Even though I have only been On Program 26 weeks, as of today, April 7, 2003.  I do get asked a lot of questions about motivation, staying On Program, vacations, etc. So I thought this page was long over do:)

Now please remember that I am answering these questions personally. I am only answering for myself. Other people do things differently and have views that differ from mine. This page was not put here to judge any one in any way. Ok, now that the "disclaimer" is out there, let's get to some questions! LOL :)

Simply click on a question below to read the answer:

I tend to use a lot of visual things to motivate me. I find it's what works best for me! Some of these are:

1.) Going to http://www.myvirtualmodel.com  There you can print off a model of what you will look like at your Goal Weight. I have mine hanging on the front of the refrigerator! You can also take your model clothes shopping at different store sites listed there as well. It's a great pick-me-upper when you are having a bad day!:)

2.) I also picked up a scrap book and made my own personal Weight Loss Journal. I put some before and during pictures in it. I also record all of my weigh in's in it and my non scale victories as well. When a bad day hits, I cuddle up on the couch and flip through it. It really helps a lot:) I am always updating it lately, it seems!:)

3.) Then there's my Charm Bracelet - which is my very favorite form of visual motivation!! Each charm has it's own special meaning to me and each one represents a goal made or a special event. I wear it all the time. It's jingle serves as a constant reminder to me of what I have achieved so far!:)

4.) I also printed off "No Excuses" and have it hanging above my full length bedroom mirror. I read it every day before I walk out of the bedroom:) My "No More Excuses" Charm also helps me to remember this through out the day!:)

5.) And I visit the Newbies Posting Board at the Weight Watcher's Site a LOT!:) The great people there give me so much support, advise and encouragement! They have helped me get as far as I have!:)

Ok, this might surprise you, because it sure has me!!, but NO, I don't cheat and I never have cheated on my program:))) I don't believe in taking days off. I don't believe in letting any special Holiday, vacation or event come before ME. After all, I am losing this weight for ME :) So, why in the world would I cheat on myself ? Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it ??

I know ahead of time what is coming up so I always make sure to bank extra points the week before it. I bank extra food points and I earn and bank extra activity points as well. :)

If we are going out to eat, it's always at a restaurant that has point friendly selections for me to have and I always know exactly what I am having from there before we even arrive at the front door of the place!

If my points are used up for the day and someone suggests getting together that night for snacks, I don't do it. Our friends know that I only accept invitations ahead of time, when I have time to bank for them or when I can figure them in to my daily points range. I have come to the realization that we get together with family and friends way too much around food. Why is the meal the center of attention or the main attraction of the night? I'd rather talk, laugh, visit, and play board games or watch a good movie with friends, rather than eat all the time. :)

And, contrary to what some people may think, I don't feel deprived doing my program this way. I feel in control :) For the first time in my life, I feel in full control over what I eat, when and with who :)

I plan ahead of time :) In November of 2002, my wonderful hubby took me on a 5 Day Cruise to Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel, Mexico for our Anniversary!:) Now mind you, this was only the second month that I was on program! So, yes, I was nervous and understandably so! But this was where I first learned to take control and take responsibility for my eating habits too :)

First, I printed off blank journal sheets to take along with me. Then, I bought two points books off an online auction site and packed them in my bag as well. I also looked up what the points would be for certain activities that you could do on shore tours; such as walking, snorkeling, swimming, etc. Then I packed up a small bag with point friendly foods like fat free saltine crackers, Laughing Cow Cheese wedges, protein bars, Ms Meringue cookies, etc. We also had a fruit basket in our cabin, so that helped out as well:) In fact, my hubby and I both laughed upon finding some Laughing Cow cheese products in that basket!! It was like a little "stay on track" sign to me:)

Once out to sea, we found where the on board gym was:) Then we centered all of our fun around the on board activities and around each other. Food was not the main focus of the cruise, but we were:)

And the results? We returned home on a Friday afternoon and my next weigh in was on that following Monday. I am proud to report that I had a 1 pound loss at that weigh in!:)

This month we also drove to San Antonio and stayed there for a week. So, packing an entire small suitcase with point friendly foods and snacks was not a problem for me. In fact my hubby had it all packed up for me! I love his support!!:))) This time I also took along pre measured bowls of Lucky Charms cereal and skim milk in a cooler. That kept me away from the donut and danish breakfast the hotel was serving! :) It takes some dedication and work, I will admit that but after a while it just starts to come naturally!:)