Sugar Shakers - Sugar Busters Weekly Support Board 10/21-10/27

http://members.aol.com/eldemila/sb_sign4.jpg

This is the
SUGAR BUSTERS WEEKLY SUPPORT BOARD where all of you who are following this WOE, or are thinking about doing so, are welcome to come join in and be a part of our wonderful group.

Other than finding support and friendship on this board, we also try to do something during the the week to add a little difference to our board.

MONDAY-MOTIVIATIONAL MONDAY
TUESDAY-TUESDAYS TIPS & FACTS & CHAT AT 9:15PM EST
WEDNESDAY-WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY-THURSDAY RECIPE DAY
FRIDAY-FRIDAY FUNNIES


Please take some time to check out our extensive recipe boards. Our RECIPE BOARDS can be located at the link below:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=89


We have SEVEN INFORMATIVE BOARDS!!!! Please take a few minutes to visit them! New information is continually being posted, so please make sure you visit them often!!! The boards are listed below as well as the link that will take you to the boards:

THE RECOMMENDED READING BOARD
THE TOOLS & TIPS BOARD
THE FOOD INFORMATION BOARD
MOTIVATIONAL & INSPIRING THOUGHTS BOARD
MY FAVORITE SB LEGAL FOODS
SB 2002 BIO BOARD
SB 2001/2002 PHOTO ALBUM BOARD

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=87

We also have a SB WEEKLY EXERCISE BOARD that you can log your daily/weekly exercises on which is located on our weekly support board:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21225

Then there's our latest addition to the SB BOARDS which is called OFF THE EATEN PATH This board is for everything NOT related to SB. You can use this board to post questions or comments on just about anything (okay, within reason). A book you recommend, a cleaning tip, a great website deal, etc. etc. Here's the link:

http://www.3fatchicks.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=90


NEWBIES! (aka new members) If you would like to REPLY to any of our threads, please hit POST REPLY not NEW THREAD, then type your message in and hit SUBMIT REPLY. If you need to edit your reply, just click on edit located in the body of your post and make changes as you need to, then hit SUBMIT NOW.


WELCOME! :D

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GOOD MONDAY MORNING EVERYONE!

Will post my usual morning post sometime later, but wanted to make sure I got our
MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY done early in the morning, so here's my contribution for MM, there are two of them today. :)

http://members.aol.com/debelli/monday_morning_thought.jpg

ONCE YOU SEE THE MISTAKE

Perhaps you made a mistake, and perhaps it was a serious one, but that mistake is now history. Even though you might be paying its price for some time to come, the mistake itself is over. For as soon as you realize you've made a mistake, it goes from being a negative to a positive influence. Once you see it was a mistake, you've already begun to correct it and to find ways that you can become stronger because of it.

Mistakes can be costly, and yet the good thing is that the more you pay for a mistake, the more positive value you'll get from it. Mistakes, though they are rarely ever sought, end up being excellent investments once they're understood.

Usually, mistakes are at their most destructive stage when you have not yet recognized them as mistakes. Don't be afraid to see your mistakes, because as soon as you realize something is a mistake you can begin to transcend it.

Mistakes can continue to set you back or they can begin to move you forward. It all depends on when you see them and recognize them for what they are.

Have the courage to admit your mistakes, see and understand them, and you'll transform them from mistakes into valuable knowledge.

-- Ralph Marston

**************

ON YOUR WAY

What a sublime joy it is to be on your way, to be moving each moment with focus and commitment toward a destination you have chosen. When there is a purpose to your efforts, a purpose in which your heart is truly invested, it brings a blissful lightness even to the most imposing burdens.

Once you are on your way, momentum becomes your partner. By filling your moments with effective and productive action, you put time itself on your side. Your world can change in an instant from dismal to hopeful when you start making the real effort to do something about it. Certainly there will be setbacks and frustrations, yet even the most onerous setbacks still leave you with the desire and ability to move on ahead.

Get on your way and you'll discover conditions and events pushing you forward, conditions and events you previously thought would have only held you back. Get on your way, and you'll soon be turning liabilities into assets, weaknesses into strengths.

Express your commitment to make something positive happen by actually beginning to do it. You can think and plan and hope and dream, yet the real fulfillment begins as soon as you get on your way.

-- Ralph Marston

***************

Have a wonderful day, and a fabulous week!!!!!

Debbie
194/1??/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Good Monday Morning Everyone:wave:

Well, needless to say, things sure didn't work out the way I had hoped to with me getting on the board and catching up with all the posts. Even though I had made a forewarning at the beginning of the week about how busy the week was going to be, it was moreso. I haven't even had time to go and read all the posts. So, I hope, if y'all don't mind, I'm going to start this week anew.

As you can see, from the time that I started the boards, I was up in the wee hours of the morning. I woke up around 2am ish and couldn't fall back asleep until about 5:30am, only about a half hour before I have my alarm set and have to wake up. ELI wasn't home when I woke up so I called him, he was still at work-he didn't come to bed til after 4:30am and I tossed and turned trying to go back to sleep. He went back to work around 7:30am and I tried to go back to sleep as well but I'm still just tossing and turning, the phone rang, so now, I'm up.

With that, I didn't get in my walk this morning-I have no energy. It pisses me off because I had all good intentions of doing so when I went to sleep last night. I didn't get to walk yesterday and if I don't get out today, which, as you know with me, if I don't do it in the early AM it's a good chance it won't happen at all, thus, 3 days in a row of no exercise:fr: There's a good possibility that I won't go tomorrow, but hoping that I will.

Not much of anything exciting to tell about down here. Parent's made it home from NC safe and sound and with a crap load of stuff. Niece's bday party yesterday, didn't touch any of the cake or ice cream, or any of the food they had at that. I don't even remember what I wrote about last and where I would even pick up from. I can tell you that my eating sucked big time on Saturday but yesterday it was stellar and it will be so once again today.

Tomorrow is my interview and once again, I'll be asking for all the good thoughts you may be able to throw my way. I'm just praying since I have gained a few pounds the dress I intend to wear fits!:rolleyes: Better go see if I have a pair of pantyhose around, something I so very rarely wear, I don't even know if I have any. I'm just hoping that one of the job descriptions is NOT having to dress nicely all the time, if that's the case and I get offered the position, I just may have to think about this twice-if I can't wear my black stretchy capris, I don't know what I'd wear!

Well gals, hope you all forgive me about my lack of posting to everyone during last week. I PROMISE to be better this week, I don't have half of what was going on last week going on this week. The only way I can't make it on the computer is when the kids are hogging it for school, which is exactly what happened last night, both of our phone lines were tied up with both kids on the computer on line, one on our account the other under my Mother's. What do you do when they both need it at the same time???

I'll check back in later with you all.

Have a great week!

:queen: Debbie
194/1??/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Forgive me, my post is very self-centered….

I went on a binge, a real binge…I sat in "the closet binging" on everything bad for me…but what I realized this morning….

I am unpleasant, unhappy, disappointed, overall crappy mood and all because I ate things I should not have. The face I see in the mirror is not the one I was getting so happy with a month ago! I started swelling again, and that was one of the biggest, most important reasons for doing Sugar Busters, to keep my kidneys functioning properly.

So, I make a promise to myself, that I am the old me today – the gung ho, happy with myself, and improving every day that I stay on track and on program. Exercise has started, I have my stomach cruncher, and walking with the dogs every night – and tomorrow I have an appointment at the gym again.

I am giving myself a goal to accomplish within the next three months, one I know I can meet.

I thought if I tell you all this, then I have something to answer to…. And, I have to be very consistent in keeping up with the board!!!!

Thanks for being there.. Sabrina

Hey woman! I hear ya loud and clear. And I soooo relate. Praying that your new drive and motivation are strong and well rooted. That you will not be tempted by things that will make you swell or feel bad. I also pray when you look in the mirror you will see the beautiful talented funny woman that you are. And you will see the you that you are working toward.

Hang in there...the binge is over and you are back on the road to good health.

Love and hugs,
Crystle

I'm sorry this will be so short, but it seems my left hand is giving me trouble this morning, right along with the right.

I too awoke up this morning dreading standing on the scale, as I too made concious poor decisions this weekend. After reading the first 3 posts of the day, I wrote this:

We can do this together, I know we can. Step back up to the plate (no pun intendended), we are going to bat you and I. We will hit a home run, but first we must bunt, and then run base by base...until we score our first run. Each time we get up to bat, it's a new opportunity for a hit/ball/strike. The more we practice, the better we will get, but accepting that this is a life time committment, rather than a diet that we can stop after our weight is lost, is our first step. (I guess the world series is on my mind.)

Batter Up!

HUGS!
Lara

Happy Monday Gang! :wave:

Hope everyone had a great weekend and ready to jump into this week committed and OP!

Finally got DH a suit at JC Penney's (your place Deb) for 30% off. Also got a sport coat $150 for $60. Pleased with that deal too. Tried to find him some shoes, but none fit right. This cruise is becoming expensive. Of course I had to get soemthing too. 2 sweaters that were 30% off. I am committed to saving on my money each week to buy 1 thing. I just have no clothes. Everytime I go to get dressed, what I put on is too big. Granted that's a wonderful feeling, but going naked is just not an option. So I have the basic color pants so I will try to buy a top a week to get some variety. I have 1 pair of jeans that I was every other day. I just hate to invest too much so when I lose this last 20 pounds I won't have too many big clothes again.

Deb said the boards would be slowing down around the holidays, and boy have they. :sad: I miss everyone.

Fillise, How exciting about the President coming. Hope you get to meet him. Hope your week isn't too crazy.

Sef, Sorry to hear about your cousin. Hope he does ok.

Gators, I really thought the gators were going to lose that one. Lucky bucs! Looks like Spurrier may be coming back to UF. He has lost 4 now.

Deb, Sounds like you had a crazy night. There is a full moon, maybe that's it. Eli is a workaholic isn't he? Man he is going to burn out. Get back out there tomorrow. Don't get caught behind, it gets harder to get out there the longer you wait. Loved the MM. Especially the one on mistakes. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Sounds like you are on the right track with your eating. WTG for succeeding at the bday party. Keeping my fingers crossed for the interview. But I know you will shine. Sorry I missed your call Sat. Weekends are always busy at my house.

Tranquil, You made a mistake, you have learned from it. Now you are even more committed. Way to go on committing to the exercise and good eating. You have a great frame of mind. One that will succeed. I know you will reach your first goal. Keep in touch often. :grouphug:

Off to do some work. Debating on eating my apple. Not really hungry. Haven't been for 2 days. Go figure. TOM is knocking on the door too.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

Hi:

Just finished eating a salad and I had a small handful of grapes for a snack. I am doing well! Gungho!!!

Country - Thank you so much - your note made me feel very good!!!!!! You are a great inspiration with all the weight you have lost too - thanks again for your support!!! :angel:

Idblond - Right there with you on your team! :) Hope you are doing better OP today...

JackK - Oh how exciting about a cruise coming up!!!!! So much fun shopping and getting ready for a vacation! Thanks for being there for me.... If you lose another 20 pounds, will there be anything left of you????? After you hit this goal and go on your cruise, you must dress up and have your photo taken with Hubby and post it for us! :D

Deb - working on seeing when I can get my tushy down there for a visit.... I am going to be mailing off a little something for you - a belated birthday present from London. :queen:

Take care all, Sabrina
272/?/157

Morning Girls!

Sabrina---ugghhhh, i know what you mean! My mom made some of those peanut butter, chocolate, oatmeal drop cookies this weekend! AND my neice came over to spend the night so we HAD TO HAVE DOUGHNUTS TOO!! I feel totally blahhhh today. I've been kinda of in a mood also, so i guess i need to straighten up and fly right!!

I am going to Knoxville this weekend to the UT vs Al game and i'm DREADING IT!!:sp: I quit drinking in April and now i am going to this big party football game where everyone is tailgating and living it up!! The not drinking is not the problem. I quit and i am not looking back. BUT, my dh still drinks it up on football weekends and he is a HUGE ALABAMA fan and i am a HUGE TENN FAN! This weekend every year gets UGLY:eek: So, i am not looking forward to the weekend. We are going with a bunch of people and everyone is soooo excited. I just want to hide!!

oh well, thanks for letting me vent!!

I'm gonna try and be good this week!!---i just tossed the last of the cookies away!!---but i did eat a few!!---everyone have a good week---debyj:D

Hi everyone! I went to a wedding last night, and tasted a lot of the stuff they had. Food was not impressive and I did not eat much. I tried to stick to the somewhat legal stuff, like meatballs, and a little sandwich on a whole grain (looking) roll. I did taste the cake. Yuck! I had made the groom's cake and it was much better, if I do say so myself! ;)

I am still fighting this illness. My head is pounding and I barely slept last night due to how sore my throat was. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning...they couldn't get me in today. I hope he finds something wrong that he can fix, and that is is not just some virus I have to continue to live with.

I boiled a chicken and plan to live off chicken broth until I am well. That is about all I can swallow right now!

And on that cheery note, I am going to go take a nap. Bet you all think that is about all I do! Nap nap nap! Lately, I feel like it!

:wave:

Just checking in before I head home.

We have to go to the funeral home. My DH boss's father died. Hate to do that. Then home to get my walk in and work out later.

Bob: How about those CATS this weekend???? Never thought they'd beat the Hogs. How is your mom doing?

Tranquil, doing great girl. I had a salad for lunch too and an apple.

IDblond, We were posting at the same time. I hate that your left hand is giving you trouble today too. Sure wish there was something they could do for you. Yes we all need to remember this is forever and not a diet. Glad you are recommitting today.

Debyj, I made those cookies with splenda. They were good. The next time I will make them with agave. There is always something else you can have in place of the bad things. Be prepared for the weekend. Take a taco salad dip or veggie tray with you. Make the cheesecake. Just think how much better you are going to feel than those partiers that are hung-over the next day. Especially if UT
wins.

Monet, I'm sure your cake was much better. Wish you lived closer so you could do my DD's cake. Sure hope the Dr. can give you something. Take care and get well soon.

See you guys tomorrow.

Jackie

Hi everyone!

Its been a long time since I have posted.

Well I made my goal of 150 for my birthday!! Yayyyy....

Last week I was soooo sick, I had a bad reaction to some antibiotics I was taking for a sinus infection. I could not eat for 3 days. I was down to 146....:dizzy:
Unfortunately the only stuff I could keep down was bananas and white toast with butter....then moved to chicken and mashed potatos. Bad news!!!

Today is the first day being op...its a bit tough after all that. I'm going to stay strong.....cant loose all the momentum!!!!

Hope all is well with all of you!

Guess who stayed OP ALL WEEKEND!!!!!!!
Bout Dadgum Time!! ;)

Ever since that day I posted I was back at it, I haven't had anything I should not have! I had even slacked off in drinking caffiene again and I've been off of that since I started back full force as well! GO BETH! :D

SABRINA - Girl I hear ya... I went on a TWO MONTH binge, so don't feel like you can't come back from this. I started SB in January and lost all my weight by April... I've been stuck ever since and I got frustrated and just started eating whatever. I'm lucky I didn't gain anything back, but gosh I felt like CRAP! If Me the :queen: of lack of self control can get my tush in gear YOU CAN DO IT TOO!!!!! I went from FULL FORCE SB, to eating about 6 pop tarts a day, and candy, and white bread (yuck) and everything else. BUT I grabbed the bull by the balls and I'm back on the wagon... and I've got your seat warm right here next to me!!!!!! C'mon up, it's not as hard to get back on as I thought~!

Well... I'm off to tend to my lasagna :) I'm taking a pan to the guys 'n gals in the jail (I'm not telling them it's SB legal, I'm gonna let em eat it first... although, they eat some of that food from the jail kitchen, they've gotta like this..LOLOLOL) Figured I'd give them a non-toxic meal ;)

Have a fabulous OP week everyone :) I'm gonna keep my butt posting cause it's the only way to keep myself honest 'n legal! :lol:

I love you gals (and Daramus...lol!) thanks for helping me get back in gear and STAY there!!!

See Y'all Later!! :wave:

Hi All! Well, three more days until our big event. Today was spent finalizing the reservation list and getting all the baskets for the silent auction ready. Whew! There is so much pre-work to this thing. I don't have time for a huge post, but just wanted to check in.

Lately I've been really down in the dumps thinking this is a never ending battle, and how I work and work and nothing comes off. So this morning I had my annual physical (not the pappy part) and was talking to the dr about how down in the dumps I was. She looked through the file and said, "Kim, you've lost 11 pounds since June. That's great!" Well, needless to say, my attitude skyrocketed after that bit of info. I guess the lesson here is "Keep on Keeping on" or "Keep on Truckin'" or "Stop being a whiney butt". I'm not sure which one I will take, probably not the third one.

TRANQ----Can you feel those power hugs???? They are coming your way. Everytime you say Gungho, I think about that wonderful old movie with Michael Keaton. Remember how he got all those auto workers revved up to take up the challenge??? That's what you do for me and the rest of us!!! You are doing great. Don't let your slip up determine the rest of the week, month, or year. Hang in there, babeeeeee!!!

JACK---You are doing some serious competition with our illustrious leader on the shopping front. Way to go!!!! I missed the details about your cruise. Have fun. REmember how well you did on your last cruise. Hey, I wanted to thank you for the sweet things you posted to me last week. That was so nice and I had no chance to answer you. Here's what I think: you are such a positive, important part of this board. Since you post with much more regularity that me and because you can post many times during the day, you are REALLY, REALLY helping so many of us. I cannot wait to meet you. Perhaps we can figure something out. A few years ago I went to this great little outlet mall (really tiny, but foudn great stuff) around the Carrollton exit on I-71. Do you know this place? Perhaps someday we can meet there. I think it's about halfway between where we are. Do you have any ideas???

Well, take care to the rest of you. I will try to post this weekend. Possibly on Friday when I SPEND THE ENTIRE DAY IN MY PAJAMAS, I will catch up.

Hugs to you all.
Kim

Hey All:wave:

Lazy day down here. I just had no energy, no desire to do diddly-squat. The most effort I put out today was driving the kids and going to the grocery store! I'll be hitting the hay early tonight for sure.

Poop! Forget the interview for tomorrow, it was changed to Friday instead. Seems the lady's secretary told everyone that the interviews were tomorrow when she actually meant today, so her boss has been sitting and waiting with no one showing up to meet her. At least I'm not the only one:shrug: Well, I guess that just gives me a few extra days to prepare myself and I guess it gives me a chance to see if my dress fits! So come Friday at 10:30am I'll be there!

I heard from FROG. Actually, I called her over the weekend, but she couldn't talk, but I got an e-mail from her and she wanted me to share it with you, the important stuff that's keeping her busy, at least:

I am busy with social stuff, rather than business, right now, although next month HUGE SLAH month. Add to all of this, it's now HOCKEY season! WOO
HOO!! I spent part of Fri and Sat assiting in decorating for a ball that is a fund raiser or the Art's Council. Saturday morning I was sewing curtains! Then we went to the Hockey game and we spent all day yesterday decorating and cleaning. Next weekend will be NUTS too! It's Bill's b-day, last minute prep for the ball and the ball! WHEW! The 7th of the November is our 10 year wedding anniversary too!

Almost died when ELI came walking in the door today at 5:30pm-what a shocker, esp. since he told me he was closing tonight. So, with that, and him in mind I'm going to get a move on my replies before it gets too late...

TRANQUIL, well it seems we both had a set back but are picking ourselves up and dusting ourselves off and back on track. I think it's good for you to get back to the gym, as long as it doesn't aggrivate your foot. I remember when you were going and feeling mighty good. I know with just having 3 days of no jogging has put me in a lousier mood than normal. Hoping to get some decent sleep tonight so I can be perky and wanting to go out tomorrow. HOLD THE PKG, bring it yourself, gives you another reason to come down.

DEBY, why not try this for the game, why not go buy yourself some interesting carbonated diet drinks, or flavored waters, stuff you'd not normally buy yourself and indulge on those-make them a special treat for yourself? Just an idea;)

MONET, hope you are feeling better soon. Keep drinking that Jewish penicillin, it usually works wonders;)

CHRIS, CONGRATS on getting to 150 (and below, even if it was from being sick). At least you know your body will go down in that area. Gosh, if I knew a sinus medication that would make me not want to eat for 3 days I'd take it without needing it. The scale is stuck up for me, I'm ready to do just about anything if it doesn't start moving in a downward trend soon!

BETH, you go girl! Glad to hear you're back on track. Seems like it's infectious. Keep up the great work and the great attitude!!

QUILTER, I second the Dr.- you keep it up. 11 pounds since June is wonderful. Good luck with your event, I'm sure it will be very successful!!! Did you ever contact Starbucks for a donation??

LDBLOND, hope your hand starts to feel better soon. I liked what you wrote!!!

JACKK, geez, too bad we can't go to Penney's together, I could of gotten you another 20% & another 10% off. I bought a ring there the other day, got 30%, 20% and 10% off. Lately it seems they've had some great sales. I use to never go there, but now I seem to go there a lot. Sorry I missed you too, not to worry, I give it the old gung ho and if you aren't home, I'll try, try again (sometime in the near future). Yes, ELI is definitely a workaholic and sometimes it makes him look like an alcoholic, his eyes get so red from lack of sleep! :fr:


Okay gals, I'm outta here for tonight. Will check in tomorrow after I walk.

Nite

Debbie
194/1??/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Hi y'all. Thought I'd get in a quick post before I crash for the night. Dennis and the kids have all turned in so I actually have a few minutes of peace of quiet.:dizzy:

Well, finally an OP day.:D It's been a loooong time since I've had one of those. Here's hoping I can keep it up another day. Thanks for all the well wishes and encouragement last week. It did some good. I desperately need to get back OP before the weight creeps back up. I was seriously off plan this weekend. We went down to my mom's to celebrate her birthday and boy did I celebrate.:eek:

DEBBIE: Too bad about the mixup on the interview. I know you're anxious to get it over with.

QUILTER: Good to hear from you. WTG! I need to set my sights on my dr visit in Dec. and let that be my motivation.

BETH: WTG girl. I'm going to try and follow in your footsteps and do as well as you are.

CHRISB: Congrats on reaching your goal. Sorry to hear you've been sick. It's really the pits when the meds make you sicker than you were.

MONET: Hope the dr gave you something to help you get over the crud. Everyone around here is sniffing and hacking. Not a pretty sight....or sound. Hope you're better soon.

LDBLOND: Thanks for your post. I love baseball, so I really could appreciate it.

TRANQUIL: I can relate to the "closet binging" too. Glad to hear you're back on track tho. I'm jumping back on the wagon too. Let's hope we can hang on this time.

The eyes won't focus so I guess it's time for bed.:lol:

There is no other word for today othen than INSANE!!!!! Geez, you'd think the President was coming to town or something!:lol:

Bush is coming on Thurs--and we didn't know where the event would be held or how many tickets we would have until this afternoon. When we opened HQ to distribute tickets--WHOA--it has just been insane ever since. It will be that way the rest of the week--well, really until November 5th. All of a sudden I've become very popular--I never knew I had so many friends.:s:

I'll get back on the board when I can--know that I love you all!

I hope those of you who are sick--get better soon.

Those of you who are tired, get some rest.

Those of you who are at or below goal stay there.

Those of us who might be slipping--get our ARSES back on the wagon!!!!!!!

Susan

Good Tuesday morning, everyone.

I am still really sick. Couldn't get in to see the doctor yesterday, but I have a 10:45 appointment this morning. I slept a bit better last night, once I realized why I couldn't sleep. My neck is so swollen I couldn't breathe.

I am sipping on hot Tang (great for sore throats..) and biding my time until I can get dressed and leave for the doctor.

Anyone on here in the Philly area?

Happy Tuesday Gang :wave:

Not much going on here. I don't know what I am doing at nite to make me dream such weird things. Last nite I was on a hijacked airplane and Greg Luganis (where in the world did he come from) was going to refuel the plane in the air. Then it took some wild turn into driving down the street. Who knows. I am starting to dread going to bed. I am not eating before bed so I don't know what is doing this to me.

Got my 3 miles in late last nite, then did my workout. I have started a new routine and it takes awhile to get it all down. Then got my 100 sit-ups in. Trying to get this stomach down. I don't know if it will ever go down. (after 2 kids - at least that is what I blame it on) it is disgusting and of course stretch marks everywhere (thanks to the kids again, LOL). Now that I have ruined your breakfast with those visuals.

Bob, Where are you? No post last nite.

Any word from Heartmom yet? That concerns me.

Jenn, Are you deep in honeymoon bliss? Let us have a report. :love:

ChrisB, WTG girl on making your goal of 150. That is wonderful. Glad you are feeling better and are back op. Don't sabatoge your good work for junk. Only 10 more pounds to go. Ya Hoo!

Beth, WTG. Awesome for you. I am doing the :dance: all over for you. I knew you could do this. It's just a matter of mind set. Hang in there, don't lose your momentum. I bet all the workers will love your lasgana. They won't even be able to tell the difference. Glad you are back to posting.

Quilter, 11 pounds since June is something to be proud of. And you know those 11 poudns will not come back. That is the best part. Thanks for the nice things you said. I would not be where I am without this board and you wonderful people. I would love to meet you. I have never been to the mall in Carollton, but maybe after the holidays, we could plan something. Any word from Kimmy?

Deb, Hope you got some rest last nite. Glad you got to spend some time with Eli. Bummer abut the interview being postponed. You get yourself all revved up for soemthing and have to wait. Man I culd have used your extra 20% - 10% at Penneys. I could have went nuts. (or more nuts).

Music, Good to hear from you. Yeah for you staying OP. Do it again, and again. You can do it.

Fillise, Don't forget to take pics of you and George. Hope the insanity slows down for you.

Monet, Sure hope you get something good from the Dr. Feel better soon.

Got to get busy here. Check in later.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

Good Tuesday Morning Everyone!:wave:

Just got in from my walk/jog. More walk than jog today, just didn't have it in me. BUT, at least I went! After 3 days and not sleeping too soundly it was harder than usual. It's amazing how I can slack after 3 days of no exercise, but it sure feels good to be back at it, in any capacity!

Had another good eating day yesterday and will do so again today. With TOM just in a few days I'm not too hopeful the scale will be nice but I know whatever it may say it's from TOM and not from recent eating, so patience will have to come in to play;) I actually got on the scale (brave soul that I am) and it's still up at 131, not too far away from being back at goal, but of course, any number that I'm up I'm not happy with.

Not much going on with me here today. Going to tackle loads of laundry that have seemed to pile up on the family room couch. Now that my Mom is back in town my sister has her babysitting every day so I told her before she goes over there if she wants to do anything to let me know, so I may go spend some time with her before having to get the kids from school.

Here's my TUESDAY TIP I can't remember if I posted this before or not, if so, just disregard it. Not everything is SB LEGAL in regards to these tips but can be easily as helpful when baking other goodies for the rest of the family, thus making whatever your are creating somewhat more healthy-esp. with the upcoming holidays looming around the corner!:D

In most dessert recipes, you can use half the amount of sugar called for without affecting the texture of the dessert, and you'll be amazed at how good the desserts still taste.

Reduce the amount of sugar a recipe calls for by up to 1/2 of the original amount. Use no more than 1/4 cup of sugar or other sweetener to each cup of flour.

To add flavor when reducing the sugar content, use sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Vanilla, almond, and chocolate extracts also add a touch of sweetness.

Use juices such as orange juice or apple juice concentrate in place of sugar.

Honey will work as a sweetener in most pies and puddings. However, it may alter the texture of cakes or cookies. Be aware that honey has as many calories as sugar.

While artificial sweeteners work well in pies and puddings, they can alter the texture of cakes, cookies, and pastries. If you use a sweetener, for best results use half sugar and half sweetener.

NutraSweet should not be used in desserts when they will be cooked because prolonged exposure to heat causes the sweetness so break down and be lost. It can, however, be added immediately after cooking.

You can add fiber, vitamins, iron, and protein to your desserts by replacing half the flour called for with whole wheat flour. If you substitute more than half, you will need to add a little more liquid to the recipe.

To substitute whole wheat flour for white flour, follow these guidelines. For each cup of all-purpose flour use one of the following:
1 cup whole wheat flour minus 2 tablespoons
1/2 cup white flour plus 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
3/4 cup white flour plus 1/4 cup wheat germ and/or bran

These flour combinations are equivalent to 1 cup wheat flour:
1/2 cup rye flour + 1/2 cup potato flour
1/3 cup rye flour + 5/8 cup rice flour
1 cup soy flour + 3/4 cup potato flour
1/2 cup cornstarch + 1/2 cup rye flour
1/2 cup cornstarch + 1/2 cup potato flour

Various flours in the following quantities can be substituted for 1 cup of wheat flour:
1 cup corn flour
3/4 cup coarse cornmeal
3/4 cup cornstarch
7/8 cup buckwheat
7/8 cup rye flour
1/2 cup ground nuts or seed
3/4 cup potato flour
1 1/3 cups ground rolled oats
1 1/8 cups oat flour
3/4 cup soybean flour or other bean flour
1 cup barley
1 cup millet
1 cup tapioca flour

The amount of cholesterol in a recipe can be greatly reduced by either using an egg substitute in place of the eggs, or 2 egg whites in place of each egg.

When substituting several egg whites in place of whole eggs, beat the egg whites until stiff to add a more delicate texture to the baked product.

In most baked recipes you can use half the amount of fat called for without affecting the recipe.

When you cut the fat in breads, muffins, and cakes you need to substitute something for the missing volume. Replace the missing fat with skim milk, unsweetened applesauce, or egg whites. A little experimentation may be necessary.

When vegetable oil is called for, be sure to choose a monounsaturated fat such as Canola oil, or a polyunsaturated oil such as safflower, sunflower, corn or soybean oil.

Avoid animal fats, such as butter, lard, and suet. They are very high in saturated fat and cholesterol.

Using margarine in place of butter will lower the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol in a recipe.

When choosing a margarine, your best bet is one that lists a polyunsaturated oil in liquid form as its main ingredient. Examples would be liquid safflower oil or liquid corn oil.

Be aware that the reduced-calorie, tub-style margarine usually has a high water content and may alter the texture of a recipe. Experimentation may be necessary.

Use a nonstick cooking spray instead of greasing pans.

Use skim milk or buttermilk instead of whole milk in muffins and cakes.

Use lowfat or nonfat cottage cheese and part-skim ricotta cheese in cheesecakes and other recipes that call for the higher fat varieties. The taste will be the same.

In place of sour cream use plain lowfat or nonfat yogurt.

Replace the cream in a recipe with evaporated skim milk. Add vanilla for a richer taste.

Whipped toppings often contain coconut oil, so read labels carefully and "go easy" when using them as a garnish.

Making a pie with one crust instead of two will reduce the amount of fat in each slice.

Pie pastry can be made with less fat than is usually required if you follow a few guidelines. The margarine and shortening should never get so warm that they begin to melt (or the pastry will be heavy and oily).

Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the flour is moistened. Once the ice water is added, the dough should be worked as little as possible to prevent the pastry from becoming tough. Add just enough water so that the dough easily holds together when it is pinched. Dough that is too wet will yield heavy pastry. Wrap the dough loosely in wax paper, and put it in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Chilling makes the dough easy to work with and helps reduce shrinkage.

Substituting cake flour instead of all-purpose flour when making a pie crust will help to produce a more tender crust and gives you the extra benefit of using less fat.

To eliminate the need for additional flour when rolling the dough out, roll the dough out between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap. This also keeps you from handling the dough too much, which causes toughening.

A black metal pan produces the tastiest pie crust. If you don't have one a non-shiny pan or glass pie plate can be used, increase your pre-bake time 5 minutes for browning the crust.

When a recipe calls for one ounce (a square) of baking chocolate substitute with 3 tablespoons powdered cocoa and one tablespoon oil.

When a recipe calls for nuts substitute with Nutri Grain nuggets, dried fruits (e.g. raisins or dates), or reduce the amount of nuts.

When a recipe calls for canned or frozen fruit, use only unsweetened water-packed or juice-packed varieties.

In order to cut back on the amount of sugar needed in fruit desserts, choose the sweetest varieties of fruit and the ripest fruits available.

MUSIC, glad to hear you had a good day OP. It's really great to see when someone has a good day and to see the enthusiasm they have for just being OP. Not only is it the right step in the right direction, but look at how it makes you feel:D Hope you can report another stellar day today!

FILLISE, does this mean YOU will be hob knobing with El Presidente?? Hope things settle down soon after all these elections - keep thinking about that much needed vacation to Orlando in January!!!!:D

MONET, hope you feel better, hopefully the Dr. will give you something to help and it won't be something that will continue to hold on. Let us know!!!

JACKK, OMG, you do have some interesting dreams! I had to laugh! :lol: Good job on the 3 miles, you go girl, actually, you went girl! I couldn't do a sit up if my life depended on it, I have no stomach muscles, they've been cut up so many times:fr: I actually have no feeling on part of my stomach. Stretch marks, I look like I have road maps all over the place so I can sympathize!


Well, TONIGHT IS CHAT AT 9:15PM EST and I do plan on being there. I don't have any other commitments. If one of the kids needs the computer I'm just going to plan on trying to get on the laptop on our main line and try to figure out how to block call waiting so if someone calls I won't get logged off (anyone know??).

I'll check in later today.

{{{HUGS}}} :grouphug:

Debbie
194/131/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Well, I had a pleasant evening with my son. He had sushi for dinner while I ate steamed brussel sprouts and some rotissierie chicken. I did not go off program! Yeah!!!!!

Monet - I sure hope you feel better soon. Sore throats are the pits, I think they are worse than a stomach virus! Take care of yourself! Chicken broth is supposed to be wonderful especially if you add a little garlic. The swollen throat thing sounds totally scary!!!! Get better!!!!!

Filise - Have fun with your new popularity, soak it all in, and have fun rather than stress!!!!!

Music - Good for you on the OP day too! I am glad I am not alone in the closet eating all those poisonous foods!

Deb - Ok - Will hold the pkg and see ya soon, just having to figure a day... I agree the gym and exercise really helped boost the spirits and made me feel better. I am staying away from the bike which was the biggest culprit in aggravating the nerve in the one foot. I will start with just walking, stomach crunches, and weights.

Quilter - Hey busy lady!!!! Congrats on the praise from the doctor! I am glad you got the praise, since it will help you realize how well you have done and will continue doing! Keep on Truckin!! hahaha I remember that movie with Michael Keaton! hahaha

Beth - Thanks for the encouragement. Did the guys like your lasagna, I am sure they did - need to tell us all about it! Another OP day ahead for us!!!! I packed salad for lunch and I am just thinking about tomorrow being WIW!

ChrisB - That is great that you are losing so much - sorry you were so sick - hope to hear more from you....

JackK - I need to get some apples too - especially since this is apple season :) Today is going to be another salad and grapes for lunch. I am trying to get myself really into this again. The eating healthy as much as just trying to stay OP.

I have to get to work now! Boss is going to play golf today - HOORAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take care, stay OP - and will be keeping up more regularly!

Sabrina
272/?/157

HOW TO READ A CHOCOLATE LABEL


When you're reading the label on a bar of chocolate, you're looking to find out what the ingredients are. There is also a lot of other information that can provide you clues as to what's inside before you take a bite.

One of the first things to look for is the cocoa content of the bar. This is the first best indicator of the type of chocolate you're going to be eating, much better than generic labels such as semi-sweet and bittersweet. The cocoa content, if it is listed at all, is almost always on the front of the label.

The cocoa content of a bar is expressed as a percentage, such as 72%. High-quality European milk chocolate usually contains 33% cocoa, and most US-made milk chocolate has 25% or less cocoa. There are some special milk chocolates that contain 45~50% cocoa. Semi-sweet chocolate usually contains between 60~70% cocoa, with bittersweet being anything above 70% cocoa. There are some specialty chocolates that are 99% cocoa and are readily edible and quite delicious, though something of an acquired taste.

reading the list of ingredients

A high quality dark chocolate should have at most five ingredients: cocoa (sometimes cocoa mass or chocolate liquor), sugar, cocoa butter, lecithin, and vanilla, in that order.

Chocolate can be made without lecithin (Michel Cluizel is one major manufacturer who does not use lecithin in making their couverture). Chocolate can also be made without vanilla, but many people view vanilla like salt -- if it's not there, there's something missing. However, Bonnat of France makes both eating and cooking chocolate without either lecithin or vanilla.

avoid chocolate that contains...

vanillin, an artificial vanilla flavoring that has a slightly chemical taste and smell. Your mouth and nose know the real thing, and can easily detect when an artificial version of vanilla is used.

any form of fat other than cocoa butter. We've seen chocolate with tropical oil (palm kernel oil, coconut oil) which, in addition to contributing to a pasty texture are among the worst forms of fat you can eat. Sometimes manufacturers add butter oil or vegetable oils such as canola oil. (This goes for the chocolate itself. Obviously, it is impossible to make a ganache without using cream which contains butterfat.)

preservatives of any kind

ooops, Deb & JackK - you were posting while I was....

JackK - what a hoot!!! That dream is too funny!!!!! Greg Louganis of all people!!!! hahahaha :lol:

Deb - I don't mind if TOM goes to visit you for awhile, I have had enough of him this week! Instead of cramps it has been migraines! UGH!!!! I am sick of having a constant headache this week.... :devil:

How Fat Cells Work
by Craig C. Freudenrich, Ph.D.

About half of the adults in the United States are overweight. That's 97 million people who have too much fat. Many Americans exercise and go on diets to reduce their amount of body fat.

But have you ever wondered what fat is? When a person "gets fat" -- gains weight -- what is actually happening inside the person's body? What are "fat cells" and how do they work?

In this edition of HowStuffWorks Fitness, we will look at the world of the fat cell. We will examine where fat cells are located, how they store fat and how they get rid of it!


Where's the Fat?

Fat, or adipose tissue, is found in several places in your body. Generally, fat is found underneath your skin (subcutaneous fat). There's also some on top of each of your kidneys. Other locations depend upon whether you are a man or woman:

An adult man tends to carry body fat in his chest, abdomen and buttocks, producing an "apple" shape.

An adult woman tends to carry fat in her breasts, hips, waist and buttocks, creating a "pear" shape.

The difference in fat location comes from the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone.


Your body contains two types of fat tissue:

White fat - important in energy metabolism, heat insulation and mechanical cushioning.

Brown fat - found mostly in newborn babies, between the shoulders; important for thermogenesis (making heat).

Fat tissue is made up of fat cells. Fat cells are a unique type of cell. You can think of a fat cell as a tiny plastic bag that holds a drop of fat:

White fat cells are large cells that have very little cytoplasm, only 15 percent cell volume, a small nucleus and one large fat droplet that makes up 85 percent of cell volume.

Brown fat cells are somewhat smaller, are loaded with mitochondria and are composed of several smaller fat droplets. The mitochondria are able to generate heat.

Fat cells are formed in the developing fetus during the third trimester of pregnancy, and later at the onset of puberty, when the sex hormones "kick in." It is during puberty that the differences in fat distribution between men and women begin to take form. One amazing fact is that fat cells do not multiply after peuberty -- as your body stores more fat, the number of fat cells remains the same. Each fat cell simply gets bigger!

In addition to fat tissue, some fat is stored in the liver, and an even smaller amount in muscle.


How Fat Enters Your Body

When you eat food that contains fat, mostly triglycerides, it goes through your stomach and intestines. In the intestines, the following happens:

Large fat droplets get mixed with bile salts from the gall bladder in a process called emulsification. The mixture breaks up the large droplets into several smaller droplets called micelles, increasing the fat's surface area.

Emulsification in Your Kitchen

When you add water to a greasy skillet, the grease forms a layer on top of the water. If you squeeze one drop of dishwashing liquid into the center of the skillet, you'll see the large grease layer immediately break up into small droplets.

The pancreas secretes enzymes called lipases that attack the surface of each micelle and break the fats down into their parts, glycerol and fatty acids.

These parts get absorbed into the cells lining the intestine.

In the intestinal cell, the parts are reassembled into packages of fat molecules (triglycerides) with a protein coating called chylomicrons. The protein coating makes the fat dissolve more easily in water.
The chylomicrons are released into the lymphatic system -- they do not go directly into the bloodstream because they are too big to pass through the wall of the capillary.

The lymphatic system eventually merges with the veins, at which point the chylomicrons pass into the bloodstream.

You might be wondering why fat molecules get broken down into glycerol and fatty acids if they're just going to be rebuilt. This is because fat molecules are too big to easily cross cell membranes. So when passing from the intestine through the intestinal cells into the lymph, or when crossing any cell barrier, the fats must be broken down. But, when fats are being transported in the lymph or blood, it is better to have a few, large fat molecules than many smaller fatty acids, because the larger fats do not "attract" as many excess water molecules by osmosis as many smaller molecules would.

How Fat is Stored in Your Body

Chylomicrons do not last long in the bloodstream -- only about eight minutes -- because enzymes called lipoprotein lipases break the fats into fatty acids. Lipoprotein lipases are found in the walls of blood vessels in fat tissue, muscle tissue and heart muscle. The activity of lipoprotein lipases depends upon the levels of insulin in the body. If insulin is high, then the lipases are highly active; if insulin is low, the lipases are inactive.


Insulin

When you eat a candy bar or a meal, the presence of glucose, amino acids or fatty acids in the intestine stimulates the pancreas to secrete a hormone called insulin. Insulin acts on many cells in your body, especially those in the liver, muscle and fat tissue. Insulin tells the cells to do the following:

Absorb glucose, fatty acids and amino acids
Stop breaking down:
glucose, fatty acids and amino acids
glycogen into glucose
fats into fatty acids and glycerol
proteins into amino acids
Start building:
glycogen from glucose
fats (triglycerides) from glycerol and fatty acids
proteins from amino acids

The fatty acids are then absorbed from the blood into fat cells, muscle cells and liver cells. In these cells, under stimulation by insulin, fatty acids are made into fat molecules and stored as fat droplets.

It is also possible for fat cells to take up glucose and amino acids, which have been absorbed into the bloodstream after a meal, and convert those into fat molecules. The conversion of carbohydrates or protein into fat is 10 times less efficient than simply storing fat in a fat cell, but the body can do it. If you have 100 extra calories in fat (about 11 grams) floating in your bloodstream, fat cells can store it using only 2.5 calories of energy. On the other hand, if you have 100 extra calories in glucose (about 25 grams) floating in your bloodstream, it takes 23 calories of energy to convert the glucose into fat and then store it. Given a choice, a fat cell will grab the fat and store it rather than the carbohydrates because fat is so much easier to store.

It is important to note that as your body stores more fat, the number of fat cells remains the same; each fat cell simply gets bigger.

Hormones That Act Opposite to Insulin

When you are not eating, your body is not absorbing food. If your body is not absorbing food, there is little insulin in the blood. However, your body is always using energy; and if you're not absorbing food, this energy must come from internal stores of complex carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Under these conditions, various organs in your body secrete hormones:

pancreas - glucagon
pituitary gland - growth hormone
pituitary gland - ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
adrenal gland - epinephrine (adrenaline)
thyroid gland - thyroid hormone
These hormones act on cells of the liver, muscle and fat tissue, and have the opposite effects of insulin.

How Your Body Breaks Down Fat

When you are not eating, or you are exercising, your body must draw on its internal energy stores of complex carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Your body's prime source of energy is glucose. In fact, some cells in your body, such as brain cells, can get energy only from glucose.

The first line of defense in maintaining energy is to break down carbohydrates, or glycogen, into simple glucose molecules -- this process is called glycogenolysis. Next, your body breaks down fats into glycerol and fatty acids in the process of lipolysis. The fatty acids can then be broken down directly to get energy, or can be used to make glucose through a multi-step process called gluconeogenesis. In gluconeogenesis, amino acids can also be used to make glucose.

In the fat cell, other types of lipases work to break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. These lipases are activated by various hormones, such as glucagon, epinephrine and growth hormone. The resulting glycerol and fatty acids are released into the blood, and travel to the liver through the bloodstream. Once in the liver, the glycerol and fatty acids can be either further broken down or used to make glucose.


Brown Fat: Making Heat

When you are first born, your body does not have much white fat to help insulate and retain body heat; although there are white fat cells, there is not much fat stored in them. A newborn baby produces heat (thermogenesis) primarily by breaking down fat molecules into fatty acids in brown fat cells. Instead of those fatty acids leaving the brown fat cell, as happens in white fat cells, they get further broken down in the mitochondria and their energy is released directly as heat. This same process occurs in hibernating animals, which have more brown fat than humans. Once the newborn baby starts eating more, developing layers of white fat, the brown fat goes away. Adult humans have little or no brown fat.


Losing Weight and Losing Fat

Your weight is determined by the rate at which you store energy from the food that you eat, and the rate at which you use that energy. Most experts agree that the way to maintain a healthy weight is:

Eat a balanced diet - appropriate amounts glucose, fat and protein
Do not eat excessively - for most people, a diet of 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day is sufficient to maintain a healthy weight
Exercise regularly

ARE YOU A SEROTONIN JUNKIE? CRAVING CARBS?

Do you crave more sugars, starches or alcohol these days?


I was watching, "The View" on television, when I heard Joy (the Comedian) raving about the intensity of her carbohydrate cravings, since the attack on America on September 11, 2001. An hour earlier, I had heard the identical complaint on another talk show.

What about you? Have you been feeling a l i t t l e desperate ...anxious ...nervous ???

Perhaps, a bit m o o d y ?

Do you reach for sugars, starches, sweetened drinks or alcohol when feeling on edge? Craving carbohydrates is a symptom you need more serotonin, the "feel-good" brain hormone. Once serotonin levels rise, cravings for carbohydrates vanish.

So, now that you know feeling anxious, nervous, depressed or even angry is an indication to raise brain serotonin concentration, stay aware of your body's instincts. Notice your emotional state. When you feel anxious or sad, depressed or emotional, you may begin to notice a craving stirring within...a yen for something sweet...salty 'n crunchy...alcoholic... This is your body's instinct to raise serotonin.

You may find yourself in the grips of an old habit; Overdosing on refined carbohydrates when your body truly needs nutrient-dense carbohydrates. Perhaps your old habit is to turn to sugars, starches, alcohol, or even a drug called "ecstasy", which floods the brain with serotonin for a deeply relaxing, euphoric feeling. The question is: how much serotonin do you really need? The brain only requires a slow drip, not a tidal wave! Too much serotonin floating in your brain makes you sleepy. You feel drugged and "out of it"...can't get anything done...too fuzzy-headed.

Here's a few strategies to manage serotonin...and carbohydrate cravings:


Select low-glycemic foods like apples, pears, organic red meat, fish, barley, soy foods, beans, lentils...
Select any carbohydrate-containing food or beverage, but be sure to limit the total grams of carbohydrates [per meal or snack] to under 100 grams. Overdosing on sugars, starches and alcohol in the afternoon will overproduce serotonin and zap your energy. Between the hours of noon to five -- or when you need to boost mental concentration, be sure to cut back on carbohydrates. Eating more protein produces "dopamine" -- a hormone which will help you stay mentally alert and focus on your work.
Balance glycemic (carbohydrate-rich) foods with protein-rich foods... to manage blood sugars for 4-5 hours.
Select tryptophan/B6-rich foods to raise serotonin.
Go for a brisk walk for a nice dose of dopamine [to think clearly about your daily challenges]. Serotonin is also released when moving your body in a rhythmic fashion, to help you relax you. If you work out long enough you can even release some endorphins for a euphoric feeling!
Sunshine stimulates serotonin production, so sit next to a window -- but don't overdo it! If serotonin rises too much, you may just fall asleep!


Start by selecting low-glycemic foods as often as you can.

Let's talk about "The Glycemic Index" and "Glycemic Load"

The Glycemic Index classifies hundreds of carbohydrate-containing foods with number values: 100 is considered high glycemic, which indicates the food will raise blood sugars rapidly. 10 is considered extremely low-glycemic, which indicates the food will raise blood sugars slowly. The Glycemic Index is listed on pages 41-46 of my book: Be Lean, Healthy, Energetic! Medical Health Planner for a Metabolic Makeover [ISBN: 0-9663748-6-X]

The Glycemic Index compares the relative speed at which various carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood sugars or "glucose". Low glycemic foods help manage blood sugars because they raise blood sugars slowly. Apples, pears, grapefruits, greens and organic red meat are examples of foods which raise blood sugars gradually. On the other hand, carrots, beets and potatoes have an index in the '90's.

"Glycemic Load" refers to the total grams of carbohydrate consumed, which increases the concentration of sugars in the bloodstream. Let's look at a couple examples.

Raw carrots are considered glycemic: they raise blood sugars rapidly, but have a low glycemic load because fiber-rich, water-dense carrots only provide 5 grams of carbohydrate per 7-inch carrot (1 1/4 " thick). I mean, seriously: how many raw carrots can you eat?
...as opposed to 15 grams of carbohydrate for only 1/3 cup of rice!!! I mean, really: who can eat just 1/3 cup of rice? Rice creates a huge glycemic load in the bloodstream because it truly is difficult to only eat 1/3 cup of rice at a time! Most folks will end up eating a few more servings than that! So the glycemic load will be much greater. Check out the grams of carbohydrates on the NUTRITION FACTS food label. Look at the grams of carbohydrate "per serving" to know the effect it will have on your bloodstream.

Hey all,

Well, my good intentions of staying current on the board are just falling by the wayside. Things are really crazy right now (aren't they always).

My 17 year old son has decided to do the delayed entry program for the Marine Corps. He will graduate in May and will probably ship out (Gosh I hate the sound of that) in July or August. We're very proud of him for making this commitment, but it scares the crap out of me. Needless to say, eating this week-end sucked big time. Too much wine, too much sugar, just too much in general. It's been raining here since Friday, so I haven't gotten to walk. I'm up a couple of pounds this morning, but back on track. Deb your email came just in time. Thanks!!!

From the board, sounds like it was a pretty rough week-end for everyone. Bring that wagon around and tie me to it!

I'll try and post more later. Any word from Heartmom?

See ya guys,

Trish

Hey everyone....Noticing that some of you are doing great and others are having a hard time. It's cliche but, "this too shall pass". It's all about momentum, getting it and keeping it. All we can do is try again. I fell off the bandwagon and then started up again. after two weeks (one of them in mexico on vacation) I'm already looking slimmer. Results really motivate..which is probably why it's hard to get started..and maybe also why people lose too much weight..the love getting results and they keep wanting to get them!!

I hope everything is going well with all of you. I'm in a whirlwind of weddings..including my brother's, and I need to maintain or lose by end of next week! Wish me luck!

Hello, everyone! I sure did miss all of you the week I was away but all of you were so encouraging to me that I managed to be pretty decent with my eating while away. My Dad came to visit from Houston and noticed the weight I had already lost so that encouraged me. A couple of days, I had a starch too much but otherwise, did O.K.

I managed to scan through the Board since being away and it kinda came through to me as a "thread" throughout so many posts that some of you are having a really rough time. I am so sorry but please be encouraged to return to this wonderful right eating plan -- you know you feel better (several of you loudly declared that you felt just awful physically and emotionally when you ate off program). I can't tell you what a testimony all of you who are struggling are to me, though. Just to read your battle helps me know I will face it one day, too. So even though it is tough for you, even that aspect of sharing here is meaningful to all of us as we struggle a day at a time.

So all of you who need to get back on the wagon, come on and climb on up -- we can do this together with lots of love and encouragement.

I'm so glad to be back and until Thanksgiving week, I won't be away again for a prolonged period of time. I need y'all and am so happy to be a part of this gang!

DOCTOR'S REPORT: Just got in...took forever! (what else is new! but at least he hugged and kissed me and told me how sorry he was for not calling me when he was supposed to...gotta love this guy) He changed all my medications, which will be fun. I hope the thyroid stuff is not like the last time...I turned into a zombie for three or four months and losing weight was impossible! I gained! My daughters labs show she does have an auto immune disease, so we will have to go back for more blood work to find out which one, and how severe it is. THEN he looked at my throat! He was appalled, and asked me if I didn't know how sick I was? He said he has never seen anything so bad...I felt vindicated for spending all day yesterday in bed, and eating only chicken soup and hot Tang, and tea. I got two shots in the tush...antibiodics and steroids for the swelling. Hopefully, I will feel some better tonight. Once I can swallow again, I am going to have to get back on program. Right now, I am eating whatever seems appetizing, is soft, and can be swallowed easily!

Be back later! Thanks everyone for your well wishes...

Monet, sorry you are so sick! Those antibiotics and steroids will do the trick, though! If you can endure the next couple of days while it all kicks in, you'll be good as new. And it will only be then that you will feel like eating right again so meanwhile, take care of yourself and we'll all look forward to your return to normal.

I'm sorry if this is not the place to ask questions, but I got confused reading the posts, couldn't decide if I was supposed to just jump in or not.

Anyway I've been following a LC WOE since May and have done very well with it. I have lost about 40 pounds. The last few weeks I have been having a really hard time staying OP. I was thinking about switching to something more like SB. (I have a great program for the puter that used the GI as the basis)

I am just wondering what all of you think the advantages of a low GI diet is as opposed to a traditional Low carb diet where you do not eat any breads at all.


__________________

Just making some posts before I head home.

Have some chicken marinating, I guess I will throw them on the grill. Got to walk and workout tonite. I have enjoyed sleeping in and not walking and working out in the a.m., but then I did like having all that behind me at the end of the day. Oh well. Got to do it sometime.


Deb, Thanks for all the tips. Very interesting stuff. Glad you got your walk in today. Better not to let it go too long or you will never get out there. At least that is what I am afraid of.

Tranquil, Another day OP. Good for you!. I knew you could get back on here. Isn't sushi legal? Not that I would ever eat it. Don't you just love those days when th boss is out. Yeah!

Trish, You must be very proud of your son. But I'm like you. I would be scared to death. The wagon is coming around. Jump back in here.

Quiv, It is nice to hear from you again. I'm sure you are motivated to look fab in those weddings. Good luck

LKF, Glad you are back. We have missed your uplifting posts. Glad you had a nice vacatin and did so well too. We all know that our cheats are wrong, it's just that the food overpowers the good sense of what we really want most (to be thin). Welcome back.

Monet, What did he say you have? Hope the shot works fast. I would much rather have a shot then pills. Feel better soon. Hope DD is nothing serious.

Ageoldie, SB is th best WOE (way of eating) in the whole world. I have tried EVERY diet as most of us have and this is the only one that has worked. The best thing it is something you can do for life and never worry about it's safety. It is so easy I don't even think about it anymore. I have lost 92 lbs in 1 year. I have 18 to go. But I will continue to eat this way forever. This board is my salvation. THe friendship and support you get here is wonderful. I could not do this w/o these wonderful people. Join us. Get to know us you us you. You ahve done great losing 40 lbs. But I know many people who have done LC and lost but gained it right back. Join us for chat tonite at 9:15.

Hope to make it to chat tonite. Good luck to all on WIW.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!! :wave:


BOB here...sorry for the absence..I'm running like a chicken with my head cut off...even though my Mom is just around the corner, she thinks of something that I need to go out and buy on a daily basis... :eek:
She is doing really good though and still cooperating. Still need those prayers to continue, so keep em coming

Talked to the FEARLESS LEADER today.
I had a bad weigh in at WW today and believe me, she got me back on track! I'm still happy with 10 lbs in three weeks, and will keep on pushing till I get this done. I got slack and starting eating legal junk food...BAD ON BOB's part...I'm a junkie when it comes to salty stuff, plus I found a new
CHOCOLATE CHEW BAR from CARBOLITE and ate 4 of them!!! ...BUT that's all behind me now..

JACKIE...I'm really proud of the CATS . it's about time they had some good games. GAWD knows I'll be sweating that last game of the season....when they play the VOLS ..

SUSAN...Have a good time with President SHRUB..I'll be anxious to watch the news on Thursday to see if you make the NATIONAL NEWS!!!! Please wear your :wave: BOB shirt so you will stand out in the crowd~!

I'll try to make it to chat tonight...gotta go for now...

OH....my TUESDAY TIP?????

GO VOLS!!!!! BEAT BAMA!!!!!

;) BOB

MONET....please feel better...you've got to pull them DAWGS to
the championship!!!

BOB

Evening All:wave:

Thought I'd at least try and start a post before one of the two yell "I NEED THE COMPUTER!!!! WHEN ARE YOU GETTING OFF???"

Didn't do all that much today. Cleaned most of the family room and tackled the laundry. Went a couple places with Mom before getting the kids. Went to the GS for some eggplant and of course, with my luck, they didn't have any:mad:

TRANQUIL, I have to agree cramps is better than a constant headache! Geez, just think, if you had a guy around the house you could have cramps AND a constant headache, hmmm, actually, it would be more like a pain in the arse and a constant headache! LOL!!! Just throw a date at me with regards to coming down-I'm waiting!!!;) Hope you have a nice peaceful day at work with the boss being out playing golf. Hopefully he'll win and be nice tomorrow!!!!

TRISH, I think you have all rights to be concerned about your son and his future. It's a big step if there was nothing going on in this world right now, but with all the stuff happening it's even more of a concern and being a Mother you can't help but worry, and worry in advance. I don't think there's a Mother alive that doesn't worry over their childrens future. Nothing from HM yet, we're all waiting to hear some good news from her.

QUIV, glad that my e-mail got you on the board. Sounds like you are really busy, busy. Hope things settle down for you soon!

LKF, welcome back:D Glad to hear you had a good time with your Dad. Sounds like you were able to stay OP for the most part-kuddo's to you. Looking forward to having your peppy self back on daily now-we missed you:)

MONET, sounds like you'll be on the mend now that you went to the Dr. I can only imagine what your throat must of really looked like for him to say that. I hope whatever your DD has it's something that won't cause her any trouble. Do you have any ideas?

AGEOLDIE, WELCOME TO OUR BOARD:D You definitely got on the right board to ask your question;) As I told you, I personally can't give you my idea since I haven't done both ways, but others on the board that have done so will happily give you their 2 cents. BTW, which program do you have that has the GI, is it Nutribase?

JACKK, last night I made chicken and marinated it in hot sauce and served it with blue cheese dressing - to die for! Glad you liked some of the info I posted. I need to clean out my files on the computer and this is just some of the information I have in there-as time permits, there will be more, I promise:)

BOB, I KNOW you will be successful this time round. You know where your downfalls lie and you know, like myself, that you can't even THINK about buying this garbage-it's a fate that's sealed if you do. Just don't buy it, period! OTHERWISE, I'm coming over there to kick some BUTT!!!! :eek:

Okay, I've caught up once again! I'll be back at CHAT TONIGHT AT 9:15PM EST Hope to see you there!!!

Oh, yes, GOOD LUCK TOMORROW FOR WIW!:D

Debbie
194/131/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Evening y'all. Hope everyone has had an OP day. This is my second in a row.:bravo: Let's hope it keeps on. Hoping for a good WIW tomorrow.

MONET: Glad you finally got in to see the dr. Shots are great aren't they? They work so much faster. I wouldn't worry too much about your eating being off while you're sick. Get better.

BOB: Glad to hear that MOM is cooperating and on the road to recovery.

AGEOLDIE: Welcome to the board. Like others have already said, this is the best WOE there is. Definately something you can live with forever. Hope to hear more from you.:)

LKF: Glad you are back. Yes, I'm one of those who fell off the wagon, got run over and trampled on. But, I'm back on with super blue on the behind to keep me on the wagon.:lol:

QUIV: Good to hear from you again. Vacation in Mexico???? Sounds great.

TRISH: Wow. Had DS give you any idea that he was planning on doing this or was it a total surprise. Jump back on the wagon with the rest of us. I'll lend you some super glue to keep you in your seat.:lol:

JACK-K: What a dream!!! :eek: Maybe it was that late nite walk that gave you the weird dreams.

Guess I better go de-grunge the kids. They manage to bring half the dirt from the playground home with them.

MUSIC, you go girl, day two! Tomorrow will be day three!!!

Gals, check out the smilies, there's some new ones that were added to choose from:balloons:

Off to the chat room.....

:drill: Debbie

GREAT CHAT JACKIE!!!!... I WAS THERE.....YOU WEREN'T!!!! :p


BOB

Hey everyone!

Sorry I haven't been around! I've been so busy lately but also I've been eating soooo poorly, I don't feel worthy of being on the board. I just can't get into the groove - what's wrong with me? When I'm on plan - I feel so good! Why in the **** do I get off plan and then can't get myself back on? HELP!

DEB: I'm gonna call you this weekend - will you be around on Sunday? Let me know!

Hey - guess what - I've decided to get my boobs reduced- what do y'all think about that?!? I should lose say 100 pounds right there! ahaha! Seriously, my surgery is penciled in for Dec. 17th or 18th. I'm going for a visit to the doctor on Nov. 4th! Just decided to do it - and while my insurance is paying 100% of everything - I'm having it done! GO ME! It will help me to feel a little bit better about myself!

Ok - hope all is well with everyone - sorry I haven't been keeping up - I really miss all of you! Please send your good thoughts and encouraging words - cause I really need them right now! I'm in a HUGE rut!

Missy
284/255(this # keeps getting higher!)/170

Just popping in before bed...the shots are helping tremendously.

JACK: I am guessing it is strep, or another bacterial infection or the antibiodics would not help!

Thanks everyone for your well wishes... It is so nice to hop on here and see the concern from all of you. I had no idea how bad sick I was until the doctor told me he couldn't believe I was walking around like that! ;)

My daughter took her positive autoimmune disease results very well. I was proud of her. At this point we don't know which one it is, and we may never know. It can be anything from Graves disease, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis to a number of others, both serious and not so serious. She is not having any major problems, so I am not too worried. I have lupus, but it has never been severe, so perhaps she will be like her mom!

BOB: I was so out of it over the weekend...did UGA win? If so, hooray! See? I am a fair weather fan...

AGEOLDIE: I did LC for years, and never lost very much. I switched to SB and found I did much better. If you can control the carbs, and are careful, SB is a much healthier way to eat in my opinion. Why not give it a couple of weeks and see how you feel and what happens with your weight loss. You are certainly welcome here! This is a great, helpful group!

Sweet dreams all!

FRUIT: A BUNCH of us done been there and done that. I'm just now clawing my way back onto the wagon. Climb back on. I saved some super blue for your hiney to keep you on board.:lol:

Just a little note before I call it a day. *smile* The stress has been unbelievable but NO more standing at the counter stuffing in the chips..go me..LOL I haven't had a chance to walk with the rain but eating has been just fine. Two days in a row I had my favorite...spagetti squash with sauteed onions, garlic and right when you turn off the gas some added fresh tomatos. Good thing it's not too fattening cause I can't eat just a little. :)

Toni...I can imagine how proud and scared you are all at the same time. Keeping your family in my prayers.

Monet...((hugzz)) glad the shots are starting to help. Don't try to do too much too fast. Rest and get well.

Fruit...good to have you back with us. Hope the surgery makes you feel tons better. Praying it all goes well.

Music...wtg getting back on track. Are you getting all this rain? I'm beginning to feel like a duck. :)

LKF...welcome back. I really missed your enthusiasm..even if I can't spell it..LOL Glad you had a good visit with your dad.

Ageoldie...I've never done strickly a LC diet but I've been on SB for about 17 months now. It's truly a way of life. Not only have I lost 88 pounds I no longer have indigestion. For someone who has battle eating disorders and diets that have come and gone I would recommend this WOE to everyone. I don't eat a lot of bread...rarely to be honest. Not much pasta or rice either. But I do like having the option. :)

Jack-K..I can't help but love reading your stats. You have lost so well and so fast. Go you!!

Bob...sure wish I had one of those chocolate chews...I have really been craving some chocolate lately. Wonder what non chocolate food would satisfy that craving? Keeping you and your mom in my prayers.

Quivondra..good to see ya. Looks like even with the off and on again you are doing great. Keep up the good work.

Fillise..Deb...Heartmom..Rosalie..llblonde...Jenn. .Kimmy..Gator..Sef...Damarus...and every body I may have missed..howdy to you too!

Love and hugs,
Crystle

Good WEIGH IN WEDNESDAY MORNING everyone!:wave:

Just got in from the usual 4.5 miles. It was hard AND painful. About a miles after I started my left calf started getting something like a cramp and I had warmth going down it. I had to stop jogging and walked it off. I didn't know if I should stop or walk, so I walked. It took about a block to finally start letting up and about another half mile or so til it felt 90% better. I did resume some jogging but walked more of my miles today. Wonder what that was all about:shrug: Wasn't as bad of a time as I thought it would be, took me 52:55. Doesn't help that it's still hot down here, 88 for the high today and still looking at the high 70's, close to 80 degrees here in the early morning.

Well, I got on the scale for WIW, something I have been avoiding to do as of late because I knew the news wasn't good. I knew the scale was down, I've been eating great, journaling daily, drinking more water and getting some of my usual exercise, so I'm happy (but not ecstatic) to say the scale needle was hovering between 129.5-130. Of course, with TOM only (supposedly) 2-3 days away I don't know how this contributes as sometimes I have a gain beforehand, sometimes a loss, so this may also a contributing factor, but heck, whatever way I can get the scale to go down I'll take it, even TOM! I sure as heck feel lots better all the way around:D

Thanks to those of you who joined us in the chat room last night. SERENE, TRANQUIL, GATOR, BIGK, BOB would you believe and of course myself were all there-it was Florida night! We had a visitor from WI come join us in the chat room and as I was leaving I saw RUTHXXX pop in. Not sure if anyone showed up after I left, but as far as I know, those are the members that showed up. QUILTER did try to get in but is continuing to have trouble getting in the chat room.

TRANQUIL, how's the eye today?

SERENE, how are your aches and pains today?

FRUIT, I'd love to talk. Not sure where I will be on Sunday, probably up in Broward with the coffee man, but try me on my cell phone. If you don't have the number just LMK and I'll send it to you via e-mail. You'll get back on track, I know you will and I know you can-you just need some good butt kicking:drill: :s:

MUSIC, super blue for FRUIT'S butt?? :lol:

COUNTRY, the spgti squash sounds good, you got me now thinking about going and buying some.

Okay, well, geez, it sure didn't take me long to catch up this morning-where are all you sleepy heads?

I don't know what my day entails today, maybe go get some pantyhose for the interview on Friday, bank, little odds and ends.

I'll check in later!

{{{HUGS}}} :grouphug:

:queen: Debbie :drill:
194/130(put higher of the two)/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Still no scale, but suffice it to say I've been back OP for a whole WEEK so I'm sure I have to be down a little bit! I sure FEEL better so that's what counts!

I'm just sittin here eating my Uncle Sams for breakfast and considering getting ready for the chiropractor :) Today is CLEAN THE DARN HOUSE day here. It's my only off day during the week when nobody's home but me so it's the day I clean up. That should keep me busy enough that I don't snack!

Hope everyone is doing great and that the scales are friendly to everyone. I might run over to my MIL's later today and see what it says! Hmmm I wonder if the chiro. has a scale? We shall see.
(I might just go buy one at Target today :o )

Love Y'all... Mean it ;)

HEY BOB - GOOOOOOO VOOOOOOLLLLLLSSSSS!!!!!! My dad's a HUGE Bama fan, so is one of my best friends at work, we harass each other constantly about our fav race driver and football team. If the VOLS win, I'm painting his truck windows orange at work with that new car chalk!! ;)

Hi All:

Okay I weighed 253.5 - its a lot, but it can come off...plus some! approximately 10 pounds higher than last month!

Fruit - :cp: clapping for you to get back on the wagon! Wow, a boob reduction, I hope it goes well for you!!!!

Music - glad to hear you are still OP!!!! Yeah!!!

Monet - Sorry to hear about your daughter. Hope you are feeling better today!

JackK - missed you on chat! I figured you were out walking or exercising!

Where is Mercy and Gracious?

LKF - Hang in there, especially through Thanksgiving Week!!! :)

Well, I am sorry if I missed anyone, but I have to run - toodles, Sabrina
272/253.5/157

Beth - Go get a darned scale! hahaha That is great you are staying OP!!!!

Deb - My eye is doing better. The redness is gone, but it still gets watery and painful here and there. It was great seeing you on chat last night - and congrats to the scale being a bit nice to you, nicer than mine was to me - :)

Sabrina

A decent WIW today considering all the crap I've eaten lately. I'm down 1 from last WIW but still up 5 from my low. But I'm on the wagon now. And, BTW, that was supposed to be super GLUE for Fruit's butt to keep her on the wagon.:lol: There's cake in the teacher's lounge today so I'm stayin' out of there.:ziplip:

Hope everybody has a good day. The munchkins are about to arrive for class.

Well, as suspected, I'm up 3 pounds today from last week, putting me at 213. I can't say I'm surprised, TOM is almost here and my crappy eating all week-end. We were able to walk last night. I need to measure it, I think it's about 2.5 miles. It's been raining off and on since Friday. Who needs a wagon, we may need an ark! They've opened up a Curves for Women here in Pflugerville. I'm going tonight to look at it. We'll see how it goes.

Music Teach - Jordan has been talking about a military career since he was 8 or 9 years old. For a long time, he was going to the Navy. About 18 months ago, he switched to the Marines for some reason. So, it's not like it was a real surprise, but this just made it all the more real. My younger son, Seth, tried out for the choir yesterday (5th grade). He either did really well or really awful. He said they had to sing a few notes and then she had them sing America the Beautiful. He said almost everyone had to sing the whole thing but the teacher stopped he and a couple of other kids after a few bars and said that's all she needed to hear. Oh, well, we'll see.

BOB - Hope your UT is looking better than my UT. The Horns looked awful against Oklahoma. We pulled one out against Kansas State, but we have to play a tough Iowa State team this week-end.

Better run, now. Hope WIW is better to everyone else than it was to me.

Trish

Happy WIW Gang :wave:v:high:

Sorry I didn't make it to chat last nite. DD was using the computer. I think we are going to have to get a schedule for Tuesday nights. Just hate missing chat.

Well I'm a little disappointed today. With a week with no starcy carbs I thought sure I would see a decent loss. I only lost the pound I have gained last week. TOM is 3 days late. I am cranky!
It's been 3 weeks staying the same or with a 1 lb gain.
I will never reach my goal before my trip this way. I guess I just need to Get over it and shut up and go on.

Bob, Hey now, let's not be pulling for thd Dawgs. The Cats play them Sat. With 3 starters out, we may have a chance. So I guess it will be a cat and dog fight. At least you have been over eating on legal stuff. It could be worse. You are doing too good to mess this up now. Straighten yourself out (or you know what will happen) and get back on track. Prayers still coming for your mom and you too. Sorry I wasn't at chat. At 9:20 I headed down to the puter and DD was on there working a a paper. Darn kids.

Deb, how did you fix the chicken, grill it, bake it?

Music, Yeah for you 2 days OP. :clap: Keep up the good work. You can do this.

Fruit, Some people will do anything to lose wt. LOL Seriously, if that's what you want to do, then by all means go for it. Now you will have part of a new body, lets works on the rest. Get in that wagon and tighten that belt. Don't you want to look good all over? Sure you do. You can do this. It is easy. Keep your goal in mid when you are tempted. Ask yourself what you want most, that food or being thin. We are all in this together and we are not letting go of you. By all means stay on this board, don't even think about not posting. That's what we are here for. Everybody makes mistakes, Just don't make the big one of not getting back on track.

Monet, Hoping your DD gets some good news. Is Lupus hereditary? I have RA and have it under control with meds, even have cut them in half with losing wt. I do hope it is not too serious and can be controled with meds. How old is she? Is it the one that just got married?

Country, Glad you are no longer stress eating. Don't let food add to your problems. Praying for a solution for you.

Deb, Glad you are back to your goal wt, (within 1/2 pound) I knew it wouldn't take you long. I'm batteling the TOM problem too. Mine's late, don't know it is preventing a loss or just not going to have one (loss that is). Sorry I missed chat. Darn kids.

Beth, feeling better is what counts, but please go buy a scale. Keep up the good work with your eating. Everyday it gets easier.

Tranquil, That's the attitude. It will come off. Keep on trying. Well I finished my exercising, dinner, lunch, etc. around 9:00. Headed to the computer at 9:20 and DD was working on a paper. We are going to have to have an understanding about Tuesday nite computer time.


Hope the scale is good to everyone today! :crossed:

See ya later.

Jackie
257/165:mad: /145
10-10-01

This article is posted on the 3FC'S website in the library. LINDAT posted it and I hope she doesn't mind if I repost it for all of you to read...

Got this article in an email from my medical group. I thought it had some good info.

by Sinatra, Stephen
Total Health
Jul/Aug 2002


Whether you want to shed 15 pounds or 215 pounds, if you want to be successful at long-term weight loss, you must examine your attitudes, beliefs and behaviors around food. Otherwise it is almost guaranteed that you will backslide into old eating patterns at the first sign of emotional stress.

Theoretically, losing weight is one of the easiest things to do -- you simply expend more energy (measured in calories) than you take in. But as you probably know from experience, the process is not that straightforward in practice. This was evident when I directed the Optifast program, an intensive, hospital-based regimen where patients dieted for 16 weeks on shakes prepared under strict medical supervision. What other medical personnel and I observed was that the leading root causes of weight gain are a lack of discipline and a lack of support.

No Support System

The combination of poor discipline and inadequate support is a disastrous one for weight loss. By support I mean that coworkers, friends and family help reinforce you in the process of weight loss or whatever personal goal you are trying to reach. Sadly, many overweight individuals lack support, often from the time they were children. They usually come from families where achieving was more important than being and where there was little acceptance of the children as they were. Their parents let them know in one way or another that they didn't measure up.

But the truth is that too much pressure, for adults or children, only tempts people to rebel or to loathe their shortcomings, and consequently themselves. What they need more than anything is acceptance and encouragement. The supportive atmosphere among the participants of the Optifast program, for example, was a big factor in their individual successes. The group met once a week but members would also call one another when in danger of "slipping" and get encouragement to make healthier choices. By contrast, if a woman cooks for a family and family members put their desires for unhealthy foods over her needs, then it is almost impossible for her to lose weight.

Of course we all need to support ourselves from within, too, and have the courage of our convictions in interactions with others. But some people back away from such confrontations, externally acquiescing to everyone else's wants and needs while padding themselves with fat rather than dealing with their anger at their own self-betrayal.

Stuffing Emotions

For people who are chronically overweight, food becomes a vehicle with which to block uncomfortable emotions -- usually anger, fear, shame, frustration, guilt, loneliness and sadness. In their book Overcoming Overeating (Random House, 1998), Jane Hirschmann and Carol Munter distinguish between "stomach hunger" (when you eat to fill your body because your stomach is empty) and "mouth hunger" (when you are reaching for something to put in your mouth because you are experiencing a difficult emotion).

People who eat from stomach hunger have a healthy relationship with food, whereas those eating from mouth hunger do not. Some of you may find yourself doing both at different times but it is an important detail to acknowledge. For many of us it is hard to take in love but easy to take in food. So in a cruel irony, we can be physically full, yet emotionally starved. The fact that obesity is rising in the United States means that we all must have something in common when it comes to abusing food . . . and yes, that is a strong statement but I believe many of us do abuse food.

Get a Handle on What's Eating You

To help understand what role emotions play in my patients eating patterns, I have them ask themselves some tough questions. Try it yourself. Any "yes" response indicates a situation where you are eating out of month hunger.

* Have I ever found myself looking for something to eat within an hour or two of eating?

* Do I sometimes overeat?

* Do I feel guilty or have thoughts of self recrimination after eating?

* Do I overeat to "treat" myself after a long, hard day?

* Do I feel less anxious after eating?

* Do I rush through meals, not even tasting the food?

* Do I need to have large helpings of food to feel full?

* When I done with loves ones, am I more concerned about the food than the company and surroundings?

* Is food replacing something that is missing in my life?

* Do I make excuses for being overweight?

* Do I think I will feel better (calmer, more relaxed, lathargic) after I eat?

If so, then you need to take an honest look at your relationship with food. To help uncover your own unconscious drives I suggest writing out answers to the following questions:

* Am I able to take in love from my partner? My children? Family? Friends? Or do I keep certain thoughts and feelings to myself to avoid possible rejection?

* When in pain, do I turn toward loved ones for support or do I push them away and isolate myself? Why do I react this way?

* Am I getting something out of being overweight? Does it get me off the hook for sexual intimacy? Is it an excuse not to be more active? Does it get me help and sympathy from others?

If you have identified that emotions are ruling your eating, then you can start to change the way you think. For example, are you a card-carrying member of the "Clean Plate Club"? Many of us are. It may have started in childhood, when you were pushed to clean your plate out of guilt for the "starving children." If you still feel that it is somehow wrong to leave food, even if your body signals that it is full, then this unconscious belief is probably part of what is driving you. Bring it to consciousness and you are then free to choose whether to clean your plate.

This is what needs to be done at every turn. Especially when you get the urge to dig into your favorite comfort food. Stop and ask yourself what is really going on. Writing about it for a minute or two is even better. If you keep a journal like this for a few weeks, patterns will start to emerge and I think you will be happily surprised at the insights you gain.

Nuts and Bolts of Losing Weight

Today we have more fad diets, diet pills and low-fat foods on the market than ever before and yet we also have more obesity and obesity related illnesses than in decades past.

The only way you can lose weight is to combine increased physical activity with healthy eating. The goal is to gradually and consistently lose because if you lose any more than one to two pounds a week, your body will be shedding lean muscle mass rather than fat and that is not good at all.

In fact, the more lean muscle mass you lose, the more your basal metabolic rate (BMR) drops, which means your body becomes better and better at existing on very little food. (BMR is a measure of the body's ability to burn calories at rest -- sleeping, reading a book, watching television, etc.) This is what happens to most dieters who achieve their goal weight very rapidly and it is why so many are unsuccessful at maintaining their weight loss.

Haul Your BMR Out of the Basement

Those of us over age 40 are also familiar with steep declines in BMR. Part of it is just the aging process but the vast majority of people in this culture also tend to be more sedentary as they age and all that uninterrupted sitting around really sends BMR into the basement. Hormonal imbalances can also play a role and they result from a variety of factors, from thyroid dysfunction to drug side effects to excess carbohydrate intake.

Therefore, if you are serious about weight loss, you need to look for every opportunity to increase BMR. Exercise is going to give you the biggest most noticeable payoff. There is just no getting around it, so you might as well find activities you like to do. As you probably know, I am a big advocate of walking, combined with a little weight lifting and regular stress-reducing activities such as yoga, t'ai chi or qigong. But that may not fit with your lifestyle. Maybe you would rather work out to an exercise tape and then garden when the weather permits. Or perhaps you like to take classes at a gym.

Whatever you prefer, schedule at least some of your sessions for the morning because research shows that individuals who exercise early in the day are much more apt to stick with it. That is not surprising. The later in the day your workout is, the greater the possibility that life's events will intervene.

Mountain Climbing as an analogy for weight loss

Which is more difficult -- ascending a mountain or descending it? If you have climbed mountains or read stories about people who have, you know that more climbers die on the descent than the climb. So often, in both mountaineering and life, we view reaching the summit as the victory but it really is not. It is only half the story. Experienced mountaineers know this and that is why they do not celebrate until they return to base camp.

Losing weight is similar in that attaining your goal weight is the mid-point. Maintaining this ideal weight is the part of the story we often do not hear about, partly because so few are successful at it. What I would like you to consider as you embark on your weight loss journey is the second half of the story.

Keeping your sights set on maintaining a certain weight and level of fitness, rather than on simply reaching a target weight, will change your perspective. So instead of focusing on how to get down to a certain clothing size as fast as possible, you will be more concerned with what enduring lifestyle changes you can make. It is the difference, for example, between telling yourself you will give up white bread with every meal just until you reach your goal and finally deciding to make more nutritious carbohydrate choices from here on out.

Mornin', y'all. Boy, it's been rough re-entering the work world after vacation last week! Everything just waited for me to get back!

Thanks to you all for your warm welcome back. I already love each of you and count you a very important part of my life.

Jack-K, yes, I think you just need to forget the idea of losing a certain amount of pounds before your trip and enjoy eating OP without all the restrictions. I would really have a rough time if I cut out all the starches like you have done this last week or two trying to get down before the cruise and that, in turn, would make me very grumpy -- remember how you have so sweetly counseled all of us to stay faithful in eating precisely as SB prescribes and how you assure us it will work for us? Well, now I want to encourage you in that same vein of thought...did it occur to you that when you cut out the little bit of starch we are allowed each day, you could be sabatoging weight loss? We all know that balance in all the food groups is a very important part of a good eating plan and there is certainly plenty of balance in SB. It's the way we should eat...for life. You said you were on this for life -- I saw you write it to Ageoldie just yesterday. Please see it that way and live with whatever your body wants you to lose as you stick close to the WOE day after day. Gosh, you have lost so much that you are such an immense encouragement to us all...please don't worry about setting these interim goals for yourself that your body just might not be ready to handle.

Ageoldie, I agree with Jack-K -- I have tried every plan for losing weight known to humanity. I have lost weight on them! But it always comes back because they weren't eating plans you could live on and stay healthy for life on. But SB is something you can live with and remain so healthy with for the rest of your life...now that's an eating plan I can wrap myself around!!! So come on board and join us, the greatest bunch of support people you ever met. I am a youngster with this sweet group and they have embraced me as if I were as vital as anyone else on the Board. They'll all grow on you in a hurry!

BOB, so glad your Mom is improving steadily...you can tell she is better by all the orders she is giving you to get her stuff! We'll continue to pray for her and for you, too.

Music teach, so glad you are back on the wagon with us -- stay with us, now, you hear? We're working together to accomplish our goals and primarily to return to excellent health and feel good as we lose.

Monet 320, glad those shots are helping. I was just sure they would. Been there! And every time, those two shots do the trick for me!

Fruit, I saw you were considering a boob reduction. Like Jack-K, I want to encourage you to bring the rest of that beautiful body into line with your beautiful new boobs. I speak from experience! I had breast reduction years ago and they looked marvelous for the first time in many years...but the rest of me started to balloon in size, leaving my poor beautiful breasts all tiny-looking compared to the rest of me! Would you believe my poor husband has never seen my body the size it should be to match my perfect size B boobs since surgery? It's not a pretty picture when you have perfect boobs but the rest of you doesn't match them. By the way, it's a pretty drastic surgery. I actually had to have it done because of massive fibrocystic disease that was pre-cancerous in my case. With having maternal breast cancer in my background, I decided to have a double radical mastectomy to take care of the matter. A beautiful side benefit was getting to choose what size I wanted to be and because I had always been overly endowed, I opted for much, much smaller!

Well, Serene is out and about and meeting me here at 11:45 to go to lunch. I have to pick up a cake for the office, why ME!!!! So, I brought some of my SB Legal Bread Pudding I made last night just so that I won't be tempted - and I am heating it up and sharing it with Serene when we get back from going out... Find out if I did a good job or not. My DS had several healthy servings of it last night! So I am proud! hahahaha

I made meatballs as well - cheesy ones - I mixed mozzarella and parmesan with a little cheddar into them - no bread added whatsoever - just 2 eggs, seasoning, a dash of skim milk, fresh crushed garlic, cheese, and I baked them for 45 minutes. They came out perfect, I topped them with some spaghetti sauce that had no sugar added and ta da that was dinner. All protein..... and filling. I am having left over meatballs with steamed broccoli for dinner tonight.

JackK - Kids - I had to fight tooth and nail to get mine off the computer so I could get on last night. He had earned some computer time, and was going to take advantage of every second he could, plus some! Your pound is probably just water if TOM is around. Did you notice that we all seem to have our monthly schedules in tune....

LKF - I know what you mean about getting back into the work world!! It is hard, I want to leave and go back on vacation and have fun again!!!

Deb - I enjoyed reading that article - very good!! Kudos for finding it!!!

Trish - See what I mean, TOM is always visiting us about the same time - we are all on the same cycle! Meanwhile, next week will be better when TOM goes away along with you will be feeling better too :)

Music - Well that is good news that the scale is going down!!! Stay away from that cake - and I will stay away from the one I have to pick up. I dreamt about this cake I am picking up all night - it is an 8 layer strawberry filled cake....AHHHHH!!!

Well Hasta Luego!
Sabrina

Good morning, I'm too far behind to start on the first page.. My son in the army, and his family came on there way from Colorado to South Carolina and gave me some good visiting. So now I'm left pooped..... Have to rest up from all the excitement.. Then right after they left I had a dentist app. so today is my take it easy day. I only lost 1/2 lb. this morning. But thats fine. Next week hopefully will be better.. I'll try and catch up reading the posts today.... Congrads to all the losers this week...



213/163/130

Hey All:wave:

Thought I'd get in a post before I headed out the door. I'm trynig to see if I can get in a few Dr. visits before the EX loses his job. I should of not put this off-serves me right. Got an appt this afternoon with the Dentist that I've been putting off going to for the tooth I broke back in NC in April, so I'm sure that's going to be a pretty penny, even with insurance. I called the GYN and they are going to call me back this afrernoon. Have to make a regular appt for a check up for me and Michael was suppose to get a blood workup last month and haven't done that. Seems like the ex is going to indeed lose his job from the feedback he's gotten already from corporate office. By mistake they terminated his insurance and possibility of COBRA because they had it on file that he took the money when in deed he was robbed. Why did he not just pay the $600 and keep his mouth shut??? Now he thinks he will give me less money-he doesn't want to dip in to his savings - too bad, that's what I have to do each month. What he gives me doesn't even cover my MC bill!:eek: Enough b:censored:tching!

FRUIT, I did forget to mention, or actually, make a comment about the boob job. Doesn't the Dr. think it would be in your best interest to do this AFTER you've lost the weight? I just can't imagine that this wouldn't of been discussed. What happens after you have the bj and then you loose weight. I can tell you girlfriend, my twins look deflated and hang to the side when I lie down, and that's with naturally going from a stuffed DDD bra to a 34D-no boob job required. Honestly, I'd think twice about doing it now. Just my 2 cents.

BETH, you keep up the great work and don't even think about the scale, you are feeling good and as you said, that's what counts, numbers on the scale can easily be wrong but since you don't have a scale obsession like many of us, much less a scale, it's not something you even have to worry about.

TRANQUIL, I'm sure your temporary gain is sorta like jet lag from the trip:s: I'm sure you'll be back down to were you were in no time. Glad to hear the eye's a bit better but look forward to hearing when it's all better. Those meatballs sound devine. I think next trip down you should plan on cooking a dinner. :chin: Hmmm, no second thought, ditch that idea, we have too many places to hit in a short period of time!

MUSIC, good job with the scale and getting it to go down despite the junk, which of course, is past history. Keep up the good work and before you know it you'll be back down and hitting a new low;)

TRISH, okay, 3 pounds is a lot easier to handle than 5, or 10. Just stay focused on eating OP and those 3 nasty little pounds will come off quickly. Don't let your body get used to having them back! I've heard of CURVES but we don't have one in my area. Let us know what you think of the place and if you decide to join.

JACKK, I'm sure you'll be dropping some pounds soon, don't worry about it, I'm sure it's all related to TOM being late. NOW, I would expect to hear one of your nightmare's-being late with TOM, that's always a nightmare for me (maybe more of a worry), but luckily, I do wake up from that type of nightmare, eventually:D I just tossed the chicken on my jet stream and bake it that way-it's fast and easy - trust me, nothing exciting at all, you have to remember, it's me who's cooking:^:

TONI, glad to hear you had a good visit with the kids. CONGRATS on your 1/2lb loss this week. :D

Okay, I'm outta here once again. Haven't done anything today other than take a shower and eat and laundry. Somehow it seems to take up so much time yet doesn't seem like all that much. Another wonderful eating day has started and thus will end the same way.

Will check in later!

{{{HUGS}}}:grouphug:

Debbie
194/130/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Tranquil, you shouldn't have described that cake you are picking up! Now I want some!

Dear Monet, I hope that the antibiotics help right away. So sorry to hear that your daughter has run to health problems also. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Deb, Thanks for all the good information. Way to go on getting back on track, your weigh-in shows your dedication.

BOB, Glad to hear your Mom is doing better. Always a prayer in my heart for you and yours.

Music, Looks like you and I are back on track, when we make it through today, it will be day 3 and detox for the most part will be over.

Fruit, Although you are struggling with healthy eating, it sounds like you are making good choices for a healthier you. Let us know what the Dr. has to say.

Crystle, your so good at always remembering us. Thank you. By the way your squash dish sounds de~lish, could I get your recipe?

Tranquil, Glad your eye is doing better.

Trishaloo, They have a Curves out here and I know a few gals that go and absolutley love it.

LKF, your post to Jack-K was right on the nose and hit home with me also. Thanks for the moral support.


Up 1.5 lbs from last week, but with the realization I really have only been totally on track for the past 2 days and I've lost a pound since yesterday. I remember somewhere hearing or reading that your scale weigh in is a reference of what you ate 2 days ago, as I have been monitoring myself more closely, even on off days, I'm beginning to wonder if there is truth to this. Has anyone ever heard anything like this? Looking forward to a better weigh in next week. DH is back to work, at least per diem, as of yesterday. It's a big adjustment, as he returned to the place he worked for 17 years, and they stuck him right back where he started 17 years ago...the dishroom. I love him so for taking this job, for his family. I know he had to stuff a lot of pride to do it.

I just want all of you to know that I think of you often and you are ALL always in my prayers, even when you are fortunate enough not to be ill or troubled :)

Lara
171/168.5/165 (still haven't gotten here, but I will and then on to my next goal...)

The cake in the teacher's lounge is gone and I DIDN'T EAT A BITE!!!:cp: Yea Me!

Just popping in.

Gotta go get my nails done. Have a pot of chili made for dinner so won't have to deal with that later. :spin:

Still have to walk and workout. :strong:

Congrats to all the losers today. The rest of us will hang tight and hope for a better WIW next week.


Tranquil, glad your eye is getting better. Have a legal lunch with Serene. Stay out of the cake. :drill: Yes I did notice that most of our TOM's are right together. That happens here at the office too. Funny isn't it? Those meatballs sound delish.

Music, WTG on the 1 lb. You'll drop that 5 lbs before you know it. It's not fun taking those same pounds off twice. You would think we would remember that when we eat off program. But we don't. Kudos to you for staying away from the cake.:bravo:

Trish, Sorry about the 3 lbs. Keep OP and they will dissappear before your eyes. We have a Curves here, but have never tried it. Someone ont he board belonged to one awhile back. Hopefully they will respond. Got a kick out of your DS's choir tryout- too funny. :lol:

LKF, I know everyhting you said is true, but you just can't help being disappointed. That's why I know I just have to get over it and go on. I will get there one day. Yes, this is for life so I need to chill.

Toni, Glad you had a nice visit with your family. I know you are just waiting for me to move down the scale together. LOL. Maybe next week.

Deb, Very interesting article. Nothing we all didn't know, but don't do. It's nice to be reminded. Man you are going to be poked and prodded all week with all those Dr visits. Bummer about your ex losing his job. I love how men think that you should suffer too just because he doesn't have any money. Don't have to worry about THAT nightmare. I've had my tubes ties and I take the pill. Probably one of those menapause things. Except I have had cramps and back aches for 3 days. Just want to get it over with.

Idblond, I hope that your long post means that your hand isn't bothering you today. I have never heard that about the 2days and your weight. Interesting. That 1.5 will be gone before you know it.

Have a great evening everyone.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

I stayed away from the CAKE - YEAH!!!!!!! :cb:

I had a salad out with Serene, and we had a nice lunch together. Nice to get away from the office as well.

JackK - Pot of chili sounds good!

Music - :bravo: about the cake!

ldblond - A pound is good, really good! Keep on Losing!!! :)

LKF - Sorry about tempting you - it looked so pretty too! :lol: I should have shouted POISON!!!!

Deb - that is so ridiculous about his not just paying the $600 - what a p*tz!!!! have fun with the docs, at least you are getting it all over with, and don't need to worry about it later :)

Toni - I am so happy to hear that you had a good visit with your loved ones!!!! Take care and get some rest so you don't get sick and then get busy writing us! :D

Time to get ready to go home soon - need to get some work done...

Sabrina

Lara, I said those things to Jack-K because we all (including ME) need to be reminded of these things every day we crawl out of bed...I'm so glad you were helped by it, too! I never heard that what you weigh on the scale is from two days ago...I think every day, what you eat counts and we need to see it that way. Lara, your DH sounds like a precious person...he loves his family a lot or he couldn't have swallowed his pride like that. You are blessed!

Yeah for Tina for not touching the cake, either before you left it in the teachers' lounge or since! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!! WTG!!

Jack-K, you're allowed to be disappointed...I didn't mean to come on so strong to you. I just want you to relax and let it happen. You don't need anything dampening your spirits about your fabulous trip coming up. And that includes being disappointed that you didn't reach the goal you wanted to before then. LOOK where you have come from! So you're allowed to be disappointed today...and then tomorrow, wake up and face the day with joy that you feel good, are so healthy, and GOING TO HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME on your trip. O.K.? We all love you and we're going through it with you.

Howdy all! WIW was kind to me..I stayed the same. :) 152. I'll take it.

Lara, here is the recipe for the spagetti squash..it's so easy.
I nuke one small squash for about 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to POKE holes in it BEFORE you start cooking. When it's fork tender it's done. I like mine a little al dente..not sure how to spell that.:)

While it's in the microwave I saute one to two onions in a skillet with a little olive oil or margarine. I sprinkle in some garlic powder if I don't have fresh and some salt and pepper. When the onions are crunchy done I turn the gas off and stir in the tomatos.

Then just split the squash and pull of the ooey stuff and seeds. Pull all the flesh out with a fork and mix with the onion mixture. I serve it hot but munch on it cold too. :D

Your hubby is a sweet heart. My husband is making some major sacrifies for us right now too. ((hugs)) to you and your family.

YEAH to music and tranquil for avoiding the cakes!!!!!

Jack-K...I sure wish I could get myself together and get back with my walking. I miss it. You are doing so good. You have just hit that place where the weight is a little more stubborn. Been there doing that...try not to get too discouraged. ((Jack-K))

Deb...praying something changes and he gets to keep the job. Hope all your appointments go well. Thanks for the article today. It was very informative and a good reminder.

Toni...yeah on the 1/2 a pound..it's still on the way DOWN...woo hoo!! :) Get some rest and fell better soon. It's always fun when family visits and so nice to get back to normal.

Hang in there Trish..those 3 pounds aint gonna stick around long.

Gotta run and tend to some buisness....yucky. :) Be soooo glad when it's all done.

Be blessed and encouraged. You all are doing an awesome job at reaching for your goals. Setbacks are just that setbacks..no road blocks. ((hugzz))

Love,
Crystle

235/152/140

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!!! :wave:


BOB had a WONDERFUL DAY ....

Breakfast was a one egg veggie burrito...(home made)
and about a quart of Iced Tea (no sugar of course)

Lunch was a blackened grilled chicken breast with a side greek salad and more Iced Tea (no sugar of course)

Haven't decided about dinner yet...not hungry.....

WATERWATERWATERWATERWATERWATERWATERWATERWATER!!

JACKIE....I'm loving the successful season that the CATS are having, but they can't win the conference and the DAWGS can..they can also go on to a big bowl game which THE CATS nor THE VOLS can do....well, THE VOLS can go to a bowl, but at #18, what's it gonna be???? :eek:

TRISH...I'm hoping that THE VOLS can beat BAMA, but they are on a roll, and want to beat everyone because they can't go anywhere at the end of the season....I'm right there with you on the gain...I gained two pounds this week, but I know what I did wrong...and I'm sure you do to..We can do this.... AND WE WILL!!!!!

COUNTRYMOM...those chews are good, but look what they did to me...I guess they would be ok every now and then...they sure do satisfy the craving...Try one...just don't tell :drill: (debbie)

LARA...I've had you on my mind a good bit lately...hope you're feeling better..thanks for the good thoughts...just know that they are coming your way at the same time....

MONET....You just concentrate on getting better, BOB and SUSAN will take care of the DAWGS for you...we'll let you know when it's time to get serious about being a fan!!!

BETH....I like that idea about the windows...I might borrow that idea if you don't mind....
YOU GO GIRL....You're doing great...just keep on staying on program!!!!

SABRINA...you'll get back on track...remember you just ate a lot of rich food on your trip...How's your DS doing...recovered completely?

MUSIC...good going on that cake....keep the strength and the faith!!!!

WENDY.....SABRINA...you all are crossing over each other...sometimes Sabrina is under your logo, and then it's hers...what's up????

TONI...so glad you had a good visit with your DS and his family.
Where are they going in SC???

:drill: DEBBIE...hope you get that insurance straightened out....the kids have to be covered! You have to get your DOCTORING done...COBRA aint cheap, but make sure he takes something!
I'm still wishing that I had come over with Debbie and Tom...24hours with you, Eli and the kids would have been better than none! Once I get Kate and Skeeter settled, I'm on my way...
Damn everything.... I NEED A DEBBIE FIX!!!!! The dungeon wouldn't hurt me any either!

OH.....MY.....GAWD!!!! I got my official AARP card in the mail today....guess I'm really a senior citizen!!!!!

Well, I hope I didn't miss anyone...if I did, :grouphug:


BOB

After a rough afternoon, I feel a bit better. Ya'all, I hate to complain, but I have not been this sick in 15 years! I am getting really tired of the pain, and lack of energy. Tonight I was able to swallow, so maybe I am finally 'turning the corner'. I can't believe I am able to swallow these horse pills the doctor gave me! They are almost as big as my thumb, dang it.

Someone asked about Gracious- I got an email from her a few days ago. She was concerned that her computer was getting ready to die, and said if she was not on, that is probably what happened. She will hopefully keep in touch with me via email when she can, so I can let everyone know how she is doing, and vice versa. Do any of the other Canadians know if your public library systems have internet access? Most here in the US do, and I hope she will consider that if it is available, just to check in once in a while until she can afford a new computer.


BOB: You know, they say laughter is good for the immune system. Your post to me was as good as an old comedy movie! I had a great laugh. You two keep me posted as to when I need to pull out my red and black outfit, and wavers, fix a tailgate picnic and head for Athens. ( or pop a bag of popcorn and sit in front of the TV would be ok too...) Can't tell you how much I appreciate your help in keeping me informed! ;)

Gotta head back to the bed now...

Hey All:wave:

Amazine Race soon to begin, making Lauren's dinner, thought I'd pop in for a second. Wanted to post this little tidbit about
DIGESTION>


How Is Food Digested?

Digestion involves the mixing of food, its movement through the digestive tract, and chemical breakdown of the large molecules of food into smaller molecules. Digestion begins in the mouth, when we chew and swallow, and is completed in the small intestine. The chemical process varies somewhat for different kinds of food.

Movement of Food Through the System

• Mouth: Seconds
• Esophagus: Seconds
• Stomach: Up to 3 ½ hours
• Small Intestine: Minutes
• Large Intestine: Hours

The large, hollow organs of the digestive system contain muscle that enables their walls to move. The movement of organ walls can propel food and liquid and also can mix the contents within each organ. Typical movement of the esophagus, stomach, and intestine is called peristalsis. The action of peristalsis looks like an ocean wave moving through the muscle. The muscle of the organ produces a narrowing and then propels the narrowed portion slowly down the length of the organ. These waves of narrowing push the food and fluid in front of them through each hollow organ.

The first major muscle movement occurs when food or liquid is swallowed. Although we are able to start swallowing by choice, once the swallow begins, it becomes involuntary and proceeds under the control of the nerves.

The esophagus is the organ into which the swallowed food is pushed. It connects the throat above with the stomach below. At the junction of the esophagus and stomach, there is a ringlike valve closing the passage between the two organs. However, as the food approaches the closed ring, the surrounding muscles relax and allow the food to pass.

The food then enters the stomach, which has three mechanical tasks to do. First, the stomach must store the swallowed food and liquid. This requires the muscle of the upper part of the stomach to relax and accept large volumes of swallowed material. The second job is to mix up the food, liquid, and digestive juice produced by the stomach. The lower part of the stomach mixes these materials by its muscle action. The third task of the stomach is to empty its contents slowly into the small intestine.

Several factors affect emptying of the stomach, including the nature of the food (mainly its fat and protein content) and the degree of muscle action of the emptying stomach and the next organ to receive the stomach contents (the small intestine). As the food is digested in the small intestine and dissolved into the juices from the pancreas, liver, and intestine, the contents of the intestine are mixed and pushed forward to allow further digestion.

Finally, all of the digested nutrients are absorbed through the intestinal walls. The waste products of this process include undigested parts of the food, known as fiber, and older cells that have been shed from the mucosa. These materials are propelled into the colon, where they remain, usually for a day or two, until the feces are expelled by a bowel movement.

So, why did I post this...well, just to show you that when you eat something that it will still be a strong possibility it's still in your system, and that 8oz steak is 8oz of weight you may be showing on the scale and that it's not a real gain, just food that hasn't passed. Just think about how many ounces of food you eat through the day!:fr: Some of the sites I looked in to gave some foods even longer to go through the digestive system, stuff like meats that take longer to break down and pass through

Will try and get in a post tomorrow morning before ELI and I leave for a day out together:D

Toodles

Deb

Bob - I had used Wendy's computer and did not log out, so when she signed on - she was me! I had to tell her to sign off as me last night :lol: so I could get onto chat.

Deb - that is very interesting about the food digestion - yuchy poohey!

Country - staying same is not a bad thing! Next week will be a better week!

I am exhausted, I can always tell when it is getting close to 10 - I just about crash!

Night night, Sabrina

Had 2 meatballs with sf ketchup, 10 triscuits with cheese...well I could have just stuck with 6 triscuits, but....a salad for lunch and a small bite of some peanuts.....a few bites of my sf legal bread pudding - that is all I have eaten today - I want to cut out the starches - even if they are legal!

Hey friends!

I had a better day today. Thanks for the encouraging words - they really help. I guess I'm just down in the dumps because I start and stop and start and stop! DEB - just move in with me! You'll keep me on track! I know it!

As for the boobs, I haven't met with the doctor yet. So, I don't know what he is going to say. My first visit is November 4th. But, they have penciled me in for Dec, 17th or 18th - just so it wouldn't get booked before I visit! He may suggest that I not have it done- who knows. I know that I need to get the rest of my body to match them - I just need to get with it - AGAIN!

I had to laugh because when I called the Dr.s office about the boob job and scheduling my appointment, the lady asked what I wanted to have done and I told her the reduction. She said,"Oh, honey - he does BEAUTIFUL breasts!" I said, "That's nice, it will be the only beautiful thing on my body to look at other than my smile!" I told her that I was very overweight and that I wouldn't be showin off these newly reduced, perky boobs in any way!! HAHA! Oh well, we'll see - I'll keep y'all posted!

Well, lemme run! Thanks again for the encouragement! I love you!

Missy

Hi

They are getting ready to shut our computer down so I have to hurry and post this.

Tranquil, :bravo: on passing up the cake. Glad you had anice "legal" lunch with Serene. Where is Serene anyway?

LKF, thank you for the sweet words. I'm moving on today.

Country, I'm going to have to try that spaghetti squash. I love anything with sauteed onions.

Bob, What they hey, those 2 lbs will melt away. You know what you did wrong and that is the most important part. Keep on keeping on.

Monet, Glad you are feeling better. Take care of yourself.

Love ya

Jackie

Hi All:

Down some since WIW, I am at 252! Yeah....it is falling off!!!!!

JackK - Serene has taken a job pet sitting and has been running all over town (yesterday I caught her between errands - running 6 cats to the vet!) and she has not been feeling well...she has fluid in her fallopian tube that is causing her lots of pain, along with she needs a tooth pulled so she is in agony and hopefully something positive will happen for her. But she looks good - she has skinny legs and her pants were falling off of her! I will tell her to get to postin'!!!

I am at work and have to run - checkin in later gators!
Sabrina
272/252/157

Good Thursday Morning Everyone:wave:

http://members.aol.com/debelli/woo_hoo.jpg

http://members.aol.com/eldemila/happy_dance.jpg

OMG!!!! YIPEE!!!!I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! I'm definitely back up on cloud nine!:cloud9: I got on the scale when I awoke this morning and finally, I am back BELOW my goal weight!!!!! I'm at 128.75, it couldn't decide if it wanted to go up or down, but it was definitely below 129 and I couldn't be more thrilled!!!!! Okay, down Debbie, down!:D Can you tell I'm psyched!

Got in my walk/jog today. Did the usual 4.5 miles and walked about half. I used my POWERBELT today as well, so hoping that raises my heart rate a bit. Took me 53:55, a little slower than I'd like.

Went to the Dentist yesterday. Of course, he already told me what I knew, that I had broken my baby tooth (yes, I still have one) and though he said I had one option, he gave me two. I can either have it removed and have an implant, to the tune of $3,000:fr: none of which my insurance covers, or just leave it til it starts to bother me, though hopefully not doing any damage to the bone. He said I had no nerve in there, so I'm opting for the second. No way can I pay that kind of money and right now, I'm not ready to go toothless!!!

Other Dr.'s-have a Gyn appt on the 11th, kids and I have dental cleanings day after Xmas (I don't shop the malls). Just want to make an appt for Michael to get his blood work done (over a month since we got the referral) and would like to just get a general blood workup done. Have to make an appt. in Jan. for her well visit and then we'll be good to go for a while, at least if the EX has the COBRA we can get all this in.

Eli is suppose to be off today, and we are most definitely heading up to Broward. Just when I got back from my walk he tells me he doesn't think he can be off today, that he has no coverage from 1-4pm. I'm not getting pissed off until he confirms this. I think he may try and find someone to come in during these few hours, he better, if he knows what's good for him! I haven't seen OLE OLE in over a week! Can you beleive!?! My mouth is watering for my salad! We are suppose to be going to go see his employee this morning, the one who lost his memory. Kids still is so lost-it's so sad, he's so young! So, right now, I guess things are up in the air-hate that!

Better get a going on the replies, before I run out of time (I acutally started some of this post this morning at 6:15am).

LKF, I forgot, I wanted to thank you for your input to FRUIT on the boob job. It made me wonder about this woman I know, more of an acquantince. She's in the process of loosing weight, and her breasts are so tiny compared to the rest of her body that I wonder if she may have once had a reduction and then gained weight, they just don't look right on her with her body type. I think once she loses the weight they will though (hopefully).

LDBLOND, Kudos on losing a pound. Even though you are up, you are back on the right track and for you too, it shows. Not only is the scale showing that I am reaping the rewards of being OP, the way I feel as well is even a bigger plus:) I'm sure you feel the same. If you read my post about digestion above you'll see that what you eat can stick around for a good while. There were sites that said some people, what they eat AND/OR their digestive system, it could take days, sometimes weeks to digest some foods! One site had this info:

How long does it take to digest food?

Unless you are ill, it takes hours or even days to digest your food. The complete passage of food from mouth to anus is called the "intestinal transit time" and is about 24 hours to 3 weeks, depending mainly on the fibre content of the diet. The first scientists to investigate digestion used to tie string to bits of food which they swallowed and then pulled them back up to see how they were getting on!

MUSIC, kudos to you on resisting that cake! You and TRANQUIL have great willpower!!!!!

JACKK, as you can see, the Dentist was a breeze, it's the possibility of the future that scares me! Hope those cramps lighten up and disappear soon for you. I'm due for TOM in the next 2 days, unless I'm late, which is rare for me, but it happens. Luckily, I'm one who rarely ever gets cramps, and thankgoodness for that! Why are they shutting down your computer???

TRANQUIL, like I said to MUSIC, you two showed wonderful restraint yesterday with the cakes!!! CONGRATS! Loved talking to you last night, wish I could of stayed on longer, I always know I will be laughing when you talk:D Glad to see the scale moving in the right direction today!

COUNTRY, good job on staying the same, much better than a gain, that's for sure. Thanks for the prayer for the EX, who knows, maybe it will help. Then again, I'm the kind of person who believes that everything happens for a reason, so who knows.

BOB, EX will have to pay the COBRA, he definitely needs to have insurance moreso than any of us. My kids never go to the Dr. other than their yearly check-up. Thank G-D they are both healthy kids! And you know me and Dr.'s. But him, he has some diabetes trouble, so he needs it more than any of us. He'll take care of it, not to worry. Just hope he finds something soon though. The bed's waiting for you-just let me know when!!!

MONET, glad to hear you are starting to feel better, hope you have a speedy recovery. I rarely get sick as well, but I think with people like us that "never" get sick, when we do, we do it in a big way!!!! Thanks for the update on GRACIOUS. Tell her we miss her.

FRUIT, I know it's tough to be on and off, up and down, but instead of focusing on this, why not try to focus on why this keeps happening. There's one thing that has to be said though, deep down, there's a really strong willpower in you, if not, you would not keep coming back. Please make sure when you go to the Dr. that you discuss all the issues that need to be talked about with him. About not only a weight loss, but that you are hoping to one day have a baby. And please, please, get a second opinion if this one Dr. says he'd still do it, please!

Tomorrow is my big day. I have my interview. Please wish me luck, I'm going to need a ton of it. Geez, I hope she doesn't deduct points for my ugly hair roots that are showing on my head!!!!:eek:

Well, I guess I'm caught up, which is great, esp. since I didn't think I'd even be able to get in a post this morning! I'll check in later on at some point!

Have a great day!

Debbie
194/128.75/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Mornin', everyone!

Deb, CONGRATULATIONS on being back down even BELOW your goal weight! You have been a total inspiration to us all through this experience -- from when you first got to goal and then had that eating attack that made you want to eat everything in sight...which made you feel awful for days and you got on the Board and told us all about it...to having the weight gain from it...to taking us with the big struggle to get it back off again. And now it's GONE!!! Yippeeeeeeeee and thanks for taking us step by step through it all 'cuz it sure shows us a perfect example of living the SB life. The part I like the best is that you deal with only a couple of pounds right now...you don't fool around until it is 10 or even more like so many of us have done all our lives. That's certainly the way I want to be.

Oh, and Deb, we'll be rootin' for you tomorrow. I won't be on the Board tomorrow so I'll have to hear all about it on Monday when I get back to work. I'll sure be thinking about you.

Now I have a small question for anyone who has read Montignac's book: Did you pay attention to his instructions to ONLY EAT A STARCH AT BREAKFAST? These are instructions! In other words, you cannot eat bread or any other starch any time of the day but breakfast. Anyone abiding by this?

Subject: Answering Machine At A Mental Hospital
Answering Machine at a Mental Hospital...
"Hello, and welcome to the mental health hotline......"
1) If you are obsessive-compulsive, press 1 repeatedly.
2) If you are codependent, please ask someone to press 2 for you.
3) If you have multiple personalities, press 3, 4, 5, and 6.
4) If you are paranoid, we know who you are and what you want. Stay on
the line so we can trace your call.
5) If you are delusional, press 7 and your call will be trans-ferred to
the mother ship.
6) If you are schizophrenic, listen carefully and a small voice will
tell you which number to press. Remember, you are never alone!
7) If you are a manic-depressive, it doesn't matter which number you
press, no one will answer.
8) If you are dyslexic, press 969-696-9696.
9) If you have a nervous disorder, please fidget with the pound key
until a representative comes on the line.
10) If you have amnesia, press 8 and state your name, address, telephone
number, date of birth, social security number, and your mother's maiden
name.
11) If you have post-traumatic stress disorder, s-l-o-w-l-y &
c-a-r-e-f-u-l-l-y press 0 0 0.
12) If you have bi-polar disorder, please leave a message after the beep
or before the beep or after the beep. Please wait for the beep.
13) If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you have short-term
memory loss, press 9. If you have short-term memory loss, press 9. If you
have short-term memory loss, press 9.
14) If you have low self-esteem, please hang up. All operators are too
busy to talk to you."
15) If you are menopausal, hang up, turn on the fan, lay down and cry.
You won't be crazy forever.
16) If you are blonde don't press any buttons, you'll just mess it up.

Poor blondes! We always get the bad press...

LKF, :) A long post means that my left hand is better, yes and that I have more time. Right hand is still the same.

Tranquil, good job - wish I could say the same.

Country, thanks for the recipe I can't wait to try it, it sounds delish and for me spagetti squash is a great substitute for pasta! YUM!

Bob, Thanks.

Monet, sending good healthy thoughts your way

Deb, Congrats! I knew you could do it! I do feel better and had a major reminder of what sugar does to us...I ate an apple pie from McDonald's....within about an hour I was soooo tired, it was from the sugar drop, YUCK! Don't need that. Shouldn't have taken a taste from my kids, I know better and ended up eating my son's as he was sooo nice to give it to me (he's 3, but knew he'd already eaten a treat, so he gave me his). I could have said no thank you had I not sampled it, once I get the darned flavor in my mouth, my brain shuts down and my mouth opens...today's a new day and it started at -1.5lbs from yesterday. From reading your digestion info (thanks by the way) looks like our fiber intake and water really is the way to take the fat away.

I received an motivational e-mail on aging, but I think that it applies to all of us who are going through changes in our lives. Substitute age with being healthy or at goal weight...

Today's thought is:
Aging is not easy, but what's our alternative?
- HELEN CASEY

The kind of attitude we developed over our lives determined how we
saw every detail of each experience. Even now our attitude holds us
hostage. The misunderstanding that many of us have is that we think
we can't really change how we see our world. Nothing is further from
the truth. We can make a large or small shift in our perceptions
instantly. The outcome is that everything about our lives changes from
that moment forward. Thus, how we perceive the aging process is
controlled by our willingness to look at it again.

Helen has aged gracefully. At eighty-six, she still finds time for making
new friends, three bridge clubs a week, daily mass, and frequent
communication with her children and relatives. She carries a positive,
hopeful attitude with her wherever she goes, which inspires others,
young and old.

It wouldn't appear that aging has been hard on Helen. But the truth of
the matter is that she has suffered many losses. What she has managed
to hold onto though is her faith in God and her willingness to see every
"glass as half full."

How lucky we are that we can "tinker" with our attitude for as long as
we're alive, and if we aren't completely happy, we have work to do. As
Helen says, there is no alternative to aging, except death. What happens
now is up to us.

I am only as old as I decide to feel today.

Have a good day....

Lara
171/167/165 (almost there and then on to the next goal)

Idblond, so glad your left hand is better...now for the right one to catch up. Thanks for the aging post -- I believe it!

So anyone who read the Montignac book eating starch for breakfast only?

Oh my goodness, it hasn't frozen yet!!!! I thought I would give it another try because I just emailed MONET again and wanted to see an update on her health.

I am doing great! I am at 164 and my signature is still true. :) Thrills my soul but I can't wait to get it lower. I am still doing crazy things to lose but I finally finished Michal Montignac's *Eat Yourself Slim* book last night. It is more detailed but has its own confusing parts, at least to me. However, that is the road I will take once I am at goal. He seems to be a bit more into food combinations that SB suggests so that is part of what I have to figure out.

MONET- I am praying for you and your daughter.

DEBELLI-Congrats on getting back to your goal weight...under it, that is!

FRUIT- I want a boob job too!! Along with a tummy tuck and my thighs liposuctioned. :lol: No odds of that happening so it is a good thing that I am not a nudist!

JACK-K- Don't get down in the dumps, you are doing awesome. Remember that our bodies sometimes need to *pause* even during weight loss to readjust, then things will get moving again soon.

TONI- You are at 163, that is marvelous. I want to get to 159 sometime in November.

I dare not look back to see other posts or it will die. It seems things are better when those crazy ads aren't trying to take over my screen.

Thanks for missing me and I will try to check back in on occasion.

O.K., gracious! You are the very one I want to talk to with my question about Montignac's book -- did you read the part about him recommending that we only eat our starchy carb(s) at breakfast? Are you doing that?

I can't believe it's still raining and they're saying probably all the way through the week-end. There's a cold front, a hurricane in the Pacific about to move into Mexico, and some other kind of disturbance that has all just settled over Central Texas.

I went to Curves for Women last night. Ok, I think I finally found some kind of exercise that I can live with. It's the coolest thing, there are 6 strength machines that work different parts of the body and between each one a cardio station. You do each station for 30 seconds to music and switch to the next. You do the whole thing 3 times, 30 minutes in all. It's about $30 or $40 bucks a month depending on whether or not you sign a contract and bank draft or just go month to month. They also weigh, measure and do body fat % once a month also and track your progress. I hope it doesn't get boring. They recommend that you go 3 times a week and then just do some type of cardio the other days.

Anyway, gotta run, just want to tell you guys about this.

See ya,
Trish

Went to lunch at Woody's BBQ where I had a bbq salad, met Serene there with some other friends too. We had a nice outing. I have to NOT get into the habit of this expensive lunching out every day! hahaha

Deb - I have everything crossed for you for your interview! Congrats on the weight down - that is terrific, I know that must make you feel even better going in for this interview..... :crossed:

Gracious - Glad to see you on the board again! Sorry that the pop ups make your life miserable when trying to post! I have not seen very many lately. Hope you can keep on posting!!!! :)

Trish - that is great that you have a curves to join. I have heard a lot of positive things about it, and if it works for you - that is even better! keep us posted on if you end up going to it!!! :strong:

LKF - I am going to have to find that book myself and read it now - you have my curiosity going... :D

ldblond - I am glad to hear your hand is better! I would be miserable with something keeping me from posting or doing my work on the computer - actually I would be totally psycho - so glad you are better! and, I hope it remains improving! :cp:

BOB- That is funny!!!!!!! :lol:
How is your mom?

better get a goin' already have been caught writing this and got a funny look!

Sabrina :devil:

Tranquil, I bought it from Amazon. Scanning the titles of the chapters, I think it will really hold my interest. If you get it, let me know and when you get to the part (soon after his chapter begins on weight loss) where he says to only eat your starchy carbs for breakfast, let me know what you think. I know a number have already read this book and I'm hoping they can shed some light on it for me. I don't think I could survive all day long if I didn't have a starch to look forward to with my dinner.

Happy Thursday :wave:

I'm going to try this again, I had a nice post and lost it. They shut the system down this morning to work on the DSL line and I thought things were ok, obviously not.

TOM is still not shown up. I am really PMSing. Funny, I always said I never had PMS. But I am really aggitated and I feel like I am going to jump out of my skin. :fr: One one the girls here said it was a good thing I didn't have a gun. SHe said if TOM doesn't come soon, I may kill someone. :yikes: Dr. called me today to come in for appt so I asked him about it and he said some women don't have periods on this type of pill. Lucky me. :lucky: I just don't want to have one on the cruise. :mad: I shouldn't being on the pill.

Fruit, Now you will just have more incentive to get your body as good lokking as your boobs. If you get these don now and you lose a bunch of weight, will they change or are the kind that stays the same? Just make up your mind not to stop and you won't have to start over and over.

Tranquil, thanks for the update on Serene. My she is busy. SHe had better buy a belt to keep up her pants. How do you have a bbq salad. Isn't there sugar in the bbq sauce?

Serene, Hope you are feeling better. Tooth and all. How do you get fluid in your tubes?

Deb, I'm doing the :dance: with you. That is wonderful. I knew you would get there. Didn't take long either. You are the bomb! :bomb: Keeping my fingers crossed for the interview :crossed: though I doubt that you will need it, they will probably offer you the job on the spot.

LKF, I have not read his book, but I have heard many people say that eating starches early in the day is better than at night. I try to do this, but I do like a sandwich at lunch and sometimes I have spaghetti at dinner, but only occasionaly.

Bob, too cute. I know of few of those people. :lol:

Gracious, Glad to hear from you. WTG on maintaining that 164.

Trish, the Body Curves sounds fun. Hope you like it.

IDblond, glad your left hand is feeling better. Wish your right one would respond. Take care of your self :grouphug: Liked the attitude thing today. I needed it, I am doing some serious PMSing and my attitude sucks. Thanks.

Gotta run get some work done.

Love ya!

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

Hi, thought I'd check in before everyone thinks I've flown the SB coop. My weight is still holding at 210, so guess it is better than having a gain. I'm pretty much staying OP, just feeling rather blah and blue. Maybe it is due to the upcoming holidays and my inevitable divorce, don't really know. I've been reading the board, but just haven't had the mental energy to do much posting. Hope ya'll understand. I have an appointment with my internal medicine doctor next week and think I need an adjustment with my meds. I've been seeing a professional shrink that I feel like has me on stuff that doesn't work and isn't willing to change it. I hope I don't sound too selfish by not posting to anyone individually. I do think of you all and miss the interaction of the board. At least I know you can keep up with me through Tranquil, so there isn't much more I can tell ya'll, except hopefully I will be back soon.

Take care,
Wendy

Good afternoon everyone. I've been having the most computer problems! I'm back on our laptop. I went out to Mexican food yesterday on a wal-mart shopping trip with my sis and niece. I ordered the beef fajtas and didn't eat the tortillas. It was great. I got the meat and vegetables and condiments. Thanks for the idea who ever mentioned it. My niece called this morning and said she was sorry she ate the enchiladas and didn't have the same thing I did.

Fruit- I missed your post so don't know whats going on with you.... But I know I sure would like a boob reduction and would have it done if I had the money or insurance... Hope it works out for you....

Tranquil- Congrads on losing.... Doesn't it feel great!!! Yum your lunch sounds good.

Debilli- Yea ha congradulations on being under your goal weight. What a good feeling that has to be... I lost a baby tooth in my upper front and am having a partial done for it. Wow an implant would be great but 3000. wooooooooo. Good luck and thoughts on your interview.

LKF-Yikes I usually eat my starch either at breakfast or for my lunch. I'll have to pay more attention to that.

Idblond-Thanks for the motivational on ageing...

gracious- keep up the good work..Think I need to reread Michael's book again.

Trishaloo-Wish I had one of those places near me. I think this would be a great place to go to.

Jack-K- Sounds like you're having a rough day.. Hope it gets better... How long to your cruise????

Bob- Hey gal how ya doing this week?

Guess I'll go try and figure what I'm cooking for dinner. Theres still a big pot of chicken and noodles in my fridge I made for my company thats left but I can't have it because of the noodles. Think this is the last night I can pass it on to my DH.

213/163/130

Jack-K, you just told me why you have been so anxious about your weight loss! It's that darn hormone thing! Nothing will affect attitude more than that. I'm relieved -- yesterday, you just didn't sound like yourself. Thanks for setting me straight with your last post -- it's all clear to me now! Bless your heart, hang in there -- you'll be O.K. in a few days. I, too, hope it doesn't show up during your cruise...what a pain that would be!!!

Serene, it was so good to hear from you. I didn't know what had happened to you and I sure didn't know a divorce was coming into your life. I am so sorry. I just can't understand why so much of that happens...I certainly can understand why you are blue. It scared me when you said you had been seeing a professional shrink -- those people scare me. They can prescribe stuff that can do you more harm than good. I have a dear friend whose mood swings are incredible because of some of the stuff his psychiatrist has him on -- it has changed his entire personality. Please take care of yourself and feel our love as you go through such a rough time. We are your friends, here to support you in more ways than SB support.

Jackie, I just saw your question about how you get fluid in the tubes. This is how my doctor explained it: I only have one tube and 1/4 of an ovary, due to previous surgery for cysts. I had my one tube tied after my last child was born 14 years ago, so part of it is supposed to be blocked. Even though I've had a tubal, it still secretes necessary fluid. Well, the other end of the tube has become blocked, so the fluid is still secreting, with no place to go, causing pressure to build in it, thus causing lots of pain. It has been hurting for well over a month now. My doctor say this problem usally corrects itself, or it doesn't. She wanted me to wait another month to see if it does. I will have an ultrasound in November to find out. If it is still blocked, the tube will be removed. My doctor is very cautious and conservative on doing surgery because I have a lot of scar tissue from an extensive sugical history. I apologize for taking up space to explain this, but wanted to answer your question.

Wendy

Typhoid Monet checking in...well, ok, Strep, not Typhoid, but it just didn't sound as amusing....


Had a lousy night. I slept a couple hours on the sofa propped up on pillows, and bits and pieces of hours in bed, but nothing refreshing. I think I have a bit of sleep apnea as it is, but the swollen glands and tonsils are making it almost unbearable. I can't breathe! The soreness of my throat is a bit improved, but it seems to be two steps forward, one step back.

I am sure everyone is sick of my whining..so I will sign off, and go take a nap, if I can!

Be good everyone!

Poor Monet...it's O.K. to whine to us. We're your friends and we care about your poor throat. Can't wait until you are all well again.

Just a quickie, before I go home,

Wendy, I can understand why you are down. Hopefully you can get your meds adjustd and that will help. We do miss hearing from you though. Sometimes a good shoulder for listening will help and we are here for you. I know Tranquil helps a lot. Good luck.

Monet, don't worry about whining. We are conerned about how you are feeling. Take a nap and feel better soon.

Toni, WTG on the fajitas. I did that the other nite. Pretty good. My cruise is 16 days away. Can't wait.

Have a great nite.

Jackie.

JackK - The bbq salad is lettuce, tomatoes, onion, egg, cheese, cucumber, topped with smoked turkey breast (no sauce :nono:) and it is delicious! The bbq places here are different than elsewhere, they don't put the sauce on the meat, the sauce is on the side for you to put on - and you always get a choice of mustard based or tomato based. You need to come down here sometime and try it :) But, don't worry - I am legal still - :lol:

Serene - Glad to see ya got your hiney back on the board! :smug:

Monet - I am sorry you are so sick with the crud in your throat - I feel for you!!!!! :goodvibes:

Toni - Hey that is a yummy sounding Mexican meal :high: and so cool that you were able to eat so smartly and healthy!!!!

LKF - I am going to get the book and find out asap!!!!! :)

Time to go home and tonight's Survivor Night and CSI - Serene is supposed to come over - I am heating up my meatballs and finish them off.

Night night all!!! Sabrina

Thanks, Sabrina, for helping me find out the answer to the starchy carbs question. I've been losing O.K. but wondered if any of y'all followed his rule.

This is so sweet that I just wanted to pass it along to all of you!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGHS OF THE HEART
by Bob Perks

"She keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this
shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of
this," the woman told the volunteer.
"What is it she keeps asking for?" she asked.
"Puppy size!"
"We have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for."
"I know. We have seen most of them," she said in frustration.
Just then the young child came walking in the office.
"Well, did you find one?"
"No, not this time," she said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come
back on the weekend?"
The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.
"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's
always a supply," the volunteer said.
The young child took her mother by the hand and headed to the door.
"Don't worry, I bet we'll find one this weekend," the child said.
Over the next few days both mom and dad had long conversations with
her. They both felt she was being too particular.
"It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," dad finally said in
frustration.
"We don't want to hear anything more about "puppy size" either," mom
added.
Sure enough they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday
morning. By now, the young child knew her way around, so she ran right for
the section that housed the smaller dogs.
Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of
the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see
the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.
The young girl walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically
to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held
each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, you're not the one."
It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup.
The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the
dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.
"Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!"
she screamed with joy.
Mom, startled by all the commotion, came running.
"What? Are you sure? How do you know?" she asked.
"It's the puppy sighs!"
"Yes, it the same size as all the other puppies you held the last few
weeks," mom said.
"No, not 'size' -- sighs. When I held him in my arms he sighed," she
said.
"So?"
"Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told
me "Love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger
the sighs!"
The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know
whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug her child she did a
little of both.
"Mom, every time you hold me I sigh. When you and Daddy come home
from work and hug each other you both sigh. I knew I would find the right
puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said.
Then holding the puppy up close to her face she said, "Mom, he loves
me. I heard the sighs of his heart."
Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you
sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress
of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on
a hot day.
They are the sighs of God.


Hope everyone had a good day!



BOB

LKF- He does recommend that and so do others on the board. It only makes sense when we know what carbs do in our bodies. I am presently not eating starchy carbs but when I do I try to eat them earlier in the day. If you are losing well already then don't worry about it. If there comes a time when your losing slows down then try it. Experimenting with these little things has taught me alot.

Hi, has anyone missed me??? I've been having a time getting here.

DD & her 3 sons, ages 11, 8, & 3(next week), along with the dog have settled in & things are just not the same around here. I'm not use to this much noise, traffic in & out & the amount of washing is unreal OMG! :yikes: Really, I'm not complaining cause I am enjoying having her here. I'm just sorry that she had to lose her home in the storm to get her here. She is starting to look at her choices. She is really hoping to get a house, but looked at a used double-wide trailer today & has just about decided to try to get it.

I'm still fighting the same few lbs back & forth, but mostly holding at 135 which I'm not too happy about. I have been doing alot of stress eating with everything going on since the hurricane. Not using it as an excuse, but that's just the way it is.

We will be leaving a week from today for our trip to Oklahoma to see dh's brother, then to Akansas to visit his ds. Looking forward to some quiet time. LOL

Well, it's getting late & I'd best get to bed. DH is alseep in his chair. Sorry I can't respond to anyone, but know that I do miss each & every one of you gals & hope that things will settle down some day soon. When it does, I'll be back! Will try to pop in every now & again to say hello when I can. :wave:

Good Friday Morning Everyone!:wave:

Just got in from my walk which is about all I could muster up this morning. Only went 3.5 miles, wanted to get back and have time to cool down and not have to push myself in to the shower when I was still trying to cool down.

I didn't sleep well last night, was up since 4:30am but didn't get out of bed until 5:30am. Thought I'd get on the computer and get a nice, uninterrupted post in. NOT! Every time I got on line I got locked up. It took me 15 tries to finally be able to get on the board and than that locked up, page would load. Finally, was able to get to the virus scan site BOB sent me a few weeks ago - well, I have 6 viruses on my computer, 2 the scan could fix, 4 it can't. It says 3 are worms. I'm now for some unknown but thankful reason able to at least type and look at the board but I'm so afraid that I'll get locked up along the way or worse yet, loose everything on my computer!:fr: Anyhow, I'm going to make this short and pray whatever this virus is it doesn't do any thing major and will just disappear!

Before I go, would anyone care to join me?

http://members.aol.com/debelli/woo_hoo.jpg

http://members.aol.com/eldemila/happy_dance.jpg

The scale is DOWN AGAIN!!!! It's at 127, was a tad higher a few of the times (like I wasn't going to get on it more than once you think?), but I'll put it at 127:D I knew last night it was down but was surprised when I woke up. Even got TOM, which may be a reason that it fell so much over the last few days. I just hope when TOM is over it doesn't climb back though-that sure would suck! I guess time will tell. I know that my sticking to plan, journaling, exercising AND drinking more water lately has been some help;)

Okay, time to get ready for my interview. I'll try to check in later. I'll just be thrilled and delighted that when I go to post this that it will go through. If it does, you can all be sure that I'll be saying THANK G_D!!!!

Have a great Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Debbie
194/127:spin:/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Happy Happy Friday :wave:

Well I made the SF margaritas last nite. Not too bad. Mighty tasty. Where's there's a will there's a way! ;) Fruit, Tranquil, and anyone else that is interested I took crystal Light lemonade, mixed it with 4 cups of water (way too much water, I will try 2 cups next time),used 1 cup of the lemonade, 3 jiggers of tequila, and I used 1 whole plastic squeeze lime. Filled the blender with ice and whirled away. This makes 4 margaritas. I found sound tequila that said: distildo de agave: so I figured it was made with agave. I may need to perfect this recipe. Anyone else feel free to adjust. Tomorrow I may try adding some frozen strawberries.

Real proud of myself, I got up this morning at 5:15 and got my walk in (even after 4 margaritas) :lol: Knew I couldn't do it tonite so now it's over with. Will workout with the girls during our lunch.


Tranquil, I wasn't worried about you being legal, (cause you are doing so well) Iwas trying to figure out a way to eat at a bbq place. It's my fav.

Bob, what a sweet story, it brought a tear to my eye.

Melf, So glad to hear from you. Sounds like a hopping house right now. You will get used to having your DD and kids and when she leaves you won't know what to do. But I understand that it can mix up your routine. Have a great vacation and hurry back on the board. Being at 135 sounds pretty great to me.

Deb, WooHoo is right. Great going. 127 I bet you are on :cloud9: I knew you could do it. You are such an inspiration to all of us. :dance: Let us know about the interview. Good :lucky:

Have a good day. Be back later.

Jackie
257/165/145
10-10-01

I was wondering if there is anyone on board who has PCOS and has found this WOE helps a lot??? Are you taking any meds to help with the PCOS? I'd appreciate any comments.

My doc says she thinks I have it, that's why I tried SB. I lose so slowly, even when I eat on plan for a good chunk of time. When I go off plan for a couple of days, I balloon up right away.

I guess I'm asking cause I'm sitting here feeling kinda sorry for and mad at myself. I eat OP for the whole day, then at night for the past few nights I've been eating one or two of the snack size bags of chips/doritos. And I will admit to eating a half dozen(total) cookies over those days too. The scale has me up nearly 5 pounds from last week, my comfy jeans are feeling tight and my gut just seems so puffed up.

I'm going to try to get my rear in gear today and get back on track. Coming here gives me more confidence that I can get back on the wagon.

DEBELLI--Sending good thoughts for your interview!!!

I'm thinking of all of you even tho I don't post much--I think this group is one of the reasons I try to quickly get back on the wagon. When I read of all your trials and tribulations and successes, it helps me get back on track.

Take care,

Mornin' y'all. I'm happy this morning:D. The scale is down another pound from WIW.:dancer: That's 2 pounds this week! There's cake in the teacher's lounge again, but I'm not really even tempted. I've worked too hard this week to slip up. I had a revelation the other day. It may seem like well duh to the rest of you, but it was a biggie for me. I've always known that I was a stress/emotional eater. But lately I've been very aware of it as it happens. I was really upset with Dennis the other day and immediately thought I would go and grab something to eat--chocolate ice cream came to mind. I realized what I was thinking and thought this is really stupid. If I do this it will hurt me, not him. Like I said DUH, but it's a big deal to me.

DEB: WTG on getting that weight back down.:cb: Good luck on the interview. What was the site that Bob gave you for checking for viruses?

BOB: Wonderful story. It made me smile.

MONET: Hope you are feeling better today.

JEANIE: Where are you???? Got your head stuck in a book?

Gotta go. Kiddos coming.

I'm off today & the house is ALL MINE!! :lol: But I'm afraid that it looks like rain & I need to go get dh's truck inspected before the rain gets here. Maybe I'll also get a little shopping in too. I haven't done that in a while. Unfortunately that means that I have to get out of this chair, take a shower & get dressed. I'd rather just sit here a while, but they just flashed a "FLASH FLOOD WARNING" on TV, so I've got to get moving soon. Before I go....

The scale is down a lb, to 134. Will try to behave today cause my weight commander is telling me again that Saturday has been my worst weighing day for the past 12 weeks. Is that something that should give me a clue you think?? ;)

Debelli, viruses/worms! :yikes: I've been getting frequent ones through my email, but thankfully my Norton has been picking them up & altough it has not been able to repair, at least it quarrantines them. It's the same kind repeatedly. The bearbug worm/virus. From the web site, I see that it is listed as the #1 mennis(sp??) since September 2002. I believe it cause it keeps attaching itself to all kinds of emails like someone is determined that I should have it :lol: Congrats on the scale going downward again!!!

Jackie, thanks for missing me. Good for you on getting the exercise in so early! Yea, 134/135 is not real bad, but I'd much rather see 132 again. :(

SEF, where are you??? Here's a FF in your honor! ;)

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair
dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2.Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.

3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with
that.

4. Put your garbage can on your desk and label it "in"

5. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over
thier caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

6. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sexual favors"

7. Finish all your sentences with "in accordance with the prophecy"

8. Don't use any punctuation marks

9. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.

10. Ask people what sex they are. Laugh hysterically after they answer.

11. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go"

12. Sing along at the opera.

13. Go to a poetry recital and ask why the poems don't rhyme.

14. Put mosquito netting around your work area. Play a tape of jungle sounds
all day.

15. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party
because you're not in the mood.

16. Have your coworkers address you by your wrestling name, Rock Hard Kim.

17. When the money comes out the ATM, scream "I won!", "I won!" "3rd time
this week!!!"

18. When leaving the zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling
"run for your lives, they're loose!!"

19. Tell your children over dinner, "due to the ecomomy, we are going to
have to let one of you go."

And the final way to keep a healhty level of insanity.....

20. Send this e-mail to everyone on your address book, even if they sent it
to you or asked you not to send them stuff like this!!!

So much to read, so little time! I'm trying to catch up, but i doubt I ever will.

Not feeling too hot. Still having stomach problems from Mexico. Going to the doctor today to get it checked out. I also have a head cold starting up..most likely from allergies. I really hope I get better before next week. My family from Holland is coming next week and I really wanted to take them around New York.

On top of all that, evaluations are going on at work this week. I really hope I get a raise! Wish me luck guys...

And good luck to you Deb, be confident during your interview!

OK Here's my Friday Funny. My apologies to Daramus if he's about, but you ladies will understand this one.
My mother was a fanatic about public toilets. As a little
girl, she'd bring me in the stall, teach me to wad up toilet paper and wipe the seat. Then, she'd carefully lay strips of toilet paper to cover the seat. Finally, she'd instruct, "Never, never sit on a public toilet seat." And she'd demonstrate "The Stance,"
which consisted of balancing over the toilet in a sitting
position without actually letting any of your flesh make contact with the toilet seat. But by this time, I'd have peed down my leg. And we'd go home. That was a long time ago.I've had lots of experience with public toilets since then but I'm still not particularly fond on public toilets, especially those with powerful, red eye sensors

Those toilets know when you want them to flush.
They are psychic toilets. But i always confuse their psychic ability by following my mother's adivice and assuming The Stance. The Stance is excruciatingly difficult to maintain when one's bladder is especially full. This is most likely to occur after watching a full-length feature film. During the after movie pee, it is nearly impossible to hold The Stance. You know what I mean. You drink a two liter cup of Diet Coke, then sit still through a three hour saga because even if you didn't wipe of wash you hands in the
bathroom, you'd still miss the pivotal part of the movie of the second scene, in which they flash
bathroom, the leading man's naked derriere. So, you cross you legs and you hold it. And you hold it until that first credit rolls and yo0u sprint to the bathroom, about ready to explode all over you internal organs. And at the bathroom, you find a line of women that makes you think there's a half-price sale on Mel Gibson's underwear in there. So, you wait and smile politely at all the other ladies, also crossing their legs and smiling politely. Finally you get closer. Youn check for feet under the stall doors. Every one is occupied. You hope no one is doing frivolous things behind those stall doors, like blowing her nose or checking the contents of her wallet. Finally, a stall door opens and you dash, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the stall. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter. You hang you handbag on the door hook, yank down you pants and assume The Stance. Relief. More relief. Then your thighs begin to shake. You'd love to sit down but you certainly hadn't taken time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper on it, so you hold The Stance as your thighs experience a quake that would register and eight on the Richter scale. To take your mind off it, you reach for the toilet paper. Might as well be ready when you are done. The toilet paper despenser is empty. You thighs shake more. You remember the tiny napkin you wiped your fingers on after eating buttered popcorn. It would have to do. You crumble it in the puffiest way possible. It is still smaller than your thumbnail. Someone pushes open your stall door because the latch doesn't work and your pocketbook whams you in the head. "Occupied" you scream as you reach out for the door, dropping your buttered popcorn napkin in a puddle and falling backward, directly onto the toilet seat. You get up quickly but it's too late. Your bare bottom has made contact with all the germs and life forms on the bare seat because YOU never laid down toilet paper, not that there was any, even if you had enough time to.
And your mother would be utterly ashamed of you if she knew, because her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat because, frankly, "You don't know what kind of diseases you could
get." And by this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, sending up a stream of water akin to a fountain and then it suddenly sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the toilet paper dispenser for fear of being dragged to China. At that point, you give up. You're finished peeing. You're soaked by the splashing water. You're exhausted. You try to wipe with a Chicklet wrapper you found in your pocket, then slink out inconspicuously to the sinks.
You can't figure out how to operate the sinks with the automatic sensors, so you wipe you hands with spit and a dry paper towel and walk past a line of women, still waiting, cross-legged and unable to smile politely at this point. One king sould at the very end of the line points out that you are trailing a piece of toilet paper on you shoe as long as the Mississippi River. You yank the paper from your shoe, plunk it in the woman's hand and say warmly, "Here you might need this." At this time, you see your
spouse, who has entered, used and exited his bathroom and read a copy of War and Peace while waiting for you. "What took you so long?" he asks, annoyed. This is when you kick him sharply in the shin and go home.
This is dedicated to all women everywhere who have ever had to deal with a public toilet. And it finally explains to all you men what
takes us so long.

Quickie...

I'm home! Couldn't get those clothes off of me fast enough. I swear, how can people wear those panthose every day? I felt like a stuffed sausage in them!:eek: There's no way a size B pair of legs is comfortable on me-I think I still need Q!

Interview went well I believe. The lady was very nice and she was very honest with me. She said she liked me BUT she is also considering 2 other people, one of them has card experience, so I would think she would choose her, easier to train. BUT, I did tell her that if I wasn't chosen for the position that if a Retail Merchandising position came available that I would be very interested in that, so either way, the door was opened. I think I looked professional and handled myself accordingly, so now I just wait til next Friday to find out. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be!

I'll try to catch up later, right now I'm starving, I haven't eaten a thing. I'm hoping after lunch I can try to figure out about these worms and one virus that's on my computer-if it isn't one thing, it's another!:rolleyes:

Toodles

Debbie
194/127:D/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Good morning everyone

Sorry I've been awol this week but have had a busy week. So much for semi-retirement. I'm booked for more activities than I had before but still working about as much as I was before. Although that may change soon when they hire more staff. So I'll make the most of it while I can. Has anyone tried cranberry sauce on pancakes? I had some left over homemade cranberry sauce last week and used it up on some crepes I made and it was delicious. Am tempted to make some more sauce just to use on pancakes. Yum Yum.

Deb - Hope the interview goes well to-day.

Jack-K - Don't give up. I am sure if you continue restricting those starchy carbs the weight will start to come off again. Just make sure you are eating enough protein and veggies. Just think how much you have lost in this past year. 92 pounds is awesome. Maybe your body needs to rest a while before shedding any more pounds. I don't know how long you have until your cruise but just enjoy it whatever weight you happen to be. You are an inspiration to all of us having done so well in this past year.

LKF - From what I remember from Montignac's book about the starches is only eat BREAD in the morning. He does state that each meal should contain carbs and protein. If you are eating protein/fats (for instance poultry, red meat, cold cuts, etc.) then the carbs should have a gi of 35 or less. This would mean that you could eat most vegetables, except the starchy ones, and/or lentils beans which have a low gi. If the protein is very low fat then you can have carbs at a gi of 50 or less. For instance you could have a meal of lentils/beans with brown rice. Or pasta with a tomato/vegetable sauce. I have a recipe for a Spicy Lasagna taken from his cookbook which is meatless and contains black beans, spinach and low fat cheeses which is delicious. He does state somewhere in his book that having this type of meal should help in weight loss. I can't give you the page number to check on this information as my dd has my book. Have you read th whole book yet?

Monet Hope you are feeling better.

Sorry I can't respond to you all. Have to scoot and have a bit of lunch then I am off to badminton.

Marie.

I had an unexpected treatment yesterday, now very sore and up 2.5lbs...oh well. I'm thinking of you all and will post when I'm feeling better..couple of days I hope. Confirmed with Dr, RSD will be a life time condituion, but hopefully later on with treatment a more controllanble one...have a good weekend. Lara

BOB- Might I ask where that virus scan site is that you told DEBELLI about? My computer is probably crawling with them since I don't have any virus program. Thanks.

Oh..one piece of good news for me is I am now 163 lbs!! Yet, I want to eat something bad, isn't that terrible? I will try hard to fight the urge.

180/163/154 Only 9 lbs from goal.

Hi All:

I have lost more as well, I was at 250.5 this morning. Very happy about the dropping, but still won’t be happy until I reach below 240. When I see 239 I will do the Happy Dance with other losers!

Deb – sorry to hear you have worms! :dizzy: Still got my fingers crossed for you on the interview :crossed: Meanwhile CONGRATS on your loss!!!!!

Gracious – WOW that is wonderful being only 9 lbs from goal weight!!!!:cp:

Ldblond – Hope the soreness goes away soon!!! Hopefully you are on a better road – one to control the problem where you won’t suffer so.

Music – thanks for sharing the funny :flow1: CONGRATS on the 2 lbs this week – that is fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Melf – I wish your daughter some luck in finding a nice new home – one that will keep her and hers safe and sound…. :lucky: CONGRATS on the weight loss!!!!! Loved the funny – shared it with others too.

Zanne – I am sorry to hear you are having the blues with suffering from PCOS. About 6 or more years ago, my gyn doctor diagnosed me with PCOS, but 2 years ago I went to Mayo and I was told I do not have it…but I know the feeling of despair when you are so good and don’t lose or bounce up and down. The problem I have with my kidneys causes the same effects with weight and other symptoms. But, stop eating those snacks of potato chips, they’re not going to make you feel any better! They had me on birth control, aldactazide (sp?) – hormone, and water pills. I don’t take any of that anymore since I have been seeing the kidney specialist – he just told me no more sugar – and to get onto Sugar Busters immediately. :grouphug:

JackK – The margueritas sound DELISH!!! I am definitely going to have to try it myself!!!! Thanks!!! :flow1:

Hi

Gotta make this a quickie, still have a letter to get out tonite.

No big plans for the weekend. Shopping in the morning, chili at a friends tomorrow nite for the world series game.

Music, That is a great revelation. One we all should keep in mind. Stress eating only adds to our other problems. We gain weight, weight which we have already lost. It's no fun taking off theose same pounds twice. We would be twice as far ahead if we would only think. WTG on passing the cake. Loved the FF, so true.

Zanne, Keep coming here, especially when you want to cheat. We all are here to help and encourage one another. Jump back on track and those jeans will be feeling comfy before you know it.

Melf, glad the scale is down another pound for you. Behave tomorrow and be especially mindful if you feel Saturdays are bad for you. You can overcome this obstacle.

Quiv, Hope you are feeling better. How exciting to have family coming from Holland. Keeping my fingers :crossed: for your raise.


Deb, You gave it your best shot, that's all you can do. Now let's hope they don't make the wrong decision.

Rosalie, Sounds like you need to retire again from retirement. Don't run yourself too ragged. Thanks for the sweet words. I will enjoy my cruise at no matter what wt I am.

IDblond, get some rest and take care of yourself. Hope you are feeling better soon.

Gracious, Don't eat it!!! WTG on 163. You and Toni are right there together. Wait for me! I'm trying to get there. Hope that last 9 moves fast. Congrats.

Bob, GO CATS!!!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Jackie

EVENING EVERY BUDDY!!! :wave:


THANKS GAWD IT'S FRIDAY!!!!!

I've had a bad week and I'm glad that I can get some rest this weekend. I have a lot to do around the house, but I can do that just a little bit at a time.

GRACIOUS...go to www.McAfee.com I went ahead and spent the $29 and bought the program. You can download it and it runs all the time. It's been a life saver since these new virus worms and bugs have arrived on the scene!

TINA...You made me PEE MY PANTS!!!! That was so funny..the best yet I think!

JACKIE...chilli sounds really good...my Niece called me today and said it was a dreary day up there and she was thinking about chili as well! GO CATS!!!!

I bought a BOYDS BEAR COLLECTABLE today for my nieces little girl (when she has one!)
She is dressed in a blue jean jumper over a red gingham dress , has on a straw hat, white panties and has a strawberry embroidered on her foot paw. She is about 22 inches tall and is just adorable! I've already put her in a box and up in the closet for when SARAH CATHERINE does decide to come into the world. She wants to wait about two more years before getting pregnant again, so
Miss Bear will be waiting...She was $50 less 40% less another 25%....definately a Debbie deal!

LARA...sorry you're not feeling well again...I'm going to have to come out there and get you in shape! :eek:

DEB...You might have to buy the program as well to get rid of the little boogers..I still say that you need to bite the bullit and buy a new one! They are so cheap right now. I saw a DELL the other day for $499...

WELL BOB has got to get started revving up for the ballgame tomorrow..it's a big one and I'm trying my best to think positive! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

GO BIG ORANGE!!!!! BEAT BAMMA!!!!!!

DEBJ....be carefule but have a good time...How can you help but not have a good time in NEYLAND STADIUM!!!


BOB

Checking in again.

Well, I went to the doctor this morning, because I was not any better. He checked my throat, and I am much worse! He sat and thought a while, and was trying to decide whether to hospitalize me right away, or try a mega dose of penicillin and see what happens by tomorrow. I encouraged the mega dose of penicillin, so now I have both sides of the tush sore from shots. At least this time, they froze the area before sticking me. He is threatening to lance the infection on my tonsils. Just the thought of it makes me shiver. He gave me pain killers, (Lortab) and some mouthwash concoction to help the pain. I am praying for an improvement, since I am not sure I want to spend a couple days in the hospital.

Well, I think I may try and get some sleep. With all the pain killers, I just might be able to really sleep some!

Hope every one is doing well. I was hoping this diet of chicken noodle soup would be agreeable on the scale, but nothing so far! Am I the only person in the world who gets sick and GAINS?

If you don't hear from me tomorrow, I am probably in the hospital and will post when I get home!

Monet- How utterly wretched! I am praying for you girl, keep us posted.

BOB- Thanks for the website, I will check it out.

JACK-K- I didn't eat it...well, I did have some SF ice cream but that is not so bad!

Gracious: Your prayers are appreciated! Right now, I do not have much faith in modern medicine, but know all things are possible with God.... :)

Ice cream?! Why didn't I think of that? Unfortuntately, I just can't ask my poor hubby to go to the store, AGAIN, to get me ice cream. He has been so good to me...waiting on me hand and foot. Maybe tomorrow!

Ok, the pain killers are kicking in, time to try and get some shut eye..

GOOD EARLY MORNING TO YOU ALL!!

As you can see. BOB is up and clicking away on the GRAY BOX :tired:

MONET...PLEASE GET WELL!!! If you don't have a miracle cure, I'm sure that I can run up there and fix you a nice WILD TURKEY 101 HOT TODDY!!! :eek: Nothing cures you better than some good ole
KENTUCKY MIRACLE CURE IN A BOTTLE!!! ..I sure do hope that you don't have to have those tonsils removed!

BOB

BOB: At this point, if it would keep me from never going through this again, I would cut the suckers out myself with a butter knife! ;)

Just got up to take a pain pill, and thought I would check out the board while I waited for it to kick in. It has, and I am off to try and sleep some more! Hope eveyrone is dreaming sweetly!

MONET- You poor thing. I had my tonsils out when I was 16 because I kept getting severe infections and I remember how painful it was. Just reading your posts makes me not want to swallow! I hope those pain meds work well for you. You are right when you say all things are possible with God!

BOB- I went to that site and looked around but I am too cheap to pay for it! I thought there was a freebie thing there to tell if you have viruses or not. Oh well....ignorance is bliss. ;)

More good news for me....I lost another pound!! :cb: I am now 162 and only 8 lbs from goal.

Joseph had his surgery Oct 10th - he had some bleeding issues, but with the power of prayer they resolved before he had to be reopened again. He had some stomach issues also, but they gradually resolved. All in all, he did really well and we're home! He has a pleural effusion(fluid in the chest cavity) that we have to monitor every week at the university hospital. But he looks good and is getting his energy and personality back. Sorry, I can't catch up on the posts.. It was almost impossible to stay on plan in Philly, but I got more exercise than I do here and tried to watch what I ate half of the time,lol. I actually lost a pound or two. I'm down to 218 and I'm an official size 20. I want to lose 48 more pounds. Right now, I'm just taking it 2 pounds at a time.

HeartMom - Glad to see you are back and to know that Boogie came through his surgery o.k. Good for you that you didn't gain and actually lost a couple of pounds while away. I know how hard it is to eat well in hospital cafeterias.

Monet - Sorry to hear of all the trouble you are having with your throat/tonsils. Has your doctor given you any other antibiotic or just penicillin? There are a few newer antibiotics available which are used more freqently than penicillin these days. I'm not a physician and I am sure your doctor has good reason to treat you the way he is, but I was just wondering. Hope you were able to get some sleep last night. Sending good thoughts your way. :goodvibes:

Gracious - WTG on another pound down. Before you know it you will be at goal. :cb:

I had forgotten how much better I feel when all the sugar is out of my system. I've been cleaning like crazy this morning. Usually I'm vegging out all weekend trying to gear up for another week of school. This is way better. :D We're taking the kids to see the new Veggie Tales movie this afternoon. I'm taking along some fruit to munch on instead of popcorn.

HEART: So good to hear from you and to know that Boogie is recovering. You've been in our thoughts and prayers.

MONET: FEEL BETTER!;)

I just spent the last 3 hours reading this week's posts, although I haven't refreshed since I signed on, so no telling who else has posted in the meantime.

I was without internet access from Friday afternoon until Wednesday night and that's why I haven't checked in. We changed our DSL to our main line and they cut off the old one BEFORE the new one was ready. After several frustrating calls and men telling me LIES that they thought a dumb woman would believe, we finally got it working. Needless to say, I was way behind so didn't even get to read last weeks' posts.

School and school are keeping me busy. I hope everyone's doing well.

I'm so glad Boogie's home and getting better, Heartmom!:D

Deb: Good luck on your job hunting, but I missed what it's all about. (because of above 'puter problems)

Hubby is home this weekend and we are about to leave to do some birthday shopping for our baby girl. She'll be 14 on Wednesday. Last birthday of the year will be other DD's on Dec. 2. She'll be 18! Boy does she has senioritis!

Monet: I hope this infection leaves your body soon. Hugs and prayers coming at you!

Beth: WTG Girlfriend!!! You are doing awesome, keep it up!:balloons: :high:

BOB: Hope your VOLS whupp up on the Tide!

Gotta run. Later Ladies and Daramus!

Jeanie
196/156/130

AFTERNOON EVERY BUDDY!!!!


BOB had a rough night...finally turned off the light around 5 a.m. Don't know what the problem was, but
I'm sure that I won't have to be rocked to sleep tonight...
I was doing some snoozing this morning when the FEARLESS YARD SALE QUEEN called.
We had a nice little chat, but I think I went to sleep several times on her...I would forget in mid sentence what I was going to say!
BUT she put up with me and then I bounced out of bed, fixed a pot of :halfempty JAVA ...
I'm watching AUBURN and LSU play ball, and I think I'll remain neutral on this one...just can't choose between MISSY and SUSAN on this one. The BIGGIE is on tonight at 7:45 p.m. when the BIG ORANGE takes the field against THE CRIMSON TIDE... My DB and SIL are going to the game
and along with DEJ, y'all will be able to pick them from the crowd,
THEY WILL BE THE ONES IN ORANGE!!!!!

BEAT BAMMA!!!!!

HEARTMOM...{{{{{SOOOOOOOOOOO glad}}}}}} to see you back and to hear that BOOGIE is doing well. We were worried about you when we didn't hear for so long. Good thoughts for his continued speedy recovery!!

I'm off to lurk in other places... trying to keep :tired: eyes open!

BOB

Just popped in to say I am on my way out the door to the hospital to be admitted. Will post when I get back! I sure hope this does the trick!

Afternoon Everyone:wave:

Took me a few tries to finally get on the board. Whatever this worm and viruses are they seem to only kick in at certain times. I have to figure out how to get rid of them now! I sent the info to Michael as his DM is computer stupid!

Went to some garage sales this week. I picked up a scanner for the computer, brand new, still sealed in the box, along with a lamp I'll eventully stick in the family room (need a table to put it on), it's a short lamp, only about 12-14" high, blue oblong cobalt blue glass, black base, sorta heavy for being such a small lamp. I need to get a halogen bulb for it, hoping that's why it doesn't work. Paid $15 for both items together, didn't think it was too bad. Didn't really find anything else worthwhile out there today:shrug:

Today is the 7th day that I've been so good with my eating and, you won't believe it, but I've had a little over 3 liters of water already-almost unheard of for me. Just seemed to be thirsty today. Wish I could down it like that daily instead of once in a blue moon. I do think it's helping me get rid of some of those pounds I had packed on.

I'm pooped, once again, I didn't sleep well last night. Going to go take a much needed nap, I feel myself getting really sleepy. Hope you don't all mind me just doing this "me" post at this time. I'll try to get back on later and get a few individual replies in. Right now, I'm just crossing my fingers :crossed: this post will go through-I'm having a tough time with this computer!!!!

{{HUGS}} to you all:grouphug:

Debbie
194/127/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Just stopping in to say I haven't fallen off the end of the earth. I have been so busy at work that by the time I get home I don't want to do anything. I have a few moment while my Granddaughter is taking a nap to post. The posts are so much that I'll never get through them. Went to a Christmas Bazaar today. bought some mauve poinsetta's in terracotta pots. $5.00 each. What a bargain. I bought 4. They will look grand for the holidays. My daughter is there selling scrapbook things. She is a catalog consultant for Scrap In A Snap. She was doing pretty good. My son was selling his pottery.

Deb- Wanted to go garage sell yesterday but didn't feel good. My DD and DIL went though and they got some good things. I might be coming to St Peatersburg in March. How far away is that from you? I know it is on the west coast but???? Let me know. Hope you get some good rest today.

Heartmom - Glad to see you back and that Boogie is doing good. God always come through!!

Sabrina - Hang in there. Don't beat yourself up so bad. I did just that this week. I said you can eat you're having a stressful time. So I ate and ate things that I should not have. Then I felt soooo bad. Just don't be so hard on yourself. Take it one meal at a time. You can make it.

LKF - Glad to see you back. I was gone for awhile my self. Not on vacation though. I just didn't get on the computer.


Well I better get going. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Later,
Cyndi

MONET- I hope we hear back from you soon saying that all is well.

HEARTMOM- Wonderful news about Boogie!

MUSICTEACH- How did you like Jonah VeggieTales style? I took my kids when it first opened and they really liked it.

DEBELLI- I think the water is a major issue. You said you drank over 3 litres...I always drink at least 4 litres a day!! :eek: I believe it keeps things moving along and that it is one big reason I keep losing well. Keep drinking girl!

WHERE IS EVERYONE??????


I've been asleep since before half time of the CATS game, and cant find out who won!

15 minutes till BEAT BAMA!!!! time!!!

MISSY....SORRY!!!!!

SUSAN>>>>>CONGRATS!!!!!!

GOTTA RUN.....


GO VOLS!!!!


BOB

Not much going on today. I had some more time to read through the posts.

Jack-K My hubby and I tried the SF Margaritas. Not to bad. We didn't put the lime in and decided that they need that. Do you ever put triple sec in them. I am not sure if that has sugar or not.

I'll check back later.
Cyndi

Hey everyone!

Just popping in to say hello! Hope all of you are having a good weekend!

BOB: What a horrible LSU game HUH? That totally sucked! I wish our QB wouldn't have gotten hurt 2 weeks ago! This guy did horrible today. I know that he is "fresh meat" and he needs to get adjusted - it's just very discouraging! Right now BAMA is winning - y'all better get it together!!

ZANNE: I've been told that I have a mild case of PCOS. This WOE works great for me when I can stay on it! I really suck at staying on a plan! I haven't had to take any meds though.

DEB: What kind of interview did you go on? Fill me in. I take it that you are against the boob job huh?

JACK-K: Can't wait to try those Margs. I love my drinks you know!

Oh well, I'll talk to y'all tomorrow!

Missy
284/254/170

We're back from the show. The Veggie Tales movie was good. The kids really liked it. My sister gave Sarah the soundtrack for her bday so we've all learned the songs and they sang along during the show. :lol: Went to El Chico's after and I didn't eat any chips. Yea me! :D Had the fajita chicken salad. Yummy. No popcorn at the movie either.

JEANIE: Glad to hear from you. Hope school and school are going well.

GRACIOUS: The kids loved Jonah. They love all things Veggie Tales.:lol:

I'm off to get sleepy kids to bed then sleepy mom to bed. Check in tomorrow.

BOB--The UK cats lost to the UGA poodles, LSU lost to AU, and Ewe Tea lost to the Crimson Tide. Just bringing you up to date on all the scores.
My condolences to Fruit and Jack-K, congratulations to Fillise and DebyJ's husband. The Gators didn't lose today because they did not play! Next week they probably will lose to the poodles.

Been doing OK with the food, but right now I have done something to my back and if I move the wrong way it feels like a knife is sticking into me. Ouch! We want to plant some wild flowers tomorrow in the butterfly garden, and I'm hoping that I'm able to bend over to get them in the ground.

Welcome back, heart mom.

:stress: :censored: :bomb: :yikes: :eek: :devil:

GOOD EVENING ALL!!

Just briefed thru the posts real quickly.

Monet...hope the trip to the hospital will make you all better.

Heartmom...so glad to hear that Boogie is home & you are both doning ok.

Debelli...you really know how to shop girl!! :lol: Hey, dh says I can go to Orlando in January! If I fly in, will it be a problem to hitch a ride to get around while we're there???

Gracious...WTG on the lose. Doesn't it feel great to almost be at goal???

BOB, Missy & Susan...thought of all of you this evening when I saw LSU & BAMA was playing. Sorry to hear of the turn out Missy :( , :cp: Susan. Bob you don't miss many of these games, huh? Hey, looking forward to finally meeting you in Jan!

Red1, You sound pretty busy. You enjoyed your time with GD?? When is the new baby due??

jRed... Glad to hear your internet is back up & running. I'll bet you ARE busy with school & school. Glad to hear you're keeping up.

music teach... been thinking about bringing the gs to see Jonah Veggie Tales too. Youngest will be 3 next Sat. I think they would all love it. Maybe Tues evening. It's family night at the movies & we can buy one get one free that night.

Well, it's past my bed time. :wave:

MELF....I'm so glad you're going to be able to come to the race!
We're going to have to make our reservations pretty soon in order to get the hotel where Deb and I usually stay. It's very nice, and usually $45 per night and that includes a breakfast buffet like you've never seen before! We couldn't believe it when we saw it...I actually say Debbie drooling!

MONET...So glad you're finally getting some medical attention in a facility...of course, sometimes you're better off at home, but in your case, I'm afraid they are going to jerk out those tonsils!
Feel better soon, and do what they tell you to do!!!

I'm off to bed..my little nap has me wide awake again, but I'm hoping that I can get some sleep tonight.

JACKIE...sorry about the CATS!!
Looks like the DAWGS are going to the big game..

SWEET DREAMS EVERYONE!!!


BOB

Good Sunday Morning Everyone:wave:

Just got in from doing the 4.5 miles which was VERY slow. Once again I didn't sleep well last night (ELI'S already complaining about my tossing and turning), but along with the time change (which I hate) it was so hot out there and the sun was beating on me. That one hour really makes a big difference down her in FL. It took me almost 58 minutes to go, but at least I went.

ELI is off til about 3pm today so I'm having to get a move on but as I cool down he's taking his shower and then I'll get in myself. Wanted to get in a few replies before I have to go...

GRACIOUS, in regards to MM book and it being confusing. I thought the same when I read it the first time, so I went back and re-read it right away and it became clearer. I think maybe it has something to do with it being translated into English from French, but it definitely provides more info than the SB book.

MONET, I hope you are feeling better, it sounds like you are going through ****. Would you believe that I called you Saturday morning to see how you were feeling? Your phone just rang and rang-no answering machine? Please let us know what's going on with you.

LKF, I never did follow the carb in the morning rule. There's so many "experts" saying so many different things about starchy carbs. Just yesterday I was reading that you should have a carb in the morning and a carb in the evening, but not at lunch because it will make you sleepy in the afternoon and when you do eat a starchy carb to have it with protein. I think what GRACIOUS said was good, that you can try different ways as each of our metabolisms are so different what works for one may not for another, just like diets:)

HEART, we are all so glad to have you back and to hear the BOOGIE is doing well and getting better daily. We were all so waiting to hear some good news from you. You were asked about daily!:D Keep us informed on his progress, as well as yours. It's great that you were able to lose during all this stress even though the eating wasn't up to par, you must of been doing something right!

MELF, WONDERFUL NEWS!!! I am so glad to finally have the chance to meet you. We will work out all the necessary plans to get you at the airport and of course, you can hail a ride with any of us (I have a van). WOO HOO!!!!!:dance: I'm hoping we can get some more people interested. I am going to post info tomorrow about it.

RED1, St. Pete is quite a ways from me, but not from BOB I believe. Maybe she can shed a little more light about where she is from there. What are you going there for? Want to take a side trip to Miami-you are more than welcome to come and stay with us!

Okay, I'm being summoned to get in the shower, so I gotta run. I'll check in later this evening if the computer is free. Of course, I'll have the new board up and running for the morning, though I may try to do it later tonight. If I have trouble in the morning from this virus and/or worms I have I'll be going nuts and it's not the way to start a Monday morning, that's for sure!

Have a wonderful day!

{{{HUGS}}} :grouphug:

Debbie
194/127/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

OMG! I can't believe my eyes:eek: No one has been on the board since this morning?????? What's going on???:?:

It sure is a rainey day here. Think we're about to float away & mildew or rot from all the rain. I went to Lafayette a while ago & almost flooded my car from high water on the road. Hoping to see the end of this rain Wednesday I think.

BOB...$45/night & buffet breakfast to boot? Sounds great to me!

Debelli...I've been checking on fight costs & looks like I may be able to get a round trip ticket for less than $200. Think that sounds pretty good. If SEF or Missy could come, I'd drive but won't risk driving that far alone. It's like 13-14 hrs one way.

Gee the board IS slow today. Where is everyone? Unusual not to see more posts than this.

Well, got to go to choir practice. Later :wave:

Just a quick note. I am home again. They kept me on IV fluids and gave me antibiodics and steriods. It helped a lot. The biggest help tho, was finding out what was going on. The strep is a secondary infection, the primary infection is mono. The doctor laid down the law. I am supposed to spend six weeks vegging out. Nothing strenuous..no exercise, no contact sports(does he mean 'you know'?) nothing. Then he tells me to eat good! He gave me a million prescriptions to take. I am considering asking the pharmacist to move in for a few weeks...haha!

Time for me to get back in bed. Unfortunately, the doctor was in my room when my husband called, and he answered the phone- and indentified himself as the butler!- then proceeded to explain to my husband about the six weeks of complete rest. So everytime I get out of bed, I get the husband looking daggers at me. He even brought me a bell to ring...sheesh...six weeks of this is going to drive me totally insane. (ok, ok-for me, total insanity is only a short walk...)

Off to bed! Too bad my DSL doesn't work on my computer upstairs! hehe!

Monet, Glad you're back home, but sorry about the mono...WHO YOU BEEN KISSING?????
Do what they say and you'll be better in no time! Let everyone else wait on you fora change!
Feel better...
BOB

It's Sunday nite, found out that one of the meds I take actually contributes to weight gain! I feel like I'm battling a rock that won't budge, of course this means I've been off plan, funny I convinced myself that the sugary candy is my carb, therefore ok. I know, I know, I'm full of "it". I'm really frustrated. I saw Gracious post today from WIW, I can remember being where she is at now. I can remeber getting on the scale and it reading 156, even 154 at one time. I'm truly frustrated BUT I am looking for solutions on line to combat the weight gain of this health challenge I've acquired. I did get out my 64oz bottle and marked it don't drink, so that everyone else will stay out of it and I make sure to drink every last drop. I read somewhere tonight I have to double that just to flush the water retention :( Anybody else run accross weight gain caused by meds? If yes, suggestions??
HeartMom, our prayers continue for you and yours
Monet, stay in bed and get well.
Lara