Stepped on this morning and hit my goal of wanting to be at 167 before Christmas (at which point I just wanted to be able to maintain for the week). Excited, but then realized if I lose one more lb then I can say to my family "I'm 20 lbs lighter than the last time you saw me..." (not in a snotty way, we're all working on MRC except my sister who is already a healthy weight). i was going to start strictly OP anyhow, so whatever happens, happens:)

Drumroll, please!

http://stringbeansandskinnyjeans.blogspot.com/


I plan to update a couple times a week over the next few weeks (to build up some posts and recipes), then weekly after that. So keep checking back! :)

And thanks for the support!

I was just thinking about the driving coming up this week....not sure how this newbie is going to do the long haul for Christmas without Twizzlers!

Yay!!!
 

I went right on over there and read your whole thing!!! I can't wait to try this recipe...can you believe I've never had fresh green beans...only canned stuff! :carrot:

I love twizzlers when we drive, too. Sigh. I have some diet soda and gum, already trying to plan where we will stop for supper so I can get a good salad. But the driving will be harder than the actual gatherings I think. Oh, let's be honest, it will be a hard week. Planning on extra exercise and not beating myself up, just jumping right back on board so I can hit my goal weight by March 1..and then start training for my races this summer. I may sound like a broken record...but I've spent most of my life repeating negative phrases to myself, have to undo it with lots of positive, forward thinking.

I did a Jillian workout I hadn't done in a while...and wow, it is so much easier on my knees with almost 20 lbs gone!

Honestly, I never had either, until I started MRC. Even learning to enjoy the fresh ones was tough for me, because I really liked canned green beans. ;) But the longer you roast these (I did 20 mins total), the more tender they get--which I think is better, because I was so used to the soft, canned beans.

This is great teacherlady! I have never roasted string beans before - just asparagus and boroccoli. Look forward to reading your blog.

Well ladies....I finally...finally did it. After three weigh ins with no loss or gain I finally hit my first milestone...10!!! I have to this date lost 12 pounds. I think it really makes up for those weeks where I was starting to think...ah just throw in the towel cause your not making any progress anyways...yay me!!! :carrot:

We have been talking about roasting veggies.. When y'all hit maintenance, remember to try the following..Maybe even stabilization.. This is my favorite roasted medly
Eggplant
Onion
Butternut squash or any hard squash
sweet potatoes
garlic whole pieces

I put a light spray of olive oil and some savory herbs, I like Herbs De Provence herbs, and if I am out of this herb,like a combo of rosemary, thyme,
sage, no salt and pepper.. Sometimes I take soy parmesan cheese,and season that in with it.. You could use no fat parm. I season these with my hands same way you would do a meatloaf mixture,to make sure all evenly distributed.

This is delicious and the the house smells heavenly when this is cooking.
I cook at 425 for about 40-45 minutes. My friend's stove does it in 30,so you need to check.

Patzi

I can't wait to have onions and sweet potatoes again:) Funny that what I'm looking forward to the most is some fruits, veggies, and milk products that are off plan. Mother in law has an amazing squash soup recipe that was amazing...but basically has butternut squash, sweet potoates, and onions...can't wait to "get there" and make it.

Gina and Missouri, Why dont you try taking a shaker and some meal replacement shakes? Your could keep adding ice so you had a lot to sip on as you drive. If you can keep yourself from eating more than one bar a day, that is an option too. You may be able to guess that I cant stay out of them myself. But on a recent trip I did maintain that way.

And teacherlady, Im so excited to read your blog!! I love any veggie roasted. Last night I did eggplant, zuccini and baby artichokes. I tossed in a couple off-plan tomatoes....

Today I recommitted to a food journal, which I havent been keeping. I went up almost a pound over the weekend without really knowing why. I am not going seriously off plan -or I dont think so anyway - but I;m also not being diligent enought to make much progress. Lots of people say that MRC really needs to be followed exactly and they are right. I can get away with slacking off a little sometimes, then suddenly it hits me.

Right now I am getting a little tired of all this, I have to admit. But then I think of how much progress I would be reversing if I gave up or even 'took a break' now. So today, I am writing down every bit again.

teacherlady - I went to your site! Its going to become a great resource!!! im so impressed that you are doing this

This chocolate truffle protein drink you folks have been talking about...does that count as a creamy? Or a regular HNS? And the fuzzy navel, etc., same question. Trying to figure out if it's worth buying it online.

Love this program. I'm down 23 pounds and people are starting to notice....

Pam...
That is a great weight loss. Good for you... I love this program, too. It works if one works it. I love your eye glasses... I am looking for a new pair, and I like the shape of yours..

Good work, be proud of yourself.

Patzi

I use the Syntrax protein powder as a clear HNS... i use 3/4 scoop which is 75 cal. i love the Choc. Truffle. i tried the Orange - it's good but i got tired of it. i ordered the Roadside lemonade and should get that this week. i also order the large container of Protidiet Pink Lemonade (70 cal, 15 gr. protein) The clear HNSs at MRC are 70 cal., 15 G. protein.

here's the nutritional info for: Syntrax Nectar protein powder $34.99 (Diet Direct) Serving Size: 1/4 Scoop (7g)
Servings Per Container: 144

Amount Per Serving: (Varies somewhat by flavor)
Calories 25, Calories from Fat 0, Total Fat 0, Saturated Fat 0, Cholesterol 0g (0%), Total Carbs 0g, Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 0g, Protein 6g (12%), Calcium 2%, Phosphorus 2%, Magnesium 0%, Sodium 15mg (1%), Potassium 40mg (1%)

Ingredients: Whey Protein Isolate (milk*), Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Lecithin, Acesulfame-k, Sucralose, Gardenia Fruit Juice Powder.