[derrydaughter]

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

[haylo921]

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

newlifestyle: Have a good day!!!!

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

[TechAlum]

Good Morning All,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Tech

[TechAlum]

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

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

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

Makes 6 servings, about 1 cup each

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

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

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

Cooked Wheat Berries

Makes about 4 1/2 cups

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

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

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

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

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

-Tech

[derrydaughter]

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

[haylo921]

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

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

[derrydaughter]

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

[Newlifestyle]

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

[Newlifestyle]

I keep having trouble posting. Weird

[derrydaughter]

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

[haylo921]

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

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

[TechAlum]

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

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

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

Have a great day everyone.

-Tech

[LindaD]

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

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

[Newlifestyle]

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

[EricaL]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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