10/04 Anywhere, USA: Weight Loss Challenge
1 | 2If i can do it so can you.
Posted by: shanette99
Posted on: 2004-10-02 08:08:48
I used to weigh about 260 lbs. and after having two kids i blamed it on that. i have two emergency c-sections where they had to cut me up and down. my sister asked me to be in her wedding almost a year before she got married. so i went to the doctor and found that it is hard to lose weight. so i started by getting rid of all the junk food in the house. no more snack cakes, chips(unless they were baked) and i had someone come in and show me what an portion is. it took me 2 hours at the grocery store the first time i went my myself. i made my husband mad, but you know what i didn't care. i was going to lose the weight. well when the wedding came around i had lost 70 lbs. and was in a dress 4 sizes smaller then my sister-in-law. i looked really good. i am still going. knowing what to eat and keeping all the junk food out of the house helps. my kids have friends that won't come over because we have no pop for them, no candy for them. just cereal bars, fruit and a ton of healthy things. i canned homemade applesauce and apple butter for the fact there is no FAT. my husband the one who was so mad when i started has actually lost weight too. he has lost 40 pounds. i feel better and we do more bike riding and walking on the treadmill. I have no self control and love to bake. i have redone recipes so they are healthier for you and that makes me feel good. thanks for listening.
Posted by: shanette99
Posted on: 2004-10-02 08:08:48
I used to weigh about 260 lbs. and after having two kids i blamed it on that. i have two emergency c-sections where they had to cut me up and down. my sister asked me to be in her wedding almost a year before she got married. so i went to the doctor and found that it is hard to lose weight. so i started by getting rid of all the junk food in the house. no more snack cakes, chips(unless they were baked) and i had someone come in and show me what an portion is. it took me 2 hours at the grocery store the first time i went my myself. i made my husband mad, but you know what i didn't care. i was going to lose the weight. well when the wedding came around i had lost 70 lbs. and was in a dress 4 sizes smaller then my sister-in-law. i looked really good. i am still going. knowing what to eat and keeping all the junk food out of the house helps. my kids have friends that won't come over because we have no pop for them, no candy for them. just cereal bars, fruit and a ton of healthy things. i canned homemade applesauce and apple butter for the fact there is no FAT. my husband the one who was so mad when i started has actually lost weight too. he has lost 40 pounds. i feel better and we do more bike riding and walking on the treadmill. I have no self control and love to bake. i have redone recipes so they are healthier for you and that makes me feel good. thanks for listening.
shanette99
Posted by: dlrsdrnll
Posted on: 2004-10-04 16:05:25
You go girl. That is a wondeful thing you are doing for yourself and your family. Your children will thank you someday. Wish I had done that when mine were young. Both my girls are in their fortys and are over weight. If I had tought them how to eat healthy when they were young they wouldn't be in the shape they are into day. I like you have lost a lot of weight over the last year and a half and exercise most everyday. AND it is really worth it. BE PROUD OF YOURSELF.
Posted by: dlrsdrnll
Posted on: 2004-10-04 16:05:25
You go girl. That is a wondeful thing you are doing for yourself and your family. Your children will thank you someday. Wish I had done that when mine were young. Both my girls are in their fortys and are over weight. If I had tought them how to eat healthy when they were young they wouldn't be in the shape they are into day. I like you have lost a lot of weight over the last year and a half and exercise most everyday. AND it is really worth it. BE PROUD OF YOURSELF.
Posted by: leegirl89
Posted on: 2004-10-02 11:11:03
Hello. First of all let me say, obesity is a bad problem. It affects your physical appearance and your self esteem. I'm 14 yrs old, and I am 5 foot and I used to weigh 115 pounds. But I didn't like the way I looked, so for the entire summer I worked out 3 times a week. The workouts consisting of jogging 1 mile on the treadmill, weights targeting my thighs, glutes, arms and back. Then an advanced abdominal workout routine from a pilates book. I lost about 3 inches off my waist and now I weigh about 102. I was so happy! When you don't have much muscle definition to start with, then when you start to work out, you really start to see the changes work. You start seeing your muscles in your arms and abs especially, but it doesn't come for free. Try to eat healthy. And remember, a diet doesn't consist of what you in just a day, it's what you eat over a week or so that really makes a difference.
My Experience
Posted by: ramair
Posted on: 2004-10-02 11:34:48
There are many towns like Elgin, all over the South. With few, if any, healthy food options. My town's loaded with fast food joints, but Subway, Wendy's, and a Chinese restuarant, where I can get brown rice, are the only places that offer anything healthy. That's why I've begun cooking for myself so much more. I either follow a healthy recipe or adapt the less healthy ones, using lower fat ingredients and replacing sugar with Splenda. It's paid off. I'm 50 lbs lighter, and at my goal weight, since I began taking Dr Phil's weight loss advice seriously.
Posted by: ramair
Posted on: 2004-10-02 11:34:48
There are many towns like Elgin, all over the South. With few, if any, healthy food options. My town's loaded with fast food joints, but Subway, Wendy's, and a Chinese restuarant, where I can get brown rice, are the only places that offer anything healthy. That's why I've begun cooking for myself so much more. I either follow a healthy recipe or adapt the less healthy ones, using lower fat ingredients and replacing sugar with Splenda. It's paid off. I'm 50 lbs lighter, and at my goal weight, since I began taking Dr Phil's weight loss advice seriously.
Should be a good show
Posted by: idealw8
Posted on: 2004-10-03 09:10:03
This is a bit surprising.
I always hear, "if I lived down South, I'd have unlimited fresh fruit and vegetables all year long. I'd be so thin."
And then there is the stereotype, "all people down South work with their hands, so they're strong and lean or certainly not overweight."
Of course, you know this isn't reality, but part of me still can't help being surprised at a weight loss challenge for this town.
As for Wendy's, Subway, and a chinese restaurant, that's pretty much ALL that ANY small town is going to have in the way of healthy food. Add in a few national chains and that's all most cities are going to have.
I was never raised to think that food prepared outside of the home, was ever healthy. You just don't expect it to be.
Posted by: idealw8
Posted on: 2004-10-03 09:10:03
This is a bit surprising.
I always hear, "if I lived down South, I'd have unlimited fresh fruit and vegetables all year long. I'd be so thin."
And then there is the stereotype, "all people down South work with their hands, so they're strong and lean or certainly not overweight."
Of course, you know this isn't reality, but part of me still can't help being surprised at a weight loss challenge for this town.
As for Wendy's, Subway, and a chinese restaurant, that's pretty much ALL that ANY small town is going to have in the way of healthy food. Add in a few national chains and that's all most cities are going to have.
I was never raised to think that food prepared outside of the home, was ever healthy. You just don't expect it to be.
Southern Cooking. And Eating.
Posted by: ramair
Posted on: 2004-10-04 15:18:34
According to studies, the fattest people live in the South. Having lived in New England, New York City, and suburban and metropolitan Washington DC before moving to Northeast Georgia 25 years ago, my observations bear this out. It's the way they cook. And, eat.
Southern cooking is extremely fattening. Beef, fish, pork, and poultry is almost always fried. I've even seen a recipe for deep fried bacon! Vegetables? They're often fried. Or, baked in casseroles with eggs, cheese, and whole milk. If they're boiled, it's often with bacon or fatback.Fruit? It's combined with high fat pastry and loaded with sugar in pies and cobblers.
There are lots of "Meat plus three" restaurants in the South. Everything's usually prepared in the most fattening way. They charge much less than the restaurants that offer healthy fare. Buffets abound down here. While some offer healthy options, most customers make a bee line for anything that's fried and pile their plate sky high, sometimes with two, even three big pieces of fried chicken! Within ten minutes, they're back for a refill.
Posted by: ramair
Posted on: 2004-10-04 15:18:34
According to studies, the fattest people live in the South. Having lived in New England, New York City, and suburban and metropolitan Washington DC before moving to Northeast Georgia 25 years ago, my observations bear this out. It's the way they cook. And, eat.
Southern cooking is extremely fattening. Beef, fish, pork, and poultry is almost always fried. I've even seen a recipe for deep fried bacon! Vegetables? They're often fried. Or, baked in casseroles with eggs, cheese, and whole milk. If they're boiled, it's often with bacon or fatback.Fruit? It's combined with high fat pastry and loaded with sugar in pies and cobblers.
There are lots of "Meat plus three" restaurants in the South. Everything's usually prepared in the most fattening way. They charge much less than the restaurants that offer healthy fare. Buffets abound down here. While some offer healthy options, most customers make a bee line for anything that's fried and pile their plate sky high, sometimes with two, even three big pieces of fried chicken! Within ten minutes, they're back for a refill.
idealw8
Posted by: dlrsdrnll
Posted on: 2004-10-04 16:20:40
LOL You made me laugh, when you said if you lived down south you would be thin. I was raised in the south, and southerns can made nice fresh green beans fattening (with fat ham or someother fat meat.) I don't live in the south any more (but I still love the south) but My hubby likes things "cooked the good ole southern way"--NO WAY ANY MORE. If he wants it that way he has to do it himself. ;) Good luck
Posted by: dlrsdrnll
Posted on: 2004-10-04 16:20:40
LOL You made me laugh, when you said if you lived down south you would be thin. I was raised in the south, and southerns can made nice fresh green beans fattening (with fat ham or someother fat meat.) I don't live in the south any more (but I still love the south) but My hubby likes things "cooked the good ole southern way"--NO WAY ANY MORE. If he wants it that way he has to do it himself. ;) Good luck
Challange and Sabotage
Posted by: coolkrittr
Posted on: 2004-10-03 11:14:21
When I first met 'Him' I was 120 lbs and feeling good about my weight, within a couple of years, I put on over 40 lbs (I'm not saying just how much because it isn't something I'm proud of). I have always had to work at staying a healthy weight and that relationship did nothing to encourage healthy living. He swore by his deep fryer and a dinner out was MacDonalds or A&W burger pits. Having an oversize sweet tooth, I tried to keep the junk food out of the house but he would bring in 5 lb boxes of chocolates, chips, pop, beer and other shall we say "calorie rich" foods that were always a temptation. And for him, pizza was the ultimate food (well it is! But not on a frequent bases). And even though gym time was a part of my schedule when we met, working out became a burden because it constantly caused conflicts each time I wanted an hour or two for the gym.
So at one point I became discouraged and decided that if I wanted to 'get healthy' again, drastic measures would be needed. Then one day, I finally decided to lose 235 lbs (40 of my own and the other 195 I was carrying around). Granted, the food and exercise issues were not the only problem in the relationship, there were other reasons but regardless since removing myself from that environment, I have once again returned to a weight I am more comfortable with.
Two years later, I am in another relationship and again with a junk food addict. If he doesn't like the healthy meals I cook, he runs out and buys his own 'calorie rich' meals from local fast food joints. I'm 120 lbs and he is 260 lbs, his problem! There is still some sabotage (the occasional small bag of Doritos is offered as a treat and beer a regular item in the house) but well within limits and the only conflict about the gym is scheduling around a single car household and that is to be expected. I am still well within what I consider to be an acceptable weight for myself.
I have learned that I have very little will power when it comes to food and that small amounts of sabotage I can deal with. But personally, I cannot succeed within a toxic environment.
Anyone dealing with significant sabotage to a healthy living plan, I wish you luck. It isn't impossible but it does make it by far more difficult.
Posted by: coolkrittr
Posted on: 2004-10-03 11:14:21
When I first met 'Him' I was 120 lbs and feeling good about my weight, within a couple of years, I put on over 40 lbs (I'm not saying just how much because it isn't something I'm proud of). I have always had to work at staying a healthy weight and that relationship did nothing to encourage healthy living. He swore by his deep fryer and a dinner out was MacDonalds or A&W burger pits. Having an oversize sweet tooth, I tried to keep the junk food out of the house but he would bring in 5 lb boxes of chocolates, chips, pop, beer and other shall we say "calorie rich" foods that were always a temptation. And for him, pizza was the ultimate food (well it is! But not on a frequent bases). And even though gym time was a part of my schedule when we met, working out became a burden because it constantly caused conflicts each time I wanted an hour or two for the gym.
So at one point I became discouraged and decided that if I wanted to 'get healthy' again, drastic measures would be needed. Then one day, I finally decided to lose 235 lbs (40 of my own and the other 195 I was carrying around). Granted, the food and exercise issues were not the only problem in the relationship, there were other reasons but regardless since removing myself from that environment, I have once again returned to a weight I am more comfortable with.
Two years later, I am in another relationship and again with a junk food addict. If he doesn't like the healthy meals I cook, he runs out and buys his own 'calorie rich' meals from local fast food joints. I'm 120 lbs and he is 260 lbs, his problem! There is still some sabotage (the occasional small bag of Doritos is offered as a treat and beer a regular item in the house) but well within limits and the only conflict about the gym is scheduling around a single car household and that is to be expected. I am still well within what I consider to be an acceptable weight for myself.
I have learned that I have very little will power when it comes to food and that small amounts of sabotage I can deal with. But personally, I cannot succeed within a toxic environment.
Anyone dealing with significant sabotage to a healthy living plan, I wish you luck. It isn't impossible but it does make it by far more difficult.
Proud of my Elgin Team
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 08:28:03
Everyone involved in the Elgin WLC,
I wanted to be sure to say how honored I am to be you leader of this support group and be involved with a great group of people. I personally need to loose 100 pounds, but with a circle of personality and support it will be possible. Jim, Jeff and Lisa are in my group and we ARE PROUD OF THEM!!! All of these people seem to be down to earth and with wonderful character. We are rooting for you and will be right there by your side as you stomp and succeed all over your goal.
Here's to a whole bunch of lean-mean Elginites!
Clara, Elgin, TX
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 08:28:03
Everyone involved in the Elgin WLC,
I wanted to be sure to say how honored I am to be you leader of this support group and be involved with a great group of people. I personally need to loose 100 pounds, but with a circle of personality and support it will be possible. Jim, Jeff and Lisa are in my group and we ARE PROUD OF THEM!!! All of these people seem to be down to earth and with wonderful character. We are rooting for you and will be right there by your side as you stomp and succeed all over your goal.
Here's to a whole bunch of lean-mean Elginites!
Clara, Elgin, TX
claralaw - a personal message!
Posted by: tea4ular
Posted on: 2004-10-04 11:21:26
I wanted to say BRAVO to you, for stepping up to the plate in this WLC.
I haven't even seen the show yet, but in advance I want you to know it can be done. I know, I did it!
Come on over to the General Weight Loss Discussion Board, and say hi to some of the most incredible folks who are doing this! This is a dedicated group that is actively working the 7 keys, and NOT white-knuckling.
It'd be a blast for you to pop over and say "Hey!"
I'll be looking for updates on you and your fellow WLC's and look forward to seeing how you're doing!
Posted by: tea4ular
Posted on: 2004-10-04 11:21:26
I wanted to say BRAVO to you, for stepping up to the plate in this WLC.
I haven't even seen the show yet, but in advance I want you to know it can be done. I know, I did it!
Come on over to the General Weight Loss Discussion Board, and say hi to some of the most incredible folks who are doing this! This is a dedicated group that is actively working the 7 keys, and NOT white-knuckling.
It'd be a blast for you to pop over and say "Hey!"
I'll be looking for updates on you and your fellow WLC's and look forward to seeing how you're doing!
I Will Check it Out Tomorrow!!!
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 22:21:04
Thanks for the invite. I will be more than happy to check it out. Got to clean up after our big meeting tonight.
Clara, Elgin, TX
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 22:21:04
Thanks for the invite. I will be more than happy to check it out. Got to clean up after our big meeting tonight.
Clara, Elgin, TX
Thanks Clara!
Posted by: lisa_ewlc
Posted on: 2004-10-04 17:39:04
I first want to thank you for all you have done for us here in Elgin. It has been very hard these few weeks with our new lifestyles! Without your help there is no way that this would have been the same group that we are today. I am confident that the others (Jim, Jeff, Miranda, Randy, Pam and Mertis) feel the same that I do. Keep up the good work and WE ARE ALL GOING TO BE WINNERS! EWLC- Lisa
Posted by: lisa_ewlc
Posted on: 2004-10-04 17:39:04
I first want to thank you for all you have done for us here in Elgin. It has been very hard these few weeks with our new lifestyles! Without your help there is no way that this would have been the same group that we are today. I am confident that the others (Jim, Jeff, Miranda, Randy, Pam and Mertis) feel the same that I do. Keep up the good work and WE ARE ALL GOING TO BE WINNERS! EWLC- Lisa
You are Welcome!
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 22:21:31
I am just tickled that I have a support system to surround me. The support key may be my strongest weekness. Who would have known that I would be leading the support group. We have a ton in common and this will be a great journey for both of us. I already see myself in my head at the goal weight. Thanks for being there with me.
Clara, Elgin, TX
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 22:21:31
I am just tickled that I have a support system to surround me. The support key may be my strongest weekness. Who would have known that I would be leading the support group. We have a ton in common and this will be a great journey for both of us. I already see myself in my head at the goal weight. Thanks for being there with me.
Clara, Elgin, TX
Olivia Here
Posted by: ad901oc
Posted on: 2004-10-04 08:30:36
I've tried all the diets and I'm not that much overweight. I'm just trying to get a handle on my weight because I've gained steadily 5 pounds each year.
Of all the diets I've tried, here's the secret. First of all I read Dr. Phil's book. That got me motivated. Then after trying about 6 diets over a year I found one that is great! The points diet on weightwatchers. Give it a look see. I have a hard time using all my points everyday and I eat more than I used to. I just eat better food and I usually do a frozen ww dinner for lunch. Good luck to everyone. (hey by no means do I work for ww) If I did I wouldn't have to pay $16 a month. That's the only downside. $16 a month but it's worth it.
Posted by: ad901oc
Posted on: 2004-10-04 08:30:36
I've tried all the diets and I'm not that much overweight. I'm just trying to get a handle on my weight because I've gained steadily 5 pounds each year.
Of all the diets I've tried, here's the secret. First of all I read Dr. Phil's book. That got me motivated. Then after trying about 6 diets over a year I found one that is great! The points diet on weightwatchers. Give it a look see. I have a hard time using all my points everyday and I eat more than I used to. I just eat better food and I usually do a frozen ww dinner for lunch. Good luck to everyone. (hey by no means do I work for ww) If I did I wouldn't have to pay $16 a month. That's the only downside. $16 a month but it's worth it.
HOOREY
Posted by: lovethedoc
Posted on: 2004-10-04 09:21:54
THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT WATCHING ELGIN, AND THE TOWN WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER!!BEST -O-LUCK YA'LL!! GOSH -O-SHUCKS-FRIED FOOD SUCKS!!GOLLY-GEE-EAT-MORE LEAN!!! :)
Posted by: lovethedoc
Posted on: 2004-10-04 09:21:54
THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT WATCHING ELGIN, AND THE TOWN WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER!!BEST -O-LUCK YA'LL!! GOSH -O-SHUCKS-FRIED FOOD SUCKS!!GOLLY-GEE-EAT-MORE LEAN!!! :)
Portion control is key for me
Posted by: atlswan
Posted on: 2004-10-04 09:25:03
First, I'm not an expert on weight loss at all. While I've struggled a bit with my weight since I was a teen,it never got to the point where I was morbidly obese. It's usually been about 20 lbs. that come and go.
The thing I've learned in my experience is that portion control really matters. If I eat smaller portions (not starvation rations) and get my stomach used to that amount of food, it really makes a difference. Today's restaurants serve meals that could feed three people. I eat half and box up the rest. I know this can be hard for a lot of people since eating is often a way to handle difficult emotions.
I wish everyone trying to lose weight the best because it is hard work. Ask a friend to be your weight loss cheerleader to talk you through the tough times and celebrate the victories. That makes such a difference.
Posted by: atlswan
Posted on: 2004-10-04 09:25:03
First, I'm not an expert on weight loss at all. While I've struggled a bit with my weight since I was a teen,it never got to the point where I was morbidly obese. It's usually been about 20 lbs. that come and go.
The thing I've learned in my experience is that portion control really matters. If I eat smaller portions (not starvation rations) and get my stomach used to that amount of food, it really makes a difference. Today's restaurants serve meals that could feed three people. I eat half and box up the rest. I know this can be hard for a lot of people since eating is often a way to handle difficult emotions.
I wish everyone trying to lose weight the best because it is hard work. Ask a friend to be your weight loss cheerleader to talk you through the tough times and celebrate the victories. That makes such a difference.
Settle for Nothing Less!
Posted by: ramair
Posted on: 2004-10-04 14:45:48
Until I saw today's show, I'd never seen such nasty food. Or so damn MUCH of it. Just about everything I saw looked so stomach turningly greasy. The Elginites weren't kidding when they said their town offered no healthy choices. That probably wasn't much of a concern to them until Dr Phil began his weight loss challenge. Sure, an occasional healthy option was added to this or that restaurant menu. But, there were so few takers that it was dropped. Like any other business, a restaurant will only carry what sells. If their patrons eat unhealthy food, that's what the restaurants will continue offering. If enough customers look over the buffet or the menu, turn up their noses at all that grease and starch, and walk out, it'll disappear from the restaurants. To get the healthy foods, customers must demand them. And, settle for nothing less!
Posted by: ramair
Posted on: 2004-10-04 14:45:48
Until I saw today's show, I'd never seen such nasty food. Or so damn MUCH of it. Just about everything I saw looked so stomach turningly greasy. The Elginites weren't kidding when they said their town offered no healthy choices. That probably wasn't much of a concern to them until Dr Phil began his weight loss challenge. Sure, an occasional healthy option was added to this or that restaurant menu. But, there were so few takers that it was dropped. Like any other business, a restaurant will only carry what sells. If their patrons eat unhealthy food, that's what the restaurants will continue offering. If enough customers look over the buffet or the menu, turn up their noses at all that grease and starch, and walk out, it'll disappear from the restaurants. To get the healthy foods, customers must demand them. And, settle for nothing less!
Passing through Hungry
Posted by: jperez1958
Posted on: 2004-10-04 15:44:32
I live in Sugar Land TX (just SW of Houston). I travel back and forth to Austin TX each week by car and on Monday about lunch and Thursday around dinner I pass through Elgin TX.
I recently was told by my Doctor that I need to loose some weight. Being on the road each week offers its own success challenges in this. I have stopped in Elgin TX to eat and sometimes struggle with choices; as in other towns like Elgin that I visit. Sometimes I make the right choice and sometimes not.
I wish Elgin success in their goals and in inspiring other Anywhere, USA Towns. Their success also helps guys like me that have to make roadside choices each day in towns where we don't know how to find the right choices for our own health.
I look forward to future healthly eating experiences in Elgin TX as I Pass Through Hungry!!!
Thanks.
Posted by: jperez1958
Posted on: 2004-10-04 15:44:32
I live in Sugar Land TX (just SW of Houston). I travel back and forth to Austin TX each week by car and on Monday about lunch and Thursday around dinner I pass through Elgin TX.
I recently was told by my Doctor that I need to loose some weight. Being on the road each week offers its own success challenges in this. I have stopped in Elgin TX to eat and sometimes struggle with choices; as in other towns like Elgin that I visit. Sometimes I make the right choice and sometimes not.
I wish Elgin success in their goals and in inspiring other Anywhere, USA Towns. Their success also helps guys like me that have to make roadside choices each day in towns where we don't know how to find the right choices for our own health.
I look forward to future healthly eating experiences in Elgin TX as I Pass Through Hungry!!!
Thanks.
There is an option now
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 22:31:29
At Meyers Smokehouse there is a smoked, not fried turkey that is wonderful. Give that a try. No grease, but a lot of flavor.
Clara, Elgin, TX
Posted by: claralawre
Posted on: 2004-10-04 22:31:29
At Meyers Smokehouse there is a smoked, not fried turkey that is wonderful. Give that a try. No grease, but a lot of flavor.
Clara, Elgin, TX
Hi..you all can do it
Posted by: pdljmpr
Posted on: 2004-10-04 16:21:11
I may not be a Dr Phil callenge person BUT I have lost 124lbs in 18 months. I belong to Weight Watchers. One of the things I say a lot on those boards is "Eating healthy is not a punishment."
Good luck to you all:)
Pdljmpr
Posted by: pdljmpr
Posted on: 2004-10-04 16:21:11
I may not be a Dr Phil callenge person BUT I have lost 124lbs in 18 months. I belong to Weight Watchers. One of the things I say a lot on those boards is "Eating healthy is not a punishment."
Good luck to you all:)
Pdljmpr
