Weight Watchers

[udsweetpea]

Just thought I'd start a Weight Watchers thread because they were really popular on the "other" site ;)

I just joined the meetings last Thursday, and I'm so excited to be on the program for the 5th time. Hoping I can do it this time!

[deliciousjones]

I plan on going to a meeting this week to sign up and relearn the program. I've had huge success with it in the past and I hope to again. My goal weight is 75 lbs away!

[udsweetpea]

Yay for starting the meetings! We'll be at goal in no time! My goal is 41.2 pounds away :rolleyes:

[udsweetpea]

Oh, and I have Weight Watchers Online as well, so if you have any questions that I can find the answers to online, just ask and I'll let you know :)

[PrincessTommi]

Andrea - what do you think of the online program? I really need to buckle down and do it this time, but my schedule is crazy with school. Not to mention I decided to spend the $$$ I was spending on meetings on a gym membership. So, lately I've been thinking about WW online and wondered how you like it?

[udsweetpea]

Yeah, I love it! I did really well on it when I was younger, but now I need the outside motivation that I get at meetings. I like being able to journal online, as well as log my weight. I liked the recipes, message boards, and progress charts. It's really easy to navigate and user-friendly. I say its definitely worth it!

[mindy]

Hi,

I am going to be starting weight watchers Tomorrow I am just going to do it at home and follow the points I have all the information from a friend my biggest thing is going to be cutting back on the pepsi.

[udsweetpea]

Hi,

I am going to be starting weight watchers Tomorrow I am just going to do it at home and follow the points I have all the information from a friend my biggest thing is going to be cutting back on the pepsi.

Good luck starting WW tomorrow! Soda is my weakness as well, so I made a big commitment this week to drinking more than 64 ounces of water a day, and I got some little cans of Diet Dr. Pepper to have when I just can't drink anymore water!

[PrincessTommi]

Yeah, I love it! I did really well on it when I was younger, but now I need the outside motivation that I get at meetings. I like being able to journal online, as well as log my weight. I liked the recipes, message boards, and progress charts. It's really easy to navigate and user-friendly. I say its definitely worth it!Thanks for the info. I loved meetings, and I had such an awesome leader. But things are too crazy between school (working on my MBA), work and trying to get my lazy ass to the gym to think about fitting in another obligation. But, when I try to keep track *on my own* it doesn't work so well. I just need to do *something*, ya know?

Are you doing Flex or Core? I've never tried Core, but I wonder if I need something different.

[udsweetpea]

I never tried Core, but my former roomie did. She said it worked, but after a while, it made her sick. I don't like the idea of only being able to eat certain foods. But my leader said that whenever I hit a plateu (sp?), to try Core for a week and that should jump start things.

[EmilyZA]

I'm so glad that this was started here! I go to meetings and loved the WC thread for the extra motivation it gave me. :)

This is my fourth time on the program and this time I'm going to become lifetime!

[udsweetpea]

Emily, how long have you been going to meetings?

My goal is to be lifetime too, and to become a leader!!

[IrishMeg]

Hi, Andrea!

I joined WW on 01/17/05. Do you want stats? I'll list mine below...

Starting weight-170
Goal Weight-130
Current Weight-145

Total lost-25lbs

I have been having a horrible time lately. I have gained the last two weeks. Some of that was due to AF but the rest has been plain laziness. I am having such a difficult time on 20 points per day. I always had such an easy time at 22 points per day but since moving to 20 I've just been struggling. I just want to eat, DAMN IT!!

[udsweetpea]

Awww, Meg, I'm so glad you found us over here! Congratulations on the 25 pound loss so far! That's amazing!

I can totally understand feeling so hungry on only 20 points a day. I have 24, and my roomie has 30, so its hard seeing her get to eat so much more! :cool:

[IrishMeg]

so its hard seeing her get to eat so much more!


Same here! My mom gets 24 points a day and I'm so jealous. I think I need to start taking it more seriously. Get back to journaling, keeping track of water etc.

Does anyone else journal, whether online or on paper, to keep track of their points? I'm horrible about doing it. I just keep a running tally in my head. :o

[udsweetpea]

I journal everything on paper.. actually on the QuikTrak journal you can buy at the meetings for $4. If I tally in my head, I let myself cheat. I even journal how many ounces of water I drink a day.

[Rippy1010]

Hey there!!!

I was on WW Online a year and a half ago and lost 40 pounds (to my goal weight).

I got very lazy, and gained half back. I re-started WW Online three weeks ago ... my wedding is in four weeks!!! Within the first three weeks I've lost 4.5 pounds, which I think is the healthy avg/week.

Glad I found this thread!


~Ally~


ETA: Forgot to say that I always suggest the online WW to everyone. But, I am an internet guru anyway, so maybe that's why I love it so much. But, the recipe builder, recipe renovations, meal ideas, and restaurant guide are my favorite tools. Plus I like logging my weight, too! And it's sooo easy to keep track of points!

[justHB]

Andrea - what do you think of the online program? I really need to buckle down and do it this time, ... lately I've been thinking about WW online and wondered how you like it? I tried the online program a couple of years ago and found that it was really hard to figure out how many points I was eating because we eat out a lot and it's mostly ethnic food. I'm thinking about going back on it simply because nothing else I've tried has worked.

[Kristeen]

Hi! I am in my 4th week of WW. I've lost 10lbs so far, 14lbs to go... I was getting 5 extra points for breastfeeding DS 3x a day, but now he's a year old and I'm trying to wean him. I'll be sad to see the points go!

I'm thinking of switching to online. The meetings are not helpful to me, I have tried a couple and both were yawn-inducing wastes of time and money. But then I'm afraid I won't be as motivated. The weigh-ins every week are my impetus to stick to the plan.

I have been relying heavily on inexpensive pre-made meals, okay I admit it: tv dinners. I've never been much of a cook and we don't eat out often. It's working for me, but I really need to figure out a way to eat normally and follow the program.

[udsweetpea]

Welcome to everyone on the thread! So glad to see you all :D

Just wanted to pass on something some of you have probably already found, but for those of you who haven't... Dotti's Weight Loss Zone (www.dwlz.com) ... she has a lot of restaurants listed with the points values of the food. Some of the restaurants haven't been updated recently, but its pretty helpful.

[APCullip22]

I'm here!!! LOL You ladies knew that I couldn't resist!! Andrea, that's great that you have the support of your roomate, it sure makes things easier!! I Love WW!!! Can't wait to join in with you girls!

[udsweetpea]

Yay!!! Amber, I'm sooo happy you made it over here :D :D :D You've done amazing so far! You're my inspiration!

[IrisHope]

Andrea - what do you think of the online program? I really need to buckle down and do it this time, but my schedule is crazy with school. Not to mention I decided to spend the $$$ I was spending on meetings on a gym membership. So, lately I've been thinking about WW online and wondered how you like it?

I do it online only. I love it. It is cheaper than going to meetings becuase I only pay $14 a month. I don't need the meetings (I have been on the program so many times) and this time it's working!!

[APCullip22]

Hey Andrea!! YAY!!! I'm here!!! I missed you ladies, so of course I had to join in! It's like old times with the health and fitness journal :) LOL You are going to do awesome, I'm very proud of you!!!! We'll keep each other in check, k?! :) You are such a sweetie!! We're gonna do this together!!

[ktina0803]

Well I rejoined weight watchers a few weeks ago. I have been struggling lately though. The first time I was on it the pounds seemed to melt off. When I stopped following the program however, I only regained 2-3 pounds. I honestly think that my body has decided it likes this weight. Unfortunately I don't!! I am thinking about going on core for a few weeks. I have heard that it may help to jump start your weight loss again. Have any of you heard this? Are any of you currently on the core plan? I am just worried because I like to be able to eat what I want (even if its smaller portions) and I am afraid I won't be able to stick to the core. Any advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

BTW - I go to meetings with someone I work with it has been great losing weight with her. Going to the meetings when I didn't know anyone just wasn't the same.

[DiscoDiva]

Yay! The WW thread is here! Here's my WW stats:

I started one year ago. I made it to lifetime status about 5 months ago, and have stayed on lifetime ever since. I dropped my pants size from a 14 to a 4/6. I feel healthy and I love it!

I used the flex program and I still use it today. I don't know if I'll count points forever, but I still will since it helps me keep my portions in check. I still have my weak moments, and I still have cravings, but I've finally realized that there are some foods I just can't control, so I try to avoid those entirely.

DH is now eating healthier too!

[udsweetpea]

Congratulations on making lifetime, DiscoDiva!!!!

[rene']

Hello all! I found you guys over here, I hope you don't mind! I was mrsschu'sfriend at the "other" place. I joined WW about three weeks ago. Here are my stats:

Starting weight - 171
Goal weight - 145
Current weight - 165
Pounds lost - 6

I weigh in again tomorrow. I hope it's good news!

[bethnjim]

I am back on Weight Watchers. I was going to give South Beach a try, but I got such bad headaches that I went back to Weight Watchers. My current weight is 235 and I would LOVE to be 150. 150 puts me into a size 8-10 and I am EXTREMELY comfortable with that. Right now, I am in a size 18-20. :rolleyes:

I am doing the program online, which I think I like better. My breakfast are only 4 points and it holds me for a while, which is pretty good. I have to pick up some more strawberries and get my butt back into gear.

[FutureFirstLady]

Hi All! I just got here from "the other side". ;)

I recently became a Lifetime Member of WW (June 2005)! YAY! I'm in maintainance mode. Some days are better than others - it's definitely a lifestyle change.

My stats are:

Starting weight - 192.8 (Sept 04)
Goal weight - 160 (actually 155 to have a 5lb cushion)
Current weight - 157.4
Pounds lost - 35.4 :D
Pounds to go - 2.4

[Kristibell]

Hi!!

I wanted to pop in and introduce myself in this thread. I'm trying to be more active on these boards, something I never achieved other places :)

I've been doing WW since the end of January, and as of my WI last night I'm down 23 lbs.

I'm excited to see so many people here doing the program. It definately has it's frusterating times, and I'm glad to find a place for support, encouragement and ideas.

[Rippy1010]

I have a question for you about the maintenance mode. The last time I was on WW, I reached my goal weight, and it kicked into maintenance mode as it is supposed to. But, I did not understand the maintenance mode at all. As soon as I was on maintenance mode, I started to gain a little bit of weight. Do you have any tips for the maintenance mode?

[DiscoDiva]

Hi all! Hi FutureFirstLadyLifetimer! Welcome to the Lifetime side of weight loss. Kind of weird isn't it? :) FWIW, I think you are much prettier than your avatar.

For maintenance mode, you are supposed to add 4 points per day and expect a little weight gain (a few pounds) for the first few weeks. They say that after that, you will even out.

I NEVER went to maint mode and never added the 4 points back. I am forever at 20 points per day (plus my 35 flex points). Honestly, I don't need the extra 4 points, and it's not at all like I'm starving. Actually, I think I'm eating too much!

[rene']

Well, I just weighed in. I only lost a pound. :-( I should be happy with that, though. I was a little lax this week writing everything down. A bite here and a bite there. I also need to up my water intake and start exercising. I will do better this week! Here are my new stats:

Starting weight: 171
Goal weight: 145
Current weight: 164
Pounds lost: 7

I hope I can stay strong over the holiday weekend! We have a big cookout in our cul-de-sac. I just have to stay focused. Good luck everybody!

[DiscoDiva]

It's good to lose weight a pound at a time! You'll be more likely to keep it off.

I'm on lifetime, and I don't think I ever lost more than 2 pounds at a weigh-in. Plus, I hit a few plateaus: twice for about 2-3 weeks, once for about a month. But, I kept at it and I still got to goal.

Don't look at this as how much you lose per week. Look at it as how much you lose in a year!

[mobox]

Hi there! I was on the WW thread on WC as well (maureenpca). Here's my stats:

SW: 162
CW: 155
GW: 138


I had gotten down to 146 before my wedding last year but for a variety of lame excuses, I'm back up. I am TTC so I'm dieting but I want to do it in a healthy way with lots of exercise.

I need motivation!!!!

[mierin]

Hi to everyone! I'm pretty new to this not lurking thing and WW seemed a safe group to start with. Everyone is doing so well it's such an inspiration to read. Here's the stats:

SW: 171
CW: 155
GW: 130

I've been on WW for about 7 weeks now and I just can't believe how easy it's been. I get frustrated sometimes with counting points and always having to think about what I'm eating, but I feel better about things when I realize I'm going to need a new belt soon! :)

[jeepgirl]

Could WW work for a vegetarian? Most of my life I've been a size 6 (and for being only 5'2 I think that's healthy). Me at a size 6 was at a weight of 118 to about 128. A size 8 was from 128-138. Now I weight about 145-148, and at 5'2, you can guess what I am, and its too much, although I'm pretty happy with everything except my tummy and my thighs (my upper arms could use some toning). But my tummy... its like my metabolism just shifted in the last year, and it needs some MAJOR work, that seems to be where I gain the weight. I need to do SOMETHING!

"Special" diets are challenging though, since I'm vegetarian. Most things are so meat based. I was at a perfect weight a few years ago, but I went on a vegan diet and exercised about 20 minutes a day. I also cut out all sugar. I'm not sure I'm disciplined enough to do that right now....

Any thoughts? I don't know if I'd like the meetings or not. What are they like?

[udsweetpea]

jeepgirl It could definitely work. You can eat whatever you want, and everything has a point value associated with it, and you just have to stay within your point range for the day. So, you can definitely do it vegetarian. I just started going to meetings, and they are mostly filled with older women, but I like having to go and get weighed in by someone else. Gives me more motivation. Plus, my roommate goes with me, so we're each other's inspiration.

[DiscoDiva]

You can absolutely do WW if you are vegetarian. You'd probably like the Core program instead of counting points. On Core, you have freedom to eat what you want from certain food groups (fruits, veggies). The more I'm on WW, the more I seem to turning vegetarian!

[jeepgirl]

Thanks for the input Andrea and DiscoDiva. I've been contemplating trying to see about going to a WW meeting for a while. I need to lose 20 pounds, 25 would be nice, but I'd be happy with 20 - especially if I gain some muscle. The challenge is actually carving out the time to go... I'm in nursing school and its insane, but I know I need to keep my life balanced and not let myself go and excuse it because of all the stress. I did check the WW website not too long ago and saw there are quite a few meeting times to choose from... just not sure which one to choose!

Thanks again. I'll let you know if I do anything with it and join!

[FutureFirstLady]

Hey There DiscoDiva! You are such a sweetie! I am a cutie pie though aren't I! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/11/11_4_125v.gif

You are right about Maintenance Mode. When I added the 4 points (for a total of 26 pts) - I GAINED weight. http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/4/4_6_103.gif Don't want that! I can maintain with 2 extra points per day (24pts), but while I'm trying to get my cushion - I'm doing 22pts per day plus my 35 flex per week.

CONGRATS to all the "losers" out there! You should be proud! This program is so versitile - it can fit any lifestyle - as long as the follow the rules (8 healthy guidelines).

[mierin]

jeepgirl, I just wanted to let you know that I'm in nursing school, too (although I'm out for the summer) and it really hasn't been too bad. I usually go to a meeting on Saturday or Sunday mornings and it's only about 45 minutes. There's also another nursing student in my group and she's been doing a great job, too. So, don't get discouraged, it's totally possible.

[juliemag]

I'm going to join up with you guys here if you dont mind! ;)

I was on WW 2 years ago, successfully lost 16 lbs and kept it off, reaching lifetime status as well.

Well, I'm not doing so hot these days weight wise, so I figured joining up here could help motivate me to lose the weight again. WW really works well for me, and I adore the program.

So, here I go!

Current Weight: 150
Goal Weight: 135
Total weight to lose: 15 lbs

Looking forward to sharing ideas with ya'll! :)

[ktina0803]

I'm a LOSER! Yeah, I had WI last night and lost 2 lbs!! :D

Stats

SW = 185
CW = 160.4
GW = 132

I am about 1/2 way there. I hope everyones week is going well.

[mobox]

Congratulations to all of this weeks losers!!!

Stay on plan over the holidays!!! You can do it!!!

[jeepgirl]

Thanks for the encouragement Mierin! I'll see about the possibility of checking out a meeting this week... or maybe I'll check into doing in online... not sure yet... but need to make a decision soon!

[jeepgirl]

Okay... I joined WW online today. I'm sure the meetings are better, but at least the online version fits my pocketbook and schedule better for now! Good luck to me! :D

[udsweetpea]

Okay... I joined WW online today. I'm sure the meetings are better, but at least the online version fits my pocketbook and schedule better for now! Good luck to me! :D

Congratulations on joining WW!

[DaNiGaToR]

I weighed in yesterday and I was down 1.2! Woo Hoo!

[jeepgirl]

Question: I've logged my food into my WW online "food tracker" so far today. I also exercised, and logged it, but its not giving me another "food point" in exchange. Do I have to wait until today is done or something? Just confused.

[Kristibell]

Question: I've logged my food into my WW online "food tracker" so far today. I also exercised, and logged it, but its not giving me another "food point" in exchange. Do I have to wait until today is done or something? Just confused.

jeepgirl I also use the food tracker online. When you enter exercise points it won't exchange them until you've reached you point limit for the day. After you go over your point limit it will take you ap's into account before it uses your WPA.

Hope that helps answer your question.

[jeepgirl]

Thanks Kristi! That helps! Guess I want "instant gratification" too much, eh?! LOL... :D

[mierin]

Sigh. It's been non-productive couple of weeks as far as weight loss is concerned. Does anyone else get absolutely sick of having to think about everything that goes into your mouth? Sometimes I just want to have a glass of milk or a bowl of cereal and not think about it. Then I realize that that's how I gained all my weight to begin with and I have no wish to go back to that, but sometimes it's exhausting, KWIM? :(

Guess I'm just looking for some encouragement and thoughts from anyone who's felt the same.

[mb1197]

I'm here. I actually started the WW thread on the WC, but I think I'll be here more often so I thought I'd check in and give my stats. I've been doing WW since this January and have definitely hit some road blocks (lose a little, gain a little), but overall it's been pretty motivational for me.

Stats: 5' 7"
Starting weight: 169.2
Current weight: 154
WW goal: 150
Personal goal: 135-140

[FutureFirstLady]

Congrats to all my fellow losers! ;) Actually, I have no idea if I'm a loser or not this week - I missed my meeting. :( I'll be there BRIGHT and EARLY on Saturday AM to see my progress!

Welcome to the party juliemag! The more the merrier!

I hear you mierin. I feel the same way sometimes. I keep bran flakes (1 pt) and "free" points in the house for such occasions. I do have my moments when I "fall off" - but I quickly remember what I want in the long run and get right back with it. The BEST part is all the support I get from my fellow WW ladies like each of you! :D

[emmjay]

Hi, can I join you guys? I was on the WW thread for a while on WC, but I stopped weighing in for a few months after losing 10 lbs. According to my scale at home I've gained 2-3 back, so I need to get back on track! Anyway, I want to lose 20 more.

I'm going to start going to meetings again the week after next - the only day I can go is on Fridays and I don't have a free one until the 22nd. I did already start watching my portions, and I'm going to start counting points this week too.

One of the things that really helps me is to immediately weigh out 1-oz portions of any pretzels, pita chips, nuts, etc. when I get home from the store. I put them in those little snack-sized zip lock baggies and divide them up by the number of points (all of the 1-pt snacks in one bag, 2-pt snacks in another, etc.). It takes a few minutes, but it's worth it to keep from eating half a bag of chips at one sitting!

[mobox]

emmjay~that is such a great tip, thanks!!! I rely on those "100 Calorie Packs" a lot because they are all two points.

My other fave snack: animal cookies (I like Gamesa) because I can eat like 16 of them for 2 points and they are sweet and crunchy and satisfy the craving.

Good luck on WI this week everyone. I have been so stagnant for so long...I'm hoping to step to step on the scale tomorrow and see it down!!! :o

[Aug2002Bride]

Do you guys find that you lose when you add your activity points back in and eat them? I just started WW last week but in the past before I got pregnant and was doing WW I found I wasnt losing as much if I added them in and ate them? What has been your experiences?

[Aug2002Bride]

I forgot to add I love the idea about the snack sized bags! Im going to try that out this week!!! I just went for my first WI on Wed and lost 3lbs! So Im excited and glad to be back on the program after having my DD!

[mierin]

emmjay, that is such great idea for snacks! I weigh things out, but I really like the thought of doing everything in advance so that I don't have to think about it. Thanks!

I have a question for everyone. Has anyone been able to find a 0 point salad dressing that tastes good? I have a couple of 1 point dressings that I like, but the 0 point italian dressing I got is horrible.

[filmgirl7]

Hey all,
I definitely need to be a part of the WW boards.

Starting weight: 141
Goal weight: 102
Current weight: 134
Wedding Date: January 7th, 2006!!!! :eek:

I started WW online almost two years ago and got down to about 126, but then started gaining after moving and beginning a new job. Now, I have something good going for me, as FH has joined WW online and lost about 15 pounds so far. We've been running/walking together frequently, and he is my biggest cheerleader/drill sargeant!

I am having the hardest time just getting my weight to move down from 133/134 for the longest time. I joined a gym in October and last week had worked out 8 days in a row...I'm up to running 3.11 miles at a time....still no weight loss. I don't get it. I was even drinking green tea at night, stayed within my points, but NOTHING! BOO! Advice?

[jeepgirl]

Filmgirl - How tall are you and what is your "frame" size (bone structure size - small, medium or large boned)?

[filmgirl7]

I am 5' 0" with a medium/small frame. In college (not TOO long ago) I weighed 107 and wore a size 7. (When my mom was my age, she wore about a size 1.) Unfortunately, I've ballooned since then. I have a LOT of weight to lose! :eek:

[jeepgirl]

I asked because a goal weight of 102 is pretty much anorexic for most people. I am 5'2 and my weight "range" is supposed to be 108-131... but for me, I feel like anything less than 115 would be almost anorexic. That's because I'm probably medium framed and busty, but I look "petite" when I'm an appropriate weight, which really is between 118-125. If you are 5'0, I can see where 102 could be a goal weight, if you're small boned. But I would think that something around 110-112 would still look REALLY good, healthy and still slim. If you're wedding is in January, you have enough time to get there! YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Also remember, that if you are doing EVERYTHING you should be, and the weight isn't budging, that your body may just need to adjust for a while. Keep at it and the weight will come off. (If it still doesn't, see your doctor and get your Thyroid checked out!)

:)

[filmgirl7]

True, it's a very low weight. I don't actually expect to get there, though if I get anywhere near, I'll be happy. I would be thrilled to just be somewhere around 115 by the wedding. I'm also in my best friend's wedding on August 21st, and i'm a little nervous about how my BM dress will fit. It's two pieces, and I did order the correct size, but I haven't gotten it yet to try it on, so who knows....

Today I weighed 134.4 after my jog. I wish I could just get to 133 before my vacation, which starts next sunday. We're going on a caribbean cruise. I had SO wanted to wear a bikini for the first time ever..... BOO! :mad:

[DaNiGaToR]

Filmgirl7 - maybe you're not eating *enough* for the amout that you're exercising. From the amount that you're exercising it sounds like it would be giving you 3 or even 4 more points per day and if you don't *eat them* then you're going below your points range. I don't know if you're already including them or not, but it was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw your post. Good luck!

[filmgirl7]

Most days I am eating the exercise points, and i've even been watching my fat intake to make sure I'm not overlooking something that's holding me back. I think my problem is I need to be consistent on the WW plan for a few weeks to get my weight to move. There have just been a lot of things coming up that throw me off, like weddings, holidays and vacations. When we come back from our cruise (July 25th) I'll have many weeks with nothing to distract. This should be a good week as well. I'm not going to give up!!!! Thanks for the feedback!! :)

[justHB]

Hey all,

I think I am going to join the online program on Monday. I just keep getting bigger and bigger and this once size 7 gal is now a size 16 and I hate it.

Current weight: 196
Goal weight: 150
Pounds to go: 46

[udsweetpea]

HB Congratulations on starting the online program on Monday! I think you'll really enjoy it :)

[udsweetpea]

How did you all choose your goal weight? Right now, my goal is 147 which is the upper goal for my height. But what if I get there and I want to lose more? Can I make Lifetime at that weight but change my mind and choose a different goal after I make Lifetime?

[jeepgirl]

HB - I'm pretty impressed with how "manageable" the online program is so far. I can see where it will help me a lot with my goals... Hang in there! Good luck to you!!!

[jeepgirl]

I don't understand what "lifetime" means yet... so I would love to read the responses to Andrea's questions.

I chose my "ultimate" goal weight based on something I feel is both realistic and healthy. Like Andrea, it is in the upper end of what my "weight range" should be. I need to lose a total of 25 pounds to get to the goal weight I "plugged" into WW online, but when I get there, I'm hoping I'll go ahead and push on to lose 5 more pounds (makes a big difference when you're vertically challenged!). After that I'd like to train and build some muscle and definition. That will probably add some pounds back on, but take off some inches.

[SeptSapphire]

Hi everyone!

I just signed up on WW online today- I've done WW in the past several times and love it. I would always stop when I got bored though, so I'm going to defeat that! :D

I picked my goal weight just as the top part of my range, like you did Andrea. I've never been anywhere near my goal weight, so I don't konw if that exact umber will work for sure, but it's a starting point. Right now, though I'm working only on my 10%. :)

Saturday will be my weigh in day, so I'll be checking in at least then. :)

[justHB]

HB Congratulations on starting the online program on Monday! I think you'll really enjoy it :) I doubt "enjoy" is the right word to describe a program that will deny me all the foods I love, but I guess it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

:p

[udsweetpea]

You can still eat the foods you love.. just not all the time. I'm enjoying WW so far, especially since the weight seems to be melting off!

[Jenn (and Bill)]

Another newcomer to the board and this thread. My DH and I joined WW in October, 2001 and I lost 40 pounds before hitting a terrible plateau I couldn't pass. So I slowly gave up trying and finally stopped going to meetings. We did join a gym but I didn't see results right away so I slowed down on that too. But I'm seriously overweight and want to have a baby so we went back a couple of weeks ago. This time, the goal is to eat less on the program and go to the gym regularly so I avoid all plateaus. When I rejoined, I had gained 39 of the 40 pounds back. Makes me crazy thinking how much better I'd feel if I had kept it off. But I didn't. Ok, I REALLY don't want to do this but I think I have to:

Starting: 278.3
Current: 275
Goal: under 200 for now. I'll get specific when I get closer

Wow, did I just type that? It's pretty embarassing. I am lucky that DH is doing it too, especially since he's the cook in the family. But right now, I feel like I'm more motivated than he is. So hopefully, this thread will help me stay motivated!

[sportyj]

I am going to my first meeting on Tuesday. I did online last year and had decent success. What should I expect at my first meeting? Are things like the points calculator and such a part of the registration fee? I am really looking forward to getting my butt back into shape...literally. I love the WW philosophy and out of everything I have tried (oh and I have tried ALOT) this program WORKS and is easy to live with! Good luck everyone!!!!

[mobox]

HERE'S TO THE START OF A NEW WEEK!

Didn't do great yesterday with two BBQs to attend, but I did OK. Just want to wish everyone good eats and exercising this week.

HB~I'm an online only girl too. I find it easy and even though I haven't lost in a while, at least I'm maintaining.

[mobox]

Oh one other thing: salad dressing.

THE BAIN OF MY EXISTENCE.

I find there are none that I like that are fat free. But I do find it easy to use very little of dressing in the first place. My recommendation is GIRARDS CHAMPAGNE LIGHT. It is one point per tablespoon I believe and it's soooo good that you only need one tablespoon anyway.

[mierin]

I doubt "enjoy" is the right word to describe a program that will deny me all the foods I love, but I guess it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.

HB, just some reassurance. I would be having serious problems if I couldn't eat all the foods that I like. I still eat chocolate. I still eat pasta. I still eat pizza. I still eat hotdogs. I just don't eat as much of them or as often. And, honestly, I kind of enjoy them more now because they feel like really special treats and I eat them slowly and make sure I enjoy them. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. :)

[filmgirl7]

I totally agree with Mierin. A person on WW can eat anything that anyone else can eat. But, once you realize that, for example, a cup of General Tsao's chicken is 16 points, you just think a little harder and longer before eating it. If 10 french fries is 5 points.....maybe it's just not worth it. :p

One thing I realized while watching my FH do WW is that you should go into the first few days sincerely trying to use as few points as possible so that you're not starving on the last couple of days. I had the hardest time with that, but i'm getting better now.

GOOD LUCK, HB! You can do it! Keep us posted! :)

[tgray99]

Hi ladies! I was doing WW this time last year and lost 20 lbs in 4 months but, then I became pregnant and had to stop. Yeah, so being pregnant I thought I could eat whatever and however much I wanted. Um, no? I gained 50 pounds, up to 202. YIPES! After I had the baby (a gorgeous baby girl!) I dropped 20 pounds (easiest 20 lbs I've ever lost!). I started back up on WW at 6 weeks and 3 weeks later I've lost 5 pounds.

Starting weight: 180
Current weight: 175
Goal weight: 130
10-year high school reunion: August 6, 2005 :eek:

I'm 5'4", medium build, no longer breastfeeding. I can't afford going to meetings or online meetings right now so I'm doing it on my own using books that my lifetime friend gave me. I've put myself at 18-20 points a day. My mom and I are accountability partners, we send our food diaries back and forth to each other so that helps. I really need to exercise but it's hard with a 2 month old.

[bethnjim]

I had a bad weekend on Weight Watchers. We ate out WAY to much!! I didn't weight myself yet...today is weigh-in day, but I hope that I lost a little bit of weight! I was good all week long!

Beginning Weight: 230
Today's Weight:?
Goal Weight: 150
August Goal: 200

I would love to lose 30lbs by the end of August. I don't know if that is going to be possible considering we are taking vacation the second week of August, but I am keeping my fingers crossed!

Just as an FYI:

Haggan Daaz Frozen Zesty Lemon Sorbet is delicious and LOW in points! Also, TACO soup is yummy, yummy, yummy. When making it, you can make it soupy or thicker. If you make it thicker, it is delicious wrapped up inside of lettuce leaves!!

[bethnjim]

Something that is really helping me is eating every two-three hours. Here is a general day...I sometimes change it up a bit, but for the most part, I try to eat everything listed, spaced out appropriately!

8am~~strawberry smoothie (4.5)
10am~~english muffin with pb (3)
12pm~~1 cup taco soup (3)
2pm~~15 almonds OR a salad (2.5)
4pm~~2 slices of whole grain bread with 2oz Boar's head turkey (5)
6pm~~100 calorie snack pack (2)
8pm~~3oz or chicken or tilapia with a 7oz potato baked and 0 point veggies [summer squash, spinach, mushrooms] (5-6)
10pm~~if I have enough points, I normally have sorbet or something similar (2-3 point snack)

TOTAL POINTS USED~~26-29. I am allowed 28 points a day, so if I go over by 1, I just dip into my flex points.

There have been a few days that I skip the almonds because I'm not hungry AND/OR the taco soup. When I do that, I just pump up my other points or add stuff later in the day.

[luvnu43]

Hello,

I am also a lifetime member of WW. I haven't been in the past three weeks because I know I am probably over my goal weight.

Starting weight:136
Goal: 123
now: ??? maybe 125

Can someone please post the taco soup recipe? It sounds delicious but I haven't heard of it.

I really need to start getting back into WW seriously now. Our wedding is in just over two months, and I want to look by best. Of course I know I need to add weights and exercise as well.

Thanks for the thread ladies!

[bethnjim]

Taco Soup
1 pound ground turkey or beef
1 onion chopped
1 can corn *
1 can tomatoes with green chilies
1 can diced tomatoes *
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
1 pkg Ranch Dressing
1 pkg Taco Seasoning

Brown meat and onion; drain. Add all other ingredients (UNDRAINED - rinse the cans with a little water and add to pot if you want to make it more soup like). Cook on low/med till hot.

*The corn and diced tomatoes come in several varieties that add extra flavor. Needs no additional seasonings (IMO) Change flavors as you see fit.

This makes a lot but freezes very well. Serve over lettuce or chips for a taco salad.

1 cup = 3 pts

[linda_loo]

I have been going to ww since October and am losing slowly. Actually, when I lose, I lose well. I just have too many weeks where I don't lose at all. I just keep telling myself that I didn't gain and that is good, and do better the next week.

So far, I have lost 35 pounds - - - and I have many more to go.

[Aug2002Bride]

I didnt have a great weekend but I dont think it was terrible enough to gain this week. I might stay the same or be in the 0.? range but Im back on track today! My WI is Wednesday so I have a few days to recup I guess!

[sportyj]

I am going to my first meeting tomorrow. Can anyone fill me in on what to expect? I am excited to get back on track I want to lose 20 lbs. I lost 8 doing online, but gained it all back. DH and I love the WW program. Here are my stats:

5'6
Current: 155
Goal: 135

[calliope_muses]

How are you all doing at getting your 2 tsp of healthy oils in per day? I struggle with this - mainly because I hate to give up 2 points for it! Has anyone come up with creative ways of incorporating them into your meals? I feel fairly certain that there are foods that contain the healthy oils we're supposed to get - fish, nuts, etc - but I only know of a few of them.

Are you all having success on this front?

[DiscoDiva]

How are you all doing at getting your 2 tsp of healthy oils in per day? I struggle with this - mainly because I hate to give up 2 points for it! Has anyone come up with creative ways of incorporating them into your meals? I feel fairly certain that there are foods that contain the healthy oils we're supposed to get - fish, nuts, etc - but I only know of a few of them.

Are you all having success on this front?
Saute your veggies in olive oil. Dip your bread in olive oil. Saute chicken or cook meat in oil. Use butter or margarine on bread, potatoes or crackers. I find it very easy to use oil. (unfortunately)

[jeepgirl]

2 tsp. of healthy oils? Required? Expected? Recommended? Please explain. Thanks!

[DiscoDiva]

2 tsp. of healthy oils? Required? Expected? Recommended? Please explain. Thanks!
If you are on the Core plan, you should have some healthy oils in your diet everyday. They are necessary to um, keep your body functioning properly ((in other words, good for your colon to promote bowel movements). I'm on the Flex plan, and I don't feel the need to watch my oils because I get in low fat cheese, some butter, etc.

[udsweetpea]

I've put myself at 18-20 points a day. My mom and I are accountability partners, we send our food diaries back and forth to each other so that helps. I really need to exercise but it's hard with a 2 month old.

Hi there! Congrats on losing 5 pounds so far. I couldn't help but notice that you're only giving yourself 18-20 points a day. At 175, I think the points target is 24. Once you hit 174, the target is 22. Your body may start to think its not getting enough fuel, so your metabolism will slow down and you'll hit a plateau very quickly. If you think you're not getting enough, you might want to kick up your points a little. :)

[filmgirl7]

I couldn't help but notice that you're only giving yourself 18-20 points a day. At 175, I think the points target is 24. Once you hit 174, the target is 22. Your body may start to think its not getting enough fuel, so your metabolism will slow down and you'll hit a plateau very quickly.

I agree with this because my FH is doing WW online and he started with 24 points a day at 180+ pounds, but has now been reduced to 22 since he hit 170. Good luck! :)

Also, I had another friend who said he lost the most weight when he went over his points by just a few each week, but when he was exact, he didn't lose weight as quickly.

[APCullip22]

I agree with this because my FH is doing WW online and he started with 24 points a day at 180+ pounds, but has now been reduced to 22 since he hit 170. Good luck! :)

Also, I had another friend who said he lost the most weight when he went over his points by just a few each week, but when he was exact, he didn't lose weight as quickly.

I totally agree with this!!! In fact...I have hit a bit of a plateau this week so I ate a couple point over for the past couple of nights and my body has started to lose again :) You must eat! At first it may seem to go quickly because you're starving yourself, however, if you ever eat all your points you will have a hard time losing....It's best to eat all your target points per day, you don't have to eat your flex or your activity points, but you must eat your target points in order to continue to lose at a steady pace :) Keep up the good work!!!

[bethnjim]

I agree with eating all of your points!!! Your body will go into "starvation mode" without them, which means everything you eat will be stored as fat! It really helps me to eat all of my regular points, PLUS my flex points if I get hungry. If my stomach is growling I know I have to eat. My big problem that got me to this weight was eating just because I was bored...I wasn't hungry at all. I try to remember now that unless my stomach is growling and feeling empty, I DON'T need to eat!!

[tgray99]

Wow, thanks for the help!! OK, I can do 24 points!!

[mierin]

Well, I did a little shopping this weekend and Express was having a sale. I haven't fit into Express pants in quite some time, but I thought I'd give it a whirl. I actually fit into a size 10. A TEN!! :eek: I haven't worn a 10 since college. And this was at Express, no less, which always runs small.

WW rocks. :D

[tgray99]

Yay Meg!! I tried on a dress yesterday at Marshalls and fit into a 12, I was pretty happy about that too! It was an A-Line dress but still, it was a 12 and not maternity!! :D

[luvnu43]

Thank you for the taco soup recipe! I can't wait to try it and make salads and wraps.

I am WI tonight, I am scared because I know I will be over my 2lbs for lifetime. I really need to get back on track. These last few months have been very lax for me.

I will let you all know how it goes!

[jeepgirl]

Well, my official weigh in today showed a loss of 2.5 pounds. I weighed in a half pound less on Friday, and I've stayed within my points since then, so I'm thinking maybe its because I am premenstrual. I can tell too! Bummer of a day, and for no good reason! :( But I am happy for the 2.5 pounds, of course, it put me in a lower point category... which i wasn't expecting.

What is the "scale" for points? Is it in 25 pound increments? For example, I'm guessing its something like:
150-174 pounds: 22 points
125-149: 20 points

????????????

[Jenn (and Bill)]

I weighed in tonight and lost 1.6 pounds for a total of 4.8 in 2 weeks. Not terrible but I was hoping to lose more because it's so early in the program. But I didn't have a journal to write in so I just kept track in my head.

My big fear is that I'm about to go on vacation and celebrate my birthday and we're going to do some eating! Oh well! You gotta eat your own birthday cake!

[luvnu43]

Darn it. I knew I would be over. I was over by .6

This week I am tracking everything and trying to incorporate more veggies. I threw out all of the junk food that was in the house from special events this summer. No more smores, cookie dough, etc.

Have a great week!

[Aug2002Bride]

I had WI this morning and was down 1lb!! So even with my horrible weekend I at least still lost!!!
Im determined to do well this week and Im off to find WW recipes to cook this week!

Have a good week everyone!

[mierin]

What is the "scale" for points? Is it in 25 pound increments?
Jeepgirl, here's how it breaks down:
Less than 150 - 20 points
150 to 174 - 22 points
174 to 199 - 24 points
200 to 224 - 26 points
225 to 249 - 28 points
250 to 274 - 30 points
274 to 299 - 31 points
300 to 324 - 32 points
325 to 349 - 33 points
350 or more - 34 points

So, yeah, every 25 pounds. But the points get a little screwy after 30.

I also just wanted to mention to everyone that I tried the new Edy's Slow Churned Low Fat Ice Cream, which is only 2 points per half cup serving for the vanilla, and it was amazing. I don't know how they did it, but it tastes like regular ice cream. It's creamy and thick and soooo good. Obviously it's not for every day, but I can spend 2 points every so often for some ice cream! :D

[tgray99]

Thanks, mierin, I looked all over the web for that info!

I've been so bad the last few days. I need to clean out my pantry, I still have "eat whatever while I'm pregnant" food in there and it's bad. I ate chocolate chip cookies and sent my DH out for a vanilla shake from Jack in the Box, can you say 28 points? He came home with a large!!! Yipes! I don't think I will have lost anything this week.

I'm very weak in the evenings as far as willpower goes. I do good all day and then at night I cave and raid the fridge. Any ideas to stop this? I need to get some lo-cal, lo-fat snacks. Help!

[sportyj]

Congrats on all of the great losses ladies! That is fantastic!!!

I had my first meeting last night. I really liked the meetings, I did online for 6 months and this seems like it will hold me more accountable. I weighed in at:

WI - 153.2
10% GOAL - 138

So I am eating 22 points. I planned all of my food for the day. I cannot wait for my next meeting I will feel so good if there is a loss!

[mierin]

I do good all day and then at night I cave and raid the fridge. Any ideas to stop this? I need to get some lo-cal, lo-fat snacks. Help!
tgray, I know exactly what you mean. When I go to work, I can control what I bring, but it's hard to keep the willpower going when I get home and I'm hungry and it's not dinner time yet.

A couple snacks that I keep around are baked Ruffles and baked Layes, which I almost like better than the regular potato chips. I also really love baked pita chips, especially the cinnamon and sugar ones. They're crunchy and they satisfy my sweet tooth. Both of these are 2 points for 1 oz. I also really like dill pickeles and those have zero points, so snack away.

I also really reccomend that you get a little digital scale. They're not too expensive and it really helps with portion size. I mean, I don't know what an ounce of chips looks like.

[tgray99]

I also really reccomend that you get a little digital scale. They're not too expensive and it really helps with portion size. I mean, I don't know what an ounce of chips looks like.
Good idea! I wonder where I can get one of those (cheaper than Williams-Sonoma, that is!)

[Aug2002Bride]

I also have a scale and I use it almost every night...to weigh my meat portions or anything! It has really made me realize how much a serving should be of that kinda stuff.

Im the same way at night...I do so good all day but late afternoon or after dinner I just get the munchies!

[mierin]

Good idea! I wonder where I can get one of those (cheaper than Williams-Sonoma, that is!)
I got mine at Bed Bath & Beyond for about $30. You can get ones that are a whole lot more expensive, but this one works fine. It's digital, you can zero it out, and you can use grams or ounces.

[jlo2be]

Can I join? I've lost nicely on WW in the past but it's getting harder and harder. I gained about 15lbs when I was pg but lost it all while I was BF'ing. In the almost year since, I have found it all and now weigh as much as I did when I gave birth to my son (and I was overweight then). I just went back to WW after missing 3 weeks and only gained .2lbs so thats not too bad. I was really good today until about 4pm and then I fell off the wagon - HARD. Oh well, tomorrow is another day.

Here are my stats:

Height - 5'41/2"
Current Weight - 189.8
Goal Weight - 160 (for starters)

[DiscoDiva]

I HIGHLY recommend buying the digital scale at WW. Theirs is about $30, which is similar or less than what you'd pay elsewhere. Plus, I searched at BB&B, LNT, you name it, and didn't find any digital scales less expensive or better in quality than the WW scale. I highly recommend it!

[mobox]

I did my WI today and gained. A lot. 2.4 pounds. I'm so bummed, but (although it's no excuse) I was on a business trip.

Vow to eat better and exercise!

[APCullip22]

My weigh in was this morning and I lost 2 pounds! :)

[calliope_muses]

Weigh In today - lost 1.4 lbs. I was really hoping for 2, but what the heck - I'm just happy that I lost!

[Juliana]

Can I join you guys too?

I've been doing WW on and off (more off lately :rolleyes: ) for a few months now, and I find it's really the only thing that works for me- I was a frightening woman on Atkins and South Beach- I need my pasta and bread every once in a while! I lost about 20 lbs 2 yrs ago by following points and exercising, but half of that has crept back on. I've been journaling and staying OP for about a week now due to the Labor Day Challenge (good job to those others participating) and would like even more motivation!

Stats:
Starting weight: 143.5
Current weight: 142
Goal: 130

Congrats to all those "losers" out there!!

[udsweetpea]

My weigh in was this morning and I lost 2 pounds! :)

Congrats Amber! That brings you just to one more pound before goal, right? You're amazing!!!

[APCullip22]

HI Andrea! Yeah, 131 at the moment. It's funny because my original goal was 145, then I thought, I'll never do it, but I'd love to be 130....then I said, what the heck...I need a new goal...so...124, here I come :) It'll probably take me until christmas to do it, but that's alright, at least I'll be staying on the diet :)

[jeepgirl]

Mierin - thanks for that points info. Sorry it took me so long to catch up on this thread. School has been over the top intense this week.

I think I'm going to have to buy me one of those scales!!! Great idea!

[filmgirl7]

131 at the moment. It's funny because my original goal was 145, then I thought, I'll never do it, but I'd love to be 130....then I said, what the heck...I need a new goal...so...124, here I come :) It'll probably take me until christmas to do it, but that's alright, at least I'll be staying on the diet :)

Hey Cullip,
I think we're pretty much on the same plane. Yesterday I was 132.2, and my imminent goal is 124. I'm 5'0" and in the end would like to be about 110. I think it's amazing that you've gone so far past your original goal. Good job!

Meanwhile, i'm leaving on vacation tomorrow, so I'll just have to wait and see what the damage is when I come back.

C

[sportyj]

Hey all I tried Applebees WW menu yesterday, not bad I had a chicken sandwich. It was nice to go to a restaurant with people and know how many points I was eating. That got me to thinking:

- WHAT is your favorite restaurant/ fast food place to get WW friendly fare.
- WHAT is it that you get?
- AND HOW many points is it?

I also hit up Rubios this week for their Health Mex Chicken tacos at 3 pts each!

[boilermaker]

Hi ladies. I've read over this thread and was hoping to get some input from you before I plunk down the money to join WW.

I want to lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. I'm already pretty active so it seems to me my problem is that I'm putting too much food into my mouth :) So maybe this will help. I am thinking about joining the online version only.

Is it pretty easy to determine how many points things are? I don't usually cook much during the week, so are there easy recipes that I can use for dinners? For lunches, I'll prob just get some of the frozen meals to bring to work. I did look over that website sweetpea posted with the restaurants and think I could easily use that for eating out since we're pretty normal eaters.

Since I currently weigh 140, I think I would start right at 20 points right? Can someone give me an example of what 20 points is?

Also, since we are TTC, is there a WW program for pregnancy? Is it even realistic to think I would count points while pregnant? With my luck, as soon as I paid to join is the month I'd get pregnant (which would be great, don't get me wrong).

Any advice you can give would be appreciated! I don't mean this to come across wrong, but I have never had to lose weight before, so I don't know exactly what I am supposed to be doing. But I know that I'm not happy with my weight now and I'm really not happy knowing that it has been steadily creeping up for the past few years. If I don't stop it now, who knows what size I'll be 10 years down the road.

TIA!

[mierin]

I finally went, after three weeks :o, to my weigh in. I've lost 5.3 more pounds. Woo! That brings my total to 20.2 pounds. I'm sort of in shock. I need to buy new clothes because everything is falling off, but I don't know how much more weight I'm going to lose and don't want to buy anything that I really love. I'm not even sure what size I am anymore! I guess if you're going to have a problem, that's not a bad one to have. :D

boilermaker, you're correct that you'd be at 20 points. I just started doing 20 points and sometimes it doesn't feel like much food. I usually eat 1 C of dry cheerios in the morning, carrots, an apple, and a Lean Cuisine for lunch and then maybe a veggie burger and baked chips or grilled chicken and veggies for dinner. Sometimes I can squeeze in dessert. I usually have a salad in there somewhere as well.

Also, just to let you know, WW does not have a plan for women who are pregnant. As far as I know, they don't allow you to participate. If you're a nursing mom, there's a modified program, but I think WW doesn't think it's wise to count points if you're pregnant. Does anyone else have any other information?

[DiscoDiva]

- WHAT is your favorite restaurant/ fast food place to get WW friendly fare.
Olive Garden. Ask for the whole wheat pasta, get spaghetti with tomato sauce (not marinara) and some grilled chicken on top. Eat only 1 breadstick, and have them bring the salad with the dressing on the side, and get their special low fat dressing - it tastes just like their regular dressing!

Applebee's - pick from their WW menu. I had their chicken quesadillas and they were good!

Black Eyed Pea - 1 roll with minimal butter, grilled chicken with veggie sides.

Any restaurant - I tend to go with the grilled chicken and steamed veggies. If I get a salad, I get the fat free or lo fat dressing on the side. I try to ask them to not bring bread.

Really, the longer you are on WW, the easier it is to 'know' what to order at a restaurant.

[sportyj]

I had one REALLY bad day yesterday. Our power went out and I couldn't cook or anything so we had to go out, and I just lost ALL willpower. I had Pad Thai, has anyone had this? I cannot find anything about how many points this might have been, and I had a turkey sub with provolone. THE we hit up TCBY to kill more time. OH WELL today is a new day!


Boilermaker -

Can someone give me an example of what 20 points is?

Here is my day:

- Instant Oatmeal (3)
- Small Apple (1)
- WW Smart ones frozen Mac and Cheese (6)
- 100 calorie pack snack (2)
- WW recipe for Turkey Chimichangas (5)
- Carrot sticks (0)
- Blue Bunny Health smart sorbet bar (1)
- Individual 94% FF popcorn (1)
- Probably a box of sugar free mentos in there somewhere (1)

TOTAL = 20

I am at 153 right now so I actually still get 22 points. So I will throw in some more fruit there today, but just to give you a gist. BEST of luck!

[mobox]

Pad Thai is 9 points per cup.

[sportyj]

Hey thanks so much that helps alot! I was wondering, how did you figure that out?

THX!

[tgray99]

Also, just to let you know, WW does not have a plan for women who are pregnant. As far as I know, the y don't allow you to participate. If you're a nursing mom, there's a modified program, but I think WW doesn't think it's wise to count points if you're pregnant. Does anyone else have any other information?
I was on WW till I found out we were PG. My doc told me to get off of it and not get back on until I was nursing, then use points for nursing mothers.

[boilermaker]

Thanks mierin & sportyj. I have been tracking everything that I eat for the past week and a half, so I figure it an't be that much harder to count points right?

I'm going to give myself another week of eating healthier/exercising and if nothing happens, WW here I come!

[angio]

I'm just about to start the online weight watchers and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what to expect? Did you sign on for one month or three? Is it easy to follow online? I'm doing online rather than meetings because of the convenience and the fact that I work at home on my computer most of the time. Going to meetings would mean finding a babysitter.

Angie

[ALeonard]

So my wedding is next June and I was thinking about joining WW. But when I look online, I can't really find info that describes the plans and the points for different foods. I think I'd just like some info before I commit. Can somebody maybe explain the process for me? Thanks so much for your help! You ladies are wonderful! :)

[miaclear]

Starting back up again :) Well I've always considered myself on WW, but just not active haha. Anyhow.... I lost 27lbs the spring of 2003. Summer of 2003-Fall of 2004 I let 10 pounds creep back on. Fall of 2004 was the wedding/honeymoon, then my birthday, then xmas, then new years and then more excuses and I let the another 10 pounds creep back on. And then let's just throw a few more pounds on through spring and summer...nice eh?

Height 5'7"
Current weight: 164
Desired weight: 130-135
Lowest weight on WW: 137 (man I was ALMOST there and blew it)
Highest weight: 167

Short term goal...to get out of the 160s (by the end of the month)
Long term goal....to get in the 130s by my 30th birthday (nov 3rd)

Not currently going to meetings, going to try it by myself even though I know how hard that is. I'm hoping that if I stay current and daily with this thread that will help. I'm also on a daily email list with my mom and a few of her friends who are doing WW and we keep each other on track for the most part. One of them has already lost 15 pounds!!!

[sportyj]

Today is my first weigh in and I am totally bummed because it is that TOM. And I am totally bloated and gross! I am trying to drink a ton of water before my meeting but I will still be so sad if I didn't lose. What terrible timing.

[mierin]

So my wedding is next June and I was thinking about joining WW. But when I look online, I can't really find info that describes the plans and the points for different foods. I think I'd just like some info before I commit. Can somebody maybe explain the process for me? Thanks so much for your help! You ladies are wonderful! :)

Hi ALeonard! I'll take a whack at this. This basic points program works like this: depending on how much you weigh, you are allowed a certain amount of points. It can be anywhere from 20 points to 34 points. The more your starting weight is, the more points you can have and as you lose, you cut points. Roughly, one point is equal to about 50-70 calories, depending on fiber content.

WW offers books that give you the point value of almost any food you could ever possibly want to eat. You can also look them up on WW's website. Along with the books, you can also get a points calculator that looks like a little slide ruler and will tell you how many points are in something if you have the nutritional information. There's a similar calculator online.

The bottom line is that you track your points and in addition to your daily point allowance you're allowed 35 bonus points a week. You can use some each day or save them for the weekend, whatever you want to do with them.

That's the gist of it. You can also earn points for exercising and there's a whole other plan called the CORE plan that I don't do and don't entirely understand. Someone else may want to explain that one.

Hope this helps!

[angio]

Okay, I posted earlier a bunch of questions regarding the online program. Well I did it, and for anyone who was hesitant like I was, it's really user-friendly (so far). I'm excited. And I saved $10.

[tgray99]

ALeonard, I found my WW books on Ebay, actually, a whole start-up kit. If you want to do it on your own instead of going to meetings, that's a good way to get the literature. I also found 4 WW cookbooks that tell the points value of each recipe at a used bookstore. Good luck!

[sportyj]

Well it wasn't as bad as I thought. TOM and all I still lost 1 whole pound. I am thrilled since I knows I was all bloated and nasty so that is GREAT NEWS!! On to week 2!

Start - 153.2
Now- 152.2
Goal- 138

[ABirney]

Well a friend I hadn't seen in a while wanted to meet up and go to the Chinese buffet tonight. I just logged everything I could think of that I ate and I really tried to do as good as I could. I ended up using 20FP which is bad but not as horrible as it could have been.. I still have 15 left for grandpa's bday party this weekend!! I did eat very light today in preparation for tonight.

[ALeonard]

Thanks so much for the info mierin and tgray99! That really helps!

[mierin]

Well a friend I hadn't seen in a while wanted to meet up and go to the Chinese buffet tonight.
Oh, Chinese food. The bane of my existance. I love it so much, but I can't even go near it now for fear I'll have an incident with the General Tso chicken. Or the sweet and sour pork. Or the crab rangoons. :D

[DiscoDiva]

Well a friend I hadn't seen in a while wanted to meet up and go to the Chinese buffet tonight. Oh, Chinese food. The bane of my existance.

For me, the word "buffet" is the killer!! I went to a buffet last week, for the first time in over a year, and let's just say that it was not pretty..... :(

[AttyGrl74]

*Subscribing*

And posting to tell you all that today I had a great weigh-in

Down 8.6 lbs. (I had the stomach flu)
Met my 10% goal!
Down 30 lbs. total now.

:D

[ronspumpkin]

Hi ladies! I have a question for you online weight watchers. I just joined and first of all, It charged my CC twice for some reason, so I sent them an email. :mad: But my question is, did it send you a confirmation email when you joined in order to finish the joining process? After I was done entering my information and it charged my cc, I tried to log on and when I click the online tools icon it takes me to a page where I can take the tour or sign up. What is up? Anyone with any hints?

[ABirney]

Well I didn't do TOO bad at the Chinese place but could have done better. I know what you mean Mierin The general Tso chicken is the best!! Also buffets make me feel like I need to get my money's worth. I logged everything as close as I could recall as soon as we got home and used about 20 FP, so I still have 15 for the week. Would have done alot worse if I hadn't paid attention at all!!

[sportyj]

*Subscribing*

And posting to tell you all that today I had a great weigh-in

Down 8.6 lbs. (I had the stomach flu)
Met my 10% goal!
Down 30 lbs. total now.

:D

Sometimes I have wished for the flu or something! HA HA! BUT WOW! 30 lbs total?!?!? YOU ROCK!!! ANy tips or secrets you want to share about how you have had all your success! Thats fantastic!

[AttyGrl74]

Sometimes I have wished for the flu or something! HA HA! BUT WOW! 30 lbs total?!?!? YOU ROCK!!! ANy tips or secrets you want to share about how you have had all your success! Thats fantastic!

Thanks! I'm very happy with my loss.

btw - my avatar photo is from 2000 - and at my goal weight of 165. I'm at 213.4 right now and started at 245 in March.

So losing the first 30 lbs. was pretty easy when I stayed OP.

I'm also a nursing mother - so I get 10 bonus points per day, which has helped a ton.

And my DD has now become mobile - so I'm constantly running around after her.

I wish I had some better tips - but I can say that staying OP and owning up to what I put into my body is really what did it so far.

Here's to the next 40 lbs. loss!

[APCullip22]

Congrats on the wonderful loss, you're doing great!!! Keep it up! :)

[sportyj]

OK so I first learned about WW when I was doing it online. I lost all accountability and thus have decided to attend meetings. One thing I have really noticed is that the slider only goes up to 4 fibers and that some things are more points since it only goes to 4. For example if something has like 12 grams of fiber I cannot account for that on the slider but I SWEAR when I was using the online calculator it would take REALLY high fiber into account and lower the points value.

It could just be a hallucination but that is what I thought.

Could someone try this out online and on the slider and let me know if there is a pts difference?

380 cals
4 grams of fat
12 grams of fiber.

I just made that up but i am curious if there is a discrepancy. Does this make sense?

THANKS!

[DiscoDiva]

Could someone try this out online and on the slider and let me know if there is a pts difference?

380 cals
4 grams of fat
12 grams of fiber.

I just made that up but i am curious if there is a discrepancy. Does this make sense?

THANKS!
Using the slider, it would be 7 points. What do you get using the online calculator?

[ABirney]

There IS a 4 pt cap on the fiber. I heard it was because people were adding Fiber One to their stuff to lower the pts. The online calculator also comes up with 7 pts.

[DiscoDiva]

There IS a 4 pt cap on the fiber. I heard it was because people were adding Fiber One to their stuff to lower the pts. The online calculator also comes up with 7 pts.
Why would it matter if people added Fiber One to lower the points? Afterall, it is good to get enough fiber. But then again, maybe they were worried about Fiber One abuse, which could end up causing some um...rectal problems?

[miaclear]

In one of my meetings they explained that after 4 grams it doesn't really benefit you more on your points. So that's what the scale goes up to.

[sportyj]

I did online almost 2 years ago and it seemed like if something was HIGH in fiber it was like nil in points. They must have changed it, thanks for all the input!

[mierin]

Why would it matter if people added Fiber One to lower the points?
The only thing I can think of is that it might not be a good idea if people were adding fiber to a cup of ice cream or something like that in order to fake a lower point value. You'd get less points, but it's still ice cream you're eating, which is high in fat and calories. Best not to try and fool yourself, you know?

[AKA Poohgirl]

Hey y'all, subscribing.

Just started WW on Monday, and am doing good so far. My goal is to lose 60 lbs! So I know I need some support, but right now I'm doing it on my own, instead of going to meetings, which aren't always optimal.

Anyhow, here's to all of us losers! Let's do it!

[AttyGrl74]

They were discussing the added-fiber thing in the chats on WW-online and the women there said the same thing - that people were doing stuff like adding pumpkin to everything and counting the fiber too high, lowering their points and then not losing.

I think they really want people to get their fiber from good, healthy sources like fruit, veggies and legumes and avoid avoid altering foods just to try to be sneaky about the points value.

[bunnyboo]

checking in!

I didn't weigh in last week because I knew I did bad and then I had to go out to dinner twice this week + a potluck at work (an Italian themed potluck at that!!!! :eek: ) But I am very happy to anounce that I am down 1 more pound!! Total weight loss = 3.6! Not much, but I know I wasn't good so I was pretty proud!

Question: How do you girls stop that snacking? I often find myself saying to myself, "just one bite and that will cure my craving" which it does, but not if I do it to everything that I see?!! For instance, I had ONE bite of cake at the potluck. Then later in the week I had one french fry. Then I had one bite of my nephew's cake for his b-day. And I really mean just one bite, but I feel like I am being weak and giving into the impulses! How do I stop it???

[Pink_Converse]

A year or so ago I got some WW stuff off of ebay and I am finally going to try to get into it and use it. Since I don't have a WW membership, I can't figure out how to determine how many point to eat. Can anyone help?

I'm 5' 3" and 151 lbs if that helps.

[mierin]

Since I don't have a WW membership, I can't figure out how to determine how many point to eat.

Well, 150 pounds and above is 22 points and below 150 is 20 points. I would start with 22 points and when you lose a pound or so, go to 20 points.

[bunnyboo]

good luck pink converse!

[DiscoDiva]

Question: How do you girls stop that snacking? I often find myself saying to myself, "just one bite and that will cure my craving" which it does, but not if I do it to everything that I see?!! For instance, I had ONE bite of cake at the potluck. Then later in the week I had one french fry. Then I had one bite of my nephew's cake for his b-day. And I really mean just one bite, but I feel like I am being weak and giving into the impulses! How do I stop it???
I'm shocked that anyone can really stop at one bite - I know I can't! Why is it so bad if you do that? Everytime you do it, deduct one point, then go about your day. You are not being weak by giving in to your impulse - you are using portion control - which is VERY hard to do! And, isn't portion control what WW is about? Rather than think you're weak, I think you have incredible self-control!!!

[sportyj]

I agree bunnyboo I think that shows A TON of strength on your part! If you can stop at one bite I am sure you will not affect your weight loss at all!

Can someone help me REAL quick!? I didn't bring my slider to work and there is a huge bowl of the most delicious looking black cherries, huge ones in the office. How many points for about a cup of them? THANKS! I am dying to eat some!

[udsweetpea]

Yet another gain for me this week :( Gain of 2.2 pounds, making a total gain of 5.2 pounds in 2 weeks! I'm going to go off of the birth control pill for a little while to see if that's the problem because I seem to be doing everything else right.

Here's to hoping next week brings a loss!

[udsweetpea]

Can someone help me REAL quick!? I didn't bring my slider to work and there is a huge bowl of the most delicious looking black cherries, huge ones in the office. How many points for about a cup of them? THANKS! I am dying to eat some!

My WW book says 1 cup of fresh cherries is 1 point.

[bunnyboo]

Thanks for the motivation DD and Sportyj! I know that one bite is great portion control, but I feel like I do it ALL the time you know? I will do what you suggested though...deduct 1 point! I wasn't doing that before...so I felt like I was "cheating" you know? Thanks girls!!

yumm cherries sound good!

[sportyj]

Thanks for the motivation DD and Sportyj! I know that one bite is great portion control, but I feel like I do it ALL the time you know? I will do what you suggested though...deduct 1 point! I wasn't doing that before...so I felt like I was "cheating" you know? Thanks girls!!

yumm cherries sound good!

I hear you on this. I work with kids and give them the most delicious snacks like 3-4 times a day not to mention pizza when we have evening classes. I seriously have like 1 Dorito or Cheetoh when they are having chips or a SKINNY peice of pizza, etc. And I would feel really really bad about it. BUT I am also really proud that I can stop there and not inhale the whole bag of chips like I used too.

OOOH thanks for the info Seetpea, only one point SWEET!!! What a fun snack!

[ktina0803]

Well I WI in today and I lost 3lb I couldn't believe it. I have been so bad lately. I am finishing up my graduate degree in Aug and the last few weeks have been really stressful, so I have been making some really bad decisions! It has also been excessively hot around here so I may have just sweated it all off! :-) However it happened I am HAPPY!!

[emmjay]

OK, I'm starting WW again today! I am already signed up for the online, so I'm going to count points and do online for this week and then start my meetings next Friday. I can't wait to get rid of the 25 extra lbs I've been carrying around FOREVER.

[AttyGrl74]

Hey DiscoDiva - I remember reading of your great loss over yonder. Did you ever post before and after photos?

I'd love to see your progress - I find others' successes to be very inspiring!

Woulda share with us? :D

[bunnyboo]

COngratulations Ktina!!!! 3 pounds is a great loss!!!

WHAT A LOSER!!!! ;) ;) :D

[miaclear]

I've had a really good week. I decided to do weigh ins on Mondays to try and deter me from being bad on the weekend. I hope it's paying off!!! I'd love to see a 3+ pound loss for this first week.

[sportyj]

I've had a really good week. I decided to do weigh ins on Mondays to try and deter me from being bad on the weekend. I hope it's paying off!!! I'd love to see a 3+ pound loss for this first week.

My sis is also doing WW and she said her leader said there is rarely a loss in the first week. I thought that was opposite, like the first weeks loss was usually the greatest. What have you all heard?

Good luck with your WI Mia! And congrats for being good!

[bunnyboo]

I have usually seen a big loss on the first week. A couple months ago I started and lost 4.4 in the first week. Then I started again recently and lost 2.6 in the first week. I also have my bf's sister started last week and she lost 6 pounds in the first week!!!! So for me I have always seen a big loss! Good luck!

[mierin]

My sis is also doing WW and she said her leader said there is rarely a loss in the first week. I thought that was opposite, like the first weeks loss was usually the greatest.
Believe it or not, I lost five pounds my first week. I thought it would come back or that it was water weight or something, but it didn't and it wasn't. It never came back on and I've lost a little over 20 now.

I'm sure it depends, though. I really wasn't eating well and didn't realize how bad it was.

[AKA Poohgirl]

I think you usually see your biggest loss on the first week. I'm a chronic dieter, so I'm pretty sure on this topic. :D

Anyhow, just wanted to come and wish everyone a good weekend! Stay tough everyone!

And I'll try and follow my own advice.

[miaclear]

I've done WW a few times and the first couple weeks were usually some of the biggest and easiest weight losses.

[DiscoDiva]

Hey DiscoDiva - I remember reading of your great loss over yonder. Did you ever post before and after photos?

I'd love to see your progress - I find others' successes to be very inspiring!

Woulda share with us? :D
Sure, I posted pics "over yonder" recently. Let me find them and post them again!

[jeeplover]

I just joined WW online today, I was on it once before about 2 years ago but never lost any weight in 3 months so I am back again to see what happens.

My stats:

ht: 5'3"
current weight: 138
goal weight: 110

I would love to be about 10 pounds lighter by our vacation/friends wedding at the end of August. My first weigh in I believe is next Monday.

I am hoping that with the motivation of this thread I will be able to reach 128 by our trip to CA.

[AKA Poohgirl]

Welcome hbeshore! Good luck on your weight loss!

DiscoDiva - if you get a chance, please share! I'm sure it would be VERY inspirational to the rest of us.

Well, I weighed in this morning, and I'm down 5 lbs! Yippee! I actually did fairly well this weekend. When I do WW, I always allow myself one meal, only one, to eat what I want where I want, once a week. This week, we went to a bbq place, and I had a bbq sandwich with potato salad. Then I started my diet again with the next meal.

Hope everyone else had a good weekend, and can't wait to hear everyone's loss this week!

[mierin]

Ugh. Last week was a bad week and it just continued right into the weekend. The scale was not friendly when I checked it this morning. Who knew that gummy worms were so calorie dense!? I think I just need to regroup and get my food back under control. It's so easy to slip and then just keep on slipping.

[AKA Poohgirl]

Oh, forgot to add that I have an excellent 5pt meatloaf that I posted in the other thread "you know where". Let me know if anyone wants it, and if we're posting recipes here, or if we have another thread for them!

[sportyj]

I feel like I did terrible this weekend but I didn't even use all of my flexpoints. So I suppose I did alright, I worked out a ton, so I am proud of that.

Does anyone know how many pts. the Red Robin Boca Burger is? Dotties Weight Loss Zone doesn't say.

Heres toa good week ladies and congrats to those of you who have lost! (Poohgirl) WOO HOO!

[calliope_muses]

Poohgirl - I would LOVE that meatloaf recipe! :D

[bunnyboo]

*raises hand me me*

I would like that 5 point recipe also!!

This weekend I did pretty good. I stayed home most of the weekend which made it easier for me not to use my flexpoints. I also went to target and bought a bunch of (2) point snacks.

I will list them if anyone is interested (although I am sure you all know about them!)

Quaker Chewy Granola bars (low fat) cinnamon sugar and smores (2) points each
Orville Redenbacker (sp?) mini bags of 94 % fat free popcorn (2) points for the whole bag!
Quaker "soy crisps" BBQ flavor - (2) points for 18 crisps!!! They are sooo good too!
Quaker "caramel mini rice cakes" - (2) points for 7 mini cakes
Kudo's Snickers flavor - (2) points for one bar (good chocolate fix)
Quaker Potato stix (chili cheese flavor) - 31 pieces for 2 points (baked, not fried)
Special K (chocolate drizzle )cereal bar - (2) points
Sara Lee plain mini bagels - (2) points for 2 mini bagels
Dreyers "whole fruit" popscicle - (1) point for one pop


whooo...I think that's it! The funny thing is...I bought all those snacks (spent 2 hours in target finding the points value) and when I got home I couldn't decide which one I wanted to try, so I didn't end up eating any of them on Saturday!

Good luck ladies on the start to a new week!

[emmjay]

Thanks for the snack ideas! I am always looking for snacks. :D

These are the snacks I buy every week:

Stacy's Baked Pita Chips (they have pesto, parmesan & garlic, plain, and cinnamon sugar) - 2 pts for 1 oz

Babybel Light Cheese (they sell them in a mesh bag and each cheese is individually wrapped in a red wax circle) - 1 pt per cheese

WW Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Bar - 2 pts and these are SO good, but expensive

[AKA Poohgirl]

Okay, here's the meatloaf recipe. It is SOOO good.

“Best Ever Meatloaf”

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pkg Lean Ground Turkey (1lb package)
½ cup fresh bread crumbs
1 large egg
¾ cup catsup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oven to 350º. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. (I also add a 6oz container of sliced mushrooms, chopped up coarsely to this, really bulks it up some more) Transfer mixture to a large bowl; cool 5 minutes.

2. Add turkey, bread crumbs, egg, ¼ cup catsup, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to onion mixture; mix well. Pack into an 8x4-inch loaf pan. Spread remaining ½ cup catsup over top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until no longer pink in center and internal temperature of loaf reaches 165 degrees. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before slicing.

Makes 5 servings. (5 pts a serving)

Calories: 243, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 16g, Fat: 7g, Fiber: 0

I also have one for 5pt Chicken Marsala, that I got from the Cooking Light magazine. I'll post that one later, as I don't have that recipe with me.

Oh, and thanks for all the snack ideas. I am a sucker for snacks.

[bunnyboo]

yummmm that recipe sounds good! I will have to try that. Oh and I would definitely be interested in that Marsala recipe. I just bought some marsala wine this weekend! THanks!

[AKA Poohgirl]

I'll definitely post it later, bunnyboo! Meanwhile, I found the WW recipe thread over in Cooking & Entertainment, if we want to post recipes there, or maybe we can get that thread moved over here, or we can start a new one?

What does everyone think?

[miaclear]

Not as great of a week as I was expecting....lost only 1lb. Maybe it'll catch up with me next week.

[DiscoDiva]

Okay, here are my pics: (but keep in mind, these are from My Virtual Model, so they are not exactly what I look like. I have a lot less boobs, and the fat around my middle is a lot less firm and a lot more roll-y!):

BEFORE:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db09b3127cce918c03920a4600000015108CYt2Thy3Zq
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db09b3127cce918c03a98b4d00000015108CYt2Thy3Zq



AFTER:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db09b3127cce918c03a18b4500000015108CYt2Thy3Zq
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db09b3127cce918c03a80a7c00000015108CYt2Thy3Zq

[mierin]

Disco, you've done such an amazing job. I love hearing from you because it makes me want to work even harder.

Stacy's Baked Pita Chips (they have pesto, parmesan & garlic, plain, and cinnamon sugar) - 2 pts for 1 oz
I LOVE these. The cinnamon and sugar ones are nice and crunchy and sweet and they satisfy and sugar cravings I might be having.

I don't think it's a problem to post recipes here. It's nice to have everything in one place. Thoughts?

[mobox]

Where can you buy the pita chips? They sound yummy!

[DiscoDiva]

I think we should start another thread for WW recipes.

[mierin]

Where can you buy the pita chips? They sound yummy!
Usually, I can find them in the organic or health food section of the grocery store. Sometimes they have their own little stand and can be hard to find, but most large stores have them.

[bethnjim]

Where can you buy the pita chips? They sound yummy!

Trader Joe's has them too...they are really good!!

[emmjay]

I get the pita chips at Whole Foods, Wild Oats, or Kroger. At Kroger they have their own stand near the deli next to the gourmet cheeses. At the other places they are just with the rest of the chips/pretzels.

Actually I just found this: Pita Chip Store Locater (http://www.pitachips.com/store_locator.php) so you can find them wherever you are!

[jeeplover]

Okay, here's the meatloaf recipe. It is SOOO good.

“Best Ever Meatloaf”

2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 cup chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pkg Lean Ground Turkey (1lb package)
½ cup fresh bread crumbs
1 large egg
¾ cup catsup
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

1. Heat oven to 350º. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. (I also add a 6oz container of sliced mushrooms, chopped up coarsely to this, really bulks it up some more) Transfer mixture to a large bowl; cool 5 minutes.

2. Add turkey, bread crumbs, egg, ¼ cup catsup, Worcestershire, salt and pepper to onion mixture; mix well. Pack into an 8x4-inch loaf pan. Spread remaining ½ cup catsup over top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until no longer pink in center and internal temperature of loaf reaches 165 degrees. Let stand at room temperature 5 minutes before slicing.

Makes 5 servings. (5 pts a serving)

Calories: 243, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 16g, Fat: 7g, Fiber: 0

I also have one for 5pt Chicken Marsala, that I got from the Cooking Light magazine. I'll post that one later, as I don't have that recipe with me.

Oh, and thanks for all the snack ideas. I am a sucker for snacks.

Do you think this recipe would taste good using lean ground beef? My DH is allergic to poultry? And what do you think it would do to the points?

[DiscoDiva]

Do you think this recipe would taste good using lean ground beef? My DH is allergic to poultry? And what do you think it would do to the points?
I think the recipe would taste great with ground beef. Buy the leanest (95% or 97%) and the points would be about the same. I only buy lean cuts of meat, and I generally count 1 point per ounce, whether beef, turkey, or chicken.

[AKA Poohgirl]

hbeshore - personally, I don't think the ground beef tastes as good as the ground turkey, but if you don't eat the ground turkey, I guess you'll never know the difference, right? It's still good, don't get me wrong, but I'm not a big beef eater either.

Just figure out how many points 3 oz of ground beef is, and add 2, that should give you the right amount of points. If ground turkey is 3 pts for 3 oz, and this recipe is 5 pts, then, that equation should work for ground beef!

Let us know what you think of the recipe.

Discodiva - if I knew how to whistle online, I would! Wow, what a great accomplishment. I may have missed it on the other thread, but how much weight did you lose before you reached goal? I'm trying for 60 (eek!) but I'm not letting that big number deter me. After all, I've just lost 5, so now it's only 55 to go!

[calliope_muses]

Thanks Poohgirl!

[AKA Poohgirl]

You're welcome!

though I don't know why you're thanking me.....

:D

[calliope_muses]

lol! For the recipe! (I'm just a little late!)

[sportyj]

So my husband and I were choosing goals along the way and rewards for those goals.

Here are mine:

GOAL 1 - Get back into the 140's
(I started at 155, I lost 2 lbs on my own before joining WW so my start weight was 153.3 technically)
Reward - New Running shoes, I am eyeing those new Nike Free's.

Goal 2 - Lower 140's (144)
Reward - A really nice facial and massage

Goal 3 - WW 10% 138
Reward - A new Coach bag (I am obsessed with those lil things)

Goal 4 - Absolute Goal 135
Reward - When DH and I both reach our target we will book a trip to Kauai!

Share your motivators!!!

Boo - I am missing my regular WW meeting because I have to work late! I cannot go until Thursday now! BUMMER!

[AttyGrl74]

Thanks for you virutal photos DiscoDiva!

I always play around with my virtual model, too. I love making her REALLY fat and then making her my weight now - it makes me feel good about the 30 lbs. I have lost!

My WI is tomorrow a.m. So I'm avoiding salt like the plauge today.

Do any of you try to thwart the scale with little tricks like avoiding salt?

[sportyj]

Atty - I drink like 100 oz. of water the day of my weigh in and then stop at about 1 to pee it all out, that is how I try to thwart the scale! :) MMM, may try the salt trick next time! Good luck at WI!

[DiscoDiva]

Discodiva - if I knew how to whistle online, I would! Wow, what a great accomplishment. I may have missed it on the other thread, but how much weight did you lose before you reached goal? I'm trying for 60 (eek!) but I'm not letting that big number deter me. After all, I've just lost 5, so now it's only 55 to go!
Thank you! I lost 40 pounds, and went from a pants size 14 to a 4 (but often buy a 6 because they're more comfortable) and shirt size XL to a M.

Do any of you try to thwart the scale with little tricks like avoiding salt?
I don't. If you start doing 'tricks' then you'll always have to do them or be upset if you gain. I'd rather live my normal life, weigh in 'normally' and accept losses or gains normally. It's just so much easier that way. To me, doing tricks for WI is kind of a diet mentality, which I don't want.

[udsweetpea]

I don't try to thwart the scale at all because we should all be doing those things anyway... avoid salt and drink lots of water. If we're doing all the right things to begin with, we will see the wonderful results at the scale. When you start trying to trick yourself, it will only lead to failure... IMO.

[AttyGrl74]

I agree - perhaps "thwart" wasn't the right word. My apologies.

I try to be EXTRA good about my salt intake in the day before my weigh-in.

And if I am going to have a big meal for a special occasion - I try to make sure that it is at least 2 days prior to my weigh-in or I plan the week in advance to make sure that I will have all of my flex points.

[mobox]

Love love love the idea of goals and rewards!!! DH is going to try to lose 15 pounds along side me so I'd like to give him that suggestion. Great idea!

[Aug2002Bride]

I like the idea of rewards with goals!!! I dont have rewards for all my little goals but once I reach my goal weight we are going to take a Hawaiian cruise for a week! :D

[lindybug]

Mind if I join you ladies? I signed up for WW yesterday. My 1st goal is 10%, but my personal goal is to lose 20 pounds. Wish me luck!

[emmjay]

If you start doing 'tricks' then you'll always have to do them or be upset if you gain. I'd rather live my normal life, weigh in 'normally' and accept losses or gains normally. It's just so much easier that way. To me, doing tricks for WI is kind of a diet mentality, which I don't want.

Thank you so much for writing this! Even though I have told myself that this is a lifestyle change, reading what you wrote made me realize that I DO have a diet mentality - I try to be "good" the day or two before WI and I don't pay as much attention to what I am eating the day or two after WI. I have even skipped WI because I think I am going to gain. This is such a terrible approach, and I can't believe I never realized what I was doing before. I am going to have to change my way of thinking here!

AttyGrl74, I know what I just described isn't what you were talking about when you said you try to avoid salt. I'm just in the midst of an "a-HA!" moment here (thanks, DiscoDiva!) ;)

[mierin]

Do any of you try to thwart the scale with little tricks like avoiding salt?
I don't know if I try to thwart the scales, but I do like to go first thing in the morning on Saturdays, before breakfast. I feel like that more accurately reflects what I weigh, rather than adding in everything I've eaten and had to drink all day. I guess that's sort of a trick, but I don't think of it like that.

Edited to wish you luck, lindybug! I've lost 20 lbs so far and it hasn't been nearly as hard as I thought it would be. You'll do great.

[sportyj]

Goo dpoint about "thwarting" I ALWAYS drinks tons and tons of water but I suppose I am just EXTRA sure I do on my weigh in day and I do stop drinking later in the afternoon so its not all in my tummy when I step on the scale.

I read that our true weight IS what we weigh in the morning before we eat anything, I noticed on my personal scale that i weigh A LOT less in the mornings than I do at my 5 PM weigh ins, but I know it is still showing the loss.

[AttyGrl74]

Week 15 Weigh-In
-1.2 lbs.
Total Lost: 32.2 lbs.
Remaining to goal: 42.2 lbs.

Whoo-hoo!

[AKA Poohgirl]

Great job Attygrl! Congratulations on your loss!

[Aug2002Bride]

Week 4 WI

Lost 1.6 lbs

Total Loss 5.6lbs

[filmgirl7]

If you start doing 'tricks' then you'll always have to do them or be upset if you gain. I'd rather live my normal life, weigh in 'normally' and accept losses or gains normally. It's just so much easier that way. To me, doing tricks for WI is kind of a diet mentality, which I don't want.

I admit, I do try to "thwart the scale" and for me it's all in fun, though it might seem kind of nuts. I try to avoid all foods after 7pm at night, and not drink water after 8 or so (unless I need it, of course.) In the morning I may weigh first thing, but then I might weigh again after my cup of coffee (if you know what I mean...) to see if it's less. Then I go to the gym and weigh after that and usually it's even LESS than when I woke up.

My reasoning behind this is simple. I've been in a weight loss rut for about year, and I've JUST gotten "back on the wagon" in the past couple months, plus we just returned from vacation. So, let's say that I weigh "132" after my workout, I know that in a few weeks I won't weigh that even on a bad day, but seeing that number for the first time in a year helps me stick to WW. I tend to have an obsessive personality and that's part of it, I admit. I know that I won't be so addicted to the scale once I reach my goal weight.

[Elizabeth]

Alright. I'm joining. Back to WW I go. Lost 12 lbs. last summer. Back up to my starting weight. I want to lose 20 lbs. I'll go weigh in on Monday. Don't let me make excuses! I want this flab off my body once and for all! I want to be hot!

You know what's wrong? I don't like changing my clothes. Even alone when no one can see me. I turn so I can't see the mirror. I never get completely naked unless I'm getting in the shower. That's just wrong. I want to be happy in my skin.

[mb1197]

Ok, I'm trying to get back in the game here. They cancelled my At Work sessions for the time being so I sort of caved to all my cravings for the last week as if it were a reasonable excuse to binge. Not good! I am going to a local place tomorrow morning to weigh in and get back on track. I just hope I will be able to accept whatever I may have gained and be motivated to get with the program again.

[sportyj]

WOW look at all of the losses! You ladies are so inpirational!!

[IrishMeg]

You know what's wrong? I don't like changing my clothes. Even alone when no one can see me. I turn so I can't see the mirror. I never get completely naked unless I'm getting in the shower. That's just wrong. I want to be happy in my skin.

Well put, Elizabeth, . I understand how you feel. I have lost 27 lbs and I am just starting to feel okay with looking at myself. I can't wait to be "all the way" there. I just want to be happy with myself physically.

[Aug2002Bride]

I completely understand also!!! Im the same way!! I always hide when changing my clothes!! :rolleyes:

[sportyj]

Irish and Elizabeth - I know what you mean, normally I am self-confident but when I put on weight I get bad about some things. I would sit down and just pinch my belly fat and tell DH 'look at this aren't I discusting?' And it would really upset him. I really felt horrible about myself. But even though I have only lost like 4 pounds my self esteem has skyrocketed because I KNOW I am on my way to greatness! :)

[miaclear]

Does anyone else find it odd that there are two WW boards? Should we try to combine them?

[mierin]

Does anyone else find it odd that there are two WW boards? Should we try to combine them?
There's two? I didn't know that. Where's the other one?

[miaclear]

Under the Health and Fitness Sub Forum Groups. There's not much up there...but it's there.

[AKA Poohgirl]

Well, last night, we went to the movies, and we got the BIG tub of popcorn. No butter, or seasonings, but it's still oil popped. Together we ate barely over half, so I must have eaten about a 1/4. Not good! All in all, I had a 12 pt dinner, of popcorn.

hee hee. Oh well.

How's everyone doing?

[mierin]

Under the Health and Fitness Sub Forum Groups. There's not much up there...but it's there.
I didn't even notice! It is a little odd that there's two, but one or the other will probably die out eventually. I don't know if we can merge them or not.

How's everyone doing?
I've been doing pretty well, but I'm really having trouble with 20 points a day. It feels like not enough food. I've also had a couple issues this week with ice cream. It's been so hot and the new Edy's low fat stuff is soooo good...I just can't help myself. I haven't gained this week, but I haven't lost, either. Getting into the 140s is proving to be frustrating.

[AKA Poohgirl]

mierin, what kind of food are you eating? Maybe you need to rethink your choices and eat more lower point foods, or splurge on higher points, if it's more filling.

My point limit is higher, but I use probably 5 points a day on just fruits and veggies. This really bulks up the amount of food. Eat HUGE salads with a little bit of chicken. I dress mine with lime and salsa, 0 points.

Just don't follow my example on the popcorn, okay?

[bunnyboo]

Ok girls!!! I've got some great news to report!!

Weekly weigh in - wednesdays
Loss for the week - 3.0 pounds!!!

I am sooo excited about this. My trick this week was making a big pot of the zero point soup and buying a bunch of 2 point snacks!!! Sooo excited!! Now I have 6 more pounds until my 10% goal!!! and 9 pounds to my personal goal!!!!

[bunnyboo]

In my meeting last night they stressed and stressed about the importance of the oils intake. I have noticed also that it is hard for me to only have the 20 points when including oils or nuts and milk. So I don't really know what to do about that. Suggestions???

Usually I will have a lean cuisine for lunch or a sandwich...usually about 5-6 points for lunch. Is that too much?

[mierin]

mierin, what kind of food are you eating? Maybe you need to rethink your choices and eat more lower point foods, or splurge on higher points, if it's more filling.

My point limit is higher, but I use probably 5 points a day on just fruits and veggies. This really bulks up the amount of food. Eat HUGE salads with a little bit of chicken. I dress mine with lime and salsa, 0 points.

Just don't follow my example on the popcorn, okay?
Let's see...in the morning, I always have 1 cup of dry cheerios. I have cholesterol issues, so I feel like eating those helps. For lunch, I have some kind of fruit, some kind of veggies and a lean cuisine. I usually have a pickle when I get home and then some sort of dinner that includes veggies and some protein. Sometimes I have points for dessert. And I drink a LOT of water.

I think one of my issues is that I don't really like salads very much. Vegetables in general are not my favorite food. Lettuce tastes kind of like grass to me and the zero point salad dressings are kind of disgusting. I wish I liked salad and veggies more. If anyone has any ideas on how to make them better or spice them up a bit, I'm totally open.

[emmjay]

I don't really like salad either - just mixed greens with creamy Italian dressing, and I never get fat free so it's 3 pts whenever I want salad. I like roasted veggies, although it's kind of hot for that because it requires the oven to be on for a while.

I usually use a mixture of 1 lb asparagus, 2 red bell peppers and 1 red onion all cut into 1" chunks. Put them on a cookie sheet or in a casserole dish, spray with olive oil or Pam, put a ton of salt and pepper on top, and roast at 425° for about 45 minutes or until they are starting to get browned and caramelized. Makes two HUGE servings at 1 pt each.

I think it tastes better with more olive oil - if instead of using the spray you drizzle 1 tsp of olive oil over the top, it would make two servings at 2 pts each.

Another good roasted veggie recipe is Parmesan Roasted Asparagus:

POINTS® Value | 2
Servings | 2
Ingredients
1 pound asparagus
1/8 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 medium lemon(s)

Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°.
If the stalks of the asparagus are thick, peel the bottom 1/2 of each. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan and spray with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and return to the oven for another minute. Serve with lemon wedges.

[emmjay]

Another veggie recipe is stir fry - use whatever veggies you want, and then this is my standard stir fry recipe:

Stir Fry Sauce
POINTS® Value | 2
Servings | 2

Ingredients
1 Tbsp hoisin sauce
1 Tbsp soy sauce
2 Tbsp dry sherry
1 1/2 tsp honey
1 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 1/2 tsp ginger root
1 clove garlic clove(s)
1/2 cup scallion(s)
1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions
Combine hoisin, soy, sherry, honey and cornstarch.
Heat oil.
Add ginger, garlic and scallions.
Add veggies.
Add sauce and cook 3 mins until thickened.
Add sesame seeds and toss to coat.

--
My other standard veggie dish is to take a package of frozen spinach, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 minced onion, a TON of minced garlic (or you can use garlic powder), about 2 Tbsp cumin, and salt and pepper. Just heat everything through in a saucepan and serve. You can leave out the cumin if you don't like that. It's also two servings, 2 pts each.

If you want to make it a meal, you can add a can of chickpeas which would be two servings, 7 pts each.

[AKA Poohgirl]

bunnyboo – congrats on your weight loss! Good job! That’s really encouraging, isn’t it? I think however you choose to spend your points is up to you. If you eat more points at lunch then at dinner, it’s your choice. Personally, since I cook for both hubby and I, I save more points for dinner, so I can eat with him. I don’t think 6 points is too much, do you?

mierin – I guess it would be pretty hard if you don’t like veggies too much. I get sick of salads as well, after eating them too many days in a row, so I try and mix it up a bit. I’m also trying lots of different ways to make veggies and different veggies as well.

My favorite meal right now, is to grill up some chicken breasts, and grill vegetables on the side. I’ll grill red & green bell peppers, onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and just eat the chicken and the veggies for about 4-5 points. I’ll also throw them in a salad the next day. I LOVE salsa, so I can slap that stuff on anything and like it. I’ll make salads and add canned pinto beans (1pt), and 3oz ground turkey, and salsa. Viola, taco salad.

Tostada shells (2 for 3pts) with l/f refried beans (1pt) with lettuce, tomato on top and salsa. 4 pt meal. If you have extra points, add ¼ avocado (2 pts). I’m all about the Mexican food. :D

You’re probably eating some of this stuff already, but if we can share ideas, maybe that will help everyone in the process.

[AKA Poohgirl]

emmjay - those recipes look delicious. I must try them.

:D

[mierin]

You guys are so helpful! I'm going to try expanding my vegetable repertoire this week. I think it's more raw veggies that I don't like. I like roasted veggies or veggies IN things. I just have a hard time eating a bowl of them on their own. It was always more of an excuse to eat the dressing and the croutons and the bacon bits. And now I can't have those things and my salad looks naked! :(

[AttyGrl74]

Way to go on your loss Bunny!

Although I'm generally skeeved out by hot-dogs, I LOVE to eat the hormel fat-free hot dogs - they're SUPER low points. I eat 2 of them (1.5 points) in a whole wheat tortilla (1 point) with a fat-free or 2% american cheese slice (1 point for ff, 2 points for 2%), a squirt of ketchup (.5 point) and mustard (0) for dinner when I'm not eating with DH. I add some veggies and it is a filling dinner for 6 points or less!

[bunnyboo]

emmjay - I loooove asparagus and never thought to put parmesan on it! Definitely on next weeks menu list!

poohgirl - love that tosada idea. I have never thought about that before and that is a great idea. and filling it sounds like! I will have to try those out as well. If you know by memory what is the serving size for the l/f refried beans?
I don't think 6 points is too much for lunch but sometimes it just seems like 20 points isn't enough you know? I have been concentrating on eating breakfast (since they say it speeds up your metabolism) so that usually comes out to about 3-5 points depending on what I am having. I like saving as many points til dinner too!!!

Keep those little recipe tricks/ideas coming!! I know there is another thread for them, but it's nice to know they are all here too!

keep it up girls!! woooo I am so motivated right now! Ugh, but this weekend might be a bust because I am visiting my dad (who loves to cook and drink) in AZ. I don't know how I will stick to my diet then! At least I have my 35 points!

[bunnyboo]

Atty that sounds like a good meal to me! I don't cook for just myself so thats a perfect quick dinner!

Does anyone know if they sell Fat Free block cheese? I have found ff shredded cheese and ff sliced sandwich cheese, but was wondering if anyone has found the block cheese that's "fat free"????

[sportyj]

I have my second weigh in in about 4 hours. I am so excited I feel like I definitely had a loss this week I am feeling great and my clothes are already fitting better!


I hope to break into the 140's this time (last weigh in was 152.2) so that might be a bit of a stretch BUT if I do I get to reward myself with some new shoes! So keep your fingers crossed for me ladies. BUT the downside???

I WOULD LOSE TWO WHOLE POINTS!!! I agree, I think it is really tough to stay down at 20 when I was there before.

[sportyj]

Oh...my...God!

I lost 3.6 pounds this last week!!!

Total for 2 weeks on WW = 4.6 lost

10 to go to 10% goal and 13 to go for personal goal!

Needless to say i got my new running shoes as well!

[tgray99]

I've lost 2 pounds. Yay me. My size 18 :eek: pants are too big for me now!

SW: 180 lbs
CW: 173 lbs
GW: 125 lbs

[AKA Poohgirl]

Way to go Sportyj and tgray! Great job on your losses! Don't you guys feel so motivated to continue now?

I had this awesome great feeling this morning driving to work. I realized that my jeans fit great, no pinches, no cutting off circulation to my lower half of my body. :D And my t-shirt just feels sooooo comfy! It feels good to fit into your clothes, it really does!

Then I got to work and realized that I forgot my lunch and snacks at home! Crap. Now what do I do? No food for 10 hours? Yah right.

[emmjay]

Well, I just finished my first week back on WW since I stopped going to meetings 3 months ago. I didn't weigh myself last week, so today was my first WI since May 6 and I have gained 2.4 lbs. :mad: But I guess it could have been much worse since it has been 3 months! I'm hoping to have a better report next Friday.

Good job to everyone who lost this week!

[AKA Poohgirl]

mierin - thought of you at dinner last night. Funny, I know. We had spaghetti squash with pasta sauce on it. Big old bowl of spaghetti squash, that I sauteed in garlic, basil and olive oil (after you bake the dang thing for an hour at 350º), and then a cup of pasta sauce. 5 points. Excellent.

Definitely give it a try girls, for a different vegetable option.