20 lbs in a year - Gonna pick it up now to the finish - Anyo

Hey Gals,

Just checking in on how you're all doing!

Steph:

That's crazy hot. It's only been 36 celcius max here, probably because we're near the ocean. I remember it getting up into the 40s when I was in Cyprus, and I found that almost unbearable. How is the packing going? Are you getting excited about school? Will you be living on your own, or with roommates? And not weighing in until August might be a nice break from the scale. It'll help you focus on the long-term weight change (which is what's important!) rather than the daily (or even weekly) fluctuations!

Regarding eating and eating, yes, I do. Sometimes I just can't stop myself from grazing all afternoon/evening. I keep nicking food from the kitchen and it never seems enough. When this happens, I'm probably not eating out of hunger but from some emotion I haven't learned to cope with in a healthy manner. With my parents, emotion is weakness and they always told me to toughen up, grow a thicker skin, etc. Since I couldn't talk to them about how I was feeling because it was always, "Oh, you're just being too sensitive. Grow a pair!" I used food to supress negative emotions. I know better now, but I still find it difficult to identify what I'm feeling because I'm still learning to let myself feel and to think about what it is I'm feeling. Sometimes it's just easier to chow down than dissect what's really going on!

I find it sometimes helps to visualize a big yummy steak when I want food. If it sounds delicious, I'm hungry and food is OK. If not, I visualize watermelon (or something juicy) and if that sounds good, I'm thirsty and I get water. If neither of those are appetizing, I make myself consciously think about whether or not I will have this cookie, chocolate, sandwich, whatever. I usually do have it, but the process of actively making that decision (instead of just zoning out and stuffing my face) makes me feel more in control of food and adds responsibility. Consequently, it helps control how much I eat. At least a little! Maybe not the best method out there, but it never hurts to have another strategy in the proverbial toolbox!

Mollie:

Have you heard anything more re: the program? I see you're still steadfastly logging on MFP, good for you! Your dedication and accountability is inspiring Have you taken any more trips since your visit in Ohio?

Rainbow:

I hope everything is alright. It sounds like you're going through a tough time right now. I sincerely hope your situation gets better. I noticed you went for a walk the other day, though; that's excellent! I'm glad you're finding time for yourself despite stressful circumstances. Every little bit helps!

Happy Hump Day all!! :flowerforyou:

I am still here but I cancelled my internet at home for poor reception and service. So today I finally settled on Sprint so now I have to find time to make the switch! I am excited because this will be my 1st computer phone!! YIppee!!! I will have internet for both for under $100 buck plus the cell phone with unlimited text and everything!

I am too busy at work during the week to keep up with threads. So I will catch up on weekend when I have my new service plan!

Hey!

It's been a little while since this thread has been updated, so I thought I'd check in. I know you don't have home internet access, Mollie, that you have a busy week, Steph, and that you have a lot of things on your plate, Rainbow. When you get a chance, I'd love to hear how you're doing

I've been doing fairly well these past few days; much better than the previous month! Exercise has been consistent and eating has been under control. The wedding had little hors d'ouevre for food, so I was able to pick and choose what I thought was healthiest/lowest calorie and also keep an eye on how much I was eating without people noticing/leaving a bunch of food on my plate! I suspect I probably underestimated the caloric content of what I ate on here, but I still think I did a good job of controlling what went in my mouth!

The whole weekend away went by fairly well, actually. I didn't exercise, but I did keep my calories under my goal. Now it's back to the regular routine I feel like I proved to myself that I can do this, even when I'm on my own in the city where there are many temptations, no witnesses, and loneliness sets in. I'm starting to get excited for school to start, because I'll have almost complete control over food then. I'll really be able to weigh everything to accurately record calories and decide what (and how much) ingredients to use for my suppers. Currently my mom is cooking and while she's certainly a healthy cook, I don't always know what went into the dishes, nor can I weigh the amount of meat that's on my plate without seeming a bit rude. It's not that I think her portions are too large, though sometimes they are, I just really want to be accurate with my food diary.

Following Steph's lead, I also decided to make some concrete, measurable goals for August. I've posted them on my profile so I can keep track. Basically, I've decided that I want to:

-Exercise 5 days/week, so 20/30 days in August.
-Burn 2500 cal/week from exercise
-Eat under my calorie goal 5 days/week, again 20/30 days in August
-Have a maintenance day once/week. Important for me because without one I get very fatigued and sore!
-Drink 8 cups of water every day
-Stay active on message boards and blogs; MFP is a great resource!
-Break 200 lbs

It may seem like a lot of goals, but I've actually got most of them down maybe 75% of the time, so I'm just working on improving them Really the big one is incorporting the maintenance day. I still need to get over the idea that it's cheating or a waste of a day. It's not. It's something my body needs and will help in the long run.

Have any of your goals changed/been modified recently? What are you currently focusing on?

Sorry for such a long post, I just really enjoy staying in touch with you gals! Happy hump day and I hope you're all well!

Hey!

It's been a little while since this thread has been updated, so I thought I'd check in. I know you don't have home internet access, Mollie, that you have a busy week, Steph, and that you have a lot of things on your plate, Rainbow. When you get a chance, I'd love to hear how you're doing

I've been doing fairly well these past few days; much better than the previous month! Exercise has been consistent and eating has been under control. The wedding had little hors d'ouevre for food, so I was able to pick and choose what I thought was healthiest/lowest calorie and also keep an eye on how much I was eating without people noticing/leaving a bunch of food on my plate! I suspect I probably underestimated the caloric content of what I ate on here, but I still think I did a good job of controlling what went in my mouth!

The whole weekend away went by fairly well, actually. I didn't exercise, but I did keep my calories under my goal. Now it's back to the regular routine I feel like I proved to myself that I can do this, even when I'm on my own in the city where there are many temptations, no witnesses, and loneliness sets in. I'm starting to get excited for school to start, because I'll have almost complete control over food then. I'll really be able to weigh everything to accurately record calories and decide what (and how much) ingredients to use for my suppers. Currently my mom is cooking and while she's certainly a healthy cook, I don't always know what went into the dishes, nor can I weigh the amount of meat that's on my plate without seeming a bit rude. It's not that I think her portions are too large, though sometimes they are, I just really want to be accurate with my food diary.

Following Steph's lead, I also decided to make some concrete, measurable goals for August. I've posted them on my profile so I can keep track. Basically, I've decided that I want to:

-Exercise 5 days/week, so 20/30 days in August.
-Burn 2500 cal/week from exercise
-Eat under my calorie goal 5 days/week, again 20/30 days in August
-Have a maintenance day once/week. Important for me because without one I get very fatigued and sore!
-Drink 8 cups of water every day
-Stay active on message boards and blogs; MFP is a great resource!
-Break 200 lbs

It may seem like a lot of goals, but I've actually got most of them down maybe 75% of the time, so I'm just working on improving them Really the big one is incorporting the maintenance day. I still need to get over the idea that it's cheating or a waste of a day. It's not. It's something my body needs and will help in the long run.

Have any of your goals changed/been modified recently? What are you currently focusing on?

Sorry for such a long post, I just really enjoy staying in touch with you gals! Happy hump day and I hope you're all well!

Good job Asha on staying in control!! Since this is something we want to do for life we need a maintenance or cheat day that way we do not have to worry about feeling deprived.

My main goal is to focus on food consistency, consistency, consistency. I exercise but I really need to get a handle on the same consistency with my food intake. I have been doing good for the month of August. I am going to steal your goals list and tweak it for me.... Thanks for sharing.

-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus (currently 1 of 25)
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (This maintence day is not a binge day and not to exceed 3000 cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)

I will check in on Monday with how I am doing on these 3 goals so I can stay mindful. Please join me in checking back in on Monday. Steph and Rainbow, what are your goals this month?

Mollie:
Have you heard anything more re: the program? I see you're still steadfastly logging on MFP, good for you! Your dedication and accountability is inspiring Have you taken any more trips since your visit in Ohio?

Asha,
I have not heard anything from them in a while. The plan is for them to try to get me approved for September to start the group sessions if my insurance approves me for them.

A few people called me claiming they wanted to try to schedule individual sessions but they could not do it on different days of the groups. So needless to say I will just wait and see if this pans out. I am not going to keep calling them and I may be being rude or unbending but I am not going to change my schedule when they know people work. I am assuming maybe the people in the program do not work or they are will to make the consessions. Well I am not willing to do it. I am in Chicago and if they can't accomodate my schedule I understand and will move on to plan B.

I think they thought I was desperate to do it and they would pressure me to try to pay for sessions, and do flip flops to be in the program and I am not. MFP is doing good for me and I told the lady in billing I am going to lose the weight and conquer my eating disorder with or without them. I am determined to do it myself and seeking help. If I can't get the help there I will find it and she loved my attitude and I hope she conveyed it to her superiors. So we will see.

I also told them I am not willing to take Optifast either. So I was not going to be a cash cow for them so they may not persue the relationship and I am good with that. I am going to proceed as if we are to start in September by doing all of the stuff they told me to do.

I have an appointment with my PCP for EKG on August 18th. She has to sign a release form and fax it to them saying she approve it. I guess she would fax them the results of the EKG. After that I will be all set I think and wait on approval.

-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus (currently 1 of 25)
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 30 days this month (so I only have one day I can miss)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
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Mollie,

What a great way to keep track of your calorie goals! I think your goals all sound good, especially exercise!. How's it coming? I find I get fatigued if I don't let myself rest at least one day/week. I initially tried just going lighter that one day, i.e. walking for an hour rather than the gym, but I still found myself feeling stiff/sore the next day.

I love how you put that maintenance days are not binge days. So true! I'm glad you wrote it, because it's something I need to remember as well. In fact, your words inspired me the other day. I decided my maintenance day would be today, Friday. And I think I was subconsciously preparing for a binge day because I kept fantasizing about all the delicious calorie, fat, and sugar-laden foods I could eat when not trying to stay under my calorie goal. Consequently, I felt more and more deprived. I realized what was happening yesterday when I failed to say no to buying chocolate bars at the store. So, instead of letting this happen, I quickly changed my maintenance day to yesterday. Since I had about 600 cal remaining to my maintenance goal of 2000, I allowed myself a slice of the pecan pie my mom made. It was deliciously unhealthy, but I stayed under my maintenance calories (barely) and I felt less deprived! Saving myself from binging doesn't happen often, so I'm pretty proud!

I'm also really happy to hear your attitude about the program. What happens, happens, and it largely depends on them and how accomodating they are. While these kinds of programs can be really helpful, a lot of the time they're still driven by profit, which is necessary and unfortunate. Hopefully it works out in your favour, but if not, you know you can do it without them!

-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 30 days this month (so I only have one day I can miss)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
4 = 2093
5 = YES!! - 1671 net cal
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Total days reached cal goal = 2
Goal for month 25 days (23 days left)
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Awesome, way to go Mollie!

Thanks!

I ended up binging yesterday But today is a new day and I'm not going to let the slip up continue like I have before. Back on track right now! Perseverance is the key to success, right?

RIGHT!!! Consistency not perfection!

-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 25 days this month (I can not do the 30 days!)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
4 = 2093
5 = YES!! - 1671 net cal
6 = 1604
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Total days reached cal goal = 3
Goal for month 25 days (22 days left)
[/quote]

-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 25 days this month (I can not do the 30 days!)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
4 = 2093
5 = YES!! - 1671 net cal
6 = 1878 (Sat)
7 = 2779 (Sun)
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Total days reached cal goal = 3
Goal for month 25 days (22 days left)
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I did better today but still overate.



-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 25 days this month (I can not do the 30 days!)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
4 = 2093
5 = YES!! - 1671 net cal
6 = 1878 (Sat)
7 = 2779 (Sun)
8 = BLOWOUT, over 3500 calories-- mini binge
9 = 2183
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Total days reached cal goal = 3
Goal for month 25 days (22 days left)
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-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 25 days this month (I can not do the 30 days!)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
4 = 2093
5 = YES!! - 1671 net cal
6 = 1878 (Sat)
7 = 2779 (Sun)
8 = BLOWOUT, over 3500 calories-- mini binge
9 = 2183
10 = 1613
11 = 1658
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Total days reached cal goal = 5
Goal for month 25 days (20 days left)
[/quote]

Hi Mollie,

Looks like you're doing well overall

I'm sorry to hear about your mom; I sincerely hope she continues doing well! When will you hear back from the doctor? Hopefully everything is ok.

-Eat under my calorie goal 5 to 6 days/week - 25 days plus
-Have a maintenance day one day per week (not to exceed 2500 NET cal)
-Break into the 330's (currently weighing 345)
-Do some type of intential exercise 25 days this month (I can not do the 30 days!)

I want to check in daily for myself on the net calories per day and to keep these goals before me everyday so here goes:

Net calories under 1700 calories M-W and weekends under 2000:
1 = not under 1700 cal
2 = YES!! - 1241 net cal
3 = not under 1700 cal
4 = 2093
5 = YES!! - 1671 net cal
6 = 1878 (Sat)
7 = 2779 (Sun)
8 = BLOWOUT, over 3500 calories-- mini binge
9 = 2183
10 = 1613
11 = 1846
12 = 1917
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Total days reached cal goal = 4
Goal for month 25 days (21 days left)
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