First Name: Linda

Age: 54

Location: Edited to add to template. Urbana, OH, originally from Toledo area - lived in NW OH for 45 years.

Journey Began: June 1, 2004

Maintenance Began (if applicable): n/a

Pounds Lost: at the present 31 - been as high as 38.

Marital Status: Very happily married - 18 years in October

Children/Ages: Trey 15-1/2

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

Have you met KD in person? When/where? Twice (lucky me!). First at Thackeray's Books in Toledo in May, 2004 then in Wooster at the Buckeye Book Fair in November, 2004.

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay) This time - on my own - but with lots of guidance from previous experience with WW (and having read Dr. Phil)

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)? I believe WW is the best for me.

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay) 5 fruits and veggies per day, limit refined sugars, move it, move it, move it!

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).
__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)

There is no one right way. We each need to adapt and adjust for our personalities, lifestyles, and likes/dislikes.

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)

I have been a homework captain several times. It helps keep me aware - of both what others are doing and in what I might be able to use for homework. Ideas often come from the strangest places.

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

Insight into myself and my motivations.

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)

If you are not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitant!

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

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!

I think I'll freestyle this, so here goes.

I'm Lynne, 41, mom of 2 and married a REALLY long time. OK, 18 years, but it seems longer

I found this website not long after I found Kathleen's cookbooks this past Feb, when what I wanted was to make great food that was good for me. It was part of my master plan to let this be "the year" in ambiguous terms. So as not to fail, of course. If you don't actually set a goal you can't miss it, right? So that was my plan. To do better.

But getting healthier suddenly really got fun when the results started showing up. I joined the Y and learned to lift weights and walk the treadmill. Lather-rinse-repeat.

When I found this forum, I had already used forum-style accoutability to quit two other gruesome habits effectively, so I was actually really psyched to find you all. Since March, I believe, I've been coming to the party, and learning from the health gurus here. I recommend to anyone new here that you start by asking questions. Even silly ones, because everyone of us started somewhere. Do it for yourself.

I love the homework assignments because it's like sitting with all your friends and hashing out your experiences. And everyone here is just so awesome that I love to learn more about you all from the discussions. It also keeps me on track, even if I haven't joined the chat - I always read them.

My tips for success: Keep a food journal and notice what works for your body. Trust yourself to know what is good for you, and obey the urge to move and try any excersise that seems fun even if you think you'll look out of place. Every one who has weight to lose or a health goal to reach has felt silly and embarassed and the difference between them and you is they decided that the they wanted health MORE than ease. Just decide that everyday. Don't worry, you won't let yourself down. Feeling great and fit really is worth the effort!

Hugs going out to all my new friends. Thanks to your support I've lost 38 lbs and will be doing my first (YIKES) sprint triathlon in 2.5 weeks.

Lynne

quote:

First Name: Barbara

Age: 56

Location: Miami, FL

Journey Began: About 5 years ago (but recommitted in May 2005)

Maintenance Began (if applicable): n/a

Pounds Lost: I've lost 40 lbs, but have another 40 to go.

Marital Status: Married almost 35 years

Children/Ages: Son, age 31 & daughter age 27

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? 3 years, but don't post consistently. Check board daily, though.

Have you met KD in person? When/where? Have met KD twice. She was the keynote speaker at an event at the hospital where I work (I was the one brought KD to my bosses attention) and then in this year at Macy's in Miami when she was the guest chef. I met Melstruck and her husband at this event, too!

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay) I lost my original 40 lbs on Atkins. But I know it's not a very healthy way to eat, even though I had modified the program to eat more low fat foods. Now, I go to Weight Watchers and am following their Core program.

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?
See 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:
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).
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.”
___ 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.

If you don't make time for health, you'll have to make time for illness - Marilu Henner

I sat and thought about my reply for a while and I wanted to add a couple of things about me. In my 20's I was very fit. I studied the body and trained with weights because I thought I might try some fitness competitions. My brain is like an encyclopedia of nutritional and physical information. I have had every subscription to every fitness and health magazine and have maybe 60 books on diet, nutrition and fitness. I was just flipping channels and clicked on Fred Price just as he said something about knowledge without application is useless. In other words, having all of that knowlegde and not putting it into practice does me no good. I could advise and inform anyone on proper form in exercise, what to do to acheive certain results, proper nutrition, but I can't seem to do it myself. That is what I am struggling with right now. My own mind. I have Cardiomyopathy and also thyroid disease (Hoshimotos thyroiditis). I know that if I exercise and lose weight, I will improve my health and live longer, sleep better, feel better. My ankles won't hurt, my veins in my legs will improve. I think I need a smack in the face, I feel crazy!

My name is MaryJo. I am 40 yrs old and a wife and mother of 3 children ages 16, 9 and 5. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and have lived in 5 cities in Florida and in Nashville Tennessee. We were in Nashville for the past 5 years and now live back on the gulf coast. As I look back, I was never a fat kid, yet in high school I was always on a diet. I had my first gym membership when I was 16. My life has been a series of diets ever since. I am 5 ft tall and with all 3 pregnancies got up to 200 pounds. Not pregnant I have been 185. I have been on Weight Watchers 3x, Diet Center, Jenny Craig 3x, Nutri System, Slim Fast many, many times. I have also followed my own plans over the years. I sent a letter to KD in January 2003 when I was 185 and really feeling down and she led me to the FN board and I have been around ever since. I had lost about 40 pounds that first year and was so happy. Some where along the way have gained some back and have been trying to get back on the wagon for a while. I think I am up about 170 right now. I met KD in Knoxville TN. Had a great day and wonderful time chatting after the seminar. I love this board and read the posts every day, although I don't post every day. I appreciate every one of you on this board and I do know that we can all reach our goals together. I appreciate your friendship and support and I hope I can be that for all of you too.

First Name: Lisa

Age: 39

Location: Sussex, WI

Journey Began: Unhealthy – all my life Healthy - Feb 15, 2005

Maintenance Began (if applicable): Not yet, but soon

Pounds Lost: Let’s do sizes lost. 12-14 to 6-8

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: Ms. Morgan – 4, Mr. Jammer – 2 on Halloween

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? March 2005

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

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? Commercial

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

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.
X 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.
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).
___ 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? Baby steps. Moderation vs. “off-limits”

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? No, but I did fill in once.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? They challenge me to think and to take ownership of my life.

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) It is important to see the humor in everything you do.

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? I have more than 1:
Make whatever you do easy, or you won’t stick to it.
Take measurements before and during your journey as well as photos in a bathing suit. Sometimes others can see changes before you can.
It took you a long time to get where you are, you shouldn’t expect it to take only a few weeks to undo what you’ve done.

First Name: Dawn

Age:36
Location: Metro-Atlanta

Journey Began: March 2003

Maintenance Began (if applicable): Not yet

Pounds Lost: Originally 15, I've gained a lot back though

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: Son almost 7

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? March 2003

Have you met KD in person? When/where?

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? I've always done it on my own, until now, and I'm doing it with many friends.

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? Mostly low-fat, but not depriving myself.

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.
_x__ “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).
_x__ 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? Even though I think I've fallen victim to this "stinkin' thinkin'" recently, getting away from an "all or nothing" mindset. I'm trying to get out of it. I *know* it isn't right, but I also know I've fallen into that way of thinking.

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? Yes, I try to do it every other month or so. Just do it. You feel more involved in the community, and it helps you to work on your specific issues, which most likely are someone else's issues too.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? Some don't apply to me, most do. Some make me think about things I don't want to, and those are probably the best.

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) I have two, both I heard from a personal trainer, that was a client of mine (unfortunately, not the other way around.) I have the one that is with my posts. It reminds me that the "motivation fairy" isn't going to show up, that it has to come from withiin. The other one I like is "You may be on the right track, but it isn't going to help if you're sitting on it."

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be? Just keep coming here, it is such a wealth of information and support.

Dawn

Name: Kathleen
Age: 37
Location: Mount Vernon, Washington
Journey Began:High school
Maintenance:January 2005
Pounds lost: 83 (would like to lose 10 more)
Marital status: Married to my high school sweetheart for 17 years...he has been a great support through the ups and downs!
Children: Fabulous dog
How long on board: a few days! (I think we were the last people in the world to get connected..only a week on line)
Have you met KD? No....I wish...and I wish she had new shows on the cooking channel
Commercial or own? I lost 40 pounds (starting Jan 2003) on my own by eating healthier choices and then I joined WW and Curves in July 2003 and lost 43 more pounds. I am currently on maintenence with WW and attend a meeting every week, because I believe that will keep it off forever this time around!!!
X Try to ALL the concepts
What have I learned? Well, I just began looking through this site and it looks great. I have never done anything like this, so it is a fun new tool for me. I am always looking for tools to gleen ideas from. On KD's show I always loved her recipes (I have both books too) and her genuine way of living life.
Homework? Not sure about this yet.
Saying: Be Like a postage stamp...Stick to it until you reach your goal. Slow and steady wins the race.
Tip: Make sure you are doing this as a lifestyle change and not as a "DIET" or a quick fix. Before this I was always looking for the quick fix and they obviously didn't work in the long run which is why I had to have a mind change and learn that eating healthy and portioning out the foods I LOVE but can't have all the time plus excercising regularly are essential for me to be the best wife, teacher, friend, daughter, aunt and all around person to myself!
Thanks for the inspiration on the site!

I think I'll use the freestyle option but try to answer most of the questions.

My name is Jen, I'm 34 years old, and live in Bowling Green, just south of Toledo.

I can't think of a time that I wasn't trying (or at least wishing) to lose weight, even when I really didn't need to lose it. But in 2001 I decided to train for a Danskin Triathlon and then everything started to actually work for me. Around that time I started watching Cooking Thin and posting to the Food Network boards. I find I do the best when I am working toward a positive goal rather than just trying to lose weight. When I finished that tri, I just kept going on to new things and new challenges.

I have recently had some setbacks and am working on getting rid of about 20 pounds that I put back on. I am not sure how much weight I lost because for a while, I didn't weigh myself. I am guessing that I had lost about 60 pounds when I was at my goal, and now I am back to about 20 pounds higher than I want to be. But the changes are much bigger than weight lost. I was totally inactive for a while, and had started to have weird health issues when I was about 25: I kept spraining my ankles. I had back trouble. I had shoulder problems. My blood pressure was creeping up... basically I was so weak and out of shape that I could hurt myself very easily. Plus I was just depressed and disgusted with myself.

My life now is totally different, even though I still have some weight to lose. I just got back from a 40 minute run. I am going to swim half a mile tomorrow. Neither of these things are difficult for me. I am training for a sprint triathlon in August and a marathon in December. So I went from someone who sprained her ankles walking around a college campus to someone who does races for fun. That's my real success story, not the number of pounds I lose.

I have used lots of different strategies over the last few years. I have found the most success combining my tri training with Weight Watchers. Journaling, portion sizes, balanced small meals, treats in moderation, lots of fruits and veggies, etc. Doing strength training makes a huge difference -- for me it's the difference between losing and gaining weight, no matter what I do with food and cardio. Not sure why, but it works. Plus it prevents injuries. I read (and review for this site) a lot of healthy-living and weight-loss books and I get new ideas from all of them. I like to pick and choose strategies from a lot of sources.

I don't always participate in the homework but I always read them and think about them even if I don't post.

My biggest lesson over the last few years is two parts: First, it's never too late to make a change. Second, I can't hit a point where I can just relax and coast and not worry about my weight if I don't want to gain.

My tagline relates to that: "It's what you do TODAY that matters."

First Name: Amanda

Age: 34

Location: New York, NY

Journey Began: this latest chapter began February 2005

Pounds Lost: 44 since February, 51 total from highest (recorded) weight

Marital Status: Engaged

How long on the board? February 2005

Have you met KD in person? Nope.

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

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)?
In the past I've been on WW, Optifast, & followed Eat Right For Your Type.

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? I started cooking instead of ordering in, watched my protein portions & increased my veggies, & started excercising regularly.

Put an X next to the healthy eating & living concepts that you practice regularly:

I aspire to all of these concepts, and feel like I incorporate most of them on a regular basis (I can't say I do all of them every day).

When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughs/lessons have stuck with you most?
It's not "all or nothing", not to beat myself up if I have a bad meal or a bad day, that health has to be a lifestyle change & isn't going to come from a diet.

I don't post much, but I'm always here reading & learning. Thanks to everyone for all of the information & support.

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

I decided to do this before reading the other intros.

First Name: Judy
(AIM Screen name BrenauMom)

Location:
Atlanta, Ga (NE Atlanta, Chamblee, Doraville, Norcross area)

Age: 59

Journey Began:
1999 (before CT began)

Pounds Lost:
In 1999 I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma & went from 240 to 153 before the cancer was finally controlled & then in remission. I do not recommend this as a method of weight loss . I gained back up to 163-5 and held steady there until mid 2003 when I realized that I had started gaining again. I had been having regular blood transfusions every 5 to 8 weeks from Nov 2000 until April 2003 and it was after I stopped needing the transfusions that I started gaining weight.

Marital Status:
Widow (24 years)

Children/Ages:
one dd age 24 and one step-daughter age 34 (she never lived with us)

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)?
I don't remember when I first discovered the message boards. From Oct. 1999 till the end of 2000 and partially into 2001 I spent most of my time in the bed watching Food Network 24/7 so I have been watching Cooking Thin since it began. I don't care for any of the programing on the regular networks so I watch FN, HGTV, and a little of the Travel channel all the time.

Have you met KD in person? When/where?
I first met KD in Cumming, Ga at a speech & book signing. The line was kinda slow because she would talk to everyone (it was not just 'sign the book...next person please'). Someone was collecting our books & putting a sticky note on the cover with your name on it and stacking them on the table. When she came to mine (I had put my screen name "Brenau Mom" on the note) she jumped up and came around the table and gave me a big hug. I also met several of the ladies from the board, including Roberta. The next time I saw KD was at a Chapter 11 Bookstore in Alpharetta, Ga. and Roberta was there also. Most recently I saw her in Rich's/Macy's at Lenox Square in Atlanta, Ga. I no longer think of it as going to see a celebrity but going to visit an old friend whom I don't get to see very often.

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay)
I don't currently follow any particular plan, I have done low fat diets in the past and still try to keep it below 30% overall but I don't buy anything just because it says "low fat". I have done Atkins in the past but never stayed with it because at that time I did not like any of the vegetables that were allowed.

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)
I basically just try to make healthy choices one meal at a time & follow KD's advice. I drink between 50 & 64 oz water every day and limit my diet coke's to meals eaten out. I expecially like the Peach & Raspberry Fruit 2o but I also drink unflavored Smart Water (it has electrolites in it like Gatorade but without the flavors or sugars). I am still not able to do strenous (sp?) exercise but I do walk (but slowly). I get extremely out of breath on hills and stairs. I used to stay up until midnight or 1am and then sleep till noon but that was while dd was away at college. Live with parents & they are both retired so no one in the house had any reason to get up early unless I had a doctor's appointment. Now that dd is home and has a job we (dd & I) go to bed by 10pm and get up at 7am. Sometimes I go back to bed after she leaves or I will take a nap in the afternoon. Sometimes if I can't sleep I will get up and come downstairs & get on the computer. I used to stress eat before I got sick but I don't seem to do that any more. for one thing my stress eating was with chocolate and the IBS pains keep me away from that. At least that is one good thing about having IBS .

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, moderation not elimination, & that I must eat breakfast. I don't wake up hungry and have had a hard time with breakfast issues. It is not that I don't like breakfast foods, I just have no desire to eat when I get up but KD & others on the board have convinced me that I need to eat something so I do.

I have never been a homework captain and am not familiar with what that entails. Sometimes I do them and sometimes I don't.

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)
There are two I really like:
"Inch by inch life's a cinch; yard by yard it's very very hard" (this sort of goes along with the idea of baby steps)

"To belittle is to BE little" (don't put down someone else just because they don't do things the same way you do)

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?
No question is a stupid question.
This is a very caring, supportive and diverse group. If you need suggestions from how to improve a favorite recipe or how to cook a new food to what to do when it seems everyone around you is sabatoging (sp?) your efforts to get healthy just post and everyone will come to your aid with lots of advise. Even if you just need to vent about something OT (off topic), go right ahead. We all do.

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

First Name: Robin

Age: 39

Journey Began: Seems like forever!! I first starting trying to lose weight after I was married. I am currently trying to get back on the wagon.

Maintenance Began (if applicable): N/A

Pounds Lost: 30

Marital Status: Separated

Children/Ages: 2 girls, 11 and 15

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? 2 years

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 have done WW, Susan Powter, Atkins, Body for Life, etc....you name it, I have done it!

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)

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
- everything in moderation
- we are not perfect!

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? great information, they make me think!

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? Take it slow, it does not happen overnight,be kind to yourself!

First Name: Mel (short for Melissa)

Age: 36

Journey Began: April 2004

Maintenance Began (if applicable): not there yet

Pounds Lost: 15

Marital Status: Married

Children/Ages: no kid, just the kitties

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

Have you met KD in person? When/where? I met her in Miami at a Macy's showcase. I got to cook with her and met bgmiami (Barbara) from the board.

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

If you followed a commercial plan, what plan (WW, Atkins, etc.)? none

If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay) Eat less, healthier and smarter. Since Jan. 05, following basically a diabetes diet since my dh was diagnosed then.

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).
_X__ Exercise at least 3 days a week.
__X_ Incorporate strength training into your workouts.
__X_ “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)

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 when you "fall off the wagon" don't beat yourself up, just make the next meal good.

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 a couple of times. I say jump on in....it seems scary, but everyone is very supportive and loves new ideas and perspectives. And don't be insulted by low responses..a lot of people read them and think about them, but don't have the time or inclination to actually post...but they do appreciate it.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? They remind me to stay on track and sometimes really make me think about my behavior or habits.

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)

"Nothing will work unless you do" - Maya Angelou

Finally, if you could give one message to a new member reaching out for help with eating/living healthier, what would it be?[/QUOTE] use baby steps...if you try to do it all at once, you will get overwhelmed - give yourself time and you will do it.

Mel

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

First Name: Laura

Age: 33

Journey Began: August 2001

Maintenance Began (if applicable): not there yet

Pounds Lost: 78 (give or take 10)

Marital Status: married

Children/Ages: just my dog

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? 1 year

Have you met KD in person? When/where? twice--Buckeye Book Fair in Wooster, Ohio, and at Thackeray's in Toledo, Ohio

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own? (essay) no



If you did it on your own, what is/was the basic premise of your self-made plan? (essay)
A Registered Dietician to keep my eating in line, and I now have a personal trainer to keep my exercise in line. I watch my calorie intake and my exercise, and have restricted only the foods that I cannot be trusted with. I portion control just about everything.

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.
___ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
__x_ 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.
__x_ “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)

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) Never give up, just start from where I am; and to not panic if I blow one meal, I can regroup at the next one.

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. Don't be afraid to turn your own experiences into homework assignments. It has really helped me to clarify things in my own journey and to keep going.

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments? I gain what I put into it, the old no pain no gain sentiment.

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)

My tagline is more of a philosophy: life is like a roller coaster, with lots of ups and downs, but the curves, spirals, loops and corkscrews are what make life interesting.

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

Take it one day at a time. Tomorrow needs to stay where it is, enjoy the day you have.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Coaster Girl,

First Name: Denise

Age: 49

Journey Began: June, 2001

Maintenance Began: 10/04 (not the fastest weight loss in history! But I’ve learned so much! Took lots of maintenance “breaks” during the 3.5 years.)

Pounds Lost: 38

Marital Status: M

Children/Ages: ds/15

How long on the board (FTV’s KD board, if applicable, + this board)? Since 12/03

Have you met KD in person? When/where? Yes, March, 2005 - San Francisco Macy’s

Did you follow a commercial plan to lose weight go it on your own?
June, 2001 - I did eDiets during the summer of 2001 and lost 15 (but gained 5 back)

June, 2001 - Joined http://www.flylady.com and she totally helped me get our kitchen functional to begin cooking at home again and cut back on our HUGE fast food habit. (Housekeeping is not my long suite…)

Sept. 2001 - Dec. 2003 - Struggled, TOTALLY on my own, with no support, and managed to keep off the 10 and lose another 5.

Dec. 2003 - Joined this board and lost 15 during the Spring ’04 - but gained back 5 when we put our house on the market in June ‘04.

July 2, 2004 - Joined Weight Watchers when I gained that 5 lbs and needed extra scale accountably during our move. Lost 10 with WW.

October, 2004 - Met with a registered dietician and lost 2 lbs. Following her advice.

But really, I don’t differentiate between commercial weight loss programs and “on my own”… The ediets dietician may have posted recipes on the web page, but s/he never came to my house and cooked them every night. My ww leader never came and got me out of bed and said, “Let‘s go exercise and earns some AP’s (activity points)!”. KD doesn’t ride around in my car with me and say, “Skip the fast food! Let’s go home and cook a piece of fish in 4 mins.!”

(OK… sometimes I actually hear KD’s voice in my head… but I also hear other voices… like the ones singing “You deserve a break today… so get up and get away… to McDonalds!” - it is up to me to decide which voice to listen to.)

I’ve picked up good ideas from (many, many) books I’ve read and websites and meetings … but it is totally up to me to implement any good ideas or incorporate good ideas into my life.

It has also been VERY important for me to get a handle on stress and stress and emotional eating.

I started losing weight with the resolve, “This is it… no yo-yoing.” What I lose, is going to stay off. I still gain, a little, but jump on small 2-5 lb gains right away…

I also have spent a lot of energy on losing the “diet mentality” and that there was not going to be an “end”… goal (and it took me years to figure out what that was…) did not mean the “diet” ended and I would go back to my old ways.

Losing weight has meant losing a lot of denial!

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 (I usually eat more than 5...).
__x_ Eat all or mostly whole grain carbs vs. white.
__x_ 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.
__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.Improving at this all the time... but not yet perfect...


When you think of everything you have read and learned on the board, what 2-3 concepts/thoughts/lessons have stuck with you most?
That support is CRUCIAL to my success!!!

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?
Yes. You can post homework to help you with issues you are grappling with… portions, eating too fast, stress…

As a member, what is your perspective on/what do you gain from homework assignments?
I REALLY like all different people posting homework. Every person has a different perspective. I actually look forward to getting up and seeing what homework has been posted (even if I don’t always post the homework…)

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)
“You can’t control the scale… you can only control your own behavior.”

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 make