Allison-- while I'm sure you haven't really gained a pound a day, I agree it is wise to throw out leftovers (if they aren't healthy).

We bought a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving and I indulged in one piece (as did everyone else in my family). Then we saved three more pieces (one for each member except me) and threw the rest out. None of us needed it and I didn't need to see it. We did almost the same for the Thanksgiving leftovers. We saved enough food for one more meal (with realistic size portions) and threw out the rest (mashed potatoes, stuffing, etc). It is just better if it is gone for me....

I used to put the leftover snack food I indulged with in my closet or my filing cabinet. Just couldn't throw it out.

And I ate it every single time .

I know there are those of us who had it drilled into our heads that there were people starving in the world and food couldn't be wasted etc. etc. but let's GET OVER IT!!!

I felt guilty at least the first 20 times I threw away food. It, like everything about dieting and maintenance, gets easier with practice .

We're also fortunate in Toronto in that we have the food bank boxes in all the major grocery chains. All of the treats that are not home made that I receive for Christmas have been going to the food bank. There are lots of people here who will not be getting a decent Christmas dinner, never mind any treats. Now some of them will get a bit of chocolate or a special package of cookies or cake.

They don't accept wine though. Maybe I should start an "alcohol bank"? Oh right, I have DH for that.

Dagmar

I don't know about the rest of the country but here in California we have barrels wher you can donate food ( not perishable) . The barrel are located in many places. stores, chuches. gyms, etc.

Mudpie, about the alcohol bank. That's nice that you have food bank boxes in all the grocery stores.

Michele, we did that with pie, too. Four people at dinner, and two pies so I just took the remainder of mine home and tossed it in the garbage.

Pat, I'm glad the antibiotic is working, but too bad about the side effects. Hopefully, you'll be fully recovered sooon so you won't have to take it for too long.

Megan, sorry you've been sick!

Goal, hope everything went well. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Hello to everyone else!

Went to my second step class today. I keep going to the advanced classes because they fit with my schedule. Just keep moving is my motto--and try not to trip over the step. Tomorrow I'm going to try and make the "First Step" class, which might help. Also went to a yoga class that was different from my Saturday class. We went through a series of poses without stopping--tough for inflexible me. I do know that even 50 lbs. ago, I never would have attempted to try classes like this where I'm so clearly out of my element. But I figure if I keep doing the yoga and the step, one day I'll find myself actually being able to perform the routines and hold the poses.

Happy Friday to all!

Hi maintainers,

Rabbit checking in...I've been mia for the last month, but i 'm resolved to get back on track again. Today is our dutch gift festival...and I have the beck book in my gifts. For the rest I'm just getting into the holiday mood.

I cannot reply to all of the posts, but I've read them with interest. I always feel encouraged to read the we all are going about our lives, struggling sometimes, and all trying to sculpt out a healthy lifestyle and some care for our bodies.

Pat, I hope you're bug leaves soon. I was unable to exercise in the past months due to shortness of breath, some respiratory infection. i have changed doctods because she did not want to give me any treatment for it. It passed, as she said, but it took 2 months !!!!! And now I have problems to get back OP I have gained weight and I'll probabely start the Beck book tomorrow.

Have a great day all,

Rabbit

Pat, Megan and Goal-I hope you're all recovering soon.
Rabbit-
Everyone else

I made it through another day. Dh was on my nerves but I did not eat.
Instead I went to bed and read a book. Of course the weekend is coming. Time to chop some veggies for easy access.

I hope all the sickies are feeling better soon!

Operation "No Second Helpings" is going well. I'm on day 4 with no seconds. Down 0.4lb for the week, but that's within fluctuation range. My parents are coming into town on the 16th, and I'm on vacation starting the 19th, and I'm sure eating will be a mess then since we'll be out a lot. This weekend is my cooking club's monthly dinner. I'll try for no seconds there too.

Exercise has been somewhat lacking. I only worked out twice this week so far. It's so cold outside that my willingness to go run is majorly dwindling! Plus I've been excessively sleepy lately too. Last night I was supposed to go swim but I was lazy and stayed home. Tonight's a planned run -- I am going to do it! I need to get my dog a sweater, he's probably freezing (he didn't really grow a winter coat and he has short fur).

Well, I cleaned out my fridge last night...and found another leftover. This one isn't so bad--a few meatballs that I can add to sauce for spaghetti. They were partially frozen due to being at the back.

I did another 2 miles on my new treadmill. 250 calories burned! I can go a lot longer at home than I could at the gym. I'm sure it had a lot to do with boredom. At home I can turn up the volume on the TV. At the gym? I have to read lips!

And no, I don't take my iPod to the gym. I only have a nano and I have it programmed with several hours of "work music" which is mostly jazz. It just doesn't work for the gym.

Tomorrow we're all heading to Fullerton for the day--or at least most of it. DD has a concert at 8 PM but MIL and I want to hit Nordstrom beforehand!!!

Hi everyone!

My body is still trying to get sick. I think the Zicam is helping keep it somewhat at bay. My throat is a little sore, and some slight sniffies - but I feel fine. Hopefully it will stay that way so I can do my 5K tomorrow. My 8 year old niece did a Girls Who Run program with 4H, to train them to do 3 miles. The end result of the program is tomorrow's race - so my sister and I are going to run with her. Should be fun. Really cold, but fun.

I just returned from the doctor. My "bump" that I found is a swollen lymph node. The doctor wasn't too concerned as long as it goes down soon. She said I'm probably trying to fight something off (I hope I win!!). She also checked my back pain and told me I can't run or lift weights until it is better-- grrr..... Oh well.... glad I had mostly good news-- I was kinda worried about the bump!

Good news about the lump! But I was certain it was just that. My Gyn often "points out" lymph nodes to me just so I can "learn" where to find them and what they feel like if slightly swollen. Yeah, right, like I can find one on my own!

My plan for running tonight may not happen after all -- the current temperature is 21, with windchill it's down to 9. Brr! I'm buying my dog a coat.

It's about the same here, Jessica, and I can't imagine going running outside!

Count me in as one fighting off The Crud. It hasn't progressed far past the sore throat, body ache, exhausted stage and hopefully it won't.

Good news, Michele!! Are you allowed to walk or do any kind of mild exercise?

I made the mistake of hitting the mall for the 7 am Macy's sale. It was all little old ladies confused about their coupons and sales clerk working for their first day. Not a good combination. All I could think while I watched the little old ladies with their ugly gift sweaters was -- ugh, glad I'm not getting that as a gift. Bad me!

I did find some ridiculous bargains but it hardly seemed worthwhile. And I stopped by the Ann Taylor Loft store to buy a giftcard for DD, but yikes! I walked in and the store was almost empty of merchandise. There only was about 1/3 of the usual amount so maybe those rumors of the AT stores closing after Christmas are true. I didn't buy the giftcard.

Hopefully I'm done Christmas shopping, so it's upstairs to wrap!

Dang, that's cold! I sure don't miss that. (It's currently 71 and beautiful outside.)

So why do I suddenly feel so blech? I've had this really weird dry mouth all day--ever since I had my coffee. I keep wondering what of my supplements could have caused this, but it's so sudden and I've been on all of them for over 2 months so I can't imagine that is is. I'd chalk it up to too much salt, but it was after my coffee that I had a salty breakfast. And now? Suddenly I feel icky, a little light headed, dizzy, hot. Please don't tell me this is how hot flashes start.

Gosh we are all falling apart aren't we??? My latest iteration is that during the night I broke out in hives - all over! I am soooo itchy. I called the doc first thing and I have a new antibiotic plus some OTC antihistimine, but basically I need to flush the old stuff out so I'm chugging water. I told DH this morning that my body is just letting me down these days. And I try to take good care of it - this is my reward?? Last night I went to bed at 8:30 and slept through my alarm and didn't get up til nearly 7! Good thing it's casual Friday so I threw on my jeans and a Christmas T-shirt and was good to go.

DH has become a one man cookie factory. He's baking lots of Pfefferneusse (sp?). This was his German mother's favority holiday cookie, so DH started making them for his siblings and their children's families. Now he's made them for an open house a place he volunteers, for a book club he belongs to, for a brunch we're going to on Sunday, and who knows who else. My assignment was go get more flour and brown sugar, which I did when I picked up my prescription. Typical man - he takes out everything he needs and leaves it on the counter - it's been there for a week. And I mean, all the bowls, spatulas, ingredients, etc. Oh well, he's happy and busy.

Alison - sounds more like you're getting sick. Hot flashes are just that - you get hot all over, all at once. You feel like you need to get all of your clothes (or bed covers should they be at night) off immediately! Plus many women actually turn red in the face. I don't but I have friends who do. Don't be in any hurry to have these - they're a nuisance. You'll wish you lived where it's