I am the Biggest Loser...Kinda.

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by christie0918

I had a not so great weekend. Snow and baking cookies for Jess... Lil bastards called my name... they finally had to go to the trash...

The weather makes it harder for me... I want warm, comfort food and well, no carbs is hard to manage.

I'm hanging in... I did ask Jess to toss the lil sugar bastards... LOL

Hey Christie....I had a quick question. Do you feel like the low carb works better for you than low calorie? things is....if you did low calorie you wouldn't have to completely cut out anything. Makes you not have to sit around thinking about carbs b/c you just had some wheat pasta for dinner, ya know?

Just my .02. Of course I think you should totally do what you think is best for you

Originally Posted by Diva

Several things......

* 21 now

* That being said......I went to brunch (ate things SOOOOO bad!) and NO ONE could tell that I had lost 21 lbs.

This was me ~ ~ ~>

Ok, not really...but WTF!?!?! So I just joked (as we all do, don't we?) that I had lost it all in my spleen. Bummer. It was disheartening, because *I* can feel it. My face is thinner and my pants fit better.

* This past weekend, I ran out of the last of my CoffeeMate creamers (yes...I had just about every flavor). Those of You who know me, KNOW how I adore my coffee! But starting on Saturday, I began drinking my coffee without that creamer. It hasn't been too awful.....and I think what I'll do is use it as a treat...like dessert. But I'm not having it in this house...unless I have company.

So...some good stuff....and a thin spleen to boot! Keep up the good work everybody!

OH LICIOUS!!!!!!!!!! I love you!!!!!!! Congrats on 21 lbs!!!!!!!!!!! whoooottt whooootttt!!!!!!

PLUS, I completely KNOW how hard the creamer cut out was for you! CONGRATS on that P.S.- they have low calorie/low fat flavored creamers out there my love

Originally Posted by amiyesiam

in January I lost 5 lb and excercised 577 minutes

Great job Darling

that's a lot of workout tons more than me that's for sure

I really should get a game on wii but they're max out weight is usually 350. I have a lil to go before then

Originally Posted by Lady Jewel

As a reminder...we decided in our last meeting to alternate the meeting days and times between Wed and Thur evenings. Soooooo...this weeks meeting is Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM PST/10:30 PM EST. Also, due to some issues we had to change the password so please PM me and I will give you the new one. Also, the topic for this weeks meeting is, "Strategies that work for weight loss". So please think about strategies that have worked for you, and that you wish to share with others.

Awesome...I'll be there

Warmly,
Jewel

Originally Posted by Gemme

Okay, I get this. Getting there (gym) is the hardest thing. But once you are there, you don't have to kill yourself, okay? Take it easy. Or break things up. Dedicate at least half an hour to working out and make it ACTUAL work out time, not stretch time (you need that before and after) or change machines time. Working out time. If it makes the time fly to change machines, do it. But keep a record of what you've done.

Those machines are anywhere from 10-25% off of what we really burn. I ignore that part. I keep a record of my blood pressure and heart rate before I work out and after I'm totally done and have stretched and cooled down. I keep a record of what machine I used, how many calories it said I burned, the time it took me, and the distance. I keep all of this info in a small notebook that fits in my exercise pants pocket. I have a cute hot pink mini pen that I write the info down with. That notebook and pen are dedicated to my workout info ONLY. It's to the point where I panic if I think I've forgotten them. Now, that might be a bit much, but it shows me that I've done it enough to that it's an expectation on my part and that's a good thing. I got this way by not having any expectations for myself. What good has that done?

I bring my MP3 player also. It's been a Godsend, I tell you. I would get so bored, even with the machines with TVs on them, that I would never finish more than 15-20 minutes. Now, I go as long as the Y machines let me, which is 65 minutes each round. An hour for working out and 5 minutes for cool down.

I don't recommend going full blast or an hour every day. I work out hard half the time and give myself a break half the time. As long as I'm THERE, it's a victory to me.

Nice hints, thanks.

I totally know I can get manage things once I get there. I just need to go.

I need to shut up and go

Originally Posted by Just_G

So today I got on the scale at work as I was getting ready to weigh some packages I wrapped for UPS. I am down 12 pounds from about two weeks ago. I am very happy with that because I have not done a lot of exercising, but have been eating better. (and not eating as often as I should because of stress) I have a lot of grilled chicken breasts and steamed veggies with salt and pepper only.

I went to pick up dog biscuits at Target and they had a Jillian DVD on sale so I bought it for $10. I start working out to it on Wednesday...trying to get a couple of friends to join me for motivation to do it.

So, slowly I am motivating to do more....it is exciting!

ooohhhh G-Furr!!! yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy


So, I weighed in today since I am off until Thursday.

Current weight=




That's 19.2 lbs down in 4 weeks y'all whooo hoooooo!!!!!!!

I am so thankful for the accountability and friendship I have here!

Even when I wanna so bad I feel

I love you guys

I think it's all about the small changes. One small change at a time. For me it was substituting healthy ingredients in my meals. Then shrinking the sizes of my meals. Next will be changing my activity levels.

I'm so proud of each of you for making the small changes.

Let's keep up this journey

[christie]

Originally Posted by canmarielan

Hey Christie....I had a quick question. Do you feel like the low carb works better for you than low calorie? things is....if you did low calorie you wouldn't have to completely cut out anything. Makes you not have to sit around thinking about carbs b/c you just had some wheat pasta for dinner, ya know?

Just my .02. Of course I think you should totally do what you think is best for you

For me, the no/low carb works best. I have a health condition and predisposition for Type II diabetes. I was diagnosed with PCOS many years ago and have the associated insulin resistance with it. IR seems to be the precursor for Type II and low carb diets usually work best.

Additionally, there seems to be a relationship between carbs and increased fibromyalgia symptoms. When I am having a "carb-fest", I know that the following couple of days are just gonna be HELL when it comes to my pain levels. Since I am on no prescription meds now, and want to stay that way, its just best for me to do the no/low carbs.

I usually don't feel "deprived" (depraved maybe - but that is another thread entirely!) but when its time for my cycle, well, I crave carbs. I am pretty good at keeping the demon at bay, but this weekend wasn't one of those times.

Many years ago, I did Weight Watchers and it worked really well for me. This was pre-PCOS/IR/Fibro. I really enjoyed the meetings - we did an "at work" group and it was awesome to be a part of a group who supported, encouraged and helped one another self monitor.

Yesterday was a better day

[morningstar55]

applebees has a awsome weight watchers menu ..

http://www.applebees.com

[Arwen]

This is hard to write.

I weigh exactly what I weighed at the start. EXACTLY.

I am told my diet sodas are bad. I just do not know if I can ever give them up. I'm only drinkiing 2-3 a day usually. I will try to bring that down. I do not want things with aspartame in them. That stuff makes me really yucky all over.

I know where my problem lies. It's in the portion control. And in the lack of exercise. I have taken to parking farther away from anything I am going into (including work) when I can and when the weather isn't hideous.

I'm thinking about buying a bike but I do not know the FIRST thing about that. I just want a bike I can ride around on. I don't need a fancy-schmancy thing. Just an old ladies bike with a basket. The grocery store is close enough. I could bike there. I could even bike to work by taking the back roads.

All three of my jobs keep me at my computer a LOT. I swear I can feel my butt spreading out as I sit here.

And for the record, Diva, I could tell you'd lost weight. I'm sorry for not saying anything. I've had it ingrained into me that it's "bad" to mention as if I'd noticed your weight in the first place. So I do apologize.

[Just_G]

Another great book that is about lifestyle change, is The Abs Diet. It is not a "diet" book like it sounds. I had a lot of success when I read it and followed some of their advice. They have some great quick recipes for those that don't have a lot of time to cook.

Now, if I can just remember who I loaned that book to...I need to re-read it!

[Diva]

Originally Posted by Arwen

This is hard to write.

I weigh exactly what I weighed at the start. EXACTLY.

I am told my diet sodas are bad. I just do not know if I can ever give them up. I'm only drinkiing 2-3 a day usually. I will try to bring that down. I do not want things with aspartame in them. That stuff makes me really yucky all over.

I know where my problem lies. It's in the portion control. And in the lack of exercise. I have taken to parking farther away from anything I am going into (including work) when I can and when the weather isn't hideous.

I'm thinking about buying a bike but I do not know the FIRST thing about that. I just want a bike I can ride around on. I don't need a fancy-schmancy thing. Just an old ladies bike with a basket. The grocery store is close enough. I could bike there. I could even bike to work by taking the back roads.

All three of my jobs keep me at my computer a LOT. I swear I can feel my butt spreading out as I sit here.

And for the record, Diva, I could tell you'd lost weight. I'm sorry for not saying anything. I've had it ingrained into me that it's "bad" to mention as if I'd noticed your weight in the first place. So I do apologize.

When I was teaching, I drank 3 cups of coffee before school...then, throughout the day, I drank 4-6 Diet Cokes. It became a joke to the kids if I didn't have a can on the piano. But then I kept hearing about all the negatives.....plus the caffeine withdrawals.....

But over the past years, I have gone to NO diet drinks and as of last week, I'm on 100% decaf. So it CAN be done, Arwen....You just have to set Your mind to doing it, and I know You can do that. Sometimes, I will splurge at a restaurant and have a diet coke....but that's not often.

When we went to brunch, I felt totally stuffed and miserable after that meal. What was I THINKING???? (And thanks for noticing, btw!) And the GREASE.....I guess, because I was just more aware, I had never noticed how much salt and grease was in my 'store bought meal'.

And by the way.....we're going to have a nice salad and broiled fish this evening. Ok, ok....and 20 hush puppies.

[PinkieLee]

I want to say CONGRATS to all the biggest losers right now! Y'all are doing AWESOME... keep up the amazing work of motivating yourself & your friends here!

A website that I like is called, www.3fatchicks.com.
They've got forums, recipes, BMI calculators, calorie counters, progress charts... everything that you can possible think of. Just another little tool if you like that sort of thing.

I still haven't gotten on the scale yet, and honestly I don't know why. Right now, I am trying to concentrate on just eating better and drinking as much water as humanly possible. Maybe I will bite the bullet and get on the scale tonight. No better time then now, huh?!

[Arwen]

Originally Posted by Diva

When we went to brunch, I felt totally stuffed and miserable after that meal. What was I THINKING???? (And thanks for noticing, btw!) And the GREASE.....I guess, because I was just more aware, I had never noticed how much salt and grease was in my 'store bought meal'.

And by the way.....we're going to have a nice salad and broiled fish this evening. Ok, ok....and 20 hush puppies.

Thank you! I was full but didn't eat again until 6 or so! I so appreciate that encouragement for the diet coke addiction. I'll drink tea tonight. But hush puppies will be eaten. No second bowls! lol But I picked that place because we could get fish and I knew you had good memories of it.

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

I still haven't gotten on the scale yet, and honestly I don't know why. Right now, I am trying to concentrate on just eating better and drinking as much water as humanly possible. Maybe I will bite the bullet and get on the scale tonight. No better time then now, huh?!

That scale is my worst enemy. I really shouldn't weigh myself because I really do get discouraged by it. I'm not unhappy with my weight or look. I think I'm a pretty sexy woman. But I don't FEEL GOOD and that's the key right there. I want to feel more energetic!

[Just_G]

I totally agree about the whole "it's how I feel" thing! I don't own a scale, but have one at work for our UPS packages. So, I really guage how I am doing by how my clothes fit...espcecially my fave jeans...which are getting a bit looser. (when they are back to hangin' off my hips and baggy, I will be one happy camper!) Granted, I am not losing a lot of weight, but I am working out and I am sure that the lifting that I am doing is making it seem like not much is changing.

I just keep doing what I know works even if it doesn't work for anyone else.

If I could just go out and not drink BEER! I love my happy hour one day a week though!

[Arwen]

I just did two pans of Lazy Lady Chicken. One has olive oil, tabasco, Tony's, garlic and a bit of honey. The other has olive oil, lemon juice, lemon-pepper seasoning and garlic

Tonight I'll buy some more letutce and it will be chicken and salad. I have to eat when I get home at 10 or later. So this will prevent me from eating something less healthy.

G, have you tried some of the low-carb/sugar beer? Is it nasty? Be a dear and drink one for the team so we know, okay?

[Lady Jewel]

Maybe someone has an idea for me...I have trouble sleeping at night due to chronic pain. So my whole schedule is topsy turvy. Compound that with me being a night eater. Im just not hungry during the day. Ive tried the six small meals thingy...but doggone it, late at night Im always starvin. Any ideas?

Jewel

[christie]

Originally Posted by Lady Jewel

Maybe someone has an idea for me...I have trouble sleeping at night due to chronic pain. So my whole schedule is topsy turvy. Compound that with me being a night eater. Im just not hungry during the day. Ive tried the six small meals thingy...but doggone it, late at night Im always starvin. Any ideas?

Jewel

For me, nights when the fibro is kicking and I can't sleep, the portion control, must-eat-every-carb-in-the-house demon is BAD.

The food demon for me is looking for that endorphin release so that it ramps down the pain.

My solution is simple. I replace the food endorphins with sexual ones. If Jess isn't available to participate, I indulge in a lil solo action. If once doesn't abate the pain, well, thank goodness for hoarding Energizer (a different thread, I suppose... that whole hoarding thing!)

I am sure that you could get the same from exercise endorphins, but usually when I am in that kind of discomfort, the LAST thing I wanna do is exercise.

I saw a documentary several years ago on women's health and one of the things that stuck out was that sleep deprivation or erratic sleep cycles were a connection with weight gain/difficulty in losing weight. It was a chicken/egg first thing.

Sleep is so very important and even more so when you do have chronic health/pain issues.

Sonata, Ambien, etc were my best friends for years. I am determined not to be a slave to prescription medication again, so now I dose with Tylenol PM nightly. I have spoken with my doc about the LT use of this and feel that the risks to my health don't outweigh the benefit for me.

This may or may not be helpful, but the whole orgasmic endorphin part certainly couldn't hurt!

Christie

[Diva]

Tonight, I was a bad girl.

Not in a good way, either.

I had fried fish for dinner. It didn't take 15 minutes for me to FEEL it, either. And while I didn't eat the fries, I'm pretty sure I ate 247 hushpuppies.

It was good going down, but now I am risking a setback by eating it and I'm not happy with myself.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Lady Jewel

Maybe someone has an idea for me...I have trouble sleeping at night due to chronic pain. So my whole schedule is topsy turvy. Compound that with me being a night eater. Im just not hungry during the day. Ive tried the six small meals thingy...but doggone it, late at night Im always starvin. Any ideas?

Jewel

I was thinking about this today and have a few ideas to suggest. A few of the things that has been suggested to me in regards to improving sleep and helping at lose weight have been a few of the following:

- no caffeine drinks after 4pm.
- make your last meal of the day no later than 7pm
- get ready for sleep by dimming lights 20-30 min before going to bed. Turn off the TV and meditate (stop thinking -- it's actually harder than we think)
- look into getting melatonin capsules (this may require some experimentation on the right dosage but I've heard a few people swear it's a great way to bring a person closer to sleep state and keep them there).

Now that all said, given that you tend to eat later in the day, shift your six meals to later (rather than starting at 8am start at say 12noon but ensure your last meal is about an hour and a half to two hours before going to sleep; make sure it is also not the heaviest/largest meal of the day as you will be actively digesting it while sleeping -- and that can keep you awake).

Hopefully this will give some ideas to help. Routine is something that helps but if your routine is different than others that's fine as well as long as you try to keep some routine since the body responds better to that).

[Gemme]

Originally Posted by Arwen

This is hard to write.

I weigh exactly what I weighed at the start. EXACTLY.

I am told my diet sodas are bad. I just do not know if I can ever give them up. I'm only drinkiing 2-3 a day usually. I will try to bring that down. I do not want things with aspartame in them. That stuff makes me really yucky all over.

I know where my problem lies. It's in the portion control. And in the lack of exercise. I have taken to parking farther away from anything I am going into (including work) when I can and when the weather isn't hideous.

I'm thinking about buying a bike but I do not know the FIRST thing about that. I just want a bike I can ride around on. I don't need a fancy-schmancy thing. Just an old ladies bike with a basket. The grocery store is close enough. I could bike there. I could even bike to work by taking th (Cre back roads.

All three of my jobs keep me at my computer a LOT. I swear I can feel my butt spreading out as I sit here.

And for the record, Diva, I could tell you'd lost weight. I'm sorry for not saying anything. I've had it ingrained into me that it's "bad" to mention as if I'd noticed your weight in the first place. So I do apologize.

Start to bring in other beverage options as you begin to lessen the diet sodas. They aren't completely evil, so one now and again won't hurt you too badly. I use a lot of the drink mixes (Crystal Light when they are on sale, Wally World or other generic is the same stuff) to help me and I get a lot of flavor while upping my water intake (always a good thing). Having plenty of water in you helps to push the hush puppies through, yanno? White grape is my favorite thus far. I also drink V-8 Berry Blend, but I dilute it as much as I can tolerate with water. The same for oj and apple juice and other non-carbonated drinks. Sometimes, it's not the soda thing so much as the "I need carbonation NOW!" thing. So, maybe a ginger ale or spritzer or something might help.

You know how you know things but don't KNOW things? Yeah, that's portion control. A size of meat shouldn't be larger than a deck of cards. Good sized fruit (oranges, apples, etc) about a fist. Natural sweeteners are better, so keep honey nearby. Most times, a cup comes out to be a handful (literally, a hand full only!) of whatever. I've started to really crack down on the portions and things like the salad dressing killed me at first.

I like a little salad with my dressing, if you catch my drift. Well, 2 TBS (the usual serving size) goes awfully fast. I've learned to put one in and swirl it around and eat some down before adding the next. I had a huge salad for breakfast thing morning and had 3 TBS but it went into 3 cups of lettuce and spinach, a whole pepper, tons of cherry tomatoes and a sprinkling of the last of some bacon bits. I got some salad spritzers on sale too, so I'll play with them soon too. Ten spritzes is a serving and the servings come out to 10-15 calories. Not too bad!

As for those on odd schedules and/or victims of the nighttime munchies, I feel you. I tend to eat more as the day progresses too. The breakfast I mentioned? That was at noon. Lunch was at 5ish and dinner before 9pm. An evening snack at 11pm is not uncommon as I get off of work at 11pm. You just have to adapt your eating schedule to your working/sleeping schedule. I try to eat more during the first two meals and eat better for me, less calorie options later on. My midnight snack was a snack size bag of air popped kettle corn. 60 calories. Woot!

It takes some planning and work, but once we all get a hang of it, we'll be fine. For the record, I haven't dropped a lot of weight and I don't anticipate doing so (though I'd love to). My body has pretty much stuck in the same part of the scale for years now. I do, however, notice a difference in how my clothes fit and how I feel. When I eat poorly, I feel it. The bloating, the overfull feeling (which I am growing to not like), and the sluggishness just aren't worth that last cupcake to me. Or that bowl of ice cream. Right now, I have 2 1/2 half gallons of ice cream in my freezer. Two are still in the wrapping and the other, while tempting, does not push my eat me NOW buttons like it used to. As my honey says, the less of the junk I eat, the less I will crave it.

BTW, did any of you know that many French eat dessert first? Know why? Sugar stimulates your appetite. So, I try not to eat super sweet stuff at the end of the meal anymore or, if I do, I brush my teeth or pop some sugar free gum in real quick. I'm less likely to shove junk in if I'm minty fresh or my mouth is otherwise occupied. Kissing your snookums is a good mouth distractor too!

[canmarielan]

Originally Posted by morningstar55

applebees has a awsome weight watchers menu ..

http://www.applebees.com

I have been wanting to check that out.

Less than 550 calories they say

Anyone else watch the Biggest Loser tonight??

I mean...Miggy had friggin major surgery and walked 13 miles in one day.

We can friggin do this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Arwen

This is hard to write.

I weigh exactly what I weighed at the start. EXACTLY.

I am told my diet sodas are bad. I just do not know if I can ever give them up. I'm only drinkiing 2-3 a day usually. I will try to bring that down. I do not want things with aspartame in them. That stuff makes me really yucky all over.

I know where my problem lies. It's in the portion control. And in the lack of exercise. I have taken to parking farther away from anything I am going into (including work) when I can and when the weather isn't hideous.

I'm thinking about buying a bike but I do not know the FIRST thing about that. I just want a bike I can ride around on. I don't need a fancy-schmancy thing. Just an old ladies bike with a basket. The grocery store is close enough. I could bike there. I could even bike to work by taking the back roads.

All three of my jobs keep me at my computer a LOT. I swear I can feel my butt spreading out as I sit here.

And for the record, Diva, I could tell you'd lost weight. I'm sorry for not saying anything. I've had it ingrained into me that it's "bad" to mention as if I'd noticed your weight in the first place. So I do apologize.

Arwen,

Diet soda's aren't the devil. I mean...they aren't great for you...but honestly in the eyes of the calorie gods they aren't going to stop your weight loss.

Just make sure you're flushing your system with a lot of water as well. I don't think holding onto your 2 diet sodas for now while you're cutting out other bad things would be a terrible idea. Concentrate on cleansing your life of BAD CALORIES or BAD CARBS or whatever plan you're on. Diet sodas have NEITHER of those things.

Once you have your weight where you want it to be, then concentrate on cutting those out. Why quit everything at once?

Once again, my .02

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

I want to say CONGRATS to all the biggest losers right now! Y'all are doing AWESOME... keep up the amazing work of motivating yourself & your friends here!

A website that I like is called, www.3fatchicks.com.
They've got forums, recipes, BMI calculators, calorie counters, progress charts... everything that you can possible think of. Just another little tool if you like that sort of thing.

I still haven't gotten on the scale yet, and honestly I don't know why. Right now, I am trying to concentrate on just eating better and drinking as much water as humanly possible. Maybe I will bite the bullet and get on the scale tonight. No better time then now, huh?!

Honey if weighing yourself is NOT something you want to do...then don't *wink* I mean....you can tell you're doing the right thing when your clothes fit better, you FEEL better, etc.

If the scale inhibits your happiness and will only depress you then don't do it.

For me, it either shows me I'm doing right...or tells me to work harder.

I realize that for some people it doesn't do that, it only hurts their heart.

However, we all have to start somewhere

Originally Posted by Diva

Tonight, I was a bad girl.

Not in a good way, either.

I had fried fish for dinner. It didn't take 15 minutes for me to FEEL it, either. And while I didn't eat the fries, I'm pretty sure I ate 247 hushpuppies.

It was good going down, but now I am risking a setback by eating it and I'm not happy with myself.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Yes, it will!

I am sure of it

Perhaps take Miss Lucy for a walk up and down that hill in front of your house a few times....that should kick those hushpuppies right outta your system *wink*

[Arwen]

After the 300 hush puppies (because I'm sure I ate more than Diva) and the peach cobbler (not that good actually) last night, I hit the grocery store. I got some more juice for my smoothies as well as some lettuce and other stuff. Even thought I am three cans away from a total Coke Zero (only 40mg of sodium per can, yo), I did not buy another 12 pack. We shall see how this goes. I also bought my fave little grape tomatoes and lettuce for my lunches/dinners.

I am also perusing bikes. I just think if I can find soemthing to do, i will be better. I tried to walk to the mailbox yesterday but I don't have shoes that are comfortable. And I have really ouchy feet. One of the things that keeps me from exercise is my physical pain levels.

WHINE.

Perserverance and persistance. That's my motto.

I also picked up the Weight Watchers magazine (turned it face down on the conveyer so no one else could see it--snort) It actually had a ton of information along with recipes. Not sure what I think about their point system but the recipes and stories were very good.

[christie]

Originally Posted by Arwen

After the 300 hush puppies (because I'm sure I ate more than Diva) and the peach cobbler (not that good actually) last night, I hit the grocery store. I got some more juice for my smoothies as well as some lettuce and other stuff. Even thought I am three cans away from a total Coke Zero (only 40mg of sodium per can, yo), I did not buy another 12 pack. We shall see how this goes. I also bought my fave little grape tomatoes and lettuce for my lunches/dinners.

I am also perusing bikes. I just think if I can find soemthing to do, i will be better. I tried to walk to the mailbox yesterday but I don't have shoes that are comfortable. And I have really ouchy feet. One of the things that keeps me from exercise is my physical pain levels.

WHINE.

Perserverance and persistance. That's my motto.

I also picked up the Weight Watchers magazine (turned it face down on the conveyer so no one else could see it--snort) It actually had a ton of information along with recipes. Not sure what I think about their point system but the recipes and stories were very good.

Have you tried the sugarfree koolaid/crystal light things? I also have an aspartame issue, but these don't seem to bother me. I have gone from drinking literally a 12 pack+ of mountain dew (non diet) to NONE since August. My personal favs are the "Hawaiin Punch" Orange and Limeaid Berry.

[Diva]

Well.....so this morning, I had my yearly doctor's visit.....and I'm thinkin'....so I chose to eat FRIED food the night beFORE? What was I thinking?

My BP was a little elevated, but nothing drastic.

AND....I have lost 22 lbs.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So perhaps it would have been a little more had I not succumbed to the Hell that IS the Hushpuppy..

They also measured my height....and I am now a 'victim' of old age.....I'm 1/2" shorter. I can no longer bump up my 5'3 1/2" to 5'4"......I am now 5' 3".



All in all.....I'm feeling pretty good right now.

[Gemme]

Was it you, Candace, that said diet sodas don't have anything bad in them? Pretty much anything created by man has something weird in it. Diet sodas have trace amounts of formaldehyde in them. Now, I'm all for preserving what I can, but that CAN'T be good for us.....can it?

Arwen, look around for a small stationary cycle. I was going to mention this last night, but I was so darn tired, I spaced on it once I started babbling. Freecycle and CL usually have something reasonable every so often. Get a small one (since I know you have limited space) and rig it so you can have your laptop on it. Now, don't go all Lance Armstrong on us, but if you keep a slow, steady pace...over time you will feel and see the difference, hush puppies be damned!