Country, good attitude about what you've done with eating and drinking with family and friends -- you did it, you are glad, now you're back on track...and look where you've come from! You're only 14 pounds from goal!!! Wow! Can't wait until I am in your shoes!

An OK WIW for me. Still at 154 but I've been OP for the last 10 days so I know it will come on down. Had a great time on the field trip yesterday. Went by and picked up my mom and met the kids at the park. My sister and BIL and their two kids still at home met us at the park. Mini family reunion. Fall Festival at church tonight. I am not going to touch any of the candy tho.

MONET: Sorry you're still not feeling better. You're in our prayers.

BOB: WTG! You've done great this month.

It's going to be a wild and wooly day here at school. The halls are decorated for Halloween and the kids are hyper. I'll try to check in later. Hope y'all have a good day.

You're right, music teach, it WILL come off if you stay OP...and good for you being determined not to touch the candy at the Fall Festival -- you didn't, huh? VICTORY! Glad you enjoyed the mini reunion.

Well, Same weight, different week. Oh well! It is better than a gain.

I'm making a new commitment to post more often than I have been. I've been staying away from the board, mostly because of things going on in my life that I've let get me down. However, I know that "hanging" out with my friends on the board not only helps me feel better emotionally, but also gives me the support and encouragement to keep on with this WOE. From now on I will post more often, even if it is just to say hi. So, please help me remember I said that, if I should forget again.

Guess everybody was busy last night. I went to chat at 9:20 and waited until 9:45, but no one ever made it.

heartmom - It is great to hear that Boogie is doing well and to see you back on the board. Can't wait to see some Halloween pics of the kids. I've never liked brussel sprouts but I'll have to try the way you prepare them. They sound edible that way.

Jackie - Great on another 2 lbs. You must be one fabulous looking babe in a size 8 pants. I hope you will want to post a picture for us too see in the near future. You just keep on inspiring me with your success!

Monet - so sorry to read that you are sick. I'm sure your DH is glad to know that he is the only one you've been kissing. Sending you get well wishes and hugs!

Deb - I'm so happy for you being closer to your cushion weight. WTG! You asked what is new with me? Before this week, my answer would have been nothing, however, things do change quickly. My ex-2-b has been asked to resign from his job as of this week, so that is a concern you can relate to. Also, I was planning on moving out my 17 y/o, Joel, next week when he
turns 18. As it turns out, I will have to give him a reprieve. He needs surgery next week. He has a severely pinched nerve in his left elbow. The insurance won't cover him after he is 18, so the doctors are working quickly to get it done. Guess I can't kick him out until after he recuperates from that. Things just never go like we want them to it seems!

BOB - congrats on your fabulous loss of 11.8!

Sorry I can't post more right now, but I have to leave for a doctors appointment. I will pick up where I left off when I get home.

Take Care,
Wendy

Good Weigh In Wednesday Morning Everyone!

Just got in from my 4.5 mile walk. Thought I could do some jogging and tried, but just didn't have it in me. It's 91 degrees out there already! Doesn't Mother Nature know it's suppose to be fall and a little cooler? Was tired too, once again I woke up, 3am this time, and didn't go back to sleep til after 5am, then up before 6am to get ready to get the kids to bed.

So, who do I find up and watching TV with lights on in the house at that time-no other than COFFEE MAN!!! Unfortunately, during his day off, he had to go to work and since he so loveeessss his job, he stayed even longer! Gawd forbid he should come home at a decent hour. One of his shift supervisors called and couldn't come to work because her sister went in to labor and she had to watch her nephew, so of course, we have to rush home, during rush hour from up in Broward so he could work her shift AND THEN SOME! I swear, when the man dies, if I don't go before him, I'm burying him with coffee beans in his casket!

We did have a nice day until that point. Stopped at WHOLE FOODS for a few things, went to lunch at OLE OLE, went to the produce market and got a few items there and then went to the movies to see SWEET HOME ALABAMA, it was cute.

Okay, so I'm happy: to report that I'm at 126 today. Actually, I was a tad below, but I'm making it 126. That gives me a loss of 4lbs since last WIW. Geez, it sure it amazing waht I can do when I set my mind to it! I haven't let one little thing deter me, I have been so focused, just as when I was went I started SB over 2 1/2 years ago. Like a rejuvination!

I'm sorry I wasn't able to get to chat last night. Michael was on the computer when I got home and Lauren was on the main line so I had no way of getting on. Since there was absolutely nothing on the boob tube, I went to sleep at 9pm, and thank goodness I did, considering my sleeping patterns as of late.

Tonight is Michael's pinning ceremony. Have to get dressed up for that. I am NOT going to even touch any of the food there, nothing. I'm doing too good to screw it up now!

LKF, I wouldn't worry about cooking in a crock pot and the length of time, it's really what you are cooking. Remember, the GI is just a tool and isn't the only factor. Yes, cooking does raise the GI of some foods as well as the more ripe a fruit is can raise it's GI, like bananas, but remember, unless you are eating a high GI food by itself, you really don't have much to worry about, esp. at the low temp it cooks on. This is just my thought as I don't think there's been any experiments or tests done on this. There is no rating for meats, so don't let it bother you.

TONI, if no one is eating that cake, give it away, throw it away, don't let it sit there. Good going on the TM and now the weights. Keep up the great work!

SEF, you had me running back to re-read my post. Oops, what did I say that sounded like a defeatist attitude, gosh only knows! Hope you got a little rest and didn't do too much yesterday. Do you think there is any way you could come down in Jan to Orlando for the get together?

HEART, chocolate is my weakness as well, but this will be my 3rd Halloween on SB and I haven't indulged in any Halloween candy, though before I got back on the ball this month I did have some peanut MnM's I'm sure you'll be fine. Just think, another pound or so and you'll be under the 215 mark, you don't want to go in the other direction. {{{HUGS}}} to you and BOOGIE! Hope all improves daily for him, keep us informed.

JACKK, CONGRATS on your 2lb loss this week! The changes you've made seem to have gotten you back to losing. Keep up the great work! I do eat between meals, if I'm hungry, I eat. I don't find that bothers my losing and thank goodness. I fill up fast but get hungry again fast, guess it's due to the stomach stapling of long ago. Brussel sprouts, that's true fart food if I eat it! I'll eat them if given at a restaurant, I tried making them recently, but once again, my culinary efforts sucked!

BOB, CONGRATS on your loss this week girlfriend-you rock! Keep up the great work! I've seen some of those tips and some I hadn't-going to try the phone one next time-that's a hoot! Glad to hear DM is doing better. Feeling frisky is she-hope she doesn't grab any of the male orderlies there! LOL!!

MONET, geez, if I knew you were up in the middle of the night, I would of called to chat! LOL! Seems sick or not, quite a few of us are having sleeping trouble. Gosh knows I can't let this continue! I need my beauty rest! How are you feeling today?

GRACIOUS, ONLY protein? I don't know about that, what good is it to get to goal so fast? What's your hurry? It seems those numbers are more important than your health and what you may be doing to yourself trying to get to your goal weight so quickly. Just be careful you don't have a reprecussions from doing this.

COUNTRY, sounds like you did have a wonderful time! Sounds like you had some delicious foods and good for you for not feeling guilty, as you said, this was something you hadn't done in years and now you are back on track. You're getting so close to your goal weight, any plans when you hit it?

SERENE, as you said, staying the same is better than a gain and still deserves praise! Oh yes, I can relate to the job trouble with the ex-2-b, as the kids Dad did indeed lose his job. Maybe I should trek over to the welfare dept?!? Boy, Joel sure knows how to keep his foot in the door. So after the surgery and recuperating, does he know his foot and the rest of his body is leaving? You're right, it's always something!!!

Well, it's about time that I close this up. I have lots of housework to do today Michael wants to have a party for a friend at our house on Saturday-need I say more???

Will check in later today.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Debbie
194/126:/129
SB since 3/22/00
Reached goal 6/10/01

Just in case SOLSHINE shows up on the board....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONYA!!!!

Deb, you are just doing so well with your weight! Those three pounds below goal should be good padding for some flexibility. Congratulations on such determination -- what an inspiration you are to us all!!!

And thanks for the recommendations about the crock pot. I needed to hear that from all of you, especially you, one who has been with this plan for quite some time. I love that crock pot and am glad I can still use it.

Is DH in coffee? What does he do? Such a devoted worker he is! Maybe a little too much?

IS YOUR COLON YOUR BEST FRIEND OR YOUR WORST ENEMY?


About your colon...... What is a colon and why is a healthy colon so important? This is a question a lot of us have started asking ourselves. The colon is the last 5 feet of our digestive tract or large intestine. It’s a hollow tube-like organ made up of muscle structure that moves waste along by its wave-like motion, known as peristalsis. The primary functions of the colon is to absorb water, electrolytes, and minerals, as well as preparing fecal waste prior to elimination. The colon, along with the skin, kidneys, lungs, and liver, are the major organs of elimination of toxins and waste. The skin is the largest elimination organ. If bowel movements aren’t regular, the waste products and toxins accumulate and can compromise our health.

The average person carries several pounds of dried fecal matter impacted in the colon as a result of eating flour, fat, meat, dairy products, sugar, alcohol and preservatives. Average food transit time in a healthy colon is 18-24 hours. Some individuals have bowel movements as infrequent as every 2-7 days! Even once a day may indicate constipation.

A healthy elimination should be within 1-2 hours after eating. If you are eating 3-5 times a day, your bowel should move accordingly. Bowel movements once a day, or every 2-3 days are considered normal in America, but are insufficient to maintain good health. Foul- smelling stools, gas, and a darkened stool also can be danger signs. A dark stool is caused by a longer transit time in your system with residue lying in your colon for more than 12 hours. The result is that the colon
will distribute the poisons into your bloodstream and every organ in your body., which is called toxemia or autointoxication.

Imagine a kitchen sink stopper, when the basket is clean, water quickly drains. After a messy load of dishes, it is filled with food particles. Water still drains, but much slower. Imagine a stopper
uncleanedfor more than 20 years! The food particles would be hard and encrusted, bacteria ridden and foul smelling. Little water could get through. It is the same with the colon, fewer than two bowel movements daily means food residues are fermenting and putrefying in the colon, increasing the likelihood that pathogenic bacteria and toxins are entering the bloodstream, and poisoning our body just as mentioned earlier this process is autointoxication.

Over $400 million is spend annually on laxatives in the U.S. Laxatives weaken the colon muscles, which create dependency. Every year, 140,000 Americans are diagnosed as having colon rectal
cancer, which is the #2 killer after heart disease. At least 2 million suffer from colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis. Periodic colon cleansing could help to prevent stagnation and minimize
cancer risks.

Three habits that work against mother nature:

1) Eating refined and processed foods that don’t provide quality energy to our cellular structure.

2) Neglecting to stop everything we are doing to answer the call of nature.

3) Not drinking enough water. We should drink water equaling half our weight in ounces daily, one-half-hour before meals or two hours after eating not during meals. Drinking during meals dilutes the digestive juices needed to break food down for proper digestion and absorption.

Eeeeeeooooooooooooooh, Debbie!

Since many of us have had some trouble sleeping lately, thought this article was good to post.

Sleep Better Without Pills

Insomnia is the new epidemic of the 21st century. In today’s overdriving, overproducing, pedal-to-the-metal, Starbucks-fueled society, insomnia is a symptom of life out of balance. Our ancestors rose with the sun and slept with the stars. None of them ever dreamed of doing exercise, because strenuous physical activity was a part of their everyday life. Ever since the days of Thomas Edison we have steadily lengthened our days and shortened our nights just to keep pace with the modern world. The advent of cell phones, email, laptops, palm pilots and red-eye flights have only compounded and magnified the problem in an exponential fashion over the past decade.

Of course it’s great to be productive, but this hectic pace has not come without a price. Rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases are all at the highest levels ever in history. And yet drug companies are actively researching medications that would allow us to do without sleep altogether, or at least to minimize our sleep requirements. For now we can only guess what the health effects of such a pill would be.

Even now, Americans are grasping at anything that might help them sleep soundly. Americans currently spend $2.4 billion on prescription sleeping pills and hundreds of millions of dollars on nonprescription remedies such as melatonin and others. These pills and remedies would be acceptable if they were safe and effective, but unfortunately they are neither.

Regular use of sleeping pills has been associated with higher death rates for a number of reasons. People taking a sleeping pill daily were much more likely to commit suicide than non-users. Also, sleeping pill users have been shown to have much higher rates of hip fracture and other fractures (from falling after getting up at night while under the influence of these drugs). Death rates from common ailments such as heart disease, cancer and stroke may also be higher in regular sleeping pill users. The sleeping pills, of course, may not have been the cause of these deaths, but people who regularly use sleeping pill are in a higher risk category for death.

Aside from the health and safety issues, regular use of sleeping pills is also not an effective way of improving sleep. All of the sleeping remedies have the same problem – tolerance. That is, when these pills are used on a regular basis, they lose their effectiveness – they stop putting someone to sleep or fail to keep them asleep after just a few nights of regular use. It’s a very similar process to the tolerance that develops quickly to alcohol – after just a few nights of drinking it becomes much harder to get drunk. The same occurs with sleeping pills.

The temptation is then to increase the dose of the sleeping pill in order to get the desired effect – people often find they need a second pill or they won’t fall asleep. This leads to the dangerous but well-known cycle of dependency, tolerance, addiction and withdrawal. The phenomenon of tolerance is not restricted to one or two different sleeping pills, but to these drugs as a class. All of the prescription sleeping pills (known as the sedative hypnotic class) exhibit the same problem with tolerance. This includes common prescription sleeping pills such as Ambien, Sonata, Restoril, Xanax, Ativan, Halcion, Serax and others.

Side effects of these medications include drowsiness, memory loss, dizziness, loss of balance, depression, confusion, liver dysfunction, reduced sex drive and even insomnia! Insomnia itself is a side effect of regular use of sleeping pills. Why? Because once the effect of the sleeping pill wears off in the middle of the night, then the process of withdrawal begins – this withdrawal causes arousal, which wakes us up. At that point there are only two options – lay awake, or take another sleeping pill, which aggravates the cycle of dependency, tolerance and addiction.

So is there a solution to this dilemma?

Of course. For starters, don’t get caught up in the unsafe and ineffective habit of using sleeping pills on a regular basis. If you have been prescribed a sleeping pill, it’s best to use it seldom if at all to avoid tolerance and dependency. Next, you should reprogram your sleep habits.

As surprising as it may seem, sleep is largely a learned behavior. Our sleep habits are conditioned, very similar to Pavlov’s dogs. Our bodies learn the pattern of our sleep and then “practice” that pattern each night. In order to restore normal sleep patterns, we need to retrain our bodies to learn new habits. As with learning anything new, practice makes perfect. It takes a diligent effort to retrain our bodies to sleep well again.

Here are ten steps to help retrain your sleep patterns:

1. Maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. This begins to teach your body the timing of sleep and arousal. Try not to deviate by staying up too late every few nights and sleeping in late on weekends. Don’t nap during the daytime if possible; this disrupts your body’s internal clock.

2. Don’t read, write, watch TV or talk on the phone in bed. The goal here is for your body to learn that your bed means sleep, not staying awake doing something else.

3. Keep your bedroom absolutely dark. Research suggests that even tiny amounts of light (such as from a nightlight, or a crack of light through a door) may be enough to disrupt chemical signals in the brain such as melatonin that regulate sleep.

4. Turn your clock away from your bed. If you do wake up during the night, you shouldn’t find yourself staring at your clock. This only causes arousal, which will make it more difficult to fall back asleep.

5. Practice a ritual relaxation technique. Before going to sleep, practice a simple relaxation technique. Begin by briefly writing down anything on your mind at bedtime so you can clear these thoughts and concentrate on sleep. Practice a brief relaxation exercise, whether this is a short meditation, listening to calming music, doing a stretching or breathing exercise, praying or reading (not in bed). You could also take a hot bath with soothing essential oils or have a cup of warm herbal tea. Once in bed, begin by relaxing each body part from your toes up to your face in a sequential fashion until all of your muscles feel fully and completely relaxed. Don’t forget your shoulders and face (where tension often resides).

6. Exercise regularly during the day. Regular exercise has a number of beneficial effects. Exercise certainly makes you more tired when you go to bed. But exercise also lowers levels of stimulatory hormones including adrenaline and cortisol, and exercise also helps to improve melatonin levels. Melatonin is one of the hormones made in our brain (by the pineal gland), which helps to keep our bodies’ internal clock. Try to exercise in the morning or afternoon, rather than in the evening right before bed, when exercise can be stimulating.

7. Avoid stimulants after noontime. Stimulants such as caffeine in coffee (even decaf), tea, soft drinks, or over-the-counter medications (Excedrin & others) can disrupt your normal sleep-wake cycle.

8. Limit or eliminate alcohol. Alcohol has an identical effect to sleeping pills, that is, it also causes tolerance, dependency, addiction and withdrawal. Although that glass of wine seems to relax you and make you a little groggy, it is also the thing that’s waking you up at 3 AM when the effects wear off and your body arouses from withdrawal from the alcohol.

9. Eat calming foods at dinner. Calming foods include some form of carbohydrate that temporarily boosts the brain levels of serotonin, a brain chemical involved with sleep. If you’ve been cutting down on carbs to reduce appetite or lose weight, dinner is the best time to re-introduce some carbohydrates to help with sleep.

10. If you do wake up, try and stay in bed until you fall back asleep. Getting out of bed only reinforces unwanted habits; so if you do wake up, don’t get upset. Just relax your body again from the toes up and drift back off to sleep.

Because there are several health conditions that can cause insomnia, it’s important to tell your doctor about your sleeping habits. Your doctor will be able to rule out serious causes of insomnia such as sleep apnea, hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or others), restless leg syndrome or other medical conditions that might require specific therapy. You can still follow the ten steps above, but for better sleep for a lifetime, avoid the sleeping pills!

Kids are busy doing a disaster drill so I've got a few minutes to check in....

DEB: I agree with LKF-YUCK! I'm one of those many people who suffers from diverticulitis tho. I do much better on this WOE and when I take a daily fiber supplement. I have not been taking the fiber the last few weeks tho. I ran out and just never could remember to get more. After reading that tho, I'm heading out at lunch to stock up again.

Goal...what am I going to do? You know..goal seems so far away. The last 10 months have been so slow loosing. At this pace I still have a year to think about getting there..or more. *smile* But seriously, I would like a pair of cruel girl jeans. That is something special I would like to treat myself with. And of course I have a food treat in mind also...boudin...with a few crackers. One of my very favorite things that I haven't even tasted in the last 18 months.

LKF..I love my crockpot. I didn't really start using it till about 3 years ago when we moved out here and the stove wasn't hooked up yet. But I can't think of an easier way to get meat tender and tasty without heating up the whole house. And trust me. Here in Texas most of the time I have no desire to heat up this house. Except maybe this morning...there is a slight chill in the air...burrr.

Deb...sorry that you still aren't resting well. You are doing soooo good with walking/jogging even when you don't feel like it. Boy is it hot where you live...I KNOW how hard the heat makes it. Keep up the good work. 4 pounds in one week is an awesome weight loss...especially this close to your goal. It's so much harder the lower you go.


Serene...(((((HUGZZ))))) Glad you are back posting so we can send some love and support your way. Hang in there woman..this too will pass...he'll be healed and on his way.

Jack-K...forgot to say congratulations on the 8's!!! Woo Hoo! I know that has to feel good. Don't look bad either.

Gotta run, the monkeys are getting up from their school. Always testing..gotta love em.

Love,
Crystle

Country, you'll get there...I know it feels slow. So many of us have experienced that but stay faithful to the program and it has to budge! Those jeans sound perfect for something to look forward to, even if it is a year away. That's at least where I am! It will take me at least a year, and probably a year and a half to get to goal. But I'm in this for the long haul (LIFE), so however long it wants to take, let's just enjoy the process. What more fun could we have than enjoying all our friends to encourage us here? Debbie must feel that way -- she's at goal and still with us strong!

Oh, and thanks for the words on the crock pot. I love mine, too, and am so glad it's O.K. to use with this eating plan.

Good morning all. I'm doing the happy dance cause I lost 1 pound. I know its not a great big loss but as long as I keep going steady I'm pleased with it. Having my starchy carbs at breakfast if possible. It seems to be working pretty well for me. Walking on my treadmill everyday too. Had a doctor's app. yesterday and the doctor is really pleased. I've lost 51 lbs. and have 32 to go. Slow but sure.

Monet-Hope you were able to get back to sleep and are now resting. The medicine could sure be causeing you problems. Ut oh you might have to change to chicken broth instead of chicken noodle. But when you're recovering your body is under stress and needs a few extras.

gracious-How close are you till your goal?

Jack-K- Jumping up and down for you!!!!! Congradulations on your loss, I know you needed this boost too.... And good for you not getting out of bed and eating last night. Bet you craved sugar cause of the ww shells with the fatijas.

CountryMom- Good for you having such a great time with your Mom. Theres to few of those in life when we get older. Glad you're back on track and going strong. Next week should knock those lbs. back off especially if you can walk some.

music- Hope you survive the week all in one piece!!! Ooooo eeee kids on candy!!! Great that you're OP and bet next week you really drop... What a nice little family reunion you had...Makes a nice fall break..

Serene-Its so good you're posting again. Wondered where you were. And it sure does help to come here and hang out a bit. We're all pulling for you. The weight will sure come off and please try not to get discouraged about it. Now don't you forget!!!!!! Hope your doc. app. goes well.

Debelli- Its like 46 here this morning. Damp and cool. We have our wood stove going. Its so hard to imagine 91 degrees this time of the year. But I'll dream of that when its snowing here. Its probably making your sleepless nights. Really sounds like you had a pretty good day yesterday. Its hard on "them" wives with worker bee husbands. Lucky you going out for lunch. It sounds like such a treat. Wow and wow on your weight girl!!! You are doing it. Congradulations!!!! I'm so looking forward to being at goal some day and hopefully under it.

LKF- Okay now gal give up some idea's for the crockpot. I forget to use mine.

Time to go cook breakfast... Everyone have a great day..

213/162/130