Upcoming Holidays

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I am about a week behind in reading posts, again !, but wanted to

pose a question for you all before I get to catching up again.

If this has already been asked in a more recent post, I appologize.

But I was hoping for some ideas on how you all cope with the holiday

season that is almost upon us. Halloween is easy for me because I

rarely want candy of any sort, but Thanksgiving dinner, holiday

parties, and Christmas dinner; those for me are really hard not to

overeat. You see, I am not a sweets eater, BUT, I really have a big

appetite and if I don't measure, I tend to oversize my portions. I

do eat a lot of veggies, fiber, protein, and am on the low side on

carbs, but on these holiday meals, it is so hard not to go back for

seconds. I don't eat desserts, but will eat seconds on the main

meal.

What plan do you all have to stay on program during this difficult

holiday season?

I am at lifetime and have maintained for almost a year now, but am

up several pounds (though still within my limit). Just want to stay

strong because I really like where I am now, and don't want

to " stray " . I keep reading posts that say many lifetime members

find themselves getting lax and gaining some weight back, and I

really don't want to be one of those statistics

Any suggestions will be helpful. I remember last year at

Thanksgiving time, my WW leader made us write down a typical

Thanksgiving meal, and then we went through all the points for the

portions and that really was a good reminder.

Welcome to all new members and congratulations to all you losers.

Good luck to all in your continued efforts at this wonderful WW

program that shows us the way to a healthier way of life.

Terri in WI

[Guest guest]

I'm a lifetime member too and I've reached goal twice and have been close a

third time so I know what you mean about staying in control.

I always do well if I have a plan. The worst thing you can do is to just wait

to and wing it. Make a list of things that you will eat and their points. If

you are on flex points you can use them for the special days. If you plan well

you can have seconds.

I always make sure that there are some of my favorites. For me it's mashed

potatoes, corn, stuffing and a small measured amount of gravy. I could skip the

rest of the meal and eat just those things LOL ! But of course I don't. I try

to eat lots of free foods and drink water with my meal.

One of the problems with Thanksgiving is that it isn't over after dinner so I

also plan for snacks after the meal - like a turkey sandwich on low point bread.

I'll probably eat all but 5 or 6 points at the main meal and plan the rest of

the day so I don't just keep eating like everyone else in the family - who all

happen to be thin LOL !

Knowing that it's going to be hard is a good thing because you're being honest

with yourself. It's an old saying but a good one - nothing tastes as good as

" thin " feels : )

Ginny

260 -180.5 -129

Goal for 2004 380 Pages

Completed 502

Upcoming Holidays

Hi everyone,

I am about a week behind in reading posts, again !, but wanted to

pose a question for you all before I get to catching up again.

If this has already been asked in a more recent post, I appologize.

But I was hoping for some ideas on how you all cope with the holiday

season that is almost upon us. Halloween is easy for me because I

rarely want candy of any sort, but Thanksgiving dinner, holiday

parties, and Christmas dinner; those for me are really hard not to

overeat. You see, I am not a sweets eater, BUT, I really have a big

appetite and if I don't measure, I tend to oversize my portions. I

do eat a lot of veggies, fiber, protein, and am on the low side on

carbs, but on these holiday meals, it is so hard not to go back for

seconds. I don't eat desserts, but will eat seconds on the main

meal.

What plan do you all have to stay on program during this difficult

holiday season?

I am at lifetime and have maintained for almost a year now, but am

up several pounds (though still within my limit). Just want to stay

strong because I really like where I am now, and don't want

to " stray " . I keep reading posts that say many lifetime members

find themselves getting lax and gaining some weight back, and I

really don't want to be one of those statistics

Any suggestions will be helpful. I remember last year at

Thanksgiving time, my WW leader made us write down a typical

Thanksgiving meal, and then we went through all the points for the

portions and that really was a good reminder.

Welcome to all new members and congratulations to all you losers.

Good luck to all in your continued efforts at this wonderful WW

program that shows us the way to a healthier way of life.

Terri in WI

[Guest guest]

I will probably make a lot of enemies with this one BUT I don't plan on

staying OP on Thanksgiving. I have a schedule of days that I allow

myself to stray. One is my birthday, another is Thanksgiving then I take

two days at Christmas. My family eats the same healthy food I eat all

the time. My grown sons come to visit and never find anything good to

snack on...just fruit. My 12 year old rarely gets treats...he never

complains. I am setting Thanksgiving Day aside to cook my families'

favorites and to sit down and enjoy it with them. I don't get to see all

of them very often. They are out on their own except for the 12 year old

so they never get good home cooking. That being said, my menu won't be

as extensive as it usually is. I usually cook some of everything you can

think of...way too much food. This year I will cook a standard

Thanksgiving meal and one or two desserts and be done with it. I'm going

to have prime rib instead of turkey. My boys aren't crazy about turkey.

My birthday is next week but I'm not wanting to stray. I'm not craving

anything so I doubt that it will be a problem for me. I leave it opened

just in case so I won't disappoint myself if I DO stray.

I will be 52 years old and I've dieted all my life. The reason it's

working for me this time is because I allow myself free days. They are

rare but I do need them. I need days to NOT think about dieting. I need

days to just enjoy my family. I enjoy pizza and beer with my hubby and

son and I enjoy a few drinks on the weekend with my hubby. I do this

about twice a month. I never feel deprived and I don't feel guilty when

I'm less than perfect. My average weight loss is 6 or 7 pounds a month

which is fine with me. I'm not in a hurry. This is going to be something

I do for the rest of my life. This is the way it's going to work for me now.

Gail

Terri wrote:

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am about a week behind in reading posts, again !, but wanted to

> pose a question for you all before I get to catching up again.

>

> If this has already been asked in a more recent post, I appologize.

> But I was hoping for some ideas on how you all cope with the holiday

> season that is almost upon us. Halloween is easy for me because I

> rarely want candy of any sort, but Thanksgiving dinner, holiday

> parties, and Christmas dinner; those for me are really hard not to

> overeat. You see, I am not a sweets eater, BUT, I really have a big

> appetite and if I don't measure, I tend to oversize my portions. I

> do eat a lot of veggies, fiber, protein, and am on the low side on

> carbs, but on these holiday meals, it is so hard not to go back for

> seconds. I don't eat desserts, but will eat seconds on the main

> meal.

>

> What plan do you all have to stay on program during this difficult

> holiday season?

>

> I am at lifetime and have maintained for almost a year now, but am

> up several pounds (though still within my limit). Just want to stay

> strong because I really like where I am now, and don't want

> to " stray " . I keep reading posts that say many lifetime members

> find themselves getting lax and gaining some weight back, and I

> really don't want to be one of those statistics

>

> Any suggestions will be helpful. I remember last year at

> Thanksgiving time, my WW leader made us write down a typical

> Thanksgiving meal, and then we went through all the points for the

> portions and that really was a good reminder.

>

> Welcome to all new members and congratulations to all you losers.

> Good luck to all in your continued efforts at this wonderful WW

> program that shows us the way to a healthier way of life.

>

>

>

> Terri in WI

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Gail,

Just goes to prove how different our bodies handle life doesn't

it..You say you have been doing this and still lose the weight your

trying to get off. I wish, I wish, I wish I was like this.. but I

know I am not..so I guess I do what I need to do..lucky you!!!

Have a wonderful day....

~~Kallie~

-------------------------------------------------------------------

In Serious-Weight-Watchers , Gail Toomey-Truman

<angelgmtnga@c...> wrote:

> I will probably make a lot of enemies with this one BUT I don't

plan on

> staying OP on Thanksgiving. I have a schedule of days that I allow

> myself to stray. One is my birthday, another is Thanksgiving then I

take

> two days at Christmas. My family eats the same healthy food I eat

all

> the time. My grown sons come to visit and never find anything good

to

> snack on...just fruit. My 12 year old rarely gets treats...he never

> complains. I am setting Thanksgiving Day aside to cook my families'

> favorites and to sit down and enjoy it with them. I don't get to

see all

> of them very often. They are out on their own except for the 12

year old

> so they never get good home cooking. That being said, my menu won't

be

> as extensive as it usually is. I usually cook some of everything

you can

> think of...way too much food. This year I will cook a standard

> Thanksgiving meal and one or two desserts and be done with it. I'm

going

> to have prime rib instead of turkey. My boys aren't crazy about

turkey.

>

> My birthday is next week but I'm not wanting to stray. I'm not

craving

> anything so I doubt that it will be a problem for me. I leave it

opened

> just in case so I won't disappoint myself if I DO stray.

>

> I will be 52 years old and I've dieted all my life. The reason it's

> working for me this time is because I allow myself free days. They

are

> rare but I do need them. I need days to NOT think about dieting. I

need

> days to just enjoy my family. I enjoy pizza and beer with my hubby

and

> son and I enjoy a few drinks on the weekend with my hubby. I do

this

> about twice a month. I never feel deprived and I don't feel guilty

when

> I'm less than perfect. My average weight loss is 6 or 7 pounds a

month

> which is fine with me. I'm not in a hurry. This is going to be

something

> I do for the rest of my life. This is the way it's going to work

for me now.

>

> Gail

>------------------------

> Terri wrote:

..

> > But I was hoping for some ideas on how you all cope with the

holiday

> > season that is almost upon us.

[Guest guest]

The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they were planning

to go off program for a day...in that case their birthday...they were flamed

badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be interesting

to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is suddenly a new

standard here.

I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided that it is not

okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's what Serious

Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying serious about

this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not buried very

deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating binges, but

to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different thing.

Bette

[Guest guest]

I do not post very often to this group, although I read the posts to SWW

daily. I am writing in support of Gail. I believe that Gail said that

she plans to go off plan on special occasions, which adds up to roughly

4 days a year (birthday, Thanksgiving and 2 days at Christmas). If one

strategically plans to go off plan 4 days out of 365 days per year, I

personally do not believe that makes them a nonserious weight watcher.

Please do not flame me for stating my opinion for we are all entitled to

express our opinions.

I joined WW after gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy. By closely

following the program, I have lost 65 pounds and am still trying to lose

those last 5 pounds. Nevertheless, I, like Gail, plan to enjoy my

family and Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Does this make me a

nonserious weight watcher....uncommitted to the WW way of life? I do

not think so. I believe in the WW program and am thankful for the

success that it has afforded me, including the wonderful changes in my

body as well as my health.

Just my 2 cents...No flamming please!

Hope

240/175/170...maybe 165

Bette Holzer wrote on 11/3/2004, 9:32 AM:

>

> The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they were

> planning

> to go off program for a day...in that case their birthday...they were

> flamed

> badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be

> interesting

> to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is suddenly

> a new

> standard here.

>

> I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided that it is

> not

> okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's what Serious

> Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying serious

> about

> this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not buried very

> deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating

> binges, but

> to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different thing.

>

> Bette

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi again,

I totally agree that there should be no flaming for stating an opinion!

That, after all, is what I'm doing -- stating my opinion. As I said, the

last time a SWW member bravely said she was going to go off program for her

birthday, she was not only flamed, but even the moderators and list mom

stepped forward to say clearly that this kind of plan did not follow the SWW

group guidelines. And, sadly, that member was so hurt that she left the

group.

So, all I'm saying is that it will be interesting to see if the moderators

and list mom treat Gail differently.

Bette

[Guest guest]

I'm not going to tell you what to do because that is for you to decide but I

will say that what you are doing is dangerous. Most people can't handle going

off and on program. That's why most of us have gainned and lost and rejoined

over and over. Without being fully committed you are setting yourself up to

fail. The main reason for that is that Weight Watchers isn't a diet , it's a

way of life. Unless you realizes that old behaviors need to change and that

life style changes have to become permanent the weight won't stay off if you

ever do reach your goal.

I used to think if I can just get this weight off I can get back to living and

every time I'd lose weight I gained it back. Now that I know that there have to

be permanent life long changes I've kept over 60 lbs off for 6 years and I'm now

recommitted to getting the rest off.

As far as your family is concerned teaching them the right way to eat is the

best thing you can do for them.

Please take this in the spirit in which it is intended which is to help not hurt

you. Until you can committ 100% to the program you're not on Weight Watchers

and you're just kidding yourself yourself.

Ginny

Re: Upcoming Holidays

I will probably make a lot of enemies with this one BUT I don't plan on

staying OP on Thanksgiving. I have a schedule of days that I allow

myself to stray. One is my birthday, another is Thanksgiving then I take

two days at Christmas. My family eats the same healthy food I eat all

the time. My grown sons come to visit and never find anything good to

snack on...just fruit. My 12 year old rarely gets treats...he never

complains. I am setting Thanksgiving Day aside to cook my families'

favorites and to sit down and enjoy it with them. I don't get to see all

of them very often. They are out on their own except for the 12 year old

so they never get good home cooking. That being said, my menu won't be

as extensive as it usually is. I usually cook some of everything you can

think of...way too much food. This year I will cook a standard

Thanksgiving meal and one or two desserts and be done with it. I'm going

to have prime rib instead of turkey. My boys aren't crazy about turkey.

My birthday is next week but I'm not wanting to stray. I'm not craving

anything so I doubt that it will be a problem for me. I leave it opened

just in case so I won't disappoint myself if I DO stray.

I will be 52 years old and I've dieted all my life. The reason it's

working for me this time is because I allow myself free days. They are

rare but I do need them. I need days to NOT think about dieting. I need

days to just enjoy my family. I enjoy pizza and beer with my hubby and

son and I enjoy a few drinks on the weekend with my hubby. I do this

about twice a month. I never feel deprived and I don't feel guilty when

I'm less than perfect. My average weight loss is 6 or 7 pounds a month

which is fine with me. I'm not in a hurry. This is going to be something

I do for the rest of my life. This is the way it's going to work for me now.

Gail

Terri wrote:

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I am about a week behind in reading posts, again !, but wanted to

> pose a question for you all before I get to catching up again.

>

> If this has already been asked in a more recent post, I appologize.

> But I was hoping for some ideas on how you all cope with the holiday

> season that is almost upon us. Halloween is easy for me because I

> rarely want candy of any sort, but Thanksgiving dinner, holiday

> parties, and Christmas dinner; those for me are really hard not to

> overeat. You see, I am not a sweets eater, BUT, I really have a big

> appetite and if I don't measure, I tend to oversize my portions. I

> do eat a lot of veggies, fiber, protein, and am on the low side on

> carbs, but on these holiday meals, it is so hard not to go back for

> seconds. I don't eat desserts, but will eat seconds on the main

> meal.

>

> What plan do you all have to stay on program during this difficult

> holiday season?

>

> I am at lifetime and have maintained for almost a year now, but am

> up several pounds (though still within my limit). Just want to stay

> strong because I really like where I am now, and don't want

> to " stray " . I keep reading posts that say many lifetime members

> find themselves getting lax and gaining some weight back, and I

> really don't want to be one of those statistics

>

> Any suggestions will be helpful. I remember last year at

> Thanksgiving time, my WW leader made us write down a typical

> Thanksgiving meal, and then we went through all the points for the

> portions and that really was a good reminder.

>

> Welcome to all new members and congratulations to all you losers.

> Good luck to all in your continued efforts at this wonderful WW

> program that shows us the way to a healthier way of life.

>

>

>

> Terri in WI

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

She said twice a month plus special days. Sorry but that isn't WW .

Ginny

RE: Upcoming Holidays

I do not post very often to this group, although I read the posts to SWW

daily. I am writing in support of Gail. I believe that Gail said that

she plans to go off plan on special occasions, which adds up to roughly

4 days a year (birthday, Thanksgiving and 2 days at Christmas). If one

strategically plans to go off plan 4 days out of 365 days per year, I

personally do not believe that makes them a nonserious weight watcher.

Please do not flame me for stating my opinion for we are all entitled to

express our opinions.

I joined WW after gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy. By closely

following the program, I have lost 65 pounds and am still trying to lose

those last 5 pounds. Nevertheless, I, like Gail, plan to enjoy my

family and Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Does this make me a

nonserious weight watcher....uncommitted to the WW way of life? I do

not think so. I believe in the WW program and am thankful for the

success that it has afforded me, including the wonderful changes in my

body as well as my health.

Just my 2 cents...No flamming please!

Hope

240/175/170...maybe 165

Bette Holzer wrote on 11/3/2004, 9:32 AM:

>

> The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they were

> planning

> to go off program for a day...in that case their birthday...they were

> flamed

> badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be

> interesting

> to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is suddenly

> a new

> standard here.

>

> I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided that it is

> not

> okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's what Serious

> Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying serious

> about

> this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not buried very

> deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating

> binges, but

> to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different thing.

>

> Bette

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

yes, I have recently rejoined WW so I am not that far in my weight

loss. But I joined two times before -once after each child (78 lbs,

and 83 lbs losses). My leaders had always said that you could do

three things during the holiday - PLAN to lose weight, PLAN to stay

the same, or PLAN to gain weight. And that any of those were fine

and on program. I found that most people who tried to be very strict

with their diet during the holidays then fell off program after

because they felt they had denied themselves. Those that ate a

little more liberaly were back on program after the holidays. We

have all had a day or two (or more) where we ate off program - did

you kick those people out of the group? And I think most of us would

have to agree that our weight problems came from eating way off

program for much more than four days in a year.

She has a plan - to enjoy thanksgiving with her family. And if her

plan falls through and she ends up eating more than those four days?

Are we to judge her and say she's not welcome here? I would hate to

think that the support offered here is only for those that are

perfect (100% on program 100% of the time). And she is the one who

would see the results on her scale - not us.

Weight Watchers is a wonderful program because it is flexible enough

to fit most people's lives. That means some eat high protein and

shun carbs, some love carbs and would hardly ever eat protein. Some

exercise daily, some hardly at all. Some use their flex points,

other won't touch them. This is what WW is about - having a plan,

and finding what works for you.

That said, I'd like to report my 1.5 lb loss this week.

(the other) Beth

> She said twice a month plus special days. Sorry but that isn't

WW .

> Ginny

>

> RE: Upcoming Holidays

>

>

> I do not post very often to this group, although I read the

posts to SWW

> daily. I am writing in support of Gail. I believe that Gail

said that

> she plans to go off plan on special occasions, which adds up to

roughly

> 4 days a year (birthday, Thanksgiving and 2 days at Christmas).

If one

> strategically plans to go off plan 4 days out of 365 days per

year, I

> personally do not believe that makes them a nonserious weight

watcher.

> Please do not flame me for stating my opinion for we are all

entitled to

> express our opinions.

>

> I joined WW after gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy. By

closely

> following the program, I have lost 65 pounds and am still trying

to lose

> those last 5 pounds. Nevertheless, I, like Gail, plan to enjoy

my

> family and Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Does this

make me a

> nonserious weight watcher....uncommitted to the WW way of life?

I do

> not think so. I believe in the WW program and am thankful for

the

> success that it has afforded me, including the wonderful changes

in my

> body as well as my health.

>

> Just my 2 cents...No flamming please!

>

> Hope

> 240/175/170...maybe 165

>

> Bette Holzer wrote on 11/3/2004, 9:32 AM:

>

> >

> > The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they

were

> > planning

> > to go off program for a day...in that case their

birthday...they were

> > flamed

> > badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be

> > interesting

> > to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is

suddenly

> > a new

> > standard here.

> >

> > I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided

that it is

> > not

> > okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's

what Serious

> > Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying

serious

> > about

> > this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not

buried very

> > deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating

> > binges, but

> > to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different

thing.

> >

> > Bette

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I didn't join this group for flame wars. Why can't people just ignore

comments that they can't support? If I see flaming starting up, I will be

going no mail for a while.

Cindi

[Guest guest]

I don't know what flame war means but I DO know that the name of this group is

" Serious " Weight Watchers.

Ginny

260 -180.5 -129

Goal for 2004 380 Pages

Completed 502

RE: Upcoming Holidays

I didn't join this group for flame wars. Why can't people just ignore

comments that they can't support? If I see flaming starting up, I will be

going no mail for a while.

Cindi

[Guest guest]

I totally agree with you Hope. I think I admire Gail for having the strength of

knowing her weakness and accounting for that. How many of us can be honest

enough to say that we stay completely on program 100% of the time anyway? I

don't think that makes any of us a nonserious weight watcher. I think that

planning is the key and if that is Gail's plan then great for her. I also don't

post too much here, but read every post and I love the flexibility of WW. That

means that my plan for losing and using WW to my needs may be different than

yours or anyone elses and no one should be flamed for that.

I plan to stay on program, but am not going to create grief for myself in

trying...that would lead to stress eating...so what would be the point?

Hugs,

Donna M

259.8/234.8/155

*~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~*

RE: Upcoming Holidays

I do not post very often to this group, although I read the posts to SWW

daily. I am writing in support of Gail. I believe that Gail said that

she plans to go off plan on special occasions, which adds up to roughly

4 days a year (birthday, Thanksgiving and 2 days at Christmas). If one

strategically plans to go off plan 4 days out of 365 days per year, I

personally do not believe that makes them a nonserious weight watcher.

Please do not flame me for stating my opinion for we are all entitled to

express our opinions.

I joined WW after gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy. By closely

following the program, I have lost 65 pounds and am still trying to lose

those last 5 pounds. Nevertheless, I, like Gail, plan to enjoy my

family and Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Does this make me a

nonserious weight watcher....uncommitted to the WW way of life? I do

not think so. I believe in the WW program and am thankful for the

success that it has afforded me, including the wonderful changes in my

body as well as my health.

Just my 2 cents...No flamming please!

Hope

240/175/170...maybe 165

Bette Holzer wrote on 11/3/2004, 9:32 AM:

>

> The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they were

> planning

> to go off program for a day...in that case their birthday...they were

> flamed

> badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be

> interesting

> to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is suddenly

> a new

> standard here.

>

> I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided that it is

> not

> okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's what Serious

> Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying serious

> about

> this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not buried very

> deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating

> binges, but

> to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different thing.

>

> Bette

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

There's a distinction between PLANNING to eat more on a particular day, say

Thanksgiving. and PLANNING to go off-program. When I have a day that I'll

know I want to eat more I'll save FP's, earn some extra AP's and/or

reduce my

intake at other meals during the day. That allows me to " enjoy " the

special day w/o

going off-program.

Planning to go off-program implies, IMHO, not caring what you eat or how

much

- making no attempt to fit the special meal/day into the framework of

your WW

week. This, to me, is the dangerous edge that descends into the slippery

slope.

If others can handle it, more power to 'em. But, again:

- it IS going off-program .... to suggest otherwise is fallacious

- for me, the " enjoyment " has to come from where I am and the people I'm

with - not the food I eat. Getting overstuffed and uncomfortable

is not

enjoyable.

- It's OK to enjoy bits of foods you don't ordinarily eat, if you

plan for them

- remember, it won't be your last opportunity to have these

foods.... if you're

still craving the [insert food here] next week, get a small

piece. You don't

have to eat it ALL today because its' Thanksgiving, or your

birthday, or

whatever.

Mitch

Beth wrote:

>yes, I have recently rejoined WW so I am not that far in my weight

>loss. But I joined two times before -once after each child (78 lbs,

>and 83 lbs losses). My leaders had always said that you could do

>three things during the holiday - PLAN to lose weight, PLAN to stay

>the same, or PLAN to gain weight. And that any of those were fine

>and on program. I found that most people who tried to be very strict

>with their diet during the holidays then fell off program after

>because they felt they had denied themselves. Those that ate a

>little more liberaly were back on program after the holidays. We

>have all had a day or two (or more) where we ate off program - did

>you kick those people out of the group? And I think most of us would

>have to agree that our weight problems came from eating way off

>program for much more than four days in a year.

>

>She has a plan - to enjoy thanksgiving with her family. And if her

>plan falls through and she ends up eating more than those four days?

>Are we to judge her and say she's not welcome here? I would hate to

>think that the support offered here is only for those that are

>perfect (100% on program 100% of the time). And she is the one who

>would see the results on her scale - not us.

>

>Weight Watchers is a wonderful program because it is flexible enough

>to fit most people's lives. That means some eat high protein and

>shun carbs, some love carbs and would hardly ever eat protein. Some

>exercise daily, some hardly at all. Some use their flex points,

>other won't touch them. This is what WW is about - having a plan,

>and finding what works for you.

>

>That said, I'd like to report my 1.5 lb loss this week.

>

>(the other) Beth

>

>

>

>

>>She said twice a month plus special days. Sorry but that isn't

>>

>>

>WW .

>

>

>>Ginny

>>

>> RE: Upcoming Holidays

>>

>>

>> I do not post very often to this group, although I read the

>>

>>

>posts to SWW

>

>

>> daily. I am writing in support of Gail. I believe that Gail

>>

>>

>said that

>

>

>> she plans to go off plan on special occasions, which adds up to

>>

>>

>roughly

>

>

>> 4 days a year (birthday, Thanksgiving and 2 days at Christmas).

>>

>>

>If one

>

>

>> strategically plans to go off plan 4 days out of 365 days per

>>

>>

>year, I

>

>

>> personally do not believe that makes them a nonserious weight

>>

>>

>watcher.

>

>

>> Please do not flame me for stating my opinion for we are all

>>

>>

>entitled to

>

>

>> express our opinions.

>>

>> I joined WW after gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy. By

>>

>>

>closely

>

>

>> following the program, I have lost 65 pounds and am still trying

>>

>>

>to lose

>

>

>> those last 5 pounds. Nevertheless, I, like Gail, plan to enjoy

>>

>>

>my

>

>

>> family and Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Does this

>>

>>

>make me a

>

>

>> nonserious weight watcher....uncommitted to the WW way of life?

>>

>>

>I do

>

>

>> not think so. I believe in the WW program and am thankful for

>>

>>

>the

>

>

>> success that it has afforded me, including the wonderful changes

>>

>>

>in my

>

>

>> body as well as my health.

>>

>> Just my 2 cents...No flamming please!

>>

>> Hope

>> 240/175/170...maybe 165

>>

>> Bette Holzer wrote on 11/3/2004, 9:32 AM:

>>

>> >

>> > The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they

>>

>>

>were

>

>

>> > planning

>> > to go off program for a day...in that case their

>>

>>

>birthday...they were

>

>

>> > flamed

>> > badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be

>> > interesting

>> > to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is

>>

>>

>suddenly

>

>

>> > a new

>> > standard here.

>> >

>> > I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided

>>

>>

>that it is

>

>

>> > not

>> > okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's

>>

>>

>what Serious

>

>

>> > Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying

>>

>>

>serious

>

>

>> > about

>> > this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not

>>

>>

>buried very

>

>

>> > deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating

>> > binges, but

>> > to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different

>>

>>

>thing.

>

>

>> >

>> > Bette

>> >

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

I have a lot of people who sabatoge me as well and this was one way of getting

around the situation and stay within my points and be satisfied!

Beth Skeen wrote:<<we went back into the kitchen and

popped 2 Turkey with Stuffing Lean Cuisines in the microwave and put them on our

plates...people just thought we served ourselves in the kitchen as the food was

coming out. >>

Thats a great idea. I have many people in my family who love me...but are ALWAYS

trying to sabotage my efforts. " Oh., its OK. Its Thanksgiving for crying out

loud. " " Just eat what you want today. " etc. etc. I really don't want to hear it

and this will keep them off my back. They will never know!

Beth

T G wrote:

A few years ago when I was on WW our WW leader gave us the point value of the

typical Thanksgiving foods. She also gave us plates we divided to give us a

visual of how much of stuff we should put on our plate.

Last year on WW (yes, I started and restarted WW several times) my friend and I

slaved over the stove all day, brought out Thanksgiving dinner to everyone, we

went back into the kitchen and popped 2 Turkey with Stuffing Lean Cuisines in

the microwave and put them on our plates...people just thought we served

ourselves in the kitchen as the food was coming out.

Terra

Kallie wrote:

Hi Gail,

Just goes to prove how different our bodies handle life doesn't

it..You say you have been doing this and still lose the weight your

trying to get off. I wish, I wish, I wish I was like this.. but I

know I am not..so I guess I do what I need to do..lucky you!!!

Have a wonderful day....

~~Kallie~

-------------------------------------------------------------------

In Serious-Weight-Watchers , Gail Toomey-Truman

<angelgmtnga@c...> wrote:

> I will probably make a lot of enemies with this one BUT I don't

plan on

> staying OP on Thanksgiving. I have a schedule of days that I allow

> myself to stray. One is my birthday, another is Thanksgiving then I

take

> two days at Christmas. My family eats the same healthy food I eat

all

> the time. My grown sons come to visit and never find anything good

to

> snack on...just fruit. My 12 year old rarely gets treats...he never

> complains. I am setting Thanksgiving Day aside to cook my families'

> favorites and to sit down and enjoy it with them. I don't get to

see all

> of them very often. They are out on their own except for the 12

year old

> so they never get good home cooking. That being said, my menu won't

be

> as extensive as it usually is. I usually cook some of everything

you can

> think of...way too much food. This year I will cook a standard

> Thanksgiving meal and one or two desserts and be done with it. I'm

going

> to have prime rib instead of turkey. My boys aren't crazy about

turkey.

>

> My birthday is next week but I'm not wanting to stray. I'm not

craving

> anything so I doubt that it will be a problem for me. I leave it

opened

> just in case so I won't disappoint myself if I DO stray.

>

> I will be 52 years old and I've dieted all my life. The reason it's

> working for me this time is because I allow myself free days. They

are

> rare but I do need them. I need days to NOT think about dieting. I

need

> days to just enjoy my family. I enjoy pizza and beer with my hubby

and

> son and I enjoy a few drinks on the weekend with my hubby. I do

this

> about twice a month. I never feel deprived and I don't feel guilty

when

> I'm less than perfect. My average weight loss is 6 or 7 pounds a

month

> which is fine with me. I'm not in a hurry. This is going to be

something

> I do for the rest of my life. This is the way it's going to work

for me now.

>

> Gail

>------------------------

> Terri wrote:

..

> > But I was hoping for some ideas on how you all cope with the

holiday

> > season that is almost upon us.

[Guest guest]

I agree, I hardly post at all, but read every day.

I appreciate everyones view. If it's not yours, OH WELL, move on.

Everyone is entitled. Do you think your negative comments are going to

change thier minds. LOL

I have been in WW since Winning points, we used to save up points to bank

for special meals, perhaps that will work for someone on this list during

the holidays.

Just my opinion.

Go Scrap

" Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible,

and suddenly you are doing the impossible. "

*St Francis of Assisi

>

> I didn't join this group for flame wars. Why can't people just ignore

> comments that they can't support? If I see flaming starting up, I will be

> going no mail for a while.

>

> Cindi

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I actually have had my mind changed a bit over this conversation.

Earlier, when deciding about Thanksgiving & Christmas, I had thought

that the reason people get into big trouble around the holidays is

that they don't see those 2 days as 2 days - they see the holidays

as a season. I figured if I ate off plan for 2 days only, it would

be fine.

Now, though, I'm realizing that I didn't even consider the

possibility of figuring out the points beforehand. Why not? All

the real triumphs over willpower I have had while on WW are all due

to going into the situation knowing what I'm gonna eat & how much it

will " cost " me. These instances made me feel in control &

powerful! Why did I think that 59 points (24 daily + 35 allowance)

would not be enough for 1 day!?! There is definitely room in that

number for some fun treats.

So, new plan - I'm going to figure out how many points everything my

family may be serving contains. Then, I'm going to work up

my " plate " before the day comes. I will still do 1/2 a plate of

veggies, 1/4 starch & 1/4 meat. I will eat 1 plate only! Then, I

will have a small piece of 2 of my favorite desserts (points

figured!)

And that's it. I certainly should be able to make it away from the

table for less than 59 points!

Thanks, ya'll, for changing my perspective.

(and I'd love to see those recipes!)

Crystal

> I agree, I hardly post at all, but read every day.

> I appreciate everyones view. If it's not yours, OH WELL, move on.

> Everyone is entitled. Do you think your negative comments are

going to

> change thier minds. LOL

>

>

> I have been in WW since Winning points, we used to save up points

to bank

> for special meals, perhaps that will work for someone on this list

during

> the holidays.

>

> Just my opinion.

>

>

>

> Go Scrap

>

> " Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible,

> and suddenly you are doing the impossible. "

> *St Francis of Assisi

>

> >

> > I didn't join this group for flame wars. Why can't people just

ignore

> > comments that they can't support? If I see flaming starting up,

I will be

> > going no mail for a while.

> >

> > Cindi

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

You put that so well ! I wish you could " hear " tone of voice in an email. I am

so passionate about WW and being committed that I probably came off sounding

judgemental which wasn't my intention. Sorry if I crushed any toes in my

attempt to share my excitement : )

Ginny

260 -180.5 -129

Goal for 2004 380 Pages

Completed 502

Re: Upcoming Holidays

I actually have had my mind changed a bit over this conversation.

Earlier, when deciding about Thanksgiving & Christmas, I had thought

that the reason people get into big trouble around the holidays is

that they don't see those 2 days as 2 days - they see the holidays

as a season. I figured if I ate off plan for 2 days only, it would

be fine.

Now, though, I'm realizing that I didn't even consider the

possibility of figuring out the points beforehand. Why not? All

the real triumphs over willpower I have had while on WW are all due

to going into the situation knowing what I'm gonna eat & how much it

will " cost " me. These instances made me feel in control &

powerful! Why did I think that 59 points (24 daily + 35 allowance)

would not be enough for 1 day!?! There is definitely room in that

number for some fun treats.

So, new plan - I'm going to figure out how many points everything my

family may be serving contains. Then, I'm going to work up

my " plate " before the day comes. I will still do 1/2 a plate of

veggies, 1/4 starch & 1/4 meat. I will eat 1 plate only! Then, I

will have a small piece of 2 of my favorite desserts (points

figured!)

And that's it. I certainly should be able to make it away from the

table for less than 59 points!

Thanks, ya'll, for changing my perspective.

(and I'd love to see those recipes!)

Crystal

> I agree, I hardly post at all, but read every day.

> I appreciate everyones view. If it's not yours, OH WELL, move on.

> Everyone is entitled. Do you think your negative comments are

going to

> change thier minds. LOL

>

>

> I have been in WW since Winning points, we used to save up points

to bank

> for special meals, perhaps that will work for someone on this list

during

> the holidays.

>

> Just my opinion.

>

>

>

> Go Scrap

>

> " Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible,

> and suddenly you are doing the impossible. "

> *St Francis of Assisi

>

> >

> > I didn't join this group for flame wars. Why can't people just

ignore

> > comments that they can't support? If I see flaming starting up,

I will be

> > going no mail for a while.

> >

> > Cindi

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

We love ya, Ginny!

I haven't really chimed in on this topic... but let me be the first to say

that I am not a perfect person or a perfect WWer. I have really good days

and also will once in a while have a terrible food day. But I don't think

that means that I am not committed to losing weight or to WW. For that

matter, I think we'd have a hard time finding someone on WW's who has been

100% OP 100% of the time. (Though I give hearty congratulations and

heartfelt admiration if anyone reading this has!)

Myself, I think that a truly 'serious' Weight Watcher is one who doesn't let

a momentary setback derail you altogether. In the past, I've always been

gung-ho for several months and then would let a lunch out with the gang and

the fear of facing the scale the next day keep me from going to meetings. I

have to admit that I've started and stopped WW several times over the past

few years. Why am I able to stick with it now? I've had to learn to forgive

myself for the little things and just keep on truckin'. Had a bad food day

yesterday? Put it behind you and start fresh today. That is what has kept me

going and kept me losing this go-around.

Re: Upcoming Holidays

I actually have had my mind changed a bit over this conversation.

Earlier, when deciding about Thanksgiving & Christmas, I had thought

that the reason people get into big trouble around the holidays is

that they don't see those 2 days as 2 days - they see the holidays

as a season. I figured if I ate off plan for 2 days only, it would

be fine.

Now, though, I'm realizing that I didn't even consider the

possibility of figuring out the points beforehand. Why not? All

the real triumphs over willpower I have had while on WW are all due

to going into the situation knowing what I'm gonna eat & how much it

will " cost " me. These instances made me feel in control &

powerful! Why did I think that 59 points (24 daily + 35 allowance)

would not be enough for 1 day!?! There is definitely room in that

number for some fun treats.

So, new plan - I'm going to figure out how many points everything my

family may be serving contains. Then, I'm going to work up

my " plate " before the day comes. I will still do 1/2 a plate of

veggies, 1/4 starch & 1/4 meat. I will eat 1 plate only! Then, I

will have a small piece of 2 of my favorite desserts (points

figured!)

And that's it. I certainly should be able to make it away from the

table for less than 59 points!

Thanks, ya'll, for changing my perspective.

(and I'd love to see those recipes!)

Crystal

> I agree, I hardly post at all, but read every day.

> I appreciate everyones view. If it's not yours, OH WELL, move on.

> Everyone is entitled. Do you think your negative comments are

going to

> change thier minds. LOL

>

>

> I have been in WW since Winning points, we used to save up points

to bank

> for special meals, perhaps that will work for someone on this list

during

> the holidays.

>

> Just my opinion.

>

>

>

> Go Scrap

>

> " Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible,

> and suddenly you are doing the impossible. "

> *St Francis of Assisi

>

> >

> > I didn't join this group for flame wars. Why can't people just

ignore

> > comments that they can't support? If I see flaming starting up,

I will be

> > going no mail for a while.

> >

> > Cindi

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Mitch, YES!!! Very well put. Thank you!

Bette

[Guest guest]

Hi Gail,

I think your " free " days are a great idea! Thanks for

sharing that!

Becky in CA

[Guest guest]

<<<<<<<<<<<As I said, the last time a SWW member bravely said she was

going to go off program for her birthday, she was not only flamed, but

even the moderators and list mom stepped forward to say clearly that

this kind of plan did not follow the SWW group guidelines. And, sadly,

that member was so hurt that she left the group.

So, all I'm saying is that it will be interesting to see if the

moderators and list mom treat Gail differently. Bette>>>>>>>>>.

SWW Mod here! It looks like we're being called out a little bit, so I'm

taking the bait.

First off, the member that stated that she had gone off-program for her

birthday did not say that she was ***going*** off program...she told us

that she had not counted points for her birthday which was the night

preceding that " controversial " message. So, this was not a planned

thing... She went off program and decided to confess on the SWW board.

Before, I explain any further, let me point out some important things.

Yes, this is a Serious Weight Watchers board. We do not advocate people

purposefully going off program: i.e.- free days...eating well over

their points, etc. This does not mean that members do not do these

things. If you do these things and want some advice on how to stop

doing them (because you're gaining weight... You feel out of control,

etc.) then, please post a message. What we don't want here are messages

like, " I went off program last night. It felt great. Hell, I might

even do it again tomorrow night. " That's not Weight Watchers. If WW

decided to start doing free days...well, then the board would go right

along w/ that new plan. But until then, we don't like people to put

that information out there. Why you ask? Read on....

Free days may work for you...your neighbor...your sister. But, some

people can't do free days and stay on the program the next day. We

don't want to send messages out there that might tempt other members to

say, " Well, if she can do it, then maybe I can. " It might backfire on

that person and start a downward spiral. We're trying to eliminate that

from happening. Again, if WW starts doing free days... Well, then those

messages would be more than welcome on this board.

SOOOO, if you do free days... Plan to overeat on holidays, etc. Please

just keep it to yourself. That's great if it works for you, but please

don't talk about it on the message board. If you gorged at dinner last

night and you're feeling out of whack and looking for support to get

back on track...send a message to the board. If you overate last night

on purpose and you're thinking that this is helpful to your diet...just

keep it to yourself.

If you've been on this board as long as I have, you see a pattern. This

very subject comes up at least once every two months. A lot of people

get involved and people's feelings get hurt (case in point- the girl

that overate on her birthday). So, please, let's just drop the subject

and move on.

There are no hard feelings against any members. The moderators and Lyn,

the list owner, have this list's best interest at heart. We appreciate

everyone and we don't want anyone to leave. I feel bad that we're

perceived by some as being too " hard-core " with the Weight Watchers

rules, but that's why this board rocks! That's why it doesn't go to

hell in a handbasket, because everyone starts attacking the next person

and then the only messages getting sent out are about the latest C.S.I.

episode instead of Weight Watchers.

PLEASE e-mail me if you have any questions, concerns. If you have

anything nasty to say, please e-mail it to me privately. =) I think

this subject should be deemed null and void after this message and I

don't want to intensify any bad emotions.

Hugs...much love...and Weight Watchers Sundae Cones.

SWW mod

RE: Upcoming Holidays

Hi again,

I totally agree that there should be no flaming for stating an opinion!

That, after all, is what I'm doing -- stating my opinion. As I said,

the last time a SWW member bravely said she was going to go off program

for her birthday, she was not only flamed, but even the moderators and

list mom stepped forward to say clearly that this kind of plan did not

follow the SWW group guidelines. And, sadly, that member was so hurt

that she left the group.

So, all I'm saying is that it will be interesting to see if the

moderators and list mom treat Gail differently. Bette

[Guest guest]

Thanks . You Rock !

Ginny

260 -180.5 -129

Goal for 2004 380 Pages

Completed 502

RE: Upcoming Holidays

Hi again,

I totally agree that there should be no flaming for stating an opinion!

That, after all, is what I'm doing -- stating my opinion. As I said,

the last time a SWW member bravely said she was going to go off program

for her birthday, she was not only flamed, but even the moderators and

list mom stepped forward to say clearly that this kind of plan did not

follow the SWW group guidelines. And, sadly, that member was so hurt

that she left the group.

So, all I'm saying is that it will be interesting to see if the

moderators and list mom treat Gail differently. Bette

[Guest guest]

It works for me. On those days I probably don't exceed my points. I just

don't count them. I don't get up and start stuffing my face and eat like

a pig. I merely have pizza and beer or maybe even a buttered roll if we

eat somewhere else. I've stalled three times doing WW. Every time I

stall I go off program and start over the next day. I lose weight the

following week. What works for you might not work for others and vice

versa. This is the first time in my 52 years of living that I've ever

been sure that I will reach the finish line. This is because I

discovered a way to " juggle " the program. I found a way to make the

program work for me. Isn't that what it's all about? Finding a program

that you can live with? Finding a healthier way of eating that you will

adhere to the rest of your life? So many people do this thing then go

back to their old ways and end up gaining. The way I do it will work for

me forever because I don't feel deprived of anything. I eat healthy,

exercise and teach my family how to eat healthy. My 12 year old son even

knows that fast food is okay in moderation. He knows not to even think

of supersizing. He knows to eat fruit three or four times a day. When I

watch him eat and make wise food choices I know I'm doing the right

thing. My DH has lost 33 pounds simply because of the way I cook and the

healthy snacks I have around the house. He hasn't even dieted. He is

off of his blood pressure medicine for the first time in many years.

WW is a wonderful program. I might not be a perfect little ww member

like some of you BUT I bet I follow it better than a lot of you and I

bet I stay less stressed out over it than a lot of you. When I first

started I got so carried away and so stressed out over it that I almost

quit. I tried several different things and found a way to make it work

for me. Living a healthier lifestyle, shedding the pounds and exercising

is what it's all about. I am doing all of the above.

Yikes...I would probably really get flamed if I admitted that I don't

drink the water either. It makes me sick so I don't drink it. I don't

like it, don't want it, don't drink it.

Gail

Ginny wrote:

> She said twice a month plus special days. Sorry but that isn't WW .

> Ginny

>

> RE: Upcoming Holidays

>

>

> I do not post very often to this group, although I read the posts to SWW

> daily. I am writing in support of Gail. I believe that Gail said that

> she plans to go off plan on special occasions, which adds up to roughly

> 4 days a year (birthday, Thanksgiving and 2 days at Christmas). If one

> strategically plans to go off plan 4 days out of 365 days per year, I

> personally do not believe that makes them a nonserious weight watcher.

> Please do not flame me for stating my opinion for we are all entitled to

> express our opinions.

>

> I joined WW after gaining 70 pounds during my pregnancy. By closely

> following the program, I have lost 65 pounds and am still trying to lose

> those last 5 pounds. Nevertheless, I, like Gail, plan to enjoy my

> family and Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Does this make me a

> nonserious weight watcher....uncommitted to the WW way of life? I do

> not think so. I believe in the WW program and am thankful for the

> success that it has afforded me, including the wonderful changes in my

> body as well as my health.

>

> Just my 2 cents...No flamming please!

>

> Hope

> 240/175/170...maybe 165

>

> Bette Holzer wrote on 11/3/2004, 9:32 AM:

>

> >

> > The last time someone on this list stepped forward to say they were

> > planning

> > to go off program for a day...in that case their birthday...they were

> > flamed

> > badly on this list and ended up leaving our group. It will be

> > interesting

> > to see if you are treated the same way, Gail. Or if there is suddenly

> > a new

> > standard here.

> >

> > I wish you much luck. Most of the people here have decided that it is

> > not

> > okay to plan to go off program. In fact, I believe that's what Serious

> > Weight Watchers is all about. Staying on program and staying serious

> > about

> > this new lifestyle. We also admit that old impulses are not buried very

> > deeply and so we occasionally are sucked in to UNplanned eating

> > binges, but

> > to admit that we're planning to stray is quite a different thing.

> >

> > Bette

> >

> >

> >