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

@renaegry How do the airpods stay in? One of my earbuds is always falling out and if it didn't have a wire connected to it I probably would have dropped it on the ground somewhere. Great job on the 3 lbs. More to follow.

@teresaw1020 If I can learn to manage food gatherings, you're next. I'm so glad that you have some help. This is your year. My mother in law has been living with me now for the last four years. So I completely understand.

@trooworld So right now you're doing the cha-cha and soon you'll move to the tango. Just keep dancing and learning. So the question is how can you eat pizza and still stay within your boundaries. I can think of at least two solutions right now. What about you? You'll need these ideas for the next time this situation happens again. Because it will.

@mswatson0777 Yes, willpower is not sustainable. Motivation fades. It's just the habits that sustain us. We are making habits every day whether we want to or not. Are they good ones or bad ones? For instance, not tracking the meal you just ate is a habit. Putting two pieces of bread in the toaster is a habit. I only need one and cut that in half and now I have two. Eventually I'm satisfied with just that. To a decade of excellence (holds my water glass up) Cheers. I was just calculating my age at the end of this decade. Lord! I'll be 66. But think what all I can accomplish this next 10 years.

@Mrsjenningsjr Welcome to the group! I hope you find lots of support here to help you on your journey.

Green Day-Stayed OP 222/238 carbs Exercise-31 minutes walking

Lost 1 lb which I'm extremely happy about since I've had company for a week. Now to just get through this week. I hate having my routine disturbed but such is life and I'm learning to roll with it versus old me which would say, I'll start again as soon as she's gone. I spend alot of time these days thinking, OK, how can I make this work? lol

January Week 2 goal: 3 glasses of water daily. Met goal 1/1 days

@theslightedgeforever I love York. It's about an hour south of us: Betty's Tea Rooms, The Chocolate musuem, Castle Musem, Jorvik Viking Centre, The Minster plus good shops!
Agree with your comment in second post- developing habits- that's what I'm aiming to do. I still have some "bad" ones but the improved ones are more frequent.

@renaergy well done on steps. Are you still a WW member? I still buy the magazine & use some of the recipes.

@nighthazel01 I always find things easier with routine

@TeresaW1020 re:baby steps- this toddler fell down today but I climbed back up!! Good vibes etc for your Mum moving in.

@trooworld sometimes life just throws us a curve ball & we have to go with it. Might not be in the plan but if the rest of plan is still in actio- it's only a hiccup in the bigger picture. Hope you are feeling better.

@mswatson0777 being in a nice working environment makes huge difference. I think I've already said the Head of Dept is off ill (serious but I don't know details) -the acting role was offered to both us 2nds- I didn't want it (been there, done that) but I did say I fully supported the other 2nd & I'd help her/share experience. She's been really poorly last couple of days & sent home on Mon. I love how others have just rallied round to support me doing 3 jobs. Wouldn't have happened at my last place!
Decade of excellence sounds good.
I do think we have a tendancy to beat ourselves up when things go wrong and not realise how much we've already achieved.

@Mrsjenningsjr Hi welcome to group.

Well I felt awful last night. Ended up pumped full of anaesthetic which my body doesn't like. At least dentist saved my tooth. Back next week for the other one which is less complicated. Took gym kit today but I felt so awful decided not to go. Got 2 sets of books marked & still left early. Ended up indulging with the goodies on staff room table- thankfully a lot were toffees & I didn't dare touch them. I just felt so yuk. So tonight's dinner is total comfort food. Had this planned anyway. Hoping youngest will help me make it as I just want me bed!

Hi folks! I was fairly active on the WW boards about 7 years ago (different username than the MFP one). It's so nice to see that a support group still exists. I firmly believe that the WW community was what helped me successfully stick with the program.

I'm currently hovering about 15lbs over my comfy weight of 175. I decided no better day than today to get back to tracking!

@mswatson0777, Yes!! Let’s make this a decade of excellence! I love it! And yes, even in the daily grind we can find small moments of joy. We just have to be willing to see them. Thank you, I am hoping that by being a leader it will keep me more focused this year on my own weight loss.

@theslightedgeforever, Yayyyy for your one pound loss!! I lost .6 this week so at least I too am heading in the right direction. Great quote from Steven Guise! Creating a different set of habits is what I’m all about right now! Especially when eating at church potlucks!

@joannadavision, I sure hope you are feeling better today! That is good that the dentist could save the tooth. I have a tooth that worries me and might have to have some extra attention one day soon and I know it’s going to cost a lot of money. But I don’t want to lose it so I’ll pay what it takes.

@trooworld, I’m sorry you got bad news about someone you love! Yes, be kind to yourself and move on. I hope you will have a good and peaceful weekend.

Good morning! Well, my mom is moving in with us. I will drive down to Florida on Feb. 29th and bring her back on March 1st. My birthday is on March 2nd and she seems to think getting a mother is a great birthday present. She is only bringing what can fit into my SUV so hubby and I will go shopping soon and get her new bedroom furniture. I would be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared about having her here and all that it will entail as we go forward. She turns 77 in a couple of weeks and my DH turns 77 in May. I'm just really praying that they both don't go declining on me at the same time!! However I am strangely at peace about all this and since I believe it's God's will for my life right now I am certain he will see me through whatever the future holds. At least that is my big prayer at the moment!! In other news, I did lose .6 lbs this week and I’m working on making good food choices while not sticking to a particular diet plan. We will see if that works!

@mswatson0777 Enjoy the wine and yoga! Yoga is the one thing I’ve never really liked lol. A decade of excellence sounds like a tall order…I will say I have enjoyed my life more each decade. My 30s was better than my 20s, my 20s was better than my teens. My 40s..I’m 43….I don’t know if it’s better than my 30s. I have less emotional difficulties, I am more relaxed in my life.

@trooworld ….shooting guns off on the holidays is weird, but I guess it’s an American thing because we simply do not have that here. At least not in Ontario- maybe

@renaegry could comment on Alberta. Sorry to hear about your family member.

@theslightedgeforever I have the same worry about air pods- that I will lose them. There’s a kind you can buy where the two are attached, I might try those bc at least they’re linked together. Congrats on the pound! I think you’re absolutely right about noting the things we do well. I think it’s really important.

@TeresaW1020 pushups are hard. I can’t do them properly but it’s my dream. I can do them from the knees. From the toes, I can go down all the way slowly 10 second descent. That is supposed to build up your arm strength. The exercise I hate is cable rows, trainer makes me do it….I hope it works out with your mother, I’m sure it will turn out ok after everyone adjusts.

@renaegry good luck getting back into the swing of things. Will you renew WW? I like MFP better.

@joannadavison toasted tea cake sounds great! Good luck with the dental stuff. I have a lot of old fillings that need to be repaired. So I will go in again next week.
Well I’m getting by ok.

Thanks for all the kind words re Griffin. I’ve had a tough week, I just feel kind of *kitten*.

So far though I’ve done really well since the new year with calories and exercise but it’s starting to get hard. Yesterday I splurged and had a burger and poutine (fries, cheese curds, gravy) at the food court. It was ok, but I’m over calories by 200 or 300. I think next time I will split the meals ie have either a burger or the fries but not both.

I have stuck to my exercise goals but today I’m supposed to run and do a core workout and on Saturday run and do an upper body workout. My motivation is very low but we’ll see. I just want to hide which is terrible.

Still having issues with my wrist. I saw the RMT yesterday and he said he thought I should see a chiro. So I will probably get it checked out, but I’ll wait a few weeks because I’ve had a few unexpected expenses.

@nighthazel01 thanks- today was better. IKWYM about the scales. I put so much on over Christmas with a cheese fest, even if I have lost I still feel huge so I almost daren't get on in case it's not good.

Hi @skimbl welcome. I did WW for 10 years, still following most of the principles & many recipes too.

@theslightedgeforever the pasta bake we had last night was lush. I worked it our to have more cals the the recipe said (maybe I used different brand of tortellini) but it was so lovely- definitely going on my list again- only 5 mins to prep too. I am with you on that quote- I've stopped having "treat night" built in to the week. Tonight I was so tired I dosed instead of making dinner- went to McD's on way to sea cadets-I had enough cals with some still left over for small meal. I had what I needed but not because it was "cheat night" but because I could. Slip up in one sense but as one off in allowance it's OK!

@trooworld thanks- I'm exhausted but feeling better today. Sorry to hear you've had bad news about family member. Total empathy with you after our last 6 months of it.

@TeresaW1020 I'm pleased I still have the tooth too. The opposite one that chipped too is not so complicated & he's doing that one next week. We think they might have both cracked when I fell in Nov. I hope things work out with your Mother. My Gran lived in with us & it was interesting to say the least. My Mam lives round the corner from us, we were there constantly when Dad was terminal & I moved in with Mam to help her when she had knee replacement but neither of us want to make it permanent. This works well for us. I'm glad you are at peace with your situation too. Well done on the 6lb!!!!

@mswatson0777 thanks. I was so glad I chose that recipe- it was gorgeous.

@its_cleo replacing filings is pretty awful had a few of those done over the years. Looks like we're both at dentist next week again! Sorry to hear your wrist still playing up.- you need my trainer- he's work wonders with my shouder!

@renaergy I think the UK WW is month by month rather than a year contract. Might as well use it while you have it.

I am just so glad it's Friday. I woke up with the worst leg cramp I've ever experienced. My screaming & pain woke me. DH wasn't very with it & had to attempt to help! So I was rather tired today. Exam week next week & not happy with Y10 (freshman) who had not revised & then complained at how much they have to do for Monday, didn't I know it was the weekend!! GRRRRR. Looks like their papers won't take long to mark next week 🤣🤣🤣
Had sneaky little McDs & although not greatest choice I did have the calories!!
So looking forward to a day of scrapbooking tomorrow with my crafty friends.
Have a lovely weekend whatever you're up to.

@nighthazel01 I used to have a job like that. It's very hard to exercise when working all the time. I was lucky I ended up changing and getting a job that I mostly work from home.

It's boring and the salary is a bit lower but it lets me exerciae more.

Def watch iron levels. It can really drain your energy if too low.

@trooworld Sorry about the family member. I gained 15 lbs when I found out my mom had cancer. It didn't change one thing for her but hurt me in the process. Christmas music, I'm almost always behind so I guess I'm right on schedule. I always have a list to do and I'll get to it eventually.

@teresaw1020 Woohoo on the weight loss. You are moving in the right direction. We are going to rock our habits this year. Your mom: I think it's important early on to establish your boundaries. There will be added stress. Just figure out early how to not stress-eat but stress-exercise or stress-journal, stress-meditate, etc. Do you have a little safe haven in your house? Some corner? I have to have my alone time. I don't want to wake up and go downstairs and start dealing with my mil before I've had my tea. I no longer feel guilty about me going to my room in my nook and doing my thing and leaving her downstairs to watch TV or whatever. I figure if she was still living at her house that's exactly what she would be doing anyway. I do have a set time where I sit with her for about 3 hours straight. She has Alzheimers so sometimes she's there and then other times she's not. She also likes to play victim sometimes. Depending on my mood, sometimes I let her, sometimes not. I do take care of my physical and mental health first now because otherwise, that could be me one day. God will bless you for taking care of your mom.

@mswatson0777 People pleasing: Yes it's never enough. Now I'm learning to open my mouth and do what I want. Before I was just opening my mouth to shove food down. For instance my sister in law is here and she doesn't like to be alone so she wants to take up every waking moment of my life. In the past, I would let her. Not this trip. The other day I excused myself saying I'm going to go exercise I'll be back. She said do you have to exercise? Yes I do. Old me would have said I can do it tomorrow, I'll sit and talk with you. Once you do it, it becomes easier. Today I said I haven't done my exercise for the day so I'm going to the gym. (I have a home gym) It felt good knowing I had taken care of myself. I had 2 Doritos with her. I checked my tracker and found I had enough left for 2 Doritos. So I ate and enjoyed them instead of telling myself, I'll start again once she goes home on Wednesday. Yes, I'm counting the days.

@trooworld Maybe yoga isn't something you like but maybe something you need. Just once for a change. Because you usually use your muscles/body in the same way all the time. They say we need something different. Now having said all that, I don't do yoga either. Once in a while but I know the different movements is good for my body. Although it looks easy, I think yoga is tough.

@its_cleo The trick to a consistent diet is to eat things you love but less of it. So would eating half your burger and half your poutine work for you? I had a cheeseburger and fries this past week. It might be the first or second time I've had it in 5 months. That surely is a record because before I might have had it at least once a week. No wonder I was almost 50 lbs lighter. But as I was eating it, I noticed that it was just "okay". My tastes are changing and I learned that I'm not missing what I thought I was missing. But knowing that I can eat it if I want to is half the battle.

Yellow Day- Stayed OP 162/164 Exercise- 30 min treadmill.

Oh when I got on the treadmill you know how you are supposed to enter your weight and then hit start. Usually I enter a weight that is around 1-2 lbs either lower or higher than the number that is there. Before, I seem to always lose the same 2 lbs. This time I got on and was shocked because the number was 8 lbs higher than I am right now. (You can tell how long it's been since I was on my treadmill. I'd rather walk outside or the at the mall.) It felt so good to just keep lowering that number downward.

@theslightedgeforever, thanks for the advice on moving my mom in. I figure with a 7-hour car ride to get her here with me I will have plenty of time to lay down the ground rules. We plan to set up her room so that it’s her personal sanctuary away from us. I really do think it will all work out but yeah, it’s going to be an adjustment for sure! That is so cool about the treadmill and how much weight you have lost!

@joannadavison, yikes on the leg cramp! My legs are prone to them as well and I have learned how to stop it if I’m awake but there are some nights when I’m woken up screaming too. I do take magnesium and stretch regularly which has greatly helped. Have fun scrapbooking!

@its_cleo, that is good advice on the 10-second slow descent. I did watch some YouTube videos on pushups and I think I just need to get stronger and lose more weight. I’ll get there! This is a hard time for you right now with losing Griffin. Do you suffer from SAD at this time of the year? I hope you can get outside with your run and get in some sun and relax. Hang in there!

@mswatson0777, I don’t care for yoga but the wine is something I can get behind! I hope you enjoy your parties. What are the classes that you are taking?

Good morning! Today's plan is to work out, do a little housework, and start reorganizing so I can move my mom in. Right now I have her room as my exercise room and the other room in my house as a storage room. So, I will combine my storage and exercise space, which will work out just fine. I have been wanting to reorganize since I moved in and now I have a good reason to actually do it!

Hi all, back from OK. Been reading all the posts, but when I got on here today--16 new posts! Wow, did I fall behind!

@trooworld Sorry about the situation with the family member. After what you wrote, I totally understand not wanting to connect even with the situation. Keep on tracking!

@itscleo I am sorry about Griffin. Our last dog was with us for over 13 years & it is hard. I cried when I thought about her for a long time. Great job cutting down on the drinking, especially at a stressful time.

@joannadavison Sorry you had such a time at the dentist, hope next week goes better. I am OK with McDonalds as long as it fits in my calories. I know not the healthiest, but a quote I like that I saw on here a long time ago was "Live the healthiest life you can enjoy". That speaks to me, not going to totally deprive myself of stuff because life happens. Can't always make the best choices. I agree you should get on the scale & just see what it says. I really did not watch things when at dd's (logged my morning coffee, just to keep my "streak" going, but nothing else) & I was up about 5# from my lowest (started with my birthday & it just kept going, lol) Now that I am back in my routine somewhat, I am down about 1/2 of it.

@theslightedgeforever That is interesting about the treadmill, mine doesn't record weight. Good job keeping on even with company.

@TeresaW1020 Hope the adjustment with your mother goes smoothly. I am not following any special plan right now either, just trying to stay in my calories with hopefully better choices.

@cbabie Sorry to hear you have another cold. The weather this year around here has been so unpredictable, its no wonder people are sick. We had record highs on Thurs & about 4" of snow & in the teens yesterday & today. Just trying to avoid the people with influenza, lol.

Welcome to all the new members. Not much more to add. Going to make a pot of chili & corn muffins for supper. It will give me one of our meal for most of next week, lol. Then going to gs basketball game, if he is up to it. He has a cold & had a game this morning. Didn't look like he was enjoying it.

@its_cleo What an awesome moment you had making the decision not to drink when you felt bad. Emotional eating or emotional drinking is all the same. It's trying to numb the feelings and thoughts that we have. Instead it's good to feel the feelings, come to terms with them and then we can move on. If we just numb them, they will always be there. I'm sorry you are having such a hard time about Griffin. Him freaking out was part of the reason you said you decided that now was the time. He was on a slow and steady decline healthwise. My cat Freckles was like that too. I had to get the carrier ready and me ready and then find her and then she would literally put her legs out so I couldn't get her in the carrier. I hated taking her to the vet. It was such an ordeal. But ultimately it was for her own benefit. When we have pets that long it's like family. We had Freckles for 14 years. Everyone grieves differently. My daughter would put a different pic on social media it seemed every day. I guess her way of keeping Freckles around. But then I would end up seeing them everyday. I didn't want to be reminded. Eventually, both of us got better. Although typing this out I'm getting a little teary eyed and it's been 5 years. Oh almost 6 now. I forget we are in a new year. Now I'm taking my mil and while I don't have to put her in a carrier, it's an ordeal every time getting her in and out of the car because she is afraid she will fall when getting out so she refuses. It's a 10 min ordeal everytime just getting out of the car. But she has to go to the doctor. I'm exactly like you. I hate gray days. I get so depressed. I need blue skies. Fluffy clouds to go along with it are even better.

@teresaw1020 Your mom is lucky to have such a good daughter. Lots of daughters wouldn't do this. Is she a good cook? I'd love to have someone in the house to fix all my food for me. lol

@cbabie I'm sorry you've got another cold. You have to take care of yourself as I can't afford to lose another family member.

@trooworld I have a brother who I'm estranged from. It's been 7 years at least. We have to put ourselves first. So you keep working on making this the best year for you.

@RetiredAndLovingIt Welcome home. Now you can get back into your routine and lose the rest of the weight you gained. Chili and corn muffins sound so good.

Yellow Day- Stayed OP 157/164 carbs Exercise- 37 min walking

January Week 2 goal: 3 glasses of water daily. Met goal 3/4 days

@theslightedgeforever thanks for your comments. Freckles is a cool name for a cat. I'm feeling a little bit better.

@nighthazel01 we're having the same weather- rain all day yesterday and then it froze. I think it's cold today but the sun is out so yay. That's great you did ok on the weekend.

No exercise today, just small chores. I'm going to try to make palak paneer from one of the recipes from the cooking class I took. I also bought a fancy new computer chair that hopefully will help my back and neck but I have to put it together. I thought it was weird it came in pieces- like the legs, then the back, then the seat.

@trooworld thanks for those links. I'll add to my new Happy Planner recipe planner. Just realised you are in SoCal!! My eldest & I are planning to visit my sister in San Deigo this summer. School holiday prices are normally prohibitive but we've been waiting 10 years for this!

I'm trying not to get so far behind with all the posts!

@nighthazel01 Basically all I use on this site is the food diary and this group. Good for you for meeting your food goals on the weekend. Finding a plan that works for you is half the battle and it doesn't really matter if others don't do it if it works for you. I recently had this discussion with a friend about keto. She kept saying but it's so easy. I said FOR YOU. Not for me. I wouldn't stick to it lifetime. My plan has to be something I can do for the rest of my life. Even when I get to goal, I'll still be eating the same way. That's why I like having my cake and eat it too.

@its_cleo Freckles got her name by democratic vote. lol All 5 of us put names in a bowl and my oldest son's paper was chosen. Your recipe sounds good. I'll eat Indian food once in a while if it's not too spicy. @cbabie says she's not an animal lover but she is a secret one. She has 3 dogs. I've met her dogs. They hate me. lol

@joannadavison Any step in the right direction is a good thing. That's just less I have to work on later. Go to straight to Pinterest for the slow cooker recipes. I get my best stuff there.

@trooworld I added your menu ideas to my calendar for next week. Woohoo on the tracking. It's becoming a habit for you. Plus a walk with hubby and pooch. Keep it going.

@cbabie I'm sorry you are sick again. I would lay there looking like death warmed over and let the other household members figure out the food situation. Seriously. You are a caregiver at heart but sometimes you need to be taken care of too. Let them do it.

Green Day- Stayed OP 199/238 Exercise 41 min walking

January Week 2 goal: 3 glasses of water daily. Met goal 3/5 days

Hi everyone! Sorry I was MIA this weekend. Friday I had yoga and drinks with friends, Saturday I had judo, ran errands, and had my SO's holiday party, and Sunday we had family lunch and friends over for dinner/movies. I am exhausted. Luckily I planned nothing for this upcoming weekend so I have some time to recover. I made okay food choices, but they were by no means stellar.

Today I start my own spring term classes and classes start at my place of employment so it is absolutely crazy here. Sorry I can't connect with you all individually today, but I'll try to do better tomorrow.

In other news, I completely forgot to weigh in this morning (re: exhaustion) so I guess I'll be doing that tomorrow!