .  It was 1:25 in the afternoon, and I had had breakfast at 6 am, then an apple at 900 am.  We stopped at a pizza place for a girl to meet her husband b/c there was no way he would have gotten in the parking lot !! So, we decided to eat there and wait out the traffic.  I had intentions of getting a salad, but the salad was icky looking!!!  So, pizza it was!!  I was starving!!

Long story short, today is today.  It is right back into my new routine.  I think yesterday was just a high sodium day.  I didn't drink alot of water either (funny how that is finally becoming part of my routine). 

tomorrow is my official weigh in day with hubby.  If it's not a loss, that is okay.  Life happens along the way!

Have a great day!  And I really did miss being in here with y'all!  You all help me more than you could ever know!  And Tubby, I liked your note on being a certain number on the scale.  Thanks for sharing.

I have not had a good week...if I show a loss tomorrow, I will take it but be happy/sad about it.  I have not felt good...therefore, I did eat good...lol...amazing how we fall back into old habits...though in my defense, I had only one good day under my belt again after starting over before sickness took over...good grief...never a break...lol. 

I am not counting today, either, though I am not doing poorly...I am watching...drinking water (trying at least)...and not going overboard...

I bought some Popsicle brand sugar free popsicles for snacks...I bought some One-A-Day Weight Smart vitamins...I am ready for tomorrow...it will be Day 8 as well as Day 1...lol...starting over again from being under the weather...it sure hit me like a ton of bricks...weather gets warmer...people get sick...:( 

itsmy...glad you had such a great time...pizza has a lot of sodium and without as much water, I am sure that pound will get lost again by tomorrow!!

hrd...awesome deal with the scale!  I have a pedometer as well, but it seems to count steps even when I tap my feet while sitting at my desk...lol...so it is in my purse until I get out walking again which is hopefully tomorrow...

I also have weekend trouble...when I am working, I can gauge my food better...I am busier and not so much time to worry about when I get to eat again...also easier for me to drink water when I am working for some reason...so my goal is also to try to keep going on the weekends without so much leeway...

I have been doing my allowance and calculating my goal as of April 22, 2008 which is my 3 year wedding anniversary...today I left the goal date blank and it said 1350 calories a day and I could reach my goal by April 6, 2008...so I am excited...that gives me a deficit of 750 a day because it says I burn 2100...I have it calculated as sedentary since I have an office job and I only walk about 45 minutes a day...I am excited...now I need everyone to kick my butt so that I stick with it!!! 

tabby - the thing I've learned in the week and a half I've been calorie-counting is that everyday is day 1.  So far, I would say that I've had 5 bad days out of 12.  Now, for a diet that's not great BUT, if you look at that prior to my new lifestyle, I probably had 10 bad days out of 12.  So, I'm improving.

I think we are going to have good days and bad days.  It's okay as long as the good days outnumber the bad days.  I just keep thinking about it that way because I can't beat myself up everytime I falter a little bit or a lot and get all depressed about it.

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better.  One trick I learned just the other day to keep me drinking water is to keep lemon slices in the fridge.  When I get a glass of water I pop a lemon slice in the water.  It gives it a little flavor and it's not WATER.  At least in my mind.  Lemons are cheap enough around here that I don't mind if one goes bad before I use it.  I always try to keep lemons and limes in the house.  A little squirt of lemon or lime goes a long way in adding flavor to a dish with adding too many calories.

As for your goal...we are here to help you stick with it!  Just like you guys are here for me!

:)

Hey ppls this is my first post!! lol. I started cc on Jan 23 @ 236lbs. Im 5'9. As of yesterday I weighed in at 213! I couldn't and still can't believe that I lost 23 lbs in 2 mos. I am currently eating 1500 calories a day and exercising 30 minutes on my elliptical EVERYDAY. It almost seemed too easy for me to lose the weight, I have never tried to diet b 4 in my life. I have been reading a lot about ppl hitting the plateau and am curious when this will happen .....Forgive me if it is a stupid question

kristine, welcome!  and CONGRATULATIONS on the 23 lbs!  Wow, that is great! 

I can't answer your questions about the plateau but, I couldn't help but resist and compliment you!

Congrats kristina...23 pounds is terrific!  Way to go!  My goal is 1350 calories a day and 40 minutes of walking outside whenever it is weather permitting!  My cold has kept me from doing anything including eating right this last week...so tomorrow is hitting it hard again!  I want to lose 23 pounds in 2 months...:)  Keep it up girlfriend...this is definitely a new lifestyle for all of us!!

For everyone...what is something good to eat for breakfast?  I have been eating Lean Pockets sausage, egg & cheese pockets...only 150 calories a piece...but I am growing tired of them.  Also keep in mind that I do not like breakfast food, cereal, etc...nothing sounds good to me in the mornings and I have to force myself to eat before 10am even though I am up at 6:30am.  Would something like tuna and saltines be okay?  I need ideas...:)

Tabby - do you like yogurt?  That is a great way to start the morning.  In many countries, breakfast is not the carb-fest that it is in America and Europe.  Their breakfasts consist of veggies, meat, beans, etc.  So eat whatever you'd like for breakfast - don't feel confined to the traditional breakfast fare.  Heck, anything would be an improvement over a hot pocket <G>!  (If you've never heard comedian Jim Gaffigan's bit on Hot Pockets - it's priceless!)

I was proud of myself today - we ate Sunday dinner at my MIL's and I turned down the chocolate cream cake that she served for dessert!  I did great on limiting my portions on the rest of the meal and skipping the ham - she always cooks the sh*& of it anyway (at least, that's how my husband puts it<G>) and it never tastes good!  Makes it easier to pass on!

I weighed myself this morning right out of the shower, before I ate breakfast and it was a full 2 pounds less than what it registered yesterday - so I'll take it!  When I tried out the new scale yesterday it was after lunch and I was fully clothed.  So who knows?  Two more paperclips anyway!

darn it...I forgot my paperclips...lol...I will have to get some tomorrow...I have some little ones at work...will have to use them until I get some colored ones...lol...thanks for the reminder!

Congrats on turning down the cake...I don't like ham so I would have passed on it as well!

2 pounds...woohoo!!  I know that you are going to have a great weigh-in tomorrow!!  Congrats!!

I have never heard Jim Gaffigan's bit on the Hot Pockets, but I will have to hear it sometime...I think he is too funny! 

Kristine, don't worry about when you might hit a plateau, just enjoy the ride down!  I think plats are different for everyone.  Just keep doing what you're doing and hopefully you won't find yours.  

BTW, WOOHOO on your 23!!!

Tabby:  munch on some veggies...bring some low fat ranch dressing or something as a dip if you want.  Just an idea...

Hrd, YEAH on your 2!  Are you going to post it in the paper clip forum?

I never heard of Jim Gaffigan either... I'll have to keep an ear open for him.

Hello Everyone! As happy as I am to be back to read all your posts I'm so mad I'm back already! We weren't supposed to leave until tomorrow but rain was moving in so we figured we shoudl leave while we are having a good time. And a good time I had! I think that friday and saturday I was still either at or below my maintenance calories but I know today was very very bad. But I had a really great time adn we did a lot of walking at Fort Ross so I'm not stressing it. I am stressing b/c I'm addicted to my scale and didn't weigh for 2 days and I'm terrified of what it will say tomorrow so I've been chuggin my water hoping I have lost since last week. ugh, we'll see. I'm still taking tomorrow off adn I told hte b/f he has to hang out w/ me still since we should still be camping! haha So i think we will be hangineryg out and playing w/ our kitties who missed us very much! Tarzan keeps walking across my lap and chest  so I'll pet him!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! And sorry to anyone who reads my journal cuz I'm gonna copy this in there!

Hi everyone.

Going on spring break with the family come Saturday.  We are heading for Isle of Palms SC.  Luckily, the food isn't that great in Charleston, or I didn't think it was.  I am planning on using my daughter's lap top, I think we have internet access.  I hope so.  I am giving myself two free days.  Meaning, if I want something like a cheesburger or a dessert I am allowing myself that.  If I don't use em, great.  I am pretty into this so I may choose not to go there at all.  Hope everyone is having a good start to their day.  Tully  

Good morning everyone!

Weigh in - 210.5 - 2.5 lbs lost last week!  Yeah!!!

I hope everyone has just as a successful weigh-in!!

Tully - have a nice spring break.  I hope that you won't need those free days but, if you do, totally understandable!

Yeah, yeah, yeah....!  Great day!

Hello everyone and welcome new ones.  Congrads to all who lost some of those pounds.  What a great way to start the week?  Kt and itsmytime welcome back..so glad you enjoyed your weekend. 

This weekend was pretty good for me.  Hubby and I went out to supper with freinds who were celebrating their 23rd anniversary...their daughter paid for all our meals...that was nice. We went to East Side Marios.  I had tons of the veggie salad cause I didn't want to overeat...lol.  I figured if I feeled up on that I could doggie bag my meal and bring it home.  I avoided the pastas...way too much cheese and I knew I'd go over but they had a new meal....Chickenbreast stuffed with Goatcheese and roasted veggies....mmmmmm....that's what I had.  So I think I did ok and I drank tons of water too.  So we'll see by Friday my weigh in day.

I agree weekends are very hard which is why I weigh in Friday. Gives me all week to work of what I ate....lol.  Not sure if it's working or not...we'll see over the next few weeks.

Weigh in this morning  224...down 2 pounds from last week!

I am going to buy some paperclips this afternoon...

My woohoo for today besdies the loss...no Little Debbie snacks when I got up in the middle of the night...I let the dog out and went back to bed...:)

Congrats to everyone who lost or had a good week without a loss or had a bad week and are getting back on track this week...we all are worth it!!

My weigh in this AM...I lost a half pound again.  :(  I know, I know...at least it is something and at least it is in the right direction.  I'm frowning because that's a total of 1 pound since 2/22...  :(

Welcome back kt and itsmytime...glad to hear you had a great time!  Didn't someone else go away too?  I can't remember who but whoever you are...hope your trip went well too!