*** Supportive Friends -- Looking to Release 50+ Pounds ***

@tiff – Welcome! Wow - that is a great loss! Way to go!

@ron – I understand. I was discussing the local gym with a couple of people and one of them summed it up perfectly – “You need to be in shape to work out at that gym.” I found it too intimidating, so I have found a different gym where people don’t care about what I look like or what I am doing; the way it should be! As for your new optimistic outlook – that is FANTASTIC!!! I actually caught myself singing the other day. Something I haven’t done in ages! Kudos Ron!

@tnsumner – Excellent changes! Keep up the great work!

@penny_eclipse – I hope you had a nice, relaxing Easter break! Hang in there. Hopefully it will all resolve shortly.

@jena – Try to find something you enjoy doing (or hate less than other?). I don’t hate exercise, but walking is my go-to when I am just not feeling it. Walking can be done alone or with company, short distances, long distance, ambling or at a great pace. So many options. I particularly enjoy the beginning of each season because it brings new challenges and many new sights. Although I must admit I do shy away from the extreme cold. Or perhaps even dancing, shaking, wiggling to your favourite tunes. Just start slowly and build up. It’ll become more comfortable and perhaps you might start enjoying moving more.

@icanfinallybe – Wow! You are going all out! Just remember to enjoy the journey along the way. Keep up the great work!

@MissNikki289 – I have only been on here a little while, but I find setting small goals helps. Aim to lose 5 pounds at a time, instead of the full 30. For those times when you are feeling a little lazier, find something that is accessible and work from there. For example, aim to climb the stairs up and down 5 times each day (outside of regular stair use). You can spread this out over the day. If you watch TV, get up and climb the stairs during a commercial break. You’ll be surprised how it all adds up! When this becomes easy, then add to it. Aim to climb the stairs 3 more times than the previous goal or add in leg lifts, whatever you fancy. Obviously, you’ll want to adjust this to what is available to you and what your current fitness level is. You’ll be out of your rut sooner than later.

@gonzamm – Welcome aboard! You can do this!

@uhohkerri – Not sure how you are measuring? If 2 inches is just from one measure (ie. waist), then that is amazing! However, as much as we all want to see the numbers go down, it’s not all about that. Try going by how you feel. Are you happier? Can you jog longer? Do you have more energy?

@megblackburn – Hang in there! If you are taking in a lot of sodium, try to get in more water; that should help a little. You’re doing what you need to do – eating healthy and exercising – it will all work itself out. You’ve got this!

@ron, again – Africa too? Wow, I’d love to travel as much as you! You must have some magnificent stories! If you have any you’d like to share, please do.

@melinda – I am glad your journey is going so well. Welcome!

Yay! I am finally better and have been able to get out for a good couple of walks! I plan on upping the fitness this week – within reason, of course. My focus right now will be to increase my fitness over any losses as I know that increasing exercise can add muscle weight and shift in water retention. But, I did take my measurements just in case I need the extra motivation! Oh so many inches to account for. Here’s to having less to measure in the future!

Keep on keeping on everyone! Make it a beautiful day!

Hello Everyone!

I have to apologise I've not been here. And the thing is, I know that this support group works and if I'm not here I'm doing what I am supposed to be doing. So, you got it, I'm struggling. Big time struggling. When I lost my original 120 (before becoming pregnant), I remember having highs and lows but nothing quite like this. I want it but I'm finding it hard to make the effort and I know how stupid that sounds. I am hoping that as my gym membership is supposed to restart soon that once I find a way to make exercise a regular part of my life again that the food part will sort itself out. I had gotten to a point where I loved to exercise and when I did it made eating easy. Without the exercise and being home a lot (yes, I did return to work but its now the Easter holidays so back home) I find myself eating and eating and eating some more and you know how it is you get to that point where you say 'well I've already screwed up so.....'. Sigh. My 3 meals a day are fine...they normally come out at around 1100 cals which leaves me a lot of leeway for snacking and in the end I abuse it. Food addiction is so damn hard, its not like you can quit cold turkey or never have it. Will be doing my best to be back more often.

I just had a meltdown and ate a couple (ok....7) hersheys special dark mini bars. First major meltdown in 6 weeks. :sad: I guess it could have been worse......... just a little disappointed in myself. I made it through Easter weekend without cheating, or eating any candy, also avoided beer while camping with my family...... so why the sudden breakdown today? Blah.

I just had a meltdown and ate a couple (ok....7) hersheys special dark mini bars. First major meltdown in 6 weeks. :sad: I guess it could have been worse......... just a little disappointed in myself. I made it through Easter weekend without cheating, or eating any candy, also avoided beer while camping with my family...... so why the sudden breakdown today? Blah.

OMG Tiff, have you seen the calories in those damn things...........??? But hey it's done so don't beat yourself up any more, one day does not make a major meltdown in your plans, it's a blip that's all. I'm sure you feel bad enough about it already, but if you still feel REALLY bad, have a fasting day this week to make up and give you back your confidence. I don't want to go on about hypnotherapy or I'll become a total bore, but that is the sort of thing that wrecked my previous attempts to lose weight. I would have one or two of say chocolate biscuits (cookies) extra, then think I've blown it now, to hell with it, and finish off the packet, then look for something else unhealthy to eat, usually potato crisps, three or four packets in a row.......... The hypnotherapy has stopped this behaviour with the suggestions planted under hypnosis, I don't really miss these things any more and therefore I don't get tempted. I have not eaten a chocolate biscuit or ice cream, in over two months. I still eat some plain lower cal biscuits, within my limits, but don't get tempted to splurge. People say I'm good to have been below my MFP calorie limit ever since I started, but the truth is I'm like Pavlov's dogs and conditioned that way, which I am extremely happy about. :laugh:

So cheer up and come back fighting! :flowerforyou:

Good job on the running Meg! :happy:

So i fell off the food wagon this week, especially yesterday I when't a donut crazy . And this morning i had 1 donut that's not so bad I will try to do better to day lol.

Well I ate way too much Easter candy, but only gained half a pound. I've already lost it though, so I don't feel THAT bad. Instead of having ham, I had swordfish. I offered to make the dessert for Easter as well, so we didn't eat a cake with frosting. We had "healthy" sugar cookies with fat free whipped cream topped with blueberries, strawberries, and kiwi!

Thanks ron2e for your kind words and support.

@tnsumner - Good for you for climbing right back up on the wagon! And good thinking on the dessert.

@cacklingcat - Nooooo, don't mention donuts, love donuts, want one....................

@gonzamm - I don't think I had a binge, the post was about someone else :happy: I think I've only gone over my limit once in two months, and that by just a few calories, so far so good. I don't say it won't or can't happen though............................!

Oh well, home tonight, give me some time to lose my usual water retention before weighing time on Sunday morning! Then off again on Monday for another week.:yawn:

Brooke; that's a great loss for the month, well done!

cacklingcat: new day, start over. I have been run over by my wagon lately, so lets do this together!!

Gonzam: what did you think of the yogurt? I love it!!

Jennypenny: thanks!

So after a lot of complaining about struggling and some honest words from mfp friends I came to the conclusion that on top of struggling, making excuses and complaining, I also wasn't making an effort. So yesterday I restarted and was good with my food and then today was G-Day!

My gym membership has been reactiviated so once my SIL was up, I asked her to watch baby girl and I hit the gym. It felt great. First off I was greeted like a long lost friend by so many of the staff. Then it was workout time. I can feel where I have lost endurance and strength, especially in my core (guess having a baby will do that!). I'm home now and feel fantastic. My head is in a place that it hasn't been for a very long time. Turns out that working out was that little piece of me that was missing and making me feel like me again. My legs and arms are already aching but I love it!!

Thirsty Thursday...drink up that water!!:drinker:

Hey everyone I'm back after Easter break. How are you all.
Struggling to keep motivated but I'm staying strong.
What are your thoughts on diet drinks I.E coca cola etc. I had a can today for the first time in weeks and I feel kinda bad about it. Just needed something sweet.

Hey everyone ! My name is Meaghan and im a senior in college ! I want to lose 50 + lbs by summer. I wanted to before May but that is impossible seeing I have less than a month away ! But just in need of support ! I have lost 24 + lbs so far still a long road ahead !

Well I ate way too much Easter candy, but only gained half a pound. I've already lost it though, so I don't feel THAT bad. Instead of having ham, I had swordfish. I offered to make the dessert for Easter as well, so we didn't eat a cake with frosting. We had "healthy" sugar cookies with fat free whipped cream topped with blueberries, strawberries, and kiwi!

I so joined you on that one. Haven't been on in a couple of days spent one day with a stomach bug ate but didn't hold anything down so when I was feeling better the next day I pigged out. have been really tired I guess because I did get so sick but I am checking in again had to go back and read a little to get caught up. seems I ain't the only one who hasn't checked in everyday so I don't feel so bad.

@uhohkerri – Not sure how you are measuring? If 2 inches is just from one measure (ie. waist), then that is amazing! However, as much as we all want to see the numbers go down, it’s not all about that. Try going by how you feel. Are you happier? Can you jog longer? Do you have more energy?

It is around my hips lost one around my waist and a couple other places. I posted some pics from February when I first started trying to seriously lose and a few days ago with the measurements on it. so anyone who wants to check it out feel free. Kind of been well not sleeping well so I have been slacking of on the more intense exercising but I plan on heavy duty cleaning again 2 days of not doing much and my house has gone to the dog lol (my poor dog and baby have been blamed for a lot the last couple of days, stuff there is no way they did) I love my kids and my husband but really you can't pick up the slack while I am sick. anyways back up and back at it.

To the few new people you know who you are I will one day remember to write you all's names down to mention them thanks for joining welcome and please come back.
to those who are struggling I have been with you this week
to those like Ron and Jolande doing great checking in. wanted to ask permission to add you as friends before I send a request.
Anyway have a great day every one. check back in latter or tomorrow.

@Tazminacat, welcome! I know how you feel about getting to a certain point and then gaining back. I've done that twice before. Keep pushing through, we'll be here to encourage you :happy:

@jolande, I don't mind regular sugar, I just try to keep it in check. If I really want to add sweetener to something, I use stevia.

tnsummer: CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is a fantastic milestone to reach.

Tazminacat: welcome and hello! Lots of support and encouragement here.

@jolande: aspartame (sp.) gives lots of people migraines. I'm a former migraine sufferer and one of the first things doctors had me do was keep a food diary to see if there was a connection. That said they vanished when I started losing a significant amount of weight and the only thing that triggers them now is pregnancy (!) and cinnamon.

So I'm definitely feeling yesterday's workout. Have some serious DOMS going on today which I am actually enjoying as it is proof of how hard I worked yesterday. Hoping that I can get to the gym tomorrow. Hopped on the scales for a sneaky peak this morning and liked what I saw. Am waiting until Wednesday though to officially weigh in . Hoping that I will be close to my reward (£20 on iTunes for more music). Gotta go, baby girl is napping and its the only time I can get my cross-stitching done, now that my niece has arrived, I need to get her picture done. Have a good one! :flowerforyou: