4th week on flex

[Carol in NC]

Hi everyone,

I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.
I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
eating really, really well.

I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just lower
than normal for me.)

I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel to
power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.

It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll be
able to eat more to maintain.

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/254.6/169
63.4 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
.................................................. .............

[Joyce]

Wow Carol, congrats on the excellent loss this week! I love your enthusiasm, it
will carry you far.

I wish I could confirm your suspicions and tell you that maintenance is going to
be easy, but .............. it still is a guessing game for me and I've been here
for quite a bit now. No way can I eat 50+ points and even consider maintaining.
<grin> Unfortunately, once I got closer to my goal those activity points are
incredibly difficult to earn. You wouldn't believe how hard I have to work my
butt off (and my daughter tells me there isn't much left!) just to earn 3 or 4
points each day - which takes me to a maintenance point level anywhere from 23-28
points per day. I think Fred is the one who calls it a *magic* number, and has
determined (and confirmed my observations) that there just isn't a magic number.
It constantly changes day to day, week to week. I'm sure not complaining though,
just wishing I could figure it out. I love it here and am reserving a space for
you! <grin>

Keep up the fantastic work, your energy certainly is contagious!

Joyce
WW starting weight: 228.8 - 2/5/02
current weight: 133.3
Lifetime: 4/4/03

On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:39:51 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:

>Hi everyone,
>
>I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.
>I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
>left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
>week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
>metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
>eating really, really well.
>
>I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
>week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
>throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just lower
>than normal for me.)
>
>I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel to
>power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
>Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
>very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
>
>It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll be
>able to eat more to maintain.
>
>Carol

[Lesanne]

Go girl. I am eating more again this week too, and my scale has hit a new
low for me.

"Carol in NC" > wrote in message
m...
> Hi everyone,
>
> I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.
> I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
> left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
> week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
> metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
> eating really, really well.
>
> I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
> week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
> throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just lower
> than normal for me.)
>
> I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel to
> power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
> Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
> very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
>
> It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll
be
> able to eat more to maintain.
>
> Carol
>
> --
> .................................................. ..........
> 318/254.6/169
> 63.4 lost since December 2002
> I am a slim person in process.
> .................................................. ............
>
>

[Fred]

There is reason for celebration about your loss - that is terrific.
Seems like FLEX does work well. As does the additional activity.

Congrats

On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:39:51 GMT, "Carol in NC" >
wrote:

>Hi everyone,
>
>I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.
>I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
>left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
>week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
>metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
>eating really, really well.
>
>I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
>week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
>throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just lower
>than normal for me.)
>
>I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel to
>power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
>Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
>very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
>
>It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll be
>able to eat more to maintain.
>
>Carol

[Carol in NC]

Hi Joyce,

I know that I wont' be able to eat this many points at maintenance. I guess
I was trying to say that being able to eat more NOW as I lose, will make the
maintenance level higher than if I didn't stoke my metabolism. (Before
Flex, I was GAINING on 30 points a day.) That is why I'm so excited.

I have found that it gets harder to get the exercise points. One thing that
I'm struggling with now, is trying to keep my enthusiasm for exercising
under some kind of control. I currently get 5 points for 3 miles of walking
and 3 points for 2 miles. That will decrease. This past week, I settled
for a 2 mile morning walk instead of pushing for the 3 mile. Why? Because
to get 5 points later, I'll probably need to walk 7 or 8 miles. I know I
won't be able to do that easily every day, so I'm working on ENJOYING the
exercise, so that I'll want to keep the regularity of it up...regardless of
how many points I earn. (and can eat....LOL) In other words, I'm trying to
do exercise for exercise sake, not for food possibilty sake.

I do believe, though, that maintenance will be easier for me than it would
have been without Flex...simply because I'm eating 50 now. Perhaps, I'll be
able to maintain on 30...perhaps 28. Time will tell. All I know is that I
want to get my metabolism purring well.

I lose a point a day in another couple of pounds. That'll be the next
hurdle.

Sorry this is so long....I guess everyone can see that I have a new found
excitement for the process.

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/254.6/169
63.4 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
.................................................. .............
"Joyce" > wrote in message
...
> Wow Carol, congrats on the excellent loss this week! I love your
enthusiasm, it
> will carry you far.
>
> I wish I could confirm your suspicions and tell you that maintenance is
going to
> be easy, but .............. it still is a guessing game for me and I've
been here
> for quite a bit now. No way can I eat 50+ points and even consider
maintaining.
> <grin> Unfortunately, once I got closer to my goal those activity points
are
> incredibly difficult to earn. You wouldn't believe how hard I have to
work my
> butt off (and my daughter tells me there isn't much left!) just to earn 3
or 4
> points each day - which takes me to a maintenance point level anywhere
from 23-28
> points per day. I think Fred is the one who calls it a *magic* number,
and has
> determined (and confirmed my observations) that there just isn't a magic
number.
> It constantly changes day to day, week to week. I'm sure not complaining
though,
> just wishing I could figure it out. I love it here and am reserving a
space for
> you! <grin>
>
> Keep up the fantastic work, your energy certainly is contagious!
>
> Joyce
> WW starting weight: 228.8 - 2/5/02
> current weight: 133.3
> Lifetime: 4/4/03
>
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:39:51 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:
>
> >Hi everyone,
> >
> >I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6
pounds.
> >I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
> >left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
> >week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
> >metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
> >eating really, really well.
> >
> >I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
> >week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
> >throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just
lower
> >than normal for me.)
> >
> >I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel
to
> >power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
> >Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
> >very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
> >
> >It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll
be
> >able to eat more to maintain.
> >
> >Carol
>

[Carol in NC]

Thanks Fred...I actually think I am giving credit to the exercise, rather
than the Flex. The main thing that Flex has done for me is throw out the
concept of banking. Before, I had to save all the activity points, and only
up to 4 a day, in order to go out to eat on the weekend. Now, I can earn as
many APs as I want, which really encourages me to exercise more. I eat
those points, and have Flex for later if I want to have a night out.

Basically, I'm eating more healthy foods, too, because I have more points to
play with. Now I eat more cheese and yoghurt, and peanut butter, etc. The
calcium and protein help. In fact, I'm eating LESS junk food than ever.
Some people see the Flex points as a way to splurge on junk food...I see
them as a way to get my one meal out, and to have some higher calorie "good"
foods.

I can't say enough for how the extra exercise is making me feel.

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/254.6/169
63.4 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
.................................................. .............
"Fred" > wrote in message
...
> There is reason for celebration about your loss - that is terrific.
> Seems like FLEX does work well. As does the additional activity.
>
> Congrats
>
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:39:51 GMT, "Carol in NC" >
> wrote:
>
> >Hi everyone,
> >
> >I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6
pounds.
> >I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
> >left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
> >week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
> >metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
> >eating really, really well.
> >
> >I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
> >week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
> >throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just
lower
> >than normal for me.)
> >
> >I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel
to
> >power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
> >Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
> >very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
> >
> >It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll
be
> >able to eat more to maintain.
> >
> >Carol
>

[Brenda Hammond]

Congratulations on the great loss!
--
Brenda
209/174/150
NYNY goal 160

"Carol in NC" > wrote in message
m...
> Hi everyone,
>
> I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.
> I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
> left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
> week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
> metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
> eating really, really well.
>
> I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
> week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
> throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just lower
> than normal for me.)
>
> I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel to
> power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
> Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
> very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
>
> It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll
be
> able to eat more to maintain.
>
> Carol
>
> --
> .................................................. ..........
> 318/254.6/169
> 63.4 lost since December 2002
> I am a slim person in process.
> .................................................. ............
>
>

[Joyce]

Earning those exercise points is a real mystery, as it is another area that seems
to be constantly changing. I no longer can go for length of walks (such as 2 or 3
miles), I can really only count length of time coupled with intensity level. 4MPH
seems to be about a minimum level for me to get the heart rate up now. I was
exhausted earlier this week so set the treadmill lower (3.5mph) - after 45 minutes
I was barely sweating ... and that was walking on a 15% incline level (highest my
treadmill will go). So, figured it as lower AP's and that it was better than not
doing anything at all. The problem kicks in as if I go much over 4mph I am
virtually running. I'm not short (am 5'6"), but unfortunately all my height is
upper body - got blessed with wide shoulders and gorilla length arms ... along
with short legs. Bad knees from youthful exhuberance prevent me from running,
unless I want to suffer the consequences ... which I don't. So, 4mph it is for
me.

I do agree that I want to exercise for the benefits it provides as well as how it
makes me feel. But it does seem to be a double edged sword. I don't want to
think of it as a means to eat more food, but it is a fact. If I don't exercise,
then I MUST cut back on the food consumption. No other way to get around it,
unless I want weight to come back on.

I would think you could comfortably maintain on 28 or 30 points, I believe your
goal weight is a bit higher than where I am ... and would assume that means you
are also taller. Again with that sword scenario <G> ... if the exercise goes,
then so does the food. Guess it's another one of those healthier facts of life.
And healthier is what we are aiming for.

Joyce


On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 13:57:50 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:

>Hi Joyce,
>
>I know that I wont' be able to eat this many points at maintenance. I guess
>I was trying to say that being able to eat more NOW as I lose, will make the
>maintenance level higher than if I didn't stoke my metabolism. (Before
>Flex, I was GAINING on 30 points a day.) That is why I'm so excited.
>
>I have found that it gets harder to get the exercise points. One thing that
>I'm struggling with now, is trying to keep my enthusiasm for exercising
>under some kind of control. I currently get 5 points for 3 miles of walking
>and 3 points for 2 miles. That will decrease. This past week, I settled
>for a 2 mile morning walk instead of pushing for the 3 mile. Why? Because
>to get 5 points later, I'll probably need to walk 7 or 8 miles. I know I
>won't be able to do that easily every day, so I'm working on ENJOYING the
>exercise, so that I'll want to keep the regularity of it up...regardless of
>how many points I earn. (and can eat....LOL) In other words, I'm trying to
>do exercise for exercise sake, not for food possibilty sake.
>
>I do believe, though, that maintenance will be easier for me than it would
>have been without Flex...simply because I'm eating 50 now. Perhaps, I'll be
>able to maintain on 30...perhaps 28. Time will tell. All I know is that I
>want to get my metabolism purring well.
>
>I lose a point a day in another couple of pounds. That'll be the next
>hurdle.
>
>Sorry this is so long....I guess everyone can see that I have a new found
>excitement for the process.
>
>Carol

[Carol in NC]

Hi Joyce.

Yes, I'm almost 5'9" Even averaging 41 points a day, I'm losing well now,
so I don't see 28-30 being a problem later. (although I'd rather eat 40
points....LOL)

However, I look really good even at 200 pounds because of my height. (about
a size 12) I took the goal WW gave me, but I'm going to go by how I look
and feel, what size clothes I wear, and how easy it is to keep losing. I
won't starve to maintain a lower weight. If I have to weigh 180 to be able
to eat comfortably, then that'll be what I do. I'd rather maintain 20
pounds above WW goal and not struggle, (which might mean eventual gains for
me because of discouragement) than be smaller and have to work all the time
at it.

My body is what it is. I wish I'd accepted that when I was younger and I
wouldn't be on this journey now. I weighed about 150 in college, and felt
really fat because my (shorter) friends weighed 130 or so.

I'm finding the same thing with exercise as you do. Each day gets a little
easier. After two miles, this morning, I felt just comfortable, not hurting
or tired at all. (my heart rate is still about 130, but I seem to be able
to handle that more easily now.)

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/254.6/169
63.4 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
.................................................. .............
"Joyce" > wrote in message
...
> Earning those exercise points is a real mystery, as it is another area
that seems
> to be constantly changing. I no longer can go for length of walks (such
as 2 or 3
> miles), I can really only count length of time coupled with intensity
level. 4MPH
> seems to be about a minimum level for me to get the heart rate up now. I
was
> exhausted earlier this week so set the treadmill lower (3.5mph) - after 45
minutes
> I was barely sweating ... and that was walking on a 15% incline level
(highest my
> treadmill will go). So, figured it as lower AP's and that it was better
than not
> doing anything at all. The problem kicks in as if I go much over 4mph I
am
> virtually running. I'm not short (am 5'6"), but unfortunately all my
height is
> upper body - got blessed with wide shoulders and gorilla length arms ...
along
> with short legs. Bad knees from youthful exhuberance prevent me from
running,
> unless I want to suffer the consequences ... which I don't. So, 4mph it
is for
> me.
>
> I do agree that I want to exercise for the benefits it provides as well as
how it
> makes me feel. But it does seem to be a double edged sword. I don't want
to
> think of it as a means to eat more food, but it is a fact. If I don't
exercise,
> then I MUST cut back on the food consumption. No other way to get around
it,
> unless I want weight to come back on.
>
> I would think you could comfortably maintain on 28 or 30 points, I believe
your
> goal weight is a bit higher than where I am ... and would assume that
means you
> are also taller. Again with that sword scenario <G> ... if the exercise
goes,
> then so does the food. Guess it's another one of those healthier facts of
life.
> And healthier is what we are aiming for.
>
> Joyce
>
>
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 13:57:50 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:
>
> >Hi Joyce,
> >
> >I know that I wont' be able to eat this many points at maintenance. I
guess
> >I was trying to say that being able to eat more NOW as I lose, will make
the
> >maintenance level higher than if I didn't stoke my metabolism. (Before
> >Flex, I was GAINING on 30 points a day.) That is why I'm so excited.
> >
> >I have found that it gets harder to get the exercise points. One thing
that
> >I'm struggling with now, is trying to keep my enthusiasm for exercising
> >under some kind of control. I currently get 5 points for 3 miles of
walking
> >and 3 points for 2 miles. That will decrease. This past week, I settled
> >for a 2 mile morning walk instead of pushing for the 3 mile. Why?
Because
> >to get 5 points later, I'll probably need to walk 7 or 8 miles. I know I
> >won't be able to do that easily every day, so I'm working on ENJOYING the
> >exercise, so that I'll want to keep the regularity of it up...regardless
of
> >how many points I earn. (and can eat....LOL) In other words, I'm trying
to
> >do exercise for exercise sake, not for food possibilty sake.
> >
> >I do believe, though, that maintenance will be easier for me than it
would
> >have been without Flex...simply because I'm eating 50 now. Perhaps, I'll
be
> >able to maintain on 30...perhaps 28. Time will tell. All I know is that
I
> >want to get my metabolism purring well.
> >
> >I lose a point a day in another couple of pounds. That'll be the next
> >hurdle.
> >
> >Sorry this is so long....I guess everyone can see that I have a new found
> >excitement for the process.
> >
> >Carol
>

[Elaine Kirkham]

Yoweee!! That's wonderful, Carol ;-D Eat more & lose more ;-D Congratulations on
a great week.
Elaine K
331.4/194.2/179

Carol in NC wrote:

> Hi everyone,
>
> I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.
> I ate an average of 42.5 points a day. I ended up with 9 Flex points
> left...and I earned and ate 54 activity points. It seems as though each
> week on Flex is getting better. I'm not sure what I've done to my
> metabolism, but I'm not complaining. I'm exercising more, loving it, and
> eating really, really well.
>
> I did eat somewhat fewer carbs this week...no sandwiches for lunch this
> week...mainly protein and vegetables. (I did have plenty of carbs
> throughout the day though, so it wasn't a REALLY low carb week, just lower
> than normal for me.)
>
> I've obviously revved up my metabolism with the extra exercise and fuel to
> power it. (My weight loss had REALLY slowed down/stalled/or gains before
> Flex started and, even though being on point all the time, I was getting
> very discouraged by my progress. All that has changed now.
>
> It looks like this is going to make maintenance easier for me, since I'll be
> able to eat more to maintain.
>
> Carol
>
> --
> .................................................. ..........
> 318/254.6/169
> 63.4 lost since December 2002
> I am a slim person in process.
> .................................................. ............

[Joyce]

At your height, 28-30 points should be no problem for maintenance.

I also refuse to have my suggested weight be dictated by some super-model logic or
what society says it should be. I know where I feel good, that's what is
important. I don't think I am struggling where I am at now, since no matter what
I do it appears I am staying here. <G> I don't deny myself what I want, but I no
longer allow those indescretions on a constant daily basis. I do make myself
thing though ... do I REALLY want that particular item, or am I thinking about it
for some other reason (pressure from dd, boredom, etc.). Most of the time it is
one of the latter and I can move past it. I have accepted that I am no longer 20
years old, I don't have a problem with it. I know I will never have the same
figure I did then. Age and childbirth have taken care of that for me. <G> Know
what? I am perfectly fine with that! Hub was watching tv the other nite, some
goofy commercial came on saying something about the weight the person was at
marriage. He asked me if I have stayed the same weight after 21 years, I told him
close enough. <G> He just laughed, swears even before ww I looked the same to him
as the day we got married. So .... the only person I really did this weightloss
journey for WAS me!

I do think this will be something that we all will constantly have to work at -
regardless as to how much over our goal we are willing to sit. If not, we
wouldn't have ended up where we were when starting ww. Old habits die hard, as
the saying goes. While I do accept what I am, I am also willing to work every
darned day of the rest of my life to keep the weight from going back on. And I
will also accept the fact that this will be work. If I don't work, I know the
outcome. But ... work and struggle are two different things. I agree, I don't
want to have to struggle.

I have no idea what my heart rate is while exercising, only know that it has
dropped to about 65 when I'm sitting. I go by perception ... how I'm breathing,
how I'm sweating, if I can talk, etc. Without monitors it's a guessing game. I
do have a monitor on the treadmill but I don't use it. Most all of these types
are incredibly inaccurate, so I refuse to give myself that false sense of
security. <G> Then again, I may give it a try someday just for grins. LOL

Joyce


On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 16:37:48 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:

>Hi Joyce.
>
>Yes, I'm almost 5'9" Even averaging 41 points a day, I'm losing well now,
>so I don't see 28-30 being a problem later. (although I'd rather eat 40
>points....LOL)
>
>However, I look really good even at 200 pounds because of my height. (about
>a size 12) I took the goal WW gave me, but I'm going to go by how I look
>and feel, what size clothes I wear, and how easy it is to keep losing. I
>won't starve to maintain a lower weight. If I have to weigh 180 to be able
>to eat comfortably, then that'll be what I do. I'd rather maintain 20
>pounds above WW goal and not struggle, (which might mean eventual gains for
>me because of discouragement) than be smaller and have to work all the time
>at it.
>
>My body is what it is. I wish I'd accepted that when I was younger and I
>wouldn't be on this journey now. I weighed about 150 in college, and felt
>really fat because my (shorter) friends weighed 130 or so.
>
>I'm finding the same thing with exercise as you do. Each day gets a little
>easier. After two miles, this morning, I felt just comfortable, not hurting
>or tired at all. (my heart rate is still about 130, but I seem to be able
>to handle that more easily now.)
>
>Carol

[Carol in NC]

Hi Joyce,

I love your attitude.

I expect that I should be able to drop the points fairly easily, for a while
at least. Right now, I add nuts and croutons to my salad. I like it that
way, but I can omit them some days, and not feel it too much. Also, I have
two fruits for breakfast...going without one won't be too bad. I have a
pria bar and a yoghurt tub in mid afternoon. I can manage on just one.
Just cutting those things out will take away about 4.5 points a day. The
rest of it will be having peas/carrots/lima beans less and green beans more,
etc. I've tried to be really careful about making sure I use the Flex
points on good healthy things. If I had been using them on junky snacks, it
would be harder to cut them out, I think,

My sister knows a woman who has kept her WW loss off for 20 years. She
asked her how she does it. Her answer? "I journal every day." I've made a
personal committment that I'm going to do that, even if it means staying
online with WW and paying the $4 a week...worth it if it keeps me honest.

I've eaten for years as a medication. I am starting to really look at those
issues too...just as you have.

This newsgroup is also very good for support. (except for the cross post
wars that creep in from time to time) grin...

Nice to share with you.

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/254.6/169
63.4 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
.................................................. .............
"Joyce" > wrote in message
...
> At your height, 28-30 points should be no problem for maintenance.
>
> I also refuse to have my suggested weight be dictated by some super-model
logic or
> what society says it should be. I know where I feel good, that's what is
> important. I don't think I am struggling where I am at now, since no
matter what
> I do it appears I am staying here. <G> I don't deny myself what I want,
but I no
> longer allow those indescretions on a constant daily basis. I do make
myself
> thing though ... do I REALLY want that particular item, or am I thinking
about it
> for some other reason (pressure from dd, boredom, etc.). Most of the time
it is
> one of the latter and I can move past it. I have accepted that I am no
longer 20
> years old, I don't have a problem with it. I know I will never have the
same
> figure I did then. Age and childbirth have taken care of that for me. <G>
Know
> what? I am perfectly fine with that! Hub was watching tv the other nite,
some
> goofy commercial came on saying something about the weight the person was
at
> marriage. He asked me if I have stayed the same weight after 21 years, I
told him
> close enough. <G> He just laughed, swears even before ww I looked the
same to him
> as the day we got married. So .... the only person I really did this
weightloss
> journey for WAS me!
>
> I do think this will be something that we all will constantly have to work
at -
> regardless as to how much over our goal we are willing to sit. If not, we
> wouldn't have ended up where we were when starting ww. Old habits die
hard, as
> the saying goes. While I do accept what I am, I am also willing to work
every
> darned day of the rest of my life to keep the weight from going back on.
And I
> will also accept the fact that this will be work. If I don't work, I know
the
> outcome. But ... work and struggle are two different things. I agree, I
don't
> want to have to struggle.
>
> I have no idea what my heart rate is while exercising, only know that it
has
> dropped to about 65 when I'm sitting. I go by perception ... how I'm
breathing,
> how I'm sweating, if I can talk, etc. Without monitors it's a guessing
game. I
> do have a monitor on the treadmill but I don't use it. Most all of these
types
> are incredibly inaccurate, so I refuse to give myself that false sense of
> security. <G> Then again, I may give it a try someday just for grins.
LOL
>
> Joyce
>
>
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 16:37:48 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:
>
> >Hi Joyce.
> >
> >Yes, I'm almost 5'9" Even averaging 41 points a day, I'm losing well
now,
> >so I don't see 28-30 being a problem later. (although I'd rather eat 40
> >points....LOL)
> >
> >However, I look really good even at 200 pounds because of my height.
(about
> >a size 12) I took the goal WW gave me, but I'm going to go by how I look
> >and feel, what size clothes I wear, and how easy it is to keep losing. I
> >won't starve to maintain a lower weight. If I have to weigh 180 to be
able
> >to eat comfortably, then that'll be what I do. I'd rather maintain 20
> >pounds above WW goal and not struggle, (which might mean eventual gains
for
> >me because of discouragement) than be smaller and have to work all the
time
> >at it.
> >
> >My body is what it is. I wish I'd accepted that when I was younger and I
> >wouldn't be on this journey now. I weighed about 150 in college, and
felt
> >really fat because my (shorter) friends weighed 130 or so.
> >
> >I'm finding the same thing with exercise as you do. Each day gets a
little
> >easier. After two miles, this morning, I felt just comfortable, not
hurting
> >or tired at all. (my heart rate is still about 130, but I seem to be
able
> >to handle that more easily now.)
> >
> >Carol
>

[Erin Marsh]

On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:39:51 GMT, "Carol in NC" >
wrote:

>Hi everyone,
>
>I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6 pounds.

Way to go Carol. That's a great loss :-)
--
Erin in NZ
125/90.5/75 kgs
275.3/199.3/165 lbs

NYNY goal 180.6lbs (82 kilos)

"It is not the mountain we conquer, it is ourselves"
Sir Edmund Hilary

[Carol in NC]

Thanks to all those who offered congrats.

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/254.6/169
63.4 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
.................................................. .............
"Erin Marsh" > wrote in message
. co.nz...
> On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 11:39:51 GMT, "Carol in NC" >
> wrote:
>
> >Hi everyone,
> >
> >I had the best weigh in I've had in a really long time. I lost 2.6
pounds.
>
> Way to go Carol. That's a great loss :-)
> --
> Erin in NZ
> 125/90.5/75 kgs
> 275.3/199.3/165 lbs
>
> NYNY goal 180.6lbs (82 kilos)
>
> "It is not the mountain we conquer, it is ourselves"
> Sir Edmund Hilary

[Joyce]

On Thu, 02 Oct 2003 22:03:55 GMT, "Carol in NC" > wrote:

>Hi Joyce,
>
>I love your attitude.

Thanks Carol. I guess in a nutshell I'm just a realist. I have nothing to prove
to anyone, learned many years ago that I only have to please myself. Hard lesson
to learn though (cost a few bucks too <G>).

>I expect that I should be able to drop the points fairly easily, for a while
>at least. Right now, I add nuts and croutons to my salad. I like it that
>way, but I can omit them some days, and not feel it too much. Also, I have
>two fruits for breakfast...going without one won't be too bad. I have a
>pria bar and a yoghurt tub in mid afternoon. I can manage on just one.
>Just cutting those things out will take away about 4.5 points a day. The
>rest of it will be having peas/carrots/lima beans less and green beans more,
>etc. I've tried to be really careful about making sure I use the Flex
>points on good healthy things. If I had been using them on junky snacks, it
>would be harder to cut them out, I think,

It sounds like you are working the program absolutely perfectly! Making those
necessary changes in healthy ways, but also ways that you could drop points when
necessary without really missing anything horribly. I also think (right or wrong)
that if I do have to have something extra - that extra piece of fruit is a darned
good choice, even if it takes me over points. Fruit isn't what caused my original
problem. <G> Occassionally my points are used on junky stuff. I will never say
I HAD to have something - it took me awhile to learn the difference between wants
and needs. Also that it was ok to want something, as long as I was able to
acknowledge it properly. It seems that when I convince myself I *need* something,
then the pattern continues uncontrollably. If I only *want* it, I can give myself
permission to have it occassionally ... and move past it. I'm learning how my
mind works for me ... as well as against me. Wierd, huh?

>My sister knows a woman who has kept her WW loss off for 20 years. She
>asked her how she does it. Her answer? "I journal every day." I've made a
>personal committment that I'm going to do that, even if it means staying
>online with WW and paying the $4 a week...worth it if it keeps me honest.

20 years? Wow, I hope I can be as successful as your sisters friend. That is a
wonderful accomplishment! I do think that's why I still continue with the ww
online system. It has worked for me, and if it continues to keep me on the right
path then the $4/week is definitely worth it. I still complain about the journal
though, and the fact that we get no lifetimer benefits. <G>

>I've eaten for years as a medication. I am starting to really look at those
>issues too...just as you have.

It is hard to face those problems and issues, they have been such major influences
in our lives for so long. There is also a tremendous amount of freedom when they
are acknowledged and conquered (somewhat). With freedom comes success ... and
better feelings about ourselves. I know my brothers aren't thrilled with the
*new* me, who now speaks up for herself and doesn't allow anyone to walk all over
her. But they are also learning to deal with it. What they are now admitting is
that I really am only back to the personality that they grew up with - not the
adult they came to know and become comfortable with. Life lessons I guess.

>This newsgroup is also very good for support. (except for the cross post
>wars that creep in from time to time) grin...

Ahhhhhhhhh, I don't think I ever could have come this far without the help and
support from all the fantastic people here. It's so much different when you know
that everyone really DOES understand what we are going through. We aren't alone,
we aren't only hearing *words*. This group has walked with us, has gone through
the same struggles we have, and continue to do so every day of their lives. I
think it makes a huge difference.

>
>Nice to share with you.

And with you!

Joyce
WW starting weight: 228.8 - 2/5/02
current weight: 132.2
Lifetime: 4/4/03
>
>Carol
>
>--
>.................................................. ..........
>318/254.6/169
>63.4 lost since December 2002
>I am a slim person in process.
>.................................................. ............
>"Joyce" > wrote in message
...
>> At your height, 28-30 points should be no problem for maintenance.
>>
>> I also refuse to have my suggested weight be dictated by some super-model
>logic or
>> what society says it should be. I know where I feel good, that's what is
>> important. I don't think I am struggling where I am at now, since no
>matter what
>> I do it appears I am staying here. <G> I don't deny myself what I want,
>but I no
>> longer allow those indescretions on a constant daily basis. I do make
>myself
>> thing though ... do I REALLY want that particular item, or am I thinking
>about it
>> for some other reason (pressure from dd, boredom, etc.). Most of the time
>it is
>> one of the latter and I can move past it. I have accepted that I am no
>longer 20
>> years old, I don't have a problem with it. I know I will never have the
>same
>> figure I did then. Age and childbirth have taken care of that for me. <G>
>Know
>> what? I am perfectly fine with that! Hub was watching tv the other nite,
>some
>> goofy commercial came on saying something about the weight the person was
>at
>> marriage. He asked me if I have stayed the same weight after 21 years, I
>told him
>> close enough. <G> He just laughed, swears even before ww I looked the
>same to him
>> as the day we got married. So .... the only person I really did this
>weightloss
>> journey for WAS me!
>>
>> I do think this will be something that we all will constantly have to work
>at -
>> regardless as to how much over our goal we are willing to sit. If not, we
>> wouldn't have ended up where we were when starting ww. Old habits die
>hard, as
>> the saying goes. While I do accept what I am, I am also willing to work
>every
>> darned day of the rest of my life to keep the weight from going back on.
>And I
>> will also accept the fact that this will be work. If I don't work, I know
>the
>> outcome. But ... work and struggle are two different things. I agree, I
>don't
>> want to have to struggle.
>>
>> I have no idea what my heart rate is while exercising, only know that it
>has
>> dropped to about 65 when I'm sitting. I go by perception ... how I'm
>breathing,
>> how I'm sweating, if I can talk, etc. Without monitors it's a guessing
>game. I
>> do have a monitor on the treadmill but I don't use it. Most all of these
>types
>> are incredibly inaccurate, so I refuse to give myself that false sense of
>> security. <G> Then again, I may give it a try someday just for grins.
>LOL
>>
>> Joyce

[Carol in NC]

> Thanks Carol. I guess in a nutshell I'm just a realist. I have nothing
to prove
> to anyone, learned many years ago that I only have to please myself. Hard
lesson
> to learn though (cost a few bucks too <G>).

Haven't we all spent money on things that are supposed to "cure" us? I've
come to the same place. Actually, I used to try to take care of everyone
around me. Now, I'm taking care of myself and that feels good.

> It sounds like you are working the program absolutely perfectly! Making
those
> necessary changes in healthy ways, but also ways that you could drop
points when
> necessary without really missing anything horribly. I also think (right
or wrong)
> that if I do have to have something extra - that extra piece of fruit is a
darned
> good choice, even if it takes me over points. Fruit isn't what caused my
original
> problem. <G> Occassionally my points are used on junky stuff. I will
never say
> I HAD to have something - it took me awhile to learn the difference
between wants
> and needs. Also that it was ok to want something, as long as I was able
to
> acknowledge it properly. It seems that when I convince myself I *need*
something,
> then the pattern continues uncontrollably. If I only *want* it, I can
give myself
> permission to have it occassionally ... and move past it. I'm learning
how my
> mind works for me ... as well as against me. Wierd, huh?

One thing that is amazing to me is how little I want to eat the junky foods
now. It is as though giving myself permission to have them and fit them
into the plan made them unnecessary. Before, I always denied myself any
treats when trying to lose weight. Our family goes out to eat every Friday,
and we order one luscious (i.e.as much chocolate as possible) dessert. LOL
We get three spoons, and I have a couple of bites and feel satisfied and
proud of myself at the same time. It's become a tradition that we all love.
(We look for the dessert menu first and fight over which "one" dessert to
end with. <grin>

> 20 years? Wow, I hope I can be as successful as your sisters friend.
That is a
> wonderful accomplishment! I do think that's why I still continue with the
ww
> online system. It has worked for me, and if it continues to keep me on
the right
> path then the $4/week is definitely worth it. I still complain about the
journal
> though, and the fact that we get no lifetimer benefits. <G>

I agree on the $4 a week. I've decided that I'm committed to doing that
forever if that's what it takes. I may join a meeting when I'm 10 pounds
from goal to be able to get lifemtimer benefits. I haven't decided yet. I
don't seem to need the motivation of a group this time around. Something
has clicked with me and I'm really doing this for me (and only me) and for
the right reasons.
>
>
> Ahhhhhhhhh, I don't think I ever could have come this far without the help
and
> support from all the fantastic people here. It's so much different when
you know
> that everyone really DOES understand what we are going through. We aren't
alone,
> we aren't only hearing *words*. This group has walked with us, has gone
through
> the same struggles we have, and continue to do so every day of their
lives. I
> think it makes a huge difference.

That is true. My husband is very supportive, but he gets tired of the WW
talk after a while. A person who is also following the program will gladly
listen to you talk about points, ad infinitum, if that's what you need for
support.
>
Best of luck in your continued success....

Carol

--
.................................................. ...........
318/250/169
68 lost since December 2002
I am a slim person in process.
>
> Joyce
> WW starting weight: 228.8 - 2/5/02
> current weight: 132.2
> Lifetime: 4/4/03
> >
> >Carol
> >
> >--
> >.................................................. ..........
> >318/254.6/169
> >63.4 lost since December 2002
> >I am a slim person in process.
> >.................................................. ............
> >"Joyce" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> At your height, 28-30 points should be no problem for maintenance.
> >>
> >> I also refuse to have my suggested weight be dictated by some
super-model
> >logic or
> >> what society says it should be. I know where I feel good, that's what
is
> >> important. I don't think I am struggling where I am at now, since no
> >matter what
> >> I do it appears I am staying here. <G> I don't deny myself what I
want,
> >but I no
> >> longer allow those indescretions on a constant daily basis. I do make
> >myself
> >> thing though ... do I REALLY want that particular item, or am I
thinking
> >about it
> >> for some other reason (pressure from dd, boredom, etc.). Most of the
time
> >it is
> >> one of the latter and I can move past it. I have accepted that I am no
> >longer 20
> >> years old, I don't have a problem with it. I know I will never have
the
> >same
> >> figure I did then. Age and childbirth have taken care of that for me.
<G>
> >Know
> >> what? I am perfectly fine with that! Hub was watching tv the other
nite,
> >some
> >> goofy commercial came on saying something about the weight the person
was
> >at
> >> marriage. He asked me if I have stayed the same weight after 21 years,
I
> >told him
> >> close enough. <G> He just laughed, swears even before ww I looked the
> >same to him
> >> as the day we got married. So .... the only person I really did this
> >weightloss
> >> journey for WAS me!
> >>
> >> I do think this will be something that we all will constantly have to
work
> >at -
> >> regardless as to how much over our goal we are willing to sit. If not,
we
> >> wouldn't have ended up where we were when starting ww. Old habits die
> >hard, as
> >> the saying goes. While I do accept what I am, I am also willing to
work
> >every
> >> darned day of the rest of my life to keep the weight from going back
on.
> >And I
> >> will also accept the fact that this will be work. If I don't work, I
know
> >the
> >> outcome. But ... work and struggle are two different things. I agree,
I
> >don't
> >> want to have to struggle.
> >>
> >> I have no idea what my heart rate is while exercising, only know that
it
> >has
> >> dropped to about 65 when I'm sitting. I go by perception ... how I'm
> >breathing,
> >> how I'm sweating, if I can talk, etc. Without monitors it's a guessing
> >game. I
> >> do have a monitor on the treadmill but I don't use it. Most all of
these
> >types
> >> are incredibly inaccurate, so I refuse to give myself that false sense
of
> >> security. <G> Then again, I may give it a try someday just for grins.
> >LOL
> >>
> >> Joyce
>