SonnyBunny's Announcements

Finally took my trip to Chicago the weekend before Thanksgiving, so much fun, but paid for it in pounds of course. Thankfully those couple of "fun pounds" came off quickly, but now I'm back to the stubborn pounds that like to hang on. I got really down a few weeks ago because my weight loss has been sooooo slow, but I'm back on the bandwagon again. Little by little, ounce by ounce, I'm losing. Slow and steady wins the race. We all got past Thanksgiving feasts, now we only have the big Christmas hurdle to conquer. Good luck everyone!

SonnyBunny — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:22:08 GMT

Finally took my trip to Chicago the weekend before Thanksgiving, so much fun, but paid for it in pounds of course. Thankfully those couple of "fun pounds" came off quickly, but now I'm back to the stubborn pounds that like to hang on.

I got really down a few weeks ago because my weight loss has been sooooo slow, but I'm back on the bandwagon again. Little by little, ounce by ounce, I'm losing. Slow and steady wins the race.

We all got past Thanksgiving feasts, now we only have the big Christmas hurdle to conquer. Good luck everyone!

Glory glory hallelujah! I'm back on track! I, by no means, want to promote another diet aid on the Slim-Fast boards, BUT... As I've said before, by following the SlimFast plan (or any other plan for that matter) it took me an entire week to lose 1 lousy pound, and that one pound could be undone in one night. So unfair! Ultimately, I knew it had to do with my age, my metabolism, and my menopausal hormones so I decided to add a "Quick" supplement made "especially for women." I don't do diet pills, I never have. I always considered them very unhealthy, and a way in which people try to take short cuts rather than using their own willpower. Well, Slimfast and my willpower combined with the supplements... (drum roll please.....) I lost 3 pounds this week!!!!!!! I've never lost 3 in one week even not cheating!!!! So this has really got me pumped now.... I'm on a roll..... on the fast track to skinny!!!!

SonnyBunny — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:53:55 GMT

Glory glory hallelujah! I'm back on track!

I, by no means, want to promote another diet aid on the Slim-Fast boards, BUT...

As I've said before, by following the SlimFast plan (or any other plan for that matter) it took me an entire week to lose 1 lousy pound, and that one pound could be undone in one night. So unfair! Ultimately, I knew it had to do with my age, my metabolism, and my menopausal hormones so I decided to add a "Quick" supplement made "especially for women." I don't do diet pills, I never have. I always considered them very unhealthy, and a way in which people try to take short cuts rather than using their own willpower.

Well, Slimfast and my willpower combined with the supplements... (drum roll please.....)

I lost 3 pounds this week!!!!!!! I've never lost 3 in one week even not cheating!!!! So this has really got me pumped now.... I'm on a roll..... on the fast track to skinny!!!!

I know I've been MIA for a while, but things have not been going well... personally and weight loss. I try to stick by my motto of "if you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all." Sooooo, I've not been saying much. I refuse to post on my page and be a whiner. That doesn't do anybody any good, and besides, I really can't stand people who whine and whine and do nothing to help themselves - I refuse to be one of those people. My goal has been to make even the tiniest of progress on my problems - personally and weight - so I could post even the smallest of accomplishments, but even that hasn't happened. I feel like I'm in a viscious circle, or a catch-22. It's tough to lose weight when I'm under so much stress and instability in my life, but it's also tough to gain stability in my personal life when my weight has me down and my self esteem low. It makes it even more difficult when I have a size 6 sister who says things like"no wonder you're not losing weight, Slimfasts are full of sugar!", and "don't eat so much fruit, they're full of sugar!", "you must be eating too much", "you must not be eating enough", "you don't exercise enough", "you exercise too much", "you're not getting your heart rate high enough", "it's counterproductive if you're heart rate gets too high for too long". Grrrrrrrrrr....... I made a "make-over" recipe a couple of weeks ago that was basically fat-free and fresh vegetables and only a couple of shrimp on top with a total calorie count of about 340. She said "I don't think that's on anybody's diet, you shouldn't mix your fats and carbs." So even when I tune her out and I do what I know is right - low cal, small portions, healthy selections - and follow it to a T, I can only lose about 1 pound a week. And that's giving it my all. It's just so difficult... and depressing... Sorry, sounds like I'm whining.... but what's a girl to do? Put on her big-girl panties and be strong! Here are a few phrases I need to remember: Life isn't fair, but it's still good. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. The best is yet to come. Anyone on Facebook? Look me up - Tracy Hutcherson - Augusta, Ga.

SonnyBunny — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:56:38 GMT

I know I've been MIA for a while, but things have not been going well... personally and weight loss. I try to stick by my motto of "if you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all." Sooooo, I've not been saying much. I refuse to post on my page and be a whiner. That doesn't do anybody any good, and besides, I really can't stand people who whine and whine and do nothing to help themselves - I refuse to be one of those people. My goal has been to make even the tiniest of progress on my problems - personally and weight - so I could post even the smallest of accomplishments, but even that hasn't happened.

I feel like I'm in a viscious circle, or a catch-22. It's tough to lose weight when I'm under so much stress and instability in my life, but it's also tough to gain stability in my personal life when my weight has me down and my self esteem low.

It makes it even more difficult when I have a size 6 sister who says things like"no wonder you're not losing weight, Slimfasts are full of sugar!", and "don't eat so much fruit, they're full of sugar!", "you must be eating too much", "you must not be eating enough", "you don't exercise enough", "you exercise too much", "you're not getting your heart rate high enough", "it's counterproductive if you're heart rate gets too high for too long". Grrrrrrrrrr.......

I made a "make-over" recipe a couple of weeks ago that was basically fat-free and fresh vegetables and only a couple of shrimp on top with a total calorie count of about 340. She said "I don't think that's on anybody's diet, you shouldn't mix your fats and carbs."

So even when I tune her out and I do what I know is right - low cal, small portions, healthy selections - and follow it to a T, I can only lose about 1 pound a week. And that's giving it my all. It's just so difficult... and depressing...

Sorry, sounds like I'm whining.... but what's a girl to do?

Put on her big-girl panties and be strong!

Here are a few phrases I need to remember:

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
The best is yet to come.

Anyone on Facebook? Look me up - Tracy Hutcherson - Augusta, Ga.

I want to thank my good buddy, Bonnie for her recent advice. I was shocked to see that after that horrible eating day I lost the one pound that I had gained when I ate so very little. I have to admit this isn't the first time something like this has happend. Like I'll diet all week long, lose nothing, and then have a hot fudge sundae and lose a pound the next day. I've often thought that "maybe I would've lost more if I hadn't given in to the ice cream" but according to her information that might be exactly what I needed to drop the pound. About a year ago I decided I would remain strong and diet, diet, diet. I didn't give in to the tiniest temptation, not one! I gained 20 pounds! People would tell me "oh you're eating more than you think" or "you're not eating enough" or "you're not eating the right things." So frustrating! But maybe this is my answer - MIX IT UP A LITTLE, KEEP MY BODY GUESSING. 1. Zig-Zag Calorie Intake Zig-zagging, or calorie cycling is the process of varying daily calorie intake, while maintaining the same weekly intake. Instead of consuming (for example) precisely 1800 calories each day - you can mix it up. Eat 1500 calories one day, and 2100 calories the next. This can be as simple as halving then doubling a portion size, or adding a post-workout shake into the plan. Just keep your body guessing. 2. Strength Training If you are not doing this as part of your program or lifestyle, then it's time to start. Working your muscles will help to strengthen bone tissue, increase lean mass, and ultimately boost metabolic rate. 3. Change Your Exercise Routine So you go walking a lot? Then try jogging, or swimming, or cycling -- anything that will change the way your body is working. If you are doing low intensity cardio work, then try some high intensity exercise (such as HIIT ). 4. Alter Macro-nutrient Intake Although it sounds complicated, once again, the idea is to change what you are eating. If (for example) you are eating a moderate diet that is higher in carbs - try eating less carbs and more protein. There is no need to get super-technical over the whole thing. If you have a carbohydrate snack every day at morning tea time - change it to a protein snack. Whatever you are doing consistently - try mixing it up a bit. 5. Change Meal Frequency If you are eating three square meals a day - start adding snacks in between (which may mean reducing the portion size of the main meals). Eating often is an old and common style of eating - once again, you are trying to boost your metabolic rate.

SonnyBunny — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:33:50 GMT

I want to thank my good buddy, Bonnie for her recent advice.

I was shocked to see that after that horrible eating day I lost the one pound that I had gained when I ate so very little. I have to admit this isn't the first time something like this has happend. Like I'll diet all week long, lose nothing, and then have a hot fudge sundae and lose a pound the next day. I've often thought that "maybe I would've lost more if I hadn't given in to the ice cream" but according to her information that might be exactly what I needed to drop the pound. About a year ago I decided I would remain strong and diet, diet, diet. I didn't give in to the tiniest temptation, not one! I gained 20 pounds! People would tell me "oh you're eating more than you think" or "you're not eating enough" or "you're not eating the right things." So frustrating! But maybe this is my answer - MIX IT UP A LITTLE, KEEP MY BODY GUESSING.

1. Zig-Zag Calorie Intake
Zig-zagging, or calorie cycling is the process of varying daily calorie intake, while maintaining the same weekly intake. Instead of consuming (for example) precisely 1800 calories each day - you can mix it up. Eat 1500 calories one day, and 2100 calories the next. This can be as simple as halving then doubling a portion size, or adding a post-workout shake into the plan. Just keep your body guessing.

2. Strength Training
If you are not doing this as part of your program or lifestyle, then it's time to start. Working your muscles will help to strengthen bone tissue, increase lean mass, and ultimately boost metabolic rate.

3. Change Your Exercise Routine
So you go walking a lot? Then try jogging, or swimming, or cycling -- anything that will change the way your body is working. If you are doing low intensity cardio work, then try some high intensity exercise (such as HIIT).

4. Alter Macro-nutrient Intake
Although it sounds complicated, once again, the idea is to change what you are eating. If (for example) you are eating a moderate diet that is higher in carbs - try eating less carbs and more protein. There is no need to get super-technical over the whole thing. If you have a carbohydrate snack every day at morning tea time - change it to a protein snack. Whatever you are doing consistently - try mixing it up a bit.

5. Change Meal Frequency
If you are eating three square meals a day - start adding snacks in between (which may mean reducing the portion size of the main meals). Eating often is an old and common style of eating - once again, you are trying to boost your metabolic rate.

The weekend was great and I stayed strong - even while my sister sat there eating a whole entire box of Cheez-Its, wearing her $#@ size 6 jeans. LoL I ate nothing but fresh fruit and veggies (no slimfasts) and had only one Mike's Light Hard Lemonade. Not toooooo bad, and feeling quite good about myself, I must say. :) We even went to a local orchard and picked apples, peaches, and blueberries when we normally would've been out eating and drinking. I had not lost anything for the last 3 weeks, that's why I wasn't going to let the weekend ruin me. Then..... I came home and had gained a pound!!!! WHY?!?!?! I swear the more I cut back the more weight I gain. That is exactly how I put on the last 20 pounds - by cutting back on calories and then gaining because of it - I am a freak of nature! So what did I do? I totally pigged out today. And that's not something I do, really I don't. I know it was so wrong, but seriously I haven't had a Quarter Pounder with cheese in well over a year. Then I had spaghetti for dinner tonight - with way too much bread with olive oil and parm for dipping. For breakfast I had a slice of apple pie. I never eat like that - NEVER - and now I'll probably gain 5 pounds over night. So I'm back on the bandwagon - back to Slimfasts and fresh fruits and veggies!

SonnyBunny — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 04:35:28 GMT

The weekend was great and I stayed strong - even while my sister sat there eating a whole entire box of Cheez-Its, wearing her $#@ size 6 jeans. LoL I ate nothing but fresh fruit and veggies (no slimfasts) and had only one Mike's Light Hard Lemonade. Not toooooo bad, and feeling quite good about myself, I must say. :) We even went to a local orchard and picked apples, peaches, and blueberries when we normally would've been out eating and drinking.

I had not lost anything for the last 3 weeks, that's why I wasn't going to let the weekend ruin me. Then..... I came home and had gained a pound!!!! WHY?!?!?! I swear the more I cut back the more weight I gain. That is exactly how I put on the last 20 pounds - by cutting back on calories and then gaining because of it - I am a freak of nature!

So what did I do? I totally pigged out today. And that's not something I do, really I don't. I know it was so wrong, but seriously I haven't had a Quarter Pounder with cheese in well over a year. Then I had spaghetti for dinner tonight - with way too much bread with olive oil and parm for dipping. For breakfast I had a slice of apple pie. I never eat like that - NEVER - and now I'll probably gain 5 pounds over night.

So I'm back on the bandwagon - back to Slimfasts and fresh fruits and veggies!

I'm heading to my sister's beach house on Lake Michigan this weekend. She'll either keep me on the straight and narrow OR totally send me over the edge. But for the time being we made a pact to eat right, eat light, and exercise, exercise, exercise! Weekends seem so much harder.... but I guess temptation can come any day of the week, right? So I have to treat them all the same. My temptation this week was sandwiches and potato chips. It was a very busy week and it was so easy to just throw some burgers on the grill one night and then use the leftover buns for hot ham & cheese sandwiches the next.. I tried to do well by having only 1 slimfast during the day so I could afford the one meal in the evening, but I know, I know, that's a terrible thing to do! (I believe it was choices like that that messed up my metabolism and got me where I am today) I didn't lose anything this week, but after those 2 terrible meals I'm relieved I didn't gain. I'm going to do better this week! Remember, Nothing tastes as good as thin feels! Tracy

SonnyBunny — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 03:52:22 GMT

I'm heading to my sister's beach house on Lake Michigan this weekend. She'll either keep me on the straight and narrow OR totally send me over the edge. But for the time being we made a pact to eat right, eat light, and exercise, exercise, exercise!

Weekends seem so much harder.... but I guess temptation can come any day of the week, right? So I have to treat them all the same. My temptation this week was sandwiches and potato chips. It was a very busy week and it was so easy to just throw some burgers on the grill one night and then use the leftover buns for hot ham & cheese sandwiches the next.. I tried to do well by having only 1 slimfast during the day so I could afford the one meal in the evening, but I know, I know, that's a terrible thing to do! (I believe it was choices like that that messed up my metabolism and got me where I am today) I didn't lose anything this week, but after those 2 terrible meals I'm relieved I didn't gain.

I'm going to do better this week!

Remember, Nothing tastes as good as thin feels!

Tracy

I ended up going to the movies with my husband and I did not.... I repeat, did NOT have popcorn...or any snack at all.... and I did fine. No shaking, tremors, or severe cravings. That was the first time in my ENTIRE life I sat through a movie and didn't munch on something. Wow! That alone feels like a huge accomplishment to me. Now I know I can do it! And guess what? As of this morning I had lost that extra half of pound, which brings me to 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I'm happy. :) Only 48 more weeks....... :(

SonnyBunny — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:45:19 GMT

I ended up going to the movies with my husband and I did not.... I repeat, did NOT have popcorn...or any snack at all.... and I did fine. No shaking, tremors, or severe cravings. That was the first time in my ENTIRE life I sat through a movie and didn't munch on something. Wow! That alone feels like a huge accomplishment to me. Now I know I can do it!

And guess what? As of this morning I had lost that extra half of pound, which brings me to 2 pounds in 2 weeks. I'm happy. :) Only 48 more weeks....... :(

Has anyone ever been to a student cross country race? My 13 year old son started running cross country last year, and I have not been to a race yet that didn't bring tears to my eyes. I went to one yesterday and like a light bulb I saw the analogy. I cry out of pure admiration of the ambition and fight those kids put into running. They go beyond limits that even they thought were impossible - you can tell when you see them sweat, beet red in the face, eyes glazed over, or sometimes crying, but always pushing harder and not giving up. Those are the ones that win. Excuse the illustration, but last week I watched a 14 year old boy puke while he was running and never stopped! I could learn so much from those young people and it does truly put a lump in my throat. Then, sometimes 15 minutes later, sometimes when I thought the race was long over, there are students crossing the finish line who are also red in the face, panting, sweating, and almost always crying - but dammit - they never stopped and they never gave up! I can learn even more from those runners. Maybe I won't cross the finish line as soon as the others - but I will not give up!

SonnyBunny — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:23:01 GMT

Has anyone ever been to a student cross country race? My 13 year old son started running cross country last year, and I have not been to a race yet that didn't bring tears to my eyes. I went to one yesterday and like a light bulb I saw the analogy. I cry out of pure admiration of the ambition and fight those kids put into running. They go beyond limits that even they thought were impossible - you can tell when you see them sweat, beet red in the face, eyes glazed over, or sometimes crying, but always pushing harder and not giving up. Those are the ones that win. Excuse the illustration, but last week I watched a 14 year old boy puke while he was running and never stopped! I could learn so much from those young people and it does truly put a lump in my throat. Then, sometimes 15 minutes later, sometimes when I thought the race was long over, there are students crossing the finish line who are also red in the face, panting, sweating, and almost always crying - but dammit - they never stopped and they never gave up! I can learn even more from those runners. Maybe I won't cross the finish line as soon as the others - but I will not give up!

I'm in week 2 and was hoping for at least 1 more pound gone. Didn't happen. :( BUT I did lose a half of a pound and it is STILL progress! A negative attitude will get me nowhere, so as far as I'm concerned, I LOST weight this week! I have noticed that I'm not "into food" quite as much after 2 weeks. I made pulled pork barbeque the other night (had only a small portion!) and it just didn't taste as good as it used to. It tasted greasy and fattening! Yuck! So that's a good sign in my progress. As for Labor day weekend, I'm not too worried about the food - it's the drink that will tempt me. I must stay strong, must stay strong.... Wishing a safe and healthy holiday weekend to all my buddies. Tracy

SonnyBunny — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:02:57 GMT

I'm in week 2 and was hoping for at least 1 more pound gone. Didn't happen. :( BUT I did lose a half of a pound and it is STILL progress! A negative attitude will get me nowhere, so as far as I'm concerned, I *LOST* weight this week!

I have noticed that I'm not "into food" quite as much after 2 weeks. I made pulled pork barbeque the other night (had only a small portion!) and it just didn't taste as good as it used to. It tasted greasy and fattening! Yuck! So that's a good sign in my progress. As for Labor day weekend, I'm not too worried about the food - it's the drink that will tempt me. I must stay strong, must stay strong....

Wishing a safe and healthy holiday weekend to all my buddies.

Tracy

My son had to do a timeline of his life for a school assignment which involved taping pictures of major events in his life to a posterboard. I hadn't seen many of those pictures in 5+ years. It was difficult, to say the least, to look thru all those old pictures. I saw pictures of myself from only 6 years ago and I looked great - but I know at the time I thought I was fat. If I'd known then what I know now, boy I would've appreciated my body so much more. I want to be that small again and love myself. I totally missed the events in the pictures, I was too busy comparing my body to "then vs. now." I took a real beating last night. I can't give up... Tracy

SonnyBunny — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:14:53 GMT

My son had to do a timeline of his life for a school assignment which involved taping pictures of major events in his life to a posterboard. I hadn't seen many of those pictures in 5+ years.

It was difficult, to say the least, to look thru all those old pictures. I saw pictures of myself from only 6 years ago and I looked great - but I know at the time I thought I was fat. If I'd known then what I know now, boy I would've appreciated my body so much more. I want to be that small again and love myself. I totally missed the events in the pictures, I was too busy comparing my body to "then vs. now." I took a real beating last night.

I can't give up...

Tracy

I just got an email from a dear friend inviting me to a movie and, in her words, "a bucket of popcorn." I love her and would love to see a movie with her, but when I'm around popcorn it's like a drug addict sitting next to crack. Cakes, cookies, pies....bury me in chocolate and I can refuse them all....but popcorn calls my name and won't let up. About 5 years ago when I was dieting I took my son to a movie and was motivated enough not to buy popcorn, but I literally, physically got the shakes I wanted it so bad! I don't want to go through that again, but I don't want to refuse her invitation either. Anyone have any low cal, crunchy, salty suggestions that maybe I could take with me? Oh, and BTW, if you're into desserts, here's a great low cal recipe: Pineapple Angel Food Cake 1 box (18.25 oz) Angel Food Cake Mix 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple 1 tsp vanilla Mix only those three ingredients and bake in a 13X9 at 350 for approx 35 mins until done. Cut into 12 servings, each serving is fat free and only 137 calories. Can't beat that!

SonnyBunny — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:25:21 GMT

I just got an email from a dear friend inviting me to a movie and, in her words, "a bucket of popcorn." I love her and would love to see a movie with her, but when I'm around popcorn it's like a drug addict sitting next to crack. Cakes, cookies, pies....bury me in chocolate and I can refuse them all....but popcorn calls my name and won't let up. About 5 years ago when I was dieting I took my son to a movie and was motivated enough not to buy popcorn, but I literally, physically got the shakes I wanted it so bad! I don't want to go through that again, but I don't want to refuse her invitation either.

Anyone have any low cal, crunchy, salty suggestions that maybe I could take with me?

Oh, and BTW, if you're into desserts, here's a great low cal recipe:

Pineapple Angel Food Cake

1 box (18.25 oz) Angel Food Cake Mix

1 8 oz can crushed pineapple

1 tsp vanilla

Mix only those three ingredients and bake in a 13X9 at 350 for approx 35 mins until done.

Cut into 12 servings, each serving is fat free and only 137 calories. Can't beat that!

Thanks for the "Chicago Advice" :) Unfortunately I ended up not going. (Ex's have a way of backing out of their visitation at the most inconvenient times) But on the flipside, I had my son for the weekend and I didn't have to worry about too much Chicago food and drink. :) Surprisingly, the 1 pound stayed off all weekend. YAY! I hope it's gone for good and the next pound bites the dust! :)

SonnyBunny — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:41:09 GMT

Thanks for the "Chicago Advice" :) Unfortunately I ended up not going. (Ex's have a way of backing out of their visitation at the most inconvenient times) But on the flipside, I had my son for the weekend and I didn't have to worry about too much Chicago food and drink. :)

Surprisingly, the 1 pound stayed off all weekend. YAY! I hope it's gone for good and the next pound bites the dust! :)

I did it! I finally dropped one pound in my first week! Yeah, I know, it's only one pound, and it very well could be a fluctuation of water weight, but HEY! It's motivating! I'll take whatever I can get! A friend of mine told me once to take a good look at 1 lb. of ground beef and imagine that THAT is fat from your own body. We lose 1 lb and can't see a difference in the mirror, but if you look at the ground beef, it kind of puts it in perspective - 1 lb down is more than we might think. Small steps, small victories... One down, only 49 more to go! :)

SonnyBunny — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:45:34 GMT

I did it! I finally dropped one pound in my first week! Yeah, I know, it's *only* one pound, and it very well could be a fluctuation of water weight, but HEY! It's motivating! I'll take whatever I can get!

A friend of mine told me once to take a good look at 1 lb. of ground beef and imagine that THAT is fat from your own body. We lose 1 lb and can't see a difference in the mirror, but if you look at the ground beef, it kind of puts it in perspective - 1 lb down is more than we might think.

Small steps, small victories...

One down, only 49 more to go! :)

Hubby and I are going to Chicago this weekend for our biannual "eat & drink fest". These have not been my downfalls in the past, but at this point in time it surely won't help. Do I not eat? Do I not drink? "Everything in moderation" as they say, but geez... it won't be easy....

SonnyBunny — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:57:18 GMT

Hubby and I are going to Chicago this weekend for our biannual "eat & drink fest". These have not been my downfalls in the past, but at this point in time it surely won't help. Do I not eat? Do I not drink? "Everything in moderation" as they say, but geez... it won't be easy....