I'm so proud of my new girls! Congratulations on coming over! I know it's hard at first so SAY those numbers to people! Good for y'all. Now, choose a goal number, either a long term one or a short term one, and put up a weight loss ticker so we can cheer you on!

One of the wonderful things about this group is that we've got ladies that do all different plans. We have people on weight watchers, atkins, south beach, variations thereof, individually designed plans (like me). People who exercise more, different kinds, different ways. There is a GREAT variation to learn from.

My story so far (after the first 15 or so 'I hate my husband' pounds came off earlier in the year) was that by mid October last year I felt like crap, on all kinds of meds for miscellaneous reasons, including elevated blood pressure from anxiety, and had to do something in general to help myself feel better. I've lost 64lbs in just over a year, averaging 1.5lbs a week. Slow and steady. SO, what I've done is cut out fast food (I still eat Subway, or plain Arby's roast beef if I get in a jam), cut out soda, and cut out starchy 'junk' carbs (like rice and noodles, chips and stuff like that). I eat whole grain bread only. I EAT BREAKFAST EVERYDAY, and lots of it -- that was hard, cause I've never been a breakfast eater. But Now I have a 12oz carnation shake (1% milk and the chocolate powder), three slices of ww toast with real butter, and either cheese or fruit for breakfast every day. I typically eat either home made sandwiches or dinner leftovers for lunch, sometimes Subway. And In the evening for dinner, I have whatever meat I'm preparing, along with a BIG pile of green veggies -- that is filling. Sometimes another slice of ww toast. If I'm really wanting the pasta or whatever, I'll just have a tablespoon or two. I don't buy anything lowfat except milk (1% organic). I do allow myself a 'vice'. For a while, it was chocolate pudding. For a while it was hostess chocolate cupcakes. Hot cocoa. Now, it's plain hershey's chocolate bars. I MIGHT have one a week, and usually don't eat it all at once. Another BIG key for me is that I increased my fluid intake; I drink one 32oz gatorade every day, and then refil the bottle with water, and drink that too by then end of the evening (I often don't get through ALL the water, but I try). Also, after I eat dinner, I brush my teeth and use mouthwash -- it changes your taste somehow so you know that any snacking you'd do, well it wouldn't taste really good. I was pretty strict with myself (like no extra little bites or cookies if someone brought them at work, that sort of thing) for the first month or two, and then as the train really got rolling, I have my moments where I let something slip past. I've had less than ten sodas in the past 7 months. One was about a week and a half ago. I have noticed that after a few months, your tastes change themselves. I don't even buy pre-packaged meals anymore (like lean pockets or ww dinners), because they don't appeal to me now. I promised Claire I'd tell her what I've done, and that's basically it. I just struck gold for myself, and dramatically changed my metabolism, almost by accident. I don't know if it would work for everyone, but it worked for me. I'm one of those people who has never been thin, and put on weight at a few different points, some of it crept on. I've always tried a little of this or a little of that, but nothing ever worked. Weight watchers worked for me for a little while about 5 years ago, but I couldn't keep up with the meetings, etc. Oh yeah, and I haven't exercised regularly, but am starting too. Except I've forgotten my push-ups for the past three nights (home stuff; distracting). See? Even the 'biggest looser' slips up (where's that tiara?). I'm 5'9"; I was 267lbs last spring, into a size 20, and as of last Sunday am now 203lbs, comfortably in a size 11/12.

Lindy ~ One of the infant mommies, Pam, I think (spamelita), had gestational diabetes and managed it completely with no complications with just lifestyle -- maybe she can give you some pointers? I know practically nothing about diabetic diet. I know it's not the same thing, but maybe it can help?

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