maureen173 Member

Hello everyone! This is exactly the type of thread I was hoping to find. I just turned 43 last month, and have been on a roller coaster for most of my adult life, in terms of weight. I have 7 children, aged 18 down to 4, so there was always an explanation for the weight gain and loss, though that was never the only factor.…

Thank you so much for this!!! I rarely comment here, but I do read the posts. I was moved to respond to yours because it was so inspiring and sensible and TRUE. You hit the nail on the head perfectly. I am coming to this exact realization myself, and it is liberating. There is no secret. Just daily choices.

Beans are my favorite food, for a million reasons. Not only high in protein, but in fiber, iron and loads of other nutrients, all while being lower in fat and agreat source of complex carbohydrates. I probably have beans and legumes in some form every day - chick peas, lentils, split peas, fans beans, cannelini, black…

Your post actually gave me a lump in my throat. So inspiring. I admire you for taking your life into your own hands and realizing your worth. I'll be following your story!

I just had my sixth 3 weeks ago, and your story and picture have totally inspired me! Congratulations on all your hard work - you look fantastic! Nice to know there is life after 6 pregnancies, ha!

You can inbox me...I totally know how you're feeling! We could support each other.

You are in EXACTLY the place I am right now, and I'm so glad I came across your post! I am re-starting my logging and exercising tomorrow, and actually doing a 28-day detox to kick it off. I have lost 30 lbs already and then had a month of fasting (religious, not dieting) where I did not exercise. I am excited to get back…

I use Arbonne's Protein Shake and it actually does taste really good. Both Vanilla and Chocolate. But I do mix it with fruit (Vanilla) and sometimes with peanut butter (chocolate) and sometimes almond milk instead of water (though now that I'm doing MFP,I try to keep the calories as low as I can and still enjoy it, som…

You can do it! I can totally relate to everything you're saying, but don't give up! I will write more later, but just hang in there!

This was the funniest post I have read yet...thanks for the laughs! I do find exercising to be my time to really think and I also think of lots of.....interesting thoughts. I used to listen to music, but now I enjoy the quiet, because it allows me to clear my head and work out problems. But I so enjoyed your post, very…

You are AMAZING! What an inspiration, and yes, you will accomplish much bigger goals than fitting on an airplane! You can do it!

You look incredible! Very inspirational, and gives lots of people the motivation to continue on their journey. Congratulations!

YES! I was just thinking that I have this problem almost every day! Also vegetarian and also cook and eat really fresh whole foods, lots of beans, vegetables, olive oil, no processed food or refined flours or sugar, and YET, I still go right up to the limit of my calorie goal, and sometimes go over. And this is WITH…

Yep, definitely fruit smoothies (or "green smoothies" - go to www.rawfamily.com for recipes). But I eat really healthy and don't eat gluten either, but I still seem to go right up to the limit of my net calories because I eat things like lots of olive oil, tahini, walnuts, peanuts, dates, figs. You could probably up your…

I'm hour glass shaped, 5'7" but not positive of my measurements right now. I should find out so I can track my progress!

Love your picture of RP, btw! He is awesome!

I think the term "carbs" is over-used and oversimplified. When people talk about going "low carb" as a means of losing weight and getting healthier, I think they usually mean cutting out refined carbs, such as white sugar, white flour, white rice, etc. I honestly think that refined sugar and flour has no place in any…

Yes. I'm new to this, but I guess I am confused by all the talk on these posts of "eating back" your exercise calories, and don't quite understand the expression. I was under the impression that once you entered your weight and activity level, as well as what you wanted to lose (eg. a pound per week), MFP calculated what…

I don't have any pictures, but I have 5 children, and gained 50 lbs each time, so I definitely have the pouch as a souvenir. :) I can tell you, that Winsor Pilates is AMAZING for re-shaping and toning, especially the abs. If you can get the original, from about 2003, it is a classic. I do the 20 Minute Workout until I am…

You are so cute! Congratulations on your hard work. My goal is 50-60 also, so it is inspiring to see someone do it!

Arbonne's Chocolate or Vanilla Protein Powder are both really good. Taste great with fruit (vanilla) or with peanut or almond butter (choc) and they mix up almost like a milkshake. Fills you up as a meal too (20g of protein).

I use Arbonne's Chocolate Protein Shake, and I love it. No artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors. One serving has 20g of protein, and is it vegan too (no whey protein), as far as know, the only one out there without dairy. The protein source is from cranberry, rice and green pea, so it's highly digestible. I combine it…

This recipe sounds yummy! I have a really good chocolate protein powder that I use almost every other day, it tastes great, I will try that in this. If you want to find how to get some, let me know!

Wow! That's awesome! You look wonderful and you should be really proud of this accomplishment! And, yes, your son is adorable! That was funny - 100 lbs. lost and 15 gained, ha! You gave him some of yours, ha ha. Great job!

You look amazing! Congratulations on all your hard work...very inspiring!

What an inspiration! I've just started MFP about 3 weeks ago and also weigh 190, so your story is great to see that it can be done! Great job!