Penpal match? Just turned 50, want to lose 75!

[Pcola Girl]

I want to join in with induction in January to. After Christmas I really need to. Ate alot of wrong things that I know I should have not eaten and I feel so guilty about it to.
So coming up in January I am going back on induction and getting real strick with my eating low carb again.
I know we can all lose this weight, I know I can because I have already lost so much but just cannot seem to get it going for the last part of it. I want to be like I was when I was losing so good.
I don't know what happend to me I was doing so good and then when I got to a certain weight I stopped losing and everything went wrong from then on with my eating.
I guess i will just have to tell myself I am going to do it again.
I stay depressed alot and I don't know why.

So include me in .

[sleepysue07]

Hi Girls,

Mary, is that your kitty on your avatar? It's very pretty. I have always wanted a yellow tabby.

I'm looking forward to starting up again. I am going to have to make some really big changes in my way of life, not just my way of eating. It just dawned on me today that I have let my weight balloon by becoming entirely too sedinatary. I was trying to remember what I did when I was much thinner. I had two small boys, and I never had a chance to sit down for a moment!

I sit at work all day too, at a computer. I need to find a job that will cause me to walk, or move around a lot. I haven't any idea what that would be though.

I will have to work tomorrow, and then spend the evening with DS2's GF's parents. I don't know them very well, and my impression of them so far, is that they are entirely too uptight...so this should be interesting.

Have a happy New Year's Eve!

Carolyn

[Suji]

Hi Mary and Carolyn,

Wow--is it New Year's Eve already?? 2007 has really zoomed by, hasn't it? I sure hope 2008 is an improvement although with this being a prime political year, I truly doubt we'll escape the sniping atmosphere. I just know that I'm angry with this administration most of the time as it is.

I hear you on the sedentary problem, Carolyn. I think it becomes a habit. I have the time to *do* something, but I conveniently forget to. I conclude that much of my problem lies in core strength. My back and side muscles are too weak and it causes back spasms. I think yoga stretch/holds are called for and some dang nab discipline on my part!

I am not sure if I will start tomorrow or on the 2nd. We postponed our usual New Years dinner until a later time, so there is really no reason now for me to wait until the second. However, we have a horrid monetary pinch and I have to be really frugal with the groceries. I may end up personally living mostly on eggs for a month in order to stretch the food budget amongst all 5 of us.

I guess, Mary, that when we get really depressed about our bods and our progress, we are probably spending too much time with thinking about ourselves and need to put our attention elsewhere while just following our chosen weight loss program by rote. My motivations these days are different than they would have been in my 20's when I would go up and down within a 10 pound range. For me now, it is really more about health-- given the family diabetes and blood pressure problems-- and finding clothes off the rack more easily when I do shop!

Hi Leslie and Pam!

Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Ladies: Happy New Years Eve. Brrrr, I had to four-wheel-drive it into work today. Not because of snow, but because the roads were all iced over. I had a few scary moments, but made it in safely.

I have a few gifts I need to return. I brought one with me to take to the mall today. I have another that I ordered on line so I need to return it by mail to Canada. Ugh, I should know not to order from odd web sites. I found the rice cooker on line at Walmart, so I'm going to return it and get an in store credit since I don't have a receipt. I have another gift I bought for DS. He got two so I have to return that. I also have a gift I bought for SIL and he already has one so I have to return that. Boy, that's a lot of returning. I hope to get it all done on New Years day.

DS and DH are supposed to be taking the tree down today. I'm going to miss it. It smells so good.

DS, DH and I are all LC bound after the first of the year. I talked to DS yesterday begging him to give it a year and the difference it will make in how he feels about himself. He even made the comment, next year when I'm all skinny, I can do this or that. So let's hope he keeps that mentality. I don't know if I'm going to start tomorrow or Tuesday. Of course' I'm lc'ing it while at work because that's all I bring.

I walked the golf course Sat and Sun and I'm going to walk it new years day to get off to the right start.

I'm so ashamed. I 've gained over 7 lbs over these past 10 days. I changed my siggy back. Cummon, I know I didn't eat that much. But its my finicky metabolism since its not used to carbs. There were some sugar frosted cookies in the mix too which didn't help. I only had one slice of bread though and two crackers. For the most part I ate LC. Its just those darned cookies and treats that got me. I feel so FAT!. But I'm optimistic. I'm hoping I've jogged my system enough that I can start losing on induction again. If not, I'm in trouble.

We can all do this together and look great in 2008. Hope you all have a great new years eve and new years day if I don't get on here tomorrow.

[Suji]

Hey youse,
Happy New Year in 2008! Foggies that we are, we didn't bother to stay up to watch TV, but we were awake at midnight. People in town were shooting off firecrackers and other noisemakers until at least 2 am.

I still haven't decided if TODAY is the day or tomorrow. I will see what I can plan.

I hope we all have a year without accidents and mayhem and that our finances hold. I wish for us to receive from and pass along love and support to family and friends. May we bend but not break from life's stresses. And may we all achieve or make substantial and LASTING progress on our goals to lose weight!

Hug to all of you to start 2008,
Sue

[sleepysue07]

Happy Healthy New Year!

Well, we spent the evening with DS2's GF's parents last night, and had a wonderful time. I regret my earlier post. We love the girl, and now the parents. Too many hors dourves though. Oh well. I plan to start tomorrow. I think it will just be easier, and I also have to go to the market for low carb items first anyway.

I am so looking forward to losing weight this year! For me the lack of energy is the worst thing about weighing 220 lbs. Leslie, I know you feel lighter, but does it also make you feel more like your younger self?

Sue, I can certainly understand the monetary pinch. We are experiencing the same, as DS1 leaves for college on the 4th, we had to buy everything that he would need to take with him, and of course there was the part of his tuition that scholarships, grants, and loans didn't cover. This is his first year of college and he is so looking forward to it. I hope that his Freshmen year is all he hopes it will be and more. He will be 533 miles from home. He has been far from home on vacation, but never for an extended period of time.

Well, I guess I had better go find something more active to do with my day!

Have a great one!

Carolyn

[Suji]

Hey Group!
Are you ready? It's moment of truth time!~
MY holiday debacle left me at 210 pounds to start the New Year. Whoop di doo!

I have my JUG of water. I did have caffeine this morning with (shudder) milk-but I plan to be off caffeine by Friday. One mug tomorrow as opposed to my regular two mugs and then green tea or herb tea substitute by Friday.

Luckily I have fish and tuna on hand, so I can eat that while on this stringent budget and eggs. If it is too low fat then I will add some oil. I am going to try to stay away from dairy too by Friday (all cheese and milk products). Joy.

Check in for you 1/2/2008 start off!!

Good luck to all of you!
Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue and Carolyn: I'm starting today. I ate too many carbs yesterday. I did okay until dinner time. Induction doesn't allow fruit. I started packing a pear for my lunch and remembered uh oh, don't include that. So I'm just having leftover LC mexican soup. Luckily it's really good. I had eggs for breakfast and will have roast beef (crock pot) and salad for dinner. I sure hope I can drop a few before next tuesday, but time seems to be getting away from me. I've got to stick to it so as not to embarrass myself with such a terrible gain.

DS and DH are dieting too. I'm not sure for how long. I told them to give it a year and then look back on their progress. I'm not having them stick to LC because men tend to lose faster than women, so I am having them eat a no bread, semi-low calorie type menu. Most will be LC when I cook for myself though with just meat and veggies or a salad or both. But for breakfast and lunch, it's eggs or perhaps a low calorie soup like progresso, or a healthy choice meal or lean cuisine. We'll see how they do. The problem is getting them to stop eating after they have had ONE of those things.

I did walk 2 miles yesterday. It was freezing and the wind was howling so we cut our walk short. So I guess I will hit the gym. I lost better when I exercised, so exercise it is. Coupled with induction, I hope it makes a difference.

Have a great day.

[Suji]

Hi Leslie,

I'm down one mug of coffee today and replaced the other with green tea. Been doing some stretches though my range isn't too great! I'm so stiff!
Still 210.
I had eggs, salad, pork/beef patties yesterday. Snacks were salami and one skinny slice of swiss. Reckon it will be eggs, tuna and pot roast plain today.

I have got to get DH on *something*. He puts it all above the waist on the belly--the stress position. Ack.

I need to get some better fitting sneakers--nothing feels good enought to walk in for that long. I hate having one foot larger than the other!

OK--Carolyn! Where are you? Are we at your start date yet? Pam? I think Kayan may have dropped out...

Later,
Sue

[sleepysue07]

I'm here Sue! And yes, I have semi-started. I began eating low carb yesterday. I had eggs and bacon for breakfast, tuna w/a green salad at lunch, and roasted pork-loin with steamed asparagus for dinner. I had eggs and bacon this morning, and I don't know what lunch will be, my girlfriends are all meeting at our friends office (she is in an office by herself, and there is a big board-room table where we eat and chat.) Anyway, another of our friends is bringing lunch, but she always packs something healthy, although not always low-carb. Tonight I am baking fish for dinner with steamed veggies, and some sort of low-carb, sugar-free desert.

The problem is going to be the weekend. We are taking DS1 and his BFF to college in Kansas. We will be on the road for 10 hours and my DH doesn't like to leave the beaten path, so whatever we eat will have to be on I-35, and I am suspecting that a great deal of it will be fast food because our expenditures this week are over the top. Having college kids yourselves, you know what I am talking about.

I am so excited for my son, and at the same time, so sad for me. I cannot even imagine how much I am going to miss this kid. I have never been away from him for ten whole weeks. The longest we have ever been apart is about two weeks, while he was at camp. My baby graduates from high school this year, and in the fall he will be going to college. He isn't planing to go very far away though, thank goodness. It's only about a forty-five minute drive.

Well, I gotta run, I have a zillion things to do today, and at some point I have to run up to the office and get some paperwork out. I am feeling a little stressed, so I am going to wear work out clothes today in hopes that I can squeeze in a few laps around the track.

If I don't check in again before Monday, I hope that you all have a great weekend.

Carolyn

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue and Carolyn:

Carolyn: I totally know how you feel, having to send your son off to college. And so far away. After having DD2 home all summer, I cried the first week she was gone. I really miss her when she's not there. As for DD1 and SIL, they visited for a week and that was enough. They both got sick and couldn't seem to get better, so they cut their visit short and went home new years eve. I miss her, but her home is in Eugene now, and I understand that. I have to take DS down to Eugene at the end of the month for an honor band thing, so I will get to see her then. I know its hard while on the road, but you can get burgers and toss the bun, or the old standby fast food salad. Ugh, but whatever it takes. I hope you have a safe trip.

Sue: I'm so out of shape. I haven't been to the gym in a few weeks. I'm afraid of how sore I will be when done. DH got me ankle weights for Christmas. I used them on the golf coures trail and was so sore the next day. Dragon boat teams recruit this time of year. I'm not at the weight I would have liked to have been. Still too heavy, so I may pass this year and try again next year. My DH is like yours. Its all on his waistline. Although his BP, cholesterol and blood sugars are normal, I worry about his heart. Carrying that much weight would be really hard on anyone.

I did good yesterday. I'm down to 182. Today was hb eggs for breakfast and green tea. Lunch will be salad, cherry tomatoes, lunch meat and a LC SF yogert. Dinner, I have no idea. I may cook up some turkey patties I have. I just can't seem to cook them so they are moist. I guess we can use mayo or something. And a veggie. DH asked what he could have for breakfast. I steered him toward the Special K. I told him only one bowl though. He ususally eats the equivalent of about 6 servings at a sitting.

Have a great day.

[Pcola Girl]

Hi everyone! Hope you are having a good New Year.
Watching those carbs to I hope. I am doing better now that the Holdiays are over. Got my weeks menu all made thru Sunday. Today it is a roast cooking in the crocl pot.
I am only taking in around 30 carbsa day now so hopely I will began losing again.
Take care.

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Mary: Me too, around 30 carbs a day and I do lose. So that's where I'm at. I've cut fruit for now, because it adds too many carbs. I will add it back in in a couple of weeks.

So menu planning. DH and DS are dieting too. Not so much LC, but I still have to come up with stuff for them. So far we had LC mexican soup one night, crock pot roast the next, chicken tenders last night, now what? I think it will be turkey patties. This is really hard because they don't like a lot of what I do and its much easier to fend for myself. When I have to plan daily what they are going to eat, its difficult. I guess I will start a rotating thing and try to stick with it. They will get bored, but what's a person to do?

Hi Sue and Carolyn: Have a great day.

[Suji]

Hay Carolyn, MAry, Leslie,
Oooog,
Caffeine withdrawal headache today. I'm going to make some green tea and see if that helps.
I've had eggs and tuna salad. Gotta to do someting to stretch some chicken breasts among us all.
WE're going to the farm for the first time in weeks on Saturday. Going to get the celing mess taken care of.
Have a good weekend!

Sue

[sleepysue07]

Hi Leslie and Sue,

I had pizza tonight. (an irrational binge brought on by emotions.) My son left for college this morning, and I didn't get to take him. My ex was determined to go, and my DH has been grumbling about having to caravan with him since he found out, so I decided last night that we wouldn't go. I didn't want the "Daddy drama" to ruin Matt's trip to Kansas, so I decided to bow out of this one gracefully.

I had already spent a small fortune this week getting all of the things he needed for his dorm, and a warmer wardrobe because he is usually wearing shorts here in Texas, (not this past week though.) Truthfully, it would have been a strain anyway, all of the eating out, a few tanks full of gas, and the hotel stays. Not to mention that yesterday we discovered that we're going to have to do a massive overhaul in our bathroom because of a pipe that leaked inside a wall. I have been wanting to redo the bathroom, so maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Then today, while we were shopping for tubs and flooring, the brakes on my van began locking up, so I guess it really does rain when it pours. At least we weren't on our way to Kansas when the brakes began to act up.

Anyway, our son made it to school safe and sound with everything he needs, and is content. I'm a little sad that he's gone, but glad that he has gone as well. I am hoping this will put an end to his relationship with his GF.

I will climb back up on the LC wagon again tomorrow.

Goodnight,

Carolyn

[Suji]

Hi Carolyn,
Congratulations on making it through the official "college launch" of your son. It has had a very maturing effect on my son #2 at VT. He goes back to start the spring semester this weekend.

Leaking bathrooms-arrgghhh. So much of that at the farm and we can only address the problems a little at a time. Three bathrooms to do over-2 in dire need, the other is OK but has problems with corrosion in the bath fixtures.
SPeaking of the farm, I cleaned up the debris from the ceiling, then pulled more down. DH pulled down the ceiling in the bathroom. SO I need more boxes to get rid of the plaster! Next time, he'll start removing the wall partition.

Friday was an evil day--I had the headache from hell that would not be touched by meds. Caffeine withdrawal is a b*tch. I'm surviving on green tea now. I did OK on food over the weekend, but I may need to really watch it on the raw and cooked veggies. It is so easy to eat more than 30 gms worth without realizing it. That's my only issue so far--guess I ought to keep a measuring cup handy. Also, initially I found I was much too hungry between meals last week. I don't normally "snack", but I was feeling a great need to.

My car is having problems too, so don't feel all alone! It wants to stall over and over--you get it started and rolling and it stalls if any power sterrig is required (backing up, turning hard--even in the midst of seemingly driving along for 5 minutes! It stalls going downhill! SO, I have to have one foot on the break and the other on the accelerator for quite a while before it "gets over itself"!

Leslie, I keep hinting to my husband to quit with the huge plates of food and one serving only. His biggest issue is his beverages. He just plain can't afford the alcohol calories he indulges in daily. Beer, eggnog, mixed drinks (all after work, the way he likes to relax). He's about 250 right now and that's not good for his 6'2" frame.

Well, I have to get back to working--"House Blessing Day", ya know!

Sue
Hi Mary!

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Carolyn and Sue:

I was bad yesterday and ate what I shouldn't. Dang, I need to stay true to induction. I just couldn't get full. I think I didn't consume enough protein at lunch. I had leftover cooked cauliflower, about 2 oz of cheese melted on that, two celery sticks, some raw mushrooms dipped in salad dressing, and a LC yogert. I was starving by 3 so I drank two cups of tea. I even put cream in one to help ward off the hunger, but it didn't work and I ended up eating some cookies and rye crackers. I just couldn't get full. Ugh. I didn't gain from Saturday though because I was already back up to 181.

Carolyn: My house is near empty now too. I took DD2 grocery shopping yesterday so she could restock her apartment. Then she took off for school. She wanted to drive while it was still light outside. Her school is located in a small nothing town out in farm country and the back country roads aren't lit so it gets a little scary sometimes. So I'm sad now.

Sue: Sorry you had such a headache. Sometimes they can really get you down. I wanted to organize my closet under the stairs yesterday, but of course, DH had other plans. I can only get stuff done when he's not around which isn't very often. Sounds like you two were busy bees at the farm. That plaster removal sounds grueling.

As for DH's weight, I'm sure he sits at about 400+. I would love it if he only weighed 250. He's gained so much over the past couple of years. I know a lot of it is stress, but he can really put the food away! I made DH and DS beef stew saturday night. I opted for that because its low in fat and not too many additional carbs. I had some which is probably why my weight went up. Anyway there is always a lot left over. DS and I had taco salad last night while DH finished off the beef stew. It was A LOT. He admitted this morning that he ate too much. He saw a photo DD1 took of him and I think that may have brough into reality how big he is. It doesn't matter that I buy him 4x shirts! His perception of his size is distorted.

DS is going for his driver's license today. DH has to take him clear to the coastal town of Astoria to get it. The DMV's in town are booked solid for 6+ weeks and so they were able to get a spot at the DMV in Astoria. I hope after driving all the way out there that he passes.

I also wish DH would go back to work. Ugh, I hate winter and the construction lay offs. He always gets so grumpy. Bleh.

Until later!

[Dreamcometru]

Good Morning Ladies:

DS got his driver's license yesterday! Yay, i'm excited, but ewww, I'm not looking forward to calling the insurance company.

Okay, I weigh in at my group and then hit it hard AGAIN. We went out for mexican food last night. I ordered a "taco burrito" thinking it would be an uncooked burrito shell stufed with fresh lettuce, chicken, salsa and cheese. I was wrong, so I picked at it a little and left the rest. I'm sure DH will finish it off today sometime. Anyway, I did eat some of those nasty chips. Now I find out how high they are on the glycemic index. Dang. Okay, no more chips. The burrito would have been better for me (and I knew that). So I'm back at it today. I will show a gain at my group, but I'm prepared. I'm determined to go back next month with a loss.

I figured I'm not exercising enough either. I look at how much I was getting in last year. I've got to get moving again.

Have a great day all.

[Suji]

Hi there,

I've been puttering around today mostly watching the guys work outside, keeping an eye on the NH primary, going through pictures online.

I've had eggs, tuna salad and a little salami (though not the best kind which has 0 carb) so far. Not sure what's for dinner but I have a lot of fish (for me) that I can bake. My kids don't like anything but tuna and a little shrimp.

DS3 has been out with his permit 3 times so far. I want to sign him up for the driving classes really soon, preferably between track seasons if the classes are available. Our insurance is outrageously high right now--not sure why as no one has had any accidents. Perhaps male driver, age 19???

I am having a problem with deafness and low level roaring ocean noises in both ears. I don't know why, but it just started within the last 6 months. I already have a hearing loss in one side due to a childhood injury and don't relish losing any more hearing. I was talking to My Mom yesterday who was "famous" for not going to the Dr. unless she was practically dying. So she is now into pushing me to go to the Dr. for a complete checkup because "you and your sister are getting to 'that age' ". Oh, *wince*! She's been doing that a lot lately. I guess she is feeling her own mortality and projecting somewhat. My biggest problem is with flexibility-we've talked about this before. My lower back is truly stiffer than it ever used to be-sitting too much for too long?

**
I think the earth movers will be done working on the upper level soon since they were spraying grass seed, straw and fertilizer on the slopes and level areas on half the worked area. THere are still dirt piles on the other half that need to be leveled before they can do the same. But, it will be nice to have the noise, rumbling and shaking removed by half a hill.

Well, ttfn!

Sue

[Dreamcometru]

Hi Sue:

I met with my group. I love those ladies. I always feel better after having gone, even this time despite my 2 lb gain. Oh well. I'm hanging at 181. Hope the scale starts moving downward soon. Most came back with a gain, so I didn't feel too bad.

I've been reading about incorporating monounsaturated fats (the good fats) into each meal. I'm having a little trouble figuring that out. Its supposed to help speed up the weight loss.

I got the quote on DS's insurance. Yah, pretty frightening. The car he drives is older though, 1991, and that made for a better rate than the girls had, not to mention its an additional car for an additional discount.

Sue: I'm sorry about your ears. I've never experienced anything like that. I hope it doesn't cause vertigo. It's time for my annual physical. I just haven't wanted to schedule it. I also need to schedule a mamogram. Bleh. Soon, soon. I can hear my mom in the background too.

I hope you feel better soon and that the earth movers finish soon. Perhaps with better weather on the way this spring, that will happen.

[Suji]

Hi Leslie,

At least it wasn't much of a gain! I just screwed up a bit by eating a handful of walnuts. I doubt those are on the OK induction list. DOH!

It's a quiet day. I've been reading the book for next week's bookclub meeting: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCuller(?). It was written back in 1937 and revolves very strongly around character development. Not much in the way of "scenery", but more psychological insights. Are you reading anything right now?

We had a fast moving storm front come through for about half an hour early this morning which scared all the earth movers away for the day. The sun came out within an hour--they could have come back! We are still having warmer than average temperatures, but it should drop to normal for January temps within a few days. THey are projecting possible snow Monday and Tuesday.

I wish I had a group to report to--looks like you are mostly it, kiddo! My sister always asks me why I am doing Atkins yet again. She thinks I should go on Zone or Mediterranean which allow for more food choices. I *do* think the elimination of sugar and bad carbs is pretty important though.

I have to shop for the remaining holiday gifts tomorrow as my sis and family are coming over for a party on Saturday. As usual, coming up with ideas for the men in the family is the hardest thing to do.

Talk to you later,
Sue

[sleepysue07]

Hi Sue and Leslie!

I am getting really hungry at night, I guess I probably just ought to go to bed earlier, and that should solve the problem. Can you think of anything to do with canned Salmon? I bought several on sale, and now can't think of what to do with them.

I am struggling with the whole "no caffeine thing." Without the caffeine my body just doesn't function. I can't wake up, my head starts pounding, and I get very, very irritable. My eating is going fairly well, but I still crave coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

I am missing my son SO MUCH! I swear it feels as though my heart has just moved to Kansas. I am going for a visit next month as he is asking for some things (which I cannot believe - considering that he took an entire truck load of things with him!) I know, I know I should be thankful. I have prayed that he would stop floundering and go to school. I am thankful that he was able to get the scholarships after having turned them down last Spring. What he is doing is exactly what I wanted for him. So why am I still so sad? When does this get easier? DS2 is next! He graduates from high school in June, although he tells me that he will not go 533 miles from home, and intends to go to the local community college first. I need to get a life of my own now.

Leslie kudos for your son! My youngest just got his license in December, and I still bite my nails whenever he leaves the driveway. But, he is seventeen, and will be eighteen in July. I didn't feel that he was mature enough last year so I made him wait. I can see that he has matured a lot since school began this year.

It sounds as though all of our DHs are in need of reform. Mine is definitely in denial about his size. Then again he never really looks at himself in a full length mirror like the one in my closet. He did tell me last week that he thought the cleaners shrunk his suit jackets when they cleaned them! LOL! I share much of the blame in his obesity. I feed the poor man, and whatever I prepare is what he eats, but he sits at work all day, and then comes in from the office and sits in his recliner watching televison until he goes to bed. Grrrr! I fantasize about selling the recliner and his big TV all the time. I wonder what he could accomplish without them?

Well, I am going to bed now. I plan to start decluttering my house. I am giving myself four months to get it done. Baby-steps - Baby-steps.

Have a lovely Thursday,

Carolyn