Okay since some have been having problems getting notices I'm gonna start a new thread, once again. Also I'm hoping this new thread will help those of us that have fallen off the wagon pick ourselves back and and get going again, as well as picking up new people.

The two older threads on this are:
Wanna lose weight? Calling all Chunky Monkeys
and
Chunky Monkeys (The original thread)

This is just a thread for those that are trying to lose weight to have a place to come for support. We are here to praise and congratulate and we are here to give a helping hand and offer suggestions and we are here to lift each other up after a bad day.

Anyone can join us, so if you want to lose weight, jump right in to the mix.

Right now, even though I need to lose 35-40 pounds I'm going to just focus on the first 10-15. I am going to the ICES convention this summer and have decided to crack down and spend the next 7 weeks trying to lose weight. I've gained back some of my previous lost weight and my clothes are fitting a bit tighter. I know if I lost 10-15 they would fit me better, and that is a do-able weight to lose in the time frame.

I was telling my mother today I know what to do to lose weight. I know what all the books say, and I know what works for my body since I have lost weight in the past. I hate knowing I know how to do this, and just not doing it. So starting today I am refocusing myself on losing weight so that I can be healthier, feel better and look better, not only for now but for the long term.

Last week I tried to start eating better but it was the worst week to do it. Not only was I having to deal with Aunt Flo, I was stuck in horrible moods that were not productive to anything. This weekend I spent time with my family at the lake and lets just say the little healthy eating I did during the week went out the window with what I ate this weekend.

It is time now to change that, to change my life and to move forward. No more excuses, no more looking for my motivation. I'm off to find it and make it stick around this time.

As a reminder, those of us that are heavy did not get this way over night, and it will take time and hard personal work to get the weight off. I fully believe the journey of losing weight is a important one to help people stick with it and keep it off. While we would all love to lose the number of pounds you see on the biggest loser that is just not realistic to do in the real world when you have other responsibility besides eating and working out every day.

We are here to support each other with healthy eating habits and diet plans.

Who would like to join me and the other chunky monkeys in this weight lose journey?

Thanks for starting the new thread, Tracy. I was also having trouble with not receiving notification of replies to the other thread. Hopefully this one will give us the notifications.Tell ya what, once you lose your motivation, it's hard to be back on the right track. I have also fallen off the wagon and let me tell ya, I feel miserable!! I have eaten so much junk food and so many big meals that I feel sick almost daily since I've fallen. I'm ready to get back up and get serious about eating healthy, exercising and getting this weight off. Can't believe that I allowed myself to gain some of the weight back like I have. I don't know what in the world I was thinking. But that's neither here nor there, I screwed up and now it's time to take responsibility again and do what I need to do. Staying motivated is sometimes difficult but if we stay together as a group, and give each other a gentle push when needed, it makes it easier. The contribution of each chunky monkey is very important. Could I lose weight without my buddies? Probably, but it goes a whole lot smoother with a little help from my friends...... (Do I hear a song coming up?) Seriously, knowing that others are dealing with the same issues that I am dealing with, somehow, makes it easier to do what I need to do. As I've said before, each of us can achieve our goals. It's easier and more fun if we all work together to achieve those goals. So, with that being said, NEW THREAD, NEW GOALS, NEW MOTIVATION..... Let's get busy and reach our goals!!!!!!!!! I'm more than ready, are you??????????

Hi Monkies,

My name is Deb and I am a chunky monkey.

I did the lap band surgery a little over a year ago but have stagnated at about 90 lb weight loss. I'm in the process of getting my foot repaired so i can exercise. Currently I'm in a cast which makes just about all low impact exercise uncomfortable. My goal is to get my foot healed and get back on the treadmill.

I have a membership at the YMCA and I know that my secret to weight loss at this point will be to move my body. I was doing very well until the the physical limits of a cast were imposed.

I've missed the monkey madness and KNOW that the new thread and fresh encouragment will help us all.

So if you have that awesome summer dress you want to fit in like our little friend here. Then join us and make the healthy choices in life.

Yeah it is my favorite Cheerleader! Margie, you always say the things in a great way. I totally believe having the group helps, it just gives us people to talk to about the struggles we are all going through.

Hey Deb!! How is your foot heeling? Do you have a time frame until you can ditch the cast?

I love the monkey!! Thankfully you mentioned summer dresses and not bathing suits.

I am Katherine, from Newfoundland Canada. At my heaviest point about this time last year I was about 210 lbs and was wearing a size 18 shorts or pants. After seeing a picture of myself I realized I had to get serious. With eating well, running and weight lifting, I have managed to get down to 170-175 lbs. The problem is that I have been hovering around these weights for 3-4 months now and just can't seem to get up the motivation to do both exercising and eating well in order to get lighter.

Thank you for starting this new thread, and welcome to any new monkeys!!

Hi ladies, I'll join. As I sit here typing, I have a one pound bag of m&ms in my lap. My *ideal* weight is 20 pounds lighter than my current weight, and I have managed to lose and gain back 10 pounds repeatedly over the last 3-4 yrs. I am a runner, and also a compulsive and emotional eater. Weight Watchers has helped some, but if I am stressed or upset, look out! I will eat anything that is not nailed down, hungry or not.

I plan to start the 30 day shred tomorrow. Do you folks weigh in or anything?

Michelle

Michelle, I can completely relate to you! I am a runner, and even though I run regularly, I don't hesitate reaching for the junk food. I don't even know if it is emotional for me, it just makes me happy while I'm eating, then guilty when I'm done... Weekends are my weakness, I find it hard to exercise and eat well when I'm home. When I'm at work I'm fine, I always pack a healthy lunch and stick to it.

I weigh myself every Monday and measure myself every second Monday and I often report back here with my progress. This morning I was 174.6 lbs and my waist was 36.5 inches. Certainly not where I want to be....

My goal for the next 4-6 weeks is to lose 10 lbs and get to 165, and I'd like to lose 2 inches off my waist in hopes that inches from my hips, thighs, etc will go away as well... I'm running a 10 mile race in 7 weeks and training for that is going great, I'm sure training would be going even better if I could get more weight gone. Making my legs carry a skinny person has to be easier than carrying around an overweight person right??

Katherine, while I know you want to lose more, don't forget what you have accomplished. You have lost weight and you have kept it off for several months. That is a good thing!

Michelle, when I started this new thread I was drinking a venti Starbucks, wanna share those M&Ms??

My dad bought a back of special dark mini chocolate bars and had left them out on the cabinet. I walked by and had a few, just cause they were there. UGH! I looked at the back of the bag and did the math. The bag contained 1500+ calories. I was like that is over one days worth of calories in the bag. Oh I hate the math of counting calories sometimes, but boy does it put things into prospective.

Emotional eating is very common, and hard to break! Sometimes it is easy to realize when we are doing it. We are upset about something and find our spoon in the icing bowl. Or we are mad at someone and we end up with a pile of cookie crumbs in front of us. Or we are worried about the small amount of money in our bank account and we grab a bag of chips. Also being women, well we have those monthly cravings as well. I mean how many guys do you hear say they are craving something salty or sweet. I crave garlicy stuff at the beginning on my period.

It isn't fair!! But it is a part of life, and knowing that we all have to find different ways to deal with the issues that have caused our weight gain and that are blocking our weight loss.

We all need to have plans in place. We need to redirect our minds from food to other things. So who has a hobby, that does not involve cake decorating or food? Instead of picking up that bag of chips why not pick up yarn and a crochet hook or knitting needles, or scrap booking, or anything that involves your hands so you put food in them.

Or pick up a pen and paper. Which is especially good if you are hunting out food and not sure why. If you look for food and you shouldn't be hungry or your not really hungry, then evaluate what is going on in your body and in your mood. Are you upset, angry, stressed, sad about something? Are you bored? By thinking about these things it will help you figure out why you are reaching for food when you really don't need to be.

Another good thing to do when you are searching for food is to step back and drink a glass of water. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hungry. Or what about getting out of the house and going for a walk or playing with the kids until the feeling passes.

If you find something else to do for 15-30 mins and are still hungry then eat a healthy snack. A piece of cheese, some almonds, a piece of fruit...

I find the starting point the hardest. Last week when I was trying to make an effort at eating better I would find myself being hungry when I knew I shouldn't be, or when I knew I really wasn't. I would be standing in front of the fridge shopping or looking through the cabinets. I know it was more mental than a physical hunger, and I know it will pass, but it is getting through that part and getting to the next challenge.

We don't have a set weigh in day, just pick what day works best for you and post when you do.

I'm waiting for a new battery for the scale before I can start my weigh ins. Which is okay since it gives me time to get on track before I even deal with numbers.

I better get off here and get some lunch. I have class tonight and am going over to a friend's afterward, so if I am going to walk today i have to do it in the next 3 hours. Oh fun.

Thank you Texas Sugar. I think part of my problem is that I feel great and am happy where I am, even though I am still a bit overweight... I tend to give myself more freedom with eating and I know my heart and muscles are healthy because I am still exercising. I do want to get lighter, but maybe not right now.

Oh, well. I did NOT start the 30 day shred yesterday, my kids were a nightmare and I shoveled crap into my face all day long, then had a glass of wine last night. Tonight I plan to run 7 miles, though. Maybe that will make up for some of the damage that I did yesterday.

I walked a mile yesterday, slowly to get back into it. Today was such a busy day that I didn't have time to walk and if I tried to now I'd fall asleep on the treadmill.

I went to my friends last night and had a couple of drinks, but other than that I have done well with eating the last two days.

Feel like I'm taking one step forward and two steps back.

Hey everyone. Hope your week is going well. Tracy, you and I were thinking the same yesterday. I too managed to walk a mile. Getting ready to get back on the treadmill shortly and hopefully, ooooops, I mean I WILL walk a little further today. I will weigh in on Mondays and report my LOSS. See, thinking positive here. But ya know it's kinda hard to concentrate on what I'm saying because on the left hand side of this box are the TOP VIDEOS and this gorgeous piece of fried chicken keeps popping up Man does it look good. OK, concentrate Margie.
So, has anyone tried any new recipes lately? I've really got to find the time to go over my regular recipes and work on them a bit. A new store just opened up the other day called The Fresh Market. Anyone got one around where you live? I understand that they have a lot of organic foods there. Also have a butcher there at all times. I'm gonna try to get out there by this week=end. I went to Costco yesterday and bought a honeydew that is absolutely wonderful. It's got to be the sweetest I've ever tasted. Also got a watermelon but haven't cut that yet. I need to start focusing more of the fresh fruits and veggies and overlook all the chips........
So, what's everyone got planned for today?

Margie, I had an almost veggie lunch today. I came to my mom's house after they had already sat down with left overs from last night. They had eaten all the pork but had fresh new potatoes and green beans and then zucchini and yellow squash cooked with a little bacon left. I'll have to eat a little more of something here in a little while, since I missed breakfast I know those yummy veggies aren't going to last until dinner time. Plus I have class tonight so dinner time will be late.

Yesterday I made a trip to the grocery store and picked up fruits. Grapefruits, oranges, bananas, blueberries and apples. My uncle has a huge garden so we get a lot of fresh veggies from him.

I also bought some Healthy Choice frozen meals. All the ones I have tried are under 400 calories and are more balanced meals than some of the other ones. They aren't as good as home cooked food, but they aren't bad for a quick decent meal that doesn't involve fast food. You can always pair them with a fresh salad or fruit too.

As far as the fried chicken, me and momma have started cutting our chicken breast in half making two cutlets that are thinner, and pretty much closer to a serving size of chicken. For the breading we have added herbs, fresh or dried, to bread crumbs, garlic powder and sometimes a little bit of parm cheese. You can just wet the breasts and dredge in the bread crumbs or you can dredge in a little flour, then milk, then the bread crumbs. We have been frying them in a small amount of oil but you can also bake them. They come out very flavorful and cook pretty fast. And since you can adjust the herbs you don't have to have the same tasting chicken every time.

Hello Ladies...While I have been on CC for quit sometime this is the first time I have read thru any of the weight loss threads. Here's why:

Oh, my name is Kimberly. All my life I have been that perfect size 7. Never had a worry where food was concerned. Well, 4 years ago I had a full hysterectomy at the age of 37 (May 04) 2 days after my surgery my Dad died, 3 months later my step-dad died, one week later my only living grandparent died, then 4 months later my great-aunt lost her battle with cancer. Oh yeah, one month later Jan 05 my husband tells me he wants a divorce

As you can imagine the stress was overwhelming I dropped from 125 to 98 pounds by Feb 05 and stayed that way till Spring of 06. Life completely did a 360. I had a fabulous job, met a fabulous man and didn't have a worry in the world. Did I mention the bf is a wonderful cook. So fast track to now...162 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even though it's been over a 3 year period if really hit me hard the past few weeks. I am FAT!!! Now I know there are people who will think 162 is no big deal, but to me it's a very big deal. I am uncomfortable, I hate to keep buying new clothes and I feel so unattractive.

So with all that being said, I am ready to join in with yall and lose this weight.


By the way, what is the 30 day shred?

Hello girls, I'm Rylan and I need to lose weight. I've lost a total of 105 pounds and gained 40 back.

I was a vegetarian for 3 (or was it 4?) years and I believe that it has helped a lot. I mean your choice is limited when you are a vegetarian but at the same time, you get to discover the new world of vegetarian cooking. I also stopped drinking soda. I have no more cravings for soda anymore!

I just gained 1 pound from last week, I need to stop eating too much sweets!

Happy exercising everyone =]

Hi all,

I'm Renee, in Australia, and used to doing everything in kgs, so have looked up a measurement converter to talk in pounds!

I have a lovely new daughter, almost two months old, and put on 55lb while pregnant, lost 30 at the birth, which put me at 49lb above the top of my healthy weight range for my height (6ft 1, yes, very tall).

Started counting Weight Watchers Points again 3 weeks ago and have lost 8lb. My motivation at the moment is looking forward to fitting back into all my clothes, and people's compliments at some point in the future!

I know what a long, tough, boring road it is though, having lost 66lb about 10 years ago.

Luckily, I have no oven at the moment and can't bake. I'm sure that's helping!

Good luck to all this week!

Good morning everyone. Oh what a beautiful day. Sun's shining, birds are singing and I'm feeling great that I've done so well with my exercise and eating this week.
WELCOME to all of our new members. It's great to see ya here. I look forward to getting to know each of you and going through our journey together.
Tracy - Yummmm, zucchini and yellow squash with a little bit of bacon. That really sounds good. I've just realized that squash is really pretty good. I bet it's really good with the zucchini and little bit of bacon. Gotta give that a try. You are so fortunate to have a relative who grows veggies. I so wanted to have a garden this year but it doesn't look like it's gonna happen. Sometimes it's hard to find fresh veggies in the stores. Thanks for sharing how you and your mom cook up chicken. Great idea. I've been buying the thin chicken and I think I mentioned this before, I dredge it through a mixture of flour and taco seasoning and fry up in just a tiny bit of olive oil. It's great! I'm gonna mix up my herbs and spices and give it a try.
Kimberly - You have without a doubt been through more than your fair share of hard times. I am so sorry that you've been through such hard times. Where you dropped weight during that time, I would have gained and gained BIG. I am a HUGE stress eater and I'm still working on trying ot figure out how to deal with it without eating till I get sick. I'm glad that your life is back on track and you are happy. By the way when I'm happy I eat too. With some determination and patience, you can lose the weight that you want and get back to where you would like to be. As Tracy says it won't be overnight but you can and will achieve your goal if you are really committed.
Rylan - WOW you lost 105 pounds. So, you KNOW you can do this and lose those 40 pounds that you gained back. I give you so much credit for giving up sodas. That is one of my downfalls. I have completely given up regular sodas but I admit I do drink diet coke. I've cut back on what I was drinking so I'm still trying. Learning to drink more tea now. As for sweets, I pretty much gave up suggary things but I do still like chips now and then. The baked cheetos are really good. Still not great for ya but better than the fried ones. I eat lots of popcorn. The 100 calorie bags are great. You will get those 40 pounds off Rylan, I know you will.
Renee - Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. You must be on cloud 9. I gained 75 pounds with on of my sons and it took a while to lose that weight. Again, you will get this weight off. Geeez, you've already lost 8 pounds in the last 3 weeks. Thats GREAT!! Sounds like you are dedicated to losing what you need to and you will do it. I have been tempted to join ww but just haven't yet. The program has worked so well for so many people. Keep up the good work. You are off to a wonderful start!!!

Welcome Kimberly, I wish I could say I was that perfect size all my life, but I wasn't. I, too, had a day where you step on the scale and you just go what the hell. Since weight has a way of creeping on us, we usually don't notice that we are getting bigger until our clothes get snugger. Then one day it hits us that we have to do something about it.

Michelle will have to explain the 30 day shred. I'm guessing it is a jump start to a diet program. We all do what works for us and share what works (or doesn't work) for us, but we aren't all on the same diet plan or maybe I should say life style change, since I refuse to be on a diet.

Hello Rylan. Congrats on the 105! I totally understand the gaining back. Ugh! I lost 25 a few years ago and am back up about 10-15lbs. I did well at sitting at the same weight for 2 years then started gaining it back.

I could never be a vegetarian, while I love veggies and fruit, I still also want meat. I crave beef if it has been a while since I had it. I'm also not disciplined enough not to eat something cause it has some form of animal in it. I do think that even vegetarians can eat unhealthy. Since alot of your bad snack foods would still be will with in limits. But if they like the rest of us follow good eating guidelines it can be good for us.

I stopped drinking cokes as well three years ago. I wish I could say I don't drink them at all any more, but a dear friend of mine makes a yummy drink that starts with sprite that I like. Thankfully I only see him once a week or every two weeks so I'm not drinking them every day. Next time I go over there I may stop off and get some Sprite Zero to use instead.

Hi Renee, congrats on the addition to your family and the lost of 8lbs! Don't worry about that long journey, we will help you through it and keep you entertained in the process.

Margie, care to share your pretty weather? We had storms last night and this morning. Momma went by my uncles last night had picked up a big bag of potatoes, bag of onions, bag of yellow squash, bag of zucchini and a head of red cabbage and some peppers. We are still waiting on the tomatoes!!

I think momma just boiled the squash and zucchini then added in some precooked bacon. I've cooked them by taking a piece of bacon and cutting it up into pieces and frying those then removing them from the bacon grease and then sauteing onions, yellow squash and zucchini in it. You can always skip the bacon, but the flavor is nice and we do have to treat ourselves now and then.

I haven't walked since Monday. I can give reasons and excuses, but it won't change that I didn't do it. I doubt I will do it today either. My eating is improving though, so I guess that is my baby step this week and walking will be my baby step next week.

I totally meant to start my weigh in this morning, but I forgot to weigh. Sigh. I'm in the 168 range (ounces vary) so I guess I can start with that.

Does anyone have any quick and/or easy breakfast ideas that are healthy?

This morning I had a whole wheat bagel with a little sugar free jelly and a grapefruit. While it is good, I don't want it every morning. Plus I know I need to add in some protein to breakfast. I think that is my hardest meal since (a) I like to sleep in and (b) I not a real big eat as soon as you wake up kind of person and (c) I never seem to be able to eat too much then am hungry a few hours later.

I'm so looking forward to the weekend, since I get a break from teaching. I've taught every night since Monday and have to teach again tonight. But I also know weekends are the hardest on my eating habits. Guess I better start thinking about a plan.

Hope everyone has a great Thursday.

Ummmm, can I join too?

A little back ground: my heaviest was 195 (I'm 5'ft 8"). I lost 30 lbs last year for my girlfriends wedding (I was MOH and I wasn't going to be the fat bridesmaid). I lost the weight thru WW, and kept it off until around April of this year. I have gained back 10 lbs, but it feels like 40. I am not as active in the spring/summer as I am in the winter (play hockey). I lost 4 lbs last week, but I think that had to do with me drinking more water than before (as per WW). I think I am still around 173~175.
My biggest problem isn't the food per say, I don't crave chips or chocolate or crappy empty calories type foods. I would say that right now, I am disappointed in myself for gaining back the weight, but also my size 11/12 pants are a little more snug than before (10 lbs extra = 1 dress size). My DH says he can't tell the difference and to stop fussing. But for some reason my hips seem bigger (to me) than they were when I was 195 (body-issues are something that I deal with).

So anyway, I recommitted myself to WW, and I'm trying to get off my butt and exercise. Hopefully I will get back on track. My goal is to lose 15~20 lbs.

Cheers
cakes22

Kimberly, welcome to the group and I hope you can find comfort here. What a terrible time you went through. Hugs to you!!

Welcome Rylan, it sounds like you are on the right track!! Way to go on being vegetarian, I just can't do it. lol!

Welcome Renee! Congrats on your new daughter!! I've had 2 children and gained at least 80 lbs a pregnancy, you will get the weight gone, it does take time. I found it tough to lose while nursing, and I'm not sure if you are, as I had to eat to make milk.

Welcome cakes22! It sounds like you are also off to a great start!

Texassugar, I'm glad you aren't making excuses for not walking. Sometimes it just complicates things as we can all form excuses to NOT exercise, and lots of us skip days of it.. You'll get back on track, you'll get more committed!!

Just popping in to encourage everyone!!! Just because I reached my goal doesn't mean I don't want to come in and give help!!

For those of you who eat emotionally...I know this might sound crazy, but have you seen a therapist or counselor? Especially a behavioral therapist? I only ask because I saw one for several months for a non-weight related issue, but she was so good, she really helped me embrace all the changes I need to go through. I really do feel like she is a big part of my success.

I do want to remind everyone of this: a bad DAY is just a bad DAY! Let it go because tomorrow doesn't have to be.

*hugs everyone* Without all of you and your encouraging words, I couldn't be where I am. I wish we could post before/after photos here,

Jade, I'm counting on you to pop in at least once a week! It is great to have someone here that has hit their goal weight and can share support with us. I'm so proud of you!

Welcome Cakes22!

Katherine, I've gotten better at being honest with myself. I haven't walked because I haven't made the time or when I had the time I decided to do something else. Of course I can paint a pretty picture and give ya'll a good reasons for it, but you are right, it just doesn't help.

I know to lose the weight I have to eat right and I have to walk/exercise. No one can do either one of those for me. So it is completely on me, and I'm working on it.

Good evening Ladies and thankyou to each and everyone of you for making me feel so welcome!!!

I weighed last Friday and was 162. Weighed on Monday and was 160, so atleast that's a start. I will weigh in the morning and hopefully have dropped a few more.

I was a veggie for about 4 years and really loved it. Not too sure why I reverted back to meat. I like it but could certainly live without it and not miss it. What a great accomplishment Rylan, to lose 105 pounds!!!

I am presently doing the My Alli diet. I started on it this past Sunday. I've not had any of the treatment effects, but then again I don't eat much fat. I chose Alli because it is FDA approved and I felt it would keep me away from the bad stuff that I do indulge in from time to time. I love Mexican!!! Also, it doesn't have any of the stuff that makes you jittery, heart race etc...

Congrats on your new little bundle of joy, Renee. And what a beautiful place you must live in...Australia I live in Mississippi...nothing here but rednecks, hot weather and mosquitos No really I LOVE The South!!!

How nice of you, Jade to keep up with this group. And to your weight loss and keeping it off.

Yes, tomorrow is a new day with new goals to meet.

K'ly

First of all, thanks guys for all the kind words. You have motivated me even more. THANKS A LOT! I LOVE YOU ALL!

Margie- Atleast diet soda is a start right? I also think drinking tea helped. I drank tea everyday and I'm sure it was a contribution. I felt the fat being flushed haha. I'm sure you can completely give up sodas. I give you bonus points for giving up sweets! Go girl.

Tracy (TexasSugar right?) - Thanks for starting this thread. I also congratulate you for avoiding soda as much as possible. Oh and yes, being vegetarian can be unhealthy if you don't get the proper nutrients. Good luck on the sprite zero, I'm sure the drink will still taste great.

Katherine- I can understand how hard it is sometimes to be a vegatarian. It just takes motivation. Anyway, good luck!

K'ly- You are my long lost sister. I think I need to get back from being a vegetarian. Sometimes it's just hard especially when you make food for the family. Ahhh I wish I can get back but I just love steak.

Good luck EVERYONE! HAVE A NICE WEEKEND!

Thanks for everyone's congrats! You're lovely people!

Klykat - it's lovely, definitely, but winter here and was -4 C this morning. Wait, I'll convert: 25F. This is supposed to be the sunshine state!

I can't diet without my Pepsi Max, so I completely understand all the diet soda drinkers. It's not very healthy, but just something you can have that feels wicked and satisfies my sweet tooth.

Any ideas for diet savoury eats? I find that everything 'diet' is sweet.

Good morning Ladies...

While I'm thinking about this I better bring it up. I use to be a Pepsi freak and not the diet stuff. I gave all carbonated drinks up about 4 years ago due to taking migraine meds that made them tast like **poison**. It was awful, I craved them like crazy. Anyway, my liquid drug of choice now is Diet Lipton Green Tea. I love it!!! And now they are coming out with a Sparkly version. Yeah!!!

My whole point is, if you haven't tried it or the regular Lipton Green tea it is fabulous and also good for you. And now that they are coming out with the Sparkly one it may sorta give ya that fizzy, good kinda burning feeling (as I call it) that a carbonated drink does.

The veggie eating is really on my mind now. I know it can to unhealthy if not done properly but I take a women's multi-vitamin plus calcium daily so I know that helps. And as far as the iron I LOVE BEETS and they are full of iron. As is another fav. Spinach.

25 degrees, OMG!!! It's in the upper 90's here. I must not really know any about Australia because I had no idea it got that cold their.

Weigh-in...158 That's 4 pound in 7 days!!!

Have a fabulous Friday Ladies...

"A bad day is just a bad day."

We could take that one step further. Don't forget, you don't have to wait until the next day to 'correct' a bad eating day. You can work on finishing out that day with better eating.

I'm really bad about this myself, so that is why I have to start looking at as okay so I ate something I shouldn't, that does not give me permission to keep eating crappy the rest of the day. I tend do to that if I skip breakfast. I think okay so I have extra calories to play with, and will end up eating them in bad ways, rather than healthy ways.

I do not believe in a "I can never eat this again" list. If I tell myself no more chocolate, no more ice cream, no more cookies ever, I will end up one night with gallon of ice cream topped with cookies and chocolate. If I tell myself I am going to save those items for treats and when I do allow myself to have them I am better at keeping the serving size more realistic.

Rylan, yep I'm Tracy. I wasn't the originator of the idea, but I love those in this group and wanted to keep it going so I had their support.

Until Nov and my friend, I could go months with out drinking coke. Every once in a while I'd take a sip from my mom's coke but it just didn't taste the same. I've never had Sprite Zero, but it is the best alternative I can think of. The drink is Sprite, Malibu and Vodka. We could use fruit juice but then you are still looking at calories and sugar.

For those of you that have switched to Diet Cokes, that is a great step! And you should be proud. For anyone that is wanting to get cokes out of of their life, be sure you ween yourself (if they have caffeine in them) rather than stopping cold turkey, or you will end up with some nasty headaches!

I too drink Lipton's Diet Green Tea in the bottles. I'm sure home brewed tea is much better for you, but I like them and they give me the feeling of something beside water. I do limit myself to one a day unless I have more than four bottles of water, then I'll have another one.

I have found one flavor of the Sparkling Green tea, the Strawberry Kiwi. It's pretty good, and different since I don't get a lot of carbonated stuff.

I'm also a huge fan of the water flavor packets. They help you drink more water, but still get a taste, rather than plain. I drink atleast 3-4 bottles of water a day, plus a diet green tea then one or two classes if ice tea.

Renee, I'd skip looking at 'diet' items. They are often really not healthy food or taste like styrofoam. Remember that when brands make 'low fat' food that it isn't always the best version of the food. A lot of the time when they remove fat from something they add sugar to help with the 'flavor' of food. Next time you are the store, take a low fat item and place it against a regular version of the item and compare the information on the back, you might be surprised at what you see.

When you say 'diet' savory eats are you talking about snacks or meal time foods?

Katherine, don't forget that you have to remember to eat foods with protein in them too. That's another thing you lose out on when you skip meat.

I'm impressed with those that can do the veggie thing and stick to it. I can eat meals with out meat since I don't have to have it at every meal. But I can't and won't give meat products up completely.

I didn't make it up earlier enough this morning to start a real weigh in. I did step on the scale and it says 166.2 now. I have a heard time believing I lost 2lbs in a day, but then I know alot of things factor into daily weight changes. I really need to get my set weigh in schedule down so I can start keeping track of it.