I know you won't agree but should I quit Spark, shame on me.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Weight Watchers is starting here at work next Wednesday. So, I will be doing Spark and Weight Watchers at the same time. I'm wondering in my mind, should I quit Spark or keep on doing both of them. I only lost a few pounds last year when I did both so I wonder also if two is too much. Have you had any experience with doing more than one of the programs or another program along with Spark and how did it work for you? Suggestion, Ideas, thoughts, appreciated. I have a week to make my decision so I'm in no hurry. Thanks fellow Sparkers.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CTUPTON 3/12/2012 4:04PM

Sparking whenever you need it just might help you show a weight loss for your WW weigh in! Wishing you the best of luck! Chris Report Inappropriate Comment

GIZZY62 3/8/2012 8:55PM

Good for you for taking responsibility of your health, I think both weight watchers and spark people are great. You may find that tracking your food intake on both a little overwhelming but you always have spark people to remind you of where you are getting your calories from. If you find it a little daunting keeping track of your nutrition on this site, use it for the encouragement and make sure to KEEP ACTIVE and keep track of your fitness minutes if nothing else. Don't only count on digesting less calories; concentrate on burning them and turning your body into a fat burning machine!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

1AVERY 3/8/2012 6:57PM

Stay with both like everyone else has said. Use the WW for tracking and spark for friendly support. The having to go to get weighed every week is motivation in it's self. Even if you just come on spark once in awhile to say HI and let people know how you are doing. Teri Report Inappropriate Comment

SAM60SUMTHINK 3/8/2012 12:23PM

SP is a tool to help you. You have made a commitment to WW...and that commitment does involve money-if-no-loss. So. My thought is that you use whatever on SP fortifies your journey best. If you find using SP with WW too frustrating or if it feels like a hindrance, take a SparkBreak or just log in when you need a little extra support or use of tools. It is not an obligation; it is a tool to help you. (I'll repeat that periodically, with different wording because it is an important fact to remember.) SP is loaded with tools -for us to use or NOT use. So if doing both WW and SP feels like too much, then take a firm look at what WILL create a cohesive plan for you. The financial aspect of commitment means that the WW plan must for duration of the program be your priority if you are to take full advantage of it. KEEP IT SIMPLE in terms of what you do here. Decide which tools help, which ones distract or actually waste time. Analyze your needs and preferences. Do nothing just because someone says you 'should'. Do what you know suits YOU. YOUR needs. The way YOU feel comfortable. That is how you will achieve not just temporary weight-loss, but also a lifestyle - a way to LIVE - that will be healthy, will 'naturally' KEEP you at the weight that you want when (not if!) you attain it. NOTE ON TRACKING FOOD: Chances are you'll find the food tracking frustrating if you track both here and with the point system of WW, so why not only track using those cute little books you can get at your WW meeting? Skip tracking here...at least for a while. Unless you feel the time is worth it. Having done both myself while doing WW I found it too frustrating. And who needs frustration?! (the key phrase to my long comment is really summed up by: "KEEP IT SIMPLE"!!) Does blogging HELP you or do you do it for SP points? If it is helping you, do it. If not? Just post when you need friends' input. ARTICLES: Reading the articles is supportive, but feeling you 'have' to do it for those points is NOT helpful when you're doing both SP and WW. Ok, it's not helpful to just skim-read if the purpose is just to amass points anyway. You don't HAVE to read the articles, but they are here and easy to access by a SP search when you need to fortify some aspect on your journey. Or focus solely on WW if that works best. Look at how you use your time on SP. Let it strenthen when you do on WW but not interfere with it. DO WHAT WORKS FOR .... Y O U !! Comment edited on: 3/8/2012 12:28:12 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

LILSUNFLOWER 3/8/2012 11:37AM

Sorry I got your name incorrect :-) Report Inappropriate Comment

LILSUNFLOWER 3/8/2012 11:35AM

Hi Sassy girl, One of my Spark Friends responded and I saw the title of your Blog. Thought I'd weigh-in. I've "officially" been on spark for a number of years now. Joined up and did nothing. Found it again and over a two year period made some very close virtual friends, some of whom became personal friends. I needed spark. I tracked, weighed, measured. ETC. Lost some weight, but nothing impressive. Lots of "crap" happened in my life over the winter of 2010 and I pretty well abandoned Spark and regained a lot of weight. This past spring my son hooked me up with Paleo (very different, I am not recommending it to anyone. It works for me). ANYWAY, I lost over 30 pounds and I've kept it off. I returned to Spark, not to track food or such, but for the community. Belonging does not mean you "must" do anything. It's just a place to vent, connect, read great articles on nutrition. You'll get out of it what you put in. You could cut back and belong to only one team (WW seems obvious). I find weighing myself is very important and I do that now weekly on my wii. No matter what you decide, best of luck to you. Like anything else, you've got to manage your time. We all have busy lives. Should you decide to stop Spark for a while, don't worry we'll be hear for you to come back to should you decide you miss us. Have a great day. Lil Report Inappropriate Comment

SASSYGIRL0801 3/8/2012 11:26AM

Hello. I think you should do what's best for you. Try just the Weight Watchers for a week, see how you do, and if you need the support of your Spark people friends, then come back on an join in on the blogs, support groups, etc. You don't have to use the whole site in order to be on here! Do what is best for you and take what you need from both programs and you will be successful! Good Luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

KSANDIEGO 3/8/2012 11:17AM

I would do whatever works for you personally! If you see yourself spending time here on spark when in reality you feel you "should" be exericising instead of blogging - then take time off of spark and go work out. If you feel the face-to-face interaction of WW helps you feel more accountable - then do that. YOU have to make the decision to get the most out of whatever program works the best for you. Sometimes people rely on Spark or WW too much and think by being a "member" that is somehow going to magically help them lose body fat - its not. Only YOU can do that - so whatever program(s) work to help motivate you the most is what you should do - and don't worry about anything else. And the LAST thing you should think about is whether or not your spark friends would "miss" you - remember this is all about YOU! Good luck Report Inappropriate Comment

SHIRDEE1 3/8/2012 11:10AM

I also say stay with both. Maybe you can share what you learn in weight watches with us here at Spark. Spark people are so helpful I would stay here just for that There is also a weight watchers spark team I think. Maybe you could join that also. Good luck with your journey. Report Inappropriate Comment

DAP1313 3/8/2012 11:00AM

I don't think you should quit Spark People. Weight Watchers can be used in conjunction. I find Spark People to be easier to use for on online source, and you can use the Weight Watchers for fact to face contact. I vote to give using both a try, and then see how it goes. Report Inappropriate Comment

QUEEN_REINA 3/8/2012 10:49AM

Besides, your spark friends would miss you, and are counting on your support! Report Inappropriate Comment

QUEEN_REINA 3/8/2012 10:48AM

I would never quit spark, because there is so much support here plus the goodie points are fun and motivational, and you learn a lot as you go. WW and spark are compatible. If you didn't lose much last time, you might track your food more carefully this time, and exercise more. Sparking isn't fattening, so I doubt that's why you didn't lose much...=) Report Inappropriate Comment

SAL2525 3/8/2012 10:43AM

You know funny you should ask but I did try to do both but it was ON LINE WW. I was so used to the Spark site and found the WW site so cumbersome I quit the WW one. I think the face to face motivation of WW would be great especially cause it is at where you work so easy access. BUT I would definitely keep on Sparking. There are quite a few WW teams right in the Spark Community. I would NOT recommend trying to both record food on Spark and on WW on line site. Just too time consuming. Good Luck and I hope you keep on sparking! SAL Report Inappropriate Comment

RAINBOWFALLS 3/8/2012 10:11AM

I would never quit Spark because you can use that for good articles and more motivation. Maybe just focus the "food" part on WW. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 3/8/2012 10:09AM

Never tried doing both so I can't say if it is a wise idea or not. Report Inappropriate Comment

I'm blowing it for lunch

Wednesday, March 07, 2012

Yes, that's right. Chinese today which I have not have in months. I am conscious of the fact that's going to put me way over my calorie limit but I'm craving it so I will go before I obsess about it. I've done my upper body exercises already and plan on walking this afternoon, so exercise is a plus. Plus, WW starts next Wednesday so I need to get all my temptations out of the way before then. Wish me luck that I can skip dinner except for a yogurt or fruit. Have a great day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SAM60SUMTHINK 3/7/2012 11:03PM

Sometimes going over the calorie limit one day is 'wiped out' by being careful during the rest of the week. It's when every day is a 'treat' day that things get really out of hand. The trick will be to find a way to eventually just fit those meals into WW-friendly menu-planning, yes? Nowadays when I eat out I rarely DON'T take at least half the meal home in a doggy bag. By ordering food I like, I get not just one but TWO or more meals of it! :) Do you ever do that? (I used to feel self-conscious, but am quite comfortable doing it now.) Report Inappropriate Comment

ILOVEMALI 3/7/2012 12:28PM

I can sort of manage Chinese food, as long as I take little portions and stop after one serving. The problem for me is the increased salt in Chinese food -- even if I just eat a little, I am heavier the next day because of the water weight. Report Inappropriate Comment

SKINNYPOWELL1 3/7/2012 10:28AM

I always tend to have popcorn and piece of fruit for dinner if I've had a less than stellar day with food choices. It fills you up and it's healthy. Why does Chinese (and Mexican) food have to taste sooo good and be soooo bad? Bon Appetit. Report Inappropriate Comment

Big, juicy apple

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Just had a big, red, delicious juicy apple. It hit the spot and should hold me until my late evening snack, which will be popcorn. Light stuff.
On another note, I walked 1 hr yesterday afternoon. WooHoo. I'm not suppose to walk today on the program I'm on, but I think I will get outside and walk anyway. Healthy Food and exercise, that's the key.
Got thru lunch with a lean cuisine chicken lunch. My co-worker called and said she was doing Zaxby's Chicken. That's one of my favorites. But, guess what. I passed it up.
We start Weight Watchers again Wednesday. I'm joining of course. It's a 17 week program and we have to lose 8.5 lbs. If we don't lose that, we have to pay. I can't afford to pay so I'm going to do my best to lose the weight. Gym, here I come about everyday. Hope my two workout buddies, whose also joining WW can be there with me. I used to inspire them, but not in the last year. But my other buddy will still walk with me and we do most of our walking outside so that should work.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SAM60SUMTHINK 3/6/2012 10:46PM

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MAYBER 3/6/2012 7:49PM

Best wishes to you as you begin you program with WW and you can do it one day at a time Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 3/6/2012 2:56PM

Zaxby's would be hard for me to pass up, also! You made that apple sound really good but I don't have one in the house. After I finish here my afternoon snack will be a "cutie". I love those little tangerines from CA. I don't understand why we don't grow them in FL. Report Inappropriate Comment

KARRYB1 3/6/2012 1:43PM

Great! You will do just fine, it's great to have a buddy to share the road.Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

Jumping to conclusions

Monday, March 05, 2012

That's a difficult one to break. I tend to do this so I must watch very closely and not let it become out of hand. I sometimes over-react too as a result. Then you have to step back, take a deep breath and do some deep thinking. Hopefully the situation lets you do this. You will eat crow if it doesn't. Apologies go a long way sometimes, too and you must be prepared to give them. Haste makes waste.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SKINNYPOWELL1 3/5/2012 3:48PM

We often speak without thinking and later apologize, but words are NEVER forgotten. Report Inappropriate Comment

REDBIRDFLY 3/5/2012 3:46PM

Depends on who you're talking to about jumping to conclussions. If it's someone that loves you, you are not a mind reader...ask for clairification, in a kind way and offer up..."Oh, OK" If it's someone you don't know...ignore it, move on to something that's worth your time, you only have so much of it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Sharing the gym

Sunday, March 04, 2012

Our gym at work is great. So, I've invited my sister-in-law to go work out with me this afternoon.
The weather outside is awfully cold so it will be inside exercise for me. It's flurrying one minute, the next, the sun is out. How's your weather?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DONNABRIGHT 3/4/2012 4:54PM

This morning we woke up to driving rain and a temperature of 70. By the time I got dressed and went out the door to church the temp had dropped to 57! This afternoon it is very windy and sunny. The temp says mid 60's but the wind makes it feel colder. At least it is NOT snow! Report Inappropriate Comment

DOLPHINFAN1334 3/4/2012 2:09PM

IT IS PRETTY NICE HERE IN CALIFORNIA. HAVE A TERRIFIC DAY TODAY!! Report Inappropriate Comment