*Snowflakes to Sunshine* Discussion Week #8 (CLOSED GROUP)

AmyByExample

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I've been so MIA! I've been struggling & trying to get myself back on track. It seems lately that I want to eat everything in sight - I know it's not hunger, but bad habits for stress. I think what knocked me for a loop is:

Hubby & I have been on a very tight budget working like crazy to pay off all our debt (since April 2007). We are down to just my student loans, my minivan loan (and our mortgage) - and it looked like there would finally be an end in sight - that we would have it all (except the mortgage) paid off by December 31, 2011. But, winter hit & our house started leaking. It looks like our house can't take another year without new windows and siding (they are 51 years old, so I suppose it's time).

But facing an expense of $23,000 when we've worked so hard to no struggle anymore, just took the wind out of my sails.

So, I need to end the pity party and play the hand I've been dealt. People deal with stuff like this all the time without turning their bodies into the goodyear blimp.

Thanks so much - off to log my food in...

hugs, Amy :0)

forgiven4life

I was trying out Leslie Sansone's "Fast and Firm, Four Really Big Miles" (I did 1.5 miles), and 1/3 through the 26 mins I walked, I was nearly crying from that! Leslie was so upbeat and inspirational, and it really got to me.

Is anyone else feeling more emotional, for "no apparent reason"?

I love Leslie Sansone! A lot of people don't really care for her because they say she is annoying, but I love how she is upbeat and motivational. And I can attest for the emotionality (if that is a word!) of her workouts sometimes too. There is one DVD I love to do where she is raising her hands in the air and pulling down and she says while she is raising her hands how thankful she is and how we should be thankful and several times I am teared up during that. I just love that she is spiritual without going overboard with it. I love working out with her.

Krys_T

I was trying out Leslie Sansone's "Fast and Firm, Four Really Big Miles" (I did 1.5 miles), and 1/3 through the 26 mins I walked, I was nearly crying from that! Leslie was so upbeat and inspirational, and it really got to me.

Is anyone else feeling more emotional, for "no apparent reason"?

I love Leslie Sansone! A lot of people don't really care for her because they say she is annoying, but I love how she is upbeat and motivational. And I can attest for the emotionality (if that is a word!) of her workouts sometimes too. There is one DVD I love to do where she is raising her hands in the air and pulling down and she says while she is raising her hands how thankful she is and how we should be thankful and several times I am teared up during that. I just love that she is spiritual without going overboard with it. I love working out with her.

I like her...I use to do her 2 mile walk and I liked how she kept you motivated throughout the whole thing...and that 30 minutes went by quick. Im all about her...I thought about ordering her 4 miles walk DVD soon.

Krys_T

Hi everyone! I'm sorry I've been so MIA! I've been struggling & trying to get myself back on track. It seems lately that I want to eat everything in sight - I know it's not hunger, but bad habits for stress. I think what knocked me for a loop is:

Hubby & I have been on a very tight budget working like crazy to pay off all our debt (since April 2007). We are down to just my student loans, my minivan loan (and our mortgage) - and it looked like there would finally be an end in sight - that we would have it all (except the mortgage) paid off by December 31, 2011. But, winter hit & our house started leaking. It looks like our house can't take another year without new windows and siding (they are 51 years old, so I suppose it's time).

But facing an expense of $23,000 when we've worked so hard to no struggle anymore, just took the wind out of my sails.

So, I need to end the pity party and play the hand I've been dealt. People deal with stuff like this all the time without turning their bodies into the goodyear blimp.

Thanks so much - off to log my food in...

hugs, Amy :0)

I totally know how this goes...But this so awesome that you and your hubby are getting a handle on debt! That is so great, because that is so hard to do for A LOT of people, me included. You are going to feel so wonderful after it is all said and done. I am also very happy that you came back on here to check-in with us all! We missed ya! But totally understand that thing called life. LOL

Krys_T

Sorry i've been MIA on here for awhile... I've been riding an emotional roller coaster and trying to keep myself in check. Staying away from the kitchen and emotional eating is SOOO hard. I am proud of myself today though because even though I didn't feel like it and really tried to talk myself out of it I exercised and worked really hard

Glad to see everyone keeping up the support here.. I am blessed to be in a such a great group of ladies.. and thanks for posting the grocery list of "good" items to buy.. it helps me to see things that others are eating

Have a great week ladies and keep up the good work!

I know the feeling...but it is ok, you will get through it!

Krys_T

Ok so I have come to the decision that starting tomorrow I am going to start zig-zagging my calories as well as officially starting C25K. I think I have been really tired in the mornings because of TOM, so I have to cut myself a break and go full steam next week. I am thinking that switching the workout routine and eating up, will help.

I am also, going to try to eat some of my exercise calories back. Not all of them..because realistically eating back 500 to 800 calories is not going to happen. So I will just do little things like eat more ounces of lean protein, add some more healthy oils to my diet, and doing more avocado. So we will see if this helps. I figured that my body has been surviving off of 1100-1300 calories only for some time now, and when I figure in exercise way less than that. So it is time to switch some stuff up and give myself a new jumpstart!

CuteMommy88

Happy Thursday Snowflakes! I hope everyone has had a good week. I see that I am not the only one having TOM this week!!! I have been sick for a while now and I havent worked out at all this week, so unfortunately that combined with TOM i will probably see a gain this week :sad: Damn virus!! Not to mention I have had cramps and headaches from head all week:sad: I am not looking forward to the weigh in tomorrow! not to mention I have an exam tomorrow so I am not looking forward to tomorrow at all....oh well next week is is a new week and time for me to get back on track!! Good luck in the weigh in tomorrow!

CuteMommy88

http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3

Ok you all have to read this....It is a real interview from a biggest loser contestant, a true interview!!

Krys_T

http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3

Ok you all have to read this....It is a real interview from a biggest loser contestant, a true interview!!

WOW WOW AND WOW.....I knew it! Funny thing is I wrote a blog myself about "The Biggest Loser" and I never for a second thought that someone could genuinely lose 20lbs in a week and it not be due to lack of water in their system. As much as I watch the show...this makes me sad if this is still going on now.

It goes to show that being happy with a 2lb weight loss a week is the best way to be.....There is nothing natural about losing the amount of weight they lose in a "week". Good for her, for speaking out!

CuteMommy88

http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3

Ok you all have to read this....It is a real interview from a biggest loser contestant, a true interview!!

WOW WOW AND WOW.....I knew it! Funny thing is I wrote a blog myself about "The Biggest Loser" and I never for a second thought that someone could genuinely lose 20lbs in a week and it not be due to lack of water in their system. As much as I watch the show...this makes me sad if this is still going on now.

It goes to show that being happy with a 2lb weight loss a week is the best way to be.....There is nothing natural about losing the amount of weight they lose in a "week". Good for her, for speaking out!

I know!!! its horrible but it totally makes sense!! I mean i knew it was unrealistic that someone could genuinely lose that much weight in one week!! I didnt even think about them having to do that!!! bleeding feet and being forced to workout even with injuries!! It is horrible!!! makes me lose a lot of respect for Bob (who I love) and especially for the people at NBC for treating them that way!!!

bhonniered

http://www.bodylovewellness.com/2010/06/09/kai-hibbard-biggest-loser-finalist-part-1-of-3

Ok you all have to read this....It is a real interview from a biggest loser contestant, a true interview!!

What an amazing article - thanks for sharing it.

IsMollyReallyHungry

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight
By Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Life Coach

Have you tried the Seafood Diet? Actually, it's spelled "See-Food." So many of us have tried it. You know the one. You "see food," and you eat it. One of my coaching clients, JoAnn, went on that diet last weekend. She ate anything she saw that looked good to her -- at home (white toast with butter, a handful of chocolate chips, crackers), at a gas station (trail mix), and at a friend's house (chips and dip, corn bread) -- and she was heartbroken about it. Why Did She Do It? Said JoAnn, "I'd like to blame it on my hormones, or on the fact that my life is stressful. I could blame it on my frustrating food addiction, or maybe even on depression. But, honestly, I don't know what made me do it.

And if I don't know the cause, I can't fix the problem." Her unspoken message to herself was: "I will keep making poor food choices until I find out why I do this to myself." It almost sounded like JoAnn had made a decision to stay on the "See-Food Diet" indefinitely.

But "Why" Only Matters if You're Perfect In a perfect world, knowing the root cause of her grazing would be helpful, but today JoAnn doesn't know the root cause. So, that's not information that will get JoAnn back on track right now -- and now is her moment. It's all she's got.

JoAnn's Perfectionism Is in her Way When you go on the "See-Food Diet" it's easy to tell yourself, "Now that I've blown it, I might as well keep eating." JoAnn basically decided if she wasn't going to follow her plan exactly, she was a failure -- and she planned to act accordingly. JoAnn was being so unreasonable in her expectations of herself it's no wonder she felt doomed.

Imperfection Happens I'm sure many go on the "See-Food Diet" from time to time. Life happens. But, you can't stay on that diet. And the longer you put off getting back on track, the more damage you will do to your body, mind, and spirit.

To banish your perfectionism, and the all-or-nothing attitude it burdens you with, try these three tips:

1) Allow yourself to make mistakes so you can learn.
When you feel anxious or sad for having done something imperfect, switch from the self-critical "giving-up mode" to "learning mode." Instead of berating yourself the way JoAnn did, ask yourself: "What can I learn from this mistake and what can I do differently right now?"

2) Be realistic.
Making one mistake does not mean you are *always* making mistakes. When you start to feel like you're a hopeless case, ask yourself: "Is that really true? Realistically, what else can I do?"

3) Lower your standards.
Practice making a few mistakes on purpose. Then, practice doing a few tasks less thoroughly than you would have in the past. As you practice you will develop a tolerance for imperfection. And remember, practice makes ... well, maybe not.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight. Let's say you do what you need to do to lose weight and keep it off 90 percent of the time. You'll probably do pretty well. Why don't you give it a try and find out. It sure beats ZERO percent of the time, doesn't it?

IsMollyReallyHungry

SHORTER VERSION OR THE MEAT OF IT. I thought the whole newsletter was awesome but I know many have a time issue or don't like reading long posts.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight
By Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Life Coach

To banish your perfectionism, and the all-or-nothing attitude it burdens you with, try these three tips:

1) Allow yourself to make mistakes so you can learn.
When you feel anxious or sad for having done something imperfect, switch from the self-critical "giving-up mode" to "learning mode." Instead of berating yourself the way JoAnn did, ask yourself: "What can I learn from this mistake and what can I do differently right now?"

2) Be realistic.
Making one mistake does not mean you are *always* making mistakes. When you start to feel like you're a hopeless case, ask yourself: "Is that really true? Realistically, what else can I do?"

3) Lower your standards.
Practice making a few mistakes on purpose. Then, practice doing a few tasks less thoroughly than you would have in the past. As you practice you will develop a tolerance for imperfection. And remember, practice makes ... well, maybe not.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight. Let's say you do what you need to do to lose weight and keep it off 90 percent of the time. You'll probably do pretty well. Why don't you give it a try and find out. It sure beats ZERO percent of the time, doesn't it?

Krys_T

SHORTER VERSION OR THE MEAT OF IT. I thought the whole newsletter was awesome but I know many have a time issue or don't like reading long posts.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight
By Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Life Coach

To banish your perfectionism, and the all-or-nothing attitude it burdens you with, try these three tips:

1) Allow yourself to make mistakes so you can learn.
When you feel anxious or sad for having done something imperfect, switch from the self-critical "giving-up mode" to "learning mode." Instead of berating yourself the way JoAnn did, ask yourself: "What can I learn from this mistake and what can I do differently right now?"

2) Be realistic.
Making one mistake does not mean you are *always* making mistakes. When you start to feel like you're a hopeless case, ask yourself: "Is that really true? Realistically, what else can I do?"

3) Lower your standards.
Practice making a few mistakes on purpose. Then, practice doing a few tasks less thoroughly than you would have in the past. As you practice you will develop a tolerance for imperfection. And remember, practice makes ... well, maybe not.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight. Let's say you do what you need to do to lose weight and keep it off 90 percent of the time. You'll probably do pretty well. Why don't you give it a try and find out. It sure beats ZERO percent of the time, doesn't it?

Thank you for sharing...this was great and I think a PERFECT transition into a new "week" for us!

leandread

SHORTER VERSION OR THE MEAT OF IT. I thought the whole newsletter was awesome but I know many have a time issue or don't like reading long posts.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight
By Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Life Coach

To banish your perfectionism, and the all-or-nothing attitude it burdens you with, try these three tips:

1) Allow yourself to make mistakes so you can learn.
When you feel anxious or sad for having done something imperfect, switch from the self-critical "giving-up mode" to "learning mode." Instead of berating yourself the way JoAnn did, ask yourself: "What can I learn from this mistake and what can I do differently right now?"

2) Be realistic.
Making one mistake does not mean you are *always* making mistakes. When you start to feel like you're a hopeless case, ask yourself: "Is that really true? Realistically, what else can I do?"

3) Lower your standards.
Practice making a few mistakes on purpose. Then, practice doing a few tasks less thoroughly than you would have in the past. As you practice you will develop a tolerance for imperfection. And remember, practice makes ... well, maybe not.

You Don't Have to Be Perfect to Lose Weight. Let's say you do what you need to do to lose weight and keep it off 90 percent of the time. You'll probably do pretty well. Why don't you give it a try and find out. It sure beats ZERO percent of the time, doesn't it?

Thank you for sharing...this was great and I think a PERFECT transition into a new "week" for us!

Indeed indeed. I think this is exactly what I needed to hear as we prepare to weigh in assess our goals for next week.

Steph_135

Is it Friday ALREADY? Final post, and then on to the new thread!! :bigsmile:

But facing an expense of $23,000 when we've worked so hard to no struggle anymore, just took the wind out of my sails.

So, I need to end the pity party and play the hand I've been dealt. People deal with stuff like this all the time without turning their bodies into the goodyear blimp.

Nice attitude. I'm not extremely religious, but I love this quote I've heard said somewhere on MFP before (maybe even in this group!) "God wouldn’t Give You More Than You Can Handle". And the more humorous I found online: “I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.” :laugh: I always get upset when I pay too much for something, or spend money a little too quickly, but I know that it will all come back to me in the long run. Focus on how abundant your life is! Not just in your finances, but in your family, health, etc. It makes me feel better. :flowerforyou:

I love Leslie Sansone! A lot of people don't really care for her because they say she is annoying, but I love how she is upbeat and motivational. And I can attest for the emotionality (if that is a word!) of her workouts sometimes too. There is one DVD I love to do where she is raising her hands in the air and pulling down and she says while she is raising her hands how thankful she is and how we should be thankful and several times I am teared up during that. I just love that she is spiritual without going overboard with it. I love working out with her.

forgiven4life... Aw! She is really great!! (I can deal with her perky annoying-ness.) I'm going to have to invest in that neat firm bands she uses for strength moves someday if I continue to walk with her.

Ok so I have come to the decision that starting tomorrow I am going to start zig-zagging my calories as well as officially starting C25K.

WOOT!! I look forward to following your progress on the C25K, since I wanna start up in March!! Avocado is a miracle food if you are low on calories in a day. So delicious! I love it blended in cold carrot soup with a little bit of cayenne pepper and ginger powder. (Found that recipe in a magazine once!)

Amanda... Yikes! Thanks for the article! Lose it slow and maintain it healthily!! :drinker:

Mollie... Thanks for the article. I save a lot of the tidbits you post and re-read them later too! :flowerforyou: