Healthy Weight Loss

*Anya* · 10-19-2011, 04:49 PM

Tastes just like pumpkin pie!

3 egg whites, 2/3 cup of sugar ( I add everything but egg whites and use Splenda to taste first), 1 teasp. Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground Ginger, 1/4 teasp. Nutmeg, dash ground cloves (tip- if I am in a hurry, I use pumpkin pie spice instead- tastes the same & faster)!

1 can of 15 oz. Solid pack pumpkin ( not the pumpkin pie mix!)
1 teasp. Vanilla extract, one 12-oz. Can fat-free evaporated milk
In large bowl, mix all together.

Pour into ungreased custard cups and put cups into a 13x9 inch baking pan.
Carefully pour in about 1& 1/2 inches of water- don't splash into the custard!

Bake @ 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes (depends on your oven) OR until a knife or toothpick inserted in center of custard comes out clean.

Serve warm or cold. Can easily double recipe. One custard cup equals 125 calories, trace of fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 26 grams of carbs, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams of protein. Diabetic exchange: 1-1/2 starch.

*Anya* · 10-20-2011, 08:36 AM

**To clarify, I do not use the sugar the recipe calls for due to my Uh... sugar addiction. Before I put the egg whites in, I sprinkle Splenda into the mixture until sweet enough for me and then mix in the egg whites. It bakes, tastes fine without sugar**

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Anya*

Tastes just like pumpkin pie!

3 egg whites, 2/3 cup of sugar ( I add everything but egg whites and use Splenda instead of the sugar), 1 teasp. Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground Ginger, 1/4 teasp. Nutmeg, dash ground cloves (tip- if I am in a hurry, I use pumpkin pie spice instead- tastes the same & faster)!

1 can of 15 oz. Solid pack pumpkin ( not the pumpkin pie mix!)
1 teasp. Vanilla extract, one 12-oz. Can fat-free evaporated milk
In large bowl, mix all together.

Pour into ungreased custard cups and put cups into a 13x9 inch baking pan.
Carefully pour in about 1& 1/2 inches of water- don't splash into the custard!

Bake @ 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes (depends on your oven) OR until a knife or toothpick inserted in center of custard comes out clean.

Serve warm or cold. Can easily double recipe. One custard cup equals 125 calories, trace of fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 26 grams of carbs, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams of protein. Diabetic exchange: 1-1/2 starch.

PinkieLee · 10-20-2011, 08:48 AM

Y'all rock! THANKS for the info about the califlower. I don't want to freak the parental units out too much with too much change, so I'll probably just make them a small side dish version of potatoes. I am going to be make most of my side dishes as fresh veggies... instead of the heavy casserole type dishes. Green bean casserole is a given though... but can switch to the fat free or healthy choice cream of mushroom and the green beans can be the kind with no salt added. Hey, every little modification helps. I still haven't decided between ham or turkey yet.

I am going to try out the califlower puree on me and D one night... and see if she snubs her nose at it. I'm thinking with enough seasoning (& a sprinkle of cheese), she'll try anything

Anya, thank you so much for the custard receipe! It look soooo good and I can't wait to try it out!

Well, I bit the bullet and got on the scale this morning. Yep, a 5 pound gain. I refuse to beat myself up about it... because pms is knocking at the door, so I know most of it is hormone/water related! Anyway, my focus is strong again and I'm hitting this head on! Watch out y'all

Cowboi · 10-20-2011, 04:43 PM

I weighed this morning and have lost 2 lbs!!! Amazing!!(after all that beer I drank in LR) Guess my metabolism is kickin!!
Went back to the gym today, had a great workout. My arms are like sgetti.

sylvie · 10-20-2011, 08:19 PM

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

Thinker · 10-20-2011, 09:22 PM

WAY TO GO, SYLVIE!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

sylvie · 10-20-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thinker

WAY TO GO, SYLVIE!!!!!!!!!!!

thank you thank you so much Thinker!!

Kelt · 10-20-2011, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

This is outstanding Sylvie! Now you have momentum on your side, there's no stopping you.

Rockinonahigh · 10-20-2011, 11:18 PM

Besides winning my pool game tonight(8ball) I managed to only eat one little bitty two bite individual peice milkey way candy from the bar...I picked up 4 but put 3 back.I told ya I was good.

Zimmeh · 10-21-2011, 07:13 AM

Congratulations Sylvie!!!!

Have a great day,

Zimmeh

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

Zimmeh · 10-21-2011, 07:14 AM

I am still having cold cereal and coffee for breakfast with a sandwich for lunch and a healthy dinner. The food that was being served at the Reunion, was heavy in carbs and sugars, but damn it, those desserts rocked...

I am so excited for Sylvie and everyone who is loosing weight!!!

Have a great day,

Zimmeh

PinkieLee · 10-21-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

WOOHOOO Sylvie... YOU GO GIRL!

58 pounds.... OMG, we are all so freakin' proud of you! And I am so happy to see YOU so proud of yourself! It takes a lot of hard work & dedication to keep going on this journey, and we applaud you!

I like your idea of only looking at 10 pound increments. It's totally overwhelming to say, "well, I need to lose 100 pounds". It's easier to self sabatoge yourself and give up!

Honey, you keep up the great work!

Diavolo · 10-21-2011, 07:29 AM

What a great supportive thread! I see so many folks in our community who are straight up unhealthy. It makes me sad. It's refreshing to see a thread of folks wanting to feel better and improve their quality of life.

Personally, I really need to drop 50lbs before I do the AIDS/Lifecycle again. I am strong enough to haul all of this down there, it would just be a lot easier if I didn't have to.

I get up every morning now and tell myself "I weigh 165 pounds. I am strong and healthy." One day I will be all three.

Instead of focusing on what you have to lose, consider focusing on what your life would be if you achieved your goal. Visualize what would be different and better. Maybe you have more breath. Maybe your knees don't hurt, maybe you're off insulin, whatever it is, and add that to your morning routine.

Best to all in their endeavors!

sylvie · 10-21-2011, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

WOOHOOO Sylvie... YOU GO GIRL!

58 pounds.... OMG, we are all so freakin' proud of you! And I am so happy to see YOU so proud of yourself! It takes a lot of hard work & dedication to keep going on this journey, and we applaud you!

I like your idea of only looking at 10 pound increments. It's totally overwhelming to say, "well, I need to lose 100 pounds". It's easier to self sabatoge yourself and give up!

Honey, you keep up the great work!

Tonya, ♥ thank you!!! it really is something i am so proud of, because of course i struggle with working on the addiction/eating disorder side of this ALONG with wanting to be healthy & succeed at this and it's been so much work and dealing with some hard things to get where i am now.. but i swear each day i feel stronger & stronger and the changes i feel & see in myself blow me away.. Because while i'm doing this, my self esteem is growing, my confidence is growing and each day i feel more and more like a brand new me!

10 lb increments definitely works best for me - like i said i get way overwhelmed looking at the big picture, i panic and set myself up for failure because it feels too hard to achieve.. So it's working on it day to day and it's working on the small goals - definitely no self sabotaging this way!

But i 'can' look at the big picture in terms of weight lost, and saying 58 lbs feels fantastic, yaaaay.. i have had weight struggles most of my life because of the binging & purging - and being an emotional eater, feels like i have to grab SO much control on many aspects of my life to get this one under control too .. But i have so many tools and support in place, so i always have something to rely on and keep me going, especially if i fall.. And believe me, i've fallen many times during this..

This thread has been an amazing place for me to turn to, i'm so thankful for all the sharing and support here from you all, i have learned and continue to learn so much from ya's each day, even when i'm not posting, i do come in and read when able.. and i'm continually proud of the advice, encouragement and successes we all celebrate together ...

yaaaaaaaaaaaaay US all! ♥

foxyshaman · 10-21-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

Sylvie!! What an inspiration!! Your life has changed so much in the time I have been reading your posts. It has made my heart smile. You have been a wonderful voice for me to read and draw encouragement from.

Bravo Beauty!!!

sylvie · 10-21-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foxyshaman

Sylvie!! What an inspiration!! Your life has changed so much in the time I have been reading your posts. It has made my heart smile. You have been a wonderful voice for me to read and draw encouragement from.

Bravo Beauty!!!

wow thank you foxy, this made me smile big, actually everyone's messages made me smile big.. my life really has changed so much, and in so many ways.. i'm so glad that any of my experience can lend encouragement to anyone at all, i just feel blessed that i'm walking this journey and sharing it with fabulous people like all of you.. thank you for your sweet words!

and thank you EVERYone♥ i'm still tickled pink about 58 lbs, and am so motivated to keep going at this, it's amazing how much stronger i get each day and how much more energy i have..

tonight, i made a list of the changes in me, since starting this, just as something i can look back on and add to and feel proud of myself when i read it.. SO many wonderful and positive changes, i'm BEAMING!

tee hee!

Stacy · 10-21-2011, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylvie

i am so SO happy..
had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at 58 lbs lost total!
that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

- my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it...
- so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff..
- my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey..

i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh!

and the energy level, goodness !!!
still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy!

You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions..
i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥

So, so, so awesome! Congratulations!

Stacy · 10-21-2011, 09:45 AM

We went to Texas for vacation about a month ago and I've been having a hard time getting back on track with my Weight Watchers, exercise, and weight loss since we've been back home. Today I'm committed to get back on track like I was before Texas.

I'm focusing on just today. Today I commit to stay within my points, make good choices, and get at least an hour walk in today.

We are going back to Texas in January and I have set a weight loss goal for that trip. Then we are FOR SURE going to Little Rock next fall and I have set a weight loss goal for that. Those are my two big goals, and I have set some smaller goals as well. For me, having goals helps tremendously, as well as being accountable. This thread I think will help with that part of it.

10-19-2011, 04:49 PM	#1
Anya Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Lesbian non-stone femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, her Relationship Status: Committed to being good to myself Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: West Coast Posts: 8,258 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 39,306 Thanked 40,445 Times in 7,285 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	Pumpkin custard Tastes just like pumpkin pie! 3 egg whites, 2/3 cup of sugar ( I add everything but egg whites and use Splenda to taste first), 1 teasp. Ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground Ginger, 1/4 teasp. Nutmeg, dash ground cloves (tip- if I am in a hurry, I use pumpkin pie spice instead- tastes the same & faster)! 1 can of 15 oz. Solid pack pumpkin ( not the pumpkin pie mix!) 1 teasp. Vanilla extract, one 12-oz. Can fat-free evaporated milk In large bowl, mix all together. Pour into ungreased custard cups and put cups into a 13x9 inch baking pan. Carefully pour in about 1& 1/2 inches of water- don't splash into the custard! Bake @ 325 degrees for 35-45 minutes (depends on your oven) OR until a knife or toothpick inserted in center of custard comes out clean. Serve warm or cold. Can easily double recipe. One custard cup equals 125 calories, trace of fat, 2 mg cholesterol, 26 grams of carbs, 2 grams fiber, 5 grams of protein. Diabetic exchange: 1-1/2 starch. __________________ ~Anya~ Democracy Dies in Darkness ~Washington Post "...I'm deeply concerned by recently adopted policies which punish children for their parents’ actions ... The thought that any State would seek to deter parents by inflicting such abuse on children is unconscionable." UN Human Rights commissioner

10-20-2011, 04:43 PM	#4
Cowboi Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Relationship Status: Holding My Red Circle Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,811 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,051 Thanked 3,962 Times in 1,230 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	I weighed this morning and have lost 2 lbs!!! Amazing!!(after all that beer I drank in LR) Guess my metabolism is kickin!! Went back to the gym today, had a great workout. My arms are like sgetti. __________________ Let There Be Cowgirls

10-20-2011, 08:19 PM	#5
sylvie Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Mr Mtn's babygirl Preferred Pronoun?: girly, she Relationship Status: fiercely protected ♥ Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Moving home in OR with Him VERY soooon !! Posts: 2,548 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,834 Thanked 7,501 Times in 1,850 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	i am so SO happy.. had my weigh in yesterday, and am now at *58 lbs lost total!* that's 2 friggin' lbs shy of 60, goodness!!! yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! - my confidence is out of this world, i LOVE it... - so many changes in me, especially within, let alone the obvious stuff.. - my growing strength though, is the best part of this journey.. i am so incredibly happy, and feel tremendous about doing this the healthy way with you all, it's a slow process, but knowing i am doing this and KEEPING it off, feels fabulous, eh! and the energy level, goodness !!! still have more to go, i'm not setting any weight goals, i get overwhelmed with weight goals.. i just set them in 10 lb increments... and will keep losing until i feel good about myself, that's my real goal in this, to feel my healthiest, happiest and look in a mirror and love the beautiful girl looking back at me and know i'm worthy! You are all doing wonderfully, and loving all the tips & discussions.. i learn so so much through You all, and keep motivated through you all as well.. Cheers to all of us for doing this the right way, it may be slow going, but it's sooo worth it !♥ __________________ my Mantra: i am letting go of angers, continuing to find forgiveness, welcoming inner peace & deserving of it all. my facebook weight loss page: http://www.facebook.com/asyllyjourney

10-21-2011, 07:14 AM	#11
Zimmeh Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: Me Relationship Status: I am a human and not a possession Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Southern Volusia County, FL Posts: 6,746 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 23,549 Thanked 13,441 Times in 4,317 Posts Rep Power: 21474859	I am still having cold cereal and coffee for breakfast with a sandwich for lunch and a healthy dinner. The food that was being served at the Reunion, was heavy in carbs and sugars, but damn it, those desserts rocked... I am so excited for Sylvie and everyone who is loosing weight!!! Have a great day, Zimmeh __________________ "A loving heart is the truest wisdom" -Chinua Achebe

10-21-2011, 09:45 AM	#18
Stacy Member How Do You Identify?: Queer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 475 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 396 Thanked 920 Times in 225 Posts Rep Power: 8450335	We went to Texas for vacation about a month ago and I've been having a hard time getting back on track with my Weight Watchers, exercise, and weight loss since we've been back home. Today I'm committed to get back on track like I was before Texas. I'm focusing on just today. Today I commit to stay within my points, make good choices, and get at least an hour walk in today. We are going back to Texas in January and I have set a weight loss goal for that trip. Then we are FOR SURE going to Little Rock next fall and I have set a weight loss goal for that. Those are my two big goals, and I have set some smaller goals as well. For me, having goals helps tremendously, as well as being accountable. This thread I think will help with that part of it. __________________ "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~Dr. Suess http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/q...star_green.gif

10-20-2011, 08:48 AM	#3
PinkieLee Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Relationship Status: I need ya boo, gotta see ya boo Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Big Money Texas Posts: 4,708 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 24,309 Thanked 13,075 Times in 3,049 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Y'all rock! THANKS for the info about the califlower. I don't want to freak the parental units out too much with too much change, so I'll probably just make them a small side dish version of potatoes. I am going to be make most of my side dishes as fresh veggies... instead of the heavy casserole type dishes. Green bean casserole is a given though... but can switch to the fat free or healthy choice cream of mushroom and the green beans can be the kind with no salt added. Hey, every little modification helps. I still haven't decided between ham or turkey yet. I am going to try out the califlower puree on me and D one night... and see if she snubs her nose at it. I'm thinking with enough seasoning (& a sprinkle of cheese), she'll try anything Anya, thank you so much for the custard receipe! It look soooo good and I can't wait to try it out! Well, I bit the bullet and got on the scale this morning. Yep, a 5 pound gain. I refuse to beat myself up about it... because pms is knocking at the door, so I know most of it is hormone/water related! Anyway, my focus is strong again and I'm hitting this head on! Watch out y'all

10-20-2011, 11:18 PM	#9
Rockinonahigh Senior Member How Do You Identify?: stone butch Preferred Pronoun?: makes no diffrence,I know who I am. Relationship Status: single,maybe looking if the right person comes along. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: shreveport,Louisiana Posts: 4,907 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,682 Thanked 14,933 Times in 3,938 Posts Rep Power: 21474856	Besides winning my pool game tonight(8ball) I managed to only eat one little bitty two bite individual peice milkey way candy from the bar...I picked up 4 but put 3 back.I told ya I was good.

10-21-2011, 07:29 AM	#13
Diavolo Member How Do You Identify?: Butch Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Wine Cellar Posts: 163 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 130 Thanked 433 Times in 117 Posts Rep Power: 3304129	What a great supportive thread! I see so many folks in our community who are straight up unhealthy. It makes me sad. It's refreshing to see a thread of folks wanting to feel better and improve their quality of life. Personally, I really need to drop 50lbs before I do the AIDS/Lifecycle again. I am strong enough to haul all of this down there, it would just be a lot easier if I didn't have to. I get up every morning now and tell myself "I weigh 165 pounds. I am strong and healthy." One day I will be all three. Instead of focusing on what you have to lose, consider focusing on what your life would be if you achieved your goal. Visualize what would be different and better. Maybe you have more breath. Maybe your knees don't hurt, maybe you're off insulin, whatever it is, and add that to your morning routine. Best to all in their endeavors!