*.*Nuttily Nutricious November for MWL*.*

[diertac]

OK folks, it's back to week one for me. I've been far too comfortable in my "170's skin" and it's time to get to the 160's once and for all.

I've noticed that losing weight this time, I fit into smaller sizes than I did on my way up the scale. This is part of what's made me complacent about the 170's - I'm fitting into pants I used to only fit into in my 160's. Anyone else fighting the complacency bug?

[Divadeb]

Originally Posted by diertac

OK folks, it's back to week one for me. I've been far too comfortable in my "170's skin" and it's time to get to the 160's once and for all.

I've noticed that losing weight this time, I fit into smaller sizes than I did on my way up the scale. This is part of what's made me complacent about the 170's - I'm fitting into pants I used to only fit into in my 160's. Anyone else fighting the complacency bug?

I'm worried about it! I haven't been in the 170's in a decade, and I'm really worried that when I get there I'll get lazy.

Regarding sizes - I'm convinced that sizes have gotten more generous over the years. I have a pair of size 14 pants from before I got married (12 years ago) and they are rediculously small. Granted, they were a small 14 when I bought them, but these days I am comfortably fitting into 14s and squeezing into 12s, and I can barely get my big toe into these. I would guess they are more comparable to an 8 in today's size world.

Honestly, I think that the garment industry is praying on our psychological and emotional reaction to a small size. I know that I've fallen prey to it - I've bought things that were more $ than I wanted to spend (or something I really didn't need) because I was excited that it fit, "I really can't afford that dress, but look, it's an 8!!!"

Just a theory of course...

[diertac]

Originally Posted by Divadeb

Regarding sizes - I'm convinced that sizes have gotten more generous over the years.

While I think you're probably right, I'm fitting into the exact same pair of jeans that I wore ten pounds lighter, so it's definitely not just that sizing has gotten more generous...

[kelly4me]

Originally Posted by diertac

OK folks, it's back to week one for me. I've been far too comfortable in my "170's skin" and it's time to get to the 160's once and for all.

I've noticed that losing weight this time, I fit into smaller sizes than I did on my way up the scale. This is part of what's made me complacent about the 170's - I'm fitting into pants I used to only fit into in my 160's. Anyone else fighting the complacency bug?

I'm fighting the complacency bug BIG TIME. I was also mega disappointed when I didn't make it into the 160's this week. I looked at my stats on the Medi site - 210's - 1 weigh-in, 200's - 1 weigh-in, 190's - 2 weigh-ins, 180's 2 weigh-ins, 170's - 4 weigh-ins. ARGH! I am very ready to be done with the 170's, but I'm also thrilled to be wearing 12/14 pants and M/L shirts and jackets. I know that I need to keep going, but I really don't want to. There, I said it!

I know that it will help me to be on program during the holidays, but I really want to feel like I'm eating like "normal" person again.

[diertac]

LOL 170's have been 4 weigh-ins for me too! And here I thought the 180's took forever!

I know that I need to keep going, but I really don't want to. There, I said it!

Amen, sister! I'm in the exact, EXACT same boat, and apparently jeans too. I'm in size 12's pretty solidly now, and also thrilled to be there.

[kelly4me]

I have the added bonus of still being considered obese by the "government standard" because I'm so darn short. I need to hit 163.5 in order to "only" be overweight. I find that totally ridiculous, but whatever. I'd really like to be there before my parents come to visit on December 9th. They have no idea that I've been doing this and I'm sure that they'll be shocked. So I really need to change my attitude from "I don't wanna" to "game on".

I've lost 42 pounds in 84 days. I should be beyond thrilled!

[subee3]

Cat and Kelly- Good luck getting back into it! You have had such great success - I know you can get over this next hurdle.

Diva- I agree with you - they call it "courtesy sizing" I think. I can fit into some 12s but compared to a 12 from back in the day? No way. I also think that there is a lot more spandex used in denim these days

Kelly - thanks too for the reco on the coconut milk - I did some research online and found that they carry it in a couple of my local stores. Can't wait to try it!

[ericak44]

Diertec- I hear you. I don't feel fat and disgusting any more so I am not nearly as motivated as I was. I am in the high 160's and even though my goal is 150, that will be the lightest I have ever been as an adult. I am solidly a 12 as well. I do have one pair of 12 jeans from AE prior to "courtesty sizing" and lycra and they fit and could be worn but would look better in a few pounds. I know myself, I am having to adjust psychologically to my new sizem since I losing so fast. I am so used to diets not working and feeling frusterated and defeated that I don't know how to feel when I am still being successful. Wierd huh?

Anyone have experience with self-sabotage? For instance, I had a feeling very skinny day today. My formerly skin tight jeans are baggy and it wierded me out a little so I ended up eating over my calories and having a Laarabar and a handful of Fritos. Granted, I have PMS as bad as it gets today but so far on this plan, I have been in pretty good control. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

[Fit2010]

I've been in this discussion previously regarding sizing. In my early twenties I was 125 lbs and could not not get smaller than size 10. I think part of it was because that was 30 years ago and the pants styles were high waisted, and I have a short waist and tall pelvis. Now I'm in size 6 and 8's. You're right, our body's have changed too. As we age we lose muscle mass, and I have less muscle in my buttocks. But it got replaced with fat. Now that the fat is less, and the muscle hasn't been rebuilt, I have a smaller frame to fit into clothes. So nowadays I'm probably wearing what was size 10 to 12 back 30 years ago.

You are all having great conversations here. Thanks for the reminder about whey protein shakes and mixing them with other things (like the diet root beer and the SF instant coffee and ice). There were many things I did 8 to 10 months ago that I haven't done in a while, but they made me able to survive the acute phase. It really helps that Medi helps to lose wt and get results every week. Stick with it!!

Erica - Regarding self-sabotaging behaviors, been there too, but eventually got tired and came to the end of "playing games" with myself. I wanted this to be over and have this checked off on my to do list! That's when several of us started looking into books and blogs (you can see the thread here on the MWL lists). I'm so glad I had my LCF support team!! Just don't head for "perfection" because that's an illusion. Just look for health and doing things you haven't done for a long time, or ever! To the left in the Hope Tshirt I just finished my 2nd 5-K in less than 4 wks. And I'd nevr been a jogger prior to April. I'm so glad I did all this, and a few wks ago my DD#1 became engaged and the wedding is in August. I feel so much relief that in all time building up to then I'm not having to fret about trying to lose 50 lbs so I'll look alright in wedding photos!!

[Fit2010]

Mary - sorry to hear about your knee. Take care and get fully recovered!

[Mary T8M]

I tried walking today, but turned back after 1/2 mile......so at least I got a whole mile in.
It must be something in the air, or the fact that there is SO much conversation about food on TV, and in every magazine you see this time of year.........I don't think I've had THIS hard of a time with this program since I started! I'm starting out each day weighing, measuring, and writing everything down, but by the afternoon I'm just "guesstimating".......I know I'm not really hungry but I sure want to EAT.....something....anything Today I did break down and had a big mug of chicken broth and that actually calmed my craving down a lot! I forgot about it for several months, but it was just what I needed.
DH is also really having a hard time sticking to this WOE........I think he's WAY to comfortable with his new size, even though he has at least 20 more pounds to lose.
I guess all we can do is start again tomorrow, and hope it ends up with a better outcome. I NEED to get back on the wagon and get down into the 140's

[subee3]

Deb - congratulations on your daughter's engagement! Just think how much you'll be able to enjoy the planning process without all of the angst about losing weight. You'll be able to wear anything you want and look great!

Erica - while I am still new to this process - I understand self-sabotage from previous times where I have lost and then "rewarded" myself with food. That is something I will need to look out for down the line as well. Congrats on feeling skinny and good luck getting back on track.

[Fit2010]

Something that helped me last winter was to make SF apple cider (instant) and stick a cinnamon stick in it. Sometimes having the FLAVORS of the season help you to not feel deprived. "Indulge" in the new flavors of Kroger carbmasters yogurt if you want a healthy flavorful snack. Make MWL friendly soups! I've been experimenting with adding spinach in soups and really like it. It doesn't really change the basic flavor but I know I'm getting my veggies, it's more filling, and soup is something I crave this time of year. I've tried adding Italian Beef (shredded) and another night made it with chicken breast fillets and red beans (cuz I'm in maintenance), you could certainly try without the red beans. Maybe rewrite your list of why you want to get to goal, your SELF reasons. And revisit the list you made of how you felt when you were your unhealthy heaviest, if you haven't made one do so now and review it every so often. You don't want to go back up there. I cannot believe how good my body feels to be here (today 140.8 and have been maintaining between 138-142 for a couple months now). It's not a struggle. I like how I feel after a bike ride or zumba class. I'm taking care of me, for a change. I encourage you to take care of you but without feeling the need to "reward" yourself with unhealthy eating selections. Hope you have a blessed weekend!

[diertac]

My goodness, so much to respond to, I hope I remember all the stuff I wanted to say.

Fit2010 you are so beautiful. I loved the pictures!

And I swear the posts you're all writing about self-sabotage, etc. feel like I wrote them! ericak44 I do the exact same thing with self-sabotage. I don't know why it is. I guess I feel like the pressure's let off a bit and before I know it I'm sliding down that slippery slope, and I kick myself when I get down there. It always happens when I'm "feeling skinny" too!

subee see? This is what you get to look forward to! Well, at least the "feeling skinny" part of it's pretty good, but learn from us and be prepared and ready. You're going to do great on this plan, and it's sometimes hard to emotionally be ready for it, I think - precisely because you're so successful quickly.

Kelly & Divadeb - Along with the rest of the great folks I've mentioned here, thanks for helping me feel like I'm not crazy!

I am pleased to report that I've dropped a couple of pounds in the past few days and today for the first time the scale said 169.5 when I got on it! (Yes, I weigh every day. Sometimes twice a day.) Now, I have a party to go to tonight and I expect there will be a smidge of a setback there with some alcohol (but not much), but at least I've seen the light! Now I just need to see it again.

So today was the "First glimpse of 160's" soon to be followed by "160's more regularly but still showing in the 170's at night" followed then by "160's solidly" followed then by, "Dammit when am I going to stop seeing these stupid 160's???"

[Mary T8M]

Debbie I love reading your posts. As my Mom used to say, "you have a good head on your shoulders" and have a way of putting everything in perspective! Thank you!

I can't really say I'm done with my "pity party" or whatever was going on the past couple of days, but today I did GREAT (except I still couldn't go out on my usual 3.5 - 4 mile walk) I weighed, measured, and recorded EVERYTHING! Plus I made sure to get all of my water!

I made chili today.....it was always one of my family's favorites, but I haven't made it since joining Medi. I had to make some adjustments, but I think it turned out really good, so I posted it on the lunch recipe thread. I hope some of you will try it. I do have to say we like things pretty spicy, but you could use regular canned tomatoes instead of the can of Ro Tel tomatoes (10 oz can I think....it's an odd size).

[Fit2010]

Cat and Mary - Thanks!

I'm going to copy your chili recipe Mary. Sounds yummy and spicey!

[Mary T8M]

[QUOTE=Fit2010;14101197] Thanks for the reminder about whey protein shakes and mixing them with other things (like the diet root beer and the SF instant coffee and ice). There were many things I did 8 to 10 months ago that I haven't done in a while, but they made me able to survive the acute phase. It really helps that Medi helps to lose wt and get results every week. Stick with it!!

My DH doesn't like milk (even almond milk) so he has always used another fluid to mix with his protein powder.....I RARELY liked his concoctions....but when he started using Diet Dr. Pepper to mix with the vanilla whey protein (we use Syntrax nectar.....0 carbs 100 cal/scoop) I found one I REALLY like!

[melody7287]

I'm with you guys... once you don't feel so "fat and disgusting" anymore... its easier to cheat. I've been so bad this weekend I kicked myself out of ketosis... back to week one...
I still have so far to go!!!
Hope you guys have a Happy and productive Medi-Thanksgiving!!!

[melody7287]

Here's another question... I know there were a couple of you who go to the Pensacola Medi... do you guys ever feel like you are being rushed through? Sometimes I go and wonder why I'm paying 70 dollars for 15 minutes of "How was your week", "How is your diet",and "Do you want the extra shot"? Any idea of how to make these visits more productive?

[kelly4me]

Originally Posted by melody7287

Here's another question... I know there were a couple of you who go to the Pensacola Medi... do you guys ever feel like you are being rushed through? Sometimes I go and wonder why I'm paying 70 dollars for 15 minutes of "How was your week", "How is your diet",and "Do you want the extra shot"? Any idea of how to make these visits more productive?

Not in Pensacola, but definitely ask questions if you have them. My clinic is pretty good anyway, but my best appointments have been when I've brought questions with me. I had a very interesting conversation about body composition a few weeks ago. Also, make sure that you're getting the worksheets/handouts each week. My clinic doesn't always remember to hand them out (I think that they have 12 weeks worth). There are usually good topics for questions on there. They also have extra handouts that you have to ask for - Thanksgiving recipes this week, and my girlfriend got one on good choices to make at fast food places that I've never been offered. I haven't asked for it because I'm not ready for that slippery slope.

[kelly4me]

I wonder where Keri (mommy2princesses) has run off to. I've always been extremely inspired/impressed by her progress and I haven't "seen" her here in a few weeks. I hope that she is well.

[ericak44]

Melody- Also not in Pennsicola but here in Pennsylvania, if I don't take questions, I get the you lost, you're doing great speech. I was just thinking last week that I am going to try to get more out of it by asking more specific questions. I obviously have a lot of emotional ties to food. Though I manage to stay on program for the most part, I still have an occasional (as opposed to 3-4x/day) binge that I feel out of control. This is going to be a maintenance issue so I need to start working on it.

This may be TMI but has anyone had problems with decreased libido from the AS? I never read the side effects when I got it because I didn't want to be questioning myself if I had them so I just looked it up and surprised to find this is one of them. I was blaiming on my new BC pill.

[GatorEng2007]

and back to the work week. At least it is a short week due to the holiday

Hope you all had a good weekend. I did pretty well. I managed to stay within my calorie/carb limits and drank my water. I only sort of cheated once. I went to Islands of Adventure for a special Harry Potter season passholder event (yeah, I am kind of a big nerd) and my friend ordered a butterbeer. I have always wanted to know what they tasted like so I had a miniscule sip of hers just to taste. But that was it. I didn't have a real sip or gulp or get up and order my own. :-) Then of course I immediately popped some minty gum in my mouth so it wouldn't taste good even if did give in and have some more. I also managed to not have a single piece of the reeses pieces my boyfriend had at the HP movie earlier that day, or the Moe's Tacos he had before the movie (he isn't a jerk and eating these in front of me on purpose, I told him not to worry about it). I ate lunch before I left the house and packed string cheese and Turkey Jerky in my purse to get through the afternoon. Of course because I was away from the house from noon to 10 at night it was a little rough towards the end, but I managed it. It is tough to plan your day out when you aren't going to be home at all!

I also played 2.5 hrs of sand volleyball on sunday morning and survived! I ate extra for breakfast and brought powerade, water and some chicken pieces with me out to play. I had a few points where I could feel the fatigue but I played out the game and then sat for a few after it before the next game and had a few bites of chicken with a lot of water and powerade. It felt great to get out and play! I can't wait until I drop more poounds and can move alot better on the court!

Then last night my two sisters (broke college kids who never pass up a free meal) and my boyfriend (he's not broke.. but he is a guy and also never passes up food in general) came over for dinner. I made baked chicken with a little low fat parmesan and ranch potatoes. I of course didn't eat the potatos, just the chicken. It was a little rough, because the potates looked like they came out good. I ate a whole chicken breast instead of just the half I was planning on so I didn't pick at the potatos. I was a little annoyed with myself for that, but in the end my calories were still fine and I had played alot of volleyball that morning anyways so I forgave myself :-)

In a way I am glad to be back at work this week.. so much easier to plan out my day when I know I will be at my desk all day!

Anways, I weigh in for the first time tomorrow after work and I am excited/anxious about it. I weighed in at 212 at my first appointment (a thursday). Although, I didn't officialy start the diet until the following monday. I had a weekend trip to Auburn, Alabama planned with the BF and I wanted to enjoy it. I may have enjoyed it too much because when I weighed myself at home on monday I was 215 (maybe there was alot of water weight? The weekend was full of bad food and typical football tailgate beverages ) Anywho, the scale this morning said 203. I don't know how accurate my scale is (it was the cheapest one I could find at target) but I do know that it is not 9 lbs off, so I have definiately dropped. Hopefully the scale at the clinic agrees tomorrow.

[Fit2010]

Gator and Melody- I think you'll be pleased with the results at MWL tomorrow! Make sure they know how physical you've been too. I think eating a "whole" chicken breast was not a cheat, especially, as you said, being SO physical that day. It's a bad habit to weigh yourself in acute. Don't get started on daily weighing in acute because you'll get to where you think, "that's good enough, I can go off plan a little and make up for it later...." And then later you realize you're paying $70 bucks for being nearly the same weight time after time. The goal is to learn. I had problems with self-sabotage at times, and it just got silly. Believe me, nothing tastes as good as being within my 5 lbs of goal weight CONSISTENTLY now!! Keep your body healthy. Learn about your body. Prepare for the emotions and keep thoughts captive that want to make you go crazy or you see are old patterns of nuturing yourself with food. Learn, learn, learn. And I agree with Kelly....ask questions at your clinic appts. I always do. It may be routine for them, but it's your program and your new WOE, and WOL. Evidence-based answers helped me the most, and MWL is full of evidence-based steps/procedures/answers!!

[N2LowCarb]

Originally Posted by diertac

OK folks, it's back to week one for me. I've been far too comfortable in my "170's skin" and it's time to get to the 160's once and for all.

I've noticed that losing weight this time, I fit into smaller sizes than I did on my way up the scale. This is part of what's made me complacent about the 170's - I'm fitting into pants I used to only fit into in my 160's. Anyone else fighting the complacency bug?

This is one of the reasons that I never reached my goal a couple of years ago. Now, I am working out and have a terrific support system which was lacking before. As of today, I am 22 pounds from my goal. I do not have a time frame for this, but I am going to keep working at it. Good luck to all! Having support from others on this board is so helpful.

[SugarMommyCupcake]

Okay Ladies, I have been watching your threads for a couple days and it is time I finally commit to needing help. I have watched your successes and it is truly inspiring. I joined medi in June and had lost 20lbs my mid July. I have restared week one probably 9-10x differnt times. I went to medi today after being gone two months and have gained 19lbs!!! I cried for a good part of my morning. I own a bakery and wear sweat pants to work everyday so I really dont notice "the pants getting tight" I am so disappointed in myslef. I had my son over 2yrs ago and still I have 50lbs to loose. I loved Medi when I was "in the zone" It was so hard for me to stay "in the zone" any help would be appreciated.. Thanks, Lori
210/193/212

[Jen8182]

Well after only losing .5lbs last week and the clinic telling me to have a 'cheat' meal and then go back to week 1... I am happy to report that I lost 4 lbs at my weigh in this morning!!!!! Wooohooooo

22lbs in 6 weeks.... no to shabby! Now for the Holidays... ugh..

[ericak44]

Lori- I am a nurse and wear scrubs every day so I understand not noticing the pants getting tight. You may want to buy a few pairs of pants for work that aren't so forgiving. It will help. I am sure working in a bakery and trying not to eat carbs doesn't help. I also understand how sometimes being in the zone is easier than others. I wish I had more suggestions than that. Welcome back.
Erica

[GatorEng2007]

Fit2010, I know the scale is a bad habit.. It has just been really gratifying during the first week to be able to see results. I am putting it away after my weigh in tonight. I know the loss will slow from where it has been in week one. My biggest concern is not getting complacent, but more getting discouraged by the daily fluxuations. This has been a trouble for me in the past.

On a positive note, I am not as worried about thanksgiving now as I was a week ago when I started. If could resist the mint chocolate brownies that a friend of mine brought to our softball game last night then I can handle anything. I did go home and have some FF Whipped Cream frozen with SF Chocolate syrup to satisfy my sweet tooth though.. I had a little extra budget in my plan for the day so I figured an "I survived week 1" treat was in order.

[diertac]

Well, the good news is that today I was down 2.6 pounds. The bad news is that STILL doesn't take me into the 160's and I was furious with myself, so sure that if only I hadn't gone to that party on Saturday night (and had that slice of cake) I'd have seen 16-something on the scale today.

Fortunately, the clinician/counselor I saw today is my favorite one. She takes plenty of time to talk to me, and I can tell that she really does know her stuff. She guides the conversation just right, unlike some who just come in and seem to ask the same 3 or 4 questions each week.

She looked at my stats and pointed out that this was my 9th week. I had it in my head it was my 10th, and she said, "No it's your 10th visit but really just the end of your 9th week. That first visit was just your starting point." She also pointed out that with all of my ups and downs, I've averaged a 2.84 pound loss per week.

I said that I got frustrated seeing before and after pictures, "So and so lost 40 pounds in 8 weeks!" She laughed and said, "They all inevitably had more to lose than you did, and I'll be honest with you, my athletes always have a harder time losing the weight quickly. You were already eating pretty well and exercising when you came in, so of course you aren't going to have as dramatic a loss as the woman who was eating all sorts of terrible food and hadn't exercised in 15 years!"

She really made me feel better about myself. Last night after I saw that the scale wasn't going to get into the 160's by this morning I was at the end of my rope. She helped me tie a knot in it so I could hang on.