New member....

[lynda]

HaHA (Note the soft and loud tones there??)  I got growled out by someone recently about that - I very rudely said to them (not to you) - get over it - if I wanted to should I'd ring them and shout at them - HAHA.  I must admit, I wasn't in a particularly good mood, well unhappy frame of mind really, when I did write this morning so maybe my subconscious was getting its say in.  Also I wanted people to take notice and go back and read what you said (that's my story and I'm sticking to it)

[Kiwismum]

Far enough, I was really giving you the benefit of the doubt and thinking in the back of my mind that you did it by mistake.

Hope you are feeling a bit more balanced now if not here is a little something from me to you 

[libbylondon]

Hey all,
Thanks everyone for your replies. It's really useful just to get an idea of how everyone else makes the plan work for them. Helps me to make sure I'm following it properly.
I still haven't started the weekly indulgences yet. I think I'll try and include them next week. It's really just being sensible about how much you eat rather than cutting out certain foods I suppose. That's what I'm finding really hard because I have cut out so many foods from my diet because I see them as "bad foods", and I think I'd feel really guilty for eating them. I think a good step for me would be starting with some weight watchers or slimming products. I think I'd feel a bit better about eating them.
I've only really got about 2 more kilos to lose but it's really hard to think about stopping weight loss. I know it's unhealthy to be underweight as well as overweight but I've been losing weight for so long now, I think if I got on the scales and hadn't lost weight (even if I was at goal weight), I'd feel I had failed.
But I'm eating much better than I used to. So hopefully I'm getting there.
Thank you all anyway.... 
x

[Kiwismum]

Nice to have you back Libby

Sounds like you need to start planning how you will handle maintenance now. I worry that you may need more help than you realise to overcome you mental anguish about food.

You need to do what you think best, but I just want to say that real food would be better than a meal replacement. However if a meal replacement is the only way you can do it, then start there. Maybe you could try to add one extra thing every couple of days, just a small amount to begin with and see how you go. On this plan there is no need for guilt, because there are no banned foods really, however that does not mean we don't feel it sometimes.

Please keep us posted on how you are doing,

[libbylondon]

Thanks a lot for your reply.
I think I'm starting to realise now that it is more of a problem than I thought. I'm just really worried about putting weight back on so I haven't really thought about maintenance yet. But you are definately right, I will have to start adding in extra food soon. I think adding in slowly is probably best too.
So thanks for all your advice. I will definately take it on board.

[Kiwismum]

That's good Libby. I feel that in your situation you need to be a little kind to yourself, but also very tough if you know what you mean.

If you are eating adequately your body will find its natural weight and stay there, it is only over or under eating that will through it out. Eating whole foods will fill you up and keep your calories down, rather that processed foods that are packed with extras and will throw you whole system out.

Please keep in mind that if you can't hold your weight, or you just keep dropping, you may need to get a bit more help.

[sunny]

Hi ladies,
I've just joined the online program and wanted to say hi as i'm a new member also. You all seem really supportive and knowledgeable so I look foward to chattiing with you all. I'm a kiwi living abroad (Italy) and hoping to drop around 40kg ...wish me luck!

[lynda]

Hi Sunny,
Welcome.  Its a great step to take.  Its good having this forum as I get a lot out of it.  Its good to "off load' and know others are having or have had similar problems.  Its nice just to have friends you can say stuff to and will listen!!

We all like to help.  So have you joined the on-line program or are you just using the forum?  Either is great so don't worry about that!!

I love the programme and "live" it except of course for the straying and those sorts of things.  I think I am fairly focused right now and would like to lose 5 kilos before Xmas.  I can do it if I don't sneak in the extras.  I love the programme and find if I eat all the food I am allowed there is no problem with that - exxcept maybe outside influences that get to me.  But saying "nah, I don't really want that" can come naturally - its important to take each step and if you slip, to go straight back on programme - don't wait to the next day, but make the next thing you eat "programme" food.  Life still goes on and its important that we acknowledge our individual achievements on a daily basis - the little things - turning down or away from something that could easily just slip in before we even think about it - if you know what I mean.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress - and join in, we love that!!!

Italy huh - tell all.  I have been - but only on a coach tour - but it was so beautiful and amazing.  If you are happy to share your new life, would love to hear about it.

Have a great day.

[Jill]

Hi Sunny

Glad you joined, I've not been on board for long but love it and really enjoy the forum.  I've lost 5kg of my 31kg journey.  There really is plenty of food, staying focused is the challenge.  Outside influences are definetly an issue, but it's nice to know there are others out there to chat to.

I live in Australia and never been overseas. I would love to hear about Italy if you're willing to share.

[sunny]

Hi Jill and all the other ladies too,

Thanks for the message, it's always nice to know you're not alone eh! Italy is a great place to live, the food is lovely, the people are kind and the scenery where i live in the mountains is fabulous. I have been here for just over 4 years now but looking forward to moving back home to NZ in about ten months time. I went to Lake Como this week and I can see why George Clooney has a house there, its stunning! Managed to stick within the allownace even while dining out (at least i think i did!) and had one of the best meals in ages: risotto with pear and taleggio cheese. It was divine. I'm going to see if I can create a kiss-style recipe...if i do i'll share it around.

Catch you all later

[lynda]

Hi Jill,
Lake como is beautiful isn't it?  Went there in 2005.  That whole area was magnificent. I wanna go back, and I will!!!
Keep up the good work.