Here is the article I promised in my post above.

NEW YORK (Nov. 21) - Are Big Macs hazardous to children's health?

Lawyers have filed a class-action lawsuit against McDonald's on behalf of New York children who have suffered health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

In federal court in Manhattan on Wednesday, a lawyer alleged that the fast-food chain has created a national epidemic of obese children. Samuel Hirsch argued that the high fat, sugar and cholesterol content of McDonald's food is ''a very insipid, toxic kind of thing'' when ingested regularly by young kids.

The plaintiffs include a Bronx teen who ate every meal at McDonald's for three years while living in a homeless shelter. Another is a 13-year-old boy from Staten Island who says he ate at McDonald's food three to four times a week and is now 5-foot-4 and 278 pounds.

McDonald's lawyer Brad Lerman insisted the lawsuit was a frivolous attempt to cash in on the Golden Arches, ''the kind of lawsuit that shouldn't be in court.''

''People don't go to sleep thin and wake up obese,'' Lerman said. ''The understanding and comprehension of what hamburgers and french fries do has been with us for a long, long time.''

McDonald's has asked Judge Robert Sweet to dismiss the case, arguing those who filed the claims cannot show their health woes were caused by Big Macs and insisting the company has never misled customers about its food. The judge did not immediately rule on the request.

Annie, thanks for your support. You are right that the McDonalds added to my stress. It seems like I am now almost obsessive about how disappointed I am. I guess I can understand better why a smoker might be so down on themselves when they quit and an urge brings them back. Like them I felt physically disgusting after eating it---although I have to admit the french fries did bring me moments of bliss--mind you so does rock climbing.

My shoulder is feeling a bit better today thank goodness. I wonder if it is psychological when it hurts like that!! Like an excuse or something. Anyhow, I think I need to get back on track with exercise because it is what makes me sane. I have had times where I have gotten off track with stress before and when I have exercise has always been my saving factor and not McDonalds. I have to work at 11am this morning so I think I will go for a jog and try this running thing slow and easy to see how I do. That way if my shoulder is truly tender than I am not pushing it.

At the gym last night I am getting to know a new girl who is fun, bubbly and energetic. She is also such a guy magnet!! What I discovered is that she radiates energy. I wanted to know how to accomplish this so I asked her. She said that exercise really helps her to stay alert. When she has blue or down days she thinks about it while she runs and the whole time says...I hate running, I don't want to do this, I'd rather be at home. But she said she pushes herself through those feelings and keeps going.

I was amazed. I told her that when I have those feelings I just don't do it because I CAN!! Big difference in thought processes!!

She said that this was interesting to her as she doesn't see an alternative to not doing her exercises because she knows that whether she likes it or not they make her feel good in the long run. Now I know why she is such a guy magnet---what a positive attitude!! So I guess she and also all of you will be my motivators over the next little bit! I sure could use it!! I guess I have trouble maintaining that overall vision of knowing that it makes me feel better in the long run--what separates the girls from the girls who are guy magnets!! I can't wait to get to know her more...I have a lot to learn.

I would like to say to everyone that you have all been wonderful supports to me. I have been turning to this group a lot for myself and sometimes don't feel that I give enough encouragement back. You are all wonderful people with very positive goals in mind. What a unique group we are! We should all be proud of ourselves for sharing our energy to build on things together.

Annie and Miki, I have one exercise in particular that if I do on a regular basis I notice immediate loss in my ab area and my waistline. It is like a miracle exercise for me and that is swimming!! Did you both know that in order to do a length of swimming on your tummy (ie. front crawl or stroke) that in order to keep your legs from sinking to a 90 degree angle it is your abdominal muscles working to hold them up??? So imagine now doing 10 lengths (which is even achievable with a flutterboard extended as far out in front of you as possible for a non-swimmer (and a good leg burn workout to boot!). Let's say that each of the 10 lengths is slow and takes a few minutes. That is about 20 minutes of abdominal focussed work where your abs have really had to tighten and or twist. That's more than any crunches could ever match!!

So my suggestion is that if you have a rec. centre nearby and you can go out to swim--try it if you think you might be interested!!

So that's my miracle exercise. I had no idea until my waistline narrowed that it was such a workout. A lifeguard explained that to me and ironically you naturally hold your abs in so that your leges don't sink because if they do, you might! So it is not even that gruelling hold the crunch until you want to cry type move. Easy on the joints as well.

I am off my speel now!

Thanks for the McDonalds article Annie! Let us know if you find out whether it gets thrown out or not!

cjunk

Last night I cycled for 35 minutes and burned of 360 cals for a distance of 10km....I consumed 1636 cals minus 360 cals for a total of 1276 cals. I need to focus on lowering my fat grams...its a little too high ...I average around 40 to 80 grams depending what I eat...although my cal consumption is usually 1500 to 1700 before exercising.....geez....weight loss for me has been very slow going...I think my fat cells are glued to me or something. I got on the scale and I am still 169....after so many weeks of exercising diligently and lowering my calorie consumption from 2000 to what it is now. But, I will not give up, I have lost inches around my chest, waist and hips....and even better, I feel so good, I feel strong....more alert...and that is amazing...I used to feel sluggish in the past.

Cjunk...everybody caves in once in a while...honestly, I have choked back of few burgers in my day and I am sure in the future it will happen again...we are human...and sometimes the triggers in our environment are so loud..we go into automatic and do what makes us feel better quick...I'm an emotional eater and binger....but like Annie says...try to identify with how you felt after eating the burger next time, McDonald's whishpers your name. McDonald's is still whispering to me and I know tonight I will have to keep my head down as I go by it to get to my bus stop...and I also smell the friggin McDonald's smell from accross the street on most nights....but I will remember how you felt after eating your burger because that's exactly how I feel when I cave in.

Lisa you are a cutie...very nice pic....and again,I agree with Annie..you must get to the bottom of your pain...you should not be living with this pain.

Looking forward to reading all your posts and to my american health buddies...Happy ThanksGiving...may your holidays be a blessed event....have an extra piece of white meat turkey for me

LadyRider, Reina_Mia, PreciousOne, MikiG let us know how you are doing and looking forward to hearing from you soon. I enjoy so much reading snippets of your daily lives...puts a smile on our face.

Just a suggestion to keep at the back of your minds...in about a year's time, we should set up a reunion somewhere in the middle from all of us and get together for a few days to meet and greet in person...that would be so much fun and something to look forward to...think about it and we'll get back to that soon

Cyan

Do we want to start a new thread for Jan 2,2003? ....since this thread is getting too long...called Exercise, Diet and Support #2...except this time, Exercise will be spelled correctly

let me know and anyone of us is welcome to start it.

Cyan

Lisa,
Nice to have you back. Sounds like you have a great plan for Thanksgiving. Enjoy, enjoy!
Lisa, my husband had his gallbladder taken out, but before that he was having really bad reflux all the time. I would recommend that you do go see an internist. It was going on for him for about 5 months, before we went in and his gallbladder was working at 10%... Make sure you take care of yourself and have that looked at.

Annie, your beliefs are very true, God only gives us things he knows we can handle. I am a firm believer of that, although it was after the fact, but I look back now and thank him for keeping me strong. I am sure you will get through this obstacle that God has laid down for you, but you are very right, you are a strong woman and determined is your name, so don't ever lay down and take anything. You are in my prayers and I know everything will be okay. I will also do an extra 10 minutes of Taebo just for you......

Cyan, OK, I did it, I took the plunge for you. I stopped at McDonalds and had a cheeseburger, and 1/2 of a small frie. I was in alot of pain last night, with a ruptured cyst and I just needed some food in me. I know it wasn't the best but...
I was in so much pain, I can tell you, it didn't even taste good.....
Bravo for passing up on such a bad craving....Been there, done that....
Cjunk - We are not perfect beings. So a slip is fine. The most important thing is that you acknowledged it. I too slipped, and I am done thinking about it. I won't look back anymore and I will drink lots of water and walk today!
McDonalds is an evil place!
I will catch up in my next post.

I found this info at http://www.realage.com/connect/healt...crs/bilcol.htm

Abdominal Pain from Gallstones (Biliary Colic)

What is biliary colic?
Biliary colic is extreme cramping pain in the right upper abdomen, the area just below the chest. The pain is caused by gallstones in the gallbladder (an organ of the digestive system) or bile ducts (small tubes that drain bile from the liver into the gallbladder and small intestines).

How does it occur?
The liver makes bile, a substance that helps to digest fats. If the bile has too much cholesterol, a solid particle forms and becomes a gallstone. Most gallstones are formed from cholesterol. Other compounds can also cause gallstones. The formation of gallstones is called cholelithiasis.

When a gallstone lodges in the bile ducts or the gallbladder, it causes abdominal pain (colic). The abdomen is the area between the chest and the pelvis.

If you are overweight and have a high level of blood cholesterol, you increase your risk of developing gallstones.

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:

extreme pain that can feel like a heart attack
stomach pain and/or nausea after meals, especially after eating heavy or high-fat meals
yellowish eyes and skin (jaundice).
The pain can last an hour or more. Sometimes it spreads to the right shoulder or through the center of the back from the top of the breastbone.

How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose biliary colic, the doctor will review your symptoms, ask about your medical history, and examine you. He or she may use the following tests:

Ultrasound scanning: a painless procedure in which sound waves are passed through the body. The echoes produce images on a computer screen and show the internal organs of the body.
HIDA scan and CT scan: Sometimes stones will show up on an x-ray.
Cholecystography: A special type of x-ray that allows the doctor to see the gallbladder clearly. Any gallstones will be seen on the x-ray as holes.
How is it treated?
Your doctor will treat biliary colic first with medicine and a low-fat diet. The doctor may give you pain relievers.

In most cases of biliary colic the stones will need to be removed surgically. Sometimes the gallbladder is removed. In some cases, especially if you are not well enough to have surgery, other options may be tried. For example, the doctor may try to dissolve the stones with medications. Or lithotripsy may be used to try to break up the stones with focused sound waves.

How long will the effects last?
Biliary colic usually continues until the gallstones causing the pain are gone.

How can I take care of myself?
Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. To take care of yourself during and after treatment, follow these guidelines:

Lose weight if you are overweight and maintain your ideal weight.
Eat healthy foods that are high in fiber. Avoid fatty foods.
Avoid foods that have caused pains or other symptoms in the past.
If you have gallstones or biliary colic and are taking birth control pills, you may want to ask your doctor if you should use another method of birth control.

What can be done to help prevent biliary colic?
To prevent biliary colic, follow these guidelines:

Avoid foods high in fat.
Read the labels on food packages to learn the ingredients.
Avoid fasting. Long periods of fasting can cause gallstones because the bile stays in the gallbladder too long.


I hope this sheds some light

Cyan

Annie,
Thank you for your kind words. I am so trying to not look back at my past, and it is so hard, because of so many failures, but I am learning! In my 30 years, I have been given some big blows in my life, and like I told you, God only gives us things we can handle. I know from experience. But you and everyone here have given me a renewed look on life, and obstacles come and go. You are a great person, and for that, you will forever be blessed.

Cjunk, Thanks for the swimming idea, I have a very large waistline and that is what I want to get down the fastest. I am so going to find a pool.

Cyan, you amaze me with you thorough account of your daily intake. I wish I can be as diligent as you. You are a strong woman, and I admire you for your dedication.

I love the idea of a reunion next year. Sounds great.

Ladies, your are all amazing women and together we make one beautiful group(We are all some hot chicks, I think).
I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and I hope to talk to you all real soon.
Keep those scales steady this week!

Ladies,
I was surfing through the other posts and I came across this saying that someone had on their signature. I really like this and Annie, this is exactly what you were telling me to do.

"The greatest thing you have is the 24 hours you have in front of you. The past is gone, the future is distant. Today you can succeed. Set a goal you can achieve within the next 24 hours."

Also found this site, that tells you cals burned with every exercise imaginable.

Have fun

http://www.caloriesperhour.com/

1 hour of kickboxing is 686 cals burned.... I have a place that I can go to for $5 for 1 hour of kickboxing. I am so there on Saturday morning

Hello all and good morning...or afternoon, I should say. Today is a good day so far. I went to the gym and did a Step Circuit Class. I always know it's working when I'm dripping sweat. It was great. I went to Subway for Lunch and had a 6 inch veggie sub with cheese and a diet pepsi.

I made an appt with the Dr today at 3pm. My specific Dr. is out of the office until Dec. 11th! So, I am seeing a different Dr. in the office. I don't see why she can't treat me and make decisions. She has my history and she is a Doctor, right?!

Annie, thanks for the information and advice. I'm planning on being firm and assertive. I don't know what it is, but I always go into the doctor and suddenly I feel like an idiot. NOT TODAY!

CJunk, your McDonalds story is so familiar. However, the last time I gave into my cravings, I was up all night in pain. We all slip at times. All you can do is pick yourself up and start again. Just like like falling off a horse.

For the first time in a long time, I'm feeling like a health nut kind of person. It's kind of fun. It's turned into a game to see how long I can go without messing up. The reward is how good I feel!


Well, I'll post later and tell you how the Dr's appt went. Cross Your Fingers for me!!!!

Lisa

Tonight I cycled for 35 minutes for a distance of 10 km and burned off 366cals. My total cal consumption for the day was 1576 minus 366 for a total of 1210....total fat grams 44 grams. Fitday is such a nifty little program.

Anyway, I hope everyone is making wise choices...stay strong! Oh Yes, I was triumphant over McDonalds again...I walked by it on my way home...there was a line up today...the craving wasnt as bad as yesterday but McDonalds still whispered every so gently into my ear.

But knowing that I am not alone, that I have my buddies here keeps me on track...thank you so much...I feel that I am not alone...thanks for all your good energy...I send it back to you ten fold.

from the bottom of my heart

Have a good evening and I'll be back to post tomorrow morning as per usual. Somehow posting keeps me honest and motivated...hey whatever works

Cyan

Hello everyone!
Great minds think alike, dontcha think? About a week ago, I was thinking how much fun it would be to see each other’s pictures – then I see the same suggestion posted on our list. Yesterday while I was running I was fantasizing about a get together in the future, where we could spend a weekend talking and laughing and generally having a great time. Today I read Cyan’s post suggesting the same thing! Excellent! I say we go for it. Who would think seven people of varying ages, living in 5 different states and 2 different countries would meet and, even better, bond on the internet? Isn’t life great! By the way, cjunk, Hamilton is in Canada, right?

Lisa – I am so impressed…what a role model! You have this continuing pain and still you do strenuous Step Circuit Class, and then go for a veggie subway.

A late answer to your question from Lady the Nurse: Yes, the substitute doctor can treat you. Doctors can come across as authority figures and make it difficult four us to feel like an intelligent adult. Try to remember you are paying the doctor, thus she works for you. You have the right to her time, the right to ask questions and the right to demand appropriate treatment. You also have the right to find another doctor if the one you are seeing isn’t doing everything possible to make you well. Your job is to be as informed as you possibly can. It will empower you and you will feel more comfortable asking questions. And, by the way, if you don’t understand the answer, ask the doctor to explain it again. Then if you don’t like the answers, ask for more alternatives. You Go Girl! You are entitled to a resolution to your problem.

Cjunk – I think it’s great that you were there for your friend and resisted eating a second dinner. Don’t spend another minute beating your self up. Let it go. You slipped, you’re human. You are still winning this battle and besides, you didn’t order the super size! Tell you what, if you promise not to feel guilty anymore, I won’t beat myself up over eating that raw pie dough dipped in uncooked pumpkin pie today. Deal? By the way, your new friend sounds awesome.

Annie – You really are determined! I'm so proud of you for being able to continually look for the bright side. I rode the bike 40 minutes for you last night. Hope I didn’t tire you out too much. Heehee.

Cyan – That info on the gallbladder was excellent. Good job! And like I said earlier, I love the idea of a reunion. What’s in the middle, Chicago? About starting a new thread -. I didn't realize there is a limit on how long a thread can be. On the other hand, a new thread for a new year sounds like a good idea.
Reina-mia - I like that quote very much. I will print it out and paste it to my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder. Thanks. Kickboxing! Sounds like fun! I saw a guy on tv this morning doing a work out using standard boxing punches, jumping and kicking. I tried to follow him for a bit and it was exhausting. I’m going to try to find his show again. He had tapes for sale, but I’m not about to pay $70 for a few tapes.

Miki – How are you doing? We haven’t heard from you for a bit.

I’m sitting here chuckling as I read about each of your trouble spots, and thought I’d add my 2 cents. For me it’s not my waist or my hips or my stomach, though they certainly are ample. I hate my boobs! They are WAY to large. I want very much to join the Itty Bitty Titty Club! Every time I resist food I think about getting down to a normal, or even better, a small size bra.

Soap Box Time: I think we all have the same problem – reliving our regrets instead of giving ourselves credit for our successes. It’s as if our failures – no wait, I don’t like that word- our mistakes are written in big bold letters and our successes are in teeny tiny anyone-could-do-that letters. Well! Time to turn things around, don’t you think?
I challenge each of us each night for a week to write down at least 5 things we did well during the day. Don’t discount anything.Honestly, some days just getting out of bed would make it to the top of my list! This will help us to focus on the positive instead of the negatives. If you like you can post your lists here, but that’s totally optional. What do you think – are you all up to it?

Tomorrow is Turkey Day and I’m going to follow the advice of a very smart lady I know and eat turkey and veggies first.

Take care,
Lady

LadyRider....you said chicago is most likely the middle for all of us...why dont we all go to the Oprah show! We can write a letter from all of us...amalgamate it into one letter and send it in..we can ask for tickets...for next fall 2003....we can do this...it would be a hoot! Just an idea...Ladies...I'd like to hear what you think...all ideas on the table please

5 things that I did well today

5. go to work
4. eat within my range
3. exercise
2. post my thoughts here on this thread
1. hug and kiss my cat Cyan

Good night

Cyan

Hi everyone! First of all I have to say...altho I only missed last nite posting, I feel like I"ve been away for ages! Ya'll have no idea what a part of my life this is now. When I cant get time to get online, I feel like something is definitely missing. Like someone said earlier... as soon as something happens, I immediately think "Cant wait to get to tell the girls". It is the coolest feeling to know you're all here anytime for any reason.

I dont have time, once again, to address everyone individually. I hate that too because as I read I always have so much I want to add.

I love the "Oprah" idea. I actually came here in the first place after reading in the magazine "First" about 3 women who met on Ediets.com and lost weight together. The magazine a year or so later interviewed them all, flew them to NYC for a makeover, and at that time they all met for the first time in person. They inspired me the way they said they all met each day and not only discussed weight and health issues but life issues as well. They feel as if they are very best friends altho they are all hours and states away from each other. I chose 3FC rather than Ediets because this one was free. lol I'm glad I did now because there is NO WAY E-diets can be any better than this.

Yesterday wasnt a great day healthwise. I didnt exercise at all. Instead after supper last nite, hubby and I sat down and spent the nite playing boardgames with the kids. I decided doing that was a valid excuse. They are growing up sooo fast and I hate thinking that soon they wont have as much time for Mom and Dad. ( They are 13 and almost 11 )

I did my Air Walker for 35 minutes tonite tho and stayed within my calorie limits. Looking forward to tomorrow but will be thinking of all of you as I eat. I think that will help me not go overboard with it. (Bad thing tho is I have Thanksgiving tomorrow at my Dad's and then Saturday, we have it all over again with my Mom. ) I hope all of you, whether it's Thanksgiving Day to you or not, have a wonderful day!!

I really need to be going now, but one more thing....I have been amazed at all of you lately. Seems that everyone here practically has had some really hard times in life lately, I mean other than the weight issues, things more serious like losing loved ones, medical problems, etc, but everyone of you has such a great attitude and outlook!! Makes me really think when I start feeling sorry for myself about something. I know I sound like a broken record ( you are all old enough to know about records arent ya..hahaha) but every single one of you inspires me every day.THANKS AGAIN SOOOO MUCH!!!!

Good evening ladies. How was everyone's day? The last time I posted, I guess I skipped the last page and hadn't read all of the posts. So, I was a little behind.

Cyan, thank you soooooooo much for the Gall Bladder information. I'm so touched that you found information just for me. It was actually very helpful.

I love the Oprah Idea. I love the reunion idea. This has really become a wonderful group. The pictures really help personalize it and I feel like I know you guys so well. You've all been sooo kind and encouraging. It's really exciting for me!

I went to to the doctor today. The Doctor was very concerned. She ordered some blood tests to test my liver enzymes and do a blood count. She is also having me set up an appt for an ultrasound. She also said I should probably stick to vegetables tomorrow! AAAAARRRRGGGGHHH!!! TOMORROW IS THANKSGIVING!

But...guess what!!??? Okay, In August, I started going to Weight Watchers. I started at 199.5 pounds. Today at the Dr.'s office, I weighed 182.4!!! That's 17 pounds!! WOW. I've been so happy ever since then. I feel great!

I also want to apologize. I don't feel like I've been able to respond to everyone. I really want to me more of a motivator, instead of taking from you girls all the time, I would really like to give also. But hopefully soon my schedule will allow me to have more time to sit here. I really need you guys! This group has become very important to me in a very short period of time.

I will try to check in tomorrow to tell you all how I did with Turkey Day!

Lisa

Lisa,
Congratulations on such success with your weightloss. I really hope everything goes well for you with the doctors.

Cyan,
I love the Oprah show idea. Not that it would be a trip for me, considering I live in the heart of Chicago, but guess what, I know all the hip hot, and low-fat places to go in this town

I have to run and start making my desserts. It is 12:35am and I wanted to start at this time, to make sure I don't munch on them. I figured if I started when I got home from work, I would dig into everything later that evening. See, I am using this noggin for something.

Have a great Thanksgiving ladies,