I'm hooked already Cindy! It's like I've found the light, lol. It's a great way to get in fruits and veggies. I've even found out how I can make my own protein powder. I can use the milling blade for flaxseeds and mix that with chia seeds. I'm definitely going to give that a try. Tell Kyli congrats

Megan take all the time you need. Know that we're here for you.

Cindy I will definitely let you guys know how it works out. I'm thinking I'll give it a try after the holidays. I'll be traveling to visit family.

Thanks for the positive vibes and well wishes Liz.

I hope everyone has a great weekend

Well done Maman and Papa on contributed to such a beautiful success story. And CONGRATULATIONS Kyli on your graduation and your new job! You are amazing!

You are a very blessed family and I am so happy to see the fortune that smiles down on you all.

Cindy. Please, please, please get at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep. It is extremely difficult to lose weight if you are not sleeping, and of course it creates a lot of other stresses and issues.

Hi all! Great to read your updates.

Cindy - congrats on Kyli's graduation and NEW JOB!!!! That's incredible.

Megan - I am so glad you're checking in, sending much love as you continue to walk through this sadness.

Jmarcella - it's great to hear your back is getting better. I'm also a back patient and I know how hard it is to not overdo it!

This week has been uneven for me. I have not eaten sugar but I've been overeating in other areas. Persistence not perfection is my motto for sure!

Today is Father's day in the US, and my parents are coming to visit for two weeks, starting on Tuesday. This is a big food trigger for me. My dad and I have been eating buddies as long as I can remember. He's a big guy and has been heavy since he was a small child. He loves to eat. From a very early age we would sneak food together and go out to eat together. Many of my favorite memories of my dad from my childhood involve food. We would eat when we were happy and eat when we were sad. It was a bond between us: both my mom and my sister are normal eaters and normal weight.

Sadly, my dad's eating and weight have really hurt him: he has major heart problems, joint issues, type 2 diabetes, is insulin dependent, and he entered renal failure about five years ago. He is on dialysis 3x/week. He has limited mobility. It's a really big deal that his doctors have given him the ok to travel to come visit, and I'm really excited he can come here.

Now, when I spend time with my father it is hard to stick to a good food plan. We both want to recreate our old pattern of "sneaking" food and treating ourselves (pizza, ice cream, etc.), but it's not good for either of us. I am pre-diabetic and I know if I don't take care of myself, I will soon share my father's medical problems. But because so much of our relationship in the past revolved around food, we don't always know what else to do together.

So for Father's Day, I am spending some of my morning planning things that my parents and I can do together that don't have to involve food - playing board games, going for drives to the ocean, taking rides on historic train routes, visiting family members in the area. I am also mentally rehearsing strategies to not get drawn into my dad's food behaviors. If he wants to go for pizza, I can go with him and have a slice and a salad. If he wants to go for ice cream, we can go and I can just remind him that my doctors have advised me to not eat sugar, but that I'll enjoy taking him. Etc., etc.

Thanks everyone - it is great to have a circle of support to share these moments. Wishing you all a Fab-u-Loss week -

-Barb

Alice, It is very strange not to have kids around. I had my oldest son when I was 18 (he is 31 now). Up until two years ago when my youngest two went to camp for a week at the same time I had never been a full day without kids around. I am practicing for when they leave the nest in three years.

Barb, I hope you have an awesome time with your dad and mom.

Everyone have an awesome week!!!

So for Father's Day, I am spending some of my morning planning things that my parents and I can do together that don't have to involve food - playing board games, going for drives to the ocean, taking rides on historic train routes, visiting family members in the area. I am also mentally rehearsing strategies to not get drawn into my dad's food behaviors. If he wants to go for pizza, I can go with him and have a slice and a salad. If he wants to go for ice cream, we can go and I can just remind him that my doctors have advised me to not eat sugar, but that I'll enjoy taking him. Etc., etc.

This is too beautiful and precious Barb

Hi Marcella. How is your back?

I've no idea what it is like to not have kids around Liz. My second eldest is 28 and my youngest who is 20 are both still living with me. I've always had at least one of them with me but I am also preparing for when none of them will be with me in a couple of years. When I move, only the 20 year old comes with me and I have a feeling he will stay with his mates more because the new house is too far away from everyone he knows.

Have a great week everyone

Congrats Cindy, you've raised a beautiful young woman.

Great plan Barb! It's good that you are come up with plans that don't involve food. Hopefully you'll inspire your dad and he can join you on this journey.

Sorry about the trees Liz. Too bad your neighbor is a jerk. You'd think they'd at least offer to help.

I hope all is well with everyone. I'm still binge free and losing a few pounds in the process.