Goal rounds

[julieboolie]

I'd like to gather input on folks who are doing "goal" rounds. Whether they were in the past, or currently in process.

I did a "goal" round back in Sept and loved getting to goal. I have not been able to stick to it though, so I'm currently in a "redo" goal round . Many of us have struggled w. this and I wanted to start a thread to discuss what we've learned and are learning.

Here's what I'm figuring out:
1. Exercise- I'm trying to keep it in during P2 this time. Each round when I've stabilized in P3 then add in exercise I gain about 5lbs. No matter what type of exercise I do, or how strict I am, I gain.
2. Timing- It's bad to plan a round right before a vacation. Give yourself at least 6 weeks for a good P3 and P4 to get settled before too much indulgence.
3. Be realistic- when setting your goal, don't create an unattainable or un-maintainable goal for yourself. I am 5'6", large frame, kinda' muscular and have lots of extra skin from my 120lb loss. I won't ever be able to hit 120lbs, or maintain it. I like how I looked and felt in the 140's. That's hard enough to maintain .

So, that's what I've learned so far. We'll see how the rest of this goes for me. Please come share what you're learning!

[pandora174]

I'm on R5 and I've noticed I've changed up my goal weight several times. I do know that this will be my last round to see how low I can go so it really is more a vanity round than my last rounds which were to get healthy.

I'm adding the exercise in P2 hoping it won't affect me in P3/P4. What I have learned from so many rounds are what foods work for me so I'm going to make sure I keep that in mind. P3 is so very important & not a time to get adventuresome. Which means for me to ease into things. I wait for P4 for mug cakes, low carb foods, saltier type cheeses, cream cheese, easy on the sodium.

I have added for the last 2 rounds coconut water in the morning on P3/P4 & that has helped me keep the sodium retention/water gain to a minimum. For me in P3/P4 I need to keep an eye on not getting constipated. So I keep plenty of remedies on hand.

Also water is so important in P3 & I need to keep up my water intake because I can slack off when I add back the diet soda. Also need to keep an eye on what the scale decides to stabilize at and "accept it". Some rounds I have stabilized at the top of my range or a pound above & I need to deal with it & not compare myself to those that stabilize below their ldw.

Just a few observations

[ldrof]

This is my redo. Same as you, I got to goal last year, maintained it for about 6 months and then gained it all back. I am only 5'4 and my goal weight right now is 140. I am currently at 148, but my last injection will be Friday (3/22), so I don't know if I can make it. Realistically, probably not.
Things I have learned:
Take Phase 3 seriously and be strict!
Once you move into phase 4, you just can't eat bad carbs. Not me, anyways. I will stick with ONLY good carbs like fruits and veggies.
Exercise, even if it's just walking, at least you are moving.
Keep GOOD food around the house, not junk. Don't let yourself get hungry and blow it.
LOVE yourself and remember a) how great it feels to be healthy and thinner and b) how HORRIBLE it feels to be wearing pants that are so tight you're afraid they're going to split!
LET'S KEEP IT OFF!!!!!!!!! FOREVER

[buttah]

I ended round 2, which I thought would be my goal round, just a few pounds shy of my "then" goal, so I'm about to do my REAL goal round (starting loading Sat. I think, but I'm loading no carb/no sugar again).

Just like last time, I've stabilized about 3-4 lbs above LDW, but within that range, I'm solid as a rock.

I think the biggest thing for me in keeping at this weight (which took me a total of a year - including the non-HCG dieting) is that I've just totally changed my habits. I don't eat a meal, no matter what time it is or who else is eating, unless I'm hungry. I don't snack at night beyond an apple or a mugcake, and only if I'm hungry. I typically avoid carbs, but I will occasionally share a desert, only if I'm hungry.

Those rare times where I allow myself to get to close to full, or God forbid, full itself, I've come to hate that feeling. From the moment it hits me (and it's typically too much dinner - not any other meal), I don't ingest a single other thing until the next day. Just to make sure my leptin levels get back to and stay at the right place.

I have found so many substitutes for things I used to nosh on. Seaweed is my life, thank you Trader Joe's. Might as well be potato chips. Mugcakes and SF chocolate are my sweets. Miracle noodles allow me to have any and all manner of yummy, even fatty pasta sauce.

I've had lots of events to get through, and it's been fine. I already get way too OCD about gaining on vacations, in a good way, so that's not an issue. I just feel like at my age there's no food I haven't stuffed myself on, so I pretend it isn't there. Or it's poison. I just play a head game on myself that makes overindulging an impossibility. Much better to look and feel awesome and just nibble things. As long as I'm hungry.

I also try to be more active, which makes me hungrier, faster.

Are we seeing a theme here?

I'm so happy. Albeit much poorer, thanks to clothes shopping. I can't believe I bought size 28 7 For All Mankind jeans yesterday. I mean it's one thing to fit into that size of "mom jeans," but these are teenager jeans! (I already have some 27's in the mommier ones).

I was supposed to get my tummy fixed before I lost any more (both the doc at my clinic and the PS advised it), but some remodeling the bathrooms is postponing remodeling the body... so I'm going to lose whatever I can in 21 days... and call THAT my goal. I hope it's ten pounds, but if it's not... that'll do, pig. Former pig, rather. At least until my tummy's fixed.

[lil.trubl]

This is round 5 for me and today I'm @ 183.6, my goal is to get to the 160's..... I know it's a lofty goal but I think it's an inspiring one none the less I figure I can extend the round in able to obtain this goal if need be...it's just that I haven't been in the 160's since high school and I'm 40...so it's been awhile

So.....160's here I come

[dooy]

So grateful for this thread and really appreciate the sound advice. Still not near goal but will be listening and learning... congrats to all of you who are there or close.

[keepingcupsfull]

I too did a goal round, I was happy and content with how I looked and felt. Emotional eating took over and I've gained a few pounds too many back. So, I'm back again to get back to goal and stay there.
I do not have control over my emotions at this time but am trying very hard not to reach for food. I'm only weighing once a week on Sundays and will only do the required number of days.

I have learned that chocolate does help me feel better but in the end I want to look better.
I have also learned that I still need help keeping my emotional eating under control. I must work at it every day. The closer to goal I get the harder it is for me to stay on plan. Hmmm.... Shouldn't I want to stay on plan when I'm sooo close?

I'm glad I'm not alone with this redo goal round.

Bee

[ldrof]

Originally Posted by keepingcupsfull

I too did a goal round, I was happy and content with how I looked and felt. Emotional eating took over and I've gained a few pounds too many back. So, I'm back again to get back to goal and stay there.
I do not have control over my emotions at this time but am trying very hard not to reach for food. I'm only weighing once a week on Sundays and will only do the required number of days.

I have learned that chocolate does help me feel better but in the end I want to look better.
I have also learned that I still need help keeping my emotional eating under control. I must work at it every day. The closer to goal I get the harder it is for me to stay on plan. Hmmm.... Shouldn't I want to stay on plan when I'm sooo close?

I'm glad I'm not alone with this redo goal round.

Bee

When I take my last dose (injection) next week, I will have a very strict phase 3 and add things in VERY slowly. Once I move into phase 4, I will NOT add in any sugary desserts because I know I can't handle it. When it comes to sweets, I am like an alcoholic. If I have one taste, I will go CRAZY and eat the container until it's gone. Stay strong.

[pandora174]

I'm 8.8 lbs away from my ultimate goal weight of 120 I have 2 weeks to get there on P2 and I am confident I will get there. I will handle this P3/P4 like I did my last one with ultimate care & nothing adventuresome.

I noticed that I stabilized higher in P4 vs P3 my last round. My last P3 I stabilized at ldw 128ish & P3 I was 130ish. I don't know if my weight never bounced down from when I added exercise in P3 or if that is just the way of it. Still within my ldw but at the top. Let's see what this round says. To be honest if I can exercise, eat like I did last round & stick to around 125 I will be very happy. I just aimed for 120 because I want to tone up particularly my legs since I so want to wear shorts & some shorter skirts this summer & my wrinkly droopy thighs have got to go

[julieboolie]

Pandora-I'm w. you. I need to tone up my flabby thighs too! I will focus on legs tomorrow at the gym and hope to lose my insulation layer over them . You've done great and giving yourself some extra room in "goal" weight is wise and wonderful! WTG!

Keeping- It's hard enough to lose and maintain, but with emotional eating in the equation it's even harder. I'm a comfort/stress eater too and really need to find other ways to handle my stress. I'm rediscovering my love for walking and even when I intensify my cardio later down the road, I'll keep walking as well. That'll be my new plan .

Working through P2. VLCD11 in the bag . Onward and downward .

[quezsmom]

So I have a questions, since many of you mentioned exercise in not just P3 but also P2. When should I start exercising? I was gonna wait till the end of P4 because I do have more weight to lose. But I wanted to do it slowly through waking and strength training. I have a cruise in October so its not as if I don't have plenty of time. I really wanted the HCG to be a stepping stone for me so to speak. I have bad knees. (first knee surgery when I was 8) So at the weight I was previously exercise was not an option. But now I feel like I maybe able to walk the 1-2miles a day again. But should I start in P3 or wait? Because if I start in p3 don't I have to up my calories to make sure I don't lose.

your thoughts are appreciated!

Marva

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by quezsmom

So I have a questions, since many of you mentioned exercise in not just P3 but also P2. When should I start exercising? I was gonna wait till the end of P4 because I do have more weight to lose. But I wanted to do it slowly through waking and strength training. I have a cruise in October so its not as if I don't have plenty of time. I really wanted the HCG to be a stepping stone for me so to speak. I have bad knees. (first knee surgery when I was 8) So at the weight I was previously exercise was not an option. But now I feel like I maybe able to walk the 1-2miles a day again. But should I start in P3 or wait? Because if I start in p3 don't I have to up my calories to make sure I don't lose.

your thoughts are appreciated!

Marva

Exercise is definitely a YMMV thing. I gain weight when I add it back in (3-5lbs easy). So, this time I'm trying to keep it going during P2. If you're talking about walking and you feel good, do it. I'd do it in P3 and P4. Since you're eating more in P3 (than P2) use your hunger as a gauge. If you're losing below LDW many will say to up your calories so you don't lose. I don't agree. Why couldn't you contine losing a bit more? I haven't had the joy of losing in P3, but would be thrilled!! If you're going back for another round, I'd add the exercise now and try to keep it in through your next whole round. That's been my main issue w. stabilizing. I always add or increase my exercise and get way out of window and can't get it back down. It's so discouraging when you're working out to see the scale climb.
I'm sure you'll see it's so much easier on your knees now. What a wonderful bonus!! That cruise is a great goal/incentive!! I do well w. incentives .

[C'Marie]

I've just finished (or am on a break) of my 8th round. I am back at my lowest weight, but I need to push onward to my goal. That's 20 more pounds. Seems like such a long way to go.

Throughout all my rounds and my P3/P4's, I echo so many of the comments here. I have been at this weight 3 times and it scares me that THIS weight is hard to hold when my goal is lower still. Of course, I did it for 8 months before meno, so I am hoping I have survived the hormonal storm and come through it/past it far enough now to maintain. I haven't started the PT that I so desperately need to.

The other day, my daughter and her BF told me "you look skinny." That adjective hasn't been applied to me in a very long time. Made me smile.

[pandora174]

124.2 today !! Now only 4.2 to goal. I am in my size 4 pants & very comfy, not snug at all. My arms are looking ok with definition but almost overnight my belly is looking a lot more loose & my thighs as well. Let's see how I look at 120 but I am looking "very" thin at 124.2.

So far I have 9 days to go & if I can get to 118 to try and stabilize at 120ish I'll take it. Hoping to get there before 3/31 so I can add back some more protein & slow the losses (if needed) before heading into P3.

Energy still good & no hunger. Can't wait for P3 and goal weight.

[julieboolie]

Just updating this thread. I think so many of us are facing this same challenge. Sticking to our new low weights. It seems the hhcg or rxhcg works well for getting the weight off, but many of us are facing challenged with keeping it off for the long haul.

Why? Are we just losing focus over time and adding in too much junk? Are our bodies just gradually heading up to a more comfortable and familiar, higher, weight? I'm trying to get a handle on this as I'm heading into another P3 tomorrow.

I think, for me, most of my troubles start around exercise and vacation. Both are good things that I plan to keep doing . The exercise thing is so counter-intuitive. It *should* help me lose more weight and get smaller. But it doesn't. I'm wierd, I know. So, for me, I'm going to need to be content w. basically walking and some cardio and lighter weights (for a while). It's ok.

Vacation? Well, that's not something I plan to avoid either. In fact, I'm heading to Hawaii for a "once in a lifetime" trip in a little while. May 20 to be exact. Will I eat more "junk" than normal? Yes. There will be certain foods there that I will only be able to enjoy this one time. Shave ice, roadside banana bread on the way to Hana, island fruit and various other goodies. I'll try to keep it clean, and will be walking/swimming a lot, but fully expect to be up a bit when I get home. The real problem I have, is not getting back to "work" when I return home and getting too comfy at the higher weight. I need to eat clean and maybe even *gulp* low cal, until I'm back in my window. That's my latest plan. We'll see how it goes.

I hope others will chime in on what works for them!!

[pandora174]

well tom messed me up big time on my 2nd vlcd day & within 2 days I had gained 3.6 lbs highest 123.6 from my lowest 120. So I adjusted my ldw to the first day of P3 122. So far (keep my fingers crossed) I'm on Day 4 & weight has been 122.0/123.6 (tom), 123.2, 123.6. Keeping in the exercise but it is light 30 min every single day of exercise bike & some upper body stretching. When I am done with 2 solid weeks of P3 I will add a zumba class & see how that goes. My plan in P4 is to add back some light weights & see again.

I do feel that tom came & messed things up a little & I am seriously considering doing a GY day to get rid of the extra tom lbs before I lock them in & see if I can get down to where I ended my round 121. So I am proceeding cautiously into exercise.

No vacations planned anytime soon but planning on eating pretty much like Buttah

[mojocat]

This is also my dilemma - what am I going to do post P4 so I don't repeat the same patterns. JUDDD allowed me to lose and maintain like a rock, but the feast/famine of the UDs/DDs messed up my head and I was binging to the point of pain and disgust, whilst still maintaining, but it was an uncomfortable place to be in headwise and I'm not good at calorie counting - makes me too obsessive. I'm not sure if I can trust my own hunger signals because of my emotional eating. I don't know what my answer is. If only I could do JUDDD like a normal person all would be good

[julieboolie]

Mojo- If there's any encouragement, you're not alone! We're all still working on permanent lifestyle changes. It's just plain hard! But don't give up! You'll figure it out!

Pandora-I agree. I think eating more sensibly, even on vacation, is key to long term success. I guess I'll get to practice soon enough as I have 10 days in Hawaii coming up (less than a month now!!)

Originally Posted by julieboolie

Here's what I'm figuring out:
1. Exercise- I'm trying to keep it in during P2 this time. Each round when I've stabilized in P3 then add in exercise I gain about 5lbs. No matter what type of exercise I do, or how strict I am, I gain.
2. Timing- It's bad to plan a round right before a vacation. Give yourself at least 6 weeks for a good P3 and P4 to get settled before too much indulgence.
3. Be realistic- when setting your goal, don't create an unattainable or un-maintainable goal for yourself. I am 5'6", large frame, kinda' muscular and have lots of extra skin from my 120lb loss. I won't ever be able to hit 120lbs, or maintain it. I like how I looked and felt in the 140's. That's hard enough to maintain .

So, that's what I've learned so far. We'll see how the rest of this goes for me. Please come share what you're learning!

Well, I'm almost done week 3 of P3. I finished w/ LDW of 149.8 (made my preferred decade by the skin of my teeth!). I seem to be stabilizing 2.2 lbs under that LDW (147.6 most of the time). I'm not quite sure why, but I'm really happy about it!! I am NOT exercising at all. I am eating high fat (60% most days) and have actually added back sugar and some starch early, without really gaining. So far, I've had a real cupcake, real sugar froyo, real sugar frozen custard, Cadbury caramel eggs, a Reese's PB cup, chocolate covered almonds and some french fries. Not all at once , but over the past week. I know, bad Julie! But, I'm still around 147.6. . No real CD yet this round either. It really doesn't make any sense. I seem to be stabilized? I have gotten to this weight before (twice, actually) but couldn't get the scale to stabilize here after adding back exercise and then a trip usually followed and I wasn't able to stick the 140's. So far, so good. I'm sure I'll struggle a bit when I'm away for 10 days on vacation in May. I hope I'll be nice and stable and have regular sugar and starch w.o. gaining by that time. We'll see. But, I'm really encouraged and beginning to believe it's possible!

[dooy]

Julie (and any others!), I'm really interested in the exercise question. I'm needing one more round of P2 to get to goal (or dang close!) and really want to add some exercise. Is it that the weight goes up and you feel like your clothing is tight? I am hoping that at some point I won't let my head trip me up about the number on the scale if my clothing is fitting comfortably and I am toning. What do you think?

[pandora174]

I'm on day 2 of P4 and after some crazy gain from moving (intense 10 hours of heavy labor), tom & deep tissue massage I went as high as 127.2 ! I did a few CD and it started to come off slowly & finally a FF for 2 days brought me back down to 121.6 that was on 4/12. So 10 days later I'm at 124.6. I had stabilized around 123ish for over a week & then the last 2 days I started working out again & I gained 1 lb. Today no exercise & will see what the scale says tomorrow.

I think I will not work out every day & try maybe 3x a week some light exercise & see what happens. So no exercise until Thurs for me & we'll see if that works. Not giving up on the exercise yet because I feel so good when I exercise so there has to be a happy medium. I mean all I'm doing is 30 min of my exercise bike and some light upper body cardio. It's not like I'm lifting weights or exercising for hours

Haven't really introduced anything remotely P4 because this round for me (unlike my last) has been full of cd & crazy numbers on the scale. If I can stabilize 123-124 I will be very happy.

I've given myself a range of up to 125. If I go above that number then I need to take care of it but realistically since I've tended to stabilize at the high end of 123 anything can make me go past the 125 number so I may need to adjust that to 126 otherwise I'll be driving myself crazy.

[mojocat]

I have a theory, in relation to myself only, that HCG only re-sets, stabilizes me for a short period only, it's effects are temporary i.e. about 6 weeks into P4 (and I don't do real P4's, I still continue no sugar/starch) the hunger comes back with a hell hath no fury. The cravings I get for nuts is beyond belief and then it's a slippery slope downwards.This time I have a few supplements up my sleeve awaiting which I will commence towards the end of P3.

Julieboolie, I also have a vacation coming up in P4 incorporating New York..oh my goodness. I hear about roasted nuts on every corner. What a challenge that will be.

[pandora174]

I've done a few P4 & I'm in the beginning of hopefully my last ever round since the last 3 rounds have gotten me essentially to the 120's. For me anyway supplements are a part of life from P2/P3/P4. I feel without them I would not be able to maintain. I also feel much better on them (mood/energy).

In regards to eating I've never yet had a P4 that I eat sugars/starches regularly. I have added back lc bread & bagels but a piece a day & then lowered my fat for that meal & it worked out fine. But basically I eat P3 and I seem to stabilize a few lbs over my ldw but according to most HCG experts that seems to be the norm.

If I do go out to eat at say our favorite Mexican restaurant I may have a few chips with my salsa but stick to veggies/steak etc & 1 glass of wine but then I have been easy on the carbs for the prior meals. I try never to eat past 7 pm which helps me on the scale.

This P4 is the real real test for me. I know that I will need to weigh daily. I know that I will have to stay hyper aware of everything I put in my mouth. I know I can not eat "ever" like I used to. I know there will come a day when I may choose to have a cheat meal & will just eat extra clean the rest of the day or skip a meal to compensate (but I am not ready for that emotionally that & it's ok as well). I know my body is different that anyone else around me. Maybe there are some lucky ones that can eat sugars/starches etc & stay ldw but that is not me and it's ok.

But at the end of the day I look at my old pictures at 248 lbs when I would get winded going up the stairs & my belly looked 9 months pregnant & I was so unhappy & unhealthy. So I go to my grocery store & splurge on full fat dressings & the prettiest berries I can find & a nice steak & then I buy myself something really pretty to wear or some super cute shoes & all is well in my little world It's about choices and some are not fair but I try everyday to make the best possible choices for me. It can be frustrating particularly when you do everything right & still gain or you don't see the results you want. I know this will be a constant struggle and battle for me. I only hope that it will just become second nature like dieting has been and that it will become less stressful my relationship to the scale.

[dooy]

Originally Posted by pandora174

I've done a few P4 & I'm in the beginning of hopefully my last ever round since the last 3 rounds have gotten me essentially to the 120's. For me anyway supplements are a part of life from P2/P3/P4. I feel without them I would not be able to maintain. I also feel much better on them (mood/energy).

In regards to eating I've never yet had a P4 that I eat sugars/starches regularly. I have added back lc bread & bagels but a piece a day & then lowered my fat for that meal & it worked out fine. But basically I eat P3 and I seem to stabilize a few lbs over my ldw but according to most HCG experts that seems to be the norm.

If I do go out to eat at say our favorite Mexican restaurant I may have a few chips with my salsa but stick to veggies/steak etc & 1 glass of wine but then I have been easy on the carbs for the prior meals. I try never to eat past 7 pm which helps me on the scale.

This P4 is the real real test for me. I know that I will need to weigh daily. I know that I will have to stay hyper aware of everything I put in my mouth. I know I can not eat "ever" like I used to. I know there will come a day when I may choose to have a cheat meal & will just eat extra clean the rest of the day or skip a meal to compensate (but I am not ready for that emotionally that & it's ok as well). I know my body is different that anyone else around me. Maybe there are some lucky ones that can eat sugars/starches etc & stay ldw but that is not me and it's ok.

But at the end of the day I look at my old pictures at 248 lbs when I would get winded going up the stairs & my belly looked 9 months pregnant & I was so unhappy & unhealthy. So I go to my grocery store & splurge on full fat dressings & the prettiest berries I can find & a nice steak & then I buy myself something really pretty to wear or some super cute shoes & all is well in my little world It's about choices and some are not fair but I try everyday to make the best possible choices for me. It can be frustrating particularly when you do everything right & still gain or you don't see the results you want. I know this will be a constant struggle and battle for me. I only hope that it will just become second nature like dieting has been and that it will become less stressful my relationship to the scale.

Thanks so much for sharing and reminding me that food is not my life. I'm reading "Diet Apocalypse" right now and I am so convicted of the gluttony in my life. Anyway, love to read your posts!

[julieboolie]

Originally Posted by mojocat

I have a theory, in relation to myself only, that HCG only re-sets, stabilizes me for a short period only, it's effects are temporary i.e. about 6 weeks into P4 (and I don't do real P4's, I still continue no sugar/starch) the hunger comes back with a hell hath no fury. The cravings I get for nuts is beyond belief and then it's a slippery slope downwards.This time I have a few supplements up my sleeve awaiting which I will commence towards the end of P3.

Julieboolie, I also have a vacation coming up in P4 incorporating New York..oh my goodness. I hear about roasted nuts on every corner. What a challenge that will be.

Originally Posted by pandora174

I've done a few P4 & I'm in the beginning of hopefully my last ever round since the last 3 rounds have gotten me essentially to the 120's. For me anyway supplements are a part of life from P2/P3/P4. I feel without them I would not be able to maintain. I also feel much better on them (mood/energy).

In regards to eating I've never yet had a P4 that I eat sugars/starches regularly. I have added back lc bread & bagels but a piece a day & then lowered my fat for that meal & it worked out fine. But basically I eat P3 and I seem to stabilize a few lbs over my ldw but according to most HCG experts that seems to be the norm.

If I do go out to eat at say our favorite Mexican restaurant I may have a few chips with my salsa but stick to veggies/steak etc & 1 glass of wine but then I have been easy on the carbs for the prior meals. I try never to eat past 7 pm which helps me on the scale.

This P4 is the real real test for me. I know that I will need to weigh daily. I know that I will have to stay hyper aware of everything I put in my mouth. I know I can not eat "ever" like I used to. I know there will come a day when I may choose to have a cheat meal & will just eat extra clean the rest of the day or skip a meal to compensate (but I am not ready for that emotionally that & it's ok as well). I know my body is different that anyone else around me. Maybe there are some lucky ones that can eat sugars/starches etc & stay ldw but that is not me and it's ok.

But at the end of the day I look at my old pictures at 248 lbs when I would get winded going up the stairs & my belly looked 9 months pregnant & I was so unhappy & unhealthy. So I go to my grocery store & splurge on full fat dressings & the prettiest berries I can find & a nice steak & then I buy myself something really pretty to wear or some super cute shoes & all is well in my little world It's about choices and some are not fair but I try everyday to make the best possible choices for me. It can be frustrating particularly when you do everything right & still gain or you don't see the results you want. I know this will be a constant struggle and battle for me. I only hope that it will just become second nature like dieting has been and that it will become less stressful my relationship to the scale.

I hope it's not a constant battle for you! Like you said, I suspect over time it'll become your new "normal". Just how you live life, in your tiny body . Keeping the big picture in mind will certainly help. Celebrating the things you can enjoy is really important. I know you will be successful?

Originally Posted by dooy

Julie (and any others!), I'm really interested in the exercise question. I'm needing one more round of P2 to get to goal (or dang close!) and really want to add some exercise. Is it that the weight goes up and you feel like your clothing is tight? I am hoping that at some point I won't let my head trip me up about the number on the scale if my clothing is fitting comfortably and I am toning. What do you think?

It's too soon for me to weigh in (pun intended) on this debate. So far, I've done very little exercise this P3 and it's been my best one yet. Is that causal or correlative? I don't know. But, I'm not psyching myself up for the gym only to be frustrated and angry on the scale. I'm sitting around, and eating more freely than I'm typically able to get away with, and enjoying stability. Will it catch up with me eventually? Probably. Will I eventually go back to the gym? Probably. I miss feeling toned and strong. I enjoy lifting weights and can actually see the muscles I've built. But for me, I just can't enjoy my clothes getting tight and the scale going up. I do actually get bigger when I exercise, but I do weights. I suspect when I am brave enough to start working out again, I'll do walking first. I hope/expect that to not hurt the scale. It's usually the weight training that hurts me.