First Check In, Week 1

[mtngal]

Good Monday Morning, OK, this is it, hopefully some of you are still with me! Please post however much information you are comfortable with. Here are some ideas...... current and pounds lost OR just pounds lost OR even skip the number, note "same or lost or whatever". I know we can make this fun!

So, here goes for me...

Beginning at 170, no comment, just what it is.

Looking forward to hearing recipes, techniques, and other good stuff! Oh, maybe even share work-outs? I'll start a new thread next Monday morning for Week 2. Good luck everybody!

[BirdbyBird]

Here goes.....gulp....why do I do this to myself.....I have a memory of each time I have managed to take the weight down. The memory of being able to move better, finding clothes in my size that look decent.....About ten our 15 years ago I lost complete eating balance and made it up to 215....not a comfortable moment. No matter what others say, being tall and wearing a nice jacket just can't hide that.......No to mention difficulty getting out of chairs and swollen ankles... So...this time I am only up to 178 and a tight pair of Eddie Bauer size 16. I have a box full of 12s just waiting and enough 14s to carry me until I can see the light. Lets hear it for baggy size 12 that is in me, long walks on the hiking trails, and general good health!

No more self disclosure until next week........The pups don't understand any of this, since I measure their food so carefully

[AlmostThere]

Hi, Diana,
I started out at nearly 180, mid December. I'm stuck at 158. Been that weight for almost 2 wks now. My goal is 155. I have been as low as 142 on past diets, but was constantly sick and run down so I think my body is happier at around 155. It's what I weighed my Sr year in High School..
It's my understanding that the ratio is; if you want to weigh 130, you eat 1300 cal a day; 150, eat 1500 cal a day diet. Of course you have to factor in your exercise levels. Exercise raises the metabolism so more calories can be eaten. Just be sure it's good caloric intake, not donuts.

[Paulette]

Okay, I'm with ya here. I am starting out at 155...which would be okay for some but I'm only 5' 1 1/2" tall! My goal is 130 - 135. I did it a few years ago with Weight Watchers and kept it off for about 2 years, then got divorced, lost my dad, gained my granddaughter and here I am! The problem with having a kid in the house is that you buy "snacks" for them...and then share! I need to buy some more appropriate "snacks" for me. Working on it.

Here's to 135!

[Liz]

My goal for now is to lose 5 #. I'm really 8 pounds heavier than my "normal" adult weight, but I'm trying to be realistic and make the goal reachable. I can always set a new goal if I achieve the first one.

I know what I have to do...that is, what has worked in the past: avoid sugars (desserts) and limit fats, coupled with increased exercise.

Today's plan: breakfast as usual: Cheerios w/fresh fruit & skim milk, salad for lunch, baked fish w/broccoli for dinner
Exercise: clean pool screens, filters & brush sides of pool, walk dog

I hope it helps me to put my plan in writing...

[Nasoosie]

I did my first weigh-in on Saturday, and my goal is to lose 20-25 pounds by the GTG in August. That would put me back on track with where I want to be again. Yes, I have a busy winter here, and have a lot of activity to just be able to keep warm----and I ski when I can.....BUT.....I also added carbs to see if muscle cramps would stop a while back. Then I discovered it was some kind of cholesterol drug I was taking that was causing those, and, by then, I was hooked on crackers and dips and bread and muffins!

Now have changed drugs, and quit those carbs once again---all but two Michelob Ultra beers (5. something carbs each) a day. After all, alcohol is supposed to be good for the heart! We shall see!

[Bethers]

Okies, I've gained about 20 lbs. I had gained this same weight when I went through the change, and had finally taken most of it off (had 5 to go) and came to Port A which I love, and gained it all back. I'm exercising more, but also eating more. So I know that I have to change eating habits. I weighed myself at Wal-mart on Saturday (isn't that why we all go to Wal-mart lol), and am not sure I'll get there weekly to weigh in, but will do so as I can.

That said, I'm going to start making changes now and hope to really get them on target when I leave here in April. I'd like to have the first 10 lbs off by the beginning of July. At that time I'll reassess the next 10 lbs, which, yes, I'd love to lose, but I'm going to see how I feel health-wise, etc.

Good luck everyone.

[Gentleladybear]

I have sixty (60) more pounds to lose. I am down 10 from my start point. If I stick to my diet it will drop. What is more exciting for me is my blood sugar this morning was only 102, that is down from 130. That is an exciting number for me, almost more than the weight. So will keep riding the bike, walking the treadmill until I get this weight on down.

[AlmostThere]

That's great news, Nan!
I, too, am wanting to get off my BP and cholesterol meds. I have done it before with weight loss so I know it's doable.
I believe I see my cardio Dr next month for a check up and I look forward to seeing the look on his face, , as he was quick to mention that my weight had gone up at my last appt.

[rvgal]

I need to lose a lot of weight but if I focus on all that I need to lose, I feel defeated before I even start. So I think I'll just focus on the first 10 that I want to get rid of. I did Weight Watchers in the past, so I think I'll dig out my WW info & start with that.

[Redetotry]

I've always watched my weight to the point of almost anorexia but, I didn't necessarily eat well. In fact, I ate a terrible diet. But...the moment of enlightenment came about 20 years ago when my dogs kept getting allergies and I changed their food to a healthy brand with real meat & other ingredientsthat were good quality with out the preservatives of BHT and ethoxiquin preservatives. The results were amazing! No more allergies, ear infections and you could tell they felt better. So I figured if food was that important to them I'd best shape up. I started reading labels and was shocked at what I was eating.
I bought the book by Andrew Weil, MD, Natural Health, Natural Medicine (available at Amazon used from $3.09. It also gives many preventative maintenance ideas. He relates it to doing regular oil changes and tune ups for your car. I like the section where it gives what I guess you would call home remedies to prevent many common problems like sinus or stomach upsets.
I never quit the foods I liked cold turkey, I weaned myself off gradually, took a year for heavy salt! It didn't take long until foods with lots of preservatives or sugar just didn't taste good. I still buy ice cream, but only eat a bit and buy the one with the least sugar and the most 'real' ingredients. I also have a small glass of wine or a 1/2 beer most days. I also weigh myself at least once a week.

I guess you could say diet for me is eating healthy most of the time. I know this might not work for all, but it worked for me so hope someone finds it helpful. I know my health has improved dramatically.

[AlmostThere]

RVgal; yes, focus on one day at at time! Remember, the weight crept on slowly, so it will come off slowly. Keep the faith!

I had my weigh-in this morning and, woohoo!! I broke the plateau I was on. Fully clothed their scale read 158.7, down from 160.8! I have another weigh in on Thursday and then next Tuesday will be the last day of my 'paid for' plan contract. My goal is 155 so I feel I will be close. I then will be on what they call stabilization, for 6 more weeks. I will not have to show my food journal then, and will weigh in only once a week. For my own peace of mind, I will continue journaling as I feel it's extremely important at this stage. It's where I continue fail from past diets. I'm not completely sure but think they will want me to start adding more of a variety of foods to my list. Actually I'm happy with what I can eat now, except I love beans and they have not been listed, but I see they are in some of their recipes in their recipe book, so I'll definitely add those, and perhaps my daily banana again. I do miss my bananas!
I'm leaving here in about 1/2 hr for my last of 5 seminars. I missed last week due to a bowling re-schedule, but was told I can make up the class with the next group that will start taking them. I was told it was a good one on 'coping skills w/o using food'.
Keep up the good work, ladies!! You are so worth it! WE are so worth it!!

[Sparkle]

How did you get weighed at Walmarts Beth? Did you just try one of the scales for sale, or do they have a weighing machine like they have a blood pressure machine?
I THINK I weigh about 120. I had my Cleansing Day, Liquids only. Carrot Juice, Gugs! Blueberry Smoothie, quite good. Had my Beet Soup thing, loved it. Got a splitting headache, but the next morning I wasn't nearly as bloated as the night before. My waist went down 2 -1/2 inches overnight. I peed it all away. Now I'm just writing down what I eat. Its a good reminder that I don't really need that snack. Yesterday I walked over 12.000 steps.

[Nasoosie]

IF/WHEN I EVER get down to 120, I am going to pig out like I have never pigged out in my entire life!!! GOOD GRIEF, Sparkle....are you only 3 feet tall, or something?

I agree for us all that it's a good goal to focus on just a few pounds at a time. When that goal is reached, time to set another goal. Increments are the way to do it when it comes to weight loss. I equate a too-big weight-loss goal with trying to begin to de-clutter this house! I get so overwhelmed I want to buy more 'stuff'!' I would get so overwhelmed at setting a too-large weight loss that I would want to eat!

[asirimarco]

Wish I could say that when we traveled that I lose weight - just the opposite I tend to pick a lot now.
Right after the first of last year I lost 18 lbs. think i've gained it and more back. need to get back in line =
my problem started years ago when I went on steroids (medical) for a couple of years gained 40 lbs from them and can't get rid of them. I did feel much better 18 lbs ago though.