So planning is really getting on my nerves lol. One of the main struggles with weight loss for me is staying the course. Even though I plan dinners ahead, so many other things get in the way of keeping the planned dinner a priority. We had batch cooked for a while, and that was helpful. However, staying consistent, whether it is batch cooking, meals planned ahead, etc. does not happen, resulting in me starting all over again. There has to be a better way! So back to the drawing board for me.

Hope all is well for everyone. Shari, I too am not happy with the "number" or the fact clothes are tight. I keep moving my annual physical to the next month, relate to you with finding a new doctor, trying to decide if I am really going to get to it. I see that you Paula are also thinking about your check up. A close friend who just turned 87 tells me she made up her mind years ago about "check ups" and just schedules them every year and goes. Loving the different dog photos!

Finding a new doctor is not easy. I have been with my family doc since 1998 and feel blessed to have her. When I started with her she had just begun her practice. I feel like I have watched her (and her children) grow up! MJ, I like your 87 yr old friend's attitude about annual check ups.

DW, Thank you for telling us about the Woman's World article about Dr. Mike! When I read your post I thought "oh darn, I will never see this article because I don't shop in a physical store anymore to pick up the magazine." But, guess what, I found that I could get the current issue sent to my Kindle app for $1.99. In a matter of seconds I had it. I am looking forward to reading the article as well as other articles. Thanks again DW!

I struggled to be on track today....for no good reason really. I plan too MJ, but sticking to the plan is my downfall! I really have no excuse for my indiscretions! I am giving myself another pep talk!

We are expecting a pretty major ice storm tonight into tomorrow. I am concerned about potential power failures as well as ice keeping me from taking Buster outside safely. Our breezeway is covered but depending on how the storm (snow, sleet, and freezing rain) hits, the end of our ramp and part of our walkway could still be icy. I won't take any chances.

Hi Everybody! Shari, I love the photo of Moe! What a great window for him to keep an eye on things! Paula, I'm glad things went well getting Buster out! We had the snow/icy/freezing rain starting Thursday evening and it was gone by Friday morning. Now it has been above freezing during the day for 2 days so much of it has melted. I hope that the warming trend will continue! I hope your friends will recover quickly! MJ, I agree that the support is so important! I appreciate this group so much! Diane, I hope you are doing well!
My weight has held steady for the past three days. I always think it should be dropping when I stick to a plan and IF, and I am disappointed when it doesn't, but I realize that my expectations aren't realistic, especially at my age and with my yoyo dieting history (more of a lifestyle than a "history"). MJ, I think you are on to something with finding a healthy way of eating for life. Fat Tuesday is fast approaching and I have used that as an excuse to over indulge in the past. There is truly no reason for me to do that but the thought has been crossing my mind too much lately. I am stating my intention to you all that I will stay on my plan on Tuesday and I will check in Tuesday night to report that I didn't eat every sweet treat within 10 miles of my home! Have a great week everyone!!

Well, I will add a little bit to the Fat Tuesday information. In our area tomorrow is referred to as Fastnacht day, a PA Dutch term that translates to "fasting night" or "almost night." Fastnachts are donuts so another word for tomorrow is Donut Day. Traditionally these special donuts are crispy on the outside and not quite as sweet as regular donuts. However, these days, any kind of donut will do on this day. When I worked it was customary to have donuts on this day at work but ever since I retired I haven't indulged at all.

I accomplished all I set out to do today and as pretty pleased with myself. I also managed to stay on track completely. I am well within my WW points with quite a few to spare. So that is 3 consecutive days for me to be on track. I am aiming for day 4 tomorrow. It will be an easier day for me in terms of housework but not much fun since I plan to start on getting my income tax information ready for my accountant. I am not at all math or tax oriented so my accountant does the important work, but I put everything together for him and that is my task for tomorrow. Yuck! But again, I will be happy when I complete this task. Grumble,grumble, grumble.

Love the picture of Moe and the wintery scene he is enjoying!

My sister and her SO left yesterday. Seemed a bit empty around here after 28 days! The time flew by and we look forward to seeing them next winter. Such a blessing to have had these February weeks together for so many years. We figured at least 12 yrs! Before that my dad and his wife spent 3 entire winters, Nov-April 1, with us in our first home here. I treasure those warm memories today.

Tax season and I made a start today. Always a chore but a feeling of accomplishment when I finally turn over to accountant.

I gained 3 lbs in one month of company….treats on the kitchen counter all the time, cooked full meals often, ate out more than usual too and ice cream now and ten….it added up. I will see if I can drop those 3 lbs this month…is a real goal!!! I was able to continue my IF and I know if I hadn’t done that it would have been a bigger gain. Going to track my 1395 calories and try to drink more water and get to bed on time!!🤞💪

Shari, Thinking of you as you return to the office, an adjustment for sure, but also a good feeling to know that Covid is declining enough for things to loosen up so much. I agree with you for wearing a mask because of your dad.

Diane, What a blessing to have such a nice time with your sister and her SO. In my book, a slight gain would be well worth it, especially since you are doing so well in general. I predict you will drop those 3 pounds in less than a month!

DW, I am not familiar at all with the baby in the cake custom. It is nice that you were able to continue it and pass it on after you retired.

Orthodox Christian Great Lent begins on March 7. Our Easter (we call it Pascha) is one week later than Western Easter this year. Some times we are together, some times weeks apart, and some times, like this year, one week apart. Our practice is to not eat meat during the Lenten period (this year March 7 to April 24). During Great Lent some people also abstain from all animal products including dairy, eggs, etc., but I have found that too strict for my health. Each person is encouraged to work with his/her spiritual father (usually the parish priest) to determine a meaningful Lenten fasting practice. In addition, of course, increased prayer and participation in church services, reading more spiritual materials, alms giving, self-examination, and increased service to others are also a part of this time. When I was growing up we also abstained from going to movies and often did not watch television. We listened to only church music in those days. Weddings, parties, dances, etc. are not permitted during the Lenten periods as they are considered to be festive celebrations. John and I try to do as much as we can during this Lenten time of increased spiritual efforts, but I know I am much less strict than when growing up. I also know our efforts need much improvement every year. It is a journey for sure.

Well today is day 5 of my compliant streak. I am pleased with how well I am doing and hope to see good news when (if) I keep my doc appointment next week and step on her scale. I didn't get much done with my taxes but will keep at it. I am heading to ShopRite soon, the big event of my day!

Shari, Giving up the coffee and tea will probably help you increase your water intake...win - win! I would have a rough time without my coffee. I think I could give up chocolate and tea before I could give up my coffee. We will be here to cheer you on with this noble effort!!! I hope you are able to work out an agreeable arrangement with your supervisor regarding working from home.

Today is day 6 of my streak. I am still able to stick with the IF without much difficulty. Yesterday was a struggle for healthy choices, but I managed to do so. Today I go to my nail appointment, but I have already thawed out turkey cutlets for supper so I should have no excuses about getting too hungry or whatever other excuses I tend to think of! Today is our one month anniversary of having Buster. How time flies! I got an email from his rescue shelter today asking how things are going and for any pictures I want to share. I will be more than happy to tell them what a wonderful dog he is....but I think they already know that as his description on their website referred to him as "a volunteer favorite."

Shari, it is tough to stay on plan when eating out. My mobility issues might be a plus for me in this way since I am very reluctant to eat out because of the walking risks involved. I do miss socializing in restaurants with my friends but don't miss the sodium!

Today would be day 8 of my streak, but I am already struggling as I feel unduly hungry. I hope I don't cave today and undo some of my progress. John wants to get delivery tonight from a new restaurant not far from where we live. It is very tempting to me. I haven't decided what to do yet. This is the longest I have had a compliant streak in recent memory. I still haven't weighed in....maybe tomorrow or maybe I will wait till my doctor appointment on Tuesday. It is in the afternoon however so better to believe a first-thing-in-the morning weight. I drink so much water (and coffee and tea) during the day that if I don't weigh in first thing, I don't want to see a water weight number and get discourage. I am not expecting a big drop because I had several days at the top of my point limit, but I am expecting a little good news.

Buster's DNA results arrived. He is an interesting mix. Here is the diagram of his results

So glad you had a good checkup Paula…congrats on the weight loss too! 5 lbs is awesome accomplishment!! That little Buster has some interesting genes….didn’t spot any Corgy but he still looks a bit like a tiny one! Whatever mix he is, he’s very cute. Seems he is smart too if he can figure how to open his kennel🐶😍

Shari….if you decide to do coffee again you might try half decaf…I do a mix 2/3 decaf to 1/3 regular. I have to be careful because of heart issues and this mix works for me. When away from home, I do decaf with no headache which is good too.

MJ and DW….You both are so busy and I admire your stating strong about eating well!
I am back to “one day at a time” on food choices and staying on track with IF.💪

Hi Everybody! Paula, the new 17DD Kickstart has been going Ok but I'm not sure how I'll be able to do while travelling. Sometimes I am thrown by the difference in food focus because I'm so used to the original 17DD, but I've managed to find enough to eat that fits with the plan. The first two phases are the most challenging but the first is only for three days and the second is for four days. The next ten days include a variety of meats as acceptable foods, so compliance is easier. I've lost 6 lbs since returning from FL, but those are not "new lbs"-still trying to get back to where I was before holiday activities started in November. I'm not getting the amount of exercise that he suggests but hope to increase it as the weather improves.. Congrats on your great Dr. appt and weight loss!!
Shari, I can sympathize with the restaurant concerns! I'm not sure what I'll do while we're gone. I guess I'll do the best I can with the choices I have. I at least should be able to maintain my IF!
Diane, I love your tradition with your sister! My sister and I go away for a few days every November for Christmas shopping but the time together is so much more than the shopping! She only lives a couple of hours away but we don't visit each other very often.
MJ, I hope you are doing well!!
I went to the Lenten study tonight. The topic for the six weeks is "forgiveness" and its very interesting so far. There is a study book that we follow. It was a combination of "in person" and zoom. Tomorrow we leave for the St. Louis area and will return Sunday. It's about an 8 hour drive for us...not too bad. Have a fun weekend!

After a week or so bout of eating just about everything, I had to come to terms with wanting a lifestyle for eating more than a diet. I know the pounds will not come off as fast but working on a mindset of choosing healthy food choices rather than a specific diet. I had wanted to lose more weight before the switch, but this is where I am for now.
Paula, chili sounds good, even here with our warm weather.
Shari, your friend is fortunate to have you in her corner. Hope it went well.
DW, hope your trip is staying fun.