Hi,
Hope things are going well with everyone. I'm on day 2 of the curves program and everything is great with that. I've stayed really close to what the menu in the book suggests, with a few substitutions for foods that I couldn't get. Who would guess that I couldn't get fresh strawberries this time of year?
I did the gazelle and BF this morning and will do a little more on the gazelle this evening.
The weather is great. One of the nicest days we've had in a long time. Crisp and cool.
Talk to you soon, Nikki

Good Morning All!!

My internet was down this weekend so I was unable to post.

Wow, it looks like Isabel is going to pack a punch. Even
Toronto has a good chance of being somewhat impacted.
Lets hope she turns around and goes out to sea without
making landfall in North America!!! As if we haven't had enough
disasters to cope with

Ok, I got measured on Saturday and results are as follows

Bust: 43.5
Upper Abs 36 inches
Waist 35 inches
Hips: 46 inches
Upper thights: 22 inches.

The results slow the longer you do the exercise but heck, it
really isn't too bad. I will have to look up my starting measurements but The were pretty bad.


Talk to you Later.
Anne.

Hi,
I haven't seen the news in a week or more, so had no idea about the storm. Hope it misses you Aleka and that it doesn't affect you too much Anne.
Anne, I don't recall what my starting measurements were either. I'm afraid to look at them, now that I've gained back some weight. I know in the past week I've lost around 5 or 6 lbs. All water I'm sure as I've spent more time in the bathroom than anywhere else in the last two days. Anne, your persistence with BF and low carb dieting is an inspiration to me. Sometimes when I want to eat something and shouldn't (like a Krispie Kreme-Hello, my name is Nikki and I'm a Krispie Kremeaholic), I think of you and the thought leaves my head.
I'm reading Dr. Phils book as I do the gazelle. I set it up on a shelf next to me. It's not the easiest way to read, but it sure passes the time. It seems to be a good book and focuses on why you over eat and ways to replace bad behavior with good behavior. Aleka, I I have all the books to start a small library myself. I finally decluttered some of them and gave a bunch away. It kind of reminded me that most of them, were really worthless as they didn't help me at all. Some weren't even read.
I read on another board that a woman said that to pass the time on her treadmill, she listens to books on tape. She only listens while she's exercising and this makes it so she can't wait to exercise, as she can't wait to find out what happens next in the book. I think I'll go to the library and see what they have for taped books and try that myself.
Got to do my BF and get the day going, hope things are going well for you both, Nikki

From the weather report this morning, unless Isabel turns a bit more north, NH will not be directly hit. It looks like it will make land fall in NC & VA. We will probably see some remnant of the hurricane, with heavy downpours and some wind, which they say should hit us on Friday. We'll just have to watch and see what happens.

nikki, congratulations on your weight loss!! That is fantastic. What are you using for their meal replacement shake? I know in the book they said you could make your own.
I did the same with most of my diet books that I never read. I have a huge box filled with old cookbooks and diet books ready to get rid of. I think I will cave in and buy Dr. Phil's book. I know I do want to lose weight, so hopefully I can get some insight on why I keep sabotaging myself. That is a good idea about listening to a book on tape while on the treadmill. I just got some fresh strawberries at the supermarket a few days ago. They look like they have been frozen though, when you cut them up. These strawberries will probably be the last ones I'll buy. Apples are out now. I love fresh apples.

ANNE, congratulations on your inches lost! You really are doing great with BF. Are you still Somersizing? How is your Dad doing?

Have a wonderful day.
Aleka

Aleka, about the protein shake-they never really give you a real recipe in the book. I've kind of pieced together that it is suppose to have 8 oz. of skim milk, ice cubes, a soy protein powder with no more than 20 carbs and at least 20 grams of protein, some added vanilla or almond flavor and maybe 1/2 cup of fruit like strawberries. I went to Walmart and bought the Carb Solutions high protein shake mix. It is not all soy, some whey, some milk, the carbs are 3 grams, protein content is 21 grams. It says you can just mix it with water. So far, I've mixed it with skim milk and ice cubes. It is not the worst or the best protein mix I've tried, but I can drink it and don't mind too much. I've thought of going over to Curves here in town or calling to see how much their drink mix is, but I'm afraid they will give me the hard sell to join. I don't want to spend that much on exercise, especially when I can do it here for free.
Thanks for the applause, but I feel like they are undeserved. I have gained and lost these same pounds all year and I'm just to the point of embarrassement over it. I think Dr. Phils book will help me too with getting my head on straight when it comes to weight lose. There must be some reason that I keep sabotaging myself. Or it could be, I just love food for the taste. Either way, I hope it helps me to come to a better understanding of what I want and how to get there.

Hi,
I'm feeling terrific today. I hope things are going as well for you guys.
I called Curves and they said that their protein drink is 20 bucks. I know Atkins is around 16, but I've read it tastes aweful. I don't know how the Curves shake tastes, but will stop by and give it a try. Speaking of Atkins products, I bought the baking mix, pancake syrup, teriaki sauce and bbq sauce last night. I decided to take Dr. Phils advice and stock my kitchen with stuff I can eat rather than stuff I shouldn't eat. I know it's expensive, but at our local grocery store, its a lot cheaper than SS food and I've sure bought lots of that. Has anyone tried any of the Atkins products? When I'm on low carb diets, what I miss the most is being able to put some kind of breading on things, like eggplant, zucchini and mushrooms. I don't plan on making a lot of baked items, but thought I'd also try the white bread mix, mostly to grind it down after baking into crumbs and freezing them to use later as breading. The baking mix and syrup is for emergency use when I am craving doughnuts I'll stick with the curves diet as planned for the next 2 weeks and then incooperate the Atkins food after that, because after that you should increase your carbs.
Got to get outside and get some painting done. The weather has been great, and it's suppose to rain on Thursday, so I want to try to get as much done as possible.

Hi Everyone!!
Nikkic, I'm glad to see you are doing so well It makes a person
feel swell when they are seeing positive results.

These last few days I have been reviewing my Atkins tapes, and
my Protein Power Plan tapes. They are indeed quite similar

Aleka, my dad is feeling some better and is going away for
a couple of days with my sister and mom. They are going up
to Niagara On The Lake to enjoy some of this great weather.

I am hoping the change will do my dad good.

I have been somersizing but now I am going to try my PP Plan
again for a few weeks. I am determined even with all our family
occassions that I will get this weight of my below 200 pounds

Sounds like the hurricane might be decreasing in strength. That
is great news!!

Anne.

It doesn't look like we'll be getting the brunt of Isabel, thankfully. We will be on the outter fringes and will still get heavy rain and winds. My IL's usually travel to Va Beach for 2 weeks this time of year, but a few months ago decided not to go this year. Lucky for them!

ANNE, glad that your Dad is going better and is going away for a while. The trip should do him a world of good. It's good to mix your plans around because I would think your body can get used to one thing and create a plateau.

nikki, glad that you're feeling good. Is there anyway you can make your own protein shake without having to use Atkins shakes? Has the weather cooled off where you are? Our humidity finally broke yesterday and we're back into fall again. I went out earlier this morning and the windows on my car were wet. Just like it's supposed to be in fall. I am meeting a friend for a late lunch and on my way to meet her I'm going to stop at BJ's to see if they have Dr. Phil's book. I was going yesterday, but it got very crazy around here and I was unable to go. There is a thread on this site that is going to discuss the book chapter by chapter starting Sept. 22nd. If I can find the book I think I will join in on the discussion.

Take care and have a great day.
Aleka

HI,
I've had a hectic day so far and it's only 12:24. Started to paint the side of the garage and when I went down to take the laundry out of the dryer, the clothes were wet. Since the dryer has been fixed many times and the last time, the repair guy said that it would be cheaper to get a new dryer next time it breaks, I guess a new one is what I'll get. Hung out the clothes, took DD to the grocery store, shopped at two places for dryers, took DD to another grocery store and now, I'm going to look on line to comparision shop. AGGGGGHHHHH!!!! Thank God for coffee.
I did my Body Flex this morning and I really think I'm getting the hang of it finally. Jumped on the Gazelle for a quick 20 afterward.
Aleka, I will look for that thread, thanks for letting me know about it. I really like the book, just need to find the time to read it. I've been trying to read it while I'm on the Gazelle, but I really need some new glasses, I can't see with these very well. Guess I'll just have to sit down and read it with my glasses off, so I can see it.
I'm doing great on the curves diet plan. It's basically low carb, but you can eat carrots, and I like that. You never think that much about carrots, until you try to cook without them.
Anne, I think a change in eating will be just what you need to get you below 200 lbs. I really believe our bodies get use to our diets and then try to maintain our weight that way. I'm thrilled to hear your dad has gone on a vacation. What a beautiful place to be able to go to.
Got to go shopping on line. Take care, Nikki

Nikkic, you can make a tasty breading for meat or veggies using crushed pork rinds, sesame seeds and protein powder. There are three different coating mix recipes. These are all from the Dr. Atkins Quick and Easy New Diet Cookbook.

#1
1/2 cup of ground pork rinds (any flavor)
1/4 cup ground sesame seeds
1/2 tsp pepper

#2
1/4 cup ground sesame seeds
1/4 cup tofu or soy flour
1/2 tsp pepper

#3
1/2 cup ground pork rinds
1/4 cup tofu or soy flour
1/4 tsp pepper


Personally I can't stand the Atkins Bake Mix but I've recently bought Atkins Quick Quisine Pancake mix and it's not bad at all.
One serving is three large pancakes for 3 gr carbs. Served with a 0 carb syrup and bacon it makes a hearty breakfast.

I've now been doing Body Flex for a week (not every day though) and lost 1 inch off my waist and 1/2 inch off upper arms. It's hard to measure accurately when you're flabby but I can tell I have toned, especially in the belly. I'm supposed to be doing it twice a day now but so far haven't gotten around to it. I'm very happy with the program though. I'm definitely going to stick with it and yes, it does get easier as you go along although I still can't do the pretzel. My legs are too chubby to cross.

Good Morning Everyone
I was so happy yesterday, I was walking along at lunch time
with one of my co-workers and I spotted a lovely top that
was quite fancy and only $17.00 reduced. I thought it would
be perfect for my 25th anniversary coming up because it was
black with silver sparkling details on it. It was a size Large
guess what, it fit like a dream all I have to
say is thankyou Greer!!!

We are in the line of Isabel so we will be getting heavy rain
on Friday. I can just see us mopping the basement

Oh well, its exercise right??

Aleka, I'm glad you won't be impacted. Who needs it!!!

Nikkic, guess what we are waiting on dryer repair man. I hope
he shows up today. My 23 year old son has a day off from
university which really helped because I have to go to work.


Have a great day.
Anne.

Hi,
Well, I typed out a long message, but I included too many smiley faces in it, so it was lost. I guess I went overboard when I heard you got into a size large, Anne. Way to go, good for you and I'm really proud of you. You are my inspiration and I can only imagine how good you feel getting into a large and it looking good on you.
LindaBC, thank you for the recipies. I will try them. I thought of making a quick bread with the mix, making crumbs in the food processor with it and using that for a coating. I've used pork rinds before, but not with sesame seeds or soy flour.
I wasn't able to cross my legs for a long time either. You might try lifting the leg your suppose to, stretch out the muscle and then twist backward as much as possible.
I am sick. I thought it was allergies, but its some kind of cold. I have a fever, my sinus' are so swollen, I can only breathe through my mouth and my throat is sore. I slept very little last night, just because of the breathing problem.
The weather has turned much colder this afternoon. It was in the 80's this morning, now it's in the 50's and raining. We attended a funeral for one of my husbands friends father. I didn't know him, but went to be with my husband and for his friend who is a sweet man. It was a beautiful service, the first time I've been in a Catholic church.
Our new dryer is being installed right now. Anne, I bet if you listen closely, you can hear DH cursing, clear up in Canada. They only sent one guy to move in the new one and take out the old one. My dishrag weighs more than he does. He doesn't seem to know how to install things very well either, so DH has had to help him do that too. Well, I think it's done, so better get down there and make sure everything is ok. Take care, Nikki

ANNE, congratulations on fitting into a size large. That is such fantastic news!!! You really are doing a great job. A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your DS today!

nikki, if your cold hangs on a long time, you may have a sinus infection. When my allergies kicked up about a month ago it started with a sore throat, but it wasn't the same as when I'm coming down with a cold. Hope you feel better soon. Glad you got a new dryer and it's up and running. Do you get Arnold bread in your area? Went grocery shopping yesterday and DH found some low carb bread made w/whole wheat, and 6 gm. of carb per slice.

Take care and enjoy your weekend.
Aleka

Happy Friday Everyone

We were so lucky. There has been some wind, some rain
but nothing of a serious nature thank goodness.

Thank you both for your kind words I am so happy for my DS
James, you would not believe how trim he is becoming. I
bought a pkg. of keto strips just to check, my was positive
in the slightest way, Jamie scored right to the end. I said
Jamie at this rate you will be at goal by Christmas time

I was looking at the Atkins bars wondering if they slow progress
down if you were to eat 2 per week. Generally speaking it has
been my experience the closer you stay to the "grass roots" the
better the result

Nikkic, I laughed right out loud when I read about your DH
cursing. Man oh man that sounds mighty familiar
Two of my sons have had colds lately too. I thought it was
ragweed. Sean has been complaining about his ear though.

Aleka, I sure wish our stores would cater more to the low carb
lifestyle. It would sure make my life easier. Problem
is, even when you see anything low carb the price would
knock you out

Talk to you later....
Anne.

HI,
Yes, I think it's a sinus infection, I'm going to make a Drs appointment. Bet I can't get in today, but I'm going to try.
The dryer works great and it's so nice to have one that doesn't leave brown streaks all over the clothes. DH said that the guy that was suppose to install it, didn't know the difference between tightening and loosening. I don't know much about installing dryers, but I think even I know the difference between that.
I made salsa this morning, one hot and one medium, but they both seem pretty hot to me. They are really good, I'm going to freeze it so I don't have to mess around canning.
Anne, I have used all of the bars and some are better than others. I didn't have good luck with them, but mostly because I can't eat just one, I have to eat 5 or 6. They are small, afterall. The mint is really good. I bought a whole box at GNC and they were gone in just 3 days.
I got a smoothie maker from QVC today. I can't get my blender to crush ice for the protein drinks and this is suppose to do the job a lot better.
Good for James with his progress. Is it his birthday? I can't even remember my own kids birthdays half the time. Fortunately, they remind me often as the time gets near.
Happy Birthday and I hope you do make your goal by Christmas. I admire a person that sets goals and achieves them, it is a great way to look at all aspects of life too, besides weight loss.
Well, I still can't breathe through my nose, so I'll just get on the gazelle for awhile and do BF tomorrow (I hope).
Take care, Nikki