QOTD: 4/5/04: What does and doesn't work

[TracyD]

Let's start a thread about what's working on our weight loss journey...and what are our stumbling blocks along the way.

What works for me: well, I've been going through a rough patch (not meant as an excuse), but what has worked in the past for me is: journalling, visiting bcb and exercise!

What doesn't work is what I've been doing so far... winging it and promising that I'll get back on track tommorrow. (ready for my kicks now!)

graemlins/bcbsalute.gif
TracyD

[SerendipitySmiling]

As long as I journal faithfully and accurately, I do okay. If I add exercise to that, I do phenomenally. What I need from time to time, though, is a swift kick in the butt to stick with the journaling (exercise usually comes a bit easier for me!)

-Mindy

[michellelee]

I don't have a problem with my journal, actually I like writing everything down.

What works for me:

Using resources like BCB, WW Website, Put down the Donut, etc. When I'm at work and having a hard day, I'll look on these websites before I snack and by the time I'm done "surfing" my cravings usually are gone.

Also, I have a BCB that I show my journal to everyday. It helps me stay on track knowing that I have to be accountable for all I put in my mouth.

What doesn't work for me:

Making my husband treats, I tell myself I won't eat them...but I end up eating more than he does. I think I secretly make them for myself and use him as an excuse. I don't bake anymore, needless to say.

Going to family functions...I pig out no matter how hard I try. Now I try to limit big parties to a few a year.

[mhawthorne]

I have to say that writing everything down is one of the key things that works for me. I have had to force myself on a couple of occasions to write down the "BLT's" and just extras that I snuck in. But once I did that and checked off the flex points, the extras have not been as bad as I thought. This has kept me from continuing along the path of, "well I blew it, so eating more will not make a difference".

Another key for me had been exercise. I walk almost every day between 30 & 60 minutes. I have noticed a big difference in my weight loss since adding in the walking from the other times I have been OP and didn't exercise.

Michelle

[ashlee]

- Writing everything down
- Walking (for exercise) every day and when I feel stressed too
- Eating "enough" protein
- Not being lazy in fixing meals, i.e. just have a salad and not adding protein. Protein keeps me full longer
- Not eating sweets, other than fresh fruit, ff. yogurt
- Working on not getting depressed, which leads to over-eating
- Trying not to eat after dinner
- Eating "meals" and not snacking all day long
- Not buy "snacks" at Bulk Barn of any kind

What doesn't work is not doing the above. Letting "people or situations" dictate my mood and thus over-eating.

Realizing that I'm "worth" doing this for. It's so good for me. :D

Ashlee

[LuckyStar]

What works for me.
- journalling (this is important for me)

- exercise (I need this as well. I need to preplan when I will be at the gym. Then I go.)

- planning my meals for the day ahead.

What I need to work on.

- drinking 8 glasses of water or more daily

- getting in 4 or more fruits & vegs. daily

- being a friend to myself (not self sabatoging myself)

[ginnyb]

Journaling is a must!!

I also have 3, yes 3!! points finders (2 were given to me by previous WW members) so I have one in my purse, one with my food guide books (I keep these with me at work and at home), and one next to the stove in the kitchen. This gives me NO excuses not to figure points!! It also lets me make really good choices about how I "spend" my points.

I have also found that the bags of baby carrots are my salvation. I need that chewing, crunching sensation, and I get that by eating these carrots. I usually have a whole bag every day--half in the morning and half at night. I count them as one point and I figure it's lots better than trying to resist chips or popcorn while watching TV at night. I'm also getting a couple servings of veggies. Who knows, maybe my eyesight will improve, too!!

I think the most important thing that works for me though is my very supportive husband. He has not gone on the program with me, but will eat whatever I cook without complaint. He loves all the veggies and salads and doesn't complain about not getting some of his "old favorite" dishes. He also looks out for me by asking if I can go to certain restaruants and still stay OP. His support makes me feel so good. Hope all of you have someone who does this for you. If not--there's always all of us!!

Have a great day and keep fighting the good fight!
Ginny graemlins/wave.gif

[MariaG_in_Boston]

What work for me

1. Exercising 4-5 days a week. I do Taebo and I LOVE it. I find it easier to wake up at 5am and popping in a DVD than going to the gym. I only go to the gym on the weekends now.

2. Counting points before eating something. Its so discouraging to eat something you thought was harmless, only to find out it was worth 10 points!

3. Eating before going to the grocery store. Nothing is worse than going food shopping while you're hungry because you'll stock up on candy LOL

4. Going to Weight Watchers weekly. Those old ladies that weigh me every week keep me in check. I hate when I gain because they look at me like "I know what you did all week..." LOL!!

What doesn't work for me...

1. Buying candy and saying its for my kids. I am good at willpower, but putting temptation inside my home does me no good.

2. Ordering out. I find it easier to count my points if I just cook the food myself.

3. Sneaking a piece of food in my mouth and then not counting the points later on. I don't know who I'm trying to fool! LOL