Labor Day 2012 Challenge!!! We Can All Do This!!!! Come Join Us!!!!

[Leo41]

Cyndy & krazy cat-
Congratulations on such great losses! IMO, the best thing about losses like that is that they encourage us to stay with our programs. And that leads to continued loss. Great work!

[mcchimento]

Checking in

Asthma is acting up to the point that I am using the nebulizer. I hope the medicine is not stalling me. Weight the same today as well.

__________________________________________________ ______________
Cathy

75% calories from fat = 125 total grams of fat
20% calories from protein = 75 total grams of protein
No more than 5% calories from carbohydrates= 19 total grams of carbohydrates (average: 1200 - 1500 calories)

Week 1/2: Follow Induction (DANDR) - (100 g. of salad lettuce and 50 g. of vegetable)
Week 3: Follow Induction (DANDR) - (100 g. of salad lettuce and 100 g. of vegetable)
Week 4/5: Follow Induction (DANDR) - (150 g. of salad lettuce and 100 g. of vegetable)

July 1: 233.4 lbs. (-8.4)
July 8: 230.8 lbs. (-11.0)
July 15: 228.0 lbs. (- 13.8)

[Roberta12]

Mary so sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers.

Cindy wow, congratulations -4#'s way to go! Looks like you and I started at the same time, about the same weight. Nice to have a friend on this journey.

[Jennifer]

Had a fun time, but as always, sad to leave home.

My sister and I had lunch at a place where you build your own burger. It was fun, easy to stay l/c, and delicious! I can't wait to go back next trip and build something else. ( mcchimento - You should check out Phil's Grill if you haven't already. It's on Severn across from Lakeside, and I believe there is one in River Ridge also. I had Zea's rotisserie salad for dinner Sat night - also delicious & low carb! )

I decided to have a free dinner when I got back. On the way home from the airport I stopped at Whole Foods and got a hummus wrap and a 2 oz bag of sea salt & pepper potato chips. I ate 1/2 of the wrap and 1/2 of the chips. DH ate the other 1/2 of the chips, and I'll bring the other half of the wrap to work for lunch tomorrow with some green beans. I also ate 1/2 cup of ice cream and did not binge! That's huge for me because my last binge was 2 pints of ice cream.

Originally Posted by Leo41

Jennifer- I sympathize with your roof leak. I have a slow, intermittant leak, and my contractor is on board to replace the roof ($$$!!!), but he needs at least 4 days without rain AND temperatures lower than 85F. So it will probably be Sept. or Oct. before NY weather cooperates. A house is a money pit!

I hope we can both get our leaks taken care of quickly and inexpensively!

Originally Posted by Roberta12

[
Jennifer how long did it take you to lose 200+ #'s.? Do you have some advice to share?

It took me 4 years & 8 months to hit 200 lbs lost. That includes a 47 lb gain in 2009 after my mom died and I had a miscarriage. I admit that I go off plan a lot, and there have been many, many binges these past 5 1/2 years. My best advice is to stay on plan as much as possible, but if you go off, do not feel that it's over. Get back on the wagon and go forward. My story is here (posts 80-83), pics are post #8. I also have a journal here at LCF.

AngelMurray!
Please share some of your love of working out with me - I hate it!!
I hear you about you co-worker. IMO anyone who is obese, especially morbidly so, has little in common with anyone who has less than 20 lbs to lose, or effortlessly maintains their weight. Especially a 20 year old young man! I just nod my head and smile when always thin people offer advice like eat 1/2 of everything on your plate, exercise and eat want you want, etc.

cindym - Sorry the weather didn't cooperate, but glad you had fun. Boy that burger sounds delicious

Originally Posted by iminit4me

My sister lives in Metairie, so I know how much fun NO is and how great all the food is too! Thank heavens shrimp and crawfish are LC.

cool!
WTG on losing 4 lbs!!

Originally Posted by krazy cat

I also have good news in that I'm down 3 lbs. since July 4th!

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by MaryMary

The good news is that food is in one hand and life is in the other. - and I don't clap hands.

I love this!
Wishing you and your family comfort and peace during this difficult time

[cindym]

Hello everyone .... just home from a volunteer appreciation party. Starting tomorrow, I'm working and volunteering at Sturgis North (music festival very near when I live) approximately 12 hours or more per day .... planning eating is going to be a HUGE priority.

Cyndy & Krazy Kat ~ on pounds GONE !!!

Leo ~ How are you?

Cathy ~ Hope you feel better soon

Roberta

Jennifer ~ Glad that you had a good time and thank you for sharing your story and journal.

[Leo41]

I only weigh weekly (Saturday morning), so I have nothing special to report on my Challenge. I'm 'holding steady' in terms of managing my compulsive eating--but I'm just keeping my fingers crossed because those 'urges' tend to surface unexpectedly.

My new idea is that since I have to eat so low calorie (and low carb), I'm going to treat myself to the best quality food I can find. I already buy grass-fed bison online as well as canned tuna and salmon from a firm that has the BEST seafood quality. Last night, I placed an order for olive oil, mustard, and olives from a small farm in CA--expensive, but often it's really worth it.

Since I don't eat any dairy or sugar or artificial sweeteners, my 'treat' is nuts or nut butter (carefully portioned because it can easily be astronomical calories). I buy this online, too. And it's amazing. I'd been buying 'natural' peanut butter in my supermarket, but the one I got online was so incredibly superior in taste and consistency.

One hint about nuts. It's much easier to have 'control' when they're unsalted. Also raw nuts (unprocessed) are healthier. I have almonds and walnuts, and I know how many will be a 150 cal 'portion,' and I limit myself by counting carefully. And I never eat them daily. They're 'special,' not a regular part of my menus.

One of my challenge goals is to avoid compulsive overeating, so why do I have nuts and nut butter in my house when they can so easily trigger an 'episode'?

First, I've noticed that being especially restrictive can trigger my overeating, so I need to include something that's a 'treat'--and have it available.

Secondly, I've told myself that if I overeat this stuff, I can't buy it any more-period; no second chances. I have found in the past that giving myself ultimatums like this works for me. I will be more likely to exercise control if I know that the alternative is to not have it at all.

Now to see if this works. I'm still trying to use the helpful techniques from Brain Over Binge, the most valuable asset I've ever seen. I discovered that there's also a website, and I need to frequent that to keep up with the latest tips on conquering my 'problem.'

[iminit4me]

Hi Leo - I think you are an amazing person. You do so well at figuring out how to manage everything so that you don't backslide. I can't imagine how I will handle it when I get so close to my goal. That is always when I run into the problem of letting go and loosening up and then up and up and up. I will stick with you forever. You are such a wonderful source of encouragement. Thank you so much!

And thanks to all of you, of course. I can honestly say that this website has saved and thus lengthened my life. You're all the best!!

[sorenkkg]

just saying hi. Getting ready for my business trip-- 2 weeks to manila and sydney.
I think I'm about ready-- just need to pack last minute stuff, and check in early, try to get upgraded

Onward and downward (and westward, for me!)
S.

[iminit4me]

You look fantastic! And very ready for Manila and Sydney. Hope they are ready for you, as well! Best of luck. Happy travels. Looking forward to hearing all about the trip.

BTW, my brother and SIL are all moved in. Whew! Glad to see that chore over with. I'm actually going home after work tonight AND STAYING THERE!! Going to have grilled chicken and broccoli. What a treat!

[Leo41]

Soren- Enjoy your trip. I know it's business, but it's possible to combine business with pleasure--and what a great opportunity to see these far-away places!

Cyndy- I've found maintenance far more challenging than losing! I knew it would be a challenge, but I really didn't expect it to be this 'challenging.' When I was in strict weight-loss mode, I never experienced episodes of compusive overeating, and I had assumed I'd ended that phase of my life.

But all those bad habits asserted themselves once I was at goal, and although I've been maintaining within a 2-3 lb range for almost a year, it's been a constant struggle. I'm still trying to get into a 'comfortable' place with this.

But it's worth the effort!!

[AngelMurray]

Hi everyone!
Thanks for the welcome, Jennifer
Things are moving along slowly. I am a daily weigher - which I never have been before. I thinks it's because I still don't trust this WOE. It is so different from anything I tried before, I am having trouble believing it will work... but everyday, it's there, sometimes only one tenth of a lb, but it is there.

Adding one more goal to my list.
5) visiting this site everyday and posting at least once.

Just looking at everyone else's post and stats gives me hope - thank's y'all

[cindym]

Busy day. I had taken myself some cheese and pepperoni for a snack by I was surrounded by junk and I caved and had about 20 jelly beans and yes, I'm very with myself !!!

They were terribly dis-organized when I arrived, going from one person to the next. Hoping it is better tomorrow.

Leo - You are such an inspiration.

Cyndy ~ Awesome that your family has moved in and you are going home to family and dinner.

Soren ~ Have a fabulous time. Good luck with the upgrade

AngelMurray ~ There is so much knowledge and strength and wisdom from the people on this site. Visiting often is a great goal

[Leo41]

Oh, Cindy, I'd be mad at myself too if I went off plan with jellybeans! I'm not very fond of them, but in my experience, when we go off plan, it's with what's there at the time, and I've eaten things I don't especially like--and then get really mad at myself.

That's the problem with impulsive eating. We don't usually go off the rails with things we love (for me, ice cream!), but with any junk that's handy.

You'd think this would be a reminder that would keep us on the straight and narrow, but food issues are neither logical nor rational, in my experience.

In any case, don't beat yourself up over any slips. Keep in mind that we all fall on this 'icy road' of weight management, and we can either stay down or pick ourselves up and keep trudging along. And, remember, you have a lot of companions on this road who can help you get up and keep on going.

[Arborea]

Hey everyone.

This week has been lazy... It was raining most of the time, so I didn't do anything really. Maybe it's also the change of sleep pattern last weekend... weight is slowly going down, but there is still a lot of water that won't go (maybe I should drink more )
Summer holidays start soon and BF and I are staying at home, but we're planning to take some short trips (like to the zoo and the local science center). All places where we can either eat at home or bring our own food (and maybe spend the money we saved on unnecessary souvenirs )

quitenite - Same happened here. I feel much better now that I'm back on my WOE. for usual movie-going I'm sneaking in my own snacks, but 10 hours of sitting between popcorn munching people just doesn't work even with homemade alternatives *sigh*

Leo - As always you just hand out so great words of advice. Thank you! Especially your latest post is so true.

Angel Murray & Nice goals!

CindyM Don't beat yourself up. You've been doing great for so long. I usually have downfalls like that after a weight loss which makes it even more disastrous

Iminit & Kat Congratulations on losing!

Soren I hope you'll have a nice trip and got that upgrade

[cindym]

Today was good and I didn't touch those damn jelly beans. Music was great and visited with lots of interesting people. Tomorrow I'm working for the day and volunteering in the evening.

Thanks Leo

Arborea ~ Grateful for the and it sounds like you have some fun planned for your staycation

[MaryMary]

Hi everyone, we got home from the trip to Syracuse NY yesterday. The wake/funeral were beautiful meaningful services. We broke the trip up into two sections staying overnight in Bennington on Wednesday. I went to the Bennington Museum in the morning searching through the archives for more information on my Mother's father. We previously lost track of him so I am going to sign up for ancestry.com. I was able to find out he was the 4th child out of 10 and his Mother's name. It was exciting.

On the trip, I brought a cooler of backup foods so just in case I wasn't able to get what I needed, I had backup. I was able to stay on plan. I have found it is a matter of commitment. I committ to what I am going to eat today by writing the plan down and committing it to someone.

I had some sad news last night. Please pray for my son and his family. Thanks.

[Leo41]

Oh, Mary, I was pleased to see that the service was meaningful and then you mentioned more bad news. I wish you and your family all the best.

You did great to stay focused on your WOE during this time and with the travel involved. I agree with you that it's all about 'commitment.' For me, it's a kind of 'mental attitude' that suddenly took hold of me and made my weight loss possible. It kept me focused on the task of staying on plan one day at a time.

It looks like you're experiencing a similar attitude. In my experience, it's consistency that's important. We all have our little 'failures,' but if we can be consistent 90% of the time, we'll see results.

[Arborea]

Mary I hope things will turn for the better for you and you family! You did great on you trip!

I'm a little excited right now. I had just thought about staycation and all that stuff and about going easier since I hadn't found a job yet, and just an hour ago I got a call from a friend who told me to call her boss right away because the have a job to offer. It's in a daycare center and I would have to take care of the small kids from 1 to 3 years of age. Starting date would be mid-august first as a temp and then when all works out they might make it permanent... I have an appointment there on Wednesday so keep your fingers crossed for me!

[AngelMurray]

Mary - Prayers for you and your son and his family.

Arborea - crossing my fingers for you! I spent a couple of years without permanent work, so I know how frustrating it can be. Good Luck!

I have been losing and gaining the same 0.02 lbs for the past 5 days, so I was a little bummed, until... I put on my jeans this morning for a casual day at work, and they were actually looser!! I am so happy

I am going to yoga again tonight - found a great class at the gym we joined, so my spirits are up and I am feeling strong.

Hope everyone else has a great day!!

~Angel

[cindym]

Another great day. Weather was terrible. Not a very big crowd but the music was awesome.

Mary ~

Leo ~ Love the idea of being consistent 90% of the time.

Arborea ~ Will be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you <3

Angel ~ Woo Hoo to loose jeans

[MaryMary]

I reached the half way point today - my highest was 376 and now am 188. Woohoo!

[Leo41]

Arboria- Keeping fingers cross for you!

Mary, Mary-How magnificant! I wouldn't call that 'half way'--I'd call it total success. Even though you plan to lose more, clearly you've done a fantastic job and improved your heath incredibly with your loss.

Weekly update-As many of your know, my weight issues are complicated by my thyroid disease. The past 10 days, I've felt incredibly tired, which is frequently a sign that my thyroid hormones are too low, and I need a dosage increase. Today, despite eating very low carb all week, and averaging only 800 cal a day, I was UP 2.5 lbs. That's what happens when my T3 hormones 'tank.' I know because it has happened twice before. So on Monday, I'll call my endo and ask to have an immediate blood test. My next scheduled one is not for 3 weeks, and by then I could be up 10 lbs regardless of how little I eat. It's happened before.

I was hoping to be at the low end of my weight range by the end of this month, so that I could practice maintaining it until Labor Day, but that won't happen now. But I'm confident that it will happen as soon as I get my meds adjusted. Staying positive is an important part of this weight management process.

[MaryMary]

DH, my DD and me were working on packing up the car for our annual camping trip in tents in the Adirondacks. We are leaving early in the morning and hope to arrive by 1 or 2 pm. It is supposed to ran later in the afternoon and we want to get the tent set up before it starts. We have cots so even if it rains really hard and a river runs through the site for a bit, we won't get wet.

I spent most of the day going from store to store buying groceries as my DH is staying here to take care of our little old miniature schnauzer, Kokopelli Karma Lou "Koko" for short. She moves at a snails space and has to pea nearly every 1-2 hrs. We carry her out to pee and carry her in when she is done.

I have packed up 4 salads, 2 packs of cheese protein, 4 containers of my Greek yogurt, pumpkin, wheat germ, flax seed mix for my suppers. I eat it with a big salad with hit salsa and Goddess dressing.

I haven't had meat, fish or chicken in two weeks now and I can't believe that I don't really miss it except when I am in the supermarket walking by the freshly bbq'd chicken. I am still free to have meat and may again, but it's working for me right now.

I won't be able to post for another week. We will get back late at night on Sunday, Juky 29th. We pray for a safe trip.

[Jennifer]

I've had a treat for the past couple of days (split piece of key lime pie w/DH Friday, and a bowl of fruit - mostly melon - today), but the key is I've had a treat. One. I have never been able to do that before; I've always had the attitude that I've already blown it, might as well eat everything under the sun. It's a big step for me to be able to stop at one treat.

Leo - I think the idea of eating the best quality foods is a great one. And I can just imagine how much fun it is ripping into the packages when they arrive!
I agree with 90% consistency for maintenance. Right now I'm all about stopping binging, but once I get back into serious weigh loss mode, and then finally (God willing) make my goal, that is my plan.
Hope you can get your meds adjusted. I'm hypo too, and my T3 is low (45), but my endo swears I'm medicated correctly. I don't think so because I'm extremely depressed, always cold (keep the house at 78* & still wear sweats), low energy, very forgetful/brain foggy, and even when I'm perfectly on plan I lose slower than a snail's pace. Basically I usually feel like crap. I just need to find a new MD I think.

Mary - I'm glad the service for your brother was special.
for your son & his family.
Enjoy your camping trip.
Congrats on losing a whole MaryMary

Arborea - Hope the job works out for you!

Angel Murray - for loose jeans!!

[Leo41]

Mary- I hope all goes well on your camping trip and that you have glorious weather. Rain can't be fun when you're camping--although I wouldn't know that, as my idea of 'roughing it' is a hotel without room service.

Jennifer- Congratulations on the treats! I find that I only have control if I have a dessert at the end of a restaurant meal. When I've done that, I don't have any cravings or desire to keep on eating. I don't do it often--usually only on special occasions.

With your T3 level, it's not the number itself that's important so much as where it is within the lab range. My T3 has to be about half of the lab range for me to feel 'normal.' When I have symptoms, it's usually at the bottom of the range--or even too low to register. With your symptoms, you need to find another MD. A good thyroid doctor will treat based on both lab results and symptoms. Unfortunately, a 'good' thyroid doctor isn't easy to find.

[Jennifer]

Originally Posted by Leo41

With your T3 level, it's not the number itself that's important so much as where it is within the lab range. My T3 has to be about half of the lab range for me to feel 'normal.' When I have symptoms, it's usually at the bottom of the range--or even too low to register. With your symptoms, you need to find another MD. A good thyroid doctor will treat based on both lab results and symptoms. Unfortunately, a 'good' thyroid doctor isn't easy to find.

I didn't realize that; thanks for the info. This lab's range is 80-120, so I'm definitely low. There is a huge medical community here, and I live very close to the medical center area, so you would think I could find a great endo. I have to go for my annual "girly" appt soon (fun fun) so will ask for a recommendation then.

[Leo41]

You should definitely pursue this, Jennifer. It's the T3 that affects how we feel and actually controls the body's metabolism. So it's really important that we have enough.

Aren't you very tired all the time? That's the major sign for me that my T3 has tanked--I am barely able to function from fatigue.

[Jennifer]

I will definitely check into my T3 levels, Leo. Thanks for the information. I had no idea it was so crucial; I admit I was too trusting of my endo without doing my own research.

I'm not really physically tired, more just mentally and emotionally drained. I take B12 which I guess helps me physically, but I have been wanting to start an exercise program forever, just couldn't find the motivation. Maybe it's not just laziness on my part....

[Leo41]

Jennifer- Actually, if your thyroid hormones are too low, you're better off NOT exercising because it can be too much stress for your body. Your disinclination to exercise is probably more due to your hormonal level than to any 'laziness.'

We all tend to defer to medical expertise. I am now sorry that I listened to my primary doctor who told me for 5 years that my thyroid was 'normal,' as I became progressively more and more hypothyroid. It was only when I could barely function that I did a little research on my own and then self-referred to an endo (who, fortunately for me, turned out to be a good thyroid doctor).

You'd think I'd have learned my lesson when I was told at age 18 that I had a 'mild stomach virus'--which resulted in my ruptured appendix. I had 'textbook' symptoms, yet our family doctor insisted 3x that it was 'only' a stomach virus. The ER doctor thought differently--but by then I was really sick with peritonitis.