My shoes are loose

So we joined the YMCA last week. The whole family has been working out. My husband who is diabetic has already noticed that his sugar level has gotten back to normal as they were a bit high so the exercise has been helping him alot, even my kids surprisingly have been working out quite a bit. As for me I am doing well too. Only been having a hard time with the treadmill as I have been getting blisters, because my sneakers are loose, lol. Can you believe that.? I have only lost about 23 lbs in 4 1/2 weeks but have lost inches everywhere, including my feet. I guess I don't have to buy shoes in wide anymore, woowhoo!!! I have lost 4 inches of my waist, 4 inches of my chest 3 1/2 of my hips and 1 1/2 off my thighs.  So even though my weight loss is not as much as some people have in the same time frame I am very happy with my results so far

On to a question, I am on the soft food phase now, what is everybody eating for snacks as I am suppose to wean off of the protein shakes now. Only drinking one a day now but I am feeling hungry and the shakes always satisfied that hunger. I am not liking greek yogurt.

Well off to work I go :(

First off, congrats on doing such a great job working out!!!  It's fantastic how the rest of the family is getting healthier right along with you.  Your weight loss is fantastic and losing all those inches has got to feel great.  I'm glad you are keeping track of your measurement.  I feel it is so important and encourage everyone to do it.  I personally found it helpful when the scale stalled because I would find my inches were going down even though the scale wasn't moving (muscle does weigh more than fat).  I'm glad to hear you say you are happy with the results because I think you are doing fabulous.  I know it's hard but you can't compare your speed/amount of weight loss to others as everyone loses at different rates due to a lot of factors including starting weights.  I know what you mean about the shoes becoming loose.  I also no longer have to buy wide width (which I have done for as long as I can remember) and it felt absolutely wonderful.  There are so many more options in shoes now.  I also found that my shoe size went down.  I went from a size 10 to and 8 1/2!!!! 

Now for your question.  Cottage cheese is always a good soft snack.  I do have a question about the greek yogurt.  What exactly don't you like about it?  The reason I ask is if it's the texture or consistency, then I have no suggestions for it.  But if it's the flavor I was wondering how you are eating it.  I personally like to put the plain yogurt in a bowl, sprinkle in some sugar free jello (the unmixed powder) and a little bit of splenda.  Fixing it this way you have several different flavors available.  Also, the more jello mix you use the thicker the yogurt gets.  Sometimes I like to use just a little extra and make it almost the consistency of ice cream.  Not quite a substitute for ice cream but pretty close.  Hope some of what I have said helps and again congrats on all your losses.

Thanks Deana, I too am glad my family is getting healthy with me. I worry about my son. He is no where near heavy right now but his eating and exercise habits are terrible. Trying very hard to get him on track while he is still young ( though he loves swimming and is using the pool at they Y for laps he was on the swim team at school). He is 15 (16 in June). My daughter bless her heart is very healthy, loves to exercise and eat right very much into sports. (she is 14). My husband  has been getting healthier since my surgery since I can't have any high sugar content there is more low sugar stuff at home for him to eat (he is diabetic).

Not sure on my shoe size only that its not fat any more you can really see that they are much more narrow now. Can't wait to wear summer sandals now.!!

Cottage cheese is my breakfast every morning. I like it and its high in protein. Now that I can have canned fruit I eat it with peaches. The greek yogurt, I have been eating it plain or with cinnamon, just don't like the taste (yuck). But I think I will buy a couple more and try it like you suggested I have alot of sugar free jello I haven't made up yet. Thanks for the suggestions!!

Well i never woulda imagined that we would lose weight in in feet..  I guess when we got fat they got fat as well. 

WTG on going to the gym and getting your family involved as well.  It is so awesome to see the changes your NEW healthier lifestyle is having on your family.

WTG on the inches dropping off and for you realizing that the scale alone does not dictate our success. 

Try to get all your protein through food.. but if you feel u need a protein shake, I would say have one.  Try to make it where it is not too high in calories. 

Thank you Fran,

Yes, we are really trying to get into this new healthier life style. I am dragging my whole family with me. Love it!!

I wasn't concerned a whole lot when the scale didn't budge for 2 weeks, since I read this group and the main forum everyday and I saw I wasn't the only one having this problem. But its so nice and exciting when the scale show another pound gone. But I have to say I will take the inches any day as well.

Yes, I will keep the protein shake going. I found one I really like and the flavor is cinnamon rolls. Its very good and when mixed with milk its 29 grams of protein. Some one on the home page bog mentioned it so I tried it. and it was very affordable It was like $20.00 with shipping and handling. I think I will buy banana bread flavor next time I order. the web site is http://www.allstarhealth.com/ I believe the protein powder is called BSN Lean Dessert Protein It really is good tasting. Which makes a huge difference and its whey protein powder.

WOW!!! You are doing great!!! I'm so9 happy for you. I wish I could get my sister to start exercising w/ me. What great support you have. Keep us posted.   Mag   

Thanks Mag, I agree its very nice to have my family supporting me. I will keep you posted.

Congrats on the losing.  We lose weight from different places at different times.  Try wearing an extra pair of socks until you get different shoes.  You do not want to blisters or to let them get worse.

Dennis and I joined the Y too, love being able to use the pool.  I need to order the next smaller size swim suit.  The girls are bouncing a little to much in the current one.

Try flavoring the greek yogurt with the sugar free jello, sugar free coffee syrup, my fav is a little sugar free jelly, also crystal light powder.  Many options available.  Add a little canned fruit, the options are limitless.

Thanks Kathy,

I did buy some more greek yogurt yesterday I am going to try it with jello. Hope it  tastes better. Maybe tomorrow I will shop for new sneakers. I hate to spend the money if I am going to have to go through this again in 2-3 months. Will shop around for the best deal I guess.

Congrats to you too for losing having to go to smaller bathing suit. I haven't gone to the pool yet at the Y. Its so cold yet don't want have to go out in the cold air after. I have alot of hair it would talke forever to dry. My girls need new support too. Feels good, but this weight loss could become expensive. Love it .

I went on a bit of a shoe buying binge yesterday.  I don't know if my feet are getting smaller but I have not had any swelling lately.  That's good for me.  I guess when the shoes come and I try them on we will see.  I can always exchange them.  I bought shoes in colors for the first time since high school.  Pink and blue and red, three pair.  I am excited now for warmer weather to wear them.

Greek yogurt is horrible by itself.  I put in splenda and SF fruit spreads.  I just bought some SF pudding mix and will try that.  It is really heavy stuff to eat.  Last summer, way before surgery, I would bring a container to work and have it with spenda and fresh berries.  It was really good but even then I could not fini****  

I am so happy for you having the support of your family.  My kids like going to the Y but they are too little to exercise with me and to old for the child care.  So I go during the day when they are at school.  I wish that I had a workout buddy that lived nearby.  Keep up the great work and the great example you are setting for your kids!