Sassyallday Member

Not a weight lifter. But I have to wonder about any advice to NOT work the muscles in a specific part of your body. Whatever the size of your butt, don't you want the muscles to be tight? Time and gravity are not always kind. And I think firm muscles will assure that your derriere stays nicely lifted throughout your life.…

So, what's your plan? Do you feel excited about making changes or anxious? Both are normal, by the way. :)

This is so true! Sometimes people can tell something has changed but they can't tell what. It might also do you well to go shopping for something in a style that shows off your new physique. I have noticed that a lot of people just wear the same baggy style in a smaller size when they lose weight. It's not flattering at…

It's not a bad opinion of men that could make a woman think this. But bad experiences can. And feeling ignored in a crowd or having a man look you up and down and visibly decide to walk on or even actually say something directly to you about the lack of perfection of your figure (this from a man who'd recently lost weight…

Good for you doin' it your way! You look great!

Woo hoo you!

Thanks, everyone! For today, I chose the pumpkin muffins. Added a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice to the cake mix and pumpkin. Then, on the slightly cooled muffins, drizzle maple syrup. Shared them with my neighbor.

Yes, this!

Everyone wants to eat the foods that they enjoy. You will see, if you read more of the posts by the members of this community, that everyone takes a different approach to reaching their calorie goals. Some are gluten free, some are "clean eaters" who eat unprocessed foods. Others are vegetarian or vegan. Whatever the pool…

You look great! Most important, you look happy. :)

Thanks for sharing your story. It is filled with so much gratitude and reminders that, no matter what happens, if we keep moving, there is always something better around the corner. All the best of 2014 to you!

Good for you with the advance planning! That tells me you've got this under control. It helps me sometimes to NOT have a drink. When I do, my willpower wanes. Add stress and there will definitely be creamy dip and chips going on! :)

On my best days, I make a pitcher of water with lemon wedges in it and try to drink it during the day. In the winter months, I sip it warm. I keep bottled water at my bedside so that, when I awaken thirsty at night, it's there. For variety, I drink seltzer water with wedges of lime and lemon or mixed with fruit juice. Or I…

If it's an admiring look, I smile and enjoy it. If it's leering, I glare.

We all approach "friending" on MFP differently. I don't have time to be commenting on everything everyone does. But if I have friended someone (and I admit that I rarely do it to avoid the pressure to be constantly connected), I will, when a subject arises that seems important to someone, take the time to write a sincere…

I have a friend who did it and it worked for her. I do think the combining the spiritual reflection and the effort to eat well chosen food was a good approach. I find that, when I don't care for myself emotionally and spiritually, I get stressed and overeat. I am clear that I need sensible guidelines about what to eat,…

Wow. Are you me? I started slipping before Thanksgiving and have not been entirely on track since. Thankfully, I have only gained 1.8 pounds. But, like you, I am concerned. And today, after an uneven record of logging on for a few weeks, I decided to journal and check the board for inspiration. Just knowing that someone…

You look gorgeous! The dress fits and flatters and the updo shows off your pretty face. If I knew what you were worried about, I'd address it. But I can't tell!

Spanx. :) Seriously, the food has to go somewhere. And it is perfectly healthy for it to go to your stomach. And to show. I am a pretty hefty girl and even I notice the difference! Check with a doctor to assure yourself. But I hope your puffy tummy doesn't create such an issue that you stop eating healthily.

One of the best lessons my mother taught me was to celebrate my body TODAY. When I would try to buy something in a smaller size, she would say, “Get what fits now. When you lose weight, we can come back and buy something else.” It forced me to find fashions flattering for my figure. Start with well-fitting undergarments.…

Did your friend give any reason for that conclusion? Like a science based one? Don't believe everything you hear, dude!

Oh. I thought you were asking about something else. :) I like to exercise in the afternoon. I swim and the pools are less crowded in the hours from 2-4 and I can still beat the rush hour crowd home. I look to my swim as both exercise and an escape. When I am sharing the pool with stressed, hurried people, I just don't…

There are so many great suggestions here. I just want to chime in on the points that resonate most with me. I agree with those who say that you should not replace snuggling with exercise. As an overweight child, the most hurtful thing a parent can do is withdraw affection as punishment for a child's being overweight. I…

Did you run any of these through your food diary to see which one has the least calories for the most nutrition?

I agree that you should be fine if you keep moving! You could also get some fresh fruit and bottled water for your room. Sometimes I get hungry in my hotel room with no food nearby. That way I don't have to wait until I am out and about again. Plus, it infuses some healthy, fresh items into a diet that, for a few days may…

Good for you. Your baby is beautiful!

Of course! That's where that link is usually found. I was so spooked, I couldn't think! Thank you.

Wow! I went to the website and the message seems just right for the OP and all of us: The one thing all famous authors, world-class athletes, business tycoons, singers, actors, and celebrated achievers in any field have in common is that they all began their journeys when they were none of these things. Yet still, they…

I agree with everyone who has suggested making small changes and easing up to the big ones. I have found that even when I don't have the will power to stop doing things that are bad for me (binge eating, skipping exercise, etc.), if I do the things that are good for me, eventually I switch gears. Some of my small steps…

It's true! What I WANT to do is just go back to eating- - -for the comfort and familiarity. But I reallllly don't want the results. I'll keep working at keeping my mind over the matter of my weight. And focus on the good. Gratitude does help keep a positive perspective.