Weight Watchers - Supporting Each Other on Our Weight Loss Journey

This is a great thread for those who want support, helpful hints, friendship and a great bunch of people to communicate with. This thread has existed for a long time and I keep re-starting it whenever the old one gets too long. Feel free to stop in and chat, we are not a "closed" group and welcome newcomers. Some of us have been together for well over a year, some only a few days, but we care about each other. We offer tips, we share, we pick each other up of the floor when we've had rough times and we applaud when someone does well.
So, please do stop on by and share a bit, support is what it's all about! We can really do this together!
:hug:

Derry: congrats on you loss. Wow how inspiring!!!! I am leaving tomorrow good idea for me to discuss with you guys. I am leaving tomorrow first stop will be Lake Charles Lousiana we are staying in a casino so you know it will be a buffet I am planning on sticking to the fish and a salad. As far a breakfast and lunch I am not sure where we will be stopping. Next stop will be New Orleans Lousiana once again I am sticking to some sort of salad I don't like fried foods to much so I will be getting grilled foods for lunch and dinner, breakfast if it is continental will be cereal with fruit or something like that. Then next stop will be florida I will probably have some sort of chicken (grilled of course) and stick with my usual breakfast of fruit and cereal. On the way back our first stop will be in Biloxi Mississipi once again we are staying at a casino so this is where I have to be careful of the buffets. After that we are heading back to Kemah, Tx it's this really cute boardwalk town outside of houston that will be fourth of July so this is another day that I am really going to have to be catious. Then it's back home. I think I will have the most trouble at the casinos and of course fourth of July. I am hoping that I can acess internet so I can log on here and keep up with you guys. I am glad I sat and thought about this a little bit it kind of put things into perscptive eating wise.

newlifestyle: Have a good day!!!!

Everyone else I forgot what everyone had to say in their post since this is a new thread but I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Good Morning All,

The last couple of days have been unbearable!!!! Yesterday was so hot and muggy that by 3:00 it just breathing caused me to sweat, it was not pleasant. I'm just glad I wasn't in glass! Today I tried to do something different for breakfast, don't think I'll have it again. Need to keep searching. This morning I'm planning on heading upstairs and getting some quilting done then, my mom and dad are coming over and we're going to walk at the museum (indoors, a/c...) then they're taking me to get my car. Don't know what I'll make for dinner, maybe steak sushi.

Linda - :cheer2: Yea on getting the 10% :cheer2: It took me over a year to get mine too, and then I hovered at that weight for the next 7 mos. But now I'm moving again. So are we going to see more posts since you can't talk? (just kidding)

Briza - :hug: Hope things are looking up for you. Come back when you can.

Laura - did you get to go for that ride? We all struggle at some time, hang in there you'll make it.

Ginny - welcome back. Sounds like you've been busy. Did you make it to a meeting?

Erica - I bet you're great as a leader. Some of the subs we get are pretty ditsy. I like you're idea of setting the keychain on the table. My first one broke and I didn't put the replacement on my keys, but maybe I will....If you're looking for whole grain salad ideas I'm going to post a recipe for wheat berry salad, that's really good. I add grilled chicken and take it for lunch.

Tracy - Don't worry too much about the scale it could be a lot of things that's one reason they say not to weigh yourself every day (I know for some easier said than done). 18 lbs in 6 months is pretty good that's 3/4 lb per week. That's my target I'd be ecstatic.

Well I should get moving if I want to get stuff done. Have a great day everyone. :cool: Try to stay cool and drink that water.

-Tech

Haylo - we posted at the same time. Have a great trip and good luck with those buffets. Keep trying to log those steps and you'll do better.

I couldn't figure out where to put this on the recipe thread so here it is:

Wheat Berry Salad w/Red Fruit (from Eating Well)

Makes 6 servings, about 1 cup each

1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 cups Cooked Wheat Berries (recipe follows)
1 large Fuji apple, unpeeled, diced
1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted and coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1. Combine orange juice and cranberries in a small bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes.
2. Combine wheat berries, apple and pecans in a large bowl; stir gently. Drain the cranberries, reserving the juice. Stir the cranberries into the wheat berry mixture.
3. Whisk the reserved orange juice, vinegar and oil in a small bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over the salad and stir gently to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Serve cold or at room temperature.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 316 calories; 14 g fat (2 g sat, 9 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrate; 7 g protein; 6 g fiber; 363 mg sodium; 90 mg potassium.

Cooked Wheat Berries

Makes about 4 1/2 cups

2 cups hard red winter-wheat berries
7 cups cold water
1 teaspoon salt

1. Sort through wheat berries carefully, discarding any stones. Rinse well under cool running water. Place in a large heavy saucepan. Add water and salt.
2. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per 1/2 cup: 151 calories; 1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrate; 6 g protein; 4 g fiber; 263 mg sodium; 0 mg potassium.

The wheat berries freeze pretty well, so last time I made a big batch and froze them in 1C bags, I pull them out and add the other ingredients to make lunch for 2 days. The salad works out to 7 pts, but I've used less oil and nuts and lowered the fat to get it down, add a 1/2 chicken breast and call it lunch.
The wheat itself is 3 pts per 1/2 cup.

Anyway I really enjoyed this and found it filling, and lasting.

-Tech

Haylo, I'm glad you put down some of your thoughts "in writing" here. I find that if I tell people I am going to do a certain thing, then it seems kind of like a binder of sorts and a true commitment. All the places you are travelling to make me think of true Southern style cooking, the red beans and rice, Jambalaya, crabs, shrimp, gumbos and things like that. Truly, I have not tried these foods, but I recognize that they are prevalent in those areas. I would look up these typical regional foods in my WW materials or on line and see if I can figure out what my lower point choices might be.
Salads can eve be tricky, especially in restaurants. I seem to be doing awfully well asking for oil and vinegar vs. relying on mystery salad dressings. Clear soups (though it will be hot weather) are usually a great choice. I hope you can post from time to time and let us know how you are doing. Try swimming in hotel pools, using their exercise rooms if they have things like that and certainly walking is great, but again it should be hot.
This will be a true test of your abilities. I wonder about the 4th of July and what it is that makes everyone think it's going to be difficult? I guess people are going to parties and things like that? We're not going to be anyplace special, just up at our place on the lake. So, the outcome will be the same as an ordinary weekend, for me. Though, my DH could drag me out for ice cream or something - but I have learned that the low fat frozen yogurts and soft serve ice creams are great and I can get by with those.
Tech, you probably will see more posts from me, as I can't talk. The quiet is driving me crazy!!!! Even my cats seem spooked as I generally keep a constant stream of loving chatter up with them and I'm really being silent! I found several tips on line about dealing with laryngitis and have started gargling with salt water today. I took an antihistamine and will be taking some Ibuprofen in a little bit.
My house is cool at the moment and I'm hoping it stays that way. They are warning us about power outages as so many people are using AC, so I am going to shut down my computer and have shut off anything in the house that doesn't need to be on.
Tech, I have never had or heard of wheat berries... where do you even find them?
I'm hoping that by starting the new thread, by the way, we might see a few of our absentee people show up again. I am finding that the new server just isn't handling a longer thread now. I click below where it says "post quick reply" and things freeze up. If that happens, by the way, click on "go advanced" and then you can post it that way - it works!

derry: you are right about when you tell other people your plans as i was writing I did feel more obligated to follow what I was saying. Good suggestion on looking up points values. On good thing in my favor is that I am a picky eater and tend to stick to the same things i don't like things that are spicy, or fried so I don't see myself eating gumbos, jambalyas, or red beans and rice but you never know i might get a wild streak. Thanks for the tips I am going to look up those things just in case.

Tech: your recipe sounds good, I am going to have to try that sometime, I hope the wheather gets better in your area. Its been the same down here in texas as well hot, humid, and gross.

Haylo, are you familiar with the term "crib sheet"? When I was going to meet a friend for lunch at a Pizzeria Uno I looked up their menus on line and found several of their entrees have fat/fiber/calorie info. I could calculate points values for several things that I might enjoy eating. I jotted down a small list and put it in my purse.
So, you would look up some common entrees and see if you can write points values down and have a small sheet with you to refer to? Not fool proof, but certainly something to utilize. I know there might be some chain restaurants down south that you might end up at? Though, if you are like me, I favor what are called "mom and pop" small places where the food is more like homemade. Though, I have a hard time resisting things like that. I think, down south, biscuits would be my downfall, perhaps?
I napped almost all afternoon and feel really out of it. Sometimes when I nap, I fall into a deeper sleep than I ought to in the daytime and then I feel like I am in outer space or something afterwards. I thought a nap might help me get rid of this laryngitis, but no improvement so far. Oh well.
Dinner tonight is ham steak, salad and some kind of rice or potato. I have to check in with my daughter to see what she wants. It's a boring meal, but easy to prepare.

Hello all.
I hope everyone is having a great day, or a great night I guess.
Linda, congratulation on reaching your 10% goal. I hope you do feel better soon. It just seems to keep on hanging on.
Haylo enjoy yourself. I love jambayala. I usually get a mild version of it. I haven't had it in ages.....I will one day again. Just walk around the casino and people watch and that will add to your steps. Have water, water, water., but most of all have fun.
Tech your salad sounds yummy. I hope it was a good day for you. Is your car okay?
Hi Erica, enjoy your night. How was strawberry picking?
Hello Laura, I hope you are doing well.
Hi Ginny, have a wonderful day.
Tracy you should just go out and jump in that pool, or at least put your feet in it.
Linda D, your daily plan sounded great.
I hope everyone has a great day.
I did have a good day, I am still trying to eat all my points. I have had all my water and fruits, and vegetables. I know I will get them in before the end of the day.
Take Care All
Ann

I keep having trouble posting. Weird

Ann, good to hear from you. Wonder what is going on with posting? I hope you can keep in touch!
I agree, people watching in a casino sounds like real interesting entertainment!
I just had dinner and used a few more flex points than I should have(remember I am doing CORE right now) by having couscous, which I forgot is not CORE. I can't find whole wheat couscous anywhere around here and regular is not CORE. Oh well. I will have to have a total CORE day tomorrow to make up for this.

derry: I like your idea of the crib sheet. I am like you in that I like mom and pop places homecooking type stuff, that would definatly be a downfall for me.

Newlifstyle: yup, I love to people watch I hadn't thought about using the casino and was walking track. Great idea.

Linda - wheat berries are just whole grain wheat kernels. I buy mine at the local bulk food store that has a lot of grains and such.

Ann - my car is fine, it's an intermittent problem with the clutch that I've had for years and only happens when hot, I finally found a mechanic who knows what the issue is and said he could fix the problem. It just cost me $400 and loosing my car for the morning. But it drove home fine and it was hot and a long enough trip it would normally have had problems so :crossed: the problem is fixed.

Time to go to bed. Tomorrow is a work day here.

Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

Good Evening:
I just realized something. I used be bored or lonely during the evening...usually from 7 - 10 pm and my routine was to watch television in the living room and stuff my feelings down with snacks. Since I've been posting here, I now go to my home office, take a huge glass of ice water, and read the posts. Doing this has caused me to stop snacking. Because I'm changing old habits and having a different routine it has caused me to get rid of a very bad habit. Thanks to everyone for their support. So, I guess the more you post the more I will lose. HA-HA :carrot:

Stayed on program today. Took a day off from exercise.

Linda D, way to go with your NSV. Post, post, post.
Great idea reading posts and drinking ice water.
I love coming here, there are so many good ideas I never thought of.
Linda, I hope you are feeling way better today and can talk. I bet those cats miss you talking to them.
Tech, I am glad your car is fixed. It is nice when you can find a mechanic who knows what the problem is.
Erica, good morning.....oh yeah I lost one pound this week. I hope you have an awesome day. Water, water, water,
Haylo, enjoy your people watching. I found whenever I go anywhere I try to walk around as I am people watching and it is not so boring. The problem is when I get to a place and sit down I forget about walking, unless I make a consious effort to walk. The more you walk the more you can eat.....just kidding.
Tracy have a great day. I hope it cools down a bit outside.
Laura, Ginny and Emma, hello.
Sorry if I missed anyone,
Hopefully I can post this morning.
take Care
Ann

Good Morning everyone,
Well yesterday I was off program for the most part. After strawberry picking, we went out on my sisters boat, and then to my mother's pool, and I just wasn't in the mood to count points yesterday, really good right? Anybody have those kind of days? The day ended with us going out for ice cream. I really, really did not want to do it, but DH did, and I didn't think it was fair of me to always be making all of the "food choices". My food choice would've been to just come home and have a WW ice cream bar, like we did on Monday night, surely not as fun as going out for ice cream in everyone's mind.

Ann-wow another pound, that's great! You've gotta change your ticker because I keep waiting for it to flip to 60, we need to have a big online cheer when you get to that 60, that is amazing! You gotta post a picture one of these days....

LindaD- nice picture! That's so true about identifying those lonely times, and doing something about it. I am so thankful that my friend up the road is so willing to talk on the phone with me during lonely, boring afternoons, especially in the winter time. That is my worst time of day. My computer is pretty much in our kitchen, I wish that I could remove myself completely from the area when I'm on the computer, cause it's so easy to just grab food mindlessly when on the computer.

Tech- thanks for posting that recipe, I'm definitely going to have to try that, sounds really yummy! Where do you typically find the Wheat berries?

haylo- wow, your vacation sounds like it's going to be so much fun! Good luck at the casinos, which games do you usually play?

Linda-the one thing that I loved about being on core was the "free couscous" that was a dream! It just seems like pasta to me, but it's not, I think a lot of people think that couscous is pasta. Linda, I just loved what you wrote about your feelings and reaching your 10%, in fact, I just went to the old thread and read it again. It just reinforces the whole "journey thing", that when you reached your 10% before, it was just part of the process of you finally getting to the point mentally that you are at right now. It also reinforces that life just gets in the way sometimes and low and behold weight creeps on our bodies as we have our heads turned the other way. I liked what you said about not wanting to be "that fat lady". I think the biggest challenge that I have as a leader is when members don't have that "click" that goes off in their head that states, "I'm tired of this, I don't want to be fat anymore, and I'll do anything to lose the weight". I think here on this board, for as long as I've been here (since November) it's Ann who has the biggest click that I'm always searching and hoping for in some of the members that I see coming through these meetings. It's like they have these blinders on that horses have in races, and they only see the finish line, and they just keep truckin' along for that finish line. Sure there are bumps and bruises along the way, but they can see the thin person way up ahead just waiting for them.

One of the things that I like to say in meetings is that yes, America keeps getting fatter, and fatter, in fact there is a statistic out there that in another 15 years, if something doesn't change, 85% of Americans will be overweight. We are already the "laughing stock" of the world in terms of our obesity problem. But the fact is, all of us that are doing this, have made the decision to not be a part of that statistic, that we believe being overweight is unhealthy and less than attractive. And on that note, I will be journaling everything today! :)

Unbelievable! Here is a lesson for the day....
NEVER allow a lazy cat to lean up against your keyboard. I typed this really great posting to you all and the silly cat leaned against my escape key right while I was proofreading it and GONE! Darn cat! I do love him though.
I'll be back a bit later, used up all my time on that.
Arrrgghhhhh!!!!!!
By the way not much voice improvement today... maybe a teeny bit.

LindaD: I totally agree with you! I have a pic up on my myspace page that says "I Love my computer because all my friends are in it!" DH doesn't understand... but I *have* to check in with my friends!!! :)

Today, more kids, but less heat. Three are still asleep! The heat really got us yesterday. I'm not sure what the plan is today... I have some housework and bills that need to be done/sent. And I want to change our bedroom sheets. Hee hee. Yuck.
Better get moving! Have a great day!!

Good morning!
Gee, I miss one day and another thread starts.........hmmm.....great that it is so busy here.
I am off to a meeting this am, then an excursion to Walmart. Hope to get back later to read the posts and catch up with everyone. And thanks, Linda, for starting a new thread so that I would not be so overwhelmed with posts and catching up!
Have a great day.
Ginny

And BTW, Linda, your advice about cats also applies to fat, lazy cats. Mine fight to sit on the monitor......or the keyboard.
Tracy, where in NY do you live? Just curious- I live in southern NY state on the NJ border.
Ginny

Haylo, I've survived those mom and pop kind of places, sometimes better than the bigger chains as they are more open to change. I often order a "hamburger plate" at our local diner. But, I say.... "hold the roll, substitute mashed for the fries and substitute the fresh fruit for the cole slaw". I then say add lettuce and tomato on the side. I never have a problem and get a nice (relatively lean) hamburger patty (no cheese) that I can have ketchup with, I like mashed equally well and the fresh fruit is always nice. Try asking! If you could tally up the points I save with this one meal, it's probably about 8 or 9 points. Well worth asking!
Tehc, I'll have to look for wheat berries. Interesting.
Ann, congrats on the one pound loss! Obviously eating those activity points is what is helping you! You go girl!!!!
LindaD, glad you have found us better amusement that watching TV and just think, you are not getting exposed to all those food commercials!
Ann, my voice is still missing today. It's really driving me nuts. But, there is a slight improvement, so I guess staying silent for the most part is worth continuing. If I saw anything when I researched this on line that advised differently, I'd be headed to the doctor. But, I know from what I head (on more than one web MD type of site) that I would be told to gargle with salt water and to remain as silent as possible. They don't bother to refer you further until it goes on for three weeks, however, I should probably get checked out if this lasts much longer. If I can note a small improvement, though, since yesterday, I must be on the right track on my own, though.
Erica, I also have days when I am not in the mood. I just lay it all aside now and then. I do think that even the very best of us have to do this now and then for our own sanity and for the benefit of our other family members who are not on WW. I was reminded, this weekend, when DH went looking in the refrigerator and make an exasperated comment "WHY does everything in this house HAVE to be sugar free, fat free or SOMETHING? Can't we have something NORMAL for a change?"
That tells me that it's time to be considerate and that I need to stop being a control freak in this house and lighten up just a bit. I am not the only person who is eating in this house. However, I say this for me and for your you, that does not give me permission to go wild and eat everything they eat. I need to have my limits, I'm the one who ate my way into being about 40 pounds overweight, my husband has not done this. Should he be punished? No.
Also, Erica, when I have my voice back, you can call ME (or any of you for that matter) during lonely times, bearing in mind time differences and things like that, of course. I am here during the weekdays on my own, when DH goes to NYC and stays usually 4 days a week. My kids are in their own little world and I do get lonely. I am so thankful to have all of you. It would be fun to put a voice together with a name. If any of you have Verizon cell phones, we can call cell to cell for FREE. We should make an appointment to chat once in awhile and PM phone numbers. But, I need a voice in order to do that and if I tried this week, I'd wear myself out. Soon!!!
Gosh, Erica, I'm going to have to go back and re-read what I wrote now, I can't even remember what I said about my 10%, but I'm glad you liked it.
I honestly think some of our statements in this group are quite profound, not just me but ALL of us. I should copy, cut and paste them (not that I have enough hours in the day, believe me!) and create an inspirational book or something!
One thing I wanted to add to something that you said about Americans and their obesity problem. Don't you love how the media shows fat people walking along jiggling in masses on city sidewalks? They cut off the heads of people so we can't see their faces, all we see is an endless stream of fat bodies lumbering along. Well, I am not going to ever be one of those fat bodies! I was heading there. I am not going to be, and I admit I was there, someone who can't cross their legs because I've gotten too fat to put one leg over another! No way!
One of the things that bothers me the most, I think, is the people who say they can't lose weight. They say things like, "Oh, I tried WW, Jenny Craig, Atkins, etc. etc.". But, what they didn't tell you is that they tried for something like a month and gave up as they fell back into their old habits of eating bags of Doritos and ice cream by the pint while they sat on their fat butts watching TV. The lure of the "yummy" (and I love those foods too, believe me) foods and the lazy attitude of just sitting there watching an electronic box to entertain us (and the quality of what we see declines all the more) will certainly kill us all. I fully expect to see death rates climbing as we, as a society (not just the US, I don't think) eat ourselves, collectively, to death.
At any rate, these people who say they tried all these programs and "can't" lose weight are giving up way too soon and they lack motivation and will power. I think those of us who are here show amazing perseverance. I might give in to temptation and have onion rings or a really nice dinner at a restaurant this weekend, but I won't stop trying next week and say, "Oh, I blew it, I can't lose weight". I'll be back journaling, exercising and working on this. It is a lifelong commitment, I know it and I can "taste it".
So, I've learned. I continue, I won't be one of those people. No bulging stretch pants for me, I can wear my size 10 jeans now and they are getting baggy!

Thanks for missing me guys. I've had a black cloud raining on my parade for the past month or so. DH was in a car accident yesterday and we thought he totalled his truck. PLPD on it here in Michigan because the rates are so high (we currently pay $225 a month on 3 vehicles and only one has full insurance) so no reimbursement. He thought he was okay but later in the day he started to hobble around and developed a sore side. I insisted on ER last night and we spent over 4 hours there. He has a cracked knee cap. I have been a wreck as most of you can tell from my posts the past couple of weeks. But today, I took the day off work and I am feeling a sense of relief and respite. I can do this. Life happens and it just is stuff. The important stuff is still here deep inside of each of us and our families and friends.

So anyway, thank you for your good thoughts and vibes and prayers. I am going to pull the rest of the recipes that I had pulled from Aimie's Adventure and put them into a full menu and preplan my week. I can't make WI today due to the lack of a vehicle but I am going to try to run into the center tomorrow for a quickie WI. I don't like that leader so I'll just WI and leave. I feel good today and I can do this. It's okay.

Thanks for listening guys


OH - I'm back - LINDA!!!!!! CONGRATS!!!!!! I am so proud of you!!!!

I'll be back later to reread through some of the posts and comment on some of the others progress too but I had to congratulate Linda right away because we've been here so long together

Laura, honey, so sorry about your husband. Cars are replaceable and knees will heal. Sometimes, I look upon an accident or illness as a "message" that it's time to slow down a bit. Perhaps that is what this bout of laryngitis is telling me? I have no choice.
What is PLPD? I'm not familiar with whatever it is, so wasn't sure what you meant.
You are right, Laura. You certainly CAN do this.
Best wishes during these troubled times,

Laura- I am glad to hear that your husband is ok for the most part. Automobile crashes are so frightening. How did he manage to hit his knee? I hope he does not get whiplash also, that can take a day or so to develop.
Hope your WI goes ok.

Linda- hope your voice gets better. Rest is the best thing for it, and warm liquids, such as tea or broth. It can take several weeks to completely go away.
take care!
Ginny

I know what you mean Linda - I took today off from both my jobs to slow down. I cooked the cabbage goulash from Aimee's site but I used some Chipolte taco seasoning instead of chili seasoning. WOW - is it spicy. But that's okay because I won't eat as much of it due to the heat. That way I'll have enough points to enjoy a WW Smoothie that I purchased this week. They are on sale this month for $5 for 7 of them and thought they will help me thru when the rest of my family are enjoying their dishes of ice cream.

Tech, hope you got your car back safe and sound. Did you get that walk in the cool AC yesterday before the storms? Did your area get as much as the Lansing area? Lansing got 1.66 inches in like 4 hours. Too much to do much ground soaking. It mainly rain straight off. I live 30 minutes south of Lansing so we didn't get that much rain. The systems seemed to have gone north and south of Olivet.

Ginny - glad to see you back! I know how that end of the year, graduation stuff totally occupies your time. I had one this year too and it was my last so now I'm getting a new mindset on where my time lies. NO excuse for not having time for exercise now huh?

Wonder if Paige is having a wonderful time at the beach? What a great week to be on the water and away from the stifling heat.

Treighsie - how did the day go with the kids? You do daycare right? That has to be hard when the weather is so warm.

LindaD - I haven't had a chance to say welcome to our group! Glad to see you here. I'm an oldtimer who gets busy and sometimes forgets to check in.

Haylo - you've become quite the traveler - do you travel with your family? Sounds like you have a plan in place. Good luck and hope you get to check in every so often

Ann - thank you so much for continually looking for me. It really means a lot to me. Wow - you are doing well now that you are eating more. Weird how that works huh?

Briza - how you doing and how's the early morning workouts? Safe I hope.

Erica - it's tough to go out for ice cream. I know our leader says to just have a serving and take the points but ice cream is such a trigger food for me that I crave more and more. Wonder if that "jones" will ever go away?

Well have a good evening everyone

Ginny, you're kidding? Several weeks? I am so annoyed that I am unable to communicate. I did whisper for a period of time this afternoon, as I had a meeting I needed to go through with, and seem to have managed to get through it.
At any rate, it's 3 point dessert night here at this house! Have you all heard about the recipe where you take a chocolate cake mix, stir in 1/2 cup of water and a can of pumpkin and bake as per the mix instructions? You only need to take the points from the actual unbaked cake mix, as pumpkin is 0 points for a cup. So, a slice of chocolate cake with a bit of cool whip on top is only 3 points - I certainly am in the mood for cake! I had to bake potatoes anyway and when it's hot weather, I like to bake more than one thing in the oven at the same time.

Funny you should post this one Linda because I've been seriously considering making this myself today!

Laura, I highly recommend it. Just took it out of the oven and it smells so yummy in here. What I love about it is that it's only 3 points and smells like it would be 8 points, if that makes sense!
Well, time to go, have to peel and cut up carrots to go with dinner. I'm looking forward to dinner. Sirloin tips on the grille, baked pototo with FF sour cream, carrots and salad. Everything Core and all good stuff!

Hi All
Laura: Sorry about your husband's accident. I hope he gets well soon. Nice to meet you too.

Linda: Take care of your voice.

My power went out last night. I had the electric company come by this morning and they got the ceiling lights to come on but no outlets. I had to call an electrician and he found a short in one of the outlets. He said my house could have burned down and that I was lucky to be home when it happened. How scary is that? I started to leave for work but heard something. So when I went into the dressing room area and the hair dryer was on!!! I had tried to turn it on this morning but it wouldn't work so I must have left the switch on. Wow.....two close calls today. Something is still wrong with the computer at home so I thought I'd post from work just in case I can't get the computer to work this evening.

I'll talk to you all soon. Have a nice evening. :scooter:

Hi!
LindaD- gee, two electrical close calls. Pretty scary. Thankfully everything is ok, and I guess you had that short fixed. Electricity scares me, plain and simple. Glad you are ok.

Linda- the cake sounds wonderful. I will have to give it a try after this weekend camping trip. I do the same thing, use the oven for as many different things as possible. Especially in this hot weather. Sorry for the pessimistic news on the laryngitis- but for several winters I got it and it did last for weeks. Of course only the severe hoarsness for a day or so, and the Dr told me to rest my voice. But getting rid of all the huskiness took weeks.
Just think how sexy your voice must sound!;)

Rose- this your first time with the smoothies?? I LOVE the vanilla- try adding a few drops of coconut and or almond extract with the water (made with ice and water as opposed to milk for only 1 pt) and it is devastatingly good. Who needs ice cream! The same extracts work with chocolate- but adding mint extract to the chocolate makes it sort of like a thin mint (girl scout cookie) taste. Enjoy. Gee, I wish I could use all the busyness as my excuse here. THe one part of program I do well is almost always getting my walk in. How are you doing OP? What is your youngest doing next year? (my graduate is going to community college)

Aw, I'd better start packing......see ya tomorrow!
Ginny

I didn't realize we had to change threads... anyway happy I found you all...
Had my weigh in today! I'm down 4 lbs! Yaahooo! Over all I've been following the plan really well. Although these last few days I have been incredibly hungry and tempted to eat although I've kept myself to my points very well.
I am just worried, I don't want my trend of overeating to take over again, I really need to stay the course!

Hello everyone I am here at my first destination Lake Charles Lousiana, tommorrow I will be off to New Orleans.

Rosegarden: yup I love to travel, I do travel with my parents alot I am an only child and single so when my parents plan trips here and there I usually go with them I figure it's good to get away and what would beat a free vacation. I hope things get better for you, the black cloud will lift if it hasn't already.

derry: that hamburger idea sounds good I may have to try that.

Newlifestyle: I can just imagine you in my head walking around people watching.

Erica: I am not a big gambler so I just stick to the slots the cheap ones. That way it doesn't seem like I am spending to much.

Oh yeah as far as my points I went a little over, but not to bad I still haver flex points for the week so I am doing pretty good. anyways my mom needs the computer so I will check with you guys tomorrow.

Good morning ladies.
AMomofThree, congratulations on your weight loss. Way to go.
Ginny, enjoy your time camping. I hope it is relaxing for you.
Linda D, I too fear electricity. Two things would have really scared me. I hope you have an awesome day.
Linda, That cake sounds really good. I hope it has healing power and makes your voice better too. If only it was that easy. I do really hope you feel better soon. How is your daughter doing?
Erica, I know you are an amazing leader. I would find it difficult to be a leader as I would want what is best for everyone and sometimes everyone can't see what is truly best for them. I do know you are the type of person that will make a change one individaul at a time. I know that you posting here does make a difference in my journey....thank you. Do you get a kiddie cone when you go for ice cream?
I was at a friends for dinner last night and she asked why I always get up between supper and desert, I told her that if I take the dishes to the kitchen and load them in the dishwasher it gives me time to realize I am full and I don't need desert. Here she thought I was trying to be helpful.....
well that is my story and I am sticking to it. Have a wonderful day.
Haylo, I hope you are having fun and that you are walking, walking, walking, walking, and water, water, water. Enjoy yourself and eat yummy healthy food. Do tell all about your journey. I am going to live vicariously through you.
Laura, I do hope taking the day off was relaxing for you. I know that everything will work out. I have learned that when things are not going well I know I can cast my cares and that I just need to be patient as there is a greater plan for me and sometimes it is not what I would choose. Please remember you are not alone. I wish I was there and I could give you a hug.
Tracy, More kids, less heat, I guess that is a good exchange. I too enjoy my friends in the computer. I know without everyone here my journey would have been much harder. I hope you get your sheets changed. Is it a lot of work, cleaning and laundry wise with that many kids, or do you have a routine. Have a great day.
Tech, enjoy your day. Will you be working today?
Emma I do hope all is well with you.
Kim How is your summer so far?
Hello everyone else, I can only see this page so I hope I haven't missed anyone.
Have a wonderful day.
Take CAre
Ann

Hi Haylo, we posted at the same time. That is great you enjoy spending time with your parents. I hope you have such a wonderful vacation.
Good job on tracking your points.
Have fun.
Ann

Linda, I do have highspeed, today posting is fine. It is really bad at night I find. Someone told me to use the go advanced when I am having trouble posting. I don't know what that will do but I am willing to try.
Take Care
Ann

Good Morning everyone,
Laura-this really stinks that you're having to go through all of this. I really hope that things start to look up for you soon. You have such a great spirit of resiliency though.

Ann-that's a great idea about getting up from the table right after dinner. I think I'd probably have to go right outside for a short walk to convince myself that I'm not hungry anymore. For awhile, I would alwasy put a piece of my favorite gum in my mouth, and that would help too.

haylo-what fun! Keep us updated, it's fun to hear about your vacation as you're doing it!

momoftwo-whoah.... 4 pounds, that is awesome! Please tell, tell how you did it....

Ginny-so glad you're back, I truly missed hearing from you.... Have a great weekend away.....

As for me, I've been not so great the last couple of days. However, here it is the weekend and I'm going to try my best to journal, drink my water, walk, and stay within my points. We have two parties for tomorrow. I'm going to take my own advice and go grocery shopping today (friday) so I'll have healthy inspirational foods in the house for the weekend. I hope everyone has a great day....

Hi Erica,
That is a great idea to shop on Friday. I usually shop at the beginning of the week. I think I will shop today too. Thanks for reminding me.
Are you enjoying your meetings? Have a great day and enjoy your walk.

Good morning all!! Supposed to be in the 70s today, so not as hot. My middle child is getting his bottom expander removed today... I get to bring everyone to the orthodontist!!

Momofthree: Wow! Congrats! 4 pounds is major!

Ginny: I live in Castleton, NY...which is practically next to Albany.

Linda: How are you feeling today? Have you been eating a lot of soup?

Ann: Thanks for the comments! Yes, I got the sheets changed, on my bed at least! I do have a routine. The three little ones (2, 4 and 5) take a nap right after lunch. They sleep in my kids' bedrooms. It gives me a chance to do things in my own room (sheets, paperwork, etc.) and around the house. The older kids are more able to do as they please with out me watching over them like a hawk!

Well, my scale hasn't moved from 135.5. But I guess that's not such a bad thing... it could go up more!
The other day was extremely hot and I had a headache and was stressed so I asked DH to bring me some ice cream, which he did. Which now sits in my freezer beckoning me to eat it. I don't want to throw it away... I may just give it to the kids as a treat to use it up. Told him next time get the pint!! Seriously, ice cream is my downfall. I even tried to skip lunch yesterday and have ice cream instead. Ha ha.
Tomorrow is WI, but since I'm lifetime I don't have to go, and I think I might skip it.
Today I really want to have a good day!!!!!!

Congrats on being a big loser, amomoftwo! 4# is awesome! How long have you been on program? I know that somewhere in the first month, a week of being really hungry hits. It is sort of as though your body goes into rebellion and screams back at you that it was happy being fat and don't you dare try to change its ways! Stay the course.........drink......keep lots of low or no point snacks on hand. Keep busy. Make sure you are getting all the fiber in, and eating foods that will keep you full. Just as an example, I enjoy english muffins. But, my normal breakfast is a bowl of oatmeal with some coffee or tea, because the english muffin with a tsp of diet spread will not hold me nearly as well as that bowl of oatmeal will. It is sort of a game, finding the foods that work for your metabolism and tastes. Glad you have kept to your points well.

My Dh had to get to work early today, so I have already gotten in my 45 min walk. The miserable heat broke, it is pleasant here now. Gotta go pack for the weekend. I am planning on staying OP this weekend- and I am bringing some small applesauces and carrots to handle those times that the food served at the camp does not work for me.
Better go get some work done. Have a great weekend!
Ginny

LindaD, I'm glad you found the electrical problem and all is safe. You just never know, do you? Is your home older or relatively new? We had our cabin re-wired and a new electrical service put in this year, as it had the old cloth covered fraying wire in between the walls. It was a huge expense, but I feel safe when I am there now and we are not blowing fuses all the time. We had those old fashion glass fuses vs. circuit breakers.
Ha Ha, Ginny! My voice certainly doesn't sound sexy, it's nasty and raspy and not much better today. I read a home remedy on line and I wonder if I'll have the guts to try it? I read that if you gargle with apple cider vinegar (eeewwww!) and then swallow it and then follow up with a glass of warm water with lemon in it that it helps. I'm not so sure I can deal with swallowing vinegar on it's own like that, but maybe I'll at least try?
Ginny, the cake is good. My daughter and I each had a slice last night with cool whip on top. It's not as good as having frosting, of course, but it's still a nice sized piece of cake for 3 points. The pumpkin makes it very moist and it's got a veggie serving and lots of fiber - plus chocolate, so what's not to like about it? I'm going to leave out two more slices of it and then freeze the rest. I don't want to be going wild with it, it's important to portion it properly if that makes sense. One could easily lose control.
amomoftwo, so glad you found us! We don't "have" the change threads, but when our thread gets longer, it's harder for some people to download it, track it and participate. It's better to re-start it when it get's too long. So, just watch and when it gets to be about 8 - 10 pages, it gets re-started. I was the originator of the thread, but I don't have to be the one to re-start it. If any of us feel that it's getting to long or have trouble posting, then it's OK to just go for it. Congrats on that loss, great job!!!!!
Haylo, so keep us posted on weather, events and things! Also FOOD, of course. Even if you blow it, let's chat about it and you can examine (it will help you and all of us learn) what you could have done instead. I feel it's very valuable to talk it through when you even make bad choices.
Ann, thanks for asking. No change in the voice. I am SO admiring people's powerful voices right now, something I never thought much about before. My daughter is doing pretty well. She had a 1.6 pound gain this week and was pretty bummed about it. She is on her very own plateau. The problem that I see with her is social eating as she is an active teenager, 16. She and her friends go out to eat together. She really tries to order the right things all the time, but it's hard to know what these places use, even to marinate things. So, a grilled chicken salad (about the safest thing to order when in doubt, but it gets pretty boring after awhile) could be deceptive. There is a "pizza place" near us that has nice salads and they make what is called a "chicken ka-bob salad" with grilled chicken, peppers and onions over top of a salad. Their chicken is so moist that I have to believe they marinate it in something, and how many points does that add???
Ann, do try that "go advanced" feature when you are having trouble posting. I use that often, it also allows you to put in the cute little smiles and stuff to accentuate what you have to save, which can be fun.
By the way, I can tell that you are one of the most helpful people out there from your remarks and caring in your posts, so naturally helping do dishes is certainly something you would do without even thinking about it!
Erica, bring something healthy to those parties - you know the routine!!!
Tracy, ice cream is not my friend either. I have found the Edys (not sure if certain brands exist in your area, though) low fat sherbet to be very good. A half cup is 110 calories. I made my daughter and I blueberry smoothies for lunch two days ago. I used 1/2 cup of the orange sherbet along with a cup of fresh blueberries in addition to plain FF yogurt and skim milk. The color was really kind of gross, but it tasted so great and was wonderful to sooth my throat. If you measure out teeny bits of ice cream and really control the portion, you could make a parfait and alternate fresh fruit, cool whip and the ice cream and stretch it further. Count the points, but give yourself the treat, get it out of your system and then give the rest to the kids!
Ginny, have a great weekend!
I, too, am heading North to our cabin. I haven't planned meals yet, but I don't expect to be off program. It's a cabin, but I have a full kitchen (but tiny) to cook in and a refrigerator, cooking, etc. So, no excuses!
Now, my voice is still basically gone, however I feel well and have energy. I have decided to go to the gym today, it's been over a week since I went and I want to continue on my efforts to get in activity. I have noted (yes, I know I shouldn't weigh myself, but I do anyway) that my scale has gone up a pound or two since I weighed in on Tuesday. This is a bad trend. I have been on program, but my activity has just stopped as I wasn't feeling well. I feel ready, but will take it VERY easy this morning.

Good morning - I've tried to post several times this a.m. but I keep getting called away from the computer.

Yesterday was a good day for me. I'm going to WI today at noon but not staying for the mtg - that time is the leader who passed around chocolate at one meeting - Ummmm, no thanks

Have a good one everybody - be safe and have a rewarding relaxing weekend for those of you going away for the weekend

Thanks for the feedback everybody!
ECmom: I have been on the program for almost 3 weeks, so I guess there's something to be said for the hunger issue, maybe it will get better? It could also be that I dropped my points down to a non-nursing mom and I'm nursing. I may switch back or maybe alternate weeks and see how the weight loss differs. I definitely lost more doing the non-nursing points. But again, I was pretty hungry a lot of the time.
Derry: Did you try that vinegar thing? Sounds pretty yucko! I hope you get your voice back soon!

Quick post here, as I'm running late!
Hugs to all!
I went to the gym today even though my laryngitis isn't gone, I decided I should just go on as usual with my life regardless of weather I have a voice or not. If felt so good to be there!
Stayed on program, drank all the water and hope you are all the same!

Hello Ladies,
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Linda way to go being on plan, getting all your water in and exercising. Have a great time.
Way to go staying on plan Laura, I hope all is well.
I hope everyone has a great time this weekend.
Take Care
Ann

Hi Everyone:

My son just fixed my computer and I thought before I head off to bed that I would wish everyone a fun and safe weekend.

I stayed on program. 23 points today.

I had the electrician fix the short. My house was built in the 80's so it's not old but I think the problem happened because some hallogen ceiling lights were installed before I moved into this house and the wiring was not done to code. Everything is working now except the garbage disposal. I have to call the electrician again because I don't know if it's the switch or if the disposal had a power surge and burned the motor when all this happened. Oh well.....at least everything will be back to normal soon.

Just so everyone knows....the electrician said always unplug curling irons, blow dryers, and all small kitchen appliances. He also said to never run the washer or dryer when away from home because it's not uncommon for a washer/dryer to catch fire.

Take care and I'll talk to you soon.

LindaD, I hope your electrical issues finally get cleared up a stay that way! So glad your computer is working, at least! Nowadays, it is a "lifeline" for us all, isn't it?
I would so dearly miss being able to communicate with your all!
We are heading up to our cottage on the lake today and staying overnight. I don't have much time on line this morning, as I've got to get ready. I so look forward to getting out of this house and being up there. This house can be depressing, it's very dark. We are surrounded by huge shade trees that block the sun and I have to run lights during the day in here. Up there, you don't need a light on unless it's a really rainy day or about 8:00 at night! Plus, when you look out any window, you see water - I find viewing water so peaceful!
I hope you are all doing well?
Erica, I hope your grocery shopping before the weekend was positive. You must tell us what you bought that will keep you more on track but be exciting. I am so very bored with the foods we keep around the house, that does contribute to everyone suddenly making a decision to go out to eat and then I have a hard time being on program.
So, have any of you tried any new recipes this week?
I did try Ann's fajitas and they were great as well as the chocolate pumpkin cake and that was also good. I would like to find a few recipes to bring up to the lake. We will be there from Wednesday through Sunday at the end of this week. I don't want to blow it by eating "party foods" but I want to serve some "fun" things and have interesting lunch choices.

Happy Saturday all!!!!!!

I just got back about an hour ago...what a fantastic vacation! Very happy to be back, though. My eating was...ummm...ok? TOM ended up showing up a week early, so I had those cravings on top of regular vacation I-don't-cares, but I think I did ok. I went and wi on Thursday and was only up .2, and I didn't think that was too bad. With boardwalk no-no foods, I could of really overdone it. So now it's back to the grind, right?!

How has everyone been doing this past week?

hello, everyone.....I have been gone for a long time but thanks to Paige I have finally found my way back.... Thanks for the email Paige ...I needed to get back. I have thought about coming back soooo much but just did not do it cuz I quit ww. I still have not join back and probably willnot because I will be leaving in a few weeks for 13 days on vacation.... I am going to try to record and journal....

Life just has been sooo busy..Boys were in baseball finally finish last night. My oldest lost in the playoffs. I was actually kind og bummed ..They were really good and 3 of the best players were on vacation and we only had 2 picthers.. So the 3rd kind of gave it away.... Oh well they were disappointed but they had a good season..

I have not gained too much weight since I left. I think I am were I started. I will wi tom. I am not working out though. I have the plantar facitis with my heal... That hurts...Today I did walk a mile . 1st time in a month. It hurts and I probably should not have. It was not hurting for 2days so I thought I would try. Anyway Tom I will know for sure. The only thing I really can do is ride my bike and I just have not had time or the desire to it...But I came back to this sight so I hope change is in the air.

I hope you alll are well. Looking forward to meeting all the new people that I missed. Good luck Ladies.... BArb

hello ladies
I hope you all have a great weekend.
Paige it is nice to see you back. It sounds like your vacation was great. Are you all rested. I hope you are doing well.
Barb it is so nice to see you back here. I hope all is well with you.
Good luck on your journey.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Take Care
Ann

Hi all...boy must still be in vacation mode today. I was completely unable to get myself back on track. I am done eating for the day, though, and tomorrow I am going to get back on track by planning out my day's menu as soon as I wake up. I think that having a plan like that really does help me to get through the day without "incidents."

Barb-I am really glad you found your way back and we can keep on plugging away together.

Chat later! I missed you guys SO much!

Hello, How is everyone's weekend going?
Barb good luck with weigh in today. I know people who don't go to ww meeting and just follow the plan and weigh in a certain day and time each week. I know I get more out of this thread then I do from my ww meeting. I feel the support here is what has helped my journey. Where are you going on vacation?
Paige, you did really well on vacation only gaining .2 of a pound. At my meeting the leader mentioned that some people can gain 5 pounds on vacation. Did you have a lot of fun?
Erica, good morning. How was shopping Friday? Is your weekend going well.
Tech, I hope that your weekend is going well. Do you work most weekends? What new yummy things are you making?
Tracy, it must seem quiet in your house on the weekends after having so many children there during the week. You must be so busy. I enjoy children and love when there are kids running through my house or playing in our yard. Enjoy your day.
Laura, how is your weekend going? Will you be getting any time off work this summer? How is your eating. You always have great ideas with food.
Emma, how are you doing? How has the weather been there?
Ginny, I hope camping is fun and relaxing. Enjoy.
Linda, How was your night at the cabin? I too love looking out at the water. I find it so relaxing. My DS loves swimming in any wate, no matter how cold it is. Oh to be young.
Linda D. I hope your weekend is going well. I just heard on the news that California will not be able to have fireworks for the 4th of July because of the fire risks. How has your eating been this weekend?
AMomofThree, Have a great weekend. I do hope your eating this weekend is going well.
Haylo, I hope you are walking, walking, walking. How is your holiday? Are you choosing wisely for meals? I hope you are having fun.
My weekend has been good so far. I have walked quite a bit. Well I need to go for a run so I will chat later.
Take Care all
Ann

Welcome back Paige! I'm glad you did ok. We're up here at the lake and we ate out twice yesterday. I could have done better, with what I ordered, but I certainly could have been lots worse. I plan on going out on our paddle boat this morning to hopefully make up for some of it. I also, trimmed brush for over an hour yesterday afternoon and my arms are really sore, so I think I got at least one activity point from all of that!
DJM, I'm glad you are back with us. Sorry about your foot, that must hurt! Maybe you can find a place to swim?
Ann, I think I get more from this thread than I do from my meetings as well, but I think the meetings are ALMOST as important. I need that weekly check in. I also get ideas and almost like a self-hypnosis from going. I plan on going on Tuesday as well and then heading right back up to the lake afterwards. I am here now and going home later on today. We'll be back up here on Tuesday evening and then stay through Sunday. Being here is always more of a challenge than being at home. There are more temptations. I am always in "party mode" here, I think?
Well, off I go to start my day. As usual, forgive my typing and spelling when I am up here and I have no spell check here on this laptop!

Hi everyone....Well it took me 4 xs to get on site...Mt comp kept on shutting me out????I do not know much about comp but I assume it is from the pop ups..My foot hurt the morning sooo I will bike a long distance today .Dh has to adjust my bike handles and off I go.

Ann I am going to lake Huron. MY brother owns 2 houses?cottages side by side. He says they are cottages but the kitchen has corin counter tops????Doesn"t sound like one to me...Anyway he has 5 kids and my boys love to go...We have a pirate day where we bury a huge treasure chest and they have to find it,we do crafts and pinatas. Dh is not going but I am bring my mom who will be 80 in Sept. She enjoys going and it gets her out of the house.

I need to record today if I can find the book. I did not wi today...I forgot and I already ate. Plus I think tom is right around the corner...That will only lead to disappointments. Have a great day today. barb

Hi all...

Not much new here today! I've done really well so far on eating. I planned my menu this morning and have been op. The scale is also being very kind to me...I hopped on this morning, and it is actually down a few lbs. It is hard to figure out my body's weight loss "formula"...I was really thinking that I overdid it yesterday, but today my jeans are really feeling nice and loose. Huh, who knows?!

How has everyone else done this weekend? Anyone have any plans for the upcoming week? I thought we were going to a bbq on Wednesday, but they decided not to have it, so right now we are just laying low on the 4th. I have three cakes to do on Tuesday/Wednesday anyway. On Thursday I'm taking dds to my parents for our week long family reunion. At least this time I spoke with my mom and asked her if she would mind if I brought some food so I would have a few more options (she doesn't mind.)

Gotta run!

Hello everyone,

It sounds like everyone is doing well from what I have read. I am here in Florida the trip has been nice so far. New Orleans was nice to see, you can still see some of the destruction from the hurricane so it makes it a very interesting sight. Yesterday we walked around by the beach and on the boardwalk it was so hot I think I probably lost 5 pounds of sweat. We were supposed to go on a dolphin watch today but my mom was feeling sick from her stomach last night so we decided not to go. I was looking forward to it because I love dolphins but oh well. As far as eating well I have had my ups and downs somedays are better then others yesterday I wanted to eat healthy but the resturaunt we went to served nothing healthy everything was fried of drenched in some sort of sauce. I hope everyone is doing well, and hopefully I get another chance to log on sometime. Today my goal is to try to stay on plan as best as possible since it is Monday and I had a lax weekend now it is time to get serious.

Good Morning All,

Sorry I haven't been around in a few days. I had a minor food melt down last week and just ate a lot of stuff I shouldn't and didn't track anything. I wasn't feeling well, not sick just icky, and my comfort food is always salty carbs. So I got on the scale on Sat. morning and was up 5 lbs :eek: I knew there was no way I'd gained that much in 3 days that it had to be water or something not fully processed, but it was still an eye opener. So I got back on track on Sat, and even took iced tea instead of more wine to the DSO concert on Sat night. Didn't do much exercise yesterday, but I don't think I ate that bad. Now it's back to work.

I'll stop back tonight (I promise) and reply to everyone but for now just wanted to stop in.

Have a great day.

-Tech

Hello everyone,
I hope everyone is having a great Monday.
I have been doing well with eating and with exercise.
Have a wonderful day.
Take Care
Ann

HI everyone hope all is well. Tech I noticed you were from Mich. I just moved from there 2 years ago.....I miss it so much.. born and raised there. What part are you from. I am from Liv. area. We may be moving back , if so we are heading out towards holly, milford area....I miss the lakes.

I have not recorded yet.....I need to find my material. I am more mindful of my food choices though. I just got my hair done.. It has been 3 months since I had it done yikes it needed a little highlights and a cut. So I feel pretty good. A new start. Can not work out back will ride the bike later. I think I am going swimming later with the kids.

Paige big plans here. Boys are in the parade, we come back and there is a neighborhood bike parade, than a strret party. I am sure we will go to our towns fireworks.....So Are day is a liitle too busy if you ask me. I have no idea why they did the street party that day...... Oh well ojit will be fun. I already have my chicken in the freezer with marinade. So NO 0red meat for me that day. I do need to bring 2 side dishes though . One could be a dessert. NOt sure what a good ww dish could be.. Any ideas anyone????

Kids are callinhg me have a good day ladies.. BArb

Barb-One good dish to bring that ALWAYS goes over well when I bring it (it is actually ALWAYS requested!) is whole strawberries and seedless grapes and a bowl of fruit dip. Here's the recipe for the fruit dip...

1-8oz container ff cream cheese (I usually use ff strawberry)
1-8oz container ff cool whip
1-7oz container marshmallow creme
2 tbs sugar free strawberry jam

Just cream together the cream cheese, marshmallow creme, and jam and then fold in the cool whip. It's very, very good! I put it into the recipe builder on etools, and for 1/12 of the recipe it's 2pts. I'm not exactly sure in tbs how much 1/12 is, though, but I'm visualizing how much the recipe makes, so I think it would be a fairly big serving.

I'm actually going to bring this to a bbq on Saturday, but I'm going to change it up a little and use the chocolate cool whip (even though it's not ff) and instead of the strawberry jam I'm going to put in some chocolate syrup. LOL...I'm imagining it tasting pretty yummy!

Good afternoon! Sorry to have been a bit absent, time was just not on my side this morning. Had to get my car serviced and be there on time. Then, it was on to grocery shopping, lunch and now just a few moments with a cup of green tea before I work on laundry. Never a dull moment.
I don't feel like I was well behaved over the weekend and am worried about weigh in tomorrow. I just reached my 10% last week and then I went away for the weekend and was in "party mode". I have to do better than this. Also, we leave again either tomorrow evening or Wednesday morning for the lake and back I go to "party central" for a five day stretch. Yikes! Plus, I am overtired, sore and still not feeling well so working out has not been high on the priority list.
When I am at the lake, I feel like I should have treats all the time. I have tried very hard to keep really healthy choices on hand, but I still end up having different foods than usual. I hope that I stay in control.
While I was grocery shopping, I bought things for meals that I can bring up to the lake with me, maybe it will keep me from going out to eat? I'm not sure if being on CORE is a good idea during time away, quite honestly and may switch back to flex. We'll see how I do the next few days.
Paige, your fruit dip recipe sounds yummy. Maybe if you took it and layered it with cool whip, blueberries and strawberries in taller plastic glasses, it would be a patriotic red, white and blue thing??? It would then make individual servings.
Tech, sorry about your "food melt down", I have been there and know what it's like. Taking iced teas along vs. wine was a great start.
When I was grocery shopping, I bought some nice fresh asparagus and microwaved some for my lunch. I am hoping that it helps me lose a bit of fluid between now and weigh in tomorrow!
By the way, I still have laryngitis and am trying to baby my throat a great deal. It really has gone on way too long, I guess. As I go places, people are telling me that tons of people have this same thing and it's hanging on a very long time. So, I guess this is just viral.
I'm on a green tea/lemon/water drinking thing right now in hopes that I can water-log it out of me or something!

Another post from me... made it through today being on CORE while using 3 flex points. I'm on the fence as to weather it is best to be on CORE while away up at the lake or go back to Flex.
I dared to get on my home scale to see if I think there was "damage" over the weekend and I'm not sure what will happen. My weight fluxuates so much during the course of 24 hours, who knows?
Hope all is well!

Paige sounds yummy.. I may try it if I can get to the store tom... Linda I hope you feel better,I had that this winter and I was sick. It hurt to talk. Hang in there. NOthing worse than a summer cold.

I just got 300 pictures developed. OMG I am fatter than I thought. Why is it we do not see it all in the mirrors. Yikes. These are photos from last sept through April. Well i pulled out 3 of them and as much as I hate looking at them one is gooing on the refr, one on my bathroom mirror,(for my morning start) and one in the pantry.....I am soooooo disgusted that I have let my body get to this point . Since I can not really walk yet I need to focus on the food thoing big time. Today I think I did well. I do need to keep on recording which I really did not do.....I am sure I will now...Enough iof beating myself up ...Time for change.. Anyway , have a great night ...Barb

Barb, I feel the same way when I see photos of myself. I look in the mirror and it doesn't seem to be that bad and then I see a video or picture and kind of freak out. I say to myself, "OMG, is that the way other see me ALL the time?"
I hopped on the scale first thing here at the house, it's weigh in day and I'm worrying. I don't mind if I stay the same (though would love a loss of any kind) but I'm concerned as the weekend was kind of revisiting the past a teeny bit. But, I could have done lots worse and I have to remind myself of that.
I swear I am going to start a letter writing campaign (want to join me anyone???) to various restaurants BEGGING for more WW friendly menu choices. Don't you all think that we are almost being prejudiced against as a group?
Why can't Italian places, for example, offer whole wheat pasta? Why can't more simple fair be offered as an alternative and lower fat cooking? It's downright annoying and I love to eat out but am so tired of "mystery menus".

Good Morning All,

Sorry I didn't make it back last night. We were really busy at work and I was just whipped when I got home. Although I did drag my lazy but to Curves after work, although I moved slower than usual, at least I moved. Tonight's wi and I'm pretty sure I'll gain, so I'm trying to decide if I want to be a bum and skip. But I know I'll miss next week because we won't be home and I probably shouldn't miss two in a row. I don't know....

Paige - Welcome back. Glad you enjoyed your vacation. You never mentioned did the pie iron eggs work out? Just curious.

Linda - Changes in routine can be hard on our plans, but life is full of those changes so we need to learn to deal with them, no great thoughts here this morning though.

Barb - I live in Dearborn, although I grew up out in Howell. How long has your foot been bothering you? I think I've developed PF, I've done research on line and figured I'd talk to the doctor at my physical on the 16th to find out for sure. I've found that since staying off it isn't possible, doing calf stretches and taking one anti-inflammatory before bed really seems to be helping me a lot. But on day's I over do it I can tell the next morning.

Ann - Glad you're doing well. This year I don't have to work weekends, but I've been picking up 1 extra day each week and often they are on Sat. Not this weekend though we're going to a food, wine & music festival in Canada on Sat. and camping for a few days on Sunday.

Haylo - Hope you're having fun on vacation.

Hi to Laura, Emma, LindaD, Gina, Tracy, and anyone I missed, or who's just lurking.

Have a great Tuesday everyone.

-Tech

Good morning all!!!! I'm actually quite excited for the day! It's a baking day!!! WOOOHOOO!!!! I crave baking as much (if not more!) than I crave cake! I cannot wait till the semester starts back up; all of my classes are lab classes...3 days a week for 5 hours each day. I think I'll be getting my fix! Right now I'm feeling confident that I won't be "sampling" today. I'm going to put some gum in my mouth and hopefully not be tempted.

Tech-The eggs in the pie iron turned out ok. My dds wouldn't eat them when we scrambled them because they were too brown, but dh said they tasted ok. It really ended up being more like an omlette, actually because it was hard to scramble them over the fire. We also tried them with bread; I put a piece of bread down and pressed down the center (leaving the edges raised) so that the egg wouldn't run over, then put some ham over the egg, and topped it with the other piece of bread. It was pretty good. I actually used egg beaters in mine.

Linda & Barb-I think the thing with the pictures is your negative self image talking. I don't think that that is how people actually see you. I really believe that if you don't change how you think about yourself, it won't matter how much you weigh, you brain will always tell you "UGH, you are FAT!" when you see those pictures/video/whatever. Yes, you are not where you want to be right now, but THAT IS OK! You are working on it, and WILL get there!

Where has everyone been lately? Seems a little slow since I got back!

Hi everyone,...Tech , yes you were close...I use to go to Dearborn with a friend of my who was arabic desent to get the great pitas and hummus . Omg they have some good food. Healthy too.

Paige thanks for the words of incouragement but NOpe these are rolls that I see. I guess they have gotten bigger , yep a nice extra tube around the center...Oh well, I have put on 20 pds and I am sure that is were most of it went.

I found all my books last night. So I am ready for the journey. I may join ww on line ..Does anyone here do it????? Just to get me through until school starts. My kids would kill me dragging them there weekly. Driving across time when dh gets home does not sound appealing to me...TOO much traffic.

linda I agree with the restuarnt thing. I guess we just have to have our will power on and try our best to make the healthy choices....It is a challlenge daiily.
Ha ve a great day everyone. Barb

Tech, you are right about changes in routine. I'm working on learning to deal, but it sure isn't easy.
Paige, it has been quiet around here. Erica??? Haylo??? (on vacation, maybe checking in from time to time) Ann? Emma? Nibs? Ginny? Everyone else???
Maybe everyone is on vacation or just so busy? I'm worried about us ALL tomorrow with the 4th, it's usually just such a day of parties, celebrations, etc. I'm not planning a single special food of any kind, but I know some people are.
We are supposed to head up to the lake tomorrow, but (why does there always have to a be but?) DH is concerned about the forecast and he is kind of whining about not wanting to go up there and sit around in the rain. I want to go anyway, so we shall see what happens.
My meeting is at 4:30 and it's not 3:07 pm. I'm still worrying... I hate doing this to myself every single Tuesday. Why can't I just relax? If it's a gain, life goes on. If it's the same, fine, if it's a loss, great. But, no matter what, I am not giving up and continue along the chosen path.
I'm really looking forward to today's meeting. I'll bet it's a small group considering so many people are on vacation this week and the rest are our there partying/eating? ;)
I like smaller meetings as it gets more personal. I want my daughter to have a chance to talk, one on one, with the leader. She is having a hard time lately and I think she could use a "pep talk".
I also think the points she is eating are wrong for her if she is not losing at all for a long period of time. What do you all think about teenagers and what ought to be the recommended number of points. If she goes through the thing in the WW book, it's confusing. Our leader said she needed to eat more points, but we never seemed to get a definitive answer.

Hello everyone,
I hope that today went well.
I have been so busy all day. I am helping a friend out and she keeps me busy.
Hi Tech, How are you doing? When I was younger I used to go visit friends in Flint Michigan for the summer. Where in Canada are you going?
Paige, I really enjoy reading your posts. I find your positive encouragement refreshing. Thank you. How are your DD's enjoying the summer.
Linda, I hope weigh in went well. In book one on page 19, it says young people under 17 should see your leader or receptionists for information about your daily points target. I know for Canada's food guide, teens need 7 fruits and vegetables, 6 grains, 3-4 milk and alternatives, and 2 meat and alternatives. How much weight is your daughter wanting to lose? Where is L.J. or Erica, they would be able to help out with this.
Barb, how are you doing today. I hope your day went well.
Haylo, how is your holiday and how is walking going. I got in over 10,000 steps and I run 5 k today. It was hot out so I needed to drink more water.
Enjoy your holiday.
Tracy, how are you?
Emma, hello and I hope you are back on track.
Erica, where are you. I miss you.
Ginny, and Kim how are you both doing?
RoseyPosey, how are you? I hope vacation is going well.
Hello Linda D. I hope your day went well.
Hello Laura, enjoy your day.
Have a wonderful night.
Take Care
Ann

Ann, you are always doing things for others. Such a nice person!!!!

Now, for my news! I lost 1.2! I was so relieved. I was so careful yesterday and today and was so hopeful that the weekend's "indiscretions" were not going to blow it for me. I guess I was good enough the rest of the week so that I did OK. My daughter also lost 1.4, so it was a good week for us both. We stayed and had a discussion with the leader and agreed that my daughter would go from 24 to 22 points per day. But, she is to use her activity points and count those. I hope that she starts to see more losses as a result.
Tomorrow we are heading up to the lake. I plan to take the BIG cooler and load it up with good foods for the family vs. relying on eating out and "junk". I hope my plan works!
I do have Internet access at the lake so will keep you advised of how successful (or not) I am. I forgive myself if I don't do well as I really have trouble when I am there.
So, what plans for the 4th do you all have!

congratulations to you and your daughter Linda, way to go.

One other thing, maybe it helped me? I did weigh myself yesterday morning and thought I was up about 2 pounds. I drank extra water throughout the day, but I added lemon herb tea and green tea yesterday. As you all know, I've had this laryngitis thing for over two weeks now (will definitely see the doctor early next week if I still have it) and I read that drinking herbal teas, particularly lemon tea and green tea was really good for laryngitis, so I made sure I drank the teas. You can count non-caffeine herbal teas as SOME of your water (not sure how much?) so I was "covered" with all of that. Now, I wonder if it helped me unload the extra two pounds I had put on over the weekend? I did have ice cream (soft serve, but still ice cream) as well as prime rib, and lobster!!! I was not a good girl at all, but I was well behaved the rest of the week and, in particular, yesterday and today.
I might try herbal teas again (I just don't like them all that much to be honest, but made a point of "forcing them) if I have another bad weekend.
Just thought I would share this as maybe it was more helpful than I think?

Hello everyone, I hope all is going well. Today we are at one of the casinos in biloxi mississippi it has been a fun day. My eating plan has been thrown out the window we went to the hard rock cafe during lunch so I splurged a little good thing was that my mom and I shared a hamburger.

Newlifestyle: walking has been going okay I haven't been using my pedometer b/c I was afriad it would fall of and I would lose it one my trip so it's hard for me to say how many steps I got in but I will be up and running again on Thursday. I am so proud of you and all your steps I can't wait to start calculating my steps again.

Hi ladies! I've been keeping pretty quiet.. hiding under a rock.. me & DP broke up Sunday before last - unofficially, and then today - officially.... He told me some pretty horendous likes (for example he told me he cheated on me - but was just saying that to 'test me'...)... :mad: So needless to say I've been trying so dang hard not to 'stress eat', but it didn't work last week, and it showed on the scales.... *sigh* Anyway i'm trying to get back on track & am giving the core plan a go this week, and so far so good..... although I dont' really have many ideas about what I can have for lunch, so may need to have a good look in my books etc tonight.......... & do a big shop tomorrow!

....... Gaby is still being cute as ever though, which is making this whole saga a lot easier to handle :dizzy:

Haylo, good to hear from you! I have to admit that I am never all that good on vacations, it's just so hard when you are in a celebratory mood to stay on track. Keep trying, though! Some meals will be a "loss" but maybe you can make up for those times with walking, and certainly when you get home.
Emma, I am so sorry about your break up. I swear I hear of so many men who do this kind of thing after a new baby arrives, they just can't handle the responsibility and their wife's new role as a mom vs. a lover, etc. :hug: Hang in there! I wish I could be nearby to come over and baby-sit so you could get out of the house and have a break. Men! (sorry if we have some here lurking and reading)
I'm so glad, from the tone of your post, that you are not giving up on your weight loss efforts. Some women, when forced to be single again, seem to lose weight so much more easily as they suddenly get an "I'll show him" attitude and from the way it sounds, you will too! You'll be skinny, gorgeous and he will regret his choices while you move on.
But, then again, you could reconcile as well? Do you believe the "just testing you" remarks or not? Hugs and more hugs to you, my friend.
Gaby's new photo is darling, I swear she is the most photogenic baby I have ever seen pictures of! Maybe she has a modeling career ahead of her?
As for me, I got up early and will be getting off line in mere moments to pack up and get ready to head up to our place at the lake today. I am hoping for great weather, but the forecast isn't good. DH is looking forward to going fishing and I am looking forward to quilting, cooking healthy, reading and resting. I want this laryngitis thing GONE by the time I come home. We plan to be there until Sunday, but if the weather turns badly, maybe will leave a bit earlier than that.
I will be on line each day, but maybe not as often as I usually am if the weather is good, if it's bad maybe more often!
Again, Emma, I'm really sorry and I really wish we lived right down the street from each other so I could help you at this time. :hug:

HappyIndependenceDay,

No big plans here for the holiday. We're having my inlaws over for dinner to make up for the confusion on Father's day. We're grilling a leg of lamb, baked potatoes and cauliflower. Then for desert I'm going to try grilling peaches and serving it w/some homemade vanilla ice cream. I'm hoping it turns out, I've never done it before. I'm pretty happy it's been raining here this morning, a light rain but it's what we need everything is sooooo dry. Then the next 2 days back to work, friday a quilt thing in the morning and then the festival in the afternoon and Sunday we're going camping for a couple of days, just to get away. We're going close by and just laying by the campsite no big plans to go anywhere. I need a weekend like that, June felt like it was go, go, go, and the rest of July looks like that too and we don't even have any kids :?:

Ann - Sorry I missed you were from Canada and didn't wish you a happy holiday. I think we were busier Monday because we're so close. I'm just going over the border to Windsor. They have a nice riverfront park and put on concerts/festivals and such. We've gone the last couple of years to this one and always have fun, I'll just have to watch what I eat/drink.

Haylo - Glad you're enjoying yourself. And remember it was not one burger/fry/ice cream that got us here, it's what we do over all that will fix the problem.

Linda - Non-caffeinated beverages can count for 1/2 of our water. Have fun at the lake. :woohoo: on the 1.2 lb loss. You crack me up about what you go thru on wi day. I just eat normal, wear what I want and wi. But I've seen a lot of members like you.

Emma - :hug: Good luck getting on track it's always hard when stressed. Come back and "talk" if you need to.

Barb - Yea on finding your books. Good luck getting started. Just remember I find I need to be accountable to someone that's why I go to the meetings, so you may want to find someone/thing that holds you accountable.

Paige - Have fun baking. I love to bake too but I'm not really a sweets eater (and neither is dh) so the holiday's are my big time, because I can give it all away.

Oh, I forgot to mention I was up 3 lbs at WW :(. I'm pretty sure it's mostly water due to all the salty/processed stuff I ate last week. But it's back on track today!!! Holiday or not!!!

Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

Hello everyone! I'm still around. Both of my jobs and my personal life have been crazy this past week. I went to WI on Friday and was up 4 lbs!!!!! YIKES - I absolutely know that that had to be a bad WI because for 4 lbs, I should have really enjoyed myself with great foods but I DIDN'T - but then TOM kicked in the next day so there you have it. However, I spent the weekend with SIL and that was really hard to eat healthy but I tried, I really did. I'm home today for the 4th with no plans. On purpose cuz I'm just going to chill. They are calling for rain all day and tonight but who knows what will actually happen as the sun is trying to peak thru as I type - go figure. I really have a lot to get caught up on here at home so either way, it's okay.

Think I'm going to give the General Tso's Chicken recipe from the WW Take Out Tonight cookbook that was so highly recommended by members here. I finally bought some Oyster sauce. That is not something I normally carry in my house and I had to put it on the grocery list and actually buy it this time.

Have a great 4th everyone!

Linda - a couple of things about tea that I meant to mention earlier: 1) You know that green tea is not caffeine free right? I remember you mentioning problems with caffeine earlier; 2) I usually don't like herbal tea either, but I've been buying loose tea from Adagio (they usually have an ad here) and their herbals are really good. I bought it when I had a mother's day tea here and that's what my mom likes, I was surprised by how much I actually liked it.

Anyway just wanted to let you know.

Hi everyone! Happy 4th of July! Boy do I need you ladies! I was on vacation and went up 2 pounds! I guess it could've been a lot worse. I put on my pedometer while we were gone and our goal was 10,000 steps a day. We made 14,000 most days and not once under 10,000. So I feel good about the movement and I am hoping that now that I am home and back to normal some of the weight will come off.

by the way-
what is the flex/core challeng sticky about? I read it. Is that still going on? Will they do it again? I think I need something like that.
Take care!

Hi there everybody.
I am doing really well. I have been working out five times a week and sticking to the points, I am doing the Wendie plan, one super high day and so on, and it is working out really well. I am down 14 lbs. so far, I've been on WW for about a month now. So I am hoping to keep it up and at least I'll beat the first goal that I had for myself of 10 lbs and down to 233 by July 26! Looks like I'll really get there. My first BIG goal is to be down to 199 by the end of the year so I can go on a trip to visit family and friends in Florida. I am sure I can do it and with all the support here, I am sure to have fun along the way!
Oh and I want to post a pic so you can all meet me and my family!
But I am still figuring that out. But if you want you can check out my blog and you'll see pics there... my newest baby is almost 3 months old, shes a real doll, as are my other two kiddos!
Here is the link: sarahbbrown.blogspot.com

I just had to pop back in and let you all know that the General Tso's Chicken was FAB!!!!! For those of you with the cookbook, give that recipe a try. WOW - not too hard and pretty yummy

Hi guys!!! I just wanted to pop in quickly! I can't believe how fast the day went. I spent the morning decorating those two cakes. I just put up a slideshow on my myspace page of some of my cakes...go check it out! The Barbie and the race track ones are the ones I did today. You can also see pics of my girls on another slideshow!

It didn't even feel like a holiday today...it's raining here, so fireworks were cancelled. Dds and I are leaving tomorrow for our week long family reunion, so I am going to have to finish packing a few things tonight. I've also got to wrap birthday presents tonight, too, since my older dd's bday is Friday. Shew! And it's 6:30pm already! Looks like it might be a late night!!!! LOL!

Tomorrow morning I'm going to run in and wi before I head out. I'm going to be gone till Wednesday, but my mom just got DSL put in, so I should be able to check in.

Hope everyone has had a fabulous day!!!!!

Good morning everyone.
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
I find life is busy right now. I thought the summer was for relaxing. Silly me.
Have a great day.
Ann

Good to see Ann and Paige since I posted last. I guess I'm not the only one who got super busy huh?

Yesterday went really really well. The first time in a bit - I have today planned out so let's go for two days in a row. It's WI Day again already. (Sticks out my tongue) Have a good Thursday

Good Morning Everyone,
It feels good to be here.... Things have been pretty busy around our farm. I'm really gearing up for our busy fall season, placing orders for our store etc. We've been painting our barns and just really cleaning up. I think I'm going to try CORE this week. My weight loss has been at a complete stand still for about 2 months now. I'll be down then I'm up. It's almost like my body is refusing to get out of the 160's. I've really been screwing around though, and dangerously dabbling with some out of control eating. Today is the beginning of my reining in process before I really regret some things. Sorry not to address anyone personally for now, I need to catch up on some of these posts.....

P.S. Paige- I checked out your cakes, whoah, those are AWESOME!! My favorites are the bikini one and the topsy turvey one, are those real?? They are amazing!!

Hi everyone,

I discovered your thread yesterday and guess what, I got hooked. I read the whole 6 pages. You all seem like a great group of ladies. I just started WW on Monday (so far so good!) but I find the WW Canada boards to be pretty slow. Would it be OK if I posted here?

I am 38 and married happily for 13 years, mom to a 4 year old DD. I'm trying to lose about 30 pounds ... I took off 20 a few years ago but the next stage has eluded me and I need to stay consistent and accountable. Love knitting, sewing (beginner), running (slow) and playing the piano (that's my job).

I see there's already an Erica in this group :wave: My name is Erika with a k so maybe that's enough to tell us apart :)

Great to meet you all!
Erika

Tech, I know green tea is not decaff, unless you get some that specifically says decaff (I have both kinds) and it's OK if I have a little caffeine in the AM, but not in the afternoons! I'll look for the Adagio teas, have not noticed them or the ads. I find herbal teas are kind of blah and not awfully flavorful, I want more "gusto" in what I am drinking. I have made my own blends, from time to time, of herbal and regular tea to make iced tea. My favorite was regular black tea like Tetley or Salada using one bag with about three or four bags of mandarin orange herbal tea. I make "sun tea" with it in a big glass pitcher and it does taste good.
Rosey, glad you are back. I guess being up two pounds isn't too bad for being away for two weeks, I can pack that on over a weekend if I am not careful. I am not sure I know about a current flex/core challenge. We had something like that on this thread a few months ago where some of us were on Flex and some on CORE and over something like a two week period, we wanted to see who lost the most weight. I think Paige won and I think she might have been on CORE when that happened? Paige, do you remember?
Amomoftwo, good job with your losses! I hope you reach your goal very soon. I can't click on your link or I'll lose what I am typing on this laptop, I'll try to remember to go back afterwards and have a look.
Which cookbook did you get the GT chicken recipe from, Laura? Was it spicy?
I crave Chinese food and will often, sadly, steer clear of it as it is so high in sodium that I always have a gain on the weeks that I have it. I'm looking for good substitutes, in particular something that tastes lots "normal" fried rice.
Erica, I'm glad to see you back here, I was missing you. Certainly, this is a busy season for someone with a farm. I think trying CORE again might be a great idea for you. I'm enjoying it.
Welcome to another Erika with a K, what a lovely photo. You are certainly welcome and I hope we can help you out.
As for me, the best laid plans ended up changing. I was going to grille outside and it started pouring. So, we ate out. The dinner we were to have last night will be for tonight. We went to a seafood place, it was VERY hard to order there. I ended up with broiled shrimp and it came swimming in butter, but it might have been a better choice than other fried foods and things of that nature. I am really addicted to fried calamari and it was SO hard not to order it and the place has sweet potato fries, which are really yummy and I ordered the grilled potato instead. My salad had oil and vinegar and was just fine. Thank goodness restaurants have oil and vinegar and I can get in my healthy oils that way. I have actually grown to prefer O+V nowadays.
I probably used 7 or 8 flex points yesterday? I did succumb to the corn bread and butter at the beginning of the meal. I enjoyed it. Oh well. I did go out in the paddleboat and earned at least a point earlier in the day and will try to eat here all day. I plan a nice core dinner of grilled pork roast with baked potato and summer squash. Lunch will probably be salad with turkey and roasted red pepper. I found a brand of roasted red peppers that come in a jar without oils, they are in like a brine kind of water/salt mix. I can, I feel, count those as a CORE food as there is no oil. I enjoy those on the side with a salad lately.
So, I hope everyone has a great day. Forgive my spelling as while I am up here on the laptop at the lake, I have no spellcheck!

Which cookbook did you get the GT chicken recipe from, Laura? Was it spicy?
I crave Chinese food and will often, sadly, steer clear of it as it is so high in sodium that I always have a gain on the weeks that I have it. I'm looking for good substitutes, in particular something that tastes lots "normal" fried rice

Linda, it's from the WW Take-Out Tonight book and it uses low sodium soy and you can put in as much flake red pepper as you like. I just shook mine in to about what I thought looked right for me and it was absolutely perfect. I had to substitute the rice vinegar as I didn't have that in the cupboards but the 'net said you could do white vinegar 2 parts to 1 part water as a substitute. I think I'll buy some the next shopping trip I have to see if it even ups the flavor more. It was yummy with brown rice - so 4 pts for General Tso's and 2 pts for 1/2 c brown rice. I had it with broccoli and was totally satisfied

The General Tso chicken sounds so yummy!!
I actually found a WW General Tso recipe on recipezaar.com:
http://www.recipezaar.com/162379
Is that the same one?
cheers
Erika

Really close Erika but the one I used needed Sherry and Oyster Sauce

Here it is at Aimee's Adventures:

http://www.aimeesadventures.com/RecipeFiles/MainDishes1/GeneralTsosChicken.html

but she has it at 6 pts and WW Take-Out has it at 4 pts for 1 cup serving

Okay, that's weird - I ran it through the WW recipe builder and it comes in at 5 pts without the rice. I would have trusted the WW book to have been correct. How strange is that?

Good Morning!
Sorry to be MIA- I went camping this past weekend, which was wonderful. Too bad I had to return home.

Laura- glad you are enjoying the Take Out Tonite book. I love it!!!!!! Can't believe that I can make foods that taste that good/ that much like take out.
What else have you tried from it?

Welcome Erika! Of course you can join us. This is a great group of ladies, very kind and encouraging.

Linda- have you tried the fried rice recipe from Take Out tonite? It is pretty good.....I make it lots. I would be happy to post it if you like/

Tech- I love herbal teas. Celestial Seasonings makes some great flavors and of course they are 0 points. Their decaf mint green is great, it takes some of the sharp edge off the green tea taste.

Rosey- those 2# could be water. If you were eating out lots, the sodium level in most restaurant food is high. Stay focused, I will be the scale is down next week!

Paige- have a safe trip...

Erica- you busy too? I love using core to shake things up a bit. For me, core would not do well on a long term basis. Oh, I would lose fine, just it is easier for me to follow flex. Hope your week is going well.

Amo-I enjoyed looking at your pictures. What a beautiful family you have, and you glow with love for your kids!

Ann- how very silly of you, thinking you could get some free time! I feel your pain, and am obviously facing the same problem. (you can see how little time I have by how infrequently I post). Hope you are getting your run in!

I did get my walk in today.......have had a few rough days, but am resolved to eat wisely today.

Have a great day!
Ginny

Gee, Laura that is strange. You would expect the WW book to be correct. (gee, aren't we counting on it to be correct?) I can ask at my meeting about it if you like.

Hi Ladies!

I am back…hopefully for good. Thank you everyone for your support. My bf and I are going through a very difficult time right now. We are both taking some time to figure things out but I have basically been left confused and sad. For whatever reason dealing with my problems means shutting myself off from everyone and everything. I tend to deal with things by being in a daze and taking comfort in food and sitting on the couch watching TV. Its not a good way to deal with problems. Maybe for a day or two it made me happy but of course now I am scared to get back on the scale. And of course I was swamped at work last week so taking care of myself was really not a priority. I have learned my lesson and I am back.

I feel like I have missed out on so much of the conversations here! I tried to go back to catch up but it was pages and pages of posts so hopefully I can just jump right back in!

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Welcome Back Briza - everyone's life gets crazy every so often. Glad you jumped right in.

Hey WI was better than expected. I lost 3.8 of the 4 lbs I gained last week (slaps head) That was the craziest I've ever had happen yet

ECMOM: thanks for checking out my blog, and thank you for the nice comment!

Hello all,
I hope you all had a great day.
Ginny, welcome back. Yes even though life gets busy I have still been getting my run in as well as walking at least 10,000 steps. I find when I am busy and my life seems out of control, it is great I can control what I eat and how I exercise. Have a wonderful evening.
Paige, You cakes are awesome. You are so talented. I hope the reunion goes well for you. Have a great day.
Briza, welcome back. I hope everything goes well for you.
Tech, How was your day. I hope you had a great day.
Linda, were you at the cabin when you ate out? Are you enjoying your time at the cabin?
Haylo, I hope your vacation is going well. Remember walk, walk, walk,
Erica, welcome back. You seem so busy. I hope all is well.
Tracy, How are you and the kids enjoying summer?
Laura, is all well with you? That recipe sounded very yummy.
Hello RoseyPosey,how are you doing?
Welcome Erika. Where in Southern Ontario do you live?
I am so sorry if I missed anyone, I hope you all have a great evening.
take Care
Ann

Back again for a short hello.

Briza- hope all works out well for you......I think your reaction is similar for most of us. OK, we all know it is not the best thing to do, but there are times during which we all need to focus on how we are feeling and just go with it. Keep posting. Sometimes putting thoughts into words really helps.

Laura- congrats on the loss!!! A loss is a loss.....even if you had been up the week before.

Ann- you are inspiring to me. I too get my walk in daily.....no matter what, but I can't say that I always get my 10,000 steps in. I completely agree, when life gets insane, that the regularity of getting a workout in keeps things sane. I would be nuts if I did not get my daily walk in.

I slept horribly last nite.....so I am pretty pooped today. Made blueberry muffins and banana oatmeal bread (which is a WW recipe) this am. My son toasted a slice of the bread this evening, which he declared better then pancakes. (he is a big pancake fan!) I will give you my opinion tomorrow am.......
Nite!
Ginny

hi everyone... Congrats on the weight loss. Well My eating did not go as well. It looks as if I do need to actually go and sign up. That will not happen until a few more weeks since I am going up to a cottage for a few weeks. Oh well the best I can do is give it my best shot everyday.

I was sooo pooped today . we had the busiest day yes. It started with a parade , than a neighborhood bike parade, than a street bbq, than fire works....Than when we got back some neighbors were doing fireworks so of course my kids had to go and see. When it was all said and done it was midnight. Yep from 8-12..all day... So we laid around here all day long...

Hope you all did well yes. Good luck to those who still have to wi. Barb

Hi everyone!

I used some flex points today but only about 2 ... I had some activity points as well from an hour's walk. so 24.5 total. Dinner at my parents' is a bit of a challenge but my mom has been on WW before so she knows what I'm looking for. I did have a beer though :)
I plan another run/walk tomorrow to finish up week 1 of c25K.

Linda - You are doing so well on your vacation! great food choices! And hey ... flex points are there for a reason :)

Laura - Thanks for the Aimee's Adventures recipe ... hmmm now I don't know which one to try ;)
Bizarre about the points though ... sounds like someone rounded things up or down differently somewhere.
congrats on the terrific Wi!!

Hi Ginny! Thanks for the welcome.

Hi Briza - (((Hugs))) to you and good job coming back and posting again. It sounds like you have had some very stressful times lately. I hope things get better for you soon and with your positive attitude I am sure they will!!

Sarah - I also think your blog is terrific! Your kids are adorable and you take great photos.

Hi Ann! I live in Hamilton. What about you?

Hi Barb, what a crazy day! Hope you are getting some R&R.

Well, I'm really enjoying this group so far ... thanks for the warm welcome! Have a great night and an OP Friday everyone!

cheers
Erika

Laura, I have the WW take out cookbook at home and will look it up after this long weekend is over. Interesting that the points were different when you guys checked it. Any explanations?
Ginny, I think I did try the fried rice recipe in that take out WW cookbook - but had forgotten it. I have so many cook books and recipes that it is hard to keep track. I'll check when I am home.
Briza, sorry about your boyfriend troubles. Our dear Emma is going through husband issues right now, too bad you both live so far away from each other. You both really need some support.
It's a shame when relationships don't work. Sometimes I feel that both people are usually at fault in a break up, and both people fail to see things from the other person's perspective. It's so hard. I was divorced when I was only 20, several years ago. It was truly becuase I was far too young to know what or who I really wanted. But, the break up was miserable and I felt "scared". I tried to return to my life before I met him, but things had moved on and I had to completely start over. I then blew 4 years in another relationship that didn't work out. It was then that I met my husband and I am so lucky to have found him. I can say that all the bad times contributed to who I am today and without those bad times, I couldn't have met the right guy, finally. So, think about the future and that there WILL be more good times and hopefully another guy, or more than one!
There is an old saying that I could use for both you, Briza, and Emma, "It's always darkest before the dawn". It is so very true. You have to think positively and understand that while things look terrible at this very moment, in a year or two (or even less!) life will be completely different. It's amazing how things can change - give it time and try to be positive. In the meantime, do the best you can to take care of yourself.
Laura, great weigh in! You must share a few days "menus" with us, you are obviously SO on the right track!! Great job!
Ann, yes I am at the cabin and we ate out last night around here. This lake is in a somewhat isolated spot, but very near a real resort area, there are lots of choices - but not always the most healthful ones.
DJM, hope you catch up on your rest, sounds like a busy day for sure.
Well, today I was better behaved but still not perfect. I went out on the paddle boat again for exercise. I love that little boat, it gives me exercise and I love to meander along the edge of the lake and look for turtles, I saw two today. I went for a very breif swim but the water was freezing, so it was really short. We lit some fireworks off on our beach, out over the lake this evening. It was raining last night and we didn't have anything, all the local fireworks were cancelled as well. It was a nice day today, with no rain. But, now it's a humid evening and I can't quite go to sleep yet as the air is stale and muggy. I thought I'd come back on line and check in with you all.
Tomorrow we will eat out again (after all we are on vacation) and I wonder where we will end up, and if I'll be a good girl or not? One thing that is good is that I have my own food here and can eat breakfast and lunch here at least.
Take care all!

Hi all! Just checking in quickly. I'm up at my parent's house right now. I hate to be on the computer when I have family here that I only get to see once or twice a year, so forgive me for being fast and not personal.

I had wi yesterday and I was down 1.2! WOOHOO!

Today should be a good day. I have to bake some cookies for a get together tomorrow, but there are so many "taste testers" around today, I'm not really worried about me sampling. Tonight we are going out for my parent's 40th wedding anniversary (it was actually back in May, but they wanted to wait till all of us were together to celebrate.) My mom had gone to the restaurant we are going to and got a menu, so I picked out what I'm going to have already.

Today is also my older daughter's 5 year birthday!!! It is so hard to believe that 5 years ago today I had NO idea what was going to be in store for me!!! LOL! I actually went into labor in the movie theater...that is just like her, too...4 days late, then so impatient she couldn't wait till the end of the movie!!! LOL!!!

Anyway, I must run. I hope you all are doing well...hopefully I'll be able to get back on here later to chat a little more. Have a super fabulous day!!!!!!!

Good morning ladies.
Laura that was an awesome loss at wi, way to go. You always suggest such yummy things to eat. Thanks for that. I hope you have a relaxing day.
Barb, wow, your day wounded busy. I guess with children in our lives we develop much busier lives. Very enjoyable too I might add. Maybe on you holiday you can follow the 8 healthy guidelines of ww and that will keep you on track. I know by drinking my water, eating 5 fruits and vegetables a day, getting my dairy in, and having those healthy oils have helped me each day.
Erika, it is nice to have you here. I live in the Ottawa area. Our weather has not been really great this summer. I am used to a nice hot summer where we can swim every day. Yes I am complaining.....and if it were hot weather I would complain about that too. It is great your mother can prepare meals that are on plan for you. I always find it harder to eat at someone else's house.
Erica - How is it going. I wish I could help you with your farm there. I have been helping my friend but for the most part it is indoors helping her to set up her office. I would love to be outside all day.
Tracy, have you been out swimming? I remember years ago I would sit in this little wading pool with my friends kids. It was rather funny.
Tech, do tell what is on the menu in your house. You have great meal ideas too. I hope you do have a wonderful time at the music festival and camping.
Linda, that is great you can make wise choices at lunch and breakfast. I found when we have gone on vacation, I do much better when I can prepare my own food. The paddle boat sounds like it would be such fun.
Hello Ginny, did you eat healthy while camping. I am not really good at cooking when I have camped. I love cooking at home, but when I camp, I like how others cook. They make it seem so easy.
Linda D, How are you. I hear the heat is unbearable in California. I hope that you are well and staying cool.
Briza, I hope that today is a great day for you. Are you getting your exercise in. I find exercising makes me feel better. The thought of exercising causes me stress but the actual exercising works wonders. Stay strong....
Emma, How are you doing? I am sorry your are going through such a rough time. Take Care of you.
Sarah, your children are adorable. It sounds like you truly enjoy them. That is great. Have a wonderful day.
Paige and Haylo, I hope you are both having a wonderful time.
Take Care all
Ann

Paige, congratulations on your weight loss. That is funny about your daughter not wanting to wait until the movie was over.....imagine.
Have a great time.
Ann

Good Morning Everyone,

Need to make this a quick post (like I know how to be short winded). I switched my work shift to one that is mostly sitting in an effort to ease the pain in my foot, it has been really bugging me this week. Anyway so I go in an hour later and was hoping to leave around the same time and get in a good bike ride before work. I always say I'm going to go after work on the days I ride in and it just never happens, so I thought I'd try this.

Ann - I'm so impressed that you remember everyone and what they're up too. Not much exciting on the menu here. We did grilled pizza yesterday and it was soooo good. We changed the toppings and made it almost like a "margarita" pizza. Tonight just leftover lamb from wed although we are going to grill peaches and have homemade ice cream we didn't get to have on Wed because I forgot to check that the ice cream maker was in the freezer :o.

Linda - Good luck eating out, remember you can always ask for your food different than on the menu, so many people do it they don't even look at you weird anymore.

Paige - :woohoo: on the loss. Have fun with your dd's b-day.

Erika - welcome, and that's what the flexpoints are for.

Briza - Welcome back, by all means jump back in. I was reading a book about why we eat like we do and it said we grab carbs and sweets when depressed because it raises the seratonin (sp?) levels in the brain making us feel better. The problem is just like with drugs, when we come back down from this high we feel worse :(

Barb - sometimes we need those lazy days. That's my plan for the camping trip. We're not planning on going anywhere just being lazy.

Laura - :carrot: on your loss. You've already gained it, so it's nice to loose in one big chunk.

ginny - how were the muffins??

Well I should really get moving if I'm going to exercise before work.

Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

Good morning!
Linda- where are you vacationing? I hope the weather is nice- perhaps the humidity will be lower today. Great that you can be the master of your own destiny with regards to eating. Good luck with your food choices today. Hope you are finding the lake very relaxing.

Paige- great to hear from you, even away from home. Hope your visit is going well! Congrats on the loss. And a very happy 5th to your dd. Funny, how little we know about how much our lives will change while pregnant. Oh, I guess we all had an idea........and the changes are even more dramatic than anticipated!

Ann- thanks for asking about my eating. We were at a Pioneer girls camp- so the meals were provided. I did bring some splenda sweetened applesauce cups (first time purchase, very yummy!) and kept that in the van. I knew that my fruit/veggie intake would be limited, so I brought that for damage control. I ate well......made the best of limited food choices and controlled my portions well. Plus I got LOTS of walking in. How has your day been? Get that run in yet?

Erika-hope you can walk again today. It sounds as though you are controlling your points well. great job!

Barb-rest up......sounds like you need to!!!

I was going to take the day off walking- then I stepped outside. It was so gorgeous that I went for a 50 min walk. Glad I did, as the weekend it is supposed to become very hot and I hate walking in the heat.

Have a great day............drink that water!
Ginny

Hi Tech! Your post snuck in before I finished mine. Hope you got some excercise in. What did you do to your foot that it hurts? You get a bravo from me for scheduling in a workout- making time in your day to ensure that you get some excercise. What kind of job do you have?

Off to clean the kitchen.....
Ginny

I hope the anniversary and b-day go well for you Paige. Congrats on the loss! You are doing so very well. I don't know how you manage with all the baking you do! But, sometimes it's easier to bake than to resist things other people make?
Ann, you do such a great job having something to say to everyone, but I didn't get a clear picture of how things are going for YOU this time? So, how are YOU? Are you running/walking each day? Is it getting too hot for that? Hoq is your eating going? Any new recipes or issues?
Tech, good points on asking for things to be prepared differently from how they are on the menu. I have to look over things and figure out where we will go and give this all some thought. So, you make homemade ice cream? Do you have any low point recipes? I took a WW smoothie (chocolate) and followed one of their recipes to make a peanut butter/chocolate ice cream thing for 2 points each yesterday. It was good but much too small. I had two fo them, for 4 points. However, smoothies made with skim milk are on CORE, so I only counted 2 points for the peanut butter. Though, I've yet to write it all in my journal. I'm not good at journalling when I am on vacation mode. I have to do better on that today.
Ginny, our cabin is on a small lake up near Lake Winnepesaukee in NH, the lake is about a mile long and really a quiet place to be. It's nestled in a valley between several small hills/mountains. I love it here. My mom and dad built this place before I was even born, and I am 52. So, this is my 52nd summer here on this lake and it is part of me, I feel. Yet, the Lakes Region of NH is quite the resort area, so we are close enough to "night life", restaurants, shopping, tourist attractions of all type to satisfy any cravings of that nature. I'm sitting here with the laptop at the kitchen table and literally about 12 feet in front of my windows is the water. I seet ripples that are sparkling as the sun catches them, and hear nothing but birds. It's about 73 degrees with a light breeze and sunny. It's really a sweet place to be. I get lazy here! But, I shall go out in the paddleboat after I get off line and get some good exercise in before it gets hot. The humidity is much better right now, but it's supposed to increase with a chance of thunderstorms later on.
For breakfast, I had two pieces of Canadian Bacon (parma ham for Emma), one egg and sauteed peppers, onion and muchrooms in a tsp. of olive oil. I had one slice of WW bread (not even a point when you have only one slice vs. two) along with it. It was satisfying and the sauteed stuff always smells so great when it's cooking.
Lunch is going to be fresh watermellon, sliced turkey, salad with veggies, summer squash and perhaps some kidney beans. It will be light and tasty, I hope! Snack will be fruit and popcorn.
Dinner is still "up in the air", I'll let you all know later on.
Take care,

Hello everyone,

I haven't had a chance to sit down and read posts but I am back home from my vacation. I hope everyone is doing well I will check back in a little later.

Okay I sat down and read yall's posts now that I am here typing I can't remember who said what. I weighed myself this morning on my homescale and I figured I gained about 3 pounds. My plan is to get on track starting now and no more playing around. I need to do this. I am also planning on putting on my pedometer and going to go excercise. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Hi all ...

I got another run/walk in today for another couple of activity points. I bought a new sports bra this week ... that really helped :) Also we bought a new scanner today so I'm excited about scanning in photos and doing some digital scrapbooking. My parents' 40th is coming up and I want to make something special for them. They are going away next week and I'm going to raid their photo albums while they're gone!

Paige - WTG on your loss!! :woohoo: Happy Birthday to your daughter! Mine turned 4 in May. It's true ... I don't know where the time goes. LOL on going into labour in the movie theatre!!

Ann - I have actually been pretty happy with the weather down here ... we don't like the extreme heat and humidity that I'm sure we'll be getting again soon. But it sounds like it's been a bit colder in Ottawa than here. I have a SIL in Ottawa and an aunt and uncle in Pembroke.

Tech - great idea to get the bike ride in before work - I hope it went well!

Ginny - great job getting that walk in! Those applesauce cups sound yummy. I wonder if we can get them in Canada.

Linda, your cabin sounds wonderful. I love Northern New England and Canada's Maritimes (I lived in New Brunswick for 12 years while growing up and going to university). I really miss the ocean and the natural surroundings. You are doing really well while in vacation mode!!

Haylo - welcome back! That 3 pounds will be gone before you know it.

Well, time to work on dinner ... a Chicken Teriyaki recipe from the WW site. Yum! I had chicken fajitas for lunch ... it was tough to limit myself to 2 tortillas but I managed it. It was filling enough anyway. I am planning to go to a 90-minute yoga class tomorrow morning. 3 points :)

Have a great evening!
cheers
Erika

Good Afternoon All,

Well, as I should have expected, I did not get moving fast enough this morning to go for a ride, but I did feel guilty so I road after work. It was hot but not too bad. Total (including the ride in) 10.3 miles and about an hour :D. I'm pretty proud of myself. We've been sitting here discussing our camping trip, it's supposed to be so hot and humid we're not sure about it being enjoyable. We're thinking about maybe extending it a day and heading up to the upper peninsula (it's amazing what Lake Superior will do for you). We'll see.

Erika - Yea on the walk/run. Have fun scrapbooking, we raided the in-law's photos while they were down south in the winter so I know what you mean.

Linda - glad you're enjoying your time at the lake. Did you go out in the paddle boat?

Haylo - Glad you had a great time, welcome back.

Ginny - I "present" at an outdoor history attraction. Basically I talk for a living. I think I hurt my foot by not breaking down and buying new shoes soon enough. I think I have "plantar fasciitis" but I haven't seen a doctor to confirm, I figure I'll talk to the doctor at my physical a week from Mon.

Well, I should head up and make dinner. And brew a pot of tea to ice. Have a great night everyone.

-Tech

Linda - I forgot your question. I have an ice cream maker with the frozen bowl. Usually I make fruit sorbets, but I tried ice cream this time. Not too low a fat recipe though, probably not too bad. I'm figuring 4 pts for 1/2 cup (hence the hour bike ride to pay for it :lol:)

-Tech

Erika: you reminded me that I need to download tons of picutures from my camera to my computer. Great job on your run/walk

tech: I am so happy to hear that you were able to get your ride in after work. Camping sounds so fun good luck with your plans

Erika, I've been to New Brunswick (Mounctin??) and thought it was really lovely, I stayed there on my way to and from Newfoundland when I was a teenager. I remember some kind of magnetic hill? Do you know it? Was it an optical illusion?
Tech, I know what you mean about heat and humidity not being enjoyable. If you were camping and it was that nasty, it might be better to do something different or wait until the weather get's less humid/hot. I have humidity, I just can't take it. I'd never survive if I lived in Florida, I know. I need AC to sleep at night when it's muggy. Here at the lake, we have had a break in the humid weather with several thunderstorms that have passed through. It's lovely out right now, 66 degress with a light breeze. I think I will sleep well tonight!
Tech, I have wanted to get an electric ice cream freezer for awhile and wonder if it would just sit there or if I would use it. I would love to be able to control what goes into it and make some of my own concoctions. DH, in particular is a huge ice cream fan and I would love to be able to make lower fat versions of the kinds that he loves most.
Well, my daughter and I made a decision about tonight's dinner and we decided that, for once, we would go out to dinner and order what we want for a change with no guilt. I won't tempt you all by listing what I had for dinner, but it was good. One of the most overwhelming things that happened for me was a strange feeling when ordering. I am not used to freedom and usually scan every single menu for the lesser point/calorie/low fat choices before I order. Usually that limits me to two or three things at a restaurant. I felt practically giddy ordering what I wanted for a change. One thing that was interesting is that I was full awfully fast. I have no regrets, but may have regrets when weigh in day comes on Tuesday? But, we are on vacation and I really felt that for one night, having exactly what I want (and my daughter as well) was truly nice for a change.
So, tomorrow, we have agreed that we go back to being VERY good girls, and we will for sure!
I hope you all are staying cool and having a nice Friday evening,

Hello everyone. I was sure I had sent a note but it is not here. I had a great day. I ran this morning and walked at lunchtime. I always make sure I get my exercise in. I ate well today. I hope everyone had a great day.
I am wiped tonight so I am going to bed. Have a great night everyone.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Take Care
Ann

Hello Linda and Haylo, I guess we were all posting at the same time. I bet your dinner was yummy.
Haylo, good luck with all those pictures. Have a great night.
Take Care
Ann

Good morning, pretty quiet around here. Weekends tend to be like that.
Ann, you are so well behaved, I think I want to be you when I grow up!
Well, it's the "morning after" and I still have no regrets about my dinner out last night. It is vacation after all and I am happy to have chosen ONE night to eat freely.
Today I begin fresh and will be back on program.
The weather may turn really nasty this afternoon here and we may head home a day early, as there is much to do at home. My 19 year old son is home, alone, this week and I know he misses us. He is phoning us about three or four times a day and he is going through a "career dillema" and I know he would love it if we came home today and I cooked him a decent meal. We'll see how it goes.
I plan on getting dressed in a few minutes, having breakfast (core: oatmeal made with skim milk and fruit) and then going out on my daily paddleboat tour for about a half hour. I really am enjoying the paddleboat so much and it replaces my cardio at the gym and I usually choose the excersize bikes there, so it's almost the same activity.
Lunch today will be CORE as well and I think dinner will be steak with rice and salad, easy and core again!
What meals are you all planning this weekend?

Good Morning All,

Well today is going to be a busy day. I've got a quilt thing this morning (if I go up and get my block done :o) Then we're going to Windsor for the music/food/wine festival. It should be fun and I will do my best to stay close to program (probably not on program but close). Then I'll need to make up the list for shopping for camping. If we go up to the UP it's 6-7 hours away instead of 2. So we'll need to get moving earlier than we had originally planned. It'll work, it won't be the first time we've set up camp in the dark, or probably the last. I think at one point I actually asked if we'd ever put this tent up in daylight.

Ann - Glad you had a good day. Hope you get some relaxing done this weekend you sound tired.

Linda - sometimes giving ourselves one meal to be off program is relieving and then it's easier getting back on program w/o the "I've already blown it so who cares" attitude. Good luck.

Haylo - have fun w/the pics.

Well I should get moving. Have a great day everyone. If I don't get back on line tonight I probably won't be back until Thursday.

-Tech

Hi everyone! I sincerely apologize for not reading posts...you know that is not like me!!! There are SO many people here at my parent's right now, it's pure chaos!!! LOL!!! So many little kids!

The dinner went well last night. I think I did pretty good; I ended up having grilled chicken and the salad bar. I was busy during the morning and never
got around to breakfast, and I also did no snacking during the day.

Today we have a big family picnic to go to. All of my relatives from my dad's side will be there; I'm really looking forward to it. They are all big drinkers, though, so hopefully I don't get "roped" into it! I'm also hoping to do the bbq foods in moderation, too. We'll see how it goes!!

I hope you all are doing ok! Hope you all have a super Saturday!!!

Hello everyone, the wheather here in Texas has been very strange it has been non-stop rain or on and off rain. Today is WI for me I don't know if I am going to go b/c I know I will see a gain but at the same time sometimes thge meetings put me back on track. It's kind of like a jolt that says get yourself together so with that said I guess I should go and just know that I am expecting a gain and that it is from vacation and that I am going to work this week on getting it off.

Derry: I think it is awesome that you and your daughter decided together to have a dinner away from WW. I don't think one dinner will affect you that much. I know what you mean about humidity San Antonio is usually hot and humid but nothing compared to the humidity in Lousiana or Florida it wear you out all that humidity.

Tech: sounds like you have a fund day planned ahead. It is hard to stay on plan at festivals I like how you are thinking about though that you are going to stay close to plan but you know you probably won't be on it. I think that will allow you to be mentally prepared to enjoy yourself for the day.

Newlifestyle: :carrot::carrot::carrot: That's me trying to get some steps in.

Paige: glad your dinner went well. Good luck with the family picnic, I too have a family get together later today we are celebrating on of my cousins birthday's. He is in the army and was home on a short leave but is returning to Alaska before his b-day. I don't know what they will be serving so I am going to stay on the lite side today that way I will have some extra points for later.

Well I went to WI today and I didn't gain as much as I thought I had a gain of .6 so not to bad.

Good afternoon - having a relaxing day. We're doing bbq chicken on the grill tonight and I'm trying to decide if I want to make a ww potato sald or just do a baked potato on the grill. I'm thinking the baked potato sounds the easiest and the best in this heat.

Thanks to all who took the time to look at my blog and see my little family.
I am so happy because I reached the first goal I had set for myself and I made it before the time I had anticipated! :) So yee haw.
I wish I had more time to write, but with three little ones I hardly ever have a moment to myself!

Hi ladies,
once again i'm just back to talk about myself.. :o I promise i'll get better at this! Things are okay here... It's sad, but i know it was for the best, breaking up with DP. Now I hope we are able to sort out a parenting agreement for Gaby - by ourselves, so that we don't have to go through the lawyers. He accused me of already having another guy on the go??? WTH???? No idea why he'd think that. I am almost finsihed my first week on the core plan & am trying to decide if I should do it again next week. My WI is tomorrow night and I think that if I've lost a decent amount of weight - over 1kg maybe, I will do the core for another week. It hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be, I just need to think a bit harder about what i'm eating! I am liking the not counting points as much, THAT is pretty good, but at the same time, I am missing some of the foods I would regularly have on the points plan. I have been making a concerted effort to exercise more this week & so far have just had one day of not exercising.. but I seem to remember exercising on that day? so i am not sure LOL.......

Emma, be careful. I don't know your circumstances, but I can only speak from situations I have observed from friends and family, I would get an attorney and spell out your parenting agreements in writing. Times and people change, you want to make sure your darling little angel is taken care of, and that you have free time and that he accepts responsibility both financially and timewise. If he is accusing you of having a guy on the side that you don't have, he is obviously not looking at things reasonably. Protect yourself and Gaby. Sorry to mention this, but I have seen some horrible things happen to some dear friends. Just make sure you iron this out properly, it might be worth the legal fees in the end.
So, I blew it tonight. What have I learned from this? Well, last night it was all too easy to just say for ONE night that I would forget about all the WW things. But, then comes another night and I was weak, I guess. I had planned on cooking here (we ended up staying at the lake) and we suddenly ended up going out to dinner and I had more food than I had planned. I've got to get back on track, yet again. Tomorrow, we go home and I had better get in control.
I had something happen today and I guess I let the feelings rule my eating. I have to get my act in gear. My daughter ws invited away for a week with a friend on vacatioin the last week in August. My husband told her she could go and I am against it. I don't like the girl. I don't know her famiy and I don't trust them. I really don't want her going far away where I have no control. They are going to New Jersey, a place called Ocean City - guess it's a resort town and I fear she could get in lots of trouble. This girl has so many freedoms and I am deeply concerned. I guess I will set up a meeting with her parents before they go and spell out my own famiy rules to them beforehand. Teens can get in lots of trouble.
So, at any rate, tomorrow is another day and I will try to do better. Do me a favor, everyone, remind me to post what I am eating.
One positive thing I did was go out on the paddleboat again today and I also went rowing. Thank goodness I had some exercise every day this week, at least.
How is everyone else doing?

Hello all! It's a bit more quiet here this morning. My brother and his 3 kids left yesterday (that really brought the noise level down! LOL!) and my sister and her two kids stayed over at my oldest brother's cabin last night. So right now it's just us and my parents.

The bbq yesterday was really nice. I love family get togethers. They are an all day thing...we got there at noon and didn't leave till 8pm...would of stayed later if the kids weren't getting cranky. I love being able to sit and chat with cousins and aunts and uncles that I only get to see this time every year. Eating wise I probably didn't do the best, but probably much better than I would of done had I not been on WW! I didn't eat much of the salads, but I did have some dessert and two Bacardi wine coolers. Oh well. I think that either I'm not used to eating that way anymore or some of the salads sat out too long (even though they were kept on a huge bed of ice) because last night my stomach HURT and this morning I'm having "bathroom issues." I'm kind of thinking that I'm just not used to that food anymore because (that I know of) none of my other family members are sick. Anyway...

Today is another little party day. There is a parade up town today and tonight we're celebrating my dd, niece, and nephew's birthdays, which are all in the summer. I already know I'll be having cake tonight...whether I feel good or not, I'm never able to turn down cake! There are also fireworks tonight, too.

Haylo-I'm glad the scale was "nice" to you! Maybe the good eating habits are getting to be more normal that you thought?

momoftwo-Congrats on reaching your first goal! You are doing really well and right on your way!

Emma-I'm really sorry that things are so tough right now. I can't even imagine. Who knows what goes through men's heads...I sure don't. When would you even have time to cheat on him when you are taking care of a baby?! I'm anxious to hear how your wi goes, too.

Linda-Sorry to not go back and read into it, but WHY would you want to say forget WW for one night? You know that is easier said than done, it's hard to get back on the saddle, and there is usually regret and consequences. What did I miss? As far as Ocean City...ummm...I personally don't think I would let my kid go down there with a family that I was uncomfortable with. I'm sure you trust your dd with your whole heart, but it is so easy to be influenced. When we were in Point Pleasant (another town on the Jersey shore) there were a bunch of guys renting a house probably 5 down from ours. They were in their early 20's, I'd say, and at night they would sit out on their deck and they each had a sign with a "rating" (like 10, 9, etc) and when girls would go by they would rate them. One also had a sign that said "come over." Try explaining to a 5yr old what they were doing! Point Pleasant is more of a family beach, so there were more teenage girls there, and I know one time we walked by there were some girls sitting out there with them that COULD NOT of been 21. That I know of, Ocean City is more of a party town, so the guys are probably expecting the girls to be a little older? And this girl that invited your dd has more freedom...ummmm....yeah, I don't think I would let my dd go! It is just easy for younger girls to get themselves into situations they can't get back out of, you know? Just my two cents!

Anyway...I hope everyone else is doing great. Have a fabulous Sunday!

Emma: sorry things are so hectic for you right now. I hope you are able to work things out. I too think you should get things in writing sometimes people say things and do something totally different which will only make for more havoc down the road. You know what is best, sorry he is accusing you of things you are not involved in. I hope things get better for you.

Derry: like Paige said it is hard to get back on track, I hate when one night of freedom leads you to another night. At least you are aware of it and know you need to get back on track. I know my parents were always very strict about me going anywhere with anybody, pretty much the only person I was allowed to spend the night with was my cousin and school events I was in band so we would go on band trips but of course there was much supervision and they would keep us so busy we wouldn't have time for trouble. It was a trust thing for my parents and them not feeling comfortable not knowing the other families very well. It used to make me so angry but now that I am older I can see why things like that would make them nervous. I can see your predicament b/c your husband already told your dd she could go and you don't want to be the bad guy but you have to do what you feel is best for your daughter. Good luck!!!!

Paige: The parade sounds fun, good luck. I think you are right about things becoming more natural for me. Hopefully this week I can lose what I gained and a little more.

Hello everyone!
I have introduced myself on a few other threads but wanted to here as well.
My name is Tina, I'm 34 & live in Long Island NY with my husband of 14 years, Chris. We have 3 sons. AJ (12), Kyle (5) and our angel in Heaven, Tyler. We also have 2 dogs.
I'm a stay at home mome & a work at home mom. My family comes first & it's time I start putting me up there with them.
There are lots of reasons & excuses that I packed on 344 (my top weight) but all that matters is that I get it off. I starting walking in April & have dropped 23 pounds since. I just recently started a diet a friend told me about & have dropped 4 of those pounds since starting it.
I'm not a big snacker but the more aware I am of my life style I seem to graze on the wrong things. My solution? I got them out of the house! Each person (both boys, my dh & my SIL) get to have one snack & it's kept in a drawer I don't use...out of sight out of mind!
I hope to make some really good friends here & give as much support as I get.
Happy losing!

Welcome Tina to our little corner of the 'net. There is a great bunch of supportive people here. Hope you keep checking in with us and keep us posted with your successes and your struggles. Someone usually has some great advice to give if you want it.

Linda - How old is your daughter? Isn't she going to be a senior in high school? That's a hard call. I understand your hesitancy but sometimes we have to trust that we've raised them right and go with it. But if she is open for true harm's way, no way would I let her go. I guess I'm the odd person out here but I'm a bit older than most of our other members and my children are 18 and up. Sorry about your weekend. Now pull of the reins hard, get some extra APs in and go forward. You'll do great! I have faith.

Haylo - glad you're home and had a great trip. Paige - sounds like your week away has been everything you wanted. Such a nice refresher for the summer huh?

Hi everyone! Tech - I'll be thinking of you in the U.P. I'm jealous as I lived from five years up there and it calls my name. Hopefully, someday soon we'll get back up there to visit.

It's in the 90s here already and it's a scorcher. I need to go to work this afternoon and there is air conditioning there so it will be a reprieve for me. My poor door is laying in front of fan already. It's so warm for her.

Not sure what's on my food plan today - maybe a grilled chicken salad - something easy and light, that's for sure

Welcome TinaG, I hope you can stay on track and that the weight continues to come off. I like how you have given your family a special place for their own snacks. I'm sure that is helpful.
Paige and Haylo, I really appreciate your feedback on this Ocean City thing. I'm a nervous wreck over it already.
Well, I'm home now from our trip and have sworn to be a good girl now. Lots of things are going on here and I need to keep my emotions in check. I got a message from my doctor's office to call them about test results, the only test I have pending is a pap smear, so until I can call them tomorrow about that, I'm nervous. I sure wish they wouldn't leave phone messages that sound ominous. I probably won't sleep tonight.

Laura, our posts "crossed".
I also appreciate what you have to say as well. I have been thinking exactly what you expressed too. I think we have done a decent job in bringing her up, but it is SO very far away (probably a 7 hour ride?) that it's not as if I could come down there easily and "rescue" her if she were miserable. She's never been away from home other than a one night sleepover before and to place her with people I don't know awfully well in a place that I find questionable does truly worry me. Yet, she will be 17 in October and I need to loosen those apron strings a bit and have some trust that she will make good decisions. I could always drive down there and take her home if things got out of control, but I wouldn't want to have to be in that position. I wish I knew the mom and dad better. I'm calling the mom tomorrow, I think, to have a chat. I will also do some research on Ocean City on line and look up news and information about it.
Thanks

Hello All,

Just stopping in real quick as I take a break in packing up the car. That is the biggest pain w/camping, loading the car! And it's the 1st time this year so we're always "what did we forget". It is a scorcher out there. We were hoping to get out by 12:30 but it's looking more like 2:30. I made a light chicken pasta salad for dinner so we won't have to cook and won't be tempted to stop. All will be well once we get moving.

Didn't do too bad yesterday. I didn't figure the points but I think I'm OK. I definitely had enough sun for a while though, but it was fun. Will miss wi this week because we'll be out of town, I could go to another meeting, I'll think about it.

Paige - glad you're enjoying yourself. Have a fun night.

Linda - I don't have kids so I can't give advise but good luck :hug:

Laura - Hope you enjoyed the AC. It's supposed to cool off by Tues :D We both went to school in the UP and love it up there. DH would move back in a heartbeat. But not me, it's a great place to visit but I don't want to live there again.

Haylo - glad the scale gods were kind. You must have done better than you thought.

Tina G - Welcome.

Have a great week everyone. I won't be back until Thurs.

-Tech

Tech, have a great trip. I hope you can stay on track, it's so hard when you are "out of your element" in terms of vacationing. I wasn't awfully well behaved those few nights, eating out, but I have to say that I was doing OK while we were at the cabin and I did bring some very healthy foods along. I made a point to exercise every day and that did help quite a bit, I think.
As I stopped tracking what I was eating (I'm very bad about journaling and tracking when I am away). I might have even been completely on program and might have used only a few flex points, especially considering that I did exercise each day.
I dared to weigh myself this morning and I don't think I am up right now, but my weight is SO strange and fluctuates day to day and throughout each day. Yesterday, after getting home, I drank a ton of water and we had a healthy dinner last night of boiled tiny Yukon gold potatoes, corn on the cob, BBQ chicken and salad with O + V.
I ran to the store yesterday afternoon and purchased a bunch of fresh fruit and will drink lots of extra water today. Temps are supposed to be near 90 here today, so drinking lots of water will be a great thing. Also, I plan to head right back to the gym today and look forward to that.
Linda

Tech (who probably is already gone) mentioned making a "light" chicken pasta salad to pack on her trip.
Have any of you got any nice light (but flavorful) pasta salad recipes to share? I just love what they call "macaroni salad" and it's is usually just dripping with mayo. I have another recipe that uses an entire half bottle of Italian dressing that is very good, but it's definitely not anything I'd call "light". I'm not big on the flavors of the "lite" Italian dressings, so wouldn't even bother trying to substitute to make my usual recipes.
Yesterday, while I waited in line at the deli counter for some ham, turkey and cheese, I was surveying the pasta and other salads in their attractive glass case. I really wanted to buy that stuff, Macaroni salad, pasta salad, potato salads, and Cole slaw - all the things like that. I have no trust of their foods being low in points/fat and really all that healthy, so I didn't buy any of them. But tossing something on the grille on a hot night and having cool summer salads (I'm kind of bored with lettuce salads, but am eating one almost every day) sounds so appealing to me right now.
So, are there any flavorful and low point great summer salad recipes you all might share? :)
Thanks if you have anything!

Linda - somewhere I found some great summer salad recipes. I'll try to look them up and post them this week

Weekends have been AWFUL this summer. I don't know exactly what the difference is. Maybe it's the lack of organized schedule or something but I better get it in control SOON because my organized schedule pretty much went out the window with my last child graduating from school. I thought it would be just the opposite - funny how that happens huh?

Thanks, Laura, if you find any recipes.
What you said makes sense about schedules going out the window when you last child graduated. I can understand as it is starting to happen with me as well. My organization and schedule revolved around my kids, especially feeding them. When there are less and less people at the dinner table, then you don't plan and think. When all four of us are home for a change at a meal, it's now becoming a "special occasion" for me to cook, in a way. When there are two of us, it hardly seems worth bothering to cook at all.
I guess preparing large quantity items and making use of your freezer might help out? I'm learning that as well. I am not used to buying for two people vs. four of us and lots of my fruits and veggies go bad before we get to use them nowadays, but it is unpredictable when everyone will be home, so I continue to buy so that things are on hand.

Hi everyone

I am way too far behind to do personals for everyone! Agh! I will try to be better this week.

Well, I weighed in this morning and I was down 2lb. Can you believe I was actually disappointed with that? I guess it's because I had done Wave 1 of Sonoma a couple of times and lost 6 or 8 lb ... but I realize there were several factors at work here: 1. WW doesn't have an "induction" phase; 2. I was exercising quite a bit so I may have gained some muscle; 3. TOM. I still had 13 flex points left at the end of the week, so I don't think I overate. Did I????

Anyway, I'll take it. I started Week 2 of C25K this morning and it felt good. I did it on the treadmill rather than outside because the humidex is 31C today.

Here's to a great week for all of us!
cheers
Erika

Linda - Yep, I remember the magnetic hill. LOL ... it's definitely an optical illusion, but it's pretty cool. It's in the Moncton area. Where did you go in Newfoundland? My DH is from St. John's and we will be there for 2 weeks this summer (it's about my 10th visit there).
That sounds like a tough situation with your daughter. It sounds like you are handling it in a really good way. Keep posting here about it when you feel down!!
Tech - have a great trip!
Haylo - great job only gaining .6 on your trip!
Paige - hope you are feeling better today.
Welcome Tina! WTG on 23 lbs!!! That's fabulous.
Hi Laura :wave:

Linda and anyone else:

Low fat Creamy Potato Salad

POINTS® Value: 2
Servings: 8

1 cup plain fat-free yogurt
2 whole hard-boiled egg(s)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp mustard
1 tsp table salt
1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1 cup celery
1/2 cup onion(s)
2 pound potato(es)
1 Tbsp white vinegar
1/4 cup Dole Green Onions
Instructions

Prepare potatoes, cool slightly and cut into cubes. Mix mayo, yogurt, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add potatoes, celery and onion; toss. Stir in eggs. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours to blend flavors and chill.

Macaroni Salad

PTS Value: 3
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 12 min
Cooking Time: 10 min
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients
8 oz uncooked macaroni, elbow
1/2 cup reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 cup celery, chopped
1/3 cup red onion(s), finely chopped
2 Tbsp parsley, fresh, chopped
1/4 tsp table salt, or to taste
1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
Cook macaroni according to package directions without added salt or fat; drain and transfer to a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard and garlic powder; stir mixture into cooked macaroni. Fold in celery, onion and parsley; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or chilled. Yields about 2/3 cup per serving.
Notes
The hint of celery, garlic and onion makes this creamy salad a super-flavorful, easy-to-prepare mainstay for your menu. For added color, stir in diced tomatoes.

Feel free to swap whole wheat pasta for regular pasta if desired.


Orange Jello Salad

From the kitchen of MARYKREA

Estimated PTS Values Per Serving | 3
Servings | 10

Ingredients

1 15 oz. canned crushed pineapple with juice
6 oz. sugar free orange jello
2 cups buttermilk
1 8 oz. canned mandarin oranges (drained)
1 12 oz. container of sugar free Cool Whip
1 8 oz. Mandarin Oranges in light syrup - drained

Instructions

In saucepan bring pineapple with juice to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in orange Jello until dissolved. After dissolving orange Jello, drain mandarin oranges and add to pineapple mixture. Cool. Mix in the buttermilk. Fold in whipped topping. Pour in bundt pan or ring mold that has been sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Refrigerate until firm.

Special Notes
This is a family favorite. It reminds me of an orange dreamcicle.

Tuna Mac salad - CORE!!!!!

1 box of wheat elbows
a few lg cans of tuna/chicken
ff mayo or mw


Cottage cheese/jello salad

1 small container of FF cottage Cheese
1 small box of SF jello (pretty much any flavor you want. I usually use raspberry, strawberry or cherry)
1 small container of light cool whip - (FF makes it soupy - use the pts for lt)

Mix the jello powder into a bowl with the cottage cheese. The add the cool whip. Stir until well mixed.

Probably serves about 6 people - 1/2 c serving


I pulled these from WW - for some reason some of them don't have the pts but they all look like very low pt recipes

BOY I HOPE THIS POSTS BECAUSE IT'S BEEN HANGING UP!!!!

Cheesy Potatoes
POINTS® Value 3
Servings: 8

3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
10 3/4 oz Campbell's (U.S.) 98% Fat-Free Cream Of Chicken Soup
5 oz Kraft 2% Milk Reduced Fat Natural Cheese Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x9 baking dish with Pam. Mix all ingredients together and place into baking dish. Bake 1 hour.

I think it's the length of our thread again - I hope people see these recipes

Tech: have fun on your trip
Erika: Wow 2 lbs that is great, I can see why you would be disappointed when you compare it to your previous lossess but you should be proud of yourself a loss is always better then a gain.
tina: Welcome
rosegarden: I think it's just the concept of summer that gets us off track, I always think of summer as a time to rest so I guess that why for me it's easier to slip up.
Derry: I am proud of you for not being the grocery store pasta salads those like you said I am sure are not points friendly. I am not a big pasta salad person so I don't have any recipes but if I happen to come across any I will let you know.

Laura--ooo those cheesy potatoes sound yummy!!! I am going to have to try them.

Erika-congrats on your loss-that is great!

Welcom Tina!

Tech-Have a great time on your trip!!

Linda-Did you talk to your daughters friends parents? I am very curious on what you decide to do. I go both ways on the situation, on one hand, you have to remember you are the one that raised your daughter and I am sure she knows to make the right decision. But on the other hand, kids are easily influenced and it doesnt sound like her friends parents are going to do a good job of watching them. Although, if she is going to be a senior in hs in one year she will be out in the real world or at college by herself and making her own choices. Its a tough call...

Emma-I am really sorry to hear about your husband problems. I cant believe that you have to go through that.

As far as me, I have been doing ok. Not great-actually I havent counted points in about 2 weeks but I got on the scale on Sunday and somehow only went up 1lb. I ran both days this weekend and made healthy food choices-even though I need to start counting again! I have to go for a dress fitting today for my dress for the wedding this morning and I am really nervous about it. Oh well-maybe it will get my butt in gear. I really wish I was one of those people who's passion was running or exercising. Its always such a struggle for me. I just need to keep remembering to take one day at a time...

Hi!
I had a very busy weekend, not much time to myself at all. So for now I will be short. Gee, the recipes look great. I will give the macaroni and potato salad a try, as I am always looking for lower point versions of those.
I make something very similar to the orange jello salad (actually made it on Saturday!) and it ls 2 points per serving. My family loves it too, and my mom actually asked me to make it for her birthday, which was Saturday.
Sorry not enough time to get personal. It is hot and I have a nasty headache.
Hope everyone is having a great day
Ginny

Oh boy...it's been a while since I've been on here. Sorry!
My birthday was yesterday-- I'm 30 now :)
Went to an awesome concert- Nickelback!!!

Bought a new scale yesterday . Mine died last week, and going 5 days without weighing myself was killing me.

Hello all

Tracy, Happy birthday. I like Nickelback. They are an awesome band. Wow, to go without a scale for a whole 5 days. I was weighing myself everyday for a while but then I stopped weighing so often.
Tech, have a wonderful time on vacation.
Laura, the salads sound great. I am going to try them all. I hope that you get your weekends get better for you.
Tina, welcome, you are doing awesome. I hope you enjoy this site as much as I do. They are always here when I need them, and do I ever need them at times.
Briza, good job exercising. I think that fake it til you make it works with running and exercising. I don't really enjoy running but I enjoy the way I feel after I run. I hope you are doing well.
Linda, I think I would be nervous about my 17 year old daughter going with people I didn't know well enough to trust. Did you get in touch with your doctor today? I hope everything is okay.
Paige, it sounds like you had a great time. It is nice you are close enough to visit your family.
Ginny, hello, I hope all is well with you. Are you enjoying your summer so far?
Emma, I do hope things are well with you.
Erika, great job with your run/walk and congrats on your loss. Do you fly to Newfoundland? I have been to PEI, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick but haven't made it to Newfoundland/Labrador.
Haylo, how are you my walking buddy. Guess what I did last week, you will never guess. I met with a trainer and a dietician too. It was so good. They both explained during separate meetings that I need to eat at least 1800 calories a day if I am going to run as well as walk. They told me to follow the ww guideline but try counting calories to make sure I am getting enough. This means I will probably eat more points than I have been. I meet with each of them once a week, the trainer to do strength training and the dietician to go over my eating. They also explained that I may not feel hungry but with all the running I do, I need to eat more. It was great. I am going to limit my walks to 10,000 steps, and still run 5 km per day. The strength training will be three times a week. It was really exciting.
I hope you are doing well this week and way to go only gaining .6 of a pound. You may need to eat more with your exercising.
Erica, how are you doing?
Sarah way to go reaching your goal you have set for yourself.
RoseyPosey, hello, what is new with you?
I hope everyone has a wonderful week.
Take Care
Ann

Erika, I'd not be upset about 2 pounds, that's a great loss! I am pleased with ANY loss whatsoever! After being away for several days and eating out, I am wondering if I will have a loss or gain tomorrow? I won't be mad if there is a gain as I did "cheat" a bit eating out. On the weeks when I am very well behaved and then have a gain, I get angry, but if there is a gain when I was a "bad girl", I have no one to blame but myself. It was good and I had fun, though.
Yes, Moncton is the name of the place we stayed in with that hill. I remember my dad taking us to that hill and making a big deal about it and putting the car in neutral and we supposedly went up the hill. He got a kick out of it, at least. I have family in Bonavista, Newfoundland that I visited, Erika. It's beautiful country, I loved it. It was so cool to see Icebergs floating in the harbor in July! I think I have some relatives in St. Johns as well.
Laura, your recipes sound good. I'm going to copy, cut and paste them so I can try a few of them. I'm especially interested in the cheesy potatoes, as I love cheese!
I'm glad your post worked! Computer issues can be such a pain! I've been trying to do financial stuff on my computer all day, off and on and my computer seems to be messed up and is deleting files, yet all my virus scans are negative. I can't wait for my husband to get home and have a look at my PC as there is obviously something wrong. He even mentioned getting me a new computer on the phone tonight as he is sick of messing around with mine all the time. It really is a pain.
Haylo, thanks! I was proud of myself too for resisting all those tempting looking concoctions in the grocery store. I'll bet their macaroni and pasta salads are VERY high in points, and there is usually no calorie/fat info that you can use. You know, my own homemade stuff is usually much better than the store-bought stuff anyway, but my own recipes from the past are not WW friendly at all, sadly. I do long for those. In the non - WW days of the past, I'd make up several nice summer salads in big covered bowls and keep them in the refrigerator. They would make great side dishes and I wouldn't have to cook that much. They were great for lunches too, and would stretch over several days. But, they are not WW friendly, so I have to find other things.
Briza, I didn't talk with my daughter's friend's parents yet. But, I will. This trip is supposed to take place the last week in August, so I have plenty of time. What I did do was to start a list of questions I need answered before she can go. When I talk with the mom/dad, I will be clear that I have several concerns such as curfew, sleeping arrangements, weather or not the girls will be given car privileges (I will not allow my daughter to be in the car with their daughter driving around a strange area, especially at night), the place they stay, phone numbers, etc. I want to stress my own curfews to them as well as what I allow and do not allow my daughter to do. I don't want to be a jerk about it, but if I am the stricter parent, I need to be sure that my wishes will be respected if she is to spend that long a time with them. Their daughter is always one to "push the envelope" as they say. I've heard of her going out drinking and partying (from my own daughter who objects to it) and she has ignored our state's rules about new drivers having only one passenger in the car at a time and taken several kids at once in her mom's car. My own little angel (she really is a goody two shoes) drove her own car, by herself, to join this girl and others at the movies. This girl conned my daughter into sneaking into an R rated moved as well (I don't really care as it wasn't that bad of a film, but this girl always looks the other way when it comes to rules, it seems. Yet, my daughter is intelligent enough to know it's wrong and share it all with me, at least. If she were secretive and didn't share it with me, I'd have more cause to worry. My daughter already asked if there would be drinking and told her she wouldn't go if there was, at least.
I can't "tattle" to these parents about what their daughter has done that my daughter has taken me into confidence and told me about, but I can stress my own concerns for rules, as these parents aren't really on top of what their own kid is up to. If I am not satisfied with the answers, then it is my prerogative as a parent to develop a family situation or something that makes it so that my daughter cannot make the trip.
Just one thing, so you all don't get the completely wrong picture here, I do like this girl and she's not a bad kid, but she is just less supervised and more apt to stretch the rules than my daughter is. I was no angel when I was a teenager and I managed to live through those times, luckily, but I wouldn't be a decent parent if I were not cautious about who I allowed her to go away with.
I sure wish the place they plan to go to wasn't quite so far away, if it were closer to where we live, I could be able to come and get her if she was not feeling comfortable. Also, if it were for a few days vs. an entire week, I'd be much more comfortable. But, I also know she is going to be a senior this year and could be going off to college in about a year and living there, so she truly does need to have experiences like this to "test" her skills. She's only stayed overnight one night at a time at friend's houses and has never traveled away from us/home before to any great degree. So, perhaps this would be a good thing for her, even if she has a lousy time? But, I need to know she will be safe. So, in the meantime, I am working on my list of questions to present to the parents.
I know they want my daughter to go, very much, as their daughter is an only child and she gets very lonely during family vacations, I guess. So, having a friend to come is very welcome for their family so she is occupied?
I'm glad I have you all to run all of this by, though, nice to hear all of your different views on this.
As for today... I was right back on program and have been 100% CORE today. I went to the gym and figure I earned two points, so I can have a WW dessert. It felt good to be back at the gym today, and I hope to go again tomorrow. Though, I am debating the regular debate about weather or not it's best to go to the gym on weigh in day?

One other thing, the thread probably needs re-starting again. I will try to get to it in the morning, but if you have trouble posting or more time than I have, go for it.

Good morning everyone. I hope you all have a great day.
It is so humid here lately that it makes it more difficult to run outside. That is when water, water, water comes in handy.
Linda, that is awesome your daughter is honest with you and what this girl is doing. Maybe you should talk to the girl and set down your rules with her too. Some kids don't listen to their parents but they do listen to other parents. Your daughter sure is lucky to have you for a mom. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your daughter.
Have a wonderful day.
Ann

Here's our new thread!!!
http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117415

I'll read and respond to posts here and then post it over there!
C-ya there!!!!

Hi all!

I'm having a really hard time being good up here. It's mainly because the foods around are not ww friendly. I'm not snacking at all, but the things that we are having for b, l, and d are just not what I would normally choose to have at home. Not to be complaining, though! I'm really trying to use portion control...maybe I'll find that I'm doing better than I think? I hope so. I am feeling so bloated. My sister and her family are leaving today, then it will just be me and my dds here, and we will be leaving tomorrow morning. I'm hoping that I'll be able to stay completely op tomorrow and Thursday, as my wi is Thursday. At this point I'm just praying that I have stayed the same! I think I'm also going to challenge myself to try to stay op today, too, but it's going to be difficult because I have no idea on point values.

Tracy-I was going to ask you about your Nickelback concert...I wasn't sure if you had gone yet or not. We saw them in TN back in the fall. OMG, they were incredible!!!!!!! We had amazing seats and backstage passes (my BIL who plays for the Titans has connections!)...I couldn't hear for a week!!! Were they performing at the Pepsi Arena?

Anyway guys, I must run. I hope you are all having a great and successful week!