JoAnn's Adventures Beyond 1PD

[Aqua Eyes]

Well here I am! On my own. It's a bit scary and I already have to do a couple of carbless days to lose a couple of pounds. :shocked: It shouldn't be all that surprising to me since I drank 2 more alcoholic beverages than I should have last night. I started off with a glass of wine and then went for a Mud Slide (I love Mud Slides!) and then had a beer (which I really didn't want but drank it anyway). After all, I was celebrating... the last day of the program. I went out to a huge Country Western dance club with some friends. I'm not the biggest fan of Country music but I did compete in country swing dancing way back in the '80s and have done line dancing before. This place was HUGE... called the Saddlerack in Fremont... which is quite the drive from where I live. It was my first time there.

I was with 4 other women. One of them was trying an experiment in meeting men. I got in on the experiment. We attempted to get to know these 2 men that had gone up to the bar to order their drinks. That's where I ordered the beer, that I really didn't want, just to see if I could start a conversation with them. That didn't work so well because I choked up. Then my friend, Cathy, walked over to where they were standing after they had gotten their drinks and started talking to them, asking about the mechanical bull that they were watching. Funny enough, I turned around and noticed this man standing behind me at the bar waiting to order his beer. I could see he was good looking and I asked him if he was being ignored by the bartender. He looked at me and I was floored! He was drop dead GORGEOUS! This man looked like he came off of the cover of GQ magazine... NO KIDDING! He answered me kindly and I noticed my friend walked away from the 2 men she was chatting to back to our table. I walked over to the table and told her about Mr. GQ. Then he walked by us and he saw me and said, "I finally got my beer" and winked at me. My heart did somersaults! OMG! :drool::love4:

Cathy turns to me as says... "Wipe the drool off of your chin and go over there and ask him to dance!" I'm thinking... no way is this guy going to agree to dance with me, but what the heck... the worse he can say to me is "No". He is much younger than me so I wouldn't be surprised if he said "No". BUT... he said "Yes!" and we were out on the dance floor dancing. After the dance, we started talking and he told me he was from a little town in Oregon that nobody ever knows about. Then he says "Myrtlepoint" and my mouth dropped opened and I said, "My father was born and raised in Myrtlepoint! In fact, his family founded Myrtlepoint!"... and it went on from there and kept getting better and better. The man LOVES to travel like me, and may have seen more of the world than I have. I didn't want to keep him from meeting other women so I told him that I wouldn't take up anymore of his time so he could meet others and he said, "I'll come over and get you to dance with me again when I hear another good song." A few more minutes later, he went and got another beer and one of the girls in my group wanted to take a picture of all of us women. We saw him standing nearby watching the bull and I went and asked if he would take our picture. He did and then the gal with the camera said she wanted a picture of the 2 of us, and he agreed willingly to have our picture taken together. We both looked good together. As soon as I get the picture of us, I will post it for you all to see. Well, 30 minutes went by and my friends, who I rode with, wanted to go home. I located my new friend, out on the dance floor dancing with 2 younger women and made my way out there to tell him goodbye. It was loud on the floor with the music so it was hard to say much, but I told him I had to go and he was so kind to show his disappointment of not having gotten another dance with me. The girls were a little miffed with me for talking to him and grabbed onto his arm (in my mind it was hilarious that they should be jealous of me!) but he tried to explain quickly to them that we came from the same place. I asked if he had a card I could have and he didn't so I said my good bye and wished him well. At least I have a picture of him... Proof that I wasn't making this whole thing up in my mind! LOL!

O.k.... now for more serious stuff. I copied this from a news letter I get and thought this was important for all of us to keep in mind. It isn't anything new to me but it could be new to some of you.

How to Be Younger, Longer
By Jean Carper (Reprinted from USA WEEKEND)

What you eat can dramatically influence how fast your body ages, according to mountains of research. Here are four important rules for aging slowly and fighting chronic disease.

1. Get plenty of antioxidants. A leading cause of aging, experts say, is "oxidative stress," which results when cells become dysfunctional over a lifetime or die because of attacks from internal and external chemicals known as "free radicals." Consuming lots of antioxidant-packed foods, mainly fruits and vegetables, boosts your cells' power to resist attack.

2. Infuse your body with omega-3s. Chronic inflammation speeds up aging, promoting heart attacks, arthritis, skin diseases and Alzheimer's, while reducing memory, immunity and muscle function. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, such as salmon, dampen chronic inflammation, studies show. Red meat promotes inflammation.

3. Control blood sugar. Eating foods that spike your blood sugar and keep it chronically high leads to cell changes that promote aging and chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, gallbladder and heart disease, Alzheimer's, and breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. What spikes your blood sugar: white bread, white potatoes, most white rice, processed grains and sugary cereals.

4. Maintain a normal weight. Obese people are more apt to have type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and mental deterioration. MRIs show faster brain aging in overweight Americans, says new research at the University of California, San Francisco. Other research finds that heavier adults harbor higher brain levels of toxic amyloid beta, a protein involved in Alzheimer's. Restricting food intake slows many aging processes and prolongs life in animals.

Sasha... I hope it was o.k. to share this piece. I don't know if I am breaking any rules by doing so:praying:.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend and staying 100% with your program!

[Aqua Eyes]

I posted a couple of pictures from my Monterey trip in my album. I'll get more in there soon. ;)

[Snip]

Loved your story Aqua Eyes! Sounds like huge fun! And CONGRATULATIONS on finishing the programme! You are really quite inspiring! Thank you! Keep updating us on your journey after 1pd.
Congrats again.
Marie

[Key]

Hey JoAnn, you really meant it when you said you were entering the whole WILD world! I'm smiling at your story... how exciting. Keep those stories coming!

[mommabear]

Yeah JoAnn!!!! I loved your story. I think us "husky" woman get so little attention from men we eventually believe we don't deserve it and that there is something fundamentally wrong with us! I am so happy you had this wonderful self-esteem booster!!! You deserve it! You look beautiful!

[Aqua Eyes]

Mommabear... what you said is so true that I am getting used to not being asked to dance at these places. I find the older men hit on me and I'm learning to change my attitude about that. I'm one to always date younger men because I have always looked younger than I am and they were attracted to me, but I think I surpassed that youngish look and I'm looking closer to my age now. I am showing my age more under my eyes and in my neck area now that have lost the weight, but I am accepting that. I can't hide that I'm in my 50's forever...those pesky lines are bound to show up eventually. But good eye cream does help some.

I was so totally surprised though that this man would even give me the time of day. It was such a special moment in time for me.

[Aqua Eyes]

O.k.. so like this is my 4th day in the WILD WORLD and I find myself being ever so cautious. I am up 3 pounds. That's o.k. for now. I've sampled foods that I haven't had in a while that I LOVE. I got a Tall (not the Grande, mind you... which I would normally order) Java Chip Frappacino last weekend. I have had a piece of dark chocolate Dove candy. I've had some favorite drinks (Sat. night dancing). I'm not surprised by the weight gain. I am going to Monterey with Mom (she's back from her 2 month trip) and we are going to enjoy that expensive bottle of Cabernet that is 12 years old. :party7:

I am being careful with the carbs and though I have increased my quantity of protien and veggies from what I was eating to lose weight, they are not as much as the re-feed final days were asking of me. I've been sticking with eating Cohen foods pretty much, although today I had broccoli with my chicken for lunch. I want my body to get used to other foods outside of Cohen foods, but I want it to be healthy foods and not processed foods or sweets. I used the last of my bread so I won't be having bread in my house. I will continue to eat the crackers or add yellow sweet potatoes or a serving of oatmeal or brown rice as my carb.

Next week, I will start going back on just Cohen foods again to take off the 3 pounds and maybe a couple of more pounds below my goal weight for insurance. My social life is not getting any less, so I need to stay strong and be concious at functions where there is food. I did so well this entire summer to stay away from the buffet table.

This Friday there is a luncheon being put on by my work. They probably will serve Pizza. Do you think 2 pieces will be o.k. and then I just won't have any carbs for the rest of the day? I will try to choose the healthier looking ones. I just can't do the sausage and pepperoni ones because they contain so much salt! If they do pizza, I'm hoping they will order a garlic chicken kind with veggies. That would be the best choice. Maybe the ALL cheese pizza would even be a better choice? Maybe forgoing the pizza and eating a Cohen lunch would be better, showing the Finance team that I still won't touch their crummy carbed lunches. :pizza:

My thought about doing the maintenance thing is to stick to Cohen foods during the times I am on my own and tip toe through the spontaneous social meals as best as I can outside of that. It doesn't take much for the weight to come back on me. I'm not going to freak out about it as long as I can keep it within 3 pounds of my goal. Afterall... I gotta be able to continue to wear my cute Size 6 clothes!

I do need to start working out! :weights: I know folks think my arms are buffed but I haven't lifted weights for about 7 months or more. I need to get crackin' with doing that!

It's a land mine field out here and one must go cautiously. That's why I keep coming back here and getting your support because I want to remain good. :praying:

[Sharon]

The social events can be so tough, they often don't have a healthy option and can be so carb loaded, sounds like you are working out some good stratergies to cope with them - well done.
TTFN Sharon

[Aqua Eyes]

Today I had no more bread. I ate a couple of rice cakes. I had a serving of oatmeal for my 1 carb today. I only put in Stevia to sweeten it and no milk. I want to eat a serving of oatmeal daily to see if that will help bring my cholesterol down. Remember... I had 2 blood works done for my cholesterol while on the program and my cholesterol sky rocketed up! The consultants told me that I needed to talk to my doctor about it because they swear it has nothing to do with the diet. Come to find out, I was keeping my numbers lower with the fish oil supplements I was taking and other Omega type foods like Almonds, Avacado, oatmeal, and fresh ground flaxseed. So now, I will add some of those things back into my diet and then I will test again in December to see if it has come back down. I'm eating mostly Cohen foods though, outside of the occasional additions. This morning I had fish and spaghetti squash and for lunch I had chicken and asparagus and an apple with my rice cake. I had my oatmeal as a snack in between the 2 meals. Tonight I will probably have an egg on salad and a peach.

I still haven't decided on what I am going to do about lunch tomorrow. I think I will have whatever they are going to serve for lunch as an experiment and then eat Cohen-like the other 2 meals.

I noticed that when I'm bored or tired I want to eat more too. I need more hours in the day so I can go to bed earlier. At least I haven't been craving smoking.

[Key]

Yay! No smoking! Keep it up. I think it's amazing that you can stop smoking AND stay true to this diet.

I have never had a problem with high cholesterol but I also used to eat a lot of salmon and olive oil and other goot fat foods. Even though I have taken a single fish oil supplement every morning I've been on this diet, at about week 18 I noticed that my skin was showing lines that I had never seen before. Ack! I literally ran to upgrade what I had been using on my skin. Fortunately it works beautifully - even though what I'm saving on the cost of food I am more than making up for in skin care.

I think you should try to eat what is being served at your work luncheon... I'm sure you'll know how to handle it. Also, you may be able to learn something from the experience!

[val2zap]

Aqua,

Prior to Cohen and throughout the other dieting-watch-what-you-eat phases, I used to make a big vegetable laden salad and eat that right before the pizza came. This way I would be somewhat full. Since I love pizza, I would still have ONE slice - (this is a NYC city type of slice - not little squares). So, it's probably too late now, but that would be my suggestion. I love pizza but it doesn't mean it's good or healthy.

Question: what is the rule about maintenance and how much you are supposed to eat? Are you supposed to stay to the same weight/portions of your last day of refeed?
Also, concerning bread - I have never baked bread on my own, but started wondering if this would be a better option than buying store-bought bread since that has corn syrup in it and other stuff. Thoughts?

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Val,

That's a good idea about eating a big salad prior to the pizza.

Well, here's what I did... they had a nice salad that had chunks of chicken, candied pecans, blue cheese with a balasmic type dressing on it. I got a good portion of that. I got one HUGE slice of Hawaiian (pineapple + ham) pizza. I went back for a smaller slice of tomatoe, olive and cheese pizza {I shouldn't have had it but it was soooo GOOD!:pizza:} and more salad. I also enjoyed one plain cookie (which I never did indulge in during re-feed). I did bring some fruit in case I got the munchies later in the afternoon because I won't probably get my next meal until 8ish tonight. I think that will be yogurt and fruit! NO MORE CARBS for me today! OH... and I ate an hour earlier than I was supposed to, but I can't control that if I want to eat with the group. Now I will probably wait a whole 7 hours before I eat again.

I have been a lot more gassy this week, than when I was following the program. I'm sure it is my body getting used to the different foods again. Let me tell you... those of you that don't have BMs every day, that would be something I wouldn't mind, since I have had the opposite problem prior to 1PD and during 1PD, I had BMs every day without problems. Now, I am experiencing more trips to the bathroom than I want... which confirms to me that I need to stick to the plan's foods more and leave the extras out of my life. :sadeyes:

I truly think I will just tip toe through the social eating and do the best I can keeping it to a minimum and sticking with Cohen food most of the time. I am adding good fats back into my life to help me with the cholesterol. I bought Almonds last night and I counted out 12 of them to eat today... later as a snack. I'm already feeling like I'm retaining a ton of water from that lunch. :pig:

I think one is supposed to eat the quantities of food you get from doing re-feed but there's a note that says that you don't have to go over 60 gm of additional meat, poultry or fish a day if you don't want to. It was just way too much food and I just wasn't into increasing the volume by so much.

In terms of making your own bread... I actually would prefer that to buying bread. Store bought bread has way too much garbage in the ingredients. Home made bread is a better choice for me... but I barely have the time to make my daily meals. I'll just stay away from bread for now. In terms of the re-feed program though... if you make your bread, you will have to slice it thin like store-bought bread.

[Aqua Eyes]

It's an extremely social 2 weeks for me. It's a JUNGLE out here! I'm 3 pounds over goal and it isn't get any easier. Today they had pizza at work again. I skipped the pizza and went for the chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies. I am doing without the other carbs today. I did have chicken and aspargus and an apple for lunch and shrimp and spaghetti squash for breakfast. I'm going out to dinner tonight though :eek: I will probably just get a salad and be done. This has got to be the heaviest social 2 weeks of my life! Last night I went to a Halloween party and danced... by passed the food table completely! So tonight is dinner out, tomorrow is lunch out with a friend, Friday is company snack time for Halloween, Friday night I'm going out dancing, Saturday night I'm going to a Halloween party, Sunday I'm going Kayaking, Monday night is my Mom's birthday and we are going to see a movie, Wednesday next week I am having permanent makeup done (eyebrows and eyeliner!) and then Thursday night I'm driving to Yosemite to stay the weekend. Whoo! Pictures will be coming as soon as I can make time to load them up. ;)

I'm actually looking forward to a quiet week of nothing but pure Cohen foods and no social outings.

[KMac]

Joanne you sound terrific!! Have fun, can't wait to see the pictures :))

[Sharon]

Sound like you have a very busy time planned, keep on dancing and have a great time
TTFN Sharon

[Key]

Hi JoAnn! I've always thought of you as an active woman but you have now officially surpassed active and are now whirlwind. Be sure and toast your mom's birthday from me.
And yes, pictures!

[Maverick]

Joanne, you and I sound very similar in what we are going through. Swear to God, the men have come out of the woodwork and right now, that's the last thing I need!

Keep up the good work. I found it does get easier as time goes by and the trick is to really monitor what your body likes and what it doesn't.

When I was at my heaviest many years ago (175 pounds) one of the reasons for that was because I never weighed myself. Just didn't want to see it or know it.

Now with weighing everyday, I know it will never get out of control again. Scales are evil when you are overweight and become your best friend when you aren't. LOL

[Aqua Eyes]

Thanks all for your supportive comments.

Interesting, Maverick, I always have been a daily weigher my entire life, even when I hated seeing that I got over 180. That would frighten me into losing a few pounds so I wouldn't make it into the 190's. PLUS I would feel just miserable.

This week I've been up and down by 3 to 4 pounds. I will get through this couple of weeks of social events and then I will have a good 3 weeks of Cohenness. ;) Today I'm off to do some kayaking. The parties were heck-a-fun! I had a 23 year old man latch onto me Friday night. He told me he thought I was only 94 pounds.... yeah right!... {rofl}. I am 30 years older than him!! It was nice being complimented that way. It was my cute costume... long, blonde haired wig (I told him that wasn't my hair and showed him my license picture) and harem girl outfit, that drew him to me, no doubt.

I'm learning really quickly what is working and what doesn't work. I have a lot of gas and many trips to the bathroom... not at all pleasant for me! I'm worried that there might not be bathrooms where we will be kayaking. :::keeping fingers crossed that I will manage:::

More later!

[Sharon]

You cradle snatcher you, - great to hear you are having so much fun.

The Kayaking trip sound fun, good luck with the bathroom stops.

TTFN
Sharon

[Aqua Eyes]

Hello my fellow Cohen folks!

I haven't been able to look at this much in the past 2 weeks. My weight is UP! :shocked: I've been emotionally eating, I noticed. My car has died and I am getting a rebuilt engine to replace the old engine (I manage to get 220,800 miles out of it!). I went to Yosemite for a little mini retreat and work, but I ended up getting extremely angry with one guy who made a very idiotic statement that just pushed my buttons. {explode}I am also worried sick that a new lump I found on the breast that had cancer, is more than just a cyst. I am seeing my oncologist tomorrow. :praying: So... I shouldn't really be surprised that I've been emotionally eating and my weight is a few pounds up. I know what I am doing wrong and I am fully concious of what I'm eating... it is as if I want to punish myself for going through the pain. How crazy is that?! I need you guys.

I am getting rid of some bad food I bought and buying only Cohen foods. I am measuring things out still. I want to continue wearing my Size 6 comfortably!

I do have some pictures to share. I have the pictures of me kayaking and Mr. GQ from that time I went out dancing at the Saddlerack. I will post them in the photo gallery.

I'm going to read some of your posts now and get encouraged and re-motivated to get back on track. Thanks for being here everyone. I didn't think I would go back to some of my bad habits, but I did and that isn't good. It is my addiction that replaced the smoking. I need to look at why I need any kind of addiction at all to be in my life. Gosh... It would have been better to be addicted to exercise instead.:thinking:Maybe that's what I need to consider doing... getting addicted to exercise.

[Aqua Eyes]

I have to share the beautiful letter my brother wrote to me in response to the pictures that I sent to him of me:

Sorry I took so long to respond to your photo's of your new weight loss pic's.

I know how through your whole life from adolescent age and on, you struggled with your weight with one diet after another with no lasting success, plus all your complex problems that you've struggled with too because of your weight problems. When I first looked at your photo's, I was a little shocked because I never saw you like this my whole life and my first feelings was, you went a little too far with loosing too much weight . I knew that your body tend to loose more weight in your shoulders, neck and face the most, and I felt maybe you need to put back on 10 pounds or so. Well after thinking about it, I didn't want to, in any way, take away from your joy and hard work in your successful achievement, and at relooking at your photo's, I realized that I only felt like this because I was so conditioned to the way your old body used to look like. I was very much wrong with those first feelings I had. I just want to confirm that you look amazingly fantastic!! If you had never told me that you did this diet and I were to see you in a store or something, I probably wouldn't recognize my own sister. You look very fit and athletic in your bike outfit too. I'm so very happy and proud for you. You did, and achieved a very good thing for your life and well being.You look great in your kayaking in Columnes photo's, along with how much fun you look like you were having too. I know I would love to do something like that too.
Believe me, if you fluctuate between 8 pounds more, and back, I believe you will be fine, so don't become anorexic or something. ;-) Just kidding. Live a little now and keep it in control. Get your regular doctor involved with your new health condition to be safe that the change to your sudden new weight loss didn't cause any other unhealthy balance in any other areas of your body health. That sometimes can be an issue when your body go's through a big change like that. I'm sure you already knew that. Just to remind you to not put that off too long. I love and care for you, so you understand my concerns. Once again JoAnn , I want to say, great job !! You look fantastic.

That's got to be one of the sweetest letters I ever got from my brother! So encouraging. I need to read that more often.

[val2zap]

That was great - and he makes good points too. Keep up the good maintenance work and stay fit and healthy. Everyone likes you that way. ;)

[mommabear]

What a touching letter from your brother!!! His honesty and genuine love for you is so amazing!

Cherish that letter!

[Key]

Hi JoAnn,

What a wonderful letter from your brother. I'm so glad you have people like him in your life. Wait until he sees you live and in person!

Now, first off - yes, you found a lump. That's all you really know until you have it checked/biopsied. You found a lump. You won't know what it is until you get it checked so don't worry. Then depending on what you find there will be no need to worry because you will either be okay or will be following a prescribed course of action so you will be actively taking care of yourself. Breaking something major down to these smaller levels always helps me realize the futility of worrying. That said, I think we'll all cut you a little slack for emotional eating. Don't beat yourself - you recognized what you're doing and stopped it. Fantastic!

I've got the same very old patterns that are going to be hard to break. The other day I woke up from a nap and had an urge to eat that was almost overpowering - I wanted to eat anything and everything. Fortunately I didn't have any food other than Cohen-approved food to eat and by the time I made it past a rye krisp I got a hold of myself. If anyone has a plan on how to conquer these demons please speak up.

Seriously though, stay with us and let us know what's going on with you. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.

[Aqua Eyes]

Thank you Key. I needed to read that.

I feel more resolved today to stay good on the program. Reading my brother's letter also really helps. In person he couldn't say that to me, but when he sits down and writes, he really says some wonderful things. I will treasure that letter forever.

Did you all see my pictures I posted in my album yet?

[mommabear]

Yes, I did see the pictures!!!! I was just there! Wow, you look amazing!!!!!!!!

And Mr. GQ.....whew! He is some serious eye candy!!!

[Aqua Eyes]

Thanks Mommabear! Mr. GQ really was heart stopping for me. LOL! Too bad I didn't get his phone number. Ah well... if it is meant to be, I'll run into him again some day. ;)

[Maverick]

Hi JoAnn,

First of all, please keep us posted on what the oncologist says. I know we are all pulling for you and that it will be fine.

When I have car troubles, I cry! Then I call a male friend and have them come over and fix it. I just HATE that!

I am a business consultant and I train executives. What does this have to do with someone’s personal struggles? Everything because life is life and it follows certain natural laws and that’s just the way it is. Business is life and life needs to be run more logical and without emotions getting in the way of what actually needs to be done.

I sit a client down, we go over all the problems he/she is having and the very first thing they learn is “You are doing this and we are going to show you what YOU need to change” and so forth.

The point is if you knew what the problem was, you would just solve it.

If the problem you are trying to solve isn’t resolving you are trying to solve the wrong problem.

Make sense? I bring this up because many people think the problem is their weight. It’s not. It’s a symptom of the problems(s) and that’s what you tackle.

Don’t ever ask yourself “Why do I…?” because if you knew why, you would stop doing it. But what you can do is change your actions. For example, a person drinks too much. No one knows why exactly and it doesn’t matter. The person realizes they drink too much and changes their ACTIONS and not the reason they do. So, they stop buying beer and going into bars, etc.

I will catch myself wanting to do things that will actually harm me like spending money I don’t have or should use for my bills but I REALLY WANT THOSE SHOES! I hate that! I stop, take a moment and acknowledge what I am about to do and use discipline to walk away. The word discipline comes from the word disciple, which means TO LEARN. So when you discipline yourself, you are teaching yourself.

Here is my advice for you. Rather than focus on the negative, please post 10 things in this forum that are right about you. 10 things that you would never change about yourself. Never beat yourself up, ignore the things that bother you about yourself and realize that you are perfect just the way you are.

Notice the things that trigger bad behavior and just avoid them. Don’t worry about why you have a button. Just realize you do and let it go at that. So you have a button? Why should you be any different than the rest of us? LOL So you have some bad behavior? Whoop de frickin do! We all do but there are so many things that are right about us that completely out weigh any bad, right? Right!

[Aqua Eyes]

I guess the truth of the matter is that I eat to comfort that nervous feeling inside. I used to smoke cigarettes and that seemed to do the same thing, for some reason, but smoking is worse than eating so I stopped that. It's just habit to be comforted by food and it feels good. It's the oral sensation... like sucking a thumb. I have a friend that is the same age as me and still will suck on her thumb. I could chew gum I suppose and I do. I just acknowledge that there is something inside me that needs the pacifier effect and it doesn't have to do with being hungry. It has to do with wanting comfort.

Well... my oncologist is not overly concerned because my last MRI did not pick up any cancerous stuff in that same area. It's likely scar tissue or a cyst. It could be that this has become more prevalent because of the weight loss. She could feel my lymph glands in my pelvic area now whereas before she couldn't feel them as much. She wants to go cautiously though, so next week I am seeing another doctor who can numb the area and go in and take cells from the lump to see if they see anything cancerous. They want me to do a Pet Scan as well and my oncologist is thinking it might be best to have it removed so it won't ever get the chance to become anything more. I should just give them the whole breast and be done with it (I only have half of one as it is!)... except I can't afford a new one right now, on top of getting me a new engine for my car. My fear has been assuaged for now. I'll be O.k. Thanks for all the healing energy thoughts.

[Key]

Terrific news, JoAnn! Now you'll get through your car problems (I agree it's always a pain!) and get on with other things. And YES! I checked out your pictures - you are tiny! And I also think you look pretty cute next to Mr. GQ... don't worry, there will be other GQ men in your future!

[KMac]

Hi JoAnn
I am sending you light, love everything positive!
With the weight loss I think more things are noticable- like scar tissue.
I don't have it on my breasts but from 3 c'sections I have a lot of scar tissue and only now can I feel it- we really have to get to know our new bodies.
My Mom had a masectomy, she had implants put in- didn't opt for the nipples- she said she doubted my Dad could see they were even gone-lol. My Mom had a wonderful mindset throughout her ordeal, laughter goes a long way. You ar a beautiful, smart woman- who knows her body, trust yourself- its all going to be ok. I have a favorite saying for when my friends are worried about something.. " don't claim it if its not yours"
meaning don't borrow worry, give it to God, he's up all night anyway.

I love your quote
The onion has been peeled. Here I am! The adventure begins!
those are words to live by!

[Maverick]

JoAnn,

Great news! I know if it were me between the doctor visit and the car, I would have either gone up 10 pounds or way down. Isn't it funny how when we go through stress our weight changes? Maybe it's a good thing for a bit, I don't know. Maybe during those times we need the extra nutrition?

Keep us posted JoAnn on how you are doing and I still think you are fine just the way you are!

Susan

[Aqua Eyes]

{grouphug1}Thank you all!

Here's something fresh... My Oncologist called me at work yesterday and asked if I wouldn't mind calling one of her other patients and telling her about the diet I have been on. She was so impressed with my weight loss. :D I feel honored that she called me.

So I called up the gal and told her all about it. I hope we see her on the forum in the next month. I offered to meet with her whenever she wants. She is also a breast cancer survivor.

[Maverick]

JoAnn,

That is great news! It's amazing how this diet spreads from word-of-mouth, isn't it?

So glad you are doing well. Keep up the good work and have a wonderful weekend.

Susan

[Sharon]

Great work there in not only your wonderful success in the program but also in spreading the word.

[Aqua Eyes]

I got all of the sugar and things that make me cheat out of my house. I am going to be very good this week, except for Wednesday. I am taking Wednesday off to go on a special wine tasting tour. I will be careful how I eat that day so it won't be that bad for me. I am going to stay focused. I want to get back to my goal and then some before I go diving in December. You all are doing a great job to keep me motivated. I will get back to that same focused mind I had before I went on maintenance! I do not want to have to wear Size 10 again.

[Aqua Eyes]

Well... I have blood work to do this Friday and next Tuesday I go for a biopsy then I see the surgeon following Tuesday about what the results are. I am still not worried about it. It's just annoying to go through all of this. It's interupting my work.

On a more positive note... I got my car back and it is like a new car!

Yesterday, I went wine tasting and we ate at a pizza place. Did I have to have a pizza or pasta... no, but I did. I gained 5 pounds overnight!! I am going to be on program carb free for the next couple of weeks. No wine, no going outside of the plan! My size 6 pants were not feeling good on me. I am wearing my Size 10! No point in beating myself up. I get it... I just can't do the wine tasting or social eating like I used to. I need to be much stricter than I have. Thank goodness I am not doing Thanksgiving dinner. I've got 2 weeks to get back to goal and this is entirely possible. In 2 weeks I am going scuba diving in Roatan, Honduras.

I thought I could do better than this. I think it has to do with experience all foods again. I need to remind myself that I know what a brownie tastes like and that there is no reason to try it again. I think I've scared myself back to being good again. I'll keep you posted.

[Key]

Hi JoAnn,

Sometimes in the past I have felt a strange sense of urgency when it came to food - like I have to eat that whatever right now because I may never have the chance again (or more likely, I have to eat it right now so no one will see me eating it!). I think this may be sort of related to what you're going through in experiencing all that food we've been missing out on immediately. Thanks for bringing this to light - it's something I need to watch for. I want to continue to respect myself as I have made an effort to learn while on this diet. KMac wrote on another post - "it's only food" and that is so true. It will still be "only food" after I'm done with the diet. I'll have more leeway with what I eat but I never want to go back to old ways.

[val2zap]

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date. What makes me nervous about reading all this, is the realization that it really doesn't take all that much to make you gain weight again. All the naysayers have said that if you lose quickly, your chances of regaining it back are high. How do we keep up? Is it that we need to work on the mental aspect too? Or that we just really need to be aware of what we are doing? Will always worrying about what we are going to eat have to be the way we live forever?

Good luck, Joann. I'm sending you my positive thoughts on your medical results. Keeps us updated with your new focus.

[Sharon]

Its a hard one guys, as I have said on my thread, loosing weight is only half the battle, its finding out how to maintain it is the other half, as you can see by the threads for some of us it is a steep learning curve.
as we know we can't go back to the eating patterns we had beforehand, so we have to develop a new relationship with food. We can still have that glass of wine, those little tastes of cheese, that piece of chocolate, we should savour it, enjoy every chew or sip and be happy, we need to develop a positive relationship with our food, But we don't need the whole bottle, or the whole block, its developing the mindset that it will still be there tomorrow, or at least more in the supermarket. If we totally deprive ourselves an see these foods as the baddies, when we have it then we will feel guilty, we will eat it fast - and more, we wont sit back and savour and enjoy every extra chew (our stomach does not have taste buds) and we will feel guilty, and haven't we had enough of that?
Think of it as an adventure, and be positive, there will be good days and not so good days, the scales will go up and down - they always will and it doesn't always mean fat. The festive season is coming up - we still need to enjoy our selves and our meals we share with family, there will be days of temptation and days of sheer cravings.
If when you finish refeed and if you do gain more than is acceptable, don't beat yourself up, don't give up but do something about it.
And continue visiting the threads - cos you are never alone.

[Sharon]

Am thinking of you with regard to your test results.

Great that you have your wheels back.

Don't ya just hate the 5 pound overnight gain, high chance is alot of it will be fluid, but its still a OMG moment, one positive is fast on - fast off if you hit it head on - throw those unwanted guests out.

Look after yourself

[Aqua Eyes]

You are so right Sharon! 4 of the 5 did come off. I am going to keep at this because I have a few more to go. Yep... I really experienced some foods. I thought I was going to be better at this. Now I know what I must stay away from and I find new resolve to do so because my body doesn't like it either and it let me know. That's why I'm not beating myself up about the weight gain. It is all an experiment to find out how much I can get away with and where I have to reign it in. I'm clearer now on how I must eat and what I can do. Now it is a matter of making it my lifestyle.

I want to be as close to goal as possible when I go diving in December. When I'm diving I don't eat that much because my stomach doesn't do well with things while I'm diving. I love vacations where I feel like I can eat anything I want but never put on a pound. That's only because I stay away from the rich foods because with diving it just doesn't settle well on my stomach. I tend to eat very healthy... fresh veggies and grease free protiens.

Today I feel a bit of a cold coming on. I'm fighting it head on with Cold MD and pushing the fluids even more, if I can. I don't want this when I leave on vacation.

[RobinC]

Hello Aqua Eyes,

You never know what will come of your chance encounter at Saddlerack! When I used to go line dancing all of the time, I saw the cutest man who could dance but didn't get to meet him. Two weeks later at a different club in a different town we were able to meet, dance the entire second half of the night together and exchange numbers. We are now married!

It is encouraging to see that there are others nearby. Fremont is only about an hour from where I live.

I look forward to reading how post-1PD is for you. I have just started 4 days ago and I swear that I have lost some inches at least. My jeans aren't quite so tight. I am staying away from the scale because in the past I have obsessed about the numbers. I used to weigh myself up to 4 times daily.

Anyways, it was very encouraging to read your post as well as so many others!

Have a great weekend!

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Robin,

One hour from Fremont? In which direction? I'm in Benicia.

Today I weighed in and found that I have lost 6 pounds in 2 days! Of course most of this is water weight. I'm going to continue on. I hate to admit it, but I have another 7 pounds to lose. I know I can get this off before I leave on my vacation.

Speaking of vacation, I have 4 brand new swim suits coming. I should have a photo shoot in them...LOL! Maybe while I'm on vacation, I'll have my dive buddy get some pictures of me in them. I could have a different swim suit on for each day of the week! They were on sale so I got a little greedy. Some girls collect shoes... I like swim suits. LOL!

Tonight I'm having a date over and we are going to cook fresh caught trout... each our own way. I like mine baked with fresh lemon wedges and sweet onions in the cavity. I am going to make garlic spinach to go with. I'll do fresh orange or apple slices for dessert. I'm staying away from carbs mostly, but I felt a need to have some oatmeal as one of my carbs today for breakfast. I hope it doesn't adversely affect me too much.

[Key]

You've definitely taken control, JoAnn. Thanks so much for posting these difficulties as they are helpful to us too. Four swimsuits is not excessive if you're getting a good price and you use them. Date sounds great - being in the kitchen with someone is always fun. Enjoy the trout party!

[Sharon]

Hi JoAnn
Interested as to how you went with the oatmeal, especially as a breakfast - is the oatmeal fine ground? I gather it was as porridge, I like to use rolled oats, but I have only been having it while treking out in the bush since the program.

Sounds like you are well on your way to getting rid of those unwanted guests - great work.

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon,

The oatmeal is to help lower my cholesterol readings and I'm having it more as a midmorning snack or afternoon snack. My cholesterol shot up since I've been on this program. My doctor and myself was really surprised, since it is fat free. My pharmacist thinks it is because I wasn't getting my fish oil capsules and flaxseed that I was getting before. The omega fatty acids helps with cholesterol. So, I thought the oatmeal (Quaker oats, which I guess is rolled oats) would also help, since they advertise that it does. I just do one serving of it and forgo any bread. I'll let you know if my cholesterol comes down later when I take the test again some time in December.

[Sharon]

Interesting that your Cholesterol shot up on the program, so did mine which my Dr and I had the same surprize, I have added fish oil into my diet to see if it will make a difference. I've just had my cardio risk assessment done and was only 1% so I'm not too concerned but would like it lower, so will be interested to hear how you go. I reduced my diabetes risk dramatically on the program which was my real risk.
Thanks

[Aqua Eyes]

This morning I weighed in and was pleased to see that I'm at the goal I personally want to stay at... which was my Weight Watcher's goal for me... 125 pounds. Cohen's goal of 120 for me is o.k. but I was only there for one day. I still will continue to watch what I eat and stay away from carbs to continue to get closer to Cohen goal before my trip.

I had a very bad morning this past Tuesday. I had my appointment for my biopsy scheduled at the hospital. I was to be at the hospital by 7:30 AM to get checked in for my 8:00 appointment. I got into my car and started to back out of the garage. Something didn't feel quite right. There was some resistance. I started to drive forward and there was more resistance. The first thing that went through my head was "I hope there is nothing of my new engine dragging on the ground" so I get out to investigate. I had a flat tire on the front left tire! I quickly call my mother to come get me to take me to my appointment. This interupts her plans for the day, but she comes right over and gets me. I get to the hospital, and one of the ultrasound techs has called in sick so I have to wait for a replacement to get in. Then there was miscommunication between doctor and tech until the nurse got them together. The procedure was not pleasant but the up side to it was that the doctor said it looks like just scar tissue, as I suspected. I will find out the results for sure, next Tuesday.

After I'm done and my mother brings me home, I have to deal with getting the flat tire fixed on the car. That was another thing that didn't go as smoothly as I would have liked but I got through it and drove to work.

I felt like eating something more, the rest of the day. I recognized that it was emotional eating I wanted to do. The feeling stuck with me straight through until last night. Wow... that is a STRONG pull in me... like addiction crave I can't overcome. I snacked on some nuts and raisins and drank herb tea. Today, I feel over it. Maybe it's because I'm home relaxing with no worries, having gotten through the week. I've got to figure out how to get through those times. One thing I recognized also is that it isn't good for me to be by myself when I'm feeling that way. I probably need to get with other people to help me stay away from the mindless munching.

Talking to my friend that is doing Weight Watchers (she's my friend that needed to lose more than 100 pounds to get her knees operated on... and she has lost 43 pounds since August!), she pointed out that living the maintenance life means following the diet and only having an occasional treat... not going off the diet altogether... which is totally true!! I find that as long as I'm eating Cohen foods and being choosey with what carbs I eat and the quantity of carbs I eat in the day, is how I can maintain the weight off. This is where you have to accept the new lifestyle of eating carb light for the rest of your life. A bite of pecan pie will be o.k. as long as it is just a bite and not a huge slice.... ya know what I mean? For me... certain foods can trigger an eating binge, so like a druggy, I must stay away from those particular foods probably forever. Certainly having done 1PD, I have become more disciplined and have it to fall back on always.

So... today for Thanksgiving, I am grateful for all of you here to support me and motivate me. I also have made an eating plan... because as you know, you must PLAN your day of eating before you start it. Being spontaneous is dangerous, but if you have in your mind what you will and will not eat, you will have a better chance of being successful. My carbs for today will be a couple glasses of wine and a small sliver of pecan pie and a bite of yams. I will fill my plate with tossed salad, if there is one, and whatever other veggie I feel safe with. I will stay away from the bread and potatoes. I'll report back with how I do.

Stay 100% on Cohen today if you are doing the program. Turkey and asparagus go well together. Turkey and garlic mushroom and spinach would go well together too. Have your crackers in place of the bread, and enjoy a delicious naval orange for your dessert. You can do this! I'm pulling for you!

[Sharon]

hi JoAnn,
Sounds like a really stressful time, glad your mum was there for you. I'm pulling for you that it is only scar tissue like the Dr thinks.
You did well getting through such a rough day, and awesome that you are at goal.
You and your friend are right, we have to make changes for life, if we go back to the eating patterns we had we will go back to the size we were. You sound like you've got your festive season sorted, its like having a map, you know which way to go, without it you just stumble around not going anywhere in particular, and your bound to find a pothole or two.
I see you are going to stay away from bread and potatoes, I find its my general plan for management, when I have bread its generally a my home made treat on a weekend often with a nice soup, with potatoes I can definately leave them - they are just a bland tasting filler as far as I'm concerned, a few hot chips is all I go for as an occasional treat.
Enjoy your wine and that sliver of pecan pie, and have a wonderful day with your family and friends.
P.S. I've got my fingers crossed for you that there is a wonderful salad for you to savour.

[Aqua Eyes]

Thanks Sharon.

I confess that I drank way too much wine. I sampled every bottle they opened. We emptied about 4 to 5 bottles of wine between the 5 of us. I'm feeling it this morning. I sampled the yams and the mashed potatoes were on my plate before I could say no (I didn't put them there). No one had any rolls. There was no salad...just green beans and a cheesy like zucchini dish that tasted fattening. The pecan pie was CHOCOLATE pecan pie! OMG! yummy! Needless to say, I'm cutting way back today! I feel awful... like I got the wine flu...lol.

I'm going to push the water today and stay on Cohen program today. Tomorrow, there is another TG dinner with the family. I have a second chance to do better.

[Sharon]

oops (LOL)
These things happen, especially this time of year.
and really sorry you have caught a dose of the flu, got my fingers crossed again for a salad on the next run.

I can't talk as far as indulgence went, went on a tramp up a mountain for the night and must admit its not necessarily healthy food in our packs, (Port, xmas pies, nuts, cheese, salami, and lots of chocolate ) but we had a great time, this morning was a bit stiff getting out of bed and getting moving for the day, but the bush and the views were great. my weight is hard to gauge as when I do mega muscle work I retain fluid ++, but hoping all the hiking, and rock climbing while pack carrying, balances out all the high energy food, cos you can't do it on lettuce leaves.
Good luck and strength for the TG dinner.

[val2zap]

Joann,

Glad to hear things went well after all your annoyances for the day. I totally relate to your emotional story. That is me (and I'm sure others) to a T. I found out this holiday weekend that if the food is there, I will eat it and there is very little stopping me. I can do ok for a day, but when it's in front of me for several days, there is no hope.

You hit the nail on the head about maintenance as that is what I've been thinking all along. I will have to keep the non-cohen foods out of the house and eating them will be for special occasions. We are addicts and moderation for some can be the death knell for others.

Keep up the planning. We look forward to hearing your trials and successess.

[Aqua Eyes]

I got my results back from my biopsy. NO CANCER! With that said, the surgeon still is not convinced and wants to cut it out and dissect it further. This really upset me! Why bother having a biopsy to tell you that there is no cancer if your intention was to cut it out and biopsy it further? I see my oncologist tomorrow to further discuss this, but I feel very certain that my answer is still NO WAY... no more surgery unless it is cancer. I want to be left alone. I'll go to my scans and we can keep an eye on it, but this is in an area where it has been cut 3 times. It's scar tissue, pure and simple.

I noticed that when I really cry, which I did after this appointment, I feel like eating BIG TIME. I did indulge in a cheat, but I didn't eat my dinner either. I didn't gain anything from it. Today I will be better with the program. I'm calm now.

I'm bringing my mother with me to the appointment tomorrow so I have a 2nd person there to hear what the doctor has to say to me.

I'm flying out Sat. 12:30 AM to Roatan, Honduras to go scuba diving for a week. I will let you all know how that goes and try to post some pictures from that trip. I really need this vacation. I never gain weight from these trips because I don't eat that much because I can't eat rich or spicy foods while I'm diving. That type of food tends to kick back to me in my regulator (eww!). I might even lose weight. I will let you know.

Stay 100% folks and have a good week next week.

[Sharon]

I'm so happy for you that it has come back clear - that is fantastic, but I'm really sorry that you are having to go through the throughts of more invasive proceedures and not able to just move on. Don't worry about your surgeon (their job is to cut stuff) and trust in your oncologist and pathologist, and I think it is a really good idea that you take your Mum with you for support and an extra set of ears.
You go and have a great trip and get some quality diving in, would love to see some pictures, and hear of any exciting things you see.
Take care.

[KMac]

great news Joann, sorry the dr. upset you ;( Tomorrow is a new day & having your Mom with you will bring much added support. I am so happy for your trip, you definetly could use this vacation- have FUN, FUN & more FUN- for all of us! I can only imagine the beautiful things you will see :)
Be well, safe travels- we'll miss you

[Key]

Hi JoAnn,

Good news about the biopsy results... I'm glad you're seeing your oncologist before you go on vacation - you'll be able to leave with your mind cleared of all that worry. Also glad your mom will be with you - tell her hello.

Have a wonderful trip! Post lots of pictures so we can all do some vicarious diving.

[val2zap]

Congrats on your successful results! And don't worry about the little deviation you had - as long as you don't go on a bender (days of cheating on end), you can cut yourself some slack.

Can't wait to hear about your trip. Go and be free mentally - of all things - don't think about the dr, or the diet, or weight. Just live a "normal" life on this vacation and enjoy.

[mommabear]

Yeah!!! So happy to hear about the test results!!!

Hang in there and concentrate on that much needed vacation!!! Enjoy yourself!!!

[Dayanira]

Hi Jo,
I'm scanning through your posts. Sorry I wasn't here when you had the cancer scare. But THANK GOD, it's NOT cancer!!

I'm jealous of you for going to Honduras, so close to my home!!! I'm from El Salvador and Honduras and Guatemala were my second homes when I lived there. Roatan is beautiful, enjoy it to the max, girl. You deserve it!

Dayanira

[Aqua Eyes]

Hello fellow Cohen folks! It's been a month since I last posted anything. I promised you pictures from my Roatan trip. Go check them out! I have tons more, but these will give you an idea of what it was like. I had a lot of fun. I didn't gain even 1 pound on this trip!! That's from the diving. I love that about dive trips. I always drink a ton of water while on vacation as well. I buy the liter bottles and drink 2 to 3 of them a day.

The holidays got me though. :( I can't drink anymore than one glass of wine or I'll put on a pound. I sampled the Christmas goodies, but didn't over indulged too much. I'm up 8 pounds from where I want to be. I'm working on it now. I like the skinnier feel of me. I appreciate reading Dayinara's bit from the book she was reading. I'm going to give that some further study. It makes sense about multiplying the weight you are at by 10 to get the caloric intake your body needs to maintain that wieght. I've started to work out... lifting weights. :weights:I want to look fantastic by my trip to Tahiti.

Did I tell you all that I got permanent makeup done? I had my eyebrows and eyeliner done. I got a lot of compliments about it when I was diving. The women that I was diving with wondered how I always looked so good. I told them my secret. ;) Check out my face in the pictures. It looks natural.

My other goal this year... to find me a significant other. I've not had a date in 7 years. I'm trying out internet dating sites to see how they work. I met a beautiful couple on my trip in Roatan that have been together for 3 years and met from one of the internet dating websites. So far... not much coming my way, but I'll keep you posted.

How are all of you doing? I missed you guys.

[Sharon]

Great to hear your dive trip went so well, and not gaining a pound???, sounds like the dream holiday.
will go check out your photos next - sound like the permanent makeup is perfect for a water baby like you, I just need to put mine on - hopeless - he he - permanent may be the way to go.

Like you I prefer the feel of the slim me - an ongoing work in progress, got the munchies this evening and I am trying to resist the temptation to eat whatever crosses my path. As far as alcohol - I generally avoid wine as it has the same effect on me - quickest way to gain the weight.

Good luck with the internet dating - my brother has certainly found success with a lovely lady ( just be careful as there is alot of creeps out there too).

[Key]

Hi JoAnn! I was wondering how you've been doing. Pictures of your trip look like you've been having loads of fun. You look great.

My brother married a wonderful woman who he met through an Internet dating site but my younger sister has not been so lucky. She's been scammed, both financially and emotionally. I advise you to only communicate with guys who are local and want to meet face to face after a period of correspondence that you are comfortable with. My sister got involved with a guy who said he was local but was overseas working. After he hooked her, this guy mysteriously got very ill, needed emergency surgery and was in the hospital for a very long time ... of course, he needed money wired to his account so he could fly home. In reality, he lived in Ghana. So there can be happy endings and not so happy endings with Internet dating.

[Aqua Eyes]

Key... I'm so sorry about what happened to your sister. How awful for her to have had that type of experience!

I have good common sense and street smarts to sense when someone isn't straight with me. I don't mess around communicating with someone on line for a long time. If I'm interested and they appear interested, I have a phone conversation or two then meet them in a very public place to see if there is anything worth persuing. If they are not interested in calling me or connecting on the phone, then they lose. ;)

My mother has been in Morocco travelling by camel back across the desert. She said it has been one her favorite trips. She has done fairly well to keep from gaining too much weight, but she wrote and told me that she is looking forward to getting back home and back on the plan to lose any excess. I'm so glad we have each other to help keep ourselves on track. I will have to remind her that she has a lovely sarrong that I gave her for Christmas from Roatan to show off on our Tahitian trip, so she needs to lose that extra weight to make it look good on her.

I'm doing the Power 90 workouts to get my body more sculpted. I want to look fabulous by this next summer. My roommate is involved with a weight loss contest. I'm sure we will both keep each other motivated to stay on track.

[Sharon]

Key - am also sorry to hear about your sister, and JoAnn sounds like you know whats out there.
Camel back in the Monacco desert!!!! another great adventure - surely it would work alot of core muscles - especially initially - have never been on a camel myself (hoping in Cambodia to ride an elephant - ) you two are having what I would call great holidays, especially post Cohen, too many people sit on beaches or by pools not moving from there favorite deck chair except to visit the dining table or get another drink - alot of places you don't even have to leave your deck chair for that - we call it blobbing-out and I think it is aptly named.
Weight loss contest sound interesting - is it a TV one where you work in teams for individual and team losses???

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon!

The weight loss contest was set up at my roommate's work where one of the gals lost 80+ pounds last year and she is putting on the contest at their work to see if others there will also lose. They will judge it by percentage loss. The rules are that they can not do any fad diets or use any of the weight loss meds or supplements.

I couldn't just sit around an do nothing while on vacation. How boring! Right? At the minimum I'm out there swimming, snorkelling, or finding something extreme to do.

[Sharon]

What a great idea for a workplace - plenty of opportunity for incentive and support - what is the prize? - other than better health. Is it the business that is supporting it?

Absolutely as far as holidays go but extreme is not me more just happy being active - went to a small island called Matamanoa in Fiji a couple of years ago and went over the top and around it many many times - before I lost the weight (checking out the birds, the bats and the views, you can see the island used in Tom Hanks movie Castaway from there) people are so inactive when holidaying there they have to be guided over the top and get a certificate for there achievement awarded to them at a special evening - and majority don't even make it out of there chairs beside the pool - unreal, and the snorkeling was great - needless to say alot don't bother with that either - sad, they miss out on so much.

[Aqua Eyes]

I'm with you, Sharon, why bother going on vacation if you are just going to sit around a pool and drink all day? There would be no need to go anywhere... you can do that at home. But, I guess some folks must get away from home and actually just rest because maybe otherwise they don't while at home. Me, I sit in front of a computer all day and can barely find the time to exercise.

My roommate is a teacher at a middle school. The teachers are doing the diet contest for themselves. I'm not sure what the prize is for the winner. I'll have to ask. It's great that they are doing it together though. My roommate was very pleased when she lost 2 pounds last week. She moved in with me when I had about 20 to 25 more pounds to lose. She has seen my excitement about losing weight. It didn't seem to phase her. Now that she has a new boyfriend though... she is wanting to look good for him. ;)

[Sharon]

I'm with you in that I also think it is great what they are doing for themselves and each other. and as far as your flatmate goes I'm glad she has found her motivation for change. I think it is like giving up habits or situations in your life - things like unhealthy relationships with cigarettes, food, alcohol /drugs or people - you've got to be ready and it sometimes it can take multiple attempts - I certainly know it is true for me when it came to weight loss, and smoking years ago - and don't many of us know who roam the threads - motivation and positive support can really make the difference.

Keep up those exciting holidays JoAnn - fantastic

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon,

I got the low down on the diet contest. There are 47 participants. They each put in $40, which nets them $1880! They have monthly cash prizes and then final prizes. The big winner will win $300! Money is a good motivational tool, I think. There is a blog that the leader has created. It is one gal that lost 80+ pounds that has started this contest with the teachers in the school where they all teach, plus some outsiders, I think. I hope she does well.

I'm not doing so well. :( I can't stay 100% on the plan. I was so good while I was thoroughly focused on getting to my goal, but now it is hard to go back to that kind of discipline. I MUST do this! At the minimum at least I'm not gaining any more, but I certainly could stand to lose about 10 pounds. I've got to get back into the mindset that I want to do this. I've been dealing with stress lately ... I am placing the stress on myself. I also could use more sleep and I know that the lack of sleep often makes me crave carbs. My mother has just gotten home today from her trip in Morocco. We will have to both get back on track and do this. Maybe we should create a little incentive to keep us motivated like a special gift... if she reaches her goal before me, then I will treat her to something and/or vice versa.

I'll get there... and meanwhile, I'll keep coming back here for moral support. I should read over the recipes and try out some new ones. That might help also.

[Sharon]

I know what you are saying and am feeling for you as I read your thread and write this.
Finding Maintenance was harder for me that the weight loss and has took me a period of 6 months for a progressively upward trend another 6 months to stop the trend and get my maintenance base sorted out and am now working on getting back to my goal. I decided I had better get maintenance sorted first before I looked at reduction as I could do the same thing. I accept that I will have a day or two with periods of eating too well, and now promptly deal with it and alot of it is fluid accumulation when I eat 'wrong', and if i sort it out will go very quickly, I know my weight will fluctuate by 1 - 2 kg over any given time and that is normal.
I have a positive mantra for myself in that I like being who I am when I am at goal and don't kick myself when I slip up, but it has helped me focus on where I want to be and to get there, not of where I am.
It has taken me a year to get myself sorted - but I finally feel I'm winning with maintenance.
Keep up the good work, keep positive and don't kick yourself feeling guilty is counterproductive.
It is great you and your mum have eachother, and I think it would be awesome idea to find an incentive to motivate yourselves. My sister in law gave me some recipes that she has received from her consultant (a Cohen clinic in NZ) but they have things in them that we weren't allowed ???? but for maintenance may be good for us, I'll drag them out and pop them on my thread later this weekend.

[Aqua Eyes]

Yes, Sharon, following the plan was the easy part. Doing maintenance is very hard. Grrrr. I'll get there. I do not want to let this get too out of hand. I am o.k. with being 5 lbs. over the Cohen goal set for me, but being more than that does bother me. Thanks for your words of encouragement. It's nice to know I'm not alone in this struggle, for sure. I can't blame Chris for losing way below her goal before she decided to stop. I actually admire her for it. I almost wish I'd done the same. I hate this contstant battle. Ya know? :sadeyes:

[KMac]

Hi Joann,
I loved your pictures of your trip, someday I told my family we will go there.
You look beautiful in all the pictures, I love the make-up.
If anyone will get this maintenance down it is you, so be kind to yourself.
Letting food steal your peace is the pits, goodluck getting a handle on this- I know that you can & will!!
Have a good weekend :)

[Sharon]

It is a battle worth fighting and it feels great when it all comes together - in other words we have formed new habits which will last the distance and gotten rid of the old which are haunting us. Hang in there and in here (because I do think of this Forum as a great anchor, and I'm positive you and your Mum will succeed.

[Dayanira]

Hello Jo Ann! So happy to see you back here!! I just saw the pictures from your trip, you are a terrific super woman!! I love your permanent make up! It's ideal for the kind of activities you do.

I'm at the same stage as you. I'm OK with 5lb over the Dr Cohen's goal more than that makes me worried. Right now I want go a 5lb even lower than my goal weight.

I'm so grateful of this forum. As Sharon says it's an anchor, it keeps us to stay put!

Hugs to all of you!
Dayanira

[Aqua Eyes]

Thanks all for the compliments and support. BIG HUG BACK TO YOU ALL! I really am loving the permanent makeup. It sure does save me some time PLUS... it doesn't melt off when I'm sweating from dancing and or wet from scuba diving. It definitely was well worth the pain and money.

It would be nice to get my mind set again. I talk about a switch inside of me that needs to get turned on where it makes me want to stay 100% on program for a week. Why am I having trouble finding that switch again? I know one thing... if I allow myself one little cheat, I'm done... I start cheating throughout the day. Usually the time that I'm drawn to the cheats is right after lunch. I'm not hungry... just seeking comfort or something. I make myself a cup of tea but I want something else. I seek out the dark chocolate that is sprinkled throughout the office. At home in the evening I want more to eat than my meal. I wouldn't be bothered by this so much if I was at least exercising and burning off the extra calories.

I gotta go get me some tea. I find the warmth of the tea and extra fluid kind of helps satisfy the craving.

[Aqua Eyes]

OH... I forgot to tell you all about the results of my cholesterol in December. While doing this food program, my cholesterol sky rocketed to new heights and my doctor thought the blood test had been done incorrectly, so I had it done again. The second test was also high. He thought it must have something to do with the rapid weight loss. I talked to another health professional, my PharmD, and she said it was because I wasn't taking my fish oil capsules and eating enough whole grains. They both thought that I should just take it again once I was on maintenance and see if there is improvement.

There was great improvement! Not only did my bad cholesterol come down, but my good cholesterol shot up to over 100 points! :party1: This is totally amazing and proof that supplements, such as fish oil capsules (DHA) really does make a difference.

[Sharon]

Good to hear of your latest blood results, I have started taking fish oil about a month ago as my cholesterol did the same on the Cohen, so fingers crossed mine will have done the same.

[Dayanira]

Oh no! My fish oil tablet were lost in the accident, too!! I must get some more tomorrow!

[Key]

Early on in the program I asked about fish oil and was told by my consultant that I could take 1 fish oil supplement per day. I have to do a fasting blood test for my insurance in a few weeks... it will be interesting to see what my cholesterol has done - it's always been low.

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Key,

Before following the Cohen program, my cholesterol was fine because I was taking up to 6 fish oil capsules a day and had freshly ground flaxseed in a protien drink daily. While on Cohen, I took 2 fish oil capsules a day and cut out all the other good fats, like olive oil and flaxseed and my cholesterol sky rocketed to 295 from 210 (the bad cholesterol) the good cholesterol went from 96 down to 57! This is why it caused some concern.

Now the bad number is 225 and the good number is 115!!! The good number being so high that the ratio puts me in the "no risk" category. This is because I increased my fish oil capsule consumption back to 6 a day, along with other good additons to my diet. I have added eating a serving of oatmeal a couple of times a week as one of my carbs, use olive oil once in awhile, instead of PAM and eat a handful of almonds and walnuts about once a day. It's the strangest thing to see the numbers change like this.

[Dayanira]

Excellent news JoAnn! I've only been taking 2 or 3 capsules of fish oil a day, I haven't checked my cholesterol lately but do you think I should increase the dosage?

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Dayinara,

I am taking Jarrow Max DHA which it says it has the Highest Purity of fish oil. Each capsule has 250 mg of DHA so six of them is 1500 mg of DHA and 216 mg of EPA. This was dosage was recommended to me by my PharmicistD (the D means she has her doctorate in Pharmacuetical studies). Look to see what your fish oil capsules have in terms of DHA and decide for yourself what is best.

Side note here... I was like you, Dayinara, in that I thought I was locked out of the forum some how but then realized that they were upgrading the forum to something else. Personallly, I really liked it the way it was before better. I know I'll get used to this being this way, but I don't see where the change was necessary or where there are improvements. Does anyone else see any improvements?

[Aqua Eyes]

Baby steps... it's working for me. I'm down a pound from yesterday. Yay! Today will even be better because all temptations are out of my house! I am more resolved to stay the course and get these extra pounds off. I hate to admit that I am wearing my Size 10s again. :( I actually skipped Size 8 because I didn't buy any clothes during the short period of time I was a Size 8. So the 10's are slightly large on me but the 6's are a bit too tight for the moment. It will just take a few pounds loss and and I will be able to wear the 6's comfortably. When I get to my goal again, I should be able to actually wear some 4s... but let's just see. For now, the focus is just this week... and one week at a time. This week, my objective is to lose at least 5 to 7 pounds. I know this can be done if I stick to the plan.

I am not doing my old Cohen plan, but I am doing something close to it. I'm eating a little more protien and veggie portion than the prescribed amount in my original plan and I'm eating maybe 4 fruits a day, rather than 3... not everyday, but some of the days when I need it. I am only having 3 servings of crackers a day. I am drinking my cup of coffee with almond milk... not giving that up just yet. I will try to keep the approximate calories to around 1200 because I know that will work. I will keep the Meal 1 the same as the original plan. I will continue with all my supplements and not cut down on my fish oil.

I am going to give this a try for the first week and see what my results will be. I know I can do this for a month. It works to tell myself that this is only for a short period of time that I need to be so strict. After I reach my goal, I will maybe consider doing some of refeed again just to retrain myself for maintenance. I'm amazed that that there are some things I just am better off never eating because I go overboard on them when I eat them.

My birthday is coming up Feb. 3rd and I know I will be taken out for dinner. I am going to follow the principles for eating out that Dayinara's book suggests. You are all my inspiration. I get motivated when I read how strong you all are. I'm looking forward to a Spring and Summer that I look my absolute best!

[KMac]

yeahh down a pound~ love that :)
Sounds like a great plan Joann, you know your body best- I have no doubt you will be back right were you want to be!

[Dayanira]

Hi JoAnn,
We are on the same plan, girl! I only have 5 pounds to lose in order to get to the original goal but 5 more to go where I want to be before my trip. I want to play allow myself to be where I am at the moment when we come back. So, fingers crossed, great determination and the support of all of you, I'll be there in 7 weeks or less!

Thank you for your guidance on the fish oil. From what I'm taking I need to take 3 capsules a day.

Great planning!

[KMac]

Hi Joann,
I was reading your re-feed posts, I found them very helpful. I read something you wrote that might help you deal w/ the chocolate work demon-

One thing that I learned was I have eaten the brownie before... I know what a brownie tastes like... I can have a brownie anytime I want to... but why have the brownie when I know it is a short term tasting pleasure that adds long term negative affects on my body. Pretty much any bad foods like that I'm going to use this type of talk with myself about it. I've been thinking of ice cream and Starbuck's frappacinos. I have to tell myself that it just is not worth making that a part of my life again since it wreaks such havoc on my system.

I remember putting that on my refrig :)

[Aqua Eyes]

{duh}I've just been BROWNIED! Had that brownie thrown right back into my FACE! You know what??? I need to do like you did KMac. I need to print those words out and stick it right where I can read them at all times. Thank you for that bit of reality check. :love7:

[Key]

That really is a great quote. Thanks for recycling it, KMac. JoAnn - you believed it once, you need to believe it again. You can do this!

[Aqua Eyes]

Well the quote is working. I had less of a cheat day today than I did yesterday. I want to keep that going.

I got some bad news today from my bone doctor. My bone density has gotten worse and I'm in full osteoperosis. The doc was glad to hear that I didn't get any broken bones this past year. :eek: We have a plan in action that doesn't include medication, thank goodness. It does include wieght baring exercises.:weights: It also includes some stronger supplements. So... in 6 months I have to have the tests done again to see if there is any improvement. :praying: All the more reason I should keep this weight off too!

[Key]

Hi JoAnn - have you had your cortisol levels checked? Hormones go all wacky at our age and cortisol depletion can lead to loss of bone density. I did a home saliva/blood test that checked all my hormone levels - easy to do. My doc had the kits in his office so I went through him and he interpreted my readings but tyou can also purchase a kit online

[KMac]

Hi Joann,
How are you? Hope all is well :)

[Dayanira]

Hi JoAnn,
Kind of scary about your bone density, especially with all the adventurous activities that you are enjoying with your new body! But sooooo good to hear that you and your doctor have a very good strategy. Please keep us updated with your progress.

Take care,
Dayanira

[Dayanira]

Hi JoAnn,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! {bdaycake} I hope you had had a wonderful birthday!!! {elmo}

[KMac]

Happy Birthday Joanne :)
have a great day & year!!

[Key]

Happy Birthday, JoAnn!

[Chris68]

Hope you had a great birthday!!!! Chris

[Aqua Eyes]

THANK YOU!!! All of you for the birthday wishes!! I haven't been around for awhile... too busy lately having birthday dinners. Sorry about that. {grouphug1}

Key... in regards to the saliva testing. I do that every 3 to 4 months. I have the full panel done, which does include the cortisol levels. I take 7-keto and Corisol Control to support my cortisol levels. I did extensive testing for the bone doctor... a 24 hour urine collection and many vials of blood. He told me that I'm leaching double the amount of calcium this year as I was last year. He wants me to increase my Vit. D (I got a mega dose that I only take once a week), he wants me to increase my estrogen (if my oncologist had her way, I wouldn't have any estrogen! I went to a doctor that believes it will be o.k. for me even though I did have breast cancer and I test estrogen positive) and he wants me to take strontium renalate, which I can only buy from Canada with his prescription. So... I will do all of this starting next week after my breast MRI.

I potentially have a new boyfriend. We've been out twice and I think he is really into me, so I will see what next week brings. This is interesting.

My weight is not going down, especially after these celebratory dinners. Today, I've been good so far. I haven't bought anything I shouldn't have. I'm keeping that thought about the brownie. It helps. I've got to run to the store and buy a new DVD since mine doesn't work anymore. I'll catch up with all of you later.

[Sharon]

Wow so much to deal with, happy belated birthday and if you got through more than 1 birthday dinner and stayed on track weight wise I think you did well and it sounds like you are back on track now. Birthdays aren't known for there healthy food{bdaycake}
All the best with the Dr and MRI stuff {friendhug}.
Potential new boyfriend - exciting - does he dive??? or wanting to learn???
Hang in there with the program and getting/keeping yourself on track JoAnn you have gone through and achieved so much and as you have said it is beneficial to your bones to keep being tiny you, you have been a great inspiration to us all.

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for the birthday wishes. Yes, this new guy in my life does scuba dive and snow skis. It will be interesting to see how this will work out. One problem we have is that we are an hours drive from each other, so getting together more than just the weekend is difficult. I am looking forward to seeing if we can go diving together.

I'm still not doing so well with staying good on the program. I am getting better though. I'm going to see if I can make time for a swim aerobic class after work tonight. More later.

[Sharon]

Its fantastic to hear you are getting better at making things work for you, I know what you mean with regard to getting sorted on maintenance, it certainly can be tough, I definitely have my good days and my bad days, luckily my good days are now far outweighing the bottomless pit days, but the last couple of evenings I could have emptied the pantry LOL. And I think some of us will alway have days like that, its the knowing what to do with them is the party trick. Being back around you guys has certainly helped me to get myself sorted.
Keep up the great work.
With regard to the "new guy", great that you are both into the same sort of stuff, may lead to some excellent adventures.
Do you snow ski as well as dive, or would that a problem with your bone density????

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon,

You know that's a very good question about the snow skiing and my bone density issues. I have skiied since I was 12 yrs. old but I haven't been skiing in the last 11 yrs! I plan to meet my parents and brother skiing the first week in March for a day, but I think I will take it extremely easy, since I am not even in shape. I haven't started working out yet.

CONGRATS to KMac and Key for finally getting to Maintenance! I'm so proud of the 2 of you!!

As for me... I had a week from HELL last week! The guy I was seeing turned out to be a real LOSER! I can't even share how awful that ordeal turned out to be! I learned a lot from the experience about what I need to do for myself and what I need to be careful of. 'Nuff said about it!

My car broke down again! That had to go into the shop. Very expensive and an expense I wasn't expecting! :( Someone made up numbers that matched one of my major credit cards and charged over $1000... thank goodness, my company was on it and called me about it!! Then... our bees flew the coop. You may have heard about honey bees flying from their hive boxes and never returning, which causes the hive to collapse?? There is real concern that we will lose our bees and pollination... they don't know why this is happening. They just fly off and die. Well, that happened to our own personal hive. That was extremely upsetting to me! No more honey for us.

I had hoped to spend the weekend with the LOSER but he LOST it so I had to come up with a backup plan. The heck with sitting at home doing nothing! I went out to a TGIF with my ski club group on Friday night and met some real nice people. I asked a couple of women to join me wine tasting on Sunday. It was GORGEOUS on Sunday and perfect for a wine country tour. I really enjoyed the wine tasting and olive oil sampling. I joined Jetcuzzi wine club. I ended up buying 6 bottles of wine. We had lunch in Sonoma and ended up at one more winery. What a fabulous day! :D

Yesterday, was a holiday so I didn't have to go to work. My mother and I drove down to see the bee keeper to buy some of the remaining honey from our collapsed hive. I bought 4 pints of honey. It will keep forever as long as we don't open it. I use very little of it these days but it is so very good.

As far as the weight goes... I'm UP and then I'm down... playing with about 5 pounds but would like to lose 15. Now that the holidays and birthdays are past, I can stay more focused. I'll try to come here and visit more often. You guys ROCK! It sure does help me to read that I'm not alone in my struggles. And yes, KMac... I am still reading my brownie statement. ;)

[KMac]

Hi Joann,
I have to tell you - YOU are AWESOME!!! I love your posts- always stepping out of the box and doing new things- you inspire me to
accept things in my life that maybe I would have shy'd away from- you keep moving forward - I love that.
Im still reading your brownie statement too!! I overdid it this past weekend, I went back to DC1 this week M-F, and am happy I lost what I put
on this weekend plus a little more. I'm still trying to figure it all out- but arent' we all- lol
I love the song by Michael Bubblea ( I know I spelt his name wrong) - "I haven't meet you yet" its a great song and I think it applies to you- you just haven't meet him yet. No losers allowed in your positive life!!
Have a great day
:)

[Aqua Eyes]

KMac... you inspire me to keep at this. So.. we will inspire each other. :party1:

This weekend, I decided to go to my ski club's TGIF that they have every Friday night at a different venue. I am meeting new people and really enjoying the company. When I was following the program 100%, I would just get a glass of soda water. Now ... well, let's just say I'm not at all close to 100%. Hey... but I'm having fun. :D I also decided not to sit at home on a Saturday night and went and joined some of my new club friends at a place to listen to live music and dance. That was fun! BUT... the clothes are getting tighter and the scale numbers keep going up. :shocked:

This morning I threw in the towel. That's it! I WILL stay 100% on this program until I get back to goal!! Gosh! This has been hard. No more excuses! I have come to realize where I am making my mistakes. I need to give up all sugar things again. I didn't miss them when I was on the program before, so I won't miss them now. More than one glass of wine and I gain weight over night, so no more alcohol until I have reached goal. I want to look my best this Spring and Summer.

I read Mrs. C's posts and there was bit in there about being and feeling cold. That is what I have been feeling a lot this winter. It actually makes me want to eat more because the body thinks I need to eat to get that fat back on me to keep warmer. When I'm not having a hot flash, I'm always cold. And I noted Key's comment about making sure to get plenty of rest... something I'm not doing. So... I have much more to work on in myself. With all of the "shoulds" one is facing in life, it's a wonder that there is time to have any kind of fun... ya know? The other "should" is that I really want to start working out and getting more toned. I like how I look when I am more toned. I also like feeling stronger and knowing I can do some of the activities I love to do.

Today is Day 1 and I've been good so far... but the morning and day at home is never a problem for me. It's the evening that gets the best of me. Now I'm beginning to see what I need to do to over come that. Going to bed early would be a good thing to do.

You all are so FABULOUS here. You all inspire me. Thanks for still supporting me in all my weaknesses. The thing I must tell myself again is that I only have to do this for a short time to get this excess off and then I will do the refeed again.

[Sharon]

Hi there JoAnn,
So sorry about the "loser" - better to know sooner rather than than later - good riddance to bad rubbish I say.
The wine club sounds great, for a social get together, it sound like you are getting out there and having a great time, as far as on the weight though I know for me wine is a shocker - it goes straight to the scales, so it is no longer a first choice if I am going to partake of a tipple or two.
Hang in there for getting maintenance sorted, I have every faith in you finding the right recipe.

[Key]

Hi JoAnn,

I got together with friends on Friday and did some drinking and non-Cohen eating... I thought for sure my weight would be up but it was down half a pound the next morning. GO figure! I was careful - I had a glass of wine when we all got together at my place and another when we went out to dinner... but, I ate a piece of cheese before I started drinking. I keep a stash of those little Babybel cheeses in my fridge just for this kind of occasion. Eating the cheese before drinking made my insulin level happy before it could skyrocket and go all loony, causing weight gain. I drank a lot of water during the evening and switched to tea later on. A friend and I shared an appetizer and split an entree for dinner (still was more food than I needed but it was so good!) - and I requested we get extra vegetables instead of the wasabi mashed potatoes that came with the salmon. It all worked out. You're back on the wagon, I can tell... but go back and study up on your maintenance program - we can do this.

[Aqua Eyes]

That's good advice Key. I will go back and read the maintenance. Interesting that you mentioned eating the cheese prior to drinking the wine. Might be a good idea. I never thought about the insulin issue that could be happening with drinking wine.

I am following my old program to give me a good start on losing this excess. I am still drinking my coffee with almond milk, but I think that is the only thing I'm doing outside of the original program. I need to get my body readjusted again. I'll keep you all posted.

[Sharon]

Key, hadn't thought of the cheese before wine idea, I generally have the cheese a little later if I'm going to have any, will have to try the cheese first this weekend - I have a wedding to go to - bound to be wine don't you think???
Good on you with the meal out with your selection and the extra veges, obviously you hit it right with your selection - must say the wasabi potatoes does sound good ( although I can take or leave potatoes, I think it is the wasabi combination that appeals).

[Aqua Eyes]

It was a ROTTEN day for me. I'm dealing with bill paying that went astray. I did it through my bank... I have proof from them that they sent it out, but the intended receiver never received it and posted it. As a result, I have to jump through hoops to resolve the issue, which always stresses me out! I'm going to have to pay a penalty fee but I can fill out a form to request the fee to be waiived when I can show just cause that I was in good faith. Heck.. I had the Bank do a conference call with them to tell them that the money was mailed out to the correct address and before the due date. It makes me so angry that I have to expend the extra energy to make this go away. Tip to you all... if you pay your bills on line through your bank, do not pay any taxes or support orders or anything governmental using on line bill pay. The bank will not honor any pays that don't get posted properly if you should get charged penalty fees from these types of entities. The bank told me that I agreed to this when I agreed to do on line bill pay. I don't even remember having to "register" to do on line bill pay... I thought I just did it with my service.

Anyway... this put me in a lousy mood all day today. I rarely get in a bad mood. I had a couple of cookies from StarBucks... emotional eating. I conciously did this. I asked myself why I felt that they would make me feel better. Why does the mind or body make me want to do this? I feel bloated now. It felt good at the time, but then an hour later I started feeling the negative effects of it.

At this point, I think when I get home, I'll take a nice lavendar bath and go to bed early. I'll have yogurt for dinner. I noticed that being in a bad mood has really drained my energy. I wonder if it is also hormonal? :thinking:

[Sharon]

Sorry you had such a miserable day, hoped the lavender bath and bed early helped, I'm sure the yogurt will have counteracted the cookies.
Hang in there

[Aqua Eyes]

What a week! I had a Payroll seminar (class) that I took in San Francisco that included breakfast and lunch. The lunch was not all that lean, as you might imagine, but the deserts were a meal unto themselves. OMG!!
Then I went to a special wine tasting event yesterday to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. I was very good on my program yesterday except for the wine. I ate cheese before I had the wine and I do think it helped. I didn't put on any weight. Today, I have been very good on the program so far. It's in the evenings that I am drawn to eat more than I should. I am feeling stronger though. I want to get up early and start doing some work outs. I really want to get some muscle firmed up and stronger. I want to get this excess weight off this month and maybe repeat the Re-Feed again to find that balance.

I really understand about being drawn to sweets because I find it irresistable to stop myself eating them in the office. Now that I reached the goal, I feel resistance to want to make myself go back on the program because I really don't want to be that strict again... but it looks like I have to be strict with myself all the time. I am a food addict... I've turned my addiction to cigarettes to being addicted to foods, I think. I'm eating the portion sizes of meals when I was following my program. I feel that I have better control when I eat smaller portions. I don't feel like snacking while I'm at home except in the evening. I think I get that draw in the evening because I'm tired. I hope I can continue to keep strict this week. I really would like to see some of this weight come off.

[Dayanira]

Hi JoAnn,
I wonder where you were. I understand where you are at the moment. I don't want be strict with food all my life, but it seems that we will have to fight those demons all our lives! The late afternoons are a killer for me, I must always find something to get busy until it's dinner time. I don't understand why it's so hard to go back to the same set of mind when we were doing the strict part of the diet, now that we know what is good and what is bad it should be easy. But noooooo! We tend to go for the wrong choices!

Take care,
Dayanira

[Key]

Hi JoAnn - I remember during the diet phase you found satisfaction in rooibos tea. Have you tried that to satisfy your evening cravings?

[Sharon]

Hi JoAnn, sorry to hear about the weight gain and I fully understand about not wanting to go back on the program - I faced the same dillema, if I had stuck to the rules I should have gone back on. I too love my food and certainly during one week of the month it is a real problem which is taking me a while to sort out how I am going to manage it. Unfortunately with a food addiction you can't go cold turkey - not a healthy option for some reason???LOL. When things got out of control for me I decided that my lack of ability to maintain myself was the issue and if I lost all the weight again I would probably have the same issues and gain again. So for me I found the best option was to stop the climb and sort out maintenance at that point and when I felt under control then look at the extra, not a quick fix but I felt more hope for a permanent one, and the last thing I wanted was always feeling like i was having to deprive myself of what I wanted but acceptance of a eating pattern and choices, I did not want and do not want to face a lifetime of battling with myself. The journey we have chosen is not the easy valley route (staying overweight), but mountainous terrain which will give us many highs and lows but also health, pride, a sense of achievement that only this kind of journey will give you. Hang in there guys you are doing fantastic just keep off that valley floor. (goodness grief I ramble)

[Aqua Eyes]

Hello 1PD pals,

One of the problems I have been having lately is a lot of very smelly, and uncontrollable gas. What was I eating to give me that? I know what I'm eating that has hindered me from not taking weight off and quite possibly contributing to having it come back on... CHEESE. I think it is this same culprit that is giving me the gas. So... I tried a little experiment last night. I avoided the cheese altogether and VOILA!... no gas (talk about not cutting the cheese...lol) and a pound of weight gone over night!!! :thinking: Me thinks I should stay away from cheese for awhile!!

Yes... I'm still drinking my rooibus tea in the evening. I have to get back to visualizing where I want to be with my weight and why to help me overcome the desire to eat in the evenings. I'm trying to go to bed earlier too, which I think is beginning to help. I'm still at work and fighting the desire to go get something to snack on. It's a huge battle I'm taking on right now. I am enjoying some nice hot tea but really want to get some munchy thingy... I won't mention the details of what I'm thinking about eating, because I'm going to win this fight!

If I can get a couple more pounds off by this Saturday, I will be so happy about that! Mom and I are going to the Mustard Festival this Sat. ... more wine tasting and sampling of mustards, balsamic vinegars, foods.... It's a foody's delight. You all heard of the term Foody? I don't know if that is strictly a Calif. term or if it came from the cooking channels. We typically make this excursion our lunch and dinner meals. One day of this experience and a whole week to undo the damage. :rolling:

I bought some almonds yesterday. I had too many handfuls of them, but I still lost a pound. I am terrible with my control lately. :pig: I think as the weather gets warmer, I'll get better though. Thanks for your support all... you are the best!

[Aqua Eyes]

Mom and I had a BLAST at the Mustard Festival in Napa. After going through all of the tents doing our sampling and wine tasting, we ended up at the band stage. There was an awesome band playing old school disco music from various artists and we got up there and danced for a solid hour! My mother hasn't danced like that in some time and she was loving it! It was such a fun, fun day!

Of course, I'm up 2 pounds in water weight...this I know because my scale shows that when I'm up in pounds the BMI goes down in numbers. I will have a good Cohen day today and it will be gone by tomorrow. I'm going to really work hard now to stay Cohen for the rest of the week.

I'll check in with all of you later this week.

[Sharon]

Fantastic to hear you and your Mum had such a great day.
Best wishes for the rest of the week

[Aqua Eyes]

I miss all of you! I just did a quick catch up here in Maintenance Land to see what's new. I am 20 lbs. over my Cohen goal but I refuse to let it go more than that (I shouldn't have let it go over 10lbs!!). My hugest deviation is the free chocolate candies in my office that I crave every day and maybe eating a bit too much off of plan in the evening. BUT... I am getting better control now. I've started working out. Now that the weather is nicer I'm getting out and doing at least one 20 mile bike ride a week, along with dancing on the weekend and I'm making more time for weight lifting and aerobics on the other days.

Tomorrow I am doing a Cycle for Sight 25 mile bike ride with friends in the wine country tomorrow. It ends with a festival of wine tasting and lunch...along with the same band that played at the Mustard Festival that my mom and I danced to. I'm so looking forward to the band and dancing!! I'm missing out on a great dance band tonight because I have to get to bed so early to be up early in the morning for the bike ride. But... maybe tomorrow night, after doing a 25 mile bike ride and dancing a couple of hours in the afternoon, I might have the energy to go out dancing again.

My trick for at least staying where I'm at is to try to do nothing but Cohen meals whenever possible. It's the social times that I have to be extra careful. After the 20 mile bike ride this past Wednesday night, they all wanted to go have Sushi. I didn't like the aspect of the salt and all of that rice, but I ordered a chicken, cream cheese and avacado sushi roll that was pretty good and light enough not to hurt me. Still... would like to be strict for just one month. That would be all I need to do to get the residual weight off, but I'm hoping the exercise will also help me reduce and start getting me firmer. It so hard to really socialize when you are staying strictly Cohen... it can be done, but it is so hard to do. I need to get back to that frame of mind though.

I won a trip! I won a 2 night stay at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort through CSAAA (Triple A). It's a $2000 prize! It would be awesome to keep that as my reward for getting my body in perfect shape. I have one year to use the prize. Meanwhile, I would like to get me a boyfriend to come with me on this trip. I'm still doing Match.com without any results. I have many men that are attached to someone else tell me they think I look fabulous but I can't get any single guys to want to take me out. ???:hypnotic:
I just don't know what they want.

Activities for me will be increasing as the weather gets warmer. There's the Racer Banquet May 8th (from my ski club... I'm going to be a new board member of the club, serving as Treasurer) and there is Dive 'n' Dine at the end of May (camping and diving for Abalone with a huge banquet on Saturday), then hopefully the weather will get nice enough for water skiing this summer. If not... I will be biking, running and swimming... triathalon anyone? ;) But there is always dancing and parties to attend. I can easily make it a rule and still do, not to eat any foods at the parties I attend. I just drink water or tea.

Key and KMac... good to see you both still posting. Glad Ms. Crackerhead popped in to give us an update. Good to see Sharon as always. Dayinara...can't wait to hear about your trip and how'd you do with the food. I've been watching a lot of Mollie & Magee the Barn Owls instead of posting here...lol. The owlettes are way too cute!! Google it ya'll. They are addictive to watch.

Hugs to you All!

[KMac]

I love reading your posts- your always so active & social.
Men- they are a different species- I'm married & still can't figure them out! lol
I'm up about 10 pounds, started dc1 yesterday- I still find comfort in the boundries.
I went to bed at 9pm last night to get out of the kitchen.
I think you should do the triathalon- I was so proud of myself when I accomplished that- its awesome.
Have a great day ;D

[Dayanira]

Hiiiii!!!
I always enjoy reading your posts and the level of your enthusiasm and activities! By doing all that physical activity you will be on target in no time! I noticed that in Israel, I was eating lots of bread but I was always on the move, hence I didn't gain any weight. All forms of carbs are bad, but the sweets are the killers :( ! In Turkey, I think that from all the carbs I was eating 80% were mostly sweets! Get rid of all those sweets at your job and keep eating the right food!

I really wish that you find a nice man soon! Maybe you need to open you eyes wider, sometimes the right one is so close, but we just can't see him! Look around girl!

Heaps of hugs to you!!!

[Key]

Hi JoAnn! Dayanira is right - stop the sweets. Do you feel better after eating them? What's making you reach for a piece of candy in the first place? Do you feel deprived? If so, change the way you think about it... you aren't deprived, you CHOOSE what you eat. If you want to choose to eat a chocolate then good - you've made the choice. Of course, you can also choose to not eat the chocolate. That's how I deal with office sweets. I feel that my life is so rich I am in no way deprived - even of sweets. I just have to be in control of when I eat them. Does that make any sense to you?

I understand your frustration about not finding a guy who is worthy of you... I'm single too and right now I'm just enjoying myself and my friends. I figure I'll meet someone when the time is right. And if not, I'm still happy with my life. Whoever the guy lucky enough to find you is going to be worth the wait $: )

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Dayanira and Key! Thanks for the kick in the butt. LOL!

But you are correct... I know I have control and can make a choice. Getting the chocolates is totally concious. I have to go out of my way to get them! They are located no where near my desk... can you believe it?! But this co-worker that works around the corner in a totally different section of the building keeps the best chocolates on hand for everyone to come and enjoy. Just knowing they are there is a total draw. BUT... today I had our maintenance guy, who is from Mexico, come to me and ask me if I've gained some weight back. I told him yes. He asked me how much had I originally lost. I told him 62 lbs. He said, well you look good right where you are at. Don't gain anymore! I told him I was biking and watching more carefully of what I'm eating to stay where I'm at. That kept me from going over and getting a second piece of chocolate candy.

It's not just the candy at work.. it's also the snacking at night at home with just crackers and cheese. I get the nibble attacks. I try to ration it away and fight myself, but I give in. I really need to increase my workouts more if I want to eat extra or go back full blown onto Cohen's diet again.

Key... I am doing like you... enjoying my friends, getting out and really living my life as fully as I can.. WITHOUT a man! LOL! It would be nice to have one though.

I gave back my prize I won of the stay at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA because all it was that they were giving was the room for 2 nights... no food, no spa treatments, no transportation down there... just the room for 2 nights! It would cost me more than the 2 night stay would have just to make my way down there and buy their food and pay for anything else there! No thank you! They are going to pass it on to someone else and put me in the drawing for the next month's prize, which I'll take if I get pulled. Next month is for a stay at a resort in Napa Valley that includes breakfast!! Now I would LOVE that prize, since it is practically in my back yard and all the wine tasting I could do there.

It's going to be a beautiful weekend. I'm going to get out and bike again and attend a festival in Walnut Creek with Mom. I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

[Dayanira]

Hi JoAnn! How have you been? I need you here! Come back! We need to grab the bull by its horns together :)

[Aqua Eyes]

Hello All,

Even though I've been away, I've often thought of all of you. I gained 20 lbs and have been sitting at this weight up 2, down 2 ... back and forth but only by 2 lbs. This weight that I am at I've been at most of my life on the average. I guess it is where my body wants to be. I still weigh ALL of my food and eat mostly Cohen foods. Where I keep the weight on are those Dove and Lundt's Chocolates left for anyone to take in my office, along with the occasional social dinner out with wine, wine tasting or... gee... just living life to its fullest!

Both the Good, Bad and Ugly has happened in my life. That's LIFE! I'm staying as strong as I can, given my circumstances. At least I do have my health. I may share one day what is going on, but for now, the story is still unraveling and I'm not sure where it will end.

In regards to my eating plan... I think mostly following Cohen has been what has kept me from gaining any more weight. I know what it takes to lose weight and I could do that if I could cut out a couple of bad habits...easily. The Cohen plan makes me feel better and have more energy. My body rebels against complex carbs and too much of "bad" stuff. I pay the price when I over indulge. I'm back to taking baby steps of eliminating the bad stuff in my life to where I can live without it. I remember, while on Cohen plan, I could live without chocolate just fine...didn't even give a thought. I need to get that back.

I've been keeping incredibly busy, but even so, I still plan out my meals and pre-make them. I'll try to check back later with you all and give more info. It's good to see you that check in... Dayinara, Sharon, KMac, Key, Phyllis (You ROCK..losing 9lbs!!) BIG HUG!{grouphug1}

[Aqua Eyes]

I almost forgot to tell you...

When I went through a particularly nightmarish incident recently I did not overeat, or drink or smoke or go on a shopping spree. NO... I did something to improve me. I went out and straightened my hair. Here's a picture of what it sort of looks like:

I'll have to get some more pics of me with my new DO. ;)

[Sharon]

Hi there Jo Ann
So happy to hear from you, sounds like you have some stressful stuff in your life at the moment that has you unsettled, I'm thinking of you and hope the seas will calm for you soon.
In that you are maintaining where you are I think is great and sometimes that is the best we can hope for at certain times in our lives. I certainly found it helpful for me to get maintenance sorted - cos that is a battle in itself. Hang on in there and when the time is right you'll take off with flying colours I'm sure.
Ditto with the complex carbs - but I will still give in and indulge at times- so I'm sitting at maintenance too with about the same to loose as you, am good all week and then relax (too far) on the weekend - doh.
Keep up with the Cohen planning and don't forget to look after yourself, cos you deserve to be looked after.

[Sharon]

Oh my goodness your photo just popped up when I posted a reply to your 11 40am - you look FANTASTIC.

[Aqua Eyes]

Thank you Sharon! :D

I look pretty darn good for being 54 yrs old! I don't even color my hair... very fortunate not to have too much gray in my hair yet. This picture was taken of me before I had my hair done permanently. The picture was taken May 8th at a banquet where I accepted my new board member office position as Treasurer with the ski club... an outdoor activity club. You can see more pictures of what we do (and see if you can find me in them) at http://www.rustybindings.com We do much more than snow ski. Under Photo Album there are a lot of pictures of the fun we have. I don't go to all of the events but you'll find me under Halloween Party (I have a blonde wig on) and Monterey Bike Ride, along with the Spring Banquet. This club has over 200 members. They love to eat, drink, socialize and dance.

[Layne5]

Wow JoAnn! You look fabulous! I wouldn't stress any more about your diet. Just keep doing what you've been doing...and I LOVE your hair! I'm so jealous that you don't have to color it! :)

[Aqua Eyes]

Thank you Layne. It's been fun to make over myself. I still have more to do, but I'll get there. Something else comes along to motivate me to change some other aspect of my life. The Cohen program was the start of it all. :)

[Dayanira]

My dearest Jo!
Welcome back! And what a Come Back! You look fantastic! Everytime you post a picture of yourself you look younger and younger, lucky woman!

It sounds like you have had a rough time lately, I hope it ends soon and positively. In regards of you weight - and mine! - we should look at the bright side. At least we are mantaining. I'm in the same situation like you 2 pounds up 2 pounds down. I sort of like this weight but I'm awfully scared of going over those 2 pounds. I'm about 13 pounds over my goal weight but I want to lose 8lbs. We'll see ... I've been good today, we'll see tomorrow morning!

Take care Jo-Ann. We've missed you here.
Dayanira

[KMac]

Joann you look beautiful!!
Sorry your going through a rough patch- but with your bright spirit & postive attitude you can tackle anything!!

[Sharon]

Hi there just touching base to say I'm thinking of you and how you are doing.
P S - love the name 'rustybindings' - looks like a great team

[Aqua Eyes]

Hello all,

Well... the drama in life can be overwhelming and this is, I am well aware, is where my downfall in eating is. We eat when we are happy and we eat when we are under extreme stress and we eat when we are sad. We eat when we are tired. Well... that sums up my life at the moment. But that's what LIVING is all about!! Right?! So... at least I can say that I'm maintaining, but without exercising, even staying at the same weight, my clothes are getting a little tight. ewwww! So... I know I need to either lose some of this excess poundage or work out. I find the two things difficult to do under my circumstances. I'm sorry that I'm not ready to reveal the drama in my life... maybe that is me wanting to deny what is going on...or embarrassment. I know you all won't pass judgement and are a loving group of folks, and it is my ego that blocks me from sharing... I got an image to maintain, don't ya know! But HEY... I will admit to not being perfect here. So... when I finally get through it all I will share what has happened. It ain't pretty. I'm managing. During a time I could easily get back on the wagon, I'm doing worse than not being on the wagon.

[Sharon]

Hi JoAnn,
Sorry to hear things haven't been going so well and its OK to keep it to yourself, no apology is required, but know that I'm thinking of you and I'm sending thoughts of strength across the many miles to you.
Take care and hang in there{bighug}

[Dayanira]

Just to let you know that I"m thinking of you JoAnne!!! Lots of hugs and prayers!

[Aqua Eyes]

Thank you Sharon and Dayinara for your well wishes. One thing I can share with you was that I had met this wonderful man that I dated for 3 weeks and was very hopeful that it was really going somewhere. He just stopped calling me. I have no idea why or what his deal is, but it kind of put me in a tail spin. I've not handled it too well. This on top of my other piece of bad luck that I ran into that I'm not ready to share yet.

One thing I have come to realize... I need to give up alcoholic beverages. I never drink at home, but when I go out for a social evening, I will have at least 2 beers or 2 glasses of wine and this is not doing me any good weight wise. I'm getting a belly, which I never had before at this weight. OMG! I so need to get with the program. Each day I start out fine, but by the evening I somehow sabotage myself. I need to buckle down and make this work again for me... I want to really want it so I will do it... like I did last year. I think I will try to visit here more often because I do get motivation and inspiration reading what everyone else is doing and how they are doing.

OH... I am getting garden grown spaghetti squash right in our own back yard! It is coming from the seeds I put in the composter and the composting soil has been used to put in a veggie garden. So, I just cooked up my first garden grown spaghetti squash. So tender.

I'm striving for a 100% Cohen week. But... let's just make this for today first. I'll report back.

[Sharon]

hi JoAnne
Sorry about the man, he can't have been the right one for you if he just left you hanging.
About alcohol, wine is worse than chocolate for me, a couple in an evening goes straight to the waistline, I like a lagar beer, and tend to go for the low carb varieties, still have all the taste but not the impact on the waist, can you get it there??
The spaghetti squash sound interesting, have never seen it here, will have to look on the internet to see if the seeds are available.
Take care, hang in there and good luck with 100% Cohen

[Aqua Eyes]

I just read SurferGirl's post about maintenance. For me I think the diet was much easier to stay on because it is regimented and you can't go outside of the boundaries if you want success. Maintenance has been very hard for me because I want to be like everyone else and enjoy what other people are eating, but I have found that I can't eat like them anymore and keep it off. The 90/10 rule that Keys mentions is probably the way I need to work my program.

My weight is up farther than I want it and I know what I need to do. I know why I have gotten here. I'm dealing with a lot of emotional stress this summer and I'm not exercising, which would greatly help me if I were. Each day I start out saying I'm going to be 100% Cohen and then something happens and I deviate from being 100%. While I was doing Cohen last summer 100% I remember how good I felt. It was difficult to have a social life knowing that I had to eat at certain times in certain ways and that made it difficult for me but I did it. I need to get to that same mind set and get this surplus off of me. I remember, also, that I was fearful of maintenance... thought I'd never allow myself to ever gain the weight again.... HA! what a joke!

It helps me to read this forum and be reminded how successful this program really is when followed. It motivates me. Today, again, I am striving for 100% and I want to do it more than just today. But like an alcoholic... I need to take it one day at a time.

Dayinara, Sharon, Key or KMac... if you read this and can personally send me a message, I'd like to share with you what's going on with me. Respond to me here if I can send you a message some how...either through this forum or email. Thanks!

[Sharon]

Hi JoAnn
If I can be of support to you I am here, feel free to send me a personal message, I tried to send you one through this forum but have been blocked, if you want to drop me a link on my private message I will respond.
Take care and thinking of you.
PS I shared the same joke (HA! what a joke)

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon,
Thanks! I will send you a personal message throught this forum. Check for it.

[KMac]

Hello JoAnn,
How are you? Sorry I've been away for alittle enjoying my summer alittle to much- wine, chips, beer you name it I've consumed it!! I'm so with you about starting out good, I have my egg & veggie for breakfest then late afternoon its no good.
We can do this, we have and we will again- we need to just close the door- no is no - I need to tell myself the old saying, 'No, not right now- this isn't forever"

You can message me, I'll go to my page and try to figure it out
Hope your feeling good today :):)

[Aqua Eyes]

KMac!!! Good to see you here again! Now if all of us "oldies but goodies" would just keep coming back here and working together we can do this, right? I need to get back to posting here daily. Life's been a bit tough for me this summer. I think the worst is behind me and I am picking up the pieces to try to get stabilized again. My health has been sucky but this is all my doing and I have no one else to blame but me. You are an inspiration. I'll try to get back here and check in more often. I'll send you a private message soon. I'm so tired right now but I'll write more later. Big Hug to you!

[Sharon]

Great to see you on line JoAnn, and look forward to catching up with you on the threads

[Aqua Eyes]

Well I'm back! The worst of what I went through this summer is behind me! I want to take control of my life again and get healthy again. Yesterday I walked away from a couple of temptations in regards to food and controlled myself in a couple of areas and even though I wasn't perfect, I did far better than days before so I feel proud about that. Today I started off with a 30 minute workout weight lifting. I hate that I haven't been working out for a full year. I want my arms and legs to get toned and strong again... and my abs! I know exercising will help me in so many areas. I am going to challenge myself to get to bed by 8:30 in the evening and get out of bed by 3 AM to do my work out before I go to work. I changed my schedule this summer at work. I am catching a ride with a colleague from my work and the schedule is 6AM to 2:30 PM. I know if I work out first thing in the morning that I will be able to maintain working out every day. I just find too many other things to do in the afternoon and I sweat so much that I hate having to take 2 showers in the day. I just gotta do this. I'll report back and let you all know if this is going to be possible for me. I was also thinking that it would be good if I could include a walk for 30 minutes in the evening a couple of hours before bed. I will see. I'll be reporting back.

[KMac]

Hello, Hello!!
So glad your back, sorry about your rough summer- hugs to you.
Wow you have a work out plan, 3 AM- be careful you don't over do it- make it livable/do-able. Thats one issue ( of many issue's I have- lol) I over do things
in the beginning and burn myself out.
Good luck JoAnn- we are here cheering you on!!
:)

[Dayanira]

Hi JoAnn,
How are you? How are those early morning work outs going? Gosh I admire you for getting up so early to do them!

Sorry I haven't been here lately. But all of you have been in my thoughts most of the time.

Sharon, Kmac and I need to pull through this stage. I think it's all in our minds. I believe once we go back to the desired weight this fighting is going to be a thing of the past.

So let's do it!
Dayanira

PS If you still want to send me a private message, plese do so.

[Aqua Eyes]

I'm single again and can't believe how relieved I am and how I am loving my freedom! :party1: It's amazing that while I was dating, I wasn't really enjoying myself that much and it was an effort at times, always trying to compromise and please. I learned what I needed to learn from that experience and I'm glad to be in full control of my life, once again. Full control of my life... interesting set of words when talking about being in relationship with someone else... as if I couldn't be in control of my life while I was dating. That's worth looking into. :thinking: We both agreed that we were better off as friends and parted amicably.

I am practicing visualization and feel very motivated to get back on program and include exercise :weights: this time around. I love the Spring and Summer, and if I start now, I know I will lose these extra pounds and start looking fabulous the way I did a year ago. I love wearing sleeveless shirts and showing off my abs... but now that I'm older, I really need to get those abs and arms in good shape to wear those types of tops again.

People still think I look good even with the extra pounds. I hope to be a more regular attending member of this forum at least for the next couple of months. Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels, that's for sure! OH... one more thing... I know that following this program 100% is not forever... in fact it is only a tiny fraction of time compared to a lifetime of healthy, fun living. :surf:

[Sharon]

Hi there JoAnn
Wow, you sound so geared up and ready to go.
And it sounds like you know exactly in what direction you are going to go.
Your post is so positive I know you will do well and the extra will be off you in no time.
I look forward to seeing you on the threads.

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon!

Yes! Today was a good start day. I worked out with weights and tonight I went out dancing. Boy.. I felt the burn in my legs when I was dancing. It was so much fun but it just reminds me that I have a ways to go before I don't feel the burn anymore. I look forward to seeing your posts too, Sharon. It's great that you keep coming back here too. It certainly does help!

My mom is on another one of her trips. This past November she was gone for about 3 weeks to Tahiti. Now she is on a cruise to Chile and Argentina and she will be gone for 5 weeks. I told her to expect to see "less" of me when she returns. She has been doing pretty good keep her weight gain to a minimum. One thing we both know, is when we put on weight, our body doesn't feel at it's optimum best. For her it is her back and feet and for me it is beginning to be my knees. When we are at the weight we are supposed to be at, we feel less strain and pain in those areas. Still... my mother is amazing at her age of 75. She still does hiking and biking and snorkeling despite the pain in her feet and back. I hope to be as energetic as she is when I reach her age.

[Sharon]

Sounds as if your Mum enjoys getting away, and if she keeps herself in Cohen check over these times she is doing REALLY well.
Good on you for the "good start" - and out dancing - I LOVE DANCING - wish I so wish could come with you.
Being on the threads really does help me, when I stop I have become the slim trim forever me (not in the near future - unfortunately) or have given up - "NEVER -NEVER-NEVER" I'm too important to me and my family.
I know what you mean about the physical effects of the extra - I know when my weight drops to the X - spot, I wonder how I ever managed at the weight I originally was.
We will make a promise to ourselves and eachother that we will be 'hiking and biking and snorkeling ' etc etc etc at 75+, otherwise we will come and kick eachothers butt - LOL.

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon!

I'm with you on kicking each other's butts if we aren't doing those activities at age 75! LOL! Well... I am good all day on my program and then I had some crackers and cheese and blew it! I know better. I did work out yesterday, though. Today will be a very long day. I won't be home until probably 9:30 tonight. After my long day of work (today is payroll processing day) I am going to the ski club meeting tonight. Do you know I am still considering doing a workout whenever I get home tonight. Just a 30 minute workout. I'm thinking about it... not sure if it will happen. It will depend on how tired I am. I might just go straight to bed.

Well... another day to get it right. Each day I start out visualizing what I want to look like. I will try to hold onto that image throughout today to stay on my program. I will report back later.

[Sharon]

Hi JoAnn,
Easy to blow it when you start on the crackers and cheese - it is so good.
You sound like you have some really long days, it must be hard trying to have the time AND the energy to fit in some exercise, especially at the end of the day.
How did your visualization go? Maybe I need to think of the fantasy of "tummy trim" - not the reality of "tummy tubby"
I see you have redone your ticker, its a good idea, would be a good one for me to follow suit, I haven't had a good Cohen week - status quo - but not loosing, maybe good to have an 'in ya face ' when I come on the threads to give me a bit more motivation.

[KMac]

Hello JoAnn,
How are you? I hope all is well, I have started DC agian- not officially- just using my old diet.
I have been back and forth the past few months- but I just can't take it anymore - its mentally exhausting- to keep
worrying about weight & food- I think its easiier to be on program (( sounds weird, right?)
I like that you changed your ticker- I might follow your lead
Have a great day :)

[Aqua Eyes]

Hi Sharon and KMac!

Good to see you both here. Yes... I did change my ticker. I couldn't stand logging on here and seeing that the ticker wasn't telling the truth. I think it is important for folks on this program to get the reality of being on this program. I remember when I was so motivated and stayed so perfect on this program. Where have those days gone?? I look at the pictures of me when I was at goal and I want those times back, but can't seem to get there. Nope... that ticker isn't moving until I do!

I do have some excellent news though. I am anti medicine and I was found to have osteorperosis in my spine last year. I told my doc I wasn't taking any of the prescription meds. So...he put me on estrogen patches, Vit. D, good calcium/bone supplement and Strontium renalate (something you can't get in the USA! I bought it from Canada). The strontium/estrogen patch/Vit. D + good calcium tablets has worked better than if I had taken the medications given for osteoporosis!!! The doctor was amazed with my results. My bone density increased by 11.1%!! He told me with medications, you may not see increases at all in the first year... maybe less of a decrease... like going from 5% decrease to 2.5% decrease.... not a complete INCREASE of the magnitude that I show.

So now if I would just make exercise a regular thing in my life... at least I'm getting out and dancing once or twice a week. I dance so hard my hair is dripping sweat! I keep trying every day to be good on the program. It's been hard this week since it is my birthday week. I know... EXCUSES! EXCUSES! There is a trip I hope to take this year to Belize to go do some diving. That is worth getting in shape for. :::visualizing myself in 2 pc. bathing suit on tropical beach with cute guys gawking at me:::::

[Sharon]

Excellent about ya bones, really great to hear,
Am all sweaty - I've just come back from a run - and its hot out there even though it is after 5pm, I haven't been that regimented in my excerise either - have some issues at present with arthritis in my feet, have given them a break and I've broken in some new shoes and hope it will help - I'd hate to give running the boot.
When do you hope to go to Berlize? I have 5 weeks to get into shape for my trip.
Like you I have changed my ticker, now there is no escaping the truth that we have some work to do.

[Aqua Eyes]

I had a "clean" day today. No chocolate candy, no chocolate cake... just Cohen food in appropriate amounts. I'm not 100% Cohen, in terms of following my old program. I'm adding almond milk to my coffee in the morning and my portion sizes are just a little bit more... like I chose to have one more rice cake tonight. BUT... I think this is a start. I was soooo proud of myself for having resisted the temptations today at work... and there were so many!!!

Now to add to my trip to Belize that is happening in July, there is also a family renunion to attend in August. We haven't gotten the whole family together for like... I can't remember when the last time was. I want to look FABULOUS for these events!! For the small amount I want to lose, it shouldn't take me long. For now I will not beat myself up about no exercising, but I really, really need to start lifting some weights and doing other wieght bearing exercises.

Gosh! I do want to at least stick to losing weight at the minimum. But... to say I have accomplished one "clean" day... that I followed the program more closely... well that's excellent for me. :party1:

[Sharon]

Sounds like you have a couple of goals to shoot for which is great, especially one where you are going to wear swimwear, is it a group you are going with to Belize? Hubby is going to get a couple of dives in while we are in Thailand the one he is looking forward to the most is off Koh Tao. not being a diver myself I'll stick to the snorkelling and swimming which is high on the agenda while we are away and I wish I was still "tiny mum", but with just over 3 weeks to go she is being a bit elusive.
Sounds like you have cleared house and have made an excellent start, well done, maybe a couple of sets of weights, one behind your desk at work - your could do your work and get pumped at the same time - LOL. Do you have sets of stairs at work? I use to do the 6 flights of each stair well on night shift in my break which was great for the legs.
Keep up the great work.