New Maintainers - Week of 6/14

[JuliaL]

Good morning everyone, how was your weekend?

DH and I went to PF Chang's for dinner on Sat. night. First time I've ever eaten there and I was worried because I haven't eaten Chinese since starting this woe. I asked for suggestions in the Main Lobby and got lots of responses. I ended up having a shrimp dish with sauteed spinach as a side instead of rice. It was wonderful!

To be honest I went there with every intention of not worrying about carbs. I thought I would go ahead and splurge a little, maybe even eat rice, but I just didn't want to. I find that carby foods just don't appeal to me any more. I'll admit, the "great wall of chocolate" on the dessert menu looked pretty tempting, but I was able to resist.

Julia

[sugarless4life]

WTG Julia in resisting the chocolate!!

I know what you mean about carby foods just not being appealing. I feel the very same way. Amazing, isn't it!!?

Got my run in this morning. 26:01. I am working hard towards my goal of 30 minutes (MINIMUM) of running 5 times a week. I hit the streets at 5:45 before that intense Florida sun comes up. The humidity is a killer...it was 100% this morning...but without the sun, it doesn't feel too horrendous. Came home wringing wet with sweat, but managed to get my weight training and pilates done. Feels good!

Hope you all have a terrific day!

Betty

[akmd65]

julia, ive been wanting to go there! wtg resisting something called the great wall of chocolate! sounds so good! have you heard about the job yet??

betty, wow. you are so motivating! if you can do all that this morning i most certainatly can get in my exercise!!

have a wonderful day!!!!

[akmd65]

i decided my summer goal is one hour of some type of exercise per day.

[JuliaL]

Jeannie - I did hear about the job last Thursday, and I am not one of the final two candidates to go to the third round of interviews. I have to believe its for the best - things happen for a reason, right? Thanks for asking.

J

[ginabw]

When we get chinese food I always get the dried BBQ ribs, they are very good and I ate them all through induction with no stalls or gains.

So I have decided to try and get my children eating healthier. I told them that after they eat the chips and pop tarts etc. that I will not be buying anymore, that they are going to start eating healthier foods for their meals and snacks. I will still let them have an after dinner treat such as cookies or ice cream, but no more after lunch treats and no more pop tarts or sugary stuff for breakfast. My two little ones are doing fine, but my 9 yr old tried a little rebellion today, so missed lunch, but ate a nice dinner. Now we are leaving for vacation on Wed morning, going to a place that is all inclusive and the food is fantastic, there will be a big selection of everything at every meal. Usually I lose weight on vacation, I hope this one is the same! Going to a Club Med in Greece, should be great with lots of activities for everyone, although all I want to do is lay on the beach and soak up the sun!

[JuliaL]

Gina - good for you, you're doing your kids a favor! I know its hard sometimes when they ask for stuff they shouldn't eat. I cut back on the junk food for my 16 year-old. He gets one package of cookies to last him for the week and no soda. He begged me to buy regular soda for him, but I told him I would only buy diet from now on, and only one bottle per week. He's gotten used to it. I really should not even buy the cookies I know, but....

Have fun on your vacation - sounds like heaven to me!

Julia

[ginabw]

Julia,
I'm sure a lot of people think they shouldn't even have a bit of soda or cookies (someone on the main lobby called them poison the other day!), but I think food is to be enjoyed as well as be healthy, and as long as they (we) are eating mostly healthy nutritious food, there is nothing wrong with the occasional treats. I grew up eating healthy, balanced meals and also lots of cookies and ice cream, not much soda then though. I did not have a weight problem until college when I had an all you can eat cafeteria, and then I did lose that weight on LF and didn't gain again until pregnancies. So anyway, as long as my kids are in the good weight range and eating nutritiously at meals, I am going to let them have their cake, and eat it too! (also, isn't a childhood memory to come home from school to the smell of homebaked cookies? I love making cookies for them and their classmates). I do let them try my LC treats, so far they don't like the choc truffles, but they did like the almond thins I made yesterday.

[Bonnie]

I haven't checked in here for a few days. I've been in a very down mood for over a week so I haven't been posting much. But I'm still around, reading the posts and hanging in there the best I can. The good part is that through all the stress I've had lately, I have not let it affect my eating. One year ago, I would've turned to food for comfort!

[kbgardengirl]

catzy - I just realized that you had lost almost 100 lbs in less then a year. Good job! That should make anyone happy. Now put a smile on that face and think only good thoughts. You deserve to HAPPY!

[jvryden]

I've also started feeding my kids healthier foods. I still give them an after-dinner treat, and make goodies for them on occasion. I think if you eliminate all treats, you could really set them up to rebel, imo. Snacks for my kids are fruits, string cheese, nuts, yogurt, carrot sticks, etc. I make sure not to buy anything that has HFCS and trans fats. One time when my son had two pop tarts for breakfast he told me he felt sick...great learning opportunity for him! Now he knows if he has too much sugar, he won't feel that good and can make better choices all by himself. I wish I had learned that earlier!

Catzy! Hope you feel better soon!

[JuliaL]

Catzy - I know exactly how you feel. I've been pretty down lately too, ever since I found out I didn't get that new job I applied for. It was kind of a blow to my ego the way it happened. I could have handled it if they had just told me that there was someone else more qualified or with more experience, but to say that my personality wasn't outgoing enough really made me feel insecure. On top of that I had to tell my boss I was applying for the job, then turn around and tell him I didn't get it.

The whole thing really effected my self-esteem, and we all know that those of us who battle our weight already have issues with feelings of insecurity. I have not turned to food to comfort myself and I've kept up with my exercise, but I have to admit the last few days I've had thoughts like "what am I doing all this for?" like I'm not worth all the effort I'm putting into looking and feeling good. I know its not true, but I've had thoughts like that crossing my mind the last few days.

On top of everything else the scale was up a pound this morning. Its all very depressing. Just think of it as a rough patch. If we stick to the program we'll be on the upswing again before long. I hope so anyway. Hang in there with me!

Julia

[sugarless4life]

Julia ..

***********HUGS***********

You're such a daily inspiration to me. I come to this board just to be encouraged by you and the other maintainers!! I am sorry about the job, but believe me, your worth is NOT dependent on your ability to land a job!! You're a terrific person!!!

Hang in there sweetie. Weight fluctuations happen. Its not as bad as it seems.

Betty

[JuliaL]

Thanks Betty. I'm feeling a little better this morning. I worked out last night and that really makes a difference. I think part of the reason I was in such a state yesterday is that I didn't work out night before last. Its amazing what exercise can do for us.

[Jamie]

Hi to all!

Getting ready to go to Florida Saturday to spend time with my husband's family...my young niece Kylie is fighting cancer for the 3rd time and we are feeling like we need get the kids together and lend some support...

DH's graduation party was a big hit...am relieved it's over.

Julia and Catzy; to you both. I am so impressed by the fact that you are dealing with stress and perhaps self-esteem issues and you are not using food to "comfort" yourself. I don't know about you gals but for me that would be a huge accomplishment! You both are very inspiring to me....

Got to go for now...BBL,
Jamie

[kbgardengirl]

djchampa

I'm so sorry to hear about your neice. It is always devastating when a child has to contend with all the ravages of cancer. Your family can use all the love and support you can offer right now. 4 years ago my grandaughter lost her battle with medullablastoma (a brain cancer) after a 6 years fight. It broke my heart and I miss her still today. We were very close and the stress from watching her go thru this added many pounds to my already overweight body. I will be saying prayers for her recovery and for strength and comfort for your family.

[lowcarbette]

Hi all, just wanted you to know where Jonah's Granny has been. She hadn't posted since Friday and I was worried, knew she wasn't leaving town or anything like that. Turns out she was quite sick Friday, went to the hospital and they sent her home with a "stomach virus" diagnosis. Was still sick as a dog so returned to the hospital where they finally did a CAT scan and realized that her appendix had ruptured! I'm sure she'll give you all the details but she's been stuck in the hospital and is worried about all the sugar IVs they're pumping into her. She says the dr said it looked like a bomb went off inside of her.

Anyway, thought you'd want to know. Will look forward to hearing the real scoop from her as soon as she's up to it. Prayers for Jonah's Granny!

[JuliaL]

Lesley - thanks so much for letting us know! I wondered where she was but thought she was just busy. I'm so glad she's going to be o.k. Please tell her we're thinking of her.

Julia

[Jewels]

So sorry to hear about JG. Will be keeping her in my thoughts and prayers.

Camping trip this past week has left me up about 3 or 4 lbs. Grrr I did eat some french bread, 1/2 slice but ate toooo much of legal stuff. I'm sure it's water but hate myself when I get on that scale. I even waited a day but.....consequences!!!!

Off to Curves...

[Jamie]

Hi to all!

Leaving for FL in a few hours...Karen, thanks for the prayers for Kylie. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved grand-daughter I am hoping that seeing the kids together will bring joy to my MIL and the rest of the adults who are feeling so down...I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Packing all my "legal" foods so I can be prepared...1st vacation on maintenance.

See you all in a week...maybe sooner if I get some internet access

Jamie

[kbgardengirl]

Not only your MI and the adults will get joy from your visit. The force that kept Larissa, my granddaughter, fighting was the joy she got from all of her family but especially her cousins. She loved get togethers and found every excuse she could to organize a party. The more the merry. It was her way of keeping in touch with life and experiencing childhood as it should be but through her healthy cousins. God speed!

[JONAH'S GRANNY]

kb - I was sorry to hear about your little grandaughter. I know it must have broke your heart completely. I have found out one thing about grandchildren. When the Lord gives them to you it is like giving your children to you all over again. It has been many many years since I felt that deep abiding love and passion for anything like I feel for my sweet grandchildren and that was when my three little girls were babies. I cannot start to imagine the pain and agony of having to see that dear child go through what she had to endure. I know the Lord has helped you and your family through this crisis. I think my WOE would have been the least of my worries. Thanks for your sweet PM of get well wishes. I hope to feel like posting more in a few days.

Thanks again to everyone.

Ann

[akmd65]

ann, i hope you feel better. ive really missed your posts.

sorry i havent been around lately...the school year just ended for me, and between grades and class trips, and of course graduation duties....heck, ive been busy. im sleeping it off today (lol) but ill be back later!!!

hugs to everyone!!!

julia, please dont let this get you down.(((((((((hug)))))))))

[Jewels]

Ann, we are so glad to see you back here. Get rested up and heal. We are still here and keeping up the

Julia, I didn't read the posts yesterday as I've been kind of out of it myself. Taking in my 18 yo DGS has been very challenging.
I'm so sorry about the job offer. Your feelings are soo very normal. We do think of that often. Why are we doing all this? It all comes down to "for ourselves." We are who are important and if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't deal with the rest of the world. I hope time is helping. YOu are worth it. Just remember that.

Jamie, good thoughts and for your little Kylie.

KB, you too sweetie. How heartbreaking to lose a DGchild.

Catzy, hang in there!!! I've been going through a rough time too and we must think of ourselves and not forget our health is important. Not sure what your stress is but keep coming back here and maybe vent. It sure does help.

I'll try and post more regularly and get to know you all. I keep saying that but I'll try harder. This is where I should be as I have such a dickens keeping these darn lbs level. Had a very bad week camping. Up about 4 lbs. down 1. Grrrrrr

[JuliaL]

djchampa and Karen - - my heart goes out to you both. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child in the family to an illness like that. The only thing my family has experienced that even comes close is when my husband's sister and her DH had to give up a baby they were adopting because the birth mother changed her mind. They had him for a month, and of course he was theirs and ours instantly. We really loved him and it was like a death in the family when they had to give him back. But that is nothing compared to the pain of watching a child suffer through an illness. I'm so sorry for your heartache.

Makes me feel like such a whiner for complaining about not getting that job and my puny little one pound gain on the scale

Anne - so good to hear from you! I'm glad you're feeling better. Hope you continue to get stronger every day and are back to your old self soon!

Have a great Father's Day everyone!

Julia

[kbgardengirl]

Ann - Glad to see you back. Missed you!

Thanks to all of you for your kinds words. The anniversary of Larissa's death is just around the corner. I get very sad this time of year. a couple weeks ago I saw some of her little school friends for the first time since the funeral. Only they aren't little now. They will be entering high school this next year. They were all growing into beautiful young ladies. It made me so sad to think of all the things I will missing. Her first date, the proms, graduation, etc. She was a beautiful child with a beautiful heart and it's hard to understand why she was taken from us. I put up a section in my web site to keep her alive and to share pictures and poems and stories about her. If you would like to see this beautiful child here's the link. I need to get busy and finish the rest of the web site but I've been working on her section first.

http://www.geocities.com/kbgardengir...nlyflower.html

[Jewels]

Karen, that site is so beautiful! I sat here crying as I read the poems. She is the most beautiful child and her spirit was too. My how you must miss her. I have lost my Mother and Father but they had lived a good, long life and it was just understandable they were taken to heaven but an 11 year old child we ask why! Somewhere there is an answer and we may not know what it is but we can be assured she is up there in God's garden. Take care and am so glad you have good memories. You have done such a good job on that site. Let us know when you update it, ok?

Julia, How are you feeling today? I was back up a lb today, which makes it 4 lbs. up. Ate a Subway wrap yesterday and it was salty. I need to settle down this week and get it back off. I guess just cutting back. Dang, I need to take a fruit salad to DD for Father's day today and tomorrow another one for a luncheon. I'll get through it somehow. Always something to sidetrack us. Let us know how you are doing too.

Have a good day all.