I love the "Brady Bunch on speed" line :) ha ha! I haven't heard of OPC and I like that - I'm going to have to remember that! I know that when I'm finally alone in my home, I seem to ALWAYS turn to food when the (soon-to-be) stepdaughter goes back home. It's like Aaaaahhhhhh. I need to run a hot bubble bath instead.

How wonderful to have someone to share your healthy lifestyle with you. Are the options over there easy to find - the organic choices, etc.? What types of meals do you prepare that are favorites? I'm not familiar with that part of the world at ALL.

We're quite a global community - Israel, Canada, Australia, NY, midwest (Annie, do you count Oklahoma as midwest?) - fun!

The food here in Israel is absolutely amazing, but unfortunately, this place is trying to be more American that the States, and fast food and processed crap are getting to be very popular here. As a result, Israelis who used to eat a Mediterranean diet are now getting fat on Big Macs and supersized nachos. I grew up in the States (I'm originally from the Bronx), and if you can believe it, the first time I tasted a Whopper or some KFC was here in Israel.

The produce here is outstanding, the oranges taste like oranges, tomatoes taste like tomatoes. Each time I go back to New York to visit I am amazed at how beautiful, yet tasteless, the produce is. Organic farming is becoming more and more popular, and prices of organic fruits and veggies are going down, so we are buying more and more of it. This morning for breakfast I had a bowl of organic oatmeal made with lite soy milk and sweetened with brown rice syrup.

One major problem with our lifestyle is that we're religious, so Friday night dinner is a huge tradition, we can be 16 around the dinner table, just family. Each Sabbath meal is like the equivalent of an American Thanksgiving dinner, and we do it all over again for Saturday lunch! Everyone's diet starts on Sunday in this country.

I know how to make good, healthy food. I just need help in not eating so much of it! :mad:

How is the weather where all of you are? Here it's balmy and springlike, unfortunately. We're praying for rain.

If I could just send some of our precipitation to you, I would!! It's another gray winter day here ... my moods are incredibly dependent on the sunshine. And it rarely shines here. UGH. But such is life, huh? It's actually much warmer this week - we're in the upper 20s now.

Are the Friday night dinners made by just one or two people, or does everyone bring dishes?

I grew up in Italy and then in Spain from 8-16 and there was NO fast food there then ... now, much more americanized. I remember when we'd go to Germany, the BIG DEAL was that I could get a cheeseburger at McDonald's in Munich. The heck with the alps, the heck with the Brenner Pass, etc. ... ha ha! It's not like we did fast food before we went there, either.

Now how did you end up in Israel from the Bronx? Your food there sounds so REAL! I agree - here it's pretty (and the fruit that's not perfect often goes unpurchased...) but lacks true flavor oftentimes.

Friends (old and new), I am so sorry I haven't posted in a few days. So busy here w/ holiday prep and just learned some bad news about my son's (college freshman) grades. I am just so disappointed. Trying to deal with all of that and just have not had time to sit down and gather my thoughts long enough to post here.

When I am able I will get it together and catch up here. This place has been so important in my journey and I want to continue and give back to everyone here.

Food is going okay, considering the holidays, and exercise is going well, too.

So glad to see new members here with us. I promise to be back to my regular posting self soon.

Annie - don't stress about the grades. I worked at a university for 12 years. That's COMMON for freshmen. No parent wants to hear that, though - I understand that. But with grade forgiveness if that's available there, and some hunkering down and working hard, he'll rebound from that. it's a major shock to many students that the professors don't care whether you show up to class, do any work, participate, etc. Very different from HS. But usually all it takes is one semester and it dawns on them - hey! I have to apply myself a lot more here than in HS.

just wanted to pop in with that - even if you don't get a chance to read it soon... Hang in there!!!

Good morning! Another gorgeous day here in sunny Ra'anana, just off the coast of the Mediterranean. And that's not a good thing! NP, I wish you could send me some of your rain and snow, just keep the cold. I remember too many winters waiting at the bus stop and not being able to feel my toes. I was in New York last winter, a year ago this week, actually, cleaning out my mother's apartment (she died last October). Inside was warm and toasty but when we had to go out the snow was up to our knees and we needed layer upon layer upon layer. Then you get to the supermarket where once again it's warm and toasty, and you start taking off all those layers, argh!

I had to laugh when you made that comment about McD's and the Alps. My kids did the same thing when we came to New York. All that culture, all the wonderful sights, but the thing that impressed them most was walking past the coffee shop from Seinfeld and a Starbucks on every corner.

Annie, don't stress out so much about your son. Being a college freshman is a totally new experience, he's experiencing a lot of freedom right now that he didn't have in high school. Let him know that you expect him to do the best that he can do and that you are always there to support him. When he goes back for the spring semester things will get more serious.

Those Friday night dinners are a killer. In most cases it's the woman who does all the planning, inviting, shopping, cooking and clean-up, with the kids helping a bit with the clearing up and the dishes. In my first marriage that was the way it was. Now in Chapter Two I have the most amazing guy, he does everything together with me (or do I do it with him?). We do the weekly shopping together, he's the King of Fruits and Veggies and I am the Dessert Queen, so we split up and get everything done in half the time, meeting at the cash register. We also split the cooking, it's so nice to be able to invest time in baking challah and playing around with desserts and side dishes while he makes sure the main course and all the veggies are on the table. He does a mean antipasti, and you should see what he does with a blowtorch. Actually, I have a blog that combines our family life with cooking and recipes, so you can see his blowtorch in action.

What kind of food plan are you all doing? I'm interested in seeing what works for everyone.

Hello everyone, thank you for the welcome. I really haven't found the right forum for me. The featherweights forum seems to be made up of youngins...they are all adorable but probably can't relate to a middle aged desperate housewife.

Miri I am from the Bronx also, but I didn't move as far away as you did...I just moved to the suburbs..LOL...Yes, NY produce is tasteless. We try and buy organic and in the summer we grow our own vegetables....Europeans are getting fatter...I noticed this the last time I was in Greece. Their lifestyle is changing....plus they don't have access to all the products we do..there is no Costco there .LOL.

I'm having a hard time. Tried starting Atkins yesterday and wound up cheating last night because of stress. I hate going to Christmas dinner looking and feeling big and sloppy. I know that i"m not obese, but I still feel sloppy .

Hey there Zumbachica! Love the name, but have yet to try it out. Do you like it?

Where from in the Bronx? I'm a Co-Op City girl. If you're out in the burbs now are you where you can walk, some of the neighborhoods in Westchester County are so pretty.

I was on a version of Atkins back in 2003/2004 -- Sommersizing. Result are great, but you go a little crazy on the way. I thought about going back to it this time but I need my carbs, they keep me sane.

Good morning/afternoon/evening - I have no idea of time zones :) ... hope everyone is doing well today!

We got another 4" of snow at least last night on top of what was already in the yard. Miriyummy, it's yours for the taking!! Our pooch wanted to go out and play, but really were cramped on time. Feel bad, so will take her out this evening and romp with her in the snow. Did more baking (and will finish that up this evening) and bathed the dog so when I blow her dry after being in the snow if she's all caked up, she won't STINK. phew. I'm a cat person, I guess! ha! Wrapped a few more things and finished up a major gift project for my sister-in-law. Looks wonderful. I'm excited to give it to her. Finally off to bed at 1 a.m. and up to head in to work this morning. Drive was DICEY. I HATE driving in the freaking ice/slush/snow. Ashley, I could never live where it's snowy like you have it all the time. Unless I was a writer and worked from home :) ha! How are YOU doing?

I'm trying to count calories. Well, that's my goal. Now I'm indulging in way too much crapola. I want to just eat healthy with no food group restrictions, just moderation and as fresh/natural as possible. I rarely buy prepackaged foods but keep a couple of things on hand to throw a quick meal together now and then. As he says, wow this cooking makes for a LOT of dishes. Yep.

Zumbachica - I look at your weight and have a hard time imagining feeling sloppy - I felt GOOD when I was there. And now it's a distant memory :( ... Is it an inside feeling of things not as you want them in your life or clothes or just an all-over not pulled together feeling? Do you travel a lot?

How's the A-Team? Annie - you hanging in there? Do you work up to Christmas Eve or thru it?

Ange - making progress on your home still or taking a break for the holiday week?

Hello! Working things out with my son and his Dad re: his grades. This is really very serious as he received two "F" grades. We talked on and off all evening last night and I just hate that this is happening at Christmas.:( I keep telling him that I love him even with all of the griping I am doing.

Anyway, onward with life. I am doing pretty well considering all of the temptations around right now. I've been having a treat here and there, just trying to watch the portions and not just going hog wild. Making a double batch of cookies tonight. I need to get caught up on housework and finish wrapping a few gifts. We will be going w/ fiance to his brother's house for Christmas Eve and munchies. We probably wouldn't be going but his Mom lives there and cannot really get out to go anywhere so we must go. I so wish I had some of my family nearby to spend time with. So glad my sons will be here.

We will be having leftover potato soup for supper tonight. My first time making it this weekend and it turned out so good. Def. NOT low fat!!:o

Welcome to Miriyummy and Zumbachica!! I look forward to getting to know you both!!

Hey NP, we cross posted! I will be off after tomorrow until 12/28. I am really looking forward to having some time off.:carrot: How about you?:hug:

Good Morning everyone, welcome Zumbachica and Miriyummy.

I took Monday off and rested almost all day after a horribly busy last week and weekend. It was great, food wise not so great was off plan all weekend and part of monday. Back on plan today and not going to beat myself up cause then it just makes things worse.

Yay for winter driving people are insane on the roads sometimes. Had the two granddaughters over on Sat night, first time for both of them usually just have the 3 year old, and the 1 year old was up crying at 1 for like 20 min. Took her to my bed then she was fine. Hubby was not feeling well Sunday morning so I carted both kids to church on my own, sheesh what a circus if you are not use to it. Two car seats two kids who like to walk off on their own and explore two kids to ‘winterize’, hats coats mitts boots. The kids love going and the 3 year old had a huge Christmas party there so I did not want her to miss out. I am soooooo glad my kids are grown!

Ange – I am 4 and a half hours south of Fort Mac, it does get a little colder there and we have dusk at 10 in the summer right now it gets light at 8:30 AM and dark at 3:30 but it is nice to have the sunshine even when it is cold. Today is -16 not to bad, I will go walking at lunch up until it is about -21 – 22. You just need the right gear is all. Beyond that I use the elliptical at home. Ijust really like doing my exercise on my lunch hour as I don’t know what else to do with myself and that way it is done. I also find it energizing and feel better for the rest of the afternoon it helps ward off the most tempting time for me which is 1:30 – 3:00

NP when is your wedding date? Off to florida – have a wonderful time I hope it all goes well for you. Getting married near Christmas my you are brave! Hope you got the sleep you wanted and no you are not the only bride to gain weight and I am sure you will look beautiful!!

Annie, I know the stress of kids getting F's in school or dropping out all together. How old is your son? even when our children do poorly in school they still can succeed in life. It is so stressful to have a child go in this direction, but we do what we can keep our head up, say prayer for them and they will definiatly turn out okay. There are so many things in our lives that we cannot control - mainly people places and things - we can only control our attitude toward these things ( I try so hard for that) but still it can be difficult, sometimes it helps to remember "this too shall pass" we walk thru the valley of the shadow of death, we don't set up camp there, (though I think I am guilty of setting up several camps there on several different occasions).
One of the most inspiring stories for me is my daugher - she was a meth addict for 3 years, it was **** on earth, did not know where whe was for weeks at a time and many days I would just wish and pray I had some sort of clue she was alive. There were more than 4 times she should have been dead but was not - things like she decided to not get in a car with someone who 20 minutes later had a car accident and died. She has been clean 7 years now, miracle in itself. Just got clean all on her own, although we both give God the credit. She never finished school but succeeded in computer tech support and was number one at her job and her training for the job for 3 years till she had kids and got married.
If she can do this then I can certainly not shove cupcakes in my mouth!!!

What I do love about a stressful day, or week, or month is if I am successful and stay on plan it is the best feeling in the world it is like this terrible thing happened today or is ongoing and I made it thru the day without overeating! There is such joy in that.
Sorry for the long post part of me is venting and part of me needs a little hope. Have been struggling with severe depression this past week or so and this seems theraputic.

OMG -16!! YIKES. I was whining when it was -1 here. ACK. I keep saying I don't know WHY everyone doesn't move to Florida to raise their kids. It's so cheap. No major expenditure for winter clothes and you're always on time as there's no hunting mittens, putting on snow boots, etc. Just throw an extra sweatshirt on them! Well, some areas DO get chilly and you need a coat, but not the heavyduty ones like up north.

Ashley - what a stressful period you've been through! I eat when I'm stressed (can't understand those who stop eating when stressed and hold secret envy for that) ... so would have just ballooned up crazily. That's great that your daughter got clean - and to do it herself from meth - that's crazy hard.

Taking a quick lunch break - leftovers from yesterday. And I have a big salad that I haven't started on yet. Of course leave the HEALTHIEST thing for later. UGH. And my pants are straining at the seams today.

SO, on that food thought ... Do you have a traditional holiday dinner that you're looking forward to?

Thank you for the kind words, Ashely. Especially like the part about not setting up camp in the valley.:) My son is 18 and just finished his first semester at college. I am more disappointed than angry. He is a smart kid and is trying to do what he did in high school....just enough to get by. I guess he found out that won't work in college. Am praying by giving him another chance next semester that he will return the favor with better grades. Just hate that all this happened at Christmas....his Dad took his car away (don't blame him at all)...so he will be pouting.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your story. It helps put this all into perspective. Life does go on and things will get better.