THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15

155.6 - So this year because of numerous things I stopped working out and eating right. I gained 18 freaking pounds. I'm happy to say that I'm FINALLY back on track and have already lost 8. 10.6 more pounds to go.

Have a Thankful Thursday everyone!!

Well done!!

good for you!

K: nice post on the main board re: the 'eating ' months from Halloween through. Having a strategy is wise.

a great day food wise until 2am and leg cramps woke me up and ate two slices of bread. Bread is my huge downfall.

walked over 15,000 steps so that was good.

enjoy your day everyone.

Good for you May!! I'm in the same boat and am struggling to lose the pounds I gained back. Down some, but not there yet.

Carbon, I hear you about downfall foods. If I get into any of my trigger foods, even if they are healthy ones in small portions, I can't seem to stop. One day at a time!

Food has been ok, a bit cleaner than it was for a bit there. I'm really trying to be more mindful of what I put in my mouth and why.

What a great topic of the holidays. So true about food during this time of year. I heard someone call it the Triple Crown of Eating years ago, and that has stuck with me. I agree, recognizing that this time of year has those pitfalls, and planning for them helps tremendously. The other thing, like many people, my stress level can increase during this time, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with all that there is to do. What I realized several years ago, even before WLS, was that my stress increased proportionately with how much sugar and other junky carbs I ate. I would be in a viscious cycle - stressed, so soothe with sugar, then get more stressed, etc. Finally, one year I decided to try to at least keep those foods to a minimum or not have them at all, and amazingly, my stress during the holidays decreased. I felt better physically, and had more energy to do the things I needed to. I also let some things go, like baking trays of cookies for all of the teachers, after school program and day care folks. It was so much easier, and in the end didn't cost anymore to get those folks a gift card to Dunkin Donuts - what a stress reliever that was too. My SWL program surgeon asked me at one of my follow up appointments, what I had planned for the holidays. She didn't want to know where, with whom, and how I would be celebrating. She wanted to know what I had planned around eating so that I didn't fall into that trap. I already had my own game plan, but she really made me think. I remember that each year, and make sure I'm taking care of me in the way I need to.

Have a great day! Mary

Hi all

Good for you May. just goes to show you what can be done.

Carbon, whoever said that "bread is the staff of life" knew that we can beat ourselves up with it! I am lucky to live in a household where we never buy bread.

moms don't feel bad about not baking trays of cookies for teachers. read Kairk's posts about being a teacher and the teacher's lounge being a den of danger full of homemade goodies. years ago I learned from a friend that when one is obligated to take food gifts (like after a death) that an assortment of coffee or tea is appreciated.

well i am back to 126.5 and grateful for it. time for more coffee. diane