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

@cbabie That's great that you tracked. It has been windy here, too. And rainy. Not my favorite weather! I use a Kindle, I have since the very first one came out! I have a Kindle Paperwhite and I really like it, it doesn't have a glaring backlight like a tablet does. Here's the model I have (it is ad-supported but you can pay more and get it with no ads): https://smile.amazon.com/Kindle-Paperwhite-Waterproof-Storage-Special/dp/B07PS737QQ/ Here's a link to the differences between the models: https://www.pocket-lint.com/gadgets/buyers-guides/amazon-kindle/112603-best-amazon-kindle-which-kindle-is-best-for-you-kindle-paperwhite-kindle-voyage-or-kindle-oasis Thanks, I appreciate it! I think we do need more deep sleep.

@theslightedgeforever Yeah it's probably the weather, that's the usual culprit.

Hi all. Well, I lost -4.6 lbs this week officially! I'm very happy about that. I went waaaay over my points on Saturday but ate sensibly the rest of the week so I made up for it. In the past, I may have thrown in the towel when I saw that negative number and ate snacks the rest of the week but this week, I didn't. I was thinking about how good those size 16 jeans felt and how much I wanted to lose weight. On another note, I bought an acupressure mat and laid on it for the first time last night. I'm not going to lie, it hurt a bit at first but after about 2 minutes, the pain went away and it became really relaxing. I got it to reduce back pain and help with sleep and I did sleep better last night. Here's a picture but you can't really tell how pokey the round discs are, they are hard plastic spikes!

My phrase for the year: CHANGE HAPPENS

@trooworld Woohoo! Look at you go! See it was in your thinking. "In the past, I may have thrown in the towel when I saw that negative number and ate snacks the rest of the week but this week, I didn't. I was thinking about how good those size 16 jeans felt and how much I wanted to lose weight. " I got 25% yesterday but so far today I've had 75% already. That mat looks interesting. I don't know if I would like it or not. I have a pair of sandals like that. But my feet are tougher than my body.

@teresaw1020 So was the not eating well based on you being busy so nothing planned or was it emotional eating or......?

I walked this morning for 45 min. Then made the mistake of sitting down for a while eating breakfast and looking at my computer. That makes my knee very stiff and not useful. I think I'm going to have to get up every 15 min and just move around. I have a dr appt in a couple of weeks and I'm going to get it xrayed.

@TeresaW1020 Thank you! Yes, I was ecstatic about the pants. You should check out the mat for back pain but be warned: it hurts for a few minutes before your pain receptors start releasing pain-relieving endorphins and then it doesn't hurt at all. That's fabulous that you lost weight when you weren't expecting it. Honestly, that's what happened to me, too.

@theslightedgeforever Thank you! Yes, it was my thinking. I hope to repeat last week's performance this week! I got 25% yesterday, too. That's great that you've already had 75% and it was only 8:08 am when you posted! Woo hoo you! Yeah, I think the mat will take some getting used to.

@cbabie Yay for new glasses! I love getting new glasses. That cleaning of the floors is great exercise. Well, I'm not crazy about being poked but if it helps, I'll do it lol. Thanks re: my progress. It helps to see the whole "picture". Yeah, the Oasis would be nice but it is so expensive! I'm happy with my Kindle Paperwhite but...there have been some color e-ink display e-readers coming out on the market lately and I love color so I may spring for one of those in the Fall. They run anywhere from 200-350.

Hi all. I've been watching videos from a dermatologist on YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDc2wFMXTSApCa4UwDrdz_Q ) and on her advice, I bought some drugstore skincare products to care for my aging skin. Up until this year, I didn't really care for my skin (although my complexion is flawless...just good genes lol). What prompted me to start a skincare routine now is that I'm getting the beginning of jowls and I absolutely hate it. I got some really good information from her channel so I thought I would share it. The video on drugstore skincare routine is particularly helpful. Last night, I made shrimp and grits with bacon and cheese in the grits. It was sooooo delicious, I will share a picture here. It was a bit of a splurge, points-wise, but worth it.

My phrase for the year: CHANGE HAPPENS

@TeresaW1020 Yeah, she explains things really well in simple terms, too. She's very good. My neck is my problem area, too. The shrimp and grits were sooooo good! I bet you can get some excellent shrimp and grits in Savannah. I'm glad the kids' event went well. That's good you balanced it out with a healthy dinner. I'm jealous of your trip lol! It sounds like it will be so much fun.

Hi all. I laid on my acupressure mat last night before bed and I barely woke up throughout the night! I think it might be helping me. I got a "GOOD" score on my Fitbit which is nice because I've been getting "FAIR" or worse yet, "POOR" lately. Filet mignon was on sale for $5.99 a lb so I bought two big hunks of it and we will have some of it for breakfast. I'm going to balance it out by having a lower point soup for dinner and then Happy Pi Day! I'm going to make a lightened-up peanut butter chocolate chip pie (https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=264740 ). Not too much going on here, just preparing to go back to work tomorrow.

My phrase for the year: CHANGE HAPPENS

Yeah, those videos are really helpful. Yes, the mat is helping. I got 20% yesterday, not good enough.

Hi all. I had a restful Sunday and made my pie for Pi Day, it was pretty good although I didn't soften the cream cheese enough so it wasn't fully incorporated into the Cool Whip. I also made dinner: Moroccan Lentil and Chickpea Soup (Harira). It was very good and a nice balance to the pie. I'm back to work today in the office. I suspect we'll be going back to the office every day soon. I'm not sure how I feel about that, I'm used to being at home lol.

My phrase for the year: CHANGE HAPPENS

@mswatson0777 I am so very sorry for the loss of your grandpa! Was it unexpected? Either way, it’s a terrible loss and only time is going to help you through your grief. I do wish you the best with your dissertation and that the committee gives you what you need. I’m also glad to you back with us!

@trooworld Yum Pie!! I completely forgot it was Pi day and that is probably a good thing. I love filet mignon. Now that I got my new cast iron skillet, I need to buy some steaks! I hear you about not being sure if you want to go back to the office or not on a full-time basis. It sure is easy to get used to being at home, isn’t it?

@theslightedgeforever Flipping the switch can be really hard but you know what to do for your body and once you set your mind to doing it then those boobies will deflate, the back with slim down, and those wrists will be dainty once again.


Hello everyone! After four days of not doing a Beachbody workout, I went in this morning and started phase 3 of 80 Day Obsession. My poor body is already crying. I also deep cleaned my bathroom, bedroom, did laundry, steamed a bunch of clothes. I also attempted the process of cleaning out my closet, but that needs a whole day on to itself! On Saturday, I had a friend come up to me at church and want to know what I’ve been doing to lose weight. So, I told her about IF and low carb and she was super interested. I took her my fasting book by Gin Stephen’s yesterday. Then my pastor’s wife texted me that she wants to meet to talk about weight loss. So, I’m having lunch with her tomorrow. It’s awesome that people are noticing and want my advice, which is something that I’ve never experienced before. I’m also really determined to get to goal weight before the October trip. I have seven months to lose 30 lbs. Let’s do this!!

@mswatson0777 I'm so very sorry for the loss of your Grandpa. It is totally understandable that you went off track. I'm glad you got back on track. Were you close to him? Congratulations on getting the green light on your dissertation proposal defense! No worries that you haven't been around, just jump in when you can. ((( HUGS ))) to you.

@TeresaW1020 Yeah that pie was really good. I love filet mignon, too, it's so tender. It's really good in a cast-iron skillet, that's how we cook it. It IS easy to get used to being home lol. It sounds like you had a busy day yesterday. What a neat feeling it must be to get asked for advice about weight loss! It's also such a compliment that they put their trust in you and what you are saying. You can definitely get that 30 lbs off by October!

@cbabie It sounds like you had a good day as far as your habits go. I'm sorry you are at your highest weight in years, time to commit to your plan, right? Yeah, that video is very helpful and explains things well. How do you like the new Mary Kay product so far?

Hi all. I didn't sleep well at all last night even with laying on my acupressure mat. I think it's because I am having a lot of pain in my right upper arm. I don't know what happened, I must have bumped it (I frequently do that kind of thing and then don't remember what happened). I predict I'll be taking a mid-day nap lol. It's freezing here, 50F (that's cold for here lol), only supposed to get up to a high of 59F so I guess I'll be piling on the layers.

My phrase for the year: CHANGE HAPPENS

@teresaw1020 You know even when I was 125 lbs, I never had dainty wrists or ankles. Such a shame. So exciting that people are beginning to notice your weight loss. You are a good role model for them.

@cbabie Tracking and treadmill. Good for you. Especially on a day of distractions. Just little changes here and there and you will stop gaining weight and will turn it around.

@trooworld Back to my 25%. I drink less water in winter. Spring is coming so hopefully it will get better. I'm having trouble sleeping at night too. I feel like I'm just walking around like a zombie. I need to get back to my exercise like I was doing. I'm sure I would feel better. It's like being pregnant and constantly fatigued those first months.

@mswatson0777 I'm so sorry about your grandpa. No matter how old the loss can be hard. Good for you for keeping up your healthy habits. Health is so important. The older I get the more I believe it.

Red Day- Went Over 109/100 carbs

@theslightedgeforever Thank you for your kind words! And I agree that this gives me more incentive than ever to stay healthy

@trooworld Sorry to hear you're still struggling with sleep. I hope you start to get some rest soon too! Did you ever get to do the sleep clinic?

@cbabie Holy steps batman, you did a great job yesterday! I would kill for 59 degree weather. We are still covered in snow!

@TeresaW1020 I'm not expecting any good surprises when it comes to the scale. I can always tell when I gained and sadly this is one of those times. I'll be honest, I didn't love Morning Meltdown. I do the yoga workouts sometimes but I didn't feel the other ones were cued as well. Let me know if you end up enjoying it!

Happy Wednesday! I tracked my food the last two days and got my workouts in so I'm feeling good. Having the work day for structure also really helps. I'm feeling really positive about my plan going forward. Especially with vaccines rolling out, I have a lot of incentive to start looking good for once I can do social things again!

I'm also excited it's St. Patricks Day. We're going to eat corned beef and cabbage and watch a zoom concert of Irish music. It's the little celebrations that make the difference!

@teresaw1020 Have you tried doing any shoulder/chest stretches. Before the hip/knee/ankle pain, I started with shoulder pain and now have got that under control by doing some mobility stretches for it. Now to just work on the other parts. Stretching is my least favorite exercise. Yes on the carb cycling/WW thing. I have been consistent this week so far with it. Last week was spotty in tracking. I like carb cycling better but will continue doing the points too because it helps me see how I could make little adjustments while still eating the same food. For instance I had made chicken salad and thought that would be good on croissants. So I bought a package. Luckily they are too messy for me to enjoy those more than one. So I happened to be on a points day and was just the croissant was like 6 and I'm like (that's a whole meal) So I had noted in my journal, next time I could have had an open faced sandwich and saved 3 points.

@cbabie Here's something to think about....what if the office person is what you WERE. What if that's the past? What does an office mean to you? Who are you now? Who do you want to be going forward? I also got the anxiety and paranoia with the good skin. Although I do have deep trenches in my forehead now. No, I don't want to try your MK stuff. I buy it and then it just sits there. If I could do all my habits I want to, then I would be thin and not have achy joints. Fatigue: Probably a combination of all. It's the little things in Long John Silvers. Eat one less piece of fish than you normally would. Same thing for hushpuppies. If you slice those in half Two becomes four. It's all mind tricks if you eat slow enough. But then it's less calories/fat for your tracker and body.

@trooworld 50% Are you having trouble staying asleep or going to sleep? Did you ever do a sleep study? I can't remember. I hate self check-out. I can bag with no problem, it's the scanning. So I'll stand in line to get a cashier.

@mswatson0777 Sounds like you have a plan going forward. I had forgot it was St Patty's Day. Life seems to be just a big blur right now concerning time. But my week is going better on some things. So that's progress. I'm trying to remember do the important things first. Take some time for fun each day. Your zoom thing sounded fun. My youngest son went through a Celtic music phase. Now he's in this "music all sounds the same to me" phase. Usually I like his music. I don't at first but then it grows on me. This stuff touches some kind of nerve in my body. But if it makes him happy. I'm sure some of the stuff I like touches a nerve in my hubby's body.

Yellow Day: Went Over 27/23 points (Although good day with carbs/calories) I'm taking the somewhat success)

@cbabie I totally feel that! Mine is that my skin is extremely fair so I can see faint stretch marks any time I gain any weight. It's definitely disconcerting! Great job tracking food and getting your steps in!

@trooworld I'm frustrated on your behalf! And at least you wore green! I was the only person on my team who did

@theslightedgeforever I love that you embrace whatever genre your son is listening to. I can usually get behind most things, except for twangy country music. And I totally get things being a blur. I just feel like it's been waves of stress.

Hi Everyone! It ended up being a stressful day yesterday. We are just getting out of quarantine from the funeral and one of our quaranteammates ended up going to a bar so we likely won't get to see them for another 10 days, which is a bummer to all of us. We're just burned out with covid stuff and miss our friends. I can't wait to have an active social life again where I don't have to worry about it anymore.

I tracked my food and got a good workout in today so I'm feeling good in that area. I also didn't eat my feelings yesterday which is a win in my books.

@mswatson0777 Thank you for your support! What??? Your quaranteam buddies didn't dress up? That's a shame! That sucks about the bar and quarantine. I'm so sick of COVID, too, I have only seen my friends 4 times in a year! I'm sorry that happened. I can't wait until it's safe to see people, too. You did well yesterday, good job!

@cbabie Did it upset you to take that call from the family member that hasn't talked to you on purpose? I love sugar cookies. I'm sorry you felt terrible. I hope today is better. That's great you got so many steps. Thank you for your support. Yes, so many years suffering from depression, I've learned to manage it pretty well. Mostly, it's meds that help but I still suffer from it here and there. I'm glad baby girl gave you a laugh. She sounds precious.

Hi all. My weight is up by +1.6 lbs this week which is disappointing. I stayed under my points this week. I guess it happens and I need to move on to this next week. We still haven't gotten our stimulus money which is disappointing. No information for us on the IRS site, either. We are going to start the process of getting one of the windows fixed when we get the money.

My phrase for the year: CHANGE HAPPENS

@cbabie It sounds like you had an eventful day with all those calls, I hope the call with your one family member went well! Family drama is never fun and I can understand why you ate the sugar cookies

@trooworld I didn't get my stimulus yet either but my husband did (go figure). We're going to use it towards new flooring that are desperately needed. I was deeply bummed about the bar situation. I am so ready to just get vaccinated and get on with life. And I'm sorry to hear you're up on the scale. Keep at your good habits and it'll be right back down!

@TeresaW1020 This is going to sound nuts but I might keep the masks after all this is over. I haven't had a cold or anything this year which has been great! And I love your new countertops, I bet they will really brighten up the space! Definitely keep me posted on the 100 Day Meltdown. I also love that they're short and sweet!

Happy Friday All! I've stuck with my goals all week and have been feeling 1,000,000 times better because of it. I don't have a lot of exciting things to post honestly. The weather is supposed to be better so I'll be going on some long dog walks to get out of the house and I'm just waiting until the snow clears so I can start doing bike rides too.

@theslightedgeforever The whoosh happened!! I’m a really restless sleeper and our bed is always destroyed in the mornings, which is bad for poor DH because it’s his job to remake the bed. You could make a chaffle in your donut maker! Yeah, I like shiny countertops too and my family isn’t very good at keeping our current shiny black smudge-free. Hopefully, the new countertops will be a little more forgiving.

@mswatson0777 I think lots of people might keep the masks for that very reason you stated. I just want us to have our choices back so that I can walk in a store without my mask on if I want to. I hope you have a lovely and relaxed weekend!


Good morning! So, the scale decided to give me a nice little whoosh and as of this morning, I’m down 79 lbs. from when I first started getting serious in January 2017. You know, it can be so easy to beat me up for how slow my journey has been, but down is down and after being obese for over 30 years I will take a slow journey if it means finally reaching my destination. I have a relaxed day plan and after doing what will be a painful 80 Day Obsession booty workout and a little housework, I think I will sit and work on this incredibly hard puzzle that is still sitting on my dining room table