I gain weight in the Winter as well, but I have never been my ideal weight since around 33 years old, it's my goal to get back in shape, although with muscle, it may not be the weight I think I should be. I'm thinking 115, but I feel if I have firmed up, then maybe 120. More will be revealed, lol

I'm going to measure with the tape so I can better know of my progress. So mainly I like to measure my waist, and some other areas, but that's the place I notice the changes easiest.
My weight training is all from body-weight exercises I have mentioned. I start with things like lunges, pushups(push off a counter top at first until I am strong enough again to move down to lower levels, eventually the floor). I don't enjoy that like I enjoy my walking, but the muscle work is mostly for my upper body. Otherwise, yes, I lose fat by walking using my leg muscles but no muscle growth in upper areas, then I just look thin.
On weighing with the scales, yes, I like to use them, but I try to keep in mind my weight fluctuates. But I've found if I weigh in the a.m. before I eat, or drink, and weight naked, then I get my truest weight. Otherwise I weighing my water, clothes and food. I usually loose about a lb ever two weeks, sometimes more. I don't count calories anymore, used to be religious about that. Now I eat 99% proteins, fruits, vegies(lots of raw)water mostly, or tea, and dairy. I will eat complex carbs, and I eat a lot of walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds. I don't do the white flour types of foods like pastas, but I will eat at least one helping of a whole grain bread/muffin type item.
I also use a lot of olive oil, real butter (not a whole lot of butter because I don't eat much that needs it) no low-fat items at all. I end up more full longer without all the pastas and rice. So not many snacks. If I feel hungry in between I drink the water first, if I'm still hungry, one of my fave snack is Greek Honey Vanilla Yogurt with walnuts, pecans, raisins, banana, and berries. Also like to snack on carrots and brocoli with ranch dressing. I wanted to mention I am totally hooked on sweet potatos now, not the orange yams, but the light sweets. I usually don't have a carb with dinner, but if I want one it's usually a sweet.
More later, want to go see what you other gals have added to the thread

denise