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

@theslightedgeforever I totally get that. Some days it seems like the plan gets entirely lit on fire! What were some habits that used to really help you?

@TeresaW1020 I LOVE holiday decorations and can't wait to see yours. And I've never been a pork rinds fan so luckily I'm safe there, it's just keeping the sugar free sweet stuff out of the house if I do temporarily go back to keto. I'm also jealous of the heat wave you've been having, it's below thirty and windy this morning so I'm dreading taking the dogs out for walks.

@trooworld Sorry I disappeared this weekend! I impulse took a three day refresher weekend and it's been fabulous! As far as binging goes, I can almost binge on anything (and by anything I mean plain greek yogurt, apples, sprouted wheat bread). It's a "talent" I wish I didn't have. How did the HOA meeting go? Chicken pot pie is one of my favorites and I bet it's delicious!

@cbabie I'm so sorry to hear you're having a tough time, family can be such a challenge. Sometimes we just need a day to wallow and I'm glad you got yours.

Happy Sunday All! I ended up having a fantastic three day weekend. On Friday, I woke up planning to do some dissertation work, but on the way to go get coffee, I impulsively turned on the highway and drove 90 minutes to go surprise my Mom with flowers. It was so much fun to see her face when I walked through the door of her job! I also did some impulse shopping while I was there (the stores were deserted since it was mid-day on a Friday so I felt pretty safe).

Saturday I got up, finished some coursework, and got a good workout in. We ended up having our quaranteam over for a happy hour and got to hang out with their new puppy! I overdid it a little, but I don't feel too gross today and kept the drinking to under two glasses of wine which I'm calling a win.

Today my plan is to complete the rough draft of chapter 2 of my dissertation and get that sent out. I'm still going in-person to work tomorrow through Thanksgiving since I've got to keep an eye on the student workers until they go home, but with a lot of people now working from home with the change I think it'll be safe since we'll be able to distance more effectively than we have been. All and all I've been needing a weekend like this for awhile!

@cbabie Putting boundaries in your life is so important! I used to be such a yes person and it took such a toll out on me. Especially with my family! I hope you can get to where you want to be and have real peace in your life. Thanks for the FYI on your sister. She will be missed!

@RetiredAndLovingIt I have a very good friend who is vegan, and she lost 65 lbs this year and looks incredible. We often have long discussions on her way of eating and my intermittent fasting and Keto way of eating. The important thing is to find what works best for your body and what you can sustain for the long haul.

@trooworld I sure hope you will show us your skirt once it’s done! I always wanted to learn to sew. I can do basic stuff but I certainly can’t make clothes. I hope all goes well with the HOA meeting. I’m sure you will say just the right things but firm enough to get what you deserve.


Good morning! I woke up to a gain on my scale because I splurge last night and had a sweet potato for dinner. It also upset my stomach so I guess I will be cutting them out for the time being. Today, I’m doing a 500 calorie day and making Picadillo. I will have mine over cauliflower rice and make brown rice for DH and mom. This morning I’m going grocery shopping because tomorrow I get to watch my friend’s little boy. He is coming here and hopefully won’t get into my decorations too badly. Yesterday, I went and bought three puzzles for $15 off of FB Marketplace. I came home and ordered a puzzle mat so I can move it when I need to. I can’t wait until January to do another puzzle!

Here is a collage of some of my Christmas decorations. I wanted a picture for over my fireplace and everything I found was too expensive. Then I found this font on Etsy that I love! I have a good friend who does vinyl lettering on lots of things but mostly wood or on plastic like ornaments, mugs, etc. Anyway I contacted her and her husband did the frame and she added the lettering and I think it's perfect!

I'm here. Who missed my nagging? I'm not even going to try and catch up with all the personals. I'll start with today

@trooworld Yesterday I got 25%. How have you been while I was gone? I actually did better the past couple of days. Now to just continue.

@teresaw1020 I agree. You have to figure out what works for your body. I know what works, it's just a matter of me doing it consistently. My dd's friend has lost about 80 lbs on keto. I wish my dd would give it a try. But.......I tell her to nip it in the bud now. But she doesn't listen to me so...... I love your decorations.

@mswatson0777 Yaaay on your wins. Count every one of them no matter how small. I think I did a week of Whole 30 one time. It sounds so familiar. Yes, I know. One week. But that was a while back. I think I'm better at eating healthy foods. I found a recipe today for air fryer apple pies. Although now I'm craving blueberry. Maybe this weekend I will make some and see how it turns out. Coconut milk. I might like it. It's just the thought of it.

Red- Went Over 137/100
Intentional movement: Rest Day
15 zone minutes minus 0 for inactivity 9/8

November goals:

Green dot day
Drink 6 glasses of water
Burn 300 calories ***
Preplan food
Thursdays: Reduce amount of French Toast and add Apple Walnut Parfait

@cbabie Yaaay on your walking. I'm making sweet potatoes today. It's skinnytaste recipe. Chunky roasted slices with a touch of cheese sprinkled on top. Germany has a great video out about being a hero in the covid war. Look at you with your negative thinking. Aren't you glad I'm back. "I know me and whole foods will never make it..so I don't even try." That's your perfectionism talking. You might think it has to be ALL whole foods. Just start with one and build on it.

@trooworld At least you did better than before. I did 25% again yesterday. Today I have in 50% so I'm already better. I'm glad you got some good news on the HOA.

Yellow- stayed OP 150/150
Intentional movement: 72 min walk
29 zone minutes minus 0 for inactivity 8/8

November goals:

Green dot day
Drink 6 glasses of water
Burn 300 calories
Preplan food
Thursdays: Reduce amount of French Toast and add Apple Walnut Parfait

@theslightedgeforever There's no way I'd be able to last more than a week on it either! I had a hard time finding recipes that were very exciting. I'm glad your internet got fixed, especially in the days of corona it's a necessity!

@cbabie I'm so sorry to hear about all the tension in your house but I'm glad you were able to get away from it! Going for a long walk to escape the stress is a perfect coping mechanism. And congrats on the loss (although sorry it came around because of the stress!)

@TeresaW1020 That is so smart to hit up all the sales after the holidays, I seriously need to get better at that! This year might be the year since I haven't even had the energy to put up our tree yet! (it'll be a Thanksgiving weekend project). Congratulations on being at a new all time low, that is so exciting! I know you're going to do great at your lunches out.

@trooworld I am so glad the HOA is finally stepping in and stepping up, how frustrating! And I'll have to use your suggestion for evaporated milk for myself (I'm not whole 30 and am all for lower calorie swaps!).

I had to sit through a 5 HOUR zoom training this morning. We were supposed to keep our cameras on but I just couldn't, I felt like I was dying. Yesterday I had so many meetings there was no time to check in.

I'm gearing up to switch to working 100% from home again in a week. For those of you at home all the time, what do you do to not go stir crazy? How do you stay away from the kitchen? I've probably asked this before, I just feel really nervous about it and need words of wisdom/support!

@trooworld I'm so excited for you! I feel like your house/bathroom has been under construction for way too long! Great idea about the self check-in. I'm definitely keeping as much crap as I can out of the house!

@cbabie lol I may have to invest in handcuffs then! I think I am going to set up my office downstairs this time as far away from the kitchen as possible and use the beer fridge as my work fridge so I can only eat the food in there until dinnertime. Here's to hoping that works, otherwise I'll have to do keto again which I don't want to do.

We got some really bad news today that my Grandpa tested positive and had to be sent by ambulance to the ER, so it's been a really emotional day and I've had a hard time focusing on anything.

I got a long dog walk in and may do another, but I didn't feel up to a workout so it'll have to do. On the bright side I didn't binge so at least there's that.

@mswatson0777 How to not go stircrazy.......I think have a lot of virtual connections other than work meetings. I think keeping to a good schedule is important. Just like you would while at work. Get out and get some fresh air. I know it's cold but it breaks up the monotony Do you have a patio or porch? Maybe have your lunch out there since it would be the hottest part of the day. Keep low cals foods around to snack on if you get the urge to snack. Oh I'm so sorry about your grandpa. It's so scary. Hopefully he'll be back home soon. I just want this thing to be over so we can have holidays like we are supposed to. One of my favorite things is the Macy's parade on Thanksgiving so I can wave at Santa at the end. I guess it's going to be virtual this year.

@cbabie You're still in the game. That's good. I didn't track yesterday. But I track 99% of the time and I will track . today. Yaaay on the walk. Knock on wood. I have no idea but I do know you have me singing the song in my head now.

@trooworld How much did you improve over last week on your goals? Yaaaay on lights. I got 50% yesterday. Did you figure out your project you were sewing? That bookclub watch party sounds fun. What movie did you see? We had zoom bookclub last night. Nice discussion. We are reading The Silent Patient for next month.

@teresaw1020 So list out for me all the reasons you hate tracking. I just see it as a roadmap or like a pattern that Troo is doing. MFP makes it so easy to track. If it took hours then I would hate it too. I just see it as click click click and then I'm done. I bet it doesn't even take me a full minute. I should time it. Just did and 41 seconds. Of course if it's a new recipe then it would take longer. But the good news is that you are hitting new records of low numbers so it must be working for you. You said You know what you should be eating and when you eat too much of it. Yes but then we all wouldn't be in this group trying to lose weight. Iol For me it's like a speedometer, sometimes I don't realize I'm traveling 90 mph down the highway when a good song comes on the radio. But it's something I can check to keep me from getting a ticket from the health police. I was reading your comments to Troo about her water and thought of my own problem. I haven't figured out the right thing yet to get 100%. I've tried the alarms on my phone, more than one water app. I hated that one where I always killed my plants. lol Too many water bottles that I can count. My latest one was the fruit infusion water bottle. I thought I would like the pretty colors of the fruit and that would help me drink it. Nope. I suppose I've made tracking and exercise a habit so one day water and food will come next.

Green- didn't track
Intentional movement: 33 min walk 22 min strength training
36 zone minutes minus 4 for inactivity 4/8 (funny how it I lost points when I had almost 9000 steps. oh well, guess I sat too much in between)

November goals:

Green dot day ???
Drink 6 glasses of water
Burn 300 calories
Preplan food
Thursdays: Reduce amount of French Toast and add Apple Walnut Parfait - done

@cbabie I think being your twin would be awesome! But then The Slightedge would be my sister!! Hmm? Kidding!! I’m all about changing the perspective if what you are trying to do isn’t working for you. I think counting calories is great for some people, but it might not be for you. I can’t wait to see how good the church will look this year. I have been wanting to change things up for years but didn’t want to take the lead. Well, I had no choice because no one else would step up and do it. And now my vision will be fulfilled.

@mswatson0777 Happy dating anniversary! My DH and I celebrate the day we met more than we do our wedding anniversary since that is the day our lives changed forever. I hope you have a lovely time together! As for tips to being home all the time. In the early months, it was harder because there was no church and no work for me to really do anymore. I also didn't want to go out much because the virus was scary and the mask was the worst in the summer! That is when I got into jigsaws and podcasts. I’ve always been pretty good at keeping myself entertained and my DH is retired, and my mom lives with us, so I’m never really alone. You are a social person too and you have to find ways to stay busy and connected to those that are close to you the best you can. I’m sorry that your area is back under stronger lockdowns. I think we are all praying for the vaccines to begin.

@theslightedgeforever You right that tracking is fast and I have it down to where I can do it in seconds too. But truthfully, it comes down to two reasons. First, I just don't want to, and second, since I read "The Obesity Code" by Dr. Jason Fung and "Fast Feast Repeat" by Gin Stephen’s and have listened to a bunch of other people on podcasts and YouTube, I just don’t buy into the belief that weight loss is all about calories in vs. calories out. Not all calories are the same and no two bodies will treat them like they are. A 100 calorie Snickers bar is not the same as 100 calories of Broccoli. The same is true for 100 calories of steak vs 100 calories of ground beef. The body is very complex and it breaks down calories very differently depending on what it is. Will we gain weight if we eat too many calories? Yes, of course! But I also don’t think setting an arbitrary number on how many calories I’m “supposed” to eat is the way to go either. When I did calorie counting or WW points, I didn’t even bother to try to listen to my hunger and satiety hormones. If I had 100 extra calories or 5 extra WW points that meant that I could eat something even if I wasn’t hungry. My cravings ruled me much more than my body did. I think not having the ability to listen to my body is something I lost a long time ago and for the first time, I think I’m starting to figure it out. Anyway, as you can tell I can literally talk about this subject forever, and will if you give me a chance. :grin But, you are very correct in saying we all have to find what will work for us and there really is no one set way to lose weight. The key is to find what will work and continue working for the long haul.

@trooworld Uggghhh sorry you felt out of place in the Zoom meeting. I tried that with a Bible study back in late March when the shutdowns first started. A friend invited me to join hers and everyone knew each other except for me. They were nice but I didn’t like it or return the following week. Will you return to yours? Can you just do the watch party if that is what you want to do? Girl, if I had homemade caramel corn my weight would be up too! You ever think that your amazing ability to cook is part of your issue with the scale. You will get it off.


Hello everyone! Today, I cleaned my sofa and chair with my Bissell Little Green Machine that I bought last month. It worked great and my furniture looks so nice now! My dog treats them like giant napkins, which is super annoying. Remember that I had ordered that new white chair that will come in at the end of February. I told DH that I want to get rid of the old chair soon and then train Maggie when the new one comes to stay off of it. I didn’t do much else today except for some computer work for the church. This evening DH has a college football game to watch so I will get the living room to myself. I’m thinking General Hospital and sorting pieces in a new puzzle I want to start.

@theslightedgeforever I'm excited you still get to see the parade even if it is virtual. This year is going to be really tough around the holidays not seeing everyone, we are fully expecting to get some of the holiday sads. And I can tell you live in a warm climate suggesting taking lunch outside lol. Most days through the winter the high is 20 degrees if we're lucky! Thank you for the tips on scheduling though, I agree that's a great idea!

@trooworld I love the idea of setting a yearly word intention. My word this year was Thrive, which I think I've done all considering with the pandemic. Congratulations on the loss! And sorry the Zoom meeting sucks, what a bummer that no one even welcomed you into the room! I'm glad it got better after that.

@gemwolf110 I'm similarly excited for the four day weekend, it's going to be a needed break. I love working out with friends over Zoom, it is such a great way to connect without getting Zoom fatigue from just staring at the screen!

@TeresaW1020 Those are great tips, thank you! And I love that you and your DH also celebrate the day you met. We're kind of in the same boat because we were thoroughly committed long before we got legally married (we were together over 7 years by the time we got engaged!) so being married didn't feel all that different to us than the life we had before. I might have to start finding puzzles, I need some things to mix it up!

Happy Monday All! I am definitely dragging today, we partied a little too hard on Saturday since our closest friends are moving to Utah so it was the last hurrah of the quaranteam all together. It's probably for the best that we're dropping down to 4 members instead of 6. With the numbers rising it just means less possibility for exposure.

I did get some work done on my final class project which feels good. Work has already been a challenge this morning, I've had three meetings and it's not even 9:30. Wish me luck that I make it through the day unscathed.

@teresaw1020 Keep doing what you are doing it's working. I always wanted another sister just like I wanted another daughter but God decided one was enough for both.

@gemwolf110 That's a great way to use Zoom. Plus it keeps you both accountable. Enjoy your decorating

@trooworld I got 50%. I loved the Nightingale. Has the movie come out yet? Yaaay for your scale being down. I think I will always have daily fluctuations but my overall trend for Oct and November has been in the green going down. Great little message on you being committed this year. I know I chose a word in the beginning of the year but I honestly don't remember what it was. I wish this forum had a search function.

@mswatson0777 How was your weekend eating? Dh and I were together 5 years before we got married but then lived apart for almost 2 more years because of his job. So I understand what you mean.

Yellow- Went Over 166/164
Intentional movement: 52 min walk
29 zone minutes minus 1 for inactivity 7/8

November goals:

Green dot day ???
Drink 6 glasses of water
Burn 300 calories
Preplan food
Thursdays: Reduce amount of French Toast and add Apple Walnut Parfait

@trooworld I got 100% I need to check my Marco Polo. I think I told my word to my accountability group on Jan 1. Maybe they remember. I checked through all of my Penzu journals thinking I had written it down but couldn't find it. Hooray for a downward trend. I have a goal ladder that I made out of paper clips. I hang it on a white board and then write down my starting and ending weight. It has 10 rungs. Then I use a little owl magnet that I climb.

@mswatson0777 Do you have built in relaxation times during the day? Or is it just go go go and then you fall on the couch. I came across an article today. I like his compass idea. https://amyporterfield.com/transcript-how-to-design-your-ideal-week-with-michael-hyatt/ Yaaay on your workout to energize you.
Funny, back then dh and I still wrote letters and made phone calls. I think long distance relationships would be easier now with technology. Hardest part was me having to cook. I was fine with just having a bowl of cereal or a sandwich. But now someone else depending on me to feed them. We've always had traditional roles which I like except if he would also do the cooking. lol

Yellow- Stayed OP 132/164 .
Intentional movement: rest day
0 zone minutes minus 4 for inactivity 4/8

November goals:

Green dot day
Drink 6 glasses of water
Burn 300 calories ****
Preplan food
Thursdays: Reduce amount of French Toast and add Apple Walnut Parfait

Hi all,..I have been working on my advent calendars but just took a break for lunch & to start some stroganoff in the crockpot. Not sure the calendars will be done in time, but hopefully not too much later, lol. Rainy, icky day today. We had about 1 1/2" snow yesterday that I was not expecting, but it is gone now.

@TeresaW1020 Sorry you left a bag behind. Last week we did an online order for pickup & they didn't give us all of it, but we got some of someone elses. Took about 1 1/2hr in the store to get it straightened out because we didn't have a receipt..it must have gotten put in the sack we didn't get, lol. I am sure your charcuterie board will be fabulous..I remember it from last year.

@theslightedgeforever I love your paperclip ladder idea with the magnet. Yeah, we have traditional roles here, but since we are both retired, I think dh could contribute more. He did everything for 4 months when I broke my leg, & now thinks he's "paid up", lol.

@mswatson0777 I think it is smart to have a smaller Thanksgiving this year. Cases here are wild, too. Wow, just saw we are moving up...we are now #3 in the nation. Hope you get some school work done, and also can relax a little.

@trooworld Glad your bathroom is all done finally!! I weigh daily & chart it on Trendweight. Well, I tried for 2 weeks to weigh weekly, but didn't like that. I think I will have to check out the ladder idea.

I was hesitant to ask dd what she thought about Thanksgiving. (the one that lives 10 minutes away). But I finally did, and she said she thought we should not get together. Phew, that was what I was thinking, too. I am not worried about dh & I giving anything (we don't do anything, lol, other than the grocery store fiasco, & that was just dh), but she said there have been a few cases at sil's work, & the school. Said they haven't been close to them, but still thought this was best. So now we each have a big Costco apple pie to eat. (The realtor that we both used has a pie party for Thanksgiving ( but it has been changed this year to just pick up..they will bring it out to the car) & gives all her clients a pie..choice of apple or pumpkin) We both chose apple, we can always pick up a pumpkin one there & they are cheaper, lol.) I may try to freeze part, it is a lot of pie for 2 people!! The gkids school here has gone to online until Dec. 8th. Oh, yeah, gd that was under quarantine never showed symptoms. Glad of that.

Our dd & gkids in OK are under quarantine until the 29th I guess. Went to Sunday School on the 15th & were around a kid that started being sick Sun night. Guess he got tested & is positive, but didn't notify dd until Sat. When she talked to the school, they said the kids should not have been in school all week. But she didn't even know about the kid at that time. She is really not happy. So her Thanksgiving will just be her & the kids. Was going to have her ex over, but he is staying away now. He did drop off some groceries for her, tho, lol. So far, so good with them, no symptoms.

I had gotten an Aldi Butterball turkey, but since it will just be dh & I we are having turkey/stuffing casserole that I have in the freezer & either broccoli or corn. And apple pie & ice cream!!! Maybe I'll crack open the bottle of wine that has been aging in the refrig for about 2 years, lol. We still have an unopened bottle of rum that we got on a Caribbean cruise 13 years ago. Rum punch was served everywhere, so we had to get a bottle. For some reason, it doesn't sound as appealing here. Guess we are just not big drinkers, lol.

Well, going back to work. If I don't get on again for awhile...hope everyone has a safe & good Thanksgiving!!