sparkly jewelry. LOL How true that is Robin. I think we each have our own little "perk me up" thing. One of mine is looking at mandalas and the other is going outside into nature. I can always find something that grounds me instantly. Don't ask me why,I haven't a clue other than it brings me to the present moment. I don't do exercise videos Florey. I've tried but it's too regimented for me. I like yoga because I can do anything I want,I do the treadmill with rock or whatever blaring in my ears..need that beat,and I really need to do some weight bearing in the winter but I don't. Foodwise..well I've tried most of the diets and everything works temporarily. Low carbs really knocks the weight off fast but i can't sustain it to any great degree. The thing that works best is eating whatever I want in smaller amounts,mostly whole foods,and a disgusting splurge a couple times a week.Disgusting doesn't mean a couple of cookies,it means the entire bag,or maybe 1/2 pound of fudge,or half of a pecan pie..GROSS. But...twice isn't going to affect my weight and it really gives me my sunny disposition.( Winking here) Robin...here is one of thousands of mandalas. This is what many Hindus and Buddhists focus on when they want to meditate.I just happen to think they're beautiful. Hey..they'd make great jewelry wouldn't they?

Hi, I hope you can help and that you can allay my fears that weird things are going on. I am a major fan of the Atkins diet and managed to shed 28lbs, 2 years ago, on it and have kept it off. I am now 159lbs and went on the Atkins again about 8-10 weeks ago as I was starting to feel suffocated by my extra weight. slowly, I managed to lose 6.25lbs, but more importantly 10 inches. I had a bit of a bad spell when my Boyfriend had his Birthday, but I got straight back to it and have been feeling slimmer than ever. However, I weighed myself this morning and I have put on 3.25 of the 6.25lbs I lost (not all in one go, the last time I weighed I had put some on), but I have lost another 1.5 inches, making my total inch loss 11.5. How can I be losing inches, but not weight and actually putting it on? I am desperate to be around 140lbs as I am only 5'2". If any of you have any help, advice or reassurance, please may I have it? Thanks

Hi Everyone! I am more than happy to join in with ya's. I've been in a slump that has been going on for months now. I have always tried to exercise at least a couple of times a week, but I just haven't been able to get motivated on my own here lately. Reading all of your posts, I feel like I can tackle the world. As I am so proud of myself for kicking the smoking habit (addiction) that I had for many years, I now find myself about 15 pounds overweight. Soooo, here I go! My favorite exercise is walking. I live in a very small town. One lap around all the streets is approximately one and a half miles. I am gonna try my best to do 3 laps every other day. So I'd appreciate everyone sending me lots of walking vibes! I always look forward to reading these posts. Pam in Indiana

Thanks much for the welcome :) I have ordered the WATP videos on half.com and can't wait for them to arrive. But since I posted, I decided to start anyway with the treadmill in our basement. I have done a mile of brisk walking every day since then. EXCEPT *sigh* the weekend. DH took me to this most awesome restaurant in NYC and I stuffed myself to the gills the food was sooo good. But today is Monday...I am gonna get back on track or rather on treadmill :) Speaking of the treadmill, I tend to slow down (in other words, "give up") once the counter says 1 mile. Do you think throwing a towel over the counters (speed, distance etc.) would work?? Superbee