Motivational Thread, August 25-31 - Let's finish August Strong!!
 

Hi ladies!

I don't have time for anything but a quick starter with goals, but I'm here to finish out the month strong! I've joined Bea, Libby and Debbie in taking on the challenge to post my daily weight. I know there will be water fluctuation (always is) and my hormones are probably still going crazy, but perhaps talking about it daily might help? Who knows. So that will be one of my goals. I didn't post over the weekend simply due to busy-ness, but I will try not to do that again.

I did take some time this morning while eating breakfast to go over my old logs when I was losing consistently and look for any patterns I'm not following now. A big one that popped out at me was DAIRY. I did not eat a ton of it when I was losing consistently. I am not lactose intolerant (heavy creams will sometimes give me a bad stomach, though) but I do know that dairy can cause bloat and other bad things, and maybe I suffer from this. So I am going to try to think about my dairy intake. It's a difficult one for me because I LOVE cheese and such, but obviously not impossible, because I did it before.

In life news - classes start today! :eek: Here come the fresh-eyed freshmen and the anxious seniors!

Weekly Goals
1) Water intake 64 oz+ daily (post number)
2) Calories, post daily numbers and weekly averages. Aiming for under 1500 daily and weekly
3) Workout cardio MWF
4) Workout strength 1-2x (pick a day that looks good)
5) Weigh in DAILY and post on the daily thread
6) Eat mindfully (while I'm posting calories too, this goal really got to me when I had it, so I'm bringing it back!)

Good Morning Everyone!

And hi from vacation land :D

On vacation for 2 weeks at home.. PEI Beaches are the bees knees though, so it will be great. But first, dental appointment today and eyes tested tomorrow. I will be a new woman! (Especially when I can see again)

My goal is to be well into the low 270's for my trip on Sept 12th (I can aim for the stars right?) That is pretty undoable, but I can certainly set the target and push to get close....Kinda like a game of horseshoes :D

If I don't set something tough, I won't work as hard at it, I have learned that much about myself

Have a great week everyone!

Terri, welcome back to school!!
Bea, wow 2 wks to just be relaxing at home..I'm jealous :D

Anybody use any of those fitbit or nike plus wt loss bands.... I'm wanting something like.... what are your suggestions...

What about pedometers that fit better on your waist..the kind I have scratches me and leaves bruises when it hit my skins...:eek:

Good morning all! Ready for another week? I did some food prep yesterday, so I feel ready to make it a good week! I've been aiming to follow the 21 Day Fix food plan. I really do like it because I don't have to count calories so it sort of takes the pressure off in a way.

I'm in my last week of holidays (Welcome to vacation land Bea ;)). We're finally making it to the water park today. We've been meaning to go but the weather hasn't been the greatest. The kids have no idea where we are going so I can't wait to see their faces when they see this huge park!!! It's going to cost a fortune to get in (these things are always over priced in my opinion!) but will keep cost down by packing our own food. This way I can easily eat on track as well! Now I just hope I don't run into anyone I know since I'm still not feeling my best in a bathing suit :rolleyes:

Bea - So glad to see you back!! You're missed when you're taking a posting break. Are you still enjoying your new bike? I couldn't agree more about setting big goals! Go big or go home right?!?! LOL!! I'll be here cheering you on!! Love this quote:

http://antiinspiration.com/wp-conten...wetoo1_400.jpg

Terri - Interesting about the dairy thing. I'll be interested to see if you reduce dairy, if it gets the scale moving in for you. Enjoy the first day of classes!

Becca - I use a Polar heart rate monitor when I workout so I know how many calories I'm burning. I've never tried anything like a fitbit, but a friend of mine uses one and she loves it!

My weekly goals are simple, follow the 21 Day Fix eating plan, exercise daily (I'm giving myself a free pass today since we'll be away all day), drink 64-80 oz. of water daily, weigh in and post daily in the new thread.

Have an awesome day all! I'll check back in later.

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Hi all. My chicken dish was very salty and I am retaining water today. I will not use that recipe again. Live and learn. There is still room for more every day weighers on the new thread. Come and join us.

Good morning all. Wow, hard to believe it's the end of August, where has the summer gone?

GOALS
1. Eat more fruits and veggies (at least 4 a day)
2. Keep within carb limit (40 per meal plus snacks)
3. Drink 6 glasses of water
Been slacking off on this one
4. Weigh on fri and post

Personal goals
1. Empty guest room closet
2. Write

Well, my neighbour commented that I look like I've lost weight. That's something, even if I don't feel like I have.

I weighed this morning and lost another .4 since Friday.

Here goes for my week ahead.

New checklist:Things that come naturally but I need to watch:Goals:I went shopping yesterday afternoon, so I am prepared for my week of menus.

Morning All,

Last week I stuck to my plan of walking, walked 2 nights, did low-impact aerobics 2 nights. Also did a lot of housework Sat & Sun…took down window blinds, cleaned them, laundry, vacuum, painted windowsills and, moved furniture.

Weighed myself, but the scale gave me 4 different numbers each time, I will weigh myself again end of this week. Clothes feel looser and I do feel like I lost a few pounds, but I don't want to be a slave to the scale and numbers.

Planning to continue to eat healthy this week and do low impact aerobics...temp are in the high 80's & 90's this week...walking is on hold until cooler temps.

Good Luck to everyone one this week:).

Wow, I have never been so full on so few calories before.

We had an awesome day at the water park!! The kids faces were priceless when they saw the big slides!! I told them we were going to a splash pad. They were in the back seat complaining and wondering when we would get to our destination. They were saying 'Mom, do you even know where we're going?!?!' I would reply 'someone told me there was a nice splash pad around here somewhere!'. We passed a mini golf place that had some water fountains. My son said that must be what we're looking for. I said we'd drive a little more and if we didn't see anything we'd turn around and go back to the mini golf place. As soon as we saw the first big slide, my daughter gasped, pointed and squealed! I said, nope this isn't what we're looking for, better turn around and go back to the mini golf place! Here eyes were huge! She said 'Well since we're here can we just stay here!!' I turned around and told her I was just teasing them and that this was our destination all along! They were so happy! What a fun day! I had a feeling it would be awesome!

I did well with food since I preplanned and packed for our day out. I did sneak a few goldfish crackers with my snack (damn those things are addictive!!) and had a small bowl of air popped popcorn this evening, but otherwise I stayed on track. I didn't get in as much water as intended since the line ups at the bathrooms were huge so I did my best to avoid that! All in all a good day, but I may be up a little tomorrow since I didn't get in as much water as needed.

Another quiet week! Where oh where is everyone!?!?!?!

Bea: It's great to see you back, even if I am jealous of your vacation! :D I shouldn't be, though, since this summer was more vacation-y than normal for me. I agree with Debbie - aim for the moon, girl. Some need harder goals, some less, do what works for you.

Becca: Thanks! First day went well I think! I was only a little nervous - I must be becoming used to it or something. I don't use a fitbit or anything like it, but I know plenty of people who do and one who swears by it. Like Debbie, I just use a HRM when I am doing cardio.

Debbie: Water park!!!! SO fun. When I was a kid, those were always some of my favorite vacations/day trips (those and the beach) because I was such a waterbug (though like you, nowadays I don't want to be seen in a swimsuit). It sounds like you had SO MUCH fun and enjoyed the end-of-August weather. Sneaky Mom to tease them, I love it! Packing your own food was a great idea. I'm glad you like the 21 Day Fix! I have heard good things.

Libby: Maybe you could tweak the chicken recipe? Is there something canned that's adding a ton of sodium? It's good that you are realizing any gain is from water retention though. That's always a level-headed thing to remember.

Jenn: Great to see you!! Good goals. What are you working on with your writing?

Annette: Your recipes sound DELICIOUS. I want to use more fish, but it's difficult to get fresh fish around where I am in the midwest, although I am close enough to Chicago that sometimes I wonder if I'm just not looking in the right places. Glad you feel full on low cals! I love those days.

MossStar: Sounds like a good week!!!! Loose clothes are always the BEST indicator. Keep on keeping on!

As for me -

Yesterday I had a good breakfast and lunch - Breakfast was a Greek yogurt (I do buy the flavored kind) and lunch was a sandwich with leftover baked (skinless) chicken on whole wheat with lettuce, tomato, spinach, cucumber and green peppers. It was very satisfying and I didn't even feel like I needed a side or a snack with it. DH cooked dinner - shrimp and pasta - and he never writes down exactly what he cooks in his recipes, so I had to guesstimate at it after grilling him. I don't want to sit there with a notepad over his shoulder, but he's so frustrating!!!! Haha. He's one of those cooks that eyeballs everything. Even with guesstimating dinner, though, I was within my calorie range, so hopefully I'm not too far off.

I was down on the scale this morning, even though I didn't get all my water in. I'm going to focus on that water goal today and keep on. Mad I didn't get to the gym, but I was at work late due to some hellacious thunderstorms that ripped through - I didn't want to drive in it, and it didn't clear up until 6:30, which was dinnertime. I HATE working out after dinner, so I skipped it. I will try to get into the gym today. It's still looking cloudy out there, though. Rain, rain, go away! Or finish before I come home!!

Also, first day of classes went great! Had a lot of first-year students, which is always fun, though can be a little frustrating as they learn how to be college students. Looking forward to a good semester!

Weekly Goals
1) Water intake 64 oz+ daily (post number) M: No, Roughly 40 oz.
2) Calories, post daily numbers and weekly averages. Aiming for under 1500 daily and weekly M: 1,316 (estimated dinner)
3) Workout cardio MWF M: no, got home late
4) Workout strength 1-2x (pick a day that looks good) M: no
5) Weigh in DAILY and post on the daily thread M: yes
6) Eat mindfully (while I'm posting calories too, this goal really got to me when I had it, so I'm bringing it back!) M: yes, and this goal helps!
7) ADDED GOAL: Protein 20% or more of daily calories M: 20%

Talk to you all later!

~Terri

Good morning all :) Just a quick check in to wish everyone an awesome day! I'll check back in later.

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Morning walk done, now I am sweating it out. Got back at 7:30 am and the sun was already giving me grief. No wonder I won't walk after 8.

I plan another load of recyclables to the transfer station, but since my son is parked behind me, that will not be till afternoon. He sleeps late.

I had to change my plans for dinner. My daughter is going out with her twin for sushi, so I am switching to savory meatballs for dinner. Still with potatoes, carrots, and turnip.

At least I have time today. I am also switching tomorrow's evening meal. I remembered the doctor, but forgot that it is scheduled so late. I will pick up take out for the family and just make myself something quick with black beans, salsa, and a wrap.

Time to fill my water bottle.

Hi Everyone,

Dentist yesterday

Eye doc today (2 new pairs of eye glasses, 1 progressive and 1 computer use)
Although it is handy having the excuse... I can't see shit, that is why the apartment looks as it does :D... instead of the truth..........meh... if people want something to look at and gossip about, I'll accommodate.....or more truth...... I don't WANNA do it

I will be a new woman!!
Thank heaven for insurance!!

I could never have taken care of these things without it.

LOL Bea! I've sincerely missed your ballsy attitude around here! ;) Glad to hear your insurance will cover your glasses. My husband wears contacts and glasses and my daughter wears glasses (I used to wear contacts until I had laser eye surgery 12 years ago). I know the cost of glasses adds up quick!! Are you hitting your beloved PEI beaches today? I've heard PEI has beautiful pebble beaches....I'm curious if any of the beaches have red sand that PEI is known for? I will make it there someday!

Good job getting in that morning walk before the sun gets too hot!! That's kicking the obstacles to the curb and keeping your eye on the prize! Keep it up!

Not today Debbie :( The landlord called and they need to come tend to something... there is always tomorrow :D

I topped it off with 30 minutes of weeding in my front garden. I may not be allowed to mow, but the recovery book says I am allowed to do things I did before. Yeah, I know that includes mowing, but it is really too much for me with it overgrown the way it is.

I actually walked at work almost 30 min today :)

Ahh! I ate too many snacks tonight! Air popped popcorn and baked tortillas! I have to be sooooo tight with my diet to see a loss! Being within a healthy weight range poses some obstacles! Tomorrow will not be a good day on the scale :rolleyes: Off to bed and moving on! :p

can I come back in? I got some inspiring words tonight from a good friend about what you do with yourself after you fall off the wagon is the important thing. Wallow in it? Or get back on? I will need to take baby steps, but I want to get back on.

Tomorrow I am going to have at least one, and maybe even two, of my very favorite Atkins shakes/milk instead of something horrible. I will omit at least 1 horrible thing from my day tomorrow. I've redeveloped my taste for high calorie things and I've been giving in to temptation far too often...more often than not.

I've been craving sugar and carbs like crazy. Hopefully, as in the past, the Atkins shakes/milk will help curb my sugar cravings.

I'm terrified to step on the scale. I don't want to face the cold hard facts of the damage I have done. I need to get some control again. I've been spiraling madly out of control for at least a month.

It will take me a few days to catch up on everyone. I will try to get back in the habit of posting at least once a day again.

Annette: Awesome job getting your walk in. It is beastly hot here - we're alternating between high humidity and thunderstorms. Your dinner sounds DELICIOUS

Bea: Nothing like a new set of eyes! I was waiting to change a prescription for a very long time because I had to wait until I could buy new glasses on my prescription plan (you're right, thank goodness for insurance, but BOO to only being able to buy new eyes once every two years!). Glad you're taking care of yourself! I don't wanna clean either, LOL! I love it!

Becca: Great job getting your work in

Debbie: D'oh! Those chips!! Log it and move on, right? Sometimes my body surprises me, I post a terrible day and then a loss anyway. Crossing my fingers for you

Jenn: Of COURSE you can come back in! TO me, you never left, we're all here and I'm rooting you on! Sometimes we take a break from it, get off the wagon, fall off the wagon, run away from the wagon.... but coming back is the hardest part, right? Making that decision and facing up to whatever it is that we're mad or upset about, and deciding to change it. So good for you! I think we all know what it's like to start craving those foods again. It's hard. Step on the scale when you're ready, but we're here! Happy to see you!

As for me:

I had a very good day yesterday numbers-wise, although my cals were, for me, probably TOO low (I usually like to be above 1200) and I am expecting to be hungry today. It's okay because I can anticipate it, and I'm going to have to plan carefully. It was also day 2 of cutting out some dairy from my diet - I had no dairy at all with breakfast, and a small amount of cheese with lunch. Dinner was tacos, so there was some cheese sprinkled on top, but I measured it carefully to be 1/4 cup of cheese across the tops of the 3 smallish tacos I ate. I am craving cereal for breakfast this morning, but I think I am going to do what I did yesterday (a couple of eggs) instead to try to keep the milk out of my diet, just to see if the low-dairy thing is helping. I also changed one of my goals to working out 3x this week from working out MWF, since it looks like it's going to bw T/Th/S instead!

My calves are very sore from working out yesterday (I forgot to stretch them post-workout) but I'll walk it off. I matched my previous low from this month and would LOVE to be in the 170s by the end of the month. I'm so close - half a lb. and I'm there! I can do it! Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Weekly Goals
1) Water intake 64 oz+ daily (post number) M: No, Roughly 40 oz. T: yes, 72 oz.
2) Calories, post daily numbers and weekly averages. Aiming for under 1500 daily and weekly M: 1,316 (estimated dinner) T: 1,117
3) Workout cardio 3x M: no, got home late T: yes
4) Workout strength 1-2x (pick a day that looks good) M: no T: no
5) Weigh in DAILY and post on the daily thread M: yes T: yes
6) Eat mindfully (while I'm posting calories too, this goal really got to me when I had it, so I'm bringing it back!) M: yes, and this goal helps! T: very yes.
7) ADDED GOAL: Protein 20% or more of daily calories M: 20% T: 29%!

~Terri

Welcome back Jenai. The wagon has a spot |__| << right there, come on up :D

I can't wait for my new "eyes" They're PURPLE (naturally) and oh so purdy.

The other pair (progressives) are tortoise shell, for when I feel brainy chic :D

Good morning all :)

Jenai - Glad to see your post this morning! It's not the same around here without you! Happy you found some inspiration and are taking baby steps back to the wagon. That wagon ride is a bumpy one and no doubt we will all take our turns falling off of it, but I like to think we're all here to hold out a hand to help each other back on when needed.

Terri - No chips for me! I don't even dare keep chips in my house....I would devour them!! By baked tortilla I meant I literally back some tortilla :p I spray a flour tortilla with a little olive oil spray then dress it up with some herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese then bake it in the oven until it turns toasty brown. It's a relatively healthy snack, but that paired with air popped popcorn put me way over on carbs as recommended in 21 Day Fix. Yeppers...logged it in my journal...brushed off the crumbs (literally...LOL!) and moving right along ;)

Hope everyone has a great day!

:D to Janai

Terri, its hot here too, probably not as hot as where you are, but it is more than I am used to.

Bea, I'll remember that. Purple.

No walk today, I slept till 8. Watching weather right now and they say it will not be as warm tomorrow. I'll walk tomorrow.
Still going to make my recycle run later. It will have to be afternoon because I woke up in the night and discovered my son still awake and he is parked behind me.
I have a cardiologist appointment this afternoon. Now I will find out if there is any lasting damage to my heart.
Unfortunately that appointment interferes with dinner. Cooking it. I am getting take out for my family and I will precook something for me, or put together left overs. I won't let scheduling ruin my eating habits.

Terri, thank you for the "welcome back". I appreciate it. Why no dairy?

Bea, thank you for keeping a spot for me. Getting new eyes is always nice, and it sounds like you are expressive with yours.

Debbie, Thank you for welcoming me back.

Annette, I hope your appointment goes well.



I had a sweet tooth last night (as I always do these days), so I made a dozen blueberry crumb muffins. I did the calculations just now and discovered that each little muffin is *gulp* 292 calories. That's for a standard muffin with no spill-over on top (just puffed up a little). I about had a heart attack.

I said "no" to my soda craving this morning. But I didn't say no to a breakfast sandwich. I'm not unhappy about that. They are not many more calories than if I had made one at home. So, I met one goal so far today of saying no to at least one thing, and I'm going to try for one more thing today.

I'm going to be way over on my calories today because of the muffins, but it's day 1 back and I knew I wouldn't be perfect on the first day.

on a personal note, I finally found a hobby that suits me and my hands (I have carpal tunnel that prevents me from doing handwork of any type that I love so much). I've been struggling with a way to express my creativity for quite a long time. I used to be an avid scrapbooker, but gave up all my supplies and paper in a sudden move, and I never had the desire to start all over again investing in tools and supplies after that.

I discovered the solution...Digital Scrapbooking! All the beauty of scrapbook pages without any of the mess or storage problems of the tools and paper. I started out with the free version of the software, and downloaded a lot of graphics from their Free section. Then, once I discovered how fun it is, I bought some pages and embellishments from the $1 section and sale section. Once I get enough pages done, I will start uploading them to MyMemories.com and getting them printed in 12x12 books.

I started the looooong process of scanning in multitudes of photos (about 14 years worth before digital cameras). Last night I finished scanning in the first shoe sized box, and that one alone was several hundred pics. I've got about 8 of those boxes, plus a moving box full of photos left to scan.

It has been so much fun to do these. Here are a few examples to show off some of what I've done. a couple pages of 3 of my kids in younger days and a page of my amazing dh (some from a long time ago, some not so long ago...he ages incredibly well. Hardly looks any older from 20 years ago.)

I have to go for more tests. The doc was kind and said that the echocardiogram was inconclusive because of a big bust, but it is really fat. So now I get the radioactive version.

Debbie: I know what you mean about chips (see below). Ugh, salty snacks. Your solution sounds very nice though! I usually don't try stuff like that and I really should.

Annette: Wednesday provided some relief from the humidity, at least (it was still hot, but far more 'comfortable' heat). I originally grew up in New England and am now in the Midwest, so I'm used to SOME hot, but anything over 85-90 and I complain a lot. DH is from the South and thus is more tolerant of those hot days (but hates the snow - well, who am I kidding? We both dislike lots of snow. All the shoveling! It's a good workout but BLECK!). Good luck on your next EKG - I'll be thinking of you and sending good vibes!

Jenai: Well, not NO dairy for me, but I'm trying to go lower dairy. I went back over my logs from when I was losing steadily before a long break (I had hit 156 as a low) and one thing that jumped out at me from my old logs and my current logs was an overall lack of dairy - not a lot of cheeses, creams, etc. I still ate it, but it was far less than the way I'm eating it now (DH and I have taken to eating fresh cheese slices as snacks, and I'd also started making more milk-based sauces and such), so this week and in the future (if it seems to be working) I'm trying to be more conscious about my dairy choices. I've heard that dairy can often cause bloat, and cheeses are full of saturated fats, so I'm wondering if cutting it down will help!

Good on you for "saying no"!!!! Little steps at the beginning are the best. You'll make another step and another step and soon you'll be outpacing the wagon :) I LOVE your scrapbooking pictures, what a great idea to just do it in digital form. I particularly love the first one with the embellishments, but they're all great! Finding happiness there will translate to happiness elsewhere! You remind me I should start my sewing again in earnest.

As for me:

Relatively good day yesterday. Had a high-carby dinner (pasta again - can you tell DH and I are waiting on a paycheck?), this time with chicken breast rather than shrimp, and a red sauce. DH was kind enough to write down what he cooked with (how much oil etc.) so that I could estimate the calories a little better, and I also had a glass and a half of wine -- as apparently he felt like lighting candles and bringing me a glass while I was on the couch looking over some class materials, how could I say no? ;) It was cute and sweet. I am dog-tired today - a couple of nights ago I stayed up about 2 hours later than normal and I think it's still killing me. But I have a gym visit planned and it WILL happen!

My eating mindfully goal, I think, also saved my bacon yesterday. As I predicated, I was STARVING. Breakfast and lunch went okay, but at about 4:30 I started to get hungry enough that I felt like I could eat my shoes. I had a lot of students visit my office yesterday and so ended up staying at work about an hour later than intended. When I got home, DH was in the middle of writing and didn't want to be bothered (he was "in the zone!") and so I settled down to start some class stuff, when my stomach was loud enough to be heard in the next county. At about 6:30 I just got up and walked over to the pantry and opened it, and there staring me in the face was a bag of potato chips! EEK! I usually don't keep them in the house (DH bought them) and it was already opened and everything. Salty snacks are my Achilles heel.

My hand snatched out for them, but I remembered "eat mindfully" -- which to me means having your mind on WHAT you are eating and WHY you are eating it, and I reminded myself that dinner would be soon (DH wanted to cook), and that I was reaching for chips because I was hungry and being impulsive, and that I wasn't going to die if I waited another half hour or so.

I grabbed a SINGLE chip (for satisfying mouthfeel) and then retreated quickly back to the couch with a glass of water, which I downed. And then about 10 minutes later DH came out with the wine (and being a sweetheart), so I felt like I got a reward, haha! Wine has calories too, but I felt way better about them and drank it mindfully (I knew WHY I was drinking it). So that goal is totes a keeper for me!

Weekly Goals
1) Water intake 64 oz+ daily (post number) M: No, Roughly 40 oz. T: yes, 72 oz. W: just squeaked in 64 oz.
2) Calories, post daily numbers and weekly averages. Aiming for under 1500 daily and weekly M: 1,316 (estimated dinner) T: 1,117 W: 1,429
3) Workout cardio 3x M: no, got home late T: yes W: no
4) Workout strength 1-2x (pick a day that looks good) M: no T: no W: no
5) Weigh in DAILY and post on the daily thread M: yes T: yes W: yes
6) Eat mindfully (while I'm posting calories too, this goal really got to me when I had it, so I'm bringing it back!) M: yes, and this goal helps! T: very yes. W: yes. This goal helped me from making a very bad decision yesterday.
7) ADDED GOAL: Protein 20% or more of daily calories M: 20% T: 29%! W: 22%

~Terri

Wow Terri!!! You showed great restrain by eating only 1 chip!! I don't think I could have stopped at 1!! Good job! You husband sounds like such a sweetheart...it also sounds like you know that and appreciate his efforts ;) I really should follow your lead and try to eat more mindfully. I end up eating snacks and having wine in the evenings too often. I think I use it as sort of a reward for getting through another hectic day...if that makes sense? The kicker is I end up undoing all the good I did that day. I need to find a different way to reward myself :o

Jenai - Your scrapbooking pages are so nice!!! I just recently bought myself a new camera and having been taking more pictures than usual. I should try online scrapbooking too!!

Annette - What is the radioactive version? Do they have to inject dye or something?

Have a good day all!

I was having chest pains all day yesterday. They were intermittent, so I didn't think of using the Nitro spray. I was planning to tell the doctor, but when she told me she was taking an in office ECG, I let it go. I thought it would show up if there was a problem. No problem. I still told her.
She suggested that if it happens again, try the nitro just to prove to myself that it is something else.
Having chest pains are not uncommon for me. I have them when I am at the good part of one of my novels, which, in a way, I am right now. My heroine is in love with brothers and has to make a decision. Hurt one, love the other, or walk away. I have made my decision, but now I have to write the ending.

The other test is a Gallium scan where they inject radioactive dye into my veins and take pictures after. The dye will end up spreading through my whole body, settling in my intestines for a while before leaving my body through conventional means. I wonder if I should go camping and bury it in the woods. ;)

I have now been officially told that I am diabetic. Right now that simply means fasting blood tests every 3 months.

My day ahead:

I just got back from my walk. So that is good.

My daughter volunteered me to drive the husband of a friend of hers to his weekend camping trip. Not far from my house. Its a thing about living out in the country.
I am hoping that my lawn team shows up today because we are expecting rain tomorrow.

As for food — Change of plans. My granddaughter is coming to stay the weekend. That means gluten free, dairy free, tomato free, egg free, (Shoot, I have a mango on the table. Gotta freeze that.) soy free.
Thursday — Crock pot sweet and sour pork, chowmein (I have to sprout my mung beans asap)
So, my usual sweet and sour sauce has tomato in it, so it is time for a different recipe. I can't use chowmein noodles while my granddaughter is here, so I have a recipe for Chicken Long Rice, which is gluten free. For hubby and ds I can do something else. I can do this!

Had time to skim only Annette's post.

Annette, take care of yourself! Wishing you all the best!

Terri, I just saw that you ate only one chip. Congrats, Superwoman.

I'm here. Horribly off the wagon but haven't given up. One more social function Saturday and I'm done until Thanksgiving except for a couple kiddie birthdays which are not a problem for me.

Congrats to those of you who are doing well and cyber hugs of support to those of you who are struggling.

I'll BE BACK!

I know I def couldn't eat just 1 chip...I didn't even know that was possible:D

I have done well this week to lose a pound but tonight I am craving sweets.
I know if I don't give in it will be better for me. Give me strength.

Terri, one single chip?? Wow! You are the queen of self restraint! How nice of your dh to treat you with wine and dinner.

Annette, you've got a lot of cooking challenges ahead of you. Good luck with making everyone happy/healthy!


I'm terribly ashamed of myself. I finally got the courage to step on the scale. I've gained 7 lbs back. :( Actually, honestly, I thought it was going to be about 5 more than it was, so I was a little surprised. But so ashamed that I've let things get so out of control when I had been doing so very well for quite a long time. I was getting close to a major mini goal that I've been looking forward to, and ever closer to ONEderland. Self Sabotage? Is there something sub-conscious about me my goals? I know my eating out of control has something to do with my inner thinking/feeling, but I can't pinpoint the problem, therefore I can't address it to fix it.

I did have an Atkins/milk last night at about midnight, and it was as good as I remember it. But then after that I was still hungry(?? or just craving food?) and I had oatmeal. My reasoning and justification for that was that oatmeal is a lot healthier than junk food and empty calories. After I ate it I was completely satisfied for once. I was too lazy to get out the Stevia, though, and used regular sugar to sweeten it. And I also didn't measure the raisins. :( So my plan of best intentions was shot down by laziness.

Need so desperately to fix my inner self, whatever may be wrong, and get back with the program.

Mern, don't worry about it, I was rambling. Glad to see you.

Still here. Have gotten exercise pulling weeds and housework. Doing well on the veggies and fruit (for snacks) but the water intake could be better.
Jenn

Haha, thanks everyone for kudos on my single-chip eating. I felt a little silly after I told the story here, but I appreciate it! It took some restraint, but I did it, and I'm happy I made the choice. I bet you all could do it too!

Debbie: DH is generally a very sweet guy. He can be a pill (can't everyone?) but he's very loving and generous, and it makes me feel lucky. Soon there will probably be less wine and dinner-making as he gets ready to go back to work; his job is very physically demanding and he'll come home tired. I'll probably start doing the lion's share of the cooking again, but that's okay. I've been spoiled long enough! Wine and snacks as a reward makes PERFECT sense. After a bad day all I usually want is a good glass of wine, a cheese tray, and a massage. I've been trying to find another way to reward myself too, but nothing ever seems to stick quite as much as the treats. Bah!

Annette: Eek! Chest pains would have scared me, and I'm glad you told your doctor about them! I hope it's nothing but excitement/anticipation about your book! Envious of your ability to write. Haha, I love your test about the radioactivity. If you bury it, who knows what might grow!

Mern!: Good to see you! Come back soon! :D

Becca: Ah, I bet you could have eaten only one chip! It was just a decision I made before I grabbed, ONLY ONE! Haha.

Libby: It'll feel better to know you kept that pound of than it will to have a sweet!!

Jenai: I think for most overeaters, or people who struggle with food cravings, or whatever you want to call it, there's always some inner demons to be worked out. The food gets all wrapped up with other stuff, you know? Part of me thinks it's our culture (we eat to celebrate, we eat to console, we eat to live, we're constantly thinking about food) and as soon as there's an association - bam, that food takes on a whole new meaning. And that means what happens to us AFTER we eat takes on a meaning too, like gaining weight. And then you feel bad about yourself, and you feel ugly maybe, or you feel wretched, and you eat to console, and it's just this big cycle of ick. If you've ever read the book "THe Perks of Being A Wallflower" or seen the movie, there's a semi-famous line from it that says "We accept the love we think we deserve" in explanation of why people go into/stay in horrible relationships.

I think that's an insightful line, but I also think that we love ourselves and treat ourselves the way we think we deserve, too, whether or not what we think we deserve is true. And that can be a very sad thing :( I dunno if that has anything to do with how you're feeling, but the point is, I think you're awesome and you deserve to do what you really want to do - which is hit your goals! And hell girl, I'm lazy at midnight and I'm sure most people are, too. You still made good choices, and you should celebrate what you DID do rather than fuss about what you DIDN'T do. You can do it!

Jenn: Sounds like you're checking most of your boxes! Good work, keep on keeping on!

As for me:

Another lower-than-normal cal day for me yesterday. I also dragged my tired butt to the gym, and while I admit I didn't work out as intensely or quite as long as I normally do (tired tired tired!), I DID IT, even when I didn't want to, and I'm proud of that. I also squeaked down on the scale this morning to 180.2 (from a previous low of 180.4) and hope that it keeps moving in the right direction! I'd love to be in the 170s (even if by the barest of margins) by Sunday, as that's my goal!

Finally got a paycheck today! A lot of it is going to be gobbled up on bills/things we've been needing to buy soon, but for the moment I'm going to enjoy seeing more than $50 in my checking account, haha! Switching jobs is a pain. Happy Friday everyone, keep strong over the weekend!!

Weekly Goals
1) Water intake 64 oz+ daily (post number) M: No, Roughly 40 oz. T: yes, 72 oz. W: just squeaked in 64 oz. Th: 80 oz.
2) Calories, post daily numbers and weekly averages. Aiming for under 1500 daily and weekly M: 1,316 (estimated dinner) T: 1,117 W: 1,429 Th: 1,155
3) Workout cardio 3x M: no, got home late T: yes W: no Th: yes
4) Workout strength 1-2x (pick a day that looks good) M: no T: no W: no Th: no
5) Weigh in DAILY and post on the daily thread M: yes T: yes W: yes Th: yes
6) Eat mindfully (while I'm posting calories too, this goal really got to me when I had it, so I'm bringing it back!) M: yes, and this goal helps! T: very yes. W: yes. This goal helped me from making a very bad decision yesterday. Th: yes
7) ADDED GOAL: Protein 20% or more of daily calories M: 20% T: 29%! W: 22% Th: 23%

~Terri

Us Canadians are celebrating Labour Day week end. That means some of us have Friday and Monday off work. I am going away for the week end and hope to be enjoying fire works on Sunday night if it doesn't rain. I just hope I can control my diet for the next four days. Have a good one. I won't be posting again till Tuesday.

I'm off to enjoy the last long weekend of the summer! I'll be back to posting on Tuesday from my desk at work...yuck! :p

I think the US has a long weekend as well. Actually, our family celebrates by working harder. Farming never quits, especially when it involves animals that Terri, I remember what it was like to live from paycheck to paycheck. Now that we have our own business, it just means longer between those paychecks.

I didn't walk today. My daughter left her vehicle with me for the weekend, along with her daughter. I intend to get that kid out there with a garbage bag to clean out her mom's car. My van needs a good vacuuming after all the recylcing of farm junk. Everything had a layer of shavings, and cobwebs on it.

Tonight's menu will not have changed unless there is tomato in the recipe I had planned, but I don't think so. I only have to cook two different pastas. One with gluten for hubby and ds, one without gluten for granddaughter. DD and I will eat either, although I would prefer a third type that is low sodium. It is all about whether I want to wash that many dishes. I don't own a dishwasher.

Friday —Fish, pasta, roasted broccoli, carrot, onion

I do have to go shopping today. I am out of fruit, other than frozen blueberries and cranberries. Then there are the frozen strawberries and mango, which are both off limits while my granddaughter is here.