Searching for motivational friends

[rockfordVicki]

Looking for friends to help keep me motivated to lose all this weight.
Im just turning 45 in a few days and I decided it is really time to work on me. I have been taking care of everyone, job and home for so long that I just was to exhausted to take care of me. Well, now there is 268 lbs of me and im tired of everything that goes with being overweight.
So if your tired of being tired and wanting to share the ups and downs of this journey.. Let me know, can really use the help

Vicki

[katecat]

Vicki, you have a P.M.

[busybee_deb]

Vicki - I'm looking for a motivational friend(s) too ... looks like we have a lot in common, I'm a little older - 46, but about the same amount of weight to lose, etc.

I'm in!

Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Hey busybee deb,
Heck Im catching up to you in the age department. I will turn 45 Friday. We are about the same weight. So we both are on the same road to getting healthy. Yeah!
I see you are doing atkins and have been doing so for a month. How are you doing with it. I did adkins a couple years ago and lost 22 pounds in two months then I just stopped.. for what reason I have no idea. I liked the food I was eating.
This time around there is no stopping me. Im going to be one of those posters that can say I have lost 126 pounds.
I warned all those around me that this next year is about me. If I sound selfish.. oh, well I deserve to be selfish for once. Im putting me first.
I weighed myself today and Im down another 3 pounds.... so that is 16 pounds since August 1st. I now have to change my mini goal.
I try to stay under 20 carbs. I feel it keeps my hunger under control and I don't have many cravings. I don't watch calories, at this point its about curbing hunger and learning this new way of eating.
What is your favorite low carb meal? I really enjoy making taco salad without the chips. It feels me up and tastes great. I get a little tired off eggs. Meat and cheese no problem. Im not a big fish eater... wish I was. I do keep lots of tuna around but so far havent used it.
I really have to work on my water intake.. that is a tough one for me. I do like water, just not a thirsty person and I have a hard time drinking when Im not thirsty. Wish it was like that with eating..
Look forward to getting to know you. Looking forward to celebrating your successes with you.
Vicki

[busybee_deb]

Hi Vicki -

Congrats on the 3 more pounds ... you're really progressing at a lightning fast speed!

I was down a couple more this morning and so am at 261. I'm happy about this, because I didn't lose much the last two weeks, so I'm making progress again! Can't wait to be in the 250's. My mini goal is 248. I was hoping to there by the end of August, but not sure if this is really realistic. I guess we'll see.

I think I found some of the problems with the stall ... I was drinking a lot of Crystal Light and eating low carb ice cream bars. They were all good, but advice I got from other said that these things can slow you down. I've gone down 4 pounds since giving them up ... just last Friday.

I lost a bunch doing Atkins (70 lbs) back in 2002/2003. I decided to give it up ... started eating sugar and pastries again. And then, my compulsive eating cycle started again. In the end, gained it all back. I think that part of the problem was that I only focused on the food and didn't take care of the emotional link to food. So, I'm trying to do both this time ... and probably focus on the emotional side more so than the food side of things.

I hear you about eggs! I'm starting to get tired of them too ... I pretty much eat scrambled eggs every day and need to find something different. I think I'm going to make egg muffins tonight to start having for tomorrow ... at least they'll be more portable.

My all time favorite LC supper is Zucchini Lasagna! I'll get you the recipe (it's at home and I'm at work right now). It has lots and lots of cheese and tomato sauce ... just love it! I made one this weekend and am now eating it for lunch during the week.

I like Taco salad too. This is a good one to have with my DH ... he likes it too, although he has the chips with it.

Do you eat dessert? If so, what do you have?

I have a dessert fetish, but can't find anything that doesn't cause problems for me. I do eat SF Jello, but get bored with it after a while.

Hope you have a terrific day! Glad to have someone to talk with!

Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Good Morning Debbie,
Congrats on your loss as well.
I have a hard time setting mini goals.. because my weight loss is very hard to predict. Sometimes when I think its going to be a big loss because my clothes are getting loose the scale barely moves. Other times it moves when I havent exercised very much and ate low carbs but high calories. So, I just guess and adjust as needed.
I don't eat to many desserts, maybe some sf jello, sometimes a couple pieces of sf candy,strawberries with whip cream. As long as Im full I really don't think about them to much. My problem was fast food and starches. I never took the time to plan my meals and would just run thru the nearest fast food place. My work schedule is crazy and I didn't take the time to plan.
I never was a big eater, just a bad eater.
I too am looking at the emotional side of eating. I realized one day at my doctors office what I had been doing. As she was telling me all the things I need to change about my health, i had to stop her and say I know all these things you are saying and I know how to go about making change.. heck I would suggest these things to others yet I fail to follow it myself.
It was like lightening struck that it is time to take care of Vicki. Let others that are able take care of themselves. Im always trying to help others then Im to emotionally drained to take care of me. So this is my time to be selfish.... and I deserve it.
I don't know how else to describe my journey to being fat but to say as each pound added to this body, the more of Vicki disappeared. I loved going places, trying new things, meeting people etc. My entire personality changed and the list of things that I enjoyed became smaller, and smaller.
I also look at this journey on a spiritual side. For many years I would pray for God to get rid of this extra weight. Yet I was not doing my part. God would give me the tools and I did not use them. I believe God led me to this website and I am very thankful.
I have overcome many negative things in my life and God has truely blessed me over and over.
So, as I lose this weight and get to know Vicki all over again. I am also getting to know God more. God will give me the answers I just have to listen.
Your lasagna sounds yummy! I would appreciate the receipe.
I do plan to expand my meal choices as I lose this weight. I am still trying to stay with the induction foods and keeping my carb level as low as I can. It's amazing how quickly they add up. I did not realize how much sugar is in our foods. And how well they are hidden. Heck anymore you need a chemistry degree to read labels.
Wow, I just wrote a book.
I think I may start a journal to document my weight loss journey. I need to take some beginning pictures. I hate taking pictures, actually I hate being in the pictures. But I think I need to do that. I just have a hard time looking at myself and what I did to my body.
Well Deb I will end this before it becomes a mini series. You have a great day. It's very nice to have you to talk as well.
Vicki

[Pcola Girl]

Just wanted to say hi and that I am here for you to...........

[busybee_deb]

Good morning, Vicki & Pcola Girl -

I can't write much today ... need to get busy (am at work). Just wanted to say hi! Hope you're having a great LC day.

I was down 1 lb this morning ... hoping to see the 250's by the end of the week. I'm excited because my biggest clothes are fitting much better and I'm starting to feel like I may be moving into the next size down in my closet. This will give me a lot more wardrobe options. I'm getting pretty sick of the biggest stuff that I have ... I refused to buy more because I didn't want to stay at that weight.

I forgot to bring the recipe with me today that I promised. I'll try to stop by later when I'm at home if I can get on-line (my 'puter has been down).

Later,
Debbie

[busybee_deb]

Vicki - here is the recipe I promised ... enjoy!

Debbie

ZUCCHINI LASAGNA WITH CREAMY TOMATO SAUCE
16 oz ricotta cheese
4 oz mascarpone (or cream cheese)
1/2 C shredded mozzarella
1/2 C shredded Italian cheeses
1/4 C grated parmesan
1 T garlic powder
1 T onion powder
1 T Italian herbs
Salt & pepper to taste
20-30 oz. of your favorite spaghetti sauce mixed with 1/2 C heavy cream and 1/2 pound cooked ground beef
5-6 medium zucchini
Grated Italian cheese for topping
Mix first 9 ingredients together and set aside. Wash zucchini, trim ends and make one slice length-wise to create a flat surface for cutting. Place zucchini on that flat surface and begin slicing flat "noodles" about 1/8" inch wide. How many you need will depend on the size of the zucchini you are using. You should have enough slices to completely cover the bottom of your lasagna pan twice. The pan I use for this recipe is about 7" x 11" and 2" deep. Place slices of zucchini on a plate and microwave for 3-5 minutes. (this step helps draw out some of the moisture) Drain all liquid and press between paper towels. You want the zucchini as dry as possible.
To assemble; First add a small amount of sauce in the bottom of the dish. Next, layer the zucchini "noodles" so they are slightly overlapping and completely covering the bottom. Carefully spread the cheese mixture to evenly cover the zucchini layer. Next, arrange another layer of zucchini over the cheese mixture and then top with tomato sauce. Be sure all the zucchini is covered with sauce. DO NOT TOP WITH CHEESE YET.
Bake in a low oven (about 250 degrees) for 2 hours until all excess moisture has been evaporated. To check this, look at the side of the dish if you're using a clear pan. There shouldn't be much liquid bubbling on the edges. It should be pretty dry. This is important because otherwise, you end up with a very watery lasagna. Check it now and then to make sure it isn't burning but it will likely take the better part of 2 hours. In the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, add some shredded cheese and finish baking until melted and golden.

[rockfordVicki]

Wow, Deb
Thanks for the receipe. I will have to try that.
Congrats on the 1 pound. Hope you hit your mark this week. Isnt it great to be going downward. I too have a mini mall in my closet. I have clothing in about 4 different sizes. This time around once I get into one size I am donating the larger size. I am not saving anything. I will not use them again...
I sure will be glad when my double belly disappears.. that's my problem zone.
We will succeed... and we will enjoy this journey. I am really loving this way of eating. I feel more satisfied then when I was eating before LC.
I had puter problems today as well. My battery shorted my ac cord to my laptop. I had to run out and buy a new cord. So, Im up and running again.
Keep it up Debbie, before you know it we will be talking about those last 10 we need to lose.
Have a great night.
Vicki

[busybee_deb]

Hi Vicki - thought I'd stop by and say hello. Hope you enjoy the recipe if you try it. Only down side to it is that it really does take 2 hours to cook. I usually put the oven on 300/325, thinking that it'll cook faster, but it doesn't really help.

I had no loss today. I had a little battle with nuts yesterday ... ate a bunch (probably 40 carbs worth or more!). I really want to stay away from nuts this time around ... they became a huge obsession for me last time. I'm really not sure how I lost as much weight as I did ... I must've eaten a couple of cans of cashews a week!

Anyway, I want to learn to eat to live rather than live to eat this time around.

I hear you about the whole belly thing. I really hate mine ... this is where I carry the majority of my weight. It has started to go down a bit, but has a long way to go.

I can't wait to get to the last 10 pound stage!! Won't that be wonderful?!!!

We'll both make it! Hopefully in record time!

Have a good day,
Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Hi Debbie,
Good morning! I bet you just retained water from the nuts. Drink alot of water and flush that salt out and I think you will see a loss. I used nuts as a back up when I need something quick and portable.
Yes belly fat is very uncomfortable. Yet I do hear that type of fat is easier to lose. I know once I get down to around 200 it really shrinks. So looking forward to the shrinking belly.
I think I will try that receipe Saturday. Really does sound wonderful. I bet my son will love it as well. He has a few pounds to lose and I am encourging him to watch carbs as well. He has no choice around here... havent bought any high carb foods. he-he
That last ten pounds will be here before we know it. Just look how fast this year has flown by. Just think next summer we will be talking about all the cute clothes we purchased.. This will happen. We know what we have to do. I am very dedicated to the woe. I have put it off long enough.
This time I will be at Goal weight next summer. NO excuses and no more restarts. Aug 07 was the beginning of a new life for me. Not only in the way I eat, but in the way I take care of myself- and its me first.
Im happily reporting another 2 pounds this am. yeah!!!
Have a great day Debbie- and flush those nuts.. smile
Vicki

[busybee_deb]

Okay, I'm in! August 2008 ... both at goal!

Thanks for your great enthusiasm ... it is infectious!!

Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Yes we will be at our goal.. and loving it.
Thank you,,,
Tomorrow will be 1 month of your low carb lifestyle. Happy anniversary! Didn't that go by quickly. You lost 16.5 pounds. Aren't you proud of yourself. Before you know it 60 pounds will be gone.. then on to goal weight. No turning back.
Aug. 08 Goal! Yeah!
Vicki

[busybee_deb]

Hi Vicki - thanks for the great encouragement! Yes, today is my 1 month anniversary ... and I was down another pound this morning! So 17.5 for the first month!

I took your recommendation to drink a lot of water and it must've helped. I even lost after going out for supper last night (Olive Garden). I made good choices though and didn't go off plan. I'm going out again tonight, but already have a plan, so will be okay tomorrow morning, too!

You on the other hand, are still continuing at light speed! What do you eat during the day??

Hope it is a good one for you!
Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Debbie,
Happy Anniversary, Happy Anniversary,
Your well on your way!
Congrats on yet another pound gone.
I had an aerobics instructor once tell me that regardless of your weight loss program there are only two ways to lose the fat, sweat it out or pee it out. She said it doesnt evaporate and has to leave the body in one of those two ways. I myself prefer to pee
I eat eggs with real bacon bits, some salsa
had a tuna salad from subway last night.
Usually just stick to meat and small salad. Or a green vegatable.
Sf jello when I want something sweet. Oh yeah and cheese on about everything, I do try to use finely grated to my total cheese isnt over 2-3 ounces. (though sometimes it is quite a bit over) I have an avocado several times a week as well. Also, I keep frozen strawberries on hand.
Keep it up Debbie you are doing fabulous.
Vicki

Ps. Today I share this special day with you.. It's my Birthday-

[busybee_deb]

to you!
to you!
dear Vicki!
to you!!

A very happy 45th! Enjoy your day!

Debbie

P.S. You are catching up to me!

[busybee_deb]

Hi Vicki - hope you had a good b-day weekend. Mine was good, quiet, but good.

Just wanted to say hi! No weight loss for me today ... bounced around a little over the weekend and ended up back to 259 today. Probably because I ate out two nights of the week last week ... I did my best to stay on plan though and was very good on Saturday and Sunday.

Hope all is well with you! Talk with you later,
Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Hi Debbie,
Vacation is over and Im back to work. Scale has not moved for me either. That's okay we are waiting for the big whoosh...
Doing pretty good, staying on plan food wise. Have to up the water intake.
Hope you have a great day.
Vicki

[rockfordVicki]

Thank you for the Happy Birthday...
Vicki

[Pcola Girl]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICKI.........

[rockfordVicki]

Thank you very much.
Vicki

[busybee_deb]

Good morning! Just saying hello ...

I had no weight change (again) today. But, TOM is here, along with some pretty bad PMS. So, I should be counting my blessings. Sometimes I can't wait for menopause to get here, but I guess that can cause even more crazy emotions. I'll be glad to get rid of the periods, though.

Hope you're having a good day!

Debbie

[rockfordVicki]

Good Morning,
My scale has not moved either, waiting for that whoosh I guess.
Debbie-hope you feel better. I had a complete hyst. 3 years ago due to cancer. Menopause is nothing nice.. I did not get crazy emotions, but crazy hot flushes which can make you crazy
It is wonderful to not have periods though.

If the whoosh fairy shows up for you send her my way.

Have a great day, stay on plan and we will start moving downwards once again.
Have a great day.
Vicki

[Pcola Girl]

Just saying hi to you all today.
Had to go see my new arthritis doctor this morning and it went well and he was so nice. He gave me some injections in my knees and he made me a appointment to see the rheumolotist that is next door to him next month and after I see the rheumolotist they will deicde what all is wrong. I have arthris all over, in my spine, knees, hips, hands shoulders etc. Ever muscle in my body hurts to for some reason so they are going to try and find the cause. Sure hope so because i live in bad pain every day and can barely function much anymore. He also changed my arthritis medication and put me on some joint repain medication to. So maybe in a few days i will be able to atart to walk better with out hurting so bad.
My weight lost is going no where right now even though I am keeping my carbs low. I just have felt so bad lately that i don't do much and am not burning any calories at all or fat cells....But I plan to do alot more when I can walk better and one way or another i am going to get this weight off me.

[rockfordVicki]

Pcola I hope you feel better soon.
I use to ache all over and it was my thyroid causing muscle pain.. strange huh? I do have joint pain but I believe losing this weight will improve that.
The scales are not moving for alot of us but they will again soon so just stay on plan and we will see a loss.
Again hope you feel better soon.
Vicki