Healthy Weight Loss

[starryeyes]

I bought some smoothie mix at the store that I thought was 1pt, but turned out it was 6 for the whole packet (forgot to check serving size.. lol!!). After adding all the ingredients, it ended up being 12pp for the whole thing... (too much!!)

So.. I modified it.. and this is what I came up with for 5pp.

4oz light n fit vanilla yogurt (1pp)
4oz of nonfat milk (1pp)
12gm of peanut butter (2pp)
1 Tbs of nesquik powder mix chocolate (1pp)
1 banana
Ice

I mixed it in my blender, and viola... saved myself 7pp, and it tasted the same.. less sugar!!! :-D

Smiles!

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies.. ♥

This morning, i woke & felt something different, & wonderful..
i love how everything works together, exercise & eating right = healthy body, which in turns creates a healthy mind, heart & soul.. Know what i mean?

i'll try and explain how i'm feeling..
It's like, the sun shines brighter, & the fresh air feels more amazing..
The guilt i usually carry with me & dwell on i feel i'm finally starting to let go of.. i feel more at peace - Seeing my human ways & accepting my imperfections.. i'm more gentle, less criticizing, and just loving the way i walk on this earth..

i'm more energetic, increased self-motivation & i can stop & look in a mirror and admire the changes i am seeing rather than picking apart the imperfections... my confidence & self-esteem are growing & growing and that self-love within feels so good, & guilt-free..

----------------
Yesterday, i followed some of your footsteps & registered myself for belly dancing classes.. i start the Intro this Wednesday night at 8pm.. i am SO excited about this -- because not only am i trying something different, but i am going by myself, when at one time i would be scared half to death to even think about doing something like that on my own.. Look at me now!
She explained everything to me on the phone, and really i just cannot wait, sooo excited..

Also, Zumba is on my agenda for this week at the Gym.. i was supposed to go a week ago, and couldn't go in the end.. So, it's on my list of to-do's!

breakfast:
1 shredded wheat
1/2 cup skim milk
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 small banana
1 raspberry yogurt

snack:
1/2 cup watermelon

lunch:
tuna with 1tbsp light helmann's
8 whole wheat crackers
tossed salad

snack:
laughing cow wedge (Medusa, these rock, i tried them cuz of you!)
1/2 whole wheat pita

supper:
salmon
2 mini oven roasted potatoes with fresh parsley & parmesan.
asparagus

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

More movement helps....I've been going to Curves and getting on the Mobia...and I'm down 2 lbs. this morning.
:cheer:

More importantly, I feel better and can tell that this is doing me good.

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and the results of the labwork drawn on Monday. My A1c is up a little without the Actos...I'm back to 6.6....which is where I was with Actos and without the improved eating habits.

We agreed that I should continue with my revised eating style, continue with the (new) exercise regimen, and see how things look in another 3 months. :)

[*Anya*]

Was afraid to weigh myself this morning after having gained a pound yesterday.

I should really talk about that because I am sure I am not the only one.

The scale and I have never, ever been friends. It really does not matter if it has said 110 or way more than that- I always felt heartsick that it was not less.

I do not mentally punish myself for small variations now, as long as it heads in the direction that I want it to go but that internal, initial fear of stepping on the scale is always there.

I have to pep talk myself into it every time: "You know you have been doing well, it will be ok" or even, "ok, so you had extra 1/2 and 1/2 in your coffee-that is only about 40 cals, you didn't gain because of that".

I wish I could just get on it without the mental tape rewind but I can't and may never but at least every day, I strip to my skin, no denial here, and step on that scale. It keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

Btw, I did lose that damn pound from yesterday. (f)

[Cowboi]

Good morning all!!!
Just got home from the gym, chest, triceps, and cardio..done!!!
I have lost only 3 lbs, but I can tell that my jeans and shirts are more baggie.
Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend planned!!!
Keep up the good work!!!

[Leigh]

I'm feeling frustrated this week! I ate two things I know I shouldn't have and I have not been moving my body. If I have a gain this week... I'm gonna die! Well, not really die but you know what I mean. I am getting off my butt and walking today in between jobs. I also am gonna be on track 100% till my weigh in Sunday.


I so know how easy it can be to get drustrated, thats one of my weaker points BUT you cant be hard on yourself honey ........ it all takes time, but if you always remember what your goals are then it'll start getting easier all the time to not be frustrated :)

Back in 2006 I lost 100 pounds... counted every calorie - every single one I could think of and basically remained faithful to eating as few "starches" as possible thus giving me more that I could eat throughout the day for the same amount of calories.

Somewhere along the line I decided I didn't need to count - I could gauge it well enough. And here we are 6 years later and I've gained 70 pounds of it back... Or I had as of Jan 3rd.

Both Gillian and I decided enough was enough. We simply can't be left to our own devices when it comes to eating. We have to log and count our food - or we go apeshit. So we started logging our food again on Jan 3rd with the goal of 1200 cal a day - as few starches as possible... drinking plenty of water (min 64oz pure water a day) etc etc...

And as of this morning I'm down 11 pounds and Gillian is down 13!!

It always amazes me how much better I feel when I eat right, I honestly feel better. No guilt - no distended stomach - skin is better - moods are more stable... the list goes on and on... and yet I will throw all of that away if unchecked.

Ughhh I know how that can be also, but good for you both to get back on track and be losing weight. Even just the smallest of changes I've found makes huge differences ~ more water, less junk food, more moving your body etc. Its obviously adding up and I commend you both for jobs well done!

Weight Watchers Pumpkin Pie
11 points whole pie
**************************************

1 reg can pumpkin
1 cup 1% milk
2 egg whites
½ cup Bisquick
2 tsp sugar
2 pkts sweet n low
1 tsp honey
2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp cinnamon

**************************************
Spray pie plate with fat free Cooking Spray
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 50-60 minutes or until done (inserted toothpick trick)

I LOVE pumpkin pie! I cant tell you how many of these I have eaten...you can even use sugar free/low fat whipped cream/cool whip whatever :)


I have to admit that I'm not normally one for pumkin pie but that sounds really good, I may just have to make it :D

Hello healthies :)

I'm cleaning off my desk and purging filing cabinets this afternoon...something I've been wanting and needing to do for ages.

It got me thinking about how "stuff" accumulates....and also about how small changes and small, consistent effort adds up.

And then....a lightbulb moment....when I found my lab results from February 2006 (yea, I know....like I said I've been meaning to clean it out for a long time).....
So here's what small, consistent changes over years do.....in six years....

Blood sugar....was 298....now 103

A1c......was 8.3%.....now 5.9%

Triglycerides.....was 369.....now 126

HDL....the good cholesterol....was 40.....now 72

When I was first diagnosed, my doctor said I had the "fatal four".....high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high triglycerides....and was essentially a heart attack looking for a time and place to happen.

Today, after many years of progressive, small changes.....not even close. :rrose:

Wayto go Jo!

Such minor changes add up to such BIG things, making you not only healthier but much happier as well. Geting rid of clutter, cleaning things up that are messyand tossing things aside is another form or losing "weight" if you think about it ....... it all helps to create a healthier mind, body and soul. Your doing SO good hun, keep it up :)

Rockin, i agree with starryeyes...are you getting enough lean protein? My doc has me on 800 - 1200 calories per day. By staying away from processed foods and sticking to lean protein, healthy fat and veggies/fruits with every meal i'm able to average 800 - 900 cal/day...3 meals and no snacks because i don't get hungry.

i understand your frustration but don't be discouraged. Maybe you need to rework your food choices to find what works for you. i found through trial and error that certain things my doc says are ok just don't agree with my metabolism...

Isn't it just SO easy to get frustrated? Its amazing how that worlks, and I get that way very easily, but right now what I'm doing is not only do I have 3 close friends who are working out with me but I also am thinking about the goals that I have and thats helping to keep Me motivated. Now sure if I have an off week I'll get frustrated, it happens, but if you look at the bigger picture then it helps to not feel that way as much. I agree that trial and error is a good way to go, you learn more that way and who says that learning isnt fun? :)

Joined weight watchers for the I don't know how many time:seeingstars:
BUT I am determined to do this. I think that my fat feeds a negativity that I want to let go of. This protective shield is not protecting me from anything. I made it through the first day despite some stress that would have sent me to a binge-- So on to day 2!
Would love to hear from anyone who does WW.
Thamca :chocolate:

I'm also thinking of joining Weight Watchers - but with being on disability and only getting $400 a month to live on its tough (thank goodness I live at home). I've been thinking more and more about getting a job so I can do more, also to get me out of the house but also to help me to become more independant. I can truly identify with fat feeding negativity, especially around self-esteem and confidence (been there and got the t-shirt). I've hidden behind my fat all of my life, like it was protecting me from something but I just think it was hindering me from living the kind of life that I've always wanted. But I've decided that there are no more excuses, its time to leave all of the negativity behind and be positive :)

Hey all!

I hit the elliptical again last night. 15 minutes at high intensity. I was sweating hard!

I'm doing short bursts of exercise right now because I am trying to get into the habit of it rather than feeling like it's a chore. I have noticed that last night I started to feel kinda jittery around 8pm which is my normal workout time so I'm hoping that means my body is getting into the routine.

Feeling good!

Thats one thing I've found now since I began working out a week ago, I seem to feel weird when I havent worked out - like I'm missing something. I've been feeling *alot* better since I began to work out last saturday (so its officially been a week) and now My routine will be to go work out Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (4 times a week). So far so good and I'm lucky that I have friends who are working out with me, its keeping me motivated and I'm not quite as intimidated as I would be if I went alone :)

Good morning healthies :)

More movement helps....I've been going to Curves and getting on the Mobia...and I'm down 2 lbs. this morning.
:cheer:

More importantly, I feel better and can tell that this is doing me good.

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday and the results of the labwork drawn on Monday. My A1c is up a little without the Actos...I'm back to 6.6....which is where I was with Actos and without the improved eating habits.

We agreed that I should continue with my revised eating style, continue with the (new) exercise regimen, and see how things look in another 3 months. :)

I have to meet with my dietician sometime soon, my personal trainer Heather advised me to do so in order to help vut out more junk food and start eating alot healthier. Hopefully I can do that soon, also I gotta drink more water (been slacking off abit) and just work more on overall health but I know that I can do it and I know that you can too :)

Was afraid to weigh myself this morning after having gained a pound yesterday.

I should really talk about that because I am sure I am not the only one.

The scale and I have never, ever been friends. It really does not matter if it has said 110 or way more than that- I always felt heartsick that it was not less.

I do not mentally punish myself for small variations now, as long as it heads in the direction that I want it to go but that internal, initial fear of stepping on the scale is always there.

I have to pep talk myself into it every time: "You know you have been doing well, it will be ok" or even, "ok, so you had extra 1/2 and 1/2 in your coffee-that is only about 40 cals, you didn't gain because of that".

I wish I could just get on it without the mental tape rewind but I can't and may never but at least every day, I strip to my skin, no denial here, and step on that scale. It keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

Btw, I did lose that damn pound from yesterday. (f)

Honey, I know so well about fear of stepping on a scale - for whatever reason we fear it, it'll always be there but I know that with hard work you will slowly conquer it just keep faith that you CAN and WILL do this! Pep talk is a great way to keep motivated and it can be so hard, but even just little pep talks will make a very big difference. Good for you for losing that pound, just tell it "okay pound, your not EVER coming back again" and stick to it ..... soon the pounds will melt off and you'll feel fabulous :)

Good morning all!!!
Just got home from the gym, chest, triceps, and cardio..done!!!
I have lost only 3 lbs, but I can tell that my jeans and shirts are more baggie.
Hope y'all have a fantastic weekend planned!!!
Keep up the good work!!!

Thats definately one thing that I can say for sure ....... its hard to see such a minimal weight loss on the scale but even just a pound lost is one that will never be on your body again and 3 is fantastic! I don't think I'm going to weigh myself personally every week, I may do it every 2 weeks or so just so I'm not so fixated on the numbers but moreso on how I feel and how much better my clothes are fitting. Numbers are just numbers, overall how you feel is really what this whole weight loss thing is all about. In the last week since I've began to work out, I've lost 6 more pounds over and above the 20 I lost from summer until a week ago and absolutely *everyone* is noticing changes - my clothes fit better, I have (dare I say it) more energy AND I'm walking a heck of alot better than I was before.

Being healthy is great, and definately worth the work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rockinonahigh]

Good morning all,I think im a wake but not really shure after comeing home at near the butt crack of dawn.I had a long night at the pool hall with league games an a small tournament wich I won all of them and some jingle as well.
I did remember to bring edibles so I didnt crash mu blood shugar while playing.I just ate a lite breakfast of one poached egg w/12 whole wheat toast,and have taken talipa felets out for lunch,not shure how im cooking them but when my son gets home from work in a couple of houre I will somehow.I havent been on the scale yet not shure I can focus my eyes that well yet but I will in a little while.You'all keep up the great work u are doing..u all rock...I feel more ZZZZZZZZZ's calling my name.

[Tawse]

Was afraid to weigh myself this morning after having gained a pound yesterday.

I should really talk about that because I am sure I am not the only one.

The scale and I have never, ever been friends. It really does not matter if it has said 110 or way more than that- I always felt heartsick that it was not less.

I do not mentally punish myself for small variations now, as long as it heads in the direction that I want it to go but that internal, initial fear of stepping on the scale is always there.

I have to pep talk myself into it every time: "You know you have been doing well, it will be ok" or even, "ok, so you had extra 1/2 and 1/2 in your coffee-that is only about 40 cals, you didn't gain because of that".

I wish I could just get on it without the mental tape rewind but I can't and may never but at least every day, I strip to my skin, no denial here, and step on that scale. It keeps me honest and keeps me focused.

Btw, I did lose that damn pound from yesterday. (f)


For me, I always weigh first thing in the morning -after the pee of course ;). No clothes no nothing. And for me it's only a "real" weight if I have had pretty much the same amount of sleep as normal. I usually consider Tues - Friday to be good accurate weights. The Weekend is just for "fun" because I sleep more. Monday is just a gauge because I typically don't drink as much water on the weekend and I may eat out - which means more sodium. So Monday is my "flush the system" day.

For me it's kinda funny - When I'm eating right I LOVE getting on the scale. Even if I go up .5 to a 1... I still look at the number and remember where I was last week, month, or in some cases year.. and I can't help but smile.

The body is weird. You'll flat line for a week and a half and then 3 pounds will fall off out of no where. I guess for me the hardest part is to keep on truckin during that week and a half.

[Zimmeh]

Congratulations on your weight loss and on finding roomies!


Zimmeh


Hello everybody!

Moxie, I did the same weight loss challenge at a previous job and won like $200. I like a good challenge and its even better when you meet that challenge. I loved pizza, tortillas, bread, soda and knew if I was gonna win I had to cut all that out. So I did, also sweets and carbs. That challenge right there was what started me on a healthy journey seeing results and knowing it worked to just eat healthy and make wise choices.

Thanks Miss Scarlett, starry, And others who have posted great recipes for us to try! I appreciate that.

I stepped on the scale and lost 3 lbs since last week. I have a few lbs I still want to shed. I had lost quite a bit before I moved across country and gained some back over the months but i'm ready to get back on track. I'll be moving in with roomies this weekend and look forward to cooking healthy together and using the complex fitness center.

Weekend challenge:
Everytime you walk, step it up and make it a brisk walk!
Share a healthy snack with us?

While grocery shopping the other day I bought some snack bars. One is a strawberry cereal bar that is 90 calories, the other oats & chocolate high fiber bar. I also love apples! These are great for on the run, quick snack or breakfast.

Great choices everybody and inspiration. THANKS and keep it up!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Sticking with the plan over here and it feels good. Ironically, I find it much harder to get on the Mobia, even though it's literally right here in my bedroom than it is to get in the car, drive to Curves, work out 30 minutes, stretch for 10, and drive home.

I think it may be partly that the Mobia is very intense exercise, so I can only sustain it for frustratingly short periods of time....and end up beating myself up over that. With the Curves, I show up....I do my circuits...I can do it, my heart rate is where it should be, I sweat a little, people are friendly, and the time flies by.

I'm sure it also helps that I'm doing Curves first thing in the morning, before I get distracted by the rest of the day. Whatever it is....it's working. I've been going faithfully Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings...and I can feel the difference already.

I also know that I'm lucky...since I have another incentive....greed!

My company pays for my gym membership, and also pays me $100 a month into my health savings account if I go to the gym 3 times a week. True, I can only spend the money on health expenses....but in a household where both my son and I wear glasses, go to the doctor and dentist, and I am on diabetic prescriptions...that's always a useful thing.

Ironically (again), I had this incentive available all of last year...and never joined a gym.

I think, frequently, it has to be a meeting of internal motivation and external support before things really click....at least for me.

Hugs to you all!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday healthy peeps! Look at all this continued success happening.... what a wonderful site to see first thing on a Monday morning! Congrats y'all, and keep up the great work!!!!

We went grocery shopping and loaded up on nothing but healty options for meals this week. Fruit (cherries, strawberries, bananas, cutie oranges and apples), fresh veggies (green beans, 2 small red potatoes, asparagus, baby spinach & tomatoes) and lean meats ~ plus stuff for breakfasts & lunches, too. Ever notice that eating healthier is more expensive?! $100 goes pretty quick!

I didn't get to the gym this weekend, but we did go out with friends Saturday night, and ended up dancing the night away! Sunday, I worked in the yard, pulling weeds & moving fallen limbs to a big ol' pile.

I agree with Tawse on the best weigh in days FOR ME are during the week (I do Thursday). I NEVER manage to drink enough water over the weekend and we do normally eat out at least once, so yeah, I need to flush that salt intake. I also normally will workout more during the week AND stay on track with meals when I am on a daily routine. But, what works for one, might not work well for others. Luckily, we are all getting pretty good at learning what's best for ourselves... and moving forward on our journey!

Meals planned for today...

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a banana
a cup of coffeee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a lean cuisine meal
baby spinach salad with almond slivers & a light raspberry vinagerette dressing

Dinner:
probably grab a sandwich from Subway on my way to the 2nd job
an apple

Snacks:
laughing cow wedge (thanks Medusa :) with reduced fat Wheat Thins
yogurt

Have a great day y'all!

[starryeyes]

Hey all!!

Lost 2.4 lbs at my weigh in yesterday. Ya!! I didn't move my body enough, so this week I am going to focus on that.

I went out last night to a few bars with a friend and only had 2 drinks (Malibu and diet coke) and we split a yummy (but bad) chicken artichoke sandwich.

I also found a gourmet market that has fresh local fish and shark!! So I bought 2 shark filets, a wahoo filet and snapper. I am leaving on Friday on a trip (ya!!) so looks like I am eating fish every lunch and dinner. Hahaha!

Here's to a good week everyone!!

:-)

[Medusa]

Hey Healthies!

I had one of my weigh-ins yesterday and had a .8 gain. Not upset about it because this week is hormone-heavy and Im retaining water like a well! I intend to hit the elliptical for 20 when I get home and drink lots of water with dinner.

Today has been a crap fest as far as food and I have GOT to get to the grocery store after work!

Breakfast:
v8
5 reduced fat triscuits and a laughing cow

Snack:
grapes

Lunch:
Lean Cafe chicken panini (which I will NEVER buy again after learning it was 9 ww points! I can have a damn cheeseburger for that!)
pudding cup

Dinner:
This will probably be a grilled chicken salad or turkey salad.

Tonight at the grocery store, I am going to intentionally buy some things that will help me switch up my food routines.

Plan on getting some peppers and zucchinis for roasted veggies and am going to look for sandwich thins so I can bring a couple of turkey sandwiches this week :)

[princessbelle]

Howdy Healthies!!!!!!!

Tomorrow we get cable in our bedroom and the treadmill will be moved in there. It's not just for hanging robes on anymore people.

My mom gave it to me and it's a really great one. Has a radio and heart rate and calories burned and lights and bling.

I am excited about finally using it, seeing that i've had it now for over 2 years and have yet to turn it on. I did plug it in once.

Off to Best Buy then grocery shopping for us. We are up to two cases of water a week and sometimes that don't even last.

Oh anddddddddddddddddd I put on my new jeans this morning. The ones that i bought a couple of months ago and had to lay down to zip everytime i wore them so i put them in the back of my closet.

Today, they fit. No laying down to zip and didn't even have to suck in my breath and become 2 inches taller.

Happy days!!!!!!

[Medusa]

Belle - You reminded me! I am also in a smaller size. First time I've been comfortably in a 26 in over 2 years.

[PinkieLee]

We are such creatures of habit with food, so we are branching out this week :)

One of our new meals that we are gonna do this week, are chicken wraps:

spinach wrap (or wheat)
grilled chicken breast
baby spinach
tomato
avacado
black beans and/or corn

with fresh fruit on the side

Last night, we had broiled tortilla crusted tilapia, brown rice & grilled asparagus and fruit for dessert (13 WW points total)

I found a great recipe on WW this morning, for pizza on the grill, too! You use a medium sized wheat tortilla as the crust, a small amount of store bought pizza or tomato sauce, any veggies and/or COOKED meat topping (turkey pepperoni, browned turkey or chicken sausage) and shredded skim mozzarella cheese. Use the toppings lightly, so the crust will stay crisp. Grill for 5 -7 minutes till edges brown & cheese bubbles. Each pizza is only 6 WW points!! We are having friends over this weekend for a game night, so we are gonna have all the items handy & we can all make our own pizzas :)

[Rockinonahigh]

Afternoon everyone,im back in the house from a work out that was a bit diffrent that I have done before,I did work on the bench press thingy (40 with 30 pounds on the bar) then I did 20 squats useing my own weight for resistance...jusy grab hold of the fence rail then squat till your hips and knees are even,u will be surprised at how it dose work.Then two sets of 30 rapid as I could go deep crunchies with a 1 minit rest between reps,then did free weight work on my arm curles(30 with 15 pounds each arm) afterwards I did 60steps on the stepper.If thst wasnt enough I threw caution to the wind and ran six laps of the long side of my back yard(about 120freet one way)= 720feet thats over a quarter mile.I know the distance dosent sound like much but I havent ran in years,I use to run a lot and really miss it,hopefully this is a step into geting back into it.Corse I did some stretches and deep breathing before and after,I alos got a mild crash from needing to eat but that hit half way thrue me eating a pickup snack of apple slices and chedar cheese and a tablespoon of pnb with a big bottle of water(20oz).Thats all I got for today,I must have been out of my mind but I really do feel good afterwards.

[PinkieLee]

One problem I have is, sometimes new recipes that I wanna try, D doesn't like the main ingrediants. I wanted to make some stuffed cabbage or stuffed peppers, but she just turns her nose up in the air when I bring it up. HELP... that's the reason we get stuck in the food boredom ruts!

Also, we haven't had a challenge here lately... anyone got any suggestions?!

[Rockinonahigh]

I got a challenge...Breath deeply several time a day,it releaves stress and relaxes the diaphram plus expands your lung capasity.Carry on.

[JustJo]

I got a challenge...Breath deeply several time a day,it releaves stress and relaxes the diaphram plus expands your lung capasity.Carry on.

Thank you for this reminder/challenge Rockin! :)

I've been under so much stress that I seriously sometimes forget to breathe.....and a few deep slow breaths really does help me relax and feel better.

:rrose:

[Rockinonahigh]

You are very wellcome,I to get to many irons in the fire then stress wich isnt good at all,deep breathing is good for the soul I honestly beleave it.One thing is lots of stuff I stress over isnt worth the stress so I am doing better at my choices.

[Miss Scarlett]

Anyone ever made zucchini "noodles"?

So easy...just cut the squash lengthwise a couple of times, depending on the size, and pare it lengthwise with a veggie peeler. i love to do this and toss it in one of my Calphalon saute pans with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, little salt & pepper and some garlic...

You can do so much with this...add a wedge or 2 of Laughing Cow Light for a faux Alfredo - a favourite of mine. Or just use it as is for a nice side instead of noodles, rice or potatoes. Use your imagination and you can come up with something yummy.

It's an awesome alternative for me since i am not eating pasta, rice or potatoes.

i've even used thinly sliced zucchini to make "lasagna" and use marina (read the label to be sure it's not loaded with sugar) fat-free ricotta or cottage cheese, a can of mushrooms and low fat mozzarella and parmesan which makes a great seasoning. Layer it however you want and toss it in the oven until it's hot & bubbly...mmmmm i like doing this because i can make a single serving and it doesn't take long to throw together...

Spaghetti squash is also good but a real pain to fix. And those shirataki noodles are another alternative but i've always found them to be just nasty...

[Medusa]

Monday grocery run!

I packed a bag of random stuff for lunch this morning because I realized I had almost completely run out of fresh veggies and fruits. That just wont do!

Went to the store and this is some of what I got:

The Fresh Stuff:
Green and red peppers
purple onion
romaine lettuce
carrots
cucumber
broccoli
cabbage
lemons
cutie oranges
bananas
garlic
celery
green onions
bok choy
sweet potatoes
free range bonelss skinless chicken breast
shaved cajun turkey

The Other stuff:
turkey pepperoni
bagel thins
fat free vidalia salad dressing
artichoke hearts
sundried tomatoes
light italian dressing
turkey sausage
egg beaters
sugar free vanilla caramel coffeemate


Yes, I really bought that many fresh veggies and I LOVED the way they looked all piled in the cart and going down the conveyor belt!

This week I intend to have salad, tuna fish, and turkey sandwiches for lunch at work and at night I will marinate chicken breast and do steamed veggies on the side.

I also am going to chop up the cabbage, bok choy, celery, carrot, broccoli, onion, garlic, and green and red peppers and do a stir fry with a tiny bit of olive oil and sesame oil. Right before its done, I'll sprinkle with ginger and white pepper and have it with chicken breast. It's super light and you can make a bunch of it and it reheats nicely.

Might also roast some of the peppers, onions, and sweet potato for a little different take on the side dish. Kinda excited! I was telling Candace earlier today that I have been excited about food in a much different way since starting all of this than I used to. I used to get excited about sweets and how good it was going to feel to binge. Now, it's about trying new things and new ways of cooking and really being joyous knowing that the food I am eating is no longer an agent of harm.

Love to all!

[Rockinonahigh]

When I found out I had diabetis I got my diet plan in the mail from the doc at the hospital,I followed it to the T and from the begaing its wasnt hard to do.But It often leaves me feeling the lack of enough food..im not talking about a pig out I just needed more to fuel my body.While on the food plan to the letter I just was on this side of hungry most of the time,I did as it said about eating more veggies but after a long time it became a non issue.So after a long conversation with the nutritionist I was convenced I would wreck my numbers or gain any weigh but eating all of my required carbs insted of staying on the short side of the list.So im eating enough to stay filed up with out the afternoon od late evening swimmy headed simi crash.I hope this fixed the prob cause since I have been working out 3 to 4 times aweek I need this to be better and blanced.This morning I tested and my numbers were 95 insted of 110 so I gess im on the right track,we will see.

[JustJo]

When I found out I had diabetis I got my diet plan in the mail from the doc at the hospital,I followed it to the T and from the begaing its wasnt hard to do.But It often leaves me feeling the lack of enough food..im not talking about a pig out I just needed more to fuel my body.While on the food plan to the letter I just was on this side of hungry most of the time,I did as it said about eating more veggies but after a long time it became a non issue.So after a long conversation with the nutritionist I was convenced I would wreck my numbers or gain any weigh but eating all of my required carbs insted of staying on the short side of the list.So im eating enough to stay filed up with out the afternoon od late evening swimmy headed simi crash.I hope this fixed the prob cause since I have been working out 3 to 4 times aweek I need this to be better and blanced.This morning I tested and my numbers were 95 insted of 110 so I gess im on the right track,we will see.

Hi Rockin,

I know what you mean aobut being "this side of hungry" when on the diabetic meal plan. I found it worked a lot better when I added more healthy fats (olives, olive oil, nuts in moderation, and avocado)....and also more lean protein.

Veggies are great, of course, but they don't seem to keep me feeling satisfied in the same way that the healthy fats and protein do.

Best of luck with it,
Jo

[Rockinonahigh]

Hi Rockin,

I know what you mean aobut being "this side of hungry" when on the diabetic meal plan. I found it worked a lot better when I added more healthy fats (olives, olive oil, nuts in moderation, and avocado)....and also more lean protein.

Veggies are great, of course, but they don't seem to keep me feeling satisfied in the same way that the healthy fats and protein do.

Best of luck with it,
Jo

Hello Jo

I keep cold baked sweet potatoes in the firdge,have an ample supply of pnb,as well as some baked chicken handy when I get the hungries.Also I hve calmamata olives in a gallon crock in the fridge that I get from a friend who has a food supply buisness,they are expensive but its one of the things I allow myself to splurge on.I miss good crusty french bread more than anything,they go really well with the olives and hard parmasan cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes toped with fresh basil and the oil from the olives.The oil is mostly olive oil and herbs and spices is a great marinade for about anything or just brush a little over fish before its cookd.

[JustJo]

Hello Jo

I keep cold baked sweet potatoes in the firdge,have an ample supply of pnb,as well as some baked chicken handy when I get the hungries.Also I hve calmamata olives in a gallon crock in the fridge that I get from a friend who has a food supply buisness,they are expensive but its one of the things I allow myself to splurge on.I miss good crusty french bread more than anything,they go really well with the olives and hard parmasan cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes toped with fresh basil and the oil from the olives.The oil is mostly olive oil and herbs and spices is a great marinade for about anything or just brush a little over fish before its cookd.

This made me hungry! :)

I hear you on missing the crusty French bread.....sigh.....

[Zimmeh]

I got good news from the doctor this morning :) Three of the four tests he ran came back negative! We are just waiting on my thyroid test.

Have a great day!

Zimmeh

[Leigh]

Well I weighed myself yesterday just for the hell of it after my workout and ............. 4 lbs gone! I'm quite liking this working out and losing weight thing :D

[Medusa]

Today's Menu:

Breakfast:
Banana
V8 spicy hot
cutie orange
Fiber One bar
(This is a lot of food but I graze on it until lunch)

Lunch:
lean cuisine pasta romano with bacon
side salad with lettuce, carrot, vinagrette

Snack:
carrots with vinagrette

Dinner:
Baked chicken
cabbage stir fry

[PinkieLee]

Good morning y'all :) Yep, it was another great day yesterday... I managed to stay 10 points below my target! Better yet, I found a combination of food choices, that were such low points I felt like I was eating all day long! So, today I'm following suit.

Meals planned for today:
Breakfast:
a toasted multigrain 100 calorie english muffin
a banana
a diet citrus green tea (no calories)

midmorning snack:
yogurt

Lunch:
a roasted turkey & sweet potatoes lean cuisine meal
sliced cucumbers & tomatoes

afternoon snack:
2 cutie oranges

Dinner:
spinach salad with sliced almonds, a pinch of feta cheese & light raspberry vinagerette dressing
baked boneless pork chops
fresh green beans and 1 red pototo

[PinkieLee]

OMG... I almost forgot! When I was stocking up at Kroger's on the Lean Cuisine sale, I saw they had some new items. One of my favorite appetizers has always been spinach & artichoke dip. Finally, a healthier option!

http://girltomom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/skinnysnacks-005-1024x823.jpg

Each box has TWO (2) pita breads and TWO (2) dips... and each serving (1 dip, 1 bread) is only 200 calories and/or 5 WW points! OMG... bomb diggity! I sliced that half moon shaped pita into 4 sections and enjoyed every single bite! They also have a veggie dip that I am gonna try, too!

[Zimmeh]

I loved this!


Zimmeh

OMG... I almost forgot! When I was stocking up at Kroger's on the Lean Cuisine sale, I saw they had some new items. One of my favorite appetizers has always been spinach & artichoke dip. Finally, a healthier option!

http://girltomom.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/skinnysnacks-005-1024x823.jpg

Each box has TWO (2) pita breads and TWO (2) dips... and each serving (1 dip, 1 bread) is only 200 calories and/or 5 WW points! OMG... bomb diggity! I sliced that half moon shaped pita into 4 sections and enjoyed every single bite! They also have a veggie dip that I am gonna try, too!

[Rockinonahigh]

Breakfast was .
A small serveing of cottage cheese with frozen peach sices + 2 slices of shugar free whole wheat bread w/a little bit of pnb.
Lunch was.
Asorted sliced veggies w/red wine vinnager/olive oil dressing dribbled over them.Two slices of chedar cheese and melba toast( 1).
Afternoon snack.
A hand full of pistashio nuts,black olives and 1 jumbo hard boiled egg.
Dinner was.
Small steak,a whole bag of steamed veggies with cracked black pepper a drizzle of evoo,a sprinkle of garlic power w a dash on parmasan cheese.No bread.

Not shure if I will eat anything else tonight,it depends on how I feel at 9:30 or so.

[Medusa]

I just did my "refrigerator stir fry" to complement the baked chicken and it turned out "slap yourself" good!

All you do is chop up the following, throw them in a big skillet with 1 tbs of olive oil and 1 tsp of sesame oil. Stir fry and serve. Makes a TON!

An entire head of cabbage chopped
1 entire green bell pepper
1 entire red bell pepper
4 - 5 stalks celery sliced
2 whole purple onions chopped course
1 fresh garlic clove minced
3 - 4 carrots peeled and sliced on the diagonal
1 entire stalk of broccoli chopped into florets

When its almost done sprinkle with ginger, crushed red pepper, and any other seasoning you wish. This is a GREAT side dish and super filling if you are hungry!

[DapperButch]

Anyone ever made zucchini "noodles"?

So easy...just cut the squash lengthwise a couple of times, depending on the size, and pare it lengthwise with a veggie peeler. i love to do this and toss it in one of my Calphalon saute pans with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, little salt & pepper and some garlic...

You can do so much with this...add a wedge or 2 of Laughing Cow Light for a faux Alfredo - a favourite of mine. Or just use it as is for a nice side instead of noodles, rice or potatoes. Use your imagination and you can come up with something yummy.

It's an awesome alternative for me since i am not eating pasta, rice or potatoes.

i've even used thinly sliced zucchini to make "lasagna" and use marina (read the label to be sure it's not loaded with sugar) fat-free ricotta or cottage cheese, a can of mushrooms and low fat mozzarella and parmesan which makes a great seasoning. Layer it however you want and toss it in the oven until it's hot & bubbly...mmmmm i like doing this because i can make a single serving and it doesn't take long to throw together...

Spaghetti squash is also good but a real pain to fix. And those shirataki noodles are another alternative but i've always found them to be just nasty...

My g.f. has made the spaghetti squash before. It is good!

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Started my day off with a handful of raspberries...then off to drop Rooster at school before heading to Curves.

I got a new waterbottle that holds 24 ounces and I managed to drink the entire thing while I was there, doing my half hour circuit/10 minute stretch. I push it pretty hard while I'm there...somehow that's easy to do in that environment for me....and I'm always sweating and keeping my heart rate in the target zone.

Even took a banana for the ride home....now back at my desk, with coffee (at last!) and a carton of peach/mango greek yogurt....and a refill of that water bottle.

Feels good to start the day like this! :)

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy living folks :)

Well last night after dinner, D went to visit with her mom at the rehab hospital, so I washed off the makeup & put on my workout clothes... and got my butt to the gym! I have found that going about 7:30pm, that it's not as crowded. Actually the women's part only had one other lady in there... so I took full advantage of using all my favorite machines!

I did 20 minutes on the elipitical.... at 15 I thought my legs were gonna fall off, but I kept on going.
Then I did another 20 minutes working on toning my arms and doing crunches on some fancy machine (luckily, the nice lady that was there showed me how to work it ;)

So tonight after dinner settles, I will be heading back.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
2 toaster waffles
a banana
a small iced sugar free vanilla coffee

Lunch:
a can of progresso chicken gumbo (only 2 WW points...yeehaw)
a few unsalted crackers
an apple

Dinner:
grilled chicken breast
fresh corn on the cob
brown rice for me, white rice for D

Snacks:
yogurt
celery with peanut butter

**I also bought myself a fancy new water tumbler for work, to motivate me to drink lots & lots of water.**

Hope y'all have a great day :)

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthies :)

Started my day off with a handful of raspberries...then off to drop Rooster at school before heading to Curves.

I got a new waterbottle that holds 24 ounces and I managed to drink the entire thing while I was there, doing my half hour circuit/10 minute stretch. I push it pretty hard while I'm there...somehow that's easy to do in that environment for me....and I'm always sweating and keeping my heart rate in the target zone.

Even took a banana for the ride home....now back at my desk, with coffee (at last!) and a carton of peach/mango greek yogurt....and a refill of that water bottle.

Feels good to start the day like this! :)

Good for you Jo!

Like you, I have a friend of mine that swears by working out first thing in the morning. She always said that by the time she got off work, started doing stuff around the house, the last thing on her mind was working out. But, when she gets her workout in the morning, she feels like her day is off to a productive start :)

[JustJo]

Like you, I have a friend of mine that swears by working out first thing in the morning. She always said that by the time she got off work, started doing stuff around the house, the last thing on her mind was working out. But, when she gets her workout in the morning, she feels like her day is off to a productive start :)

Thanks Pinkie! :)

I'm finding this to be really true for me. If I wait, it seems like the day intervenes...I get caught up in work and house stuff and kid stuff and dinner stuff and, before I know it, I'm sitting on the couch exhausted and it's 9 p.m. (pitiful, I know)

Working out first thing, it's accomplished...and, no matter what else happens during the rest of the day, that's one good thing I've done for myself. :)

And isn't it funny how a new water bottle or cup can make you drink more water? I found this pale blue travel cup/water bottle thing at the grocery store....and grabbed it mostly because it's certified BPA free, and insulated for either hot or cold. It's big....24 oz...and the brand is "bubba." I kid you not....that's the actual name. It makes me laugh (cuz I'm weird like that) when I fill it up each morning and say "c'mon Bubba....let's go sweat."

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies ♥

Tonight, is my first class of belly dancing *gulp* LOL!
Saturday, i have a Gym Date and a walk/run with her too..

In the meantime, i have really fallen off track with my exercise the last few days.. SO, today, i'm getting back in the game, because i'm feeling super sluggish and unenergetic.. It's amazing how quickly everything changes when you fall off track even just a little..

i was going to go to the Gym today, but honestly the roads are down to the pavement and the temperature feels just like a beautiful spring day.. Not an ounce of wind out there, SOOO nice .. So , i have my sneakers on and am ready to go for an hour long brisk walk around the lake after i eat something for snack.

Then, bellydancing class is one hour this evening..
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, i'm excited to DO it !!!

Also 36 days until i'm flying to Mtn in Oregon ♥
{{ super HAPPY girl }} wheeeeeeee..

[*Anya*]

Did not walk or do stairs yesterday, find I am missing it- do not know how that happened! The day befor actually walked in pouring rain and rather enjoyed it except for the wet, cold pant legs I had to wear while at work.

This AM-made the lazy femme egg: tore spinach leaves in a bowl, cut up a tomato, poured in egg whites, put into the microwave for about 3 minutes and viola:

Omlette of sorts!

It was pretty tasty. Really no reason for not eating healthy and being able to have protein very quickly! I must remember this when hungry and pressed for time.

Have a great day all:)

[PinkieLee]

Good Morning Healthies ♥

Tonight, is my first class of belly dancing *gulp* LOL!
Saturday, i have a Gym Date and a walk/run with her too..

In the meantime, i have really fallen off track with my exercise the last few days.. SO, today, i'm getting back in the game, because i'm feeling super sluggish and unenergetic.. It's amazing how quickly everything changes when you fall off track even just a little..

i was going to go to the Gym today, but honestly the roads are down to the pavement and the temperature feels just like a beautiful spring day.. Not an ounce of wind out there, SOOO nice .. So , i have my sneakers on and am ready to go for an hour long brisk walk around the lake after i eat something for snack.

Then, bellydancing class is one hour this evening..
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, i'm excited to DO it !!!

Also 36 days until i'm flying to Mtn in Oregon ♥
{{ super HAPPY girl }} wheeeeeeee..


Weeeeeeee for bellydancing class tonight! I just know you are gonna have a blast! Enjoy your walk around the lake today, too. It feels like spring/early summer in Texas right now too... but the mosquitos are back in full force so no outdoor walking for me.

**YAY for countdowns to see Mtn, too ♥ **

[PinkieLee]

Did not walk or do stairs yesterday, find I am missing it- do not know how that happened! The day befor actually walked in pouring rain and rather enjoyed it except for the wet, cold pant legs I had to wear while at work.

This AM-made the lazy femme egg: tore spinach leaves in a bowl, cut up a tomato, poured in egg whites, put into the microwave for about 3 minutes and viola:

Omlette of sorts!

It was pretty tasty. Really no reason for not eating healthy and being able to have protein very quickly! I must remember this when hungry and pressed for time.

Have a great day all:)

I must admit, your lazy femme egg breakfast idea sounds yummy! Super fast & super healthy ~ you can't get much better than that :)

[JustJo]

Yummy salad for lunch today....and great if your sweet tooth is begging for a little attention....

Fresh spinach leaves
1 diced Granny Smith apple (for the tartness)
handful of raisins
a few candied pecans, chopped fine
small amount of creamy poppyseed dressing

It's delicious....sweet and tart and chewy and crunchy and all that satisfying stuff....plus...it's spinach! :)

[Leigh]

Good afternoon to all of my healthy friends :)

Well today is my gym day and I'm looking forward to going and letting off more steam ~ seems to be helping me to better deal with the days ahead. I'm gonna do the same thing today as I did on Monday - I'll start with the treadmill as a warm-up, then I'll do the 9-circuit weights and then end with the cycling machine ......... I got a good workout with these things on monday and felt good afterwards. I've noticed that my stomach has been growing smaller, I'm having alot more energy and I'm walking better too so I am excited to continue my workouts :)

[Medusa]

Had my weigh-in today at my at-work WW meeting. I'm down to 285!!

Was not expecting a loss for that weigh in because Im retaining water like a mofo but was more than pleased!

Today I didnt have a chance to eat breakfast so at lunch I had a banana, a fiber one bar, and part of a turkey sub sandwich on wonderful crusty bread. Im pounding some water and plan to have a very light dinner and hit the elliptical and free weights before bed.


I do my goals on what I like to call the " 2 - 5 - 9" rule.

When I weigh in, I always see what the number says on the scale and set my next goal for the 2 the 5 or the 9, depending on where Im at.

For instance, I weighed in at 285 today and made a mini-goal! My next goal will be set for 282, then 279m then 275 and so on.

It really does help to keep my goals small and short distances between. Reaching a "9" goal is a HUGE deal for me because it means I am in a new weight bracket.
Reaching a "5" goal means I am halfway down that weight bracket.
Reaching a "2" goal is always exciting because it means I am only 3 pounds away from another weight bracket!!

This has helped propel me for the last 9 months and lose my weight slowly but steadily. When I reach my next goal, a "2" goal, it means I will have lost a total of 51 pounds from my highest weight.

That is something Im really looking forward to!

[*Anya*]

MEDLINE Abstract

Reported behavior of eating anything at anytime and risk of colorectal cancer in women.
Int J Cancer. 2012; 130(6):1395-400 (ISSN: 1097-0215)

Bao Y ; Nimptsch K ; Chan AT ; Ng K ; Meyerhardt JA ; Willett WC ; Giovannucci E ; Fuchs CS
Channing Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. ying.bao@channing.harvard.edu.

Although numerous studies have assessed the effect of foods and nutrients on colorectal carcinogenesis, few studies have investigated human eating behavior in relation to risk of colorectal cancer. In our study, we assessed whether the reported behavior of eating anything at anytime influenced colorectal cancer risk and related plasma biomarkers.

We prospectively followed up 55,540 women in the Nurses' Health Study who were aged 48-73 years, had no history of cancer, ulcerative colitis or diabetes and responded to the item "I eat anything I want, anytime I want" in the 1994 questionnaire.

We also analyzed blood samples for 1,994 women, which were collected in 1989-1990. During 12 years of follow-up, 552 colorectal cancer cases were documented.

After adjusting for age, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, red and processed meat and other known risk factors for colorectal cancer, women who reported eating anything at anytime experienced an increased risk of colorectal cancer, compared to those who did not report this behavior.

In addition, reporting eating anything at anytime was associated with higher fasting plasma levels of insulin and C-peptide.

In conclusion, reports of eating anything at anytime are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer in this large prospective cohort study, independent of other potential risk factors for colorectal cancer.

PreMedline Identifier:21520042

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

[PinkieLee]

Had my weigh-in today at my at-work WW meeting. I'm down to 285!!

Was not expecting a loss for that weigh in because Im retaining water like a mofo but was more than pleased!

Today I didnt have a chance to eat breakfast so at lunch I had a banana, a fiber one bar, and part of a turkey sub sandwich on wonderful crusty bread. Im pounding some water and plan to have a very light dinner and hit the elliptical and free weights before bed.


I do my goals on what I like to call the " 2 - 5 - 9" rule.

When I weigh in, I always see what the number says on the scale and set my next goal for the 2 the 5 or the 9, depending on where Im at.

For instance, I weighed in at 285 today and made a mini-goal! My next goal will be set for 282, then 279m then 275 and so on.

It really does help to keep my goals small and short distances between. Reaching a "9" goal is a HUGE deal for me because it means I am in a new weight bracket.
Reaching a "5" goal means I am halfway down that weight bracket.
Reaching a "2" goal is always exciting because it means I am only 3 pounds away from another weight bracket!!

This has helped propel me for the last 9 months and lose my weight slowly but steadily. When I reach my next goal, a "2" goal, it means I will have lost a total of 51 pounds from my highest weight.

That is something Im really looking forward to!


YOU GO SISTER! I am so very proud of you! I love your 2 - 5 - 9 system... every single digit gives you something else to look foward, too :) It's those mini milestones that add up to BIG STRIDES! Keep up the amazing work!

[Rockinonahigh]

Tonight im haveing chicken wings for dinner,with some sort of side dish I havent determand as of yet.I dont fry the wings,I bake them till crispy,after I section them I marianade them in spicy mustard for a couple of hours,while thats going on I mix cajun seasonings(chef Emerils) or what ever sesasonings you like best,add some garlic powder to taste then some caianne pepper for some kick, then sprinkle a fue dashes of Louisianna hot sause on the wing parts.In my dry mix I add a cup of planko crumbs and mix well.Befoer cooking bag the mix in a big bag and toss the wing parts in till evenly coated,Place the wing parts on a bakeing rack that has a wire grid then bake at 375* for 25 minits or ill golden brown.The rack keeps the drippings from the wings off them so they dont get stay coalted with it wile cooking.I promiss this is good,I make a honey mustard sause and a sweet tangy bbq typs sause for diping or plaine old good honey.

[Softhearted]

I finally got my courage up and registered to a program called DéfiSanté 5/30 (HealthChallenge 5/30) which promotes the taking of at least five portions of fruits or veggies each day, and 30 minutes of physical activity each day... Also, I will begin yoga classes next monday... I'm eager to get into a better health :)

[Leigh]

I really truly love coming in here and seeing everyone's progress, partly for motivation but also partly because I want us *all* to succeed in getting healthier. I did my work out yesterday and today omg my arms are killing me, and so are my legs, but thats telling me that this is working so keep it up and I will see results in no time! Today is laundry day and I wanted to go for a walk, but since most of my good clothes were in the laundry I looked in my closet and saw a pair of black pants that I bought last year but had not worn since lasy tear and even then I couldnt get them over my stomach and my inner thighs couldnt quite fit in the legs when I pulled them up. I decided hell why not try them on ...... well I'll be darned if they dont actually fit!!!!!! I can sit comfortably, I had no problem getting it over my stomach (which has gotten smaller I can tell easily) and my legs fit quite easily too.

I'm wearing them right now, sitting in front of the computer and I'm beaming from ear to ear. One of my biggest goals is to lose 50 lbs by the end of the year (I got 11 months to do so, lots of time), I also made a goal to look into the Manitoba Marathon and am working towards walking the half mile this year (which would be a HUGE accomplishment). But I have a new goal, one that I just thought of when I put these pants on ........ I don't even remember when I last fit into a pair of jeans, so I want to fit into a pair of jeans sometime this year. These goals are easier to obtain and are the ones I plan on sticking to accomplishing this year, just to get healthier is number one for me and I'm well on my way to doing that :D

[Thamca74]

So I went to WW. I will say that I had a REALLY BAD couple of days eating things that aren't really WW friendly. That is what I call foods that are not portioned out that I can measure accurately. (Like Pizza) So. I was so happy that I got on the WW scale and lost 3.8 lbs. I am going to do better. I like the new plan. I can do this. In the past I have made every excuse in the world why WW does not work for me. It does work, if you do the work! So I am really going to concentrate my efforts. Living alone, I have found that having too much food in the house is the kiss of death. I don't need a lot of food lingering around to call my name. I do better also if I just take one day at a time. This is a good thing for me to concentrate my efforts on. I have so many stressful things going on. Starting a new job on Monday- My so called FWB is really proving herself not to be what I need in my life. Dealing with the reality of a breakup... Its all too much. So the one thing that I can do to make things better is actually BE nice to myself and take care of myself. so one to week 2 my goal is a 2 lb weight loss each week. At my weight this should not be hard. Thanks for letting me ramble.. And good luck to you all!! Love that you all seem to be dedicated to working out.. I am trying to get there. One step at a time.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Friday all you healthy people :)

Life has still been going full speed for us, but I have managed every. single. day to stay at least 7 - 10 points below my target WW points! I've been to the gym twice this week and plan on going tonight & first thing in the morning. I've been doing 15 - 20 minutes on the elipitical and then working 15 - 20 minutes on various machines for my arms & legs. It's amazing how much better you actually sleep at night when you've worked out!

Weigh in yesterday... 2 more pounds gone forever!

During the months of November & December, I went off & on the WW plan and had 2 binges during that time. I will admit, I was being lazy... not wanting to track food & lying to myself that I was actually doing ok. Well I wasn't. In those two months, I gained 10 pounds of the 28 I had lost. On January 1st, I recommitted myself and have been faithfully following the plan... and have lost 6 of the 10 pounds I have gained. I have regained my focus & excitement of this journey again!

Meals planned for the day....

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
an apple
a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
lunch with my mom ~ probably soup and/or a salad

Snacks:
yogurt
celery with peanut butter

Dinner:
I took some chicken out to thaw and I'm gonna look for a new recipe on WW... wish me luck :)

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

No weigh in for me this week...I don't stress myself when I know the hormones are going whacko and the water retention is going on. The downside is that I'm always hungry at this time of the month and want to eat everything in sight....especially those things I shouldn't.

I may deal with it by hitting the salad bar for lunch so I can stuff my face while not totally blowing my healthy eating plan. :cheesy:

Worked out again this morning...and I'm am loving Curves. I committed to working out M, W and F and haven't missed a session since I started. I'm starting to see and feel the difference...and I'm sleeping better too, as well as drinking more water.

All good stuff!

I totally get what you're saying Thamca...there are some foods I just can't handle having in the house...and some of the triggery things are weird. For instance, I can have chips here in the little bags for Rooster's lunch and leave them alone. However, if there's a big bag in the cupboard...or barbecue chips in any size packaging....or, even worse, if there is Helluva Good French Onion dip in the fridge....I'm screwed.

[Medusa]

Question: How's your sweat? LOL!

Seriously, I worked my ass off on the elliptical last night for 32 minutes on a 3 tension and was sweating but yanno, I think I need a reality check. It's hard to watch shows like The Biggest Loser and see people pouring sweat with rings around their neck and when I work out, I feel like my lack of a sweat ring is a sign that Im not working hard enough.

Problem is that Im working pretty damn hard. I drink lots of water so its not a matter of being dehydrated.

How hard do you sweat?

Im not going to obsess about it because I know how hard Im pushing it. Just curious.

According to my machin, I burned 300 calories during my workout last night.

[Medusa]

P.s.

I've been setting mini-goals for a while and felt like I could finally set a longer term goal, so I did.

My short-term/long-term mini goal is to be at 250 by May 31st.
I am 285 now so that means I will need to lose 35 pounds or a little less than 9 pounds a month for the next 4 months.

I'm excited and think that is a reasonable goal. The last time I weighed in at 250 was 2004. I was a comfortable size 24 at that time so knowing this will help keep me reasonable about how my clothes are fitting.

My long long term goal will be somewhere in the 100's. Maybe 160 - 175. I'll know it when I get there. And just to be clear, I'm not super concerned about "the numbers" even though it might seem like I am in this post. It's just that the numbers serve as milestones for me, a little extra encouragement to know I am going in the right direction.

I intend to do the Susan G Komen race in October here in Arkansas. It's a 5k. I don't know if I'll be able to run the whole thing or if I'll have to run/walk but I'm doing it come hell or high water. :)

[JustJo]

Question: How's your sweat? LOL!

Seriously, I worked my ass off on the elliptical last night for 32 minutes on a 3 tension and was sweating but yanno, I think I need a reality check. It's hard to watch shows like The Biggest Loser and see people pouring sweat with rings around their neck and when I work out, I feel like my lack of a sweat ring is a sign that Im not working hard enough.

Problem is that Im working pretty damn hard. I drink lots of water so its not a matter of being dehydrated.

How hard do you sweat?

Im not going to obsess about it because I know how hard Im pushing it. Just curious.

According to my machin, I burned 300 calories during my workout last night.

I don't have the drenched shirt thing going either, but I do sweat when I'm working out at Curves. A little drippy on the head....hair pretty damp....cleavage trickling...definitely need to shower....kind of sweat.

The only times I have had the level of sweating they show on Biggest Loser is when I (used to) go mow the lawn in the Florida heat. I'd be drenched....the sweat running down my back and outlining my butt kind of sweat.

The difference is that I'd be done with that and feel sick and dizzy and nauseous for the rest of the day.

The workout I do at Curves leaves me feeling really good....energized and relaxed all at once. So, I'm guessing it's a better level of "sweat" for me. :)

[Sparkle]

Question: How's your sweat? LOL!

/snip

How hard do you sweat?


I feel really sweaty when I've finished at the gym and my hair and skin is damp but my clothes don't look all soaking wet and I don't have rivulets of sweat running down my face.

But my face gets really neon pink (lobster-like-sunburn-pink), especially around my eyes and the upper part of my cheeks and my forearms.

I have noticed that sometimes my sweat smells metallic after I have had a really hard run. I've wondered if its something to do with diet? or basic body chemistry? or a signal that something is off-balance.

[Medusa]

Ok, hearing you both talk about the sweat makes me think that what Im doing is normal then! Thank you!

My hair was drenched underneath with beads on my forehead and face was also bright pink. Felt like I had been in a swamp afterwards!

I agree with you, Jo, about feeling dizzy after that kind of sweat-drenched activity that leaves us feeling more crappy than energized. I dont want that. I want to be able to continue my day rather than have to lay down and "recover"!

[PinkieLee]

Sweat.... well my face usually gets pretty flush and my skin feels moist. I can feel trickles of sweat down my back or running down cleavage. By the time I get off the elipitical, my legs are shakey and I usually rest for a 2 - 3 minutes before starting the toning stuff.

Like Jo, the only time I've had that kind of sweat thing going on was mowing grass in the dead of summer in Texas. Hell I tell you... pure hell.

When the Biggest Loser DVDs first came out years ago, I did buy one. By trying to push myself doing 3 of the 4 sessions, I threw my guts up. Yeah, I never did that damn video again.

[Rockinonahigh]

Tips on sweat.This is something I observes over the years when I was rideing horses for a liveing,I would be rideing 6 to 10 horses a day in a covered shades arena,one of my customers owned a golds gym in town and was also a physical fitness body builder and expert,one day I was pouring sweat and didnt have a dry stitch on me,he said that when a body sweats that much even tho they drink electrolights It can take 12 to 24 hours to resuply the body with electrolights and carbs(the right kind).As good as gator aide is it cant replace the thigs we loose when we sweat that hard.He was also a ex pro ball player.he swears by dill or sour pickle juice helps to resuply quicker and prevents body cramps from the loss of salts and electrolites.I went to drinking a smal glas of pickle juice a cauple of times a day plus gator aide powder so I could mix it a bit stronger helped in recovery,plus getting heated
messes with the bodys ablity to cool it self cause it can only sweat so much before we can stop sweating then become nasueus,dizzy,heart palpatations byt then we are in heet stroke limits wich is deadly.

[Cowboi]

For my cardio I always wear sweat pants, sweat shirt, and a beenie for the thermogenesis. I take a fat burner before my workout also.
Needless to say I am pretty sweaty when i'm done.

[Hack]

I always take a hand towel to the gym. In fact, I bought some disturbingly neon colored ones on clearance just for the gym. I do an hour straight cardio. I sweat hard. My hair is wet, my tshirt is wet down my back and above my chest. When I do weights, I don't sweat as much.

[Rockinonahigh]

I'm a free sweater,so I usely look like I took a shower and got dressed,I keep a towl handy with my water bottle.

[DapperButch]

I think it depends on the person. My entire head gets soaked pretty easily from any amount of exercise, but I could be without deodorant and my armpits wouldn't sweat. My hand towel is soaked after 40 minutes on the elliptical and I only use it to wipe my face so that the sweat doesn't pour into my eyes. As an aside, my chest and back are soaked too (since we are all defining the amount we sweat!)



I have noticed that sometimes my sweat smells metallic after I have had a really hard run. I've wondered if its something to do with diet? or basic body chemistry? or a signal that something is off-balance.

Well, this may sound strange, but maybe it is from the alluminum that is found in the vast majority of deodorants. Is the smell near your armpit?

[sylvie]

If i am doing cardio at the Gym, i sweat a lot more..Usually, i get it on my back and in my cleavage mostly, and my face will feel damp but i don't sweat excessively on my face...the back of my neck i will feel it, i have long hair which i pin up, but i still feel the sweat around my neck and at the top of my chest... i drink a lot of water while i'm working out..

Also here at home, i will sweat the same - the elliptical & the treadmill if i stick with it constant.. on the treadmill, if i just walk i don't sweat as much but now i alternate between walking and jogging, which gets my heartrate going and i will sweat more that way..

If i am walking briskly outside, i don't sweat because it's cold out here but the moment i walk indoors, then the sweat appears.. In each of the places that i sweat (Gym & home), my face is always flushed and pinkish too, especially if i've been jogging on the treadmill or outside...

When i was at 315 lbs, i hardly sweat at all believe it or not..But i wasn't pushing myself as hard exercisewise as i do now, of course..Maybe that's the difference, now at 233 lbs i have more energy and find ways to really push myself harder, and i drink a lot more water now as well, that helps too..

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies,

i have been trying to post in this thread for a couple of days now, and haven't been able to.. Sometimes i get down on myself about my progress, but i woke up this morning feeling good about it , so here goes..

Yesterday, was weigh in.. (last weigh in was 2 wks ago)
i have not lost anything, nor have i gained anything though..
i maintained, and maintaining my weight is pretty wonderful, really..
As a recovering food addict and binger, i don't recall a time i ever maintained a weight with healthy eating...
So, definitely worth celebrating!
& gives me hope that when i do reach a healthy weight i am happy with - i CAN maintain by continuing a healthy lifestyle.. After all this is a lifetime commitment with a will to live ..

i went to my Dietician yesterday - and we started Step 2 of Intuitive Eating.. Really a wonderful program, it's doing me a world of good, truly..
Step One was "Reject the Diet Mentality" - and working through that really put me in a healthier frame of mind towards a healthy weight loss... Now Step Two is "Honour your Hunger" and determining between a biological hunger which we keep fed with adequate energy & carbs and not triggering the drive to overeat. Learning how to determine if i am really hungry or if it is emotional eating, eating out of boredom or just plain 'ol binging... It's about recognizing my behaviours with food.. She gave me some exercises to work through, and i gotta say this is a hard step for me, but anxious to know and feel the difference, indeed.. So important Step for me, which i'll be working on til my next appointment.. There are 10 Steps! =) i can share the steps if anyone is interested, of course..

BELLY DANCING - my first class was on Wednesday.
i loooooved it.. i walked out of that class with an amazing confidence, and felt sexier than hell.. (no lie!) Even here at home, when i do the exercises she sent us home with and practice the moves, i feel amazing & sooo sexy. So, it was BUM night, we worked with our bottoms and learned the shimmies, figure eights, and to move our hips and our chests only.. The hip movements are my favorite so far, i've been working on those all week.. *smiles* We did stretches which help flexibility, and then at the end of the class she prepared a 2 1/2 minute choreography and we ran through that twice with the music and it was such fun.. i caught on very quickly to my first week and i've been shimmying at home, at work & everywhere when i think no one is looking , heheh..
Seriously, if i could suggest anything that you go through with, it would be to try bellydancing girls.. It helps self esteem and confidence so much, it makes you feel mysterious and sexy and if you aren't sure if you'd like it, go browse some youtube videos, there's tons on there which my instructor mentioned to us just to help us get a feel of the movements etc.. It's fabulous exercise for the abdomen & thighs, i soo felt it in my thighs this week as well..

~~~
i am off this weekend - so i'm making a Gym date with myself today, will be walking there shortly...i had plans to go with a friend but she had to cancel last night because she got called into work today.. So, pushing myself to go anyway, i can do this..
Thinking cardio workout with elliptical, treadmill & exercise bike & then some toning with weights ..

i'm thinking of buying an exercise ball.. They have those at the Gym and while i kept bouncing off of them that night i finally realized i needed a smaller ball LOL.. Once i got the right size ball for me, i really enjoyed having that for a workout as well.. Anyone use them & like them ?

Okay, that's all my news i've been hanging on to!
Thanks for bringing me out of my negative funk! ♥
Time to get moving for this girl!
((((((((((((huggggggz)))))))))))) to ALL! xox

[ruffryder]

Happy weekend everybody!
Yay for new water bottles !!

Weekend Challenges: Water, water, water.. drink it up! Drink it before you're thirsty.
Share with us 1,2, or 3 ways to get physical activity at home.

My physical activity consists of running up the stairs. I really need to get more exercise and physical activity going. At the start of the week I have two days off so I'll be moving rest of my boxes and plan to check out the fitness center here.

Have a good weekend all!

[Cowboi]

Just got home from the gym after a couple days off.
Looks like everybody is doing a great job!!! Keep it up.
Have a super saturday y'all!!!

[Medusa]

I had a lot planned today but sometimes you have to slow the pace a little :)

Meandering around the house with a smoothie. Cleaning and washing clothes. I have a date with the treadmill or elliptical later today and am doing a grilled chicken salad for lunch.

Weigh in tomorrow. I expect 2 pounds. :)

[Sparkle]

Well, this may sound strange, but maybe it is from the alluminum that is found in the vast majority of deodorants. Is the smell near your armpit?

I've wondered about the deodorant, but I always use the same product and the metallic smell is inconsistent. But when I notice it, it seems pervasive so I don't know if its originating from my armpits it *seems* like all of my skin smells that way. I'll have to make a note to ask my PCP when I go in for my physical in a couple of months.

I've actually noticed it is less frequent now that I'm running inside on a treadmill (rather than outside on the trail). I know my body works harder when I'm outside on the trails. Who knows? Google results are inconclusive. :) I'll have to resort to asking my PCP when I next see her.

My workout today:
Week 5, Run 2:
5min warm up walk, 10min run, 1min walk, 4min run, 1min walk, 6min run, 5min cool down walk.
It was tough, but it means I'm back to running 20min again for the first time in 10 weeks.

I find the hardest part is not the actual running but the constant dialogue in my head that says "this is hard, you can't do this, you could just cut a minute off this run, your hip hurts, you're crap at breathing, i bet everyone is staring, who really cares if you can run 5k anyway, blah blah blah blah" :| And its interesting to me that while that dialogue carries on the best I've got to combat it is: "shut the fuck up brain" and "you can do it". Amazing the strength and range my negative thoughts can have compared to the positive encouraging thoughts.

I followed my run up with 30min/9miles on the recumbent bike, super-easy pace and resistance because my legs were like jelly and I needed to stretch my legs and bring my heart rate down gradually.

Now I'm bouncing around my flat the not sure what to do with myself.

[sylvie]

Hellooo Healthies,
Just came back in to report that YAY, i went to the Gym.
It's always been difficult for me to do things on my own like that.
So proud of myself that i can & DO now..
i was hoping there was a class of some sort that i could take part in, but no classes on Saturday afternoons, booooo.

Anyway, i had a great workout..
i did all 9 weight machines, various weights, targeting all different muscles..
did about 2-3 reps of each, depending on the machine ..

After all of the weight machines, i did 75 abdominal crunches.. whoo!
i actually did 50 first, then went back and did 25 more before i left..
i did some more arm work with the pulleys, did about 100 total, various ways..
Hopped on the exercise bike for 20 mins, level 9..

Then did 20 mins on the elliptical, ive only ever done 10 mins before, but 20!? YAY!!! i was done at 15 but pushed for 5 more..

Then did some leg and butt work on the mat, & used the exercise ball a bit.. Also laid on the bench and did some weight work.. Oh & walked to & from the Gym as well (25 mins each way)

my muscles will indeed be taking a nice rest tomorrow! heh..
But HAPPY that i pushed myself today, feels great & like i'm finally back in this!

[Liam]

I've lost thirteen pounds and six and a half inches, since January 3rd. It feels good.

[Medusa]

Had my weekly weigh in and I'm down another 2 pounds. Slowly but surely....

So SLOOOOWWWWLLLYYYYYYYY! I wish I could have a "whoosh week" like I did last month and lose 5 or 7 pounds in a week but I know that when that happens, I usually won't lose for the next week or two so it all evens out.

Gonna hit the elliptical and free weights at least 3 times this week and I start belly dancing on Wednesday. I've got some romaine and grilled chicken for the next couple of days at work and will pick up some more fruit tomorrow before work. Discovered a love of clementines last week!

I'm feeling pretty excited and nervous about bellydancing. Haven't ever had a class for exercise of any kind and am hoping I can keep up. The instructor said there would be about 10 people in the class and one of my coworkers is going with me. Should be fun!

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

Work has kept me busy since I came back from my brother's wedding. I have had to back out of doing exercise until I get my final test results back from the doctor. I have only told my close family and friends exactly what happened to me. I was sitting at work almost three weeks ago, and literally blacked out. I don't remember doing the reservation that I woke up to, but I was out for almost nine and a half minutes. I called the doctor on Friday, and the thyroid test result is still not in; so I will be calling United Healthcare on Monday and asking to go see a Endicronologist without a referral. I have been feeling fatigued and light headed since November when I went to the dentist.

I am still having my Greek yogurt every morning and a very healthy lunch and dinner since I have been working two over night shifts a week.

Have a good day,

Zimmeh

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies..

Awesome workout again today - just worked out here at home..
i did some videos on SparkPeople (core workout and cardio workout)
Then i worked the Triceps hard since i didnt do triceps yesterday at the Gym..
i felt the burrrrn, lol...

Also did a little arm work with the bands & weights, but not too much since i did weights yesterday.. Then, i hopped on the treadmill, and i LOVE this part..

i jogged for 12 mins straight, no stopping.. After that i walked for a bit.. i got off the treadmill and later on decided to hop back on, i ran for 10 mins, took a small break and did 7 mins more.. i am SO proud of myself..

i never in a million years thought i would be running, goodness.. While i can't run constant, it's a goal of mine to run marathons etc.. A friend of mine is a Marathon runner, she trains each week and just got back from a Bermuda run (lucky!) - so she's been feeding me some tips for safety etc.. i don't push myself too hard, i need to get used to it, but wow, 12 mins and then 10 mins and then 7 mins, all within an hour - pretty fabulous to me!!

~~~~
Later on today, for dinner, Daddy & i are making cabbage rolls together.. He healthied up His recipe, and we'll be dining together on Skype. *smiles*

Hope you are all having a wonderful kind of day! ♥

[Leigh]

It looks to me like everyone is doing well and that is great to see - I'm glad that everyone has been keeping up with their workouts and eating healthy. I've taken a couple of days off from working out only because I had felt slightly under the weather, but I'm going back tomorrow because I don't plan on falling off the wagon like I have before ............ I've been losing weight and doing well overall, so I don't wanna stop that momentum :)

[Rockinonahigh]

Today is a slow lazy one,I fixed breakfast of pancakes and ham w/shugar free syrup..I ate two pancakes insted of my useal six and a small slice of ham.Lunch was grab and go,dinner will be beef tips and rice for my son,but a salad for me toped with shrimp and home made dressing.
I have been very lazy between cleaning the kitchen and doing laundry + folding it, I am catching up on some sleep I missed dureing the week,Funny im sleeping better dureing the day than at night when I should be sleeping.

[Zimmeh]

I went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and I had 3/4's of a hamburger with lettuce, tomatoe and pickles with a small order of fries. I am currently having steamed broccoli seasoned with black pepper for my *dinner*

Plenty of water with Triscuit crackers and Laughing Cow low-fat cheese for a snack!

Keeping it healthy on these crazy over-night shifts :)

Zimmeh

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday healthy peeps!

WOW, it's awesome to see so much continued success... way to go! Keep it up y'all!

I managed to get in three workouts at the gym this week! I was having a semi-lazy day yesterday, when some tiny voice popped into my head and said, "Tonya, get your ass to the gym!" I pushed myself a lil' more on each machine.... 20 minutes on the elipitcal, 4 reps of 10 on each arm/leg machine, 50 crunches and finished up with a cool down of 12 minutes on the treadmill :) Needless to say, I felt pretty damn proud of myself for breaking out of my lazy Sunday pattern!

I have managed to stay 5 - 10 points below my target every single day this week, too! The weekends sometimes feel the hardest for me, because we are always out running the roads and usually eat out most of the time. This weekend, I stayed on track!

My bellydancing classes start next week on the 7th, and I cannot tell you how excited I am!

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie bagel thin
a handful of strawberries
and a sugar free vanilla iced coffee

Lunch:
a lean cuisine
cucumber & tomato slices

Dinner:
a turkey sandwich on wheat from Subway
apple slices

Snacks:
yogurt
100 calorie popcorn

Have a great day y'all :)

[Medusa]

This is today:

Breakfast:

Smoothie made with yogurt, chocolate almond milk, carob powder, 1 tbs peanut butter (I was out of bananas!!)

Mid morning snack:
V8
clementine

Lunch:

salad with romaine, carrots, grilled chicken, crouton, and tomato basil vinagrette


Later afternoon snack:
steamed broccoli (Im craving it)

Dinner:
Leftover meatloaf and steamed veggies

[starryeyes]

I went on vacation to Maine, and my WW plan stayed home. I wasnt too bad, but looking forward to getting back on track tomorrow when I get home :-)

[Deborah]

I love these....

Jiffy Corn Dog Mini Muffins


Servings - approx 20 mini muffins Servings size - 1 mini muffin Points plus per svg - 2 points+

Calories - 79, Total Fat - 3.2g, Carb. - 11.3g, Protein - 2.1g, Fiber - 0g


1-8.5 oz. box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

1 egg, slightly beaten

1/3 cup skim milk

1 TBS honey

4 Oscar Meyer Turkey Hot dogs, each cut into 5 pieces



1. Spray the wells of a mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

2. In a med bowl, combine the mix, egg, honey and skim milk. Allow to sit for 3 - 4 min. Stir batter.

3. Fill each mini muffin well with about 1/2 TBS batter. Place a piece of hot dog into each well, pressing in.

4. Top each hot dog with about a tsp. of batter, covering hot dog.

5. Bake in oven for 10 - 15 min. or until golden brown. Allow to cool in pan for 5 min. before removing to platter.

[justkim]

Hello! I will be doing my first 5k on the 18 of Feb... Wish me luck... Keep up the great work everyone...

[Cowboi]

Just got home from the gym. Had a Hella workout!!! This evenings cardio was boxing!!
Cycling off all my supplements for a few weeks also.

Hope y'all had a great Monday!!!

[canmarielan]

I finally watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead."

Wow....

Thoughts?

[Sparkle]

I finally watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead."

Wow....

Thoughts?


I thought it was a good documentary and there was some great information presented in a really clear manner.

Watching it made me more conscious of micro-nutrients in my daily life.

A 60-day juice fast still feels a bit extreme to me, but I thought the narrator and the other gentleman used that time to make significant healthy changes to their lives (exercise and re-thinking their relationship with food).

I am interested in incorporating some juicing in to my health routine.

[Leigh]

Well I did go to the gym today and had a good workout after missing 4 days because I didn't feel well. It felt good and even though the scale showed that I gained a pound, not gonna let that stop me from continuing on my journey to losing weight and working out :)

[Softhearted]

I had my first yoga class tonite... it was awesome!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy peeps!

I woke up bright eyed & bushy tailed (if I even really know what that means, but it sounds pretty good), and I am packed & ready for the gym this evening!

Question for y'all that work out in the evenings... Do you eat dinner before or after your workout? I've done both, and for the most part I feel a lot less hungry if I eat AFTER my workout. Just curious as to what y'all do.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a handful of strawberries
and a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a Light Progresso soup (vegetable & noodle) only 2 ww points
a few unsalted saltine crackers
an apple

Snacks:
yogurt
cutie orange

Dinner:
Not too sure right now...

I hope that y'all have a fabulous day :)

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

My thyroid test came back negative and I'm happy. He is going to do an ECHO test tomorrow and hopefully this will be the last one and it comes back negative. I called out from work lastnight so I could rest.

Breakfast:

Peanut butter toast
Soymilk

Lunch:

Open

Dinner:

Open

Snacks:

Fruit!

Zimmeh

[princessbelle]

Howdy healthies!!!!!

We had an off week. We still ate pretty healthy but didn't exercise like we should have. Our weight that we've lost is holding steady but didn't lose last week.

This week we will get that exercise going again and hopefully start that downward spiral again.

Good job everyone!!!!!!

[foxyshaman]

Good morning healthy peeps!

I woke up bright eyed & bushy tailed (if I even really know what that means, but it sounds pretty good), and I am packed & ready for the gym this evening!

Question for y'all that work out in the evenings... Do you eat dinner before or after your workout? I've done both, and for the most part I feel a lot less hungry if I eat AFTER my workout. Just curious as to what y'all do.



PinkieLee I eat after I workout in the evenings. I generally keep those meals light. I like to have a vege wrap, it is four points for the flat bread and no points for all the yummy veges. I don't know what kind of dressing you use, but 1 TBSP of hummus (3.5 g fat kind) is 1 pt. and 1/2 fat mayo (if you eat that) is 1 pt for TBSP as well. A good wrap for me is six points. And I feel satisfied and full. I find I don't feel well if I eat before I work out.

Just a foxes thoughts.

Wishing everyone a fabulous day!!

[Zimmeh]

I eat dinner before I go power walking and I will have juice after I come back.

Zimmeh

Good morning healthy peeps!

I woke up bright eyed & bushy tailed (if I even really know what that means, but it sounds pretty good), and I am packed & ready for the gym this evening!

Question for y'all that work out in the evenings... Do you eat dinner before or after your workout? I've done both, and for the most part I feel a lot less hungry if I eat AFTER my workout. Just curious as to what y'all do.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a handful of strawberries
and a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a Light Progresso soup (vegetable & noodle) only 2 ww points
a few unsalted saltine crackers
an apple

Snacks:
yogurt
cutie orange

Dinner:
Not too sure right now...

I hope that y'all have a fabulous day :)

[canmarielan]

Good morning healthy peeps!

I woke up bright eyed & bushy tailed (if I even really know what that means, but it sounds pretty good), and I am packed & ready for the gym this evening!

Question for y'all that work out in the evenings... Do you eat dinner before or after your workout? I've done both, and for the most part I feel a lot less hungry if I eat AFTER my workout. Just curious as to what y'all do.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a handful of strawberries
and a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a Light Progresso soup (vegetable & noodle) only 2 ww points
a few unsalted saltine crackers
an apple

Snacks:
yogurt
cutie orange

Dinner:
Not too sure right now...

I hope that y'all have a fabulous day :)

,Depends on what kind of workout.....your body needs protein to repair shredded muscles after weight training.

Also, in the evening try to avoid carbohydrates unless they are really complex.

[Leigh]

I'm a little off my diet but I'm getting back on track - its a slow process for me but as long as I stick to it I will be fine :)

[Cowboi]

Good morning healthy peeps!

I woke up bright eyed & bushy tailed (if I even really know what that means, but it sounds pretty good), and I am packed & ready for the gym this evening!

Question for y'all that work out in the evenings... Do you eat dinner before or after your workout? I've done both, and for the most part I feel a lot less hungry if I eat AFTER my workout. Just curious as to what y'all do.

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a handful of strawberries
and a cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
a Light Progresso soup (vegetable & noodle) only 2 ww points
a few unsalted saltine crackers
an apple

Snacks:
yogurt
cutie orange

Dinner:
Not too sure right now...

I hope that y'all have a fabulous day :)



I workout after I get home from work. I take my pre workout supplements about 45 minutes before.
As soon as I finish my workout I have a protein shake with vitargo, and creatine. Then I do my cardio.
I usually have my supper meal about a hour later.

[princessbelle]

I am very proud of us today. We ate all the good, healthy food.

And...

We got out there. We walked. There is an absolutely beautiful park just .5 miles from our house and it was just an awesome experience.

Not many people or dogs. We took Bella our shih tzu and i really wasn't sure how she would do. She loved it!!! Even though she made Daddy hold her and walk some of the time.

We felt that fresh air and sunshine and our limbs were somewhat aching, in a good way, when we got back home.

It was fun, challenging and we did it!!!!!

Thinkin walkin is gonna be our "thing".

[Rockinonahigh]

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

[Leigh]

Hi everyone,

I came in today because I'm struggling right now, with everything, and I believe that the best thing to do is to reach out for friends because right now the God and Goddess know that I could use more. Two weeks ago I lost two of my supposed best friends; one I had known for 12 or 13 years (since high school) and her boyfriend I only met last year even though she has known him for about 5 years now. She was like a sister to me and yet she chose her relationship with him over our friendship ~ he calls her down, orders her around, tells her what to do and when to do it and treats everyone around him (including me in the past) like dirt. I truly thought that I had two friends who would never let me down, and yet they both turned their backs on me and have gone on with their lives like nothing ever happened.

They started going to the gym with me and now I've gone twice alone; I get scared to walk into the gym in case they are both there and its just not as fun as it used to be. They were my support system, cheering me on right there with me and told me how great I was doing. I know I'm doing good but at least I had people there who I thought cared about me, and now going alone is just proving to be too hard on me. I don't want to quit at all but its really hard going there without the memory of them being right there haunting me; its scary and I admit that. I don't know exactly how to deal with it, and I'm noticing that I'm turning yet again to food to try and cope with everything that has happened.

I've been eating more again the last 2-3 days and when I weighed myself in Monday I noticed that I had gained a pound. I guess my biggest question is how do I deal with this in a way that won't have me sabotaging what progress that I have made already? How do I deal with emotional everyday stresses that are causing me to, yet again, eat more? For now I am going to do my best to deal with all of this as best I can on my own and with help from my family, but I know that I can always turn to my extended family here for help :)

[Miss Scarlett]

Hi everyone,

I came in today because I'm struggling right now, with everything, and I believe that the best thing to do is to reach out for friends because right now the God and Goddess know that I could use more. Two weeks ago I lost two of my supposed best friends; one I had known for 12 or 13 years (since high school) and her boyfriend I only met last year even though she has known him for about 5 years now. She was like a sister to me and yet she chose her relationship with him over our friendship ~ he calls her down, orders her around, tells her what to do and when to do it and treats everyone around him (including me in the past) like dirt. I truly thought that I had two friends who would never let me down, and yet they both turned their backs on me and have gone on with their lives like nothing ever happened.

They started going to the gym with me and now I've gone twice alone; I get scared to walk into the gym in case they are both there and its just not as fun as it used to be. They were my support system, cheering me on right there with me and told me how great I was doing. I know I'm doing good but at least I had people there who I thought cared about me, and now going alone is just proving to be too hard on me. I don't want to quit at all but its really hard going there without the memory of them being right there haunting me; its scary and I admit that. I don't know exactly how to deal with it, and I'm noticing that I'm turning yet again to food to try and cope with everything that has happened.

I've been eating more again the last 2-3 days and when I weighed myself in Monday I noticed that I had gained a pound. I guess my biggest question is how do I deal with this in a way that won't have me sabotaging what progress that I have made already? How do I deal with emotional everyday stresses that are causing me to, yet again, eat more? For now I am going to do my best to deal with all of this as best I can on my own and with help from my family, but I know that I can always turn to my extended family here for help :)

(((((Leigh))))) i've been there. Emotional eating is troublesome, no doubt. i wish i could share some sort of magic way to make it disappear but there isn't one that i know of. i'm an emotional eater too and i suspect we are not alone here.

For me it's also a two-edged sword. Having a history of bulimarexia, i can go in either direction - eating or not eating.

This is something i have to deal with on an episode by episode basis based upon the reason why i'm feeling this way. One of my major triggers is feeling invisible or insignificant.

Let me explain...my boss is a very quiet woman. She doesn't talk much anyway and there are days we barely speak beyond the odd question or hello and good bye. That's not the problem...when i've done a particularly good job with something there is no feedback beyond her handing me the document back with no edits/corrections/revisions needed. i have to remind myself that that is her way of saying it's a good job but it would be nice to have and occasional sticky note saying "Good job."

Or when with my friends there are times when everyone is talking and having a good time but when i try to participate in the conversation there is no acknowledgment of my comments; or when i walk up to join the group nobody says hello. The latest, and most crushing, is my recent loss of over 16 lbs in the last 2 weeks. It's noticable yet nobody has said a word unless i ask. And if do i ask whether or not they notice something different they look at me and i can see they are struggling to figure it out yet still fail to see it.

And i'm not just talking about the friends i see daily...that's easier to understand. Yesterday i saw a friend who had not seen me since before my weight loss - she failed to notice. When i told her what was different i got a blank, confused look. It's very disheartening, especially when you are feeling so good about it and know you look better too. i was crushed. my reaction last night was to not eat dinner which may sound better than overeating but really is worse for me because once i start down that path it's a struggle to jump the track. Like right now i should be eating my breakfast but am just not interested. Oh i will have my yogurt and fruit but it will be forced and hurried.

What i'm trying to say is that i am trying to improve my health, not theirs. This is for me and i am determined to continue whether anyone notices or not. Because i am worth it and Hon, you are too.

Go to the gym by yourself...it won't be easy, i understand that. But you are doing this for you and, again, you are worth it. If you absolutely must eat for comfort try to choose healthier foods and don't kick yourself. And if you don't and go for junk food, etc. the world will not come to an end. You can always start over. To quote my namesake "After all, tomorrow IS another day." Don't give up...

[Zimmeh]

Honey, it sounds like you need to just walk away. It's a hard thing to do and I've had to do it. I am enjoying not having my ex best friend's negativity and drama in my life.

When you go to the gym, just hold your head up high and show them, that you can succeed in your goals!

Zimmeh

Hi everyone,

I came in today because I'm struggling right now, with everything, and I believe that the best thing to do is to reach out for friends because right now the God and Goddess know that I could use more. Two weeks ago I lost two of my supposed best friends; one I had known for 12 or 13 years (since high school) and her boyfriend I only met last year even though she has known him for about 5 years now. She was like a sister to me and yet she chose her relationship with him over our friendship ~ he calls her down, orders her around, tells her what to do and when to do it and treats everyone around him (including me in the past) like dirt. I truly thought that I had two friends who would never let me down, and yet they both turned their backs on me and have gone on with their lives like nothing ever happened.

They started going to the gym with me and now I've gone twice alone; I get scared to walk into the gym in case they are both there and its just not as fun as it used to be. They were my support system, cheering me on right there with me and told me how great I was doing. I know I'm doing good but at least I had people there who I thought cared about me, and now going alone is just proving to be too hard on me. I don't want to quit at all but its really hard going there without the memory of them being right there haunting me; its scary and I admit that. I don't know exactly how to deal with it, and I'm noticing that I'm turning yet again to food to try and cope with everything that has happened.

I've been eating more again the last 2-3 days and when I weighed myself in Monday I noticed that I had gained a pound. I guess my biggest question is how do I deal with this in a way that won't have me sabotaging what progress that I have made already? How do I deal with emotional everyday stresses that are causing me to, yet again, eat more? For now I am going to do my best to deal with all of this as best I can on my own and with help from my family, but I know that I can always turn to my extended family here for help :)

[PinkieLee]

(((((((((Leigh)))))))))))

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice".

I know that things have been tough for you since your falling out with friends. Yes, it is nice to have friends on the same journey as yourself... especially ones that motivated you to workout. But right now, you need to dig down deep inside and DO THIS FOR YOURSELF! It's easy to fall back into our old routines, patterns and/or eating habits... but there comes a point when YOU have to take control.

It can be scarey to do things on your own... but it can also be a rewarding experience. Try this, when you get to the gym and start working out, look into the mirror and SMILE at yourself and say "YES I CAN!" I can promise you, within a few times of going by yourself, you will have a routine down pat, you will be able to push yourself a lil' harder and you will feel better about yourself. Do NOT let your old ways of thinking keep you from reaching your goals! We know you can do it... and have all the faith in the world in you!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"

As for food, and dealing with triggers, yes we have all been there. I tell you, sometimes I deal with things on a daily basis. I can be in full blown binge mode with one negative thought or comment... so I know what a struggle it can be. If you feel those triggers come on, try taking a walk around the block or get up & do something like organize a junk drawer, fold laundry, sweep the floor... anything to keep your hands & mind busy.

One day at a time my friend! YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS!

[PinkieLee]

Hey all y'all healthy living folks!

I sneaked a peek at the scale a day early today... and I lost 3 more pounds!

I didn't get to go to the gym last night. Life has been mad crazy for us right now taking care of D's mom and we didn't leave her house till well after 9. Her dad brought us home dinner last night, and thankfully he called before he did. He went to one of our favorite steakhouses, but I was good and had the grilled chicken breast, squash casserole & steamed broccoli.

Gym tonight... yeah it's on!

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie bagel thin
a banana

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine meal
fresh fruit (cantalope & green grapes)

Dinner:
Spaghetti (with ground turkey & whole wheat pasta)
a light ceaser salad with the dressing on the side

Snacks:
yogurt
apple or a cutie orange

Have a great day y'all :)

[princessbelle]

So the whole walking thing is wonderful!!!

Not only did we have a wonderful time, we each lost a couple pounds just from walking yesterday.

Not bad. I'll take it.

It's rainy today and i just may walk anyway.

Rumor has it i won't melt, except some pounds that is.

[Sparkle]

DIY Dried Apples

http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2012/simple-living/diy-dried-apples/

I'm definitely going to make some of these to store at home!

snipped from the blog

"Homemade dried apples are such an easy and inexpensive way to sneak more fruit into your diet. Of course, nothing beats a fresh, juicy apple, but I like dried apples for their portability and versatility. A little bag of apples can be slipped into a small purse for an anytime-snack, and they make a great topping for salads. They’re also a fantastic way to preserve a large bounty of apples through the winter. The idea came from the book How to Sew a Button by Erin Bried, and I modified the directions to fit my needs.

Ingredients

- apples
- lemons
- water

Directions

Slice as many apples as you would like into pieces 1/4″ thick or less. They can be as wide or long as you like. You may also peel them, or leave the peel on. I chose to leave the peel on and they came out great.

Soak the apples in a mixture of equal-parts lemon juice and water. The lemon juice not only preserves the color of the apple, but it creates depth to the apple flavor without having to add sugar.

After soaking, place the apples on a cake rack on top of a cookie sheet. If you don’t have a cake rack (I don’t!), then just place the slices directly on the cookie sheet. I did not need to grease the pan – the apples came off fine on their own.

The oven should be preheated to 140 degrees F, and the apples should remain in the oven for five hours. If your apples aren’t on a rack, flip them half-way through. I found that my apples really needed about 6 hours.

The apples should be flexible and bendy. You can eat some immediately, or all of them if you just used a couple of apples. If you’re looking for long term storage, then after they have cooled, place them in a sealed jar for a few days.

Shake the jars every so often. Pasteurize them by freezing them in bags for two days, and keep them for up to 6-12 months in a cool, dry place."

[JustJo]

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

Hey Rockin,

I'm not a big "energy bar" eater....so hopefully someone else has suggestions. I did just start buying and keeping on hand the Glucerna shakes made specifically for diabetics. They aren't what I'd call tasty....but they're better than a low blood sugar crash.

I know they make bars too....might be something to check out. :rrose:

[Sparkle]

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

I buy Luna Bars and Cliff Bars in my regular grocery shop. I use them as high protein - under 200cal snack in the late afternoon and/or before a session at the gym or when I've got a long day at work and haven't prepared proper meals to get me through.

I like them (and I'm a picky-eater).

The Luna Protein Bars are 12g of protein, the regular Luna Bars are about 9g of protein. Cliff Bars are similar. I really like the granola bar crunchy consistency of the Cliff Bars but you really do need a glass of water with them (they're a little dry).

[Rockinonahigh]

Hey Rockin,

I'm not a big "energy bar" eater....so hopefully someone else has suggestions. I did just start buying and keeping on hand the Glucerna shakes made specifically for diabetics. They aren't what I'd call tasty....but they're better than a low blood sugar crash.

I know they make bars too....might be something to check out. :rrose:

Jo
I tryed those shakes,yucky,I hope I never have to depend on them for food.I got some glucose pills from the drug store they have a lite lemony flavor that I can live with but they are a bit chalkey sort of like a rolaid.

[Zimmeh]

I like the Kind bars; their fruit and nut one is the best. They are made with honey instead of sugar cane and are low on the glycemic index.

Hope this helps!

Zimmeh

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

[Leigh]

(((((Leigh))))) i've been there. Emotional eating is troublesome, no doubt. i wish i could share some sort of magic way to make it disappear but there isn't one that i know of. i'm an emotional eater too and i suspect we are not alone here.

This is something i have to deal with on an episode by episode basis based upon the reason why i'm feeling this way. One of my major triggers is feeling invisible or insignificant.

Let me explain...my boss is a very quiet woman. She doesn't talk much anyway and there are days we barely speak beyond the odd question or hello and good bye. That's not the problem...when i've done a particularly good job with something there is no feedback beyond her handing me the document back with no edits/corrections/revisions needed. i have to remind myself that that is her way of saying it's a good job but it would be nice to have and occasional sticky note saying "Good job."

Or when with my friends there are times when everyone is talking and having a good time but when i try to participate in the conversation there is no acknowledgment of my comments; or when i walk up to join the group nobody says hello. The latest, and most crushing, is my recent loss of over 16 lbs in the last 2 weeks. It's noticable yet nobody has said a word unless i ask. And if do i ask whether or not they notice something different they look at me and i can see they are struggling to figure it out yet still fail to see it.

And i'm not just talking about the friends i see daily...that's easier to understand. Yesterday i saw a friend who had not seen me since before my weight loss - she failed to notice. When i told her what was different i got a blank, confused look. It's very disheartening, especially when you are feeling so good about it and know you look better too. i was crushed. my reaction last night was to not eat dinner which may sound better than overeating but really is worse for me because once i start down that path it's a struggle to jump the track. Like right now i should be eating my breakfast but am just not interested. Oh i will have my yogurt and fruit but it will be forced and hurried.

What i'm trying to say is that i am trying to improve my health, not theirs. This is for me and i am determined to continue whether anyone notices or not. Because i am worth it and Hon, you are too.

Go to the gym by yourself...it won't be easy, i understand that. But you are doing this for you and, again, you are worth it. If you absolutely must eat for comfort try to choose healthier foods and don't kick yourself. And if you don't and go for junk food, etc. the world will not come to an end. You can always start over. To quote my namesake "After all, tomorrow IS another day." Don't give up...

I am working on reminding myself everyday that I am worth it and that I do not deserve to be treated the way that they treated me. I'm not used to doing things by myself so I guess that I will have to do so ....... not that its a huge deal, its just something I have to get used to. I know that I will do okay, I just have to realize that I am doing this for myself and that I am worth the work that it'll take to lose this weight :)

Honey, it sounds like you need to just walk away. It's a hard thing to do and I've had to do it. I am enjoying not having my ex best friend's negativity and drama in my life.

When you go to the gym, just hold your head up high and show them, that you can succeed in your goals!

Zimmeh

They have already walked away from me, and that is what hurts so much but slowly I am learning to deal with things by myself ~ its not easy for me because as I said above I don't do well with things on my own but I'm learning :)

(((((((((Leigh)))))))))))

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice".

I know that things have been tough for you since your falling out with friends. Yes, it is nice to have friends on the same journey as yourself... especially ones that motivated you to workout. But right now, you need to dig down deep inside and DO THIS FOR YOURSELF! It's easy to fall back into our old routines, patterns and/or eating habits... but there comes a point when YOU have to take control.

It can be scarey to do things on your own... but it can also be a rewarding experience. Try this, when you get to the gym and start working out, look into the mirror and SMILE at yourself and say "YES I CAN!" I can promise you, within a few times of going by yourself, you will have a routine down pat, you will be able to push yourself a lil' harder and you will feel better about yourself. Do NOT let your old ways of thinking keep you from reaching your goals! We know you can do it... and have all the faith in the world in you!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"

As for food, and dealing with triggers, yes we have all been there. I tell you, sometimes I deal with things on a daily basis. I can be in full blown binge mode with one negative thought or comment... so I know what a struggle it can be. If you feel those triggers come on, try taking a walk around the block or get up & do something like organize a junk drawer, fold laundry, sweep the floor... anything to keep your hands & mind busy.

One day at a time my friend! YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS!

Thank you Pinkie, I know that I can always count on my friends here ~ thank you to everyone for being so amazing and wonderful :gimmehug:

[diamondrose]

DIY Dried Apples

http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2012/simple-living/diy-dried-apples/

I'm definitely going to make some of these to store at home!

snipped from the blog

"Homemade dried apples are such an easy and inexpensive way to sneak more fruit into your diet. Of course, nothing beats a fresh, juicy apple, but I like dried apples for their portability and versatility. A little bag of apples can be slipped into a small purse for an anytime-snack, and they make a great topping for salads. They’re also a fantastic way to preserve a large bounty of apples through the winter. The idea came from the book How to Sew a Button by Erin Bried, and I modified the directions to fit my needs.

Ingredients

- apples
- lemons
- water

Directions

Slice as many apples as you would like into pieces 1/4″ thick or less. They can be as wide or long as you like. You may also peel them, or leave the peel on. I chose to leave the peel on and they came out great.

Soak the apples in a mixture of equal-parts lemon juice and water. The lemon juice not only preserves the color of the apple, but it creates depth to the apple flavor without having to add sugar.

After soaking, place the apples on a cake rack on top of a cookie sheet. If you don’t have a cake rack (I don’t!), then just place the slices directly on the cookie sheet. I did not need to grease the pan – the apples came off fine on their own.

The oven should be preheated to 140 degrees F, and the apples should remain in the oven for five hours. If your apples aren’t on a rack, flip them half-way through. I found that my apples really needed about 6 hours.

The apples should be flexible and bendy. You can eat some immediately, or all of them if you just used a couple of apples. If you’re looking for long term storage, then after they have cooled, place them in a sealed jar for a few days.

Shake the jars every so often. Pasteurize them by freezing them in bags for two days, and keep them for up to 6-12 months in a cool, dry place."

Dry fruit is great to have around when in the mood for chips. It gives you that crunch of chips in a healthier form :)
I buy dry fruit from fresh market!! I thought of trying to make my own at home! Thank you for sharing this!! I will give it a try!

[JustJo]

Hello healthies :)

Did my workout at Curves this morning...still loving it.

Midday zipped through the local farmers market to restock the fridge and countertop baskets with fresh fruits and veggies...


potatoes
corn
celery
beansprouts
broccoli
apples
bananas
oranges
watermelon
strawberries
kiwis
pineapple
carrots
baby greens for salad

[Zimmeh]

Hugs and you can do this! You have all of us to help and support you!

Zimmeh


[B]They have already walked away from me, and that is what hurts so much but slowly I am learning to deal with things by myself ~ its not easy for me because as I said above I don't do well with things on my own but I'm learning :)

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I went to the dr's today and he did an ECHO sonogram on my heart and thyroid; then fitted me with a heart monitor. I called out of work again and came home to sleep. This is what I had today:

Breakfast:
Chobani Greek Yogurt
Soymilk

Lunch:
Hot Pocket
Triscuit crackers
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge

Dinner.
Tuna steak
Mac & Cheese

[Tawse]

It's been a little bit since I've been here... (busy at work and that also happens to be where I surf O.o lol) but still doing the healthy thing... down 16 pounds now and not stopping anytime soon.

Everyone keep up the good work!


BTW - I tried the "biggest loser" premade meals this week. They are high(ish) in sodium but if you're in a hurry they're good. Made for 2 people and when you see the portion size you may burst out in tears (1/4 Mashed taters per person!?? really!?? lol) but turns out when you have less to eat - you take smaller bites lol so you end up pretty much eating for just as long and taking just as many bites.

The entree's are about 220 - 250 cals each - and decent nutrition aside from the sodium. Add some veggies to the mix and you're looking at a satisfying dinner for about 300 - 315 cals.

Not bad for "dinner in a rush".

[sylvie]

Good Morning everyone ~

Bellydance class was cancelled last night =(
Dang winter weather, is it spring yet?? lol.

Today will be a busy day for me.. i don't work until 4pm, however...
Errands to run & food shopping day - yaaaay payday! So just had a nice healthy breakfast so i don't walk in there hungry..

Also, tonight - a friend is picking me up at work and we're going straight to the Gym for a workout with weights & some cardio.. Then tomorrow morning, she and i are heading back to the gym early for another workout and then we're trying a Body Flow class. (its a combination of yoga, tai chi, and pilates that builds flexibility and strength.)

i'm excited for that one!! So happy to have the confidence to try new things lately, between bellydance, zumba, yoga, etc... LOVIN it!)

Happy Thursday Healthies! ♥
((((hugggggs))))

[ruffryder]

Hello everybody!

It's almost the weekend! I've been staying busy with work and unpacking, even though it's been a slow week at work. Hope to get in here more and post and hit up this fitness center I found where I live. It looks like a great place with many cardio and weight machines. This area also looks great for a walk and run. Glad to be living here where I can get outside more in this warm weather! I also found some great workout apps on my droid. I love the ab ones. Great alternatives to crunches besdies the regular "situp".

As for protein bars I eat high fiber bars. One is oat and chocolate and the other is a strawberry cereal bar that has 90 calories. Some have less sodium and carbohydrate than others, you just have to check that. Also, they don't have to be expensive you can usually find the store brand such as Great Value. I like these for a snack or for a quick breakfast with fresh fruit or yogurt and coffee.

This morning on the news I heard of the DASH (Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. No medication involved, just healthy eating. It supposedly lowers blood pressure and choloesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. It consists of a diet Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy, lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts. These foods are supposed to support reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. It all sounds pretty legit to me, just avoiding non real sugars, carbs, fats, and sodium. Anyone else hear of this or have any thoughts?

http://dashdiet.org/ >About

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dash-diet-recipes/RE00089 >Recipes we all love!

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf >INFO

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/dash-diet >Tips on getting started!

I would be interested in making some healthy drinks/smoothies. If anyone has some great recipes, please share! I will research also and report back with my findings and what I've tried.. Thanks! Enjoy the rest of the week and Have a great weekend everybody!

[Zimmeh]

I've heard of this diet and it is the #1 *diet*. It is the only one that actually works and has the results to prove it.

I'm thinking of trying this since I was diagnosed with prehypertension the other day.

Zimmeh

Hello everybody!

It's almost the weekend! I've been staying busy with work and unpacking, even though it's been a slow week at work. Hope to get in here more and post and hit up this fitness center I found where I live. It looks like a great place with many cardio and weight machines. This area also looks great for a walk and run. Glad to be living here where I can get outside more in this warm weather! I also found some great workout apps on my droid. I love the ab ones. Great alternatives to crunches besdies the regular "situp".

As for protein bars I eat high fiber bars. One is oat and chocolate and the other is a strawberry cereal bar that has 90 calories. Some have less sodium and carbohydrate than others, you just have to check that. Also, they don't have to be expensive you can usually find the store brand such as Great Value. I like these for a snack or for a quick breakfast with fresh fruit or yogurt and coffee.

This morning on the news I heard of the DASH (Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. No medication involved, just healthy eating. It supposedly lowers blood pressure and choloesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. It consists of a diet Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy, lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts. These foods are supposed to support reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. It all sounds pretty legit to me, just avoiding non real sugars, carbs, fats, and sodium. Anyone else hear of this or have any thoughts?

http://dashdiet.org/ >About

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dash-diet-recipes/RE00089 >Recipes we all love!

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf >INFO

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/dash-diet >Tips on getting started!

I would be interested in making some healthy drinks/smoothies. If anyone has some great recipes, please share! I will research also and report back with my findings and what I've tried.. Thanks! Enjoy the rest of the week and Have a great weekend everybody!

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

The results from my sonograms came back negative! Woohoo, let's celebrate :)

Zimmeh

[PinkieLee]

Good Afternoon Everyone,

The results from my sonograms came back negative! Woohoo, let's celebrate :)

Zimmeh

AWESOME news honey! I'm glad that you are A OK :)

[Zimmeh]

Me too! How about some birthday cake? Today is my mom's 59th birthday and what a better day to get good news?

Zimmeh


AWESOME news honey! I'm glad that you are A OK :)

[justkim]

Here's the deal... I love chicken and hamburgers cooked on the grill... I am looking to add fish to this but not sure what kind of fish to add since my idea of yummy fish is beer battered... suggestions please... i know how i want to prepare it, just not what kind... thanks in advance...

[Zimmeh]

I would try either tuna steaks or salmon. Just cook the fish on aluminum foil so it doesn't stick to the grill.

My favorite kind of fish is blackened salmon :)

Zimmeh

Here's the deal... I love chicken and hamburgers cooked on the grill... I am looking to add fish to this but not sure what kind of fish to add since my idea of yummy fish is beer battered... suggestions please... i know how i want to prepare it, just not what kind... thanks in advance...

[PinkieLee]

Here's the deal... I love chicken and hamburgers cooked on the grill... I am looking to add fish to this but not sure what kind of fish to add since my idea of yummy fish is beer battered... suggestions please... i know how i want to prepare it, just not what kind... thanks in advance...

I am a big fan of tilapia, while my honey likes cod. Her problem is if it even has a slightly "fishy" taste to it, she wont eat it. Cod is perfect!

If you do pick a fish that tastes too fishy for you, just add a couple squeezes of lemon or lime juice while on the grill and it will cut it out :)

[PinkieLee]

Things are still moving right along for me. I have been staying 5 - 10 points below target points every day for a few weeks... and I have been getting my butt to the gym! Crazy, I am actually starting to enjoy working out again. I know, SHOCKER ;) After checking on D & her mom at the hospital last night, I got home around 8 ish. I looked at the clock and that tiny voice popped back into my head... "Get your ass to the gym Tonya". I had a pretty good workout, too. I had the women's section all to myself, too :)

15 minutes on the stationary bike (I burned 125 calories ~ dang, the higher the resistance the quicker those calories start coming off... YEEHAW)

leg and arm machines 4 reps of 10 each

ab machine - 50 crunches

10 minutes on the elipitical (burned another 50 calories and used it as my cooldown)

I have to work the 2nd job tonight, so no gym for me today. But tomorrow after work, it's on!

Meals so far today:

Breakfast:
Chicken Minis from Chickfila, don't hate 7 ww points
a banana

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine meal (meatloaf & mashed potatoes) 5 points
cucumber & tomato slices

Dinner:
picking up Subway on my way to work (turkey & avacado on wheat bread, with lots of veggies)
apple slices

Snack:
yogurt
and/or string cheese & 100 calorie almond pack

Have a great day y'all :)

[JustJo]

I am a big fan of tilapia, while my honey likes cod. Her problem is if it even has a slightly "fishy" taste to it, she wont eat it. Cod is perfect!

If you do pick a fish that tastes too fishy for you, just add a couple squeezes of lemon or lime juice while on the grill and it will cut it out :)

I'm with your honey.....I know fish is good for me but I can't handle the fishy taste.

I'll have to revisit cod....

[PinkieLee]

I'm with your honey.....I know fish is good for me but I can't handle the fishy taste.

I'll have to revisit cod....

She likes cod because of the square fish from Luby's Cafeteria :) Luckily, I found a healthier version at our local grocery store, that has a potato crust. We just bake it in the oven... yummy!

[Leigh]

Hi everyone,

I went out with a friend yesterday and found a new restaurant (well, new to me anyways) and was introduced to it by the person I was with ~ SO worth trying that's for sure. Its called Mongo's Grill and what you do is you take a bowl and choose from a variety of vegetables, meats, pasta or rice and sauces ~ pile everything into it and take it to the grill masters that cook your food right in front of you. OMG was it EVER good wow! My bowl consisted of: chicken, honey mustard/sweet & sour/honey garlic sauces, black beans, brown rice, steamed noodles, bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms and spinach - it completely filled me up and along with an iced tea (no ice) it was the perfect dinner :)

I definately wanna go there again it was so very good. I've come down with abit of a cold so I didn't go to the gym today but my friend and I did alot of walking around a mall and clothes shopping so I'm gonna rest today and get my butt back to the gym tomorrow ~ glad to see everyone else is on track as well :thumbsup:

[Zimmeh]

Get to feeling better and just check the sodium count on those sauces. Some of them can have up to 1000mg's of sodium and can cause you to retain water.

Clothes shopping? My favorite past time :)

Hugs,

Zimmeh

Hi everyone,

I went out with a friend yesterday and found a new restaurant (well, new to me anyways) and was introduced to it by the person I was with ~ SO worth trying that's for sure. Its called Mongo's Grill and what you do is you take a bowl and choose from a variety of vegetables, meats, pasta or rice and sauces ~ pile everything into it and take it to the grill masters that cook your food right in front of you. OMG was it EVER good wow! My bowl consisted of: chicken, honey mustard/sweet & sour/honey garlic sauces, black beans, brown rice, steamed noodles, bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms and spinach - it completely filled me up and along with an iced tea (no ice) it was the perfect dinner :)

I definately wanna go there again it was so very good. I've come down with abit of a cold so I didn't go to the gym today but my friend and I did alot of walking around a mall and clothes shopping so I'm gonna rest today and get my butt back to the gym tomorrow ~ glad to see everyone else is on track as well :thumbsup:

[Leigh]

Get to feeling better and just check the sodium count on those sauces. Some of them can have up to 1000mg's of sodium and can cause you to retain water.

Clothes shopping? My favorite past time :)

Hugs,

Zimmeh


They actually didn't have any of that kind of info anywhere but I think I will look it up next time before I go again. Yeah I couldn't afford much but I bought two new tops that are gorgeous ~ one is a two piece, its a dark purple and was my favorite of the two I bought but the second one is a long silk shirt that's black/purple/white, very nice for sure. Its the first time I've been clothes shopping like that in 2-3 years and I hope that I can drag a friend out next time I can afford clothes shopping to get more stuff :D

[PinkieLee]

Great now Leigh has me craving bean sprouts...

and a shopping trip :)

[Leigh]

Great now Leigh has me craving bean sprouts...

and a shopping trip :)


**puts my hands on my hips**

And you say that like its a bad thing !

*giggles* :hk13:

[PinkieLee]

They actually didn't have any of that kind of info anywhere but I think I will look it up next time before I go again.


I saw they had nutritional info on their website. It's pretty neat that you can total up your calories ahead of time... so you see what you can add more of :)

I think I was drooling on my keyboard looking at all the choices!

[princessbelle]

Oh i don't like fish either. IMO....I have found Cod and Salmon are my best bets and wow they are wonderful baked.

We walked today and went almost twice as far as we did the first time. We each lost a little overnight and for the month of January we are each down 7 pounds. Not too shabby!!!!

I'm fixing our veggy soup for tonight and to get through the weekend when i work. It is so easy to just heat up after working all day and it's so filling. I bought some low fat wheat crackers today and it's just as low in sodium, fat, carbs and calories as the Special K Cracker Chips, so that was a score.

In my mind, this soup is "free". We've been eating it on and off for about a month for our quicky meal when i work the weekends. We always lose when we eat it and can eat as much as we want.

It's a keeper.

[Sassy]

Has anyone else out there found it hard to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant? My BFF loves Mexican/TexMex and since she's the picky one I often let her choose where we go for dinner on our girl's nights.

Tonight we went to her favorite Mexican restaurant and I was really dissatisfied with the meal I chose. (Fish tacos. They were each wrapped in 2 flour tortillas. I peeled one off. There was too much dressing on the taco. And the sides were rice and beans. And I'm trying to stay away from too much starchy stuff.) I did manage to avoid the chips n salsa.... which I love... but is just loads of calories I don't need right now.

But I had a hard time choosing, at the time everything on that menu was seemingly either deep fried or covered in cheese. It was a little overwhelming to stare at... Anyone have any suggestions for what to try next time? (Other than, don't eat there? *LOL*) Maybe order the fajitas and limit the tortilla intake? ... Hmm....

[DapperButch]

Maybe order the fajitas and limit the tortilla intake? ... Hmm....

This is exactly what I was going to say. I used to get chicken fajitas and they were cooked in onions and peppers. The toppings were on the side, as was the tortilla.

[Zimmeh]

Grabs Tonya and Leigh, let's go shopping :)

Zimmeh

Great now Leigh has me craving bean sprouts...

and a shopping trip :)

[PinkieLee]

Has anyone else out there found it hard to eat healthy at a Mexican restaurant? My BFF loves Mexican/TexMex and since she's the picky one I often let her choose where we go for dinner on our girl's nights.

Tonight we went to her favorite Mexican restaurant and I was really dissatisfied with the meal I chose. (Fish tacos. They were each wrapped in 2 flour tortillas. I peeled one off. There was too much dressing on the taco. And the sides were rice and beans. And I'm trying to stay away from too much starchy stuff.) I did manage to avoid the chips n salsa.... which I love... but is just loads of calories I don't need right now.

But I had a hard time choosing, at the time everything on that menu was seemingly either deep fried or covered in cheese. It was a little overwhelming to stare at... Anyone have any suggestions for what to try next time? (Other than, don't eat there? *LOL*) Maybe order the fajitas and limit the tortilla intake? ... Hmm....

Living in the land of mexican restaurants on every single corner... I had to learn what was best, too. In Texas, that's comfort food :)

So, I started just ordering al a carte... 2 chicken fajita tacos with lettuce & tomato OR 2 crunchy beef tacos with lettuce & tomato. If you miss eating chips & salsa, get an order of corn tortillas and tear 'em apart & dip in the salsa... it's a lot healthier of an option.

[sylvie]

Hi Healthies! *waves*

Just got home from the Gym....
Last night a friend and i went to the Gym, and i did 25 mins on the elliptical (beating my 20 mins the last time) and then got on the treadmill and ran for 15 mins, and walked for 10 mins...

This morning, we went back to the Gym.. We did our weights, 3 sets of 15 for arms and legs, and the hips machine (LOVED that thing, first time i used them...wheee, i was pushing 90 lbs on both of them...)

After we did the weights, we did the 15 mins on the stationary bike, and then i did 15 mins on the elliptical while we were waiting for the class to start..

Then, at 10:35 , i did a class called Body Flow which is a mixture of yoga, pilates, tai chi & relaxation & meditation at the end... Wow, i stretched muscles i didn't know i had, and am quite amazed at how flexible my legs are, lol! loved it though, was my first time trying it, and anxious to go back!

~~~
Yesterday i went shopping and a store that will be closing down soon had some things marked down and i managed to buy 5 new exercise DVD's, pretty happy with that.

i got :
1/ Pilates for Everybody
2/ Pilates Intermediate
3/ The firm - Total body makeover (cardio & weight training & Pilates)
4/ Total Cardio Kick Workout - i've discovered i LOVE kickboxing!
5/ Kathy Smith Cardio Fat Burner - has two 20 min workouts and a bonus stretch workout
6/ Stephanie Huckabee's Power Fit - it has five 20 min workouts targetting specific areas of the body on different days to maximize toning. (day one, legs & shoulders, day two - cardio, day three - chest, triceps & butt, day four - back, biceps & thighs & day five - core fusion)

Just something to change it up sometimes, i love that i have more options for days i cant get to the gym now, and have to do something between work shifts.. YAY!

Gotta go get ready for my Dietician appt at 2pm today, then i work 4-7!
Have a lovely day Healthies ♥

[sylvie]

Oh & today is weigh in day for me..
Last week, at weigh in, i didn't lose even one lb over a 2 week period..
(i didn't gain either, which is a win in my book!)

But so hoping even for a 1 lb loss, i have been working my butt off !! Just anything to say i am back on track to losing lol..

i have been feeling stuck after reaching 82 lbs lost, and i have much more to go.. think i just needed to step it up some exercisewise (which ive done this week) and really be careful ...they said it would get a little harder once i got to around 220 or 210 perhaps, so maybe that's what's going on with me.. i'm not giving up though, no way!
Last weigh in was 233 lbs.. So wish me luck pleasse!
:dance2:

[PinkieLee]

((((((sylvie)))))))))

Look at you sister with those killer workouts you've got going on! I am guessing I need to bump up my regime ;)

Good deal on finding some videos to do at home, too. I am always on eBay and Amazon trying to find good prices on them, too. I got my bellydancing one for like $5... shipping was like $1.99. I actually just bought the Biggest Loser Powerwalk one this morning... with shipping like $7.50. Not too bad!

GOOD LUCK today with the Dietician... and I am pretty confident that you are gonna pull off a loss! Hope you have a great day!!

[Medusa]

WW weigh-in yesterday! Down 1.4 pounds.

Weighed in at 284!

[PrudenceJuris]

WW weigh-in yesterday! Down 1.4 pounds.

Weighed in at 284!

Outstanding!!!

I have been thinking I will do WW. What made you decide to use them as your vehicle to healthy weight loss?

[PinkieLee]

Outstanding!!!

I have been thinking I will do WW. What made you decide to use them as your vehicle to healthy weight loss?

Hey hot stuff :) I know you were asking Medusa, but I'm on WW, too so I thought I would chime in.

I chose WW because there aren't any special diets or tricks. Nothing is off limits, but having a daily point allowance lets you make heathier choices of what you should or shouldn't eat. You can figure out ww points on every single item with a nutritional label on the back.

When you sign up, they give you a target point range, with an extra weekly allowance. As you start losing weight, your target points range will start to decline.

It's super easy to use, too! Thousands of great recipes, eating out cheat sheets (so you can figure things out before you go out), workout tips and community blogs.

They have TONS of restaurants listed as well. If they aren't listed, all you have to do is google "ww points in *insert restaurant here*" and you'll find other websites that do have the calculations.

The monthly online rate is $17.95... which to me is not too bad. They also have the local meetings that you can do instead (I'm not too sure on the price range of this). Or a combination of the two.... it's up to you.

[Leigh]

Grabs Tonya and Leigh, let's go shopping :)

Zimmeh

Shopping and dinner would work ~ a true girl's night out :D

Oh & today is weigh in day for me..
Last week, at weigh in, i didn't lose even one lb over a 2 week period..
(i didn't gain either, which is a win in my book!)

i have been feeling stuck after reaching 82 lbs lost, and i have much more to go.. think i just needed to step it up some exercisewise (which ive done this week) and really be careful ...they said it would get a little harder once i got to around 220 or 210 perhaps, so maybe that's what's going on with me.. i'm not giving up though, no way!
Last weigh in was 233 lbs.. So wish me luck pleasse!
:dance2:

That's one thing about my workouts right now is that I kinda feel a little bit stuck ~ I'm doing treadmill, the 9-circuit weights and then ending with the cycling machine. I wish the gym that I was at had other things like a pool etc but its only a smaller gym so I use what they got. I'm looking into one other gym that has more services than the one I have has to offer; the monthly fee isn't much more than what I'm paying now and it has other things like a pool, a track for walking/running and other things too.

I'm only looking into things right now, we'll see how it goes and one day I'll probably stop by to actually take a tour or check it out ~ for now I will stick to my regular gym and keep going :)

sylvie ~ your doing sooooooooooooo good, keep it up girl :D

Outstanding!!!

I have been thinking I will do WW. What made you decide to use them as your vehicle to healthy weight loss?

Hey hot stuff :) I know you were asking Medusa, but I'm on WW, too so I thought I would chime in.

I chose WW because there aren't any special diets or tricks. Nothing is off limits, but having a daily point allowance lets you make heathier choices of what you should or shouldn't eat. You can figure out ww points on every single item with a nutritional label on the back.

When you sign up, they give you a target point range, with an extra weekly allowance. As you start losing weight, your target points range will start to decline.

It's super easy to use, too! Thousands of great recipes, eating out cheat sheets (so you can figure things out before you go out), workout tips and community blogs.

They have TONS of restaurants listed as well. If they aren't listed, all you have to do is google "ww points in *insert restaurant here*" and you'll find other websites that do have the calculations.

The monthly online rate is $17.95... which to me is not too bad. They also have the local meetings that you can do instead (I'm not too sure on the price range of this). Or a combination of the two.... it's up to you.

I was thinking about joining Weight Watchers too, doing something to kick start more of my weight loss. I'm gonna look into meetings and online, though I think meetings will probably work better for me :)

[sylvie]

229 lbs, for a total of 86 lbs gone forever ♥ :cheer:

[PrudenceJuris]

229 lbs, for a total of 86 lbs gone forever ♥ :cheer:

Wahoo!!!! This is so totally cool!!

[Leigh]

229 lbs, for a total of 86 lbs gone forever ♥ :cheer:


Yay go sylvie go!

[PrudenceJuris]

Hey hot stuff :) I know you were asking Medusa, but I'm on WW, too so I thought I would chime in.

I chose WW because there aren't any special diets or tricks. Nothing is off limits, but having a daily point allowance lets you make heathier choices of what you should or shouldn't eat. You can figure out ww points on every single item with a nutritional label on the back.

When you sign up, they give you a target point range, with an extra weekly allowance. As you start losing weight, your target points range will start to decline.

It's super easy to use, too! Thousands of great recipes, eating out cheat sheets (so you can figure things out before you go out), workout tips and community blogs.

They have TONS of restaurants listed as well. If they aren't listed, all you have to do is google "ww points in *insert restaurant here*" and you'll find other websites that do have the calculations.

The monthly online rate is $17.95... which to me is not too bad. They also have the local meetings that you can do instead (I'm not too sure on the price range of this). Or a combination of the two.... it's up to you.

Hey sweetie! Thanks for giving me some insights. There is a WW office near my home so I'll check them out and find the lowest cost solution.

[Cowboi]

Good Morning to all.
Im having my oat pancake, and coffee now. In about and hour I will be off to the gym.
Looks like everyone is doing a fantastic job. Keep up the good work!!!!

[Zimmeh]

Congrats Sylvie!!!!

Hugs,

Zimmeh

229 lbs, for a total of 86 lbs gone forever ♥ :cheer:

[starryeyes]

Weighed in for the first time in 2 weeks. I went on vacation and haven't been moving my bootie, but I lost 1lb!! ( I was totally expecting a gain!)

Also, I am no longer a member of the 200lb club, again! This time, I have officially not renewed my membership.

11lbs gone since Jan 1st.

Here's to a good week of tracking, moving my bootie and healthy choices!

:)

[Tawse]

starting my day with a cup of soup and some coffee...


Used to start it off with a salad and I'm seriously considering going back to that routine. More satisfying and kept me going longer.


Happy Monday!

[Medusa]

Outstanding!!!

I have been thinking I will do WW. What made you decide to use them as your vehicle to healthy weight loss?

Hey Doll!

I have been doing the WW program online since last April and only recently started attending meetings. I HEART the program (and I hestitate even calling it that because I don't really feel like I'm doing anything program-like).

I decided on WW because I have done every fad diet there is. And I do mean EVERY fad diet. I have tried pills, tapes, hypnosis, motivational seminars, pretty much everythign short of having surgery and I wasn't able to lose weight with anything.

In all honesty, something clicked in my brain when I had my mini-stroke (LITERALLY!) I knew from that point on that I could either continue to ignore my health and treat my body as if it was a house I could move out of or I could get in touch with my body and take control of my health.

We only get one suit to wear on this earth and I was treating mine like shit. I had to get to the root of the "WHY" to make any real progress. I have now lost 50 pounds. It's taken about 9 months. I've had hiccups along the way and a few bumps in the road but I am more in touch with my body and eating habits than I have ever been.

WW let's me eat pretty much anything I want. Unlike a diet like, say, Atkin's, I am not limited in what I can eat and don't have to forego entire groups of food. I have pizza every now and then. I had a hamburger with bun this weekend. I eat a piece of chocolate if I'm craving it. I don't feel deprived AT ALL and that has been a huge reason why I have been able to stick with the plan for this long!

Glad to see you on board girlie!

[Medusa]

Wanted to share my "chocolate" shake recipe!

I am a smoothie freak and love a smoothie for breakfast in the morning but this one can serve as a nice after dinner dessert!

Angie's "chocolate" shake/smoothie:

1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
1 entire banana
a bunch of ice
1/2 cup Dannon Light and Fit Fat Free Yogurt (Vanilla)
2 tbs of carob powder (It's only about 40 calories per tbs!)

This entire smoothie is only 5 WW points!

[Zimmeh]

Can you substitute chocolate soymilk and vanilla Greek yogurt in place of the almond milk and regular fat free yogurt?

I am wanting to try this and thank you :)

Zimmeh

Wanted to share my "chocolate" shake recipe!

I am a smoothie freak and love a smoothie for breakfast in the morning but this one can serve as a nice after dinner dessert!

Angie's "chocolate" shake/smoothie:

1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
1 entire banana
a bunch of ice
1/2 cup Dannon Light and Fit Fat Free Yogurt (Vanilla)
2 tbs of carob powder (It's only about 40 calories per tbs!)

This entire smoothie is only 5 WW points!

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies!! Just got home from my morning shift.
Had a very light breakfast this morning, fruit & a yogurt..
Now i am about to have a morning snack (banana) and then get ready to do a good workout..

Thinking i'll try one of my new videos, and then do a treadmill run..
Yesterday, i was able to get out for a walk, since the sidewalks were nice and bare (til it snowed overnight last night, grrrrr) but getting outside did me so much good. i think i was suffering from some cabin fever, i love my outdoor walks and when the weather is bad or the sidewalks are slippery, i don't even try!

So felt great to get that in yesterday!
Also, made some healthy cabbage rolls yesterday , yum yum (for this week)
& yesterday, Daddy & i had a Superbowl party and watched the game.. We had fajitas & i had a nice salad with it too.. yummy!

Weatherwise - come on SPRING already lol!
Happy Monday everyone ♥

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

Well, my scale is stuck again...hovering just a few over 200 lbs. This is the tricky spot for me since it seems to be where my body likes to go and camp out!

I was literally in a 5 lb. range (202 - 207) for years before moving down to FL....and the climb to 229 is what motivated me to make some major changes in how I approached food.

So, now I'm back to my body's comfort zone, and trying to push it out on the other side. Challenging, for sure.

I know that going to Curves 3 times a week is helping me tone up muscles I haven't used in a good long time, and giving me a nice little cardio workout as well. My hope is that this will all help to slowly raise my metabolism.

Was talking to an elderly lady today at Curves. She literally had an amazing body and is 74 years old. She was also wearing a shirt that Curves only gives to members who pass the 1,000 visit mark. She told me that she's been coming for years.....3 or 4 times a week...and steadily lost weight and toned up over the course of those years, with an ultimate weight loss of 94 lbs....without actually "dieting" but simply doing the things we all know we should do....drink the water, eat the veggies, stay away from the processed stuff and move your butt. :)

She's another one of the ladies that gives me hope, and reminds me that even when progress is slow....I'm on the right track. We all are. :rrose:

[PinkieLee]

229 lbs, for a total of 86 lbs gone forever ♥ :cheer:

Now, that is the best news I have heard all day! WAY TO GO sylvie! We are all super proud of you!!!!!!!

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday y'all :)

WOW, look at all this continued success! This has got to be the most motivating thread on the Planet! Everyone has their focus strong, goals set in place and the healthy living blasting full on!

I hit the gym Friday, Saturday AND Sunday... each day pushing myself a lil' harder each time. I kept telling myself, "another minute" to my stationary bike and elipitical, before you know it, I had added 5 extra minutes to both! I tried out a couple new legs machines (one kinda worked like a thighmaster and I probably looked like a porn star, the other was a leg press).

Training was:

Stationary bike (20 minutes ~ 3 miles & 175 calories gone)
leg and arm machines (20 minutes)
crunches (60 crunches)
Eliptical machine (20 minutes ~ 130 calories gone)

After my workout, I went to the grocery store and loaded up on lots of fruits & veggies for the week:

baby spinach
cucumber
tomato
zuichini
sweet potatoes
corn on the cob
celery
baby carrots
bananas
gala apples
strawberries
blackberries
pineapple

I'm still doing really well on my points... managing to stay 5 - 10 points under every day! On evening I even got a tostada from Taco Bell for 6 points... and still managed to have 4 points left to spare!

Meals planned for today:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie multigrain english muffin
a banana
coffee with a splash of french vanilla creamer

Lunch:
Tomato soup with 10 saltine crackers
fresh fruit

Dinner:
probably grab a sandwich on the way to the 2nd job

Snacks:
carrots
celery stick with peanut butter

[Medusa]

Can you substitute chocolate soymilk and vanilla Greek yogurt in place of the almond milk and regular fat free yogurt?

I am wanting to try this and thank you :)

Zimmeh


Oh heck yeah! I bet there wouldnt be a bit of difference!

[Zimmeh]

Thank you!

Zimmeh

Oh heck yeah! I bet there wouldnt be a bit of difference!

[PinkieLee]

Because every movement, no matter how slow you go, counts... and you're still lapping the person that's sitting on the couch!

[Zimmeh]

This is what I've had today:

Breakfast:
One chocolate chip pancake
Coffee
8oz glass of soymilk

Lunch:
Ham and Cheddar hot pocket

Dinner:
Chili
Shredded extra sharp cheese
Apple juice

Snacks:
Fiber one bar

I have been good about cutting down on sweets!

Zimmeh

[PrudenceJuris]

Hey Doll!

I have been doing the WW program online since last April and only recently started attending meetings. I HEART the program (and I hestitate even calling it that because I don't really feel like I'm doing anything program-like).

I had to get to the root of the "WHY" to make any real progress. I have now lost 50 pounds. It's taken about 9 months. I've had hiccups along the way and a few bumps in the road but I am more in touch with my body and eating habits than I have ever been.

WW let's me eat pretty much anything I want. Unlike a diet like, say, Atkin's, I am not limited in what I can eat and don't have to forego entire groups of food. I have pizza every now and then. I had a hamburger with bun this weekend. I eat a piece of chocolate if I'm craving it. I don't feel deprived AT ALL and that has been a huge reason why I have been able to stick with the plan for this long!

Glad to see you on board girlie!

I know that getting to the "WHY" is critical to making any change long term and stick. I have heard from so many others that WW is more of a lifestyle than any type of diet at all.

With all the upheaval in my life lately I feel like God is trying to tell me to focus on me-- love myself and do it now!

It is so good to be in the company of such FIERCE femmes and Bodacious butches :gimmehug:

[Leigh]

Reading how well everyone is doing encourages me everyday ~ I love it, and all of you as well :)

[Strappie]

Hi all you hard working people!!

I don't know if someone has posted this or not or anything like it. I and some friends just downloaded "myfitnesspal" I gotta tell you I've been doing it for 2 weeks now.. and I love it.

You can download in on your PC or you iPhone or Android/Droid
Some functions it has.....

Friends List (which in my opinion this pushes you harder to keep track and do your weigh ins aaaaaaaand you can leave messages on encouragement and such.

Progress.. to show your progress

You record what you eat.. there are TONS of foods on it. Also if you have a scanner on your phone you can scan ANY food item and it comes up. Calories and all.. it's awesome.

You can also ADD your own calories or let the products do it.

You can record what type of exercise you've done and records calories BURNED... (I love that)

There is so much more with it too!

I've lost 8lbs in 2 weeks (I'm sure it's all water weight) but man does it feel good anyway!!

Again it's .... myfitnesspal.com or do a search in your APPS. It's also FREE!!!

Good Luck all!!!

[Strappie]

Wanted to share my "chocolate" shake recipe!

I am a smoothie freak and love a smoothie for breakfast in the morning but this one can serve as a nice after dinner dessert!

Angie's "chocolate" shake/smoothie:

1/2 cup chocolate almond milk
1 entire banana
a bunch of ice
1/2 cup Dannon Light and Fit Fat Free Yogurt (Vanilla)
2 tbs of carob powder (It's only about 40 calories per tbs!)

This entire smoothie is only 5 WW points!

This sounds AWESOME!!!!

Although I'm not in WW, I'm trying like mad to eat healthier and shed some pounds.. I started 2 weeks ago @ 208... I'm down 8... My goal is 185. I think it's a healthy weight for me.. I still want something for my lady to grab onto!! *grin*

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Thank you all for all your great idea's too!!!

[starryeyes]

This sounds AWESOME!!!!

Although I'm not in WW, I'm trying like mad to eat healthier and shed some pounds.. I started 2 weeks ago @ 208... I'm down 8... My goal is 185. I think it's a healthy weight for me.. I still want something for my lady to grab onto!! *grin*

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Thank you all for all your great idea's too!!!

Way to go Strap! You have some cheerleaders here!

:-)
Lisa

[Zimmeh]

Congrats Strappie!

It looks like we all are going to need to go shopping before the Reunion!

Have a wonderful day,

Zimmeh

This sounds AWESOME!!!!

Although I'm not in WW, I'm trying like mad to eat healthier and shed some pounds.. I started 2 weeks ago @ 208... I'm down 8... My goal is 185. I think it's a healthy weight for me.. I still want something for my lady to grab onto!! *grin*

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Thank you all for all your great idea's too!!!

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I went power walking lastnight and it felt wonderful! I will be going again tonight once I get home from work.

This is what I will be having today:

Breakfast:
Chobani Greek Yogurt
8oz glass of SoyMilk
12oz cup of brewed coffee with one teaspoon of creamer

Lunch:
Chili
Shredded cheese

Dinner:
Open

Snacks:
Spanish Olives
Triscuit crackers

I was very good yesterday...My roommate bought Apple Pie and Turtle Pie lastnight and I actually turned it down. After my health scare, I am going to start cutting back on how much junk food I eat and this does include my Godiva chocolate. I believe what I went through, was a warning from my body to stop eating out and eating junk food, so I can remain healthy. As of last Thursday, I have been feeling good and I want to remain like this.

Have a great day and I am going to pick up the ingredients to make Medusa's shake for tonight!

Zimmeh

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy peeps!

I got an email from the lady that does the bellydancing classes this morning... saying that it is being pushed back one week. So, I will be hitting up the gym tonight!

While D's mom is still recovering, she's been staying with her every other night to help her dad out. It's actually been helping me stay motivated to go to the gym. No use sitting around zoning out to the tv... I might as well get my butt moving!

I am cooking dinner for them tonight. So, I stopped by her mom's on my way to work, and set up the handy crockpot :)

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
Oatmeal
a banana
one cup of coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer

Lunch:
Lean cuisine pizza (I have been CRAVING pizza bad)
baby spinach salad with tomato & a light ceaser italian dressing

Dinner:
a lean roast with low sodium mushroom gravy
brown rice for me
baby red potatoes for them
corn on the cob

Snacks:
yogurt
apple and/or cutie orange

So, no one has posted a challenge lately... y'all have any ideas?!

Have a great day y'all!

[ruffryder]

1 RICE TO NEVER EAT & 5 RICES THAT FIGHT BELLYFLAB
by Isabel De Los Rios, The Diet Solution Program

While carbohydrates typically get a bad rap when burning flab, luckily not all
carbs are the same, and we do not need to be pointing the nasty blame finger on all of them equally.

When I break the bad news to people that many carbs they think are healthy are actually major weight loss No-No's, they automatically think I'm suggesting they go ride the Low Carb Train...

...but that's not what I'm saying at all!

The good news for all of us is that there are plenty of other healthy
carbohydrate and grain options that fit into your fat-burning meal plans
perfectly.

WHITE RICE VS. BROWN RICE & EVERY OTHER RICE ON THE SHELF

If you've ever even spent 2 minutes in the rice aisle at your local grocery
store, you know the varieties and the choices of rice are endless.

Are any of these a good option for you on your meal plan?

Yes, yes, and yes.

Brown Rice goes on the top of the "good" list (oh come on, you knew I was going to say that right?)

Many people know brown rice is better than white, but why?

Well, although brown rice and white rice have similar amounts of calories,
carbohydrates, and protein. The main difference between the two forms of rice is in the processing and nutritional content.

Only the outermost layer of a grain of rice (the husk) is removed in producing
brown rice. To produce white rice, the next layers underneath the husk (the bran layer and the germ) are removed, leaving mostly the starchy endosperm.

Several vitamins and dietary minerals are lost when you remove this very
important layer (especially Vit B1, Vit B3 and iron). Not to mention magnesium,
where one cup of cooked brown rice contains 84mg of magnesium and one cup of white rice only contains 19 mg.

Another very important source of flab melting nutrition that is lost in white
rice is fiber! This is so vital because fiber plays so many important roles in
the fat-burning process.

Fiber helps you to feel full for a longer period of time and if you are not
hungry and feel satisfied, it's much easier to stick to your healthy eating than
if you are starving all day.

Fiber also helps to control blood sugar fluctuations, and one of the big secrets
to fatloss is keeping your blood sugar and your insulin under control all day
long.

Fiber helps your digestion. If you are not eliminating and moving your bowels
each day, weight loss will be extremely difficult. I would even say for some
people, impossible.

Speaking of keeping your blood sugar in balance...

...we should also consider the glycemic index (how a particular food affects
your blood sugar) when considering our rice options.

An easy test you can do right in your kitchen to test the glycemic index of a
particular variety of rice is the "stickiness" test. After you've cooked the
rice, the easier it is to mush up into a ball (mushy), the higher the glycemic
index and the faster it will cause your blood sugar to rise.

This is why long grain brown rice is actually better than short grain brown
rice...

...it will cause a slower rice in your blood sugar and in insulin levels.How
about every other rice option out there?

Here are just a few delicious options for you to try...

Basmati Rice

Used in a wide range of Indian and Middle Eastern dishes, basmati rice comes in white and brown varieties. I suggest choosing the brown as the glycemic index of brown basmati rice is even lower than regular long grain brown rice.

Black Rice

Cultivated in Asia, this rice is typically sold as an unmilled rice, meaning the
fiber-rich black husks of the rice are not removed, making black rice very high
in fiber. It's also naturally high in iron...a plus for those looking for iron-rich foods.

Jasmine

Jasmine rice is frequently served with Thai and Chinese dishes. It is often
compared to Basmati Rice and sometimes used in cooking interchangeably. Like basmati rice, it also comes in brown and white varieties. You probably already know what I'm going to say here (but I'll say it anyway), choose the brown rice variety.

Wild Rice

Similar to brown rice, wild rice is less processed than white rice and as a
result, obtains more nutrients, specifically protein, vitamin B1 and magnesium.
Not quite as much of a winner as brown rice, but not the same as white rice,
wild rice falls somewhere in between.

Which rice options should you avoid almost always?

White rice, instant rice (especially the ones that go in the microwave), rice
bowls (highly processed) and any other rice product that has added creams,
sauces or tons of sodium.

Now, with all of this talk about glycemic index and sugar balance, you must
remember the most important thing:

The glycemic index of a food changes drastically when combined with other foods. So regardless of your rice choice, it is best that you combine your rice (a carb) with a healthy protein and fat.

So, where do any of the healthy rice options fit into your daily meals?

Usually a ½ cup to a cup of brown rice can be a wonderful carbohydrate choice in your lunch or dinner alongside a tasty protein (maybe some fish) and some yummy vegetables.

[PinkieLee]

Good thing I love brown rice, huh?!

For me, I guess I was always scared to try brown rice (& even wheat pasta for that matter) because I was worried it would have a funky taste or change my comfort food recipes drastically. I was pleasantly surprised that for the most part there was no big taste difference.

I switched to wheat bread years ago and have never looked back. Although when D & I got together, I had to convince my bread was better than her Sunbeam white bread.... she only put up a small fight before I won ;)

[Gemme]

I’ve said many times that health is nothing more than a game.

Typically, you’ll find two types of players: One is rational, patient, and realistic about what can be accomplished in time. They track their diets and workouts, take everything slow and steady, and find ways to create a lifestyle that is generally considered healthy.

The other is ambitious, edgy, and skeptical about what can be accomplished. They are renegades. They purchase supplements, look for quick fixes, and have higher rates of failure—yet sometimes experience tremendous success because of their willingness to take risks and aggressively approach their goals.

Which persona routinely has the best results?

Surprisingly, it’s neither. Most people believe that the patient approach is the best route for seeing results, but the patient group has its flaws and can learn something from the ambitious desires of those looking for results immediately. Success requires a certain tenacity that pushes you a little bit harder than you thought possible. And the impatient dreamers need to understand that permanent change isn’t waiting in a bottle or earned in the short term. It’s proven every day with repeated effort.

The best approach is one that combines the best attributes of both worlds: Push the envelope and expect success, but be patient enough to see the investment come to fruition. Sure, there are some failures along the way, but with the right approach, a long-term payoff is oftentimes the outcome.

Here at LIVESTRONG.COM, we want to enable you to create your own hybrid approach to fitness. We understand that building a thorough understanding of health and fitness can take years—decades, in fact—of study, research, and application. But that doesn’t mean that you have to wait that long to make changes to your life.

This month, we gave our advisors with one task: Turn you into an instant expert.
We’re not talking quick fixes or gimmicks. This is information that you can apply now and benefit from immediately, and you can also repeatedly use in your never-ending journey towards health.

Apply any of these 12 instant expert tips to your life, and you’ll possess the one quality that is most important in the health game: Success.


Your Goal: Lift More Weight
The Solution: Work your Grip

One of the biggest mistakes most people make in the gym is also one of the easiest to fix. When performing exercises where you are holding a weight, make sure that you grip the barbell, dumbbell, or kettlebell tight. Not only does this create more stability (which makes it easier to move the weight), it also creates something known as radiant tension. That is, the tension you create in your hand moves from your wrist (through your forearms), to your elbow, and into your shoulder. This tension creates more neural activation, which can help you move more weight or perform more reps or sets.

Your Goal: Eat Fewer Calories
The Solution: Watch your snacking habits

There are many diet strategies that work for weight loss. Recently, the most common trend has been to eat 5 to 6 smaller meals during the course of the day. While we could argue the benefits and detriments of this approach, the small meal strategy can work—as long as you’re wary of the timing of those meals. According to recent research, those who snack between breakfast and lunch are more likely to gain weight than those who spread out their meals more often. This isn’t a hard-written rule (morning eating doesn’t guarantee weight gain). But it does show that people need to learn to separate real hunger from boredom. Most people eat because they think they have to—not because they need to. Remember, eating every 2 to 3 hours is not necessary to boost your metabolism. So set a plan that works for you, and then eat on your time.

Your Goal: Fight off hunger
The Solution: Eat More (drink less)

Protein shakes and smoothies are popular, oftentimes delicious, and very convenient. But they’re also very unfulfilling. In fact, every time you drink your calories—whether it’s a sugary soda or a healthy shake—you are less likely to feel satisfied and more likely to continue eating or drinking to satisfy your hunger or thirst. As a rule of thumb, the more solid foods you eat the fuller you’ll feel. So leave liquid calories as a backup option or a minimal part of your diet for the best results. That is, of course, unless you like feeling hungry and eating more.

Your Goal: Find a Supplement that Works
The Solution: Fish Oil

There are very few supplements that I think should be included in everyone’s diet. Fish oil is one of them. Among its numerous benefits, fish oil has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, better brain functioning, and reduced inflammation. But recent research has also suggested that fish oil can improve muscle growth (via muscle protein synthesis), and might even help fat loss as well (via improved fat oxidation)—although don’t anticipate anything dramatic. If you’re looking to add this to your routine, try to consume a combination of around 3 grams of EPA/DHA.

Your Goal: Stop Feeling Tired in the Morning
The Solution: Time your Sleep

Ever wonder why some days you wake up feeling refreshed and ready, and other days you can’t pull yourself out of bed? The issue could be your sleep cycle. After all, while the amount of time you sleep is important, so is the timing of your sleep cycle. Here’s a quick primer, according to the Center for Applied Cognitive Studies:

“Studies show that the length of sleep is not what causes us to be refreshed upon waking. The key factor is the number of complete sleep cycles we enjoy. Each sleep cycle contains five distinct phases, which exhibit different brain-wave patterns.”

We could dig into all the details, but each sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes. Therefore, it’s best for you to time your sleep in 90 minute intervals to guarantee that you don’t wake yourself during your deeper stages of sleep, which will leave you craving your bed and desiring more rest, instead of being ready to take on the day. That means sleeping 7.5 hours (5 complete cycles) instead of exactly 8 hours (5.3 sleep cycles) could leave you more refreshed.

Your Goal: Stay accountable on your Fitness Plan
Your Solution: Use Your Cell Phone

For years accountability has been identified as one of the key factors attributed to success on a fitness plan. (whether weight loss, muscle gain, or sports performance) But establishing a network that keeps you on task is always easier said than done. Turns out, your mobile device could be your savior. Recent research at Temple found that people who used accountability networks that provided feedback from Facebook and text messages 3 times per week lost more weight than those who just used Facebook or received no extra help. By receiving texts and Facebook feedback, the individuals not only shared their goals (accountability) but also received real-time feedback, which improve self-monitoring and helped created behavioral change.

You Goal: Jumpstart your Workout
Your Solution: Pour a cup of coffee

I don’t drink coffee. Or Red Bull. Or any other energy drink. But I’d be doing a disservice if I didn’t point out that numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of caffeine. Research shows that it can boost your mood, help you fight off fatigue, and improve your overall gym performance. So if you’re looking for a boost, caffeine appears to be a solution. The caveat: Some people do build up sensitivities, so start slowly. And research hasn’t identified the ideal dose, so tread lightly and don’t use this as your excuse to start each day with four, double-shots of espresso.

(note: adding cream/sugar to your coffee is not part of the performance-enhancing benefits of caffeine. But it is a nice way to gain unwanted weight).

Your Goal: Make Time for a Workout
Your Solution: Buy a stopwatch

The most common complaint about fitness always revolves around a lack of time. So instead of worrying about creating more time in your day, just make less time for your workouts—with one tiny exception. Your workout intensity needs to increase. Fast-paced timed workouts (oftentimes called metabolic conditioning) are great for anyone who wants to get back in shape in a short period of time. But the key is adhering to timing of the workouts. Most of these fat-burning plans consist of timed sets (doing an exercise for a given period of time, instead of counting for a goal number of reps), and following a short, specific amount of rest. If you’re going to follow these types of programs, do it right and don’t cheat. Bring a stopwatch and you’ll be surprised how long 30 seconds can feel (when doing an exercise), and how short it feels when you recover.

Your Goal: Break out of a Diet Rut
Your Solution: Break the Rules

Try something new. And when I saw new, I mean really new. About 6 months ago I tried intermittent fasting. It sounded crazy, but had just enough research behind it that I felt safe giving it a go. The result? Despite being busier than ever, I’ve maintained my weight, dropped body fat, and increased my strength. Best of all? I no longer deal with hunger issues (or overeating), which was always my issue. It’s not that intermittent fasting is the end-all solution. Far from it. But it’s a technique that fit much better with my schedule, and that made compliance much easier. The more compliant you are, the more likely your will succeed on your diet (regardless of the plan). It’s so simple that even scientists agree it’s true.

You Goal: Eliminate Aches and Pains
You Solution: Foam roll.

Just do it. It won’t feel good during, but it will change your life after. One of the best decisions I’ve made is foam rolling. Your body needs it, so what are you waiting for?

Your Goal: Eat more carbs
Your Solution: Carb cycle

Nowhere does it say that in order to lose weight or be healthy you need to restrict all carbs. You just have to be smarter about your approach. One technique that works is called carb cycling. There are many variations, but the simplest form to try out consists of altering your carb intake based on the days you exercise. That is, on the days you work out, take in more carbs and enjoy some of your favorite foods. On the days you don’t train, just taper the carbs and keep it mostly to vegetables and maybe a few fruits. Yes, it’s a sacrifice. But you won’t be hungry on the low carb days (loading up on proteins, fats, and veggies will keep you very full), and you’ll be surprised at how much you can still eat some of your favorites (like bread and cereal) and still lose weight.

Your Goal: See More Results from Training
Your Solution: Stop changing your workouts so often.

Most people worry about becoming bored or enjoying their workout. You know what I find enjoyable? Real, visible results. If you have a good workout and stay consistent, that’s what you’ll see. But it won’t happen as fast or as effectively if you are stricken with workout ADD. That’s not to say weight training is the only exercise that counts. I believe that you should find the type of activity you enjoy and do it. But when it comes to resistance training, too many people haphazardly exercise rather than follow a plan. And that alone is the reason why so many people fail.

- Adam Bornstein

[Sachita]

about rice from a post above...

Black rice is also known as a forbidden rice. It's really yummy and filling.

I am not a huge brown rice fan. I prefer white basmati. I'm still trying to love wheat or rice pasta. I'm afraid its not going to happen.

When I drink green juice twice a day I have less cravings. It really has been the secret for me. I eat rice or a big potato (white or sweet) everyday.

I stopped dairy and cheese, for now anyhow.

[justkim]

3 lbs down... 35 more to go... at least that is what I keep telling myself... My personal trainer has been really good to me, modifying things as we go... For those of you on my facebook page you will already know that last Friday *I* not my truck was hit by a car... my life right now is like a comedy... she didn't just hit me once, she panicked and hit me again...The last couple of weeks have really lead to believe my middle name is NOT Grace...Either way I am still standing and not much can stop me from my goal... So how has your week been?

[girl_dee]

Hi all you hard working people!!

I don't know if someone has posted this or not or anything like it. I and some friends just downloaded "myfitnesspal" I gotta tell you I've been doing it for 2 weeks now.. and I love it.

You can download in on your PC or you iPhone or Android/Droid
Some functions it has.....

Friends List (which in my opinion this pushes you harder to keep track and do your weigh ins aaaaaaaand you can leave messages on encouragement and such.

Progress.. to show your progress

You record what you eat.. there are TONS of foods on it. Also if you have a scanner on your phone you can scan ANY food item and it comes up. Calories and all.. it's awesome.

You can also ADD your own calories or let the products do it.

You can record what type of exercise you've done and records calories BURNED... (I love that)

There is so much more with it too!

I've lost 8lbs in 2 weeks (I'm sure it's all water weight) but man does it feel good anyway!!

Again it's .... myfitnesspal.com or do a search in your APPS. It's also FREE!!!

Good Luck all!!!


i have the APP and i love it!

[Gemme]

3 lbs down... 35 more to go... at least that is what I keep telling myself... My personal trainer has been really good to me, modifying things as we go... For those of you on my facebook page you will already know that last Friday *I* not my truck was hit by a car... my life right now is like a comedy... she didn't just hit me once, she panicked and hit me again...The last couple of weeks have really lead to believe my middle name is NOT Grace...Either way I am still standing and not much can stop me from my goal... So how has your week been?

Holy cow!!! A sense of humor is very valuable. I'm glad you are okay and getting back into things.

This is for you:

Xn676-fLq7I&ob=av2e

[Sassy]

Goal 1 achieved. The cute jeans, fresh from the dryer, fit nicely. Don't even have to lie down on the bed to button 'em. TYVM. :D *laughs*

[Miss Scarlett]

See my weight loss doctor tomorrow and am eager to see what my weight is according to his scale which i consider the "official" one. According to the awesome new scale i bought last month i've lost a total of 27.6 lbs since 1/16 when i resumed following his plan (customized for me according to my labs).

Big drops in the first couple of months are normal on this plan - in the next two months i'll average around 10 lbs per month before it slows down to 5-8 lbs/month. To hit the goal weight i set last month i need to lose 8 lbs/month until September but i will reach that way sooner like in April or May.

[sylvie]

It's been a few difficult days for me...But i'm getting through it just fine..
On Monday, i was working out on the treadmill and noticed that my pulserate went up and then way down and didn't think much of it, because i didn't think the machine was accurate anyway and i was feeling fine..

That afternoon, i don't know what triggered me, but my emotions were all over the place, in one moment i would walk into the living room and with clenched fists screamed as loud as i could , and next moment i couldn't stop the tears.. VERY unlike me, believe me..The tears kept coming all through the afternoon, and i went to work that evening.. Still feeling tender, i started to not feel well.. headache, dizzy spells, tingly arms and tingly lips, they were numb feeling too..then chest pains -- went to the Nurse's station to get my bp checked & i ended up at the hospital, scary!

Anyway, after spending some time hooked up to a machine and blood pressure checks, it all returned to normal with some time, and i got the explanation of a panic attack and hyperventilation.. my blood pressure went right back to normal and i need to destress which is what i've been doing.. Thank goodness, because i seriously got scared with the tingly arms and chest pains.. It's amazing what a good deal of stress can do to the system when you least expect it.. my blood pressure is back to normal and the last few days have been emotional still, but i'm struggling with some things with my journey and working through them now..

Please, don't ever take for granted that everything is okay and you are managing stress well.. If you deal with stressful situations at work and feel like you are balancing that with housechores and workouts and everything else, chances are it's a lot of strain on you, it builds up and builds up & i've always had what i call supergirl syndrome where i feel like i can balance the weight of the world on my shoulders and take more and more on... i need to take off my cape and retire it ..one step at a time and w hat doesn't get done today, will get done tomorrow... -- so always, ALWAYS take time to breathe, meditate, do something for YOU that clears the mind and helps you relax..

You deserve it! We all do...And it's such an important part of our healthy being ♥

[PinkieLee]

((((((((sylvie)))))))))))

Honey, that is some scarey stuff! I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that, but am very happy to see that you are doing better. Sometimes those reality checks smack us when we least expect it. Built up stress... I've seen the damage it can cause a body.

Take care of you my friend.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Thursday y'all.

Well, I guess all the extra exercise I got in this past week is finally kicking in ~ the scale is starting to move in the right direction again.

Weigh in today.... 4 pounds lost forever :)

[diamondrose]

I completed a great 5 mile work out this morning!

[Zimmeh]

(((Sylvie))),

I went through this as well, and I am agreeing with my doctor that it was stress that caused me to feel like I was having a heart attack. I to am taking it easy and attempting to chill as much as I can. My blood pressure was 125/85 last Wednesday and yesterday when I went for my physical, it was 120/80...No heart palpitations or numbness in my arm :)

Get to feeling better,

Zimmeh


It's been a few difficult days for me...But i'm getting through it just fine..
On Monday, i was working out on the treadmill and noticed that my pulserate went up and then way down and didn't think much of it, because i didn't think the machine was accurate anyway and i was feeling fine..

That afternoon, i don't know what triggered me, but my emotions were all over the place, in one moment i would walk into the living room and with clenched fists screamed as loud as i could , and next moment i couldn't stop the tears.. VERY unlike me, believe me..The tears kept coming all through the afternoon, and i went to work that evening.. Still feeling tender, i started to not feel well.. headache, dizzy spells, tingly arms and tingly lips, they were numb feeling too..then chest pains -- went to the Nurse's station to get my bp checked & i ended up at the hospital, scary!

Anyway, after spending some time hooked up to a machine and blood pressure checks, it all returned to normal with some time, and i got the explanation of a panic attack and hyperventilation.. my blood pressure went right back to normal and i need to destress which is what i've been doing.. Thank goodness, because i seriously got scared with the tingly arms and chest pains.. It's amazing what a good deal of stress can do to the system when you least expect it.. my blood pressure is back to normal and the last few days have been emotional still, but i'm struggling with some things with my journey and working through them now..

Please, don't ever take for granted that everything is okay and you are managing stress well.. If you deal with stressful situations at work and feel like you are balancing that with housechores and workouts and everything else, chances are it's a lot of strain on you, it builds up and builds up & i've always had what i call supergirl syndrome where i feel like i can balance the weight of the world on my shoulders and take more and more on... i need to take off my cape and retire it ..one step at a time and w hat doesn't get done today, will get done tomorrow... -- so always, ALWAYS take time to breathe, meditate, do something for YOU that clears the mind and helps you relax..

You deserve it! We all do...And it's such an important part of our healthy being ♥

[Zimmeh]

Woohoo, you go Girlie!

Maybe we can do a walk around the hotel in September?

Zimmeh

I completed a great 5 mile work out this morning!

[Strappie]

Holy Crap....

We are going to have some skinny ass people around BFP this year not to mention HEALTHIER!!!

Way to go people!!! AWESOME JOB!!

[Gemme]

It's been a few difficult days for me...But i'm getting through it just fine..
On Monday, i was working out on the treadmill and noticed that my pulserate went up and then way down and didn't think much of it, because i didn't think the machine was accurate anyway and i was feeling fine..

That afternoon, i don't know what triggered me, but my emotions were all over the place, in one moment i would walk into the living room and with clenched fists screamed as loud as i could , and next moment i couldn't stop the tears.. VERY unlike me, believe me..The tears kept coming all through the afternoon, and i went to work that evening.. Still feeling tender, i started to not feel well.. headache, dizzy spells, tingly arms and tingly lips, they were numb feeling too..then chest pains -- went to the Nurse's station to get my bp checked & i ended up at the hospital, scary!

Anyway, after spending some time hooked up to a machine and blood pressure checks, it all returned to normal with some time, and i got the explanation of a panic attack and hyperventilation.. my blood pressure went right back to normal and i need to destress which is what i've been doing.. Thank goodness, because i seriously got scared with the tingly arms and chest pains.. It's amazing what a good deal of stress can do to the system when you least expect it.. my blood pressure is back to normal and the last few days have been emotional still, but i'm struggling with some things with my journey and working through them now..

Please, don't ever take for granted that everything is okay and you are managing stress well.. If you deal with stressful situations at work and feel like you are balancing that with housechores and workouts and everything else, chances are it's a lot of strain on you, it builds up and builds up & i've always had what i call supergirl syndrome where i feel like i can balance the weight of the world on my shoulders and take more and more on... i need to take off my cape and retire it ..one step at a time and w hat doesn't get done today, will get done tomorrow... -- so always, ALWAYS take time to breathe, meditate, do something for YOU that clears the mind and helps you relax..

You deserve it! We all do...And it's such an important part of our healthy being ♥

Stress is counterproductive to being healthier. It seizes up all your nerves and tosses them around like 52 card pick up. Not only that, but it increases cortisol, which increases belly fat, creating a nasty cycle.

Sadly, I am pretty high strung and stress easily. Meditation bores me. Yoga's not my thing either. Music is about the only thing that eases my most stressful times.

So, I hope that everyone has something that they can fall back on to help them in stressful times. All of you that have experienced attacks and stress-filled crisises (?)....I am so glad that you are okay. :rrose:

Woohoo, you go Girlie!

Maybe we can do a walk around the hotel in September?

Zimmeh

How neat! Powerwalking the Peabody! They have a really nice workout room too, plus there's the area around the hotel that's nice for walking too.

[sylvie]

Tomorrow i get back on it..
my 3 days of relaxation i've really enjoyed i must say..
i've never pampered myself so much and just .. well.. relaxed! heh..

But, i love that i'm going back into this with a new outlook on everything.
i think i needed this bump in the road to push me to the next level.

And you all ROCK, just sayin'...
i'm always so proud reading posts in here, and then i run off with some motivation for myself to get at it..

So grateful for you, Healthies! ♥

[sylvie]

i learned of something today which i thought was a neat little idea ..
For those of you who struggle with not wanting to eat between meals and waking through the night & wanting to eat when you can't sleep.

Try making an "Instead List" where you list some things on a piece of paper and hang them where you can see them.
The instead list, is a list of things you do when the urge to eat comes on that will help you change your mind..

Things like : listen to music, read a book, and for me i even include things like star gazing, writing or blogging, conversation or a hug..
When in the moment sometimes it's hard to think of things you would rather do than to feed the face, so for me it's like finding ways to feed my soul rather than feed my face.

i made my "instead list" today! It's hanging on my fridge, by my computer screen and right beside my mirror ...

[Zimmeh]

I borrowed this from Strappie! Let's put a huge smile on someone's face :)


I was thinking that if we were to help someone make it to the Reunion because they were less fortunate at this time than us why not make sure they get their room paid for the entire time while they were there (not including tax) and the money I was putting up would only help one person with a little left over.

So I am upping the anti to $300 this way we can get 2 people into rooms for the entire stay of 3 nights.

ALL WE NEED IS YOUR HELP! REGISTER by the END of February!!

So please help spread the word... I would love to give this to Admin to help a couple of people out!
Zimmeh

[Medusa]

Hey Losers!

Just wanted to check in - I'm still here and still on plan, just have hit one of those crazy spots in my life where there aren't enough hours in the day to function, much less write about functioning!

Something weird happened to me today. The Princess at work (Jennifer) brought me a diet Red Bull this morning, the first one I've had in almost 9 months because she heard me lamenting yesterday about how much I missed them. I decided to enjoy the diet Red Bull with reckless abandon and took a photo of myself holding the can and posted it on Facebook and titled it "Diet Red Bull - Nectar of the Working Girl".

I received several responses along the lines of "you look great, what are you doing?!"

That shit felt really good because it was so unexpected but it also made me feel kinda exposed.

It occurred to me that some people don't know that I am working on my health and so when they see me being thinner or having better color, they are like "Wow!".

I forget that my appearance is changing. I know, I know. It's crazy, but I DO. I see myself every day and don't really see anything different when I look at my body so it's really strange when other people see it.

I felt exposed today, not in a bad way but kinda like other people can see my work when my work has really been between me, myself, and I for so long.
Because this process? It's insular. It's intensely personal. It's so MINE. Sure, I talk in here and share with you all because I feel safe but for the first time in my life, I'm not depending or relying on other people to get me through this, I know I'm on my own here. Does that make any sense?

[Zimmeh]

Yes it does and to this day, I still have a hard time accepting when someone tells me I am beautiful.

Congrats and I am looking forward to seeing you in Little Rock!

Zimmeh

Hey Losers!

Just wanted to check in - I'm still here and still on plan, just have hit one of those crazy spots in my life where there aren't enough hours in the day to function, much less write about functioning!

Something weird happened to me today. The Princess at work (Jennifer) brought me a diet Red Bull this morning, the first one I've had in almost 9 months because she heard me lamenting yesterday about how much I missed them. I decided to enjoy the diet Red Bull with reckless abandon and took a photo of myself holding the can and posted it on Facebook and titled it "Diet Red Bull - Nectar of the Working Girl".

I received several responses along the lines of "you look great, what are you doing?!"

That shit felt really good because it was so unexpected but it also made me feel kinda exposed.

It occurred to me that some people don't know that I am working on my health and so when they see me being thinner or having better color, they are like "Wow!".

I forget that my appearance is changing. I know, I know. It's crazy, but I DO. I see myself every day and don't really see anything different when I look at my body so it's really strange when other people see it.

I felt exposed today, not in a bad way but kinda like other people can see my work when my work has really been between me, myself, and I for so long.
Because this process? It's insular. It's intensely personal. It's so MINE. Sure, I talk in here and share with you all because I feel safe but for the first time in my life, I'm not depending or relying on other people to get me through this, I know I'm on my own here. Does that make any sense?

[sylvie]

Medusa,

i can relate.. i have lost 86 lbs so far - and to this day i still see the 315lb girl that started this journey back in April.. When i look in the mirror, even i don't see the changes.. However, i hear comments from people (especially ones who haven't seen me in awhile) and their positive comments just make me gitty with excitement..

What i *can* notice though are the changes in my physical appearance, from the change in my skin to my more positive, happier self, i smile all the time now and even the change in my facial features and things like that.. i can also tell with having to buy clothes that are sizes smaller - so it's obvious i'm losing but for some reason i just don't see it when i look at myself.

Interesting how that happens - i feel fabulous though.
And when we get to that place where we 'can' and want to do this all on our very own without anyone's help, feels great.. And when the results are noticeable by others, it feels great too..

Good for you - you *do* look great!!

[untangle]

Happy Friday you lovely, healthy people!

It’s great to read about everyone’s successful weight loss while I also continue on that same journey.
I was stuck in those 190s for such a long time, I thought the holidays would break me. Today marks 60 lbs gone forever!

My sister gave me an old pair of her men’s size 34 pants back in August and I remember trying them on and thinking they’d NEVER fit. I've been wearing size 38 since my high school days. Well, today I tried them on again and they actually buttoned! Feels pretty great.

Today is my father's birthday celebration, so there will be chocolate cake. I have such a weakness for sweets, but portion control gets easier every day and I'm not worried at all. Definitely could not say that when I first started.. :)

[PinkieLee]

Untangle... CONGRATS on the 60 pounds loss! That is awesome! I bet putting those pants on sure did make your day :)

[untangle]

Thank you!
It absolutely made my day, lol

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies!!

Where is everyone hiding these days? ♥
And how are you all doing, updates, i need updates!
:awww:

This morning, i worked 7-10 & am OFF the rest of the day, yay!
i am going to the Gym tonight, at 4pm with a friend.. We're doing weights, then some cardio machines (elliptical, treadmill & stationary bike) until 6pm which is when our Zumba class starts..

i have every monday evening off now which means, Zumba! *happy dances*

~~~
i have been eating healthy, portionning really well and working out - i feel like i've hit a plateau of some sort where i need to work out harder, or make some sort of change to get going again.. Yet, i think that's probably not the case, i think i just need to be consistent with workouts if i'm going to truly be honest with myself, lol.

Anyone trying anything new, fun, different &/or challenging this week?

[JustJo]

Hello healthies :)

I had my monthly weigh-in and measure day at Curves this morning. It was interesting, and rewarding, especially since my scale is still stuck.

Overall, I lost just 2 lbs (in a month)....not what I'd like, but I get that this is a major plateau area for me, and I haven't been as good about food as I was before my mother arrived. I hope that her departure, and the resulting decrease in stress, may help nudge that along.

The rewarding part, however, was learning that I've lost 1-1/2 inches off my abdomen, 1-1/4 inches off my hips, and 1/4 inch off of each upper arm. Waist and thighs haven't changed....and neither has bust, which makes me happy since that seems to be the first area to go and I don't have that much to spare! :cheesy:

I also got my annual wellness report results from work which compares January 2011 to January 2012. Even though my weight, waist, etc. all increased first after January 2011 before I started serioiusly working to change my diet....round about August or September...the results are still good.

Over the last year, even with a blip up first, I've lost 4 inches off my waist and 2.6 on BMI.

I'll take it! :)

[midwest chick]

I admit to being a bit distracted lately!

I'm finally at a decent spot, wearing jeans that I bought 10 years ago, and haven't seen for about 3 years. I'm less concerned about the numbers on the scale, I weigh 10lbs more now then I did then, but I'm (honestly) vain enough to worry that if I lose that last 10, my face will look saggy, my chest will shrink, and I'll start to look 'older'.

I know that being unable to eat flour/wheat/gluten played a big roll in the loss. Some of the foods that 'replace' wheat are very high in fat or sugar, so I will have to contue to use caution with them, but I'm thrilled that I found bread, crackers, and even frozen pizza that doesn't cause all the discomfort!

So, I'm 5'6", weigh 150-155, and wear a size 12 (loosely). I know that according to the charts, I'm still 'overweight' but I'm comfortable. I need to continue to try to firm up, but had to decrease the hiking because of the knee, so I'll just work more with weights, and am considering working more in a swimming pool to reduce stress on my joints. Some hardship~I love being in/near water!

[JustJo]

I admit to being a bit distracted lately!

I'm finally at a decent spot, wearing jeans that I bought 10 years ago, and haven't seen for about 3 years. I'm less concerned about the numbers on the scale, I weigh 10lbs more now then I did then, but I'm (honestly) vain enough to worry that if I lose that last 10, my face will look saggy, my chest will shrink, and I'll start to look 'older'.

I know that being unable to eat flour/wheat/gluten played a big roll in the loss. Some of the foods that 'replace' wheat are very high in fat or sugar, so I will have to contue to use caution with them, but I'm thrilled that I found bread, crackers, and even frozen pizza that doesn't cause all the discomfort!

So, I'm 5'6", weigh 150-155, and wear a size 12 (loosely). I know that according to the charts, I'm still 'overweight' but I'm comfortable. I need to continue to try to firm up, but had to decrease the hiking because of the knee, so I'll just work more with weights, and am considering working more in a swimming pool to reduce stress on my joints. Some hardship~I love being in/near water!

Congratulations midwest! :)

I am so with you on the whole "chart" thing. According to the charts I should weigh somewhere around 140ish. As an adult, living on broiled fish and salad with no dressing, working out 2 hours a day, and pre-giving birth to my son....I once wieghed 150. I was miserable....and still technically overweight.

I always thought I was 5'6", although for the past 2 years nurses have been measuring me at 5'7".....and my goal weight is somewhere in the vicinity of 175. If I can get into my size 14 jeans with a little give....I'm good!

I say toss out the chart, and do what feels right for your own body. :)

[Leigh]

Well I have to say that I haven't been keeping up my workouts, mostly because over the last week and a half I've had a really bad cough and sometimes its bad enough that I'm getting a pain/burning sensation in my back. It could very well be an infection somewhere, I have a doctor coming out to see me today so I hope that he can give me something for this ........... the moment I feel better I will be back in the gym (which I hope is soon!).

[starryeyes]

I lost 2.2 at my weigh in yesterday for a total of 13.6 down since the New Year. It feels sooooooo good!!!

:-)

[PinkieLee]

Good morning & happy Monday healthy living peeps!

Life is still flying on by for us as usual, but I've still been really diligent with my points & getting exercise in. I went to the gym Saturday & Sunday mornings.... boy it was quiet there, but a great way to start off my day right!

Friday night my honey wanted beer and hot wings... so we went to Buffalo Wild Wings. I stayed away from the fried foods, and had a flatbread pizza-like thing, made with grilled chicken. Pretty damn tasty. We did meet up with friends later that evening for drinks, and I'm pretty sure I wasted a lot of extra points on our night out. But, I think that we both needed a lil' break from reality for a bit... and the night out with friends was just what we needed.

We ate healthy the rest of the weekend, so I am not gonna stress about one evening on the town.

I haven't been to the grocery store yet, so I am trying to clear out the fridge & cabinets this week. Luckily, I still have frozen meals, leftover turkey chili, soups, and fruits & veggies left to last me for a few days :)

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
Toasted bagel thin
a banana

Lunch & Dinner:
YAY for a $5 footlong, that will stretch for lunch & dinner before the 2nd job.

Snacks:
yogurt
cutie orange
apple

Have a great day y'all :)

[ruffryder]

Soy is cheap to grow, yields productive crops, and the texture is so flexible that it's hidden in foods you'd never suspect to find it (like hamburgers and a TON of packaged foods you buy).

Now, a bit of soy protein from fermented sources like miso, tempeh, and
fermented tofu in moderation can be a nice break from animal proteins

(fermenting soy inactivates harmful effects)-

-PROBLEM IS, most soy these days is so over-processed that it renders the
protein virtually useless!

Not only that, but it's estimated that more than 60% of the products found in
supermarkets now contain some form of processed soy...

...WHAT'S WORSE is that even 100g of soy protein can have as much estrogen as a birth control pill...

...Yikes!

Now that's bad enough for women, as when there is too much soy in the system, a woman can experience thyroid issues, leading to a variety of other problems ranging from fatigue, low libido, and heavy periods to dry skin and weight gain...

Not sure if all or any of it is true however. ANY THOUGHTS?

[Strappie]

It's been a little over a week since my last weigh in on here.... I'm down 5 lbs and really I own it all to just eating healthier and watching calories on the app on my phone and also checking it on my pc if you haven't heard of it, it's called myfitnesspal.com. I work a pretty physical job so my exercise comes daily. I am so wore out physically when I get home that I don't work out. I'd like to blame it on getting old but its a cop out. I have a bad back and I know if I started to strengthen my back and core I will feel much better at work and have the strength and energy to work out.

Hang in there everyone.. the pounds will keep dropping.. Keep up the great work!!

Starting Weight 208 down to 195
My First Goal 185

[sylvie]

Happy Hump Day Healthies ♥

Off to the Gym in about 20 mins, taking advantage of the time i have this week, so this will be day 3 in a row..

Monday was weights & cardio (elliptical & stationary bike) , great workout.
was going to do a Zumba class but they delayed the class because a previous class got a late start and so we opted to go next Monday since we'd already been at the Gym for so long as it was..

Yesterday, was treadmill.. We did an hour and on a setting called hills where throughout that hour it will incline and decline - talk about a workout, goodness..

Today, is weights & cardio again, will get some stationary bike in, some elliptical, work out the abs today as well as do the weight machines..

~~~
Tomorrow is weigh in day, hoping for 2-3 lbs loss.. i feel abit of a difference in my clothes, but that could be inches too.. i need to measure again soon as well.. so will be back to report the weigh in!

((((hugggs)))) to all.

[*Anya*]

It has been forever since I have posted.

This is kind of a good news/bad news post!

Good news: eating healthfully, making a lot of scratch soups, salads, egg-white omlettes with spinach, etc.

Zero junk or sweets for months now.

Bad news: Really sick for almost 3-weeks now. Think I am turning a corner but no walking or exercise for just about the whole time. Each MD visit, I tell them not to tell me the number because I know it will be a trigger for me if I have gained. I just feel out-of-shape and a hot mess, in general.

Will be glad to be able to breathe and walk again (asthma exacerbation, respiratory infection) and I really do miss it.

I love seeing the new joiners to this thread and cheer all of you on each day!

Hugs,

[Rockinonahigh]

Lately i've been feeling kinda puny but doing all I can to stay on this weight loss trip,unfortunalty my arthritis has been on tear wich has slowed me down a lot,then I got theis upper respitory thing that isnt helping.I went to the docs yesterday and he uped my tramadole pills to 100mg 2x daliy..I got a shot of the stuff then a shot of steriods to back it up and help with the cold.I also havent had a solid nights sleep in a week ..and you'all know that dosent help.I also have worked out much cause every time I do i'm week as a kitten afterwards even with a light work out.Needless to say I hope with all the meds I will be back to myself soon cause I dont do sick very well.
I have been keeping up with how all of you are dont wich is great,keep it up,those who are also feeling porely..my heart go's out to you..get well soon.

[princessbelle]

Happy Hump Day Healthies!!!!!!

This week we have somewhat fell off the boat, or ship or whatever we are on. Went to a basketball game and we didn't exactly eat asparagus there. Good news is we only gained a tiny bit. Today we are back on track. Dinner will be baked chicken, sweet potato, steamed broccoli and cauliflower. We will be drinking all the water we can drink and to try and shed those couple of pounds we went up this week.

It's easy to get off the ship for a day or two. But, we are ready to climb back on board.

Have a great day you awesome healthy peeps!!!!!!

[sylvie]

weigh in day today..*gulp*
i always get so damn nervous on weigh in days..
i keep reminding myself though that this isn't about the weight lost, but about the journey in general and my overall improved health...

So today, i am practicing gratitude before my appointment at 11am.
Taking notice of the things i am grateful for on this weight loss journey..
And if there is no loss at the end of the day, i can come back here and say 'girl, that's okay because look how far you've come!'..

- my improved health & getting off high blood pressure medication
- no aches, no pains
- growing self-esteem & confidence (LOVE it)
- i portion my food, i take my time while i eat
- i can wear clothing more snug to my body, rather than sizes too big because i am proud of the body i own.
- i can look in the mirror at my full self & smile again.
- i have such an amazing amount of energy each day, and push myself more & more..
- i went from a size 26 pants to a size 20 (which is now big on me)
- i dropped from 315 lbs to 229 lbs (last weigh in)
- & i am doing all of this despite a food addiction & eating disorder, which i work through every single day with all of my tools, regardless of how exhausted i feel..

Those are just some of my accomplishments of a long list of them..
Suddenly, i am feeling much better about this appointment - gratitude helps me along with this journey, so much.. Helps me be easier on myself & accept the ups and downs..

Plus, that's all something to squeal about! right? :awww:

[deedarino]

Squeal away sylvie! Congrats!!!

I love this thread....I have recently got back on the "get healthy" train. I recently decided that I might be gluten sensitive and have been eating mostly gluten free....so far down another 15 (60 total over the last 3 years).

This time has been the easiest of all as soon as I started thinking health instead of diet! I also got an ipod and started walking (huge for me), and yesterday I bought one of those giant ball thingy's.

I am so glad to have found this thread...hang in everybody. I love hearing about your sucesses and struggles, helps me know I'm pretty normal.

[*Anya*]

Short and sweet: I was so afraid to weigh since I have been sick and not exercising for 3-weeks. Instead, I but the bullet and got the scale out this morning.

I, somehow, lost 3-pounds anyway!

Another reinforcer for me to weigh myself every morning, afraid or not.

It helps me to not kid myself and to not be delusional but also, on occasion-a pleasant surprise!

Hugs all!

[apretty]

My post isn't about weight loss but it is about healthy walking.

I have these huge stressors right now and despite being offered a prescription for Xanax I have chosen to increase my exercise, instead.

Yesterday it was pouring rain and E was against the walk so in an effort to take Bella (the bigger dog), I began fashioning a really fabulous raincoat from 2 kitchen trash bags--Twice, and both times Bella looked terrified even though I thought she looked very nice, she took one coaxed step and tore through the trash bags and got herself tangled so clearly, I was on my own.

The walk was great, I wore layers and topped everything with a waterproof jacket. Yay me!

[sylvie]

So, weighed in today...
223.5 lbs, which means, almost 92 lbs lost now..

i am seriously overjoyed about this..
all the hard work this week paid off - i knew i needed to step up the exercise..

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Congratulations on weight loss & personal growths everyone, ♥
i have been sick as well, to those of you sickers, feel better soon..
((((huggggggggz)))) xox

[Zimmeh]

Congrats on the weight loss!

Zimmeh


So, weighed in today...
223.5 lbs, which means, almost 92 lbs lost now..

i am seriously overjoyed about this..
all the hard work this week paid off - i knew i needed to step up the exercise..

yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! Congratulations on weight loss & personal growths everyone, ♥
i have been sick as well, to those of you sickers, feel better soon..
((((huggggggggz)))) xox

[Gráinne]

Okay, after admiring the fabulosity of Medusa last time we had lunch, I got it together and went back to WW myself. I weighed in at 246, which would have been way overweight if I were a WNBA player. Ouch. So, I have a lot of work to do. That's OK! Luckily, I like all the "good" foods already and little of the higher-point foods.

I thought the leader was sixty, if that. She was eighty. OK, where do I sign??

WW has a new program, so there's a lot to read all week. If I don't track perfectly points-wise, I'll just get busy with the walking I'm supposed to be doing and filling on more good stuff. Heck, I have a whole thread to go through :).

[sylvie]

Welcome guihong!
Many of them in this thread are doing WW, so you'll have plenty of support in here most definitely! And there is tons of information in this thread, almost daily & the positive encouragement rocks..

now...
*knock knock*
Where IS everybody!? It's been so quiet in here these days..
i ..... i..... i..... miss youuuuu's...
:watereyes:

[JustJo]

Hi healthies :)

Haven't forgotten you all, just so busy these days...

I am getting back on track with my "giant salad" lunches more often, and have been going to Curves faithfully 3 days a week.

Still in a holding pattern for my weight, but think that will change once I get back to my normal routine this weekend.

Hugs to you all!

[Gemme]

I have nothing to add in terms of the thread topic, but as for one of our thread members...that's a different story.

Congrats on the weight loss, sylvie!

I heard that Justin Bateman named his daughter Maple Sylvie and I thought of you. :stillheart:

[PrudenceJuris]

Hey healthy people!!!

I am looking for a simple and free online program that I can use to track my workout progress. I used one a few years ago but I can't seem to find it.

Any suggestions??

[Gemme]

Hey healthy people!!!

I am looking for a simple and free online program that I can use to track my workout progress. I used one a few years ago but I can't seem to find it.

Any suggestions??

I've been out of the progress tracking game for a while but Strappie mentioned myfitnesspal.com a few posts up and I had a really good experience with thedailyplate.com.

The daily plate tracks not only exercise but your food intake as well and will adjust them accordingly. You can see how well you are doing in terms of protein intake and how many calories you still have available, if you are on a caloric plan.

[Medusa]

Hey Healthies!

EEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!! This week has been super chaotic with lots of crazy stuff at work and too many dinners out. I checked the scales this morning and am up 4 pounds! Not upset about it, I expected it and knew that all of the dinners this week were not "best choice" type of dinners.

Plan for today is lots of water, a nice session on the elliptical, and planning out my food for next week.

I am setting a goal for myself to eat all meals at home or at least with things brought from home for the next week. This means I had to tell my coworker, Princess, this morning on our weekly Saturday bitch-a-thon that we won't be doing any Chili's this week because Momma can't be having a gain like that! She snickered and informed me that she had also gained 4 pounds this week due to too many chips and salsa.
That's a testament to the calories. They don't discriminate whether your 280 pounds or 150 pounds!

Best to us all this week!

[Liam]

Hey healthy people!!!

I am looking for a simple and free online program that I can use to track my workout progress. I used one a few years ago but I can't seem to find it.

Any suggestions??

I posted this awhile ago in here, but for the life of me, can't find it. Check out this web site: SparkPeople (http://www.sparkpeople.com/)

You can track all manner of things, its jam packed with resources, and its free.

[Kätzchen]

Just thought I'd stop by today and give a brief report on my own personal journey for being healthy.

Since the first of the year, I've lost another ten pounds - mostly it has to do with my new job. I'm working for a fuel company, working the 'islands', and I'm on the run for more than 8 hours, non-stop. I am pretty active anyway, but pushing more exercise into my day (or night) has been the magic 'ticket' toward acheiving success in becoming more healthy than I already am.

I try to eat as healthy as I can and make room to include more beverages that are water based and not loaded too much with sugar. I try to get my sugar fix by lacing things with Molasses (I need the extra iron) and by eating things that do not include highly refined sugar bases: For example, I like to sweeten my drinks with Agave nectar or using raw brown sugar.

My weakness is eating decadent cheesecake for breakfast or carrot cake.

My stength might be in eating salmon, tuna, grain-fed portions of red meats or poultry that is raised cage free (I tend to stay away from genetically altered protein sources).

I'm doing as well as I can.

I think what works for me is pushing the element of more exercise, getting plenty of sleep and breathing as much air as possible (breath work) on a consistent basis.

I'm wishing you all a beautiful day today,
~D

[untangle]

Hey healthy people!!!

I am looking for a simple and free online program that I can use to track my workout progress. I used one a few years ago but I can't seem to find it.

Any suggestions??

I really enjoy MyFitnessPal.com for tracking calories and exercise. There's a large community that's great for that extra motivation. Feel free to add me on there, I'm "tegsa".

[canmarielan]

Hey healthies!

I just love scrolling through fb and seeing those of you who have added me posting the positive changes you are making in your lives. It's honestly a blessing to be surrounded by so many people wanting healthier, happier lives!!!

As most of you know, I've started a new relationship with a local (no y'all don't know her.....yet!) and I'm excited to share the things we are doing to stay healthy even in the throws of new relationship passion *wink wink*

Linkety Link (http://mynewdefinition.wordpress.com/2012/02/19/a-new-dawn-a-new-day-a-new-love/)

And for those of you who aren't on my facebook... I've posted a pic in my gallery of me wearing my new SIZE 20 PANTS!!!! I started off this journey wearing a size 30, and haven't worn a size 20 since probably 8th or 9th grade!!

[JustJo]

And for those of you who aren't on my facebook... I've posted a pic in my gallery of me wearing my new SIZE 20 PANTS!!!! I started off this journey wearing a size 30, and haven't worn a size 20 since probably 8th or 9th grade!!

Wow!!! That is fabulous progress canmarielan....congratulations! :cheer:
You are an absolute inspiration with all the work you're doing....and you also look fabulous by the way!

I'm at that point where my capris, sweatpants and jeans are all feeling loose and some even baggy....but I'm not yet into my "goal pants" that I last wore about.....ummm.....10 years ago? They're size 18 (by the old sizes, not the new inflated ones) Apple Bottom jeans, and I love them. Right now, I can pull them all the way up, but they're skin tight and the button is about 4 inches from buttoning. :cheesy:

I'll get there....and maybe be wearing them at Reunion. :)

The crazy thing is that the jeans I wear most often and are feeling baggy are ALSO size 18....I had no idea that "size inflation" was such a real thing. It makes it hard for me to compare....I know I wore a size 12 in middle school, but what would that be now? No clue.

Has anyone else experienced this?

[PrudenceJuris]

I really enjoy MyFitnessPal.com for tracking calories and exercise. There's a large community that's great for that extra motivation. Feel free to add me on there, I'm "tegsa".

Hey there!! I did it signed up on myfitnesspal but I'm having trouble finding you. My username on there is... wait for it... surprise.... Prudencejuris!!! Please look for me so we can buddy up. Thanks for the link I love doing this as a group... so powerful!!

[Leigh]

I hate being sick, this bronchitis has been preventing me form going to work out ~ its been atleast 2 to 3 weeks since it began and I'm only now starting to feel better. I'm still not 100% so I plan on taking one more week and then next week I'm getting back into the gym ........ I was doing so well and then this happened, luckily it hasn't completely killed my momentum I'll just make sure to go slow when I do get back and get into a routine again!

Candace and Sylvie's progress has really motivated me to work my ass off because hard work WILL pay off ........... of course, everyone here encourages me to take care of myself, which I'm doing more of now than I ever have before :)

[sylvie]

For those of you who don't like drinking water..

i learned a fun 'lil tip.. Fill an ice cube tray with some berries, and then pour lemon juice to fill each one.. Freeze them and drop one into your water for flavoring.. They're kinda cute to look at to, floating around in your water, heh..

i love berry flavors & lemon flavors..
Watched Dr Oz today, neat little trick i thought...

[JustJo]

Good morning healthies :)

I ate badly yesterday....not horribly badly, just too many carbs and not enough veggies kind of badly.

I feel like I'm in a weird spot...like my body is literally struggling to keep from tipping under that 200 lb mark that it apparently likes so much. I'm still weighing daily (because that helps me) and it's 202, 203, 204, 202, 204, 203....crazy.

Curves is being fantastic....3 days a week and have only missed one day due to illness (when I literally slept all day and felt much better for it). I sweat...I drink a lot of water...my heart rate gets up there....and I'm seeing and feeling the difference all over.

I'm at that place of telling myself this stuff takes time. I didn't get this size overnight or in a month or even in a year....and it's going to take consistent, long-term changes (like exercise...traditionally one of my weakest points) to get it off and keep it off.

Hugs to you all!

[Tawse]

I haven't lost any real weight in a few weeks. I refuse to get pissy about it (this after having a mini melt down over the weekend).

BUT I was just reading about how to lower the calories in lasagna and they had some good ideas. Exchanging the noodles for portabella mushrooms and cutting the beef with mushrooms as well.

This has given me an idea to cook (maybe this weekend) a Mushroom Lasagna since both Gillian and I LOVE mushrooms.

I'm drooling just thinking about it.

oh - linkage :)

http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2009/03/03/lasagna-lightened-up/

[PinkieLee]

Hey all you healthy peeps!

I'm sorry that I've been kinda absent lately, but hopefully life will start to get some kind of normalcy again soon. Hopefully D will feel up to getting back to the gym in the next couple of days... I think exercising will help her release some stress and start to get back to restful sleeping again (ok, that's for me too).

I can tell you one thing about family crisis & funerals... folks LOVE to bring out the mass quantities of food! Honestly, it feels like we've been doing nothing but eating for a solid week.

I didn't weigh this morning... only because I completely forgot until I went to chart my breakfast on WW. So, tomorrow I will update my progress... even though all the stress definitely brought out my emotional eating that I honestly couldn't stop.

Moving forward...

[justkim]

Jo, don't get down on yourself and by all means put that scale away... I have been *stuck* at hanging on to 200 pounds... I decided to just do a quick measurement and found that I have lost over 2 inches from my thigh... Sometimes it is about the inches and not so much the pounds... You got this!



Good morning healthies :)

I ate badly yesterday....not horribly badly, just too many carbs and not enough veggies kind of badly.

I feel like I'm in a weird spot...like my body is literally struggling to keep from tipping under that 200 lb mark that it apparently likes so much. I'm still weighing daily (because that helps me) and it's 202, 203, 204, 202, 204, 203....crazy.

Curves is being fantastic....3 days a week and have only missed one day due to illness (when I literally slept all day and felt much better for it). I sweat...I drink a lot of water...my heart rate gets up there....and I'm seeing and feeling the difference all over.

I'm at that place of telling myself this stuff takes time. I didn't get this size overnight or in a month or even in a year....and it's going to take consistent, long-term changes (like exercise...traditionally one of my weakest points) to get it off and keep it off.

Hugs to you all!

[sylvie]

Good Morning Healthies..

i started my Running Program yesterday, so exciting!
i train 3 times a week, so week 1 it's one minute of walking, one minute of running, 10 sets of each... (i did 15 though, oops, i didn't read it properly but thats okay by me, heh.) i DID it.. So i need to do that 2 more times in the next 6 days, and i am registering myself for a Marathon in August, that some girls from the gym are also training for..

How exciting is that?? yaay!

~~~
In other news, with thanks to Candace - i have created a blog which will talk about my weight loss journey as well as the addiction & eating disorder side of it too.. i've linked her on my blog as well (thank you Candace for allowing me) .. She's quite inspirational and gotta say, helps motivate me to keep going myself... And the blogging and putting it out there in turns helps remotivate myself too.. Tonight i wanna work on a fb page for it, and by the way Candace loved your post on the weight loss journey and being in a relationship.. So happy to see your smiles these days too! ♥

http://a-sylly-journey.blogspot.com/ is my link...

~~~

The other day, Mr Mtn and i made some delicious healthy pizzas for my birthday, making our own chicken sausage from ground chicken, and put it on pita bread with veggies and topped with feta cheese (well He used mozzarella) ... Talk about delicious! We'd be happy to share what We did if ya's would like, they're pretty simple to make and yummy yummy yummy.

Weigh in isn't until March 1st for me -- so happy to see posts in here again.. & seeing how you are all doing.. ♥

[sylvie]

Jo darlin,
Try taking your measurements, i bet you are in a place right now where you are building muscle and losing inches.. Especially if you are noticing a difference in the way clothes fit still and working out as hard as you are.. In the next little while, your weight loss will continue, don't get discouraged! You got this ! ♥

Tonya ((((hugggz))))
You & D'Anna have been in Mtn's and i's thoughts continuously & We've been sending positive energy your way.. Emotional eating will happen, and you are very aware of it and you know you'll get back on track.. It's difficult to even have to think of that stuff in a difficult time like that.. Be easy on yourself sweetness, ♥ so happy you are shaking it off and not being hard on yourself, & moving forward healthy journeywise.. love & hugs to you both from Us & if ya's need anything, let us know.

[justkim]

One of the girls in my small group was telling us about this run...
Feeling Dirty?
You know you want to go and play in the mud...

http://www.kissmedirty.com/denver.html

Mind you this one is for Denver but you can go to the main page and find the one that is nearest to you... I think I am going to see if some of the women from my small group would like to try the ones in Utah too since they are the same driving distance as Denver...

Let's all go and have some dirty fun... then we can post our pictures...

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

It has been very hectic for me the last two weeks. I am now working at the school and I survived Valentines Day with only having one cupcake :) I have been eating the same and having so much fun! I went to Epcot on Sunday and walked around for about four hours!


Jo, your right about your body not wanting to loose anymore weight. I've been on this roller coaster for about a year now.

Tonya, my heart goes out to you and D'Ray. I gained most of my weight after losing my dad. Depression hit me hard and it's something that I am still dealing with. Just go with the flow and even though it's been almost ten years since my dad passed, I still allow myself to cry. Hugs :)

Zimmeh

[starryeyes]

Hey all!!

I haven't been around, but I have been on track :) I did not weigh in last weekend, and I also can not on Sunday but my home scale shows no change. A little loss would be nice. I am going to be more diligent on my tracking and start ezersicing more. My roommate is leaving next weekend (ya!) so I am gonna use that space for my equipment and do some videos in there.

Have a great weekend All!!!!!

Hugs

[Tawse]

Apparently my mini meltdown last weekend worked. This morning I was a pound lower.

I've always been an advocate of calorie cycling. For me that means I range between 1000 and 1500 calories - going up and down. The theory is the body doesn't "get used" to a set caloric intact and thus doesn't slow down metabolism.

Well.

This time around what I had to do was eat to maintenance (ok, a hundred or so above) for a couple of days in a row and it seems to have triggered the metabolism again.

I just wig out when I eat to maintenance - I feel I'm going to gain weight or go backwards - or lose momentum.. etc etc.

But yeah - how I lost weight before - is not how my body wants to lose weight this time around. Adaptation to the theories is in progress...

[Sassy]

I try not to stress eat. I pack healthy snacks..... I do really well at the beginning of the week. And then Friday comes. And all of my deadlines stack up. And. Well. Crap. ... Someone brings doughnuts. And someone else orders pizza. And I can smell the pizza. See the donuts. Actually HEAR the FOOD CALLING TO ME. ... Ok, maybe that's just the low growl of my stomach...... argh! ... Xanax and salad. Seems like a reasonable combo right? Cute little pill taken like an after dinner mint... keeps me going... almost keeps me out of the McD's drive thru........ OK, ranting doesn't seem to be helping. Maybe I'll go for a walk...

[JustJo]

Hi healthies :)

It was meatloaf night tonight and I have to tell you....I'm loving this pan.

http://www.yourstoreonline.net/id2040509/name/large/the_perfect_lift_serve_meatloaf_pan.jpg

I've never been a fan of ground turkey....and I love the traditional meatloaf that's 2/3 ground beef and 1/3 ground pork. The problem, of course, is there's too much fat. I buy lean meat, but still....fat.

This pan actually works the way they advertise it on tv. The fat drains into the bottom as it cooks, and the meatloaf lifts out....not greasy, not sitting in fat. The other advantage is that it also doesn't get mushy on the bottom.

Seriously good meatloaf. :chef2:

[Zimmeh]

What is the name of it?

Thanks,

Zimmeh

Hi healthies :)

It was meatloaf night tonight and I have to tell you....I'm loving this pan.

http://www.yourstoreonline.net/id2040509/name/large/the_perfect_lift_serve_meatloaf_pan.jpg

I've never been a fan of ground turkey....and I love the traditional meatloaf that's 2/3 ground beef and 1/3 ground pork. The problem, of course, is there's too much fat. I buy lean meat, but still....fat.

This pan actually works the way they advertise it on tv. The fat drains into the bottom as it cooks, and the meatloaf lifts out....not greasy, not sitting in fat. The other advantage is that it also doesn't get mushy on the bottom.

Seriously good meatloaf. :chef2:

[JustJo]

What is the name of it?

Thanks,

Zimmeh

They call it Perfect Meatloaf Pan....but there are generic versions out there now too. :)

[deedarino]

If anyone is low carbing: I was craving "regular" food so bad so my dad who is an experimenter came up with the best pizza!

I am sure you have heard of the cauliflower crust pizza? Well try spaghetti squash instead; just keep it kinda thin. It is freakin delicious and it gets rid of my craving for bad stuff.

I'm another one who isn't losing lbs right now but my body size is melting away. All I am doing is walking and the ball.

Keep up the good work out there!!

[justkim]

I found another Mud run... wait for it...

Dirty Girl...

They have more locations in the east than any where else.

http://www.godirtygirl.com/