Wow, your pool and jacuzzi area is awesome!! I love that your jacuzzi is level in the concrete. My husband's sister is giving us her jacuzzi and we are digging an area for it this weekend with the Bobcat we rented to dig for our landscaping on Friday. He would love to have a set up like yours!

Thanks Emme! Check your PM.

I had a "who knew?" moment today.

Who knew that....a slice (1/8) of Libby's Pumpkin Pie is only 240 cals.!!! So my 2 slices are only 480 cals., with 10g protein, 22g fat, and who knows how much carbs!!! But the point is....it's only 480 cals for 2 slices!!! YEAHHHHH! I just bought 10 cans. This is my new pumpkin muffin...and also replaces my 240 cals expensive atkins protein bars...and is also my dessert for the day...I LOVE PUMPKIN PIE!

Joyful - I just bought Atkins Protein bars and they are 150 cal - 10 g. protein - 8 g fiber AND they take care of my chocolate cravings. Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp Bar - yum kept me full for 3 hours too!

Thanks for the PM! I wrote-cha back!

That's awesome about the pumpkin pie calories! Usually any pies and cakes are just through the roof with calories. It's nice to find something that you really love and can actually eat without guilt.

My daughter (12yr old) LOVES my pumpkin pie. She has at least 2 slices per day (as do I). Yunno...pumpkin IS a veggie...and for all you parents of finicky eating children...it's not a bad way to sneak in some beta carotene rich veggies! Oh and here's the best part. It's soooo easy to make. Here's the recipe.

1 28oz can of Libby's Pumpkin Pie Mix (pumpkin, sugar & spices..that's all it is)
2/3 cup carnation evaporated milk (I use the reg fat kind, but I'm sure you can try the low fat one to reduce calories...not sure what it'll do to the consistency though)
2 large eggs
1 deep dish 9" crust

Just mix, pour in raw crust and back on 425 degrees for 15 mins, then lower heat to 350 degrees for 55 mins and let sit on counter for 2 hours and chill in frig. I like to eat it the next day...that's it...that's all! Isn't it GREAT!

K....was a little lazy today...or maybe the sweltering heat 90+degrees made it too hot for me to work outdoors....or perhaps a bit of both!

Anyhoot...just an update on my eats this week. It's been all good...but I've been literally FEASTING on fresh fruit. Particularly WATERMELON, ORANGES & PINEAPPLE! I've also been really loving my frozen fruit protein smoothies. Taste like icecream shake.

I've noticed that my eating has been much better since I stopped logging everything here. I'm just listening to my body and staying active. I'm really happy about that, because I feel I'm getting ready for the long haul. In real life, I will not be counting every calorie, but living life in moderation (which includes what and how much I eat). The only thing I miss incredibly is running. It has become part of who I am. It is a great stress reliever, and it challenges me mentally....keeps my mind strong. As Arnold S. says..."I'll be back!"

Gwen - Yes, the newer Atkins bars are less calories than the original (chocolate peanut butter protein bar - 240 cals.), and all have this rice krispy like texure. Glad you like them....however, I am not a fan of any of the newer bars. The only kind I've ever liked is the choco-peanut butter bar...it's an acquired taste (my niece hates them!). I like the gritty texture and chunky peanut butter taste! But it's sooooooo expensive. At Walmart they are $8 for 5 bars!!! That's ridiculous! I just thought there was a cheaper and more "whole foods" way of enjoying 240 cals snack....and I was right...PUMPKIN PIE!!!! YEAHHHHH!!!

Went to Cosco today and finally bought the industrial sized filet of beef (aka filet mignon)..YUM! I also bought a giant pork loin. Surprisingly, the beef was not expensive at all ($54), as I will get about 20 svgs from it. That makes each meal only $2.70/meal!

Oh how I love summer fruit...just bought the BEST MANGOES...YUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!

Joyful, all of that fresh fruit sounds just delicious!! Mangoes are a personal favorite of mine, too. There's something about the texture that I just really enjoy...and they are so sweet!

Love the pool area and yard -- what a great place to have a BBQ! And I printed out that pumpkin pie recipe to try. Might even try it with out the crust, then it's sort of like a pumpkin custard...

Your yard and pool are awesome and you have done an amazing job! You go girl!!!

No worries you burned a HECK of allot of calories this week!

Thanks Jen & Dedikayted!

That's a great idea Jen (only about 1/2 the calories without the crust)

Dedikayted - I have worked my literal butt off this week in my yard. I'm hoping it all pays off. I think it has been. I fit my clothes looser and have the "skinny feeling" you talk about.

*UPDATE* - Yesterday I went to a rollerskating party. I skated for 2 hours straight without stopping. I felt like I did when I was a kid and to my suprise, I still have all my 'moves'. My my daughter and her friend called me an "embarrassment", I LOVED IT! Great exercise too! Today, I could barely get out of the bed this morning...but it was soooo worth it.

Yesterday, had pizza again, but skipped dinner and snacked on fruit & yogart. NEED to knock these last 2 lbs off already!!!

Official Weigh-In Day: 152.8

I am "officially" back on my mission to lost these last 2 lbs! RUNNING starts today by hook or crook. By next weigh-in I WILL at least have lost 1lb Ggggrrrrhhhh...NOW..LET'S..DO..THIS!

You can do it, Joyful!! Bust out that runner inside you again!

Got my run on today! Woot!

Ran 5.4 Miles

Diet has been between 1500-1800 cals with no meltdowns thus far this week. Still have my pizza and jamaican food...but limited to one meal per week.

I FEEL GREAT! Managed to somehow maintain 152 for the past month eating like a race horse, so that's good. This should finally put me over the edge to goal. 1 day down....3 more running days to GOOooooooo!

Nice Run!! Way to kickstart your body to drop the last 2 pounds!!! Get it gurl!

Go girl, getter done! I'm rootin for ya, rollerskating how fun, I blade often and can skate circles around the youngens, not too shabby for us 40 somethins, huh? Go us!