Low Carb Archive - Low Carb Freestyle - Dec. 3

Good morning ladies! I just stopped in to say hello. I am going to try and catch up on all old posts tonight. I haven't felt too much like doing anything lately, so I haven't been online much. My ovary isn't hurting much anymore, but I have a bladder infection and am depressed about the surgery. I'm kinda irritated about the infection, because when I went for my ultrasound I told the endo about the bladder symptoms and he didn't say a word. I called back yesterday and said "I'm having surgery with you on Thursday and I think I have a bladder infection." Of course they told me to come right in and they would do a UA. Now I am on medication for it, hopefully it will be over before surgery!

Ok, off for breakfast and a shower and another exciting (?) day at work!

Hi Everyone!

I'm sure I am missing some detail from yesterday's posts. I was pretty under the weather, but am up and at it today. I just get too tired to post sometimes. Now THAT is lazy!! ;0

Jennifer, I am hoping your infection is cleared by Thursday. It is soooo frustrating for the docs to not hear you when you are working with them. It will soon be over, though, and I hope that the results are for no more discomfort.

Anyone doing special things for Christmas? I'm trying to get gifts together and not spend too much. I do love all the shopping and making, but I have to be such a penny-pincher these days it is more challenge than fun. I wish there was a way to let people know they are special without all this!

Take care all! Su

ANNE, hope your stomach is feeling better. We are in the deep freeze here too. I heard the weatherperson say it was like mid-winter. The gusty winds make it seem even worse. We haven't had this cold of a Dec. in a very long time. Did you finish your Christmas shopping?

Nikki, I get Taste of Home too! I really like that magazine. I also get Light & Tasty, Quick Cooking, Country Woman, and Country. I really enjoy those magazines more than any others I get. Do you ever go into the HSN site? I got into their message boards, and were they ever bashing Shannon Smith, one of the show hosts. I couldn't believe the things they were saying about her. I don't know why people are so mean. They also were bashing some of Suzanne's products, especially her jewelry. Our weather can be a lot like your's. Sometimes in Dec. it stays in the 50's, and one Christmas it got to 20 deg. below 0 and stayed that way for about a week.

Hi mauvaisroux, Su, & Jennifer :wave:

I hope you all have a great day. Aleka :balloons:

Jennifer....... I hope your infection clears up QUICK! I am on the 3rd different antibiotic for my UTI in the last 3 weeks...... my doc says that if the CIPRO doesn't work in 8 days he's gonna send me to a urologist....... ARGHGHGHGHGHGH!!!!! I haven't had one of these in years, and now I remember why they're so darn awful! :grouphug: to you, girl!

Hi everybody,
Jennifer, I hope your feeling better real soon. You too, Samsgrandma.
Su, glad to hear from you.
Anne, hope your feeling better today.
Aleka, I have never visited their boards, I'm going to have to go check that out. I didn't even know they had one. I like to read people reviews of products before I order. I am impressed that they leave the bad ones up there as well as the good ones. Seems so much more honest than say, the ss board, that deletes anything negative. I get a lot of the same magazines too. You and I seem to be very similar.
I have lost 5 lbs. in the last 7 days. I know it is too much to lose in a week, so a few days ago, I increased the amount of food I am eating. Yesterday, I lost 1 lb. and this morning I'm down another 2 lbs. I have to say, I feel great. Full of energy and fitter everyday. I dug out my size 22 jeans last night and washed them up. Put them on and they fit! Still snug, but I can button the button and sit down, so I'm wearing them. The 24's were getting too baggy and I had to keep pulling them up.
I set my goal at 240 by Jan 1. I'm at 241 now, so I guess my goal will be 230. That is just amazing to me.
Have a wonderful day everybody, Nikki

Hi Everyone:

Another freezer in Toronto!!!
Nikkic, you are doing FANTASTIC:bravo: Do you think it is the
gazelle that has made such a difference for you?

I have just recevied my PP package. Its great. I am hoping
the structure will give me the boast I need. I am sitting tight
at 235 and I would love to see that needle move!!!

Jennifer, so sorry to hear you have been under the weather.

Aleka: Most of my shopping is done. I still have stocking
stuffers and things to buy. Sooooo expensive!!!

Su: It is a challenge to try to keep the price within reason.

Talk to you all later.
Anne.

Thank you Anne. I think it is 30 minutes on the gazelle, 35 minutes of cardio sculpt video (weight training with aerobics) every few days and then light workouts between. But the big difference for me has been, I dropped fat and dairy. I love them both, but was eating too much of them. I haven't really gone fat free, I just don't add fat to my meals. I still eat rib eye steaks and dark chicken meat. On Atkins you can have 2-3 oz of cream a day, I was drinking 1/2 cup. Cheese is also limited, I was eating all cheese meals, sometimes. I'm also eating less at each meal and I'm suppose to eat 5 meals a day, but that is too many. I felt like I was constantly getting ready to eat, eating or going to eat, so I changed to 4 bigger meals a day. I'm going to eat fat and dairy again, I just needed to back off for awhile and really look at what I was doing. Next time, I'll eat a piece of cheese instead of 10 pieces.
Aleka, you really started something when you told me about the boards on HSN. I spent a lot of time there today, reading. Very interesting stuff. I now have a place to ask other people questions about products I want to buy and maybe get some idea what it's like. I hate to send things back, the shipping is so expensive and I get embarassed at the post office. I tend to save everything up and send a bunch back all at once. I don't even want to think about what I spent on shipping stuff back last year.
Sure looks like lots of people don't like Shannon. I turn her off when she's on too. She irritates me to no end.

Hi everyone! :wave:

I haven't really started my Christmas shopping yet!

Jennifer-hope you are feeling better and good luck with the operation!

Nikki- way to go! You are doing really well! :dancer:

Su-I am having an open house on Christmas eve. I have to do the menu planning this week and get all the groceries and wine this weekend before the Christmas rush gets really bad. I am going to shop for gifts at night during the week so it won't be so crowded. I may order some gifts from a catalogue too!

Aleka-I like the magazine Cooking Light-they have some great recipes!

Samsgrandma-I hope you get your medication sorted out and that your UTI clears up.

Well nothing new and exciting on my front so I'm am signing off!

BTW it is freezing here -27c with the wind chill! BRRRR!

Good Morning Everyone:

Nikkic, by cutting fat does that mean no oil, butter etc? Do you
broil your meats?
I know what you mean though, I quit buying nuts, we were all
overeating them like crazy!!!!
I have about 2 coffee's each morning and I put a capful of
cream in my coffee it might be a teaspoon or so.
The biggest mistake I have been making aside from the nuts
is not drinking my water. I have picked that habit back up.
On PP they keep stressing taking a potassium suppliment. Do
any of you gals bother with that?
Have a great day.
Anne.

When I posted yesterday I posted on our last thread, then I saw that it was transferred over to this thread, so I missed the posts before mine.

Jennifer, I hope that you're feeling better with your UTI. I have had my share of them, and they aren't very fun. Sometimes Drs. can be a pain. The OBGYN who did my hysterectomy had a rotten bedside manner, but was a good Dr. I also wanted to wish you good luck tomorrow with your surgery, and I will be thinking about you.

Samsgrandma, I hope your UTI clears up. I remember when I first had a UTI, I read that once you had one, you were prone to them.

ANNE, I don't take a potassium suppliment. Do they have a reason for suggesting take one? The PP you mentioned, is that Protein Power? If so, what is the PP pkg. you got? I do have the book and have been rereading it. I haven't decided whether or not to start doing it, because I'm finding it very difficult to do keep track of points & carbs at the same time, and I rack up points like crazy. Getting rid of the nuts is a good thing to do especially if it's a trigger food. I told DH to take the cashews to his mach. shop downstairs so that I wouldn't be tempted. Out of sight...out of mind! ;)

mauvaisroux, I wouldn't have my Christmas shopping done either except I go shopping once a week with my BGF, and the stores are having fantastic sales each week :cb: I usually do my holiday shopping via catalog, but this year I only bought a couple of things, so I figured I saved a lot on s & h. Now I have to start on my Christmas cards....GROAN!!! I have bought Light & Tasty's 2002 recipes, but I haven't made anything yet. :o

nikki, you are really doing fantastic with your diet and exercise :strong: Speaking of the gazelle, I'm going to wait until the first of the year to see of Tony Little will have is newer gazelle on HSN. I visited the HSN boards yesterday, and someone mentioned about the Fantom Vacuum cleaner, and nobody had anything good to say about it. I bought one about 3-4 yrs. ago, and now I'm having continuous problems with it overheating and shutting itself off. I was thinking about buying another Fantom until I read those posts. Now I'm going to buy a Hoover. Shannon doesn't really bother me all that much. Sometimes I can just tune her out. But, when the remarks become personal, about something she can't help, it really bothers me. :soap: There is something about Lynn Murphy I don't care for, but I will watch her. Colleen & Callie are my favorites.

Su, glad that you're feeling better. No, DH & I won't be doing anything special. DH's parents are planning on being in FL for Christmas, both of my parents are gone, and the rest of our family lives out of state. We will spend a quiet day watching movies. What will you be doing? Business wasn't at all good this year in our machine shop, so we decided to go easy for Christmas, we are actually cutting some gift giving out. We've even decided not to give each other as much as we usually do because we'd like to go to FL in Feb./March to visit the IL's. I've been so happy that the stores around our area are having such great discounts on things.

Take care everyone and have a great day. :balloons:
Aleka

Morning everyone,
Anne, I just quit adding fat, including butter and oil. Once or so a week, I will saute mushrooms in a tbsp. of butter, I love them like that, but that's about it. Like I said, I'm not fat free, just reduced. I broil or grill my meats, but I always did anyway, it is so much easier. I quit making cream sauces a long time ago. It was so much work and since you can't really use a thickener, just like pouring cream on stuff and having it run to the bottom of the bowl or platter. Just not worth the time or effort for what I was getting. Nuts are now out for me. I can't quit eating them. I know I should eat 1/4 cup or less, but then I add a few more and a few more and before I know it, it's 1/2 cup and by then, well, might as well eat all you want. At least that's what my brain says. I drink a lot of water now. When I exercise, I drink 60 oz in that hour alone. I am so thirsty.
I take potassium and a lot of other things. I had horrible leg cramps one night and was awake all night from them. Got potassium the next day and also started to take calcium with magnesium and vit d. From there, I started to take a lot of other things. Multivitamin, CoQ10, extra E, Joint Support (glucosimine and chondrotin), phosphadidly choline (it's for liver and brain support. I drank a lot of alcohol in the past, so I want to help my liver out as much as I can), Healthy Hair Skin and Nails ( has extra biotin, MSM, horsetail extract, etc. on a low carb diet, you are prone to hair lose and this helps to prevent it), Mental effort (Ginkgo plus other stuff, my memories shot), Womens Wellness (soy extracts), Fruit Full Anti Oxidants (all kinds of direvatives from fruits, since I don't eat many of them, but need the benefits) Circulation and Vein support (helps support the veins in the legs.
I also take extra fiber with Metamucil capsules. I never took a vitamin before in my life. I tried a couple of times, but just hated to take a pill everyday. Now I take about 30 different pills and wouldn't miss them. I do feel a lot different taking them, lots more energy. If I were just going to take a couple of things, I'd for sure take a multivitamin, potassium and calcium with vit d added. Also, extra b vitamins, for you Anne, would be worth it, your on the go so much.
Well, that's my deep, dark secret, I'm a vitamin junky.:lol: I spend way too much on them, but I figure, it's better than a fifth of whiskey every other day. When I was young, I never thought I'd live past 40. So I really did nothing to help myself and I lived like it was my last day on earth. That's fine if it is, but not everyday. Now, I'm trying to make up for years of self abuse. I can't change some things, but I can help my body be the best it can be right now.
Speaking of that, got to go exercise, Tony Little is calling, just wish he'd say something new once in awhile.
Later, Nikki

Aleka, You must have posted right before me. I was pretty po'd at some of those people on the HSN board when they were talking about Shannon talking out of the side of her mouth. I have the same problem. I was hit in the head when I was 2 and because of that, the right side of my face is "off". It's even worse than Shannons. People can be so small and ignorant sometimes. The thing that bugs me about her is she's always interrupting the guests. I think I watch HSN and QVC too much. We have a satillite dish with lots of channels, but there isn't that much on most of the time. I have to start reading more. It would definately cost less.
Do you know what happened to Kerry McNally and Kimberly Wells? I heard he's gone to NY to follow his stand up comedy career and she's also gone to do something else, but it seemed funny they left at the same time practically.

Hi Guys:

Nikkic: I have been getting these wicked charlie horses in the back of my legs right that wake me up at night do you think
potasium or the lack there of could be the reason? Come to
think about it when I broke my diet for the festivities on the weekend the cramps stopped cold!!!! Whats up with this?

Aleka: The PP package is indeed the protein power plan. I bought it used from ebay. It had a video, 4 tapes and 5 books.
I also have the paper back. Personally I find my new info easier
to follow. Because I am 235 I have to eat 40 gr of protein at each
meal. That translates into approx. 6 ounces of meat or 2 whole
eggs with four eggs whites added to that, you can eat a couple
of ounces of cheese per day. No hard fast rules on amount of
butter, nuts are 1 oz per day, MAN was I go over that in the last
couple of weeks!!!!

The reason for the potassium supliment is that the water acts as
a diuretic and flushes the potassium out of your system leaving
you short of this mineral, much like a water pill. I really had been
suffering from charlie horses each and every night!!!!!

I better go :devil: is around the corner and I don't want her to
catch me!!:lol:

Anne.

Anne, I really think it's a combo of potassium and calcium defiencey, but at least take some potassium. Since your probably not eating bananas, potatoes or other foods high in potassium, that's the reason you need a supplement. It will stop your charley horses. Potassium is necessary for so many functions in the body, including the heart muscle. I went to Walmart, they come in 99 mg. capsules. The amount to take is not carved in stone, some people take one, some take a lot more. Be conservative. Take one and if that doesn't help increase it to two. I take one in the morning, one at night. My Dr. said that was fine for me. In Dr. Atkins book, he says you need a lot more than 99 mg. a day, but he doesn't specify how much. I don't have any more leg cramps, so I think I'm just right.

Hi Everyone:

I got some bad news today. My dad went to his doctor and
his lung cancer has come back. He can not have any more
surgery so the doctor has scheduled him for a needle biopsy
January 7/03. From there he will be booked for radiation and
possibly chemo. When my dad asked the doctor what his
prognosis was the doctor said excellent because it is so small.
I hope he is being truthfull.:cry: Poor dad, he has been through
so much.

Nikkic, I have to tell you, I was a number one supplement junkie
for years.,,,, I ran out to GNC today and stocked up again!!!:)
I bought potassium, Vit B stress formula, Magnesium & Calcium,
Vit E & milk thistle.
Anne.

I am so sorry about your Dad. What a way to start the holidays. That's good the tumor is small and the prognosis is good. I will keep your Dad in my prayers.

I have the PP paperback book, but I didn't know they had videos and 5 books. What are the videos and books about?

Take care. Aleka

Oh, Anne, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I'm sure the Dr. is telling the truth. They have no problem telling bad news, if there is bad news to tell. I know it is a hard road your traveling. My dad had cancer. It metastizied through his body before he would go to the Dr. He did have radiation treatment, it helped. He passed away over 12 years ago. They have so much more in the way of treatment, research and care now. I know if my dad had gone to the Dr. sooner, he would have survived.
I'll be praying for your dad, you and your family.
Nikki

Ps-glad you got your vitamins and supplements. It takes awhile, but you will notice a difference. I'm sure the potassium will help very soon. Well worth taking.

Anne, I am really sorry about your Dad. Hopefully they can zap it all at once! I will keep him in my prayers.

Nikki, what a lifestyle change! Yes, those vitamins are a good investment. I quit smoking about 2 years ago and I figured I have saved about $3500 by doing so. Might as well spend it on something good for me. If I could find money for smokes, I think I can scrape up enough for some health food.

Okey dokey, time to get signed out of here. I have to go to bed soon, tomorrow is a big day.

Good Morning Everyone:
Thank you all so much for your kindness and prayers. It means
alot to us. My sister and I had a long talk with our mother last
night and told her we must all take the best outlook to try to
support dad throughout this ordeal.

Aleka: the five books are Phase 1 get started!, Protein Power
Companion, Cookbook and food guide, Phase 2 and the last
one is called Maintenance. The video guides you through the
different processes. When you are down to about 10 pounds
to go, you begin phase 2 so I have a looooooong way to go.

There are also 4 audio tapes explaining the program. That is
my favourite because I can listen at my desk at work.

Another suppliment the Drs. Eades also recommed is Chromium.
What the heck is that?

Anne

Anne, chromium is a supplement that is suppose to increase carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Some people feel it is more effective than other people. I take it, it is part of a formula that also includes garcina that is suppose to decrease the appetite and also reduce the conversion of carbs into fat from your food. I haven't noticed any big change. I'm still taking it, cause I got it. Guess when it runs out, if I notice any difference, I'll buy some more. They are all natural and non-toxic, at least that's what the bottle says. I saw the Eades have an infomercial with a supplement including both of these ingredients plus something else I don't recall now. You can buy these supplements (not the one the Eades are selling, different manufacturer) at GNC, there are different formulas that include several different factors or you can buy them individually.

Jennifer, I've changed alot. I think I was drunk for about 10 years. I can still drink if I want to, I'm not like some alcoholics that crave alcohol or once I drink again I can't stop. I just don't want to drink and lose ground on my wieght loss. I use to drink because my life was so crappy and I was so angery. It didn't help, just made me feel better for a little while. I started to get heart problems, high b/p, chest pain. If I wasn't drunk I was hung over. It's a sad way to live. I also quit smoking last year. It was the hardest thing I've ever given up. I can't imagine what I'd be spending now on cigarettes, I smoked 2 pks a day.

Hi everybody, no surgery for me! I posted details on the Dec 5th daily thread. I might be having it in a month or two, or we might just leave the cyst alone...they will do more tests later. All this excitement and nervousness for nothing!

More from me later!

Early morning hello,
Jennifer, hope your feeling ok. I know you weren't looking forward to that.

Aleka, did you see or get the TS on HSN today? I bought one, thought they were so pretty, couldn't resist. Don't have a clue where I'd wear it.

Well, off to bed. See you in the morning, Nikki

Jennifer, I hope that you're feeling ok and that the news will be that they'll leave the cyst alone.

nikki, no, I didn't even see the TS. Was that Suzanne's egg watch? If it was, I was watching Colleen Wed. night and she was wearing it. It's really cute. Suzanne will be on this weekend, but I'm having company so Iwon't be able to see her:( I love watching her & Colleen's antics. Maybe I'll tape it. Speaking of SS, I ordered her new cookbook from Amazon and it arrived yesterday. Some of the recipes look YUMMY:T

ANNE, that's good the 3 of you can lean on each other. I'm sure the Dr. is right about everything. I didn't know PP had more books and some videos. Good luck with the plan.

Hi Su, & mauvaisroux :wave:

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend. :balloons:

Aleka

Good Morning Everyone!

Believe it or not, after all the anniversary celebrations and
eating I did I dropped 5 pounds this week!! I couldn't believe
it. I noticed my clothes were looser but I thought it was in
my mind. I don't know, maybe its the PP plan. I have really
been sticking to it big time!!!!

There was a bake sale at the hospital yesterday and I ran into
some of my old collegues and they were shocked when they
seen me! They said" Anne, you look beautiful "(what they meant
was thinner} It makes you feel good when you know you are
getting somewhere with this battle!!!!

Joan Rivers is here this week and I already bought three things!
I better turn off Shopping Channel ladies

:lol:
Anne.

My GF was supposed to come for an overnight stay yesterday, as she wanted to do some Christmas shopping, but it was snowing where she lives and she was awfully afraid of driving in the snow. Which, I don't blame her one bit. So, we're shooting for next weekend.

ANNE, way to go with the 5 lb. loss and the compliments. That's great!!!:bravo: :cb: :cp: What did you buy from Joan Rivers? Think of those 3 things you bought as a treat for doing so well on your eating program. ;)Suzanne is on HSN this weekend, but haven't bought anything.

nikki, did you see SS on HSN yesterday? They were mentioning her new book, and how you could only get it on HSN because they were just debuting (sp?) that day, and they were coming to the bookstores in Jan. Some lady called and asked why they were saying that and they had better rethink that statement because she had her's in her lap while watching. Suzanne said that sometimes the bookstores cheat. I can't wait to try some of the new recipes.

Hi Jennifer, mauvaisroux, & Su hope you're having a good weekend. Aleka

Hi everyone,
I lost another 2 lbs. yesterday. It really does feel good to see the scale moving down, doesn't Anne? Glad to hear your down 5 lbs. Good for you. What are you doing differently now from before? I do believe that changing your diet is very effective. Just a little change can cause a stall to break. Of course, if you stay on the same program, eventually it will happen anyway.

Aleka, I did hear them say that was the only place to get her book, but missed the phone call from that woman. It seems that they are not very truthful sometimes. I do know that they sell stuff that they don't even have in stock. I ordered some sauces from HSN, I did it when they had the first show. It took over 20 days to get it. They said that they had already sold all they had and were now on back order. I told them that I was one of the first to order and I think it is wrong to act like they have something in stock when they don't. On QVC when something is sold out or on back order, they at least let you know so you can decide if you want to wait that long. Is it cheaper on HSN or on, where did you get it? I want to get it too, love recipe books.

I've been doing Pilates this week. I am a lot better at them than when I first tryed them. I really like Pilates. After I finish the tape I feel full of energy. They are great for stretching out and firming muscles.

Have a great day everyone, Nikki

Hi Everyone!:wave:
Aleka: I bought 2 pearl necklaces with matching pearl studs.
One is frosted cranberry and one is red satin. Just georgeous!
The third item was a pink champagne watch/line bracelet. I
got a great deal on that, the usual price is $119.00 holiday
special $69.99 It is a knockout :cloud9: I am so tempted
to buy more!!:o but I know how I would feel when my bill
arrived!!:faint:

Nikkic!!:dance: :cp: you are doing sooooo great!!! I am happy
for you!!!

What I did differently is weigh and measure my cheese, maximum
2 oz per day. Measure my protein 6 oz per meal (that one is
tough at breakfast) and really limit my veggies to basically
salad items, brocolli, cauliflower and celery. I hope it continues.
I would love to hit goal by this time next year.:dizzy:

Anne.

Anne,
The jewelry sounds beautiful. I think I've either seen it or something like it on QVC down here. It is really easy to get carried away and buy more than you should, isn't it?
I don't know if we've ever talked about it, but what is your goal weights? I would ultimately like to get to 150 lbs. Secretly, I want to be 140, but that may not be possible. When I was younger, at 150, I was a size 10 and at 140, a size 8. That's plenty skinny enough for me. I'd be happy with a 16 right now.
Today we went to the mall. DH kept telling me how little I was and how skinny I was, but I know better. I saw my self in a few full length mirrors. Why is it at home, I don't look that big, but at the mall, I look a lot bigger?
We ate a buffet for lunch and I'm afraid I pigged out and ate way too much. It was all meat and veggies, but still, too much. I'm still full from it.
Talk to you all tomorrow, Nikki

:hat: CONGRATULATIONS NIKKI AND ANNE :cp: great losses! You are both doing really well!

I bought the New SS book on Friday night at my local bookstore-so much for the January release date :shrug: and as if they wouldn't take advantage of Christmas sales of that book, whatever :rolleyes: I think they just do that to make people panic buy!

I got some of my Christmas shopping done on Friday night and managed to come home with an electric blanket for the house.
I am going to use it just to preheat the bed before I get into - I don't feel comfortable actually sleeping with it on.

Well it is 2:30 am here so I guess I better go to bed :yawn: I have to go to a Christmas tea tomorrow afternoon and a tree decorating party tomorrow night.

Hi Su, Aleka and Jennifer!

Night everyone!

Way to go Nikki & ANNE :cb: :dancer: :high: :cloud9: That's terriffic.

nikki, that was a very nice compliment your husband gave you. Your hard work must be showing because your DH noticed it, and he sees you everyday. Ya, I know what you mean about mall mirrors. Maybe it has something to do with all the lights? :crossed: I honestly don't know what I want for a goal weight. I'm thinking getting down to between 135 & 140 lbs. I honestly don't want to set a certain weight because, personally, if I was unable to get to that weight I would consider myself a failure. I have about 25 more lb. to go before I get to my goal weight. I think it's true that your body has its own set-point on where it wants to be. I know after I lose 10% of my body weight at WW, then you have to start setting goals. We all pig out occasionally. The only bad thing about it, is the way you feel afterwards. :p

ANNE, the jewelry you bought sounds so lovely. Those colors sound exquisite! Enjoy them to the fullest! The way you are losing weight, I wouldn't be surprised if you hit your goal before next year. You are doing fantastic. I broke down and bought Suzanne's Waffle & Pancake Mix and her Pots de Creme. I spent almost $60.00, so I figured that was enough for one day.

mauvaisroux, glad you were able to get SS's new cookbook. Some of the recipes look YUMMY and they are almost all Level 1. I am going to make her "Shake, Bake, & Fry" Mix and make fried shrimp for Christmas Eve, along with her "french-fries", and her cocktail sauce. These are my kind of recipes...very quick.

Hi Jennifer & Su :wave:

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
Aleka

Good morning everyone,
Mauvaisroux, so glad to hear from you. Sounds like your really busy.
I went to Amazon.com and bought Suzaanes new book plus 3 yoga videos. No shipping and handling (I forgot about that til you mentioned it Aleka, saves a lot doesn't it?). I have a few other yoga videos, but they are a more vigorous workout than I want. From yoga, I want stretching, relaxation and focus, not strength training. I can get that from weights and cardio sculpting.

I was really tempted to buy the waffle maker. I don't think I've eaten a waffle in my life, so I passed. Will continue to eat oatmeal with soy milk, til I can't eat another spoonful. :p Would have made more sense to buy the waffle maker rather than the pendant/watch. I'll never use that. Geez, I'm so easily taken.

I gained 2 lbs since yesterday. I know part of it was that big meal, but also, I was sick a few nights ago and lost a lot of fluid. Well, back to the beginning.

Have a great day, Nikki

Don't worry about that 2 lb. gain it's only temporary. Last night I was watching Suzanne....again, when they were SSzing. One lady called in to tell about her SS success. When Suzanne asked her how much weight she has lost, the lady said she didn't know, because she was tracking her progress by inches lost. Then the lady went on to add that she measures herself each week. I thought what a neat way to track your progress instead of numbers on a scale. I only wish I could practice it:s: I only bought the pancake mix because DH & I do like pancakes. We really don't eat that many waffles. I did not get the syrup because I can get s/f maple syrup made with Splenda, from Vermont in my grocery store, a lot cheaper than what she was offering. The pendant watch was really beautiful, and you will wear it more than you think you will. The pendant watch reminds me of the heart locket I bought from Suzanne, and I wear that quite a bit. I get more comments on it too!

Aleka

Thanks Aleka. I know it's just a temporary set back. When I started, I measured my waist, wish I'd measured all over. I know I've lost 8 inches in my waist.
As far as my goal weight, I think goals should be fluid, like water. I saw Greer Childress (? think that's her name), with the body flex, you have this don't you? Anyway, I wasn't listening real close, but I thought she said she's a size 4 and weighs 150 lbs. She is just so little. That made me think. I'm exercising like a maniac, so I'm building up muscle. So, my goals will probably change as I go along.
I was 140 lbs for 15 years, until I was 35, then started to progressively gain. I didn't work out, so my muscle strength wasn't the best. I don't know if I'll ever get back to 140, but I want to be the healthiest, strongest I can be at this age. Which is my ultimate goal.:)

Hi Ladies!

Nikkic and Anne, those are great losses! Congratualtions! I was down 2.8 this week as well. However, I was pretty sick most of the week, so I'm hoping for no rebounding! I'm finally feeling a bit more like myself, plus I just got back from the big drive to see my folks over the weekend. 14+ hours in a car over 2 days is tooooo much! But I'm glad I got to see them.

Anne, I'm thinking about your Dad. I hope thing go better soon.

Jennifer. Any no-cut is good-cut in my mind! :) I hope you feel OK. Hugs for the close call.

Mauvisroux, you'll have to share the menu for your party! It sounds like such fun!

Be happy chicks! Su

I hope you all had a great weekend. It is soooo cooold here this morning. It was 1 deg. when I forst got up, and now it's 12 deg. BRRRRR!!!!

I just realized that I have to send my cousin's Christmas gifts shortly, so on Sat. I wrapped her presents. By the time I had finished wrapping her's, I decided that I'd had enough of that! Sun. I had planned on getting our Christmas cards written out...completely forgot it.:?: I don't know why, but the older I get Christmas is such a chore. Now I have to get my IL's gifts together and wrap them so they can have them before they leave for FL. :headache:

Su, congratulations on the weight loss. That's a lot of weight in a week. :bravo: :high: Glad you got to see your parents. How did your area make out in that awful storm last week?

nikki, WOW 8" in the waist is fantastic :cp: I didn't take any measurements when I started WW, but I can tell that my stomach has gone down a bit, and my clothes are a lot looser. Yes, I do have the Body Flex tapes, but I'm embarassed to say that I haven't done it yet. I also bought the exercise toner bar she was selling. I have done that a few times. From what I've read on different boards, it works for some, but doesn't work that well for others.

ANNE, how is your Dad doing? Has he started going to treatments yet?

mauvaisroux, did you have a good time at your parties that you went to? They sound like a lot of fun.

Jennifer, how are you feeling? I hope you're feeling better.

Take care and have a great day.
Aleka

Hi Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend! Nikkic, my first goal is to get
under 200 pounds I am hoping against hope maybe just maybe
I can do that by my birthday March 25. My "ultimate goal would be
160 or so.

Su, You are doing just great!!:cp: :cb: It feels wonderful to be
losing doesn't it? :dance:

Aleka: My dad goes for his biopsy a week today. It is only a
formality. He is really scared because it is dreadfully painful and
there is a change his lung will collapse. It must be done in order
to book the radiation.

Mauvaisroux, enjoy those parties!:)

Hi Jennifer, I hope you are feeling ok.

Anne.

Hi everyone,
Anne, I'm sorry your dad is having such a hard time. It must be really scarey for you and your family too.

Aleka, I've read the same things about the body flex. I've thought of buying them, just for the breathing. I've heard so many people say that it has really helped with their asthma or whatever. I feel like I don't breathe deeply enough. I guess I'll see how the yoga tapes help me with that first.

Su, that is great weight lose. You go girl, as they say.
:D That is a long drive, were you alone? Sometimes on a long drive it's better to be alone, sometimes not.

Jennifer, hope your doing ok.

Mauvaisroux, I hope you do share that menu, I could use some suggestions. All I have so far is the shrimp kabobs, fresh veggies and dip and chicken wings. I've also thought about a cheesecake with chocolate swirled on top and that smoked salmon cheesecake. Not sure about that. Or maybe chili. Just don't know.

I've done something to my back. Woke up 2 mornings ago and my neck was stiff with pain running down my shoulder into my arm. Yesterday, my lower back was so stiff, I could barely stand up straight. Today, I made an appointment with the chiropractor and while I was dressing to go see him, the middle part of my back did some kind of weird thing and I was in such pain, I could barely breathe. The chiropractor says my spine is curved 3 different ways (not the natural ones). He says no exercise for a week. I am better since seeing him. I don't know if I can go a week without exercise, I love it. Right now I can, I'm too miserable to think about it. So, I figure my weight loss is going to stop for awhile. I did lose 3 lbs earlier this week, then gained them back, so I'm at the same place I was a week ago. Now with this, I'll probably be the same next Monday. Well, I will not exercise for the next week, then I'll hit it hard again. Just go easy on the back.

Guess I'll go lay down now. I am so tired of laying down, I can't tell you how much I hate it. Nikki

Hello again!

It has turned into a very pretty day here, not too anything! I may go see a movie this evening to celebrate!

Aleka, 12 degrees is Much Too Cold! We dodged the worst of the storm as it stayed just at freezing, and nothing stuck. It was a heavy storm, so I'm sure we were extremely lucky. I heard of a nursing home in S. Carolina that had no heat and no generator! I can't imagine!

Anne, my goal is to get below 200 too. I'm hoping for early in the new year. It is a goal that feels very doable. I hope it is for both of us.

I'll be thinking of your dad and the biopsy. I'm sorry they have to do the procedure.

Nikkic- yes, I drive alone most of the time. I take the cats on occasion, but not on the very quick trips. I enjoy them, but I have to be so very careful with them 'on board'. By myself, I can stop whenever and SHOP if it looks good :)

Everyone have a great evening! Su

Evening Everyone:wave:

It is freezing here! It was -28c with the wind-I just wanted to stay in bed!

I took my new SS book to work with me so that I could read it at lunch. I feel a renewed motivation now!

The recipes sound really easy and yummy-I can't wait to try them out.

I am going to try to Somercize the buffet table for Christmas eve so I have to get my rear in gear this week to plan.


Anne-I hope your dad will be okay.

Nikki-hope your backis better.

Hi Su, Aleka and Jennifer!

Good Morning,

I don't know if this is the right place (I hope it is.lol) but I am currently on the LAWL board and am reconsidering doing SS. I ordered the book this past weekend from HSN, and am eagerly awaiting it's arrival! I started of doing a half SS/LAWL from Sun and have lost 1# already. Being that LAWL is not going to give me back my money that I paid, I will mostly likely whind up doing SS and just going in for weigh-ins.

I like the concept of SS and I like the way I feel on it.

I have a question, Suzannes creme brulee, is that a protein/fat or a carb? When would I eat that, after a carb meal or protein/fat. I ordered some of her desserts over the weekend, looks like HSN is shipping my desserts before the book, so i'll be doing a guessimate of the rules of the diet until it gets here. lol

Hope to hear from you all soon.

Kathy
192/167.4/130

Kathy, welcome :balloons: I think the creme brulee is a pro/fat and should only be eaten after a pro/fat meal, as well as most of her desserts (I'm not too sure about the cakes). I see you are from the Bronx. My late aunt was a nurse at Columbia Presb. Hosp. and lived in the Washington Heights section. I love NYC!!!
How long have you be doing LAWL and what is the diet like?

mauvaisroux, I keep looking at my new SS book too. The recipes look so easy to prepare. I think this is the best one she's done. What type of SSized foods will you prepare for your buffet?

Su, you will be below 200 in no time. My goal is to get to my goal weight, and stay OP.

ANNE, I'm so sorry that you Dad has to go through that. I will be thinking of you and your family.

nikki, how are you feeling? Having your back out of whack is not the least bit fun. Did your chiropractor tell you why you were having a problem with your back? Please rest and take care of yourself. Hope you're better soon.

Jennifer, how are you doing?

Take care and have a great afternoon.
Aleka

Good day everyone,
I'm doing better today, spent the night on the heating pad and it helped. Go see the chiropractor tomorrow and that should do it. Aleka, he says I have scoliosis plus some other things, but when he started to explain it all to me, my eyes started to glaze over and I started to make a shopping list in my mind. I know I should be more interested, but it basically comes down to, I'm getting older and my back has been screwed up for years.
Hey there Kitkat, we have all ss'ed on this thread, (I think). Mauvaisroux still is, the rest of us have moved on to other woe's or still use ss'ing as a base and then add to it from other programs. I think the creme brulee is pro/fat too. You can eat it right after your pro/fat meal and don't have to wait. Welcome to our little group.
Well, got to go, the old man just got up. Our Christmas present came today, the Total Gym. All I can do is look at it for now. Guess I'll go tell DH that it's here. I know he's forgotten all about it and will give me a long speech about how we can't afford it and 'why do we need more exercise equipment'.:rolleyes:

PS-HSN's clearance gemstone jewelry is 15% off today if you use coupon HSN3794. I had to pass, but it helps pay the s&h if your getting jewelry anyway.

Nikki and Aleka, thanks so much for the welcome! Also, thanks for clearing the creme brulee issue up for me.

LAWL is a good program, it's very expensive though. Most centers are always trying to get you to buy their bars (I swear if I have to eat another of their bars, i'll gag!) shakes, etc. They do give you results but it's so hard! I did't find any fun in the program, it's definately a "diet" and not a WOE! I just couldn't take it anymore and I gained 11# back recently. The diet just got stale for me so I decided to move on to SS which is what I wanted to do in the first place, but needed the support from a counselor at the time.

Aleka, I live in the Pelham Pkwy section of the Bronx. I love NYC as well and couldn't see myself living happily somewhere else.

Thanks for the welcome guys!

kathy

Welcome Kit Kat! :)

I am doing SS but not religiously. I plan to eat along the SS woe as much as I can over Christmas and then get serious about it in January. I have slipped up lately on the white bread and occasional potato as I am so busy lately that I have had neither the time or energy to cook. When I was OP I was cooking up a storm and really enjoying it. I just bought the Fast and Easy cookbook and have enjoyed the recipes from her previous books.

I believe that the creme brulee is a pro/fat too as Aleka and Nikki pointed out but I don't really eat dessert that often so I've never had to think about it. I love this woe because you get to eat real food!

Nikki-DH and I bought ourselves an electric blanket for Christmas, we can't seem to Christmas shop without getting ourselves something too:rolleyes:

Aleka-I haven't got my menu together yet but I am working on it tonight. On Christmas day I am making the turkey with sausage stuffing from "Eat Great, Lose Weight" and the shredded brussell sprouts (from the same book), mixed green and yellow beans, potatos for the rest of the family, and maybe one more dish. I am planning on having whole wheat rolls too.

My only cheat will be my Mum's sherry trifle :)

Hi Su, Anne and Jennifer.

From what I've been hearing on the radio & TV, we're in for some very nasty weather tomorrow. They say we may get snow, but the freezing rain isn't very far away, so we'll have to wait and see what happens.

mauvaisroux, that sausage stuffing from EGLW is awesome. My neighbor and I were Somersizing together, and she made that dressing. It was really good. I found a dressing on SS website using ground turkey, which you fry, then make the stuffing like you would if you were using bread. I'm going to give that a try. Can you buy celery root where you live? If you can, you can use that as mashed potatoes for yourself, or cook some cauliflower and mash it with cream & butter. :T It's funny how ingrained SSizing is in my mind. Yesterday at WW we were talking about serving sizes. She took out an 8 oz. potato and a 14 oz. potato and asked which one of these would you eat. I thought to myself, NEITHER!!

Kathy, I envy you living in NYC this time of year. I love the city at Christmas time, it is soooo beautiful. My cousin and I have been there at Christmas time to see the sights and catch the Christmas show at Radio City Music Hall. Have you logged onto Suzanne's website? You will get a lot of good tips and recipes there. I hardly ever post there, but I do find some good recipes. It's www.suzannesomers.com

nikki, glad that you're feeling better, but don't overdo it too soon. Have you put together your Total Gym? I'm going to start looking regularly on HSN website to see when Tony Little will be on, hopefully selling his newer gazelle.

ANNE, hope you Dad is feeling ok.

Hi Jennifer & Su :wave:

Have a great day.
Aleka

Hi Ladies!

Welcome KitKat! It's good to see you here. I've only done the SS a bit. I'm on a modified low carb with WW, so I'm doing some of one thing and some of another! I get a lot of hints from the SS cookbooks however. She got me to cooking omlets all the time, and I have to say I eat better with the variety.

I'm back on track today, after dealing with digestive issues all last week. It is so hard to start eating again, but if I give in to not eating, then I snack later on. So, I'm back to big breakfasts, and I feel better for it. (whoops! Forgot the vitamins!)

Mauvisroux, the dinners sound delicious. You must really like to cook. I do sometimes, and have my favorites, but being single I get to be lazy a lot too :D Shredded brussels sprouts sound interesting!

Nikkic, I know it is hard to not exercise, particularly when you got in your new present! Take care of yourself.


Aleka, I'm thinking about a trip to NYC when I get closer to goal. Some folks from work are talking about a joint trip with one co-worker who is from that area. I just can't imagine Never going to NYC, although if I have a bad experience, I might wish I had.

Hi Jennifer! I hope you are feeling OK still.

HI everyone,
Hey, check out the thread by MamaJ, it is really cool.
I went to the chiropractor this morning. He thinks I'll be better by friday, I sure hope so. This is miserable.

Aleka, I haven't done much but lay around. I went to Walmart last night and shopped a little. Saw my old head nurse and she kept going on and on about how good I was getting around. I'm literally hobbling. I don't get some people. The total gym comes completely assembled, just pull it out of the box and unfold it. It is leaning against the wall right now. My chiropractor says they have one and use it to hang clothes on. His wife sounds like me, she has practically every piece of exercise equipment made too.

The weather here has been very warm. Highs in the 50's and low's in the 20's at night. Doesn't seem very Christmasy, but I've enjoyed it. Hope you all are staying warm and not getting plastered by big snow storms. I know we will get some winter weather before you know it. Iowa is not a place people move to because we have good weather. In fact, I'm not sure why people move here, I do know why they move out though.:chicken: :ink: :moo: :)

Well, take care and talk to you all soon, Nikki

Hi Everyone!

I was looking on the web at shopping channel here in Toronto and they have some great deals jewellery and other wise!

My pearls and watch arrived yesterday and they are just lovely. I
still have last minute shopping to do and I am trying to keep busy
and keep my spirits up for my kids and husband.

We have lived with my parents for over 20 years so in a sense
I never really left home. We have our own kitchens, bathroom
etc. but the tie is there to be sure. I am glad I will be there to
support my mother throughout this ordeal and what ever is
coming our way. When my dad was diagnosed all those years
ago CT scans of the brain, liver etc. were done. In all these years
that have passed they were never repeated. I am sure he will
have to have all those done to see if there has been any
spreadage.

Diet is going well, I am eating this huge breakfast every morning
now to get in my 6 oz of protein. That is the only part that is a
little hard.

Weather is great in Toronto, no wind chill or anything like that.

Talk to you all later.
Anne.

Anne,
Your jewelry sounds great. That is very interesting that you have lived with your folks all this time, even though it sounds like you are in your own areas. Must be great support and a closeness with them that most people never know. A real comfort for all of you.

Do you use whey protein powder or soy? I make smoothies with whey sometimes, it helps to get more protein in my diet and it's great for when I don't want to mess with cooking.

Oh, I got my copy of Suzannes new book today. That was so fast! I ordered it from Amazon just a few days ago. HSN takes so long to ship something to you, I can't believe how much faster Amazon is and since I spent over $25 it was free s&h and the book was cheaper. I'm going to spend the rest of the day reading and making up new menu's with my new recipes.

Hi everyone!

Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm so eager to do SS officially, I have to wait till I go food shopping this weekend to get everything I need. My kitchen is just full of sugar! Everything is too floury or just plain wrong! lol

Aleka- I've been reading a whole bunch and also posting at SS website and I found a few links to other members doing SS, but it's not as active as this one.

Have a great day all!

Kathy
192/167.4/130

We got about 5" of snow overnight. DH has been out plowing and snowblowing. It looks like a winter wonderland outside, very Christmas-y. This has given me the incentive to write out my Christmas cards, which I keep putting off.

Kathy, good luck with your grocery shopping this week. Living in the city you should find a lot of neat stuff. I live in the boonies, and I have to drive 10 miles to the nearst grocery store.

nikki, aren't the recipes fabulous in Suzanne's new book? I am going to make the shake & bake fry mix and have fried shrimp, and also the "french-fries" for Christmas Eve. I don't have a deep fryer, so I hope they come out as well in the frying pan. What do you plan to make out of the book? What did you say to your old head nurse when she told you how well you were getting along? Your Dr's wife sounds like a lot of us, I think.

ANNE, that's great your pearls & watch arrived before Christmas. They sound very lovely. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of them. That's nice you share living space with your parents, and you are able to support one another. Do you live in a duplex?

Su, you will have a great time in NYC. I really haven't had any bad experiences there. The few times I've been there in the last 5 yrs. or so, there seemed to be more police on the streets.

Hi Jennifer, hope you're feeling ok.

Have a great day.
Aleka

Hi Everyone:
Aleka: Sounds like you are going to have a lovely white Christmas!:) Our weather has taken a turn for the mild!
We live in a bungalow, it is big and the downstairs is completely
finished. I am delighted I will be able to support my parents for
the fight that lies ahead. At least my mother knows she will
not be alone through this ordeal.

Nikkic: I have not tryed whey powder, is it good? I find these
giant omellets hard to get back each morning!!!
Where would I get whey powder?

Friday is my last day at work until January 2003! I can't beleive
I won't be seeing

:devil: until 2003!!:lol:

Anne.

Hi everyone,
I am doing better everyday, will be able to start to exercise tomorrow. I previewed one of the new yoga tapes I got today and almost laughed. It is the most laid back yoga I've ever seen. The girl is barely moving, almost looks like she is asleep most of the time. Several minutes of it are her sitting cross legged breathing. It is suppose to be for relaxation, so I guess that's it. At least I know it will be an easy way to start to exercise again. If that's what you call it.
I also skimmed through Suzannes new book. I was surprised at a lot of what she is now saying. She was gaining weight and called Dr. Swarzbein, who told her to eat a potato a few times a week. She then started to lose weight. I thought-hmmm, we'd already talked about that and figured that one out. She also has a section on vitamins and supplements. The manufacterer will be New Chapter, I've heard a lot of good stuff about them, you can buy their vitamins on line, but they are really expensive. I am not surprised she is getting into this, it is a very lucrative business. I saw a lot of recipes from former books, kind of disappointed about that, but I was glad to get the recipe for the ketchup, I really like it, but not the high price. I'm going to try the shake and bake too, Aleka. Also, the lasagna looks really good. There are several really good looking recipes in there. Like Mauvaisroux, I'll be setting a ss table for Christmas, using this new book. Also, I bought a Bravettie deep fryer last summer, when the s&h was .25. I've always wanted one. Wish I'd never bought it. You have to use a lot of oil, I mean a lot. It can be reused, but it doesn't keep for very long. Also, the instructions say you can't put stuff in there that is wet, or the coating can't be wet. That was the main reason I got the thing. Wish I'd sent it back, but I thought I'd use it more. The women on the HSN bulletin board say that the digital one, like mine, goes bad after you use it a few times. I think using oil in a pan is a lot better and less expensive. Plus, the results are the same, if you have your oil hot enough.
Anne, whey protein powder is either natural, vanilla or chocolate, there may be a strawberry too. I use the natural and it has very little taste. You can buy it at GNC, which is probably cheaper than on line. I have also seen it at Walmart. I use Designer Whey Protein Powder. You get 18.5 g of protein per scoop and a scoop is about 1/4 cup. I put a scoop of whey, 8 oz. water, some ice, 3/4 cup frozen strawberries (or any fruit), splenda to taste in a blender and mix it up. It comes out like a dairy queen soft serve. It is very good. If you want it more liquid, use more water/less ice. You could add cream and it would be extra good, but I'm non dairy right now. I've been reading a lot about the differences between soy and whey. It looks like soy protein isolate powder is better than whey. But I have a large jar of whey, so that's what I'm using right now.
Kathy, I've never been to NYC. I've been to Chicago several times and was never so glad to get out of a place. But, then, we only went to my exhusbands family to visit and it was always a
miserable trip. I live vicariously through Sex and the City. On tv, it looks like a great place.:)
Talk to you all later, Nikki

Hello!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow, I miss the LC threads so bad I can't stand it! I had to pop in here and on the dailies. I have been so BUSY lately, and I can't seem to get caught up. Working OT, Christmas shopping, family obligations, working on the site, trying to get my house ready for a big family get together, being sick, etc etc! I hope to be in a groove when Christmas has passed. Still no word on surgery, etc. I have a CT scan scheduled for Monday. We'll see how it goes. I have so many questions and conversations that I'd like to jump in to, but I can't right now. I need to read my mail, visit with my family, take Cody to Karate, eat dinner, wrap presents and plan appetizers for Saturday! I'll be back though. Miss ya!!

Good Morning all!

I'm just back from the LAWL center, I told them earlier this week that I wanted to leave and wanted a refund of the weeks and supplements I had left. So they made me wait 4days till today to speak to the reginal manager who hasn't shown up yet. I hope they are not giving me the run around!

Well, I haven't really started SSing yet, really need to go shopping but i'm just trying to watch what I eat in the meantime. Can't wait till the book arrives.

Nikki- so Suzanne says in her new book that we can now eat potato's a few times a week? Do we need to buy her book everytime she releases one to find out updates? Seems to me that she should update us on her site since most of us would've had one of her books. Does that mean I need to buy past books?

Is Designer protein sugar free? I ordered Naturade a few days ago, should be shipped soon. I do like Designer protein though.

Aleka- 10ml drive to the grocery store? Man i can't even imagine that! I walk outside my door and I am bombarded w/ stores. lol Shopping is frustrating cause it's always crowded everywhere!

Have a nice day all!

Kathy

Kathy,
I'm sorry, I think I've given the wrong impression or information. Suzanne says that on level 2 you can incorporate a few potatoes a few times a week in your diet if you need too. I guess she was gaining weight and that's what Dr. S told her. Every book she puts out has new updated information in it. I don't think you need to buy all of her past books, everything you need to know is in the new book. The only reason I would get the past books would be for the recipes. If I didn't already have all of them, I'd go to the library and just copy the recipes at home. From what I've read in Dr. Swarzbeins book, she says 1/2 a potato is ok a couple of times a week. But, compared to SS or Atkins, her woe is more for health benefits rather than weight loss. Weight lose is a by product of her woe, and it doesn't seem to be as rapid as the others. SS was great, but I stalled for awhile, so I went to Atkins. Atkins helped but, I wasn't losing as fast as I wanted, so I cut out some things for awhile (like drinking a 1/2 glass of cream every night, man that was good. That is not part of his plan, just my own out of control eating habits.) and my weight loss was then kick started. Eventually, I'll return to SS, I love the food on that plan. I think your body gets use to what your doing and that's why you stall. JMO. If you stay on the woe your doing, eventually, the weight loss will continue. I am just impatient. I really do believe SS is a very good woe and very healthy. I am a little disenchanted with her commercialization of everything anymore, but I suppose that's what capitalization is all about. Which is why she will continue to write books about new information rather than share it on the website. I'll probably keep on buying them, just for the recipes.
When you go shopping for food, make sure you read all the labels very closely. I will always be thankful that SS taught me this. There is so much sugar added to everything, I had no idea. Even stuff you would never expect it to be in. I have a lot of information that I printed off the old SS website before it went down. So if you need anything, like what brands are sugarfree or a recipe for something, I might be able to help you. Even though the ss boards are a great resource and wonderful support, always remember that the book is the place for the best, most accurate information. Including anything I might say. :o Sorry about that.
I don't know if all whey products are SF. The one I have is.
Hope I've cleared this up. Nikki

Happy Friday everyone!

Things are quiet today, so I'm getting my breath back. How about all of you? There is so much to do for the holidays, but we live through them every year :)

I agree about the SS recipes... they are usually very good. I use a lot of her ideas in my meals even though I'm not doing the plan right now. I find she has an honesty about her approach that makes me willing to try her ideas. I'm interested in the vitamins. I'll have to read that further.

Jennifer, it is so good to see you again! I'm glad you seem to feel better. Don't run yourself too hard!

Nikki- I'm glad you're back to being well enough to exercise. I'm trying to stay with the very low intensity exercises right now too. I've decided I kept overdoing and then re-injuring or getting sick. A bit like that burnt- out adrenal gland syndrome Schwarzbein discusses. So, this time it is very slow. But, it is hard to be this slow!

Anne, the house sounds great! I tried living with my parents for a while, but we didn't have separate areas. Two adult women need separate kitchens, LOL! Anyway, it is so great that you have each other and no stress in staying with them during an illness. I hope all is going well with your dad.

Aleka, how are the cards going? I've been so bad for years that I just don't do them anymore. I kept ending up not mailing until later, so I've really cut back. I hate to be so antisocial, but it is hard to get everything done.

KitKat, I hope you are enjoying getting started. It really is fun to try out all the new food ideas and see yourself start to feel better. I love how I feel so much more in control.

Have a great day everyone! Su

Nikki- Thanks for the info. I didn't realize that adding a 1/2 potato was on level 2 only,lol I'm going to be staying clear of these thing for a while anyway. I have about 30# to go. One thing unclear though, you said that when your weight stalled you went on Atkins and that jump started it? On SSing do you just stick to the more pro/fat meals and not eat too many carbs? Were you cutting out desserts completely when on Atkins? What was the difference, if you don't mind. Thanks.

Su- I'm having the best time, can't wait to get officially started! This is so much better than LAWL, I can eat till i'm contented and not feel like i'm starving.

Kathy

Kathy,
It wasn't really SS, it was me. I have some food issues I guess. I was eating no carb meals at all. Not that your suppose to do this. I didn't like them. You can eat desserts, but she says basically, to be moderate about it. Such as, have a bite or a piece, I was eating dessert several times a day, big bowls of it. I wasn't eating enough vegetables. There should be a balance, you know? I would sit down and eat a big plate of meat and cheese and dip it all in a bowl of sour cream and cream cheese. But, despite the fact that I wasn't really doing it right, I was losing weight. I think cutting out sugar is a major reason. After awhile, I started to stall or my weight loss slowed down. I figured I needed to be stricter, so that's when I went to Atkins. I'm learning or relearning, how to eat again. I've since gone beyond Atkins, but it is only temporary and just what I'm doing now. I cut out dairy and added fat. The reason I cut out dairy and fat is because I couldn't seem to stop eating it. I was just replacing my sugar cravings with dairy cravings. So now, I've replaced them with vegetables, more uncooked than cooked, or at least that's what I'm trying to do. I still eat fat, like fat that is present in the food, such as I don't eat low fat meats or worry about white or dark meat. I sometimes eat some butter with my vegetables, just not like I was. I've replaced my dairy with soy. I am now eating oatmeal every morning with soy milk. Which apparently is ok with ss, according to the new book.
I think I need to get myself better under control before I will ss again. I'm trying to learn when I'm hungery and when I'm full. Sounds like it's just something any idiot would know, but I have to actually have my brain tell my body what is going on. I'm getting better at this. I've lost 38 lbs. and I have 86 lbs. to go.

Nikki- congrats on the weightloss! I understand now why you switched Atkins. I myself am a sugar/carb freak! But what drew me to SS was knowing that I could have my pro/fat desserts while having chicken and salad for lunch. As long as I can have some kind of sweet I can stick to anything. lol I'm glad you saw that you were overdoing it (for weightloss) and cut down on the things that were holding you back. I'm also trying to stay as low of a carb as I can probably just grapenut cereal & skim milk for breakfast w/ veggies and protein for lunch and dinner w/ a pro/fat dessert for dinner. This I can handle. lol

Thanks for the response!

Kathy

Sounds like your doing great.:)

Had my annual mammogram done this morning. Afterwards DH & I went down to Mass. to visit his parents and drop off their Christmas gifts before they leave for FL next week. We just got back.

I got the result of my cholesterol test I had done a few weeks ago, it was 191. I was very happy with that!

We are supposed to get another snow storm tonight into tomorrow. I don't know how much we're going to get, it varies depending on who you listen to.

nikki, you really have done great in the weight loss dept. 38 lb. is fantastic! Glad you are starting to feel better. How did the exercising go? Thanks for the info on the deep fryer & a regular frying pan. I saw on SS site that someone made the zucchini fries in a frying pan and they were rather greasy, and someone else wrote in saying they come out better in a deep fryer. I don't do a lot of frying, so I don't want the expense of a deep fryer, plus I have no where to put it on my counter.

Jennifer, I am so glad to hear from you. Hope you can take some time out and relax a bit.

Su, I have my cards all written out, I did it in shifts:lol: THEN...I get two unexpected Christmas cards from family members, so now I have to send them one too. Now I have to wrap the rest of my gifts.

ANNE, your house sounds lovely. You're lucky to be able to get along so well with your parents. I don't think I could've lived with mine because my mother was a tad bit critical of the way I did things, or didn't do things.

Kathy, Yup, 10 miles to the grocery store. There is one a bit closer, about 7 miles, but it's a smaller store and they don't have the best stuff in the world there. I'm not used to crowds in stores, nor crowds in general. But, once I get to NYC I push my way through with the best of them;) I got tired of the food combining on SS, and also trying to find "legal" foods. So, I just use SS guidelines, I've eliminated sugar and white flour, and try to eat low carb most of the time. Once in awhile I will have some brown rice or sweet potato with my dinner.

Have a great evening.
Aleka

Hi Everyone:
I am finally on vacation!!:dance: I have lots to do in
preparation for Christmas but at least I don't have the stress
of the office and you know who:devil:

We have a big breakout of Norwalk Virus here in Toronto so I
am so glad I won't be on the subway while this is going on!!!
Several of our hospitals in Toronto have closed their emergency
departments due to this illness.

Diet is great, I am staying away from the goodies. Nikkic does
this whey powder have any carbos?

Aleka: we are expecting snow tonight too. I don't mind the
snow its freezing rain I can't stand:faint:

I got my Christmas Cards done and this week I will make the
cookies!!:T

Talk to you all later. Housework calls! (loudly):lol:

Anne.

Good Morning Everyone::wave:

Got weighed this morning and I am down another 3. This
PP plan seems to be really moving me along!! I was on a one
month stall. Perhaps I was still losing on Somersizing but I
really want to see 5-10 off per month. It was working for a
few months then one long plateau. Nikkic like you, I quit
eating nuts, I have about 3 teaspoons only of cream per day
and I weigh and measure 2 oz. of cheese.


Today I will be making my shortbread cookies but this news
will keep me from cheating:lol:

I am going to use my vacation time to get my sorry hide back
up on my gazelle. Don't get me wrong I walk a couple of miles
a day with my friend on my lunch hour so I am in reasonably good cardio condition. Since I am on vacation
I will start on my gazelle routine to get me going for the new
years resolution!!!!!!

Anne.

Hi everyone,
Anne, I'm so happy your on vacation and you get to take it at a wonderful time of the year. I hope you get to really relax and enjoy yourself. Do all the things you want to and have a great time off.
That Norwalk virus is everywhere it seems. I wonder if that's what was wrong with me a month ago, I had the same symptoms. I have always been meticulous about hand washing, but I guess you could easily get it from eating out at a place where the people that work there are not too good about it.

Whey has a few carbs, mine says in a 24 g scoop there are 2 carb grams. I see SS now lists whey under dairy in the pro/carbs. I think the amount of carbs varies with the brand.

Aleka, good cholesterol numbers:bravo: You are really getting the snow. It is still dry here and in the 50's. I really need to get outside and enjoy some of this weather. If nothing else, clean the inside of the car before the winter weather comes our way.
I don't fry much anymore either. Like I said, if the oil is hot enough, but not too hot, that's what makes the difference. It just takes a little experimenting. The first ones never seem to turn out, then you get the hang of it and the oil the right temperature and away you go. I tried the zucchini sticks in the oven and they were soggy, but tasted good. DH said they were a good alternative for french fries. I coated them in parmesan cheese with a few spices. I've tried this with eggplant and fried it in oil and it was great. Stinks when it's cooking, but tastes great.
Watch it closely, they brown pretty fast. I have a really hard time anymore frying, I bought an electric stove after years of using gas and I can never regulate it like I could gas. First it isn't hot enough, then it stays too hot for a long time. I had my last stove for over 20 years, so unless something goes real wrong with this one, I'll probably have it way longer than I want to.

Su, Mauvaisroux and Jennifer, Hi I miss you all and hope your doing well.
Kathy, I talked you leg off yesterday, I can get long winded when I'm wound up. Hope you get your book soon, it is full of great information.

Well, I haven't exercised yet. I was going to start, but DH just got up and decided to try the total gym. If you follow the video, it is really simple and easy to use. He is like most men and doesn't want to follow instructions, he is not enjoying his first experience right now. I just had to go help, he never wants to learn how to do anything. I guess he thinks he was born with the knowledge. He never has learned how to use the remote control for the satellilte, just uses the up and down buttons. I fully expect the total gym will be thrown out the back door before I can even use it.

Oh, well, I have learned how to deep breathe and count to ten since we have gotten together.

We were supposed to get snow overnight, but it's 40 deg. and raining.:cb: They say it may end as snow later on this afternoon.

nikki, thank you for the tips on frying. I have made "hash browns" with cauliflower, and it does stink up the house.:snooty:
Went to the grocery store this morning, looking for some fresh clams out of the shell to fry along with the shrimp, but couldn't find any. They had some canned clams, but I'm afraid they'd be really tough.

ANNE, way to go with the weight loss!!:bravo: :high: :cp: Glad you have some time away from your job and your boss. Have a great vacation. Are you planning anything special, or just hang around and relax? Did you get any snow? We really lucked out. I will be mailing our Christmas cards tomorrow. I plan on wrapping gifts this afternoon.

Hi Su, Jennifer, mauvaisroux, & Kathy. :wave:

Have a great day.
Aleka

Well, I went and popped in the video and helped him do it. It was good for me too, I have a better idea of what to do when I do use it. It is a real work out, at least it looked that way watching DH. He is overweight, but has always had big muscles. He was struggling with it and by the time he was done, felt that it was a good work out and something he will be able to do.
I exercised then, did the cardiosculpt video and 20 min. on the gazelle. I haven't exercised for a week and I can tell, lost a little muscle strength and endurance, but not to much. Man, it sure feels great to be able to exercise and stretch out again.
Tomorrow, I'll do some pilates and then the total gym too. Today, I was just testing myself to see how it felt.
Aleka, I've never had fresh clams. I've never even had fresh seafood. I see some live lobsters in the big grocery stores in Des Moines, but they are so expensive. I always thought clams were like rubber bands. If their fresh their not? Also, how do clean scallops? I like the flavor, but they are always full of sand. I can only get them frozen too.

nikki, I've never cleaned scallops. Do they come in a shell? The only ones I've ever seen have been in the fresh seafood case at my grocery store, they look like big and/or little white lumps. Clams are a bit like rubber, some more than others. But, I absolutely LOVE fried clams. Good to see you back exercising. You really put me to shame. I can think of every excuse not to exercise.:s: I forgot to tell you. Yesterday I got Suzanne's pancake and waffle mix, and today I got the Pots de Creme. I'm dying to try both. Take care. Aleka

Aleka, the scallops I've gotten were frozen and not in the shell. They had a flavor similar to lobster/crab I guess, not exactly the same texture. But they were sandy and I didn't see any sand in them and I rinsed them too. I made a really nice cream sauce (kind of runny) and served them over zucchini noodles. I want to eat more seafood, but it's hard to get. I love orange roughy, but since it's become popular, it is really expensive too.

I didn't use to like to exercise, I think what they say about doing something for 30 or 45 days, and then it becomes a habit, is true.
I'm use to it and so it's become a big part of my life. I'd rather execise than go shopping, can you believe it?:lol:

Good Morning Chicks.
5:35 am, Sunday, Ready for work. Just a few questions, What is the name of this book by Suzanne, please? I have gone to Amazon and tried everything, maybe it is not avalable in Canada??? And how is the Gazalle on your joints??? Legs and knees?? I don't know too much about it. What is it good for?

Ladies I have to tell you something, living in N.S. we have all of the sea food you can imagine, I don't like it. Scallops, lobster, clams etc.
I know seafood is good for you but I can't get over that fish taste.Ha ha.
Anne great weight loss.
well all for now.
Tazcat

Found the books Thanks, but would still like to know what one is best to start with? and a bit about this Gazell, Thanks a bunch,
Tazcat, now 5:55am must go to work, :)

Hi everyone,
Taz, I'd have to say the new one is the one to get, Fast and Easy. Just because it has the newest information in it. Plus, there are some recipes for just basic stuff like ketchup, bbq sauce, things that are staples but expensive to buy and the recipes are -fast and easy.:)
I have a gazelle and I use it almost everyday. I have severe arthritis in my right ankle joint as well as my knees. Oh, the pleasures of getting older. Anyway, there is no impact on your joints. I find I feel like I'm running on the thing, something I haven't done in years. It has no impact on your spine either, now that I have messed that up too, I can say for sure it doesn't hurt your back. It folds up flat and doesn't require a lot of room. It is well made. It is a great cardio work out, my heart rate really gets up there. It has helped my leg muscles and arm muscles become much stronger. It even works on your bottom, chest and back muscles. If I could do only one thing, this would be it.

Today, I used the total gym for the first time. It was a good workout and I feel pretty good after doing it. It is going to take a little getting use to, I folded my finger up in the thing when I was putting it away, but other than that, it's great.

Anne, I'm glad your losing again. When your stalled, even if your losing size, if your not losing weight, it sure makes a person feel like something isn't right. I'm sure I'll stall again, I just hope it doesn't happen too soon, I'm really enjoying seeing the scale move down.

Well, have a good Sunday, we should probably start a new thread tomorrow for the new week. I don't know, but I wonder if it costs more to have longer threads like this one.

Later, Nikki

I believe I've hit a plateau in the weight loss dept. It never fails, the first 10-12 lbs. comes off fairly easy, then BOOM! Usually when this happens I give up, but this time I have vowed not to. At this point, I don't really care because all my clothes fit me again, and I know I can stick it out.

tazcat, it's nice seeing your posts again. Glad that you've found Suzanne's newest book. Actually, all her books are basically the same, going over the rules of the diet, only the recipes and photos are different in each book. Her earlier recipes are more gourmet type recipes, which are delicious, but the newest book is for busy people who either don't care to cook, or don't have time to cook. She also has a dessert recipe cookbook, which I have and there are some fabulous things in there. One of the best cookbooks though, if you can find it, is her recipe contest cookbook where people who are Somersizing developed the recipes.

nikki, last night I made the spiced whipped cream in Suzanne's newest book. It was YUMMY!! :T Yesterday I was watching HSN and they were selling Wolfgang Puck's hand blender/chopper. Debbie, who does a lot of cooking when Suzanne is on, demonstrated making whipped cream from skim milk. I couldn't believe it! So...I bought one. On WW, it costs me a lot of points for real whipped cream, so if I could make it out of skim milk, that would be great. It's weird, real whipped cream has a high point value, but for Cool Whip, which has so many things in it that I can't pronounce, has a very low point value.:?: It's funny you should mention that in Suzanne's new book Dr. Swarzbein told her to eat a small potato for ther seratonin (SP?) level. I have this one diet book in my diet book library, called "The Last Diet You Will Ever Need", I forget who wrote it. It was a low carb/low sugar diet, and she said to eat a potato, cook it anyway you want, except fried, every night before you go to bed. HMMMMM!

Hi Jennifer, Su, mauvaisroux, ANNE, & Kathy.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend. Aleka

See you on the new thread!