To be honest having done it before and with my trusty database calculator (which seems to have been replaced by a plain points calculator now whereas I love having the basic foods in it's memory) and knowing the system I am happy to do the WW thing at home.  You can just join on-line instead.

The only reason I am attending meetings is I am going with a friend.

I am in fact keeping two separate notes on my weight the first thing Friday morning (which obviously is less), and then Tuesday evenings where clothes and the days eating and drinking add about two pounds to the first thing weight.

I put two pounds on this week if that makes any of you feel any better!
I,m sure I,m water logged so far at work today I,ve drank four litres of water its just unbeliavably hot , imagine if you will a  kitchen in  a factory that makes candles,and the kitchen is in the roof space with only one small window for ventilation and a cooker extraction unit that has almost given up the ghost.
I served one of the lads at work with his lunch toaday and he said he was going outside to eat because if he stayed in the canteen he might end up as wrinkled as me!!!
Well I ask myself what can you say to that!
He was joking I hasten to add er at least I think he was.

Realistically I have to accept this time if I am to keep the weight off I will need to be 'dieting' for good.  I can not rely on my own appetite as a guide to my bodies intake needs, and without strictly counting what I eat I will only put the weight back on.  This I think is the hardest thing of all to accept.  So yes I think I will still be dieting in three years time, but hopefully to maintain a healthy (never want to be a skinny, just a comfy size 12).

Well my Friday morning weigh in shows I have clawed back the excesses of the Bank holiday weekend and managed to loose a pound since last week.

So a loss overall since new year of 34lb, 55lb to go.

Starting weight 16st 10lb
Current weight of 14st 4lb

Well done for the loss.
I too know I must watch what I eat forever more as I am a really bad eater....If however I make sure I eat at meal times and a proper meal it's okay, then good, but I tend to forget to do that and grab whatever is around  when I am hungry or else pick constantly at the wrong things.
So yes I need to monitor the points.
But at least we can take occasional breaks...like holidays.
I am happy to be a size 14....even at 16, but not when it's heading to 18!
Karen

>Realistically I have to accept this time if I am to keep the weight off I will need to be 'dieting' for good

Me too Barbara, and I think the easiest way to be able to do that, is to keep "tracking" on a permanent basis so that I don't allow any slip ups to get out of hand ..........again!

Looks like you & I are heading for similar weight targets

Yep I will be happy with the top healthy weight for my height (only 5' 4").  To be honest once I was under 10 stone last time I was too thin in the face and my upper body.  I actually was a snug size 12 at 11st 5lb, so will be happy at 10 1/2 stone.

Still had the thunder thighs and potatoes in a stocking calves, but I suppose the only way to alter your proportions is surgery.

So hopefully this time next year I will be maintaining.

I am just like you snacker eat the wrong thing, and even worse a binger.

I think by tracking though you can step in to stop the rot without it being too painful to be extra strict for a week or two.

Starting weight 16st 10lb
Current weight of 14st 4lb

Wow, thats fantastic! Well done you......

Don't know if it was stupid of me or not! but..................I went out and bought some bathroom scales..............I lost 2.4lbs just by going to bed hehe................in reality, I lost 0.3lbs in one day

if I get desperate though, I'll have to go for a morning weigh-in rather than the evenings if I need to hit a target

I can feel an obsessiveness(sp!) creeping on

LOL...
Son bought me new scales (so he could go on them too, he over 20 stone and 6' 4")
I keep trying them at different times of the day from first thing to last thing...I vary as much as 3lb in any one day, therefore only go by my weekly weigh in at WW.
Yeah reckon obsessive is close.

karen

That is why I like to weight in on Friday morning at home best.

Am I the only one to weight monthly/bi monthly when on a weight reduction? I really can't stand the 'have I lost a pound, or have I put one on' with the weekly weigh-in, nor the plataeu stage when it sticks like glue...I find it harder to stick to a weight reduction eating plan when I'm so concentrating on it and the loss, I find it so much eaiser to stick to when I don't weight very often. Just follow the plans like any cooking recipe or days menu plan.

I am now 17st 9lb dont know how but i am.

I have found that a weekly weigh-in far more motivational than sitting at home wondering....................even just a half pound loss in a week is enough to spur people on into the next week...............when there is a lot to lose, it takes some time to feel the clothes getting looser, so therefore, what you can't see or feel becomes apparent when you've jumped on the scales...........works for me anyhow

The opposite works for me I don't worry about what I may or may not have lost, in fact I just carry on following the plan as a normal, every day thing. I really don't need to know if I'v lost a pound or two, but I certainly don't need to know that I'v put a pound or two on. I got my head round this in the New year when the battery ran out on my scales. By the time I got round to buying a new one I got on the scales again and found I had lost one and a half stone. By simply following my eating plan unchecked and doing a little extra exercise. took just about 2 mths for this. I weighed again last night, and wow...another large loss, a stone gone....I never stuck to a plan this way before, I'm amazed and happy. So, weekly weigh-ins are a thing of the past for me. Do I have a lot to lose...girls you bet I do I'm hoping, this way, when Im at my target I won't have to think about maintenance, I'll just be doing it....as I have all the way down

In Response to calmstorm

> Am I the only one to weight monthly/bi monthly when on a weight reduction

When I got to goal last time (2004) I found I was getting obsessive and upset about perceived gains so decided to stop weighing, result I put on quite a bit of weight and lost the incentive to try and loose it and it just crept up steadily until I put on more than 6 1/2 stone (over a stone more than I had lost).

For me I need to weight at least once a week or twice if I have had a slip up, to catch myself in time, before too much damage is done.

For me I think I have to accept that I need to keep a very close eye on my weight and what I eat, it is something I hoped I wouldn't have to do.  It is maintainign a healthy eating lifestyle for good that is hard for me, as I am a binge eater, and just love food, and often comfort eat.  Most of my worst gains have been when I have been unhappy (loosing my two girls close together set off my last big gain, and once I had put on I felt demotivated as it had been so hard getting down.

I have had a problem with my weight most of my life (as far as I remember about 8 years of age), which has steadily got worse as I have become less bothered about how I look (never had much vanity). 

I have probably only been a healthy weight between 15 and 18, then I lost a fair bit when I was 20 (had gone up to about 11 1/2 stone) and managed to keep OK until I got pregnant with my daughter at 23, lost the baby weight for no more than a year, and then steadily gained (unhappy marriage) until I was 27 and had my son.  In 1992 (age 28) I was in middle of divorce and decided to 'show him' (yes I know poor reason) going from 11 1/2 Stone to just over 9 stone, but within a year I was gaining again.

Then over the next 12 years I gradually put on 6 1/2 stone, to end up 15 1/2 Stone when I last went onto Weight watchers.  Got to goal and then just let it all pile back on, plus some more, over 3 years.

Funny thing is that in 2004 (age 40) under 10 Stone I was too thin, yet would have seen that as overweight when I was younger, when I kept going to about 11 1/2 Stone.

I am just 5 feet 4 inches tall.

I'm the sama as Barbara .....

before the kids came, I was never above 8 stone 7lbs, was quite active without trying and could eat what I liked!

Then, had the kids, put on baby weight and suffered a VERY unhappy marriage and comfort ate, don't remember how much I put on but probably a couple of stone..........I was devastated and vowed to lose it, which I did, but it wasn't long before it returned, so back to SW I went, and got to 8 stone 11lbs yippee I thought! a few things in life went wrong again and a stone or so crept on too but it was when my father died 6 years ago that the weight really went stupid and when I got on the scales 9 weeks ago, I was ashamed to be a stone and a half heavier than what I'd even imagined myself to be, so now I have found myself with a good 3 and a half stone to lose at least and I think like Barbara, I will need to weigh weekly at least to put a stop to it all getting out of hand, I'm also 5'4".

Your very lucky in that not weighing works for you Calmstorm, I envy you

Calmstorm, I'm interested in how you put on weight in the first place, and have you through your life generally not had to struggle with weight issues.

I know some people put on weight after always being healthy weight due to something like a stressful work schedule meaning they get into bad eating habit and gain weight, or go on holiday and over eat etc, but as soon as they are back to normal eating they can get back to where they should be, others just find some readjustment is needed re age or activity levels.

Then there are those who have struggled with weight all their lives who if they follow their appetite, even on a healthy diet (I haven't used butter or substitute spreads on bread or cooking for years,never have sugary drinks etc), just pile the weight on, and this like with me gets worse after children and I suppose with age.

Those of us with dogs to walk are probably more than averagely active too.

Wow, all this from me saying I had found the way that works (fingers and toes firmly crossed) for me, and wondering if anyone else did it. My GP, (the ever supportive love) has tried to get me to do this for ages, but would I listen... Thought if I kept my 'eye off' I would put weight on...Ok the way I am seeing it, as this seems to be just me lol....is that I think diet--- mind thinks *here we go again* So, no diet, just an eating plan with all the wonderful fresh produce available. Before anyone says its expensive, I find ready meals to fill my lot more expensive than cooking from scratch, and there is very little waste.

Calmstorm, I'm interested in how you put on weight in the first place, and have you through your life generally not had to struggle with weight issues.

I don't really think anyone wants my life story....might get banned for it :O :O

Thin, tall child, fast 'maturity' to womanhood, then into teens and from then on, despite walking or biking everywhere, and having ponies and competing with them and other peoples, had to be careful of my weight. had a good, curvy figure, firm from working with horses, you would never have guessed how hard it was to keep weight down to ride.
Years gone by, fight got harder, so yes I know exactly what its like to battle the bulge. Health problems, medications, and the bodies refusal to get smaller :O

I follow my appitite, allowing a healthy portion at meal times, served on a small plate. Plenty of water, (all day) as sometimes you think you are hungry when you are thirsty. A simple small snack at 9pm, never sleep on an empty, hollow tummy. No eating between meals, no sugary drinks, tea occasionally with the exception of a teaspn of sugar, eating meals at the table, slowly, and enjoying it. Mouthful by mouthful. Now this is not a diet, but a healthy plan which seems to be working for me. And yes, no weekly weigh ins.

Whatever works for you, works for you :O :O

Your very lucky in that not weighing works for you Calmstorm, I envy you
"Jo"

believe me, its a novelty to me too!

Well, I said goodbye to another 2lb last night

Well done

Is it OK for anybody to join in on this thread??

My holiday to Looe, Cornwall is fast approaching (12 July) and I really want to shift a few pounds. I have lost 3 stone in the past calories counting, put it all back on, lost a bit and got stuck at my current wieght so I gave up
I have been inspired by this thread
I'm 5' 7", and weigh 143.6lb (I just weighed myself!!)
I am looking to loose about 5 lb.
I prefer to weigh daily (or every time I go into the bathroom!!!!) as it helps keep me on track. I also get the best results calorie counting, as I find it means there are no 'of-limit' food but it helps encourage healthier choices. (it alos means I can still wangle in a chocolate bar )
My downfalls are I am vey unactive, and I drink far too much coffee (complete with 2 sugars & full fat milk).

My target for today is to switch half of my cups of coffee for water, so I should feel more hydrated, energetic and save a lot of calories (& probably have a headache from sugar withdrawal )

>I am looking to loose about 5 lb.

Well that shouldn't take too long!

Why not substitute the sugar in your tea/coffee for sweetex or similar.......and use semi-skimmed milk instead of full fat? or swap some of those drinks for diet coke or similar?

I'm following the weight-watchers plan ATM and nothing is forbidden so long as you remember to count the points value!

I have tried sweetner in my coffee, but I can't use it all the time (it gives me an upset belly ), but I have started using it for every other coffee, so that saves calories

I'd forgotton about the diet coke!!! I used that to great effect last year as I still get my caffeine fix
Oh dear, so many addictions...sugar....caffeine...yummy food....sitting on my bum too much reading posts on CD....

5lb shouldn't take too long to shift, but I've always found that the last few pounds are the most stubborn

My friend goes to weigh watchers (not sure what plan shes on), she's doing really well (I think her overall target is a 2 stone loss), she's tried calorie counting with me & just can't get on with it.

Just let em make it clear my post was in no way meant as a criticism I was seriously curious as different things suit different people and weight gain can be from many reasons.

I think you are describing the Weight watchers system, LOL

I would never follow an eat this and don't eat that diet, as after all sooner or later you have to go to eating normally.

My issue is that if I take my eye off the clock I cannot maintain weight loss.  This has been my biggest issue, getting my head around the fact that my appetite is a liar,a nd when I allow it to guide my I put weight on, get discouraged and carry on gaining.

Weight watchers have two plans the count everything and stay within your allowance, so you can eat what you like but should include your five a day and Pint of milk or equivalent calcium containing food.

Their alternative plan is the Core plan which gives a wide range of healthy foods to be eaten to appetite, with a few points for extras.

I tried the core plan when it was first introduced when I was at goal and put on weight quite fast and stopped going for My weigh in's from embarrassment.

This time around I could probably do fine by just weighing myself at home, as I don't feel I need the meetings, but attend with my friend, and do buy the Fruities sweets.

> she's tried calorie counting with me & just can't get on with it.

The thing with WW is that you convert the calories and Sat fats into points which being smaller numbers are a lot easier to get on with.  some things like many vegetables are point free as their calorie values is very low ans wouldn't affect your weight unless eaten by the barrow full.

This does of course mean that one days calorie intake may be different than another even if you have the same points, but in the grand scheme of things this won't impact much, except one your on maintenance with minor fluctuations.  Trick is to eat as varied a diet as possible.

Well....good old WW and point counting is working for me and I am pleased with it!
Now only 1/2lb to get to Gold!

I have been there before but loads of things happened and put the weight back on. I am very greedy with a sweet tooth so find the points the ideal for me.
The fruities are great for me but the wind does tend to rise!

Karen

Wow well done.  I think I will be happy if I manage to get to gold this time next year.

VERY WELL DONE!

can't wait to be that close to goal!

Awww, thanks you two...it's staying focussed and not beating yourself up when you stray helps!
This week I ate a crunchie and felt really wicked but its  total points value was only 3 1/2...So easily managed to make up for it.
KAren

I,ve struggled this last two or three weeks and at Wednesday nights weigh in I was eight pounds over my target eek.
So I,ve had a word with myself and this week I,m really going for it and writing down everything I eat, basically I,ve gone back to week one of food optomising and when you write it down its much easier to keep track of just where you are going wrong.
So all being well I should have some sort of a loss this week only problem is my period is due and I,m already craving chocolate and feeling bloated up I may need tu use a strip of masking tape  across my mouth this weekend HA HA.

I started dieting in March 2007, after a casual question from my doctor about how much I weighed - didn't think anyone else had noticed that I was a bit over weight til then

Now after a year of sensible eating, no particular diet plan, and going to the gym 5 times a week for cardio and weight work, I have lost 5 stone and 3lb and weigh exactly what I did when I got married ( 10st).

Funnily enough, even thought the scales tell me that I have lost weight,  when I look in the mirror I struggle to see any difference and still look a lot fatter than I was 30 years ago. I can still see all sorts of wobbly bits that I never used to have, so I guess that I will have to carry on and lose another stone. How do you know when you are at the right weight I wonder?

> How do you know when you are at the right weight I wonder?

Well there is a healthy weight range guide, and I suppose each of us will fit in there somewhere.

I found last time I lost weight and got down to around the 10st mark I felt I was too thin in some places (chest face shoulders, but would still have wanted to loose loads more from my lower half.  Also where did that totally flat belly I used to have go, even with the weight off there was a small bulge above the pubic area.

If I had continued to loose and get down to my late teen and early 20's weight I would have been painfully thin, but wasn't at that age.  So the best weight for you I think does change.

another good weekly weigh-in from me ...............a loss of 3.5lbs, which brings the total to 1 stone and 12lbs loss and my jeans can now be done up too LOL

actually, that's a lie.........total loss is 24lbs which is 1 stone 10lbs  oops!!

Whoopee..............
26lbs later I am now within my bmi and therefore a Gold member.....now to sustain it!

Karen

Congratulations.  How to sustain it, keep on counting, best of luck and hopefully I will join you by this time next year.

Well done Karen......................I've got another 10lbs to go to be at the top end of a healthy BMI, but am 1lb off of a BMI of 26, so that's next weeks aim

Well done Karen!!!

I really need to get back on track but the house move has put me off completely! I've stopped going to be weighed as it seemed pointless paying for it when my heart wasn't in it

Awww, thanks you lot............
I will have to remain vigilant,it is the top end of bmi but as 50 approaches feel the need for the plumping of lines where possible!

Now on to business...because if I can do it so can you!
I have become quite a fan of cauldron pate, and not eating with the family each time but having the occasional ww fish pie, with a load  of asparagus.
This has speeded it up at the end for me.

Karen

Oooh I am intrigued what is Cauldron pate?

Oh to be within my bmi....

Actually I find the Birds Eye healthy options meals in Iceland great to have around if I am running around and need a hot lunch that feels like a meal and not a snack. 

You can always add some salad or cook some no points vegetables.  I love the chicken and the Minced Beef Hotpot which are only 4.5 and 5 points.

This way I can have a healthy breakfast, and cook something for tea and have one of those for Lunch, which at £1 a throw won't break the bank.

It's from Checkers vegatarian chilled foods and my favourite is chick pea and black olive, spread on crackerbread, very pleasing to me, my family think its horrid.

The reason for thge asparagus is my sister learned somewhere that is conducive to faster weight loss!!

Karen 

> The reason for thge asparagus is my sister learned somewhere that is conducive to faster weight loss!!

Works for me I love the stuff...will tell hubby thats why i now need so much of it

>
>

> It's from Checkers vegatarian chilled foods and my favourite is chick pea and black olive, spread on crackerbread, very pleasing to me, my family think its horrid.
>
>

I will have to try it

Isn't asparagus supposed to make your wee stink?!

I have alot of spinnach as well as asparagus, and like Barbara, have the odd "ready" pointed meal, pumped up with free veggies for quickness and convenience

> Isn't asparagus supposed to make your wee stink?!
>

Oooops lol

I lost three pounds this week so I really pleased
I kept a food diary all week soI had it in black and white if I cheated it really helps me writing it down for a week or two if I,m ever struggling so I,m going to do the same again this week.
I don,t ever want to put back on all the weight I,ve lost its just some days are harder than others to cope with.
Of I go now to make yet another rhubarb jelly.
Sharon

Just saw your post Karen congratulations on acheiving gold and hang on in there everyone else.
Sharon

> I lost three pounds this week so I really pleased

I lost the same, now 14 stone exactly.

Well done

We're all doing well aren't we!