Another newcomer...HI Everyone!

[Lolox4TS]

Hi Everyone ~

I just wanted to say hello and introduce myself. I am new to the diet as this is only my 4th day. I'm so excited! I wanted to join the forum in hopes to share this experience with others going through it too. {grouphug1} I like meeting new people, and I have enjoyed reading your threads and seeing your neat ideas and recipes. I so look forward to the next 12 weeks! Good luck everyone!! :hug:

[Bronwyn]

Hi there Lolox4TS!

Congratulations and welcome aboard!! Tell me the story behind your nickname, what does it stand for? You're gonna love this diet as it works SO WELL!! Good luck to you too!

[Hugentobler]

Welcome...welcome...welcome. You have just joined a great group of diet buddies. Always remember that we are here for you. Good Luck.

[Lolox4TS]

Thanks so much Bronwyn and Hugentobler! I have read many, many posts here and everyone always seems to know just what to say to keep someone motivated! I started this diet on April 14th so today is my 5th day. I'm already seeing the boredom in my food choices but am fighting to stay with it. :sadeyes: I see how others have faced the same issue, fought through it and see such great weight loss the first month. Instead of focusing on the frustration I can't have what everyone else is having, or that I can't put a mini reeses peanut butter cup in my mouth, I try to think past all that to the end result. There is definitely a reason for joining this diet ~ it works!!

Bronwyn, you asked about the story behind my nickname ~ without trying to sound "mushy"...my nickname means Lots of Love Hugs & Kisses for TS (TS being my husband). I have had weight issues for most of my life and I would love to get to a point where I would consider letting my husband see me naked! I want to lose weight not only for myself, but for my family. I want them to all be proud of me and be excited to stand beside me. My husband is absolutely wonderful and would stand beside me no matter what my weight is...but I just want to look good for him.:love1:

I want to thank you both for the warm welcome! I really do look forward to chatting and getting to know everyone. Although I want you to reach your weight loss goals, I do hope you won't be leaving too soon! BTW ~ Dr. Cohen put my target weight at 146. My first thought ~ HoLy CoW! The lowest I've seen (in my adult life) was 165. Do you really think I can get down another 20 pounds? WOW, he has definitely given me a challenge!{idk}

Until next time ~
Traci {tweety}

[Shasha]

{hi} there Lolox4TS! (Tracy)

A very WARM WELCOME to you – sorry, I was caught up in the project of rearranging the recipe section when you joined, so am only able to catch up on all the exciting and good stuff now again…

Anyway, I’m so glad to have you on board :bighug: and, let me say … your little mushy nickname Lots of Love Hugs & Kisses for TS brought tears to my eyes - that have not left yet! THAT is sooooooo very touching! Thank you for being brave enough to share your goals and dreams this with us {grouphug1}

From what I can see, you’ve got every reason to MAKE THIS WORK!!! And, I believe this is going to be your LAST DIET EVER! AND Girl, if you don’t mind me saying so: YOU ARE GOING TO GO PLACES YOU’VE NEVER BEEN BEFORE!!! YOU at 146 is going to be FANTASTIC!!! YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Believe in yourself and believe in Dr Cohen’s Formula for your success!!! {cheerleader}

[MrsPeel]

{I'm already seeing the boredom in my food choices but am fighting to stay with it.}

Hi, Traci, & welcome to the Forum! I know you will do smashingly well on this fantastic plan.

Your comment, above, made me think - one of the big problems with our affluent Western society is that once good, nutritious food was no longer scarce, food was elevated from necessity to entertainment. Most people in developed nations no longer wonder where their next meal is coming from - they're now free to wonder what they'd like to eat and how delicious it will be. We can eat foods from all over the globe and in all different seasons. Restaurants aren't just services along roads so that travellers can eat, but destinations all by themselves, for socializing and dining pleasure.

Then, too, the industrialization and more recently, the computerization of our workplace has meant that far fewer of us perform the sort of manual labor that burns the calories we consume. I think of my grandmother doing her household laundry - carrying heavy baskets of clothes down to the basement and washing them with her old machine, putting the clothes through the mangle, and carrying the wet clothes back upstairs to hang them on the line outside to dry. That was her version of Curves!

All this to say that we need to reassess our relationship to food, especially those of us on the 1PD. Rather than dwell on the limited choices we have for meals (which actually are not that bad - you'll see as you get farther along & try more variations), try thinking of food as fuel for your body, which is what it is, and not as entertainment. Find pleasurable things to keep you involved and stimulated, and don't look to your meals to do that. Focussing on the goal of rapid weight loss will help more and more as you start to drop the pounds. After all, you have chosen to do this diet plan - you're not under duress, so give yourself a round of applause for a smart, healthy choice! And remember, your body doesn't care what you eat as long it is nourished - it's your mind that gives you cravings & temptations!

[Shasha]

{hi} there Everyone

:hiding: THOSE are VERY WISE WORDS Mrs Peel!

Food is only food and we need to be careful not to make it more than it really is: I'm lonely... food; I'm bored... food; I'm frustrated... food etc.

Besides, how healthy are those ‘wonderful’ "foods" that we use to eat in any case? They left us feeling miserable, down, depressed, fat, sick, unhealthy and in pain and without clothes that fit…

This diet is the perfect time to realize what is actually FRIEND and was is actually FOE in our lives…

We can eat ANYTHING, but not EVERYTHING is good for us!! {goodjob}

[GettinSkinny]

Well, hello there, Lolox4TS, and welcome to our little cult of diet groupies. :) Cute name by the way and I can relate to your story because I too have a great husband who would love me no matter what, but it would be nice to look nice for him as well as for myself. I can also understand about the food boredom and I sometimes let myself slip into a rut concerning food preparation, because my life is hectic and sometimes monotony goes hand in hand with easy. But I try to break out of my mold at least once or twice a week and try a new recipe. It helps with the boredom and sometimes, I find a new dish that becomes a favorite. Good luck with your weight loss!!!!

[Lolox4TS]

MrsPeel and Shasha ~ You both are absolutely right! We tend to give into our minds and indulge ourselves when we should be listening to our bodies. I mentioned before, I’ve had weight issues pretty much my whole life. I have lost weight a few times in my adult life, only to gain it back again. It’s like food was my addiction, my drug of choice. I ate when I was hungry and even when I wasn’t. Eating seems to go hand in hand with all different emotions. Food is comfort and it seems so satisfying when we eat those fattening foods. Only the satisfaction is only temporary because when the pounds hit, we’re not so happy!:thinking:

I understand and agree that it’s our minds that give us the cravings and temptations…but even so, it seems they are always there. I am filled with many mixed feelings in the fact that I want to succeed at this and as quickly as possible. However, as my family continues to eat as they always have been eating pizza, spaghetti, snacks etc., and when my 6 yr old and 4 yr old are asking me to dish them up some chocolate ice cream, I think of giving in even for just a bite (okay, a big bite). Thinking to myself, “how much damage could a bite do?” With having 5 kids at home….wow, temptations galore! I am proud to say, I haven’t given in to anything yet, but it’s extremely difficult at times.

GettinSkinny ~ Totally hear you when you talk about monotony as that’s how I felt the first week. I felt as though I was eating the same exact thing each day. I have tried a few recipes here, and they were great! I definitely check for new recipes every time I get on the forum. I also wanted to say, I really love how you have recorded your weight loss each week. I like to see how others do on a weekly basis. When I can compare others to what I have lost, it makes me feel as though I’m doing okay and am losing what I should be.

Thanks so much everyone! I really do appreciate your feedback!!
Traci{tweety}

[Shasha]

“how much damage could a bite do?”

{hi} there Tracy

Oh really? You are thinking throughts like that... {uhm}

I’m sitting here smiling to myself and wondering just what kind of an answer you might be hoping to hear? Perhaps: One big bite of chocolate ice-cream will do nothing much… okay, nothing much - unless you count that it will only upset your hormones and it will only put you one whole week behind… that’s only 10080 minutes… no big deal... {lol}

For the real truth behind that bite of ice-cream, please go and read my post called “Have you fallen off the bus?” in the Support section. Quiet a few Dieters have derailed their whole diets due to just one bite!

Seeing as you enjoy ice-cream, why not try making some of those in the recipe section? There's a thread for this. You can have healthy weight loosing ice-cream instead.

Someone used this wonderful description in this week and I can't remember who, or where (sorry) but they said that for your car you use only the best motor oil, fuel etc. Well, you can replace your car! Not your body - it is the only one you have!

About your children - we all want the best for our kids... right? Teaching them right things from small, right? Well how about healthy eating and limiting sweet treats so that they do not struggle with weight problems when they are older.

By the way, have you read the ingredients for some ice-creams? Those are normally quiet interesting and motivational - lots of the contents are sugars and chemicals that we don't need.

Maybe you can use your diet time to start bringing in new healthier food habits for the whole family? I'm not say put your kids on diet because you are on diet. {noway}

But you can teach your children that deserts are a special treat say twice a week, other days we make a fruit desert ie: fruit salad or cooked apple or even diet ice-cream or yogurt with fruit. Something that does not just contain unhealthy empty calories. You can arrange the fruit nicely in a desert bowl and try to find healthy goodies that they do enjoy like maybe mango or other fruit.

Always remember: Prevention is better than cure. If you don't overload their systems with super refined sugars when they are young, they will cope better with their weight for the rest of their lives.

Added benefit: less temptation for you on diet and after your diet too! But, it's not about you, this is about your helping them to eat healthy foods too!

[Lolox4TS]

WOW Shasha ~ I feel as if you could have reached through and {slapfight} slapped me silly! I felt terrible for even ‘thinking’ what I was thinking. I have resisted every temptation that has been placed in front of me, and I’m very proud of myself for that. Last night at work, my own mother sat and ate caramel dips (ice cream) in front of me. {scream} Caramel being my most favorite! I focused on my chicken and asparagus, and knew I was doing the right thing for me. Each time I step on the scale and see weight loss, it reassures me I am on the right track. :party8: I will continue to march forward in hopes to reach my weight loss goal as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your words, as you have definitely given me things to think about. I do want what’s best for my family as well as for myself.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Traci

No smacks meant my little Buddie, only serious cautions about what you are thinking... in this game you can't afford to think wrong...

The power of suggestion is dangerous, look where it landed all of us when Eve ate...

I'm glad that you are taking this very seriously... I don't want you slowing down when you should be getting smaller and smaller all the time... remember your goals are BIG and IMPORTANT and BEAUTIFUL!

So, guard or change your thinking by thinking out load: it's only ice-cream, no big deal, it will always be there... and now it's not going to be allowed to distract me - I'm going to look so nice, I can wear my denims again, hubby is going to be so happy to see me... maybe plan a nice trip as a reward for when you are finished... Let the dreams live BIGGER!

And, please do try making melon and diet sprite sorbet or mango - just blend it and freeze it and mash it up every now and then in the process... I think it's really nice! Who knows, you may too! Just don't freeze to death!! LOL

It does help to eat when others eat ie: have a fruit desert such as baked apple in diet cola soda can make you feel just like you've had apple pie.

You said:


Last night at work, my own mother sat and ate caramel dips (ice cream) in front of me. {scream} Caramel being my most favorite!

So your Mom LOVES your favorite ice-cream too? Pardon me for asking: Are we talking about the apple not falling far from the tree or what?? I wonder why? Perhaps it was what you saw your role model doing when you were a child?

Question, what are you going to do in 20 years time when one of your children wants to lose weight? Will you also eat ice-cream in front of them now that you know how it feels? (I'm betting NEVER!)

Well, what if you could prevent such a situation from happening by teaching them to eat healthy now?? Prevention is better than cure...

I know with all my heart that things in your home are going to change for the healthier and, that's GOOD!

Remember, it starts with healthier shopping and don't even tell them what you are planning... simply try a new recipe... and Ooops, forget to buy the ice-cream this week...

A nice desert that my Granny taught me to make a long time ago is 500 ml plain yogurt and a packet of red jello. Mix jello with only the boiling water and allow to cool to almost room temperature. Place yogurt into a glass bowl and pour in the red jello. Kind of play with the jello and the yogurt until the pink mixes through looking like art work. Allow to settle in the refrigerator and serve cold. (HEY GRAN > LOOK, YOUR RECIPE IS WORLD FAMOUS NOW!!! {wave})

If you can find diabetic jello it's even better than having jello with sugar. I believe that the yogurt will help to block insulin so it's healthier than lots of baked deserts etc. Some bits will be sweet and others a bit sour - if you want more evenly spread sweetness for smaller children, mix in the jello better.

By the way, every time I see your name I want to call you 'Hubby Kisses' :flirt:

[Lolox4TS]

:hii: Shasha and thank you for your words of encouragement. I approached this diet in hopes to better myself, but if I can better my family in the process than that will be an added bonus!

Your jello recipe does have me very interested even though I have not been a yogurt lover. I am definitely going to give it a try. I'm not sure if I can find diabetic jello, so would sugar free jello work? I also wondered ~ if we are allowed to have the jello mixed with the yogurt, are we allowed to have the plain sugar free jello?

I also posted another question under Megsy’s “Eat after 9pm or miss 3rd meal?” thread in FAQ’s. This was my question, and I was hoping for some feedback ~ With my work schedule, I am working until 2 am four nights a week. It’s at least 3 am (or later) before I get to the point of being able to go to sleep. Right now while the kids are in school, I’m having to get up between 7-7:30 am so getting my first meal in before 9:30 am or so is workable. Then all three meals are in by the 9 pm. My question is ~ when the kids are out of school in a month and getting a little extra sleep in the mornings is an option, getting my first meal in wouldn’t be as early as it is now. This will push the other two meals out later, which means the 3rd meal wouldn’t be done by 9 pm. I know you aren’t suppose to go to bed soon after eating, so is there any option of eating just a little later where I don’t go to bed until early morning? OR, do I sacrifice the extra sleep to ensure I get that first meal started early enough? For a mom that has been going on 3-4 hours sleep most nights, I so look forward to being able to sleep in a bit for the summer days. However, I DO NOT want ANY setbacks. I am continuing to see weight drop off, and I really like the direction in which I am heading.

[Shasha]

{hi} there Traci

BIG NB: THE RECIPE WITH THE JELLO WAS FOR YOUR FAMILY or for you after dieting!

Jello is NOT to be used while you are on the 1st Personal Diet Program... no jello on the program. No, no, no... NEVER! Dr Cohen will strangle me!

For your family I do believe the sugar free jello would be better than jello with sugar.

I did reply to your post... will go and find the answer to stick in here as well...


Hi there Lolox4TS

If you are working shifts or late nights like you are until 2 am, you do not have to keep to the 9 pm rule. {noway} If your case you may move your last meal a few hours later. We recommend that you eat two hours or more before going to bed. So in your case even eating at 11 or even 12 pm would be fine, especially because you are only going to sleep at 3 am.

It is very important that you get more sleep, :sleeping:besides human growth hormone (your fat burning hormone) is produced at night while you are sleeping. :sleeping:

[Lolox4TS]

:hii:Thanks Shasha, I can always count on you to help and clarify things for me. :applause: I was definitely ready to try the jello and yogurt recipe, so I'm glad I have been too busy to get to it!! Looks as though I will be waiting a few months...and then giving it a shot. I am still so very interested!

Thanks again for always responding to my questions ~ I really do appreciate all your feedback!

[Shasha]

{hi} there Lolox4TS

:flirt: you are most welcome :flirt:

Do make the yogurt and sugar free jello in the meantime for the kids and hubby - along with other healthy fruity deserts etc... If you have some berries, you could add them in as well or use to decorate... FYI: AFTER THE DIET, Dr Cohen says that cheesecake is the healthiest cake because the cheese content will help to block the surge of insulin from the sugar. I believe that yogurt will work in a similar way.

While you are dieting, you can get your family eating healthy foods... this way, you help them and yourself... When you are off diet you won't be able to go back to former bad patterns but you need to learn new healthier eating patterns. If your family already eats healthy the transition will be easier and less tempting to go back to the old ways that made you gain weight in the first place.

I believe it’s a good idea to limit sweets and cookies for children to treats and that children should not rely on treats to curb hunger - that must be the role of healthy foods and fruits.


Happy & Successful Slimming to you {cheerleader}