Accountability

[Bronwyn]

Okay folks... Here it goes. I have been LIVING LARGE!! Ever since completing refeed I have been eating pretty much whatever I want whenever I want. My weight has been fluctuating between 5 and 8 pounds over my finish weight which was 115. SO... I am doing the diet again for seven days starting today. That will clean my system, reset my hormones, and give me a good starting over. After this I will set some serious rules (i.e. no cocktails on work nights, eating 1PD meals - not weighing but lean meats and lots of veggies - Mon-Thursday) and saving naughty foods for weekends and/or special occasions. I really haven't been following the Life After the Diet rules so will review those several times this week and will make a point of following them closely. I'm still happily in my size 2's but they have gotten tight a couple of times and I'm just not happy playing this game. I'm coming onto the forum for two reasons: 1) to make myself accoutable for the next seven days and for the future and 2) to let you all know that the struggles we have all faced over all these years will not go away just because we are able to complete this diet.

You all know my sister Lauren is on her second go-round on this diet and she is amazing to me that she can do it again. I know I can do this for seven days, but I do not want to let my weight creep up gradually so that I have to this for any real length of time again. Not to mention that I've thown all my "big" clothes away and cannot afford to get more as I've spent a LOT of money on my new wardrobe that is full of 0's and 2's.

I have had a LOT of stress over the last month. My boss quit - and I LOVED her so that is a major blow to our company and to me personally. It'll get better down the road but the last few weeks have been rough. I also have a very, very dear friend who is battling cancer and is not doing well at all. I had lost another dear friend to this horrid disease several years ago so I'm well familiar with the reality of the situation and my heart is breaking every day knowing how she is suffering and that I can do nothing to help her. Of course, selfishly, I do not want to have to say goodbye to her and that is weighing heavy on me too. Sorry to be a downer, but I do think these factors have been huge for me finding comfort as I always have, through drinks (anaesthetic) and food. Well - I got over stress during the six months on diet w/out slurging on those things and I know I need to get a grip and get back in check.

After eating not-so-good-for-you foods and having nearly nightly cocktails, I have no energy and feel pretty crummy overall. I know that if I eat healthy and don't have the drinks that will actually be more helpful to relieve the stress mentally and physically so will now be focusing on that to help me through.

Okay - sorry this was so long but it feels good to share. I'll keep you posted on how I do this week.

[Bailey]

Bronwyn, I know exactly what you're going through. I have maintained for months now but the last few weeks have been stressful for me too. Not to mention my family living in the direct path of hurricane Gustav in South LA. (where I'm from but now live in CO). I'm up 9 lbs and I know all too well how fast it can creep up. I haven't done the diet again but I have eaten mainly Cohen foods today. I should probably do the diet strictly for a week myself (after I eat my strawberries). I hate the way I feel. I felt so much better on the diet.

Hang in there, we can do this! We worked too hard.

[Lauren]

Good for you, Bronwyn, on coming clean and getting yourself back in check! You're absolutely right--you WILL feel better about everything and be better able to handle the stresses in your life when you're healthier. I'm so happy you're getting this done now so I don't have to watch you slowly put the weight back on. That would be so awful! Let's be each other's "chubby checkers" and help each other stay on track forever! :) I love you! And I'm happy we're on the diet TOGETHER this week--FINALLY! :)

[Mei Mei]

Bronwyn and Bailey,
Thanks so much for the insight. I really appreciate knowing what can happen, and I'm really proud of both of you for realizing it before it gets out of hand. I decided today that I don't ever want to go over 120 again. That is such a good weight for me. I've set that as my sign post so to speak.

I have a few questions::thinking:
Can you drink a glass of wine in the evening, or will it have the same effect?
Did you try the 48 hr no carb idea tha Sasha told us about?
Did it take a while to add on, or did it happen suddenly?
Are you drinking your water?
Do you exercise?

Thanks in advance for answers, I'm trying to avoid in advance any problems. I know what you mean about stress eating though...And, I love margaritas and mexican food.

I was laughing when Lauren gave her list of special events. I thought to myself, you mean every football game isn't on the list??? I really need to change my thinking, and this diet has helped.
Thanks again ladies and keep it up! We'll be watching!! :eyebrow:(That sounded creepy!)
Mary

[Bailey]

Mei Mei, mine came on gradually which I'm still surprised by. In the past when I lost weight it came back so fast, not the case this time. I really thought it would be alot harder than it has been to maintain since I hadn't been this small in 20 years. The 48 hour no carb works great. I did that in the first few months when I gained 2 or 3 pounds and they would come right off. I've just gone beyond that now and probably need to do the diet strictly for a week or so. I know when you gain fast, you lose fast. But this time the extra weight has "stuck".

I haven't gone crazy with my eating like I have in the past just eating too many carbs, healthy carbs mostly but still carbs. I also have not been drinking as much water and that makes a huge difference. I haven't been exercising either. It really sounds bad when I put it all in print. I will do better and get it off again. Also about alcohol, I very seldom drink but when I do have a glass of wine, as long as my eating is good, I haven't gained.

I've done pretty good today. I'll keep posting my progress.

[lfingers11]

Thank you so much for sharing. I think that when you write what you need to fix your are so much more accountable. I am so glad that you have taken action to decide how to get those few pounds off.
Bronwyn~I am so sorry to hear of your friend and your loss a while back. Five years ago my father and son both passed away four months to the day apart. My father had been sick for years and we knew that Madison had a heart defect (87% survival rate w/surgery) before he was born but it makes things so difficult. I have ate for the last 5-6 years to deal with all the pain that has come into my life but I have decided that that is not an option anymore. I AM GOING TO TAKE CONTROL OF MY LIFE AGAIN!! The pain will always be there but I am happier that I am not drowning my sorrows in food anymore. don't get me wrong, I would love that pizza and pepsi right now:) I just wanted you to know that I understand and it is such a hard road to go down. I have read so many of your awesome posts and know that everyone is here to chear you on. Good luck!
Pam

[UnspeakableJoy]

Bronwyn *hugs* You are so brave for coming here and being so truthful, and that is exactly what you will succeed! Especially with Lauren right by your side - you are the Cohen Dynamic Duo! I'm here for whatever you need :)

[Bronwyn]

Thank you ladies!

Bailey - I remember reading your post about life after the diet when I started and you were one of my key inspirations for getting me through. This looks like good timing for me to have come onto here and while I'm sorry you are experiencing a little weight gain, I'm glad we are here together. Yes - please do keep us posted on how you do losing those few pesky pounds before they get out of control.

Lauren - Thanks sweet girl! You are continuing to inspire me every day and YES - we are finally both on the diet at the same time!

Pam, thank you for sharing regarding your loss. Oh my goodness my heart broke for you to read about your son. I cannot imagine what that pain must be like. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but a child I cannot fathom. I think you are an amazing, strong woman for being able to get through that. I know you will now succeed in getting your health under control for your loved ones who are HERE and who need you.

Thank you UnspeakableJoy! I do think it is important to share as I know all of us will be on this journey all of our lives, not just three months, six months, or however long it takes to lose the inital weight. We are all here for a reason and we'll always need a reality check from time to time.

[SPDeRosa]

Bronwyn,

How'd you do today? I've slowly crept up a bit as well -- this morning I weighed in at slightly over my goal weight (during refeed I had fallen below goal). It's totally because I'm not following the rules 100% -- but I also splurged a bit over the holiday weekend. Hopefully it'll come back down a bit as I start hitting the gym and more importantly start following the rules a bit more carefully. It's amazing to see how quickly we can gain weight if we don't watch it carefully!

Congrats on coming back on the program a bit and getting control of your weight as opposed to letting it control you!

Shawn

[Mei Mei]

Bailey,
What are healthy carbs? Fruit and begetables?
Mary

[Mei Mei]

I really need to proofread. That's embarrassing.

[Bronwyn]

Hi Shawn,

I did great yesterday and so far so good today. I'm not even hungry like I thought I would be. It feels good to get into a routine again and I'm looking forward to sticking to the rules after I have purged these impurities out of my system and reset my hormones. I have not been able to work out as often as I would like. It's hard to plan w/my two year old and working full time, but I do need to step up that effort as I do notice I do not tend to gain when I am able to add the activity. Water is a HUGE factor too. I definitely gain when I don't drink the water which I know you have noticed as well. I know you wanted to gain some weight back but make sure you're doing it through bigger portions of healthy food and with working out. Yes - it comes back too easily and so, unfortunately do the bad habits. Another hint for you: stick to the black coffee. I, like you, did not like my first sip w/my yummy flavored creamer. Well guess what, I started using it and now like it again. I also still like it black w/a bit of splenda so will probably stick to that after this week too. I don't like splenda though so may have to figure something out there. All those things that sounded so gross when I finished the diet sound good to me again and I don't like that. Hopefully getting back on track like this right away will keep me from getting into those old habits again.

Thanks for checking in here. I'm loving your threads too and am looking forward to hearing of your successes and challenges in your "life after the diet".

[Bronwyn]

Hi Mary,

You are so cute and funny! I know typos are so easy, and I'm sure no one will hold it against you. Bailey can answer too, but to me healthy carbs are fruits, vegetables, and whole grains or potatoes. Natural carbs, not refined, white flour carbs and/or sugar. Hope that helps.

[pumbza]

Hi all what a GREAT thread BRONWYN and no matter what weight YOU put on we will all be here for YOU like YOU have been there for US!!I am sorry to hear about YOUR problems but its GREAT that YOU are telling US what to expect out there in the BIG BAD WORLD and preparing us for what can happen!Lauren YOU did a GREAT JOB telling us what can happen and we really did appreciate it and I am so chuffed that YOU two sisters help each other out and the rest of the DIET BUDDIES!!!I have a friend that went on this diet and she has GONE up 22lbs and is struggling so its a BIG warning to US ALL and its what I FEAR THE MOST but WE CAN ALL DO IT - Especially with this FORUM's support!!I just wan't to say LADIES that hearing some of YOUR really sad stories makes one realise how rough life can be but we must carry on and I think we owe it to our families and the people who are not here but who would of wanted us to CARRY ON in there names!!
On the DIETING side it just shows how important water is daily and I agree with the eating full on DR COHEN monday to Friday and allow some latitude on saterday and sunday!!!I also feel that once we have been on a diet for 4 or more months can it be that hard to go onto the FULL DOCTOR COHEN diet for 7 days I hope not!!!I think the encouraging thing that we can all fall back on we know how GOOD we felt when we were on DR COHEN and how bad we feel when we are of it PHYSICALLY and MENTALLY so it must be a GOOD reason to stay eating healthy!!!Thanks for all YOUR sharing it really helps us all have a GREAT DAY!!!:innocent3:

[Mei Mei]

Thanks Bronwyn,
That's what I thought. I'm going to stay away from glutens as much as possible; they really make my stomach bloat. :hypnotic: I like your plan of staying at 115 and making 120 your top number. That's my goal too.

Have you tried stevia? The first time I tried it, when I was getting off of aspartame, I did not like it. I think I got a different brand this time. I don't want to go back to creamer in coffe either. I scaled down so that I rarely have coffee, but the diet cokes have crept back in because of this diet...
Again, glad to have you here! We really appreciate hearing your lessons learned.:flirt:
Mary

[SurferGirl]

Hi Bronwyn,

It's really great to hear from you. Sorry you're having a hard time, but I am SUPER proud of you for getting back here to get back in check. You're only a few pounds up and it will come off quickly. It's just good to hear about the post diet struggles and how you are getting past them. It gets us all thinking about game plans for after the diet.

How are you feeling today? Are you back on diet foods? Are you hungry? What are the biggest pit falls you've run into? What post diet foods seem to make you most hungry? I'm so curious about what you are learning from the freedom.

I have recently started feeling more confident about what my body can do. And I really want to excercise. I must admit, I have surfed A lOT in the past few days, and I am a bit tired and hungry. I really want to play but it seems to make the diet way harder. How do you deal with this once the diet is over? Do you allow yourself to eat a bit more of the healthy stuff, have some extra starch, or give yourself a treat? Does it help with the post exercise yucky symtpoms?

Thanks for sharing! We are all here for you!:love2:

[UnspeakableJoy]

Bronwyn - isn't it funny how as children we lived to break the rules, and now as adults realize how much sweeter life is when we follow them? Have a great night!

[Bronwyn]

Hi All!

So I did really well this week. I actually ended up not exactly weighing everything each day, but did follow all the diet rules and foods Tues-Friday, although last night I gave in and had popcorn (light) and a small kettle one vodka on the rocks after everyone went to bed. This morning I am down 3.4 pounds from Tuesday and so almost back to my goal weight and my 2's are comfortable again. I'm going to stick to the 1PD foods still through this week, although I may allow another little treat this evening since it's Saturday night. After this I'm with Pumbza that I'll just eat 1PD during the week and on the weekend allow tiny treats and/or a naughty food once in a while. I really expected to feel hungry, deprived, and/or a little sick from detoxing but none of that happened. It was just like when I was on the diet in the thick of it. I was NOT hungry at all as I guess my hormones and insulin levels, etc. balanced out pretty quickly. This made it so easy to stick to it. Thanks for all of your well wishes and support! It means so much to me.

Bailey - How are you doing?

Pumbza - Yes - water is KEY! I wasn't drinking enough the last week or so before I started the diet again and I think that definitely didn't help me to keep my weight in check.

Mary - I have not tried Stevia yet because I was having a hard time finding it. Mrs. Peel pointed me in the right direction, but I haven't looked for it since. I think it is time to find it and try. I saw some recommendations of good stevia in another thread so will look for those brands/types as I know it can vary and some people really don't like it.

Joy - You are absolutely so right!!! You are like my buddah on this forum. So positive and full or wisdom! (I promise I'm not refering to your belly when I mention buddah!!)

SurferGirl my friend - You are doing so well!!! I am so proud of you for sticking to this diet and for losing so much weigh so far. You are getting there my dear and I cannot wait to see you at the finish line!! I will tell you that post-diet, the more bad foods you eat the more bad foods you crave so that is something to keep in check. I cannot believe you can surf on this diet! That is such intense exercise, isn't it? And yes, as long as you are on the diet, exercise, especially intense exercise, will make you more tired and hungry because you're just not eating enough to support the effort. Hope you are taking your extra vitamin on the days you are surfing. It must be getting easier and easier for you to get up on that board, huh? I cannot imagine how different you must look and feel after losing 70 pounds!! I LOVE working out now and amazed at how little I sweat compared to before. I can bend and stretch better than I could in a LONG, LONG time!! It doesn't make me tired anymore because I can eat what I think I need to replenish from working out.

Okay - this was long... Sorry folks... Thanks again for the support! It means the world to me and knowing you are all watching and on my side made it very easy to stick to. I'm glad I came on board and 'fessed up!

[Lauren]

Hey Surfergirl,

Be careful with how much exercise you're doing surfing. That sounds super intense, and Bronwyn's right--we're not eating enough to make up for all those calories burned in an intense exercise like that. So just be really careful. Get plenty of sleep, and if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded or see spots, you're doing too much exercise. That's happened to me before and it's not a fun feeling. I got to the point I couldn't do ANYTHING but sleep because I wasn't eating enough and I was exercising way too much on this diet. So be careful. There will be tons of time to get on that surfboard when you're done...in your new beach/bikini bod! :)

[SPDeRosa]

Good Job Bronwyn! :party1:

It's so hard to be allowed these "treats" but yet given the freedom to decide whether to eat them or not - or when to eat them! I think it was easier just sticking to the rules and not being allowed these things, although clearly the great benefit of this program is the flexibility to splurge a bit on the weekends. I'll likely be doing the same ... although to be honest, I've been on plan foods and have splurged way more than I should have, but I've been able to stay around my goal weight, give or take a pound. I think I'm lucky, but I know I have to watch it as well as I could quickly pack on the pounds!

Have a great weekend!
Shawn

[Mei Mei]

Bronwyn,
I, too, am really proud of you for getting back on the wagon and not losing too much ground. You inspire and teach all of us. I'm glad your 2's fit comfy again also. It's very cool to know that the 48 hour plan works, or a week on the diet. I tried on my 2 pants and they fit!! I just am in disbelief. So many of my clothes fit loosely. :hypnotic:
Anyway, it is great having you here :)
Mary

[PosterGal]

Browyn -

Thanks for sharing your struggles and attempts to get it back under control. It's very inspiring to hear how you are dealing with it. I think one of my greatest fears is this will stop working and then if it does work, that I'll gain it back. So nice to know how you are dealing with it!

[Mei Mei]

Bronwyn,
How are you? How was the week back? Did the weight drop back off? Did you do a mini refeed? Are you back on track? I would love to know to avoid pitfalls, and to keep myself clean and thin ever after!
Thanks,
Mary

[Debbie J]

Thanks Bronwyn,

For helping us by having the confront and courage to tell all and help us think and learn and prepare for the future... thanks for being a "trailblazer" for those following behind you and not "sugar-coating" agggghhhh! the potentials for slip-ups and letting us learn from your journey and successes! And btw, I'm screamingly jealous of anyone mentioning size 2 ANYTHING! Somehow I still think that I'll be a size 10 at the smallest, even when I get down to 120-125 pounds! I'm currently a 16-18 and can almost recall having been a size 10 in my former life (defined as about 20 years ago.... ) but: off the subject: just wanted to say you still inspire me and , oh, I loved reading and seeing your pictures and wins from when you had first completed!

Is all back on track now for you?

Sincerely,
Deb J

[lfingers11]

Deb,
I think you might be suprised how small you get. I have been on this a little more than two months and went from a 10/12 down to a 6. I haven't been a size 6 since high school plus I still have 25 to loose. I think (sorry if I am wrong anyone) all the women get down to a 0-6 by the time they finish. I think you will be totally suprised in yourself.
Pam

[PhyllisRis]

I, too, cannot possibly fathom myself being a size 6. My bones are large (or so I've thought all my life) and wonder if I could ever be something smaller than a 10. Hmmm....this journey could get VERY interesting!! (kind of spooky too!!) I'm MELTING!
Phyllis

[lfingers11]

You girls are in for a big surprise when you hit the single digits for clothes!! :party1:

[Lauren]

Absolutely you can get down to a 6 or below! I can't remember ever being lower than an 8, but here I am wearing 4s the past two weeks! And even they're loosening up! It's very exciting! I'm a big girl too, but here I am in 4s! I can't wait for the rest of you to experience that as well! It's such a great feeling! It opens up a whole new world of shopping for clothes!!!!!

[PhyllisRis]

I Can Hardly Wait!!!!:party1:

[Lovinlife]

Me too!

[Debbie J]

Oh my God! Reality Check! (in a good way) That is amazing to me and I too was thinking that I'm "bigger boned" though in many ways I'm petite (just 5 ' 2) but broad...(fat, I guess to be honest) ya know?

We'll see. I can only dimly recall my mom saying as a young child (age 6 and down) that I was a little doll in very petite 6x clothes. As a teen and adult it seems like I've been a size 10 and up FOREVER!.... Well, no more! Lauren, that's so cool. A size 4??? and big boned? whoa! I first got inspired by Bettina's pictures on the main webpage cuz I felt she looked close to where my body was at (altho, I was probably a little larger still ) and she looked sooooo slim in her bathing suit at the end, I still harbor some incredulity at getting my arms, THIGHS, etc slim! When I've done well in recent past (oh last 5 years or so, losing back down to 160 (but not much lower) I was back in size 12's and feeling much happier... but to contemplate going the distance back to 120 ... whoo! I was 129 for some months back in my late twenties I think... and in a size 30 jeans.... so I'll just have to see.

Smiles,
Deb

[Debbie J]

Didn't mean to ignore you Pam, Hi Phyllis! Thanks for the words of wonder!

Deb

[pumbza]

Hi DEBBIEJ you must be such a tiny thing when YOU get down to 95lbs thats an amazing weight and I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT!!!Ha Ha!:innocent4:The funniest part is I have lost YOU about a week ago thats JUST my private JOKE of saying I lost YOUR WEIGHT its like losing a PERSON like YOU !!!Ha Ha!!It means I could have walked around with someone (when YOU get DOWN to YOUR GOAL WEIGHT!!) like you on my BACK that puts things into PERSPECTIVE!!!HAVE A VERY VERY GOOD DAY!!!:innocent3:

[PhyllisRis]

Papa Bear!! I do believe that Deb's weightloss goal is 95 pounds, not the weight she wants to get down to!!! You are so funny!! Heavens, weighing 95 pounds would be scary!!! Nice try, though!
Phyllis

[Debbie J]

Hi Pumbza! I'm so happy to finally have connected with you. I have so enjoyed reading your various posts over the last 2 months and watching your progress and soaking up your enthusiasm... Yes, Phyllis is correct; I can see that my ticker could create a confusion. When you set up your ticker you can monitor your goal by how many pounds you want to lose (in my case 95 pounds) or alternatively by what weight itself you wish to reach (in my case my target weight upon completion is 120-126 pounds. I started at 204!!! I'm just 5'2" and probably medium boned not super petite, but still, 95 pounds seemed almost an unconfrontable amount of weight to lose, but now if feels much more doable!!!

Oh and Pumbza I wanted to personally applaud you for your "call to arms" on the Introduction Roll Call thread. It's really great!

But, if I do come to Botswana some day after I'm done with this program you CAN carry me on your back if you still wish to HA HA!!! I want to see some of those gorgeous giraffes roaming free with my own two eyeballs.

Phyllis: How's it been going for you lately? Having fun?

[Debbie J]

Hi lfingers! and thanks for making me stretch my imagination... as my pants shrink my eyes will stretch wider with wonder!!!!

Are you almost done with your program?

Sincerely,
Deb J

[lfingers11]

Deb J,
Oh I wish I was almost done. My first month I lost 22 pounds and then the next month 8. I still have 25 pounds but at least I am more than half way there. I don't think I will be done at Thanksgiving but crossing my fingers that I will be done for the holidays. If I can loose 7-8 pounds each month I will be done before the holidays. I am crossing my fingers!!

[Mei Mei]

Go Pam go!!! You can do it :)

Deb,
You are so full of energy, :party1:it's fun to read wht you have to say. I will be 46 in November, I'm 5'4 and I too had a hard time imagining myself thin again. Now I look and see that i should go a bit lower, because I am small framed. What is really cool are the other changes, not just lost weight, but your body changes, shifts. it's hard to explain. You will love it though!
so glad you are here, sunshine!!!
Mary

[pumbza]

Hi to all the diet buddies sorry ladies I am just to dense for words I was wondering if they made LADIES so small in USA but please forgive me I was last in line when they gave BRAINS OUT!!!Ha Ha!!!:innocent4:See its true the LADIES have ALL the BRAINS!!!PhyllisRis thanks for pointing out my FAUXPA I was going to say I was trying to complement Debbie J but not even that comment would hold water!!!Ha Ha!Debbie J I welcome you to BOTSWANA anytime with open ARMS and I will gladly carry YOU on my back anytime to watch the GIRAFFES they may be a bit confused but HUMANS are funny things indeed!!!Ha Ha!Its a PLEASURE to connect UP with YOU but I tell YOU what 120lbs is STILL very Petite!!lfingers11 I know YOU CAN AND WILL DO IT Go GIRL GO!!Mary YOU are never 46 YOU look like YOU have just turned 21 (the Kids might give YOU away!!!Ha Ha!!) the HGH is working big time on YOU!!!Ha Ha!Have a GREAT DAY LADIES!!!:innocent3:

[PhyllisRis]

:rolling2::rolling2:

[Debbie J]

Smiles! Smiles! Love you guys! No time left to post! I'm late! I'm Late! For a very important date! (with my accountant) No time to say hello, goodbye, I'm late! I'm late!! I'm late!!

Later my friends! Wonderful day all!

Deb J{grouphug1}{grouphug1}

[Bronwyn]

Hi everyone. I haven't posted for quite some time. I think Lauren updated you all as to how I've been. I am doing pretty well now. My friend did pass away last week and I feel that I am on to a new chapter in my life. We still have her memorial next weekend, but I've taken her passing as a chance to start anew and not to wallow in self-pity. She was very health minded and is now another guardian angel looking over me so I want to make her proud. My work is still very stressful but it'll be fine in the long run... just need to focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. My weight has yo-yo'd a bit (I also had a family vacation last week) but honestly, 48 hours of no-carbs does wonders and then I stick to healthy Cohen foods and it continues to fall off. I'm starting my workouts again so that will also help. I NEVER want to get out of control again and frankly, I can't afford yet another new wardrobe so when my 2's start feeling tight I get VERY strict again. Also with the holidays coming up I'm inspired as ever to keep my weight down so I can party a bit then without having to worry too much. Thanks for all your well-wishes and thoughts. Sorry I've been so absent but life is sometimes crazy and I know you all understand.

[lfingers11]

I have been thinking of you and glad that you are doing ok. It is so hard to loose your loved ones but we just have to get up and keep going. That is great that you are keeping a check on your weight and not letting those little extra pounds continue to make new friends. Keep up the great work and also let us know periodically how you are doing!!
Pam

[Mei Mei]

Bronwyn,
I so sorry to hear about your friend. It is good to hear from you, and learn what you are learning. I've only been finished a few days, and already feel like I'm doing a bad job. There's this strange feeling that, "I deserve it..." and last night, it was the mexican food and margaritas-2 of them, that I have been wanting.
It was not worth it. First of all, physically, I feel terrible--better this morning, but still gross. I also feel terrible mentally. I know I can get back down, but I feel I haven't respected my body. Livin large as you say. I have full proof that I can't eat whatever I want whenever I want. I'm up two pounds.
That idea that I "deserve" food is crazy, that's where I need to start my work. Food is not a treat. Food is sustenance. I must get that into my head. I know I can go carb free today and tomorrow, and will be fine. But I don't want to start a mini yo yo pattern either. Keep us posted to let us know how you are doing.
Mary

[UnspeakableJoy]

Hi Bronwyn :bighug: I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!

I'm so happy that you are back, and on track. You are an inspiration to many!