*Snowflakes to Sunshine* Discussion Week #18 5.6.11

guilty...I'll be around. just getting back in the swing of things (again)

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINES!!!!!

I'm Exstatic This Morning!!! YAY!!!! I LOST THE 40 LB's AS of TODAY. I weighed in at 149.4 pounds

Unbelievably Happy!!!!!!! I THINK I need to lose another 10 to 15 pounds to get at my goal weight.

The pants I bought only two weeks ago ( size 10 misses) that still had tags on them, I wore just yesterday for the first time was so baggy and by the end of the day were sliding down me.

I've been trying to eat back my exercise calories for a week so far. But I'm still netting 960 to 1050 on an average. So I didn't gain weight from it Yet!! And I am losing!! just a lot slower.

I'm definitely doing a HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!! WHOOO HOOO :drinker:

YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!! :flowerforyou:

AWESOME Teresa!!!! So happy for you:)

Hello everyone! Yes, guilty here as well. I have not been commenting as much as I usually do. I've been having a lot going on and have just been focusing on those. I'm still flip flopping on my way of eating. Sometimes I let stress get the best of me and just give in to what I know I should not be eating. I will never give up though!
So just to share a little, I will let you all know some things I have been having to deal with.I've really let my exercise go lately because of all of this.
My son has pretty much been diagnosed with Autism and I have been pouring everything I have into him. The many doctors visits, reading everything I can get my hands on, and just the task of handling him is exhausting.
Also just recently I've been having some issues as well. Two years ago I had to have an ovary removed due to a dermoid tumor that consumed it. So when I started having issues on the other side, I was fearful I was having the same issue. I had an ultrasound a couple of days ago and the doctor called me yesterday to talk about it. It isn't a dermoid, but my ovary is polycystic and swollen quite a bit and that is what is causing me some pain. She wants to put me on birth control to try to shrink the ovary and if it doesn't, she wants to complete a hysterectomy. I'm freaking out because I'm trying so hard to lose weight and everything I've read says birth control can cause you to gain weight. I'm also freaking out at the possibility of being put into premature menopause.
So those are just a few of the big things I am dealing with at the moment that is hindering my efforts at losing weight. I will try to make sure I am posting more.

Congrats on everyone who is doing so well!!

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINES!!!!!

I'm Exstatic This Morning!!! YAY!!!! I LOST THE 40 LB's AS of TODAY. I weighed in at 149.4 pounds

The pants I bought only two weeks ago ( size 10 misses) that still had tags on them, I wore just yesterday for the first time was so baggy and by the end of the day were sliding down me.

I've been trying to eat back my exercise calories for a week so far. But I'm still netting 960 to 1050 on an average. So I didn't gain weight from it Yet!! And I am losing!! just a lot slower.

Congratulations! I know how great it feels to have pants too big (for once)! I sure wish I was happy dancing with you.
Please work on eating more. Your body needs nutrients as well as calories, and it is very hard to get what you need on so few net calories.

I probably won't even lose 10 measly pounds before its all over, but I am on track to healthiness and dropping body fat!

Leandread: keep up the good work! Inches, body fat percentage, and general health are great goals, probably better than weight!

My son has pretty much been diagnosed with Autism and I have been pouring everything I have into him. The many doctors visits, reading everything I can get my hands on, and just the task of handling him is exhausting.
Also just recently I've been having some issues as well. Two years ago I had to have an ovary removed due to a dermoid tumor that consumed it. So when I started having issues on the other side, I was fearful I was having the same issue. I had an ultrasound a couple of days ago and the doctor called me yesterday to talk about it. It isn't a dermoid, but my ovary is polycystic and swollen quite a bit and that is what is causing me some pain. She wants to put me on birth control to try to shrink the ovary and if it doesn't, she wants to complete a hysterectomy. I'm freaking out because I'm trying so hard to lose weight and everything I've read says birth control can cause you to gain weight. I'm also freaking out at the possibility of being put into premature menopause.

Forgiven: Wow! That's some really heavy stuff to be dealing with. I don't know much about autism, but I can say that if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome, then the birth-control may actually help your weight-loss, as long as you get on the right one. You may also want to consider going on a diabetic diet and being tested for insulin resistance, which could also effect weight-loss. My prayers are with you for all this.



I don't usually come back to the forum to comment/read comments after the second or third day of the week, so I'm not guilty of slacking recently (I was slacking the whole challenge!) I will make more effort to check on people now though. I know I haven't even been checking my home page much lately. I just don't have any energy. None. I am taking lots of supplements and exercising about 3 times a week (vigorously), but between broken sleep and the grayest, rainiest spring ever, I just feel really down and blah. I know if I make an effort, it will get better, but it is so much easier to do nothing.

As for my challenge progress: it still sucks! I completed the first half pretty much on target, but haven't really made any progress since. I think I may have logged a 6 pound loss since the mid-point. My weight just keeps zigging up and down. I weigh daily (it helps me to focus and track what works and what doesn't) so I see the numbers go up day after day, even when I don't eat more or exercise less, then come slowly down again, also for no discernible reason. Sodium plays a small part, but doesn't explain the overall pattern. I am very frustrated.

2 weeks ago I boosted my allowable calorie intake up to 1800 because I figured if I was only going to maintain, might as well eat maintenance calories. I actually eat more of a zigzag diet, where I might take in anywhere from 1150-1900 net each day, leaning heavily toward the 1400-1500 mid-range over-all. I have only had 2 or 3 days since the first of 2011 over 2000 calories! Why am I still hovering in the mid-150's? I am just so scared that I'll never be able to maintain the weight loss because I'll permanently need to keep my calorie intake below 1800, something I'm just not sure I can do. All of the calculators say I should be able to maintain my goal weight (142) with 2000-2200 calories and moderate exercise 3-4 times a week. The reality doesn't look that way, and it scares me.

Sorry to go on so long. I'm just really frustrated and worried. I really like shopping for size 6 clothes, and really don't ever want to shop for a 10 or above again, but I am not feeling the love for 1600-1800 calories a day for life! I just want my metabolism to snap out of it and start burning fat again.

Hello everyone! Yes, guilty here as well. I have not been commenting as much as I usually do. I've been having a lot going on and have just been focusing on those. I'm still flip flopping on my way of eating. Sometimes I let stress get the best of me and just give in to what I know I should not be eating. I will never give up though!
So just to share a little, I will let you all know some things I have been having to deal with.I've really let my exercise go lately because of all of this.
My son has pretty much been diagnosed with Autism and I have been pouring everything I have into him. The many doctors visits, reading everything I can get my hands on, and just the task of handling him is exhausting.
Also just recently I've been having some issues as well. Two years ago I had to have an ovary removed due to a dermoid tumor that consumed it. So when I started having issues on the other side, I was fearful I was having the same issue. I had an ultrasound a couple of days ago and the doctor called me yesterday to talk about it. It isn't a dermoid, but my ovary is polycystic and swollen quite a bit and that is what is causing me some pain. She wants to put me on birth control to try to shrink the ovary and if it doesn't, she wants to complete a hysterectomy. I'm freaking out because I'm trying so hard to lose weight and everything I've read says birth control can cause you to gain weight. I'm also freaking out at the possibility of being put into premature menopause.
So those are just a few of the big things I am dealing with at the moment that is hindering my efforts at losing weight. I will try to make sure I am posting more.

Congrats on everyone who is doing so well!!

In regards to losing weight on Birth Control, some will be different for everyone, but I've lost every pound on birth control, so it is not a guaranteed weight gain. If you do have trouble on one birth control, just switch and see if it gets better!

This week was hectic and busy with "decent" good choices and some exercise. Between getting ready to move, trying to find a new job, studying, and all the support my friends have needed lately I just haven't been on top of the game. And my 2lb weight gain proved it!

For me, the next week is going to be about getting back to basics. There is still an issue with my diet that I am bound and determined to figure out. I am really starting to think that the recommended calories of 1200 is too MUCH for me. I'm starting to wonder how messed up my metabolism is from things I've done in my past. Once I'm employed again, I am going to try and have one of the metabolic tests done to see where I'm at. I know that sounds crazy, but trust me on this. I feel the healthiest when I'm consuming around 1000-1100 calories and no carbs.

Until then, I am going to continue striving to cut carbs out of my diet as much as possible and to get out and exercise when I can. Last night my son and I went for an awesome hike and it hurt in a good way. Today he doesn't have school so after I finish up here I am going to join him outside for another long walk/bike ride.

My goals for this week: Meet my calorie goals each and every day. Drink more water. Limit carbs to less than 100 per day.

My motto: One Meal at a Time.

I can't believe we are only a few short weeks away from the end of this challenge!! Wow!

So I have been home for a full week now and I have to say, its been a good week. I am planning my meals in advance and sticking to the plan. I still go to the gym 3 days a week and I am stll working out from home 3 days a week. My husband's work schedule is changing next week (for the better) so I am looking forward to being able to work out in the morning and spend more time with him in the evenings.

I'm still about ready to throw my scale out the window. But I look and feel great. I have been going to bed at a decent time and as a result of sleep, healthy eating and exercising, I have tons of energy these days.

I have been trying new recipes because I am tired of the same boring foods. I am eating more fish because I am sick of trying to reinvent the chicken.

barefootbeauty... Congrats on your decent choices!! Especially with all you've got going on. Way to let nothing stand in your way! You're totally accountable for every bite! :drinker: Soon things will calm down again and you can really focus then! Please don't eat less than 1200 calories though! Get a professional's opinion before you do that!

Leela... Sounds like all's well with you! When you pre-plan, do you plan on how much you will be working out as well? That seemed to be my issue today. I worked out big time, and then added some calories, but still got a considerably low amount.

I am eating more fish because I am sick of trying to reinvent the chicken.

:laugh:

Hello everyone!!

Sorry I have been MIA, but time has been an issue and probably too many groups......:-)

We are coming to the end. Everyone who is still around is awsome for just sticking it out!!! Keep up the good work!!

Have a good weekend!

Can I get the link to the new spreadsheet? Not the tracking form. I need the spreadsheet with the colors chart. I thought I had it in my favorites at home but it must be at work only I could not get the spreadsheet up today. Thanks

I'd just like to say that as a group we are only ~150 lbs away from losing 1,000 POUNDS!!! So we need to pull together and each shoot for losing 3lbs in the last 4 weeks! If we all work together, we can meet this huge goal and say that through 22 weeks of working hard we lost 7 ENTIRE PEOPLE!!

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINES!!!!!

I'm Exstatic This Morning!!! YAY!!!! I LOST THE 40 LB's AS of TODAY. I weighed in at 149.4 pounds

Unbelievably Happy!!!!!!! I THINK I need to lose another 10 to 15 pounds to get at my goal weight.

The pants I bought only two weeks ago ( size 10 misses) that still had tags on them, I wore just yesterday for the first time was so baggy and by the end of the day were sliding down me.

I've been trying to eat back my exercise calories for a week so far. But I'm still netting 960 to 1050 on an average. So I didn't gain weight from it Yet!! And I am losing!! just a lot slower.

I'm definitely doing a HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!! WHOOO HOOO :drinker:

YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!! :flowerforyou:

WOOHOO! YOU ROCK!

I was on a mini vaction last week. I only spent an hour online in 10 days!!! My weight is a little up but I haven't been eating all that great, had pizza yesterday. Yummy.
I did spend alot of time outside in my gardens, did my twice a week Zumba and walked the dog 10-20 min everyday. So I was very active just not great about calories. Oh well, I feel good anyway.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's!

Well.... where to start? I was hoping to say good-bye to the 200's... next week I hope! I have done a lot of thinking this week... where am I going? What's it all about? I have played around with changing my weight loss goal from 1lb a week to 1.5 but then freak out when I realize how few calories I will get to eat. Right now I am aiming for 1700 cals daily. When I set it at 1.5 lb a week it falls down to 1400, and then I freak. I admire those of you that are able to eat the 1200 cals and lose weight. So it will take me longer to lose the unwanted weight. I guess I am okay with that, but I have to remember that this is a journey and a lifestyle change, not a destination and I am never going back to where I was. NEVER!!!

Exercise is going well. I am walking for an hour at least 3 days a week and am doing P90X daily. I am enjoying it and feeling like I am getting stronger. The scale isn't moving that much for me, I am hoping it will pick up again soon. Day at a time I keep reminding myself. I went out and bought myself a new scale that includes body fat %. Does anyone know if it is reliable. Right now it says that I am 42% fat!!!! How in the world do I get that down? I have been trying to figure out a healthy goal weight, one that is manageable and it seems like I have a long way to go still... I was hoping that doing the P90X would increase my lean body mass and therefore lose body fat. No dice yet.

And so we keep trucking....

Congratulations to us all to continuing on this path. This is usually where I lose steam, close to the end. But I am forcing myself to complete this challenge, and continue with the next. I know that I am stronger with you ladies by my side than if I was plodding along on my own. Thank you. I wouldn't have made it this far with out your support and knowing we are all in this together.

Christina

GOOD MORNING SUNSHINES!!!!!

I'm Exstatic This Morning!!! YAY!!!! I LOST THE 40 LB's AS of TODAY. I weighed in at 149.4 pounds

Unbelievably Happy!!!!!!! I THINK I need to lose another 10 to 15 pounds to get at my goal weight.

The pants I bought only two weeks ago ( size 10 misses) that still had tags on them, I wore just yesterday for the first time was so baggy and by the end of the day were sliding down me.

I've been trying to eat back my exercise calories for a week so far. But I'm still netting 960 to 1050 on an average. So I didn't gain weight from it Yet!! And I am losing!! just a lot slower.

That is soooo AWESOME - love it about the pants, and also glad to hear you're losing with netting higher calories. I was netting around 800 and now that I've upped it, it seems (I hope) to be helping me lose.

I'm going to try to net closer to 1200 calories, and see what happens, but when you have a big workout it's really hard.

Didn't post on the board last week or until now - crazy busy with prepping the yards for and laying sod last week, and this week was working on the dinner requests, seating assignments, reservations for 240 people for the high school fund raiser. Late nights (1am) working on the data bases. Glad it's over. Now Youth Orchestra concerts, High School Graduation, and Youth Orchestra 60th Anniv celebration committee work! May is just an insane month for me. Looking foward to an Alaskan cruise at the end of June for some serious R&R!!! Would really like to be down another 10 - 18 (a total of 28 - 35 pounds) by then because then it should be noticeable to family who hasn't seen me since the holidays