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

@Tnsumner : Please, I would LOVE that recipe! It sounds deliciousness!!:bigsmile: Is it a recipe that is easily cut to a single serving? Cuz no one in my family would eat that but me. I love me some feta and bell peppers!! Also, I am kind of getting over done with all the microwave meals or turkey breast with veggies. Need variety! But I suck at cooking. It is possible to burn water, I've done it! =^.^=

@tnsumner - Great job! And I'm so pleased you say we are all going to be SUPER HOT this summer, in fact I am going to wear a placard round my neck which says "tnsumner says I am SUPER HOT'. If that doesn't attract the ladies, nothing will :laugh: Mind you my wife will probably point out the only "Hot" I am is because of the air temperature.............

@Tazminacat - Wellcome to the madhouse section of MFP! Plenty of support and help here and if you fail, we send round the REALLY heavies! Keep trying with the cooking, it's easier than you think and much healthier than ready meals. It's also a fun thing to do when you get into it.

@meg - told you the water would go and you'd get a proper reading! Great week's loss.

@jolande - good for you on the gym, sounds like you're really motivated, keep that motivation going!

@steph - well done on the excercise, hope you reach your reward this week!

Me, I've got the water anomalies as usual, I was away all last week, ate in hotels/restaurants, weighed myself Friday morning on my return - 2 lbs heavier than last Sunday's official weigh in. Weighed again this morning, 0.4 lb down on last Sunday (so lost 2 lbs + since yesterday! Yeah right). And I expect to be down again tomorrow morning. My ticker however shows another milestone, 2 stones (28 lbs) down. My target originally was a stone a month to start with, and I'm only slightly behind target, but then February was a short month!

Off next week to Romania a fascinating mixture of the modern and last century, horse drawn carts on the highways, Airport runway that is more patches than runway (though they're building a new one) pot holes you could lose a dog in on the old roads, nice people though and where I'm going all well educated with great English, and the majority of them good looking women under 30, not that that affects me in any way................ Lots of work to do though so I won't be bored.

Yesterday was not a good day for me. I went on an eating binge. It was like I couldn't stop eating and ate everything I could get my hands on .. even chips and ice cream. At the end of the day when I was exhausted eating, I had to sit down and speak with my husband who is a big supporter of mine in my quest to lose weight (he has joined me in my journey; which is great). He told me I should figure out why I was doing this to myself and start from there. It was the stress of going to school after over 30 years, planning to move and wanting to spend time with my new grandchild. He suggested that I prioritize the things that are important and do them first, the rest can wait. Well, I took care of the first thing that was weighing me down - stop going to school and continue later on at the location where I will be moving and concentrate on my move (cleaning up house, throwing away things, packing, etc); there will be plenty of time to spend with my grandchildren down the road. Well his suggestions helped me figure out why I was eating and today I feel much better. I think I needed someone to talk to about the stress I was having and not keep it in (as I normally do). Today, I feel better and ready to take on the world. A shout to my husband for the love and support he showers upon me. Back on track ... thanks for listening.

Good morning everyone. My name is Dore. I've been on and off MFP for a couple years now. I've been back on 56 days so far. I started my process with about 100 lbs to lose. Like a lot of people whenever I've given up I've put back on the weight plus an additional 10 lbs or so. I'm trying to make this more about changing what I eat and how much. It's hard not to give into my binges sometimes. I know in order for this to work I need to start exercising again. But everyday the thought of doing so just makes me more tired than I already am. I would love to be a part of your group as I go through this process to release this weight from my body and mind.

Ron: wow, Romania sounds like it will be quite the trip. Don't get lost in the potholes and make sure you come back!

Pip and Dore: Welcome to the thread!

Gonzamm: the binge, it happens and you talked through it with someone which is awesome! You are lucky that your husband supports and understands. My hubby is behind me but being thin as a rail he just doesn't get it.

tnsummer: Thank you for posting, I will be trying those soon!!

Meg: time for rainy day fun with the kiddies. Hope you get some kinda workout in.

As for me, I was at the gym today and LOVE LOVE LOVE being back working out. I am one of those that I am happy to see my sweat patch growing and a little puddle appearing on the floor below me, I've been known to admire said puddles :laugh:
Worked so hard that by the time I went to wash my hair in the shower afterwards my arms were already aching. Going to make tomorrow interesting.

An added extra for today was that with me going to the gym my hubster got some one on one time with the little miss which doesn't happen to often and as she was with her daddy, I didn't feel guilty about going to the gym. I keep telling myself that the sacrifice of time apart from her means that I will be around for a lot longer. Hope you have all had a great Saturday!

@meg - I usually am right, drives my other half mad!! What she hasn't cottoned on to yet (in 30+ years) is if I am not sure, I just shut up, I only insist if I know I am right :laugh: What an irritating B*st*rd I must be, right? It's a male thing maybe......

@Steph - having been brought up in Africa from age 10 I tend to think in pounds or even kilos, but the good old Brits need stones to understand the value, so I go with that. And yes, Romania is fascinating, if I was 40 years younger I would move there, but now I just enjoy the ambience! Unfortunately I won't be able to take advantage of the 2 Euro a litre for decent beer due to my calorie limitations, maybe I should run a bit........! And I will be back on Friday night. I actually get the week after this at home, which will be a real treat and will include a round of dentist, doctor, hypnotherapist, all the things I can't usually do, before Cyprus and Slovakia, then India and Singapore possibly, dates to be decided.

@Dore - welcome to the group, let's see if we can force you into keeping with the program. For a start, you're too pretty to be single.........or maybe you're just too choosey and sensible :laugh: Nonetheless girl, we're here to make sure you lose that weight and keep it off! But don't believe all this excercise stuff - a wise man once said to me "If you feel like excercising, lie down in a darkened room for some time, the feeling will pass"

@meg - sounds like you need to put some control on your hubby! Bout time he realised what a good deal he has. And I'm impressed by the Tardis - I'm a big Dr Who fan myself. Have you had the latest episodes with the new companion - Jenna Louise Coleman, she's fantastic!? I think I'm in love.......again...........

@Pip - welcome, you've come to the right place. Totally agree about changing your relationship with food (thinks - what are the chance of changing my relationship with my current wife? Probably nil, worse luck.! Nah, only joking, it would cost me too much in alimony)

@Gonzamm - your hubby sounds almost as awesome as me. Maybe I should fight him for the title? (But be aware, I am a black belt in origami) Seriously, so glad you have that support, it means one hell of a lot.

I keep meaning to say, if anyone wants to friend me, though i can't imagine why anyone might, I'm downright cussed and damn awkward, please go ahead, you won't be rejected :bigsmile: But you will have to put up with me in a more intimate setting so there are downsides.

Today has been a good Saturday, weight down this morning, previously tight trousers now slipping down (don't ask, a treat for the onlookers, I don't think) but old/new trousers (sorry, pants for the transatlantic crew) found in wardrobe, pleasantly tight for now. Food diary compete and below calorie goal, life is good. I think though I have developed a passion for Lotus carmelised biscuits (cookies) which is maybe not good.

It was a beautiful day here in North Carolina. It's going to be even nicer tomorrow. I'm definitely taking my dog to the park. I'm also dragging my boyfriend to the gym. He is the one that REALLY motivated me to lose weight. Now he is slacking off. Any suggestions to motivate him again?

Well I only see ladies but what the hell I'm going to jump in (some of my best friends are ladies so I'm not superstitious!).

My target was to lose between 140 and 150 and I started about 6 weeks ago. I have lost 20 lbs so far as of last weekend, travelling on business this week, so next weigh in Sunday morning, and praying another 2 or 3 lbs has dropped off by then,,,,,,,,

I'm too old to perv (believe that if you will) and have a weird sense of humour but am otherwise presentable, sexy and just downright nice (so my dog tells me as he humps my leg).

Well, at least it's good to know our dog loves us! (Laughed pretty hard at your dog comment!)

jumping in . . . I am looking to lose 100 pounds. It didn't climb on overnight, so I know it is not going to crawl off overnight. I have medical issues that make it hard to get out of bed in the morning but, I do because it is so much worse to stay there. I am looking forward to a cruise in September and would like to be a little less rotund by then. Not my motivation but a goal to look towards. Motivation is health and the chance to beat my 4 year old granddaughter in a jumping contest (LOL). I am looking forward to getting to know some/all of you. If you want, you can friend me.

@Laura, welcome! If you've got some yummy healthy recipes in those dusty cook books of yours, please share :happy: That is a great idea too about freezing in batches. I actually do that for my family of 4. I will double or triple a recipe and freeze what we don't eat. Makes life much simpler for me on those busy days!

@pidnit, welcome! You picked a good group to join. Love that you want to beat your granddaughter in a jumping contest! I have an almost 4 year old boy who loves to jump too :bigsmile:

@Kerri, I hope this week goes better than last, even with a couple extras in the house.

@Steph_135, welcome! What kind of workouts are you doing? Maybe change it up a little to make it more exciting for yourself. I have a tendency to do that, and it seems to work well for me.

@Ron, I LOVE Dr. Who! I've even watched all the old ones that are available on Netflix. And the new version twice through, and considering a third... Unfortunately, since I'm a cheapskate when it comes to cable tv, I haven't seen the past two seasons of the new version. Can't wait till they're out on Netflix. Also, my kids love the show (boys aged 9 & 3), it's great that its a family friendly show. My 3 year old loves to sit and watch it with me. And he calls the Tardis at "Tardist". I will post pics later (if I can figure out how! lol) of my weekend project (which still is not quite done).
And about you being right.... makes me wonder what your wife would say to that!

Well, I am off to church here in a few minutes, then my boys usually end up going home from church with my parents to spend the afternoon. That means I may actually get some time to get out and run today! Yay!

Meg... I used to do the Shred, but it's gotten a bit repetitive. I am currently using my new elliptical machine and I like that, but it's also the same every workout basically. You are right! I should change it up a bit. I would love to add Zumba into the mix. I've been finding videos online (cause I can't go to the classes as often as I want to), and I used to really like doing that. Thanks for the tip! Hope you get to go out for your run!

Oooh, Zumba! I've been doing that a lot over the past week. I just got Zumba Core for our Xbox Kinect. It's so fun! Of course, I look somewhat like I'm having a seizure instead of dancing, so I just keep in house, lol! And I did get my run in today. Finally got the first day of c25k done, and I kind of didn't want to stop. But I think that's because I know I can run at least a mile and a half without stopping. So the jog/walk setup of c25k is a little weird. I guess I'll get used to it.
Keep looking for different stuff to do! I think I'm going to look into getting a kettle bell so I can try that. Maybe my monthly goal for May...

Hi! My name's Andrea, I'm 21 years old, I've been a member of this website for over a year now, but i'm just now trying to seriously get into getting fit, but i severely lack motivation, so i'm here looking for it! I'm looking to lose about 80 pounds, and I have a terrible addiction to chocolate, which does not make losing weight easy, especially living in a house where people are always buying chocolate. I'm currently unemployed due to back issues, and am trying to find a good weight loss plan on a budget, I'm extremely interested in Zumba, and actually went and got a Zumba book at the library today, with a DVD and everything, in hopes that i'll get somewhere doing this on my own in my living room! I have goals to be at least somewhat happy with how I look by the summer for a vacation with my boyfriend, and the last thing I want to do is hide in my towel while on the beach. It's a big goal, but I know with the right motivation and plan, I'll get there and I feel this is a good place to be to get somewhere sooner rather than later.

Great discovery! I'm going to try to jump on in and check back often. It seems as though several friended people become less supportive over time, including myself (when I am down-but that's when I need it the most!) NOT always the hooray, congrats, but also the supposrt when I am not doing well.

I have about 75 pounds to lose. I'd lost 40-ish, but since I had been on jury duty for 9 weeks, I gained back 8 pounds. It has beed SO difficult to get back on track with exercise and food. I log, religiously. Doesn't matter if I eat well or not, I log everything. The past few weeks have been so sad. My newest issue is eating really well during the day, then about an hour after dinner, I eat like crazy! Out of control. I have never had this issue before. I need to snap out of it.

I hope you all are doing well, and if not, I hope you will do well soon!

I won't reply individually this time. Sitting in Bucharest airport with about another three and a half hours before my next flight. Just had the most revolting chicken breast schnitzel and rice with mushrooms, lukewarm and tasteless, didn't eat much of it but I did count some calories. It was so bad I bought myself a pack of potato crisps (naughty, naughty) and polished off 25g immediately with a whisky. Ridiculous all this, I left home at 6:30 this morning and won't reach my destination until about 22:00 my time (that''s 10pm for those over the pond) local time midnight so I have to set my alarm for 6am local to get up for work. In total about 4 hours flying time, the rest sitting around in airports and travel either end. This is the downside to travel and doesn't happen too often, so I can't really complain, but I will anyway! But, I did without lunch and, apart from the crisps, have studiously avoided snacking though the chocolate and the ice cream on display look tempting. Drinking has been difficult today, not to mention the dehydrating effects of flying, so I can see the water being retained left, right and centre............ Never mind, I have next week working from home to get rid of it!

I haven't by any means finished yet, but my pedometer is showing 2.8 kilometres, all of it at a brisk walking pace. I notice a big difference, end of last year I was standing on the moving walkways in airports to get my breath back, now I walk them and don't stop before I get to my destination. And I'm not out of breath! Heart rate is up but that's how it should be.

I just realised this morning, I'm roughly 20% of the way towards my goal! Not bad for a couple of months' effort. The annoying thing is it doesn't really show yet, so I guess I've been losing visceral fat which is great and has made me more healthy. Hope the subcutaneous stuff starts to go soon!!

I hope you're all keeping to your targets and the weight is just dripping off. If not, well I'll be onto you when I get back!!

@tnsummer – It depends on what type of guy he is. Both Stephs give great advice. Have you tried just asking him why he has lost his motivation and/or if there is anything you can do to help him with it? Sometimes a good conversation is all that is needed. Hope he gets back at it soon!

@steph_135 – What kind of workouts are you doing? Is it feasible to go to a “work out 2 days, slack 2 days” cycle? If so, start there and see how things progress. I consider this journey to be a lifelong-learning and ever-changing process. You can do this!

@uhohkerri – I hope you “Spring Break” is going well. With all those children you could start your own soccer (or your sport of choice) team!

@pidnit – Welcome. Love your goal of beating your 4-year old granddaughter in a jumping contest. That rocks!

@laura – Welcome. It sounds like you already have a great plan! Feel free to pass along any delicious recipes!

@megblackburn – Hope you are doing well!

@steph_135, again – I have heard from a few people (uhohkerri, as well?) that there are quite a few workout videos on Youtube. As well, our local library has quite a selection of them, which make it great for trying out different ones. Perhaps your library has some as well.

@didifournier – That’s a great loss! Way to go!

@Kailexx – Just step away from the chocolate! I can’t keep any in the house, so I understand. Can you ask the others in the house to keep their chocolate out of your sight? Hopefully they will understand and help you as much they can. As for working out, if you have a back injury I’d suggest walking. Just go at a pace that is comfortable and doesn’t make your back worse. Once your back is better and you have more strength, then you can look at other programs. Just a friendly suggestion, of course.

@christinesyea – Are you eating enough calories throughout the day? A lack of calories earlier in the day can lead to an overeat later in the day.

@stephaniezoundi – You are very welcome hun! I’m just glad that you are back at it! We’ve missed you around here! Great to see you back!!!

@ron – Those are great NSVs! Hope you got in a good meal somewhere during today’s travels. Have a great day!

@laura, again – 10km! WOW! That’s a great mini-goal. Go Laura GO!

I’m happy to report that last night I hopped on the elliptical for the first time in years! I was holding off because I was scared I wouldn’t last more than 1 minute. Well, I lasted 20mins! YES! It was on the easiest level, but I’ll take it! Have a great day everyone!!