anyone on WW?? [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

Aggie_Ama

09-28-2008, 05:55 AM

I am on it, online. I don't go to their boards, too much OCD and know-it-alls. It seems like a lot of people on there just want to attack people not using the plan the way they think is right. I definitely don't follow it to a T but I am doing okay. It is helping me be more aware of what I am eating and try to cook more.

I lost 40 lbs several years ago but moved and got less focused on cooking and living right. I am not trying to lose it again, about 10 lbs down, 25-30 to go depending on where I feel my goal weight is. I struggle to log on weekends, which reminds me I need to log now. :D What I found last time is my body does not feel good to me at those arbitrary height goals. I got thin and lean at 123 but felt I couldn't enjoy anything to maintain it. A year later my mom told me I looked sickly thin at that weight and she is obsessed with getting thin again! I am happier at 130-135 which is at the very top of the recommended weight for my age and height. Rubbish.

elk

09-28-2008, 09:53 AM

glad to hear my intuition was "on" after 3 messages...holy cow! although i did get some valuable info if i disregard the tone.

just started. maybe i'll keep this going and bump it..sending a call out...if i have a question you all can help me answer!

cycling is great for activity points...although an hour at an avg of 14mph should be worth more than 4...:p

Aggie...a +1 for listening to your body
DivingB......I'm impressed!!!

greycoral

09-28-2008, 10:04 AM

I am also on weight watchers, have been for almost 11 months. I have lost almost 50 lbs (40 lbs to go) and my husband, who was also doing WW with me, has lost over 60! I had a tough time in the middle, and was stuck at the same weight for about 3 of those months until I really kicked up the exercise.

I also do the online version, but don't visit the message boards anymore. I used to, but never really liked them much.

elk

09-28-2008, 10:14 AM

alot of ppl seem to hit a plateau....but I've seen more people lose more weight and keep it off on WW than on anything else.
I have to lose 50lbs...3 down...47 to go!!

ASammy1

09-28-2008, 11:27 AM

I lost about 10 over the summer on WW at Work program. I have been plateauing the last 2 months with increased exercise :(

elk

09-28-2008, 12:28 PM

try cutting back the carbs?

ASammy1

09-28-2008, 12:53 PM

Cutting back on the carbs is going to be my next trick. We will see what happens...

Veronica

09-28-2008, 12:56 PM

I I got thin and lean at 123 but felt I couldn't enjoy anything to maintain it. A year later my mom told me I looked sickly thin at that weight and she is obsessed with getting thin again! I am happier at 130-135 which is at the very top of the recommended weight for my age and height. Rubbish.

It looks like they just use the BMI tables, which do not work for everyone. I'm 64.75 inches tall and weigh 149. That puts me at the top of their chart. But I have 22% body fat. If I kept my lean body mass the same to get their recommendation, I'd have like 15% body fat. I don't think that would be attractive.

Veronica

Aggie_Ama

09-28-2008, 07:09 PM

It looks like they just use the BMI tables, which do not work for everyone. I'm 64.75 inches tall and weigh 149. That puts me at the top of their chart. But I have 22% body fat. If I kept my lean body mass the same to get their recommendation, I'd have like 15% body fat. I don't think that would be attractive.

Veronica

Yup, I think they try to make logic out of a chart. BMI doesn't work for many people I know and a lot of them are at an "ideal" weight but so sedentary they aren't as healthy as I am.

My husband says it is because they don't take in account how much weight I carry in my chest. I lost 40 lbs and barely went down a cup size. Probably right I read once each boob is like 8 lbs. That is my excuse, 16 lbs off and I would be way close to their "ideals".

katluvr

09-29-2008, 05:26 AM

I know this is a thread about WW.
Yes, 4 (or 5) years ago did WW (on line--no bullentin boards) and started biking and lost 25 pounds. Have struggled w/ getting the last 10 or so off. Up and down and have not been able to REALLY get back on and stick w/ WW.
I know when I did it the first time I HARDLY ever added in my biking or activity points. Only day we splurged or ate out was after a really long bike ride. But was fairly if not really strict. Just can't get back to that place. I wish I could.
But the reason I am posting is this quote: Probably right I read once each boob is like 8 lbs.
Ok, yes, I lost weight in my chest....I am like an A now....(if that!).
Even so....I never have carried NEAR 8 pounds per boob! Even if I lost the rest of my "boobs" it would maybe be 2 pounds---total---if I am lucky!:D
You just made me LOL!

Aggie_Ama

09-29-2008, 06:02 AM

But the reason I am posting is this quote: Probably right I read once each boob is like 8 lbs.
Ok, yes, I lost weight in my chest....I am like an A now....(if that!).
Even so....I never have carried NEAR 8 pounds per boob! Even if I lost the rest of my "boobs" it would maybe be 2 pounds---total---if I am lucky!:D
You just made me LOL!

Haha well glad to make you laugh. Sometimes they are a curse, I was a size 4 at my thinnest and a 34D (barely close to DD), no shirts would fit them and not be huge for my waist. Only really mattered with business casual type stuff but really there is a down side to everything.

Sure my best friend who is barely an A told me to STFU but seriously, 8 lbs is probably right for me (or maybe that article said both, total) and I will use that as my excuse to never hit 113-127 for my ideal weight. :p:D I just want a reason to give those weight charts the bird!

Veronica

09-29-2008, 06:10 AM

You know 8 pounds is how much a gallon of water weighs. 1 boob = a gallon of water? :eek:

Veronica

Aggie_Ama

09-29-2008, 04:12 PM

I am beginning to think it must have been on average two boobs? I mean I got some fairly big boobs but I can't see one weighing 8 lbs! Although I did like telling myself that.

Sorry to hijack Elk's WW thread but since it WWers here, does anyone use a HR to figure activity points? I prefer not to eat my APs but I am curious since I just got a HR monitor how my run tonight translated. I am very curious about my cycling since the cycling APs seeming really messed up, racing>12 mph?!

elk

09-29-2008, 06:25 PM

you get "moderate" or "brisk".... that's enough for me! Brisk (I think) biking for 1.5 hrs nets me a good handful of APs...but I don't swap them either.

Although after this weekend...knowing I had 10 aps helped my psyche... we had dinner out 2 nights in a row and when I came home and looked up points I just about fell over!!

ps that's not a hijack...i just wanted a place for us to talk about all kinds of ww stuff....;-)

greycoral

09-29-2008, 09:37 PM

I read somewhere a long time ago that 100 calories burned=1 AP. Not sure if that's even right anymore, but I keep that in mind. My goal is to burn between 400-600 calories/day. I never use the AP's for more food unless I am doing a 1000+ calorie day (in addition to cycling, I also do a lot of hiking, usually 6-10 mile trips). I need the extra calories then, so I don't feel as bad, but only trade in 4 at the most.

Aggie_Ama

09-30-2008, 04:35 AM

Grey- Probably pretty close. I did 33.5 minutes at high HR and put it in as 33 minutes, high intensity. It was 4 APs per the calculator (this is for my weight, I know they vary by weight).

Since I got back on WW a month ago I had been letting the points swap but then I noticed I am eating a ton and not good stuff, junk. When I successfully lost before I didn't take the APs to swap, I didn't want to eat my exercise. I may have to when I hit a cut off and lose some points, right now my 21 is hard but 22 wouldn't be. :rolleyes:

Right now it is much slower than I thought it would be. I think I will keep notes of how many APs I earned, I have consistently been earning 20+ a week which makes me content. I try to be active everyday except one pure rest day. Some weeks I take more than that if my body tells me to. Otherwise I run 30-60 minutes, commute home (27 miles), road or mountain bike. And that crazy pushup challenge. I think HR monitor will help me judge my effort better, looking forward to that.

NSV this morning- my jeans I have been wearing for the last couple months were too baggy and looked bad, even DH said they were too baggie to wear. I put on a pair I haven't been able to wear since the spring. :)

divingbiker

09-30-2008, 04:41 AM

I use 100 cal = 1 AP, and I usually earn about 50 a week. I eat either them or the WPAs, sometimes both. I don't understand not eating them at all--you're exercising, you need more calories. And one point is essentially 50 calories, so you're still burning more than you're eating.

I find that the activity calculator says I get way more APs than my HRM does, so I go by the HRM.

Aggie_Ama

09-30-2008, 06:27 AM

I don't understand not eating them at all--you're exercising, you need more calories. And one point is essentially 50 calories, so you're still burning more than you're eating.

I find that the activity calculator says I get way more APs than my HRM does, so I go by the HRM.

I mean I don't want to use them and the flex points. Last week I used almost all of both (all WPA and most APs), I did lose 1 lb but I think I am eating more at a maintenance level. Maybe I should think about just eating some APs and trying not to flex. I have only been back OP for a month and still trying to find my balance. Last time I lost fast but felt deprived because I hardly had candy, sweets, my beloved Mexican food, fast food, fried foods (hey I am southern, I need this on occassion). So this time I am trying to eat better but not completely deprive myself. Now that I have the HRM I think I will rely on it for the APs.

Do you do minutes in high= high intensity? Or just 100= 1.

For instance last night I had 33:38 for my run, of that 33:10 was "high". I would put that all as high intensity= 4 pts? It was 368 calories so that would be 3.5 pts but I think they just round up on APs. For running it seems on with their charts but cycling I am sure will be eye opening either good or bad. I am really curious how it will play for cycling as my husband thinks I do not work that hard at it but I feel like I am exerting. When I quit running in favor of only cycling I did gain though.

greycoral

09-30-2008, 08:20 AM

when I am cycling, my HR usually stays up above 75%. On our last ride, I even had points that it was 95% (I was racing my husband at the very end haha). I like to keep it around 85% most of the time, so it's been great knowing exactly how hard I'm working!

As far as eating the AP's...I think it depends on your body. I've tried it both ways. When I would eat my AP's (again, with my max of 4 per day), I wasn't losing weight. I went back to eating only my daily points, and started losing again. I'm not all that strict, I eat when I need to eat, especially if I've worked out hard, but I've just found that if I eat my AP's and extra weekly points, the scale doesn't budge. I still get 25 points/day though, I know when I drop more weight and my daily allowance drops, I will need to eat up my AP's for sure.

divingbiker

09-30-2008, 09:16 AM

greycoral

09-30-2008, 09:55 AM

GC, good for you if you can get by without eating APs or WPAs. I get 22 pts (soon to go down to 21, I hope), and that's not nearly enough when I'm exercising.

Yeah, I hear ya. Like I mentioned, I've still got a lot to lose, so my daily points are still high. There are days where I feel like I just can't get enough food in my belly! I will definitely be using them as I get smaller, but still making good food choices instead of eating junk.

gnat23

09-30-2008, 08:45 PM

I just count 100 calories = 1 AP. I'm not smart enough with the HRM to figure out how many of my calories were in the high/medium/whatever category.

GC, good for you if you can get by without eating APs or WPAs. I get 22 pts (soon to go down to 21, I hope), and that's not nearly enough when I'm exercising.

Ok, so here's where I get confused.

I ride into work, one way, 20 miles and ~1000 ft climbing. It takes an hour and a half, I average 85% MHR (per formula which I know isn't accurate, but it's at least ubiquitous), and the program says I burn about 900-950 calories doing it.

Per most calculators and WW tools I've used, and now this 100cal=1AP thing, this is *9* Activity Points. Wow!

So on days I ride into work, should I be eating 9 more points? 4 more points? or none? That's quite a difference between 20 points a day and 29!

(when I eat "none", I should mention that I am a starving wreck by about 7pm and will claw at the kitchen walls for sustenance if I must, so I know I should eat some of them... but how many?)

-- gnat! (I should be in a bikini with how much riding I do these days, but noooo...)

greycoral

09-30-2008, 10:23 PM

I still say to eat only 4 AP's. One of my friends who does the meetings in person has told me that as well.

divingbiker

10-01-2008, 02:29 AM

So on days I ride into work, should I be eating 9 more points? 4 more points? or none? That's quite a difference between 20 points a day and 29!

(when I eat "none", I should mention that I am a starving wreck by about 7pm and will claw at the kitchen walls for sustenance if I must, so I know I should eat some of them... but how many?)

Well, I'd eat at least half of them, and possibly all 9; if you ate all 9 you still burned 250 more than you ate. If your weight loss slows when you eat all your APs, then eat half of them.

I've also heard the rule of thumb for some people is don't eat any APs if you earn 4 or fewer; if you earn more, eat everything above 4.

I try not to dip into WPAs on days that I eat all my APs. The weight loss gets really slow when I eat all I'm "entitled" to.

Aggie_Ama

10-01-2008, 03:47 AM

I am just now trying the eat the APs thing so we will see how it goes. My new HRM has been a real eye opener and I take it is as relatively accurate albeit probably a little high. Yesterday my 27 mile commute burned 1252 calories. It is rolling and 22 miles were into the wind, so very feasible that the big heavy bike was a pretty decent work out. Despite trying to stay in my zone, I spent about 1/3 in the "high" zone (I think that is anaerobic?). I ate most the APs, of course we did go out to dinner unplanned. I wouldn't eat all the APs because a little computer can't be that close. I have heard as much as 25% over? If so that would be more like 9 APs which is how many I ended up eating.

When I eat all my APs and all or most my WPAs I see slow or no weight loss. I don't think that works, at least not for me. But it makes sense to at least eat some of your APs. I get 21 points a day, I don't know the calorie formula but lets say the easy 1pt=50 calories, that is only 1,050 calories a day (someone tell me the approximate calories for 21, maybe it is closer to 1,500 still my point is valid). I would have burnt more than I ate which means I would be just burning muscle not fat, right? Also I have always heard the body is designed to go into conserve mode if you are burning too much fat and muscle and you will see the weight loss curb if you aren't fueling it. Just what I have heard, I am far from an expert!

I also agree WW is very personal, I would say eat some but look at how that changes your own weight loss. Listening to your body is right, once I get a few weeks into the program I am rarely ravenous. I might eat something like carrots if I have already used my points but I stay satisfied. If you are really hungry your body is telling you something. :) Tweak where needed to keep losing.

greycoral

10-01-2008, 06:38 AM

my new favorite pre-workout snack is pb & j. A small slice of wheat bread, sometimes 2 slices (orowheat makes a low cal bread that is 1 point for 2 slices), covered in 1 Tbsp of low fat pb (Jif, 2 pts per Tbsp), and a little bit of sugar free jam. For a 3 point snack, it really helps me get through a long workout!

ASammy1

10-01-2008, 12:54 PM

Greycoral!

I second the PB&J pre-workout meal! And I love the Smuckers Sugar Free jam!

greycoral

10-01-2008, 03:22 PM

yeah, the smuckers is really good. There's even a lady here in Portland who sells her own stuff, and recently started making it with splenda. The consistency is a little weird, but it's pretty tasty.

uforgot

10-02-2008, 02:40 AM

Well, I'd eat at least half of them, and possibly all 9; if you ate all 9 you still burned 250 more than you ate. If your weight loss slows when you eat all your APs, then eat half of them.

I've also heard the rule of thumb for some people is don't eat any APs if you earn 4 or fewer; if you earn more, eat everything above 4.

I try not to dip into WPAs on days that I eat all my APs. The weight loss gets really slow when I eat all I'm "entitled" to.

Everyone is different. Whenever I've eaten my activity points, or even half I gained weight every single time. I limit mine to 4 also, or if I ride more, I substitute my snacks on the ride only. I've also used a hr monitor and believe me, they are not really very accurate when it comes to calories burned. I've plugged in my heart rates into the ww activity calculator and if my hr monitor says I've burned 1400 calories, I usually only get 7 or so activity points from ww based on my heart rates. Also, 1 point is 100 calories, not 50.

Anyone else have a problem with weight watchers pushing their snacks and stuff on you? I'm a professional ww, since the age of 18 and they employed my mother as a lecturer/leader for years. She also had a problem with it. Doesn't seem like those are healthy alternatives. Another thing, when my lecturer stands in front of the class and shakes up her drink and tells us this is a good way to exercise, I just wonder if I shouldn't just go to a nutritionist instead. After all, the day before I rode 50 miles, and now I'm suppose to jiggle my hand?

Ramble ramble...sorry!:o

uforgot

10-02-2008, 02:43 AM

Aggie_Ama

10-02-2008, 04:57 AM

Also, 1 point is 100 calories, not 50.

Anyone else have a problem with weight watchers pushing their snacks and stuff on you?
Ramble ramble...sorry!:o

Hmmm there is no formula I can figure for the points to make it calorie consistent (someone who was no longer leading gave me the formula once) but I find 1=50 about right and 1=100 too high. On the site 100/0/0= 2 pts. While 50/0/0= 1 pt. It falls somewhere in the middle but then if you have a bajillion fiber grams it gets funky or a lot of fat. Anyhow, I use the site not my head but always guestimate on 1=50 if I am just eyeballing a nutrition chart (like when I am buying a frozen lunch not WW). But I also noticed from 2004 when I first started to now the points calculations have changed some. Also when I first started a serving of protein was 4 oz now it is 3 oz. It is real confusing when my husband's grandma tries to tell me how it works since she is using the program from 1980's!

I feel like they push tons of their products, another reason I am glad I don't go to meetings. Of course I do eat their dinners for lunch because it is easy and the points are on the label. I just need a program, not an infomercial. I love WW because I don't have to eat a set menu and I don't have to follow everyone else's book on it.

uforgot

10-02-2008, 09:21 AM

Oh, I meant one ACTIVITY point is 100 calories. Maybe where I misunderstood. Here's the formula. I actually programmed it into my graphing calculator, but you can't enter more than 4 grams of fiber.

calories/50 + fat/12 - fiber (max of 4)/5

kajero

10-02-2008, 05:21 PM

I've been a Life Time WW for nearly 7 years. It seems I have fallen off the wagon and coming close to my goal weight. I think it is because I work out four days a week and figure that gives me a license to eat. I suppose I should revoke that license. (Two of the days are spin classes so I figure I can post in the cycling forums.)

I haven't been to WW meetings for over a year. My favorite leader, who did not push products, either quit or was let go. At my last meeting all they did was push product. Perhaps in this economy WW isn't doing well and needs to increase revenue by pushing their stuff????

Have you looked at the ingredients in their products. :eek: For a company who pushes healthy weights, they sure don't seem to have healthy products.

I wonder how long it will be before WW designs their own exercise equipment and pushes that.

Also, I like the sparkpeople.com site better than WW. It has some really neat stuff on it. You can earn points by losing weight, exercising, logging in, etc, to get "virtual" prizes and then give them to your friends.

Aggie_Ama

10-13-2008, 05:54 AM

My husband and I are trying local honey to help keep our allergies bearable. I found an excellent breakfast that at 4 pts doesn't seem like too big of a chunk of my points. I am hoping it keeps me pretty full and helps the allergies. I make 2 pieces of toast each with 1/2 tbs reduced fat peanut butter and 1/2 tbs honey. The bread is Nature's Own Light Wheat (1 pt per 2 slices). It was pretty tasty this morning.

Other than that I finally hit 10 lbs lost. I hate how WW online gives you a lecture for losing too fast but it really doesn't make sense. In the past 4 weeks I gained (.5), lost (2), steady, gained (.5) and lost 3.5 this week, how does that average to over 2 lbs per week in a month?

I really did everything wrong last week, ate almost all flex and activity, didn't log Friday or the weekend (probably used all the flex then). I plan to be a little more involved this week! ;)

cagentry

10-21-2008, 07:31 AM

Hi there.

Yep, I'm on WW...and I'm on the boards. Newbies board.

I lost about 40 pounds on WW and maintained for over a year, and have now gained about 10 back. Restarted on monthly plan and tomorrow is WI #3, I lost the last 2 weeks....but I spent the weekend in Dallas not counting a single point and drinking a lot!!

I've signed up for the MS150, and am really dedicated to getting a good cycling routine in order.

Anyone doing the MS150? Houston to Austin?

Karma007

11-24-2008, 09:46 AM

I started last january (online) and lost 20lbs. Went off over concerns of needing to use 'artifical' foods like sweeteners to meet my goals. I went off in August when life got so crazy lbs didn't matter. I recently signed back up, but have been lazy about it. With a new bike (YAY!) I'm hoping I can use it as a self-check, instead of a bible..

Susan Otcenas

11-25-2008, 12:41 PM

I'm 3 weeks in and down about 5 pounds. This makes me happy. :-) Another 25-30 would put me at a really healthy weight. Like some of you have mentioned, that would probably be a weight on the high end of what the charts say is normal for someone my height. But I've been that weight before, and I know I looked and felt really good at that level.

I try not to eat more than 1/2 my APs, but will if I'm really hungry.

So far, I've never used more than half my weekly points. Most of those have been spent on Friday evenings, when I have dinner with friends. I always try to pick one of the healthiest things on the menu, but eating out is so hard. It's the fat and salt that makes so much restaurant food taste so good! Estimating points for restaurant meals is really difficult. I try to err on the high side. I had a "salad" last week that I estimated at 25 points!

I expect this will be a long journey, and hope I have the will power to get me past the inevitable plateaus. I really want to make this work!

Nice to know there are other fit active women out there with the same struggles.

Susan

solobiker

11-25-2008, 03:41 PM

I must be doing something wrong because I have tried WW 2x and did not lose a single pound. I tried it for about 6 weeks each time. I was at about 22 points. I am pretty active both at work and at home. I know I should be about 10-15# lighter. Any of you WW members have any suggestions. I should probably increase my veggie intake.

elk

11-29-2008, 11:20 PM

solobiker

11-30-2008, 06:14 AM

I pretty much only had the 21 points. I would use my AP if I went on a long ride or run. I know I should increase my veggie intake. I am just not a fan of cooked veggies. I will eat raw ones though. What kind of things do you all eat for lunch? That may be my downfall as I usually eat PBJ for the convience and cost.

elk

11-30-2008, 11:58 AM

I keep high fiber bread in the fridge and make sure there is tuna or sliced turkey .... apples. yogurt.
washed lettuce, a head of red cabbage, and carrots!

BUT I am notroriously bad about skipping lunch when I'm in the studio, so I make sure there is yogurt and fruit.

And honestly, I've lost about 10lbs and still eat those skinny cow ice creams every night! My sense is that if you stick to the points you'll lose. BUt I may be wrong...

This month's Bicycling is the "Lean" issue and I read that if you skip meals and eat the bulk of your food after 4pm (elk raises her hand) you're probably over weight.

Never skip a meal they advise.... I'll try.

solobiker

11-30-2008, 12:10 PM

Thanks, I will try again. I have been eating the high fiber breads with the PB. Maybe I will try to cut out the PB and try turkey like you suggested. I too eat the bulk of my calories after 4pm. I am tend to snack more at home then at work. I will just have to keep my hands busy. DH snacks big time all the time so snack foods such as chips and cookies are always in the house. I don't necessarily like them, maybe I will snack on cold veggies or fruit while he is eating the chips. He is a skiiny guy, 5'10" 140# not fair..:p Hoep everyone is doing well

elk

11-30-2008, 07:20 PM

i would find it really hard to resist anything IN the house....
:o

solobiker

12-01-2008, 03:22 PM

i would find it really hard to resist anything IN the house....
:o
I wish he loved beer and fried foods. Those I don't like so I wouldn't eat them at all. But Nooooooo he has to like the same things I do. Bummer. Have a great day

Karma007

12-01-2008, 03:28 PM

Back on plan today...I"M STARVING!!!

Aggie_Ama

12-02-2008, 05:24 AM

I have been maintaining shockingly but now am back on plan. Did badly yesterday because I had leftovers of chicken strips for dinner but I am easing back into it. Today is a new day. I think I will go for a run tonight that always boosts my weight loss. Running this week it is!

andtckrtoo

12-02-2008, 11:46 AM

I lost 15 pounds on WW last year and will probably start again in January because I gained it all back. :( I have two events this year - a 10 mile run at the end of April and the LiveStrong century in July. I know once I start training for distance (well, for the 10 miler, I only have to run 7-8, so that's not too bad), I won't lose weight, so I want to get the 15-20 pound off before then. And honestly - WW is the best way I've found to get 'er done.

As for AP points - I routinely burn 60 and 70 APs a week and when I do long rides, the APs can get as high as 90. I have to eat the APs or I'm ready to eat my desk. I'm 5'10 and my points are 26. If I have an AP day of 10 (which is not unusual), and I eat all of the points (no flex points, just AP and regular points) and then I track my calories in SparkPeople (oh yeah, I belong there, too and it is a great FREE website for tracking calories - I just need the discipline of meetings - and I HATE when they push their crap), I find I eat around 1800 calories. Which, for my height, weight and activity level, is at the low end of what most fitness charts say I should be eating. I also find I can be quite satisfied with that, IF I make sure I eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. And I know I can eat more calories if the food is high quality than I can if it's not.

greycoral

12-02-2008, 10:23 PM

I've hit a major wall. I didn't even realize it until today, but I've been in the same "decade" of weight for FOUR months, meaning I've only lost an average of 2 lbs per month. That's horrible! I exercise, watch what I eat, and I just can't shake the weight. I've still got a long way to go too (been doing WW for over a year now, still have 40 lbs to lose, lost 50 so far).

i'm cutting my points by a couple to hopefully get me jump started, and looking into getting a personal trainer in the new year.

elk

12-03-2008, 01:54 AM

50lbs is ALOT of weight to lose...and 2lbs a month isn't so bad...slowly but surely!!!

katluvr

12-03-2008, 06:41 AM

Grey, those plateaus are so hard. I think that is why I fell off the WW wagon a while back. Most people will tell you to change/mix your routine or what you eat up. So to "jump start" your system. Not sure it every really worked for me.
I need to get back on, but I think I has said before...find it so hard to do WW now. Plus I need to understand the "new" stuff on it. I know 5 years ago when I lost weight I hardly EVER added any activity points. Except on the weekends of long cycling.
Of course I am not even trying to get started now...to much stuff and food issues at this time of year. So I try to be semi-good. So, yes, I will be one of those Jan. 1st resolution/clean slate folks. I am also planning to add a bike commute 2 days a week. It is easy for me to ride to work. But previously on running training plan and just could not find the time. But I think I have it worked out. Jan. 1st--watchout.

Oh and Grey,
Congrats...great weight loss!

katluvr

12-03-2008, 06:42 AM

Anyone doing the on-line WW?

Susan Otcenas

12-03-2008, 07:12 AM

Greycoral,

Congratulations on the 50 pound loss!! Wow! I'm impressed. It takes a lot of dedication to make that kind of difference. I'm only 4 weeks in, so I have no idea what I'll do whan I hit my 1st plateau. I'm sure it will be discouraging, especially since I've has so much success the 1st 4 weeks (9 pounds).

I've been reading a bit about the "wendie plan" which I'm sure you're familiar with. I'm not sure I buy into the idea of her eating plan, but what I DO agree with is that your body becomes somewhat accustomed to a certain amount of fuel, and gets more efficient at burning that level of fuel over time. So if you give it less fuel, over time it will burn that limited amount more efficiently, hence a reduction in weight loss. That is, your metabolism changes. Exerise boosts our metabolism.

Perhaps what you need to jump start you is not *more* exercise, but a different INTENSITY of exercise. Say, taking a really hard aerobics class, or doing hill repeats once a week on your bike.

Really, I have no idea. I'm just knocking around some ideas, trying to think how I'll approach it when it happens to me too. :confused:

I'm just starting to get back into my triathlon training for 3 events I have planned for next year, and I'm hoping that the "new" routine will keep my body guessing, with a big variety of work outs hitting different muscle groups all the time.

Hang in there! You've come so far already. I know you'll get past this hurdle.

Susan

Susan Otcenas

12-03-2008, 07:13 AM

Anyone doing the on-line WW?

Yup. I don't go to meetings. Just track everything online. If it passes my lips, it goes on the tracker. Holds me accountable. :)

Aggie_Ama

12-03-2008, 08:10 AM

I do online too.

Grey- I agree with Susan maybe a change is needed? I found when I added running my weight loss really took off. If I go to mostly cycling it kind of falls flat because I don't ride super hard. That is just me.

elk

12-03-2008, 03:06 PM

I do the flex plan on line...I'm allergic to meetings. I can eat whatever I want as long as I stay in my point range.

If I write everything down as soon as I can, I find it easy to stay in line. If I save it all up to write later or tommorrow...I careen out of control....

I like the flex plan because I don't have to rebel against it, it's so wide open!

Susan Otcenas

12-03-2008, 03:13 PM

I like the flex plan because I don't have to rebel against it, it's so wide open!

Me too. Last night I was jonesing for a gin-and-tonic. I had the points to do it, so why not? Ironically, the very fact that it *was* OK made it somehow easier for me to end up deciding not to have it after all.... Maybe I'm like a little kid. Tell me I can't and I want it even more. Tell me it's OK and the idea isn't as appealing anymore. HHhhhhhmmmmm, I wonder what that says about me? :eek:

elk

12-03-2008, 03:39 PM

Me too. Last night I was jonesing for a gin-and-tonic. I had the points to do it, so why not? Ironically, the very fact that it *was* OK made it somehow easier for me to end up deciding not to have it after all.... Maybe I'm like a little kid. Tell me I can't and I want it even more. Tell me it's OK and the idea isn't as appealing anymore. HHhhhhhmmmmm, I wonder what that says about me? :eek:

We don't like being told what to do....!!!!

Susan Otcenas

12-05-2008, 10:52 AM

Anyone ever have a hard time eating all their points?

Some days I'm really hungry, and I have a hard time not eating everything in sight. Those are the nights when I steam big piles of broccoli and have a big bowl of salad with my dinner, so that I don't dip too far into my weekly points (I try not to use more than 2-3 per day, if that.) But on other days, I get to the end of the day and discover I have 3, 4 or 5 points left. Last night I had 5.5 after dinner. I wasn't particularly hungry, but decided to have 1/2 cup vanilla Dreyer's Light Ice Cream -2 points - because I was so far under. I've read that WW really really doesn't want you to go under your daily points allowance (which for me is 21 points), so I felt like I should eat more food.

Do you ever have this happen to you? Do you force yourself to eat all your points, or do you find yourself falling under? How has this affected your weight loss? I don't want to put my body into "starvation mode" by not eating all the points, but sometimes I'm just not hungry enough...

Ideas?

divingbiker

12-05-2008, 11:10 AM

Anyone ever have a hard time eating all their points?

Do you ever have this happen to you? Do you force yourself to eat all your points, or do you find yourself falling under? How has this affected your weight loss? I don't want to put my body into "starvation mode" by not eating all the points, but sometimes I'm just not hungry enough...

Ideas?

Unfortunately, I have no trouble eating all my points.:rolleyes: My meeting leader is pretty adamant that you should eat your points every day.

But one thing I've heard people do if they have eaten all they really want to eat and there are points left over is to eat something that's pointy, like nuts or peanut butter. That way you're getting something fairly healthy, you don't have to eat a large volume, and you're getting your points in.

I can't wait till I'm in maintenance--nuts are what I'm adding back in to my diet.

Susan Otcenas

12-05-2008, 12:08 PM

Unfortunately, I have no trouble eating all my points.:rolleyes:

Most days, I'm exactly the same. No trouble eating my points, and could easily do more!

Maybe if I see myself rolling towards a low point day, I should force myself to have a mid-afternoon snack. Yesterday was really busy, and by the time dinner rolled around I'd only had 9.5 points. I had a normal dinner (ahi tuna, couscous, asparagus, salad) , but still had 5.5 left. After my little ice cream treat, I just didn't want anything else. The idea of having so much food after the dinner hour didn't feel right.

I *do* like the nuts suggestion. I'm definitely a salty snacker. Of course, once I let myself have one, it's sooooo hard to not eat the whole bag. :-)

Susan

elk

12-05-2008, 01:24 PM

If I eat all my meals...I don't have any trouble...actually, I don't have any trouble regardless!!

my empty snack of choice are the Skinny Cow ice cream cones...only 3 pts and deeeelicous.

So...do you have more or less points if you need to lose more weight?

Susan Otcenas

12-05-2008, 01:29 PM

So...do you have more or less points if you need to lose more weight?

The heavier you are, the more points you get.

surgtech1956

12-05-2008, 03:28 PM

I need to get back on the 'ww wagon'. I don't like going to the meetings, in the past have done it on my own - sometimes it works, somestimes not(depends if I have a friend doing ww too). I've been thinking about joing ww online. How does the online work - is there support, etc... is it more than just a point tracking place? I've heard the online forum isn't very good.

I've been sort of watching what I've been eating. I work - 7a-3:30p, I've been eating oatmeal(quick oats) in the morning - 5:45am - then I'm hungry around 9am and eat a ww yogurt or Fiber One Bar(love the peanut butter/oats). I'm starting a new shift in 2 weeks - 6:30a-5pm, I work in surgery and sometimes don't get lunch or any opportunity to eat anything until 1:30pm - so I'm starved by then. Once I start my new hours(6:30a-5pm) I don't think I'm going to eat breakfast before I leave and just wait until I get a break at work - take my chances that I will get a break. Anyone else have this problem?

divingbiker

12-05-2008, 03:52 PM

I need to get back on the 'ww wagon'. I don't like going to the meetings, in the past have done it on my own - sometimes it works, somestimes not(depends if I have a friend doing ww too). I've been thinking about joing ww online. How does the online work - is there support, etc... is it more than just a point tracking place? I've heard the online forum isn't very good.

I've got the monthly pass ($40/month) so I attend meetings and use the online tools. I lost 50 pounds 3 years ago doing WW on my own, and gained 40 of it back, so I realize I need the discipline of the weekly meetings to keep me on track, especially once I get to goal. I've also found a leader I really like, and the meeting place is just two blocks from my office, so it's really convenient to go to a lunchtime meeting.

The online forums at WW are all over the place. If you can find a spot you fit in, they're great. The vegetarian board is where I hang out, and it is much like TE--friendly, fun, and not nasty. I've made great friends there, just as I have here. The Filling Foods (was Core until this week; they're changing the program) board is full of junior high mean girls. The ones that are x pounds to lose, the fitness ideas board, the 50+ board, they all seem ok but I don't spend much time there.

Susan Otcenas

12-06-2008, 09:21 AM

Anyone else notice that WW changed how APs are used online?

They seem to have turned it into a weekly budget, not tapped until AFTER you used up your 35 extra weekly food points. In my mind, this really sucks, and is nutritionally a bad idea.

The old way - where APs had to be used on the day earned - made far more sense, because it maintained the relationship between exercise and eating to fuel your body's activities.

But now, if you go over your daily target, the tracker pulls from your 35 weekly points, even on days with APs earned. This sucks. I used my 35 points for "extras" or eating out. Special things. And I nenver use all of them. But now they get tapped for exercise 1st and I don't think that is the way it should be. It also means that there is no longer any DAILY correlation between inputs and outputs.

Anyone else irritated about this?

I already sent WW an email, but I'm sure it will go into some great big black hole...

Susan

divingbiker

12-06-2008, 11:15 AM

Anyone else notice that WW changed how APs are used online?

Yes, this change is part of the new "Momentum" program. It's back to the way they used to do it, before they made APs be used the day they're earned (they started doing that a few years ago.)

I do my tracking on paper, so I'm still doing it the old way. For me, I kind of like the ability to bank APs, especially since I earn 8 on some days and occasionally 0 on others (usually only one day/week).

Maybe you can find a way to just keep track mentally? It's a pain, though, I know.

greycoral

12-06-2008, 12:18 PM

Yeah, that seems pretty lame. I've also noticed a ton of messups with points after they switched over. 4 oz of ground turkey is 4 points, but 5 oz is somehow 19.5 points? Puhlease. Maybe they've started fixing the bugs, but luckily I know the points of the food I eat pretty often.

I also never track my AP's in WW. I keep a hand written log of my daily exercise along with calories burned, what I did, how I felt, etc (I use a HR monitor). I also don't use my 35 Flex Points, well, usually I don't, so for me the tracker is just used for dailies.

In other news, I finally broke my plateau! I lost 1.2 lbs this week. So excited!

solobiker

12-06-2008, 02:21 PM

Way to go Grey.. that is great. I am still on that long plateau that has lasted forever. What is your secret? :) I know I need to increase my veggie intake.

greycoral

12-06-2008, 02:33 PM

I was in my plateau for 4 months, kept losing and gaining the same 4 or 5 lbs. It was ridiculous. No secrets really, I ended up cutting my points by 2, since I had been at 25 points for a while, seemed like I needed a change. I never went hungry either, just made sure to eat lots of veggies and stuff. I usually do a pretty good job of that, but I had been slacking a little bit in the last few months too. I just made sure to be good all day, every day, drink lots of water, etc. I really think changing my points though was what helped.

I retook the quiz today too, and it dropped me all the way down to 22! No wonder I was stuck! I'm going to try another week at 23 points though to see how things go. I just felt really good all week during my workouts and for my meals.

oh yeah, and I have always had um, potty problems (constipation, etc), and this last week, things were much more regular for me. The extra water and veggies helped out for sure. I swear that's why i was lighter lol

solobiker

12-06-2008, 04:17 PM

Thanks for your input. I have the booklet and took the quiz which puts me at 22 points. I need to find better lunches..I usually have pbj on a high fiber bread. Breakfasts are either a fiber 1 bar or oatmeal. And dinner could be anything from chicken with salad or spg. Unfortunately I am not a huge veggie eater. I will eat them if they aren't cooked.

greycoral

12-06-2008, 04:24 PM

are you eating all your points? Sounds pretty low from the few things you mentioned...that is definitely key for me.

Breakfast I either have a bowl of cereal, or an egg white sandwich on wheat english muffin. Lunch is usually a turkey sandwich or maybe a hummus wrap, something that is cold and easy to hold in hand (usually in between classes at school). Snacks are usually a piece of fruit or nuts. If I don't have cereal for breakfast, this is a good mid day snack for me. Dinner varies greatly, but always a heaping portion of vegetables. I use 3-4 oz of protein, rarely have any starches, but fill myself up on veggies. I was never a huge fan of them myself, but I've found a bunch that I DO like, and eat them a lot. I've started only eating 1/2 pbj's to cut down on my bread consumption (I feel like I eat too much), but still use 1 tbsp of pb. It's a great pre workout snack, but it's high on points.

Oh, and I always have dessert! Again, usually a piece of fruit (either banana or orange with a little lite cool whip), or a chunk of dark chocolate. Most dark chocolate is really low in points, the higher % cacao it has, the better. I usually buy 70% or more cacao, and it's 1 point for a generous sized piece. The dark satisfies my sweet tooth for sure!

In my household, we buy a lot of frozen veggies (green beans, peppers, artichokes, etc) and it's an easy way to throw them into a meal on the fly. I'm also eating a lot of spaghetti squash these days. I roast a couple off in advance, and eat them in place of pasta or just as a side over the next few days. i can't get enough of it!

solobiker

12-06-2008, 04:34 PM

solobiker

12-06-2008, 04:41 PM

Cool about the dark chocolate. I love it. Yummmm

greycoral

12-06-2008, 04:53 PM

I do have snacks in between my meals, usually fruit, pretzles and I love nuts. I will try the cooked viggies again. They just seem too msuhy to me. Maybe it is because I cook them too much. THe only veggies I usually eat are the starchy ones. I eat carrots daily and celery, and I like peppers. I will try to focus on cutting out some more bread.

Yeah, I can't stand mooshy vegetables. I barely cook them so they have a lot of crunch still.

Cool about the dark chocolate. I love it. Yummmm

I never really liked it until I started eating GOOD dark chocolate. I will still buy store stuff ghiradelli or moonstruck (a local company that's everywhere), but I usually wait and buy something fancy.

solobiker

12-06-2008, 05:00 PM

So for dinners you usually eat only about 3oz of protien then the rest veggies? So no rice... I usually cook that for my husband. I guess rice does have quite a few points.

greycoral

12-06-2008, 05:41 PM

We will eat rice, but it's usually the main part of the meal then, and I never eat more than 1 cup. Hmm, and as I type this out, we were a little starch heavy after all lol. I usually do 3-4 oz of protein, depending on what it is, or what we are serving it with. We usually cook two different types of veggies as a side to the meat dish. Here's last weeks dinner menu here for us:

Fri: Brown Rice, with sliced flank steak, peppers, shelled edamame, broccoli, and green beans (little bit of chili sauce and soy sauce). Only used about 2 oz. beef each.

Sat: Spicy Turkey Meatballs with tomato sauce and spaghetti squash (cooked with roasted garlic and sage) (6 points for 4 meatballs).

Sun: Turkey Meatloaf patties (4 oz ground turkey with worchestire sauce, little bit of banana sauce, and other seasonings), instant mashed potatoes (I found a brand that only has 1 point per 2/3 cup servings), and brussel sprouts left over from thanksgiving. (6 points)

Mon: Italian Breadcrumbs/Chicken breast oven baked (4 oz each), spaghetti squash (leftover), with artichokes, stewed tomatoes, peppers, and green beans. (5.5 points)

Tues: Burritos, with flat out bread, white northern beans, grilled chicken breast (with ancho chile and lime), light sour cream, and fresh avocado (6 points)

Wed: lean pork chops (boneless and trimmed) with spanish rice and avocado salad (avocado, red onion, little bit of olive oil, adobo seasoning). (This one is high, because of the avocado, at about 10 points. Without the avo, it's only about 7)

Thurs: Pork Tacos (white corn tortillas, lean pork chop, salsa), not sure what kind of veggie we're doing with that. (6 points)

Fri: Sole, baked, with roasted red potatoes (sage, thyme, rosemary), and green beans (5 points)

Sun: Frozen gnocchi (Trader Joe's!, I just pick out the cheese/sauce), with chicken sausage, red peppers, green beans, and spaghetti squash. Lots of garlic. (6 points)

Mon: Pizzas. Made with naan bread (Trader Joes again), skim mozzarella, turkey pepperoni, red peppers. (6 points)

solobiker

12-06-2008, 06:01 PM

Wow, I need to eat at your house.

Tonight: Smoked pork loin with corn and a salad
Friday: Pizza with a salad
Thursday: Pot Roast with potato and salad
Wednesday: Chicken tacos

From looking at yours compared to mine I REALLY need to be less wimpy with my veggie intake. I will try this week. It will be my goal to try to have 2 a night.

greycoral

12-06-2008, 06:09 PM

now see? I HATE salad. lol Every once in a while I'll eat a mexican style salad, but it's a big one, like a meal. Chicken, avo, tortilla strips, little bit of cheese, honey lime dressing, nothing really that healthy, but we make it at home, so at least I know what goes into it. We just model our meals after stuff we liked eating out :) My hubby used to be a chef, so I'm definitely spoiled. I don't cook a thing.

solobiker

12-06-2008, 06:14 PM

I do most of the cooking and somtimes I really don't feel like going all out after a day of work. As for salads, I don't like dressings so that saves points!:D

greycoral

12-06-2008, 06:29 PM

yeah, we're full time students and work part time. We've got lots of time to cook dinner, although it rarely takes more than 30 minutes. Pretty much only when we have to pre roast potatoes or squash or something.

Susan Otcenas

12-11-2008, 07:38 AM

The website is really driving me nuts.

I re-took the quiz, and it recommended that I drop my daily points from 21 to 20. SO, I went and did that, and it RECALCULATED all my previous history as if I only had 20 points available all that time. Which means that all my charts are inaccurate now.

Grrrr..

Anyone know how to make it NOT do that or is this an unfiable bug in the system??

Susan

Aggie_Ama

12-11-2008, 09:50 AM

I am a little frustrated with the changes and had been contemplating cancelling anyway. I may just try journaling on my own and saving my little bit I am spending right now. I just have my way of doing things burned into my little brain, no changes please. I still thing the program works for me.

tpb

12-16-2008, 07:29 AM

Susan Otcenas

12-16-2008, 07:52 AM

Hi TBP,

I was mostly vegetarian until very recently. I'm a big fan of using canned beans (black, pinto, garbanzo) in recipes. Lots of protein and fiber. Low in points. Great for mexican, chilis, etc. Indian food is a great way to go vegetarian too. Soooo many indian recipes are naturally vegetarian, so it's not like you're substituting or modifying anything.

I happen to love tofu for what it is, not as a meat substitute. I love it in Asian cooking. Simple vegetable stirfrys with plenty of tofu and asian veggies. I love the crunch of watercress in asian meals. I like to sink my teeth into something substantial, and watercress does that for me.

Lentils are a great way to add substance to soups.

I found this AWESOME Curried Lentil recipe on the NYTimes website recently. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/14/dining/142arex.html It turned out fabulously. Plus, I plugged it all into the Recipe Builder on WW's site, and at 8 servings it's only 4 points per serving. It's so hearty and filling that it feels like it should be more points than it is. I plan to make this recipe at least once a month in the winter.

I sometimes find myself uninspired as well, and usually spend some time on allrecipes.com looking for ideas. I almost always find something interesting to try.

Hope this helps,

Susan

tpb

12-17-2008, 06:07 AM

The curried lentils sound really good - thanks!

-TPB

divingbiker

12-17-2008, 06:08 AM

I've recently started WW again. One thing I notice from the dinner ideas above is the meat since we don't eat meat in our house. Anyone have some good vegetarian ideas? I feel like I'm in a rut and am having problems fitting in more veggies. I think I'm missing all the fresh produce from our farmers market :-(

Thanks.
TPB

I've just discovered roasted vegetables. They're amazing! Last night I roasted a cookie sheet of carrots, beets, and zucchini, another of white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and onions, and another of brussels sprouts and cabbage. I have enough vegetables for about 5 meals.

Just cut the vegetables up, toss with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and other spices if you like (red pepper flakes in moderation are good) and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I'll have the veggies with a veggie burger, or a spicy black bean concoction, or just on their own if I'm really lazy.

Otherwise for vegetarian meals, I'll have black beans mixed with rotel tomatoes, corn, and onions over brown rice, or a veggie stir fry with chicken flavored seitan or tofu, or a veggie burger with homemade pumpkin or broccoli soup. Sometimes on the weekends I'll make a tamale pie and eat it all week.

I'm all about easy and quick.:)

Karma007

12-17-2008, 07:38 AM

I'm a ww vegy and live on soups this time of year. You can throw anything in them, and they turn out pretty good. My latest affliction is crockpot vegy chili, from "vegan lunchbox".

Susan Otcenas

12-17-2008, 08:05 AM

[QUOTE=divingbiker;388715] Sometimes on the weekends I'll make a tamale pie and eat it all week.

QUOTE]

Do you have a recipe that you're willing to share? :) I like recipes that re-heat easily for lunch at work, or dinner during the week when I'm pressed for time.

divingbiker

12-17-2008, 08:56 AM

Do you have a recipe that you're willing to share? :) I like recipes that re-heat easily for lunch at work, or dinner during the week when I'm pressed for time.

Sure, it's at home. I'll post it tonight.

GLC1968

12-17-2008, 11:11 AM

Hey all -

I just joined WW online last night and I start today.

Should be interesting as I refuse to throw away egg yolks and I won't buy ff processed foods AND I'm trying to bake all my own bread...but we'll see how this goes.

I did WW once ages ago, but I got frustrated with the points thing (it was before fiber was figured in). Things are a little different now and in general I really, really need more accountability.

Here goes!

Blueberry

12-17-2008, 11:13 AM

I've been known to feed egg yolks to my doggie - he loves them:)

CA

Karma007

12-17-2008, 12:29 PM

+1 on doggies getting the yolk. And I wonder why Karma is a counter surfer..

surgtech1956

12-17-2008, 02:48 PM

I've done WW in the past and lost weight. After the holidays my partner and I are starting WW, we ususally just do it on our own - I hate going to the meetings and haven't heard to many good things about online.

GLC1968

12-17-2008, 03:17 PM

Yeah, after everything we've been through to get these chickens to laying age...I'm not giving those gorgeous yolks to the dogs!

That's ok...I'll just eat less of them. I'd rather just eat smaller quantities of regular food (and super-supplement with tons of veggies, of course) than give up things that are technically good for me, even if they are more fattening.

Plus, now that we are able to skim our milk, I think I'm already starting to lose weight! ;)

tulip

12-17-2008, 04:40 PM

greycoral

12-17-2008, 09:48 PM

DISCLAIMER: I am not on WW, never have been and probably never will be. I don't know a thing about points, except in ACC basketball (go heels!)

okay, okay, this is a rant. I had two cups of tea today, and that makes me rant well into the night.

I do know that eating whole foods is terribly important--for the body, for the planet--including eggs if you are so inclined to have them in your diet (I am not veggie/vegan either). I truly believe that if we paid more attention to where our food comes from and truly appreciate that (local whole foods, learn to really cook, etc., etc.), we would not have the collective weight and health issues that seem to plague North America for the past few decades.

I am talking about the collective, here, not the individual, so please don't take this as an attack on any of you, my TE friends. I have no problem with using systems like WW to get a kick-start, but good health and good eating go way beyond that, and last a lifetime, and can be so enriching--farmers markets, gardening, Slow Food, local farms, CSAs...

and a plug for GLC--she does awesome things with goats milk!! She's my Local Whole Food DIY Queen of the the Northwest inspiration!

I absolutely agree, and that's why WW has helped me so much. I don't eat a lot of processed "diet" foods, but it really taught me portion control and how important a balanced diet really is. I went from eating fast food 3 times a day, every single day of the week, to cooking at home 3 meals a day nearly every day. It took a long time to find the foods I liked, and the ones that were most filling, and ones that made me feel good about myself. Take bananas...I have stomach issues, and I have found that eating a banana every other day makes me less gassy. I learned which foods sustain me through a long workout, and they don't include energy bars or any of that other stuff. I learned what 3-4 oz of meat looks like, and how to measure my food, including fats (oil, butter, etc). I eat more fruit and vegetables than I ever have in my entire life. I wouldn't say I'm super healthy, but I'm a million times better than I was a year ago.

I definitely relied on the WW meals or Lean Cuisines to get me through when I first started, but once my appetite was a little more under control, my husband and I experimented more with food and trying new things, and learned to cook the healthy way, without using the frozen meals as a crutch. I try to eat locally first, organic if I can afford it. I shop the farmers markets when they're open so I can eat seasonally and force myself to try new things when I get bored! I've discovered so many new and wonderful foods by not being scared of them!

I think America is in the shape it's in because eating badly tends to be more affordable than eating healthy. There are definitely ways to eat well on a budget, but it's too easy to go grab fast food or a pre-cooked meal at the store. I know that's why I would eat so much fast food. Dollar menu's were my friend. That and I really really like fast food, even now. lol I don't think that will ever change, but I do allow myself "junk food" once a week, right after weigh in :)

divingbiker

12-18-2008, 01:57 AM

Tamale Pie

1 c polenta
2 c vegetable broth
1/4 c water
12 oz Morningstar Farms Burger Style Recipe Crumbles (or Boca equivalent)
1 c onions, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 T olive oil
4 t chili powder
4 cloves garlic
1 t salt
1 t black pepper
6 oz can tomato paste
1 c Rotel tomatoes (I use the whole can)
2 cups white corn (1/2 bag frozen or 1 can)
1.5 c canned black beans, rinsed
2 c shredded fat-free cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese)

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13 casserole pan with Pam.

Bring water and broth to a boil. Stir in polenta, and whisk until fairly thick and most lumps are gone (just a few minutes.) Spread into bottom of casserole pan and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Saute onion and green pepper until starting to brown. Add soy crumbles and stir constantly (add water if it starts to stick.) Add chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper and mix well. Add tomato paste, Rote, corn, and black beans. Stir together thoroughly. (This will be thick.)

Spread over the cornmeal crust and top evenly with cheese. Bake 20-25 minutes at 350.

(Note: You may have to adjust your water content when making the polenta, depending on how coarsely ground it is. The more finely ground, the less water you will need.)

I think I recall that 8 servings are 6 pts each.

tulip

12-18-2008, 04:21 AM

That Tamale Pie looks fantastic!

I've been living on frozen dinners for the last several months because my kitchen is still being renovated (January 15th is the latest completion date, but I'm hoping or February 1st!) I've found that Kashi and Amy's has good and healthy frozen dinners, but I'm really getting tired of them. It's MORE expensive for me to eat these prepared meals than if I were making stuff from scratch.

I can't wait to make my own dinners again!

--back to your regularly scheduled programming--

GLC1968

12-18-2008, 09:52 AM

Ooh, that tamale pie looks great! Thanks for sharing it!

I have to say that I'm impressed with my initial introduction to the new WW. The 'filling foods' (or old 'core') plan is really, really sound. I mean, yes, yolks and nuts and fruit juice and things are all good for you, but they are definitely things you should limit if the goal is weight loss. And if you stick to the 'filling foods' and only count the points of the foods off the list, you'll definitely be eating a sound, healthy diet.

My plan is to get used to the whole 'point' thing - keep my intake in check for the holidays - learn the WW site - get my excercise back on track - and generally build up the right mindset with the next couple of weeks. Then, after Jan 1, I'm going to switch over to the 'filling foods' way of tracking my food as I think that will naturally trend towards a more healthy/whole foods way of eating.

surgtech1956

12-22-2008, 05:41 PM

divingbiker

12-23-2008, 02:06 AM

GLC1968

12-23-2008, 08:11 AM

I've been having trouble keeping track of all my points, especially at work. At home its no problem, but unless I use a very small notebook at work, I forget to write things down. I have a couple of small pockets in my scrubs and keep my lunch in the lounge/lunch room, don't like to lay anything laying around. Those of you doing WW online, what do you do, write everything down in a book, then transfer it to online?

I'm doing online only, but keeping track isn't the problem. Staying on track is! ;) At work, I only eat what I bring with me...so I know what my points are going to be before the day even begins. I used to do this when I tracked my intake using other programs as well, and it works wonders. It's so easy to eat on track if I plan ahead the day before vs trying to eat right and hoping it comes out at the end of the day. Once I get in a grove, I can do fine without planning for a few days, but it's easier if I plan ahead.

This also helps with eating in general because there are no 'decisions' to be made during the day when I'm moody, hungry, etc. All my decisions about what I'm going to eat are made the night before after I've already had a good dinner. It takes a ton of the 'emotion' out of it.

surgtech1956

12-23-2008, 03:14 PM

Thats a great idea - knowing exactly how many points you brought to eat - dah, I guess I should have thought of that.

fatbottomedgurl

12-28-2008, 12:26 PM

I just joined WW online the day before Christmas. Sure kept me in line at Christmas dinner! I also started up again with fitday.com which is FREE and has tons more goals, graphs, and personal information. When my three months at WW are over I am going to dump it. I prefer FitDay. You can still think of points when you realize that 1pt basically = 50 calories. So 20 points plus 7 flex points is 1350 calories a day.

WW is good if you eat a lot of prepared foods because they have brand name point values. But you can create favorites at FD. It's a little more work, but as I said, more information. All those charts and graphs are great incentive to me.

So, to my TE accountability girls, my goal is 20 pounds by my 46th birthday, mid April. I'll be checking in!

Susan Otcenas

01-13-2009, 04:27 PM

I've lost 17 pounds since Nov 5th on WW. Which I'm really happy about. But this week has been SO HARD. WW has lowered my points twice - I'm now at just 19 per day. I've really struggled with hunger AND motivation this week. I've eaten ALL of my APs (and then some!), but it's still been really tough. I weigh in tomorrow and I think this might be the first week since I started that the scale doesn't move.

I guess a few bumps in the road are inevitable. But, right now, all I want to do is go out and eat a giant cheeseburger!!

Susan

fatbottomedgurl

01-13-2009, 08:44 PM

Don't give up Susan! Five years ago when I did WW I would have an occasional Super High Day followed by a low point day to really give my body something to think about. I think that was the Wendi Plan.

I actually dropped the WW and am doing FitDay exclusively. It gives me more information (and more incentive) with all the different reports. It's weird, though, after an initial quick 5 pound loss I've stopped and stayed the same the last two weeks. But just finished my TOM so I think I've been a little water-weighty.

I am going to try to get some running in a couple times a week to mix things up. Our bodies get so efficient, it's frustrating.

Susan Otcenas

01-14-2009, 10:30 AM

I think I've discovered the cause of my tiredness and hunger. I'm sick. :( When I was leaving the office last night, I realized I had a slight sore throat. I woke up in the middle of the night and could hardly swallow. So, I skipped my run workout this morning and will likely skip Friday's as well. I think I need a few days to rest, recover and rebuild. I've been at this for nearly 10 weeks now - that's a long time to have your body in a deficit, especially with the amount of exercise I've been getting. A few days chillin' out and relaxing is probably just what I need to get motivated again. I'll continue to stick with the WW program (I like the discipline alot), but will probably eat a few of the weekly extra points that I would ordinarily skip.'

Susan

GLC1968

01-14-2009, 11:02 AM

Susan - I think you just answered the question I was going to ask...are you eating your extra 35 points each week? If not, and you are exercising that much, I'm not surprised that you got sick! You need to eat more!

If you find that you don't lose when you eat those extra points, then just do it every few weeks or so to give your body a 'break'. Right now, I'm eating every single point I am given or that I earn and I'm STILL hungry. Luckily, I'm pretty sure I'm still losing too (but I've got a long way to go compared to you!). Eat those points and keep that metabolism crankin'!!

Just for a sanity check: 19 points/day is only about 950 calories! I know you are eating your AP too...but even so, you need more fuel for your sanity (and your health).

Susan Otcenas

01-14-2009, 11:12 AM

I do eat all my APs. Plus, I usually end up eating 10-15 of the extra 35. But this week, I think I'm going to eat them all. I believe in listening to my body. For the first 9 weeks, my body was cruising right along shedding around 2 pounds per week, and feeling pretty good while doing it.

But this last week has been a drag and you're right - I need to give my body a break!

>>Just for a sanity check: 19 points/day is only about 950 calories!

I think I usually manage closer to 1150 or 1200 because I choose very high fiber foods, which gets me more bang for the buck, calorie-wise. For example, I bought these great tortillas that are around 100 cal each, but they have 9 grams of fibers each. Counts for just 1 point. Nonetheless, you're right - 19 points isn't very much!! I think I've only had one day where I've eaten that few points.

Susan

GLC1968

01-14-2009, 11:30 AM

Ooh, what tortillas, may I ask? Local ones?

I could use a few higher fiber foods besides veggies to increase my food volume myself!

Susan Otcenas

01-14-2009, 11:34 AM

Ooh, what tortillas, may I ask? Local ones?

Tumaro's MultiGrain Low Carb Tortillas - I buy them at the Fred Meyer on Cornelius Pass Road (at Hwy 26). I'd imagine all the local Freddies would have them. Don't know where they are manufactured, though.

Susan Otcenas

01-14-2009, 11:45 AM

Don't know where they are manufactured, though.

http://www.tumaros.com/locarb.htm Looks like thay are based in California.

Incidentally, I'm not doing a low carb diet. I love my carbs. I buy these because of the high fiber content, not the low carb label. They're really tasty and have a nice chewy texture.

Susan

Aggie_Ama

01-14-2009, 11:51 AM

I was looking at some old Christmas photos from my first trip on WW where I got down to 125. I looked like I was ill and yet I was still at the top of my desirable weight range (I am only 5'2"). My face was so hollow and my cheek bones so pronounced, it was a bit scary. I am not sure how low I will go, I cancelled my WW online and the past few weeks have been struggling with accountability and exercise yet maintaining at 20 lbs lost (yippee). I think the lack of exercise is causing a distorted body image because I feel fat.

I am trying to find a balance and trying to determine how much more I want to lose. I just don't want to look ill again! I may try FitDay, I don't know. What I do know is I am trying a run tonight. No ifs ands or butts!

GLC1968

01-14-2009, 12:27 PM

Tumaro's MultiGrain Low Carb Tortillas - I buy them at the Fred Meyer on Cornelius Pass Road (at Hwy 26). I'd imagine all the local Freddies would have them. Don't know where they are manufactured, though.

Awesome, thanks! I'll check the Freddie's I pass on the way home and if they don't have them, I can hit up the one you mention at lunch tomorrow. That's only about 5 minutes from where I work, anyway. :)

I used to use a high fiber tortilla when I lived in NC, but my store back there stopped carrying them when low carbing went out of style for mainstream Americans. While I'm not a low-carber per se, I do like all the high fiber, low sugar products the popularity of that eating style made available for awhile.

Susan Otcenas

01-14-2009, 12:37 PM

Awesome, thanks! I'll check the Freddie's I pass on the way home and if they don't have them, I can hit up the one you mention at lunch tomorrow. That's only about 5 minutes from where I work, anyway. :)

Where's your office? You must be really close to us, because we're only a couple minutes from that Freddie's as well. We're one block from the intersection of Cornelius Pass & West Union.

**Thread drift....Apologies to all**

GLC1968

01-14-2009, 12:43 PM

Where's your office? You must be really close to us, because we're only a couple minutes from that Freddie's as well. We're one block from the intersection of Cornelius Pass & West Union.

**Thread drift....Apologies to all**

I know exactly where you guys are. I've biked past your building and I've also picked up an order from you guys once since moving here. :D

I work right next door to the Hillsboro Library on Brookwood Parkway. I guess it's technically more than 5 minutes, but it's close!

Aggie_Ama

01-19-2009, 06:57 AM

For you Excel junkies, I do WW through Excel. I cannot take credit for it, a friend designed it but it is really cool. I am hoping to send it over to my Palm Pilot and get moving along since I cancelled my WW online account.

I did get a compliment from someone at work today who asked if I was training for a marathon since I am getting leaner. I still feel like I have a way to go but someone saying something made me feel better. Today I am also forcing more water in my routine. Our work provides a fridge of sodas which makes me neglect water but I started running again and I need to be hydrated!

Susan Otcenas

01-21-2009, 08:38 AM

I want to take a moment to thank you ladies for your encouragement last week. I was having a low moment, and your words were just what I needed to keep me motivated.

My WW week ended last night. True to my plan, I skipped my Weds & Fri workout last week, giving my body a rest until Saturday. I also ate 100% of my weekly points AND 100% of my APs. I even ate 2.5 more points beyond that, just 'cuz I felt like it. :D

The results? I'm over my head cold. Yay! My weigh-in this morning was successful (-2.5 lbs from last Weds.) and I had an awesome run workout this morning. Basically, I'm feeling re-energized.

So, thanks again to all of you for helping me work through it!

Susan

greycoral

01-21-2009, 09:51 PM

Anyone have some good ideas for snacks? I have fallen into a rut where I'm eating three big meals again, I need to switch it back up to smaller meals. Problem is, I have never been a "snacker". the only thing I can think of is fruit or granola bars or something, and I've already grown very tired of those.

Anyone have any good snacks? Something that I can pack in the morning and eat through the day, and I also do not have access to a refrigerator or a microwave/oven (though I can put an ice pack in my lunch bag)

Susan Otcenas

01-22-2009, 01:17 PM

http://www.genisoy.com/products/snacks/soy-crisps/

I'm partial to the Ranch flavor. 17 crisps in a servings (they're kind of like little mini rice cakes, but soy instead). 2 points.

They satisfy my put-hand-to-mouth-repeatedly snacking urge. :-)

Also 1/4 cup (unpopped) air-popped popcorn plain makes a really big bowl of popcorn. Again, 2 points. Packed in baggies, it would make multiple snacks throughout the workday.

Susan

uforgot

02-13-2009, 02:59 AM

Hey, how is everyone doing? I rejoined last night after a 4 month layoff. I need some success stories!

maillotpois

02-13-2009, 06:37 AM

I've been a bit quiet but I rejoined at the end of last year. (Lifetime member for 20 years now, but had about 35 lbs to lose after a couple of really off years). Anyway I am down almost 10 pounds. Following the program loosely, mostly there for the once a week weigh in and accountability.

I am also doing a pretty intense cycling training program and really focusing on fuelling solidly for the days I ride and following the program strictly on the days I do not. Trying to stuck to whole foods, whole grains. Lower carb on the days I don't ride. Remembering that when you do a tough ride, the refuelling occurs within the half hour afterward, and is not an excuse for an entire pizza later that night. :rolleyes:

I get re-assessed next week at my training center (body fat, lactate thresholds). That data, I hope, will be very encouraging.

ASammy1

02-13-2009, 07:02 AM

I just started again this week after stopping in Sept. My Dr changed my meds around and I've gained 15 lbs since then.

I am doing in on my own and not going through a WW center. My company used to offer the WW at work program where they would cover 1/2 of the cost, but that was cut after the economy tanked. What's helping me get through it and stay accountable is blogging about my highs and lows. Like yesterday, it was a bad day for me. Then I blogged about it and ended on a positive note. Today I feel good about myself and the choices I'm making.

Susan Otcenas

02-13-2009, 08:11 AM

I'm down 21 pounds since I signed up for WW online on Nov 5th. I follow it religiously, tracking every single thing that passes my lips. I'm also using the activity tracker to record all my activity points. It's working really really well for me. I love the accountability.

14 more pounds to my goal weight!

Susan

tulip

02-15-2009, 11:55 AM

Susan, that is awesome! Just goes to show that with consistency and discipline, you can achieve your goals. Great job!

ASammy1

02-15-2009, 05:31 PM

I know! Susan is so inspirational. By following her progress, I decided last week to get back on track w/ WW. I have changed my diet around completely and upped my protein intake. After reading the Jan/Feb weight loss thread I realized I might have glucose sensitivity (diabetes and hypoglycemia runs in my family). I am going to see what happens and go from there!

Thanks again for your inspiration Susan!

uforgot

02-15-2009, 10:27 PM

I tried doing it alone, but something about weighing in makes me stick to it better. I absolutely can't count ANY activity points. When I did that I gained, but I also need something after a ride. Many here have suggested chocolate milk, any one else have any WW friendly suggestions?

By the way, congrats Susan! That's terrific and inspirational as I have about 35 pounds to lose!

Susan Otcenas

02-16-2009, 08:34 AM

Thanks ladies! I'm glad that sharing my story has helped. :) But believe me, it's definitely been a struggle sometimes. It's a daily test of willpower to keep it going and not succumb to a craving or temptation. *Most* days I'm very successful at that, but every now and then..... Yesterday we celebrated two birthdays @ Jeff's folks' place - Jeff's and his sister's. Jeff baked a chocolate orange cake for Tricia, and Tricia baked a banana cream pie for Jeff. Plus his mom put out a Mexican burrito buffet for lunch.

Well, I'd like to tell you I resisted it all, but......Of course I had to try both the chocolate cake and the pie, both of which were amazing. And the mexican food was awesome. I dutifully counted up all my points at the end of the day (I never skip that step, even when I've had a "bad" day) and just about fell off my chair. :eek:

One thing I've taken away from all of this over the last 3 months is that it's OK to have a day like this now and then. I've learned not to sabotage myself *after* the fact by saying - "well, now I've screwed up my whole week, so I may as well also have x too." Instead, today I'm right back on the plan and eating my daily 19 points. I went for my run this morning, as scheduled. Basically, I've found that if I don't let myself have a day like yesterday every now and then (say, once every 4-6 weeks) then I end up feeling too deprived. What really matters is how I work the plan every day, not the very occasional day when I let loose and eat a piece of cake.

I'd like to thank all of YOU for keeping me on track, too. Part of what works for ME is being accountable to other people, so being able to check in here and on the Jan/Feb weight loss thread really helps me alot.

Susan

uforgot

02-16-2009, 10:07 AM

19 points is all you get? Wow, doesn't seem like much. Maybe I need to recalculate, I'm at 24.

Congrats on making it a way of life and not a diet. That's probably what will make it a success in the end. The fact that we can't go back to our old ways, but have to learn to incorporate those "days" when there is just great food around.

Susan Otcenas

02-16-2009, 10:36 AM

19 points is all you get? Wow, doesn't seem like much. Maybe I need to recalculate, I'm at 24.

Yup, 19. I started out at 21 points when I was 165. Somewhere in the high 140s I dropped to 19. NOw I'm at 144. If I'm not mistaken, the lowest is 18 points. I'd imagine I'll hit that when I'm in the 130s.

In all truthfulness, though, I rarely eat that few points. I exercise 4-6 days per week, and I always eat my activity points (on the day I earn them). It's very important to eat to fuel activity, so I never skip those. Besides, the APs earned only work out to about 1/2 the calories burned in any given activity. So you can eat all your APs and still lose weight.

In fact, you SHOULD eat your APs. If you don't eat enough, your body goes into starvation mode. Basically, your metabolism slows down because your body thinks it's in a famine (because it is). Give it enough calories and it will freely burn them. Starve it and it will try to conserve them by slowing the metabolism.

Besides eating my APs, I usually eat some (but rarely all) of my weekly 35. 10-15 is pretty typical for me.

I believe that "diets" don't work. Eating healthily and in moderation, along with a regular exercise regimen, is the only way to sustain a healthy body weight. It's one of the reasons I never eat "prepared" diet foods like Lean Cuisine or the packaged WW products. One needs to learn how to cook healthy, low fat, low calorie meals to be successful long term. JMHO, of course.

Susan

Zen

02-16-2009, 01:02 PM

I joined WW about eight years ago and lost a buttload of weight, figuratively and literally.
If I keep reading this thread i may have to go back, but I'd only be eating about 19 or 20 points :eek:
I still have all the little books and calculator.

As soon as i finish these butter cookies i made.
Hey- what else was I going to do with butter?
Why do I have butter anyway? I can't remember why I bought it:confused:

Susan Otcenas

02-16-2009, 01:13 PM

Mmmmmmm, butter cookies......

ASammy1

02-17-2009, 04:14 PM

Possegal

02-17-2009, 05:05 PM

My sister's WW leader tells them that when there are things out for the having at work, to just keep telling themselves - not my food. My sisters says this usually works for her. :) Not sure if that would work for me, I make a point to stay away when I hear that there are donuts or something at a certain place within the office. But my sister says she just keeps repeating - not my donuts, not my donuts, and that works.

That doesn't answer the whole eating when not really hungry thing. If I had an answer to that, I wouldn't be trying to lose weight. Sorry!

But now I'm hungry for potato salad. :)

Zen

02-17-2009, 06:06 PM

Well.
This raises the old question "what do you call cheese that is not yours?"

ASammy1

02-17-2009, 06:24 PM

Well.
This raises the old question "what do you call cheese that is not yours?"

NACHO CHEESE!!!!

Zen

02-17-2009, 07:38 PM

But now I'm hungry for potato salad. :)

NACHO TATER SALAD!

uforgot

02-18-2009, 01:12 AM

Ok, so I had some issues with the hunger scale today... I just think I wasn't paying attention.

So here's what happened... After lunch when I clearly wasn't hungry, I waltzed into the breakroom only to find leftover meeting food. Chicken salad, potato salad, cous cous salad, etc from the local deli. YUM! So naturally, I fixed myself a plate... Ate it... And then the guilt set in. Please keep in mind that I was still well within my point range, so technically I could eat it. I just didn't pay attention to my hunger signals...

How do you handle these types of situations?

Sammy- that is the whole point of weight watchers. You were well within your point range, so once in a while you can indulge! It's an eating plan for life, not a diet. If you enjoyed the food, then just go on. Stop the guilt. If you start denying yourself a little pleasure every once in a while, that's when it becomes a diet and not a way of life. Now if you had scarfed down 10 pounds of potato salad and said "what the heck, I blew it, I may as well eat the rest of the day", then you would be in trouble. Sometimes ya just gotta enjoy. Note I said "sometimes". :D

My leader said something interesting at our last meeting. She recommended that if you are ever at a gathering with lots of good food, take a spoonful (about tablespoon) of each thing you want and count 1 point for each. Some are 0, some are 1 and some are probably 2 but it should average. That way you are enjoying, but not denying, and learning to control. Anyone ever heard this before?

Susan Otcenas

02-18-2009, 07:57 AM

uforgot - I've found that to be a great way to get to taste everything, but still count my points and stay on plan. I did that very successfully at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The things I just HAD to taste, I gave myself a small dollop and called it a point.

Andrea - I agree with uforgot about the way of life comment, but I also understand what your point is - that it is difficult to be successful with a healthy way of life long term if we don't learn to both recognize our triggers AND listen to our bodies. ie. Asking myself - "why am I eating this? Am I really truly hungry?" If so, then I should eat something (even if it's not the potato salad, or whatever prompted the question in the first place). But when I'm not really hungry, I have to ask myself "well, Susie, what is it that's making you want to put food in your mouth right now??" Am I bored? Am I socially uncomfortable (This is often a big one for me. Nervous eating to have something to do with my hands, when at a party or in a group of people I don't know so well).

One of the gals here in my office also talks about "mindful eating". Being totally present when you're eating your food. Not reading a book, or cruising the internet. But rather, being engaged in your meals so that your's enjoying the food you DO eat, and are more able to recognize when you're satisfied.

I don't know if any of this helps, but believe me, you are NOT alone. I struggle with all this on a daily basis. Last night I was at a restaurant with a friend. I dutifully made a healthy meal choice, and got a to-go box delivered with my meal so that I could immediately put half of it in the box. That part was great. But the bowl of peanuts on the table in front of me were calling to me. My saving grace was that they were in the shell, so it slowed me down - I had to work at consuming those calories... :D

Yours in temptation,

Susan

Karma007

03-09-2009, 07:57 AM

I'm a WW returnee! Glad to be back, but the first week was a real eye opener. I found that
a) I'm not willing to give up wine
b) 1/2 a box of Girlscout cookies is bad. Very bad
c) Leftover pizza isn't the most point-effective recovery meal

With all that in mind, I'm heading out for week two!:D

ACG

03-10-2009, 07:47 AM

I have been reading this thread for a while, everyday I can't wait to see the new postings. It is great to have this extra support.

Ok, so I went yesterday to a meeting and joined WW! I found a leader who is willing to work with me, the cycling, the hunger, etc. I actually went to several meetings because I wanted the right leader. It was worth the effort.

This morning when I tried on my clothes for work I was almost ready to cry. My clothes all fit, but I feel like I look dumpy, it is amazing what 10lbs here or there can do.

I'm looking forward to looking less dumpy in a few weeks.

Susan Otcenas

04-27-2009, 12:53 PM

HI ladies,

I'm resurrecting this thread. :)

I'm (finally) on the cusp of reaching my WW goal. My last official weigh in was last Wednesday @ 132#. Next weigh this Weds. My goal is 130#. The last few weeks have been really tough - after losing steadily from November through March, I've bounced around a little in April. Still on a downward trend throughout the month, but it's been a little bumpy.

The closer I've gotten to goal, the hungrier I've been! Part of that is the result of my triathlon training. I've earned 52 activity points week-to-date with one more day to go. And these past few weeks, I've eaten ALL my APs and ALL my 35 "extras". I've just been ravenous. And I believe that if I'm hungry, I should eat. I DO make very wise food choices 99% of the time, so I'm getting good food volume and not wasting points on unsubstantial foods.

My base point count is only 18 points, which doesn't even sustain me on a rest day. I haven't had a single day where I've eaten that few points! I used to have days back when my points were higher (I started at 21) and my activity was lower that I could easily stay within my budget, but that never happens anymore.

I'm wondering how many of you have had this experience - ie. how much more difficult it's gotten to lose as you've gotten closer to your goal. And, how much hungrier you've been despite eating all your points.

One final thing I should mention - *I* set my goal at 130. 130 is right smack dab in the middle of the height weight charts (which say that for my height I should be 117-143). Now that I'm here, I think I want to revise my goal down another 5#. I've gotten very lean from the waist up, but from the waist down there's definitely still work to be done!

Susan

Karma007

04-28-2009, 07:26 AM

Susan, I'm at a 20 point allowance right now, so I feel ya. I'm sure you know all the tricks but lately here are some of my favorite low-point foods:

Kashi GOLean (2/3 to 1c) w 1/2c light soymilk and 1.2 to 1c strawberries

snacks are 1/2oz nuts or 1/2 cliff bar, and 1 serving of fruit

Lunch and dinner are salad and something or other.

I ALWAYS have 1/2 to 1 glass of wine after dinner. It keeps me sane.

That being said, weekends kill me. I drink too much beer, and while I don't overeat too bad, the soduim in things like pizza (I get a personal vegy, no cheese) shoots my weight up.

I try to save all my APs for the weekend, but often dip in to 1-2 per day. This is bad with my excersize still being limited and the bike STILL in the shop, so there's no long ride right now and I can only stand so much time in the gym.

Anyway, hope something here is of value to ya!

polly4711

04-28-2009, 08:04 AM

Hello,

I am new to WW! I joined online last night and have enjoyed it already. I have a few questions....

1) Do i put in my overall weight goal at the beginning, or do I move down as I loose weight? (I have no clue what my natural body weight should be, I just have a feeling I'm not where I am supposed to be. In highschool, I was a lightweight rower (bieng under 130#) and the came to and had to be 150 to be competitive and after two surgeries, I ended up where I am now at 162. I have a feeling it's in the 140s, I just dont know where though)

2) How do I set my desired weight? I've been told so often not to focus on numbers, I just kow that I am not happy where I am now.

3) Anything online that you guys find super helpful with the readings. I am trying to get through them all, but there's a lot reading and it's kind of overwhelimg.

alacarte

04-28-2009, 10:00 AM

I'm new to these boards but I've been doing WW for a long time. I'm only 6 pounds away from my goal, but I think I'll probably want to lose another 5 or 10 after that. I'm sort of doing my own diet plan right now but I still attend meetings.

uforgot

04-28-2009, 01:39 PM

The closer I've gotten to goal, the hungrier I've been! Part of that is the result of my triathlon training. I've earned 52 activity points week-to-date with one more day to go. And these past few weeks, I've eaten ALL my APs and ALL my 35 "extras". I've just been ravenous. And I believe that if I'm hungry, I should eat. I DO make very wise food choices 99% of the time, so I'm getting good food volume and not wasting points on unsubstantial foods.

My base point count is only 18 points, which doesn't even sustain me on a rest day. I haven't had a single day where I've eaten that few points! I used to have days back when my points were higher (I started at 21) and my activity was lower that I could easily stay within my budget, but that never happens anymore.

Susan

You don't have to count points. They also have the simply filling mode. It's like the core plan was, only they decided not to make it a separate plan. You just change it on Plan Manager. You can eat any of the filling foods until you are satisfied. You still have 35 weekly points, but those are the only ones you count. Anything not a filling food gets subtracted from the 35. So far it seems like the ticket for me. Somedays I'm starving, and others I'm not. It also makes me eat healthier.

With the momentum plan this is mentioned in the week 6 booklet. They have it at week 6 because by then you are used to portion control.

katluvr

04-29-2009, 12:17 PM

Susan,
18 points is exactly where I always am. At 4'10" and in the 120's. (And yes, I still need/could lose soem weight).
About 5 years ago when I did WW first time I lost from about 140 down to where I am. I started cycling then too. But I never reached goal. (no, 120 is not thin!). I have tried over and over to get back on WW--and sustain running/biking. But can't. True...I LOVE to eat and eat out and drink adn partly it is discipline. But 18 points is almost impossible for me to do and that is why I can't seem to stay there. When I did WW the first time...I really "added" activity points EXCEPT weekends with long biking days.
I have yet to find the answer. But I know that 18 points does not work for me...I can't seem to stay there and feel satisfied nor have teh energy to do what I need to do. I usually found about 23 points worked...I felt "ok" at about this level. So maybe that is waht I need to try. Not low like it says, but at a reasonable level.
K

polly4711

04-29-2009, 05:13 PM

It's day 3... and I'm hungry.... does it just take some getting used to?

alacarte

04-29-2009, 06:14 PM

I think it takes some work to find the combination of things that works for you. You can add lots of veggies to your meals to bulk them up and there's nothing wrong with using the extra points.

Susan Otcenas

04-30-2009, 07:30 AM

Polly -

I've found that there are several way to make sure you aren't hungry.

1) East lots of "high volume low point foods. In practice, this often means alot of fruit & veggies. 1 cup of broccoli - 0 points! 1 cups of brussels sporouts - 0 points! 1 cup of red peppers - 0 points! At dinner time, my plate is 2/3 full of foods like this. 1 1/2 cups of strawberries - 1 point! A small sweet potato - 1.5 points!

2) Choose high-fiber foods. The higher the fiber, the lower the points. A cup of whole wheat pasta has more points than white, so fewer points. Bread is the same way. 2 slices of Oroweat Light Whole Wheat are only 1 point. Lots of fiber. I also eat whole grain hot cereals for breakfast - you get a big bowl for 2-3 points.

3) Over time, you will figure out which high volume, low point foods you like best. You'll also learn that if you "waste" points on high fat, low volume foods, that you'll quickly find yourself at the end of the day hungry, and out of points.

4) Eat ALL your daily points. ALL of them. Your base points are really your minimum. If you still find yourself hungry at day end, eat some of the 35 extras.

5) I ALWAYS eat all my activity points on the day I earn them. Food is NOT evil. It's fuel. We can not exercise without properly fueling our bodies. The way the AP formulas work, is that you get about 1/2 the calories you actually burn in AP points. That is, if you burn 600 calories in a workout, you'll end up with about 6 APs, which is roughly 300 calories. SO eat all your APs, propoerly fuel your workouts, and you WILL still lose weight.

Hang in there.

Susan