That is precisely why I haven't given into the temptation to buy them. The only time I'm really feeling the urge to snack is while at work--maybe because I'm too *busy* at home to think about it. Regardless, I've found that celery or broccoli with some fat-free or light Ranch dip works really well at keeping my hunger satisfied while at my desk. Hopefully, that will continue.

For maddy or anyone else doing Weight Watchers, there is a great alternate site for point values: www.dwlz.com. Especially thorough is the section on eating out--an excellent resource.

That is an awesome resource!!!

I know--I love it. :) The ads are a bit much, but if you ignore them, there's a wealth of information--not just on "points," but calories, carbs, etc. Check out the "food" section as well, when you have time. There are menus, ideas, etc. as well as general food information.

I've explored a bit on the calculator site you posted--it's excellent as well. Since I'm doing WW, I don't focus *too* much on calories, as I let my points calculate that all out for me. Still, it's fascinating the information provided by the waist-hip ratio calculator and by the site in general. Thanks!

Lil, thanks for the link on the BMR....I'd only guessed at a target calorie count, but I was pretty close. The site seems to indicate that I should target 1960...so I was only a few calories off (but it's nice to know I'm right).

Another day for us all to be successful!

I'm ready for today to be over. I find on the weekends I eat my lunch and dinner earlier to avoid snacking, but then evenings become challenging as I feel the urge to snack. Weekdays are much easier to manage because the kitchen isn't a few steps away.

I purchased Emeril's Italian dressing this weekend, quite low in calories and very flavorful.

Great resources, thanks everyone!! Maddy, I'm with you, I love weekends, but not as far as the eating plan goes, just not enough routine/schedule, etc. to keep me from thinking about all the stuff I could be eating.

I made it through today though without any pitfalls, my period actually started a few days earlier then I expected, which explains to me a lot about why Friday was so difficult for me. I'm glad it started though since for me the 7-10 days prior are worse physically then my actual 4-5 days during.

And I should start shedding any water retention that my body has been holding onto and I'm looking forward to a positive step forward physically over the next 2-3 weeks.

Hope everyone has a great day tomorrow!

Maddy, Newman's Own Light Balsalmic Vinegrette is also really, really good. I was using it long before I started WW or focusing on losing some pounds. I was reading a magazine the other day and happened to stumble upon an article about the "top 10 best low-calorie/fat dressings" and noticed that one was included.

I agree with both fzzy and maddy, though...weekends can be tough. As "wrong" as it may be, I find that skipping breakfast and eating an earlier lunch works better than trying to do three meals on the weekends--there just aren't enough points to go around. However, at the grocery on Saturday, I found WW bagels, which are 2 points for the entire bagel. I may try 1/2 of a bagel with a little light cream cheese for breakfast and hope my blood sugars aren't out the roof afterwards. :)

My Monday went well as far as food and eating goes ... at work I didn't seem to have much time, took me about 2 1/2 hours to eat an energy bar in the afternoon (for my lunch).

My good news is that I'm now able to remove the 4" extenders that I've had on all of my bras ... some real progress there since when i started 4 weeks ago, the bras were all tight enough to be digging into me a bit. Doing a little happy dance before I head off to bed! :)

Monday was much better to me eating-wise than the weekend. I even had the best omelet for dinner using Pam cooking spray, two eggs, and a little each of the cheddar and mozzarella fat-free cheese Kraft makes. (Six points, maddy, if you're interested.) Today is going to be a stressful day for me, though, so it will be interesting to see how that affects my resolve, if any.

Awesome fzzy!!! I know being able to feel it means the most!

Monday was a breeze. I'm too stressed to eat too much :D I ate something fattening as hell for breakfast so we will have to see how the rest of the day goes.

Yes, woohoo for fzzy! An "outward" reinforcement like that just renews your commitment, doesn't it?

Of course, I'm wondering what Lil ate for breakfast--'cause I'm envious. :D

As for me, speaking of reinforcements, I'm wearing a skirt today two sizes smaller than what I would've worn a little over a month ago. I have a long, long way until I reach my goal weight, but every little bit helps.

Today the scales showed I reached the 15 pound loss mark :D My dress pants for work look silly cause they are practically falling off :D

I ate a croissant. 300 calories in one bite :D Breakfast is hard for me as it's a meal I'm not fond of unless it's eating really bad for me things.

15 pounds!?!?!?! Yay! I am definitely envious now. :)

I have learned that I can't keep things like that in the house. Period. My son wanted cupcakes at the store the other day, and I made the mistake of letting him put them in the cart. Mind you, there are six in a package, and we've had them since Saturday...and I have a severe cake weakness. If I'm going to eat dessert, which really isn't THAT high of a priority for me, that's my weapon of choice. Well, I lost willpower Sunday night and had one. I faithfully recorded it, though--and I haven't touched them since. He has had two, and there are three left. Learning to deal with temptation like that is perhaps the hardest lesson.

You women are amazing! fzzy, that sounds to me a lot like 4" gone on your chest... EXCELLENT accomplishment. Lilith, 15 lbs and seems several inches also fantastic!

Thanks for the heads up on the omelet IAKG - I made one over the weekend, 2 eggs, ff cheddar, and some diced ham... all served up with a side of two slices of WW bread. I think it was a total of about 7 or 8 points but it was a weekend breakfast treat. I haven't seen the ff mozzerella, I'll have to pay closer attention next time I'm at the grocery.

Monday was a better day for me, I just tend to be busier at work and my mind doesn't as easily wonder to food. Also being limited to what I brought with me lessens the temptations. I've added salad to my daily lunch regimine and it seems to be working so far. It only takes me an extra minute in the evening or morning to throw it together in a container. It's helping my veggie intake and keeping me fuller in the afternoon.

Oh, and btw, down 8.5 lbs and down 2 more points too!

I fully understand the work dilemma, maddy. I have a stash of Lean Cuisine and similar items in the freezer at work, so I allow myself a choice instead of being "forced" to have just one option. Yesterday I hadn't realized I was out of the yogurt I keep at work, and I'd forgotten to take the celery/light dip I usually pack as a snack. It was murder! I'd had a half of a bagel for breakfast and a Lean Cuisine Steak Tips Portabello (highly recommended, btw), but that was it. Fortunately, the omelet worked just fine.

The ff mozzarella is also by Kraft, maddy--should be in the same section. If you have Shaw's in CT, that's where I bought it last. At Hannaford's last night, they had the mozzarella but not the cheddar--go figure. :)

I was wondering how your weigh-in went--that is so awesome!

I've seen the FF mozzarella at Shaws, Stop & Shop and Big Y. I believe I've even seen the store brand in FF as well.

What a bunch of inspirational posts! I love coming to this thread.


And it's not just because Lil's pants are falling down. :p

Down 4 lbs since last Wednesday...thanks to some grueling workouts and a bit more careful eating (except for the Saturday night Inidan fest). I'm not seeing much difference yet, but I have hopes....and I DID catch a guy checking me out on the bus yesterday evening. ;)

excellent girls!!! ((((hugs)))) and wolf whistles :D

lil, breakfast is hard for me too, but i know i should eat it because it helps with the metabolism all day. i do a liquid brekkie - ovaltine, carnation instant...they're less than 200 calories each. or slimfast (they make a low-sugar version now).

Woohoo!! Great to hear you are all doing so good! :cheer: :D

So far I have been good at keeping to one can of pop a day on the weekdays and that's my goal. On the weekends I am trying to keep it at two a day. This Sunday I am not restricting myself on anything, however. :p I'm not going to make it a point to funnel Dew down my throat, but if I want one (or 4), I'm going to have it. I'll still probably only have two though.

Grats Aqua! Do you feel a difference weekdays?

I feel a bit better for it, thank you!

Wow everyone .... great job(s) ... Lil ... ((whistle)) you may have to go shopping for new ones soon .... and down 15 pounds.. How wonderful is that!!

Aqua .... glad to hear you're sticking with it ... I know kicking a particular type of soda habit can be REALLY hard!! ... (thumbs up!)

Yea Osuche ... great job ... one week down ... usually one of the hardest ones to get through is that first one ... good for you!!!

WI ... and we love having you stop by .... for encouragement and to hear on how you are doing with anything you want to report to us as well!!

Well done maddy .... 8.5 pounds less you have to carry around with you!!!

IAKG ... down 2 skirt sizes ... doing the happy dance with you ... wonderful!!!!

I love you guys ... you make it fun to be able to report ... even on days that don't go as well as I hoped.... not that this is one of those ... doing fine so far .. will report at the end of the day for how it ends up! :)

I've made it through another day ... every day I make it through in tact is a victory, I did well enough today and am grateful for it!

I think being grateful is a big part of it fzzy. I'm not just hammering myself when I make poor choices but being grateful and proud of the good choices I am making too.

What an awesome thread! I was on WW for two monthes and lost 10 lbs, however I didn't keep up with it, it was way too hard with school. I have recently really been trying to start it up again, but on my own. My roomate and I have "Wednesday Weigh In." We have also started Taebo every night together.

Anyone mind if she and I join this thread... I know it's a little late, but I think these success stories, along with all of you holding me accountable... is just what I need.

Lil ... it does tend to be a mindset change as well as a lifestyle change doesn't it?!?!? :)

Kaelynn ... glad to have you join the group ... I don't think anyone here has set a starting date to be part of the thread .... we're just glad to have others joining in ... or for those who don't want to join in, but want to add some supportive comments or suggestions, love to have all of those ... so welcome to the thread, looking forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.

Okay, I can officially attest to WW being a success - it's been about a month and the changes I have been making are gradual but they are sticking. Okay, you might argue it's only been a month, but I can honestly say that I have not been this conscious of the choices I make of what to eat .... EVER!

Today at work I was feeling hungry and reached in my drawer to pull out one of the 100 calorie packs of Honey Grahams. I ate the first two and thought - this is not what I want for 100 calories! I sealed them back up with a roll in the pack and a staple and grabbed my apple instead for about 50 calories and ate it.

I'm finding a myriad of other changes too...

I wake up earlier in the morning to ensure that I get my breakfast ate and lunch packed without much of a hassle.

I find an extra spring in my step and my posture better as I'm gaining confidence.

I've started making me 'pretty' and have re-introduced makeup into my life as a daily routine rather than special occassions only.

I'm not trying to cheat the system.

I'm learning to like fruits and vegetables as they are low calorie, low fat, and packed with all the good things I'm supposed to put in my body.

And I think most importantly - I don't feel deprived.

I don't know if it's a direct reflection of WW or not, but I'm also finding I have better control of my emotions. I can't help but think at least on some level eating better is helping this.

Kaelynn~I definitely second fzzy's thoughts. Welcome!

maddy~I don't know what to say, really. I honestly can say many of the same things as you, although I'm not sure I would've said them quite so elequently. :) As far as your emotions, yes, that could be a reflection of a more stable blood sugar level, but it sounds to me as if the visual progress you've seen has just stablized your confidence more than anything. Any weight loss program is a lifetime choice--it's a change in lifestyle more so than a deprivation system. Congrats on realizing that so early on and doing those things you need to do for success. ((maddy))

Did I mention I have two bags of m&m's that have been on my dining room table for about a month un-opened? I haven't even been tempted to figure out the calories and what a serving is yet. I honestly would never have thought I could have this much control over food.

Thanks for the kindness IAKG. :)

Oh and... ummm ...

Kaelynn - welcome! I look forward to hearing your progress!
fzzy & Lilith - excellent realizations. We certainly have to think in the moment more often in life.
Aqua - Glad you are sticking to your plan and finding you feel better.

I went out with the ladies and avoided the temptation of drinks but replaced it with dessert :( I have no earthly idea how many calories I ate but I know it was ridiculous and now all I feel is bloated and disappointed.

Lil, as I told someone close to me recently, the thought that I'll never have a piece of cake (my particular dessert weakness, when I have it) again for the rest of my life is ridiculous. Diabetes or not, it would take an awfully strong person to totally give up sweets/carbs/whatever for the next 60 years.

Tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities for different choices.

My sugars are still in good shape and I'll get back on track manana!

Made it through another day successfully ... YEA!!! I've not had problems keeping inside of my calorie limits this work week .... I do so much better when my day is structured and I don't have the time watching all of those food commercials and near the food source ... but don't get me wrong, I long for the weekends during the working week!!!

I had to go to the Farmer's Market tonight ... had to get some cards ... one of my best friends birthday is next week and needed to get a b-day card in the mail to her .... the Market has a really great eclectic selection of cards (though they are also a bit on the pricy side - worth it as far as I'm concerned). While I was there, I also got a salad and some low sodium shaved deli turkey - I love their deli turkey and a meal replacement bar in a flavor I haven't seen before ... I totally steered clear of their bakery ... toooooo many treats that I love reside in that area and I knew if I looked at them, I'd be toast (or maybe more appropriate ... I'd be carmel brownie) :D

Great job, fzzy, on whipping temptation's ass, so to speak. :D I am just so proud of everyone who's posted in this thread. Not only has progress been made, but when little "blips" come along, everyone here seems to handle them in an appropriate, positive manner. We rock!

So I have been trying to exercise really hard, yesturday I went on a 2hr walk and did an hour of Taebo, I was so exhausted...

I am so bad with eating breakfast. I find myself sitting here starving, cause I haven't eaten yet today.

Anyone know any suggestions on how to keep yourself eating healthy all day?

My suggestions might be difficult in the life of a student.

To the best of your ability plan ahead and be prepared. Always have a bottle for water with you. Stop at a fountain to fill it up. Keep healthy snacks in your book bag when you head to class or the library. Make an effort to have breakfast. It doesn't take long to eat it and it will kick start your day. Even if it's a bowl of cereal while you are drying your hair. Don't deprive yourself - make good decisions and eat appropriate proportions. And don't punish yourself when you do splurge - just get back to your "routine" asap.

This is my typical weekday routine:

Breakfast - a bowl of Kashi with skim milk. Combined with some water to take my vitamin. When I get to work I'll have something additional - yogurt or a piece of fruit.

Lunch - frozen meal (lean cuisine or smart ones) - I tend to pick these up when they are on sale 5/$10 or buy 2 get 3 free, etc - and any variety of the following: piece of fruit, salad with only 2T of dressing, sugar free pudding, sugar free jello.

Dinner - something that I've prepared in advance. I do my cooking on the weekends for my dinners. But tonight I wasn't in the mood for "that" and made a quick omelet instead.

Snacks - chex mix, fruit, sugar free pudding, sugar free jello, lowfat cottage cheese, smart ones deserts, skinny cow bars, a couple of cookies, etc. I try to keep each snack I have to 150 calories or less (3pts).

Don't eat after 8pm. I think you said you work nights - don't eat more within 3 hours of going to sleep.

Much better day food wise but the stress is piling up. I need to find some way to relax.

Lil, when you figure it out, let me know, because that, I believe, is one of the biggest issues I face.

Went to the gym after work tonight and met with one of the trainers there. I was clued in on that whole mystery "target heart rate range" thing, which is nice, because I now better have an idea about where I should be and what the possible results from staying my range might be. It was another day of eating at my desk, though, and while that forces me to be good and eat one of my Lean Cuisine/Smart Ones/other type of meal, there's not a great deal of relaxation that way.

Way to get the exercise in Kaelynn ... I'm still in the VERY VERY gradually adding movement into my days ... have a long way to go, but when the knees are shot to heck, it is a slow building process ... i do try to do arm type exercises on and off through the work day and stretching exercises ... At work, it's quite a hike to get to the restrooms .... going outside and then around 3 sides of the building to get to them ... before starting my better eating, etc., by the time I'd get to the restroom my back and knees would be aching and I'd be wheezing like crazy ... always prayed that no one else would be in the restroom cause I didn't want to be embarrassed by the heavy breathing ... Now, no aching back and knees and by the time I get into the stall, my breath is fine still ... wooo hoooo!!! (I know, I know, such simple things make me happy!)

Lil ... I wish I had a good stress reliever for you .... they say exercise is good, but since I've never been one to de-stress with exercise ... I wouldn't dare recommend it :) ...

Maddy, you always share good sensible suggestions for keeping with things, thanks!

Personally, I tend to use up a few extra of my calories at breakfast (during the week) mainly because I don't usually take a lunch break so what I eat is usually something really easy .. quite often it's a meal replacement/protein/ energy bar and then again tend to eat more in the evening, it all ends up being in my goal calorie range, but I'm not sure I'd suggest doing it that way to someone else. I can say that if they work for you, you might want to keep a couple of the energy-type bars in your back pack for those times you run out of energy or get hungry and aren't someplace that would be easy to get a healthy snack/meal. I know one person who puts her lunchtime salad in a zipper plastic bag, some meat in another one and her dressing in another, then she puts the meat and dressing into the bigger bag that her salad is in and shakes it up for an instant salad meal.

IAKG .. thanks, it helps me a lot to know that each night I am going to report about my day ... when i slipped last Friday, it was such a tempting thought not to report it, but I knew that would be a choice that would only lead to further slippage .. even worse then the overeating was ... so I gritted my teeth and admitted it .. mainly having to admit it to myself in writing ... I find it is very helpful for me. I'm also glad though that everyone in the thread deals in a positive way with those choices here and there that they wish were different. thanks guys!!!!

By being honest here we are actually just being honest with ourselves. ((hugs))