I'm still pondering going for my masters....one more year of student loans...EWWW! I think if you can do it you should!

Ugh...I'm STARVING today!! I want the freedom of being on a lowcal plan but man the first few days are rough. On lowcarb I'm rarely if ever hungry and I miss that! It makes me so tempted to just do lowcarb but I just know there are too many days from here till newyears where sticking to that strict of a plan is gonna be impossible. Just gonna have to stick it out, it'll get better! LOL! Plus I think if I had more groceries maybe it wouldnt be so bad. Just need to incorporate more proteins I think.

Okay enough rambling, I need to be reading tax but I cant seem to get motivated. Plus GH is on! LOL!

~melissa

Oh I just love dishing about GH lately...its SO good!! Do you read the spoilers?

Hi everyone,
Of course I've changed my mind yet again. Reading all of the information about the next challenge gets me excited. I guess I have time between now and the deadline to make a decision. I'm thinking that will be happening pretty soon though.

GH...I used to be a GH fan then switched over to Guiding Light. My co- worker tapes GH , no not TIVO, I mean tapes it on a VHS so she can watch it at night once the kids are asleep. I still remember a lot of the characters from when I used to watch it. Right now I don't watch any soaps except these reality shows I'm into.

Yay!! LOL...I'm actually excited to see that you might just stick with us Shay. I really think making it all about the support and less about beating the other team will help ALOT of us. Me especially because i get so darn upset with people for not supporting their team LOL! I think it'll just be nice to have that big group and still have friendly competition but mostly SUPPORT.

LOL @ the vcr...thats how I still tape! LOL!

~melissa

You are so sweet...that's why I love this team!

LondonJulz checked in on the poll thread and I really like her idea of those wanting to remain with their teams can then just filling the empty slots up to a designated number for each team.

Diva--I have a soft spot for LondonJulz too for two reasons 1. I post with her on WW@ home thread and 2. She is a Gator fan!!!! I laughed so hard when I read that about the mashed cauliflower.

I'm so behind with my studying but I am owning it. I will get on top of it. I am slowly chipping away at it.

Off to make my lunch for tomorrow.

Hi ladies. Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I planned on restarting my diet after Thanksgiving, but then I realized that I had 3 days worth of leftovers. I can officially say that I am sick of eating anything refined or bleached (well for now at least).

Good morning ladies, it sounds like everyone had a great thanksgiving weekend. Mine was busy, we traveled an hour for dinner and of course I had to watch my Lions. I was very sad they lost to the packers :(. I placed a bet with a packers fan five bucks and the loser had to get their picture taken in the other teams apparel. I'm so not looking forward to being seen in a Brett Favre jersey! I went out friday and fought the crowds, its always one of my favorite days of the year. We didn't go out til 530, so I'm not one of those crazy ladies that gets in line at 130 for the store to open at 5. It seems like every year the stores start opening earlier and earlier we had a few that opened at 4 am and the lines were still extremely long by 9. My weekend continued with its busy streak, we had 2 birthday parties...yes I did have a piece of bday cake...and it wassss soooo good. We also had some friends in from out of town, so we got together and played a lil texas holdem. So needless to say when Sunday rolled around we all slept in instead of going to church. It was nice to get back in the routine of work, exercise, and eating less. I actually got to sit down last night and watch part of dancing with the stars. Did anyone else watch? I wasn't really impressed with Marie's dance. I think its amazing that she can do all those flips at her age but I don't know maybe it was the outfit and makeup I didn't like. Boy, I guess I'm in the talkative mood this morning, either that or I'm avoiding the morning run;)

Diva-I wanted to let you know that you and Jesse are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything works out ok. Thanks for posting that you didn't like the mashed cauliflower. I was thinking it looked pretty good, but so far I haven't had much luck with new recipes, so I think just take your word that it sucks. My mom used to watch GH years ago, but I've never got into it. I'm a Days and YR fan. I don't get to see days much anymore and occasionally catch a YR episode on Soapnet.

Melissa-Does your masters increase your pay, will you get better jobs because of it? If so, then I'd do it, whats another year of schooling, if its gonna benefit ya in the end. I give you and Diva props for doing the low carb thing...I love my carbs way too much...Course I just love food in general...maybe thats why I'm having trouble losing this damn weight!

Shay-I'm glad to hear your thinking about sticking around for the next challenge. We have a great bunch of girls here and I'd hate to think that you wouldn't be a part of it next go round. I do like Julz idea about people staying on the same team if they like. I'd love to stick with ya guys...

Tera-Glad to hear from you. I know what ya mean about restarting, my whole weekend was filled with bad food choices, but yesterday started a new week and I'm back on track.

Well, so much for my run this morning...I have to go to work early today so I guess, I'll have to fit it in after bowling. Everyone have a great day!

Menu:

Breakfast:
Kashi Autumn Havest cereal with 1% milk
Snack: Amaretto cheesecake yogurt with bran buds
Lunch: Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burger (these are sooo good) with wheat bun
Peach Applesauce
Snack: Banana
handful of pistachios
Supper: not sure

I know I haven't really been here in a couple of days and now I've missed the weigh in. I am such a nitwit! The sad thing is that I totally thought about it yesterday, but was so busy with other things, I went to bed and completely forgot :( I feel like crap for letting you all down. And the really sad thing is that I'm down 2 pounds. I'm very sorry and I hope you'll still let me join in the team chat...

Good morning all!

Here is menu for today:
B- oatmeal and one apple
L- whole grain pasta with turkey meat sauce and salad
S - tangerine
D- salmon and brussel sprouts
S- honeycrisp apple l

Diva- I heard about sean Taylor how tragic. Remember moderation with those cookies. At our office we have a box of turtles delivered as a thank you for business. I try to avoid the break room during this season.

I hope everyone has a great day.

I am so late today girls!! Gonna have to catch up with you this afternoon! Be good!!!

~melissa

Dream--I think I'm addicted to this team. I never thought I would post this much.

Diva--I've been meaning to say this but keep forgetting to type it. I have your family in my thoughts. Okay I live in VA but now I know what people were talking about this morning. I stopped watching the news after Sept 11th because my mom was at Pentagon that day, she's just fine because she got out w/o getting hurt, but they played those scenes over, over, and over again. I got pissed off. What about the people that were actually there? What about the families? Okay let me stop bc I can go on and on about that...All that to say that sometimes I find out about news late bc I only read the Sunday paper. My BF watches CNN, CSPAN, MSNBC all those networks so he keeps me up to date.

Leeda--Of course you can still chat with us!!!

Today's Menu
BF--cereal, soymilk, coffee with sf flavored creamer
S--100 calorie chocolate
L--Mexican Chicken Salad
S--100 calorie pack
S--honey roasted almonds
D--2 slices of pizza

WW--26+5 flex pts=31 pts

Good Afternoon girls! Oye I tell ya I dunno where this day has gone. Its almost time to get my little one and head over to get the big one for her last bball game of the year. Hopefully they'll pull out a win...it'd be the only one! LOL!

Leeda...PLEASE stay around!!

I'm starved so I'm gonna cut it short so I have time to warm up some soup and head out again. We were supposed to get up to 4 inches of snow today...havent seen a flake yet! Why do they always get it wrong? LOL!

Have a wonderful evening everyone!

~melissa

Good Morning! Yesterday went good, I tweaked my menu a little but was still in calorie range for the day, I bowled good and even went for a run on the treadmill last night. I didn't go til bed late, and the dog woke me up two hours after falling asleep...uggh! I was hoping my husband would get up since he doesn't have to work today....but so much for wishful thinking. I still managed to get up at 5 and get a 40 min workout. After I drop DD off at preschool, I have to run and get a serpentine belt for my car, its squealing, so one of the guys from work said he'd change it for me....What a sweetie! I also need to stop at walmart and get some rearview mirror glue. My mirror fell off ohhh maybe at the end of April, I thought maybe it was time to get that sucker back up there. My dear grandma used my car a few months back and thought she'd help me out by super glueing the mirror back on...let me tell ya it don't work...just leaves a mess! After work, I have to go up the hospital and see my aunt, she found out she has a tumor the size of a five pound baby in her uterus, so they are doing a complete historectomy this morning. It's kinda scarey that makes two complete historectomies in my family in the last six months.

Leeda-stick around...even though your numbers don't count anymore, we can still support each other! Hows the running going? I've been a little lax about mine and now I get on the treadmill and my legs start burning and by the end of the first mile I start getting side stitches. It's aggravating since I was up to 3 miles and now I'm struggling with one. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Shay- the news is very upseting, the way they continually play something over and over. I understand people want to know what is going on but there needs to be a limit to how much time is spent replaying the images, in consideration to the people that experienced the event.

Diva-Oh good ole Walmart... I never leave with just what I went in for.

Melissa- I hope the DD won her last BB game.

Mercee-Good idea on avoiding the breakroom...Out of sight out of mind right...my troubles with avoiding the breakroom is thats where we clock in, thats where the water purifier is and theres a window right next to my desk, so I can see all them goodies staring at me calling my name.

Well I better get on with my menu so I can wake up my lil princess

B-Autumn Wheat cereal with 1/2 banana and milk
S-ww amaretto yogurt with bran buds
L-Spicy Black Bean Burger with Wheat Bun and peach applesauce
S-100 calorie smart pop popcorn
S-Pork riblets with bbq sauce, juliene potatoes, and corn.

Good Morning girls!! Let me start by saying I have not forgotten about the prize for Turkey challenge, I just havent found the time to run to the post office...hopefully today.

Bridgette...I hope all goes well with your aunt! How scary!

Shay...hows that c25k going? Havent heard any updates lately but I did see you ran during TBL last night!! Way to go!

Mercee....you dont want any of that old gross stuff in the breakroom anyway! LOL!

Diva....any new news on FFIL? I wish that TBL was on the same time as you girls get it so I could chat with you during the show!

Okay....so confession time. I have been SO hungry the past few days and its really gotten ugly. I do really well for breakfast and lunch but then I'm so hungry starting at about 2pm on through the rest of the night. Its like no matter what I eat I cant calm the beast. So I have overeaten drastically the past 2 days. To the point it hurts! Why can I not seem to get the hungery feelings to go away and stay away. I was woken up this morning at 530 just starved, I couldnt go back to sleep because of it. Got up and drank some water and here I am an hour and a half later still just famished! its so frustrating because I cannot lose weight like this, I'm fighting a huge battle with myself all day long. I think its pretty clear that I just need to go back to doing lowcarb, and just call December a wash, I need to not stress if I get out of burn mode because of a holiday function, just do my best up until it, enjoy with moderation and then right back to lowcarb. I'm gonna have to resolve myself to being okay with maintaining this month.

Unfortunetly I'm not prepared to do lowcarb today but I'm gonna do the best I can till I get to the store this afternoon. So here's the menu:

Breakfast: scrambled eggs w/ ham, coffee (w/ milk I have no cream)
snack: celery w/ cream cheese
Lunch: not sure!
snack: who knows!
Dinner: no idea yet!

I just dont wanna be hungry anymore!!! LOL!

Morning ladies!

Melissa- I know how you feel sometimes the same thing happens to me if I get to much sugar.(I am doing the weight watchers core plan.) I feel totally out of control when that happens. I usualy try to eat a lot of salads during that time so I don't do to much damage. I don't blame you I would go back to low carbing if were you we have to do what works for each of us.

Dream - I wish your aunt the best during surgery and recovery.

Well here's my menu for today

B- oatmeal and an apple
L- 1 salad with crab meat
S- Tangerine
D- Not sure
S- not sure

Well have a nice day ladies.

Roni...its definetly the carbs and sugar that is giving me this bottomless pit feeling. My problem was I shopped for lowcal plan things like fruit, rice, soups, cereals...so not lowcarb! LOL! I'm gonna go back to strict lowcarb for now and then i've got to introduce those things the right way, a little at a time. Then I shouldnt be dealing with the hunger issues. Because I know in my heart of hearts that this is not a lifestyle I can live with. But, being hungry is something I WILL NOT live with! LOL!

~melissa

I think maybe shes just looking at it from a keeping this even and fair stand point. Both teams right now have so many people who still post their weights but never support their team. Perhaps we can just pursuade her to allow the active members of both teams to remain together. That would be what? 5 of us? I dunno how many blue, and of course black wants to stay together too. Its a big chore putting this all together and she's got alot on her plate so making things easier for herself is pretty important. I'm positive she doesnt want to be mean about it at all. It'll all work out. Not to worry just yet, she's still taking suggestions it looks like.

~melissa

Melissa, I know that bottomless pit feeling and I hate it. It always seems to happen to me around the holidays, it's like I'm held hostage by food almost. I hope going LC for a few days helps you out.

Diva, I'm keeping FFIL in my thoughts.

Dream, bless your aunt's heart! How terrible. I hope she is doing better. You are doing well with your working out, keep it up. I had the same problem getting back into running when I injured myself. I read something about losing your running fitness if you took time off and boy did I ever. the only advice I can offer is not to push yourself, just take it slow. Here is a link on side stitchesa and how to stop them. I don't get them, but my bff does and she says this works: I am going running today, doing 3 miles, hopefully DH will watch the baby, so I can go strollerless.

Shay, I saw on the cool runner's thread that you are doing so well in your C25k! I know you must be on cloud 9.

I would post a menu, but I am flying by the seat of my pants today. Trying to clean the house up and get some scrapbooking done.

Oh I forgot to ask Shay: What sports bra did you decide to get? I could go back and look, but I'm lazy :D

I went yesterday to get fitted for a sports bra. I’d already measured myself at home and decided that I need a size 2 enell. I called on the phone to see if they carried that brand and she said they did in addition to another brand (Lunaire) that she said was priced well. When I looked it up online, I could see why. Those bras are not good for high impact. When I got there, I told her that I would probably get the Enell, but I just wanted to try the Lunaire and see how it was. She proceeded to try to force me into like 6 different pair of Lunaires. The first one which was my size just didn’t offer any bounce control at all. So she decided to try more sizes, and after awhile I just told her that I wanted to try on the Enell. Well, she brought me back a size 3. I raised my eyebrows but didn’t say anything. I put one boob in it and she shakes her head and says “Oh no, this won’t do, it smooshes you”…Um, enells smoosh you that’s how they work. As long as it holds me in and I can breathe correctly, I don’t care.She could’ve at least let me actually put the whole thing on.

She then goes and gets a size 4 which is huge on me and she lets me know that it just won’t work. Well, duh, it’s too big! At this point I’d had enough and put my top back on and got out of there. She argued with me, but luckily DS threw a big fit at that moment as if on cue and I got out of there. The running store sells sports bras and I think I will just go there and buy an enell.

I’d really like to use Moving Comfort Maia, but I’m afraid that my breast size will change when I lose weight and stop nursing, so I don’t want to spend that much money on a bra that comes in a specific size like the Maia. I wore a size 1 enell when I was thinner and I think I would be able to fit it again one day for running and then wear the size 2 for other lower impact things.

HA! Leeda you made me laugh...smoosh your boobs! LOL thats funny! I've seen those Enell bras and they scare the heck out of me they look like a straight jacket LOL!! I suppose thats the point...strap those girls down!!

~melissa

I'll be here!! This is a rough time of year for us all to stay the course and I think the extra support might just help! We'll have to do the accountability thing!

I was just thinking about how I want to start baking! Probably should wait till after finals though LOL!

~melissa

Roni...and any other lowcarbers...found something for the holidays you may enjoy!

Low Carb Hot Cocoa
Makes about 4

3 cups half and half(note that half and half is not low carb, I would use cream instead but you may have to water it down so its not too thick I might do 2:1 or even half cream/half water)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
4 tablespoons Splenda or your favorite sugar substitute (add more or less to taste)
extra cream for whipped topping (optional)

Heat half and half in saucepan over medium heat, add cocoa and Splenda, wisking continuously. Do not allow to come to a boil. Add whipped cream for garnish if desired.

~melissa

Hey everyone,
It was a busy day today and tomorrow will be another one. I had a lot of reading to do when I got on here so I could catch up.

Dream--I hope your aunt is doing okay

Diva--Happy to hear FFIL is doing better. I see the GATORS in your signature..."I say its great to be a Florida Gator!" Love them!

Leeda--I got the Moving Comfort Fiona and the girls do not move. It is also a smoosher. I asked for a Maia for Christmas and here's hoping I get it. If I don't I will just buy it myself.

Leeda & Melissa--C25K is going great. It is WK 4 and I can't believe I have lasted this long. WK4D1 kicked my bootay (LMAO when Bryan said that last night). Oh goodness but not enough to even think about quitting.

Melissa--I'm still struggling myself to stay OP. Despite this the extra poundage is slowly slipping away. Here's hoping I can at least maintain for the next weigh in. Like the recipe. I have been having a lot luck with trying recipes lately. Do you have any nutritional info for the recipe? Specifically calories, fat, and fiber?

Running does decrease the size of the sisters. I remember my trainer in the past said she really enjoyed running but she didn't like the side effect of it reducing her breast size when she said hers aren't that big to start with.

Today's Menu
BF--breakfast wrap, turkey italian sausage, coffee with sf flavored creamer
S--popcorn
L--Mexican Chicken Salad
S--Corn Casserole
D--Napa Valley Burger
S--I still may have this snack but I got a lot of water to drink before the night is up. So I may be floating and can't fit anything else in.

WW--26+5 flex pts=31 pts

okay so I put the cocoa in fitday and its about 8-10 carbs per cup...which is alot if on strick carbs but not if just watching carbs. Also, I wouldnt recommend using the recipe if you are a calorie counter, you can make really good cocoa using skim milk. I would suggest using the Viva Skim Delite milk, with the pink label, it is creamier and still fat free.

Next time I order syrups I'm getting the Davinci sugar free chocolate to see how that compares to the sugarfree Hersheys syrup. I hear its really good. I'll let you know. That'll reduce carbs even more.

~melissa

Mmmm, cocoa! I will have to trythat recipe!

Diva and Mel---the worst thing about the whole experience was how the sales lady kept reaching in my bra,erm, adjusting me. I didnt' know where to look. Not that many people have had their hands on my boobs, very embarrassing. I will so not be putting myself through that again.

Diva--I'll cross my fingers that your twins shrink. And mine too!! Glad to hear FFIL is doing well.

Melissa---Baking has crossed my mind too. I've been hard pressed not to make pumpkin bread.

Shay---It's funny how C25k can feel both good and bad at the same time, issn't it? It's so worth it though. The maia looks great, I just think I will wait until I lose about 20 more pounds to get one. All the more motivation to get my butt in gear.

Time to go to bed, nite ladies!

Oh pumpkin bread ....yummo!! I actually made some pumpkin bread for one of my classes the week before Thanksgiving. Thats one of my specialties! And actually I could make that somewhat healthy too...just not lowcarb. I cant believe the sales lady was adjusting you! LOL...see thats why I've never gone for a professional bra fitting, I just cant do it...maybe once I've reached goal.

Just read another chapter of tax and did the homework, only took me 4.5 hours...ugh! I hate tax! I dont understand why everyone cant just pay $100 a year and be done with it! I suppose that wouldnt net Uncle Sam very much would it! Just seems like there's got to be an easier way, one that doesnt make me wanna jab needles up my fingernails!!

Anyone else watch Shrek the Halls tonight? so cute! Off to relax a little and try and stop thinking about realized and recognized losses and gains!

~melissa

Mornin Ladies! Yesterday turned out to be a heck of a day. My DD decided it was a good day to be a stinker. I don't understand how it could take a four year old over an hour to get dressed, eat a pop tart, brush her teeth and comb her hair. She was late for preschool and I was on my last nerve. It was a good thing I had time to calm down before I went to work. Thanks to all the well wishes for my aunt. My aunts surgery went good. They removed a 2 lb tumor they started doing biopsies right away and so far no signs of cancer. :carrot: They also did a complete hysto. DD and I are going to see her this morning before we go to grandmas. I found out yesterday that DD ex-babysitter isn't doing very good. She had gastric bypass about 5 years ago, and has had all kinds of problems since then. My friend went to see her at halloween and said she looked aweful, she was very weak, was nothing but skin and bones, and was falling all the time. Since then they have put her in skilled care, shes probably 5'7" and weighs 108lbs, the docs have no idea whats wrong. We are planning taking her a xmas present on friday after D dentist appt.
Last night we watched Freedom Writers have any of ya seen it? It has Hillary Swank and McDreamy in it and it was soooo goooood.
Tonight we have D xmas party at preschool, its an hour long and then we'll be rushing home to watch the Football game! For fantasy football purposes I hope its a high scoring game just as long as the Boys win against the Pack!

Leeda-I appreciate the advice and the link on the side stitches. I've been running since July and had em only a couple of times when I first started out. I can't believe that sales lady, I think I would of probably been like "EXCUSE ME, I can adjust myself, thanks." I suppose she just thought she was helping, but really who does that.

Diva-Its good to hear that your FFIL is doing good. Hopefully they will figure out the dizzy/fainting spells. My mom is going thru a similar situation. She has these spells where her heart rate slows way down and everything around seems to be in slow motion, and she gets really dizzy. Her reg doc says theres nothing wrong with her. Shes on the waiting list to get into the mayo clinic but there's a six month wait. I think you should do the C25K. I love running...its a great stress reliever. Its a struggle at first. I had to force myself to run sometimes, but then one day it all changed, its definitely a great stress reliever. As for the girls shrinking, I've lost a few inches, but definitely not enough.

Shay- I'm glad that the C25K is going well for you. Keep up the good work. I know what ya mean about the new recipes. I've had people tell me oooh this recipe is just awesome, so I think I'll try it, it ends up tasting like crap. I'm thinking, how the **** can they eat this, but I guess we all have different tastes.

Melissa- I can relate on wanting to do some baking. When I do I usually have a couple pieces and then I take it to work, and let the guys scarf it down. I bought stuff to make choc chip cookies, my daughters fav, but haven't had time to get em made. I also found a recipe for these mint bars that my mom used to make when I was a kid, so I want to make those...then there's all those christmas cookies. Ugghh! If I manage to lose any weight this next month it'll be a miracle!

Well no morning run again, maybe I'll try after work tonight.

Todays menu:

B-fruit bar
S-WW yogurt
L-1 cup chili
applesauce
S-smart pop 100 cal bag popcorn
D-finger foods at preschool


Everyone have a great day!

Bridgette.

Good Morning Sunshines!! I'm up and at em early today...why? cuz I was hungry! LOL! Oye! Today is gonna be SO MUCH better though! Its snowing, not really accumulating to much and I'm sure it'll be stopping soon but its still snowing! LOL!

I've decided that I dont like milk products! Weird. But since I started making my coffees with milk I just dont like the flavor of them. i can taste the milk. And last night I had a 1/2 cup of pumpkin icecream and while it was good to start with, I could taste the milk and it was icky. so weird. Cheese i can still do though, go figure the fattiest of the bunch.

Bridgette...I'm so glad to hear that your aunt is doing well. Thats really strange about your dd's babysitter. Gosh I hope they can figure out what is wrong with her. I'm not saying this about her, but I wonder if after GB surgury the addiction can swing the other way. Before we are addicted to food then after we get addicted to how much we dont eat. Does that make sense. Very scary stuff. I have seen that movie, thought it was really good. Have fun at your party tonight, but I'm gonna be rooting for the packers...just cuz my family is from WI. LOL!

Alright, I suppose I'll go get the brats up and out of bed. Short classes today but I've got TONS of homework and I need to get dd into the ortho, her gum seems to be growing over one of her brackets...gross!

Have a lovely day everyone!!

~melissa