*.*Astoundingly Amazing April for MWL *.*

[GirlInJersey]

Thank you so much everyone. It has been a rough week. I'm actually about to head out to my appointment now. I'm nervous, but I'm back in trace ketosis today, so I just want to get this weigh in over with. I think without this message board I would not have been able to get back on track so quickly...it can be so easy to slip away from the good habbits. so thank you again!

[CCCOX]

I am so sorry GirlinJersey!! I will keep you in my prayers-

So I am sooo happy lost 4 pounts this week!! 7 away from my goal!

[Dragonfire]

Cori - Congrats on your weight lose. Your stats are amazing! What kind of exercise have you been doing in addition to the food plan?

Tomorrow is weigh in. I'm happy/nervous. My tight work pants are now loose. I need to start wearing a belt or they will be falling down.

[CCCOX]

Originally Posted by Dragonfire

Cori - Congrats on your weight lose. Your stats are amazing! What kind of exercise have you been doing in addition to the food plan?

Tomorrow is weigh in. I'm happy/nervous. My tight work pants are now loose. I need to start wearing a belt or they will be falling down.

Just walking! like 3 times a week-but I have learned-I need to have most calories in before 4:00 PM other wise I loose much slower

[eptexy]

GirlInJersey, I am so very sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine. Please hang in there and keep up your incredible effort.

[Fit2010]

Congratulations Cori!! You are way overdue for changing your avatar! I was even looking yesterday at chicken nuggets and couldn't find any that I thought would be worth giving in carb wise like you do. You have been so disciplined with your eating and your hard work shows!! So, are you the "Cori" you used to be yet? How has your life changed in the past 4 months??! (Other than losing almost 55 lbs?!)

[tydreamer]

Cori, I love how well you've come to know your body. I'm hoping to learn more about myself in this process.

GirlInJersey, I'm so sorry to read about your father. You are in my thoughts.

Weigh in tomorrow. I'm hoping for another avatar change!

[lins]

I have my first weigh-in tomorrow. I am really praying for some good numbers. I haven't had much energy for the past few days so I am hoping that changes soon too. I have done great eatting wise, and have gotten in all my water. I was in ketosis on day 3, which I was excited about.

I don't go until 3:30 tomorrow because I am going on a field trip with my daughters class in the morning. Is weighing in the afternoon going to affect my numbers much?

[marymo]

Hello, Everyone! I mentioned earlier that I was having trouble with getting back into ketosis. After 6 days, I finally got back in ketosis last night, then this morning I was out of it, again even though I ate no carbs yesterday at all. So I had my weigh-in today. My counselor said to not worry to much about it. She said that it may be that because I have upped my walking routines and incorporating more "weight training" in the last few weeks that it may be the reason why it does not show on my ketone stick.

However, I did lose 4.5 lbs this week even after a ".7 lb gain" last week. I was totally surprised but I did work hard this week on my journaling and exercise. I still however need to up my water intake!

I had some good comments and a round of applause at my work this morning that really uplifted me. Every week we have a department staff meeting of about 25 to 30 people. I usually lean on this one column concrete post (pole) that is off to the center of the room when the staff share their comments. I happen to be behind the post when my director of the department was looking for me to make sure I was ready for him to start. ( I am deaf and lipread. ) He could not find me, then he realized that I had become skinnier that the post "hid" me and he said to me along with my coworkers that I had looked so good and now could hide behind the post! They gave me a big round of applause which made me me happy!

So I have to remember, even though we have our frustrations, we have to remember to look back to see how far we have come and hang on to that!

Thanks to the LCF MWL group and praise the Lord for all the goodness! Keep up the good work friends!

[bb0325]

Considering my very rough weekend I still lost 2.4 lbs. it's unfortunate that my fat mass is the same, that is where I would love to see a loss. My plan is to be much more careful this week and to be better prepared when we go to parties.

[kristenb]

Down another 4.2 lbs this week which puts me at an even 150! I can't wait to drop into the 140's next week and to reach the 40 lb lost club! Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to post your successes (and your frustrations) It lets me know I'm not the only one fighting this battle and having challenges along the way! Good luck to everyone the rest of this week, keep it up!

[eptexy]

Well I am now in the normal BMI range! I lost another 3 pounds this week for a total of 22 lbs and I'm more than half way to goal now. 13-18 more to lose (I'm staying flexible because they said that the low end was a little on the thin side for my frame).

I'm exercising 4 times a week - walking and weights but I'm so weak and at 30% fat which is the high end for normal. I need more muscle to get rid of this jiggle!

The busier I get, the more I am sitting which is scary because that's how this weight PILED on quickly. Eating at the computer and sitting for hours and hours on end. And then getting in the car to sit for more hours. I need to figure out a way to break that sitting time up. Maybe set the timer and jump on the treadmill for 10 minutes every hour?

[Dragonfire]

Finished week 1! My scale can't decide if I lost 9.5 lbs or 10.0lbs even! Either way, I'm STOKED! I didn't expect such a big loss.

Now I get to have veggies. Biggest thing to get in exercise. I commute a total of 4 hours every day so fitting it at the end of the day is hard but me being healthy is way more important.

[CCCOX]

Originally Posted by Fit2010

Congratulations Cori!! You are way overdue for changing your avatar! I was even looking yesterday at chicken nuggets and couldn't find any that I thought would be worth giving in carb wise like you do. You have been so disciplined with your eating and your hard work shows!! So, are you the "Cori" you used to be yet? How has your life changed in the past 4 months??! (Other than losing almost 55 lbs?!)

Yes I love the boneless buffalo ones-I only get 3 or 4 but so worth it to me-but my latest favorite is the pre made turkey patties-(like hamburgers) that you grill even did them on my george foreman last night and it was so good- I really do not enjoy re-heated hamburger-but the turkey is sooo good-did not taste that RE HEAT Flavor

And yes I do need to change my avatar

So the hard question--I am now needing to get past the fact that my arms are still larger then I like and I still have a belly-I really need to learn to stand up STRAIGHT!! but I still feel fat sometimes-I will see myself in the mirror like in a window when I walk by and I am like yea-the old me-but then getting ready in the mornings it is hard for me to see a huge difference --besides what the size says in the clothes-when I look at my before and after-I do see a HUGE difference-but now it is training my body and my mind to be confident again!

I also need to get some clothes altered so I have more to wear-but I must confess

I can not wait til May 1--I will turn 32 and I am going to enjoy THIN PAPPA MURPHYS CRACKER CRUST PIZZA and a serving of the soft serve yogurt-we have a new place that has all the cals and carbs of each flavor and the cals and carbs of each topping I can not wait!

[CCCOX]

Originally Posted by eptexy

Well I am now in the normal BMI range! I lost another 3 pounds this week for a total of 22 lbs and I'm more than half way to goal now. 13-18 more to lose (I'm staying flexible because they said that the low end was a little on the thin side for my frame).

I'm exercising 4 times a week - walking and weights but I'm so weak and at 30% fat which is the high end for normal. I need more muscle to get rid of this jiggle!

The busier I get, the more I am sitting which is scary because that's how this weight PILED on quickly. Eating at the computer and sitting for hours and hours on end. And then getting in the car to sit for more hours. I need to figure out a way to break that sitting time up. Maybe set the timer and jump on the treadmill for 10 minutes every hour?

You remind me of myself!!! the computer gets me every day even in the past week I have felt I need something in my mouth while at computer--I have found a new favorite gum--the Eclipse Berry Breeze--I am chewing WAY too much but atleast I am not putting anything else in my mouth

I think I may get arm weights to try while setting at computer much of my time is on the phone with a headset so no reason I can not work on these arms lol-I have a co worker that sets a timer on her iphone and stands up and goes up and down the stairs every 20 minutes

[GirlInJersey]

Well despite my horrible week I still lost 3.4 lbs. My total loss is now at 34.8. BUT...most of my loss was water, and I actually put on a couple pounds of fat. I really hope to straighten out this week. Do a little extra exercise and be really strict. My ketosis is only in trace still. It was at moderate since week 1.

It looks like everyone is enjoying the spring, exercising more, and most importantly, LOSING MORE WEIGHT. Way to go everyone. And thanks again for all of your support.

[Fit2010]

Congratulations everyone! You are all doing so good!! I'm on my 3rd day of good choices again. Pray for me....working at the hospital Thurs and Friday....hoping I get to take a lunch break this time I took Susie's advice and bought several quick items that are high protein and easier to eat than salads for the next two days so I can eat them on the go. I even bought some buffalo boneless wings lower carb option that I hope to be able to heat up. I have been one that likes variety in my diet but I may have to eat the same things for a while just because of times like these. Thanks so much for all the suggestions, encouragement, and for being transparent with your own progress so I can see your numbers slowly but surely go downward! I KNOW I can do this...despite my multiple obstacles....you are motivating me to stay with it! I will be seeing my oldest daughter in August and am already 25 lbs lighter than when she last saw me at Christmas. I'd like to make it another 15 to 25 lbs lighter by then. She's 25 y.o. and will be in a triathalon that we'll be going up to see her in. She's encouraging me to do the 5K Race for the Cure here in Sept. That's doable if I stick with it, and at 140 that would be my goal weight. Gotta just get through this class I'm in, it's over in 7 days....the next one starts 10 days from now.

[txntv]

*Sigh* I only lost 0.5 lbs! That's two pounds in two weeks. OK, granted... I lost fat, gained muscle, and lowered all the right numbers. But 9.5 total... I can't believe I can't break 150s or 10 pounds. That's why I get for starting up my strength training routine. I know it's the right thing, but

[amy1915]

Hey Everyone - It makes me angry that people treat me better now that I am 50lbs lighter. You would think that would be another advantage to having lost weight, but its just so wrong. Okay...got that out there!

I've not had a good week. I was severely over scheduled with activities all last weekend and I did not get the 500 calories of protein in. Then for the last two days I have been sick with some kind of weird bug and everything I ate made me nauseous...I was literally swallowing bites of food with big drinks of water just to try and get something in. The fat burners were making me feel all sped up and I had an odd taste in my mouth also. I was too weak to exercise and wasnt sleeping well either. This is the 1st time since I started I've had anything like this happen. I've had colds and stuff but never completely lost my appetite. I dont think the WOE is to blame because it went away and I feel better now...but needless to say I am concerned about this weeks weigh in (tomorrow). I'm trying not to stress about it...but its so hard for me not to. Can anyone relate?

[Fit2010]

Amy, Sounds to me like you were burning fat and then when you didn't get enough protein you were burning muscle and feeling even weaker, more worn out. Take care and don't get below 500 again! Debbie

[lins]

I had my first weigh in yesterday ant lost 5.4lbs, all fat. I am thrilled with that. I had lost 4lbs the two weeks prior so I wasn't expecting huge numbers. I can't wait to hit the 160's, only 1.5lbs to go!! Plus I am just happy I survived week one and get to add some veggies into my diet.

[Dragonfire]

Not having a real good day....woke up late so I ran out the door to catch my 6am bus (I commute 2hrs to work). I managed to get food for breakfast and lunch and forgot my vitamins and burners

I also test small in ketosis levels instead of moderate which I'm guessing has to do with either the cup of lettuce or the cooked green beans from last night. My bet is on the green beans. I know that my total carbs for the day (total, not net) was 14g which is still under 20.

Thanks for letting me vent.

For the getting attention now that you're lighter: I think it's a dual part issue. One is definitely people who ignore or think badly about people who are overweight. They tend to think people make the choice of being fat and never take a moment a think a person might have a disease affecting their body and their weight. The second is people who are overweight and tend to have low self esteem tend to give offstandish vibes so others won't look at them or talk to them etc because they feel embarrassed or ashamed of themselves. (I know personally I do this but I do realize that are wonderful and outgoing overweight people as well so this won't apply to them.)

That's just my opinion.

[hudiman]

Originally Posted by Dragonfire

Not having a real good day....woke up late so I ran out the door to catch my 6am bus (I commute 2hrs to work). I managed to get food for breakfast and lunch and forgot my vitamins and burners

I also test small in ketosis levels instead of moderate which I'm guessing has to do with either the cup of lettuce or the cooked green beans from last night. My bet is on the green beans. I know that my total carbs for the day (total, not net) was 14g which is still under 20.

Thanks for letting me vent.

For the getting attention now that you're lighter: I think it's a dual part issue. One is definitely people who ignore or think badly about people who are overweight. They tend to think people make the choice of being fat and never take a moment a think a person might have a disease affecting their body and their weight. The second is people who are overweight and tend to have low self esteem tend to give offstandish vibes so others won't look at them or talk to them etc because they feel embarrassed or ashamed of themselves. (I know personally I do this but I do realize that are wonderful and outgoing overweight people as well so this won't apply to them.)

That's just my opinion.

If you are losing weight don't worry so much about the keytones. And if you are in medium or trace it all works. Great job!

[Dragonfire]

Thanks Hudiman! That makes me feel better.

[anewstart]

Ok drum roll please........ I lost 2.5lbs this week putting me at my 50lb loss!!!! I hit my first goal and am going for 10 more lbs!

Ive conquered the couch potato to 5k podcast and Im registered for my 1st 5k race!! Life is good I love this WOL!!!!

Congrats to all the losers !

[lins]

How do you figure out calories/protein intake? Is it the calories on the package as long as it's protein rich foods, or is their some other way to figure it?

[Sshals]

Hi all! It's been awhile since I've posted and I will explain why in a moment. First, I wanted to add that my loss in March was 15 pounds (woo hoo!). Second, you should be warned that the rest of this post may contain snippets of food porn....

When I started this program in mid-February, I knew that I would be going to England to visit friends for the first a week and a half of April. As I became accustomed to the program and successful weight loss, I spent a great deal of time considering how I would approach the food and beverage aspect of my trip. Good food is important to me. Quality over quantity, fresh ingredients, perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked... Thoughts of tender braised octopus or a beautiful fois gras soup make me feel all melty inside. (As an aside, I did not get fat on this sort of food. I got fat on things like taco bell, potato chips, and oversized portions of cheap chinese food). To say that good food is also important to my friends in England is a bit of an understatement. One was head chef at a Michelin starred restaurant. Plus, there was Gordon Ramsey to consider. Being in England would give me the opportunity to try his menus first hand.

Faced with the dilemma of diet or dine - I spoke with one of the counselors at my clinic. Much to my surprise she completely understood and helped me come up with a plan for my holiday. In the end, I set the following guidelines:

1. Take the opportunity to enjoy food. Experience specialties that are not readily available to me in Florida. Do not waste a meal on unsatisfying crap.
2. Eat reasonable portions.
3. Do not use the trip as an excuse for binge eating.
4. Do not lose control. Make every food choice thoughtfully.
5. Be ready to get right back on the plan the moment I return. Know that it is going to be hard.

And that is exactly what I did. In the process, I've had a food relationship epiphany (with the help of my counselor). I vacationed like a thin person. I enjoyed food, but wasn't always wanting more. I balanced excess with meals that were more minimal and took every opportunity to walk off the calories (3 -5 hours a day!). I didn't eat everything I possibly could. I wasn't impulsive about the food. I made choices. And I was okay with those choices. I had a fabulous time, ate wonderful things (including fresh scones with clotted cream, and marrow from roasted bones spread on toast with fresh parsley and shallot), and *drum roll please* I do not feel the least bit guilty.

This is huge for me. Especially the not feeling guilty part. In the past, this was the sort of thing that would completely derail my efforts. Now, I am back on plan and ready to continue until I reach my goal. There are a rare occasions that really are special and worth indulging for. For me, this trip was one of them.

For those interested in how my trip impacted the scale... I gained 1.4 pounds. I am happy with that. The experience I had was worth it and those pounds will be gone by next week. And, emotionally, I have found my balance.

[Sshals]

Originally Posted by anewstart

Ok drum roll please........ I lost 2.5lbs this week putting me at my 50lb loss!!!! I hit my first goal and am going for 10 more lbs!

Ive conquered the couch potato to 5k podcast and Im registered for my 1st 5k race!! Life is good I love this WOL!!!!

Congrats to all the losers !

That's terrific! Two great milestones. Enjoy your first race and being an athlete! I did my first 5K last year and it was an amazing experience.

[amy1915]

Originally Posted by amy1915

Hey Everyone - It makes me angry that people treat me better now that I am 50lbs lighter. You would think that would be another advantage to having lost weight, but its just so wrong. Okay...got that out there!

I've not had a good week. I was severely over scheduled with activities all last weekend and I did not get the 500 calories of protein in. Then for the last two days I have been sick with some kind of weird bug and everything I ate made me nauseous...I was literally swallowing bites of food with big drinks of water just to try and get something in. The fat burners were making me feel all sped up and I had an odd taste in my mouth also. I was too weak to exercise and wasnt sleeping well either. This is the 1st time since I started I've had anything like this happen. I've had colds and stuff but never completely lost my appetite. I dont think the WOE is to blame because it went away and I feel better now...but needless to say I am concerned about this weeks weigh in (tomorrow). I'm trying not to stress about it...but its so hard for me not to. Can anyone relate?

Hey Everyone - I just thought I would let you all know that the weigh in went fine, lost 4.5 lbs for a total of 54 now. This really picked up my spirits as I was so bummed about last weeks results and then being sick this past week.
Thanks for all of your support, comments and encouragement. It is so great to be able to come here where people understand.

[amy1915]

Originally Posted by Sshals

And, emotionally, I have found my balance.

Congrats...this is huge.