NON WW & WW NEWBIES, OUR NEW LIFE, THE START OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL

Good morning everyone! I'm going to the doctor's today. I'm going to show him my food logs and ask him why I haven't been losing weight. I've been averaging 1700 calories and low carbs, so I don't see why I shouldn't be losing...I have lost 5.7 lbs since Sept 30. Not good enough. He never seems to believe me when I say I'm eating good, so I'll show him what I am eating. I'm also going to ask about the symptoms I've been having.

@mswatson0777 Welcome! I'm very sorry for the loss of your father. This is a great place to check-in, it is honestly very motivating to come here on a daily basis...whether I am doing well or not, I still check-in. I'm originally from the midwest, myself. I live on the west coast now. I'm sure getting your doctorate can be very stressful! What is your doctorate in, if I can ask? That's great that you are so active. I love dogs, too. I have one myself. Again, welcome, it's great to have you join the group!

@cbabie WTG, getting on the treadmill! I love sweet potatoes, too.

@theslightedgeforever It is! Even here on the west coast, it's been raining and cold. Perfect time. Congrats on the NSVs, those are awesome and powerful to remember!!! Yeah! LOL to dancing to 80s aerobics hits. Did you have a headband on too?

EMPOWERED.
November goals: track 5 days a week, drink 50 oz of liquids a day, ride the stationary bike 5 minutes a day 3 times a week, lose 2 lb

@cbabie So true about walking faster when it's cold. I live in the midwest and my dog walks fly by around this time of year!

@TeresaW1020 Thank you for the warm welcome! And congrats on the 1/2lb loss! I don't follow any specific meal plan, I'm just trying to eat under 2K daily, get over 100g of protein a day, and keep my sugar under control. Sweet foods are my Achilles heel, they're what I comfort eat and what I have a hard time stopping. Sticking to this has really worked for me in the past so I'm confident as long as my mindset is right it'll work again.

@trooworld Thank you so much for the welcome! I'm getting my doctorate in higher education administration (the title isn't very exciting, but it should really help with career advancement). What kind of dog do you have?? And I love the west coast so I can see why you relocated!

@theslightedgeforever I'm so sorry to hear about your father too. And I 100% agree with your list of reasons. My goal is for my holiday dress to fit better at Christmas than it does now (cause it is definitely tight!). And great NSVs! Dancing to 80s music sounds like so much fun!

Happy Friday Everyone! I'm excited for the weekend, but even more excited for the holiday break next weekend. It will be so nice to get out of town and see my in-laws (I'm one of those weird people that absolutely loves visiting their in-laws on holidays, I won the in-law lottery!). Hopefully everyone's day goes well. We're starting today with a retirement celebration and cake, which I'm avoiding (cake at 8:30am=/=great). Instead I'll enjoy my coffee and the celebration and avoid the break room for the rest of the day. Thank you all again for the warm welcome!

@trooworld I think the Mediterranean diet is a good compromise. I don’t think I could do keto myself. I’m glad your unsteadiness has gone away. I’m sorry you’re struggling healthwise, that is always difficult. I think showing your doctor what you’re eating is a great idea. Honestly 1700 calories is reasonable for someone trying to have some weight loss, in my humble opinion anyway. And that is based on my experience. Not that I’m an expert anyway.
Canadian history…you know I have to look all this stuff up I don’t remember it lol, though I learned it in school. But in school I didn’t pay much attention. It was in the 1600s when people first came to Canada, both England and France had colonies. Overtime the English colonies were larger and eventually England and France got into a conflict over it- the colonists fought, and the English took over. This was in the 1700s. But that’s why we have Quebec, which is still majority French. During the American Revolution, there were some people loyal to the crown that travelled north to Canada.

History is interesting, I wish I had studied it more. I don’t know much American history either. If I had more free time I would love to take some history classes. There are a bunch of universities that allow people to take courses for free, or they post their lectures and readings so you can follow along.

@theslightedgeforever – that is a brilliant idea with the pumpkin puree. And congrats what a great loss! You’ve earned it, you work so hard on your plan. You really are an inspiration and I’m going to go back and read your suggestions and everyone’s for the holidays.

Hey @mswatson0777 welcome! That is cool about the martial arts- I’ve done maybe 5 hours of that and it’s fun, but I don’t feel fit enough to continue. I love weight lifting. Yeah the holidays are hard, I’m struggling with the thought of it myself. But this is a great group. Also that is great about going back to school! Would love to hear more about it. Sorry about the loss of your father.

@cbabie congrats on getting on the treadmill. And you’re very right- listening to our body is important. I try to do that.

@TeresaW1020 I think you’re doing so well with the exercising. Are you enjoying it or does it seem like a chore?


Sorry I haven’t been posting much, just busy Mon-Fri. As I said, last Sunday night I fell down some icy stairs. I’m lucky I didn’t break anything and was just banged up some. Monday was the worst, my neck and head hurt a lot because I fell backwards and then slid down the stairs. On top of it my client is going through a security audit and the auditors wanted to talk to me (I work in security/privacy) so Monday I had 2 hrs with auditors lol. I just called in, but it was a lot of caffeine and advil to get through.

I’m feeling a little better now and very grateful I didn’t break anything. My neck and upper back is not good at the best of times, so it is still a bit stiff.

My gym was having a 30 day challenge and I went 19 days in a row, and I missed day 20. So I am disappointed in myself, but I will keep it up for the rest of the month and see how much I do. One thing I was disappointed about was one of the prizes was 30 minutes with their nutritionist for nutritional counselling. So I was interested in that, but I won’t get it now unfortunately.

In terms of holidays the one thing I have decided is that for my birthday I will just get a fancy coffee with whipped cream. I never do that. Unfortunately the auditors want to meet with me that day too lol. Oh well.
I gained some weight earlier in the fall, but I have dropped a couple of pounds so I am pleased.

It is not Thanksgiving for me this weekend, but for you guys I wish you the best and hope you have a super holiday 😊

Hello everyone! I went to the doctor and he didn't tell me much. I asked him about my symptoms and he said he doesn't think I have diabetes because my numbers weren't too high last time, but he'd check my blood anyway. He couldn't explain my symptoms but said to stop taking my new medication for a few days and if the symptoms went away, then they were from the medication. I showed him my food logs from the past two weeks and he said that looked good. All he could say is that I need to exercise. Well, I didn't tell him this but the only time I have to exercise is on the weekends. He would just hear that as an excuse. But it's true: I have a 2-3 hour commute every day, I can't exercise during the week.

@TeresaW1020 Thanks, see above about the doctor. Yes to the chili! NO, we never ever ever give up! Oh that stinks about the turkey mess. Congrats on the half-pound loss, at least it's in the right direction. Good luck reworking your foods and have a great day!

@mswatson0777 Well congrats on your decision to further your education and career opportunities! I have an ornery pug lol. What kind are your two doggies? That's great you love your in-laws. I actually love mine, too! We are lucky, so many people don't lol. Have fun at your celebration!

@RetiredAndLovingIt See above for my visit results. Inconclusive really.

@its_cleo I think it is, too. I'm looking forward to the variety. I think 1700 cals is reasonable, too. I have figured out my basal metabolic rate and it's something like 2,200 cals that I should be burning just by existing, so technically I should be losing at 1700 but my doctor is lame and thinks I need to exercise lol. That's really interesting about Canada's history. I've been to Quebec, it's fascinating how people speak French there. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better. Well, it's no wonder you missed the 20th day, you hurt yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself. This weekend isn't Thanksgiving for us either, it's on Thursday, but I am buying my Thanksgiving groceries so that's an event and a sport. Have a great weekend!!!

@theslightedgeforever Remember the scale is just data. Move on. Have a good day.

EMPOWERED.
November goals: track 5 days a week, drink 50 oz of liquids a day, ride the stationary bike 5 minutes a day 3 times a week, lose 2 lb

@trooworld Can you find 15 min to exercise 3 days a week during the week? Then do more on the weekends. You were riding your bike. What happened to that? Try cutting your calories down to 1600 and see if you start losing. Your body just might need less. I don't know how much you weigh but for instance I only need about 1486 average for the week to lose. Since I've lost weight since August, I've had to cut down my calories a bit. Because I'm not burning as much anymore just breathing and all. Well good news is that he doesn't seem to think it's diabetes. 80's aerobics. No headband but I did get out my 80's leotard. I've kept it all these years thinking one day I'll get back into it. It's so tiny. lol Yes, scale numbers are just data. Thanks for the reminder.

@teresaw1020 Sounds like you have a plan for the holidays. Celebrate every 1/2 lb loss I say. Woohoo. That's still 26 lb loss in a year. When's the last time you lost 26 lbs in a year? I don't know that I ever have now that I think about it. Evidently I'm on the 30 year mortgage scenic route to goal. I made chili tonight.

@mswatsons0777 That's great that you get along with your inlaws. Makes the holiday season more fun. Yes I believe it's all about the mindset. Soon that Christmas dress will fit a bit better.

@Retiredandlovingit I don't really know what my goal should be either. I've been fat for too long. I looked good back in my leotard at 128 lbs. So I added 7 lbs for age and I think around 135. I'm short. Only 5 2 and 1/2. But we'll see where my body will take me. I'll just keep tweaking my calories a bit through food and exercise until I stop losing and once I'm there I guess I will have arrived. lol

@its_cleo I thought that was interesting about the American Revolution and how some people still loyal to the crown decided to go live in Canada versus the alternative. Now the whole Quebec French thing makes sense too. I enjoy history now that I'm older than before. Look how many days you did the 30 day challenge. That's impressive in itself versus dwelling on the one day you missed. But I know you wanted that counseling. Maybe that can be next year's birthday present to yourself. A little in a jar each month and then Happy B-Day to You.

@trishastime Welcome back. I hope you had a good holiday. Just start anew and you'll be back to losing in no time.

Green Day Stayed OP 204/238 carbs Exercised 48 min walking Onto tomorrow.....

New NSV- Went to a mall I hadn't been to in about 3 years. The plan was to walk the first floor and then climb the stairs and walk the second floor. The stairs are built like stairs/landing/stairs. In the past by the middle of the second stairs my thighs are burning and screaming and then when I finally make it to the top I'm bent over panting and gasping for air. No lie. Usually telling the person I'm with Wait, just wait. Let me catch my breath. Today was such a different experience. I flew up those stairs and while I was a bit winded at the top I didn't have to stop and catch my breath. So I'm definitely in much better shape.

@TeresaW1020 that sounds like a good plan for the holidays. So far I only have a couple of things confirmed- my birthday I will just have a fancy coffee. On Dec 14 we have a big family get together and I decided I won’t eat any of the desserts there but I will enjoy the meal. Last year I tried to moderate but ended up eating like 6 different squares lol. As soon as I have one I’m a goner, so I figure I would skip it.

My other goal- normally I limit myself to 4 drinks a week. For the last 2 weeks of Dec I will allow myself 5 if needed. I still need to figure out the rest of my calories.
Hope you enjoy your church dinner!- And I love it about the stairs! Stairs are great exercise.

@theslightedgeforever I’m 5’2”, 42 years old, and if I got to around 140 I would be happy. I would really like 135 but I don’t know if it’s possible. Same comment- that is great about the stairs!

@trooworld I hope you get some good news re the diabetes.

Well my weight is up a bit this weekend. I don’t care I did pretty well with calories all week, so I’m happy with that.
Went for breakfast with my uncle today (not the one with cancer, I have a few uncles lol) and I splurged and had pancakes with bananas, pecans, whipped cream, and some caramel sauce. Probably a billion calories lol but I really enjoyed it. I will go for a run later if I can roll myself off the couch. I feel super lazy.

I’m pretty well healed from falling except one of my fingers is still sore- I jammed it into one of the stairs going down and it was very sore. But my neck feels much better. And all the snow and ice here has melted.

Tomorrow I have to go to the office and I figured I would walk in to try to get some more exercise. It’s about 5 km. I usually don’t walk because I feel like I’m carrying 10lbs of crap but I’m going to give it a try.

Also tomorrow is my last cooking class. I have probably 50 recipes, some were very good, a lot of carbs. Lots of rice, beans, we made palak paneer, naan. We made one dish with eggplant that was awesome. It’s been fun, but I’m ready for it to come to an end.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

@RetiredAndLovingIt Sounds like you had an active day! I'm in Iowa a lot visiting family, Des Moines and Iowa City are fun towns!

@TrishasTime Thank you! What's the favorite holiday recipe you found?

@its_cleo I love the idea of deciding how many drinks you plan on for the week, but having some flexibility. I'm setting up the same plan with desserts

@TeresaW1020 How was the holiday event at your church? Great idea planning out how many celebration days are ahead so you know what to expect

@theslightedgeforever Great NSV!!! That had to have felt so good!

@TrishasTime Good for you for getting back to it, that's one of the hardest parts!

@trooworld I've got an American Bulldog and a Pitbull I'm glad to hear you dont have diabetes but it must be frustrating not knowing what is going on, I hope you get an answer soon

Hi Everyone! I've had an intensely busy weekend filled of friends and get togethers which was super fun, but challenging with food. I stayed on plan all but one day which was better than I expected. I am completely exhausted going into this work week, but at least it's short thanks to the holiday? Hope you all had wonderful weekends as well!

Hello gals! Sorry I went MIA over the weekend, I had a lot to do. I'm glad it's a short week! I did a little meal prep yesterday, here's what I meal prepped:

Hummus III + Briam (Greek Baked Zucchini and Potatoes) + Koftedes Greek Meatballs
Caramelized Onion, Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Curried Red Lentil and Pumpkin Soup + Beer Bread
Chicken, Feta Cheese, and Sun-Dried Tomato Wraps

@TrishasTime Hello and welcome back! It's so nice to "see" you! You'll see by my recipes that I switched to Mediterranean diet, keto wasn't working for me. Keto works for a lot of people, just not me! I liked carb manager a lot, it's a really great program. Good to have you back!

@theslightedgeforever Not really. I really don't have 15 minutes. Not in the morning and at night, I don't have the energy. Wait, I guess if I get up 15 minutes earlier I could. I'm going to do this: I'm going to buy these expensive inserts for my shoes that my officemate has that supposedly will take the pain away. I will then try walking for exercise 20 minutes a day in the morning before work. But I have to wait until I have the money to buy the inserts, which will likely be around Christmas time. I weigh 236.2 lbs. The last time I figured out how many calories I needed to eat to lose weight, my maintenance calories were 1859. I've been eating an average of 1700 calories, so I should be losing weight. Yes, it is good news that I don't have diabetes, I am very happy about that! What a wonderful experience at the mall, congratulations!!! I think part of my problem is I'm still not drinking enough water. And I may try to cut calories like you are saying.

@TeresaW1020 Thanks. I know I'll figure it out eventually! I hope you enjoy your church's Thanksgiving dinner. It sounds like a fun event. It sounds like you have a healthy attitude towards the holiday season and I have no doubt you will succeed.

@its_cleo Thanks, I think it will be all good. I'm glad you are healed from your fall.

@mswatson0777 Awww, I bet they are adorable, I love both those types of doggies! Yes, it is frustrating not knowing what is going on. I am feeling a bit better though, so that is good. Congrats on staying OP (on plan), I hope you have a good day today!

EMPOWERED.
November goals: track 5 days a week, drink 50 oz of liquids a day, ride the stationary bike 5 minutes a day 3 times a week, lose 2 lb

PS- I have now been offered chocolate cake, pie, caramel apple cheesecake, doughnuts, and banana bread today...and it is only 1:22pm. Send help!!!

@trooworld Glad you switched to Mediterranean. The new recipes look yummy. lol The inserts would be a nice Christmas gift to yourself. I'm sure you will figure this out. You've already learned that Keto isn't for you. So now onto trying something else.

@mswatson0777 So for your inlaws house you have 3 plans to make. pre-big day/big day/post big day. What things trip you up on each of those days? When and how will you exercise? Potlucks: I'm very social so I tend to go to lots of potlucks and usually host one or two myself each year. In the past I would always bring dessert because I bake very well. But then we'd end up with 3-4 desserts and I would want to taste all of them. So now I usually bring non-dessert items. Let's see....I've taken sheet pan fajitas, cocktail meatballs, crockpot baked beans, cornbread and Great Northern Beans, mini corn dog muffins with chili. Do you have a rule for yourself for eating in the office? Like, only food on Fridays. Or No food in the office but i can choose one thing and take it home to eat later twice a week.

High Yellow Day-Stayed OP 148/164 carbs Exercise-rest day

@TrishasTime, look at you getting in your steps! I also love Carb Manager’s grading of my food. Sometimes you can turn an F into a C if you lower the portion size.

@mswatson0777, that is great news about the weight loss and whatever the reason for the loss you need to celebrate! I used to work at a job where the breakroom was always filled with food I shouldn’t eat. I feel your pain!! Potlucks are my thing! I’m Baptist and in charge of our monthly potlucks so I get a lot of practice. The best advice is to go look at Pinterest and pick something you like to make. I find BBQ meatballs, ham & cheese sliders, and Buffalo chicken dip to be huge hits. Let us know what you decide to do!

@trooworld, good looking menu! Are you liking your new eating plan better? How is it making you feel?

@theslightedgeforever, yes, I am going to do my own holiday plan. Honestly, I won’t count carbs on my event days but I will be strict and count on my non-event days and hope that it balances out in the end.

@its_cleo, yes, I am the same way about trying to have just one dessert. It’s so hard when I’m faced with lots of choices to just pick one. Those pancakes sound yummy and I think a splurge is fine. The weight gain will come off. Do you think you will take another type of cooking class now that this one is finished? Wouldn’t it be great to find a class that cooked foods on your eating plan? I would love that!

Good morning! I am excited because I got all my work done yesterday and am taking the rest of the week off! That means I can focus on cleaning my house, planning for my Christmas party, and my workouts. I might even watch a movie or two. I’m leaving soon to go to Trader Joes and Walmart before it gets filled with people who insist on standing right in my way.

Yes, I overdid it at the church potluck and yes, I felt like crap afterward! That many carbs in my system all at once was not such a good idea. But it’s done and I’m moving on with a determination that the next six eating events won’t be so epic, and I will exercise some amount of self-control. You all have a great day!

@trishastime Nice NSV. Imagine if you had to do that everyday.

@trooworld I think my hubby would like that chickpea salad. I like hummus but don't seem to like whole chick peas. Weird.

@teresaw1020 You reminded me that I took sliders to a potluck last month. Today I met with a group and took chili and mini corn dog muffins. I only had one cause I was eyeing the muffins that others brought. Plus I didn't touch the extra that I brought home with me. I gave them away. Tomorrow is a red day. Those are the kind you just walk by and grab. One by one. I like to have tastes of different desserts. So I might end up with thirds of a serving of each one I like. Ok, so you overdid it on the potluck. Remember when you said this....Honestly, I won’t count carbs on my event days. As Dr. Phil would say, how's that working for ya? Not counting gives you permission to be loose with your food and then feel like crap later. So this next one, shoot for somewhere in the middle between following your plan and feeling like crap. Looking back at the potluck, was it too big of portion sizes? Too many desserts? It will get easier as you learn your boundaries.

@mswatson0777 Great job on avoiding. Hard to do especially at this time of the year. You have the same vacation aspirations as me. Sit on a beach with a book. I've always wanted to do a cruise but haven't done one yet. My friend just went on one and came back 10 lbs heavier. But within two weeks, she had lost it all. Some people make a cruise all about the food. I'd be thinking of all the activities I could do. I can always get food. Sounds like you have your plan for this week all worked out.

Green Day- Stayed OP. 130/238 carbs 18 minutes walking.

So the work food wave continues...caramel pecan cheesecake, mini pumpkin muffins, mini brownies, and doughnuts. (Gosh I wonder why I struggle with my weight????). We're heading up to my in-laws tonight for 4 days. I packed a healthy breakfast, a big salad for lunch, and I'm planning on another salad for dinner to eat up the produce in the house. I feel like this year is going to be different than prior years where I just said "f" it and then felt like crap. My goal is to feel good all 4 days we are there. If I lose weight this week, great! If not, that's okay too. I just don't want to gain. I might be MIA until we're back home, but I'll try to check in Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

@trooworld Sorry to hear about your long commute. I used to have to deal with that when I lived in a bigger city and it was awful. Don't beat yourself up too bad about the Toblerones.

@theslightedgeforever The 10lb gain is definitely what I want to avoid! I'm not going to pretend I'm going to lose weight those 9 days...but I DEFINITELY don't want to undo that much hard work!

@joannadavison you mean like this?