300+ Support Group-Peach Blossoms-The month of Of MARCH

[lowcarbkasey]

Hi all! My name is Kasey. I've jumped back on the band wagon about two weeks ago. The hardest thing for me the last times I gave up on the low carb way or any way for that matter is... It justs seems so unrealistic to go down instead of just up in weight, ya know? I mean, it's so hard to think I can lose the 200lbs + I need to, no matter what length of time. Does any one else feel this way or have felt this way. Anyone have any tips for preparing yourself mentally for this new way of life and new self?

[Doing this Again]

Laura – I have a question for you. It’s been a while since you’re last pictures; your last ones showed such a difference from your first ones. As you drop below 300, you should update again. Do you have any plans to celebrate or for a reward? How is it going w/ your parents? You used to post a lot about living w/ your husband. I just wonder about the comparison, and how supportive they are. It sounds like they are totally supportive w/ the car everything. I’m just curious; you can ignore me if you find it nosy!!

Also w/ your psych background and what you’re doing now – have you ever considered doing therapy for people trying to lose weight? I mean as a career. You SOUND qualified, and the personal experience would ring a lot truer w/ clients than someone who had no idea. I think on this board in the past we’ve talked about the emotional baggage that goes along w/ weight gain, and having to conquer that as part of losing weight. I think someone else on this board is a therapist too. I would KILL for something like that, but I just don’t have the $. And honestly I would prioritize that below travel. Not the weight loss part, but the therapy part.

I had a bad weekend. It was the family dinner on Sunday that did me in. I’m almost ready to “go public” w/ my friends. If I did, there would be FAR less chance of that. They will be supportive. That’s not why I held off; I wanted to make sure that I would really get back into it this time. I wanted to be sure before I added the burden of catering to me & low carb when we chose restaurants or decide what to cook. I’ve tried so many times to get back into this unsuccessfully. I hate the thought of making everyone bend over backwards to accommodate me for nothing if I gave up again!

Once it’s been 2 months I think I’ll do it. That gives me Saint Patrick’s Day. We have traditions for that that I wouldn’t change for anything. Better to drink whisky and not cheat, even if it means being forced to pack a lunch; than ask to pick a different bar from the one we’ve opened and closed the past 5 years in a row!!

[hippiegirl]

Originally Posted by lowcarbkasey

Hi all! My name is Kasey. I've jumped back on the band wagon about two weeks ago. The hardest thing for me the last times I gave up on the low carb way or any way for that matter is... It justs seems so unrealistic to go down instead of just up in weight, ya know? I mean, it's so hard to think I can lose the 200lbs + I need to, no matter what length of time. Does any one else feel this way or have felt this way. Anyone have any tips for preparing yourself mentally for this new way of life and new self?

Kasey! It does seem daunting, doesn't it? It isn't unrealistic to go down instead of up, but it is hard at first to commit to what will work in that regard. I don't have any specific advice as to how to get into the mindset - I struggle with it constantly. I think Cleo posted something earlier on another thread in the Main Lobby about just doing it. Taking the emotion out of it.

I know that I try to focus on the things I can have, instead of the things I can't. One thing that gets me is when I dwell on the amount of weight I need to lose still, instead of celebrating what I've already accomplished. I calculated the other day that I've lost about 30% of the total I originally needed to lose. But instead of celebrating that, at first, I got upset that I still had that stinkin' 70% left! Bad thought process for me!

Anyway, I don't know where I'm going with this, exactly. Just know that you're not alone, and that just about everyone struggles. But diligent attention to focusing on the positive, and being gentle with yourself, are important factors.

Post here often, we'll try to lift you up when you need it!

[debkeversole]

lowcarbkasey

[Hot Tamale]

Hi Kasey, I've been where you are and have a bit of advice. Remember this will take time - LOTS of time. Don't expect results overnight - although induction is fun, that kind of loss doesn't continue. Try to enjoy the journey and not focus entirely on the destination... Set small goals (10 pounds each, maybe...) and reward yourself when you reach them. Manicures, pedicures, a new book, a movie, etc... And POST - a LOT - I know it has made the difference for me. GOod Luck!

[Pcola Girl]

Hi Deb and the rest of you to.
Not much with me today, just resting up some. This move has about wore me out.
We took the day off yesterday from unpacking and went down to the beach and had lunch in a great seafood place and then just rode around and relaxed all day. It felt so good to.
I have been trying to eat right but sometimes I goof up especially when we eat out. Yesterday I did eat a hush puppy with my seafood.
I see on TV this morning all the snow and bad weather some of you are having but here in Fla. it is warm and sunny. I feel so bad for you all having to live in that snow and cold, I don't see how you do it. I was born and raised in Florida so I cannot take the cold at all. We had some cooler weather here for a few days and I couldn't wait until it warmed back up.

Kasey, take one day at a time. I know its hard but you can do it. If you do happen to mess up with the eating just make sure you eat right the next meal.
We all have at some time messed up and wanted to quit but you can't do that if you want to lose the weight. You have to go on even when you mess up.
Just post often and let us all know how you are doing ok. This support group is great and will help you alot.

[amm]

Kasey, I was in your shoes a year ago... I looked at how much weight I need to lose and thought that it just couldn't be done. I'm a little over halfway there now... and sometimes I look at what I still need to lose and I feel discouraged. I have to remind myself not to focus on that, but to focus on how far I've come.

Once the pounds started coming off, I got to the point where I had lost so much that I didn't want to go back and end up having to lose those pounds all over again.

[eaglesmate]

hi everyone! nothing new to report here, staying on track mostly. I feel like my portions are slipping and I was doing well with that before so may need to start fit day again and keep a closer eye on things. I have been eating on plan tho. I fought off my krystal craving yesterday! I think I am going to have a planned cheat for my bday on 17th, I want a double cheese krystal and a piece of cake!! Then I will be back to behaving. I can't decide if I want the krystal more or one biscuit with gravy, those are the only 2 things I have really kinda missed.
Laura..you can do it, your almost there! go go go!

zer.. that hushpuppy recipe looks wonderful, thanks for linking it!

[eaglesmate]

wowzer I missed a whole page somehow!! back to reading..... more later! welcome kasey!!

[pescacat]

Hi-
Doing- my parents are VERY supportive and kind-and they believe in tough love so when I cry or get whiney about alot of things, they straighten me out even when it hurts and in the end, I know they're helping me be alot stronger. It is hard at times though. My friends and church family have also been there for me and continue to be there for me daily. It is a different environment for sure. My parents are especially trying to help me focus on long term things and sometimes that is difficult for me to handle-just getting from moment to moment is a challenge at times.

I would love a counselling job-especially about weight loss but have no idea where to start. My degree is in life-span developmental psychology so I'm not licensed or licensable-only clinical and school counselling folks are that. So, unless I did some freelance stuff as a psychotherapist, no chance for an income. No start up money either for an office or advertising or whatnot. Most insurance and medicare/medicaid won't pay for psychotherapist counselling so I'd have to do it on a cash basis. It is a good idea and maybe I'll look into after I get a paying job and get back on my feet down the road.

You're not nosy at all and I appreciate the ideas. *hugs*
Sorry your weekend meal went off course. I hope you get back on track and stay on track regardless of the upcoming events and holidays. My birthday is March 23rd and I'm not sure what to do/make other than some strawberries and whipped cream. I'm considering an oopsie cake of some kind but have no baking materials yet-still awaiting my furniture and stuff. I'm sure mom and dad would help me fidn the stuff to make it with but I want/need to experiement in my own kitchen a few times, first, I think.

Thanks to everyone for their encouragement. I was SO disappointed with the scale number this morning..I really really wanted to hit twoterville but then I told myself hey, if not this week, then next and maybe it will be more than an ounce or two and I'll be there FIRMLY so I just need to stop having the pity party and hit the gym!

Kasey, welcome and I understand your feeling overwhelmed and not sure if you can lose the weight. All I can tell you isd when it clicks for you, it will happen. Sometimes it clicks and you don't realize it until you look back and see that you're making progress and realize the dedication is there unlike attempts in the past. Other times, something happens and it becomes the motivator for someone to take this WOL by storm and internalize it right then and there. Sometimes both ways come together. Like Cris said, I make 10 pounds at a time my goal-then I don't feel so overwhelmed and I KNOW I can lose 10 pounds. It really is step by step and ounce by ounce. Even when we don't hit the goal we hoped for, like me today, I am determined that since this is a way of life and not a temporary "diet", even if it takes me longer than I thought, I AM going to get there. There are good days and bad days and days when I do better than others but the bottom line is this is about being a better me-for ME-and it is now a way of life. It is still a choice I make minute by minute but it does get easier as I get to know myself, my strengths, my weakenesses, my triggers and the things that can knock me off track, and how to avoid those things/situations. Success means even if you fall down or mess up 99 times, get up and begin again 100.

Congrats to everyone who did shed weight and hang in there to the folks who are struggling. The idea is to keep going forward-don't give in or give up!


--Laura

[Hot Tamale]

In the past, I'd set a goal for myself - usually too high a goal - and then, when I didn't meet the goal, I'd give up. I wouldn't be happy that I lost 7 pounds out of 10 - I'd give up becuse I didn't make the goal. Now I try to just make goals and not make time-lines - or, I have much bigger amounts of time.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by pescacat

I would love a counselling job-especially about weight loss but have no idea where to start. My degree is in life-span developmental psychology so I'm not licensed or licensable-only clinical and school counselling folks are that. So, unless I did some freelance stuff as a psychotherapist, no chance for an income. No start up money either for an office or advertising or whatnot. Most insurance and medicare/medicaid won't pay for psychotherapist counselling so I'd have to do it on a cash basis. It is a good idea and maybe I'll look into after I get a paying job and get back on my feet down the road.

Not at all sure what's what in psychology, so I did a google and got Developmental psychology - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia which may (or may not) help some of us layfolk understand what Laura does.

I'm wondering if you can volunteer, based on life experience, without license. Might open some doors for you, leading to interesting and possibly paid work. Any ideas? So many places might welcome a warm-hearted advisor who has significant life experience to offer. I'm thinking any outreach to adolescents or to women sorting out their lives. You've got so much to offer, Laura!

[Zer]

Originally Posted by pescacat

My birthday is March 23rd and I'm not sure what to do/make other than some strawberries and whipped cream.

Can't think of a better gift for this b'day than to celebrate being in TWOterVille - and maybe creating a Pavlova for a festive LC indulgence - meringue covered with an eggy custard and whipped cream and low-glycemic fruit. Yummers! No one will believe it's actually legal LC fare, but it is!

Recipe? Low Carb Pavlova recipe and Pavlova Recipe - New Zealand Pavlova Dessert Recipe with a photo at Pavlova Recipe | Simply Recipes to drool over!

[ValerieisGoing4it]

Kasey! I agree with the other poster that sometimes it just has to "click" for you mentally. I've struggled so many times before. Set crazy goals for myself and then gave up when I didn't make them. Take it day by day...meal by meal...bite by bite...make yourself understand that you are worth so much more than that bite of carby whatever. And if from time to time you do fail...start again immediately. It's not an overnight thing..we didn't get to this weight overnight and we're not going to lose it overnight. I have found great support on this site. Even if I'm just lurking...I find inspiration and motivation to keep going forward. Good luck on your journey. We can do this! We are so worth it! and to you!

[behind_the_mask]

Hello everyone! Welcome Kasey! Great questions and great advice!

Today's Menu:
B- pepperoni slices, olives (3)
L- grilled chicken, burger patty (6)
D- tuna, salad with bc dressing (4)
TOTAL = 13 carbs / 3 liters of water

After my crazy Saturday of carbs, I am back to small ketosis today... I'll take it!

[realityjunkee]

Hi girlies! Looks like you are all doing well. I've lost the 2 lbs I gained for some unnamed reason last week so I've broken even for the week. Here's hoping for a whoosh next week!

Kim

[behind_the_mask]

Tonight I'm starting a new adventure... becoming a Young Life leader for a group of sophomore girls! I'm really excited about becoming a part of their lives, but I'm also a bit nervous. High school girls can be pretty judgemental and first impressions are so important for them. So, I'm going to try to relax, act way more confident than I feel right now, and go open up and be there to love on them. Wish me luck!

[Mona]

Good Monday Eve Ladies

I didn't quite make it to the 320's as I'd hoped. I was good all weekend (after my little Friday detour) and was hoping for a loss this morning but nope.....had a super hard time sleeping and only managed to get a few hours of shuteye. But I did manage to lose 3.5 pounds for the week so that is great!

Only 2 more days of school and then I'm free for Spring Break. Woo Hoo!

FiberGal, WTG on sticking it out for 3 weeks. Now it appears your body is finally releasing the fat/fluid retention. Yay! Wow over 7 pounds gone in just a couple days. Talk about waiting for your reward! hehe. KUTGW

Hot Tamale, how are you feeling? up to 100% yet? Awesome job on going thru all that crapola with your battery dying, sick kids, and you didn't turn to food. You rock! BTW I just saw the caption for your new avatar. Too cute! Driving past the 300s! AMEN!

debkeversole, awww your son and his fiance look so cute together. When will they be getting hitched?

Zer, wow your goat farmer friend must have her hands full. The only thing cuter than a baby goat is 19 baby goats.

behind_the_mask , hopefully your weight continues on a downward trend now that your stall is broken. Heck, sometimes a big dose of carbs to shake things up works out well. It's just the trick of getting back solidly on plan. heh heh heh. Oh and about this new leadership thing you are doing....confidence (even fake confidence) is SO the key to success. Last week we had to do oral reports for class. I was so nervous waiting for my turn I felt sick to my stomach. But I got up there and spoke in a slow, clear voice and after it was done people were coming up to me saying I was the best speaker in the class. woo! If only they knew.

ValerieisGoing4it, I have never had much luck with the "one minute" anythings that are "baked" in the microwave. They always taste like chewy warm eggs. LOL. But maybe with your recommendation I will try it.

You know over the years I have collected hundreds of LC recipes I keep meaning to try but I'm just too lazy! 99% of the time I just stick with some type of plain grilled/fried/roasted meat and one of only a handful of veggies I like on the side. Cheese & nuts are big in my diet too (but now I'm measuring to avoid overdoing it.)

lowcarbkasey! I'm sure we've all felt like you do....about the amount of weight being so daunting. But just try and keep in mind if you keep eating the way you have been, a year will go by and you will most likely be heavier. But if you are actively working an eating program in that same year you can be thinner! Time passes whether we do anything to improve ourselves or not. Might as well keep trying! hehe.

Doing this Again, I hope you don't take this the wrong way but I'm popping in here with my 2 cents anyways. By not telling any of your friends you are LC'ing again it gives you an "out" whenever you want to cheat. The thing about not wanting to let them down or put them to any trouble....that is a rationalization. I know, I have done it countless times myself.

There is always a holiday around the corner, always some type of family get-together. Hell, I pissed away 50 pounds of weight loss over the summer when I "took a break" and never got back on. First it was...well I want to have one last summer BBQ. Then it was "well Thanksgiving is coming up...and then Christmas....might as well not start until the new year." I'm just sayin'

Pcola Girl, howdy! ahhh moving is the worst. Hope you get to take it easy. Funny what you said about the weather in Florida. I'm sure I would literally burst into flame in your climate. Living in Portland, OR these past 3 years I've become accustomed to a much cooler climate. Over the xmas holiday I went back home to SoCal to visit family. It was 60 degrees outside and I was hot! My mom about killed me with running the heater all the time.

eaglesmate, hi Fitday has helped me a lot to realize what a normal portion is again. "Wow, I just ate 600 calories in salad dressing? Good to know!" What is a krystal? some type of burger place? Why not put that juicy double on an ooopsie roll and make yourself some nice LC treat? However, I know how it goes when you've got a craving and nothing else will do.

realityjunkee, Hey there! Those darn mystery pounds. Well good news is they are gone. I'm sure your woosh is waiting for you next week.

Laura ooooh so close to Twoterville! I know how disappointed you must be, to be doing everything right and still our bodies don't cooperate. But I'll bet you'll get there this week. And then there shall be much rejoicing.

Cleo You are hovering on the cusp of Twoterville as well! I'm so excited for you both! But keep a seat warm for me I'm on my way soon.

[ValerieisGoing4it]

Mona...3.5 pounds for the week is awesome! Great job!

[alabama sunshine]

Kasey

[Zer]

Woke up ravenous, after curbing my eating Monday, drinking lots of water to help flush fat away (I hope) and to fill my tummy, quench my thirst. So I am now full of 40g of protein in a hot slosh (WPP+espresso+cacao+VCO) and feel as if I can whip my weight in pussycats. What a great feeling! I hope it holds long enough for me to tote trash out at daybreak and pick up mail at the p'office (stopping to weed out catalogs and junk mail, leaving it at p'office). Plan for today is eggs and fishy mayo on Scandinavian bran-rye-crisp fibercrax. Plenty of water flavored with fruity stevita, for another day of burning calories and dodging carby temptations to hold on to this flab. How I yearn to be rid of excess baggage - physical and emotional - and to get ON with life. ONWARD!