congrats kristi!!!  i love to hear how everyone else is doing!  i've been struggling too but i think i'm getting it.  i travel for work and am away from home monday - friday so it gets really hard eating out all the time.  i'm so encouraged by this first weigh-in.   keep up the good work and keep me posted - annmarie

I just started today and would love to join in or have some support. I'm disgruntled as this is round 2 and I'm in need of some good vibes! 

Annmarie, your message caught my eye because my name is also annmarie. I just started counting the calories today and start the pills on Saturday.  I also picked Monday as my weigh in day.  Thought it would keep me honest over the weekend but we'll see.  Let me know how you do. annmarie

 Hi Annmarie,

I noticed that you travel for work. What do you eat and how do you keep track of fat and cals.

I often go away for a day and manage ok with breakfast and lunch packed to go, but next week I have to stay overnight and Im worried about how I will manage.

Grateful for any tips

Carole

 hi carole - i'm a consultant and sometimes work long hours which adds to the challenge.   i carry my pc with me so i track everything i eat on this website.  when i can't, i calculate what i'm eating.  i have a great book - the biggest loser calorie counter.  it has all kinds of foods plus chain restaurants.   breakfast and lunch are easier than dinner - that's my challenge.  i've discovered bison / buffalo meat which is just like ground beef and very low in fat (if you order it - have it cooked less than beef, its lean so if overcooked it gets tough).   the bottom line for me is that i'm so afraid of side effects that the pills keep me honest!  other things - if you like chinese food, they will generally steam anything on the menu.   that with sauce on the side is perfect.  i also love these message boards and hearing about other peoples challenges.  

good luck!  i've been on every diet imagineable and i really like this one!    annmarie

 hi annmarie!   do you spell your name like me too?  i've never met anyone that did.  good luck on the diet, i think its smart to get used to the diet before taking the pills.  that seemed good for me.  and, i kind of think it cleanses your body before starting.   good luck!   annmarie

 Hi Annmarie

Thanks for the tips, Ive ordered the book you suggested tho not to sure how useful it will be to me in the UK, however it will be good for my vacations as I come to the USA as often as I can, and it cant hurt to have as much calorie knowledge as possible in my battle with the fat.

I liked the tip about chinese food as I hadnt thought of that, not sure that i can find bison though!!!

Im going to be brave and start ordering the way i do when Im in the US, you know ,grilled, no butter, dressing on the side etc as I so want to suceed on this diet and like you the fear of TEs are keeping me honest. So many times in the past I have lied to myself about what Ive eaten, or underestimated. Now if I have to estimate the fat I overestimate so I dont go above my fat allowance.

So far Im loving this diet as I dont feel deprived and I feel in control and best of all I already feel so much healthier.

Good luck and keep in touch,

Carole

 hi carole - i feel great too.  this week i actually gained a pound.   normally, i'd get so discouraged, that i'd give up.  but - i'm doing everything right and feeling good.   my clothes fit better too.   another tip for you......  honey mustard sauce!   its great with chicken and you don't feel one bit deprived!!   good luck!!!!!!!

 Hi annmarie,

thanks again for another tip. Dont worry about that lb Im sure itll come off next week, though i know how easy it is to get disheartened.

Im down 9lbs now and still loving the diet. I dont expect big weight losses each week now and would be so happy just to lose something most weeks.My jeans are so loose I can pull them down without loosening them which is so exciting and I think im seeing a bit of a waistline in the mirror, lol.

good luck this week.

Carole

 oh and I got through my first time working away on Alli, no TEs and dropped 4 more lb that week so thanks again for the advice.

carole

Wow! I just started yesterday. I feel excited only because I have tried so many diets. This time I think this will work. I did take the weekend to see how the capsules worked with my system. So far so good. I also figured out that if you keep to your fat target or a bit less you have nothing to worry about. After years of Yo-Yo dieting I think this may be easy. I sure know a lot about fat, calories, points, carbs, etc.

From what I have been reading I think a lot of us don't really know how much we have been eating each day. I too am looking at the LARGE amount of food that I'm able and expected to eat. I said to "myself" that's too much. Well I guess I really was eating that and more otherwise why do I need Alli and a low fat diet.

I'm hoping that Alli will keep me honest because the last thing I want to see happen is the dreaded TE. Good luck to all of us. :)

 Jennifer,

I am with you,  I am starting in a few days.  I hate counting too.   Maybe we could motivate each other..  I have about 50 lbs to loose. Today is 11/1/08 how are you doing now? 

debbie H

 Hey i started on oct. 20,08. Sw:314 cw:299.8 Gw:160

carole - that is great news!!!!  i'm so glad you're doing so well!   i'm not doing as great, but you've inspired me!   i was down 8 lbs and somehow put 4 back on.  i'm very discouraged, but can see things i could have done better.  somehow eating away from home, my sodium intake is high.  i'm going to try and monitor that.  i haven't been at the gym as much as i should either, so i'm really going to try and do that.   i'm going on vacation in 3 weeks and had hoped to be down 10 lbs before i go.   thats 6 lbs in 3 weeks which is doable, i just have to focus.   keep me updated on your progress - you've given me new faith!   annmarie

 Hi annmarie

dont get discouraged, you can do it, just one day at a time and you will get there, Im only losing 1lb a week now but hey thats ok cos in a year i will be skinny lol!!!!!

Im going to try a bit of exrecise this week, groaaan!!! i hate exercise its so boring, but im pledging to anyone who will listen that im going to do 2x half hour walks, not exactly olympics but itll be a start.

good luck for this week and keep me updated

Carole