Red Hot HCGers ~December~

[verbqueen]

Hey ladies (and any lurking gentlemen, of course)! We have a brand new, squeaky clean month here, and we need a brand new thread, so here it is!

What are YOUR plans and goals for this last month of 2011?

[verbqueen]

Here's a copy and paste of what I just put on the old thread, to get us started:

One week after Thanksgiving, I re-hit my Thanksgiving morning weight of 159.4! Hooray! (Still mulling over whether the feasting I did was worth an entire week to lose the weight...but you know what, I think it was!! Just not being "that weird person" at the party eating different stuff than everyone else was almost worth it alone!)

Now my plan is to go just a few pounds lower for "buffer zone" and then see if I do a little better at P3 this time around. As you guys may recall, my last one was an unqualified disaster--I think I had to do something like 7 correction days in 3 weeks. My theory is that I was trying to stabilize somewhere just under some old setpoint, so I hope that going a bit lower will solve that problem!

Cheryl, I got lots of stuff done on my shopping day--out of town nieces and nephews done, got an outfit for my son and several outfits for my daughter at H&M (awesome store they love--Old Navy prices, European high style!). I got the leather duffel bag that was the main item on my hub's list, but when I looked, I got the wrong model, so that has to go back to be exchanged today. Arghhh...

I still have to do whatever names we draw for my family (adults each get a name, we all buy some small doodads for the kids.) If they ever get the danged names drawn, that is.

Oh, and even though I resolved to quit buying crap for myself while ostensibly shopping for others, I did get into the Soma bra store and get measured--and found one of my favorite Soma bras discontinued (boohoo) but on sale for super cheap (yay!) and they had one left in my new size. And I returned the other Victoria's Secret bra I bought last week--the super padded plunging one. Turns out that I absolutely HATE it--my boobs fall out the middle every time I lean forward. Of course, I had to keep the one that I had already worn, and I think it'll be good when I need to put some cleavage on display, but I'll probably have to use body tape to keep the girls in place when I wear it!
__________________

[verbqueen]

And one last copy and paste from the old thread:

P.S. Cheryl, look at you GO girl. I like your new attitude. I'll tell the truth here--I was worrying about you--constantly switching plans, making excuses for why, etc. I was afraid that you maybe had some deep-seated fear of slimness (honestly, I think we all do, to some extent) that was going to keep you from going all the way to goal. I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU that you have truly decided to go for it. I know you will do it--I've seen how you operate when you get into "iron will" mode!

[CherylB]

Thanks, Jessica. It feels good to be back. I don't know why we are either strongly in it or teetering on the edge of it but I'm thankful to be back in the saddle again. I just hope that I can get into the 140's by the New Year. This is going to be my last round of hcg. I'm just done with special dieting plans in which you need to be on them or off them. I need to take a different approach for living. I'll follow the P3 and P4 and then I'll live P4.

Your shopping day sounds exhausting! Yippee on finding a good new bra. I hope whoever picks your name for the Christmas gift draw buys you something special. We did something like that many many years ago but it didn't quite work. We knew all year who we would be buying for, so the idea was to find out what they would really like and buy them something along those lines. I think I got a gift certificate. I don't know if anyone was truly happy. But I pulled my sister Bonnie's name and I think I did good for her. I bought her a router (she was into woodworking.) I think I bought her a chainsaw, too. (Sounds so funny now, but she had bought a piece of land and was about to start clearing trees to build an A-frame. She's with the Lord now.)

Let's take this last month of 2011 and see just how far we can go with it! Jessica, I think you asked what our goals were. Here's mine:

1- Complete my final round of hcg and never do a strict, rigid diet again.
2- Get as close to goal as I can and not do any deviations from plan. No grains.
3- Increase my physical activity (got hike with a sister tomorrow and pending horses.)
4- Join a gym or maybe wait until January to see what specials they offer (expensive.)
5- Do this final round with no grain and occasional fruit.
6- Organic chicken and lean organic beef only.
7- Attend sister's day-after-Christmas dinner and not go off plan.
8- Be in P3 on New Year's Eve.
9- Remove what's left of the weight by eating healthy, basic foods.
10-Leave Fatness behind me forever and concentrate on Fitness.

[verbqueen]

My goals are:

1. To determine a goal weight and reach it.
2. To begin a successful, non-stressful P3
3. To continue to post and read EVERY SINGLE DAY on LCF, whether gaining, losing, eating badly, eating well, whatever. I've notice a strong historical correlation with me--when I am reading and posting daily, I do well. When I disappear, I don't. I'm not sure exactly where the causality is--if I stay away because I'm doing poorly or if I do badly because I'm staying away--but either way, it's obvious that I need to stay active on this forum!

[catjrow3]

Jessica, we are doing that this year too, adults drew names, but we all still buy for the kids under working age (under 18)... so that will be nicer on the pocketbook this year. There are lots of us!!

Cheryl, yeah!!! You go girl!! I always did love the first few days too, mind I put it up 10 + before that ... but ahhh well... its all movement!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by verbqueen

My goals are:

1. To determine a goal weight and reach it.
2. To begin a successful, non-stressful P3
3. To continue to post and read EVERY SINGLE DAY on LCF, whether gaining, losing, eating badly, eating well, whatever. I've notice a strong historical correlation with me--when I am reading and posting daily, I do well. When I disappear, I don't. I'm not sure exactly where the causality is--if I stay away because I'm doing poorly or if I do badly because I'm staying away--but either way, it's obvious that I need to stay active on this forum!

Me too! It's true. I think it's a matter of "focus." If we are on LCF, we are focused. I will stick around, too. We'll have to start a maintainer's thread cause our hcg journals will have become sort of obsolete.

Originally Posted by catjrow3

Jessica, we are doing that this year too, adults drew names, but we all still buy for the kids under working age (under 18)... so that will be nicer on the pocketbook this year. There are lots of us!!

Cheryl, yeah!!! You go girl!! I always did love the first few days too, mind I put it up 10 + before that ... but ahhh well... its all movement!!

I know it. Why can't we patent week one? It's always such a bummer (not a surprise but a true drag) when the big losses come screaching to a halt. Then it's chip-chip-chip all the way to goal.

[tay65]

hi girls! Went shopping with my daughter for Chloe (my 6 month old granddaughter) and took her to see santa! The pics are great!
I ate a couple slices of bacon and 3 eggs today. That usually gives me a loss. We'll see! Hope it works this time.
I'm watching Santa is Coming To Town.......I love cartoons! BBL!

[minimonkey]

Hi Ladies!

Just coming out of a long (nearly 4 week) stall on my rogue p2 plan... but...

As of this morning, I am in the last decade to goal! I lowered my goal by 5 lbs, so I have 9.8 lbs to go from this morning's weight -- and I am still on a slightly rogue, 800-ish calorie plan -- also doing pretty low fat (which I find difficult). I am going to ride this as long as I am getting consistent losses.. and shake it up with a fat fast day if the losses stall. (I'm optimistically hoping I can make it to goal without another stall, since I've had two really stubborn ones in the past 13 lbs. )

That's my plan, and I am sticking to it.

Next year, it's stabilization, maintenance, and weight training, baby!

[verbqueen]

Hooray for stall-breaking, MM. I know it's got to be slow going, as tiny as you are, to get the pounds to move. You are very committed!

I woke up today to a teeny loss of .2, but I'm choosing to view this as progress--it means yesterday's dip into the 150s wasn't a fluke--I'm really back. Just gotta soldier on a few more days. I've been feeling really hungry the last couple of days, so I may need to play with my dosing a little (or maybe it's just some residual effect from my high-carb Thanksgiving interruption.)

I'm seeing the varicose vein doctor today, and I'm super excited about it. I've needed to do something about these ugly and painful veins forever--and now I am finally doing it!

Have a great Friday, Red Hots!

[TrishD]

Hello Ladies!

Just dropping by to say I had another loss today!! So hopefully I have seen the last of the stalls! WOOHOO!! Down .8, so that officially put me in a new decade!! I am SOOO happy right now. I am only 2lbs away from my lowest weight in 6 years and only 6.2 lbs from my goal of 30 pounds this round! One of the girls at work told me today that my sweater and jeans were too big! Can it get any better today???!!!

[CherylB]

KUTGW, Mini! Jessica, you too! Hope the Dr visit goes very well. WTG, Trish! Don't you just love milestones? Me too!

Here's why I haven't been around all day:

I have had such a busy day! I don't know if I want to tell all cause it will be too long. Let me see if I can give the condensed version.

Went hiking with sister at state park. Attempted the hike (steep; like doing lunges the whole way) and I quit about 2/3 of the way up. I just couldn't handle it. So, back down we went and we walked along the flatter paved roads that go through the woods where people camp. She had two dogs and I had my one so it was controlled chaos. (I'm starting to see that she just isn't happy unless you has a 3-ring circus going on all the time.)

Left there and dropped something off quickly at my Mother's place. Came back home and got inside and then noticed I'd gotten a call from the stable/volunteer place (!!!). Listened to the voicemail she left and then called her back. She was gone but I talked to another lady. She knew my name! She asked me when I could come in and pick up the paperwork packet. I told her I could be there in 10-15 minutes then drove like mad (she said she had to leave in 15 minutes. Turned out she didn't.)

I used my GPS to be sure I got there the fastest route and it took me on roads I'd never been before. It was only 3.25 miles from home! Got there, parked, went in the back door. Huge Shepard comes racing up to me, giving me a major sniff-test. "Good boy" I said, knowing I would be all right. (The place is called Shepard Meadows. Is there a connection?) Asked the first person I saw where I could find Nancy and was taken to her office.

She looked up at me as if she wasn't expecting me and I introduced myself (See? Need to condense this down.) She didn't have to leave in a hurry after all. She showed me the horses (2 of them); Big Red and (I forgot the other name. Just looked them up online and neither of the horses I met are listed. ?) They also have a couple of bunnies and goats and she said that volunteering would involve care of all of them. (I love all those little creatures. Even at my advanced age, I adore petting zoo's at Fairs.)

I'm going to the 2-hr equine care workshop a week from Sunday. I will hand in my paperwork that day. After that I will speak with the woman who schedules the volunteers and see how much I want to commit through the winter months. Mostly in winter they require the horses be groomed and exercised. I asked about the exercising and it is BOTH having them trot around a ring and also riding them! (Ask me if I'm in heaven!)

You can't ride them to exercise them until you pass some tests, (tacking up your horse, and showing you can control the horse and ride well.) She said that they also offer lessons for a deeply discounted hourly rate. $25! It costs $42 at the stable I rode at a few weeks ago.

Can you tell I'm excited? I'm about to come out of my skin! On the way home I decided to go shopping for some clothes that will be warm and useful at the stable. I bought a couple jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, gloves (that have the front end flip back so you can use your fingers. Oddly though the thumbs stay covered,) and a couple pairs of boots. I got home and tried on a few pairs of pants that have been waiting for me to lose the weight. A couple pairs of dressier type pants fit (one now needs a belt) and the pair of jeans are still too tight. But soon!

Then (before the shopping but after the stable), I saw an "apartment for rent" sign. It is a number of brick duplexes only a mile or so from the stables. And it also is about a mile or less from where my sister Robin just moved to during the summer! I'm going to call and see what their pet policy is, and get more details. I wouldn't be surprised if it works out. God tends to work like that. He is simply amazing to me!

It's almost 5 and I have yet to have time to eat. I took an apple hiking with me but didn't want it. Now I'm going to go reheat some chicken.

Down 1 lb today so things are beginning to taper off. As long as I can steadily lose for the rest of this round, even in 0.4-0.6 increments, I'll be a very satisfied customer.

I'm going to copy/paste this onto all the threads I frequent. I'm not typing all this over again! I hope everyone is doing well and healing (Marie) and I will talk with you again tomorrow.

[verbqueen]

Dang, Cheryl--what an absolutely AWESOME day you had! Wow!

And Trish--BIG congrats to you!

[wannabethin57]

Hi ladies!
Just a quick question...What was your longest p2 round? I'm on day 40. I plan to go 60 days, which puts me at the 23rd. So can I start P3 on the 25th? I'm actually scared to leave P2!!!!!
thx

[Tylar_Connar]

Hello...this is my VLCD4 and I just wanted to make sure I come back here later. I have a busy day. Hoep you all have a wonderful day!

[laylabean]

I have been fairly absent on the boards...computer issues followed Internet issues. Frustrating.

So, I did an amazing job of self sabotage yesterday. Beyond comprehension.

Hit my mini goal of 155. Then cheated. All day. Carbs, sugar, fat...everything and anything.

Now I am in a pickle. Only have one more week of p2 before I must move on. Will not have 21 days no cheats.

Whatever is going on with me is what it is but what do i need to do here??

think my only option is to do one week back on plan and then move on to p3/p4 as planned.

I think my body is as tired as my mind!!! I am down almost 60 lbs since starting mid July. Doesn't justify my cheat and the volume of food I ate was small, it was the type that killed me. For what it's worth I feel gross today, dehydrated and sluggish and just blah.

I'm past beating myself up, I'm just not sure if I have completely destroyed all my progress now and my chances to maintain, that's what is stressing me out now. Oh, and I'm up 2.5 from my cheat as well.

It's embarrassing but the facts are the facts!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by verbqueen

Dang, Cheryl--what an absolutely AWESOME day you had! Wow!

And Trish--BIG congrats to you!

I know! I'm still glowing.

Originally Posted by wannabethin57

Hi ladies!
Just a quick question...What was your longest p2 round? I'm on day 40. I plan to go 60 days, which puts me at the 23rd. So can I start P3 on the 25th? I'm actually scared to leave P2!!!!!
thx

You can go as long as you want to if you aren't doing the Rx shots. There's no harm in going longer if you are on a roll. We all go through that scared stuff at the thought of eating basically Atkins again. I remember how scared I was to start P2'ing in the first place! Wow! I was a nightmare. (Thank you, all who patiently answered my questions and calmed my fears.) The fact is, no one can help you with the fear. But once you get into it, it will ease.

Originally Posted by laylabean

I have been fairly absent on the boards...computer issues followed Internet issues. Frustrating.

So, I did an amazing job of self sabotage yesterday. Beyond comprehension.

Hit my mini goal of 155. Then cheated. All day. Carbs, sugar, fat...everything and anything.

Now I am in a pickle. Only have one more week of p2 before I must move on. Will not have 21 days no cheats.

Whatever is going on with me is what it is but what do i need to do here??

think my only option is to do one week back on plan and then move on to p3/p4 as planned.

I think my body is as tired as my mind!!! I am down almost 60 lbs since starting mid July. Doesn't justify my cheat and the volume of food I ate was small, it was the type that killed me. For what it's worth I feel gross today, dehydrated and sluggish and just blah.

I'm past beating myself up, I'm just not sure if I have completely destroyed all my progress now and my chances to maintain, that's what is stressing me out now. Oh, and I'm up 2.5 from my cheat as well.

It's embarrassing but the facts are the facts!!

Layla, with one week to go, you can recover from this and even see new territory! Trust me! Look at it like it was a refeed rather than a cheat. The fact that you said the volume of food was low is very good. You'll see! Just hang in there and this will be okay.

The 2.5 is water and it will be gone fast, if you eat very well today. Like I said before, I follow a refeed day with a fasting day, but maybe you could just do an apple day (some people have trouble not eating for long periods.) It will be gone in a flash and it will take some friends with it!

[CherylB]

As for me, my daily note and ticker tell it all. I am not into eating but forcing myself to eat at least one good meal per day. Problem is I like to eat late in the day and I can't take my vitamins on an empty stomach. (If I take vito's late, it affects my already messed-up sleep.) If I eat an apple or something then the ball seems to start rolling and I want to eat more than I should. Hmmmm.....

Total day of rest here today! Just chillin' and doing computer stuff. PJ's all day! I hope everyone has a lovely weekend and good scale moments.

[tay65]

hi everyone! i'm down 1.2 lbs today! yesterday stayed the same. and whoosh today!!!
had an issue today.....constipation like no other! sorry if that was tmi. but it sucked! do i have to tell ya'all how my day has been? lousy! but glad i lost over a pound.
hello to the new people! nice to meet you!
bbl

[wannabethin57]

Hi all!

The weather is cold and rainy here in Tx. A good day for soup. Anyone have a good recipe??

I didn't weigh this morning, kinda constipated! AARRGG! congrats to all that have losses today!

Enjoy your day!

[CherylB]

Soup on P2 is tricky, Sandra. You have to be careful to use the kind of broth that has no MSG (unless that doesn't affect you.) And the sodium content in broth can be pretty high. All that being said, I did make soup once on P2. I took chicken broth, pieces of chicken, celery, some cole slaw mix (in the bag, with carrots; picked out most of the carrots), and onion. I seasoned it and it was quite tasty. (Don't recall the seasonings but most likely garlic powder, onion powder, pepper.) I also like to add a few dashes of Tobasco in my chicken soup. (Late hubby got me started on that and it stuck all these years.)

Another thing I did was take a grissini stick (those hard, thin bread sticks) and bite it into little pieces. On top of the soup, they were a lot like crackers!

[tay65]

Hi everyone! UP .3 today which I expected. I slept awful last night and after yesterday, do I need to elaborate more?! LOL
Watched the Steelers squash Cincinnati! LOL 35-7!!!
Ate steak today....it was sooo good! My hubby can cook! Other than that, nothing is new. Have a good night!

[Sasseaux]

Wow you gals have been busy. Will catch up on the thread later. But I had to say to:

Jessica: I lol at your bra comments and congratulate on a new boobie size!!

Cheryl, I'm glad you are on plan and losing.

For me, I plan to make my next round only 21 days. That way I won't make excuses and think about how LONG I'm going to have to go. I think I might like shorter rounds. We shall see.

I'm out the window this a.m., so brought chicken only for a CD. I was pretty stable all weekend until this a.m., but Sunday is cooking day so I "have to" sample everything. I made and froze in portions a bunch of vegetable dishes and froze meats separately. That way, like today, after I weigh I can just grab meat only if its a CD and can grab a side dish if its an ok weight day. Seems like Monday is always CD lol.

By way of inspiration, I am really enjoying my readjusted tastes in food. I really, really don't want any junk. I've been to the farmer's market a couple times and am enjoying cooking up the veggies with quality, whoelsome ingredients. No more eating additives and stuff I cannot pronounce.

Will catch up, with interest, later when I eat my chicken breast.

[Sasseaux]

Layla, dear, thanks for being honest. Stuff happens and we are human. You are back and that's what counts. Before I got to my "bottom" (of 220 pounds when I was weighed at the doctors office in March of this year) I had gone a couple of YEARS without even wanting to look at my weight issues. A matter of a few days and one cheat, in perspective, is not that bad. I'm not minimizing the cheat. I know my cheats are serious and I have to own up and try not to repeat it, but I don't think a cheat undoes all the hard work and dedication that it has taken to lose 10's 20's and 30's of pounds!! Be loved and love yourself. We are all here for you!!

[Sasseaux]

Goals for the month:

1. Hook up the WII to the new TV and try to do Zumba on it.
2. Get the (*&^%$) boxes down with all the Christmas stuff and decorate the house (snagging boxes of formerly too small clothes while in attic!!!)
3. Re-read the P3 and P4 parts of Pounds and Inches and the stuff from my nutritionist.
4. Order minerals recommended by nutritionist.
5. Cook and prep all my lunches and dinners for my next P2 round.
6. Load Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
7. Begin 21 day P2 round on December 26.

Cheryl, your animal adventure sounds great!!! Volunteerring with the horses and all will be wonderful for them and you. The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. - I don't know who said that but I like it. Will Rogers maybe?

Two new things I have are:

1. Hormone implant - YAY! Finally!!! the hot flashes have let up. Only have like 1 per day!!!! But I have pregnancy-like nausea sometimes. I'm sure I will adjust to that and it will pass. My poor body is like "Now, WTH is THIS?" LOL It hasn't seemed to affect my appetite, except to eliminate it during nausea time, lol. Will see if it affects my weight.

2. Guy I went out with - he's so cool. Soon will be our 4th date. I've known him as a friend for years, but now we are both single at the same time. Yay. I'm so glad I lost weight in time for this. He's into diving and we may go in March. I better start working out!!!!!!!!

[CherylB]

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Layla, dear, thanks for being honest. Stuff happens and we are human. You are back and that's what counts. Before I got to my "bottom" (of 220 pounds when I was weighed at the doctors office in March of this year) I had gone a couple of YEARS without even wanting to look at my weight issues. A matter of a few days and one cheat, in perspective, is not that bad. I'm not minimizing the cheat. I know my cheats are serious and I have to own up and try not to repeat it, but I don't think a cheat undoes all the hard work and dedication that it has taken to lose 10's 20's and 30's of pounds!! Be loved and love yourself. We are all here for you!!

Very well-said and I couldn't agree more. We are human. If our good days far out weigh our "off days", we get to where we want to go. But we have to be "good" about 75% of the time and space out the "bad" days so they don't become habits again. Then we fall into old patterns and we are doomed.

Originally Posted by Sasseaux

Goals for the month:

1. Hook up the WII to the new TV and try to do Zumba on it.
2. Get the (*&^%$) boxes down with all the Christmas stuff and decorate the house (snagging boxes of formerly too small clothes while in attic!!!)
3. Re-read the P3 and P4 parts of Pounds and Inches and the stuff from my nutritionist.
4. Order minerals recommended by nutritionist.
5. Cook and prep all my lunches and dinners for my next P2 round.
6. Load Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
7. Begin 21 day P2 round on December 26.

Cheryl, your animal adventure sounds great!!! Volunteerring with the horses and all will be wonderful for them and you. The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man. - I don't know who said that but I like it. Will Rogers maybe?

Two new things I have are:

1. Hormone implant - YAY! Finally!!! the hot flashes have let up. Only have like 1 per day!!!! But I have pregnancy-like nausea sometimes. I'm sure I will adjust to that and it will pass. My poor body is like "Now, WTH is THIS?" LOL It hasn't seemed to affect my appetite, except to eliminate it during nausea time, lol. Will see if it affects my weight.

2. Guy I went out with - he's so cool. Soon will be our 4th date. I've known him as a friend for years, but now we are both single at the same time. Yay. I'm so glad I lost weight in time for this. He's into diving and we may go in March. I better start working out!!!!!!!!

What is your name? I know if I try to call you "Sasseaux", I'm going to end up mixing up the "eau" parts sometimes. How about "Sassy"?

That's so cool about your new guy friend! That is the absolute best way to being a relationship. You already know and are comfortable with each other. If I ever get involved with a man again, it will be as a friend first.

WTG on the hormone implant working out, but sorry about the nausea. Will that pass after a while? Maybe he can prescribe you some anti-nausea med to get you over the hump.

Love your plan to load on Christmas Eve and Day. I was going to do Atkins until the New Year and then load, but suddenly I couldn't wait any longer! I saw a 30 day window after turkey day was over and I lunged at it.

Horses are indeed therapeutic. I love that quote, btw. I never heard it before. I'm reading up on horses. Bought a couple books put out by Cherry Hill (recommended by a horse friend of mine) and I'm learning to think like a horse. I'm studying up so I can be my very best when we begin training and actual hands-on care. December 11th is the big day! It's supposed to be sunny but cold and we will be outside from 3-5pm. I will dress warmly. (I think I'll go to the library today and check out a book or two on horses. I just want to learn the most that I can.)

I like you goals for the month. Wii's are very cool. Someday I may get one. Seems like a very fun way to get some exercise in. If I were to make goals for this last month of 2011, they would be:

1- Complete R3P2 without any refeeds/cheats at all.
2- Get through Christmas dinner at sister's house with no cheat.
3- Begin walking regularly on new Treadmill and add short sprints and lunges.
4- Make a commitment to the "farm" and follow through.
5- Reach goal by the New Year. If not, extend P2 a few more weeks.

That's PLENTY of goals.

Hope everyone on this thread is doing well. Seems like the activity here has cooled down a lot. My rogue hcg thread is on fire! Let's pick up the pace here and finish 2011 strongly! What do you say?!

[verbqueen]

Hey guys--I know I've let our little home thread down during the last week or so. I've had just no computer time, and what little I've had, I've spent updating my LCF journal, so you can always check for me there if I'm absent from here.

This is my busiest time of year with all the singing I'm doing--three different big concerts. But as of yesterday, two of those are now over! And it's good, I'm ready for a break! I have one more concert, Saturday night, and two rehearsals for it, and my "holiday music orgy" will be over, haha. But I apologize for being absent.

One thing that I notice about this hcg folder is that it goes in waves. A group comes in, starts all at the same time, loses the weight, and moves on. Then a new group comes in. There's overlap between groups, but there are definite periods of activity and periods of lull. BUT--and this is important--it seems like the really successful folks, the ones keeping the weight off--C'Marie, Shelby, Diva--stick around and help other people. I believe that remaining active here and trying to help and advise others will ultimately help ME too, so I plan on sticking around even when I call goal.

So I may be a bit absent for a few more days, but I will most definitely be back!

I weighed in at a new low today--157.8 I don't even remember how long it's been since I weighed that. College, maybe? I honestly can't quite believe how well this diet works.
I'm thinking I'll aim for 155 and call it done. That is ten pounds lower than I ever DREAMED I'd be able to go. It will put my BMI in the low 22 range, and have me wearing size 8s and 10s--which at my Amazonian 5'10" height is my dream size.

So girls--don't give up. If you need to go onto P3/P4 for a while to recharge your battery, then do it, but come back and keep working at it. Because quite honestly, this diet is a MIRACLE!

[verbqueen]

P.S. Cheryl and Sass, excellent, tangible, behaviorally stated goals--just like we learned to write them in education school! Good job!

Tammy, you just keep plugging away! You're doing great.

Layla, my 3 day Thanksgiving interruption seems to have actually spurred some faster weight loss in me. I think it's actually good for the metabolism to break from the extreme low calories sometimes. You're doing just fine.

[catjrow3]

Great job on your losses Jessica, you are rocking it!

[Sasseaux]

Jess, gratz on the losses!! Heck size 8 would be a dream for me at 5'7"!!

Cheryl, I like Sherry Hill's books. You'll be great with the horsies. My name is Sue btw

Tammy - keep plugging. Hope you are sleeping better.

Hey Cat - how's it shaking?

I weighed this a.m. in full sweats and a robe and was 1 pound over window. Forgot to go back and weigh naked - it was cold!! Can't keep the scale in the bathroom - its too small (the bathroom). I'm going to be "careful" today again just in case. I have to eat out.

OOh Friday I'm going to a fabulous Italian resturant. Hmmmm what will I have ....