Cookie_4 Member

I've been adding different goodies into my water bottle lately and refilling it at the water cooler much more often! Goodies such as a combination of any of the following: mint, lemon, cucumber, berries, frozen pineapple. I hope you find the flavors that you like!

Hi, Cari! MFP has really helped me a lot. Feel free to add me!

When I'm not satisfied, even if I'm full, I'll still have that craving. I've found that what works for me is allowing myself to still have "treats" daily as long as I fit them into my calorie limit. I only avoid foods that I can't have just serving one of like cheddar Ruffles! This has also helped to keep me from total…

I was away for awhile but I'm back and still here!

I need to remember this!

I know exactly how you feel. 20 lbs lighter than where I started but I still see myself as fat and blobby. Like you OP, I also know the reasons why I see myself this way and have known for a long time. It can still be frustrating because knowing doesn't seem to help the problem go away. What seems to help is to remember…

Manda, I'm so sorry you're feeling this way but thankful that you posted this. I've been feeling so down in the dumps the last few months with a gray cloud over me, too. I'm doubtful of my career choice and actually doubtful of most other choices, and I feel like I'm just going through the motions and spinning the wheel…

Hi, everyone! I'm Cookie and I'm almost 33... Not sure where the last few years went but I want to make my 30s the most fabulous one yet by being the best me I can possibly be. Feel free to add me for extra support and motivation... I could sure use some, too :)

Thank you for all the replies. I really wish I didn't make it so difficult. I just need to figure out how to get over this mental block because I know I am able to do it but I make it so hard! So basically, give it time?

I'm not sure if I'm afraid of succeeding (still figuring it out) but I do seem to sabotage myself when I get to a certain weight. I'm with you when you say you like seeing the positive physical changes while being nervous at the same time. Like others, what if I still don't like what I see once I reach my goal? If you ever…

Good luck with your surgery! I hope all goes well and you have a speedy recovery. Focus on getting better first and the gym will be there once you're all better :flowerforyou:

Thank you so much, but it's really just the angle of the picture that makes it look better :flowerforyou:

I'm not sure why I'm sabotaging myself but have been working to it the past few months. HOW did you end up getting over it?

You're 28 lbs closer to your goal weight and that's a GREAT accomplishment!! I'm sure your clothes fit a bit more loosely and you have a little more energy and I'm sure your body thanks you for getting healthier. I know it's hard but keep up the good work. You (and others) WILL notice! :flowerforyou:

That's a pretty big deal! Congrats on a job well done :)

Awesome job!!! I also want to be able to do a pull-up someday. NSV = Non Scale Victory

I've learned that a calorie deficit is what causes weight loss and not cutting out "bad foods". I eat everything including fast food and cake, just as long as I keep it under my calorie goal, I'm good! I used to binge eat a lot when I cut out my favorite foods. Another tip that helps to keep me on target is eating MORE…

Interesting topic! I always tell myself if I get below a certain poundage, I'll reward myself with something (like a mani/pedi). I always sabotage myself somehow when I'm super close to that goal and wondered why. I think I'll just see getting to my feel good goal is a reward in itself.

Cultural upbringing DEFINITELY makes a difference! I grew up as the first generation born in American in a sea of small Vietnamese immigrants. Standing 5'8" tall and a size 10 by age 14 where almost everyone else was 5' tall and size 2 made me the target for rude comments. I'll list some of them below (how much time do you…

Feel free to add me, Silla :) I log in often and like seeing positivity on my newsfeed, too. Good luck!

I just made a huge move across the country a few months ago and it's taking me waaaaaay longer to find a job than I predicted. I've been super stressed about not being able to pay rent next month, etc., but (I never thought I'd say this) the gym has been my salvation along with super supportive family and friends. I've…

Thanks for all the great info, everyone! I "pulled" my lower back again last night and I feel it from my back through to my thighs and quads. I will try the stretches. @BeantownSoone - Your doctor suggested to continue working out even with the back pain? Or wait until it goes away? My back was hurting pretty badly last…

Sour cream and cheddar Ruffles - I can't eat just one serving. I miss them so much.

JR, you are so nice and, uh, AWESOME! I want to quit right now rounding out my 4th week of weight training we talked about for a whole large pizza, beer and stretchy pants with garlic cheesy bread on the side..... I need a huge kick in the *kitten*.

Lady, you are kick a**! Hope everyone had a good week. Here's my current and forecast: Monday - ran a mile + shoulders and abs Tuesday - 2 miles + leg work Wednesday - elliptical + back and biceps Thursday - passed out after a long day at work Friday - mile + chest and triceps Saturday - mile + leg work Sunday - rest?…

Bump for later. Can't wait to see how amazing everyone looks!

Hi, everyone! How awesome are we?!?! :glasses: Thanks for coordinating, MsThang!

Ugh, some people really piss me off... But I guess I'm just using PMS as an excuse to be angry. As others have stated, there are scientific studies that show hormone fluctuations can change mood and appetite. Although, YES, you do ultimately "control" what food goes into your body, for many of us, it's truly so difficult…

I'm doing the 12-week program on bodybuilding.com. If I understand correctly, "proper split" means you don't work out the same muscle group back to back days - this program I'm doing seems to be splitting it up throughout the week: Day 1 - legs Day 2 - back and biceps Day 3 - chest and triceps Day 4 - legs Day 5 -…

That's awesome! Bragging rights! :glasses: