Weekly Weigh in - Slimming Buddies Required

Hi all

My name is Vera, I'm 26 from Ireland and work in Admin.

I'd love to find some people on a par with me so we can support eachother in our weight loss journey - I used to have a group in "Want to lose over 100lb" but luckily I lost 30lb last year and that has edged me into the 51-100lb category - The Winter Christmas months put me off track so I really haven't been exercising or eating right since September.

Now however I am limiting myself to around 1600 calories per day - not being majorly strict but decreasing portions, having alternatives - I eat sugar free jelly to kill those afternoon cravings!

I am also doing EA Active Personal Trainer on the Wii - I am currently on Day 6 of the 30 Day Challenge - Jump Squats are the work of the devil! I make up my exercise to an hour on my exercise bike. (If I do 25 minutes on EA Active I do 35 on my bike etc.) I go swimming for an hour every Wednesday after work with my sister and her two kids - not doing laps but its something and I possibly might start going another night and doing laps - where the heck do people get the time. Apart from Wednesdays (because I'm going swimming) I walk to and from work - it takes half an hour each way and is 3 miles.

I take weekends off - I check what calories I consumed for curiosity after the weekend and still try to be sensible but you need off days. I also don't purposely do any exercise - If I happen to go for a walk all the better!

So that is me, nothing else left but to lay out my weight for today and hope some of you fancy joining me along the way.

Start Weight      (2-12-10)       212.6lb

Good Morning!!

Here are the stats

Sw 229

LW 221.6

 CW 220.0

Should have weighed in yesterday I was a 218.6, I'm guess I hae a bit of water retention due to the hotdogs we had for supper.  Toooo hot to cook indoors and it was the quickest, easiest thing to bbq from frozen since I got home a little late yesterday.  Oh well I'm sure it will be gone by monday and the afternoon chasing my daughter around the pool with burn it off.   9 more pounds to go to reach my july goal.  I got the bridesmaids dress fitted yesterday, and too my surprise once she pulled it in at the boobs (sorry dave lol) the waist didn't need to be let out like I thought it would!!!!  Yay, but I guess I shouldn't lose more than the 9 pounds or I may have a tragedy at the wedding since its strapless!

Tublaci - yup the football season in canada has begun, I think we play earlier then the states, it probably has to due with the fact that it is not uncommon to have snow by the first of october.  And alot of the fields don't have fancy roofs they have close ... although the riders are building a brandnew stadium so they can house more fans and have the shelter.  I feel sorry for the rest of the teams, rider fans are by far the loudest and proudest!!!!  other teams have actually started practising with taping of the sounds of the games crank so they get use to it!

Dave - I agree beer solves lots!!! lol or coolers, haven't actually been able to drink beer since I was pregnant with my oldest.  Should really give it a try those coolers give a nasty hangover, pretty sure its from all the sugar!

rbbeachchick - Yay for the loss!!  I too relented and bought some clothes for the summer, got toooo hot to have only one pair of capris lol.  I'll have to give the miller 64 a try, i use to only drink MGD when I could drink beer.  Probably a hell of alot less calories than my coolers too!

Talk to you all later!

Krista

SW - 220 (5/31)

CSW - 210 (07/01)

CGW - 202 (07/31) 

CW 1 - 208 (MON 07/05)

CW 2 - 205 (FRI  07/09) 

I cut out my sugar in my coffee this week and no whites (refined grains, etc.)  I am very pleased with the results so far.  Still getting uses to the after taste of the Stevia thou.  LOL  I  have also been trying to swim and tread water for one hour two to three times a week.  Good luck to all and Congratulations to all who lost this week!!!!

Hi I am new on the board, but have been using calorie count for a while. I love the fact that I can use it on my phone too and keep track of everything I am eating.

A little background about me and my weight loss journey. I had my last child in November of 2007 (almost 3 years ago) and I didn't lose very much after he was born. I was a stay-at-home mom until last summer when my hubby was laid off and I had to go get a job. Unfortunately at that job, people liked to bring in food. Very bad food! LOL. Donuts, bagels, cookies and more! What's worse is that my desk was only maybe 15 feet away from the table where they kept this food and I could see when I sat down. It would sit there and call my name! So, instead of eating just one of whatever it was, I would end up going over there several times a day. It was bad! I just started a new job almost 2 weeks ago and there is no bad food here. If I want it I have to walk all the way to the cafeteria, and that is quite a distance.

On the food front, I have been doing either slimfast bars or shakes for breakfast. Then for lunch I bring a frozen diet meal, yogurt  and a 12oz diet soda (i recently started restricting myself to one a day). For dinner I usually have whatever I make for the family. I am trying to do 1500 calories or less a day but some days are easier than others.

For exercise, I have been doing Zumba (a latin-inspired dance / aerobic class) 3 days a week. It is SOOOOO much fun! It burns 600-700 calories each time, so I love that fact. Since I have been doing it since March I have also gotten really good at it and have considered paying the money to get certified to teach. The only thing holding me up right now is my weight. My husband works overnights on weekends, so when he gets home on Saturday and Sunday mornings I am planning to go to the gym and get some strength training in. So, hopefully I will be able to get up at 7:15 so I can go and get back before he needs to head to bed. I think strength training (or lack thereof) is the reason for my weight-loss stalling.

I'm not sure what format to put this in, but here is my weigh-in:
Starting Weight: 210
Current Weight today: 201

SW - 190

LW - 177

CW - 178.4

Bleh.

OK, weighed in this morning

SW: 290.4

LW: 226.8

CW:223.4

Woo Hoo!  In addition to the loss, I'm also under the 40% body fat mark.  Guess my gym membership is paying off!  I'm within 6 pounds from losing 100 pounds from my highest measured weight.  I've also lost 67 pounds since starting CC - 2/3 of the way to 100 pounds on this program - all since Feb 1.  I'm pretty darn happy now.

My birthday's coming up soon and my folks want to take me out to dinner tonight at a local brewery.  Normally, this would be a no-brainer - I love beer and food.  Now, I'm a little hesitant - I worked too damn hard to screw it up with a bad meal.  Oh well, I'll accept their dinner (graciously) and make sure that I earned it with a good run today!

Now, on to the comments!

tublaci: I decided that when I get below 200 pounds, I will do a happy dance and post-it for you guys.  Scary - I should just stick with something less intimidating, like a tattoo!

Jackie: I agree that visualization can be a key to success.  In the past, when I was bemoaning my weight, I couldn't (or most likely wouldn't) imagine a thinner, more fit me.  Part of the reason I am having success now is that I can see me being successful!

Denise: Way to go to get under 170!  9 more pounds and you get to do more shopping - Awesome!  So far I've been pretty good avoiding the drink this summer but Tuesday's my birthday and I suspect I might have a beer or two then.

Krista: Way to go with the dress fitting!  Despite the embarrassment, a wardrobe malfunction due to losing all that weight would hardly be the worst thing that could happen.  By the way - cute new pic on FB, you should share it here!  Oh, and good game for the Riders last night!  Big showdown with the Stamps in 2 weeks - we should make a friendly wager on the game.

Damanta: I just looked at your profile and read some of your journal entries.  I'm very proud of you for making the changes in your life despite the challenges you face!  15 pounds since the end of May is great and the 200 pound mark is very close - I see that falling soon.  Be sure to keep us up to speed with your progress.

lisettelovebug: Welcome to the group!  We're a friendly bunch.  Congratulations on the new job - if nothing else, it sounds a lot healthier for you.  Good luck continuing with the food and exercise.

anjylbug: Sorry about the little hiccup there - I'm sure you'll take care of that in short order.

OK, I've put off running long enough - time to get at it!

Dave

You guys rock! I just want to say that I love how supportive you all are to each other and congrats on all the losses!

Free.....running is a great way to exercise. I run alot for exercise. You are doing awesome on the weightloss front.

lisette.... Weight training sounds like a good idea. I have been told muscle burns more than fat so building muscle is a good plan. I also like to cross train from my normal running...I go to the Y and do yoga, wieghts, or some other class.  I find it breaks things up and keeps me interested. I like the Zumba too. Especially since we moved from albuquerque I have not found a good salsa club here. I love to dance!

Damanta.....I found that different stevia products have different amounts of after taste......try a few of them and you might find one that is less blah.

Gotta go now baby is awake!

Audrey

Hello CC Pals,

Time to catch up with everyone!!!  Where do I begin?  Oh yeah, Dallas!  Dave, it wasn’t a ‘Girls Gone Wild’ visit but I did have a great time!  We glammed up and went to Sambuca’s  http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/  and ate appetizers and had a drink.  I am not a drinker so I had a glass of wine which lasted me the entire night.  There was this great blues band called Zoodo Blues playing so that was really nice.  The next day we went shopping ( I found a sundress that was a size 12 and it fit!   http://www.clotheshorseanonymous.com/ ) and split lunch and petit fours.   http://www.enjoycelebrity.com/   It was really nice!  As for my friend and her cyber guy, I got to do a live web chat with him and he seems fine and all.  My big concern is this is all fantasy for her as he lives in Australia and has never been married.  She relies on him a lot and even loses sleep in order to web chat with him.  I’ve never been divorced so I’m really not sure what she’s going through but thankfully she wasn’t selfish while I was there.  I mean…more selfish than usual.  Regardless, I had a good time and enjoyed being single for a weekend.  Once I got home, I was so thankful to see my family again.  I wouldn’t trade my life for anything! 

Besides that, I’ve been busy with the girls doing activities like teaching them to cook, movie marathons, and lots of swimming.  Our Fourth of July was fun and we are now gearing up for their 11th birthday party this Saturday.  It’s going to be luau themed for them and four of their closest friends.  My husband and father n law are going to take the girls out on a speed boat so they can go tubing that morning as we live about 10 minutes from the lake so that will be nice for them.  Once they get home, we are going to grill kid food with flair.  It will basically be a Hawaiian Barbeque without the roasted pig and poi!  Life is good! I also bought them grass skirts – I got one for myself as well!  It’s going to be lots of fun! 

On another note, I’m starting to build more muscles and that is neat to see as I’ve never really seen formations until now.  I’m still water aerobicizing and am doing my Pilates and Yoga as well.  I really need to incorporate more but the girls keep me so busy when they are not in school.  Here are my stats: 

7/02/10 – 196.6lbs

7/05/10 – 197 lbs

7/09/10 – 195.2lbs

As you can see, the last time I reported my weight results was back in June and I was at 194.6lbs.  I gained for a while but I think I’m about even now.  My instructor told me it was muscle so I’m going to take that!  No stressing out over here!  Oh, and I went to my doctor last Friday to check my blood work results and he said I’ve done so much better since I’ve lost my weight as my BMI is down 20% and my insulin levels are normal.  That was good news to me and I’m feeling good, too!  Ok, enough talking.  I’ll have to catch up with everyone now!

Tublaci – I wanted to comment about the ketchup packets.  My husband and his brother used to do that all the time when they were young boys.  Silly, I know but they did say they accidentally squirted ketchup on their grandfather one time and the man was wearing white golf pants!  Ha!  Oh, you totally crack me up with your “killing yourself kick boxing” talk.  I love martial arts movies and every time I see one I get up and start kicking and usually end up hurting myself or falling.  Too funny! 

Brenda – The breakfast tacos were just breakfast potatoes mixed with scrambled eggs.  Really good and the kids love them.  Of course, tortillas are involved!  Us Virgos are losing weight and I’m hoping to be at least 180lbs by my bday!!!  I think you are in the lead now!  I’m back at 195!  L

MarieClaire – I lead class when the instructor is running late and that is usually about 30 minutes!  I’m pretty good at it if I do say so myself!  Good job on the weight loss!  I haven’t joined the challenges because I am not ready to do it.  Can you believe that?  I guess I just don’t want to fail and would rather meet my goals slowly.  I’m glad you are doing it and I know you’ll succeed! 

Vera – Don’t kick my butt!  I’m blaming PMS and muscle gain so let’s see which one it is that made me gain those 2 lbs about 2 weeks ago!  I’m back to 195 curses!  Let’s continue our healthy competition!  Game back on! Clenching your buns and abs are a great way to tone, can you believe that?  Although I wouldn’t recommend walking and clenching both at the same time.  I’ve tried it and well, it’s not pretty!  How could I ever forget you?  I’m not always a great smiler!  I should post some pics that we took yesterday.  The girls got a hold of my digital camera! 

Kerrie – Good job on the weight loss!  I’m glad that you are all moved in.  I know it was hectic! 

Irina – I hope your vacation is relaxing.  Packing is never easy!  Have fun in Tenerife!

Dave aka Rock Buns – Sounds like you impressed a lot of people in Seattle!  I’m sorry things didn’t work out with your special friend.  I’m sure she’ll move on and you need to as well.  You are not that fat guy anymore so remember that, ok?  Your life change is so much more important at this point but I know how it is to be in a funk. I’m glad you decided to take a walk instead of eating or drinking your way out.   Hang in there!  We are here for you!  Congrats on the new job and my curiosity got the best of me and I checked out the nudie cyclist.  It wasn’t a bad picture but I’m glad there was body paint on those dudes.  Love your rock buns definition! 

Anjylbug – Great job on your weight loss!  I love county fairs; especially the food!  Hope you all had fun! 

Islandscribe/Val – 54.8 pounds down my friend!  I still have about 50lbs to go so my journey will continue on to next year!  I worked in sales and marketing and definitely understand the deadlines.  I hope you don’t stress yourself out by meeting them.  Good job on being below 200lbs!  Doesn’t it feel great!  Soon you will just be ‘overweight’ like the rest of us!  I love belly dancing!  I use my DVR and record a couple of Shimmy exercise programs on FIT TV.  I really like them!  It is a nice ab workout and lower body.  Try it!

Reba – Maintaining your weight is good!  At least you didn’t gain.  Good for you!

Kay – You are great!  Thanks for the encouragement.  Girl, if you are serious, send on the clothes!  I just donated 2 HUGE boxes of big clothes that I will NEVER see again!  I was actually trying to keep some “just in case” but the lady there told me not to go there.  She had been a plus size woman and knows how tough it was for me. But I did it! 

Shelly – Go girl!  I’m so jealous of people who can run!  I just don’t think I’m made for running!  Good job and keep it up!

Denise– Good to hear from you.  I can’t give you much advice on smoking but I can encourage you to continue to lose the weight.  I’m so glad you are still cycling and it is quite an accomplishment to not have to get off your bike to go up a hill. If you ever get to Austin, TX, there is a nudist beach near Lake Travis called Hippie Hollow that you can visit.  I’ve never been there personally but have heard it has been in Austin for a long time.  I’m just not as confident as you are!   

Krista – I’m glad you had a good time at the party!  I saw your pics on FB.  It looked like so much fun!  I sometimes wish I could just let go and drink but I can’t.  I have this weird phobia of not being in control.  It’s weird but I just won’t allow myself to drink a lot.  I can barely finish a margarita!  Take some time to ease back in and you’ll get those 3lbs off!  I didn’t know hot dogs could make you retain water…lol!  Oh, and congrats on having your dress taken in.  Inches are being lost…yahoo! 

Kerrie – Take the mental break and don’t give up on us!  I’ve been there and it sucks!  I myself struggle with obsessive scale behaviors but checking your weight once or twice a week is healthy to keep you on track.  If you are not ready to do that just now, no worries!  Email me on FB if you ever want to talk or on CC.  I’m here for ya!

Jackie – You are not a weirdo!  I say daily confessions or affirmations to myself to remind myself that I’m worth this.  I do deserve to be healthy and at a healthy weight.  I’m never heard of the magnets but I know that acupuncture helps some people.  If you ever need to chat, send me an email.  We are all here for you!  Don’t give up my friend!  You deserve happiness!  I’m so glad you lost weight!  Keep it up!

Priscila – I like your advice to Jackie.  I used to call the fat mind ‘stinking thinking’.  This mindset applies to all areas of your life.  Not only to your body so it’s best to stop it even though we are all guilty of it, right?  Just like the others stated, balance is the key to our happiness. 

I also forgot to mention that we took the girls to see The Canadian Brass last night and it was a great concert!  The International Trombone Festival was being hosted at the University of Texas so we got great seats thanks to my hubby!  Paige is playing sax next year and Madison is attempting the trumpet so we thought this would be a nice treat for them.  Afterwards, the girls got pics with each band member.  It was great! 

I have a busy week with the party and then we are traveling to see my mother the week after but I will be working out and posting more regularly.  Busy summer, eh? 

Bye for now and I’ll post my weight loss (hopefully) tomorrow!

Peace,

Vanessa

One more thing, welcome all newbies as I hope I didn't miss anyone!  And a quick hello to Audrey!  I still love that profile pic!

Vanessa  

Thank you so much for your positive and encouraging posts everyone.  It really helps to read them and see that I have support on here and people understand what I am going through and trying to do.  I know there has been some conservatory and concerns with me being on the 1200 calorie diet.  I appreciate everyone’s feedback, comments and concerns and have given them all a lot of thought over the weekend.   But I have decided that since I am under my family Dr’s care and he approved the diet and did blood work.    I will current on the 1200 calories diet for now unless he instructs me differently and/or I think I can’t handle the 1200.  It is nice to know I have the opinion of going back to 1400 or 1500 calorie diet.    I would still like to hear people’s suggestions and opinions; they do mean a lot to me so please don’t let my decision stop you from posting and/or emailing me.  The more support the better off I am.  I cut out sugar and stopped using the Stevia in my coffee now I am only taking milk in my coffee, I also have cut out refined grains and I am trying only to eat whole grains.  I celebrated by buying a hot air popcorn popper this weekend.  Only 30 calories a cup of popcorn and it is consider whole grain whoa…….  I drop a bit more than 2 pounds this week but I strongly think it was due to cutting out sugar and the refined grains this week.    P.S. Got to love Arnold multi grain sandwich thins

Exercise for the week of Mon, Jul 05 2010 to Sun, Jul 11 2010, this is a bit higher then I will normally be able to do I made it to the pool 5 times last week.  This week will be harder they are calling for rain from Monday night until Friday.

(Stretching, swimming/treading water, walking and an aerobic walk in place - Low Impact)

Total Mins 440

Total estimated calories burned 2956

July Weight challenge 

SW - 220 (5/31)

CSW - 210 (07/01)

CGW - 202 (07/31) 

CW 1 - 208 (MON 07/05)

CW 2 - 205 (FRI  07/09) 

CW 3 - 203 (MON 07/12)

I am also doing to start measuring myself; I saw it posted to measure yourself instead of weighing yourself to make sure you are losing body fat.    Focus on Fat Loss, Not Weight Loss.  This is a bit extreme for me at this time so when I do measure my waist I will come up with a more realistic goal for myself and lower it once I get there, but 32 ½ inches waist is WAY TOO EXTREME for me at this time.  LOL Measure your waist and aim small: Ideal is 32 1/2 inches or less for women and 35 inches or less for men.

“When you talk about losing weight, what you usually mean is slimming down. But slimming down doesn't always mean losing weight. It may sound odd, but it's possible to get thinner without actually seeing a change in your weight. This happens when you lose body fat while gaining muscle. Your weight may stay the same, even as you lose inches, a sign that you're moving in the right direction. But, if the scale doesn't change, you may not even be aware that you're getting real results. Knowing the difference between losing weight and losing body fat can change how you get results and may even change how you look at your own body.”

http://exercise.about.com/library/12_Week_Pla n/blprogresschart.htm and a printable form.

Hello CC Pals,

It's 9:51am and my girls are still asleep!    We were up late watching a movie so I'm letting them sleep in.  I did get a chance to weigh-in this morning and here are my stats.

7/05/10 – 197 lbs

7/09/10 – 195.2lbs

7/12/10 - 194.8lbs

I'll take .4lbs since I'm back undert 195lbs again.  This weight fluctuation reminds me when I was stuck at 220lbs.  I stayed at that weight for a whole month and a half and finally "BOOM" I lost like 4lbs!  So, I'm being positive and hoping for 190lbs by the first week of August.  I also decided that maybe I'll join the August challenge since it will be my birthday month.  We shall see...

Damanta - Welcome to our group!  I was MIA for about 2 weeks so I don't think I had a chance to greet you.  I'm glad you are successfully losing weight.  If your doctor has agreed to your low caloric intake then continue on my friend.  I'm glad you are being monitored.  I also sought advice from my doctor and he said the 1378 I was consuming was fine.  There are times that I don't even get there and will only eat about 1200-1220.  I try to be cognizant of my caloric intake/output so that I am burning more than I'm eating.  Not always easy but I try!  Stevia doesn't taste all that bad but I'm finding raw sugar is ok in moderation.  I made banana bread for my family last night and used whole wheat flour, applesauce and raw sugar and it was not as sweet as I thought it would be.  Enjoy your popcorn!  I am also hitting the pool 3-4 days a week doing water aerobics and treading as well.  It burns TONS of calories and is fun, too! 

Everyone else---I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Vanessa

Happy Monday All!

Thanks for letting me know that I'm not as out there as I may think, at times!  Although I fully realize that I do get (a little) carried away when something is new and exciting to me... lol  Got that all-or-nothing thinking, so sho!

I haven't weighed today, and I'm currently indulging in a cinnimon dulce latte at the fabulous starbucks, so we'll see what the scale has to say about it all later.  But for now, Yummmmmmmmmmmm!!

Talk to y'all again soon!

p.s.  I see there's a bunch of newer new peoples on her;  Welcom, welcome, welcome!!! 

(Long live the coffee rush... mwa-a-ah-ahah!!)

Hi Jackie,

Cinnamon Dulce Latte is my favorite!  I get the Skinny Version at times and it is just as good.  Enjoy your coffee and hope the scale is nice to you today! 

Later,

V

Happy Monday,

So today I weighed in again and I am down to 169.5 as opposed to 169.9 which was my weigh-in on friday.  I am not going to get too happy to be out of my 170's until the scale says 168 or lower.

I set a personal challenge for my self from now until August 1st, which is cycle every day of the week except one.  I will do one hour of cycling be it spinning or out on the open road.  I have gotten a good start since last Monday I have only missed last Thursday.  This is just a personal goal for me to see if I can do it.

Congrats to all that have lost this week.

Jackisaywhat- Don't worried about getting to carried away about stuff, especially if it has a positive result in your life.  But, with most things anyway the getting carried away usually only lasts a while then it is off to the next thing.  Right now I have become a cycling fool.  I am really enjoying it.  My husband has started calling me cyco mama, ( because I am crazy about my cycling) for now I will use it to help me get to my goals and not worry about getting too carried away, because it is burning the calories and it makes me feel good.

Vanessa- I know how you feel. The month of may is just one big blur.  I got to 170/169.9 then for the next month or so I gained and lost back 4 pounds.  It is such an on going battle.  I am ready for the scale to start going down again.  I have been doing more with weights and training so I know I am definitely gaining muscle.  I can see definition in my arms and I feel so much stronger  and fit than I did just 2 months ago.  If I ever make it to Austin I will be sure to visit Hippie Hollow.  Trust me most of the people that are nudest do not have perfect bodies. If that was the case I probably would feel self -conscious as well.

Damata- For the first 2 months of my plan I was on a special Dr. Supervised plan where I only consumed about 800 calories a day.  Yes, that was very low, but I made weekly visits to my Dr. I lost a significant amount then I went to 1000 and now I am at about 1200-1300 a day.  I didn't gain it back nor did I have any adverse reactions except for the extreme hunger I felt for the first few days.  So if you Dr. says it is okay, then keep with that.

Dave- good for you for staying away from drinking.  I have been trying.  I am sure that is what lead to my downfall in the last couple of months.  I now am trying not too drink more than 2 times a week and keeping it to two cups of whatever, weather it is wine or beer. Your birthday is only one day so enjoy.

Good luck to all and sorry for all those I missed

Denise

Hey Everybody,

I've been super-busy with all this wedding/food nonsense and haven't had a minute to catch up. I haven't been really good about my eating habits. I've been craving french fries like crazy. Why can't I crave celery!? So I weighed in at 196 this morning. I can't even remember what I was on Friday. I think I was 194 last Monday so I'm kinda just hangin' out in the mid-190's. I'm ok with it, I just don't want to see the 200's again! I've been trying to get to the gym, it's hard when the weather is so nice and we want to do stuff. I did check out Zumba, which was a blast. I've also been doing Body Pump which is like a weight lifitng class. It targets muscle zones and it's about an hour long. Great workout. I'm hoping some weight training will boost the weigh loss. I want to check out water aerobics soon. I'm finding that my afternoons are filling up and it's best to get to the gym at like 5:30am but that sucks. I hate getting up that early so although I plan on it, it doesn't always happen. I made it today though so that's a start.

Holy Crap Dave! 100 pounds! That's like a whole 7th grader! Puh-lease one night out for your b-day is not going to set you back. Maybe cut some calories somewhere else throughout the day. Have fun and Happy Birthday! You're doing awesome.

Krista- Great news about the dress. I had to run out and pick up a dress for this weekend. I'm the maid of honor, for a backyard wedding. I found the cutest yellow number. I'll have to post a pic. It's awesome. Hope you don't experience any wardrobe malfunctions!

Venessa- You're doing so well. It's all the exercise! Sounds like you had a nice time in Dallas. What a great birthday plan for the girls. That's awesome, tubing! So much fun. Have fun at the luau! That's great news from the doctor too. So much of the reason why we do this is to be healthy, but looking good doesn't hurt! God bless you for being so good about responding to everyone.

Damanta- You're doing really well. Just keep it up! That's great work.

Jackie! I love Starbucks! and you crack me up!

Hey Denise- I think that's a great goal and you will see some results from it for sure. Let us know how it goes and know we're pullin' for ya!

Oh Anjylbug, sorry about the gain but I like the way you put it, "Bleh." I'm feeling the same way today.

Ok guys, stay cool!

xo, Brenda

Hey, guys, I am just dropping in to say hello and that I am back. Uffff, second day after holidays, hard going. The holidays were great great great, I swam every day, got a great tan and my hair went blond (never fancied myself as a blondie but everyone in work seems to be highly impressed, so I may actually ask my hairdresser to match it and stay blondish for a while). I feel rested and ready for action. Believe it or not I have already attended a party back at home - yesterday we had a work outing at horse racing with food and drinks (of course!!!!), I didn't win anything but it was a great night. And I am facing another party on Friday - my boss's don't-know-which-one-already retirement party (we already had 2, so don't know how many more there will be). And after that I shall be party-free for a while - totally needed break as I am not doing very hot on the weight loss front. I am still at 217.2 lb, and need to get the loss going again.

Hope, everyone is well, I will check everyone's posts later on and will post a detailed comment.

Chat soon.

Irina

Hey all

Happy Tuesday (Yup day late but yesterday was a Bank Holiday and I was therefore off. Soooo difficult to get up this morning. Also Seans family came to visit at the weekend so 2 nights of take away, chinese then indian and lots of biscuits and crisps and dip and alcohol consumed. On that shocking revelation my tip toes towards the scales this morning were with great lack of enthusiasm however the result was phenomenally good and I did a little whoop! I have noticed when back tracking for previous weigh ins that I haven't weighed in once in July despite there having been 2 Mondays and 2 Fridays so far - naughty naughty. I really am going to make an effort to start better! I will just begin with the last weigh in I can find!

Last Weigh in (06-28-10) 197.3lb (Monday)

Todays Weigh in (07-13-10) 192.1lb (Tuesday)

So I have lost 4.9lb in just over 2 weeks. I do fear a remission post weekend - maybe it will hit mid week but I am going to be uber good these next few days in the hope of avoiding that!!

Krista - the dreaded push aside pile. My house looks immaculate now due to a major clean up before Seans family arrived Friday night however there are a few drawers and a cupboard which will probably not be looked at for another few months which probably contain everything that i will not be able to find over the next few months because I simply did not have the time or energy to sort them stuff out! Out of sight, out of mind. We're going camping in August - really looking forward to it. My niece and nephew have never been so it could be an experience! Well done on the 1.6lb loss - you're doing really well :)

Tublaci - thanks lol Crazyville does seem like it has calmed down and I am planning a calm week. I really think all the stress and not having time outs is wrecking my chances of getting into a good routine. I am not getting exercise and in turn am not sleeping and in turn am eating far too much rubbish cos I am tired and unable to put the effort into preparing meals. Eeeeek! Fingers crossed I can back on track!

Dave - go shorty, its yo birfday, gona party like its yo birfday, (Thats my best 50 cent impersonation - hope you liked it :) And I hope you are having a great day! Well done on the 3.4lb loss - go tiger!!! And below 40% body fat - you are unstoppable!!

Jackie - I really believe in positive mind, positive results. At the minute I just can't visualize me at my goal weight. Its cos I haven't been there since I was like 12 and much shorter! I've never been 5ft3 and 140lb and I just can't envisage it but I am going to try! Hope all is well with you and the remarkable weightloss continues! Heres to positive mental awareness and reaching our goals!

Denise - I 100% agree with needing something new for the summer (self confessed shopaholic) and the lucky thing is all my summer 09 clothes are too big so excellent excuse to work on summer 10! It is the socialness of summer. Barbeques and chilling in the garden just aren't the same without a big glass of cider for me! And cider is calorific. I also love a glass of wine in the evening and unfortunately 1 often leads to 3! Well done on the 1.5lb lost - under 170 is great!! You are definitely getting there!

Damanta - Nice work on the loss - great to see the changes are helping! I cut sugar out of my coffee last year and now I couldn't drink it with sugar! Nothing nicer than a nice colombian freshly roasted coffee ... Mmmmm!

Lisette - I have never used my phone for calorie count but excellent idea - means you won't forget something you had! I am very lucky to work with a group of women who are all, always on diets!! Biscuits and treats are rare and if you come into work with anything unhealthy the death stares make it unenjoyable. Home is my bad place, where no one sees lol! Great work on starting your weightloss journey and losing 9lb!

anjyl - lol @ bleh - never worry you have still lost 11.6lb to date - positive mental attitude missus!!

Vanessa - Dallas sounds amazing! Great to let your hair down and have some girly time! Well done on the loss! Game on!!!! seen the pics with the girls - looked like a great day! You are a great mother you know, I don't know how you get time for cooking and movie marathons as well as pilates yoga and aerobicizing (lord I can't spell!!!) Best of luck this week!!

Brenda - Its crazy how hecticism throws you off you routine and weightloss just seems impossible!! You'll get there!! 5.30am does seem sucky though - no other options? I try to get up at 6.30am and go on the wii or elliptical but 5.30am would mean going to bed at like 9.30am - I really need my sleeps lol

Irina - great to have you back - glad you had a great relaxing holiday and got the tanned blondieness to go with it! You'll get the loss going again soon, no hassles - have a fantastic week :)

Right everyone it is lunchtime and I've been reading posts since breakfast time - all I do is post and eat by the look of things lol A healthy chinese chicken curry today with low fat dressing - I am trying to only eat carbs in my evening meals as I definitely eat far far too many bread, rice and pastas! Let the detox begin!!!

Right, I finally get a chance to read and respond to all the posts I have missed (or most of them).

Vera, thank you for welcoming me back. I don't know how you do it with parties and weddings but you are doing great, at the low end of 190s, absolutely brilliant! The weather here has been bad for the last week, apparently. I only got back on Saturday night (actually it was Sunday night already) and it's been gloomy ever since, but not so much rain. I hope the summer will be back. My Dad is coming over next week and I want to show him a few nice places around Kerry and West Cork and we need good weather for that! Oh, nearly forgot to say it - I love your picture in your gallery where you are in a skirt and a stripy top - really suits you!

Brenda, I am glad you enjoy your excercise, and well done for staying in the 190s! I am sure you won't see 200s again, you are doing great. I am so looking forward to getting back to regular exercise (haven't been in the gym for the whole month now, can't believe it), going back today.

Denise, welcome back!!! We missed you. It seems that you are doing well, I hope you'll reach your goal! P.S. practising nudist, wow! I never met one, well, I have seen them, of course, but never actually talked to one.

Vanessa, Dulce latte - ahhh, love it too. Well done for keeping the weight down and you are already under 195lb, well done! It is nice to see the body shaping up all right, and see muscle under the skin. I can't wait to lose all this fat to start seing muscles again, I still have muscles, I know that much (ha-ha), it is just not visable under the layers of horrible fat .  You are so good with your gilrs, they must love you very much. 

Damanta, not sure we had a chance to talk yet. Welcome to the group, and you are doing so well with your weght loss, so steady, well done, keep going!

Dave, wow, you put me to shame big time, you practically caught up with me, well done! 100lb rock, I am sure you'll hit the mark within the next two weeks. Happy birthday, my friend, keep up that great spirit of yours and I wish you all the luck in your endeavours. P.S. nakes cylcist in your gallery... so many technical questions but I am not brave enough to write them out

Lisette, welcome to the group. Hope you'll find it supportive and fun.

Krista, I am not far from you, so we are still in tandem, let's do it! And congratulations on the bridesmaid's dress, it was a nice surprise, I am sure.

Jackie, that is an interesting autotraining thing you are doing, hope it will help you to achieve the desired results. Weight loss as well as any addiction (including food) requires lots of mind work all right and great determination too, everything must come together for things to start working. Keep us in the loop. And your last weigh-in was so great, your weight is going down, well done!

Kerrie, hope Devon was as good as Tenerife  You were right, I didn't bother watching my calories on holidays even though I took my WW book and calculator, but I haven't used it once. All in all, I seem to be back to where I was anyway so it is like last 2 weeks never happened (from the weight loss perspective, of course). Back to work now! I didn't see your weigh-in update yet, but hope you won't be too upset with it. You have done great before your holidays, so you know as well as we do that you can totally do it!

Tublaci, hope you are doing well and finding July challenge helpful. I haven't checked it out yet, things must be cooking there!

Priscilla, hope all is well, you haven't posted since the 6th July.

Marie-Claire, you are doing sooooo well, wow, nearly at 200lbs, you are too good, girl.

Val, 32lbs is a great achievement, well done you!

anjylbug, it is hard looking after the family and watch your own diet, all right. But you are doing well, hope your walking works out 

Well, guys, hope I didn't miss anyone. I am trying to get back to my routine and not be let down by various evil distractions. One more party on Friday and I am home free, going to lie low and do my diet and excercise. Going back to the gym today after a month's break, looking forward to it. I also decided to join a gym close to my office again so that I can excercise at lunch like I did for a while before my 3 months membership had expired. I am only joining for 3 months again to get things moving. I find that excercise at lunch keeps me disciplined and keeps me from overeating. 

My Dad is coming over on Wednesday week. I planned to have lost much more that I actually lost but I still hope that he'll see the difference. He hasn't seen me since the first week of January, and I have lost 30lb since then (as of today). He is flying to London Heathrow in the morning, I am going to Heathrow to meet him, we'll spend a day in London, and will take a flight to the south of Ireland in the late evening. I am really looking forward to it.

Our informal hiking club in work is planning a hike next Monday, I am terribly excited about that. There was one planned for last week but they had to cancel it due to the weather conditions, just as well because I wasn't here. Hope next Monday is going to happen. There is also a work outing planned for mid-August with a hike to the top of one of the local mountains and a picnic afterwards. I am glad that we are donig these things, much prefer it to going for a pint and getting pissed. I never really got into the whole pub drinking culture, to be quite honest, which is a bit of a waste when you live in Ireland, ha-ha.

Well, I am looking forward to hearing your news, chat soon.

Irina

Hello Everyone,

First of all - HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!!

Sorry I haven't been around much.  Still doing okay, haven't been going to the gym quite as regularily as I was before, but still trying to get at least 3 workouts of some sort in per week.  I think I've only lost 1lb in the last two weeks but that's okay.  I think my brain is changing...sometimes I think my fat brain is turning into skinny brain (though my body has a looooong way to go to catch up) and I think I can do anything...until I try then reality comes crashing down on me.  But its a neat thing, because even though is taking a very long time to come off, I feel like a different person.  I used to workout good and hard for 3 or 3 weeks then quit, and I've been dedicated now for more than 4 months.  Some weeks not as much as others, but I have no intentions of quitting, because I know I can do this.  I must admit...I need to work harder with the food.  Summer is awful.  The only thing keeping me halfway okay is that I know I can't eat too much fatty stuff or I'll get sick and end up back in the hospital so that keeps me somewhat on track, but sometimes I push it more than I should.

Jackie-I like the things you are doing.  I might consider trying some of that subconcious sleep therapy...lol maybe it will get through to my husband also, because I think he must not see himself as overweight, but he has a rather large beer belly that he could lose. 

Sorry there is so much to read and go over, I will try to be better at coming back regularily and checking in.  I hope all is well.  Congratulations on all the losing.  It seems like everyone is doing great.

Take care all,

Sharon

Hello everyone!  I am "somewhat" new to CC and I as I was reading your posts, I felt like this is a great bunch of people to keep me in the right mind set!  The positive feedback with good advice from each other is just what I need!

Some background on me, I am 32 yrs old, married and have 2 awesome kids.  I work full time as a nurse.  I had thyroid cancer 4 1/2 yrs ago, which ended with me having my thyroid completely removed.  Since the surgery I have had issues with my blood pressure and at my Dr's appt last Wed, it took me to a new level on realizing how important it is for me to lose some weight.  I have always stuggled with my weight but now it is out of control.  I spent 8 yrs in the US Navy and during those yrs it was a piece of cake to stay at a healthy weight but now, wow, accountability to myself is a challage!

My current stats as of last wed (7/7/10)

Height: 5"6

SW:  201

Goal Weight: 145

Why am I doing this? Well, I want to feel better physically and emotionally.  But the main reason why is that I am scared that I will not be around to take care of my kids.  I need to set a good example for them so they grow up felling good about themselves and have a healthy life style.  I have never smoked and a rarely drink alcholol.   I run 1-2 week (I know, I need to up that!) and I walk 30-40 minutes 3-4 days a week.  Tomorrow will mark week one down, and many more to go.  I will see how my progress is tomorrow on the scale. 

Post 1100 - thats crazy - great to see we are still going strong and fingers crossed our comrades that have gone m.i.a. will return or are reaching the goals they desired - we miss all you guys!!!

I have embarked on a shock to the system detox for the next week or so - I'll see how it goes. Building on advice from the nurses I work with and vaguely into the Somersizing Diet I have started

Breakfast : Fruit Salad (Strawberries, Pineapple, Kiwi, Apple, Banana, Mandarines in Cranberry Juice)

Lunch (no bread pasta or rice)  : Yesterday I had the Chinese Chicken Salad (I think I called it curry yesterday but that was fantasizing to the highest degree lol!) which was made up of grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, carrots, spring onions and coriander with a home made chinese sauce made of hoi sin and low fat peanut butter and a few other things.

Today I am having 1 egg and 1 egg white scrambled with low sugar and salt beans

and Tomorrow I am having spinach and cheese wrapped turkey and ham rolls (You use the turkey and ham to wrap around the salad rather than bread - god knows how it will work lol)

Then I just eat an ordinary (but obviously as healthy as possible dinner) I had smoked haddock pie yesterday with lots of veggies, chicken stir fry today and spaghetti bolognese tomorrow. So basically the only time I eat bread, pasta or rice carbs are in the evening meal.

I have to say I do feel low on energy at the minute and was very tired last night and could not get up to exercise this morning. (I actually dreamt about getting up twice!! The torture) I am going swimming after work and will have something to keep me going until I get home to have dinner. The nurses have said I will feel tired and if it gets any worse to start eating carbs again but after weeks of badness I really feel I need to flush the badness from my body. I am eating 1200-1300 calories which is enough - and it is possible that it is psychological that I am more hungry and tired - I'll keep you all updated.

On that note I was wondering if anyone else was willing to give up their daily diet plan. Or if anyone else has done anything like me and did they get much in the way of results. It is definitly not a long term diet plan but hopefully it will give me a kick start!

Irina - the weather here has been infuriating! Monday lunchtime we sat outside and had lunch baking in the glorious bank holiday sunshine and just as we packed up to go inside it started to pour rain and didn't stop all evening. Sean's family had been down at the weekend so we took them to the famous Fermanagh marble arch caves on Saturday and due to the rain that day they could neither go on the boat tour of the caves nor take a walk down the gorgeous Cladagh Glen beside them. It is horrible when you plan a nice day out and it is cut short to a 1 hour tour followed by driving home to eat your picnic in the sitting room looking out at the rain! Grrr! Anyways hopefully their next visit will turn out better! Fingers crossed for good weather for your hiking and your dad's visit. I'm sure you are excited to be having him over! I have no idea how you exercise at lunch time - its the last thing I want to do, fair play for your determination! I only take a half hour lunch or I go shopping and spend money! I'm a bit of a shopaholic! So I basically have time to eat, gossip a little and go back to work!

Sharon - I think everyones having off time at the minute and I guess it is summer. I always thought it was easier to lose weight in the summer but I am finding it more difficult. Perhaps because the weather is so miserable here. The lack of sunshine in the morning and instead opening my curtains to clouds and rain really demotivates me and I really think it starts me off on a gloom for the day causing emotional eating - I need to get out of this funk! I like you have fantastic plans and think - no bother I can do it. Never as easy as it seems unfortunately! But we are sticking at it and thats the main thing - we fall down to help us to learn how to pick ourselves up! All the best with your life changes!

rhring - Welcome to the group! They are a fantastic lot and they have kept me going at times I felt like quitting!! Nothing better than emotional support and some fantastic advice! I was very sorry to hear about your thyroid cancer and and hope all gets back on track for you. You are doing it for the right reasons, your kids and you seem to have a great plan to get you to your goals. I wish you all the best and hope you get the most from the group to help you succeed!

All the best for the rest of this week everyone, Take care

Vera