Lose 100 lbs by November 2008 (April Thread)

[fancyface]

Hi Cara! Christian here too. You are so right. I think it is tough for anyone to really look at themselves spiritually and physically -- we all are sinners and part of becoming healthy is taking care of the inner us too. Every day I pray, asking God to help me resist temptations (food and others). The devil knows our weaknesses, but God is all powerful and merciful. WE can do this together! God is our Rock and our Fortress.

What an impact it must have been with the cardboard cutouts. Thank you for sharing that.

[Teresa Helton]

Originally Posted by cara34

So weird that you're talking about not looking in a mirror - This relates exactly to why I feel so empowered and able to do this - I don't know if you guys are Christians, but either way this relates: I work at my church and am very involved. Last Sunday, to go w/ the series that we're doing, we had the coolest thing - people (Elders, staff members, including pastors, and members) were up on stage, and our pastor asked what everyone's 'cardboard testimony' would be. So everyone on stage came forward individually and held a piece of cardboard - on one side was something negative, either a difficult situation they've faced, or a major sin they've struggled with (REALLY, like a pastor admitting that he had struggled w/ pornography, a sunday school teacher admitting that she was once addicted to meth, etc.) the other side had what God had done with that problem - for example - Addicted to Meth on one side, and Addicted to God on the other side.

Gosh, it was so powerful - partly because I know and love so many that were so brave to do that! And partly because we are all so good at acting so together and so perfect, especially at church! It made me realize that when you're hiding (like not looking in a mirror or going to any length to keep people from knowing how much you weigh) or ignoring (like minimizing your problem or not getting on a scale for 10 years!) you're covering up a lie - and all the while, acting like everything is just peachy! I'm just tired of hiding it or acting like it's not a problem - IT IS A PROBLEM to be out of control and just eating whatever you want when your health is at stake!!

Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I am just so freed! It feels good to not be afraid that someone is going to know how much I weigh!! I mean, when you finally get it out there, there's nothing to hide anymore!

We're all a mess - the skinniest person you know is a mess in some way. And if I was completely honest with myself, probably a lot of the reason that I struggle with my weight is b/c I wasn't comfortable, thought I had to be perfect, and spent so much time and energy trying to project that picture that I didn't have any energy left for being healthy!

Just wish I had figured that all out about 10 years ago!!

Thank you for sharing this. I know that God keeps me strong and going.

[magickal1]

wow I came her feeling so frustrated cuz i havent had a loss in a week!!!! then i read cara's post, Thank you for posting that, its so true we spend so much time trying to hide it when really we arnt hiding it . in reality we carry a cut out daily with us for the world to read it just dont have the exact number on it I think thats why I personally shy away from ppl and events , but not no more Im gonna love my self . I was introduced to a song a lil while back on another thread and let me tell u I listen to it every day and i believe in every word , its almost like she wrote the song for me Its by jewel stronger women!! heres the lyrics

I guess you could say
I'm one of those girls
that's always been with one of those guys
you know the type
like right now
he sleeps while I write

But it's better than crying
warn out from trying
from loving a man who always makes it clear
I am not welcome here
Just till he's horney or hungry or needs something clean
you know what I mean
But not tonight
Cause come the morning light, oh

I'm gonna love myself
More than anyone else
Believe in me
Even if someone can't see
The stronger woman in me

I'm gonna be my own best friend
Stick with me till the end
Won't lose myself again
never, no
Cause theres a stronger woman
a stronger woman in me

light bulbs buzz I get up
and head to my drawer
wish there was more
I could say
another fairy tale fades to grey

I've lived on hope
Just like a child
walking that mile
faking that smile
all the while
wishing my heart had wings
well tonight I am gonna be
The kind of woman I want my daughter to be

I'm gonna love myself
More than anyone else
Believe in me
Even if someone can't see
There's a stronger woman in me
Won't lose myself again
never, no
Cause there's a stronger woman, a stronger woman

this is me packing up my bags
this is me headed for the door
this is me the best you ever had

I'm gonna love myself
More than anyone else
Believe in me, even if someone can't see
There's a stonger woman in me

I'm gonna be my own best friend
stick with me till the end
Won't lose myself again
never, no
Cause there's a stronger woman, stronger woman
Theres a steronger woman in me
Yeah

I listen to it every day !!!!!!!! Im glad I came here this morning cuz I need to see all this , I will over come this too I just have to be patient, and stick with my plan. I hope that songs helps some one like it does me ..

menu
b-tuna
L-tuna
d-chicken
water water water - green tea have a great daay girls hugs to u all , ill post again later..

[cara34]

Magic, I do like that song - very powerful!

I have to share a small victory - Unexpectedly, I went out to dinner last night. I was sure to pick a place where I knew there would be something I could eat, but when I was looking at the menu, it was sure tempting! Especially b/c this was a restaurant that sits a whole basket of fresh rolls on the table!!

But I ordered a grilled chicken salad - didn't even have a bite of a roll! It was really good, and I felt so strong and in control in a healthy way! I can't tell you all how much this board has helped me in moments like that - just to know that you guys have been so successful at sticking to this woe, even when faced w/ temptation everyday!

The day that I began induction, we had been to the store and my kids had asked for some ice cream sandwiches. I had decided that I would have 1 (or how many ever!!!) and THEN I would begin induction. Isn't that the mentality that always gets us into trouble? It's like, "I'm starting a 'diet' on Monday, so I'm going to eat this whole bag of chocolates now!" Ha! As if gorging on chocolate will satisfy us so much that we'll never again want it once we're on the diet!! I've played that game too many times - I FINALLY realized that there will always be ice cream sandwiches! And even if I ate 20 of them today, I'd probably want one next week, too! No amount will ever fill me up to the point where I say, "Okay, cross that bad food off of my list - I don't want it anymore, I'm satisfied!" I guess what I'm saying is that I always looked for food to fill me up - and it never, never will - As much as I stuff myself, I'll always want more the next day!

And really girls, we're just like 95% of the rest of society - we have to be conscious of what we eat!! It's just that when I was in denial or acted like I didn't care about how I felt or how I looked, it was easy to pretend that I could eat whatever I wanted! And I guess I could and did - just for a great price!

But our good choices pay off, right?? When I weighed this morning, I was glad that I had chosen the salad and NO BREAD!!

I should've put this disclaimer at the beginning - I am a writer by occupation - I am so sorry for oversharing or giving long posts - feel free to skip over!!

[Teresa Helton]

woohoo Cara, You did so good.. your will power is strong!!

[magickal1]

cara I love ur posts, thats the point to come and share and I learn so much from all them so plz keep sharing. wtg on ur dinner out!!!!!
I have done the im gonna eat my last meal thing way to many times , but some how this time around i changed I think the long stall I went on taught me a great deal like how to enjoy it but not over do it and how to get right back to my woe, I have lost weight many times in my life and large amounts of it always to put it back on and more then have to start all over.. I feel I have over come alot this time around after losing so much so quickly then to hit a stall from hell to loses the same 20 pounds every month was frustrating , but i kept my weight under controll during that time , yes I wish i was at goal right now , but im not and I am learning more everyday how to eat and fule my body.I get frustrated with the scale like i am right now , but I now I am doin everything right , so it will happen I just have to be patient and let it happen...

[SUNSHINELADY]

Cara,
Thanks for putting the "gonna start tomorrow" into a proper perspective. Oh, how I have done that, been there. Just last Saturday, I cheated with pizza from our favorite place and said, "I can have this tonight, cuz I'm back on tomorrow". Today is day five cheat free and I feel great.

Magic,
I enjoy your posts....so easy to relate.

Today's menu:
Breakfast: 4 sausage links
Snack: 2 sausage links, celery
Lunch: Salad from Subway, no dressing or croutons
Snack: 3 slices colby jack cheese
Dinner: Cracked pepper turkey breast and some veggie
Snack: fried cheese if needed

I have needed the fried cheese at night lately and for some reason, it helps with my sweet craving.

On my 2nd bottle of water, need to make 1 up and get 34 more down.
Have a good day.
Cindy

[behind_the_mask]

Today's Menu:
B- turkey on oopsies (6)
L- pepperoni slices, diet pop (2)
S- coffee w/cream (4)
D- pulled pork and veggies (6)
TOTAL=18 carbs/8 glasses of water
(walking 1 mile to park later)

[Jennifer]

Thank you all for the wonderful posts! Talk about having lots to think about and reflect upon. It's so nice to know that I'm not alone in my struggles.

[Amy Markle]

Hey everyone...just taking a quick break from work, i'll post more tomorrow evening...but i caved in yesterday!!! but, back on track today...didn't beat myself up over it...i'm just moving on...does anyone else do anything to remind them why they are losing this weight, to help stay motivated? i am doing this first of all to be healthy...but one of those great things that will come with being healthy is to have a baby...i will not even consider trying before i get my blood pressure controlled by getting my weight down etc., so i have purchased some baby items to start getting prepared...to keep me moving in the right direction...one thing did help today...i realized that my clothes already fit differently, not as tight!! YEAH

[Teresa Helton]

hi Amy,

My health and my family keep me going. I just got married to the man of my dreams a little over two years ago and I want to be able to have a long life with him and be able to enjoy it. for my son. He is a teenager now and I want to be around and able to run around with my grandkids some day. Plus, my health is the big reason. when I started out I had high blood pressure, High cholestral, skin cancer and diabetes. At the age of 34 I could feel myself dieing!! I started in Nov and and now 50 pounds less my high blood pressure and
high cholectral is now history , no longer have to take meds for them anymore!! woohoo!! my diabetes meds were lowered today!!!woohoo, and the more weight I lose the better my chances are I want get other cancers. Life is what keeps me going! I want to live.

[magickal1]

Jennifer- ur definatly not alone chica, im right here with ya!!!!!!!!!

amy - wtg for gettin back on thats very important and a victory!!! I use this site as motivation really it has helped me so much , I want to do good on my challenges, and i read almost everything to know im not alone and know that if they can do it i can too. I dont want to be imprisoned no more I want to be rid of this prison I created.......I want to ride on a roller coaster with my daughter I want to shop in a normal sized cloth store. I want to look in the mirror and be in aw of myself. I want to get on a harley and feel secure and ride till i cant no more, want to go skinny dippin and feel confident doing it.....those are just a few of mine, but I got alot more ......I also wanna look my age and not older than what i should look like

Teresa Helton - thats such great news about ur health, keep the great work up ur gonna make it!!!!!!

hug to u all

[Teresa Helton]

hey magic,


those are great ones!!! I would love to do those as well! hehe

[fancyface]

It is always so inspiring to read everyone's posts. I can identify with so much of it, it is like I wrote some of them myself.

• I too want to be healthy for me and my family.
• I want to be able to one day ride a roller coaster with my son (he's 3 now).
• Denial has been my middle name.
• Shopping in regular sized clothing stores (what a joyful day that will be-- we're setting aside some of our tax refund for that purpose)
• Diabetes and high blood pressure diagnosed in January -- Lab work in April indicated A1C down from 8.9 to 5.5 and blood pressure = 'low normal'
• 'Gonna start tomorrow' -- I have said that so many times in the past and wasted so much time in getting healthy.

Magickal, I like that song too.

Thank you to each and everyone of you for your comments and encouragement. It is so nice to be able to vent, learn from each other, share successes, and give/receive encouragement. Sometimes coworkers, friends and even family just do not understand it all --- if they have never faced the challenges we are all facing and overcoming.

Also, want to post another 2 lb loss -- Down to 238.5. I have not been down to that weight since 1997 - Wow! Thank God!!!

[Joy66]

I am very new to this forum. I don't even know if this is the right place to start...

I've read a lot of the posts on this thread and really feel like I am in a similar place and on a similar journey with all of you.

I started walking at the YMCA in January, after I signed up with Activate America. I basically watched my caloric intake and ate "healthy" and in two weeks, I lost a couple of pounds.

I've been taking care of my Mother since January 2006. That is when she fell during a drunken binge and broke her ankle. She was in ICU going through Detox for 10 days and almost died. She never fully recovered from the fall and in November, she seemed to be getting worse again. On January 17, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. She was told that she had 3 months to a year to live. On the 21st, she went into the hospital for jaundice and Liver Cancer was diagnosed. She was given less than 3 months to live at that point. She was released 10 days later on the condition that she have 24/7 care... So my sister and I became primary caregivers. The Y went out the door! The diet went out the door!

Mom turned 60 on February 18. Less than one week later, on February 23, her mother, my grandmother, collapsed and died. She had grieved herself to death over my mother's condition. My mother passed on March 17th.

I began low-carbing on March 13th. I felt so out of control, so at my wits end, so lost and depressed, I went to a doctor, had blood work done, and started low-carbing. (Blood work came back great, unbelievably). A month later, I had lost 11 lbs. This week, I can add 2 more lbs. to that.

Losing my mother and grandmother both so quickly and so close together has been the most difficult thing I've ever faced. But I know that life-style killed them both. (Mom was an alcoholic and had smoked forever before quitting just over 2 years ago, and my grandmother was a diabetic with high blood pressure and was a constant worrier and would often eat too much junk and spike her sugar.) Sometimes I am just angry with them, but most of the time, I am just determined to stop the madness and get healthy.

I have 5 kids. I am a crazy homeschool mom. And I am a painful introvert. I hate crowds but have learned to push myself into uncomfortable situations for my children. Most people have no clue what an introvert I am, because I have been the co-organizer of our Co-op for the past two years and the PE leader (ha ha!!) for the 5, 6 and 7 year olds for our PE group for the past two years.

In January, I weighed 300. That is my all time high!! I was shocked at the number, but really more that it wasn't higher after the last 2 years that I'd been through. On 3/13, my weight was 299. On 4/10, my weight was 288. on 4/18, my weight was 286. So for 2008, my total loss is 14lbs.

Ok, enough of the long saga...

Does anyone here think it is possible for me to lose 100lbs. in 2008?? Does the weight begin to come off more slowly after a while?? I figured if I lost 10 lbs. a month, that would be 90 more lbs., but just how realistic is that??

I did start back at the YMCA this week. I went 5 days. It got easier each day. I hope to keep it up!!

[fancyface]

Welcome Joy66. So sorry for your losses, but glad you are here and making such positive changes for you. You sound incredibly busy and I know from experience, it is sometimes too easy to push our needs to the back burner. I think you have set realistic goals. I know we all lose at different rates, but I have been amazed at how easy it has been. Hopefully, I won't be eating those words in few months. I think the main thing is not really how quickly we lose, but that we continue to take care of ourselves. Welcome Again! Best wishes on your journey. Looking forward to reading more posts.

[fancyface]

Joy, I like your blog too!

[LaRae]

Could everyone post their menus? I know that Heather and Magickal1 post theirs, but it would help me to see what everyone is eating. I haven't lost anything in over four months and am at my wit's end!! I am now counting my calories (between 1200 - 1500), no more than 20 carbs, and I am not eating after 5:00pm. Still at 241lbs. WHAT am I doing wrong? Also, everyone says that if you're not losing, you are probably still losing inches. Not me! Everything still fits the same.

All of you are so inspiring and doing so well! I am so happy for all of you to have found this way of life. I'll never stop eating low-carb. I haven't had one cookie, chip, piece of pie or cake, anything high carb since I started on June 13th, 2007. I never thought I would be able to do that! I am one of those people that, if I ate anything high-carb, I would be so afraid to start craving carbs again. That's what keeps me from even being tempted. I was one of those people that opened a bag of candy, etc. and couldn't stop! Fullness didn't stop me; I always wanted more!

I would just like to see some results from eating right. I have a sister who "runs circles around me" in weight loss. Since we both started this at the same time, she has lost and gained 30-35lbs. about three times! My mother keeps asking me about losing weight, and I am trying so hard! I don't even make any low-carb treats anymore, not even the oopsie rolls.

What else can I do? (I feel like I post on here complaining all the time, but I am just at a loss!)

Thank you all. You should all be so proud of yourselves for your attitude and your strengths.

[fancyface]

LaRae, Hang in there.
My menu for Friday was

Breakfast - Atkins shake - 1 carb
Snack - peanuts - 3 carbs
Lunch - cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce mix with caesar dressing, bacon bits, parmesan cheese - 6 carbs
Snack - pork skins - 0 carbs
Dinner - 3 eggs scrambled with cheese, bacon - 4 carbs
Snack - Raw cabbage, - 4 or 5 carbs?
Also had a small bowl of popcorn (which was not really that good for me-- but did not gain any) - carbs 10 -12?
Blue Bunny 1 carb ice cream

Total carbs: 25-28

---

Today's menu:

Special K - protein with carb countdown milk and pkt of splenda -- 10 carbs
Lunch will be a cheeseburger, shredded lettuce with ranch dressing - 5 carbs
Snack - Blue Bunny 1 carb ice cream
Dinner - We're having pork chops, green beans, steamed cauliflour - 8 carbs?
Snack - Raw cabbage - 4 carbs
High Fat balls -- 3 or 4 carbs
Total carbs: 28 - 32 carbs

My menus vary on what type meat and what veggie, but basically stay similar. I usually have my cereal about 3 times a week -- helps with fiber issues. Also, I rarely have an Atkins shake now, just when I am running out the door without anything else prepared. Prefer scrambled eggs(with cheese). Usually fills me up for longer.

One thing I will probably add in for today is SF jello --- it keeps me going and is one of my mainstays. Also, have planned to make some high fat balls :

one stick butter, one 8 ounce pkg cream cheese - soften and mix thoroughly, add 6-8 pkts splenda, hershey cocoa to taste -- Form into balls

-- sometimes I drizzle with DaVinci's chocolate syrup. These also seem to help me fill up. Sometimes I may eat 3 or 4 of these throughout a days time. I do not make them every weekend (cause I could eat them all the time) - but this is my weekend to make some.

Also, like to fix a roast, ham, or chicken to have to munch on if I get the urge to snack and do not need any carbs. Thin sliced ham is great to grab when I feel like I have to have something.

I do not ever count calories, and sometimes have a snack as late as 9 pm. I have found that if I do not have a late protein that my blood sugar drops too low and then rebounds with a high am reading. My body works best this way. Guess we are all different.

[Teresa Helton]

facyface -- woohoo on the weight loss!!

Joy66 -- sorry about your lost. It is very doable for this year.

LaRae --I have hit some times when my wieght loss has stopped and what I do I look for something to change. Things I have done along the way to get my wieght going again is: I started eating more fish and chicken. I was eating alot of red meat,, I love it!! LOL,, I hate fish ,, but I had to open my mind to new foods and just give me a try. I now eat fish two times a week. chicken 3 times a week and red meat two times a week. I also add more vegs. At one of my stops I tried drinking green tea with each meal and that helped jump start again as well. the first time it stop I started to workout more. the past 6 months have been ever changing. I also had a two month back slide during this time. But I just kepted on going. also read and search on idea's online. I enjoy watching low carb cooking shows for ideas and I like watching http://www.youtube.com/subscription_...?s=M-SHnPIHXe8 on youtube. Jimmy Moore blog is full of great stuff.


b - 2eggs, 2 bacon, LC yogert (weekends I make breakfast taco's with LC wraps) (some times if need somthing different at breakfast I will have fruit, LC yogert and a protein drink)
S- apple or protein drink
L- tuna wrap with LC wrap (sometimes I will eat leftovers from dinner)
S- Protein drink or fruit
D- some kind of meat, veg's and some kind of LC bread ( I have a great recipe for Homestyle Low Carb Corn bread Muffins - I need to post that. I make the LC hush puppies on fish night with a salad. Also I try a new recipe once a week.) I make the deep dish pizza recipe on here once a month with salad its great !! we love it!!
I dont eat any after dinner unless my levels are low.

I dont really count carbs or cal's but I am awere of them and I make every meal as low carb as I can.
I workout 5 to 6 days a week. I have worked my way up to about 1 1/2hrs for each workout. when my workouts start to get easy I bump it up...I like to feel the burn....LOL

[magickal1]

Joy welcome I am so glad u are here with us !!! yes it is very possible to lose 10 pounds a month , I am sry to hear of ur loss hugggggggggggg, I was in a very abusive relationship for 14 years that resulted in a depressin that im still working to get out of , but I am winning the battle, I am also introvert. I would have sever panick attacks when i would go any where with ppl , so I understand completely , I have been on my journey for awhile now and I am determined to meet my goals. You will meet urs too the biggest advise I can give u is to post everyday good or bad let us help u and u help us Id ALSO SUGGEST GETTIN ON A CHALLEGE THERES MANY TO CHOOSE FROM or set mini challenges for every month like i do , it really keeps me motivated and I love the support I get from here . I wish u the best of luck and I look forward to reading ur posts everyday!!!!!!

Larae - hi chica ok girl I know u are good friends with my girl diana I came across the pin pals thread she is on the stillmans challenge with me I just love her to death. I went thru a really long stall after doing everything right , so i tried stillmans and it worked for me broke me out of my stall we would love for u to join us it might work for u , come over and check it out , read the posts and catch up and we will be there with open arms for u hug.....Its the only thing that broke my stall most of us over there cycle 10 days on stillmans and 2days on atkins it might be worth the try...

Fancy-ty hon I have a list Im starting and gonna mark each one off I get to do!!!! you are inspiring to me too - ur so right about ppl in our lives not gettin it , we need to be a place where theres ppl that understand are there to kick us in the but when we need it and to push us to keep going.......we are gonna get there we are strong and beautifull...

menue
b- tuna
l-chicken
d- salmon or tilapia
100 oz of water 1 cup of coffee and plenty of green tea.......