This area has been created so that both new and existing members can tell everyone something about themselves and so that we can all get to know one another further. This idea is one of several that came out of the fertile minds who get together on AIM to FlyChat (newbies: do a search of the database on "Monday Flychat" to read more about that).

To include your introduction here, use one of three formats:

1. Use the template I have provided (feel free to leave out any questions you feel uncomfortable answering);
2. Write a freestyle introduction including whatever information you choose; or
3. Use the template but add on or morph it to create your own unique format.

TEMPLATE CAN BE CUT & PASTED INTO A NEW MESSAGE:

First Name:

Age:

Location: Edited to add to template.

Journey Began:

Maintenance Began (if applicable):

Pounds Lost:

Marital Status:

Children/Ages:

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)?

Have you met KD in person? When/where?

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
___ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
___ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
___ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
___ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
___ “Everything in moderation.”
___ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
___ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
___ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
___ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay)

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay)

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments?

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay)

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SheriaVa,

bump

HI everyone ..! It has been so long that I thought I would reintroduce myself !!! I am so glad to be BACK!!

quote:

First Name: Tina Pierce

Age: 39 -- boy that kinda hurt to write that!!

Location: Wisconsin !! GO Pack GO!!

Journey Began: a while ago !!

Maintenance Began (if applicable): Still trying to manage my baby steps

Pounds Lost:15

Marital Status: divorced -- wait SINGLE!!

Children/Ages:14 and 6 both girls

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? man lets see - since ??? 2004?

Have you met KD in person? When/where? unfortunately no -- but I could do a weekend road trip and show up at her house !!!

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay) combination

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay) many little meals through out the day

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
_x__ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
___ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
_x__ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
__x_ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
__x_ “Everything in moderation.”
_x__ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
__x_ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
__x_ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
_x__ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.

When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay) BABY STEPS.. and there is no such thing as falling off the wagon - it is just a stop at a wayside !!

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay) Make it fun and try to making it challenging

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? Makes me think more about ME

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay) Feel the fear and do it anyway !

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?

Everyone here is awesome in support and friendship

First Name: PHIL

Age: 65

Location: SAN RAFAEL, CA

Journey Began: FIRST GOT THAT I DID WIERD STUFF WITH FOOD WHEN I WAS 13--FIRST BINGE WHEN I WAS TOLD MY UNCLE DIED. 1955

Maintenance Began (if applicable): I BECAME A LIFETIME MEMBER OF WEIGHT WATCHERS IN 1993--HAVEN'T BEEN AT GOAL NOW FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS ALTHOUGH I HAVE CONTINUED TO GO TO MEETINGS

Pounds Lost: AT THIS POINT I WEIGH 182 AND A HEALTHY WEIGHT IS IN THE 150'S

Marital Status:MARRIED

Children/Ages: SON IS 36 AND STEPSON IN 36

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? JUST JOINED 3/29/08

Have you met KD in person? When/where? NO

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)I'VE BEEN IN WEIGHT WATCHERS AND OVEREATERS' ANONYMOUS. WROTE A BOOK ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES IN OA

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)? WEIGHT WATCHERS

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
_X__ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
_X__ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
_X__ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
___ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
_X__ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
___ “Everything in moderation.”
___ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
___ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
___ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
___ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay) FROM KATHLEEN'S BOOK THE IDEA THAT CHANGING BEHAVIORS IS THE GOAL--WEIGHT LOSS IS AN INEVITABLE RESULT.

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay) WOULD LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT WHAT THAT IS. I HAVE THOUGHT FOR SOME TIME THAT HAVING A SMALL GROUP OR A BUDDY WHO KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON WITH ME WOULD BE A GREAT HELP. IN OA I HAD THAT--IN WW I DON'T.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? I WOULD IMAGINE HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS COULD BE VERY HELPFUL--I BELIEVE IN ACTION OVER TALK

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay) PROGRESS IS PERFECTION

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? ITS HARD BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE--AND SO WORTH THE EFFORT.

Some of my info has change, so I'm doing it again....

First Name: Mel (short for Melissa)

Age:38

Location: Nashville (since January 07)

Journey Began: April 2004

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages:No children. Two Kitties...

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? Since 2004

Have you met KD in person? When/where?
YES! It was at a demonstration in Miami in 2005

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay) I'm going on my own.

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay) Eat less, exercise more.

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
XX Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
Trying!! Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
___ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
XX Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
XX Exercise at least 3 days a week.
XX Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
XX “Everything in moderation.”
___ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
___ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
___ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
XX Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.

When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay)

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay) Yes. VOLUNTEER! It usually helps keep me on track for the month and is a good device to work out some of your own issues.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? They almost always make me think - even if I don't respond, I usually read them and at least do them in my head.


Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?Don't beat yourself up on bad days....just do better the next day or meal - but don't give up.

First Name:Gabi

Age:43

Location: Salt Lake City
Journey Began: just starting over -again.

Maintenance Began (if applicable):

Pounds Lost: Always find them

Marital Status:M

Children/Ages:Three Stepchildren in their 20s
+ one rescued cat.

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? new

Have you met KD in person? When/where? No- she's an inspiration though!

I don't think i ever did this....so here goes.

First Name:Amy

Age:40

Location: Detroit area- the burbs

Journey Began:birth

Maintenance Began (if applicable):

Pounds Lost: total in my life... if i count gain and lost and gain and loss..possibly hundreds.

Marital Status:married

Children/Ages: boy- 7yo

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? a few months

Have you met KD in person? When/where? nope-

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay) in the past I did WW. when i focus that much on food, i gain weight. I try and make slow changes which is why i like the 'kd plan.'

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?ww

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)my own plan is easy... watch what i eat and how much. I think most of us know the 80% of what needs to be done healthy wise...it's the doing

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
__need to work on this one_ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
__xxx_ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
__xx_ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
_xx__ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
__xx_ “Everything in moderation.”
__xx_ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
__xx_ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
_try- insomonia__ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
__definately need work here_ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? - making goals, keeping track

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? it's super easy....and fun...

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? i like learning about other people...

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) be easy on yourself

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? hang in there- and again- be easy on yourself.

Bump

First Name:Isabel (or Izzy)

Age:38

Location: North Carolina

Journey Began: feels like 3-4 years ago

Maintenance Began (if applicable):

Pounds Lost:I just cannot bring myself to step on a scale. Me and numbers don't get along.I try to use other indicators like how my clothes feel. I was a chronic dieter who tried all the fads, lost the weight, gained it all back and then some, so now, i am healing myself out of the dieting madness. Part of that healing is not being obsessed with the numbers. once i am on stronger footing, i may try weighing myself.

Marital Status:married, one daughter in middle school

Children/Ages:girl, 13

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)?a few days. i find it so helpful. everyone has delightful personalities!

Have you met KD in person? When/where?no, would love to.

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)i tried all the fad diets, like Protein Power, and Atkins. It was deprivation city for a rice-eating-chinese-chick-like-me. so i gained it all back and then some. and then have spent the last year feeling awful about myself, in the major slumps. in the last few months, i am back to being optimistic. finding Kathleen's books was a real gift to me. also, finding yoga was a saving grace. Now, i teach yoga.so plan? I am reading Intuitive Eating (having to re-train myself on what exactly is a hunger pain? and how to honor it.) I do not follow any specific plan altho i have heard that WW is a very balanced approach to weight loss. I eat 3 reasonable meals. I try to exercise every day. One of my mantra's is "you can take perfectionism to the point of self-abuse" (I am only applying this to myself, really. not a reflection on anyone else)

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)
Listen to the wisdom of your body. My body feels better when i eat nutrient dense foods, such as fruits and veggies and whole grains. I am also all about pleasure because deprivation is for the birds. so i want to taste and smell good stuff when i eat. I aim for low fat. also healthy snacks. I exercise every day (I try to look at it like brushing my teeth. I would not go out in public with yuck-mouth, then i also need to exercise every day to some degree--it is part of overall wellness.)Overall, i am making peace with myself. accepting my body as it is today and all along the way. I want to have more fun in my life and laugh until i have to pee real bad. Each day, i try to set an intention for myself, personal to me, such as "courage", or "accept every moment as it is", or "bear witness to every choice you make today", or "chose peace". As the day goes on, i recall my daily intention when i am in a bad way. it brings me back to the core of who i am. this is my plan.
Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
__x_ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
__x_ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
__x_ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
___ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
__x_ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
__x_ “Everything in moderation.”
__x_ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
__x_ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
__x_ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
_x__ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay)i am really new. but i have enjoyed reading all the postings. given the time of the year, the thanksgiving advice has been right-on!

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay)

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments?

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay)

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? every minute is a chance to be content and accepting.

First Name: Diana

Age: 33

Location: St Petersburg, FL

Journey Began: ...does 8 count? I think that's when I was put on my first "diet".

Pounds Lost: I couldn't even begin to guess...

Marital Status: 7 years with my boyfriend

Children/Ages: a kitty cat who is 9 and a beagle who is 6

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? 3 years, if you forget the 1.5 year hiatus...

Have you met KD in person? When/where? Nope.

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own?
I work with a behavioral therapist right now...the current project is getting me to eat "normally" (ie, not in response to emotions) and exercising again.

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?
I've done Weight Watchers (and lost 40 pounds), but now the focus is on not hating food.


If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan?
Whole foods, high fiber, healthy (and limited) fats, little added salt, few prepared/packaged foods

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
X Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
X Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
X Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
X Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
___ “Everything in moderation.”
X “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
X Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
___ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
___ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughts/lessons have stuck with you most?
-Be kind to yourself
-Be kind to others
-Eat good food


Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?
Someone else feels the same way you do.

First Name: Paula

Age: 39

Location: League City Texas
Journey Began: 21 months ago

Pounds Lost: lost 40 have regained 10 since I started working a desk job

Marital Status: Divorced

Children/Ages: None

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? this board a couple of months

Have you met KD in person? When/where? Nope

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)
I did it on my own. Basically I was working retail, moving more and didn't have as much time to snack.

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)? I've tried low carb diets (I'm insulin Resistant) but wasn't overly thrilled.

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay) Most of it was cuz I was moving more. I've started moving again in hopes that I start shedding again.

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
_X__ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
___ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
_X__ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
___ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
_X__ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
_X__ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
___ “Everything in moderation.”
___ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
___ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
___ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
___ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.

When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? Consistency is key. Exercise helps. Now if I could get the portion stuff down

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? haven't ever done them

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay) It doesn't matter where you start, just start somewhere.

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?

It doesn't matter where you start, just start somewhere.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SpaceCityPaula,

Welcome Newbies! I look forward to getting to know you all. Please feel free to raise your hand, sound your voice, make suggestions, teach us what you know, ask for what and mostly HAVE FUN!

kd

I figure it's time to introduce myself properly.


First Name: Puck

Age: 42

Location: Helsinki, Finland

Journey Began: July 2006

Pounds Lost: 8-9 (approx)

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: Three; two living, ages 6 and 8

How long on the board: Since summer '06

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight or go it on your own? Doing it on my own

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? 1) Increase water intake, 2) limit alcohol intake, 3) go off sweets, junk food, etc, 4) introduce vegetables and healthier home cooking, 5) attempt exercise

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
_X__ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
___ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
_A__ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
___ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
_A__ “Everything in moderation.”
_A__ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
_X__ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
_X__ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
_A__ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.

(A stands for Attempt...)

When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughts/lessons have stuck with you most? 1) Baby steps, 2) Pick yourself up NOW and get back on the wagon.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? They make me think even when I have nothing to contribute.

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? At the risk of being misunderstood: Remember to live life and savor the moment. Weight loss is just a part of it all.

First Name: Bonnie

Age:52

Location:

Journey Began:10 months

Maintenance Began (if applicable):

Pounds Lost:13

Marital Status:Married

Children/Ages: 2 grown & married

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? several months

Have you met KD in person? When/where? No

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? I have lost my weight with South Beach diet for the most part. Many of the techniques are from Weight Watchers and a lot of common sense from KD. So all this to say I have used whatever expertise I can get.

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)? Answered above

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
___ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
__x_ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
_x__ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
_x__ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
_x__ “Everything in moderation.”
_x__ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
_x__ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
_x__ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
_x__ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? Exercise is key although I have not followed through with that yet. Moderation is very important. Eat those veggies!

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay) n/a

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments?

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay) I'm steady Eddie!

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? Don't ever give up keep seeing the victories such as drinking water or eating more veggies, fruits, lean meats and little or no fast foods. Success builds on success so keep on keeping on!

quote:

First Name:Janice

Age:61

Location: Crossville TN
Journey Began:April 2006

Maintenance Began (if applicable):N/A

Pounds Lost:2 and 5 lbs of body fat

Marital Status:Married

Children/Ages:all grown and grandkids on way

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? about 4 months

Have you met KD in person? When/where? No but would love to

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)Mostly on my own. I have done weight watchers and do go to a meeting once a month. I had hit life time about 8 years ago and kept the weight off for 5 years. Last year I had a few stressers, husband ill, left a good paying job to move here and semi retire. Still some money stress but the 1st social security check is due 11/15 so maybe I can then concentrate on "me"

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?

Weight Watchers or any plan that is healthy. I feel the very high protein plans are not that good

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)

On my own I beleave in a balanced plan of 55% carbs, 20% protein and 25% fat. I do add in that we need that one treat a day concept like a planned treat of about 100-150 calories and eat great the rest of the day.

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
_x__ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
__x_ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
_x__ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
__N_ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
_x__ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
__x_ “Everything in moderation.”
__N_ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
_x__ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
_N__ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
_N__ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay)

Mostly I like hearing how others are doing and maybe a note of encouragement when I am off for the day

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay) NO

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments?

I haven't seen them yet I don't get on as much as I should.

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay)

Slow and steady wins the race.

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?

Hang in there and don't give up baby steps work every time.

Hi! I'm Sophie.

Age: 51

Location: Montpelier, VT

Journey Began: August 1, 2006

Pounds Lost: 4 / goal 30

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly (N is for "need to do this!"):
__x_ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
__x_ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
__x_ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
_N__ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
__x_ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
_x__ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
_N__ “Everything in moderation.”
__x_ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
___ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
I find that 3 healthy meals plus 2 healthy snacks (but nothing after supper) works best for me.
__x_ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
__x_ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?
You CAN eat healthy, delicious food and have fun with exercise - it's NOT deprivation but ENJOYMENT!

First Name:Sabina

Age:45

Location: Edited to add to template.

Journey Began:2-1/2 years age

Maintenance Began (if applicable):

Pounds Lost:34

Marital Status:Single

Children/Ages:none

How long on the board: Have been reading on the board for about one year

Have you met KD in person? When/where? No I have not met her but would really like to

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)I was watching food tv and saw kethleens show and watched it for about six months and then decided if she can do it so can I. so I went out and bought her first book and began. I have the second booknow and will be getting the third soon. I live in San Felipe Mexico and some of the items are hard to get but I can improvice

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:
_X__ Drink plenty of water (48 or more oz. per day).
___ Eat 5 servings or more per day of fruits & veggies.
__X_ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
_X__ Portion control your food (weigh/measure/use visual cues for portion size).
___ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
___ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
_X__ “Everything in moderation.”
___ “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
_X__ Mini-meal concept (eating about every 3 hours vs. 3 meals a day).
_X__ Get enough sleep most nights (whatever 'enough' is for you).
_X__ Manage and cope with stress in a healthy way.
Note: Edited to add last 2 options per Denise's suggestion.


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most? (essay) take things slowly i tookime to put the wieght on it will take time to take it off. I can't remeber who but someone has at the end of their messages "inch by inch life is a cinch"this has become my motto

Have you ever been a homework captain here on the board? If yes, what is your advice to new members about whether they should volunteer to be a captain? (essay) NO

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? NMost of the homework assignments really get me to thinking of some of the things I should be doing but am not becasue of the heat and I have no A/C in my home

If you have a tagline or saying that expresses who you are or your perspective on weight loss, what is it? (doesn’t have to be a tagline you use in your posts) (essay)Slo and steady gets the job done

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? Take good look at yourself and really deceid what it is that you want to do for you. Once youhave doone that then you can do anything you set your mind to do

Welcome Holly! : )