It's been a LONG time since I've had 3 straight low-carb days, but for some reason (I guess I'm really ready), it is working!  Of course it always worked before ... it was just my mind that did a number on me.  Feeling very good - taking magnesium & probiotics and I have not had the common problem among many on low carb (constipation) so far, so that's very encouraging.  That's one thing that would sometimes lead me astray.

Getting my new and improved FTS book today - yea!

I am even going to a wedding shower at lunch today, but I canceled the Gardenburger that I ordered and will absolutely, positively not partake of the cake!  I'm taking my water and a piece of string cheese to get me through the event.   Previously (the past few weeks anyway), I have been unable to avoid the goodies at work, so this is a positive step back in the right direction.

Gail in WA

I did lose 41 lbs on Medifast, but I am so sick of the prepackaged dried "food" and can't wait to get back to REAL food.  I have two more weeks remaining of food I purchased, and I just can't waste $150, so once that's done, I'm comin' back - back to real food, good food, healthy food, and food that will help me get rid of the rest!  I just watched a video on Amazon streaming called something like The Perfect Human Diet, and it is low-carb, whole foods, etc.  It helped me work my way back to what I know works and what I know is so much better for me, although getting rid of 41 lbs I am very thankful for.

I will come back on a regular basis once I get started again and I hope I can join Sherrie Pie as a big success and motivation for others, as she is for me.

I am SOOOOOOOOOO ready.

Gail in WA

   I purchased the Fat-to-Skinny recipe books a while back - both Regular and Baking ones.  I don't know how it happened, but somehow the folder disappeared in the transfer from my old PC to my new one at work.  I was even able to go back to my original PC and it was GONE.  I recently looked at it too.  Is there anyway I can get another copy of each one.  I was so disappointed today when I went looking for the folder and it was gone.  Several other files mysteriously disappeared as well.  I think there's a gremlin in my PC!

Thanks for any assistance you can provide.  DANGIT.  At least I have a few of my favorite recipes printed out, but I do want to have it as a resource forever.  If I am able to get them back, you can bet I will back them up on a CD!

I know have had many false (or no) starts, but I'm here to report, that I am into Day 4!  Yes, I finally got it together and I'm so pleased so far (and losing 5 lbs so far my first week helps too).  I have not only physical urges for food, but plenty of psychological ones too, so I have fight that second one every day.  However, what has worked for me, and I certainly don't advocate it, is that I eat a really big breakfast (probably 3 eggs and bacon or sausage).  Then I am not hungry until dinner.  I eat a nice dinner - big enough to fill my psychological need, but not too much - and so far I have only had a few slices of ultra thin ham or turkey as an evening snack (formerly my downfall).  This may not be a normal approach, but I think for me, I have found what works.  I am so encouraged.  The past several months I couldn't seem to string much more than one day at a time, but perhaps something has awakened in my brain that tells me first, it can be done, and second, I can still enjoy food at the same time.  I don't get bored with eating the same thing almost every night, and the dish I made this past week I have enjoyed every single evening.  It's a one-dish meal that's made of hamburger, cream cheese, sour cream, onion, Rotel tomatoes, and taco spices/seasoning.  Spicy and yummy!

I'm so glad I can really feel part of the group now - I kept trying, but to no avail, but I never gave up completely and voila!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and stays cool - frankly I'm lovin' this cool Pacific NW summer - I would be happy if we never reached 80 the rest of the so-called summer (plus it makes mowing the yard enjoyable - yes, I actually do enjoy mowing when I'm not sweating profusely).

Okay, I never really got started before, but I am going to be coming back with a vengeance.  As so many can testify to as well, I've tried any and everything, and as much as I know it, I just wouldn't listen to what really works.  In my absence I did ediets fresh delivery, diet-to-go fresh delivery, sensa, and although I did lose about 10 lbs, I did not feel like I was making any real progress after that first bit.  My 60th birthday is coming up on July 7, so that should be one heckuva wakeup call, huh?

I will be going shopping this weekend and I've got my FTS cookbook and dessert book that I am going to use.   The main key for me is to make food ahead of time so I can easily heat up when getting home from work.

Look forward to sharing my success with you all and to continue reading about yours, which is such an inspiration.

I know it can be done - I know I can do it - I will do it!

Gail in WA

The light has come on ... I know that this will work and that it will work better for me than anything else I try (or have tried ... just about everything).  Back from vacation in Texas to see the grandson (and where I indulged plenty) and I vow that I will NEVER ask for a seatbelt extender on the plane ever again!  I will make my grocery list and get everything ready for next week this weekend.  I cook ahead so all I have to do is reheat after getting home from work.   I have so far to go, but I love the fact that I can eat real food, not have to eat birdlike portions all the time, and not be hungry.  I'm rarin' to go and I will do it this time.  What with all the successes here, there's no doubt that it is the way to go.

Get ready - get set - GO!

Gail in WA (the state)

My book arrived yesterday and I just downloaded the Fat to Skinny cookbook & sugar-free baking cookbook.  Now it's just time to start reading - reading - reading.  I am more enthused this time than in a long long time.  Perhaps it's the welcoming community on the forum and the personal interaction with Doug and Umpa, but whatever it is, I feel something special starting.  Can't wait to share my journey with you all and I thank you in advance for all the help and support.