What is Going On the Last Few Weeks?

UPDATE FROM DEE:

Well friends, my last two weigh ins have been discouraging. October 28 I gained .2 lbs., and November 5 I gained...are you ready for this, because I wasn't...9.2 lbs.!!!! MY GOODNESS!!! I knew I'd been off kilter for the week, but I was expecting a 5 lb. gain, not 9!!! I am certain some of it is water weight because it's the right time of the month for that, but it was still a horrible, horrible feeling when I saw +9.2 written down. Needless to say, I am back on the wagon full force today, and will re-start my exercise program tomorrow. I had been so please because I was getting so close to my first 50 lbs., & I've really dropped the ball. I am pretty much out of the stress at my job, however, so that is a positive thing and will help me stay on target. I am dreading the holidays a bit because there is so much delicious food everywhere, but I am determined to hit my 50 lb. goal by either December 31 or January 30 (my b-day). While I am shocked and mortified at such a tremendous gain in one week, I am not going to dwell on it to long or beat myself up because that just puts me back in the "mood" to binge eat, and binging is what got me to this point. So instead, I am going to chalk it up to experience, and use it to my advantage.

I hope you ladies have been having a better couple of weeks than I have!


UPDATE FROM ME!

I have to admit I am struggling myself, Dee. Although I haven't gained, I wasn't losing either. The week before last I finally lost a pound, and then last week another, so I have lost 2 pounds, which is good. However, it would have been better if it wasn't the 2 lbs I gained back the previous weeks! lol

I am really trying hard...still doing WW for now. My husband and I are thinking of doing a boot camp, but it is crazy, like $250 every six weeks! I already have a Y membership, and use it religously, and cannot see paying this much. The flip side is that if I do, I may actually do it and stick to it!

So, lets see what this next week brings for both of us. Right now I stand 35.4lbs away from my goal weight. Hopefully I am a little closer next week!

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

HELP!!! (and overdue updates)

From: Dee

Overdue Update! (my fault-Erin)

Another decent week. I lost .8, and that is after stuffing my face all day Sunday & Monday with UNhealthy foods, and not being able to exercise because of my foot injuries. I did have sense enough to cut back on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday after binging on Sunday & Monday, so that probably is the only thing that saved me.

Total loss is at 38.2 now, which is so very close to my "original" 39 a few weeks ago. I am a happy happy camper.

Help!

Ok friends & family. I have a problem and I'd like to see if anyone else experiences or has experienced the same thing, and what, if anything, you do to deal with it.

For some reason I get this insatiable desire to stuff my face full of anything & everything that is not healthy. For instance, pizza, ice cream, candy, burgers, you name it, I can't seem to quit eating once I've started!

This is literally making me crazy, because I don't understand WHY I can't have "a" slice of pizza or "a" scoop of ice cream and be satisfied with that. But I can't! Once I've had that bite or taste, I'm a goner. What is this all about? I understand about "emotional eating," and I get the "comfort food" thing, but WHY is one bite too much and 100 is never enough?

I really hate the fact that thus far it seems as though I am going to have to go without certain foods for the rest of my life because they are trigger foods. Is anyone else having this problem? I guess it just doesn't seem "fair" that I am going to have to never have a certain food ever, never, ever again, if I plan on losing weight and keeping it off for life.

I get to thinking about what God put on the earth for us to eat; fruits, veggies, fish, poultry, beef, & so forth. He didn't put ice cream and pizza, did he? LOL What I mean is, I know I don't need to eat a whole large pizza by myself in order to sustain my life; I only need to eat small amounts of certain foods (which doesn't include McDonald's for some reason) in order to keep myself alive and functioning in a perfectly "well tuned" way. So what is up with this craving stuff?? I am so lost at this point in time, because I know I need to avoid certain things, but the "desire" to have these "no-nos" is SO overpowering sometimes that I just can't stand it

I know this is something I have to work through and deal with, but I am wondering what other people do to get though things like this? I mean, sometimes it feels like I'm just gonna go nuts when I smell a certain food...that is...until I buckle in and EAT it. But then...I feel like crud because I've overindulged in something.

HELP!!


Erin:

Overdue Update:

I have changed my days to Monday to do it w/ Jason! I maintained this week :( I was so hoping to lose b/c I have quit nursing...but we'll see what happens the next week or two!

My Reply to Help!

ply to I must say I have the exact same problem...if I can keep myself from touching it at all, I am good, however, I will obsess with it! If I take one bite...forget it...as long as some remains I must continue eating!

Why?????

It is soooo annoying, maybe we can blame it all on genetics! lol

If anyone has some good advise please let us know!

Dee, lets agree to do a little research and come up with a few ideas between us, say within 2 weeks? What do you think?



Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

An Update From Dee (finally lol) and Me :)

I did not realize I didn't post last week! It wasn't good news, so maybe my brain "deleted" the fact that I needed to post. :-)

So last week I gained 2.6 lbs., bringing my total loss "down" to 33.2 lbs. Obviously I wasn't pleased with myself, but again, I know not to get TOO disappointed because that only spells trouble for me since I am an emotional eater. ANY negative emotion can drive me to binge eat.

But I pulled myself together during last weeks meeting, and made a pact with myself and my leader that I would get back to tracking my food on a REGULAR basis. I'd gotten out of the tracking habit over the past month, & it showed on the scales. So track I did, and tonight at the weigh in...I LOST 4.2 lbs. for a grand total loss of 37.4 lbs.!!!! WOOHOO!!! Finally going in the right direction again!! And I haven't been able to exercise for a week because although I cut 1 minute & 7 seconds off my personal best at the Race for the Cure, I also ended up with stress fractures in BOTH feet! So needless to say, I am taking it easy on exercise. I think I am going to pack my bathing suit daily & start hitting the pool until I am "back on my feet"...literally!

Love you all, and hope you are all doing wonderfully in your personal journeys.

Now, What About Me?????

Well, first of all, I think Dee did comment and I just haven't checked it until recently! oops!

As far as my weight loss, I gained, lost, ended up at square 1, and then lost again. So I am only 1lb down, for 11 weeks. Not to good, but could be worse! I am almost done with the weaning process of my sweetie, who is almost 1, and then i'm going full force!

So, just one llb down, and 34 left!

Just for fun, here is a pic of my sweetie on her first ride :)


What About Dee????


Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Burritos and Bread!

Now, I may be slow, but recently I realized if you buy the Natures Own Double Fiber bread it is 0pts per slice!!

Also, made good sized bean burritos tonight w/ cheese, and they were only 2.5-3 pts each! Instead of using tortillas I used Flat Out Healthy Grain w/ flax, only 1pt per piece, and the pieces are really large! You could probably cut it in 1/2 and 2 "party" burritos! Anways, w/ 1/2 refried beans and a tbs of shredded cheese, YUMMY!

You can use the flat bread for sandwiches, wraps, quesidillas, pizza, a whole lot of good stuff!

Let me know your awesome WW find!!!

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

The Tedious Journey We're On by Dee

Ok family & friends; I haven't posted in the past 4 weeks partially due to working TONS of overtime, and partially because I was so tired after work that I simply came home, ate dinner, & collapsed, so that I could get up the next morning & do it all over again.

So, here's the run down of the past 4 weeks, and Erin, it has not been any better for me than it has been for you, but thank the good Lord that we have people to share with who understand the long, tedious journey we're on!

August 29, I gained 1.6 lbs., which I had expected.

September 3, I gained 2.2 lbs., which I again expected. Am I happy with myself at this point? Of course not, but I know better than to spend too much time beating myself up for the recent gains, because that will only cause me to continue down the path of self destruction.

September 10, I missed the meeting because I had co-workers in from our Katy, TX office, & I was part of the training team so I was working until at least 7 p.m. nightly this particular week. We ate out for lunch each day (with the exception of Monday, which was Labor Day, so our offices were closed). I was also in a wreck the previous Friday, September 4, so needless to say I was extemely sore in my back & neck. A young lady rear ended me; slight damage to my truck, more damage to my back & neck, but everyone is pretty much ok. I didn't file an insurance claim against her, as it really wouldn't have been worth the hassle. I was mostly mad at myself, because I had scheduled a vacation day for that Friday but changed my mind because I got slammed with work on Thursday. I will NEVER give up a vacation day again! :-) Between the rain we've had for the past couple of weeks, the overtime I was working, & now the soreness from the wreck, I have not exercised for about 2 weeks.

September 17, I was expecting another gain of anywhere from 1-4 lbs., but actually LOST .6! Not much, but I was completely shocked. Pleased, but shocked.

Yesterday, September 19, I participated in the untimed 5K event in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. I did take my pedometer, however, and used the stopwatch function because I wanted to know my time. I am trying to improve with each timed event I do, so I wasn't going to NOT time myself. I shaved about a minute off my last 5K, so I was pleased that my personal best improved a bit. I was VERY sore that evening, & wondered if I'd done some damage to my right foot because it was swollen & hurt a lot, but I guess it was just because I haven't been walking for the past several weeks. I am fine today, other than some soreness in my thighs. I did a combo walk-jog-walk in this event; mostly walkng, but jogged when I felt I could handle it.

So, now that things are getting somewhat back to normal for me at work, I hope to be able to post on a weekly basis again.

My total weight loss WAS at 39 lbs., & I am now "down" to 35.8, but I am A-OK with that because it is STILL 35.8 lbs. lighter than I started out to be.

Love you all, & hope to see a post from someone else soon besides just Erin & I. Mary...hint, hint? lol



Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Up, Down, the Up Again!!!

Yep, that explains my weight over the last few weeks and my uneagerness to write about it! lol

So, I gained a little, lost a little, and gained a little more, putting me at 8oz above my start weight! Of course, as most of you know, I just haven't lost but 1 lb anyway the whole 9 weeks!

But, I know my time is coming, I am about to wean my daughter, and then BAM, it'll start coming off (at least I hope ;).

I am waiting to hear from my Aunt Dee, I hope her journey is way better than mine the last few weeks! Oh, and congrats on the run!!!!

I am hoping to do a run for Birth Choice in October. Jason is looking up info me on it, so details to come!



Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Rememberin 9/11

Where was I September 11th? I was working at a child care center. I was the lead teacher of the 2 year olds. During the day we were allowed to listen to the radio, as long as it was classical music. I remember the news break saying a plane had just hit a tower in NYC, and shortly after the second one hit, the people on the radio had a bit of panic in their voice.

Soon all the workers in the center were talking about it, and parents were calling. I was beginning to get scared, but my son was with me, there at the center, but part of me wanted to take him home and be with my husband. Within an hour about 1/3 of the kiddos were picked up from school.

I really thought it was going to be a war, that we were being attacked. I watched the news every waking moment at home and had an unsettled feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was so sad for the people I was watching on television...I remember crying...alot.

That day after the news broke I talked to my mom and my grandma. Everyone was in kind of a "quiet" panic, not knowing or understanding what just went on and if it was the beginning something bigger or the end.


Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Haven't Heard from Dee, so Just an Update from Me! lol

Well, I did NOT maintain this week, I actually lost. Not alot, but like I said before, a loss is a loss and I'll take it!!!!!.

This was my 6th week on WW, since my "break". I have only lost 1lb total in 6 weeks, but I haven't gained!

I am weaning Sariah. I am curious to see how my weight loss goes after I am done nursing. In the past I have seemed to lose quicker after weaning, so we'll see!

Can't wait to see what next week brings!

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Mcklinky Blog Hop: Something Funny

Visit my other blog for funny quotes from my kiddos :) www.thesooner7.blogspot.com

This is a funny video of a young toddler "preaching". I put it up for it's funny effect, not for discussion of anything, there is plenty of that on www.tangle.com if you want to join in ;)



Visit my other blog www.thesooner7.blogspot.com

Click here to enter your link in the blog hop and view the entire list of entered links...

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Update From Dee and Me ;)

This will be a short post, as I am on my way out the door to work.

I lost 1.8 lbs. this week for a new grand total of 39 lbs.

I am happy. :-)

Dee


Hello! Well, I just knew I would break the plateau by taking away my nursing points, you know, jolt the system a little, but I maintained. However, I am thinking it may take a week or two to see the results.

I remember when doing WW after I had Lydia (I lost 30lb) I would eat really bad one week, and my weight would maintain or still lose some, but then the next week I would work really hard and either I would gain unexpectedly, or maintain again. I think sometimes it doesn't show up until the next week, so we'll see. I am expecting a loss next week :)

I am also rounding the bend to quit nursing, the baby is almost 10 months. I do not want to buy formula, so I am pumping extra and saving it to last until she turns 1. She has got 2 bottom teeth, and the tops are swollen, so I am getting anxious to quit nursing! lol

Thanks for your support and love,

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Update From Dee and Me ;)

Update From Dee ;)

Well friends, I FINALLY got back on my losing streak this week! 3.2 lbs. gone, which not only makes up the 2 lbs. I'd put on in the past two weeks, but adds another 1.2 to my total weight loss!! I am now at 37.2 in 17 weeks. Yea me! My next goal is to reach the 50 lb. mark, so I am so close I can taste it; after all, what's a measly little 12.2 lbs., right? LOL

Hope the rest of you are doing well in your weight loss journey.

'Til next week, Love you all!!


Update From Me :)

Well, this week I did not lose, and I thought that I would. I have to say I am a little bugged by this, but still know that for me nursing makes a difference. I am being positive and looking at it as I have already prepared for when I quit nursing, I will not have to make any major adjustments to my diet.

I did take away my nursing points this week, for I only nurse 3 times a day now. I figure since I am using my activity and allowance, this should not be a problem. Maybe it will give me the boost I need to lose some.

The good news is that I did not gain! I have also taken from Dee the idea of using my activity points before my weekly allowance. I hope next week brings a loss :)

Congrats to Dee...She is doing AWESOME! I hope to be following in her footsteps soon!

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Mcklinky Blog Hop: Favorite Pictures

I love this hat (which I ordered from a link from McMamas blog) and I love this smile :)


I love this pic of my Sariah :)
Visit my other blog and see our pic! www.thesooner7.blogspot.com




http://getmotiv8d.blogspot.com/2009/08/mcklinky-blog-hop-favorite-pictures.html

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Updated From Dee and Me :)

Update From Dee :)

Well, my news this week isn't good, but then again... Well, my news this week isn't good, but then again I didn't expect it to be. I gained 1.6 lbs., so now I am back up a full 2 lbs. I refuse to give up, though. I took time last night to examine what specifically has been bothering me and what I need to do about it. I prayed, read my Bible, and then prayed some more this morning. I feel much better now, and more encouraged. I have been in the dumps about my upcoming job duties change because I am not looking forward to it. At my WW meeting last night, we talked about my predicament some and what I can do to get through it. I am so happy to have a solid support system in place, because it is at this time in my weight loss efforts that (in the past) I would've thrown in the towel. Now, however, I am ready to pull myself up by my bootstraps and move forward. Praise be to God for all He has done for me in my life.

Update From Me :)

Well, I actually lost a pound this week! Yeah!!!! I am excited! Now, if I can only do it again next week! lol

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Mckliny Blog Hop: Encouragement

I went through my pictures, and so many were encouraging. It was so hard to choose!
I finally narrowed it down to 4 pictures, 2 in which I will post about in this blog, and the other 2 in my other blog (www.thesooner7.blogspot.com).

Finding Encouragement in the Word

I find this picture encouraging because it shows hope. It shows that the hope in the world is found in the Word of God, and only God can give you the peace and hope you long for. I am encouraged by God's word, and my husband when he speaks from the Bible.

The fact that I can sit and read the Word of God and know that He is not done with me on this earth, and that He has His arms around me at all times, knowing what I need and when I need it, loving me and guiding me, allowing me to talk to Him in prayer, dying on the cross for my sins so that I can live with him eternally and giving me His Word so that I can share it with others...this is encouraging.



Encouragement for Others

These baskets are for those who find themselves with child and are confused. Maybe it was an unplanned pregnancy, maybe the father has already left, maybe they are children themselves, or maybe they just don't want to disappoint their families...whatever the case may be these are gifts for the mothers who carry these precious living beings in their wombs.

These are gifts of encouragement, they direct these women to specific places in the Scripture that shows them the sanctity of life and that God can help them overcome any obstacle. I hope that when these mothers receive these baskets they are encouraged by the love of others and the love of God.




Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

"Let's Not Sweat a Maintain" by Dee

Well Erin, you aren't the only one who just maintained this week! I "officially" gained 4/10's of a pound, but I kinda figure I got rid of that shortly after I got home from my WW meeting, if you get my drift. LOL But, let's not sweat a maintain! If you are like me, if you get too worried or frustrated about it, you will binge on all the wrong things, & that is not good.

I also have to brag on Mary for a moment; she went to the Y with me last Tuesday night and tried out the water aerobics class! She did a great job, too. I felt a little bit bad because there was another new lady in the class, and the instructor always has me help the new people out, but it left me unable to help Mary learn as much as I would've liked to. Thank goodness she has no problem diving in head first & just going for it! Pun intended. Mary, I hope you will seriously consider joining the Y; it is a great little place to workout, and has lot's of options even though it is a small facility.

Does any one else watch Ruby on the Style network? I have fallen in love with the show, and often times she brings me to tears with her struggles and her victories. I was SO happy for her when she got under 350 lbs.!!! If you have the Style channel, I strongly suggest watching the show; it is very encouraging to watch someone put her weight struggle out there for everyone to witness. She is a gem!

Hope everyone has a great week, and although I hope to have better results this coming week, I have a sneaking suspicion that I am in another "maintaining stronghold."

Love to you all!!!


Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Maintaining is Making Me Crazy! lol

Okay, seriously, I am sooooo tired of maintaining. I have done so many things, and cannot seem to just lose! I knew camp food would do it! lol.

Seriously, I am trying soooo hard. I can't wait to see a drop, it will be such an encouragement! I know it has to be just around the corner, because I have been trying soooo hard!

I am not discouraged, but annoyed! I lost 30+ on WW before I got pregnant with Sariah, and I know I can do it again, but when will my body let go! I have let go of the "bad" stuff, well, most of it. Now I just have to be patient. My time will come!

I am still sitting at 35lbs away from my goal weight. 35lbs left to go, for 5 months now!!!! A friend gave me the excuse, that it takes 9 months to put on baby weight, and 9 months to lose it....ummmm....9 months is TOMORROW!!!! I still have 19lbs of prepregnancy weight, and then an additional 16 beyond that!

I could always weigh this way!





Encourage me friends :) lol

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Annoyed

I am annoyed! I found that my blog counters quit working, so I have to guesstimate what I remember seeing them at last! Oh well, worse could happen! lol

As a side note, I did weigh in last Fri, and MAINTAINED! Booooooringgggggg! We'll see what tomorrow's weigh is! lol

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Mcklinky Favorite Kid Photo(s)

These are some of my favorite photos of me and EJ lovin each other...Mama's little boy :)






See my other series of picturers at www.thesooner7.blogspot.com





Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

"Rising Every Time We Fall" by Mary

Erin's Confucius quote is very meaningful to me at this point in my weight loss journey..."Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising everytime we fall."

I've battled my weight my entire life and over the years I have failed previous attempts at a healthy lifestyle because I was trying to change my eating habits for someone else, not for myself. Finally, in January 2008 I chose to take care myself for me, not to please another person. It wasn't a diet, it was a healthier lifestyle I was embracing.

The pounds began dropping off and I could tell the difference in the way I felt on the inside. Subconsiously, I changed who I was "working" for and when that relationship ended, I reverted back to my old habits. I mourned the loss of someone I cared about and literally fed my depression just as I have done throughout my life.

At first, my weight maintained at a consistant level but it only took a few weeks for me to see the results of my poor choices. Additionally, I could feel the difference on the inside--I wasn't feeling as well as I had been.

Yes, I had a "fall" but I'm gettting back on my feet, dusting myself off, and getting back on the path to a healthier me. My melonchally still lingers but I'm not going to let it defeat me. I'm thrilled that early on I recognized that I'd reverted back to my pattern of "self-destruction" and am making a positive correction. Perhaps that is proof that I'm learning from past mistakes. It's not to say I won't trip over the pebbles on my path in the future but if I keep my eyes open, I'll be able to step around them with greater agility and confidence.


Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Weekly Updates From Dee and Mee :)

Update From Dee:

Had my weekly weigh in tonight, & I am happy to say I've lost another 1.6 lbs. for a 14 week total of an even 36 lbs. Hope you are all having a wonderful week, and have lots of great activity planned for this weekend. Keep moving!!

I also want to say that Zumba ROCKS!!!

Update From Erin:

Well, I was gone all week sponsoring teen girls at Cedar Hills Teen Camp. I did not track points, and was not here to weigh in. The food was pretty good actually, but I did not over eat, or go for seconds. I did drink alot of leftover snow cones from the kiddos though. I may weigh in the morning to see the how my scales say I did!
Of course, there was no working out, but there was alot of uphill walking and stroller pushing. I am pretty sure I got my exercise in!
So, maybe tomorrow I will weigh in, or I may just wait until next week!


Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Mcklinky Blog Hop: Recipe: Oreo Bon Bons!

SUPER YUMMY OREO BON BONS!

Buy: 1 pack oreos, 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, white and or chocolate almond bark.

Do: Crush whole package of oreos semi fine, mix with warm cream cheese (like 30sec in microwave). Roll into balls and put on wax paper. Freeze about 30-45 minutes. Melt chocolate (using both white and chocolate is best) in microwave following directions on package (hint: add a little Crisco, makes for easier dipping). Take cold balls from freezer and dip some of your balls in choc. and some in white choc. using a toothpick or something similar. Lay them back on wax paper, and when done dipping all the balls take a spoon and drizzle opposite color of chocolate on the balls, so drizzle white choc on choc. balls, and choc. on white choc. balls. Let stand until dry, about 10 minutes (enough to let outside dry, and inside melt) and serve! Yummy. It usually takes a few times until they are "perfect". It is worth it! Oh, and if you decide to use the white choc. and color for a shower or anything you have to use oil food coloring, or it ruins the ability to dip pretty. Enjoy :-)


Serving size: 1 bon bon (batch makes 45)
Calories each: 89
Fat each: 4g
WW Points each: 2
Fiber each: less than .5



MckLinky Blog Hop" src="http://www.mcklinky.com/images/MckLinkyBlogHop.jpg" width=300 border=0 longDesc=http://www.brentriggs.com>


Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Weekly Updates by Dee and Mee!

Update From Dee!





My Weight Watchers weigh in results for this week; 3.2 lbs., for a 13 week grand total of 34.4 lbs., so I am hanging on to the average of 2.6 per week.

Congratulations Dee! You are doing so great!

Erin's Update!




My week was not exciting, same ole thing! No loss, no gain, still only at 22 lbs since I had the baby, and she is 8 months!
Next week I go to camp, maybe that will be a shock to my body! You know, blah food and no YMCA! We'll see what next week brings!!!!

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Mcklinky: 3 Things You Didn't Know About Me

1. If we cannot afford it...we don't buy it. We do not own 1 credit card and have paid off or rid of approximately 50,000 in debt

2. We want to adopt when some or all of our children leave home.

3. We encourage our children to live with us through college, to help with purity and peer pressurs and to save money and stay out of debt.

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Dee's Response: Weight Watchers Questions

In response to your questions above:

1.) How many points do you get in a day?

I am currently at 29 daily points. I started out with 33, so my weight has come down through 4 "decades" as they say in WW.

Mine have not changed yet, but can't wait until they do :)

2.) Do you earn all of your activity points?

I am not positive what you are asking here. The only way to get activity points is to earn them. For example, and this is as I understand it, if you do something out of the norm for your DAILY routine, such as mowing the yard, spring cleaning the house (or simply cleaning the house if you only do it once a week or whatever), any type of exercise, etc., then you earn activity points. You aren't earning activity points if you are doing your normal, every day thing. The only exception I would think there is to that is if you're wearing the WW pedometer and have it set on "all day," because you have to take a certain number of steps before you start earning activity points. In other words, once you've input your weight, you have to take so many steps before you are burning more than your "fair share" of calories.

I meant do you earn all 24. We were told that 24 is the goal, and that's all they allow for to be checked off in the trackers. That's why later I asked what if you earn more than 24, can you use them or are they off limit? I always earn more than 24, I love to work out!

3.) Do you exchange your activity points for food?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. I try not to exchange ALL of my activity points for food. However, I do use my activity points before I start using my weekly allowance points. I personally feel like this helps me to not over indulge.

See, I always use mine, and all of them! I do plan on taking them away in the next few weeks instead of using them.

4.) Do you use your weekly allowance?

I have used them all, and I have not used any. More often than not, I don't use them. There have been times, i.e., company picnic, friends' grandson's b-day party, etc., where I have used my weekly points because I went over my daily points (and whatever activity points I'd earned that particular day). I try not to delve into the weekly points, but I know they are there if and when I want/need them. It's nice to have that "cushion!"

Once again, I always use these, every weekend. That's when we go out to eat as a family. I am starting w/ dropping my activity points, and then go from there :)

5.)If you earn more than 24 activity points in a week, can you exchange them for food?

I've never figured up how many activity points I've earned in a week. At the meeting I attend, we are, of course, encouraged to exercise and earn points (for obvious reasons!), but we haven't been given a set number to work towards on a weekly basis. I should clarify and say that since I have been attending these meetings, we have not been told to earn X number of points per week. But fyi, as I said before, I do sometimes use my points in exchange for food, but #1 I track my activity points at one point lower than I feel I earned (example, I feel I've earned 5 points on a walk, I will record 4 points), & #2 I try to not exchange ALL of my activity points for food. Again, this is just a method I use to ensure that I am not overindulging.

Like I said earlier, we were told a weekly goal of 24, and that is the spaces allowed to be checked in the trackers. I do plan on not using them for food exchange soon, but was curious, if I go do something crazy, can I use them? hmmmmm, I may google that one. I do like your idea of doing a point less. I do that on things that seem high, like the Zumba one I googled said my size could earn 8 for one hour, but I thought there is cool down and warm up, so I dropped it to 6.

I hope this is of some help to you, or helps to answer some of your questions. Some of the tactics I use, though, may not be of benefit to you. For one thing, you are 14 years younger than me, and for another, you take care of 5 kids, a husband, and a house, so you are much more active than I am on a daily basis.

Thanks for the help! I like to find out from people who are successful at WW what works for them. It gives me ideas when I am "down" and helps me think of ways to spark things up again. I lost over 30lbs when I did WW after Lydia quit nursing. I am hoping, that like the last 2 times, when I quit nursing it will come off so much easier. It is still frustrating though, especially when I cannot fit into my pre pregnancy clothes and don't want to invest in new clothes and get "comfy" lol.

Thanks Dee ;)

I would also like to say to everyone else that I hope to see some posts from you soon! I would love to hear from you about ideas, suggestions, stories (good or bad...I've shared both!), etc.

Love you all!

Let's Do It!
Erin ;)

Let's Do It!

Okay, I am posting on my points usage for today (decided to go back to points).

I used all my points today (29), and 24 weekly allowance, minus the 11 points I earned today. So, I have 19 weekly points allowance left.

I earned 6 points in Zumba
I earned 3 points in SciFit
I earned 2 points on the treadmill

Those of you doing WW please share w/ me (if you don't mind) the following (you can copy and paste and leave in comments):

How many points do you get in a day?
Do you earn all of your activity points?
Do you exchange your activity points for food?
Do you use your weekly allowance?

I am just curious. I am at a huge straight line, partly my fault.....okay, all my fault, but I am going to get over the hump and move forward! I ate ABSOLUTELY NO sweets today. I have gone 1 day without sweets! lol

Another question, if you earn more than 24 activity points a week can you exchange them for food?

Side note: I read that Zumba earns you more points per hour than almost any other high intensity workout, and is one of the easiest to do! (read it on a health blog today, haven't actually researched it, but I did find that a person weighing only 160 can earn 7.5 points per hour class!)

My goal is to lose this week, yep, JUST LOSE! lol, even if it is just an ounce! lol

Let's Do It!
Erin :)

A Bloggersation Between Dee and Mee :)

From Dee :)

I had my weigh in tonight, & I am VERY happy! I have lost 4.8 lbs. for a 3 month grand total of 31.2 lbs.!! WOO HOO!!! Tonight I reached 3 goals I have been working toward; 1st, my 10% weight loss, which was 28 lbs., 2nd, my 30 lbs. loss which was just a nice "round" (no pun intended) number I was striving for on my own, AND I get to take one more point value off of my daily points!!

Ok, Erin...how'd you do, sister girl? I am keeping my fingers crossed that you have had a great week, too.

Erin's Reply:)

Well, I am not as happy as you but SUPER HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!! That's awesome! I maintained....did not lose....did not gain. I know my problem, and it is called SWEET TOOTH! lol

So, my goal for this week is to not eat sweets. I know it seems drastic, but for me once I eat one I eat a ton! If I don't taste it at all it is easier than if I take a bite! I think if I get it out of my system that I HAVE TO HAVE THEM, the maybe I can begin to enjoy them in moderation again.

It is an addiction for me, like a smokers cigarette or an alcoholics drink. I know when I quit smoking 7 years ago, I could not quit when I would borrow or take drags off of other peoples cigarettes, the only way for me was cold turkey. So, I now challenge myself to do the same with sweets!

I must say, however, I am glad I did not gain!!!!!!!

Congratulations Dee, you won our first fun challenge :) I am glad I didn't find the weight you lost! lol

p.s. I have been getting the emails and will post the information and links on the blog inbetween our Thursday posts ;-)

Thanks :)
Erin

Now You See It, Now You Don't!

This post is a fun blog hop post with Mcklinky. I decided to do it on our weight loss blog for fun and because the picture is a rather good representation of my love of chocolate, only I have learned to hide the evidence! lol

Keep scrolling to the bottom of the post, that is where the picture is!

"Mom, I gotta magic trick....See the cupcake? Now you don't, it disappeared...magic!"

Devil on One Shoulder, Angel on the Other!

I have to share a couple of things with my weight loss friends...make that FAMILY. We are all in this together for support, so I view all of you as my family because families support each other!Anyhoo...last night I had a REAL struggle not over indulging in some trail mix that I simply love. I ate enough to get in my last 3 points for the day, but I wanted SO BAD to eat the entire bag. I tried to "reason" with myself that all the ingredients are healthy, so it wasn't like I was eating cake or something, right? Wrong! Calories are calories are calories. Sure, there are healthy ways to eat calories and non-healthy ways, but in the end if you overeat ANYthing you can gain weight. Sure...you'd have to eat a few tons of lettuce to gain weight from eating it, but it CAN HAPPEN. So...I struggled & struggled, trying to convince myself it would be ok to finish off the bag AND trying to convince myself that it was NOT ok to finish off the bag. Reminded me of the angel on one shoulder & the devil on the other, you know? lol I finally listened to my "angel" and went on to bed for the night. And you know what? I didn't wake up this morning still craving the trail mix. I have won a small battle! Now on to win the war!!And then, ironically enough in my WW food log for today is a saying from Confucius, "Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." How appropriate for each of us! We all "fall" in our journey to a healthier lifestyle, but we need to stand up, dust ourselves off, and keep right on going. Don't look back and have regrets...no...LEARN from your mistakes, don't fret over them. After all, our mistakes are a part of what makes us who we are.Love you all!!

Encouraging Words From Mary

Well, Mary left such encouraging words I cut them and pasted them from her comment. I hope you don't mind Mary!

Just to let you know I am a total sweets addict!!!!!!! I do this from time to time! It doesn't discourage me too much, but does disappoint me some!

Once again, thanks Mary. Oh, and Dee, your on! 1 week challenge, we'll see who lost the most this week, we'll both weigh in Thurs! Love ya!!!

Here's Mary's Comment:

I've been sending Dee encouraging messages over facebook and I encourage you, too. Don't let the little set backs put you in a downward tailspin. Even if you did eat all the s'mores this week, you also exercised and that's a BIG accomplishment. Whether you believe it or not, you will eventually see the results of that accomplishment.

Now, I have to share a confession. Since January 2008, I've lost 32 pounds. But over the past month, I've been feeding my "depression" and haven't been doing too well. So far, I've managed to maintain but this past week has been pretty tough and I'm sure when I weigh on Monday, I'm going to find that I've gained a few pounds.

The point is, you shouldn't take any set backs as complete failures and revert back to the old lifestyle. Just pick up where you left off and continue on to the better you that you've been working toward. I'm shaking off this moody "whoa is me" attitude and getting back into the "what's good for me" state of mind.

Thanks :)
Erin

Smores are Out of the House!.....(only cause I ate them all!) lol

I have to admit that this week I am DISAPPOINTED :(. I am sure I did not lose, and have chosen to skip my weigh in this week! I ate way to many bit size smores, like every night this week! lol

I did workout good, and enjoyed some extra workouts with my sister, Hannah.

So, my update is I know I maintained or gained, and I have chosen to weigh in again until next week....okay, okay, I have to go weigh and see, maybe it will helpe me to be accountable!

So, I did go up, like 1.5 lbs. Now, let's start anew for next week! Can't hold on to the past! Smores are out of the house!.....(only cause I ate them all! lol)

So, let's begin a new week! Up to a weight loss challenge for the week Dee? lol

Thanks!!!!
Erin

Mother Nature + Awesome Bakers, Does it Equal +.2? lol by Dee

Had my regular WW weigh in last night, and I've gained another .2 lbs., so my total loss now is "down" to 26.4. However, I know what the issue is this week, as Mother Nature is coming to visit. lol I also went to a b-day party for the grandson of one of my friends, & her 19 year old daughter is the BEST cook/baker/etc, & she made a variety of finger foods AND a b-day cake that was to DIE for. I originally wasn't going to eat anything because I'd had lunch 3 hours earlier, but everyone else had eaten earlier too, and I could tell the chef was disappointed that no one was eating after she'd spent many hours laboring in the kitchen. She is such a sweet, special girl, that I went ahead and had a taste of everything so she wouldn't feel her time was wasted. Everyone else must've gotten the hint, because they all went in & ate a bit, too. In addition, I ate out a few times this week, and although I tried to make healthy choices, take out food just is NOT as healthy as home-cooked. So...I am re-committing myself to healthier choices this week (I am currently cooking a WW recipe for Mexican meatloaf, which smells YUMMY), and am going to increase my exercise each day, either by upping the intensity or the amount. Today I got up at 5:30 a.m. for a morning walk, & it was SO nice! Much better than walking from 5-6 p.m. The sun was barely peeking over the horizon, there was a nice breeze, and the humidity was still reasonably low. I not only walked an extra mile, I walked an extra 30 minutes! I would've gone ahead and walked the track twice because my energy level was fine, but, I was not prepared with enough water. I drink a LOT of water while I'm walking.

Hope you all are doing wonderfully this week, and I look forward to hearing from each of you about your progress.

Love you all!

I'm Not Looking at it as a Setback by Dee

I had my regular WW weigh in last night, & gained .4; however, I am not looking at this as a setback, because I know enough to realize that less than a half pound can be due to a LOT of things. So now my "official" loss is 26.6.

I took a look at what I did this past week, and there a two things that may have had an impact on my weigh in. 1st, due to the heat, I am not walking as far or as fast as I was. I am still out there for an hour, but am only walking two miles instead of three. I won't push myself harder than that in this heat wave because it's just not safe. 2nd, I think I need to use more of my points values earlier in the day and eat a lighter supper. I am usually pretty good at doing that, but for some reason this week my suppers have been "heavier" than what I would like.

With all this said, I am not letting a minor gain let me lose my focus. I have been expecting a plateau to come along eventually...maybe this is the start of one, maybe not. Regardless, I will stick to my healthy eating and exercise, AND my many prayer to God for his guiding hand.

Love to you all!!

Minimal Fat Loss by Erin

Hello!

So, today was my second weigh in since I started the calorie counting. I did not lose as much as I had hoped for, but I did lose! I lost .6 this week!

What did I do right? I went to all of my work out classes.

What did I do wrong? Ummmm, Oreo bon bons? lol

I did stay within my calories every day for minimal fat loss, but only stayed under for maximum fat loss 1 day. I would like to increase it a day per week for the next several weeks until I am at the maximum 5 days, and the minimum 2 days, so I can still do some extra eating :)

I can't wait to hear how you all did! Please let me know!


22 lost, 33 to go!

Thanks!
Erin

The Wait is Over! Our New Blog Name Is......

We have an exciting announcement.......the wait is over!

The winner of the blog title poll is The Weight is Over!

Thanks everyone for voting...I will go and change it now!

Thanks,
Erin :)

Poll Is Up and Ready...Time to Vote!

Finally, I got our poll up, and right this time! Yea! Please vote. If you would like to wait for more suggestions to vote, there is an option for that also.

Thanks!
Erin :)

Update by Dee :)

My week was great! I weighed in Thursday night & have lost another 2.8 lbs. for a 9 week grand total of 27 lbs.! I got a "medal" for reaching 25 lbs., which look like a heavy duty washer (as in nuts, bolts, washers). I put it on my key chain as a reminder of what I've done thus far. I have to tell you all, I give the glory to God for giving me the determination and focus to stay on-track. I went to a company picnic Friday night, & one of my co-workers didn't recognize me! She works at a different location & only sees me every 3-4 months. It was GREAT to know the loss is showing to other people. I also wore a pair of jeans to work last Friday that I have not been able to get into for two years!


Congrats Comments
Myspace Comments

Afterall, A Little is Better than None!

So, now for my post on how I did this week:

I am using the BMR calculator, which tells how many calories I use in a day, as my guideline for calorie counting to lose weight (I have a link on the left side bar if you would like to take a look). I am supposed to be using in between 1500 and 1900 to lose weight. I have been sticking in the middle since I am still nursing Sariah.

Right after I had Sariah I had got within 12 lbs of my pre-pregnancy weight, but all of a sudden within a week had gained 10lbs back and have been struggling ever since! I had lost 30+ lbs before finding out about my little surprise, Sariah, and am hoping to get back there again soon. I was within 16lbs of my goal weight.

I know one of the setbacks for me is nursing, I usually lose real slow until I stop nursing. I usually stop by 6 months, but am not ready yet. I am not going to stop for the sole purpose of weight loss, but at the same time I can't wait to see the 10lbs leave that always waits until I quit nursing to say good-bye :)

I had lost several lbs and again put on a few. I was surprised on how I had lost, so maybe it was a "teaser" weight. I know sometimes when I expect to have a good loss, I gain or maintain, and then sometimes when I feel bad and expect the worse, I end up losing! Crazy the way weight seems to have a mind of it's own sometimes! lol

Well, I have officially done 1 week with the calorie counting and lost a little, 1.6 pounds to be exact, so I am PUMPED! After all, a little is better than none!



21.4 lost, 33.6 to go!

Like my ticker? If so, go to www.TickerFactory.com and get your own weight loss ticker! You can leave the code when you make you comment and the ticker will show up! If it doesn't immediately, it will when I copy and paste!

Please leave your weekly update and let us know how you did! I will copy and paste it on a blog post!

Hope to hear from you soon!
Thanks,
Erin

Let's Catch Up!

Hey Guys!!

So far we have officially met 3 people, Karen, Dee and Erin. If you have not "formally" introduced yourself please go to the 'HELP! We Need to Meet and a Catchy Title to Our Blog!' under June's archive and copy and past the form to fill out and leave under comments. We would love to hear from you :-)

I have had a few suggestions for the blog name, they are:
1) The Best Is Yet To Come"
2) "The Weight is Over"
3) Weighting for Healthy

I have set up a poll that should appear on the blog within the next day or so, please vote so we can name our blog!

Thanks!
Erin

Updating Our Progress

I just wanted to say Hi to everyone, and welcome. I have added the new email addresses to the blog, so you should be getting this in your email now. If you are not, and would like to please leave a comment or contact me.

Someone gave me an idea of a catchy title, and I like it! Tomorrow I will announce it and see what you all think, it's cute :)

So, tomorrow I will blog on my progress, I have decided to weigh in every Thursday. What days do you weigh in? Please leave a comment and let me know. It would be nice to hear from everyone on your weigh in day and their progress!

So, here is what I need to know :)

1. Blog name ideas? last chance!
2. Need to add your email? Let me know
3. What is your weigh in day?
4. Is it okay for me to copy your comments and paste them on the blog section?
5. Would you like to see anything else added on the side bars of the blog?

Please say YES to copy and pasting your comments! It would be a nicer and easier way to see all of our progress, or what we wish we would have done! lol (I'll have a few of those, GUARANTEED).

Please leave your comments with the info and any thing else you would like to add!

Thanks,
Erin

Meeting Everyone

Hello Everyone!

I thought we should go ahead and introduce those who have left their information on our blog, so here goes!

MEET KAREN 8-)

NAME: Karen

AGE: 35

WEBSITE: myspace/facebook

I AM FROM: Oklahoma

WEIGHT LOSS/OTHER PROGRAM I AM ON (if any): Weight Watchers

ORIGINAL WEIGHT OR HOW MUCH YOU HAVE LOST SO FAR: 39lbs.

CURRENT WEIGHT OR AMOUNT I WANT TO LOSE: ALOT...around 196lbs.

GOAL WEIGHT OR I STILL NEED TO LOSE : ALOT =]

HEALTH GOALS: to live a longer healthier life=]

NURSING MOM? LOL...ummm no

IDEA FOR BLOG NAME: I'm not good at this but I'll give it a shot! "The Best Is Yet To Come"..that's all I got=]

MORE ABOUT ME: I am a wife and a mom to 2 boys. I unfortunately struggle w/my weight..and I hate it. I have to firmly stick w/what is right or I pay for it. I am not one that can eat whatever I want...I wish. It's going to be a long bumpy road. I am trying to just take it 1 day at a time. Some days are better of course. I just have to remember to not give up. If I want the rainbow then I've gotta put up w/the rain=].


MEET DEE ;-)

NAME: Dee

AGE: 45

WEBSITE: None; can catch me of Facebook or MySpace, though!

I AM FROM: Tulsa

WEIGHT LOSS/OTHER PROGRAM I AM ON (if any): Diabetes management plan & Weight Watchers

ORIGINAL WEIGHT OR HOW MUCH YOU HAVE LOST SO FAR: During '06-'07 I lost 60 lbs. because of being scared by my diabetes diagnosis; in '08 I stalemated and fought 20 of those lbs. off & on all year. Since joining Weight Watchers 7 weeks ago, I have lost 19 lbs.

CURRENT WEIGHT OR AMOUNT I WANT TO LOSE: 120 lbs.

GOAL WEIGHT OR I STILL NEED TO LOSE : 101 lbs.

HEALTH GOALS: To keep off diabetes meds, to stave off having to have my mitral valve replaced as long as possible, & to be able to do what I want to and go where I want to because I am HEALTHY and ACTIVE enough to do so.

NURSING MOM? 17 years ago!

IDEA FOR BLOG NAME: I am so not good at names!MORE ABOUT ME: I am a single mom of one teenage son; have been single for 11 years and enjoy it for the most part, but it is tough. I have gotten back into my Christianity in the past 3 years and have been extremely blessed for returning home to my Father. I have a job I love, and many friends that I have known since I was a youngster. I used to be thin (weren't we all?) until I reached my mid-20's, then I filled out somewhat but was not really "fat" until after I had my son. Depression over my marriage contributed a great deal to my overeating - not an excuse, but by all means a contributor to my becoming an "emotional eater."

MEET ERIN :0)

NAME: Erin

AGE: 31

WEBSITE: http://www.thesooner7.blogspot/.

I AM FROM: Oklahoma

WEIGHT LOSS/OTHER PROGRAM I AM ON (if any): mix b/w weight watchers and body by God

ORIGINAL WEIGHT OR HOW MUCH YOU HAVE LOST SO FAR:lost 16 so far

CURRENT WEIGHT OR AMOUNT I WANT TO LOSE: wanted to lose total of 50

GOAL WEIGHT OR I STILL NEED TO LOSE : 34

HEALTH GOALS: to eat healthier: organic, whole foods

NURSING MOM? yes

IDEA FOR BLOG NAME: asking you all!

MORE ABOUT ME: I am married and a mom of 5 children. I am a Christian and am hoping to lose weight and be in better shape so that I can live longer, God willing. I eat b/c I like food...I don't have to be hungry as long as it is sweet and chocolaty!

I am hoping everyone will drop by once a week so that we can see your updates! Please, if you would like to get an email each time we update send me your email address!

We hope to meet more people in the future...please feel free to copy and paste and leave your information under comments...we'd love to have you!

Thanks!
Erin :)

Getting Things Started

Hello!



So far there are just 3 of us, but I am glad we are here! We can begin our journey of weight loss and better health, inside and out together. More may join in later, and we hope that they do :)



This post is for the purpose of asking you that do not have a Google account or a blog if you would get me your email address and I can set it up so that every time this blog is updated you get an email.



If you would like to be an author on the blog, please email me to. I am still trying to understand how all of that works. I will also post it on my FB and MySpace accounts as well. Feel free to ask to be my friend on either, however, I am mostly on FB. I will add an email me button on the blog later, but for now I will post it here:

edmc0298@gmail.com

If you are my friend of FB you can send it there private via the FB mail. If you are not my friend, just send a request and make a note that it is for the weight loss blog!



Please put in subject line weight loss blog.



I am still waiting on more responses and asking for ideas on a catchy title. Once I get a few up I will post them and we can vote! So, my goal is to have a title, a get to know everyone page, and have those who are already "in" to do a weight loss tracker (I will provide a website and link for a free tracker you can use).



Thanks for your patience. Once everything gets started I am hoping to post an "article" once a week and have everyone check in once a week to update on weight loss and accomplishments for the week! Please let me know any ideas of topics, posts, or anything you would like to see or you would think might help you in your journey.



Please email our lint to any friends you have that might be interested in this, the more the merrier!

http://www.getmotiv8d.blogspot.com/



Thanks again,

Erin

HELP! We Need to Meet and a Catchy Title to Our Blog!

Hello everyone.

Welcome to OUR weight loss blog! I have never done a blog that has multiple users like this, so please feel free to offer any ideas, advice etc. I have not been blogging for long, and have only done a family blog so far. (You can visit this blog, if you wish, at www.thesooner7. blogspot.com).

We would like to see all kinds of people bring a variety of plates to the table! If you can offer advise on physical activities, food, anything that contributes to a healthier us, please feel free to!

Some of us are here to for support in losing weight, while others may be looking for a healthier life style, or want to get in better physical shape, or just want to help out by offering some "wisdom" whichever it may be, you are welcome :)

So, what we need is get to know each other and a cool title for our blog! Please copy and paste the following and fill out and leave under comments. We can then start adding blog authors as people want.


NAME:

AGE:

WEBSITE:

I AM FROM:

WEIGHT LOSS/OTHER PROGRAM I AM ON (if any):

ORIGINAL WEIGHT OR HOW MUCH YOU HAVE LOST SO FAR:

CURRENT WEIGHT OR AMOUNT I WANT TO LOSE:

GOAL WEIGHT OR I STILL NEED TO LOSE :

HEALTH GOALS:

NURSING MOM?

IDEA FOR BLOG NAME:

MORE ABOUT ME:


If there is anything else you would like to add to our "Meet Me" template, please feel free to let me know and we can add it!

Let the fun begin!

Thanks,
Erin :)