Don, good for you! I used to have to remind myself about a few extra pounds, and like you, knew exactly what to do to correct! Walk, walk, walk, and eat less! You worked far too long to reach that goal of a HEALTHIER weight to let it go! Keep it up!

AOL had some news thing the other day that doctors cannot argue that the best thing we can do alone to add years to our lives is to not be overweight!

Thanks all. Ya'll have been so great and supportive.

Weigh in on Monday went really well and I lost 6 lbs total last week. I am now three pounds under my goal weight. I even celebrated with a glass of red wine last night. Other than the one splurge, I am still sticking to my guns for the remainder of this week.

Way to go Don! I had gained 4 lbs from my cruise this past April and finally have lost all of it. I am still at my goal weight - at times I may waiver by a lb or 2, but once it goes over 2 lbs I cut back before things get out of hand (like you did).

Oh no, is this a bad time of year to bring this thread back up or what???

Just got back from celebrating my birthday and Thanksgiving in Paris. OK, so try to stay on a low carb diet in Paris!!! LOL Yeah, like that is going to work. Not as bad as I thought things would be (probably all that walking) but still have to get back to it.

I'm sorry that I haven't been around much, but I have missed everyone.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Welcome back Don! I have missed you and it is not a bad thing to bring this thread back up...it may be a good reminder for us to all eat sensibly during the holidays.

I am still taking a lb. off here and there (not really trying to because I am under my goal wt) - walking 5.5 miles a day. How are you doing?

When this thread was active before, I stayed away from it. Didn't want to hear any talk about dieting and losing weight. Well, today I am bringing it back.

I am starting a diet this week, one under my doctor's care. It's called Nutrimed and is a liquid diet. After having one of the shakes last Thursday, it has really curbed my appetite or motivated me to think so. I've walked two mornings and really feeling good about doing this.

I hope to lose 50 lbs by Christmas. My doctor knows I am going on MOOSE, but I just hope not to overdo it on the cruise.

Anyone else want to join in on this weight loss thread?

Beth, we can keep an eye on each other on MOOSE! Last time on the Mariner in Alaska, I ate a entire plate of baklava. I don't wish to repeat that act this time!

Good for you, Beth. Another way to look at cruising is that you have access to wonderfully prepared fresh fruit, salads, vegetables, fish, etc. and you don't have to make it yourself. Keep up the good work and we'll see you soon. :)

Karen, I have issues with baklava too.....also those 3 pound scones!

Beth that is great! It may not be easy, (I can tell you first hand) to stay on track, but it will be worth it! Just take one day at a time and do it in small goals i.e. 5 lbs at a time and give yourself a pat on the back for the hard work and dedication! :)

You all are such great help and support. Thanks so much.

Karen & Kathy, I like baklava fine, but don't love it. I'll be sure to assist in any way to Stand Down From The Baklava!!

Kathy, you are so right about the fresh fruit, fish et al on the ship. The halibut is fantastic. I am also looking forward to the lobster, but I am not a garlic butter person. I found a great sauce for crablegs a few years ago that I just love. White vinegar, 4 shakes of hot sauce, then crack black pepper to cover the small bowl. It is so fresh and much lighter than the standard.

I do love the "little sweeties" that are brought to the table at the end of the meal, but am quite picky about them.

Sue, thanks so much for the tips. I knew I could count on you, dear friend!!

Randy and I are just inside from doing yard work..... more exercise. YEAH!!

I too have avoided this thread like the plague. I can't say I have a denial issue as I know I am fat (hate that word 'obese') but I have lost weight so many times in my life and as soon as I go off a diet (therein lies a clue) have ended up fatter than when I started. My doctor said I must be on a good maintenance plan as I have been this weight for years - I don't think she was joking with me though! All my best wishes and congratulations go to those who achieve this very difficult task! Lee

Good luck Beth! As Lee said a struggle for many of us - have total confidence you'll be a success!!!!

Wishing you the Very Best in your quest, Beth! You're off to a great start!

Just curious....has anyone ever heard from Don??

Beth, you go girl. I need to jump back on the weight loss wagon myself. Hope you'll keep us all motivated by your success.

Kathy, I've been wondering about Don, too. Hope he'll report it in.

Thanks, everyone, I knew I could count on you all for encouragement. I go to the doctor's tomorrow AM ....... finishing up my final favorites before I begin and get focused at my new goal. Will keep you all posted.

Yes, I do hope Don pipes in with his words of wisdom.

Beth, for all I know it does nothing for the weight, but I feel so good after a long long walk. They say walking is the best medicine

Diane the combo, less calories and exercise, magic! I know did it many yrs ago the weight melts off -

Beth, FWIW, back in the days when I would sometimes want to lose weight, I found walking about 12 miles a week I could lose a pound without changing my diet at all. I'm a big believer in the diet/exercise thing working. Good luck! But mostly, enjoy life as you are losing, or surely you will get discouraged!

Yes, WHERE IS DON?

Beth...we're all here for you and you're going to do great...good luck and take each day at a time.

Nancy

Thanks so much, Diane, Joanna, Olivia and Nancy.

I love walking and am dressed to go out in 20 minutes (waiting for more light). Getting my exercise over in the morning works best for me. When I get home around 6pm, I am beat. Having a partner to walk with works best for me, but right now, I am excited right, so my self-motivation is taking over. When Randy is here, I get him to join me. He will be a good cheerleader!!

Beth,

Kudos..keep up your good exercise work!

Recommend you consider a weighted vest to leverage the aerobic benefit of your daily walks.
Pls see link below and you can read some of the user reviews (94% favorable)

Ida bought one six weeks ago (she can't run anymore due to knee challenges, and to prep her for our annual Dolomiti hiking trip in Sept) she loves it and uses it (everyday when doing yardwork) and uses it (she is now up to 12lbs) with her 50 min walks with our four pups in early a.m before she goes to work...our neighbors who also walk were very curious, now two neighbors have bought a weighted vest.

A weighted vest is a great way to leverage your
exercise time, burning more calories and toning muscles.

http://reviews.walmart.com/1336/5481392/reviews.htm

I must agree with Wes on this...

I have both run and walked with the weighted vest from Walmart, I have two of them and they make a MASSIVE Difference!!!!!! I have two of the Walmart 20lbs and one 30lb which I just moved up to, this really is a hidden factor in weight loss plateaus.. With these type of weight vest the body does not get chance to build up a resistance because you are always confusing it, one day you where one and the next day you do not.

Its amazing after losing 20lbs and then putting one of these vests on what motivation kicks in knowing you were carrying extra weight around and didnt think it made a difference. IT really does.

Crank it up Beth!!!!! I know you can....

FV

From one who has been through weight loss using diet & exercise successfully, my Gynocologist recommended that I increase the amount of weights that I use, especially, since I have osetopenia (considered to be a precursor to Osteoporosis). I have to be careful with upper arm weights (due to shoulder injuries/surgeries); therefore, this "weighted vest" might be of significance to me, too. Thanks, Wes, for sharing Ida's ritual w/ the doxies!..(I'm a doxie lover, too :) ) Also to you, FV, thanks for sharing your experience with the vest - can't wait to get one. Good luck, Beth!

Michele, your very welcome..and michele you hit the diet secret square on the head...u must balance diet w/exercise and add equal portions of self discipline....we treasure/love our doxie's..after my daily 7-8 mile run and before the mini choc l/h's dinner I take them on 10-12 min run (they love it, despite the 90-95 degree heat/same percent humidity here in atlanta) I love to watch them run..could swear their smiling...

FV, glad the weighted vest works for you..am impresssed you're up to 30 lb..Ida told me there is a 40lb vest too.

Everyone else..good luck in you diet/exercise routine..and am curious too...where is don??

Thanks y'all for the tips. The weighted vest sounds like a great way to take off more lbs easier. The toning will be really important. Will read the reviews and find out more info.

I started drinking the shakes today and have had 3 already. If less water is used, it's a pudding. With all the added water, I'm sloshing around!! At breakfast, I have a fiber gelatin and with lunch I get a nutrition bar. At least I have something crunchy. All these textures will be helpful to avoid monotony. This week I have a normal low fat dinner or lunch. Next week I hit the liquid part full force.

Beth:

I had a friend do your diet with good success, after the intial like your talking about the weight really started coming off and he ended with great results, just like I know you will too.

Wes: you can go up to 150 lb vest if you wanted, I know I dont want one that heavy, but they are usually used in Fire Departments for training.

Weightvest.com

FV

Frank: Was it Elliott? He looked good on Samba!!! <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" /> ;) ;)

Beth: Good luck with your new lifestyle! Where's Andrea? She is the one who knows how to lose weight! I'm so in awe of her and I know I will be of you too Beth. Being such a failure myself, I can't give you any great hints except to clean your teeth when you're thinking of eating! Lee

Oh, I'm still here. I fell off the wagon earlier in the year and got run over by the semi behind it!

I spent too much time flying on AA trying to make it to EXP (which I eventually accomplished), plus we had a horrible winter, spring & early summer. It's been hard to get back into the workout routine. I am trying though.

It is a constant struggle for those of us who don't have a naturally fast metabolism. Beth, I know you can do it - I'll be right here along with you!

I second Andrea on this, although I did not have a hectic travel schedule I hurt my foot earlier in the year and that combined with the Horrible Boston weather that we have been having up until a few days ago believe it or not its been tough.

Finally back in the routine and it does feel good....

FV

Me too, Andrea. :mecry:
And it's been too hot to get out of the house even in the middle of night. I know, excuses, excuses.
I looked at that weight vest and thought, "Are you kidding me?" Not in this swamp influenced climate.

You all are great and your words of encouragement help so much. Day 1 almost complete and I am doing pretty good. One more shake before bed.

Andrea and Frank, you all have had tons of rain. I am sure that has hindered your outside exercise regime. Hopefully the nice weather will be with you for awhile. Also, Andrea, I am on the anti-metabolism boat with you. I've got to do something else to shed more lbs.

Betty, I thought the extra elimination of water will help in our hot humid weather.... no water retention with those vests!!

You're off to a good start, Beth.

I wondered about how hot the vest would be, too. Don't know if I can take that in Tucson. Also, for anyone with back issues, be careful. I asked my chiropractor about using the weighted vest after reading this thread. He thinks it's a good idea if your back is ok. However, all that weight will press on the end of your spine. Not good for me. My chiro has agreed to meet me at the gym for personal training sessions. I don't trust the trainers. I start today.

Ladies: I love you all no matter what you weigh!

Thanks, David. I am doing this for my health. I want to be around for a long time to torment you. <img border="0" alt="[naughty]" title="" src="graemlins/naughty.gif" />

Donna, I appreciate the tip about back issues with the vest. Since I had neck surgery, I'll ask my doctor about it.

I also found a Danskin 10 lb. weighted vest at Wal-Mart, but think you could buy a 20 lb vest and remove some of the weights until you want/need more. It looks like a bullet-proof vest!

Week 1 results -4.8 lbs!!!!!

I am now off food and going strickly liquid, which includes, nutrition bars (good for a crunch), fiber gelatin and sometimes I can make the shakes into pudding. All those textures are working for me.

Discovered SOBE 0 calorie flavored waters. They may be my "new" cocktails.

Wes, the doctor is unsure about the weighted vest but not opposed to it yet. With my neck surgery 3 years ago, it may not be the best. I thought I could start out with 10 lbs and work up to the 20. Great suggestion.

Thanks you all for your wonderful support.

Good work Beth!

A buddy of mine who had some success with this type of diet , would once in a while take two of the liquid shake packets and mix them up and actually bake them in the oven, so it would be like bread. It was still only the shakes but at least there was some texture like the nutrition bars with a crunch, just mixes it up a bit.

In regards to the weight vest, I cannot see how a 10lb vest would hurt you in anyway. Just think its like wearing a back pack with a few bottles of water in it. and the weight of the vest is more even than a backpack.

I am not an MD, but I asked a friend who is in sports medicine and he said as long as your not over doing it, a little extra weight should not be a problem,, and it will speed up your results....

FV

Beth, you're on the right track, esp working with your doctor...just continue giving it your best shot/discipline to balance the intake(food)
with outtake (excerise), IMO, working this simple equation--will lead you to your (and only you can define what that is) promised land...good luck/good exercising..r/wes

Thanks, guys, your comments, encouragement and suggestions are truly helpful.

My doctor had not heard of a weighted vest, so he wants time to think about it and he may be asking someone else about them before giving me the OK to use one. I appreciate that as I have had herniated disc surgery and want to be careful about my neck.

Frank, the baked shakes into a bread does sound interesting. Will do a little research before attempting that one.

:app: :app: :app: Beth 5 becomes 10 becomes 20 etc - been there and sorry to say I regressed - DO NOT DO IT - enjoy the fruits of your labor!!!!!!!!!!!