Conference rocks::weight_control

    Hi Ann,
    I too, have a weekend problem.....  I like to enjoy my time away
    from work and unfortunatly that includes eating and drinking.
    I find that I do better if I psych myself into doing something physical
    in the morning. ie. mowing the lawn, maybe a little bike ride or
    taking the dog for a walk..etc.  Try to find somehthing you like
    to do. Although you might not lose any weight over the weekend it
    may be enough to maintain the weight you lost during the working
    days.  One of the hangups I have is staying away from various
    activities (picnics and parties) so that I don't eat but what happens
    is that I get depressed cause then I feel like I am being sort of
    punished for trying to stay on my diet.  I really haven't figured
    out how to deal with that yet.. sometimes the life of dieter can
    be lonely, I just don't think I can rely on my "willpower" to get
    me through.  But I am working on it.  Good luck and hang in there!
    
    -les
    

    I'm going to get a "Just Say NO!" button one of these days, and
    wear it to every social gathering I go to.  People just don't
    realize that the FIRST "No thanks" is hard enough to a dieter,
    without having to say "Really, I don't want any." and "It looks
    delicious, but I'm dieting." etc etc etc.  I'm not sure why
    folks do that - even in restaurants some folks feel they have
    to pressure you to have dessert with them.  Perhaps it's
    justification of their own eating habits; perhaps it's jealousy
    of your success; perhaps they don't know what they do.
    
    It was very hard for me to deal with these folks at the beginning 
    of my dieting - now I've developed an iron will.  I went to a
    party at Ming's last night, knew I did NOT want to eat there, and
    only had 3 cups of tea and 2 fortune cookies (I knew their calorie
    count (132 for 2) and they fit into my daily total).  This was
    despite efforts of at least 3 people to get me to eat Peking duck
    and birthday cake - a cake that must've been about 500 calories
    per slice, made by a very good cook in the group.  Curiously,
    all these folks had a bit to lose....
    
    Gettin' meaner!!!
    
    --Louise

    Hi,
    I'm afraid I'm in the same boat as all of you, weekends are my down
    fall too.  I do so well at work, in fact I don't even think of food
    when I'm working.  I figure I have to find something to keep me
    busy, both on weekends and at night.  I love to do crafts and needle
    work but, I just can't seem to get started on any project.
    This week has been real bad.....my girlfriend is on vacation, so
    I haven't even done any walking at lunch time.  I hate the thought
    of weighing in tomorrow night.....oh well.......
    
    Hugs,
    fran

    Agree with this note and the replies to it that weekends can be
    a challenge.  The suggestions about the physical activity and keeping
    busy have been helpful to me in the past.
    
    As far as the parties and get-togethers, one thing that helps me
    get through them with minimum damage is having something to eat
    beforehand, preferably something that's not too fattening but sweet
    and satisfying too.  (Low-calorie pudding or any of the various
    Weight Watcher deserts are ideal for this purpose.)  Having satisfied
    myself beforehand, I don't feel the need to "cheat" as much as I
    would if I went to the party on an empty stomach.
    
    
    Paul

    I just wrote a whole dissertation ;-) on this subject in Note 23.16.
    Let me know if it gives you "weekenders" any help.
    
    Marcia

    
    I find myself planning the weekend and say I plan on 
    doing well and I see someone eatting something that I
    like .. Like on a hot day.. Ice cream I love Frapps more
    then just Ice cream.. I will say one won't hurt me and 
    before you know it I want one every weekend..
    I have bought some Weight Watchers Cream sicles.. and I really
    love them so I feel if I have a couple of those that feeling 
    will go away..
    
    A lady wrote to me NOTHING TASTE GOOD AS BEING THING FEELS.
    
    I have two sisters with good figures I want the same thing but
    once I can learn how to handle weekends I will be fine.
    
    I like all the replies .. Maybe this weekend we will think of each
    other and I bet we will go through it alot easier each weekend.
    
    
    Let's Reach out and hear someone
    
    
    Ann 
    
    
    

    This may be masochistic, but hey, whatever works, right??  We end
    up having the parties at our house!  Whenever there appears to be
    an occasion that will provide an excuse for a party, I offer to
    have it.  Then, all the cleaning, shopping, preparation etc keeps
    me busy enough that I don't pick all day out of boredom.  Plus,
    my friends know that the things I make are made with lo-cal mayo,
    Lean Creme, etc.  When you're the hostess and someone is trying
    to push food on you, it is so much easier to say "I will just as
    soon as I get more ice, the volleyball net, toilet paper" - whatever
    - there are plenty of excuses to get away.  And because you are
    moving around, no one realizes that you never did try their grandma's
    famous recipe potato salad! Not to mention burning more calories
    than as a guest.
    
    Plus, when people ask what they can bring, you can suggest fruit
    salad, pineapple, watermelon, raw veggies instead of chips/dip.
    Or ask them to bring the paper plates and napkins just so they will
    have something other than chips to bring.
    
    Two other little party hints that I've read and do work - do your
    nails right before you go and you won't want to take a chance on ruining
    them with greasy food, and brush and floss your teeth real well
    - your mouth will feel so good you won't want to put food in it
    for a while ( and your dentist will love you!)

re hosting the party yourself:

That does sound like a good idea.  You have more control over what food is
served, and you are so busy making sure everyone else is having a good time
that you don't have much time to eat yourself!  It's very hard to snack
while you're circulating with a plate of appetizers (I actually did this
recently with a plate of brownies, with success!  My motivation was partly
that I didn't have a place to put the plate down, and partly because I didn't
want any leftovers (this was at someone else's house).

Speaking of leftovers, that's probably the only drawback to hosting the party.
Make sure everyone else brings home doggie bags!

re weekends:

I've recently started having trouble with weekends (and weekdays, too!).  You
just have to keep busy and tell yourself how much you'll regret anything you
put in your mouth that you shouldn't.  I sure regretted what I did this past
weekend!

Jill

    
    HI Weekenders!  Good luck this coming weekend and lets
    report how well we did.. I will be in Maine so it will
    be a test because I will be with alot of family and you 
    know what that means= eatting out , eatting in.. 
    I will try to do more swimming.. I have been doing well this
    week and even looks like I lost a couple but Weight Watchers is
    on Monday so wish me luck and I will be thinking of you to!
    
    Hang in there we can make it.. Did anyone watch that special on
    the 700 club it was on Fat people and the interviewed people that
    were Fat and lost alot of weight.. It was very interesting and I
    could relate to alot of it..
    
    They even showed Fat children and how they feel .. Like one little
    girl is finding out that you are rejected alot and the other kids
    don't include you.. I could feel that little girls pain...
    
    Let's not give up let's fight this and win.
    
    This is the only place I know that if you lose you come out winners!
    
    Smile :^)
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    
    

    
    The weekend was a real test for sure.. My father bought fresh
    Honey buns for all the company we had over the weekend one 
    morning.  I did have a couple like everyone else.. 
    Also I did have a frappe ..  I was with other people that love
    to eat also so it was a nother hard one.
    I try to be good and then I find myself eatting right along with
    everyone .. 
    I must be a monkey see monkey do person.. I see someone eatting
    and I want it to..
    There were times when I was thinking of all the Weekenders that
    wrote and a couple of times if someone asked me if I would like
    an ice cream or something and I was full I would say No Thank you.
    So I did do a little better but I need to work on a few more things.
    
    I think slowly I will learn the right ways..
    
    I went to Weight Watchers I hadn't gone for two weeks because of
    I was sick one week and vacation on the other so I missed a 
    couple of classes .. I gained four pounds so those Honey buns
    and Frappe didn't do me any good except taste good..
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    
    

    re .10:
    
    "There were times when I was thinking of all the Weekenders that
    wrote and a couple of times if someone asked me if I would like
    an ice cream or something and I was full I would say No Thank you.
    So I did do a little better ... "
    
    Hey, it's a start!  Eating patterns that one has been following
    for a long time don't change overnight.  The fact that you are 
    saying "No thank you" at some times where you would have "pigged
    out" in the past is a good first step.  (You certainly had more
    than your share of temptation -- I'm sure every weekend won't be
    as difficult).
    
    "I think slowly I will learn the right ways.."
    
    I think so too.  Hang in there Ann -- we're all pulling for you!
    
    
    Paul
    

    
    
    This is Ann once again and I was wondering how the Weekenders
    did last weekend?  We have another one heading our way I plan
    on writing what I eat down even if it's not what I should have.
    
    Is there anyone that use to have a tough time on weekends but has
    won the battle?
    
    
    Keep plugging along,
    
    
    Ann 
    
    
    
    

re .12  (Ann)

Hi Ann,

Well, Saturday went pretty well.  I was home all weekend so I didn't have any
outside distractions, just a little lack of motivation towards the end of
the day, Saturday night fever I guess :-).  But as I sat there eating my
lobster and butter, and bread and butter, with the wine cooler (sigh), and
thinking how awful the previous week had turned out, I decided it was time for
a fresh start, and I've been back on the wagon since and including Sunday.
I've probably lost a pound a day since then (weight I had already lost and then
regained quickly so it was easy).  I hope I can sail through this weekend,
since we'll be home working around the house and keeping busy out of the
kitchen!  I feel so much better about myself when I have a good day!

Have a "good" weekend :-)

Jill

    Turns out that I'm going to have a bit of a weekend challenge myself
    tomorrow.  I'll be attending my mother's uncle's funeral tomorrow; my
    mother has already advised me that we'll all be going back to my great
    aunt's house afterwards for some "refreshments".   One thing about my
    mother's family: anytime they get together for any occasion, be it sad
    or happy, it turns into the Pillsbury Bake Off.  All the relatives that
    you only see at weddings and funerals bake all kinds of homemade
    goodies.  (Thank goodness for "optional calories" ).  Well, I'll do
    my best to find one or two small items I particularly like, figure
    them in as optionals, eat them without guilt, and adjust the rest of 
    the week accordingly.
    
    Follow up will be entered on Monday...

    . . .  Lets try an experament.  Sit back for a moment and relax.
     Close your eyes and vividly inagine that you are sitting at your
    terminal (not too hard to do, since you are ;-D).  The time is next
    Monday morning.  You are entering a reply to this very note.  You
    are smily and happy to describe how cleverly you avoided bad eating
    habits ALL WEEKEND LONG.  Begin to compose the reply in your head
    (ie. "I was really tempted at first, but then I said to myself ...").
    Imagine the feeling of control and acomplishment.
    
    I know I'm going to try it.  I'll report back to y'all on Monday.
     Good luck!!
    
    Marion

    
    
    Hi Weekenders good luck this weekend .. See you on Monday and lets
    share how we did .. Good or bad !  
    
    Don't forget you have people that care so it's time we care for
    our selves..
    
    Lets look at ourselves this weekend and say I am important and I
    will do this!!!  FOR ME!
    
    
    					Ann
    
    
    
    

re .15 (the great experiment :-))

sounds like an interesting idea!  Let's go for it!!

Good luck to all,

Jill

    Follow up to .14:
    
    Got through the luncheon following my great uncle's funeral with
    minimum damage.  The meal itself was a buffet-style luncheon; I
    made a mental note beforehand of what I had for breakfast and what
    my wife and I were having for supper, so I filled my plate for lunch
    accordingly.  Did take a couple of small pastries for dessert (there
    was no way I was going to pass up one of Aunt Steph's cream cheese 
    brownies!), but I doubt that they came to more than around 300
    calories.  (A few months ago, I'd have had 4 or 5 without thinking
    twice about it!).  I just won't go out of the way to add any optional
    calaories to my daily exchanges between now and my next weigh-in,
    which will be Wednesday instead of Thursday this week due to a prior
    commitment on Thursday.
    
    In closing, one more point I'd like to make here.  Occasions like
    the above point out the difference between a "diet" and a "program".
    On a "diet", you go out of your way to deprive yourself, possibly
    lost the weight you want, but learn nothing about how to eat properly.
    On a "program" like Weight Watchers, you learn how to handle special
    occasions and are still able to enjoy your favorite foods, but learn
    to eat them in reasonable quantities and end up better off in the
    long run.
    

    
    I made through the weekend fine.. I did have donuts .  Not at one
    sitting .  At different times.. I wasn't around food so much and
    did more swimming so I feel I did alot better this weekend then
    most.. Oh yah I had a soft Ice cream also but I didn't have lunch
    so I feel it didn't hurt me.. I just counted as my milk and extra
    Calories..  I get weight in today. So that will tell how well I
    planned...
    
    So how did others do..
    It looks like Paul did good and I wish you luck On Wed. at your
    weight in..  
    It's not an easy thing to do and With Weight Watcher we can learn
    to enjoy the foods we like and still be on the program.
    
    Keep Smiling  (-:
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

    My fiance and I went camping and hikeing.  I got to cook on my new
    camp stove.  I had found some freeze dried "camp chilli" at a local
    camping store.  I checked the ingredients and found that I could
    eat the stuff in it.  I also cooked Uncle Ben's long grain and wild
    rice.  That combined with some steamed Summer Squash was what we
    ate for dinner Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.  AT dinner on
    Saturday, I finished eating and got myself seconds on the Summer
    Squash.  Then I looked down at my plate and realized that I hadn't
    even given a thaught to what I had just done.  I Just automaticly
    put stuff on my plate.  I marched right back to the pot and put
    the food back in (YEAAAHHHH MARION!!!!!).  Sunday was great.  We
    climbed to the top of the mountain, found a nice sitting spot with
    a fantastic view and ate fruit for lunch.  In short I felt that
    this sort of weekend is custom made for the dieter.  Loads of activity
    and a break from routine.  Even the forest critters were working
    to my advantage since we had some granola with peanuts in it.  On
    Saturday night, some sort of animal (who obviously wasn't watching
    its weight) got into it. 
    
    So that's how it went.  I believe that the positive imaging worked
    in my favor.  When I was about to over eat I remember thinking as
    I put the food back that I would feel proud of myself when I entered
    that part in my note today.  'Ya know what?  I really did!  
    
    Marion

    
    
    I knew I did good this weekend I weight in at Weight Watchers 
    and lost 12 pounds.. So I made it through this past weekend
    great.. When I got the feeling of eatting I just jumped in
    the water and went swimming... It payed off.. Thanks to all
    of you for your help.. Lets keep it up!!!
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    
    

    
    
    I will need all the support I can get for this weekend
    I know I did well over this last weekend but this coming
    weekend I will be around a friend that likes to eat!
    She is over weight and she is the type she has to
    eat at 8:00   12:00   and 5:00  right on the nose..
    I want to be able to just not eat if I am not hungry or
    have a drink and maybe it will help her also..
    
    I did so well and I don't want to fall this weekend..
    
    The Danger Zone Weekend coming up!  And Weight Watcher on Monday!
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    Good Luck to all of you once again (-:
    
    
    
    

Hi Ann,

Good luck with your friend this weekend.  You did real well this past one!

I also did well this weekend.  Didn't even go out of my way to plan a special
weekend-style dinner, and that seemed to have worked.  Spending Saturday doing
lots of cleaning, and spending Sunday outside painting the garage doors were
excellent ways to keep out of the kitchen!

We have a party Saturday late afternoon/evening.  Someone else is already
bringing the veggies and dip (good!), any other ideas for a non-fattening
appetizer for me to bring?  (that's my part).  Popcorn doesn't seem quite
right. :-)

Jill

    RE: .23
    
    I might be tempted to bring something from one of my 'McDougal Plan'
    cookbooks, most of which (including the books) are low-fat.  ;-)
    
    However, if you're looking for something lowwwwwwwwwwwwwww-cal, how
    about rice cakes cut into semi-artistic shapes?
    
    Kak

    Sometimes I'll make something sooooo sinful that I know there is
    *no way* I can rationalize even a taste "Just a little bit won't
    hurt".  This may not be such a good idea if you know others there
    are dieting!  
    
    Haven't found a substitute for the crescent rolls, but if you have
    ideas maybe you could adapt this:
    
    Unroll crescent rolls and spead in pan to make a crust, bake till
    golden.
    
    In bowl, combine lo-cal mayo, lo-cal cream cheese and one package
    of Ranch dressing.  Spread over cooled crust.  Top with whatever
    finely chopped veggies you like - I usually hit the salad bar at
    the local fast food place to get a variety without a lot of waste.
    Can then top with shredded cheese - the "gourmet shred" looks best.
    Refrigerate, and cut in squares.  Haven't given amounts because
    I think my original recipe make too much filling, and it depends
    on the size of the pan you're going to use.  Pre weight conscious
    days, have used chopped ham, or chopped dried beef, shredded chicken
    with taco-type flavorings.  This is good for summer, too, because
    it is cool and non-chocolate!  One time, used strawberry-flavored
    cream cheese and added some sugar-free strawberry gelatin for color
    and flavor, then topped each square with a strawberry (left out
    the ranch dressing!)

    Forgot to mention fruit skewers, too - 6" skewers with 4 or 5 pieces
    of fruit on each, maybe served in watermelon baskets.  After
    assembling, lay them on racks on cookie sheets to drain or they
    will get real messy.  Have used strawberries, grapes, pineapple
    chunks and watermelon chunks, cherries.  This way, you don't need
    bowls and spoons like for fruit salad.

    re. 23
    
    How about fruit chunks on fancy toothpicks for an appetizer?

    
    
    Yes another weekend is about to come.. All I can say 
    is good luck to all and think before we eat!! Do I 
    really need this and is it in my probgram?
    
    Let's be careful,
    
    Ann
    
    

    An even better question to ask is:  is my body truly hungry?  If
    you ask this question of your body and it tells you "no", thank
    it for the information and honor its wishes.
    
    Good luck, all.  I don't have a problem with weekends (I actually
    lose weight on weekends) but I sympathise with all of you who feel
    you do.  The reason I think I lose on weekends is that, with a lower
    level of activity/stimulation/harassment I can ask the above question
    of my body and actually hear the answer.  And when I honor my body's 
    request for no food, I then have space and time to figure out what's 
    with my head that it thinks my body needs food.  And on a weekend
    I can usually give my head what it really needs, too, ("I'd love
    to talk to a friend/go window shopping/read that neat new book/work
    on that home project/go see a movie/write letters to my family/make
    love with my husband") instead of having to ignore it like I do on 
    weekdays because of work, duty, errands, cafeteria schedules, etc.
    
    Marcia

    I know how I'm going to keep the munching down this weekend.  I'm
    going to take a hint from Ann Arno and swim every time I feel like
    binging.  I might, however, look like a prune by monday morning
    ;-D.
    
    Marion
    

    
    Well I did alot better last weekend I knew it was going 
    to be a Danger Zone weekend .. I didn't do well at all
    I thought I had did better then I did...
    I did say no to Grapenut pudding and watched my friend eat 
    it with cream all over it... 
    I always seem to do bad when I have this one friend around me.
    I like her friend ship but it's hard .. I have to learn to over
    look what she is doing.. She needs to lose also.. We both seem 
    to eat more when we are around each other .. But I can't 
    blame her for my habits...
    
    
    What do you say in this one...
    
    I did swim but I needed to swim the whole lake 5 times..
    
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    
    
    So How did we all do over the weekend?  
    
    I will be on vacation next week soooooo that will be a real test
    I hope to stay away from food if I am not hungry..(-: 
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    Don't ask!

    ...is 8+| a mouth that's been sewn shut?
    
    --Louise

    RE: .33                                                      
    
    
    I take it back.  I TAKE IT BACK!!!  It was a *great* weekend!  You
    know, I was beginning to think that I was doing something wrong.
    I hadn't lost an ounce in three weeks, but this morning <PRESTO>
    I have lost 4 pounds overnight.  When I found that I hadn't lost
    anything over the weekend in spite of my good behavure (I swam a
    mile each day and watched my "P's and Q's") I was feeling pretty
    bad about it.  But now - well - all better!
    
    
    RE: 34
    
    8+| - is me with a stiff upper (and lower) lip.  Today I look like 
    8+] - upper lip is still stiff (a sign of determination in my book),
          but more happy about it.
    
    Marion  who_will_probably_have_a_new_node_(and_job)_next_week
    

    
    
    Guess what yes it is another weekend is creeping up and are we
    ready to face it once again?  Not only is it coming butttttt
    my vacation is coming too so that means I will have two Monday's
    that I don't have to face Weight Watchers but it will be a good
    test to see how much I've learned..
    
    Have a fun time!
    
    Ann
    
    

    
    Hello Weekenders how is it going?  I have been on a vacation
    and did so so.. sometimes I didn't even think of the Program.
    How are your weekends going?  The summer is going bye FAST!
    I hope you are einjoying yours...
    
    It won't belong and another weekend will be here.. So good
    luck to you..God knows I need it too...
    
    Keep Smiling (-:
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

    
    Have a nice weekend lets hear from you so we can 
    help others.  The more we reach out the more
    others will learn and be the best they can be.
    
    Enjoy!
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

    
    
    My weekend went very well I did alot of swimming so I 
    really didn't think of eatting so much.. We had alot
    of freinds and relatives at our cottage. So I enjoyed 
    them instead of food.  I have Weight watchers today
    and I feel I will do well..  
    
    How did you all do?  Are all the Weekenders doing better now?
    
    Back to the real world
    
    Enjoy!
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

    
    
    HI I had a long weekend.  I took Thursday and Friday off
    to be with all my family.   I did well and I even lost 
    a couple of pounds.. I did eat some extra but I went swiming
    and I believe that helped..
    I did have one lobster..  it is rich but it was good for a change.
    
    I hope is going well for all of you...
    
    
    How are the weekends for you all? Are you doing better...
    
    
    Lets hear from you...
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    re .40:
    
    Yeah, you're right Ann - "Weekend Update" has been quiet lately.
    
    Good to hear that your weekends are going better.  The swimming
    and the extra activity certainly doesn't hurt.  
    
    About lobster: I don't see any reason why you can't have it.  In
    fact, someone asked about that at the WW meeting I attended
    last week.  Our leader stated that a one pound lobster contains
    about 3-1/2 ounces (exchanges) of meat.  As long as you accounted for 
    the drawn butter under your daily fat exchanges, you certainly would
    still be within program.  A boiled lobster would probably be
    a better choice than baked stuffed, but I imagine that you could
    account for stuffing under bread exchanges (maybe add another fat
    as well?).
    
    My weekends have been going fine.  In fact, I was proud to be able to
    complete a four mile jog without stopping this past Saturday. I've been
    building towards this for a while; I started a walking program back in
    May before beginning my weightloss program, and started jogging a
    portion of my three mile morning walk at the end of June.  I've been
    gradually increasing the portion that I jog, and now jog two miles on
    three or four weekdays, and twice as far at a slower pace on Saturdays.
    To give myself some incentive to keep this up, I've entered myself in a
    four mile race in Salisbury (MA) on Saturday, September 12th.  Will
    keep everyone posted on how that goes. 
    
    
    
    Paul
    

    I was astonishingly good over the week-end, and it may be worth
    sharing that with you because ... if I can do it, so can you !
    
    Saturday we had DEC's annual pic-nic, from 11:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
    All I had was : 1 small steak, 1 large helping of salads (green,
    carrots, tomatoes) without sauce, 1 small wedge of melon.
    
    In the afternoon I ate a large peach, which was absolutely gorgeous
    (it may have been at least two WW exchanges!).
    
    In the evening, we had dinner at some friends place. I had warned
    them that I was on a diet, but they insisted that we come anyway,
    and promised they wouldn't force food on me. I took the entree,
    which was a mixed salad (without sauce) and then had a plate of
    plain spaghetti (no sauce, no butter added, no grated cheese). I
    drank water and took no dessert. Obviously, it was possible because
    we were with understanding people, and they were neither vexed nor
    worried because I wouldn't eat!
    
    On Sunday the weather was lovely, so I took the children to the
    pool for the day. I took a pic-nic of hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes,
    grapes and whole wheat biscuits. Just bought cokes and ice-cream
    for the children. What kept me virtuous there is that the prices
    are absolutely incredible, and I really can't afford more ice-creams
    than I have to!
    
    So yes, it is possible to be "good" on a week-end, even with a lot
    of temptation!
    
    Going to WW this evening (going on a Monday is also very good psycho-
    logically, I am sure it helps keeping you virtuous during the week-end)
    hope to post something in the progress note tomorrow...
    
    Joana
    
    
    
    

    First the good news - Even though I was very tempted by ribs at
    a party on Saturday, I did not indulge.  I also did not eat any
    of the cakes of pies or ice cream.  On Sunday I had dinner with
    my future in-laws.    Gerry's mom is a *SUPER* cook and is one of
    those people who literally shoves food down your throat.  In spite
    of it all I only had fruit and veggies and didn't even have one
    slice of her home made sour dough bread (isn't it to DIE??!!)
    
    Now the bad news - When I got home, I started my cooking for the
    week.  I do most of my cooking on Sunday night or Monday night and
    get it out of the way.  I made an extra big portion of one of my
    favorites - Spinach with a Humus and lemon "cream" (no actual cream
    used, just the Humus and lemmon that turns out sort of creamy) sauce.  
    I had way too much of that for dinner with a salad that should have been
    enough for dinner alone.  I still feel stuffed this morning!
    
    Now more good and bad news - I got my wedding dress.  I *LOVE* it.
     I took it home without any alterations since I am not getting married
    until next March, and I wil be sooooo much slimmer by then.  And
    you guessed it, It is two sizes too small!  So I guess I will have
    to hang the dress next to the frig from now on just to remind myself
    of what I have to do in order to fit into that wonderful dress.

    
    
    Well Weekenders we have a long one coming up so good luck
    and let us know how you did...  I think after this long weekend
    alot of us can get back to the swing of getting fit and trim 
    once again... Will I ever get there?  
    
    I will let you all know how mine goes..
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    
    Hey weekenders have we been doing real well? I did better
    over the long weekend..I did say no to a nice dessert..
    I had a meal and I felt just right.. and I know if 
    I ate it I would feel to full.. I know that lately
    I don't like that real stuffed feeling and I seem to
    stop eatting when I have had enough and not thinking
    I payed for it I should eat it...
    
    It is a battle for sure...  I have a feeling we are going to do
    just fine..
    
    
    Peace to all!
    
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    
    One more thing Another one is going to start at 5:00 today so
    good luck and lets share..  I bet we would see a better lose
    because of it...
    
    
    Share with us!
    
    A WEEKENDER..
    
    
    ANN
    
    
    

    I'm going to need all the luck I can get this weekend.  I am going
    to visit with my future Mother-in-law.  I am a compulsive eater,
    and she is a compulsive FEEDER.  Every time I stay with her, she
    brings out the extra big shovel!  This time, however, we are going
    out to eat.  I think that will make things a bit better.  It's funny,
    though.  She assumed that vegetarians can't go out to eat in ordinary
    restaurants.  It's going to be fun showing her that arranging for
    a well balanced vegetarian meal in a restaurant can be an adventure
    in discovery.  Best of luck to all.
    
    Marion

    5:00 won't come soon enough for this Weekender -- why do the four
    day weeks seem just as long as the five day weeks?
    
    Looking forward to this weekend, primarily because I'll be running in a
    four mile road race in Salisbury, MA tomorrow afternoon. I'm won't be
    concerned about my time or place.  The fact that my fitness level has
    improved to the point where I'm able to participate in such an event
    means as much if not more to me than the trophy or medal will mean to
    the race winner.
    
    A couple of potential pitfalls this weekend and how I plan to deal
    with them:
    
    1.	Party Saturday night.  However, I do have a good idea of what's
    	going to be served, so I know to save some breads so I can fit
    	in a little lasagna and tuna casserole, save plenty of room
    	on my plate for a good helping of antipasto, and bring my own
    	six pack of diet soda in case there isn't anything non-alcoholic
    	there to drink.
    
    2.	Sunday afternoon football on TV.  If I had a buck for every
    	bag of chips or can of nuts I've gone through in past years
    	while watching the Patriots on the tube, I'd be in another tax
    	bracket.  But this time around, I've got some alternative munchies,
    	such as popcorn (2 cups = 1 bread exchange), Weight Watchers fruit
    	snacks (1 envelope = 1 fruit exchange), and melba rounds (6
    	rounds = 1 bread exchange).  I'll probably have a little more
    	at breakfast and lunch than usual also, to help reduce the urge
    	to snack.
    
    Have an enjoyable weekend everyone; will check back in Monday.
    
    
    Paul

    Paul, what you need to do is learn some sort of needlecraft.  I'm
    serious - hey, if football players can do needlepoint, no guy should
    feel ashamed!  The reason is, you don't want to get grease or
    other food on needlework or it spoils it.  So you can't eat
    chips while you knit or needlepoint.  I've taken to having a
    project in my lap while watching tv so that I don't even want
    to touch the goodies.  It also helps to have lots of cans of
    soda (DIET) on hand so that your mouth feels like it's doing
    something.
    
    The soda also helps me deal with "feeders".  If they're looking,
    I *do* have something that I'm eating/drinking.  Or the needlework
    helps, because I am already doing something with my hands and have
    the excuse ("I don't want to get grease on this counted cross-stitch,
    come look at how it's coming along!"  derailed the conversation!)
    
    Take a look at the THREADS conference - I think it's on ERIS - there
    are many guys in there doing things from knitting to rug-making.
    
    --Louise

    Another good week-end, also an easy one: no guests, no invitations,
    very hot weather, so it was mostly walks in the country (in the
    shade) and the pool. 
    
    I really worry about the winter week-ends, when you freeze to death
    anywhere except in the house, the weather is so lousy you wouldn't
    put your dog outside, and there is nothing that tastes like hot
    chocolate or that smells like baking cookies!
    
    When the snow comes I am OK again, I can go skating on saturdays
    and ski-ing on sundays, but still, it's going to be a looong winter!
    
    Joana
    

    
    Yes it will be alongggggg winter,  Let's try and help each other
    through those long months and share what is hard.  I am going to
    take classes and get myself interested in other things.  So I can
    get my mind off of food all the time.
    This weekend was a good one.. I did eat a few x rated things but
    today Weight Watchers starts up again so it's been hard with no
    class for four weeks...I hope to get back on track again...
    I need and want to lose weight so bad..  
    I am tired of lugging this fat around...
    
    
    
    Have a good week,
    
    Ann
    
    

    Good weekend here.  The race on Saturday went well -- in fact, I
    finished just about halfway in the field (86th out of 170), with a time
    of 29 minutes 51 seconds for four miles.  Since there were about
    the same number of people in front of me and in back of me, that
    means I'm not slow, I'm not fast, I'm half fast...:-). 
    
    Party on Saturday night was no problem, as the meal was "help yourself"
    and nobody pushed food on me.  (Did get a couple of nice compliments
    on my weightloss to date!).
    
    Had a substantial breakfast and late lunch yesterday, so I didn't
    feel like "munching" during the Patriots' game yesterday (good
    to see them start off the season with a win).  
    
    A couple of more days of sticking with it, and I should see good
    results Wednesday night.
    
    
    Paul

    
    
    It sounds like you did real well Paul.  So you my be half fast but
    keep it up and you will be up front..
    Good job you didn't pig out on peanuts or chips during the game
    mybe that is why they played a good game!!
    
    Good for you,
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    This is for all the WEEKENDERS out there... Good luck this 
    weekend..  I have Weight Watchers on Monday sooooooooo
    I have to be good...............................
    
    I will wish you all LUCK.....
    
    It will be nice to hear from you all soon,
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    
    
    It was a battle but I did pretty good not perfect for sure.
    I had three large meals on Saturday and I knew I was going 
    to have a large breakfast so I really didn't need lunch at 
    all.. but I had a Chinese lunch and that was too much to eat
    and that night I was invited to eat over a friends house and
    we had apple pie for dessert and I didn't need it after the big
    meal I just had... 
    
    I did pretty well on Sunday until I was sitting next to a bowl of
    chips and I ate one the another.. then I just said get your hands
    out of there......and I did and thought of the game I was playing
    and forgot about them.....
    
    
    Well that's my weekend story...
    
    I do sooo good during the week.. I wish I could do better on 
    
    WEEKENDS!
    
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

    Well, I was real good this week-end, ate nothing but my WW portions,
    drank a lot, spent a lot of time outdoors, did some bicycling and
    ... gained 2 pounds in the bargain !!@!#%@!!  (I am not sure if
    that looks like swearing, but be assured IT IS).
    
    I know it's probably only a bit of water retention, I know I can't
    possibly have gained weight on what I did/ate, but this is really getting
    me down... I usually weight myself on Monday mornings, as I have
    my WW session on Monday evenings, and don't want to have a surprise
    when I get there. Well, I just overate at lunch from being depressed
    so that's probably going to make the weighing even more painful.
    
    Right now, I am split down the middle between kicking myself for
    being so dumb, and whining in my most childish voice:" Life is soooooo
    unfair !"                              
    
    Well,if I don't eat a thing until this evening, I may still register
    a little progress (one can but hope...)
    
    Bloody but unbowed,    Joana

    re .55:
    
    Funny how those potato chips have voices...I was in a Lil' Peach
    in North Reading Saturday afternoon, and could have sworn I heard
    a bag of sour cream and onion chips calling me....:-).
    
    Question for you Ann -- are the friends and people you see on weekends
    aware that you are on a weightloss program?  If they aren't, it
    would be helpful if you told them; they may be less inclined to
    offer you foods that are difficult to control.
    
    
    As for myself, other than the above mentioned 2 oz. bag of chips 
    and a light beer with Saturday night dinner, I did okay.  (Did get
    in more than my share of exercise on Saturday though -- five mile
    jog in the morning and went bowling in the afternoon).  I'll lay
    low on any other "optional calories" today and tomorrow and the
    news hopefully won't be bad come Wednesday night.
        
    
    Paul

    
    I did manage to lose 2 pounds in Weight Watchers this past
    Monday.. So my food intake wasn't so bad.. but I know it 
    would have been better if I watched it more over the weekend.
    I was with a friend and when she is upset she likes to eat
    and when she wants to eat she likes to be with me............
    I feel bad and eat along with her.. but I am not helping
    her or me....She needs to lose also....................
    
    I have to stick to my guns and be brave and say  no!
    
    The chicken Weight Watcher,
    
    
    Me  Ann
    
    
    

    Ann: Remember, you lost 2 lbs.  That's great!  I've heard from
    many sources that losing 1-3 lbs per week is the optimum weekly
    loss, since when you lose much faster than that you lose LEAN
    weight along with the FAT weight.  This happens because it's
    harder for your body to quickly get at the long-term fat storage
    cells.  Takes it some time.  But those are the ones you want
    to get at, for several reasons.  1) Lean weight (muscle) is what
    gives you "tone".  It's why some people are a size 6 at 130 lbs,
    and others are a size 10 at 130 lbs (same height).  It weighs
    more than fat but takes up less space.  And it looks sexy, on either
    men OR women.  2) It's hard to build up lean weight again after
    you break it down.  It's real easy to build up fat weight - don't
    we all know it!  3) Lean weight/muscle burns off more calories
    JUST SITTING THERE than fat weight.  Muscle is a working tissue,
    not a storage tissue.  It takes more calories to maintain a lb
    of muscle than a lb of fat.  So once you're lean, it's easier to
    STAY lean if you have muscle.  4) Muscle makes it easier to stick
    to your exercise program, which burns off calories.  If you have
    the strength to do the exercises a little more easily, you will
    tend to do them more often.
    
    So, Ann, losing 2 lbs per week is perfectly acceptable.  That's
    104 lbs per year, remember!  One thing they told us in Lifesteps
    was that it took us all a LOOOOONG time, like all my life for me,
    to put this extra weight ON, and it wasn't coming OFF in a month!
    
    Keep on losing, and keep your optimism up!
    
    --Louise

    re the last couple:
    
    To make it seem like more, don't only think of it as two pounds of fat;
    think of it as eight sticks of margarine...

    re:  .60
    
    I once had a friend who went on a diet and every time she lost 5
    pounds, she went out and got a can of Crisco.  She indicated that
    it helped her every now and then to look at the cans of Crisco and
    know that it represented what she had lost.  I now smile a bit every
    time I see Crisco in the store because she always would say that
    she and Crisco had alot in common.  They were both "fat in the can".
    
    Marion  :^)

    One pound is.....a long time ago when I said "well, what's one pound?"
     someone said "Imagine trying to hide a pound of hamburger somewhere
    on your person."
    

    One of the people in my WW class brought in a pound of fat (animal
    fat cut off steak or some type of meat).  We passed it around and
    each of us remarked at how disgusting it felt squishing around in
    the baggie -- It's amazing to think that I've lost 37 3/4 of those
    baggies!!!!
    
    						*** Kristy ***

    
    
    I want to say another weekend is about here.. I have done so
    good this week,  writing things down and being careful what I
    eat for snacks.  I also went to a class that taught us how to 
    make wreaths and it was alot of fun and using hot glue you sure
    don't feel like eatting..  So it's good to have special projects
    to keep us busy and away from the frig.. there is more to life 
    then chips and Football games...
    
    
    I plan on going for walks this weekend and doing things with my
    thin sister and she eats little too.. so it should be good.....
    
    Let you know monday after lunch that's when I get weight in at 
    W/Watchers...............................................
    
    Have a good one!
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    re .64:
    
    >	it's good to have special projects
    >	to keep us busy and away from the frig.. there is more to life 
    >	then chips and Football games..
        
    
    With the NFL players strike in progress, that statement is certainly
    going to be true this weekend!
    
    
    Paul 

    There's still college games, and what with the "unique" plays found
    in those games, they're more fun to watch than the pros!
    
    --Louise

    
    
    If you watch the College games be careful with the munching or
    you'll be sorry come Monday.. or when you get weight in.
    
    Go play some foot ball of your own and it will be even more
    unique!!
    
    My middle name is Louise
    
    
    Ann Louise Arno
    
    
    

    I seem to eat less during week-ends, and also be more active, so
    even though week-ends are tougher on my will-power, they are better
    for my waist-line.
    
    I had guests on Saturday and made a "gaspacho" as an entree. I stuffed
    myself with gaspacho, then I served a pork roast (I took only one
    slice) with green beans sauteed with onion, garlic and tomato juice
    (only one ts of fat). Fresh strawberries for dessert and whipped
    cream for anyone who wished (not me obviously). I drank one small
    glass of white wine before dinner, and plain water with dinner.
    
    I felt real full, and not at all frustrated. The conversation turned
    around astrology, and was both fascinating and hilarious, depending
    an what was discussed.
    
    Sunday, we visited my in-laws, I had called in advance to say I
    was on a diet and that I would eat what anybody else had, but would
    not accept being pushed for seconds!
    
    It went very well, the entree was melon, then a casserole of veal
    with vegetables, I had an apple for dessert while everybody else
    had ice-cream. I was feeling so virtuous (call it smug) that I didn't
    even miss the ice-cream!
    
    Hope it lasts, sometimes all this saintliness on my part seems almost
    too good to be true.
    
    However, be sure of one thing: if I can do it, so can YOU.
    
    Joana
    

    
    Over the weekend I did alot better then I have.  I even said NO
    to a friend that is always pushing food on me.  She likes to over
    eat also but likes it when she has someone to eat with, Well I told
    her no when offered food I didn't want or hungry for and it felt
    good..  I seem to be losing weight at a steady pace so I am pleased.
    
    
    How did you all do..?  I have the DEC outing to look forward to..
    
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    Well, this weekend was a first - had a houseful of in-laws that
    I feel like I still have to impress, so I made roast chicken, salad,
    green beans, corn - didn't serve bread, drank a lot of water.  what
    did it for me was sitting at the table, realizing that all of us
    were overweight (but I wasn't the most OW) and saying to myself
    "NO, I refuse to be one of them!"  And, this may be mean, but truthful
    - I looked at my sister in law who is probably 230 pounds, and kept
    telling myself one more bite and I'll look like that!  So, I had
    a lot of salad w/reduced calorie dressing!  And there was plenty
    of salad left for Sunday, because they passed it by for the mashed
    potatoes and dressing and gravy!  So even though I was tempted,
    I maintained!  And then she told me she thought having a scale in
    the bathroom was disgusting!  I said "You're right, it really should
    be in front of the refrigerator!"
    
    TW

    What a beautiful comeback!  Perhaps someday she'll get the courage
    to ask you for some hints on how to follow in your weightloss
    footsteps.
    
    --Louise

    
    
    Hello all you Weekenders and yes another one is facing us I do
    like the days off.  This is the weekend that I will be going 
    to the outing so wish me luck it will be a real test with all
    that free food ..I will play games and go on a few rides to keep
    my mind off of the food.. but being the size that I am it's hard
    to go on some rides....................................
    
    I am not one for roller coasters or log rides I am more the 
    Merry-go-round type and the tea cup person and the old car
    type and the train .. those are my speed...
    
    
    There are a few ripe off games I like to play..  I will let you
    know how it goes come Monday,,  I do have Weight Watchers that day
    so I better be good.. and good luck to all of you too..
    
    Get out and pick some apples or pumkins .........or take a walk
    on a country road...  
    
    
    What ever you do I hope you do it safe and report to us on Mpnday..
    even if you had a no so great weekend tell us we listen!!!
    
    
    One more thing we are all there with you!
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

    re "ripoff" games at Canobie Lake (you hit the nail on the head
    Ann!):
    
    If anyone would a like a hint about the game in which you shoot
    the water pistol in the clown's mouth and try to break the balloon,
    send me mail at STAR::YANKOWSKAS.
    
    
    Paul
    
    

    
    
    Hi my Weekend was different then what I thought it would be..
    I never did make it to the DEC OUting because of the weather
    Sunday...  It's no fun at the outing in the rain and cold..
    I will be going next weekend instead.  
    
    I didn't eat as much as I thought I would so I may have good
    results today when I get weight in.. 
    
    I will let you know .. How did you all do? I sure love apple 
    pie this time of the year and I can plan for it and not feel
    guilty for eatting it and that is why I like Weight Watchers.
    
    Have a good week,
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    
    Well I stayed the same for three weeks.. I always seem to eat just
    a little more on the weekends and it shows come Monday but then
    I don't gain and I don't lose.. I must be careful on Weekends.
    This seems like the time of the year for church suppers and
    other good things..  
    
    I will hope to see some results next week. If I watch myself..
    
    This weekend I am going to try to go to the outing once again
    
    How did you all do ?  Are your weekends better?
    
    How are you doing with all the Halloween candy?
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    We talked a bit about weekends at the WW meeting I went to last
    night...we all agreed that the "unstructured time" one has during
    a weekend can be a problem if one is not careful.  
    
    Many of us agreed that the idea of keeping busy with things other
    than food is very helpful (this was mentioned in a number of the
    earlier replies to this note).
    
    The one thing that most sticks out in my mind about this discussion?
    Our leader mentioned examples of how three people who had far more 
    unstructured time than two days a week stayed with the program and
    reached goal.  Two of them were schoolchildren (one a girl aged
    10, the other a 13 year old boy), who dropped about 30 pounds and
    reached goal during this summer's school vacation.  If two months
    off from everything isn't unstructured time, I don't know what is.
    The third was a man named Larry, who is my leader's undisputed all-time
    favorite Weight Watcher.  Larry is a retarded man who lives at home
    with his parents.  Since he does not hold a job, and has a limited
    number of outside activities, his everyday life has far less structure
    than yours or mine.  But that didn't stop Larry from losing *145*
    pounds and reaching goal.
                                          
    Having heard of how these Weight Watchers dealt with their unstructured
    time, I now feel that dealing with two unstructured days a week is
    not that difficult...
    
    
    Paul

    
    Yes I believe that it is hard over the weekends and feel good
    that people are talking about it with their groups..........
    I feel we have alot of free time on weekends and some cold ones
    coming soon so how are we going to plan those in the house weekends?
    
    I have a test weekend coming up I will be going to the outing I
    was going to go last weekend but got rained out.. so I will try
    again,,  I am planning for it and also I will be careful because
    I am doing so well this week and don't want to blow it.........
    
    
    I hope you all have a nice and safe weekend we look forward 
    to hearing from you...  
    
    If none else cares we sure do...
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    re .77:
    
    
    >    If none else cares we sure do...

    That's a better summary of what this conference is all about than any
    words I can come up with.
    
    
    Paul 
    

    To keep busy during week-ends, you could try taking up ...
    
    	- knitting
    	- stitchery
    	- embroidery
    	- drawing
    	- painting
    	- collecting something (stamps, coins, etc)
    	- jigsaw puzzles (always been one of my favourite occupations)
    	
    or a number of other things I can't think of right now. You can't
    possibly eat while doing any of these things, as you will not want
    your work to get greasy smudges. Additionnally, those occupations
    keep both hands busy (not like reading, where you can hold your
    book in one hand, or TV, worst of all, where both hands are free!).
    
    I have taken up knitting since I started dieting, and have reached
    my second pull-over and minus 15 pounds. I knit in the evening while
    watching TV.
    
    This winter I plan to paint and do jigsaw puzzles.
    
    Hope this will help.    Joana

    
    
    Well I will try this once again.. my weekend was good
    I got rained out again this past Sunday from the DEC
    outing.
    I guess people good luck around the food worked.
    I didn't get a chance last weekend to go and now
    this past one.  
    
    I lost 4 1/2 pounds.. All in all I had a good week and
    weekend..
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    
    

    
    
    I can tell by my date book that we have another weekend facing
    us and I will be going to the outing tomorrow.. So I am happy
    because both weekends we have been rained out..
    We got rained out and our Personnel Dept. told us we could
    go last weekend or this one coming up and we can use the same
    tickets...............
    
    I will use my head and not over do it in the eating department,
    
    
    I hope you all enjoy your weekend ... Get out and see the trees..
    
    
    Put on a happy face,
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    I am going to go for a big long hike up a big long mountain with
    two of the greatest friends a gal could ever ask for.  I know I
    won't be "feeding a hungry heart" this weekend.  The food can wait
    - this weekend it'll be a friendship feast!!!
    
    Marion   :^D

    
    I know that another weekend is coming up and I hope 
    that we all have a good one.   I will be going to
    a baby shower that will have a large cake and I love
    cake!  So wish me luck and I hope to not get carried
    away and enjoy the people and not the food...........
    
    What ever you do I hope you have fun!
    
    Ann
    
    

I have an awards banquet that I'm going to.  The dinner itself will be buffet
style (just what I need!), and "Chef's Dessert Table" doesn't sound too
easy to deal with either, unless the chef believes in fruit for dessert. :-)

Luckily, they're having a band to dance to afterwards to burn off some of
those calories...

Jill

    
    
    Good luck to you Jill and dance to your hearts content.. If I was\
    there I would have to dance for a month without stopping ..
    If I ever get a last meal that sounds good to me...
    
    I can't wait to hear how you did...  Are you bringing an doggie
    bag??  Just kidding...
    
    
    Enjoy
    
    Ann
    
    

    
    Hi Everyone how did you weekends go?  Mine was a lot of fun and
    it was a busy weekend.. I helped my parents close our summer cottage.
    I also took a nice walk in the woods and sat on a log looking out
    to the lake and admiring the color of the trees around the lake.
    
    I went to a baby shower Sunday it was nice but I learned my lesson
    about going to something like that and not eatting before I got
    there.  
    I didn't eat all the time I was there but ate more then I should
    have..  
    
    I hope you all had a nice weekend and have a nice week.
    
    I will be going to W/Watchers today and I am sure I have a gain..
    Better luck this week for me..
    
    Ann
    
    
    

Well, my banquet went fairly well.  I mean, if I hadn't been watching myself
things would have been a lot worse!

When we got to our room, there was a basket with cheese, crackers, pepperoni,
and Pepperidge Farm brownie-nut cookies.  We had some of the crackers (plain
sesame, 20 calories each, marked on the box) (why didn't they put the calorie
count for the cookies?) and I had one cookie.  I'm not fond of nuts (I usually
hate them, but sometimes the chocolate cancels them out :-)).  Didn't open the
cheese or pepperoni because then it would have to be refrigerated.  phew...

We went swimming for a while until the planned festivities began.  Made me
feel like at least I was doing something good for me. :-)

Arrived at the hor d'ovres (close enough :-)) buffet about halfway through.
Figures, there was a line, and they were out of the boiled shrimp by the time
we got to it!  Well, I had a couple of oysters rockefeller, and stuffed clams
of some type, and a couple of the other things that were left by then.  Also
some grapes and raw veggies.  We couldn't have survived the speeches, etc.
without eating something when we had the chance!

After speeches and award presentations, we got in line for the buffet dinner.
It was pretty crowded, with long lines, and I knew we weren't going to bother
going back up for "seconds".  I skipped the rolls and butter since I knew
there would be potatoes.  (yeah me!).  I took a tiny bit of ham (well, the tray
was almost empty anyway, and I wanted the roast beef (Steamship style)), a tiny
bit of the fish dish, a tiny bit of the potatoes and corn and potato salad.
I took a reasonable amount of the beef, but ended up giving some of it to Bill.
I also took one of the salad bowls with spinach salad, didn't dress it, and
threw in some of the tossed salad on top of that (if I had more hands I could
have taken even more salad!).  I suggested to Bill we stop at the dessert table
since we didn't want to come back (we were also sitting in the way back!), and
I was afraid they'd run out of them, like the shrimp!  We each took a tiny cream
puff thingie.  I didn't eat the puff (it was boring, and why bother with
boring calories?), but the cream was good, and it was only about 1/4 cup if that
much.  I was able to balance the dessert plate (small) on my regular plate,
while holding the salad bowl in my other hand, so you can see I didn't have all
that much food on my regular plate! :-)

I didn't drink anything other than water and club soda during the banquet,
although there was wine on the table (well, somehow we had gotten 2 bottles of
red, and I only like white, but it wasn't worth it to ask for some white.)  I'm
glad I didn't drink any, for a couple of reasons.

Breakfast was a bit harder, but I still didn't go overboard.  I had 1/2 a slice
of French toast, 1/2 an English muffin, 2 slices of bacon, a piece of sausage,
steak (!),grapefruit juice, fruit salad, water, and sugar-free hot cocoa
(my plan-ahead).  My list of what I didn't have would be longer. :-)  didn't
even think about the danish!  That turned out to be breakfast and most of lunch.

When we got home, we had a light lunch, and went out for a long,trail-clearing
walk in the woods.  It was a beautiful day for that!!

So, all in all, it could have been a lot worse, and we don't do these things
very often (thank goodness!)

Jill

    
    
    This weekend coming up will be a busy one for all of us.
    With parties to go to and goodies all over the place.
    This will be a good test weekend for sure..
    Are we all planning ahead of time?  
    Sometimes I plan that I won't eat certain foods at a party and
    find myself eatting it one minute.. I hope that I can 
    control my eatting better then I did last party I was at.
    Of course I went there hungry and that was bad news!!
    
    We learn by our mistakes.. or do we????
    
    Good Luck and maybe we can pull more tricks on people
    and less treating ourselves..
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    How did you TRICK OR TREATING weekend go?  I did have a few 
    little treats but not that would do any damage.
    I lost 6 pounds in my weight-in so I did all right.
    We had over 50 children come to our door this year.
    I love to watch the little ones having a good time.
    
    I was going to go to a party but never made it..
    I did win the prize at work for the best costume
    during lunch Friday...
    
    
    
    How did you all make out?
    
    Did you get more treats then tricks?
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    
    We will be facing another weekend.  I don't mind weekends I reallu
    love them,  but they sure are a test with the food department.
    I will be going to a Birthday party and I LOVE CAKE so I hope
    I can do alright..Wish me luck 
    
    Ann
    
    

    re .90:
    
    I read you loud and clear about birthday cake...my wife and I visited
    both sets of parents last Sunday.  Since my wife's birthday was
    the following Tuesday, BOTH sets of parents bought birthday
    cakes!
    
    Just have one small piece and don't feel guilty about it, go easy
    on the optional calories the rest of the weekend, and you should be OK.
    Good luck!
    
    
    Paul_who's_glad_birthdays_come_just_once_a_year!

    I'm gonna wallpaper the whole friggin' house this weekend!!!
    I realized that I spend too much time in the kitchen simply because
    it is the most pleasant room in the house!  I mean, when we moved
    in, we concentrated most of the work there just because it seemed
    to be the "heart" of the house; consequently it does seem warmer,
    cozier, whatever, and it is more conducive to trying new recipes,
    etc., so I've decided to start patching and spackling the bedroom
    walls tonight, and hang the paper tomorrow.  I guess there is a
    hidden Freudian connection there somewhere!

    An added bonus will be all the stretching, bending, reaching - not
    to mention all the walking around in the hardware and furniture
    stores right after work instead of going into a feeding frenzy at 5:20!
    There has probably been a better time economically to put wallpaper
    on a credit card, but psychologically, this is it!!
    
    Yep, think I'll run to Micky D's for some morning coffee and a salad
    for lunch, see hubby off to work, crank up the tunes and have at
    it - and have something to show for a Saturday, too!
    
    Wish me luck!

    
    
    RE:92
    
    Sounds like you had a full working weekend.  How did the wall papering
    go?  
    
    I went to a 2 Year old Birthday party.. My friend and I went to
    the party and we went their HUNGRY and you know what that means.
    Yep you guessed it ..
    
    I ate chips and dip and little pizza's and cake and ice cream 
    not to mention the two brownies and cookies ..
    
    yes it was a fun time and also blew the program time too..
    
    I ate enough opt Calories for a month...
    
    Sunday wasn't bad but I still ate more then I should have then
    as well..  
    
    I think I should have locked myself in the closet for the weekend..
    
    
    I should have wall papered instead...
    
    
    Ann the eaten machine
    
    
    

    As a public service to all the "Weekenders" out there, I've decided
    to start a list of "Things to do (other than eat) on the weekend".
    Here are ten entries to start:
    
    1.	Write a letter to a friend you haven't been in contact with
    	for a while.
    
    2.	Knit a sweater for yourself (in your new smaller size :-) ).
    
    3.	Visit an elderly relative who you don't get to see as often
    	as you would like.
    
    4.	Build a snowman.
    
    5.	Fly a kite with your favorite youngster (child, niece/nephew,
    	neighbor, whatever).
    
    6.	Get that old musical instrument you used to play out of the
    	closet and try it again just for yucks.
    
    7.	Make a trip to the beauty parlor for a manicure, facial, perm,
    	whatever.
                                                  
    8.	Write a "letter to the editor".
                 
    9.	Take a best seller or interesting book out of your local library
    	and read it.
    
    10.	Look through this morning's Boston Globe Calendar section,
    	find a concert or event that interests you, and attend it.
    
    
    I'm sure there are many, many more.  You've all got good thinking
    caps and imaginations out there -- how about adding to the list?
    
    
    Paul

    
    
    Hi all of you Weekenders are we ready for another weekend.
    Can we handle those packed filled Frig's this weekend ?
    Or can we watch a game without pigging out?
    
    I am weak when someone offer's me something and I say no
    they say come on I bet you will like it.. I fall into 
    that trap and take one...then that leads to another..
    
    I am going to start this weekend right and be careful
    and I will let you know how I did..
    
    
    
    Have a nice and Safe weekend
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    I don't know how far the snowy peaks are for most of you, but if
    you can go skiing that's really one of the greatest week-end
    occupations you can find: not only all this fresh air is good for
    you and will clear up your smoked-up lungs and running noses in
    no time at all, but you really can't eat on the slopes, not with
    those big fat mittens! 
    
    The trick is to ski until you are (almost) exhausted, so this will
    also cut your appetite, otherwise you'll find yourself drinking
    hot spicy wine and eating cheese fondue in the evening... not too
    good for your figure, right?
    
    While we wait for the snow, ice-skating is also a great occupation,
    and you don't even need to leave town to do that.
    
    Snow, snow, lovely snow!
    
    Joana

    
    
    Not all of us are in shape for skiing.. Once I fall I stay
    there..  It's great if you can ski and can afford to ski 
    is another thing..
    We have another weekend coming up and it sounds like it
    will be nice, weather wise..
    
    I will be going to a friends house Saturday night and I 
    know they will have food around so wish me luck..
    
    I plan to get some Christmas shopping done EARLY..
    This way I can enjoy it without all of that last minute
    running around..
    
    Have a fun filled weekend...
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    I find my biggest problem with the weekends is that there's ALL
    THAT FOOD, and no feeling of being tied to my desk far away from
    it.  I tend to open the fridge and stare wistfully into it.  I get
    annoyed with myself for not having goodies in the house.
    
    When I'm *doing something* I'm usually okay, although the "stopping
    for lunch on the way home" can be a killer.
    

    
    re:98
    
    Yes that is hard for sure.  What is your hardest time during your
    weekend when you are looking in the frig.. maybe you could have
    a note pad near you and write down the time and reason you are 
    looking in the frig..ask yourself: am I really hungry ?
    Do I really need this? 
    
    You may not have had all the protein you needed or fruit..
    
    Why not have food that on the program ready and in the frig so
    when you are looking for something the good things are ready
    for you.. and if you are really craving for a sweet go to a
    bakery or store and bye one and take it home and relax and
    eat it, and enjoy!
    
    
    Good Luck to you I know for sure it isn't easy..
    I have that same problem.. but some of these things 
    help..
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    A few things that I would like to add to the list are:
    
    1.  Pick up a craft (knitting, sewing, counted cross stitch,
        leathercraft, etc...) and plan to get a headstart on it over
        the weekend, keeping your hands busy so you can't put food
        in your mouth.
    
    2.  Rent a good movie and forget about eating for a while.
    
    3.  Go for a walk with your spouse/friend, etc....
    
    
    Nancy
    

.99>  if you are really craving for a sweet go to a bakery or store and buy
.99>  one and take it home and relax and eat it, and enjoy!
    
    Unfortunately, I'm one of those people who "can't eat just one"
    -- the best thing for me is to avoid it completely.  Fortunately,
    my husband is very supportive, though he loses patience when I try
    to lean too much.  But he does *want* me to lose weight.  He keeps
    his cookies (which he doles out to himself one at a time, sigh) in 
    his van.
    
.100>  Pick up a craft . . . and plan to get a headstart on it over the 
.100>  weekend, keeping your hands busy so you can't put food in your mouth.

    I do several different crafts, and also have a *lot* of housecleaning
    that needs to be done, but lethargy is one of my biggest problems!

    I will try to remember all of these, and the general support that's
    here.  We'll see.  We went to Ponderosa with friends last night,
    and I wasn't even seriously tempted to get ice cream!  I thought
    about this conf and got salad-bar fruit instead!
    
    Beverly

    
    re:101
    
    Beverly it sounds like you are on the right track and that's
    great that you ate something better for you.. Now you make
    me want to be careful this Weekend as well..
    
    I have a hard time with sweets lately but I will remember your
    story... Thanks...
    
    
    I know what you mean about one but that is what our Weight
    Watcher leader told us.. if you can't get rid  of the craving..
    
    Me I want to take the whole bakery HOME!!
    
    
    Have a Good one
    
    Ann
    
    
    

re: 101

About being lethargic and having a lot of housework to do...

That used to be my excuse.  "I REALLY don't want to do the housework/
chores that I know I really should be doing, so what else can I do
to procrastinate?  Well, there's preparing and eating food... we all
gotta eat!  What a great excuse!!"  So I spend many of my waking hours
standing in front of the 'frige because eating is an acceptable excuse
for not working, even though I'm not particularly hungry.  And the 
housework/chores don't get done, and I blow up making me more depressed
which makes me not want to do anything to improve my house or me (ie 
housework/chores) and I eat to console myself. A NEVER ENDING CIRCLE!

So, what I do now, is recognize that I REALLY don't want to do the 
housework (or whatever) and do what it is that I WANT to do, like my
needlework or sewing or stained glass or whatever.  The housework will
wait (beleive me!).  Sometimes my husband gets a bit annoyed with me, but
he knows where I keep the cleaning stuff, and if it bothers him that much,
he can do it (I've also found out it doesn't bother him nearly as much if
he knows that he has to clean up).  And besides, THIS IS FOR ME.  And I've
also found that when I get what I really want to do out of my system, the
chores aren't nearly as hard to complete (Maybe it's overwhelming guilt
about not doing them in the first place).  So, I get done what I WANT to do,
I get done what I HAVE to do, and I DON'T eat as an excuse.

This is a very long winded way of saying that you really should examine WHY
you're peering into the 'frige.  If it's mere procrastination, then try 
doing those things you like and ignore the things that you feel you must
do, for now.  In my case, it's made everything go easier.

With a little support, we can all reach our goals!  Good luck
to you Beverly!

.

					Maryann

    I think my reasons for going crazy on weekends vary.  This past one,
    for example, was the typical "going out with friends" extravaganza.  I
    did manage to avoid the sugars completely, but the Nachos got me (all
    that cheese!).  Since I'm just trying to maintain until the WW@W starts,
    I'm not really too upset about it.
    
    I probably do eat at home as avoidance behavior, but I don't think doing
    something else is the answer.  I usually don't get a significant amount
    of housework done, ever.  There's always a book or magazine or newspaper
    that I really want to read first.  And I'll munch while I do that.
    
    Yes, I know, I could/should get out of the house, but that still doesn't
    solve the "doing what needs to be done" issue.  The house will still
    be a disaster area when I get back.
    
    This is one of those issues, to some extent separate from dieting, that
    I need to work out.  Thanks for your support!

    Hi Beverly - I have problems with housework too.  For me it's mainly
    that 1) there's too much STUFF around, collecting dust, getting
    in the way, and 2) I am very disorganized about what housework I
    do when.  The only thing that's organized is the laundry, and that's
    because Jim does it every weekend.
    
    I'm making a start, though.  I've been throwing things out, and
    putting things away.  A lot of the "precious" stuff has been redefined
    to be "junk" and has been tossed.  Our house foundation, and my
    claustrophobia, breathed a sigh of relief!  Every time something
    comes INTO a room, something now must be stored or trashed.  The
    major trashing is getting done one bit at a time.  I did my dresser
    a few weekends ago, the medicine cabinet the weekend after, and
    the hall closet next.  Now I have to go through my work-table.
    It's a real relief, and I don't feel so helpless every time I
    look at a room now that there's not so oppressively much stuff around.
    
    This is not unrelated to dieting.  One form of trash is trash-food.
    Both the kind we eat and the kind we store even though we don't
    really like it.  I got rid of that old box of muffin mix that I
    NEVER intend to mix up (I read the ingredients one time...).  Plus
    I threw away all those ends of bottles of things unrecognizable,
    and that jar of chinese pickle that has sat in the fridge for
    at least a year and a half.  Now I have to figure out what to do
    with the remaining junk food (brownie and cake mixes...) that I
    really don't want to throw out.  Perhaps I'll bake them up and
    NOT EAT THEM and give them to someone who's not on a diet....
    
    --Louise

    For the mixes and such collecting dust -- try looking for a food
    bank, soup kitchen, or collection box for things to go in Holiday
    Baskets for the needy.
    
    The same principle applies for much non-food; look for a thrift shop!
    
    I'll try taking it one spot at a time.  A lot of the problem *is*
    that it's overwhelming, so maybe using smaller goals [now, where
    have I heard that before?!  :-) ] will help.  Like so many things,
    having a positive "can-do" attitude can't hurt!
    
    Thanks for the encouragement!
    
    Beverly
    

I've found so many good ideas in the last wave of replies (catching up after
being in class for 2 weeks).

I think I'll put a post-it pad on the fridge for "why am I here?" notes.  I'll
also keep a page there to add up my optional calories more easily.

As far as housecleaning, it's also my weak point, although I am also in charge
of laundry (that does get done!).  Instead of planning to clean the house (no
way!!) I plan to do one piece of the needed cleaning at a time (like, today I'll
vacuum the upstairs, or clean the bathrooms (or just the toilets!) to make it
more manageable.  Then, when I'm done with that piece, I'll treat myself to
some relaxing activity, like reading.

Lately, though, I've found the best food avoidance technique.  I've been working
downstairs (totally away from the kitchen) on a major birthday surprise, so even
when I come home from work, I take a small planned snack and head downstairs
to work.  Can't even bring food down there to eat, since it's such a mess now,
and I can't eat and work.  I spent a bit of the weekend there, too, while we
weren't out at Lechmere's (Pheasant Lane) disassembling a floor model
entertainment center (anyone see us? :-)).  Now that took a lot of time away
from eating!  But, what will I do after the birthday is past?  I'll have to
find another out of the way project!

Well, lots more notes to catch up on!

Jill

    
    
    Are we weekenders ready for this long weekend and are we planning
    ahead of time.  It won't be easy. I wish your all luck. 
    Maybe we can enjoy visting with the family then eating.
    Or help put things on the table or make sure others have
    what they need. Be the one that serves the food and not
    have it served to you..
    I will have a quiet Thanksgiving with my parents,  I will try to
    help my mom as good as I can,,, too many cooks spoil the turkey...
    
    I will stuff the celery....(-:
    
    I also will do the dishes so I will keeps my hands away from the
    goodies..
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    
    So how is everyone doing on the weekends?  Are we doing better?
    
    Are you going to alot of parties?  I went to one last weekend and
    
    did well.. I am on a diet and have lost 7 pounds so far..
    
    How are you handing these weekends as you are getting
    ready for the Holidays?
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    
    
    There is another weekend ahead of us,  How are we all 
    doing on the Weekends?  
    I know it is a hard time or the year to stay on program.
    Some people do slip by the Hoildays with no gains and
    some ever lose!!
    
    I don't have any big problem facing too much food..
    
    I will be going out to eat with friends but I will use my
    head and even if the have dessert I won't!!
    
    Ann
    
    

    
    
    I don't know about you but one of my hardest weekends will be 
    here soon.. I love all the Chocolets and you name it..
    
    I have been doing well losing weight too.. I hope I make 
    it through it ...
    
    Ho Ho Ho,,, and No No No...
    
    Maybe Just one !
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    Two suggestions for coping with weekends:
    
    1.  If you have the option, attend WW meetings on Saturday morning.
        It's a great way to start off the weekend ON track.
    
    2.  In the "Other Activities than Eating" category:  Calligraphy
        is a great one!  You must have a *totally* clean environment
        when you're working with papers and pens because ink will not
        cover grease spots.  So it's impossible to do calligraphy while
        eating potato chips, etc.  And your relatives and friends will
        LOVE getting hand-made cards and gifts from you!
    
    Lynn
    (the Thynner)

    
    
    How are your weekends going, Weekenders ?  I have lost weight so
    far during the Holidays.. I had started to lose weight before the
    Holidays started.. I took off about 12 pounds..  Now I have lost
    20 pounds..  
    
    I can feel my cloths getting loser on me that is a great gift to
    me..  (-:  
    
    I was sick for awhile so that is one reason why I didn't gain weight.
    But even after I am still watching it and losing so that's a good
    way to end and start a new year..
    
    I hope you all had safe and Happy Holidays
    
    Keep smiling for 1988..
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

    
    Hi Weekenders I did real well this weekend.. I stuck to my
    guns and let people know that when they offered me food
    and if I didn't want it and even when they kept it up 
    I said no..Thank you so they finally got the hint!
    I weight myself this morning and it looks like I weight 
    5 - 6 pounds less then last week but I will know better
    when I go to Weight Watchers..
    
    
    How did you all do?  I always have trouble on weekends but
    these last two have been very good .. 
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    
    

We were all good over the weekend too.. I did some baking but it was
all healthy whole wheat treats for the week ahead and I baked some
beans and got some of the meals started for this week that take some
advanced planning.. helps keep us all on the straight and narrow!

The weigh in is tomorrow and I'll know then if my being good has paid
off in pounds...  

So far this month down 9 pounds in 18 days!!! yippie.. we shall see if
tomorrw holds a nice suprise!

gailann

    
    Gailann,
    
    I will keep my fingers cross that your weightin will show good
    news for you...
    
    It sounds like you are doing great to me.. Keep it up.. maybe we
    can say good bye to weekend binges this year..(give it our best
    shot anyways )
    
    
    Ann
    
    
    

    
    This weekend was not too bad, but made it very clear to me that
    weekends ARE my red-light times.  At a get-together on Sunday, when I
    hadn't eaten a big enough lunch (ie I was hungry), I was unable to
    resist the chips someone was offering.
    
    I've come up with a strategy for this; I'll let you know how it goes:
    
    Instead of starting my WW week on Monday, as I've been doing because
    that was when I started the program, I'll start it on Friday.  That
    way, instead of eating optional calories I don't have then starting
    fresh on Monday, I'll be able to make up for them during the week.
    
    The other thing I'm doing is to draw lines on the optionals at every
    40; that way, when I eat more than 1 day's worth, I'll be aware of it!
    
    We'll see . . .
    
    Bev
    

    
    I'll tell you Weekenders.. I was off program for sure..
    I was in a bad place yesturday Sunday..
    Too many good things to eat .. I did have my share of Cheese
    cake and you name it..
    
    I went right back on my program today and I feel I will do
    fine..
    
    Is that the right way to go ?
    
    How are you all doing ?
    
    I have been losing apound a week and then two weeks in a rowq
     Row.. I stayed the same )-:  but My hopes are good..
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    
    So you weekenders how was your weekend ?  I kept pretty busy so
    I stayed away from the frig alot this weekend. It was hard at 
    times but all and all I did well..
    
    
    How about you ?  It's getting close to those family cookouts.
    
    Next weekend will really be a test for us .. 
    
    
    Take care and be good to you
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    Well, I feel like I did exceptionally well this weekend!!  Friday
    night and Saturday went by like a breeze; no problems at all.  Sunday
    we went to an airplane show about 20 miles from home.  Although
    we ate before we went, after about 5 hours, I had to have something
    or pass out.  It was hot and I was weak.  I ate a corn-dog.  But,
    I counted it as part of my dinner last night.  So, all in all I
    feel I did great this weekend.  ;-)
    
    Virginia

    
    It was a long weekend but I didn't over do it with the eating.
    I was so busy with other things like walks along the ocean and
    enjoying the people I was with I didn;t think of eating much at
    all..
    
    I believe it pays to keep your mind busy on other things..
    
    
    How did you all do ?
    
    Ann
    
    

      I have just decided that the weekends are my weakpoint...I have
    been soooo good for the last three weeks, up until this Memorial
    day weekend!!
    
    I even worked on Sat. and Sun.!  My problem is going out to eat
    on the weekends.  I can go out to eat during the week and eat
    correctly,but merely even suggest that it is THE WEEKEND, and I
    let myself go, because, "I've been so good all week, I deserve this..."
    I am really having a hard time with this.  I didn't really blow
    my diet, I just feel that I was a little too leniant...I drank
    fuzzy navels allllll weekend long, too, so that is what probably
    damaged my diet the most.
    
    This weekend coming up is going to be even tougher, because I am
    going to visit some friends that are in college, and lo-cal and
    non-alcohlic aren't in their vocabulary...it will be hard ... HELP!!
    
                                                Dee Dee

I had a wonderful weekend, both activity-wise and food-wise.  We didn't have
anywhere to go, or anything special to do, so we could do what we wanted, when
we wanted.  And, I guess I was just enjoying doing what I wanted so much, and
enjoying the freedom, that I didn't spend the time at home eating.

Besides, working on some of my hobbies and eating are mutually exclusive.

I think the week is my weakpoint, and the weekend is my make-up time!!*


Jill


*your mileage, and mine, may vary...

    
    Dee Dee,
    
    You sound alot like how I use to think about hard times coming .
    I have learned to not worry about it so soon. Let each day and
    meal take care of it self and you make the best choices ..
    You will feel good about yourself that you are eating right for
    your body.. Take care of it.. It's the only thing we have that's
    really ours (-:
    
    I use to worry something offel and I had a friend from this Note
    file keep writing to me until it sunk in Not to think about it so
    soon.. you are setting yourself up .. He would say this to me many
    times and now I am learning ..and doing alot better then I was.
    We need to change our ways of thinking about food or we will 
    never lose the weight we want to. It will be a Yo Yo thing..
    Up and down the scale.
    
    
    Dee Dee take care and I will wish you luck..
    
    Let us know how it goes..
    
    
    Ann
    
    

    I find that going to Weight Watchers on Saturday morning is a great
    deterrent to overdoing it on weekends.
    
    Knowing that I have to weigh in on Saturday morning, I am not likely
    to overdo it on Friday night.
    
    If I've lost weight, I don't want to undo the good I've accomplished
    the previous week.  If I've gained (it happens), I'm all the more
    determined to take it off the coming week, starting right after
    the meeting.
    
    Lynn

    
    This past weeknd wasn't bad.. It is so hard for me to get my mind
    off of Ice cream .. I know when I was young that's what my family
    did was go for a ride on Sundays and get a Ice Cream so I guess
    that's where I got it..
    
    I am on a Special diet so I have to very careful but I got some
    Diet Raseberry/lime Polar Soda and I put a Scoop of Low Fat
    Ice cream in it and it was Yummy...and it didn't taste diet.
    
    So there are ways to get around all this.. if we really use
    out Heads...(-:
    
    What have your tryed and liked ?
    
    
    Ann
    
    How did you all do ?
    
    
     
    

    I didn't do bad this weekend, either.  Saturday, I ate my cereal
    for breakfast and fixed eggs and toast for my husband.  I'm not
    much of an egg eater, so this doesn't bother me.  We went out to
    eat that afternoon.  I had a salad, charbroiled chicken, and rice.
    Later on, I had some Crystal-light bars.  Yesterday, I had my cereal
    for breakfast, some cottage cheese and fruit for lunch, and a cold
    hot dog about 4:00 pm.  My husband and I were arguing, so I didn't
    fix dinner and we didn't eat anything.  I guess my stomach shrunk
    from not eating much yesterday, because it was all I could do to
    finish my lunch today (Weight Watchers frozen pizza).  I also brought
    an apple, but I don't feel like I can eat it, yet.  Maybe later
    on this afternoon.  Maybe my husband and I should argue more often
    ;-}
    
    Virginia
    

      I did okay this weekend...I was out of town, visiting a friend,
    so I was proud of myself for not falling of the wagon!  I did share
    some ice cream with my boyfriend yesterday, though!  Going out to
    eat is the hardest thing for me.  
    
      All of my life, I have eaten ONE particular thing at each restaurant
    I goto...(always get salad at X, always get soup at y,etc)...this
    means that whenever I go to a restaurant, I never would look at
    the menu!  It's a hard habit to break, b/c I rationalize, "I have
    to get the *nachos* because THAT'S WHY I come to this restaurant."
    
      Does that make any sense???
    
    Dee Dee
    
    
    
    

    I know this note deals primarily with problems with over eating
    during the weekend, however, my problem seems to be more with
    getting enough water.  During the week, it's easy because of the
    spring water and my handy 32 oz. jug.  Over the weekend, though,
    I probably don't get more than 32 oz. of any fluid in 2 days as
    opposed to the 64 oz. of water each weekday.  Consequently, I retain
    water which shows as a gain on Monday, then a loss on Tuesday. 
    The main reason for me not drinking the fluid is that I'm usually
    on the go on Saturday and Sunday and have no time (nor place) to
    constantly take "nature breaks".  Does anyone else have this problem
    or a solution?

    I have the exact same problem as Darlene.  I drink between 4 and
    8 12-oz glasses of spring water at work each day.  Then on weekends,
    since I don't have spring water and I'm not sitting at a terminal
    all day, I hardly drink anything.  My weigh-in is on Saturday mornings
    so I don't see the problem of weight gain on Mondays, but I think
    if I could get in more liquid on the weekends, I would do much better.
    I'd appreciate any suggestions too!

    
    I agree, it is tougher to get all the water in on the weekends.
    But it's not impossible. It's really a matter of making it a habit.
     
    I just make sure that whenever I pause in whatever I am doing, I
    grab a glass of water. If I'm working around the house, I always
    have at least one glass of water nearby. I just grab a sip or two
    every so often.
    
    This weekend, in fact, my boyfriend was teasing me because everywhere
    you walk in my appartment, you will find glasses of water that I've
    been working on.
    
    I'm lucky, too, in that my tap water is quite drinkable. For the
    last 4 years, however, I lived in Worcester...and Worcester city
    water is pretty yucky. So I bought bottles spring water. It's really
    not that expensive. We just kept a jug in the fridge all the time.
                                  
    Another trick - if you are eating out a lot...always drink water
    in the restaurants.
    
    So you see, it is possible to get in all your water, you just have
    to work a little harder at it.
    
    -Amy.
    

I've had the same problem on weekends with water.  I started weight 
watchers 3 weeks ago today and decided that dieting would have to be a part 
of my weekends as well as my weekdays, and water is a part of that diet. 

What I do is by one liter bottles of Polar seltzer (you can get them 
flavored with most fruit tastes) and take them with me wherever I go.  If 
I'm running errands, I'll drink some before I leave the car and then have 
more when I get back in.  Not only am I drinking the water, but I know when 
I've had my eight glasses.

My kids laugh at me cause I have a car full of empty bottles at times, but 
it is working.

Sandi

And the other side of the coin is realizing that your weight is up a little
because of the water issue, and not because you're eating the wrong food, or
too much food.

Don't let the reading the scale gives you ruin your feelings of success!
Even if a Monday reading is skewed a little, if you lose a pound of non-water
during the week, the next reading should be down a pound, and that's what
matters.

Do what you can, follow the other suggestions, which are all good, when you
can, but don't worry about it.  I don't think I drink as much water during
the weekend as I do during the week either, despite my best efforts, but I do
what I can, and I try not to let the scale run/ruin my life :-).

Jill

    Well, I was within six pounds of my goal, and I had a wedding to
    go to in Atlanta this weekend.  There was noone there that I knew
    except my boyfriend, so it was hard to merely enjoy the people there
    and not the food.  I didn't overdo the food too badly, but I may
    have overdone the alcohol!! Champagne!!   ...But then again, I did
    dance for nearly 5 hours!!  
    
    I'm going to post my weight in about two days, in order to give
    my body time to decide what it wants to do with all the food I had!!
    
    Dee
    

    The weekend is almost here, so raise your perrier and let's toast
    to a healthy weekend!  
    
    I am going to try to have a perfect WW weekend and play some
    racquetball tomorrow morning.  Dinner out in the evening, a small 
    challenge, but I like seafood so I seldom have a problem finding
    something on program.  Maybe go to the mall and try on clothes that
    would not have fit me last year. 
    
    I guess I am trying to give the weekend a new image.  I used to
    think of it as a time to relax and take it easy, you know, rest
    up from the hectic work week?  I think I'll try to view it as a 
    chance to do some extra excercise and make more exciting meals on 
    program.  In Massachusettes many of us have Monday off, maybe some
    bike riding.....
    
    How do you handle the weekend????
    
    Mary

    Okay folkes - A 3 day weekend is upon us, chins up, it is the first
    of many for the summer season.  I plan to spend my weekend doing
    my spring cleaning (drapes, blindes, vaccum the screens, raking, etc.) all
    this work and my 8.5 month old son crawling everyone should keep        
    me busy enough to keep me out of the fridge.  I have also promised      
    myself that every day out of the next 4 (I took Tuesday off as well     
    to make sure all these projects get done) I will take my son in
    his stroller for at least two laps around the part, I figure it
    is about 1/2 - 3/4 mile each lap (it's a big park).  Any other
    weekenders still here?  At 4:25 on Friday?  Ha Ha
    
    
   Hugs and Good luck to all!
    
   Kim   

Mary, one of my favorite things to do on a weekend is go to the
mall and much on popcorn and stop at Bressler's ice cream for
a cup of WW softserve.  Don't know if you have those in your
area, we do in Colorado Springs.

I, too, like to try a new recipie and will do so this weekend.

Have a GREAT one!

Liz

    Help!   What do you do about weekends?  I am on an 1100 calorie
    diet and have no problem during the week, but weekends are my 
    downfall. I just cannot seem to make myself stay on the diet over
    the weekend.  Any suggestions for propping ny sagging willpower?
    

How about planning your meals/snacks ahead of time and writing them down
so you have a plan to follow with no room to have to open the fridge and
think about what you want?  Can you cook ahead and freeze portions for
the times that are difficult?  Can you set aside some time on weekends for
visualizing yourself as slimmer, as making sensible food choices, as being
strong and resisting?  Can you attend a WW meeting on Saturday or Sunday?

    
    Is the problem eating out/at parents or friends, or just snacking?
    
    If the former is the case, do what I do, admit the inevitability that
    eating out will boost your calorific intake and allow for this by
    eating less during the week.
    
    If snacking is your problem, stock up with low cal snacks!
    
    Good luck
    
    ANdy

.0>    the weekend.  Any suggestions for propping ny sagging willpower?

	Occupy yourself!  Mind *and* body.

	Do not sit around the house, do not place yourself in situations
    where food is at-hand, do not allow yourself to dwell on the idea of
    eating.

	Get up, get out, do something that will keep your mind off food.

	And when it is time to eat, know that you've not only been able to
    control the urge, but you've gotten some exercise in the process.

-mike z

    BTW: I go for a run if I get hungry. If I'm still hungry when I've
    gotten back, showered, changed etc, at least I've used up 3/400
    calories!

    
    
    I know that it's very hard when you have tempting food around
    I am learning as Andy said to have healthy snacks around.
    At my weight program they said to put some diet Jello on
    your plain Yogurt if you don't like just plain. You can make
    a low-cal dip and use Veggies ...you will feel like your
    having a minnie party and being good to yourself at the same
    time :-)
    
    
      Weekends and nights are the hardest for me. I am learning.
    I do aerobics twice aweek and a class Tuesday .
    
      Good Luck you all and lets get healthy
    
        We are worth it...
    
          Ann