TGIF May 20th

Like Linda, I sometimes go for feeling full instead of no longer empty - a lifelong habit.  I still tend to wolf my food down, so many times I end up being too full and uncomfortable.  Been trying to listen more closely

Good morning everyone!  I didn't think I'd have time to post, but I have a little bit before I have to pick up the younger one for manicures.

Diane, your Memorial Day plans sound wonderful!

Bonnie, isn't it amazing how our sleeves can seem to tighten back up when we're eating dense protein and lower carb?  For me, it's also because I'm paying more attention to how I feel when my food is right, rather than stuffing in slider foods or the last bite.

Paula happy 18th to your #1 son!  My #1 turns 18 in August, so we have some other things in common!  :)

So glad to have this group!  Last night my older daughter and I had an argument like we haven't had in some time.  I was an emotional wreck for the rest of the night.  In the end of it, she came to me to apologize about the issue, and had spent some time with DH, sorting things out.  I apologized too, as even though I know that I needed to stand my ground about the issue, I did my share of yelling, rather than trying to stay calm.  The great news is that it was just before supper, I ate my planned portion, and then took some sorely needed time by myself and didn't eat anything else for the rest of the evening.  The scale this morning, even after breakfast, and without having had my morning constitutional, was still down another lb.  I'm tired today, so I need to be here to gather strength from all of you, to get through this weekend without lots of eating off plan.  Traditionally, we go out to lunch and then have a late supper out with a group from dance, after dress rehearsal.  I'm bringing waters and snacks for all of us, and will bring something for me that is healthy and not a trigger.  I'm committing to salads and protein for both.  Tomorrow is a cookout at my oldest's BFF's house, before recital.  I'm bringing things to the cookout, including salad and chicken, so I will be able to eat a healthy meal.  I tend to be careful at the cookout because of not wanting to be bloated and puffy from too much food and salt, for when I go on stage.  Sunday, a large group of us go to the Japanese hibachi restaurant, after the last performance.  So there's a minefield to navigate this weekend.  I am committing to stay on course though, enjoy the company, and not focus on the food much.

Thanks to all of you for your wisdom, strength and support - I love you all!

Hugs, Mary

120.8

Crazy busy week almost over.  Two more coming up.  My food strategy is to de-emphasize food, esp during workday.  I have a long history of over-snacking when I have lots of work to do. 

So, most meals are quite simple...lots of turkey breast and shrimp and crab this week.  Anything more complicated has been a trigger in the past so not exciting food choices but they don't HAVE to be exciting. 

Enjoy the day,

Shel

I've had that same pattern in play with having a lot of work to do. Self soothing is extra tempting with food isn't it!  Good for you for correcting it. And maybe there's some other type of  'break' that you can replace it with?  Just a thought 

Well kids it's Friday!  Long weekend ahead here too but of course every day is a holiday for me right now. 

DD spent the night so it was nice to have the house a little fuller this morning with her and DH getting ready for work at the same time. My crazy kitty almost devoured me with face slurps this morning - he certainly loves his mama. Didn't even run to his dish when the timer turned it. People like us understand how unusual that is. 

Getting my hair done this morning and expecting DH home around lunch time to start his vacation.  Yay!

ooops forgot to report my weight which is 113.  Lots of bouncing over the week! 

Oh, before I lose this sticky note that is on my keyboard...

I saw Costco employee #3 yesterday, now retired.  His job was source products from around the world! 

He LOVES talking about Costco so I took a moment to say "I can't buy your pies because they are too darned big.  I would pay extra per oz for the privilege of being able to buy a smaller pie." 

Without missing a beat, he said that will never happen because they would likely sell about the same number of units and now some of them would be at a smaller sales price so the dollar intake would be less. 

He didn't care about me wanting to pay more per oz; it still wouldn't financially make sense.  "We have seen this over and over"  Plus the pain of having another SKU for the different size...etc.  They try to maximize value of what they have over variety. 

He said not making that smaller pie is an "intelligent loss of sale."  He said I should focus on the value and fabulous flavor of the big pies.  I said it isn't a value if I eat too much of it.  And, he said (dramatic pause) "well, Michelle, perhaps you need to develop some discipline!" 

We both had a good laugh, I have known him a decade and I know he is thrilled about my weight loss. He gets a free pass on the discipline comment.   

Anyway, loved the idea of "intelligent loss of sale." 

Lol good one about your discipline!  

Those guys have sales down to a science, that's for sure. They're aiming at my husband, *****minds me that the huge pie is only $10. There's tremendous 'value' in eating more pie!!

Another comment of his is that not everyone is going to be their customer and that's ok....they are going to provide the best value to the ones that are Costco customers.  So....your husband!

He used the word "value" about 50 times in 3 minutes.

One more factoid --- Libby grows all of the pumpkins for the Costco bakeries.  It is a particular pumpkin variety, not just any pumpkin.  "Superior taste and texture and the pies take 10 minutes less to bake"    The faster the baking time, the more pies they can bake. 

Spoken like the buyer he is/was.

Yes, down to a science.

Now I want a pumpkin pie.

I know!  One made out of special pumpkins, no less!