Trying hard to lose the pounds!!!!!!!!!

pconn03

Janet:
That was going to be my next question. I couldn't decide between the core and the points, so went back to what I knew - the point system. I really would rather do the core - so maybe I'd better study up on it some more so as to better understand what it is I'm supposed to be doing. Thanks for the inspiriation. I'll finish this week out with the points and study the core for next week. Is there any way in a nutshell, you can tell me basically how the core works??? If it's too hard to go into, I'll understand and just ask some questions as I go along. Thanks again . . .
Pat

NYJanet

Pat: It is different to understand at first but let me try to explain the basics. You can eat as much "core" foods as you "need" and anything not core are considered extra points and you have 35 extra points for the week. What "core" does is basically try to eliminate any "processed" sugar which are harder to break down. There is a list of "grains" you can have but for the most part most cereals (there is a list of exactly what ones you can eat but eating the box would be tastier)you must take as points (except hot cereals, i.e., oatmeal, farina which are considered core). Included in the "ok to eat" grains are brown rice, whole wheat pasta and potatoes and you can only eat one of these three once a day. Breads are the same (considered extra points). You now must take any cold cuts as points except canadian bacon which is considered core. Fruits and vegetables are considered core (except fruit and vegetable juices - points). I've found that if I have my 2 tsp. of olive oil a day and 2 milks a day I lose weight faster. Flavored yogurt is not allowed on core, you must take it as points. You are allowed to have plain fat free yogurt. I've learned that if you put some sugar free jello (the powder) into the plain yogurt it's pretty tasty (sugar free jello is core). What I would suggest is try to add some "core" foods into your points program for the week to get used to how core works. It did take me a few weeks to really get used to it. I do also write down what I eat every day even though you don't have to, I find it easier to remember what I've eaten and what extra points I've used. I hope this isn't too confusing. Please ask me anything. I not the expert but I've been doing this for about 6 months now and really like it and don't feel deprived at all. - Janet

pconn03

Janet:
What a doll you are!! Thanks for the explanation - it really did make sense. I've printed it out and am going to carry it with me as reference. One brief question - how do you get the 2 oils in everyday . . . just on salads??
Again, thanks so much for your help.
Another struggling WW follower,
Pat

NYJanet

Pat: I knew you would ask about the oils. I had a really hard time getting them in at first. Then I figured out a way to get them, but it sounds kind of gross but it works for me. I eat Cream of Wheat Farina every weekday for breakfast. I leave a little bit of the farina in my bowl at the end then put the 2 tsps. of olive oil into it, mix it around and then quickly eat it. I know, sounds disgusting but after a while it's not too bad and at least I'm getting in my oils. On the weekends, I usually have an egg (core food) and instead of using butter or spray to cook the egg, I use olive oil. I also cook up some canadian bacon (core) in the oil. One guy at my WW meeting actually takes just a tsp. of oil every day if he hasn't had enough oil. That's too gross for me. This seems to work best for me because I don't always have a salad to put the oil on. Please feel free to ask any questions. - Janet
P.S. I make the farina with milk so that way I'm having two necessary things (oil and milk) in one meal. Good way to start my day. I find I'm not starving by 10:30 or 11 and can actually hold out until lunch time without feeling like I'm starving.

pconn03

Janet:
Once again, thanks so much - those are great ideas and I will give them a try!!! Have a wonderful weekend. I hope the weather is as nice in NY as it is here in Michigan. Finally, we have Spring and it's just glorious!!
Hugs,
Pat

beachcottage

Hey ladies............Just popping in for support...The weekend was really rough...We celebrated my MIL 80th Birthday and we had company all weekend..... suffice to say I slipped a bit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Back on track this morning....It was such a lovely weekend here in NY.....I hope to burn some calories this week gardening.....I am going to spend a few hours out in my little garden today....I figure all that bending and up and down have to count for something...other than achey bones..................... xoxo,Patti

LJC

Patti, SUPPORT - SUPPORT - SUPPORT!!!!!! As long as you're back on track today. I think I did pretty good over the weekend - didn't over indulge - not sure I ate a balanced diet though. Finished my taxes and got them E-filed. Started doing a little badly needed office organizing - you know throwing away 2004 bills and shredding the credit card statements etc. Desk is still a mess - but will whittle away at it.

I did go out in my backyard Saturday and pulled a fews weeks from flower beds and deadheaded a bit. I thought I would get to Home Depot on Sunday for some flowers and do some planting, but it was very windy Sunday.

The kids are coming in Thursday and we're having a BBQ on Saturday for Patrick's BD - I had wanted the yard to look nice and colorful - but maybe I can get by this week and do some gardening when I get home - it's light now til 7:00. That will keep me from eating too much for dinner!!!!!! Since I know the weekend will full of treats - birthday cake and ice cream!!!! I'll just have to cook low-cal for everyone - they're never know it's diet!! The good thing is that the kids love veggies - so we can have veggie snacks instead of chips.

beachcottage

Thanks Lois....I need it!!! So far doing good....I have been working on my little garden also....I have been getting some of the summer furniture out little by little...It feels so good!!!!!!!! I have lots of incentive now...NO more winter coat to hide behind....LOL!! Have a great time with the kids.....BBQ sounds great....Maybe we will grill up some chicken tonight.....

I am going for a walk today....It is beautiful...No more excuses......xoxo,Patti

beachcottage

Another beautiful day here in NY...Opened all the windows yesterday and did some more spring cleaning around here...I had lots of nervous energy and thought I would keep myself moving..Sometimes when I get like this I end up picking at food...I am also a stress eater!! Did good all day long ....Hoping to stay strong again today...... xoxo,Patti

Rosemary44

Janet,



Can we talk about the olive oil in your farina? Oh man.



Well I did it. The powders and healthy eating lowered all my cholesterol numbers. Along the way, I lost 9-11 lbs. That's too slow for my liking but I'll take it.



I was besides myself when I saw the test results. I just have to get the triglycerides down, and that's fixed by taking fish oil supplements. So I guess I'll have to have patience with this slow weight loss with its non-ending stalls and stick to the healthy eating. It works.



In reality I did make my first goal of losing 10, now on to the next 10. We can do it.

pconn03

Hi All:
I finished my first week back (because I'm a Lifetime Member) at Weight Watchers yesterday. I lost 2 3/4 pounds and I really didn't feel deprived at all!!! I did the points system because I couldn't wrap my mind around the Core Program but with the help NJ Janet gave me, I'm doing the Core this week. On it one day and so far so good. Of course next Tuesday will 'tell the tale,' as they say but I really think I can do it now. I am working out either 5 or 6 days a week - some days on weight training and other days, aerobic stuff. Don't get me wrong my 'workout' is really not strenuous at all - but it's the best I can do. We can ALL do this . . . it really does take effort and time but we've all been through much worse already, right??? Thanks for listening and sending good wishes to all of our fellow strugglers.
Hugs,
Pat

LJC

Good for you Patti, you're burning calories doing that spring cleaning!!!!! The weather here has been great also, wish I didn't have to work!!!! Don't think I'm going to make it to Home Depot this week for the new flowers - so we'll just have to overlook the bare spots and look where I've got "color". My new solar landscape lights arrived yesterday from QVC - so I'll put those out - that should help some (throw the old ones out).

Not so sure I've done too well these last few days - did succumb to some chocolate candy Monday - bad girl!!!! Need to get back to the salads for lunch.

Can't wait to see the kids, I know I'll burn some calories with them here and be exhausted by Sunday evening - but it'll be a good exhaustion!

NYJanet

Rosemary: Yes I know the olive oil in my farina is gross. But having the oil in my ww program definitely works so I've learned to do it. I really found that when I have my 2 milks and 2 tsp. of oil every day I lose faster.

Pat: Congrats on the great weight lose this week. This is definitely a very slow process. It took me 3 years to lose 25 lbs and reach goal. Maintenance should be easy for me since that's almost what I was doing for the past 2 years.

I've had a struggle the past 2 weekends, on the road watching my daughter's lacrosse games. Very difficult to stay on program. Hoping for a better week this week.

Wishing you all big loses this week. - Janet

pconn03

Janet: Your a pro - you can do it. You'll be back on track in no time. Regarding putting the oil in the farina (I eat oatmeal - same difference, right) it really does work. I even put it in a shake one day because I had forgotten about it earlier. The WW leader keeps stressing how important the oil is. She said people have lost hair etc. because of not getting in the amount of oil they suggest. If you think of it, most all of the products WW suggests are fat-free, so you wouldn't be getting enough oil that way. Losing hair caught my attention - don't need to lose hair again!!! "Been that, done that," with chemo. No thanks . . .

Patti: All that gardening and Spring cleaning definitely has to count for alot of exercise!!! Saturday is the first baby shower for my daughter Julie - so I'm going to have to be very careful. I know we have a great cake coming . . . I can taste it now. I'll let you know how I do.
Blessings,
Pat

roseg

I haven't followed all 50 pages of this post, but will fish oil suffice for oil?
I have really dry flakey skin and I've been trying fish oil supplements. I think it might be helping it. Do you think olive oil would be better?

raven81

Hi Divas--haven't posted in awhile. Have been doing okay on WW's--though I took my Girl Scout Troop to a Dude Ranch in Upstate NY last weekend. The food was GROSS--so I filled up instead on the free ice cream cones that were served from 10:00 a.m. until midnight!! And I didn't walk on my treadmill for about 5 days--the longest I've gone since I started walking in January. Exercise is really a key component for me.

Not looking forward to my weigh in later--but it's just a little stumble, not going to completely derail me!!

Janet--I really am debating switching to CORE. I think I would eat healthier as I have days when I use my points for junk food. What do you do when you eat out??? We eat a lot of pizza in my household, and I'll usually opt for a veggie slice, but I know that's not CORE. Any suggestions would be welcome. What type of olive oil do you use--I think I remember reading somewhere that the extra virgin oil is not as good as plain old olive oil? Congrats on reaching Goal!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Eileen

beachcottage

Raven great to see you back....



Pat how was the shower this weekend?



Lois how was your weekend with the kiddies? My neice was here on Friday night...Had a ball...She is so funny....



Janet and Pat please explain the oil and weight loss concept...Did I read something about dariy here also? Pat you will get your groove back....



Rose welcome....My skin is as dry as could be also....



Another beautiful day here...Going to walk as much as possible after dinner starting tonight...I hate the thought of looking for a new bathing suit right now...I will hold onto that thought..Maybe it will help me from going off track.....Have a great day ladies.....Good luck today..................xoxo,Patti

pconn03

Hi Patti, Rose, Eileen and Janet:
Patti: The shower was just wonderful. My sisters-in-law really did a fantastic job. It wasn't a large shower (about 24 in total) but so loving and warm. Julie really loved it!!! Thanks so much for asking - you are so sweet.

Rose and Patti: In regard to the oil concept, I have been following what Janet suggested, i.e., adding the 2 teaspoons of Olive Oil into the last bit of my oatmeal. I know it sounds kind of different but it's only a few bites and you're done. The WW leader really stressed getting in the oil because all of the WW items are no-fat and your body does need some fat obviously. She said that people had reported losing hair and it was because they weren't getting their oil in. The leader says it's 'straight-up' oil, like olive oil or canola oil etc. not something in pill form etc. I have been using the Extra Virgin Oil because that is what I have but when that is gone, I'll look into if regular olive oil is better?? Now, regarding the milk - two glasses each day is what they want you to have. The leader suggested putting it in a blender with a frozen banana or some Carnation malted milk to spruce it up. I've done the Carnation and it does make it taste good. The other glass I use with my oatmeal in the morning. I believe it was Janet who said that being sure to get in both the oil and the milk each day is what helped her lose weight and they both are mandatory items on the list.

Eileen: Regarding switching to the Core Program, I was initially afraid to do it because I wouldn't be in control.
However, after doing it for this past week, I love it. Janet again was the one who suggested trying it and I'm so glad I did. Really following the foods on the Core list is it and using the 35 weekly points for anything not on there is basically how it works. It is harder I suppose in some ways, if you were going to eat WW frozens etc., because those would all be points - but honestly I would definitely give it a try for a week if I were you.

Janet: Thanks again for spurring me on to try the Core. How are you doing anyway??? We miss you!! Come on board and give us an update on yourself when you can.

Well, I hope some of this helped - if I can help any other way and I know the answer, I will be happy to!!!
Hang in there gals . . . we can DO this!!
Hugs,
Pat

beachcottage

Hi Friends.....OMG...I can hardly walk....I over did it for sure last night....I went for a walk with my cousin...We walked from 9:oo -11:00 gabbing and then my foot started to ache! Only then did I realize how long and how far we had walked..... LOL!! So far I have stuck to my plan this week....I am determined to get this weight off...I have a Wedding at the end of the year(New Years EVE) and want to buy something great! Let's stick together and do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!! Have a great day diva's xoxo,Patti

NYJanet

Good morning ladies.

Pat: Nice job on the explanation of the oil. I use the extra virgin oil. You can also use flaxseed oil. My WW leader has been saying for years that you need to have oil and milk products in your diet but I never really paid much attention to that. Once I started to really listen to her and do it, I found I had excellent losses. I've never been an "oil and vinegar" salad person, so I found putting it in my farina in the morning was the best way for me to get it in. Regarding the CORE program on WW, I find when I'm on it completely I have no craving for sweets and can stay in control so easily. (I do allow myself cookies on Tuesday nights - my weigh-in night and everyone knows after weigh-in that night is considered free--hahaha my rule not ww's.)

Eileen: Definitely try the CORE. If not completely, try adding some CORE foods into your flex plan and work your way into CORE. That's what I did. As far as pizza, it's 6 points so if you are on CORE and not using any points at other times and occasional slice of pizza can't hurt. I break the 35 extra points down to 5 per day and try to keep it at that.

Patti: Don't hurt yourself with the walking. I severely strained the arch of my foot a few years back doing the same thing and couldn't walk for weeks. You don't need that happening. Walking is still the best exercise and the cheapest.

I have my weigh in today. I got on my scale this morning and it says I'm down 2 lbs. so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for at least some loss. This was the first weekend in a month that we weren't away for the weekend (those are always tough). Also I did at least an hour of exercise each day.

Here's hoping for a good week for all of us. Keep up the good work no matter what plan you are doing. Hang tough ladies, we can do this together. - Janet

LJC

Hey Divas, well I was afraid to get on the scale but I did and of course I didn't lose but didn't gain either. My Mom is still at the house, she's leaving on Thursday to go a few days with my brother and his son fishing. Having a difficult time getting back to healthy eating this week. Had CT scan yesterday and see onc today for the mass in left breast for her opinion. Still waiting for the referral to surgeon - nurse called again Friday to tell me she was sending it (I think she forgot she called already a week ago) so at least today I'll be able to get a professional opinion of the mass.

Great to see the kids, but they are a handful together. I did get to spend most of Sunday with just Patrick and he's such a good kid without his sister. My other 2 nephews came by for a couple of hours and of course he acts up a bit with them there. I was POOPED!!!! I went to bed about 8:30, my body melted into the bed but my mind was racing. I don't think it took to long to fall asleep though. But I had to set the alarm for 11:00 pm to wake up from my really nice sleep to drink that sh*t for the scan.

Nice to see you back Eileen - gold star to Patti for your walk. That's what's nice about walking with a friend - the time goes by quickly and before you know it you've walked 3 - 4 miles.

pconn03

Janet: Tuesday is my weigh in day as well. I only lost .8 or 3/4 pounds this week but I guess considering I had cake and wine (and went over the 35 points for the week) I shouldn't be complaining. You are too funny, Janet - "everyone knows after weigh-in that night is considered free - hahaha my rule not ww's." It may not be a WW rule but I can bet you that every diva that ever went to WW has thought the same thing - me included!!! Also, the not liking oil and vinegar on salad - that's exactly me as well. That's why the oil in the oatbran works so well for me too.

Patti: Great walk - wow!!! I have been pretty faithful doing my workouts. I try to go at least 5 or 6 days a week but with the shower this weekend, I didn't go on either Saturday or Sunday. I was back at it again yesterday and today, so feel good about that.

Lois: With all you had going on, I think it's wonderful that you maintained your weight!!! I know at WW they really commend you for that and say not to beat yourself up over it - because when you think of it, you really could have gained. Good job!!

We're on the road and we're not stopping, right???
Hugs,
Pat

NYJanet

So divas, I asked at WW tonight about the olive oil (extra virgin vs. regular). I was told it didn't matter, just one has a stronger taste than the other. We need the oil in order for our bodies to process the foods we eat.

I had a good week, 1.8 lbs. I think I did so well since I was able to keep on track all weekend, no traveling, parties, etc. Plus the exercise.

Lois, by the way maintaining can be a good thing because sometimes it means that your body is catching up with any weight loss and your body is shrinking. At WW they recommend we take our measurements. I never did and when I hit a 6 month plateau over a year ago, I was mad that I hadn't taken my measurements because I knew my body was shrinking even thought the lbs. weren't coming off. [Always have to look for a positive when there is no loss.]

OH, I just thought of another really GREAT food to help lose weight. Watermelon!!! Give it a try and you will be amazed at what you can lose. It's no points / Core on WW plus it's all water so it fills you up.

Hope you ladies don't mind my tips. - Janet

beachcottage

I am a bit nervous...I know it is silly ...But I am going to a re-union tonight...I worked in a Bank for 20 yrs...Started right out of high school..most of us got the ax when our little bank was taken over ten years ago.......I have attended a few re-unions but it has been a good four years since our last one almost five...While I see some of my close friends still it has been a long time since I have seen many of my old co-workers.......So needless to say I am nervous but excited....I was 38 when I last saw some of these people..I am now almost 48......So I guess we will all look a bit different....Right? ...I am just so happy to be well enough to go and catch up with everyone...So why am I nervous???????...Went out shopping last night and out for a quick bite..............I hate.....Repeat hate...Trying on clothes right now.........I stuck to my plan all the way.................I hope I can be as strong tonight! And stick to my plan.....I know one thing I am going and I plan on having a great time....Not going to let this weight issue bother me.....Have a great day ladies...Hang tough!!



Janet thanks for all of the tips!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep them coming.....



Pat yes we are going strong and there aint no stopping us now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Our mantra!!!



Lois thinking about you ....There is a message for you on the moving beyond thread ......Sending hugs your way...xoxo,Patti

NYJanet

Patti: Go out and enjoy yourself tonight. Even if you don't stick to your plan, it's just one night so enjoy and get back on the plan tomorrow. That's exactly what we talked about at weight watchers last night. We all have lives and sometimes those live involve "enjoying" ourselves. So go, have fun and tell us all about it tomorrow. - Janet

pconn03

Patti: You are so right - trying on clothes is the most frustrating thing ever. However, just remember how far you've come . . . not only with the cancer journey but with sticking to your eating plan. You can do this tonight. Remember, people are wanting to see you you and not to critque you. You are one of the nicest people I've ever "met" Patti - and I just know they will be so happy to see you once again!! Regarding the eating, if you're doing the Core, just try to remember what is on it and go from there. You still have points for a glass of wine too. Have a wonderful time, Patti and let us know how it goes.

Janet: Please, please, please keep the tips coming. I learn so much from them.

God bless all of our divas . . . yes, we are on our way.
Pat

cowgirl

I am new to the board but I have been doing WW for 20+ weeks. I go with my sister in law, we both do the flex version so far. I have my dx, but I will be able to keep on it because I chose Masectomy and reconstruction.

The stress of the waiting game hurt my program, but this week I lost 1.4 lbs. I walked in the local Relay For Life Friday night and I was inspired. I am unable to do much weight stuff, and my big ball exercises since my biopsy. So I have begun walking and little bit of jogging at the track, so far I only do a mile. I was doing almost 2 before the biopsy, so I will try to build back up. My goal is to train for a 5K.

NYJanet

Cowgirl: Welcome. Sorry you had to join us but you've come to a great place. Today is 1 year since my lumpectomy for DCIS. I also was very stressed when I was diagnosed. I had been on WW for 2 years when I was diagnosed and has lost about 20 lbs. I gained back 10 lbs. from the time I was diagnosed until I finished radiation. My leader kept telling me not to worry about the gains and just concentrate on getting better. Since July I have lost nearly 15 lbs. and reached my goal. Walking is a great exercise and it's easy on the body. Last year 10 days after my surgery I walked in the Revlon 5K Run/Walk for Women. [I had run it the year before to honor my s-i-l who has ovarian cancer.] This year (next Saturday) I'm hoping to run it again. Just wanted to let you know there is light (weight-wise and exercise-wise) at the end this breast cancer tunnel. Oh, congrats on the weight loss this week. Good luck to you. - Janet

raven81

Welcome cowgirl--congrats for getting back on track in the midst of dealing with your dx.

Pat and Janet--thank you for encouraging me to give CORE a try. I did the olive oil in the last spoonful of my oatmeal this morning, and it was really not that bad! I'm hoping by switching to CORE I will get my sugar cravings under control. Ever since that girl scout trip, and all the ice cream, my sweet tooth has been in overdrive!!

Patti--hope you had fun last night. Let us know how it went.

Lois--been thinking of you--hope you're doing okay.

Janet please keep the tips and advice coming--I appreciate them so much!

Have a great day divas!

Eileen

pconn03

Patti: Tell us, tell us . . . how did last night go??? I hope you had a glorious time!!!

Eileen: So happy you like the Core. I was nervous to do it but with Janet's encouragement I did and I'm glad I did. I know what you mean about sweets - I am the biggest sweet-tooth ever. I love almost every sweet thing you can name - especially ice cream!!

Cowgirl: Welcome. You sound like you're back on track already - but most of all you just want to feel good again first!!! We're all in the same boat so once again, welcome.

Janet: How's it going??? You are our WW leader on this thread - no doubt!!

Lois: Hope all is well with you. You sure had your fill of exercise with all of the 'kiddies' at your house. Good job!!

We're on the road and we're not turning back,
Pat