Healthy Weight Loss

[msW8ing]

Hey ToKiss -

Are you a small person naturally? What I mean is that a size 2 is tiny, tiny, tiny - Is that a reasonable expectation for your body frame?

I am a large-framed person. I have broad shoulders and hips and know that my body would probably never be smaller than a size 10 just because of how I'm built and how I carry my weight. (big boobs and ass - SHAZAAM!)

I encourage you to give yourself reasonable time to be the size you want - Or hell, don't even focus on the size but rather what makes you feel good. :)

And I'll tell you something else - I am hearing you say that dressage is important to you and you want to be "seen" in the ring. I say fuck the idea that fat girls are out of place! Who made that rule? Who says that fat girls, or medium girls, or girls with small frames aren't all deserving of being in that ring if they've worked hard for it! I think you should get in that ring no matter what size you are and show those people how a fat girl works it. :)

Don't let someone else's idea of beauty control what you do! If you want to be in that ring, get in there - No matter your size! (and not in spite of your size, but BECAUSE of your size.)

You are perfect just the way you are. I think it's totally ok to want to be healthier, but do it for YOU!:moonstars:

Awwwww Medusa now you've made this 5'10" bbw go an have a crush on you for a minute. You are truly inspirational. Thank you!! :rrose:

[JustJo]

Question: I have issues with becoming stressed and emotional eating. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions/ideas??? I feel like I sabotage myself with this and am sick of going through that cycle!



I struggle with emotional eating...big time!

One of the things that has helped (even though it sounds crazy) is to give myself permission and not beat myself up. I will literally say...okay...I'm stressed, I'm upset, I want something chocolate and I'm going to have it. It's okay, and it doesn't need to start a whole binge. Then I eat the one thing I really want....enjoy it tremendously....congratulate myself on managing that stress, and go on with life.

It's when I go into the beat myself up cycle that I keep eating and can't stop with that one treat.

The other thing is that I've found when I'm stressed crunching helps....big loud crunching. I think that's the reason I used to head for chips and doritos and things. Now I try to do carrot sticks, raw cauliflower...seriously loud crunchy food. It seems to help me. :)

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Thanks :) I will definitely try these suggestions. Today I am feeling really under the weather cant seem to get up and do anything! I am hoping today is not a hard one for me.

[PinkieLee]

Thanks :) I will definitely try these suggestions. Today I am feeling really under the weather cant seem to get up and do anything! I am hoping today is not a hard one for me.

We all have those days honey....tomorrow will be a better day! Rainy, gloomy or those dreary days have a way of bringing down our spirits where we have a tendancy to slide. I'm proud of you for being aware of how you feel... acknowledgement is a great step and keeping things under control is a giant leap!

Jo is right, find something crunchy. When I feel signs of a binge, I pop a big ol' bag of popcorn. The 94% fat free kettle corn in my favorite! I can eat the whole bag, for only 4 WW points! It's a great low calorie options, a filler and cures my craving for salty & sweet.

Popcorn lets me eat all I want, without going overboard. Call it a mind trick, but for ME it works.

[ReDo]

First I want to say that I do not ever mean to offend anyone at any time that is not who I am at all. My comment about "fat girls" is harsh and maybe I should have worded it differently however the horse world is sadly that harsh.

I suppose I don't have the needed self confidence to go out there at my size and rock the horse world and make the judges wake up and notice that anyone can do this sport. There are plenty of women who are not tiny that do go out there and make it happen it isn't impossible however points are knocked off for appearance. Something I did not know until I saw my mothers score care who is a size 0. Yup she is tiny and tall and beautiful.

I have a small build except for my hips. God played a great joke by giving me child bearing hips and then made it impossible for me to have children. (that is a whole story of its own). So a size 2 is do able it will just take a lot of hard work and commitment but I know it is possible.

What happens if I don't make it to a size 2 then I smile and hold my head up high and go into the show pen and show them that even at an 8 it's okay I still look great. I just wish I had what it takes to go in right now but for my own self I don't. I would feel out of place like everyone is staring at me and making those comments that hurt the most.

So my journey begins and again I meant no disrespect to anyone at anytime. I am here to support you as well as take in the support from you.

So lets go kick some booty.

[PinkieLee]

Hi there again ToKissAgain!

Oh honey, I feel you on the self confidence thing. I can be the biggest cheerleader for everyone else, but have the hardest time being one for myself. That's probably why I post in this thread so much... I get back the strength & encouragement that I give out to others.

At some point in time, we've all been victims to society's standards of beauty and perfect size. I'm sure in the horse world, it's a tough competition, and people are always looking for ways to improve scores. You seem like a very determined person, that doesn't back down easily, so I'm sure that you will have great success on your weight loss journey!

You've got spunk honey... and I sure do like that! You are right, let's go kick some booty :)

[Zimmeh]

Good Afternoon ToKiss,

You do have that self confidence in you and just look deep inside of yourself and you will find it! I grew up with three brothers who made fun me all of the time and I used food to hide my pain. I took control of my life and I have kept 45lbs of the original 60lbs off since January of 2007.

Good Luck!

Zimmy

First I want to say that I do not ever mean to offend anyone at any time that is not who I am at all. My comment about "fat girls" is harsh and maybe I should have worded it differently however the horse world is sadly that harsh.

I suppose I don't have the needed self confidence to go out there at my size and rock the horse world and make the judges wake up and notice that anyone can do this sport. There are plenty of women who are not tiny that do go out there and make it happen it isn't impossible however points are knocked off for appearance. Something I did not know until I saw my mothers score care who is a size 0. Yup she is tiny and tall and beautiful.

I have a small build except for my hips. God played a great joke by giving me child bearing hips and then made it impossible for me to have children. (that is a whole story of its own). So a size 2 is do able it will just take a lot of hard work and commitment but I know it is possible.

What happens if I don't make it to a size 2 then I smile and hold my head up high and go into the show pen and show them that even at an 8 it's okay I still look great. I just wish I had what it takes to go in right now but for my own self I don't. I would feel out of place like everyone is staring at me and making those comments that hurt the most.

So my journey begins and again I meant no disrespect to anyone at anytime. I am here to support you as well as take in the support from you.

So lets go kick some booty.

[Zimmeh]

I did very well today for eating.

I had for breakfast: One container of Lemon Greek Yogurt, chocolate milk and coffee with two tablespoons of French Vanilla creamer.

I had for lunch: one small scoop of tuna fish, with olive oil based mayo, thyme and black pepper and a small cup of sweet peas and orange juice as a beverage. I also had a king size bag of plain M&M's as a snack.

I am having for dinner: Weight Watcher's Smart One's, chicken, rigatoni and broccoli TV dinner with water to drink.

I am going power walking tonight once it cools down..

Let's go!!!

Zimmy

[foxyshaman]

Question: I have issues with becoming stressed and emotional eating. Does anyone have any tips/suggestions/ideas??? I feel like I sabotage myself with this and am sick of going through that cycle!

One more thing...Curves are hot!! Own them! :girldevil: That is all!

Little Ms Sunshine I had to figure out what my core issue(s) are/were that I was/am eating. I took a book out of the library called Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger. It helped me TREMENDOUSLY. I faithfully create and use the behaviour modification charts. I have only had three overeating/binges since January. I define those as ones I cannot control or my mind takes a walk and my mouth keeps eating. I worked with a therapist over the phone who recommended the book to me and then I had two more sessions with him to move through some of my own blindspots. I have not stopped losing weight since I took my brain on in the battle against my bulge.. or burgeoning hips, whichever came first!!

I am fortunate to live alone so I just buy what I can have in my house. And if something comes into my house (via a party or well meaning friends) I promptly take it to the office the next day, or put it in the trunk of my car to take to the office the next working day. I don't know about where you work (except I think you are on break right now??) but in my office food is :byebye: right quick. So, less temptations for me. :sunglass:

I have also found the less of something I eat the less tolerant my body becomes when I try to eat it. I have essentially cut out all dairy, except for one cheese that I use 3 pts worth when I am making my vege wrap. Oh and abit of butter here and there for cooking. I avoid sweets, except for my coffee... but I count every one of those points!!! Sometimes that can be hard, but I really am grooving on my success and that is my biggest encouragement.

I had a party this weekend and I thought..oh crap here goes everything. I had it in my mind that I would not be able to control myself... I was soooooo wrong. I made sure I had food I could eat and then ate very little of what were danger foods (roasted pita chips). I am quite happy with myself. And today I took all the unhealthy foods to the office and they were promptly eaten!!

Anyway, we all have different ideas and ways to eliminate and promote healthy eating. I just wanted to share with you some of the things that I have found quite helpful. :goodluck:

[Zimmeh]

I completely agree with you Foxyshaman!

My family drinks soda and whenever I go to my mom's house, I grab a huge bottle of water from Starbucks and I drink that. It is still very hard to walk away from certain foods, but I do it. My friend keeps telling me that I have a wonderful self control mechanism and how I can stay away from red meat, soda and fried foods.

Have a great day,

Zimmy

Little Ms Sunshine I had to figure out what my core issue(s) are/were that I was/am eating. I took a book out of the library called Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger. It helped me TREMENDOUSLY. I faithfully create and use the behaviour modification charts. I have only had three overeating/binges since January. I define those as ones I cannot control or my mind takes a walk and my mouth keeps eating. I worked with a therapist over the phone who recommended the book to me and then I had two more sessions with him to move through some of my own blindspots. I have not stopped losing weight since I took my brain on in the battle against my bulge.. or burgeoning hips, whichever came first!!

I am fortunate to live alone so I just buy what I can have in my house. And if something comes into my house (via a party or well meaning friends) I promptly take it to the office the next day, or put it in the trunk of my car to take to the office the next working day. I don't know about where you work (except I think you are on break right now??) but in my office food is :byebye: right quick. So, less temptations for me. :sunglass:

I have also found the less of something I eat the less tolerant my body becomes when I try to eat it. I have essentially cut out all dairy, except for one cheese that I use 3 pts worth when I am making my vege wrap. Oh and abit of butter here and there for cooking. I avoid sweets, except for my coffee... but I count every one of those points!!! Sometimes that can be hard, but I really am grooving on my success and that is my biggest encouragement.

I had a party this weekend and I thought..oh crap here goes everything. I had it in my mind that I would not be able to control myself... I was soooooo wrong. I made sure I had food I could eat and then ate very little of what were danger foods (roasted pita chips). I am quite happy with myself. And today I took all the unhealthy foods to the office and they were promptly eaten!!

Anyway, we all have different ideas and ways to eliminate and promote healthy eating. I just wanted to share with you some of the things that I have found quite helpful. :goodluck:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Thank you Foxyshaman! This has been an issue for as long as I can remember. In my family, we eat when we are happy, we eat when we are sad, we eat to celebrate, WE EAT!!!! I come from a traditional hispanic home and mexican food was on the table every night. I remember my mother cooking in the kitchen. She would let me know supper was ready and ask me how many tacos I would want, if I said 2 she would bring 4 and so on and so forth. We didnt have much and she used food as a way to show us she loves us. She still does!!!

This is something I will definitely be working om.

PinkieLee~ thank you for just being you! You are always very uplifting and have the ability to make us all smile! I appreciate you!

[Zimmeh]

This is what I am listening to:

It is a mixture of videos from the Vevo app on my iPhone, YouTube and the iPod on my iPhone.

Vevo:

PitBull:
Shut It Down
Give Me Everything
Be Quiet
Hey Baby <Drop It To The Floor with T-Pain>

Jennifer Lopez
On The Floor <Featuring PitBull>
Waiting For Tonight
Do It Well

Enrique Iglesia
I Like It <Featuring PitBull; Jersey Shore Version>

Rihanna
S&M Remix with Britney Spears
S&M Original Video

Katy Perry
ET <With Kanye West>
Waking Up In Vegas

Britney Spears
Circus
I Wanna Go
Til The World Ends

Lady Gaga
Bad Romance
Judas

Guns N Roses
Patience
Sweet Child of Mine
Paradise City
Welcome To The Jungle
November Rain

Poison
Every Rose Has It's Thorn

Nine Inch Nails
Down In It
Head Like A Hole

YouTube:

Rammstein's
Du Haust

Metallica
One
Seek and Destroy
Master of Puppets

iPod

The Cure
To Many Songs to List

Black Eyed Peas

Lacuna Coil

Loreena McKennitt

Marilyn Manson

Michael Jackson and

Cradle of Filth

I truly am a music junkie, lol..

Zimmy




I hope that some of you will share your favorite musical choices for workouts as I'd love some new ideas! Have a great day everyone. Thanks for this thread!

Punk:
Kiss Off-Violent Femmes
California Uber Alles-Dead Kennedys
What do I get?-Buzzcocks

Oldies:
I’ll be Good to You-The Brothers Johnson
Lowdown-Boz Scaggs

Rock:
White Room-Cream
You’ve got another thing coming-Judas Priest
Ironman-Black Sabbath
Rock & Roll-Led Zeppelin
Ladies & Gentlemen-Salvia
Master of Puppets-Metallica
Enter Sandman-Metallica
Sabbra Cadabra-Metallica
Testify-Rage Against the Machine
Guerilla Radio-Rage Against the Machine


Dance/Electronic:
Absolutely Not-Deborah Cox Queer as Folk Soundtrack 2nd Season
Underwater (Mauve’s Dark Vocal Mix)-Queer as Folk Soundtrack 2nd Season
Hold It Don’t Drop it (Club Mix)-J Lo Moto Blanco Mixes
No More Drama-Mary J Blige (from the Dance For Me EP)
Tush (Anthony Acid X-Rated Club Mix)-Ghostface & Missy Elliot
I Wasn’t Kidding (Freemasons Vocal Club Mix)-Angie Stone
Boys wanna be her (tommy sunshine mix)-Peaches
Beautiful Liar-Shakira & Beyonce
Weapon of Choice-Fatboy Slim
Downhill Racer (Kenny Dope Remix)-Everything But The Girl

[Softly]

hey guys :)

I wanted to share the website I spoke about earlier...
myfitnesspal.com
or you can download the APP to your android/iphone for free

I have forever been on diets and such, this is the only thing that has helped me stick to my calorie and exercise goal. the community there is amazing, the success stories are inspirational and, it really works. you HAVE to put every single thing you put in your mouth (hah!) and I mean everything : creamer in your coffee, little mayo, anything. You will be amazed at how many empty calories are going into your body.

I was eating almost double than I should of been eating! I mindlessly ate all day not thinking that a bagel for breakfast took most of my daily calorie intake then grazing on a little here, little there...it does add up!

now my day is like this (I eat what I want, just not as much):
Breakfast
Luna Bar - Iced Oatmeal Raisin, 1 bar 180 calories
Dunkin' Donuts - Medium Ice Coffee With Cream and 2 Splenda, 24 oz 85 calories

Snack 1
Mw: Generic - Fuji Apple, Medium, 1 small 80 calories

Lunch
Home Salad - 2 cups 180 calories
Chicken Salad Sandwich Lunch 290 calories

Snack 2 (is coffee a snack? lol)
Starbuck's - Venti Iced Coffee - Nonfat Milk - Dc, 24 fluid oz. 160 calories

Dinner
Wonton Soup, 1 cup w/ 2 wontons 115 calories
Chinese - Steamed Chicken With Broccoli (No Sauce), 2 cups 280 calories
Chinese Mustard Packets - Chinese Mustard, 7 tablespoon 35 calories
Chinese - Fortune Cookie, 0.5 cookie 13 calories

all under 1500 calories for the day
+ going to the gym, per my heart rate monitor, I burned 235 calories in an hour

:) it becomes fun!! and it's a healthy loss every week!

[Softly]

OH and I downloaded an APP on my phone called JANGO and it has helped me forget I am even on the treadmill at times.

I like the hip hop station.
I worked out to Dr. Dre and Snoop tonight :D hah

it's like Pandora but a million times better.
lots of stations AND you can skip songs as many times as you want to!

[Medusa]

Let's talk about emotional eating!

I was all hyped up to make this post last night but talked myself out of it because this part of the process is so personal. Today, I said "fuck it", because really, what am I about to say that is going to be so personal when so many people have dealt with this exact issue. Besides, I think talking about the process helps forward our understanding and I'm willing to take the chance on feeling exposed in order to work out my shit around it.

So here goes:

I had cake yesterday! It was luscious and wonderful! Someone at work sent around an email to our entire unit saying they had "about 50 pounds of wedding cake in their office" and was basically begging us to come and eat it (being facetious here!). All day a steady stream of my coworkers filed past my door with napkins piled high with a creamy-looking white cake. Finally someone said "oh come on angie, you gotta have just one piece of it!".

Normally I would have waved my hands and said "Oh no no no! I can't, I'm on a diet!" and would have been all dramatic about how I was just going to eat come carrot sticks or whatever.

Then I would have sat in my office brooding for the rest of the day over that cake and being silently (and not super aware of why) irritated and angry.

Then I would have gotten off of work and gone straight to the McDonalds drive-thru and ordered a sack of crap and ate it all the way home.

Then I would have gotten home and proceeded to marathon-eat for the rest of the night until finally falling into bed stuffed full of food and feeling empty still.

Why would I have done that? Because that is my cycle. That's what I do. That is how I self-soothe when I deprive myself of something that is actually a reasonable desire. So what if someone had a wedding cake at work, right? It's a piece of fucking cake. It's not a line of cocaine.

I would have been internally deprived and pissed off at myself for saying no to the cake when I really wanted it and then would have proceeded to fill my face for hours after as a way to say "Im now going to punish the external me because the internal me didnt provide the cake."

I have come to realize that it is simply NOT reasonable to live as if I am never going to eat another piece of cake as long as I live. It is, in fact, ridiculous for me to think that will be my truth. I am a human being and I am going to eat cake and steak and drink beer and eat ice cream. I'm going to do all those things and I'm NOT going to feel shame about it or guilt and I'm CERTAINLY NOT going to punish myself when I do eat those things.

We're good people! We deserve cake!

What we also deserve is to eat that piece of cake WITHIN REASON and treat that piece of cake as the wonderful treat that it is and not a requirement for happiness.

So yesterday? I ate the cake. It was a small little piece and it was so delicate and fluffy and had this amazing cream cheese icing and almond fondant. I ate it. Unapologetically and without guilt. I STILL don't feel guilty. It was worth it. I counted it in my WW points like I should and was thankful for having the cake.

I felt so happy last night because that terrible weight of "I have an emotion of shame around eating the cake so now we must commence with a 4-hour binge that will leave us feeling like SHIT" was GONE. I am still happy today because eating that cake without shame was a victory for me. It was a victory over those bad, ugly thinking patterns where shame and guilt are the driving force for sabotage of health.

I encourage each of us to remember that birthdays and weddings and random cakes will happen. It's OK for us to eat small portions and account for those portions in our food plan. It's OK to enjoy eating that stuff! It's OK to be regular, normal human beings who occasionally eat cake or pie or potatoes or whatever your vice is. It is OK because that piece of cake does not mean that our entire day or week or month of working toward health is blown up.

I did the above overshare to kinda show how Im working through my process of recognizing what my triggers are and WHY I overeat. Figuring out those triggers and being able to say "Oh ok, this is one of those things" when it happens means that I have a name for that emotion. So I can name it and think about it rather than eat it.

If you stuck with me this long, thank you. Again, pardon the overshare. This thread has been an amazing support and I appreciate each and every one of you tremendously.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Medusa~ I appreciate the overshare :) I try to remind myself all the time that I am allowed to treat myself. When I post in here that it is a life style change and we do this in real life, well I post it as a reminder to myself lol I talk my way through it!

My sister shares in this struggle with me. When we hang out...it is a DISASTER. Once I have one deliciously terrible meal, it is like I have unleashed something in me. The domino effect strikes and I feel like I am back at square one.

I have been feeling a little emotional lately and trying at all costs to avoid the binge. Why is this so hard? And Why is it such a comfort? Self-Soothe is the perfect way to describe it because it is. The worst part of it all, if I do over eat then I feel twice as bad. I feel sick and ashamed. Blah! Learning to be able to treat myself without over doing is a battle. But acknowledging that it can be done is helping.

Glad we are here to lend an ear (or eyes for reading) and I am glad that there are people out there that share in our struggle. The world is not that lonely anymore :)

Sorry, thinking outloud. But it helps me to verbalize this all because I relate and for the first time I have found people that understand.

Again, thanks for the overshare! It hit home.

[Medusa]

I totally get what you mean about it being a disaster when you and sister hang out!

I have a couple of girlfriends who would totally be my "eating buddies" if we were both so inclined. It's like having someone to do your addiction with, similar to crackheads finding someone to smoke with. That way you have not only a witness but a cohort. Someone who will enable or support your "habit" so to speak.

In the past, I have chosen to either insulate from these friends or tried to get them to do my eating plan with me. I'm at the point now that I accept that I am in control of me and that I don't really need to worry about what my girlfriends are doing. It's hard. SUPER hard. That food bonding is a "warm comfy" for me and it's hard to isolate my stuff around food from other people. It's hard to keep that stuff to myself and have to hold that bag of bullshit because it means I have to sit with the feelings and that shit? IS NOT COMFORTABLE sometimes!

I'm glad we all have each other. We can create new food bonding moments over finding fun ways to make our favorite stuff healthy and celebrating our victories. WOOT!

[Nina]

maybe it's not 'over share'...maybe it's a freeing part of the process of integrating ourselves...the divide between who we are and our body can be huge and impacting...

maybe as we learn about the disconnect...as we learn how and when we have spent years numbing our feelings with food and all else, when we can identify it, and see it with compassion, we speak of it to take it out of darkness and shame...we share it because it frees us from the emotions and reactions that keep us tied to fear and hurt...

I don't know...it seems like when we define what we do as 'over sharing' there is, intrinsic in that phrase a judgement which maybe we don't need to put on ourselves...

I am tired right now...I would probably not post this otherwise, but I am going to do so anyway...I admire you all for what you're doing to find a path to more balance, and a way to cherish the vessel which houses the You...I struggle with it, I think many of us do...and I am in awe at how this space is becoming a space of courage, and love and throwing off shame and wrong messages and helps us move into a space of love and of pride...

[JustJo]

I'm with Nina....overshare sounds like a bad thing...and I think freeing up and speaking about who we are and how we feel is good, good, good. :rrose:

So...yes, let's talk about emotional eating.

Mine goes back so far it feels like part of my DNA. Food was always the way to smooth over the gaps and the pain in my life as a kid and especially as a teenager. It was always there, right? That Ding Dong didn't insult or bully or leave me feeling unimportant or left out or, or, or.....it just sat there full of creamy filling and chocolate, all wrapped up (then) in a neat shiny little foil package, whenever I wanted it (or could get my hands on it....another story).

I've always been heavy...some times heavier than others....but I was never the athletic type (even though I rode horses and swam like a fish) or slim. I weighed 130 lbs and wore a size 12 when I was 12 years old...then kept growing. At my heaviest I stopped weighing myself or buying clothes and became of a fan of the mu-mu/caftan/long, loose and swishy stuff that didn't make me beat myself up with the knowledge that I had gone past size 24.

At one point in my late 20s I resolved that I was going to change, and never look like that again. I was dating a man that was into body-building. We lived on broiled fish (no butter or oil) and salad with a squeeze of lemon....not kidding....that was lunch and dinner. We went to the gym every day and worked out for 3 solid hours. I ached. I felt starved and hungry and deprived every waking moment. I was angry at the entire world and everyone in it that could eat a cheeseburger and still look "normal." I got down to a size 14, and weighed 155. People told me I looked fantastic. I loved hearing that (since I never had), but hated every other moment and myself for having to live such an austere and unpleasant (for me) existence in order to look "acceptable."

Needless to say, I fell off the wagon (and broke up with the body-builder too). :)

I gained weight....up and down a little....hovered around 200 lbs. most of the time, for years but felt like myself. Gradually it crept up, and up....

I weighed about 245 lbs. when I was diagnosed with diabetes...and it scared me to death. My aunt died the most awful death imaginable from diabetic complications. Mine was showing mostly in my eyes....diabetic retinopathy...and a firm message that, if I did not get my blood sugar under control, I would go blind. Turns out, based on the damage to my eyes, that I probably was an undiagnosed diabetic for about 20 years....back to my early 20's....maybe earlier.

I went on the diabetic diet, walked an hour a day....and lost 50 lbs. That helped, but it wasn't enough to control my blood sugar. They added meds....lots of meds....but thankfully not injected insulin. As needle-phobic as I am, that would be a disaster on too many levels to even think about.

I measured fats in teaspoons, weighed my food, counted my food....hated my food. I developed an intense depression....once again hating a world where "everyone else" could eat normally, or whatever they wanted, or *fill in the blank* and be normal and attractive and relatively healthy....and my body sabotaged me. Honestly, the only thing that kept me from being suicidal was my son. Rooster was 6, and I wanted to live long enough to see him grow up....and I wanted to see him, too. I couldn't let this thing make me blind. I also couldn't continue to live the way I was. I needed to find that happy medium...that place that Medusa describes...where I could have cake if there was an occasion for cake, or even just a strong desire for it....where food became just food...and not my enemy...where my body became my friend, and not my saboteur.

That was about 8 years ago.

I've regained a little of the weight I lost. I'm working on losing it again.

I've also accepted the fact that I am diabetic, and that (unless there's a miracle) won't change. I need to find a way to live with it, and not let it take me out.

I also have to be able to live my life...eat food...have pleasure.

I have to strike a balance.

[Zimmeh]

Growing up, I was a very active child. I was still *chunky* as the pictures show from that time. When I was 15, I was hit by a car coming home from school. It nearly broke both of my legs, caused my L5 and L6 vertebrae to become fused and threw my hips off a little; also watched my parents marriage fail and was taking out of my comfort zone to Michigan; a place where the other students made fun of me because of my Southern accent. As a result of the accident, I couldn't walk without a limp for a long time and I still do. I found that food was my only friend and that it wouldn't like Jo Jo said, make fun of me. Before the accident, I weighed in at 110lbs on a 5'0" frame. After the accident, I weighed anywhere from 150lbs to 210lbs<as of January 2007> on my short body. I did the whole yo yo diet and kept falling off of the wagon. My family didn't eat healthy and it was hard to watch them eat, fried chicken, red meat, and other unhealthy foods and not want to have some.

I've also had to come to terms with a lot of emotional stuff that I had stored in my head. Stuff that everyday, when I look at myself in the mirror, and I say outloud, you won't control my life anymore. I have also kicked all of the negative people out of my life and replaced them with positive people...

I have found that since I took control of my life in January 2007 and made the decision, that I wasn't going to pass away at the age of 47, like my dad. I have taking every measure that I can to loose the weight and if I gain back a few pounds, then I say ok, "what can I do to loose this weight?" I have learned that emotionally kicking my own ass isn't a good thing and I am trying to stop this. Once my health insurance kicks in mid August, I am going to see if a Dietician and Nutrionist is covered and I will be going to them. I have been able to keep 45lbs of the original 60lbs off. My friend says, that I have such a strong will power and that I can avoid consuming food that isn't good for me. Yes I still eat my chocolate and ice cream, but I always either end the day or start the day, with a nice long power walk and I always run up the stairs once I am finished.

We can overcome what emotional shit lies underneath our *over eating* and we can and will show the world, that it truly is mind over matter...Maybe one day, we can help other people out; people who don't have access to Weight Watchers or other weight loss groups. I know, I am one of those people and I have found, this thread, to be the best!

Thank you Jo Jo for starting this thread,

Zimmy

[ReDo]

Zimmy

Congratulations on keeping the weight off. I know that for me is the hardest part. I can exercise lose the weight and then put it back on. As if I never really learn how to have a healthy lifestyle instead only go through the motions to change my body for the moment. This time I want so much more than that.

I am so determined and a fighter in that it takes a great deal for me to not follow through when my mind is made up.

[Thinker]

My food/points is/are all under control, but I have fallen off from working out like I was.

Because I'm still losing, I'm not feeling the sting of it; but I do feel disappointed in myself.

So here's the plan... Tomorrow I'm taking my new project (vintage trailer) out to the place where we'll store it, but I can't go there too early because I'll wake up everyone. I will do my full round of exercises, have my protein shake, and then hook up the trailer for the trip out there.

I said it out loud. Accountability......to myself and to you, my witnesses. ;)

Done! Stretching, sit-ups, 10 minutes of stairs, and a 30-minute walk.

I'm laying off the weights until I get down to my goal weight.

I'll be back out there tomorrow morning. :hangloose:

[Sparkle]

[FONT="Lucida Console"]


I hope that some of you will share your favorite musical choices for workouts as I'd love some new ideas! Have a great day everyone. Thanks for this thread!



I workout to dance music exclusively, I find I need 120-200bpm to sustain an aerobic pace for more than 30minutes.

I also love properly mixed dance cds so the transitions are seamless.

four current favorites:

Cream Classics Vol. 1, Disc 3

Defected Sessions mixed by Full Intention

Hard House Euphoria mixed by Lisa Lashes Disc 1

WURK! mixed by DJs Zero & Steamy Brown, Vixen 6/24/06

I don't think any of these are available on Itunes in the US, but I'm trying to suss out a way to share via a cloud service... if I can't figure it out soon, I'm happy to copy the discs and send them on to anyone interested.

Always happy to share good music!

[Hack]

I eat low-fat, no sugar, low carb, no salt. I drink water (trying to increase this) and Diet Coke. Skip dessert (or have just berries).

I did Weight Watchers on and off the last ten years. Found it too easy to fall off the wagon. Twenty five years ago I got sober pretty much on my own. I know I can be wicked disciplined, so I am working hard to bring that to eating and working out.

Here are some tips I use.

Avoid anything white...sugar, pasta, flour, white rice.
Skip bread.
Order extra veggies.
Drink a huge glass of water before you eat.
When you have a craving do two things -- wait 5 minutes and engage your brain in something else (pick up a book, do a simple household chore, work on a crossword).
Eat fruit instead of cookies, cake or pie. Pineapple and any kind of berries are my candy.
Get addicted to something good for you. Steamed edamame is my crack.
Most important - cheat one day a week. I usually pick Saturday because I almost always work out or do a lot of yardwork on that day.

I workout every other day. On the between days, I walk twice a day at least with my dog, at least 20-30 minutes each time.

Jake

PS .... remember that everyone is beautiful (or handsome). No matter what.

[ReDo]

PS .... remember that everyone is beautiful (or handsome). No matter what.

thank you sometimes we all need that reminder.

[Medusa]

Good workout tonight - Did some mild stretching and then made friends with the treadmill for 1.25 miles. YES, as in one and a quarter. 5 times around the track. WEE!

My legs are jumping but I feel pretty good. My goal this week is to walk at least a mile in every workout. I think I can do that. I have 2 workouts left this week and am on track for that so far. I will have the same goal next week in between switching up my routine for the bike.

Stuff I listen to on my iPod during workouts:

Raise Up - Petey Pablo
Bad Boys - Mace
Kerosene - Miranda Lambert
That's Not my Name - The Ting Tings
Just Fine - Mary J Blige
Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night - BEP
Big Wheel - Tori Amos
Black Betty - Wam Jam
Me So Horny - 2 Live Crew
Tipsy - J Kwon
Points of Authority/99 problemz - Jay Z
In da Wind - Trick Daddy
Zagat Naima - Jalilah
Big Pimpin - Jay Z
Freek-a-Leek - Petey Pablo
Crazy Bitch - Buck Cherry
Feedback - Janet Jackson
Strict Machine - Goldfrapp
Im in Miami Bitch - LMFAO
Closer to Fine - Indigo Girls
American Boy - Estelle
No One Knows - Queens of the New Stone Age
Big Girl - MIKA

I on an "old skool" kick right now with music as you can see but it's stuff that I know and love to sing along with so it's a super positive motivator right now.

[Rockinonahigh]

I weighed again today and ive droped 2 more pounds,I wanted to work on the epilitical today but an haveing probs with my left thigh spazzing up,I know its my dam sciatica geting in the way..so insted I rode the exersise bike for 41/2 miles to get into fat brning mode ad stayed there for nearly a half an hour.Then I went to the weight room for 20 solid minits of rapid works on various things...really gets the old ticker going.I really wanted to finish the last 10 minits of my normal work out but just didnt have the energy for more..somedays gonna be that way I gess.Friday when I have the time im getting something to use at the gym to groove to,head phones and all.

[Zimmeh]

Congrats Rocking!!!!


I love my iPhone but I also have an iPod shuffle. It cost me about $49 without tax at Wal-Mart.

Good luck,

Zimmy

I weighed again today and ive droped 2 more pounds,I wanted to work on the epilitical today but an haveing probs with my left thigh spazzing up,I know its my dam sciatica geting in the way..so insted I rode the exersise bike for 41/2 miles to get into fat brning mode ad stayed there for nearly a half an hour.Then I went to the weight room for 20 solid minits of rapid works on various things...really gets the old ticker going.I really wanted to finish the last 10 minits of my normal work out but just didnt have the energy for more..somedays gonna be that way I gess.Friday when I have the time im getting something to use at the gym to groove to,head phones and all.

[Softly]

Gym last night was all strength training and this morning I can barely keep my hands on my wheel to drive because they feel so weak lol I know this is supposed to be a good thing but it doesn't feel very good!!

jamaica vacation in 34 days!!!
Bathing suit shopping this weekend.

[PinkieLee]

Good morning healthy peeps! WOW, look at this motivation today... let's keep it going!

I love the music y'all are posting for your workouts. Here is a sample (off the top of my head) of what I've got going on right now...

Settlin' ~ Sugarland (more like a theme song and always my warm up song)
Edge of Glory ~ Lady Gaga
London Bridge ~ Fergie
So What ~ P!NK
You and your hand ~ P!NK
Get me bodied ~ Beyonce
Drop it low ~ Ester Dean
Saltshaker ~ Ying Yang Twinz

I went to a WW meeting last night. Let me tell you, it was packed ~ and this place does 2 meetings a day. They had all the WW snacks, smoothies, kitchen gadgets and cookbooks that you could think of. They had 3 lines of people, weighing in & buying stuff. I did find out (through a not so nice volunteer) that because I was using the online program, that I could only sit in on ONE meeting. I almost grabbed my keys and left, but decided not to let one bad apple ruin my experience... so I sat in on the meeting. Great information about portion control ~ which has always been a downfall for me.

Even though I cannot go to the local meetings, I feel extremely lucky to have y'all here... to keep eachother motivated & on the right track.

Today was my weekly weigh in ~ and I'm down 1 more pound! Hey, as long as I'm not gaining weight, it's a move in the right direction. I know that my numbers could be a lot better, if I could get my butt moving more. After leaving the meeting last night, I did go to the gym and get a workout in. I did 20 minutes on the eliptical (which is about 1 1/2 miles). My legs feel like jelly today. Then I did some arm weights and some crunches for another 15 minutes.

As of 6 weeks, I'm down 12 pounds. That might not seem like a lot, but I'm starting to tell more in the way my clothes are fitting. Today, I'm going to buy a fabric tape measure and start keeping up with my measurements (waist, hips, bust & thighs). Even though the scale might not be moving as quickly as I hoped (damn need for instant gratification), I do know that I've been losing inches. That will be another motivator for me, too!

So, let's keep the momentum going y'all! Have a freakin' fabulous day :)

[Medusa]

Awesome post, Pinkie! Sounds like you are keeping tha positive flow going and it is paying off on the scales!

I think that taking measurements is absolutely a good thing to measure your losses. I took my measurements on the first day that I decided to change my food and did it again yesterday and was pretty astonished to see a 6-inch overall loss (1.5 in my waist alone!).

I'm glad you reported back about the WW meetings. They are starting some meetings at work and I was kinda apprehensive about what that would be like but might go check it out.

Also checking into doing some Zumba classes. There is a health center in town that offers 10 Zumba classes for $60. Sounds kinda expensive but I'm thinking about giving it a try just to change up the workouts a little.

[Queerasfck]

Good morning healthy peeps! WOW, look at this motivation today... let's keep it going!

I love the music y'all are posting for your workouts. Here is a sample (off the top of my head) of what I've got going on right now...

Settlin' ~ Sugarland (more like a theme song and always my warm up song)
Edge of Glory ~ Lady Gaga
London Bridge ~ Fergie
So What ~ P!NK
You and your hand ~ P!NK
Get me bodied ~ Beyonce
Drop it low ~ Ester Dean
Saltshaker ~ Ying Yang Twinz

I went to a WW meeting last night. Let me tell you, it was packed ~ and this place does 2 meetings a day. They had all the WW snacks, smoothies, kitchen gadgets and cookbooks that you could think of. They had 3 lines of people, weighing in & buying stuff. I did find out (through a not so nice volunteer) that because I was using the online program, that I could only sit in on ONE meeting. I almost grabbed my keys and left, but decided not to let one bad apple ruin my experience... so I sat in on the meeting. Great information about portion control ~ which has always been a downfall for me.

Even though I cannot go to the local meetings, I feel extremely lucky to have y'all here... to keep eachother motivated & on the right track.

Today was my weekly weigh in ~ and I'm down 1 more pound! Hey, as long as I'm not gaining weight, it's a move in the right direction. I know that my numbers could be a lot better, if I could get my butt moving more. After leaving the meeting last night, I did go to the gym and get a workout in. I did 20 minutes on the eliptical (which is about 1 1/2 miles). My legs feel like jelly today. Then I did some arm weights and some crunches for another 15 minutes.

As of 6 weeks, I'm down 12 pounds. That might not seem like a lot, but I'm starting to tell more in the way my clothes are fitting. Today, I'm going to buy a fabric tape measure and start keeping up with my measurements (waist, hips, bust & thighs). Even though the scale might not be moving as quickly as I hoped (damn need for instant gratification), I do know that I've been losing inches. That will be another motivator for me, too!

So, let's keep the momentum going y'all! Have a freakin' fabulous day :)
Sorry your experience with a crabby volunteer almost ruined the meeting. But good for you for staying!! Yeah, the meeting we go to has all the food and snacks and what-nots but I really don't buy that stuff. I can do better 99% of the time with my own snacks which aren't a bunch of processed snack foods. We do buy the WW ice cream every now and then though. I know WW is a business--there to make money. But the positive thing about it is that you get group support and like I've said before, even though I'm not sharing at meetings I still like the accountability factor of weighing in on my meeting day and getting some helpful tips.

Good for you Pinkie for sticking to your plan and going to the gym!! That is fantastic! Your posts are motivating, thank you for sharing your experiences so far. Keep up the good work everyone! Hang tough and have a great day!

[PinkieLee]

Medusa, I've heard a lot of great things about Zumba! I have friends that take it, and they LOVE it! They have these little gadgets you can buy (I'll look it up) that tells you how many calories you burn during your workout (and even through out the day). Candace told me it's kind what the folks on the Biggest Loser wear. My friend burned almost 1000 calories during one workout! HOLY CRAP is all I can say!

I think once I get a lil' more weight off, and build my stamina up, I'm gonna start the classes, too. Our gym offers them 5 days a week, 2 a day! They even have monthly plans, just for the Zumba classes, that are $15 a month. I might check out some used videos on Amazon or eBay and see if I can find one to try out at home first.... so I don't have a heart attack when I go ;)

[apretty]

I read these encouraging posts but I am pulled in so many directions, these days, that I don't post myself--So, thank you!

I have been WWing with E for about a month and am down nearly 11 pounds. I am a bad tracker but I know that tracking = weigh loss (for me). Also, for 10 days the scale hasn't really budged so I know that I need to get serious (to be fair, the scale at WW has me still losing about at 1.5 lbs/weekly but the scale at home is showing that I am not losing at all.) So, I actually measured my cottage cheese this morning--This is my everyday breakfast:

1/2C chocolate soy in my coffee

and

1C nonfat cottage cheese
2C any kind of raw fruit
and either 1/4C slivered almonds or 1C Total cereal (less points than Kashi)

and what tends to happen, if I have a "bad" morning is my measuring skills are way off and I "accidentally" serve myself extra.

I am going to track today. There, I said it--I can't let you down! :)

[Sachita]

I eat low-fat, no sugar, low carb, no salt. I drink water (trying to increase this) and Diet Coke. Skip dessert (or have just berries).

I did Weight Watchers on and off the last ten years. Found it too easy to fall off the wagon. Twenty five years ago I got sober pretty much on my own. I know I can be wicked disciplined, so I am working hard to bring that to eating and working out.

Here are some tips I use.

Avoid anything white...sugar, pasta, flour, white rice.
Skip bread.
Order extra veggies.
Drink a huge glass of water before you eat.
When you have a craving do two things -- wait 5 minutes and engage your brain in something else (pick up a book, do a simple household chore, work on a crossword).
Eat fruit instead of cookies, cake or pie. Pineapple and any kind of berries are my candy.
Get addicted to something good for you. Steamed edamame is my crack.
Most important - cheat one day a week. I usually pick Saturday because I almost always work out or do a lot of yardwork on that day.

I workout every other day. On the between days, I walk twice a day at least with my dog, at least 20-30 minutes each time.

Jake

PS .... remember that everyone is beautiful (or handsome). No matter what.

this is excellent advice and it really is that simple.

[Medusa]

I read these encouraging posts but I am pulled in so many directions, these days, that I don't post myself--So, thank you!

I have been WWing with E for about a month and am down nearly 11 pounds. I am a bad tracker but I know that tracking = weigh loss (for me). Also, for 10 days the scale hasn't really budged so I know that I need to get serious (to be fair, the scale at WW has me still losing about at 1.5 lbs/weekly but the scale at home is showing that I am not losing at all.) So, I actually measured my cottage cheese this morning--This is my everyday breakfast:

1/2C chocolate soy in my coffee

and

1C nonfat cottage cheese
2C any kind of raw fruit
and either 1/4C slivered almonds or 1C Total cereal (less points than Kashi)

and what tends to happen, if I have a "bad" morning is my measuring skills are way off and I "accidentally" serve myself extra.

I am going to track today. There, I said it--I can't let you down! :)

I love your breakfast except for the cottage cheese. I have never eaten it outside of eating it in lasagna (I know, I know, it's supposed to be ricotta!)
Do you eat the small curd or is the large curd kind a better thing texture-wise?

My breakfast is usually some kind of smoothie but today I switched it up with a cup of fresh cantaloupe and an egg-beater omelet with onion, pepper, tomato and fat-free cheese.

[Queerasfck]

Cottage cheese is gross to me! I am speaking as a lover of cheese and dairy. I just I can honestly say I haven't ever eaten cottage cheese that I can remember, well maybe as a baby. Apretty does love her cottage cheese for breakfast. PASSSSSSSSSSSSSS

My breakfast is a little concoction I like to call "orgasmic oatmeal". It goes like this:

1/3 cup steel cut oatmeal
3/4 cup to 1 cup fat free milk
1 TB brown sugar or white or raw (this is optional and adds one point per TB in the WWs world)
5 walnut halves or pieces (you could also use sliced almonds)

Nuke it on high for 2 and a half minutes then stir
Add any of the following to make about 1 cup:

blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, sliced banana

let it sit for about 3 or 4 minutes stir it up and enjoy!

It's delicious! I started eating this about a month ago. It's so good it's like a freaaaakin party in my mouth. I even texted Mr. Bent at 6 in the morning to tell him about it!

[apretty]

I don't really care about the curd--I'll take whatever as long as it's low/non fat. And before, I used to do yogurt instead of the CC but I think the cottage cheese keeps me full longer. I am wary of doing a smoothie because I feel like liquid = digested faster = hungrier sooner. But I could be wrong and I could try it and see--I just "worry" because I have these deep fears about running out of food/going hungry and so I can't try it while working because my job doesn't really afford time to grab a snack. But damn! I am in a mall environment and it's been HELL on days when I can smell fresh baked fucking cookies. F you toll house cafe!!!

[PinkieLee]

I love cottage cheese. I am a fan of the low-fat or fat-free small curd. My favorite way to eat it, is with pineapple or peaches on the top. YUMMY!

As for smoothies, for the most part they fill me up. I don't even do anything fancy... just frozen strawberries, frozen pineapple, a banana & the 50/50 (the light Tropicana) orange juice. If I wake up super hungry, I'll do a piece of wheat toast with it, too.

[Thinker]

Good morning healthy peeps! WOW, look at this motivation today... let's keep it going!

*snip*

As of 6 weeks, I'm down 12 pounds. That might not seem like a lot, but I'm starting to tell more in the way my clothes are fitting. Today, I'm going to buy a fabric tape measure and start keeping up with my measurements (waist, hips, bust & thighs). Even though the scale might not be moving as quickly as I hoped (damn need for instant gratification), I do know that I've been losing inches. That will be another motivator for me, too!

So, let's keep the momentum going y'all! Have a freakin' fabulous day :)

Congrats on the loss, Pinkie! Two pounds per week is absolutely perfect; we just get impatient, huh? ;)

I know they say when you lose it that way, it is more likely to "stick" and become a new way of living and thinking about food. At my current rate, it may be another 6 or 8 weeks before I get these last 8-9 pounds (weigh-in is tomorrow so I'm not sure where I'm at). It's frustrating, but I'm pretty sure I'll be more likely to keep that shit off since I'm having to work so damn hard to lose it!!!

I was thinking about those things this morning during my workout......how I don't want to let up once I reach my goal weight. I intend to get serious about building a more muscular body once I reach my goal; and since that will obviously add pounds, I have to be even more disciplined with food so I am clear it is *just* muscle weight.

This really is a process, and I finally see that I have control over what happens with my weight and overall condition. Laziness is no longer an option.

Like Medusa said yesterday, I'm not giving up little joys. It won't be worth it to me to do all this work and be disciplined 90% of the time, if I can't give myself a break and a treat from time to time.

I love that there are so many of us here working toward the same end.......a healthier me/you/us. And I love that a new person pops in almost everyday now to share that they, too, are on their own journey. This is community at its finest! :)

[Mister Bent]

<snip>
My breakfast is a little concoction I like to call "orgasmic oatmeal". It goes like this:

1/3 cup steel cut oatmeal
3/4 cup to 1 cup fat free milk
1 TB brown sugar or white or raw (this is optional and adds one point per TB in the WWs world)
5 walnut halves or pieces (you could also use sliced almonds)

Nuke it on high for 2 and a half minutes then stir
Add any of the following to make about 1 cup:

blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, sliced banana

let it sit for about 3 or 4 minutes stir it up and enjoy!

It's delicious! I started eating this about a month ago. It's so good it's like a freaaaakin party in my mouth. I even texted Mr. Bent at 6 in the morning to tell him about it!

It's true I did receive an early morning text gushing with love for Ezee's Broatmeal concoction, made me wonder if he just hadn't been getting enough horizontal cardio action lately!

I have yet to try it myself, for fear it may make me want to give up sex.

[Queerasfck]

It's true I did receive an early morning text gushing with love for Ezee's Broatmeal concoction, made me wonder if he just hadn't been getting enough horizontal cardio action lately!

I have yet to try it myself, for fear it may make me want to give up sex.



Why worry about something that's not happening??? You still have your right hand bro.

[Mister Bent]

Why worry about something that's not happening??? You still have your right hand bro.


With Kung Fu grip!



http://www.bolgernow.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/kung-fu-grip.jpg

[Julie]

I am working toward a goal of 20lbs. I would really like 30lbs, but that just is not realistic for me and creates panic and overwhelms me.

I have given up all white sugar and Gluten. As well as meat and milk.
I have found a most wonderful milk replacement, and while the calories are more - the benefits are amazing and I have lost 4lbs this past week, without really trying.

Coconut Milk - OMG... Who would have thought?!?

Coconut milk is extracted by grating mature coconuts and squeezing them by using cheesecloth or both bare hands. This milky white liquid is called santam in Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia and gata in Philippines. This is used in several food recipes like sauces, delicious curries and desserts. Apart from preparing foods tastier and creamier, coconut milk is also a healthy addition to various food preparations.

Nutritional Values of Coconut Milk:
Following are the nutritional values present in 100 grams of fresh coconut milk:

Calories – 230
Proteins – 2.3 g
Fat – 23.8g
Carbohydrates – 5.5 g
Dietary fiber – 2.3 g
Sugar – 3.35 g
Vitamin C – 2.8 mg
Vitamin E – 0.15 mg
Vitamin B1 – 0.026 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.033 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) – 0.183 mg
Folate – 16 mcg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 0.76 mg
Iron – 1.64 mg
Selenium – 6.2 mcg
Sodium – 15 mg
Calcium – 16 mg
Magnesium – 37 mg
Phosphorus – 100 mg
Potassium – 260 mg

Benefits of Coconut Milk:
Following are some of the health benefits of coconut milk:

Helps to maintain blood sugar places:
Glucose intolerance may cause manganese deficiency in your body. Coconut milk is a rich source of manganese. Whole grains, legumes and nuts are some excellent sources of manganese.

Keeps skin and blood vessels flexible and elastic:
Copper is very important mineral for most of the bodily functions. Copper and vitamin C help to maintain the flexibility and elasticity of the skin and blood vessels.

Aids in building strong bones:
Coconut milk is not rich in calcium, but it is rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient that body needs for strengthening bones. It is must to take phosphorus with calcium particularly to prevent bone loss because it supplies phosphate to the body.

Helps to prevent anemia:
Lack of iron is the most common nutrient deficiency among the people throughout the world. Iron deficiency in body does not allow the body to develop enough hemoglobin for keeping sufficient oxygen levels in red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Each cup of coconut milk supplies the body with nearly a quarter of daily value of iron.

Relaxes muscles and nerves:
Whenever you feel muscle cramps or muscle soreness, have some food along with coconut milk. It is rich in magnesium and can help you in relieving the problem. One of the functions of magnesium is it acts as a gate block in many nerve cells. If magnesium is not present in body, nerve cells become very active because of calcium that activates nerves. Excess contraction of muscles is caused by over active nerve cells.

Helps in Controlling Weight:
This can be a good news for people who are trying to reduce weight. Coconut milk makes you feel full very quickly because of high concentrations of dietary fiber.

Decreases the risk of joint inflammation:
Selenium is an important antioxidant. It controls the free radicals and thereby helps in relieving the symptoms of arthritis. It is observed that people with low levels of selenium may suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Helps in lowering high blood pressure:
People who are concerned with their blood pressure will not face any problem for reaching the foods containing potassium. Potassium helps in lowering blood pressure levels in the body.

Helps in maintaining healthy immune system:
Coconut milk helps in warding off colds and coughs by keeping the immune system healthy. It supplies vitamin C to the body which boosts the immune system.

Promotes the health of prostate gland:
Zinc plays a vital role in promoting the health of prostate gland. A preliminary study showed that it slows down the activities of cancer cells

[Sparkle]

This is a great article on how some states are increasing access to the locavore movement through programs like SNAP and through donations from local farms to food banks...

http://www.utne.com/The-Sweet-Pursuit/Locavore-Food-Shelf.aspx

/snip

"What people often fail to realize is that obesity is a growing problem as well—particularly among the poor, whose access to healthy, nutritious foods is often sharply limited due to cost. So it is important to think holistically. In addressing one problem (hunger), we don’t want to create another (obesity). For this reason, we are focusing on providing access to fresh, local foods for the underserved populations that are our clients."

/snip

"The center partners with small farmers who make donations based on what is in season and, often, what is in surplus. Most donators are happy to contribute to a cause that is good for the community and prevents their beloved produce from going to waste. So far this year, the food shelf has received a bounty of fresh, local fruits and veggies—mixed greens, rhubarb, radishes, broccoli, beets, green beans, and more."

[dixie]

My problem is eating healthy foods. I always seem to be rushing around between work, school and other obligations, and always forget to pack a lunch. I end up at the drive-thru, especially since I'm rushed even more during summer semester. I've already gained 10lbs back of the 30+ I had lost so far with the reunion challenge. I am going to try to commit myself to at least fixing home cooked meals versus takeout as much as possible.

I am also back on my workout routine. I did about a half hour of yoga and stretching followed by cardio this morning. I've also gotten back into walking at least a couple miles each evening right before sunset, when things are starting to cool down a bit.

My goal isn't even so much for weight loss, but just an overall healthier feeling. :)

[Gaige]

My problem is eating healthy foods. I always seem to be rushing around between work, school and other obligations, and always forget to pack a lunch. I end up at the drive-thru, especially since I'm rushed even more during summer semester. I've already gained 10lbs back of the 30+ I had lost so far with the reunion challenge. I am going to try to commit myself to at least fixing home cooked meals versus takeout as much as possible.

I am also back on my workout routine. I did about a half hour of yoga and stretching followed by cardio this morning. I've also gotten back into walking at least a couple miles each evening right before sunset, when things are starting to cool down a bit.

My goal isn't even so much for weight loss, but just an overall healthier feeling. :)

I know how that goes with rushing around before work and not having time to pack a lunch. Fast food isn't a problem for me though since I work the overnight shift and nothing is opened when I take my lunch break. Last night I had one of those tiny bags of popcorn from the vending machine in the breakroom. And this may shock you sweetheart but I'm trading in the iced coffee for unsweetened iced tea.
90 curls and a mile on the treadmill today. My goal is 20 lbs.

[JAGG]

I just wanted to say I'm proud of everyone of you trying to live a healthier life. Nothing bad could ever come of that. Even if you don't lose all the weight you would hope to. Its so easy to put it on and so hard to take it off. Keep up the good work!

[JAGG]

I love cottage cheese. I am a fan of the low-fat or fat-free small curd. My favorite way to eat it, is with pineapple or peaches on the top. YUMMY!

As for smoothies, for the most part they fill me up. I don't even do anything fancy... just frozen strawberries, frozen pineapple, a banana & the 50/50 (the light Tropicana) orange juice. If I wake up super hungry, I'll do a piece of wheat toast with it, too.

I like the small curd fatfree too but I like pepper all over mine. I know I know but I love it.

[foxyshaman]

With Kung Fu grip!



http://www.bolgernow.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/kung-fu-grip.jpg

You two made me laugh!! Thanks for that!!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Hola Everyone! Happy Friday :)

I made an awesome dessert today that is guiltless!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/06/red-white-and-blueberry-trifle.html

It is a great summer dessert! I really encourage you to try it. One quick tip: the recipe calls for White Chocolate Pudding. I couldnt find it at the grocery store so I used Cheesecake Flavored Pudding and it was just as yummy!


Hope everyone has had a great week!

[dixie]

Hola Everyone! Happy Friday :)

I made an awesome dessert today that is guiltless!

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/06/red-white-and-blueberry-trifle.html

It is a great summer dessert! I really encourage you to try it. One quick tip: the recipe calls for White Chocolate Pudding. I couldnt find it at the grocery store so I used Cheesecake Flavored Pudding and it was just as yummy!


Hope everyone has had a great week!

Ooh, I've made this before. It's super yummy!

[Thinker]

Down 0.8 for today's weigh-in

It's a turtle's pace, but at least the turtle is heading in the right direction!

[JustJo]

Down 0.8 for today's weigh-in

It's a turtle's pace, but at least the turtle is heading in the right direction!

Go turtle go! :)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_3FhOPHsy5ps/SxSHqpYiWAI/AAAAAAAAAMg/rpSmK-JPwFA/s1600/hare.jpg

[sylvie]

happy healthy friday everyone!

Yesterday, i went shopping for a reward gift for myself for the weight i've lost since back in April.. 19 lbs, go me! i bought a prettylicious handbag i've wanted and that was on sale 80% off..

it's a slow pace for me as well, but wanting this to be done the right way, so i'm okay with the slow pace.. long as it stays off!! heheh

my next goal is another 10 lbs ...i've been loving all the participation in here, and been reading back!
i've learned some music suggestions for workouts, recipes, tips and still have more to read, you all RAWK!

PS - i have never tried cottage cheese!

[Sparkle]

A very interesting 20year study done by Harvard, the results of which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine early this summer.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/19/health/19brody.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

It disproves the principal that "everything in moderation" is okay in terms of losing or maintaining weight and it lists the foods that are the most harmful and those that are most helpful. A good summary.

/snip
“This study shows that conventional wisdom — to eat everything in moderation, eat fewer calories and avoid fatty foods — isn’t the best approach,” Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and epidemiologist at the Harvard School of Public Health and lead author of the study, said in an interview. “What you eat makes quite a difference. Just counting calories won’t matter much unless you look at the kinds of calories you’re eating.”

/snip
The foods that contributed to the greatest weight gain were not surprising. French fries led the list: Increased consumption of this food alone was linked to an average weight gain of 3.4 pounds in each four-year period. Other important contributors were potato chips (1.7 pounds), sugar-sweetened drinks (1 pound), red meats and processed meats (0.95 and 0.93 pound, respectively), other forms of potatoes (0.57 pound), sweets and desserts (0.41 pound), refined grains (0.39 pound), other fried foods (0.32 pound), 100-percent fruit juice (0.31 pound) and butter (0.3 pound).

/snip
But contrary to what many people believe, an increased intake of dairy products, whether low-fat (milk) or full-fat (milk and cheese), had a neutral effect on weight.
And despite conventional advice to eat less fat, weight loss was greatest among people who ate more yogurt and nuts, including peanut butter, over each four-year period.

[Sparkle]

My problem is eating healthy foods. I always seem to be rushing around between work, school and other obligations, and always forget to pack a lunch. I end up at the drive-thru, especially since I'm rushed even more during summer semester.

I think this is one of the hardest things to manage...or it has been for me.

I have to be really diligent in my efforts to manage healthy meals when life is crazy. Before I go to the market, I try to plan to make things that will last a few days... green salads, quinoa salad, caprese salad; and I cook up a some protein in advance - marinaded chicken or shrimp, so that it is all there in the refrigerator and easy to put together for the next day.
I am utterly useless in the mornings before coffee and I am forever running late - so I know I have to prep meals the night before. I have my yogurt and fruit sorted for breakfast and a salad or a wrap for lunch.

One thing I'd like to do in the Autumn (when cooking hot food becomes appealing again) is try to shift my meals to a more European way of eating. So that I have a larger lunch (what we would consider dinner) midday - BEFORE I exercise and then in the evening have a light meal (that we would consider lunch).

[Dominique]

Down 0.8 for today's weigh-in

It's a turtle's pace, but at least the turtle is heading in the right direction!

slow and steady wins the race!

It's not my intention to take anything away from Thinker, I wanted to stop in and support it is the right direction.:vigil:

I'm a recovered *fat* person who had emotional eating issues. As many of you know, you replace one addiction with another. Now I am an endorphine junkie, A much better choice (except now I don't feel pain, but thats for a different thread)

I lost 103 pounds after my heart almost quit on me. The Dr. told me either make radical changes~immediately~ or you are going to die. That was the morning after, I promised myself if I lived to see another morning, I was going to get my act together, I was not prepared to die. I lived to see the morning and then he delivered that message to me. He was right, but I already knew that.

It all began with walking. Everyday. At first, a brisk walk around the block, was brutal. (I am a woman of my word) walk again. Soon that walk around the block was a walk around the neighborhood, then I incorporated some steps into the daily walk. Before I knew it, I was jumping out of bed and looking forward to my walk. In the mean time, I began to teach myself the DASH diet, (it's a heart healhy/balanced eating plan...low sodium) this was going to be my new way of life...not some fad diet. Salt/sodium would cause swelling and fluid retention around my heart, essentially squeezing it, and that will kill me) the walks became easier, I walked faster, further and longer. So far I haven't said anything that sounds awful...have I?

The first thing I noticed, my rings were spinning on my fingers, less fluid retention. I was feeling much better, had energy (more like positive energy) and my clothes were not fitting. I didn't have a scale (yet). In what seemed like no time, the walks were effortless, so I would walk some, jog some (me jogging??) walk some more....and the more I did that, the longer I was able to jog, then further and further....weight loss at the end of the first year 35 pounds. Slow and steady.

Eventually, I got into a gym and continued exercising of some sort. Long story short. My body picked it's new weight of 135 pounds (minus 103) over a three year period. I'd also like to tell you, when I got down to a size 12....I thought, Oh, I like this size...but I kept eating properly and doing what the american heart association suggests 10,000 steps a day and 45 minutes of exercise a day and slowly the weight kept coming off.

In the mean time, I became hooked on exercise (endorphines) and Physically I am in the best shape of my life. I also eat extremely healthy now, I no longer make excuses for the way I eat. (I mean to non dieting friends and family, no thank you and that is it!) I am not suggesting you become an endorphine junkie to achieve your weight loss goal. I'm only supporting, slow and steady weight loss will win. Do the right things as often as possible and it will happen. / yb





ETA....it's been ten years.....its been a new life.....seriously! so glad I changed my cookie binge ways

[foxyshaman]

Well I am going to WW today for my first weigh in, in I think 4 weeks. I am not worried I know I am down. I have good days and not so good days with eating. But I have worked out, danced the rumba, done yoga, and felt great.

I was at the gym the other day and we had to do a move that I would NEVER have trusted my body to do... and suddenly without thinking of it - I did it. I was all like...whoa body who the hell are you??

I know I have shared that I had a stroke a few years back and as a result there are some things my body just wouldn't do. (ie balance) And then I started to change things and incorporate different energy work & now after all these years my brain is finally healing those last little corners that I thought (and was told) would never repair. I am starting to trust my body again. It feels, well I don't really know how to express it except deep and sincere gratitude.

So, I will be back later to share my results!! :canadian:

[foxyshaman]

Happy dance :happyjump: I just got back from WW I was down 3.4 lbs, which over 4 weeks is better than I hoped. I am 2.6 lbs away from my end of July goal. Now I KNOW I would have easily made that had I stayed with the program daily, but this is my life, my body and I am working hard towards NO MORE GUILT. Cause that is my biggest downfall. We have talked about emotional eating on this thread and I know if I am down, I can stay down.

Soooooooooo.... I am so freaking excited to be so close to my goal. I packed my food for my camping trip, 70% raw and no shit food. I do know I will be :wine: not :drunk: and :toast: is ALOT of points!! :watereyes:. There will be good hikes in there, rubber boots and all (non stop rain!!).

Thanks for listening...:loveBFP:

[nycfem]

I love this thread. I get great ideas from it, support, and community. Something that I struggle with when I join groups/ people/ threads of this kind is that sizest comments get interspersed with all the helpful self-esteem building stuff! A few times the word "fat" has been put in quotes and then denigrated (as if that makes it okay). It always makes me flinch. As a woman of size/ fat person/ full-figured gal, I want to be able to be on a "healthy weight loss" thread while still feeling safe that I am in a size positive space. I think that part of why these fat phobic comments occur is because of ignorance. We live in a society that indoctrinates us with all kinds of negative stereotypes about fat people: that we are lazy, that we can't participate in certain sports, that we need to recover, etc. IMO getting healthier, in addition to all the concrete stuff that we share, is about learning how to leave all this sizeist crap at the door. There may be some of us who hate our fat selves but a lot of us love our fat selves and will love ourselves whatever weight and activity level we end up choosing. What I love about this thread is the word "healthy," so let's keep it healthy and a safe space: mind and body.

[JustJo]

I love this thread. I get great ideas from it, support, and community. Something that I struggle with when I join groups/ people/ threads of this kind is that sizest comments get interspersed with all the helpful self-esteem building stuff! A few times the word "fat" has been put in quotes and then denigrated (as if that makes it okay). It always makes me flinch. As a woman of size/ fat person/ full-figured gal, I want to be able to be on a "healthy weight loss" thread while still feeling safe that I am in a size positive space. I think that part of why these fat phobic comments occur is because of ignorance. We live in a society that indoctrinates us with all kinds of negative stereotypes about fat people: that we are lazy, that we can't participate in certain sports, that we need to recover, etc. IMO getting healthier, in addition to all the concrete stuff that we share, is about learning how to leave all this sizeist crap at the door. There may be some of us who hate our fat selves but a lot of us love our fat selves and will love ourselves whatever weight and activity level we end up choosing. What I love about this thread is the word "healthy," so let's keep it healthy and a safe space: mind and body.

Amen, and thank you! :rrose:

I know that, for me, there is a number that matters a great deal when it comes to my body. But that number is NOT my weight.

For me, the number that counts is my A1c....that's the amount of sugar in my blood. That's the number that tells me how healthy I am, or am becoming...and that's the number that will cause me real grief if I ignore it.

I don't much care if I lose 5 lbs or 50....what matters to me is getting healthier.

Now...I'm also pretty sure that, as I eat healthier and become more active....I'll also lose weight. That would be nice. It would be easier on my knees. It would make clothes shopping more fun.

But if I got that magical choice....perfect A1c or ideal target weight...with the wave of a wand. I'd take the perfect A1c and stay in my bigger size thank you very much. :)

[Dominique]

[QUOTE=Yellow band;383534]
=

I'm a recovered *fat* person =


Jennifer, with all due respect.....are you calling me out?

[nycfem]

No, definitely not. I would have quoted if this was directed to a specific person. Was it one example? Yes. However, please keep in mind that 99 percent of what I read by you and on this thread feels alliance building, positive, and helpful to me. And, YellowBand, I've probably received more help from you in the health department than anyone! It's meant the world to me, and I'm sorry if I offended you. It's hard for me to speak up on things, and I don't always get my wording right. But please know, I mean only to add my thoughts as my own contribution to the health journey, and I hope that it is taken in this way. Peace.

[QUOTE=Yellow band;383534]
=

I'm a recovered *fat* person =


Jennifer, with all due respect.....are you calling me out?

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Todays weigh in revealed a loss of 3 pounds since returning from vacation...WHOOOHOOOO!!!!! I am happy with it..Ill take it :)

Happy Friday All!!!

[Dominique]

I am not offended. I came here after reading the talking to each other thread, and wanted to re read my post....as I felt I needed to be called out....as I realized (twice now) I have offended, without meaning to.

For that, I am truely sorry. Please accept MY appologies. Having been on the end of the LARGE jokes, I know what that feels like, and I don't go there, but you are right, it is sort of like rubbing ones nose in especially when I use quotation marks.

Ahh, this is that fine line I precariously walk...all the time. Where I get preachy. I purposely refrained from quotaion marks for fear of offending someone. There is nothing worse than a recovered anything.

I'll appologize once more, and tell you something I told June yesterday. Being small comes with unpleasant names too. Ask anyone who is small.

[nycfem]

Thanks, Yellow Band. You've gone out of your way to help me with my health over the years, and that is truly the best gift anyone can give someone else. I admire your success and commitment. I truly haven't encountered anyone with as much passion for health and wisdom in this area as you have. As for discrimination towards smaller people, I try as much as I can to be more inclusive by using "size positive" instead of "fat positive." That's something I learned from our BF community!

I am not offended. I came here after reading the talking to each other thread, and wanted to re read my post....as I felt I needed to be called out....as I realized (twice now) I have offended, without meaning to.

For that, I am truely sorry. Please accept MY appologies. Having been on the end of the LARGE jokes, I know what that feels like, and I don't go there, but you are right, it is sort of like rubbing ones nose in especially when I use quotation marks.

Ahh, this is that fine line I precariously walk...all the time. Where I get preachy. I purposely refrained from quotaion marks for fear of offending someone. There is nothing worse than a recovered anything.

I'll appologize once more, and tell you something I told June yesterday. Being small comes with unpleasant names too. Ask anyone who is small.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Love this part of a quote from the movie Spanglish, I took out part of it because it compares cultures and that is not what I want to share..but love this:

"...everything associated with being curvaceous: such as wantoness, lustfulness, sex, food, motherhood; all that is best in life."

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I didn't get a chance to go power walking yesterday due to my hectic schedule. I am not able to go tonight either due to the rain and my exhaustion from yesterday...Tomorrow, I am going to hit the sidewalk and not come back for atleast 1.5 hours or until my knee gives...

Have a great night!

Zimmy

[Zimmeh]

When I lost my weight, my rings were to big and they still are. When I gave up soda in January of 2007, I lost 35lbs in the first month. I also watch how much salt and sugar that I consume. I was showing my coworkers this picture of me back in 2003 and then 2007, and they couldn't believe it was me. I now look at those pictures and say, never again. I like being a size 12 misses pants and a size 15 juniors jeans...I feel more confident with myself and I am not afraid to walk into a room full of strangers...

Have a great night and power walking is the best!

Zimmy

slow and steady wins the race!


The first thing I noticed, my rings were spinning on my fingers, less fluid retention. I was feeling much better, had energy (more like positive energy) and my clothes were not fitting. I didn't have a scale (yet). In what seemed like no time, the walks were effortless, so I would walk some, jog some (me jogging??) walk some more....and the more I did that, the longer I was able to jog, then further and further....weight loss at the end of the first year 35 pounds. Slow and steady.

Eventually, I got into a gym and continued exercising of some sort. Long story short. My body picked it's new weight of 135 pounds (minus 103) over a three year period. I'd also like to tell you, when I got down to a size 12....I thought, Oh, I like this size...but I kept eating properly and doing what the american heart association suggests 10,000 steps a day and 45 minutes of exercise a day and slowly the weight kept coming off.

In the mean time, I became hooked on exercise (endorphines) and Physically I am in the best shape of my life. I also eat extremely healthy now, I no longer make excuses for the way I eat. (I mean to non dieting friends and family, no thank you and that is it!) I am not suggesting you become an endorphine junkie to achieve your weight loss goal. I'm only supporting, slow and steady weight loss will win. Do the right things as often as possible and it will happen. / yb





ETA....it's been ten years.....its been a new life.....seriously! so glad I changed my cookie binge ways

[Sachita]

It was so freaking hot today i had lunch at Sweet Frog's. Frozen yogurt loaded with all kinds of fresh fruit. If you havent tried it you should! yummy

[Sachita]

I just figured out why I'm overweight! The shampoo I use in the shower that runs... down my body says "For extra volume and body". I'm going to start using "Dawn" dish soap. It says " Dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove".

lol- I got this from facebook! I love it!

[Rockinonahigh]

Today I maxed out the program on the exersise bike,lifted to the max I could on all the machines I use to the point that I couldnt move by time I got done..It felt god beleave it or not to use up all he energy I had then still breath with out chokeing up and recover as much as I did as quickly as I did.Yep its working,now I have the weekend to recover and do it all ovre again.

[Hack]

I can't lift as much as I did 7 or 8 years ago, when my back injury became worse. I love lifting weights, though. It is relaxing to me. The gym where I go has all new machines. I can't do free weights anymore, per my doctors. I miss that, but I like the machines. The triceps extension and lats pulldown are my favorites.

[lillith]

(((((((((((((((Everyone for doing sooo amazing!))))))))))))))))))))))

OK, I am three weeks into this training stuff, and my legs are just now starting to get that achy feeling. This last week, I have been walking 2 miles, and for some reason it seems like it takes so much longer on the treadmill than walking down the street. The benefit of the treadmill, however, is that the shinsplints are not there. Yay for that! Some more good news...my downstairs neighbor that I see almost everyday looked at me and asked how much weight I have lost. I told her that as of last Saturday, I was down 10 pounds since the middle of May. It felt good, ya know? Funny, confirmation comes from unexpected places.

[Rockinonahigh]

I dont lift as much as I use to but I do a lot of reps to make up of the weight im not lifting.On weights I am moveing 25 to 35 pounds with the reps of as much as 50..ten a the time..sometimes I can go way more but I listen to my back as to how much I can do.On the machines I can doubble the amount of weights I move cause it is a diffrent way of moveing.I still wish I could lift the heavy stuff but ,thats life.

[Zimmeh]

I came home to take a nap after work today. When I got up, I went power walking until the rain looked like it was going to come down. I came home to have baked chicken with Italian dressing, broccoli and homemade mac & cheese for dinner. I ate just enough to fill me up...

Zimmy

[Rockinonahigh]

I did a kick ass work out thursday so yesterday wasnt as bad as I thought it would be,today I cant say that cause I do feel the sore places but not as bad as I thought they would be.On monday I go do it over again if I feel up to it..if not I will do cardio like a mad hatter.I think im becomeing a gym rat cause the days I dont go I really miss being there,im glad I have a fue things on my patio to use if its not to hot outside.How is everyone doing today great I hope.

[Medusa]

OMG.

OHH. EMMM. GEEEE!

I do not usually get this excited about new food but I reallllly need to gush about something that I think will become a huge part of my "loves to eat" list!

So, I've been super apprehensive about trying ground turkey and have been reading up on it and asking folks who have eaten it about their experiences. I finally bit the bullet and bought a couple of different kinds of ground turkey a the market on Friday and decided that today would be the day to try it.

I decided to make some turkey meatballs.

:|

:|

:|

HOLY CRAP, THESE ARE AHH-MAZZZ-INGGG!

I went with my own recipe and will post it here. If any of you make this, please let me know what you think or ways to modify!


Medusa's Amazing Turkey Meatballs

1lb Ground Turkey ( I used Jenny-O)
1/2lb Ground Turkey Sausage (also Jenny-O
1/2c bread crumbs
1/4 c Egg Beaters
1tbsp parmesean cheese
a dash of crushed red pepper flakes
lots of oregano, basil, parsley, and rosemary (to taste)
2 cloves of fresh minced garlic
lots of chopped onion and bell pepper (to taste)
black pepper

Heat skillet and swirl some extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tbsp worth).

Mix all of the meatball ingredients together and form into meatballs that are about 1.5 inches wide, drop them into the heated skillet and cook on low for about 7 minutes total while rotating them to brown all sides.

Drain meatballs on paper towels.

Slap yourself in the face at how good these are and swear to give Medusa a hug in Little Rock because of her amazing contribution to the world of turkey. :)

I am NOT kidding when I say that these are amazing. Jack, who is a super food snob and was disgusted by the idea of ground turkey, asked for one as soon as I started cooking them because they smelled so good and she said that she wants them for dinner and would eat them any time I made them!
There is very very little sodium in these (only from the bread crumbs and turkey sausage, but make your own bread crumbs at home and virtually eliminate the sodium!), they are super yummy and will freeze beautifully.

I ended up getting 21 pretty large meatballs out of this recipe. I added up all of the particulars and at 21 meatballs, this recipe comes out to almost 3 WW points each. If you made the meatballs smaller, maybe an inch across, you would reduce this to 2 points each.

This would probably be very good with mushroom chopped in it and zucchini.

I will serve this over whole wheat pasta with a homemade sauce. I will take 2 meatballs and my pasta and sauce tomorrow and have a 10-point lunch. WELL, worth it.

[Hack]

I have a wicked good chili recipe with ground turkey and lots of veggies in the crockpot. Can't wait for cold weather for crockpot cooking. Or cooking for dummies, as I call it.

[Zimmeh]

This is what I had for dinner.

The chicken breast strips that Tyson sells, with a sprinkle of garlic salt cooked with frozen crinkle cut carrots with thyme and crushed red pepper and I had creamy chicken flavored rice. I just added a little bit of water to the pan and let the chicken and carrots simmer in the garlic salt, thyme and red pepper. It came out very flavorful and very yummy. I had to small helpings of it and I still have enough for dinner tomorrow night...

Have a great day!

Zimmy

[moxie]

I can't wait to try that turkey meatball recipe. I really want to find a good recipe for turkey burgers, I may try and adapt your recipe for a burger and see what happens.

I used to drink a lot of soda. I decided that when I moved to SE KY last week for work that I would stop drinking so much soda and drink more water. Plus I now live on the second floor so I have to climb two flights of stairs every day. Last week was my first week here and my body felt so much better. I was drinking more water. Since my work schedule is more regular, I am able to eat lunch in my office and only went out to eat once for dinner and it wasn't fast food. There are only a few places to eat around here, and most of them are fast food. If I forget my lunch I can easily come home and eat, right now. In a few weeks that will not be the case. I slept better, never had a headache, wasn't worn out when I woke up very early in the morning. I did have one soda a day, but I drank a LOT of water.

This weekend I went back to my old ways. I was stuck inside the house most of the day yesterday waiting for a tech to come and then once he finally came and went we had a bad storm. I was out of water, but I had soda. And I drank way too much. It isn't recommended to drink or cook with the water here due to diesel spills in the water supply, mining run-off, etc. A co-worker told me about a water delivery service, so I need to get on top of that since I need to buy my water.

I feel crappy that I did so well during the week and then messed up yesterday. But I went out today and bought more food for the week and water, so I can get back on track again. I need to get back on track again.

Tonight I bought some boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders and some tortellini and plan on making a pasta salad for lunch for a few days loosely based on the recipe that jelli posted a while back.

[Gaige]

This is what I had for dinner.

The chicken breast strips that Tyson sells, with a sprinkle of garlic salt cooked with frozen crinkle cut carrots with thyme and crushed red pepper and I had creamy chicken flavored rice. I just added a little bit of water to the pan and let the chicken and carrots simmer in the garlic salt, thyme and red pepper. It came out very flavorful and very yummy. I had to small helpings of it and I still have enough for dinner tomorrow night...

Have a great day!

Zimmy

that sounds delicious. i had a salad today and did my daily workout routine of 1 mile on the treadmill and 100 curls at 40 lbs plus i added 25 situps at the end. now to just stay away from the crap in the vending machine at work tonight.

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening HD,

It was and I just got back from a power walk and it felt good. I have been cooking extra and taking the leftovers to work with me.

Have a great night at work,

Zimmy

that sounds delicious. i had a salad today and did my daily workout routine of 1 mile on the treadmill and 100 curls at 40 lbs plus i added 25 situps at the end. now to just stay away from the crap in the vending machine at work tonight.

[Sachita]

I like bison. I buy a small package for 5 bucks. No hormones, etc. Do you know bison has less fat and higher protein? I use it to make soft shell tacos and a fantastic bakes ziti heavy with meat sauce. I know meat isn't good for me but I have days when I just have to have it. :)

My abs, ass and thighs are sore from staying busy. I'm not working out really but adding things to my routine chores. I must fill up at least 10 buckets of water a day. So I lift them a few times. I squat some while i vacuum the 50 pounds of dog hair here! lol- I clean, drag the mop, add a few extra movements. Cleaning house burns lots of calories so as long as I keep my house clean I'll stay in shape? lol But damn I hate housework.

I had a little stomach virus and didn't juice a few days. I felt it. I feel like wonder woman when I juice my greens!

[foxyshaman]

I love my crock pot. I make lots of soups, I am a soup fanatic.

This is one of my favorites

Cut and roast butternut squash. I put hot paprika on it and drizzle it with 1 - 2 tbs olive oil. Bake for an hour

I cut up two sour apples, one red onion (cause I can't stand cutting white onion), carrots, and I saute them in water with shredded fresh ginger and garlic and a touch of salt. I pour in vege stock and season per your taste. I use lots of cumin, curry, more hot paprika, and tumeric (for the fancy color).

I transfer everything to my crock pot and let it simmer for as long as I like. I puree it before I eat it.

It is super yummy, healthy and low fat.

[Medusa]

This morning I grabbed some cute denim capris to wear to work. I didn't realize until I went to zip and button them that I had pulled them up already zipped and buttoned. :|

[turasultana]

weekly weight watchers weigh in today. down 3.2lbs this week! How the hell did that happen???

[Sachita]

This morning I grabbed some cute denim capris to wear to work. I didn't realize until I went to zip and button them that I had pulled them up already zipped and buttoned. :|

OMG I love it when this happens. Last Dec I could pull my jeans on and off without unzipping. I had a brain fart and gained back 10 pounds. But I'm working on it now!

OHhhhh and I order Zumba! I just got the shipping notice.

[Medusa]

weekly weight watchers weigh in today. down 3.2lbs this week! How the hell did that happen???

AMAZING LOSS! That is a GREAT number for a week! I wish I had pulled that number!

My loss this week was 1.3. I'm happy with that but damn, I was hoping it was just a tiny bit more so I could celebrate going into a completely different number bracket!

Congrats Tura!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Hola Everyone!

Congratulations on weight loss and completing another week of living a healthy lifestyle!

Tura~ 3.2lbs is Fantastic!!!!!!

Medusa~1.3 lbs and being able to slip pants on is pretty damn awesome!

Made Spinach Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce last night...YUMMOLA!!!! If you like cheese, these are extra cheesy! The portion suggests 3 shells, I had 4. It didnt make too much of a difference. Anyhow, I wanted to share the recipe.

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/01/spinach-stuffed-shells-with-meat-sauce.html

Happy Monday to Everyone!! Keep up the great work!!

[PinkieLee]

WOW, what great weight loss numbers! Everyone seems to be going in the right direction.... ANY loss is better than a gain, anyday!

Medusa, I totally get what you're saying about wishing for bigger weekly numbers. But it's pretty obvious (from your capri story) that you are losing inches honey! THAT IS AWESOME! I was gettting a little down, too, but D kept telling me how my clothes were fitting different. So, I went and bought a fabric tape measure and I'm gonna take my measurements once a month. Gimme another 3 weeks, and I'll let you know how the inches are coming off ;)

Well, I've managed to stay within my points range this week. I very rarely use the extra 49 weekly points allowed.... that is until I went out on the town with friends to celebrate a birthday. I managed to dwindle down 24 extra points, just from drinking 3 vodkas & Sprites with lime. THEN, I managed to talk myself into eating a breakfast burrito at 2 am... and blew another 15 pounts! Ugh, I woke up Sunday morning feeling guilty.

But then I realized, that's what those extra points are for!!! That the deal with WW... it leaves you room for special occassions. If it was a completely rigid program, I would have binged by now. Looking at my numbers, I'm staying well below my daily point numbers, and I still have 10 extra points, so I refuse to beat myself up!

We are all making such great progress with healthier choices & exercise... let's keep the momentum going!!!

[Sparkle]

I'm -2.5lbs this week, which makes a nice change since I've had smaller numbers recently. And I've no idea how it happened, it was so scorching-ly hot last week I missed most of my longer aerobic walks.

I need to do my measurements later because I'm really more interested in tracking my progress in inches, rather than pounds.

I'm trying to make long term healthy *lifestyle* changes. And I find if I put too much emphasis on the numbers on the scale and it impacts how I feel about myself and the level of motivation I have.

So instead I've set myself a few small challenges: I have some "aspirational" clothes I'd like to fit in again. A pair of jeans, a couple of t-shirts, a dress.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

WOW, what great weight loss numbers! Everyone seems to be going in the right direction.... ANY loss is better than a gain, anyday!

Medusa, I totally get what you're saying about wishing for bigger weekly numbers. But it's pretty obvious (from your capri story) that you are losing inches honey! THAT IS AWESOME! I was gettting a little down, too, but D kept telling me how my clothes were fitting different. So, I went and bought a fabric tape measure and I'm gonna take my measurements once a month. Gimme another 3 weeks, and I'll let you know how the inches are coming off ;)

Well, I've managed to stay within my points range this week. I very rarely use the extra 49 weekly points allowed.... that is until I went out on the town with friends to celebrate a birthday. I managed to dwindle down 24 extra points, just from drinking 3 vodkas & Sprites with lime. THEN, I managed to talk myself into eating a breakfast burrito at 2 am... and blew another 15 pounts! Ugh, I woke up Sunday morning feeling guilty.

But then I realized, that's what those extra points are for!!! That the deal with WW... it leaves you room for special occassions. If it was a completely rigid program, I would have binged by now. Looking at my numbers, I'm staying well below my daily point numbers, and I still have 10 extra points, so I refuse to beat myself up!

We are all making such great progress with healthier choices & exercise... let's keep the momentum going!!!

Dont you get down on yourself pretty lady! You did an awesome job! The times when we feel like we mess up are the hardest to not just keep going and eat all those dangerously yummy foods. But you did it! You were totally aware of the point system and you stayed on track! To be able to know when to stop like you did is a battle in itself. Keep Rockin it Miss PinkieLee...You've got this!!!

[Thinker]

Congratulations to everyone for all of these successes!!!

I've only been tracking one measurement since I started WW......right around my belly (crossing over the belly button). I measured this morning, and it's down 3.25 inches. That's such an amazing amount in my mind.

My mid-section, even with that loss, is still not where I want it to be. But damn.... 3.25 inches ago it sure must've been even further away from where I want it to be!! It's all relative, huh?

I'm going to go ahead and start my upper body weight program even though I haven't reached my goal weight. I'm just getting impatient. I have to keep reminding myself that since I'm a little saint when it comes to my food points/diet, the weight I might gain will definitely be muscle weight.

I'm also going to do a chest measurement and track that.

The weight program begins tomorrow. I'm doing weights 3 x per week, cardio and situps 5 x per week, and taking Mondays and Thursdays off.

Here we go......

[Sachita]

if you're having trouble staying focus watch these movies on netflix instant play

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

or

Deconstructing Supper

[turasultana]

if you're having trouble staying focus watch these movies on netflix instant play

Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead

or

Deconstructing Supper

I'm reading Omnivore's Dilemma -not about weght loss but sure makes you look at food differently!

[Sachita]

I'm reading Omnivore's Dilemma -not about weght loss but sure makes you look at food differently!


sometimes thats what it takes

[Rockinonahigh]

First off im am proud of everyone of you who have lost weight or inches and staying on the program of choice...you all rock.I love the suport we are all giveing each other thrue this quest for better liveing wic will alter our lives for the very best.
This week im takeing a slow down approach for a while with my exersiseing,I have been going to the gym and busting butt to get rid of any weight I can,inches included.My sciatica has flaired up so my back and hips are really sore as well as burning a lot,im still rideing the bike and useing all the stuff I was useing but with less vigor and weight on the machines..I am surprised It took this long to flair up so I must be doing something right,even my shoulders and neck have held up nicely..sore yes,hurt no.Tonight im haveing a roast slow cooked with veggies I can eat cooked with it,no bread tho.

[sylvie]

i've been doing so great with my eating and staying on track..
Yesterday, i walked lots running errands and back home again..
but then i got motivated to get up and go walking again.. it felt great!
i did an hour and a half of brisk walking..
other than the fact it was SO darn hot and i forgot to bring water..
but proud of myself for the amount of exercise i pushed myself for ..

came home and did about 10 mins on the elliptical too, that machine kills me still, but i keep on, its got to be helping !

i will wait another week for a weigh in! =)

Congratulations to everyone for weight loss, inches lost & sharing your tips and motivation, reading through this thread always helps tremendously for me

[PinkieLee]

So let's talk about cooking y'all... I need a lil' help. I have been wanting to start cooking some fish. Problem is, D won't eat it if it smells or tastes "fishy".... so convincing her to try a new receipe is gonna be kind of hard. Is there a particular fish that you like best or a way that you prefer to cook it?!

I was at HEB on Sunday, and I found some tortilla crusted tilapia that I'm gonna bake in the oven. Just in case, I bought some shrimp, that I'm gonna boil... and just do the peel & eat. Then make a spinach salad with avacado, mushroom & tomato.

I guess when I diet, I get in a rut of eating a lot of baked or grilled foods... and just wanna try something different. The last thing I wanted to eat this week was another chicken breast!

[Leigh]

I hear that one Pinkie, its so easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to food that eating anything out of the ordinary can be abit difficult to get used to. My family has not really changed what we eat but I don't eat as much as I used to and I'm actually watching portions too. My mom is more frequently putting food out after she cooks it and allowing us to take what we want, which makes it easier for Me to actually watch out for the amount of food that I am eating. I'm having alot more veggies as opposed to more of other things, and I think everyone is beginning to notice that I'm changing certain things about Myself. My best friend's boyfriend has not seen Me in a month and commented on how I look like I've lost weight ~ he almost looked like he was going to fall over when I told him all of the changes that I have made so far, and he commented on how proud of Me that he was :-)

Slowly but surely things are falling more into place and I'm in a happier spot than I was even just a week or two ago ........... life's pretty good !!!!!!!!!!!

[Sparkle]

I have been wanting to start cooking some fish. Problem is, D won't eat it if it smells or tastes "fishy".... so convincing her to try a new receipe is gonna be kind of hard. Is there a particular fish that you like best or a way that you prefer to cook it?!

I was at HEB on Sunday, and I found some tortilla crusted tilapia that I'm gonna bake in the oven. Just in case, I bought some shrimp, that I'm gonna boil... and just do the peel & eat. Then make a spinach salad with avacado, mushroom & tomato.


I hate "fishy" fish too!!! ...actually i'm a bit fussy full stop, i like what i like when i like it and its inadvisable to tell me different ;)

I prefer my fish to be firm in texture, it can be flaky but must be flaky and firm. It took me a long time to find an assortment of fishes I liked.
I quite like: tilapia, sea bass, haddock, halibut, monk fish, sole, swordfish.

When I want a breaded fillet, I use panko - it is really light (perfect for fish) and it is only 3 WW points. Alternately I will sometimes season and then dredge the fillets in a whole wheat flour and cook them stove top with a very little oil or butter, adding a little stock and whatever flavors I want.

I had the most amazing escolar at a restaurant in Chicago last year, it was so mild and firm but flaky and flavorful enough that it needed nothing more than a little lemon and salt/pepper.

with tilapia I'll often do a rub of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt/pepper, add some sliced avocado on top and bake or grill it in a foil packet. OR another favorite recipe is to bake/grill the tilapia filets and then top it with a mango salsa.

halibut - baked very simply in a foil packet with a tiny bit of olive oil, salt/pepper and lemon.

sea bass is so mild and versatile, its one of my favorites and a dish I'm most likely to order when out at a restaurant - i like it with asian flavors especially...a soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli and scallion marinade.

the nice thing about mild fish is that they take on the flavor of whatever marinade, rub or sauce you've made.

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE fish carpaccio, which is raw fish sliced paper thin (think thinner than the salmon for lox) - capaccio requires soooo little flavor on top - a squeeze of lemon always and some sliced peaches or capers and olive oil.

I'm also a big fan of muscles. (though I didn't realize I was until about 5years ago). Muscles are so easy to cook and the broth really determines the flavor.

I love all shellfish (so long as it doesn't arrive in its exoskeleton.)
I like to lightly saute pre-cooked/tails on jumbo shrimp in a pan with a touch of olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and scallions - so that it is warmed through and serve it over a small amount of angel hair pasta, or orzo rice, or quinoa.

[Hack]

I'm a huge seafood fan. I love salmon and trout, and living in the Great Lakes state, I have access to lots of salmon, whitefish, lake trout, perch and walleye. Shellfish is stupid expensive here, and I only treat myself to shrimp periodically.

There are lots of articles about what fish to eat and avoid based on sustainability and environmental concerns. I tend to select wild salmon, not farmed. Farmed fish are fed lots of chemicals, and are not free-ranging fish, for lack of a better term. Wild fish can be contaminated with mercury, however, so I recommend checking labels, checking with your public health department on any consumption advisories, etc.

Jake

[PinkieLee]

THANK YOU Sparkle! That's exactly what I was hoping for! Because I've never really cooked a lot of fish before, I stare at the seafood counter and then walk away because I don't know what kind of seasoning to use for each kind of fish.

I've had sea bass before and absolutely loved it! They served it on a cedar plank...OMG to die for!

Because neither one of us knows a lot about fish, we only got ONE fillet of the tortilla crusted tilapia and then we got ONE fillet of the potato crusted cod. We are gonna split them both... that way we can see which one we prefer. If all else fails, we've got the boiled shrimp that we both love!

A friend of mine says that she grills most of her fish in foil packets. She said that the best way to cut out any overfishing taste is to slice lemon and put them on top of the fillets while cooking in the foil packets.

[Chancie]

Do you think she'd like to try salmon?

You can buy cedar planks at the supermarket, then soak them for 30 minutes, and then grill right on them, very easy. I only use each cedar plank once.

I've also made scallops this way, and they were sweet and delicious.

[Hack]

Do you think she'd like to try salmon?

You can buy cedar planks at the supermarket, then soak them for 30 minutes, and then grill right on them, very easy. I only use each cedar plank once.

I've also made scallops this way, and they were sweet and delicious.

Scallops are a great choice for someone who doesn't like "fishy" seafood. I can't get good scallops in markets here. I spoil myself when I visit places much closer to the ocean.

[PinkieLee]

Do you think she'd like to try salmon?

You can buy cedar planks at the supermarket, then soak them for 30 minutes, and then grill right on them, very easy. I only use each cedar plank once.

I've also made scallops this way, and they were sweet and delicious.

She does like salmon... that is a great idea! I will have to look at the supermarket next time we go, THANKS! She also mentioned something about Tuna steaks... but honestly I didn't know how to cook them.

Luckily, she loves shrimp and scallops (unfortunately, she loves them swimming in butter). But we've grilled them like shiskabobs, and she drizzled the some melted LIGHT butter on them for a lil' extra flavor while they were still warm. So, so good.

[Chancie]

I defrosted two tuna steaks in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper, and then Pete grilled them. Neither of us are experienced grillers, but because tuna is thick, she turned down the heat, so they wouldn't overcook on the outside before they were cooked on the inside. I personally don't think you should eat any fish that isn't cooked through if it isn't sushi grade.

[Thinker]

I'm going to go ahead and start my upper body weight program



I.
Am.
Sore.

That is all.

[PinkieLee]

I.
Am.
Sore.

That is all.

OUCH! Luckily "they" say work through the pain... it gets better! **probably a load of crap to keep you motivated, but who knows ;) **

[sylvie]

i am SO excited!
i lost 4.4 lbs since my last weigh in, thats 23 lbs total now.
i was scared to go for my weigh in this morning, thinking i hadn't lost anything...but, yaaaaaaaay, i did!

it's downpouring rain today - wondering if i should go for my walk like usual or if i should change it up and do an inside workout today.. i walked to & from work this morning and will again this evening, however - maybe some weights, stepups and elliptical will do me some good this morning!

i'm loving the support & motivation in this thread, gets me moving more!

[PinkieLee]

i am SO excited!
i lost 4.4 lbs since my last weigh in, thats 23 lbs total now.
i was scared to go for my weigh in this morning, thinking i hadn't lost anything...but, yaaaaaaaay, i did!

it's downpouring rain today - wondering if i should go for my walk like usual or if i should change it up and do an inside workout today.. i walked to & from work this morning and will again this evening, however - maybe some weights, stepups and elliptical will do me some good this morning!

i'm loving the support & motivation in this thread, gets me moving more!

WOOHOOOO you go Sylvie! 4.4 pounds is beyond fabulous!!! You are well on your way honey...I am so very proud of you!!! All the healthy choices you are making and the daily exercise is really paying off!

[sylvie]

WOOHOOOO you go Sylvie! 4.4 pounds is beyond fabulous!!! You are well on your way honey...I am so very proud of you!!! All the healthy choices you are making and the daily exercise is really paying off!

awhhh thank you soooo much xoxo!!
i'm definitely excited - i think stepping up the exercise has made all the difference, and ive been more faithful with staying off the stuff i should be as well.. but seriously *happy dancing* hehehe!! & am so proud of you too for your loss so far and staying on plan, i just love this thread, seriously!

i couldn't wait to get in here and share my news!! i'm SO scared of that friggin' scale before stepping on it, lol! it's ridiculous!

[Jessica]

I have found that if you cut your portions and eat small portions every few hrs you lose weight. I have lost 25lbs by doing this. I don't exercise (im too lazy for that). I just eat less but more often. Hope that helps :)

[Inked_Trinity]

I'm going to jump right in here with both feet!
About 5 months ago I finally decided to get off my butt and get healthier. I didn't want the same ole gym routine so I found a boxing gym and joined. I started slow going 3 times a week. I found I had a passion for it. I picked up a personal trainer, who hooked me up with place called Max Muscle. There I got an education on sports nutrition. I went into this just wanting to loose some weight and feel better physically. What I have gotten out it is SOOOOO much more. I never realized how much it would affect my mental attitude or my confidence in myself. I have lost about 40 lbs, dropped 2 pants sizes and need a stick of butter to get my head through the door some days. I sleep better, feel better, have so much more energy and I'm happy. So far the only negative thing I have experienced is getting my ass knocked out in the ring ( only once ), but not everyone chooses to fight like I did. I'm also becoming addicted to that wonderful euphoric feeling after an ass kicking workout. This is no longer an option in my life, it has become a necessity. I am also a type 2 diabetic, this keeps me eating right and gives me the exercise that I need. I have had a few fights in the ring and I'm currently training for an upcoming fight in October. Not bad for a 50 yr old!

[sylvie]

I have found that if you cut your portions and eat small portions every few hrs you lose weight. I have lost 25lbs by doing this. I don't exercise (im too lazy for that). I just eat less but more often. Hope that helps :)

That is definitely something i keep saying i am going to do and never do..
Although i am cutting back in portions now, and eating more veggies than anything else.. YAY on losing the 25 lbs by simply doing that.. it's awesome when altering our eating patterns can make such a difference alone..

My dietician set me up with an eating plan that i've been following ....

Breakfast - protein, starch & fruit
Morning Snack - 1 piece of fruit
Lunch - protein, starch & vegetables
Afternoon snack - fruit & protein
Supper - protein, starch & vegetables
Evening Snack - anything no more than 100-150 calories

My rules to go by are:
1/ no eating passed 8pm
2/ water, water & water..
3/ breakfast must be eaten within 2 hours of waking up
4/ protein - meat should be 2 oz, for breakfast can be 1 egg, piece of cheese or peanut butter on toast, etc..
5/ starch - nothing white, multigrain or whole wheat (small portion)
6/ vegetables should cover half the plate if hungry, only a lil protein and starch (i find it easier to make salad for the veggies, i'm a salad lover)
7/ no white anything (flours, sugars, etc)
8/ fruit should be 1/2 cup serving
9/ no sodapop & junkfood
10/ no processed food

So far its working really well for me - though i do need to start finding some recipes and trying new things for my meals, to add a lil zing... so i guess the way my plan goes i am eating small meals through the day cept the salads can be big sometimes depending how hungry i am, but its just a garden salad and i use lemon juice for flavor rather than dressing..

Also, i usually only eat chicken and fish, i've never been very big on other meats anyway!

[sylvie]

I'm going to jump right in here with both feet!
About 5 months ago I finally decided to get off my butt and get healthier. I didn't want the same ole gym routine so I found a boxing gym and joined. I started slow going 3 times a week. I found I had a passion for it. I picked up a personal trainer, who hooked me up with place called Max Muscle. There I got an education on sports nutrition. I went into this just wanting to loose some weight and feel better physically. What I have gotten out it is SOOOOO much more. I never realized how much it would affect my mental attitude or my confidence in myself. I have lost about 40 lbs, dropped 2 pants sizes and need a stick of butter to get my head through the door some days. I sleep better, feel better, have so much more energy and I'm happy. So far the only negative thing I have experienced is getting my ass knocked out in the ring ( only once ), but not everyone chooses to fight like I did. I'm also becoming addicted to that wonderful euphoric feeling after an ass kicking workout. This is no longer an option in my life, it has become a necessity. I am also a type 2 diabetic, this keeps me eating right and gives me the exercise that I need. I have had a few fights in the ring and I'm currently training for an upcoming fight in October. Not bad for a 50 yr old!

wow frigging awesome!!!
i've been looking for some place that does boxing or kickboxing , i would love kickboxing actually, a gal friend of mine who lives a few hours away does it and adores it and is shedding lbs like crazy.. i have a gym membership which i hardly use, i hate to let it go though because i'd love to be faithful with going, i just bore of it easily, its good for the winter months though when getting out walking is hard to do! but i'd much rather pay for kickboxing or something i would enjoy..

and i sooo agree, my attitude, my rest, my eating, my overall health are so much better when i'm taking care of me, i love the positivity and happiness... soo awesome for you, 40 lbs, wow.. thanks so much for sharing!

[Zimmeh]

I love having smoked salmon or baked salmon with thyme, fresh ground black pepper, and a little bit of garlic salt. I am not a shellfish fan.

Have a great day,

Zimmy

So let's talk about cooking y'all... I need a lil' help. I have been wanting to start cooking some fish. Problem is, D won't eat it if it smells or tastes "fishy".... so convincing her to try a new receipe is gonna be kind of hard. Is there a particular fish that you like best or a way that you prefer to cook it?!

I was at HEB on Sunday, and I found some tortilla crusted tilapia that I'm gonna bake in the oven. Just in case, I bought some shrimp, that I'm gonna boil... and just do the peel & eat. Then make a spinach salad with avacado, mushroom & tomato.

I guess when I diet, I get in a rut of eating a lot of baked or grilled foods... and just wanna try something different. The last thing I wanted to eat this week was another chicken breast!

[Inked_Trinity]

wow frigging awesome!!!
i've been looking for some place that does boxing or kickboxing , i would love kickboxing actually, a gal friend of mine who lives a few hours away does it and adores it and is shedding lbs like crazy.. i have a gym membership which i hardly use, i hate to let it go though because i'd love to be faithful with going, i just bore of it easily, its good for the winter months though when getting out walking is hard to do! but i'd much rather pay for kickboxing or something i would enjoy..

and i sooo agree, my attitude, my rest, my eating, my overall health are so much better when i'm taking care of me, i love the positivity and happiness... soo awesome for you, 40 lbs, wow.. thanks so much for sharing!

You should look into it! It really is a lot of fun. Not only do you get a great workout but it is social as well. I have met some really good people at the gym. Also the workout can burn up to 1000 calories an hr and creates mental discipline in your self. I love it!

[Zimmeh]

Hey Sylvie,

I usually have a light breakfast, then I will have a mid-morning snack and then I have a healthy lunch. My only downfall, is chocolate and when I get stressed out, I eat a lot of it...I eat chicken, turkey and fish and if I want pork, I will have those boneless thin cut pork chops. I usually have red meat about twice a month and even then, it is the 95/5 kind. Here is a link to the Shape Magazine website. They have different types of recipes for everyone.

Enjoy!

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/recipes

Zimmy

That is definitely something i keep saying i am going to do and never do..
Although i am cutting back in portions now, and eating more veggies than anything else.. YAY on losing the 25 lbs by simply doing that.. it's awesome when altering our eating patterns can make such a difference alone..

My dietician set me up with an eating plan that i've been following ....

Breakfast - protein, starch & fruit
Morning Snack - 1 piece of fruit
Lunch - protein, starch & vegetables
Afternoon snack - fruit & protein
Supper - protein, starch & vegetables
Evening Snack - anything no more than 100-150 calories

My rules to go by are:
1/ no eating passed 8pm
2/ water, water & water..
3/ breakfast must be eaten within 2 hours of waking up
4/ protein - meat should be 2 oz, for breakfast can be 1 egg, piece of cheese or peanut butter on toast, etc..
5/ starch - nothing white, multigrain or whole wheat (small portion)
6/ vegetables should cover half the plate if hungry, only a lil protein and starch (i find it easier to make salad for the veggies, i'm a salad lover)
7/ no white anything (flours, sugars, etc)
8/ fruit should be 1/2 cup serving
9/ no sodapop & junkfood
10/ no processed food

So far its working really well for me - though i do need to start finding some recipes and trying new things for my meals, to add a lil zing... so i guess the way my plan goes i am eating small meals through the day cept the salads can be big sometimes depending how hungry i am, but its just a garden salad and i use lemon juice for flavor rather than dressing..

Also, i usually only eat chicken and fish, i've never been very big on other meats anyway!

[Medusa]

I sneaked a peak at the scales this morning to discover that not only had I lost another 2 pounds but that I am now in a completely new number bracket. One that I haven't been in for a very long time.

I feel more motivated than EVER to keep myself in check with food and exercise!

Worked out last night for 40 minutes. Feeling stronger. Definitely more stamina!

[PinkieLee]

I'm going to jump right in here with both feet!
About 5 months ago I finally decided to get off my butt and get healthier. I didn't want the same ole gym routine so I found a boxing gym and joined. I started slow going 3 times a week. I found I had a passion for it. I picked up a personal trainer, who hooked me up with place called Max Muscle. There I got an education on sports nutrition. I went into this just wanting to loose some weight and feel better physically. What I have gotten out it is SOOOOO much more. I never realized how much it would affect my mental attitude or my confidence in myself. I have lost about 40 lbs, dropped 2 pants sizes and need a stick of butter to get my head through the door some days. I sleep better, feel better, have so much more energy and I'm happy. So far the only negative thing I have experienced is getting my ass knocked out in the ring ( only once ), but not everyone chooses to fight like I did. I'm also becoming addicted to that wonderful euphoric feeling after an ass kicking workout. This is no longer an option in my life, it has become a necessity. I am also a type 2 diabetic, this keeps me eating right and gives me the exercise that I need. I have had a few fights in the ring and I'm currently training for an upcoming fight in October. Not bad for a 50 yr old!

Kickboxing... hells yeah! How awesome that you are not only getting healthier, but actually enjoying the process! I would LOVE to learn to box or do the kickboxing thing ~ but not against anyone... I don't wanna hurt my face ;)

Losing 40 pounds is a major accomplishment... you should feel very proud. You gotta love the new found confidence that comes along with it, too! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!

[Zimmeh]

Congratulations!!!

Zimmy

I sneaked a peak at the scales this morning to discover that not only had I lost another 2 pounds but that I am now in a completely new number bracket. One that I haven't been in for a very long time.

I feel more motivated than EVER to keep myself in check with food and exercise!

Worked out last night for 40 minutes. Feeling stronger. Definitely more stamina!

[PinkieLee]

I sneaked a peak at the scales this morning to discover that not only had I lost another 2 pounds but that I am now in a completely new number bracket. One that I haven't been in for a very long time.

I feel more motivated than EVER to keep myself in check with food and exercise!

Worked out last night for 40 minutes. Feeling stronger. Definitely more stamina!

HOLY SHIT! WOOHOOOO you go sista! I am so very proud of you... and can see your beautiful smile beaming from here! Way to go increasing your workout, too! You have definately motivated me to pick up the pace tonight! Look out gym... here I come!

[Zimmeh]

I will be joining you two in spirit. Instead of taking elevator down to the timeclock or the lunchroom, I am taking the stairs everyday..

Have a good day,

Zimmy

HOLY SHIT! WOOHOOOO you go sista! I am so very proud of you... and can see your beautiful smile beaming from here! Way to go increasing your workout, too! You have definately motivated me to pick up the pace tonight! Look out gym... here I come!

[Leigh]

I love coming in and reading all of the positive things people post here, so thank you for keeping Me motivated :-)

Medusa ~ way to go! Thats fantastic news, keep up the great work hun .......... sounds like your doing fantastic!

Glad to hear that everyone is making positive changes in their lives, sounds like we're all doing really well :thumbsup:

[sylvie]

this thread so friggin' makes me smile, seriously!
congratulations Medusa, yaaaaaaay!!!

[Inked_Trinity]

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[Sachita]

Watching "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" )on netflix instant play, AGAIN. It's amazing how these people completely turned their lives around. It's inspiring! I don't want to become obsessed but continue to move towards healing. I lost 5 pounds last week! I don't normally weigh myself but my pants were loose and I was curious. Once a week is all I do.

It's amazing!


Going to health food store to buy more organic produce. I need to grow a lot more. Need a plan for that. Produce is so expensive!

[PinkieLee]

GOOD MORNING & happy Thursday healthy folks!

Well, today was weigh in day for me. Sadly, the scale said I gained 1 pound. For a split second I got sad, but then I looked in the mirror and reassured myself that YES, I CAN DO THIS!

Of course D was encouraging and reminding me that I am doing so good & not to give up... and said, "let's take your measurements". It's only been a week, so I wasn't expecting much at all ~ especially when the scale said I gained 1 pound. We broke out the tape measure...

bust ~ -1 inch
hips ~ -1/2 inch
leg ~ 1 inch
arm ~ - 0
and waist ~ -3 inches!

HOLY SHIT! That's a total of 5 1/2 inches lost in ONE WEEK!

Sometimes the scale doesn't always reflect the changes that our bodies are making! Please don't get discouraged! If your clothes are fitting looser and your body just feels better ~ you are on the right track!

[sylvie]

YAY on the 5 lbs Sachita!
Inked_Trinity, LOVED watching that video, ty for sharing!

Today i am feeling super motivated to get out there walking, so once i post this, i'm going to log off and get out there, since i work a lil later on this evening (LOVE short shift days lol)...

i've decided to boost my work out plan a lil.. first of all, i should be stretching before workouts, so will do that.. but also, i will walk each day when possible, but want to add a lil something more each day, whether it be biking (since ive a new bike, yay), elliptical, going to the gym, doing weights, some work out cardio DVD's i have, ANYthing.. i want to start focusing on certain parts of the body that i want to work on each day .. if there are days i can only find time to walk, that's okay! and if there are days i can only find time to do something else, that's okay too.. Just wanting to change it up a little is all..

but stretches, stretches are important!! this girl must start stretching!

[sylvie]

GOOD MORNING & happy Thursday healthy folks!

Well, today was weigh in day for me. Sadly, the scale said I gained 1 pound. For a split second I got sad, but then I looked in the mirror and reassured myself that YES, I CAN DO THIS!

Of course D was encouraging and reminding me that I am doing so good & not to give up... and said, "let's take your measurements". It's only been a week, so I wasn't expecting much at all ~ especially when the scale said I gained 1 pound. We broke out the tape measure...

bust ~ -1 inch
hips ~ -1/2 inch
leg ~ 1 inch
arm ~ - 0
and waist ~ -3 inches!

HOLY SHIT! That's a total of 5 1/2 inches lost in ONE WEEK!

Sometimes the scale doesn't always reflect the changes that our bodies are making! Please don't get discouraged! If your clothes are fitting looser and your body just feels better ~ you are on the right track!

WOW on the inches lost my friend, that's sooooo wonderful.. so proud of you! and good on you for not getting down about weight lost, i have weeks like that too, where i dont lose anything... i am marking a measuring tape down on my list of things to get next week when i go shopping, because i should be measuring inches lost too, it would soo serve as motivation too..

i was saying to Mtn last night that feeling my clothes loose on me, feels SO good, and a girl mentioned at work last night that my scrub shirt looked so much more looser on me.. i got so excited, just hearing those words..

Thank you for this tip my dear, and we ARE on the right track! (((hugggz)))

[Inked_Trinity]

I personally don't measure my success by the scale. I stopped getting on it about 2 months ago. I know that given my workout, I may gain weight, exchanging fat for muscle. I measure my success by the the way I look and feel. No longer walking through a crowd with my head down, walking proudly, head up, smiling! Putting on a pair of Levis that I haven't worn in 2 months to find I can't wear them because they fall down! Hitting the last notch on my belt and having to go shopping before I leave on vacation for a new one. NOW THAT'S SUCCESS!

[Softly]

25.2 pounds lost as of this morning. Started april 11th.
Not too shabby! Gym last night was brutal but sweating always feels powerful ;)

[Zimmeh]

Congrats!!! My human nutrition told us not to believe the scale since our bodies change on a daily basis.

Keep it up!!

Zimmy

GOOD MORNING & happy Thursday healthy folks!

Well, today was weigh in day for me. Sadly, the scale said I gained 1 pound. For a split second I got sad, but then I looked in the mirror and reassured myself that YES, I CAN DO THIS!

Of course D was encouraging and reminding me that I am doing so good & not to give up... and said, "let's take your measurements". It's only been a week, so I wasn't expecting much at all ~ especially when the scale said I gained 1 pound. We broke out the tape measure...

bust ~ -1 inch
hips ~ -1/2 inch
leg ~ 1 inch
arm ~ - 0
and waist ~ -3 inches!

HOLY SHIT! That's a total of 5 1/2 inches lost in ONE WEEK!

Sometimes the scale doesn't always reflect the changes that our bodies are making! Please don't get discouraged! If your clothes are fitting looser and your body just feels better ~ you are on the right track!

[Rockinonahigh]

I personally don't measure my success by the scale. I stopped getting on it about 2 months ago. I know that given my workout, I may gain weight, exchanging fat for muscle. I measure my success by the the way I look and feel. No longer walking through a crowd with my head down, walking proudly, head up, smiling! Putting on a pair of Levis that I haven't worn in 2 months to find I can't wear them because they fall down! Hitting the last notch on my belt and having to go shopping before I leave on vacation for a new one. NOW THAT'S SUCCESS!

I do get whewre you are comeing from,my work outs have a good bit of cardio but a lot of weights,not as heavy as I want but as much as I can move cause of a back problem.at the gym yeaterday I weighed and its 254 but I have lost inches wich is ok by me.The trainer wants to cut my food in take more but I told her any less than what in eating now will cause me probs with me being a baby diabetic.I am suposwed to eat anywhere uo to 130 carbs a day but usely do about half except when I need more for whatever reason.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

"Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling, enduring, and accomplishing." (G. Sheehan)

Hello Everyone!


Back in San Antonio and have been sneaking on and off but catching up on this weeks progress.

First off....AMAZING! Sounds like everyone is doing a fantastic job!

PinkieLee~ Shedding off those inches is amazing for sure! I am so glad you started taking your measurements! I feel like this is adding a whole bunch of motivation after feeling a little down last week! Way to go pretty lady!


Softly~ Not too Shabby at all!!! That is great progress! Great job maintaining the weight lost and continuing the shedding :)

Medusa~ Air High Five to you! lol New bracket is fan-stinkin-tastic! :) I am so glad you are seeing the results to your hard work :) Orale! Keep it going! You've got this!

Sachita~ 5lbs is such a great way to end this week!!!! Way to go for sure!!! I think I read last week that you may have gained some weight, but this set you right back on track! Great job!

If I missed anyone sorry! This page was just filled with amazing results! Thank you for sharing and getting me super motivated to continue! I havent checked the scale yet. Will weigh in tomorrow! Wish me luck!

[Zimmeh]

Good Luck!

Zimmy



"Happiness is different from pleasure. Happiness has something to do with struggling, enduring, and accomplishing." (G. Sheehan)

Hello Everyone!


Back in San Antonio and have been sneaking on and off but catching up on this weeks progress.

First off....AMAZING! Sounds like everyone is doing a fantastic job!

PinkieLee~ Shedding off those inches is amazing for sure! I am so glad you started taking your measurements! I feel like this is adding a whole bunch of motivation after feeling a little down last week! Way to go pretty lady!


Softly~ Not too Shabby at all!!! That is great progress! Great job maintaining the weight lost and continuing the shedding :)

Medusa~ Air High Five to you! lol New bracket is fan-stinkin-tastic! :) I am so glad you are seeing the results to your hard work :) Orale! Keep it going! You've got this!

Sachita~ 5lbs is such a great way to end this week!!!! Way to go for sure!!! I think I read last week that you may have gained some weight, but this set you right back on track! Great job!

If I missed anyone sorry! This page was just filled with amazing results! Thank you for sharing and getting me super motivated to continue! I havent checked the scale yet. Will weigh in tomorrow! Wish me luck!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

When I start to lose motivation, sometimes I just watch this...gets me every time...


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[foxyshaman]

<scratches head> why didn't I think of measuring.

Well I know what I am going to do tonite...

My waist is much smaller. I also noticed on the weekend my Ganesha Tattoo is smaller. I have it on my upper arm and I was looking at it and was all like oh my goddess you got smaller.... I hope he does not mind that I am reducing his belly... :giggle:

[Inked_Trinity]

I do get whewre you are comeing from,my work outs have a good bit of cardio but a lot of weights,not as heavy as I want but as much as I can move cause of a back problem.at the gym yeaterday I weighed and its 254 but I have lost inches wich is ok by me.The trainer wants to cut my food in take more but I told her any less than what in eating now will cause me probs with me being a baby diabetic.I am suposwed to eat anywhere uo to 130 carbs a day but usely do about half except when I need more for whatever reason.

I tend to eat a ton of protein and very few carbs. For a snack I eat almonds, cheese and fruit. I also use the whey protein shakes. It works very well for me. Might be worth checking out.

[foxyshaman]

Drat, no change in weight this week. BUT I did go to the gym everyday. I can feel my sore tight abs. And I am off to Yoga two more times this week. No dance on Monday, its a holiday here. I will miss my Zumba.

I guess what I should not have done was wait until after my patients left to have supper... I should probably try to eat between the time I get home from the gym and the time they arrive.

And I think drinking sweet yummy wine (alot) this week has had its toll on my weight. Stupid wine points. Why can't it be free like bananas are now?:bananasplit: I want to start a campaign to treat wine fairly and equally and to stop the discrimination against the beauty of its full figured grapeyness. :soapbox:

I WILL NOT BE DETERRED :wallbreak: ... from counting all my points.:D Wine you will have to go back to being my occassional friend. I still love you, even if I let your bottle get dusty. Not touched, but not forgotten either. :canadian:<lamenting off now>

[Rockinonahigh]

I tend to eat a ton of protein and very few carbs. For a snack I eat almonds, cheese and fruit. I also use the whey protein shakes. It works very well for me. Might be worth checking out.

Me to,I eat plenty of protein,my fix is chedar cheese and rye crisp or pork skins with peanut butter.I dont hardly eat fruit anymore cause of the fruit cose/carbs.I keep seasoned chicken strips I grill in a covered bowl so if I want to eat I can munch on them or hard boiled eggis..then there is celery and pemento cheese to crunch on.

[jelli]

http://www.fatgrrlrides.blogspot.com/

[Thinker]

Today's weigh-in showed a loss of 1.2 for a total of 17. Seven pounds to goal weight. The tape measure tells quite a tale with a total loss of 3.75 inches around the belly. Blows my mind!

[Leigh]

I went over to a friend's house last night and even though she lives fairly close by car, maybe two minutes when driving, the walks is more like 20 minutes or so and her boyfriend offered to walk Me home. I asked him if he was crazy? This is like midnight mind you so I just was not in the mood but he insisted so he walked Me from My friend's house to My home, twenty minutes! We talked the whole way to My place and having him to chat with passed the time and in a blink of an eye I was home. Holy hell did My back *EVER* hurt but I felt alot better afterwards so I plan on walking to her house and back home more often :-)

[Zimmeh]

I love walking and if I could get a set schedule, I would walk to the bus stop and take the bus to work instead of driving my car.

Congrats my friend and keep it up!

Zimmy

I went over to a friend's house last night and even though she lives fairly close by car, maybe two minutes when driving, the walks is more like 20 minutes or so and her boyfriend offered to walk Me home. I asked him if he was crazy? This is like midnight mind you so I just was not in the mood but he insisted so he walked Me from My friend's house to My home, twenty minutes! We talked the whole way to My place and having him to chat with passed the time and in a blink of an eye I was home. Holy hell did My back *EVER* hurt but I felt alot better afterwards so I plan on walking to her house and back home more often :-)

[Leigh]

I love walking and if I could get a set schedule, I would walk to the bus stop and take the bus to work instead of driving my car.

Congrats my friend and keep it up!

Zimmy


Zimmy,

The walk was alot nicer than I thought it was, I guess I was findng excuses to not walk that distance when it really wasn't a big deal ~ I'm surprised at how it didn't take long at all to walk that far. I think I'm going to start a schedule where since I'm stuck in the house all day watching My sister, I'm going to start taking walks in the morning before My parents leave for work. I'll start with, say, twenty minutes in total ~ ten minutes one way and ten minutes back then after say a couple of weeks of getting used to that I'll increase it by five minutes.

I'm feeling pretty good today and plan on keeping it up :-)

[PinkieLee]

Way to go Matthew! Walking is always fun when you have someone along to talk with! You don't even realize how far you've gone! If you have to walk alone, try listening to music... honestly, it really helps!

I know for me, motivating myself to exercise, is actually harder than the exercise itself! Once I get going, I love it. Like you, I can find excuses why I can't/don't have time to do it. Mine is... but I worked 13 hours today, or I've had a bad day, or I'm tired ~ I've got a handful that I catch myself using when I'm just looking for an excuse! But honestly, we can take 30 minutes a day to focus on our health. Walk away from the computer, get off the couch, turn off the tv... and get your butt moving! **yep, I'm giving a pep talk to myself, too**

After my 13 hour workday yesterday (at 9pm), I came home & found my honey dressed for the gym. She said, "come on boo... let's go workout." I started to whine, but then got my ass dressed and we headed to the gym. Luckily, our gym is open 24 hours... so see, no excuse there. I did 25 minutes on the eliptical & treadmill and 15 minutes using some arm/leg weights. Less than one hour we were home.... but managed to get in a great workout! I was still showered & in bed at the same time ~ I just didn't veg out in front of the tv.

Something told me to weigh again this morning. So, I weighed. I might have gained 1 pound as of yesterday, but I lost 2 pounds today! YAY for 1 more pound gone forever!

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a great weekend and remember to keep up the great work! Y'all are motivating me to kick it up a notch!

[Medusa]

Part of my new ideas about "healthy weight loss" include paying more attention to my body in general. I have a BAD habit of not pampering myself with what might be considered basic things. I mean, I wash my face and use moisturizer every night but I don't take care of my nails and cuticles like I used to and my toes are looking a little "Fred Flintstone" these days.
This is mainly due to my schedule with working lots of hours and just being crazy busy with friends and family and workouts and and and. I am realizing the need to be more in touch with what makes me feel good.

I took off work today :) So this morning, I'm off to Studio Skin to get a facial and then over to have my paws done and then I might engage in a little "product" shopping over at Sephora.
Tonight when I get home, I'm going to get out that biggo exercise ball and go for some crunches.

For me, the weight loss is secondary to my concerted effort to be more at home in this body. We aren't separate beings, she and I, but for way too long we have been working that way. Perhaps if I showed her a little love, she'd feel more like mine. :blueheels:

[Thinker]

Although I'm good about my WW points, I admit I don't get the vegetable servings I need. WHY ON EARTH WOULD I WANT TO LOAD UP ON FOODS WORTH ZERO POINTS???!!!!! :overreaction:

It dawned on me the other day how much I really like V8 and how drinking a couple servings of that each day would do the trick. I get the low sodium one and add a little hot sauce. Only 1 point for an 8 oz. glass, and I'm having two glasses each day.

That's two less points for me to "get creative" with. ;)

[Thinker]

Part of my new ideas about "healthy weight loss" include paying more attention to my body in general. I have a BAD habit of not pampering myself with what might be considered basic things. I mean, I wash my face and use moisturizer every night but I don't take care of my nails and cuticles like I used to and my toes are looking a little "Fred Flintstone" these days.
This is mainly due to my schedule with working lots of hours and just being crazy busy with friends and family and workouts and and and. I am realizing the need to be more in touch with what makes me feel good.

I took off work today :) So this morning, I'm off to Studio Skin to get a facial and then over to have my paws done and then I might engage in a little "product" shopping over at Sephora.
Tonight when I get home, I'm going to get out that biggo exercise ball and go for some crunches.

For me, the weight loss is secondary to my concerted effort to be more at home in this body. We aren't separate beings, she and I, but for way too long we have been working that way. Perhaps if I showed her a little love, she'd feel more like mine. :blueheels:

Plus, she's kinda stalker-like cuz she ain't goin' anywhere so you might as well kill her with kindness!!!

[PinkieLee]

Although I'm good about my WW points, I admit I don't get the vegetable servings I need. WHY ON EARTH WOULD I WANT TO LOAD UP ON FOODS WORTH ZERO POINTS???!!!!! :overreaction:

It dawned on me the other day how much I really like V8 and how drinking a couple servings of that each day would do the trick. I get the low sodium one and add a little hot sauce. Only 1 point for an 8 oz. glass, and I'm having two glasses each day.

That's two less points for me to "get creative" with. ;)

Oh I totally feel you on that Thinker. I can eat all the stinking fruit I can stomach... but usually only have the vegetables when my dinner. Unless I do a salad or sandwich for lunch.

Luckily, my boss has a vegetable garden and always brings me in cucumbers & tomatos. I slice one of each almost everyday, and put in a container with a lil' pepper, and eat it in the afternoon. He eats a LOT of junk food (an entire snack pack of Reese's)... always sitting at my desk. I was hungry & bitchy the other day and snapped at him for eating crap in front of a woman on WW! I guess I made him feel bad, because he came back from Sams with a huge fruit tray for me.

I like V8, too.... but with a lil' vodka, so that's a no go ;)

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Alright...weighed in today and 4lbs lost! :) I also may be at a new pant size! Havent made it to the store just yet to confirm, but if so I havent been that size for a few years! Anything below that I havent visited in what feels like ages!

I have to tell you all that since joining this thread, I really do get a kick of inspiration and motivation every day! Thank You!

[Sachita]

Took the girls to Chuckee Cheese yesterday. I had been promising Kait and thought Mia would love it even though she's only 7 months. :) That damn cheese pizza stared at me and then JUMPED in my hand! ahahaha I was so mad, the audacity!!!! that I took a bite and then another and another... fucking pizza!

But I did consume 24 oz of raw fresh organic green veggies throughout the day. I bought organic broccoli and cabbage pretty cheap since it says well, bunches of celery and a big bag of organic apples. basically anything I can't grow right now.

Today I planted heirloom non-GMO seeds for my fall harvest.

In the video I mention in my last post "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" this guy went on a juice fast and lost like 80 pounds in 60 days and totally went off meds. He looked unbelievable. All he drank for 60 days was fresh green juice. I want to try this but I don't know if I have the will power, especially with pizza just attacking me like that. lol I think that I will find a week where I'm not so busy and can rest a few days to get over the tough days. Maybe find a friend who wants to do it with me and support each other. I bet you'd feel amazing. I want to feel amazing!

[Novelafemme]

Oh I totally feel you on that Thinker. I can eat all the stinking fruit I can stomach... but usually only have the vegetables when my dinner. Unless I do a salad or sandwich for lunch.

Luckily, my boss has a vegetable garden and always brings me in cucumbers & tomatos. I slice one of each almost everyday, and put in a container with a lil' pepper, and eat it in the afternoon. He eats a LOT of junk food (an entire snack pack of Reese's)... always sitting at my desk. I was hungry & bitchy the other day and snapped at him for eating crap in front of a woman on WW! I guess I made him feel bad, because he came back from Sams with a huge fruit tray for me.

I like V8, too.... but with a lil' vodka, so that's a no go ;)

Pinkie, have you tried dipping your veggies in hummus? My favorite snack is broccoli, carrots and cucumber slices and a big bowl of hummus :)

[Zimmeh]

I went grocery shopping today. The grocery store that I go to had popcorn buy one get one free. I picked up one box of natural and a box of light butter and I found that it has 20 calories popped for every cup. I can eat the whole bag and consume less than a 100 calories; which is better than candy. I also picked up bananas and red cherries for snacks. I'm going to try and reduce how much chocolate and other sweets I am consuming.

Tonight it is baked chicken with brown rice and black beans then a power walk!!

Zimmy

[PinkieLee]

Pinkie, have you tried dipping your veggies in hummus? My favorite snack is broccoli, carrots and cucumber slices and a big bowl of hummus :)

Mmmmmmmmm that sounds fabulous! The other day, I just picked up a red pepper hummus & a garlic hummus, and found some pita chips to eat with it. I'm heading back to the store again tonight for veggies now! THANKS honey for the tidbit! xoxo

[PinkieLee]

Oh Zimmy... I am a big fan of popcorn. I buy the 94% fat free butter and the 94% fat free kettle corn. OMG ~ so good! I can eat the whole bag, guilt free! Sometimes, I'll share with my boo ;)

I am a chocolate lover, too. So when I get those cravings, I keep the fat free pudding cups in the fridge. They are cheap & pretty darn good. I also keep the WW snack size fudge bars in the freezer at all times. They are the bomb-diggity and only 1 point a piece! They taste just like a fudgsicle from an ice cream truck!!!

The only thing I really crave are chips & salsa. I still haven't found a cure all for the craving yet! I do want to try the Baked Tostitos and make my own salsa. I know there are quite a few lower calorie, lower fat options... I've just got to test them out and find one I like.

[Zimmeh]

I bought my popcorn at Publix. Do you have a Publix by your house?

Have fun today,

Zimmy

Mmmmmmmmm that sounds fabulous! The other day, I just picked up a red pepper hummus & a garlic hummus, and found some pita chips to eat with it. I'm heading back to the store again tonight for veggies now! THANKS honey for the tidbit! xoxo

[PinkieLee]

I bought my popcorn at Publix. Do you have a Publix by your house?

Have fun today,

Zimmy

Unfortunately we don't have a Publix. But the Kroger, less than a block away, always runs their popcorn for $1 a box. So I stalk up everytime it's on sale.

[Medusa]

Alright...weighed in today and 4lbs lost! :) I also may be at a new pant size! Havent made it to the store just yet to confirm, but if so I havent been that size for a few years! Anything below that I havent visited in what feels like ages!

I have to tell you all that since joining this thread, I really do get a kick of inspiration and motivation every day! Thank You!

SUNSHYNE! Congrats on the loss! That is an amazing number and so inspiring!

YOU are an inspiration and motivation in this thread. I am thankful for YOU! <3

[Rockinonahigh]

I havent been to the gym all week cause of somanythings going on ,but I definately feel diffrent cause my energy isnt what it was and my artritis is acting up some.The only diffrents is me not working out,I must take time for this somehow.

[Hack]

I went to my doctor this week for my quarterly checkup. I was expecting not that great of news, actually, about my cholesterol because the absolute hardest thing for me to give up when it comes to eating is cheese. I also love a good steak a couple of times a month. I had been given this quarter by my doctor to get my cholesterol in line, so imagine my surprise when he said it dropped 75 points in the last three months! Even he was shocked. I am well within the normal range. For now. I say that because I am likely fighting a losing battle with heredity on this one. My dad has cholesterol problems and hypertension, and I already have inherited the hypertension. And there are heart problems on both sides of the family. :/

The other good news is that my sugar is back to normal and I have lost 22 pounds since February. I'm sticking with what I am doing...low carb, no sugar, no salt, low fat. I encourage everyone to avoid the high fructose corn syrup, or poison, as I call it. It really is a silent killer, I think.

We can all do this! It's great that this thread contains a lot of cool people who are supportive. :)

Jake

[Medusa]

Breakfast is a hard one for me!

I was on a smoothie kick for a while and found lots of yummy smoothie combos (well, except that pumpkin one that had no sugar :|). I also did a yogurt with granola kick. Some days I have to work really hard to find something for breakfast that doesn't make me feel icky. (which means I generally don't eat anything eggy, greasy, etc. first thing in the morning).

My latest love is oatmeal. I found a few different kinds of oatmeal that I LOVE. They are high in fiber, great for lowering cholesterol, and can be served lots of ways.

One of my faves is regular oatmeal with cinnamon, raisins, and a tiny bit of splenda. :)

[Hack]

Breakfast is a hard one for me!

I was on a smoothie kick for a while and found lots of yummy smoothie combos (well, except that pumpkin one that had no sugar :|). I also did a yogurt with granola kick. Some days I have to work really hard to find something for breakfast that doesn't make me feel icky. (which means I generally don't eat anything eggy, greasy, etc. first thing in the morning).

My latest love is oatmeal. I found a few different kinds of oatmeal that I LOVE. They are high in fiber, great for lowering cholesterol, and can be served lots of ways.

One of my faves is regular oatmeal with cinnamon, raisins, and a tiny bit of splenda. :)

Ezee or Apretty posted a great oatmeal recipe a few pages back that even I want to try, and I always have a hard time choking down oatmeal. lol

I like eggs in the morning, but rarely have the time to make them. When I do, I scramble two egg whites with one whole egg and sprinkle a little low-fat cheese (damn cheese!) and some salsa on them. Sometimes I wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla. I rarely eat lunch so I feel ok bulking up a bit in the morning on food. My "lunch" usually consists of two small snacks -- a Kashi granola bar (just the ones really low in sugar) and a piece of fruit.

Protein is the key in the morning for me. If I don't eat something protein in the morning, I feel like crap the rest of the day.

Jake

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I have been on a smoothie/shake kick myself. Latest combination is chocolate, banana, strawberries, and raspberries! Yummola! Gets me going every morning!

Tonite I was over at my sister's and she wanted ti order some takeout. Now remember my sister is my foodie buddy. I said I couldnt. She said she was proud of me. Felt good, but was so hard!

Thank you for always offering encouragement :)

[Thinker]

Breakfast is a hard one for me!

I was on a smoothie kick for a while and found lots of yummy smoothie combos (well, except that pumpkin one that had no sugar :|). I also did a yogurt with granola kick. Some days I have to work really hard to find something for breakfast that doesn't make me feel icky. (which means I generally don't eat anything eggy, greasy, etc. first thing in the morning).

My latest love is oatmeal. I found a few different kinds of oatmeal that I LOVE. They are high in fiber, great for lowering cholesterol, and can be served lots of ways.

One of my faves is regular oatmeal with cinnamon, raisins, and a tiny bit of splenda. :)

My steady when I first started WW was Fiber One Complete pancake mix. One "serving" yielded two good-sized pancakes. I dropped blueberries on the uncooked side while on the griddle and then added a sliced banana once they were done. A little bit of sugar-free syrup, and it totaled 6 points.

It was a VERY filling breakfast, so it might be a good choice for those who don't get much opportunity to eat again until dinner.

The pancake mix is an easy one.......just add water......but I would imagine you'll need to give yourself an extra ten minutes or so in the morning.

[JustJo]

I don't have any wonderful weight loss news to share, but wanted to pop in and say congratulations and thank you to all of you for posting your great ideas and successes....it really makes a difference to hear all this positivity.

Right now I'm going through mega-crap, so my success (and I almost put that in quotes....then thought....heck NO, it is a success!)....is that, despite all this, I'm not gaining. I had a few bad evenings that resulted in a bowl of ice cream....but I haven't given in to any major emotional eating binges.

My blood sugar this morning was 102, and the scale is holding steady. That means I'm holding my own, even in an incredibly difficult time.

I'm proud of that. :)

[Inked_Trinity]

GAME ON!!!!!!! Found out last night I WILL be fighting in October, but..... I have to drop 15lbs. I am taking you all on this journey with me, I will be needing your support and encouragement. So let the ride begin! Oh and I have a new fight song for this time around.

kWJCPXRxo2U

[Thinker]

I don't have any wonderful weight loss news to share, but wanted to pop in and say congratulations and thank you to all of you for posting your great ideas and successes....it really makes a difference to hear all this positivity.

Right now I'm going through mega-crap, so my success (and I almost put that in quotes....then thought....heck NO, it is a success!)....is that, despite all this, I'm not gaining. I had a few bad evenings that resulted in a bowl of ice cream....but I haven't given in to any major emotional eating binges.

My blood sugar this morning was 102, and the scale is holding steady. That means I'm holding my own, even in an incredibly difficult time.

I'm proud of that. :)

As you should be!

I hope this bumpy section passes soon for you, JustJo.

Best wishes...

[jelli]

Breakfast is a hard one for me!

I was on a smoothie kick for a while and found lots of yummy smoothie combos (well, except that pumpkin one that had no sugar :|). I also did a yogurt with granola kick. Some days I have to work really hard to find something for breakfast that doesn't make me feel icky. (which means I generally don't eat anything eggy, greasy, etc. first thing in the morning).

My latest love is oatmeal. I found a few different kinds of oatmeal that I LOVE. They are high in fiber, great for lowering cholesterol, and can be served lots of ways.

One of my faves is regular oatmeal with cinnamon, raisins, and a tiny bit of splenda. :)

I love oatmeal and cream of wheat! I also like the Bagel Thins with WW cream cheese & all fruit, wraps(creative majora), english muffins.

I also like Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Whole Wheat frozen waffles, toasted - 2 of them for 4 points plus. To mine, I added a whole banana for 0 pp, a Tbsp of chopped walnuts for 1pp and a Tbsp of pancake syrup for 1pp. Loads of fiber, protein, and goodness...Total pp = 6! What a great way to start my day!!

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I receive health related newsletters from WebMD and these two topics intrigued me this morning and I wanted to share them:

1. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/truth-about-toning-shoes?ecd=wnl_wlw_073011

2. http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/slideshow-30-minute-workout-routine?ecd=wnl_wlw_073011

I find that iVillage and WebMD are healthy sites to get information from.

Have a great day,

Zimmy

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Jake,

You can beat heart disease! When I lost my dad nine years ago to heart and respiratory failure at the age of 47, I made a promise to myself; that I would not be dead by that age. I have always walked everywhere near my home in Daytona Beach or I rode a bicycle. When I went to the dr's to get my checkup, he was asking me about my family medical history. I explained to him that my grandfather on my mother's side of the family had heart disease and that my bio dad also had heart disease. He gave me a clean bill of health and told me to keep up what I was doing to beat it. Don't give up hope!

Zimmy

I went to my doctor this week for my quarterly checkup. I was expecting not that great of news, actually, about my cholesterol because the absolute hardest thing for me to give up when it comes to eating is cheese. I also love a good steak a couple of times a month. I had been given this quarter by my doctor to get my cholesterol in line, so imagine my surprise when he said it dropped 75 points in the last three months! Even he was shocked. I am well within the normal range. For now. I say that because I am likely fighting a losing battle with heredity on this one. My dad has cholesterol problems and hypertension, and I already have inherited the hypertension. And there are heart problems on both sides of the family. :/

The other good news is that my sugar is back to normal and I have lost 22 pounds since February. I'm sticking with what I am doing...low carb, no sugar, no salt, low fat. I encourage everyone to avoid the high fructose corn syrup, or poison, as I call it. It really is a silent killer, I think.

We can all do this! It's great that this thread contains a lot of cool people who are supportive. :)

Jake

[jelli]

I made this recipe, but with a few adjustments. Surely this should have lowered my points(go me). I didn't make the dressing. I did add black olives and green peppers.

Points Plus-Grilled Steak Salad
Serves: 6 Calories: 200

Ingredients:
1/4 cup Light Ranch salad dressing
1/4 cup mayo with olive oil reduced fat mayonnaise
2 tsp horseradish
3/4 lb beef sirloin steak, 3/4 inch thick
2 tbsp A 1 Steak Sauce
8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 tomato, cut into wedges
1 small red onion, cut into thin wedges
1/2 cup 2% shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium heat.

2. Mix first 3 ingredients together.

3. Place steaks on grill and cook 5 minutes on each side or until medium doneness (160º F.),
brushing occasionally with steak sauce. Remove steak from grill; cover. Let stand 5 minutes
and cut steak across the grain into thin slices.

4. Cover platter with lettuce; top with tomatoes, onions and meat. Drizzle with dressing
mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Serve immediately.

Yield: 6 Servings
Serving Size = 2 Cups
Weight Watchers PointsPlus+ = 5 Per Serving
Nutrition Information:
Calories 200, Carbs 9 g, Fat 12 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 14 g

[Medusa]

Hey folks - We used to have a once-a-week chat night for folks doing healthy weight loss as a lifestyle. Would there be any interest in that sort of thing again?
Maybe a 30-minute chat to do a live sharing of ideas and celebrating successes? If interested, what night would be best for folks? Times?

[Leigh]

I'd definately love to have that happen Medusa, maybe like an hour or so? Best times for Me are nights between 7pm and 10pm central time :-)

[jelli]

Blog share:

http://pudget1.blogspot.com/

[Medusa]

Weigh-in day today revealed a total of 3.6 pounds gone forever since last Sunday.

I am SUPER happy with that because I had 2 meals out this week and both of them were buffets. (which can be super scary for a foodie like me).

Some tricks I employed at the buffet dinners we had this week:

1. Ordered unsweet tea and water and drank almost 1/3 glass before I ever began eating. I have read multiple articles about water being essential for digestion and it also helps you feel more full!

2. Started with a salad. A BIG one of mostly greens and carrots. When I say big, I mean BIG. Green roughage is great for digestion and lettuce is virtually calorie-free.

3. I was reasonable about what I wanted to eat. i.e. One of our meals was Chinese and I LOVE me some crab rangoons. They are pretty hefty on points and also fried (which I stridently try to avoid) but I'm sorry, going to a Chinese meal without at least one crab rangoon would leave me feeling deprived. So I ate one! It was GREAT and I felt super-satisfied with it.

4. Load up on veggies: I had green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, boiled cabbage, spinach, and brown rice at the country-cooking buffet before chowing down on a couple of bites of steak, grilled chicken, and a wonderful sliver of meatloaf.

5. Have dessert. Or don't. But don't obsess about it. The country cooking buffet had homemade carrot cake with cream cheese icing. That's a huge weakness for me. HUGE.
I sat for a minute thinking that I was going to skip dessert but then asked myself, "Is it reasonable?" The answer was yes after thinking of the good workouts this week and all the meals within strict point range.
I ate some carrot cake! Not a lot, but enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. It was delicious and wonderful and I did not feel deprived!

Anyone else have tips, I'd love to hear them!

[Queerasfck]

I had a really BAD week. I just felt pretty sick of counting points to be honest so on some days I didn't even bother to eat my points for the days and then on other days I ate far too much of the wrong things. Out of town visitors led to two dinners out and I didn't even really try to watch it. Then Sunday was Comic-Con and I ate bad snacks. Wednesday we had tickets to the Indigo Girls so before we went I ate badly, too much bread and had also had big cocktail. Then I was just sort of in the screw it mode the rest of the week. I skipped working out twice as well because I was so tired from staying up waaaay past my bedtime.
On the positive side I did say no to the desserts at work this week as there was two days were the office was overflowing with cakes and cookies. I chose not to partake in any of it.
All in all at my weigh in yesterday I had gained 2oz. Not a lot but it is time for a reality check about how much I really want this. I know I do want my old body back but am I really wiling to do the work? I believe I am so I am getting back on track before the wheels come off the track completely.

It's not easy doing this! UGH!

[Tcountry]

restaurant/buffet tips
...go with a good friend...get lost in a great convo. Resulting in eating less cause u are talking more
...at the buffet...walk around & pick out a few things u really want...leave the rest alone & only eat half of the stuff u picked
...(Sunshyne & I do this) take another foodie with u & split the meal (it got us thru vacation)


Don't forget it is ok to have a cheat day. Have an awesome meal then get back on track. It is a lifestyle change....still gotta do what makes you happy! :)

Sounds like u had a great week....everyone is doing so well...I love stalking Sunshyne & reading this thread.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

We made it through another week! Whoohoo!

Ezee~ the bright side is you maintained your weight and still had fun this last week! I read your posts and it sounds like you do great! Keep going! You've got this :)

[sweetfemme247]

I dont think I will ever lose weight while living with my aunt, instead of encouraging me, she puts me down

[Zimmeh]

Congrats and I do the same thing. I pick at my food and eat until I am full. If I want dessert, I will nibble on it until I to am satisfied.

Have a great day!

Zimmy

Weigh-in day today revealed a total of 3.6 pounds gone forever since last Sunday.

I am SUPER happy with that because I had 2 meals out this week and both of them were buffets. (which can be super scary for a foodie like me).

Some tricks I employed at the buffet dinners we had this week:

1. Ordered unsweet tea and water and drank almost 1/3 glass before I ever began eating. I have read multiple articles about water being essential for digestion and it also helps you feel more full!

2. Started with a salad. A BIG one of mostly greens and carrots. When I say big, I mean BIG. Green roughage is great for digestion and lettuce is virtually calorie-free.

3. I was reasonable about what I wanted to eat. i.e. One of our meals was Chinese and I LOVE me some crab rangoons. They are pretty hefty on points and also fried (which I stridently try to avoid) but I'm sorry, going to a Chinese meal without at least one crab rangoon would leave me feeling deprived. So I ate one! It was GREAT and I felt super-satisfied with it.

4. Load up on veggies: I had green beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, boiled cabbage, spinach, and brown rice at the country-cooking buffet before chowing down on a couple of bites of steak, grilled chicken, and a wonderful sliver of meatloaf.

5. Have dessert. Or don't. But don't obsess about it. The country cooking buffet had homemade carrot cake with cream cheese icing. That's a huge weakness for me. HUGE.
I sat for a minute thinking that I was going to skip dessert but then asked myself, "Is it reasonable?" The answer was yes after thinking of the good workouts this week and all the meals within strict point range.
I ate some carrot cake! Not a lot, but enough to satisfy my sweet tooth. It was delicious and wonderful and I did not feel deprived!

Anyone else have tips, I'd love to hear them!

[Medusa]

I had a really BAD week. I just felt pretty sick of counting points to be honest so on some days I didn't even bother to eat my points for the days and then on other days I ate far too much of the wrong things. Out of town visitors led to two dinners out and I didn't even really try to watch it. Then Sunday was Comic-Con and I ate bad snacks. Wednesday we had tickets to the Indigo Girls so before we went I ate badly, too much bread and had also had big cocktail. Then I was just sort of in the screw it mode the rest of the week. I skipped working out twice as well because I was so tired from staying up waaaay past my bedtime.
On the positive side I did say no to the desserts at work this week as there was two days were the office was overflowing with cakes and cookies. I chose not to partake in any of it.
All in all at my weigh in yesterday I had gained 2oz. Not a lot but it is time for a reality check about how much I really want this. I know I do want my old body back but am I really wiling to do the work? I believe I am so I am getting back on track before the wheels come off the track completely.

It's not easy doing this! UGH!


Go Easy, Ezee!

Your bad week with dinners out and 2 less workouts only resulted in a 2oz gain - That's pretty incredible! We're all going to have gains and weeks where we say "fuck it" and get buckwild with alcohol, carbs, meat, etc. My week for that will come and I'll be in here talking about it when it does.

I get what you are saying about the mentality of "fuck it" too. It's hard to make that U-turn and walk it back with yourself. For me, it's a lot like going back to the neighborhood where I know I can get my drugs and being reluctant to just leave without the fix. My "fix" is eating too much, feeling full to popping, and then sitting around and doing some unhealthy self-loathing where I tell myself I'm an unworthy sloppy fat ass who can't control herself and blah blah blah. Because then? I talk myself into getting the food/fix and I still get to have my feelings of being unworthy/shame (my other "fix"). It's a "win/win" with the full tummy and bad feelings because it's what I know! (and am working to unlearn)

You are here and present and being accountable to yourself. That's enough for now. <3

[Rockinonahigh]

I had a really BAD week. I just felt pretty sick of counting points to be honest so on some days I didn't even bother to eat my points for the days and then on other days I ate far too much of the wrong things. Out of town visitors led to two dinners out and I didn't even really try to watch it. Then Sunday was Comic-Con and I ate bad snacks. Wednesday we had tickets to the Indigo Girls so before we went I ate badly, too much bread and had also had big cocktail. Then I was just sort of in the screw it mode the rest of the week. I skipped working out twice as well because I was so tired from staying up waaaay past my bedtime.
On the positive side I did say no to the desserts at work this week as there was two days were the office was overflowing with cakes and cookies. I chose not to partake in any of it.
All in all at my weigh in yesterday I had gained 2oz. Not a lot but it is time for a reality check about how much I really want this. I know I do want my old body back but am I really wiling to do the work? I believe I am so I am getting back on track before the wheels come off the track completely.

It's not easy doing this! UGH!


Hey Ezee,no its not easy,I garentee you I have fallen off the wagon a fue times..all I can say is just do the best you can on any given day.This past week was a bummer about working out..I havent been to the gym at all you can bet monday I will be back at it.Other than weight loss I now am realiseing I need the endorphine rush to boost my energy and keep my mind sharp,with out this I tend to be a lot sluggish and off center the longer I dont go work out...I really hate the feeling that comes with out the rush...I get the feeling like I have slept way to long..yucky feeling.

[Medusa]

I had a hankering for something chocolate-y tonight so we ran out to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things and I grabbed a box of WW dark chocolate raspberry bars. Talk about YUM!

Only 2 points!!!

[jelli]

I had a hankering for something chocolate-y tonight so we ran out to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things and I grabbed a box of WW dark chocolate raspberry bars. Talk about YUM!

Only 2 points!!!

Aren't they divine!!!! The smoothie bars are very good too.

[moxie]

I had a hankering for something chocolate-y tonight so we ran out to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things and I grabbed a box of WW dark chocolate raspberry bars. Talk about YUM!

Only 2 points!!!

Have you tried the Skinny Cow chocolates yet? They are sooo good (kinda pricey). They are 3 (heavenly crisp) and 4 (dreamy clusters) WW points, the portion size of a regular candy bar, and with the dreamy clusters (which are like a 100,000 Grand bar) I can eat 1/2 a serving and have my candy fix filled.

[Medusa]

Aren't they divine!!!! The smoothie bars are very good too.

OMG Jelli! They are ADDICTIVE. I'm cheap too so the fact that there are 12 in a box for the same price as 6 of the giant fudgesicles is pretty awesome too. I can see these becoming a staple on the "favorite snack" list! :hangloose:

[Medusa]

Have you tried the Skinny Cow chocolates yet? They are sooo good (kinda pricey). They are 3 (heavenly crisp) and 4 (dreamy clusters) WW points, the portion size of a regular candy bar, and with the dreamy clusters (which are like a 100,000 Grand bar) I can eat 1/2 a serving and have my candy fix filled.

PURE! I haven't tried those yet but I think I'll add them to the pile the next time I run out of the WW ones ;)

I've noticed a lot of them contain malitol and will probably plan to eat them at home because the last thing I ate with malitol in it was a piece of "sugar free" Russel Stover candy and I farted enough to fill a hot air balloon! :|

[moxie]

Does anyone here do Schwan's? I now live in a very rural area and the grocery has very limited choices by way of frozen food and what they do have is not very healthy for you. They do Schwan's delivery here and am thinking about doing it but don't know what is good/good for you and what's not.

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Congratulations on the loss Medusa! Proud of you!

Talkin about all these chocolate snacks is making me crave chocolate!

[Medusa]

Does anyone here do Schwan's? I now live in a very rural area and the grocery has very limited choices by way of frozen food and what they do have is not very healthy for you. They do Schwan's delivery here and am thinking about doing it but don't know what is good/good for you and what's not.

I have never done it but have always been curious about it. I'm trying to do more unprocessed food but you've made me want to go sneak a peak at their website :)

[jelli]

Does anyone here do Schwan's? I now live in a very rural area and the grocery has very limited choices by way of frozen food and what they do have is not very healthy for you. They do Schwan's delivery here and am thinking about doing it but don't know what is good/good for you and what's not.

I don't use Schwan's, but I remember my grandma doing so. Here's a link to their site and I noticed they have a Live Smart Healthy Food section.

http://www.schwans.com/

[jelli]

Does anyone shop at Aldi's?

http://aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm

[Zimmeh]

Good Morning Everyone,

I slacked off for the last two days. I got up early this morning and went for a power walk. I came home afterwards and had a cup of Chobani Prach Greek Yogurt, a small banana and coffee.

Have a good day,

Zimmy

[Zimmeh]

Just wanted to pass this information on. They just announced on the news, that The Cheesecake Factory is launching 40 new healthy and calorie friendly menu.

How wonderful is that?

Zimmy

[Inked_Trinity]

Good morning everyone! Just got home from the gym. Went 6 hard rounds with my trainer this morning. I have a feeling I'm going to be a little sore tomorrow, took some good body shots. Had my protein shake for breakfast and I have dropped 1lb. Only 14 more to go! FIGHT ON!

[JustJo]

I dont think I will ever lose weight while living with my aunt, instead of encouraging me, she puts me down

Hey sweetfemme,

I know how hard this is. Long story, but my family is highly critical...particularly around issues of weight. Since they are naturally slim and athletically built people, and I take after the other (round and soft) side of the family, they really couldn't relate to me or my realities.

One of the things that I found helpful is to call them out on it (and, yes, that's difficult). Generally, people who make passive-aggressive nasty or ciritical remarks aren't expecting for you to respond other than by being hurt.

I'm not saying get into a huge argument.....but a calm honest response that questions them can be remarkably effective.

My mother couldn't speak for about 5 minutes the first time I responded with "So Mom, the last few times I've seen you, you've made critical remarks about my weight. Do you honestly think that the most important thing about me is the size of my waist?"

It might not have been the most brilliant question, but it did slow her down.
After that, every time she'd be critical I'd call it out and question if that's what she really meant to say, and if she was actually defining me and our relationship by my weight.

Eventually, she stopped.

I'm not promising anything....but people who use sarcasm and criticism to control others aren't usually prepared for calm, honest confrontation.

Just something to think about....and wishing you the best. :rrose:

[moxie]

Does anyone shop at Aldi's?

http://aldi.us/index_ENU_HTML.htm

I did sometimes when there was one close by. They have produce and staples (salt, sugar, flour, etc) for usually cheaper than most everywhere else.

[jelli]

Good morning everyone! Just got home from the gym. Went 6 hard rounds with my trainer this morning. I have a feeling I'm going to be a little sore tomorrow, took some good body shots. Had my protein shake for breakfast and I have dropped 1lb. Only 14 more to go! FIGHT ON!

Hope you aren't too sore come morning light. You got this!

[Rockinonahigh]

I kinda fell off the wagon seat this morning,I ate a hunybun oooooo it was so good,did I feel guilty noooooooo I did not.What is qing up my stomach is eating a bit of roast,potatos( very small one) then less than a half hour haveing a bowl of near frozen peaches with cottage cheese.It was hot cause the ac had been on the fritz and the place hadnt cooled off well enough..yet.
I havent eaten that much so close together in a long time,u can bet it will be a longer time before I do it again.As Scarlett said ..tomorrow is another day.

[Inked_Trinity]

UGH!!!!! I am so sore today. I can't let the pain stop me from going to the gym tonight. I have to be a little bit crazy to enjoy boxing so much. I really just want to go back to bed, skip work and everything else today. I keep telling myself... what do you want? And what are you willing to do to get it? It's not helping this morning! UNMOTIVATED!

[JustJo]

Baked chicken and two bowls of salad for dinner last night. :)

[Leigh]

Hey sweetfemme,

I know how hard this is. Long story, but my family is highly critical...particularly around issues of weight. Since they are naturally slim and athletically built people, and I take after the other (round and soft) side of the family, they really couldn't relate to me or my realities.

One of the things that I found helpful is to call them out on it (and, yes, that's difficult). Generally, people who make passive-aggressive nasty or ciritical remarks aren't expecting for you to respond other than by being hurt.

I'm not saying get into a huge argument.....but a calm honest response that questions them can be remarkably effective.

My mother couldn't speak for about 5 minutes the first time I responded with "So Mom, the last few times I've seen you, you've made critical remarks about my weight. Do you honestly think that the most important thing about me is the size of my waist?"

It might not have been the most brilliant question, but it did slow her down.
After that, every time she'd be critical I'd call it out and question if that's what she really meant to say, and if she was actually defining me and our relationship by my weight.

Eventually, she stopped.

I'm not promising anything....but people who use sarcasm and criticism to control others aren't usually prepared for calm, honest confrontation.

Just something to think about....and wishing you the best. :rrose:


Jo,

I know this reality all too well, having so many people remind Me constantly about My weight and how I'm a "big" person. I get it I'm fat, I see it everyday and I encounter the bullshit that comes along with it everyday of My life. Last night I went to visit My best friend L and her boyfriend J, with whom I had a falling out with the other day though we talked things out before it ended our friendships. J is not a big guy though he does have a beer gut, and he is constantly making fun of My weight ~ if I try and tell him that it hurts Me and that I want it to stop his famous remark is "suck it up princess". Why should I? Just because he's used to stick thin people being in his life, why should I deal with that kind of negativity? Me and him bug one another, which is fine I can deal with it, but his biggest thing is to use My weight against Me like its funny.

I hate the fact that so many people define one's relationship with another person based on their weight. I totally understand health concerns and such, but there is no excuse for making fun of someone just because they are overweight ~ there's no excuse for it. I don't make fun of people for anything, whether it be overweight or something else, because I know how much that kind of thing hurts. I like your approach to your mom and how you handled her criticism of you but I just wonder, how do you handle someone who is constantly using your weight against you? When they are not rational or think its just plain funny to make fun of you, how do you really make them understand that its not okay? I'm still trying to figure this out and short of telling him to eff off and get out of My life, I don't know what else to do ~ I'm at a loss here.

Anyways enough of a thread derail, I hope that everyone has a fantastic day and that everyone's weight loss is on track :-)

[Liam]

...how do you handle someone who is constantly using your weight against you? When they are not rational or think its just plain funny to make fun of you, how do you really make them understand that its not okay? I'm still trying to figure this out and short of telling him to eff off and get out of My life, I don't know what else to do ~ I'm at a loss here.


Sounds to me as if you are describing a bully, perhaps your answers can be found in that direction.

[PinkieLee]

(((Matthew)))

I am so sorry that you've got this "friend" in your life, that is using your weight as a bullying tool. Honey, that is NOT cool! I don't care how long I've known someone or what their relationship is to me... if you disrepect me or cause me pain ~ you can get the hell out of my life!

Life is too short to center yourself around that kind of negativity. You need to surround yourself with people (family & friends included) that support you, your goals and the positive changes you are making in your life. "The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." You are well on your way Matthew... do not give away your power or self-confidence.

[JustJo]

how do you handle someone who is constantly using your weight against you? When they are not rational or think its just plain funny to make fun of you, how do you really make them understand that its not okay? I'm still trying to figure this out and short of telling him to eff off and get out of My life, I don't know what else to do ~ I'm at a loss here.

Anyways enough of a thread derail, I hope that everyone has a fantastic day and that everyone's weight loss is on track :-)

Hi Matthew,

It's not a derail at all. I think that a lot of us have dealt with people like this and it's painful and difficult...and that feeds into the negativity that pushes some of those emotional eating buttons...so it's a vicious circle.

Sounds to me as if you are describing a bully, perhaps your answers can be found in that direction.

I agree with Liam. People who honestly think it's funny to hurt other people after being alerted to the fact that their comments are painful ....for me, those are bullies or worse.

I certainly don't have all the answers but, for me, I try to be firm and straightforward and let them know that what they're doing isn't okay with me and that, if it continues, I'm done.

If they continue...then I really am done. I create distance, and silence. For how long? It depends. There are people I've cut completely out of my life. There were others that I distanced from long enough that they got the message and changed their behavior towards me.

Honestly, I think some people are just plain toxic...and I'm better off with them out of my life.

It's one of those tough calls that everyone has to make for themselves.

Wishing you the best on figuring this out. :rrose:

And.....just because....anyone who called me a friend and then said "suck it up princess" after I honestly and directly told them they were hurting me? They'd get more than a "fuck off". But that's just me. :)

[Nina]

(for what it's worth) I too agree that this person is behaving in ways a bully behaves...and, if I may be blunt, is just plain Mean...especially when they've been told it's hurtful and disrespectful, and continue to do it?---that'd be The Door for me...and, I do know how it can be hard to cut someone out who is toxic and mean...we can rationalize their 'good' points....we can rationalize how they may even be 'right' in their criticism on some levels..we can, and do, many things to accept bad behavior...I believe we move away from it when and as we are ready...I hope for you that either they Stop It...and in the alternative, you are able to step away from such ugly and mean-spirited comments...

anyway...I just hope that you are able to be kind and supportive to and for yourself and create a life where the people you invite into your life do the same...

I echo Jo's last statement :)

[Leigh]

I agree with everyone here, and Nina trust Me your opinion means as much to Me as everyone else's does. Yes he is mean and I've seen it before, and his girlfriend (who has been My best friend for 15 yrs) says its just him and somehow thinks she is changing him ............ and yet, I've seen no changes! Worst thing is that, she has begun to pick up his same mannerisms and knows she is doing it yet doesn't think any of it is wrong. I apologize for bringing the thread down or derailing its intended purpose, its just nice to hear others opinions on this kind of situation.

Everyone's thoughts mean alot to Me, giving Me a different perspective on things so thank you ~ back to your regularily scheduled thread :-)

[PinkieLee]

Matthew, do not apologize for sharing how you feel. I'm very sorry to see that your best friend is picking up some of her boyfriend's bullying traits. Just let me say this... just because someone has been your friend for 15 years, doesn't mean that they are a GOOD friend.

It is up to YOU, to take back control of your life & stand up for yourself. If it means walking away from their negativity, than so be it. It's quite evident that they don't have your best interest at heart. Friendships are supposed to lift you up... NEVER bring you down.

You do have many friends here & family that wants to see you succeed on this journey. Take care of you!!

[Sparkle]

Matthew, maybe you can limit the amount of time you spend in the presence of your best friend's boyfriend? Make plans to see her at your place or some place out and about where he won't be. He sounds like a wanker and neither you (nor she) is likely to change that. Keep your chin up, you're doing great things for yourself and his snide comments should carry no weight (pun intended ;) ) with you.

I work really hard to maintain a positive attitude and I have no tolerance for people who are negative and mean-spirited. For me, pervasive negativity can be like a black-hole and can drag down my attitude (even if it isn't directed at me). If at all possible I cut people like that out of my life and if I can't do that (if they're a family member or a work colleague) I make conscious decisions to limit the amount of time I have to interact with them.

I know it is tricky when it is a close friend or family members' partner though.
Good luck!

****

I'm quite excited because I weighed in today to find that I lost an additional 1.2lbs last week... despite the fact that I had special weekend company; I went out to eat (a lot), I had more cocktails than I normally would have over the course of a long-weekend and I didn't exercise on my normal schedule or intensity level.

I had given myself permission not to fret too much about counting points or marking times of workouts, but I expected to see a gain or a hold-steady on the scale. 'Tis a pleasant surprise and means I've lost 5lbs total in the past 3 weeks. :)

I think that means that *for the most part* I was making good choices about what I ate and drank in terms of content and portion size.

[PinkieLee]

WOOOHOO Sparkle, you go honey! Congrats on the weight loss! 5 lbs in 3 weeks is amazing... keep up the great work!

For me, cocktails are my downfall. I'm not gonna lie, my friends love to "encourage" me to eat out or have a night out on the town. Which of course used to mean mass amounts of margaritas. Once I learned how many points were in a 4 ounce serving of margaritas I almost choked! 9 points for a 4 ounce (yep a bathroom size dixie cup) margarita. I used to drink fishbowl margaritas (32 ounces)... which totals 72 freakin' WW points for ONE margarita! That's almost 2 days worth of points! I guess I never wrapped my brain around the empty calories that most cocktails have!!

Now when I go out with friends, I drink vodka, tonic water & lime for 4 points (thanks Sparkle for the advice) or I stick to the MGD 64 beer which is only 1 point each! If we go out to eat, I stick with chicken or fish that's been grilled and add a salad (ok, and split a roll with someone, just because I wanna taste the damn bread!).

Portion size has always been iffy for me. A heaping pile of 1 cup, is not the same as a leveled off 1 cup. I was convincing myself that I was keeping up with the portion size... but truth be told I was adding extra portions. Now, I take a knife & level it off, then add it to the plate.

Ok, y'all... let's get the momentum going! After dinner tonight, we'll be heading to the gym for a workout. I am ready!

[Leigh]

Matthew, do not apologize for sharing how you feel. I'm very sorry to see that your best friend is picking up some of her boyfriend's bullying traits. Just let me say this... just because someone has been your friend for 15 years, doesn't mean that they are a GOOD friend.

It is up to YOU, to take back control of your life & stand up for yourself. If it means walking away from their negativity, than so be it. It's quite evident that they don't have your best interest at heart. Friendships are supposed to lift you up... NEVER bring you down.

You do have many friends here & family that wants to see you succeed on this journey. Take care of you!!


I don't know what I'd do without friends like you Pinkie, thank you! I was never very close friends with L (the one I've known for 15 yrs) but she's been there for Me since I came out last year as FTM and was one of very extremely few people in My life real time who accepted Me and supported Me without fail and she's never been this way ~ she's only started acting this way ever since she met him. We had an incident yesterday where it basically came down to Me getting upset with the guy and telling him our friendship was done, only to have him text Me back and tell Me that if I was done with him then she said she was done with Me too. I don't want to throw 15 years out the window but she has already alienated another one of My friends, one that her b/f bullies besides Me, and neither of them think anything is wrong with it.

I find alot wrong with it and am tired of it already but I'm giving them one more chance ~ if it happens again, they can both go away because I refuse to keep that kind of negativity in My life! :fastdraq:

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Matthew~there is nothing wrong with you, just a whole lot wrong with them! Sounds like a bully for sure! And if there is anything I have learned in my years of teaching and dealing with bullies, even the adults bully to distract from their own weakness and insecurities. You are above that Matthew and you have a great heart that it puts you far above those assholes. You are doing a great job, dont let them distract you. You have friends here that will love and support you through it!

I have made some progress :) I am back at my gym doing my regular workouts...feeling sore but loving it. The sauna has become my best friend lol Miss T but have not done any emotional eating! Thats hard for me!

My darn phone doesnt let me rep and it is driving me nuts! My computer is not workingand my phone makes it hard to use! Blah! Sorry off topic :)

[Medusa]

It's telling that I had a super stressful night last night being up alllllllll night with work-related fuckery and am completely exhausted but still feel the need to connect to this thread. That makes me happy.

It's because you all rock. Truly. In magical ways.

Matthew- Don't let mean-spirited people get in your head. People who do shit like that usually have their own internal stuff that tells them they can't support someone else or be positive because they are too busy being unhappy. Look yourself in the mirror and see the wonderful person that you are, the sweetness and light and flip the bird to that kind of negativity. You are going places, baby!

Now - In order to get my mind off of what looks to be another 20-hour day at work, I decided to cook up something yummy. I am very privileged to get to work from home whenever I want and I am taking full advantage of it today by filling the house with yummy smells!

Here is a semi-recipe for "Medusa's ALMOST Vegetarian Enchiladas":

(and anyone who cooks authentic Mexican might want to turn their head right now because this is the Arkansas version....NO, there's no VELVEETA envolved!!! LOL)

Diced Tomatoes (I used a can because I'm lazy)
Boneless Skinless chicken (I had a bunch that I had grilled up so I used about 3 large chicken breasts pieced up)
Chopped Garlic ( I used 2 cloves of fresh)
Chopped onion and bell pepper (to taste)
Sweet red pepper (I leave mine in strips)
Kernel corn (I used a drained can because Im lazy)
Chopped jalapenos (a friend gave us a sack so I chopped up two!)
chili powder, cumin, cilantro, black pepper, etc. (to taste!)

Cook all this together on low in a huge skillet with lid on. You won't need any oil or anything because of the juice from the tomatoes but you can add a little stock if you want.

All of the above ingredients only has points from the chicken! You can also add lots of other veggies depending on what you have.

Once this simmers down a bit, I usually add a can of black beans (drained). Don't stir too much or you'll get a gray mush that is super un-appetizing.

Make up a pan of homemade enchilada sauce. I use the following:

10oz can of tomato paste
beef stock (the low sodium kind!)
cumin
oregano (YES, it's good!)
chili powder
a tiny bit of corn starch to thicken

Keep this warm but not hot or you'll burn the shit out of your fingers.

Grab some corn tortillas!

Once your chicken and sauce is done, roll a corn tortilla in your enchilada sauce so that both sides are coated and lay in a baking dish. Fill with your chicken mixture and roll up. Pop in the oven at 350degrees for a little bit, maybe 20-25 minutes? and Voila!
I used to roll these in oil first to pick up the sauce but you save a LOT of points when you leave out the oil and also can save a lot of points by not adding cheese.


When I add these up, the points arent bad. If you use the small corn tortillas (which will make a LOT in a big baking dish), these enchiladas are only 3 points each. I make mine pretty big so 2 is a nice lunch with a side salad.

The tortillas 1 use are only a point each :)

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Can we just say YUMMOLA!

It's telling that I had a super stressful night last night being up alllllllll night with work-related fuckery and am completely exhausted but still feel the need to connect to this thread. That makes me happy.

It's because you all rock. Truly. In magical ways.

Matthew- Don't let mean-spirited people get in your head. People who do shit like that usually have their own internal stuff that tells
them they can't support someone else or be positive because they are too busy being unhappy. Look yourself in the mirror and see the wonderful person that you are, the sweetness and light and flip the bird to that kind of negativity. You are going places, baby!

Now - In order to get my mind off of what looks to be another 20-hour day at work, I decided to cook up something yummy. I am very privileged to get to work from home whenever I want and I am taking full advantage of it today by filling the house with yummy smells!

Here is a semi-recipe for "Medusa's ALMOST Vegetarian Enchiladas":

(and anyone who cooks authentic Mexican might want to turn their head right now because this is the Arkansas version....NO, there's no VELVEETA envolved!!! LOL)

Diced Tomatoes (I used a can because I'm lazy)
Boneless Skinless chicken (I had a bunch that I had grilled up so I used about 3 large chicken breasts pieced up)
Chopped Garlic ( I used 2 cloves of fresh)
Chopped onion and bell pepper (to taste)
Sweet red pepper (I leave mine in strips)
Kernel corn (I used a drained can because Im lazy)
Chopped jalapenos (a friend gave us a sack so I chopped up two!)
chili powder, cumin, cilantro, black pepper, etc. (to taste!)

Cook all this together on low in a huge skillet with lid on. You won't need any oil or anything because of the juice from the tomatoes but you can add a little stock if you want.

All of the above ingredients only has points from the chicken! You can also add lots of other veggies depending on what you have.

Once this simmers down a bit, I usually add a can of black beans (drained). Don't stir too much or you'll get a gray mush that is super un-appetizing.

Make up a pan of homemade enchilada sauce. I use the following:

10oz can of tomato paste
beef stock (the low sodium kind!)
cumin
oregano (YES, it's good!)
chili powder
a tiny bit of corn starch to thicken

Keep this warm but not hot or you'll burn the shit out of your fingers.

Grab some corn tortillas!

Once your chicken and sauce is done, roll a corn tortilla in your enchilada sauce so that both sides are coated and lay in a baking dish. Fill with your chicken mixture and roll up. Pop in the oven at 350degrees for a little bit, maybe 20-25 minutes? and Voila!
I used to roll these in oil first to pick up the sauce but you save a LOT of points when you leave out the oil and also can save a lot of points by not adding cheese.


When I add these up, the points arent bad. If you use the small corn tortillas (which will make a LOT in a big baking dish), these enchiladas are only 3 points each. I make mine pretty big so 2 is a nice lunch with a side salad.

The tortillas 1 use are only a point each :)

[PinkieLee]

Medusa, those enchiladas sounds YUMMY! I am so gonna add those ingrediants to my shopping list for next week!

We eat a LOT of chicken at our house... so finding new adaptions to old time favorite receipes has been fun for me. D loves the old Campbells Soup receipe for chicken & rice with mushroom soup. Well, instead of baking the white rice & chicken smothered in cream of mushroom soup this is what I've changed it to...

Cooking the chicken breasts in a skillet with a lil' EVOO.
We switched from white rice to brown rice... Sucess Rice makes a kick ass boil in the bag brown rice.
Then I mix the cooked brown rice with about 1/2 the can of FAT FREE cream of mushroom soup and use the other 1/2 of the can to cover the chicken (just pour it on top of the chicken while the skillet is still warm).

Making those few lil' adjustments, helps cut the WW points in half & lower the calorie/carb count!

It's still so easy to make, and still tastes a lot like the traditional receipe... which is always good for us. Then I just make a salad or a couple of veggies for side dishes. There is always plenty left over for lunch the next day, too.

[JustJo]

Both of those recipes sound sooooo good....gonna' have to try them! :)

And, on another note....as you may recall, I went off artificial sweeteners. No more diet cokes, coke frees, etc.

Instead I drink Sobe LifeWater (sweetened with stevia) or drink unsweetened ice tea I brew at home (part black tea, part green tea for the good stuff in the green tea). Sometimes I drink it plain...sometimes I add a little stevia or agave or even honey....depending on the status of my sweet tooth.

Well....diet coke (or even worse, coke free) was a big addiction for me. If they were in the house, I would drink them...a couple a day. If they weren't in the house, I'd frequently be asking Scoote "can you bring me home a Coke Free honey?"

Addiction.

I would crave them.

Well, it's been a few weeks and....although it was difficult in the beginning...I don't crave them at all anymore. Poof! Gone! I'm totally satisfied with my water, iced tea, Sobe or coffee (or the occasional V8).

It's too early to tell what the long term effect will be. But here's the interesting parallel....I crave sweets much, much less often as well. :)

I'm not craving cookies or chocolate or candy bars....(almost) at all. And I haven't been craving any McDonald's runs for Big Macs and fries either. :|

Unheard of.

And makes me very happy. :cheer:

[Medusa]

Just so we all know? THESE are amazing:

http://www.buythecase.net/uploads/products/200/3000016912.jpg

Only 2 points for 10 of them and they are yummmmmmaaayyy!!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

2.70 miles later...400 calories gone...sitting in sauna feeling damn good!

[sweetfemme247]

Hey sweetfemme,

I know how hard this is. Long story, but my family is highly critical...particularly around issues of weight. Since they are naturally slim and athletically built people, and I take after the other (round and soft) side of the family, they really couldn't relate to me or my realities.

One of the things that I found helpful is to call them out on it (and, yes, that's difficult). Generally, people who make passive-aggressive nasty or ciritical remarks aren't expecting for you to respond other than by being hurt.

I'm not saying get into a huge argument.....but a calm honest response that questions them can be remarkably effective.

My mother couldn't speak for about 5 minutes the first time I responded with "So Mom, the last few times I've seen you, you've made critical remarks about my weight. Do you honestly think that the most important thing about me is the size of my waist?"

It might not have been the most brilliant question, but it did slow her down.
After that, every time she'd be critical I'd call it out and question if that's what she really meant to say, and if she was actually defining me and our relationship by my weight.

Eventually, she stopped.

I'm not promising anything....but people who use sarcasm and criticism to control others aren't usually prepared for calm, honest confrontation.

Just something to think about....and wishing you the best. :rrose:

my family is way bigger then me and she gets pissed if i lose weight and she dont

[Inked_Trinity]

Just so we all know? THESE are amazing:

http://www.buythecase.net/uploads/products/200/3000016912.jpg

Only 2 points for 10 of them and they are yummmmmmaaayyy!!

Try the caramel corn ones! HOLY CRAP! I keep a bag in my office.

[PinkieLee]

Try the caramel corn ones! HOLY CRAP! I keep a bag in my office.

The caramel ones are the SHIZNIT! So good... especially when you are craving sweet, salty & crunchy!!!

[PinkieLee]

my family is way bigger then me and she gets pissed if i lose weight and she dont

I know it has to be hard when family and/or friends don't support you on this journey. But remember, you are doing this for YOU, not for them. People use those bullying tactics out of jealousy. (they are miserable, so they want you to be miserable, too). So, you keep moving in the right direction... and know that you have lots of support here!

[sweetfemme247]

thank you...

[JustJo]

my family is way bigger then me and she gets pissed if i lose weight and she dont

That's a tough one for sure.

One of the biggest things I've had to learn (and learn again and again and again :) ) is to not compare myself to other people. Somehow it always ends up with me feeling crappy.

And, sometimes, family and friends want to keep you pulled down to their level. It's an unfortunate truth that not everyone is happy to see others succeed, or be happy.

I'd say focus on yourself...do what you know is right for you...and do your best to let the negativity slide off. Like others have said here....sometimes distance is your friend, especially when you're surrounded by negativity.

[Medusa]

What Pinkie says is so true. I would seriously question a friend or family member who did some form of sabotage around my health routine. Whether it be finding reasons why you shouldnt exercise or shaming and blaming around losing weight, I think there can be a lot of enabling stuff around codependant relationships and someone working to keep you unhealthy or immobile.

Not saying at all that anyone but me is responsible for my health but I do think that we have to be super-diligent about surrounding ourselves with people who are positive, supportive, evolved, and invested in US in healthy ways.

If someone wants to be your "diet buddy", make sure they aren't really asking you to be their emotional support/punching bag in ways that are going to drain your energy.

If a family member or friend can't say "I am so happy for you" or "Im proud of you" when you make strides to be healthier, consider limiting their access to your space.

Most of all, you need to be able to say to yourself that your health is a priority for YOU and than nobody has the right to stand in the way of that. You need to be able to look around at the people in your orbit and know that they love you, support you, and want nothing but the best for you not because it will bring something good to *them* but because it will be good for *you*.

Also, don't base your happiness on the "what you'll do when...." stuff. Don't get caught up in "when I lose weight, I'll go on a cruise..." or "when I lose weight, I'll buy a new car...".
Because ultimately, you're alive right now. Get the car. Go on the cruise. Wear that dress. LIVE. Unabashedly.

We're perfect just the way we are. We'll be perfect when we are both larger and smaller, fatter and thinner. Our bodies are not the single determining factor in our "acceptability". We're acceptable NOW!

[Rockinonahigh]

Try the caramel corn ones! HOLY CRAP! I keep a bag in my office.

Curious..how many carbs are in them???Hummm.......

[Rockinonahigh]

Over the years ive had friends come and go,but a fue months ago I had to drop a long time friend and her partner,now wife, even tho its not leagle hear yet.When I frist met R we became friends while I was in college a long time ago then she met B who has become the guarding wall of all the world to keep who and whatever sheilded from R.it has taken a fue years for B to do this.Now she ansers the phone for R,is the third party in any convo with anyone R speaks to,plands out everyday and everything they do and who is seen at any given time.I can beleave my old friend allows this.As things grew more dramaitc and toxoc with all the changes and problems in there life I became the Dr.Phill they called when probs came up.Any plands we made were changed or canseld without notice or care who or what was involved.So I didnt hear from them for three months,B called and started in about this prob and that family member did this or that.I simply told her I retired for the fixit buisness..also I had moved on so should they.Yes it was hard to do only cause of old friendshilp over the years..but something I had to do.I am better for it..more at peace and no drama to deal with there is a saying about not being tall enough to ride the drama coaster..it is so true.

[Scorp]

Okay...So I had a weak moment today and had a lunch date with some friends...We went to Bertucci's and I got an individual lunch size mushroom pizza.

Needless to say, I felt guilty after the fact...However, it was so damn good...

Tonight i'm skipping dinner because I'm not hungry. Later on I'll have my reduced-fat cheeze-it's while watching my tv shows....

[little_ms_sunshyne]

""We are acceptable now..."

Those words ring so much truth. We forget that we are worthy of living! I am guilty of avoiding certain things because I am insecure. I went to hawaii and didnt wear a bathing suit! One day I looked at T and told him I was tired of not doing things because of my weight. While I have gotten better, I am far from where I need to be with confidence. I dont even like to take pictures of myself lol Oh jeez! This thread makes me open up like a book! In any case, We are worthy of living DAMNIT! And those that judge us and think otherwise..."fuck 'em" *curtsy* sorry I have been cutting down on my profanity to only 5 times a day lol

[Inked_Trinity]

Curious..how many carbs are in them???Hummm.......

Since I don't eat a lot of carbs.... I really have never looked.

[Rockinonahigh]

Since I don't eat a lot of carbs.... I really have never looked.

Im staying away from as many carbs as I can cause all it dose is chub me up,I was at wall mart but didnt find any but will check at my grosery store later.

[Rockinonahigh]

I recently got me a big multi pack of chrystal light lemonade mix and now keep it in the fridge to drink,im trying hard to kick the soda habit,I only had part of a diet coke today.


P.S.
For clairty B&R arent on this site nor will they ever be.Once they told me people who are on sites like this cant really beleave it works.There words not mine.

[Leigh]

Matthew~there is nothing wrong with you, just a whole lot wrong with them! Sounds like a bully for sure! And if there is anything I have learned in my years of teaching and dealing with bullies, even the adults bully to distract from their own weakness and insecurities. You are above that Matthew and you have a great heart that it puts you far above those assholes. You are doing a great job, dont let them distract you. You have friends here that will love and support you through it!

I know your absolutely right, and yes J can be a very big bully ~ he admits he doesn't care if he hurts someone, they can either suck it up or move on and then when I get upset he wonders why. Gee what could be the matter, insulting Me all the time and thinking its comical? Sorry, NOT funny. I know he has weaknesses and I can tell more now than ever he is trying to compensate for that by being mean to others. I'm learning My lesson very fast when it comes to him ~ My patience is wearing thin with him and if it comes down to Me walking, then I will have no problem walking away from that negativity!

Matthew- Don't let mean-spirited people get in your head. People who do shit like that usually have their own internal stuff that tells them they can't support someone else or be positive because they are too busy being unhappy. Look yourself in the mirror and see the wonderful person that you are, the sweetness and light and flip the bird to that kind of negativity. You are going places, baby!

I've always had a problem with letting negative attitudes get to Me, but I guess alot of that stems back from My childhood when I was constantly getting bullied and teased by the kids at school for being overweight. My dad has the same kind of negative attitude towards Me (plus many others) and since living with My parents is the only option right now I have to deal with it. I know that I am going to go places very soon, once My sister is back in school I am going to look into either a part time job or full time school ............. either way, come September I'll be working to get on My own pretty quick :-)

And, on another note....as you may recall, I went off artificial sweeteners. No more diet cokes, coke frees, etc.

Instead I drink Sobe LifeWater (sweetened with stevia) or drink unsweetened ice tea I brew at home (part black tea, part green tea for the good stuff in the green tea). Sometimes I drink it plain...sometimes I add a little stevia or agave or even honey....depending on the status of my sweet tooth.

Well....diet coke (or even worse, coke free) was a big addiction for me. If they were in the house, I would drink them...a couple a day. If they weren't in the house, I'd frequently be asking Scoote "can you bring me home a Coke Free honey?"

Addiction.

I would crave them.

Well, it's been a few weeks and....although it was difficult in the beginning...I don't crave them at all anymore. Poof! Gone! I'm totally satisfied with my water, iced tea, Sobe or coffee (or the occasional V8).

It's too early to tell what the long term effect will be. But here's the interesting parallel....I crave sweets much, much less often as well. :)

My BIGGEST downfall is Pepsi, I've tried stopping them but I don't know what it is I just can't seem to do it on My own. Water is not something I'm fond of and even Crystal Lights don't seem to do it for Me ........... am I doing something wrong? Or am I maybe too used to them that My body craves them even more? I really don't know but I'm going to try again in the next day or two to really get back on a water kick (I was doing so well for a couple of days too). Well it happens we all fall off the wagon, but I'm determined to get back on it and ride off into the sunset :D

my family is way bigger then me and she gets pissed if i lose weight and she dont

Your beautiful just the way you are honey ~ I know someone specifically who is a big problem where your family is concerned and I'd certainly love to tell them a thing or two!!!!

I know it has to be hard when family and/or friends don't support you on this journey. But remember, you are doing this for YOU, not for them. People use those bullying tactics out of jealousy. (they are miserable, so they want you to be miserable, too). So, you keep moving in the right direction... and know that you have lots of support here!

Yes it is hard and since basically 99.99999999999999999999999% of the family on both My mom and Dad's side have labeled us the "black sheeps" of the family, My only true support is My mom and one friend (besides all of My friends here on BFP). I've learned to ignore than bull crap and have been living My life the best way that I know how ........... so far so good, there are always things to improve but things could definately be worse!

What Pinkie says is so true. I would seriously question a friend or family member who did some form of sabotage around my health routine. Whether it be finding reasons why you shouldnt exercise or shaming and blaming around losing weight, I think there can be a lot of enabling stuff around codependant relationships and someone working to keep you unhealthy or immobile.

Not saying at all that anyone but me is responsible for my health but I do think that we have to be super-diligent about surrounding ourselves with people who are positive, supportive, evolved, and invested in US in healthy ways.

Most of all, you need to be able to say to yourself that your health is a priority for YOU and than nobody has the right to stand in the way of that. You need to be able to look around at the people in your orbit and know that they love you, support you, and want nothing but the best for you not because it will bring something good to *them* but because it will be good for *you*.

Also, don't base your happiness on the "what you'll do when...." stuff. Don't get caught up in "when I lose weight, I'll go on a cruise..." or "when I lose weight, I'll buy a new car...".
Because ultimately, you're alive right now. Get the car. Go on the cruise. Wear that dress. LIVE. Unabashedly.

We're perfect just the way we are. We'll be perfect when we are both larger and smaller, fatter and thinner. Our bodies are not the single determining factor in our "acceptability". We're acceptable NOW!

Coming from someone as fabulous as you hun, those are fantastic words! Sometimes I wish I lived closer to alot of My B-F family members, but atleast knowing that your all there just when your needed makes it easier to realize that I have *BIG* chosen family right here :-)

[PinkieLee]

""We are acceptable now..."

Those words ring so much truth. We forget that we are worthy of living! I am guilty of avoiding certain things because I am insecure. I went to hawaii and didnt wear a bathing suit! One day I looked at T and told him I was tired of not doing things because of my weight. While I have gotten better, I am far from where I need to be with confidence. I dont even like to take pictures of myself lol Oh jeez! This thread makes me open up like a book! In any case, We are worthy of living DAMNIT! And those that judge us and think otherwise..."fuck 'em" *curtsy* sorry I have been cutting down on my profanity to only 5 times a day lol

I totally feel you on this one Sunshyne! Putting our lives on hold for eventful day "when we lose weight" does not work! I've been guilty of it myself. I refuse to let my fear of what others MIGHT think & insecurities stop me from living my life to the fullest potential!

You got this pretty lady... keep your head raised high & go out there and do your thing!!!

[PinkieLee]

Okay...So I had a weak moment today and had a lunch date with some friends...We went to Bertucci's and I got an individual lunch size mushroom pizza.

Needless to say, I felt guilty after the fact...However, it was so damn good...

Tonight i'm skipping dinner because I'm not hungry. Later on I'll have my reduced-fat cheeze-it's while watching my tv shows....

Pizza.... one of my downfalls! Not only do I love it, but it's always such an easy route to go when I don't want to cook. If we order pizza, I do my best to keep bags of salad or veggies in the fridge, so I allow myself to eat 2 pieces of pizza & make a salad to go with it.

Don't feel guilty Jackie... you kept it in moderation. A personal size mushroom pizza is not gonna kill you. See, you already had a game plan for the rest of the day, so you were good. I'm glad that you enjoyed the pizza date with friends!

[Medusa]

Let's put this down on the list of crappy ideas:

It's 116 here today with a heat index in the bazillions. I thought it would be a stellar idea to get a big floppy hat and iPod and go walk the hills so I could sweat a bunch and lose a million pounds.

Well, BULL. SHIT.

I lasted all of 15 minutes before I realized it was an insane idea and that I was probably going to get heat stroke. (ya think?!!!)

I'm waiting a bit and gonna hit the exercise bike instead!

[little_ms_sunshyne]

Medusa you just cracked me up! Lol I sat in the sauna for a while and thought sitting outside would do the same!

Sweetfemme- hope you are having a better day today! We are here for you!

PinkieLee we have to promise not to limit ourselves anymore! We can do this!

Workout today was great! 3 miles :) felt good! Also went for a late night workout last night! Feeling very energized! This weeks find is Fuze drink, slenderize. Only 15-20 calories in a bottle. Try it :) I have to tell u it helps cause I hate water! Thats a bad thing to admit!

[Sparkle]

I wonder if anyone has any tips or tricks or good techniques for developing effective breathing while exercising?

I've re-started the couch to 5k program www.c25k.com ... again. It may kill me. :| Running is hard and I don't like it. I never did.

I can walk, swim, kayak or nordic ski for miles; but running just seems painful and impossible to me.

However, I am doing c25k because:
a) I need to step up my aerobic exercise from power walking so I don't plateau
b) I need to have a more time economical exercise routine, sometimes an 60-90minutes of walking isn't always practical in my daily life
c) I am ridiculously stubborn :| and the fact that I have continually failed to get past week 3 of this program means I feel compelled to prove to myself that I can.

But a week and a half in to it I'm realizing I need some advice and tips on proper breathing techniques.

I understand diaphragmatic breathing and can do it when I'm standing still but I can't seem to get it to work when I'm moving, especially when I'm running. I don't know if its a rhythm issue or a coordination issue or a thinking/doing issue --- but I've always had the same trouble when I've taken pilates or yoga classes and I've never been able to meditate (but that may be a different issue).

Does anyone have any back-to-basics learning to breathe advice? podcasts? exercises?

[little_ms_sunshyne]

I havent mastered this myself Sparkle. I just do alot of deep breathing from the diaphram. I try not to think about it. I used to just focus on my breathing and it would throw me off. I would be interested in some tips myself...

[Sparkle]

I havent mastered this myself Sparkle. I just do alot of deep breathing from the diaphram. I try not to think about it. I used to just focus on my breathing and it would throw me off. I would be interested in some tips myself...

Yeah, if I think about it I'm likely to fall over from the effort and my inability to coordinate both my powers of reasoning and powers of running.

[Tcountry]

for sure not a professional opinion...
but when I was in college training for volleyball...we would run miles & miles.
it helped me to breath in for so many steps & breath out for same amt of steps...(think it was 4 or 6...too many yrs ago)
helped keep my mind off my burning muscles too...lol
*tip hat*

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I have been reading my Prevention magazine this week and I've found some yummy recipes! I'm thinking of making a veggie pizza soon! I also have drinking the Izze sodas. I drink so much water, soymilk and orange juice, that I want something different. It has 120 calories for the whole bottle and is very good. My favorite flavor is the pink grapefruit one.

Have a good night! I am going to be waking up early and hitting the pavement before it gets to hot in the morning!

Night,

Zimmy

[Scorp]

Well Rosie...I must confess... As planned I DID NOT eat dinner. However, I settled for a large soft serve vanilla ice cream cone with chocolate jimmies (sprinkles).... :doh: So you see, I'm bad...very bad :eyebrow::overreaction:


Don't feel guilty Jackie... you kept it in moderation. A personal size mushroom pizza is not gonna kill you. See, you already had a game plan for the rest of the day, so you were good. I'm glad that you enjoyed the pizza date with friends!

[sylvie]

good morning everyone!

i didn't get to go for my weigh in this week yet, because the lady i see at work who does it was off tuesday and i am off today and yesterday, so hoping to do it tomorrow or monday ..

going for a walk at the Nature Park with a friend i havent seen since i was 11 years old today, excited to see her after so long - and of course for the walk because i never get to go to the Nature Park its pretty far from home..

Sunshyne, i sooo know how you mean about confidence and stopping doing things because of your weight.. i've lived that for many years and currently said i , too, am tired of not doing things because of my weight.. i like my slow building confidence and find i am doing things more now than i ever have, small accomplishments i'm very proud of, but SO far to go yet - my self esteem is higher than its ever been that i can remember... Even though far to go, its a nice feeling to have some and do little things i never would have considered before.. We can do this!

[Zimmeh]

Here are some recipes that I found in my Prevention Magazine and wanted to share them:

Chopped Chicken Salad;
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves 4
-3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
-2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
-2 tsp. Dijon mustard
-8 cups of spring mix with herbs<about 8oz>
-4 Lg hard boiled eggs; peeled and quartered
-1 sm cucumber, sliced
-1 1/2 chopped rotisserie chicken<about 8oz>
-1/3 c chopped red onion

*Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper in serving bowl
*Add remaining ingredients and gently toss to combine
*Serve in salad bowls

*Nutrition Facts<per serving> 276 calories; 24g of protein; 6g of carbs; 2g of fiber; 16.5g of fat; 3.5g of saturated fat; 333mg of sodium



Southwestern Pizza
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 pizzas <10”>
Serves: 4

*Prepare grill for medium-high heat
*Grill 2 small ears fresh corn and 1 small fresh Poblano Chile until charred
*Cut kernels from cobs and peel, seed, and chop Poblano
*Unwrap the whole wheat pizza crusts and lightly coat 1 side of each with olive oil spray
*Put crusts oil side down on grill and heat until bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes
*Flip crusts and sprinkle evenly with:
-1 ¼ c coarsely grated pepper Jack<about 5oz>
-Corn kernels
-Chopped Poblano
-3 Tbsp. roughly chopped red onion<about ½ small>
*Grill until bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes longer
*Remove
*Sprinkle pizzas evenly with:
-3 Tbsp. cilantro leaves
-Freshly ground black pepper
*Cut each pizza into 4 slices

Nutrition facts <per 2 slice serving>: 297 calories; 13g of protein; 33g of carbs; 4g of fiber; 13.5g of fat; 6.5g of saturated fat; 463mg of sodium


Enjoy!

Zimmy