OK - danger zone lurking - I feel it. I did everything I could to come up with an excuse not to go to yoga. I did go but really didn't want to. I also an greatly concerned with my food choices yesterday. It's a mix of a sense of complacency, comfort and possibly some hidden fear of being below 300. I just have the "feeling" that I've had before right before I just give up. No sense of foreboding - just something else I wish I could put my finger on.

I've thought of staying off the scale for a month of so but with my recent pattern it may be much longer than that to go below 300 (if that is the case). I did my measurements and that kinda backfired on me as there was NO change - not one in the last month.

I think if I dig in a do a little pre-spring cleaning it may help - uncluttering always does the same for my mind. Getting organized in body always helps my spirit.

As always, your support and help is appreciated - I had to get it into black and white before I just fade away and you're saying - where's GG? I also have committed I will keep posting!

Carol

Well even after all of the MIL grief yesterday I stayed OP which was good. I also stayed in my pajames all day on the couch..but that's neither here nor there. Turns out that DH and his mother left the conversation with HER telling him that when HE is ready to apologize to her that he can call her back. Maybe she won't be coming to my birthday afterall...hmmm

DH is also happy because his blood sugar (he is diabetic...no meds just diet and exercise) was at 96 this morning. It started getting higher as his weight was creeping back up and recently he cut out extra bread and all restaurant bread (except dry whole wheat toast). He has dropped 20 points in about 3 weeks and we are both thrilled. To him that is better than losing actual weight...hooray for DH!

Today we went to the accountant to do our taxes (hooray for a refund and the forthcoming rebate) and then had him recrunch the nubers with my gameshow winnings in it to see what next year will look like. YIKES!!! But we know what we need to do and what to put aside so we'll have that to work on.

I'm heading off to my friend's apartment to help her finish packing and moving in with her BF. The last time she moved it was the most awful disaster and ridiculously disorganized and I almost threw away half of her stuff without telling her (she would have thanked me later). This time I THINK it is going marginally better in as much as they have ben doing it progressively and not all at once and they actually got a storage unit to put extra stuff in. She still is a hoarder and a packrat and keeps stupid junk...but oh well...that's her not me. I just don't know how much time I can realistically spend in the new apartment as I am allergic to her cats and I am already feeling poopy...and DH is more allergic than I am. I can't come home covered in cat hair or else I'll be stripping down outside the apartment...not something I relish.

Happy Saturday...

ok read through all the posts I missed WOW can't comment on all of them! but know that Im thinking about all of you and your concerns.....praying for those that need the extra strength to keep going!

DS is heading out to Basic on Tuedsday.....we take him to swear in! He is our second oldest but will be the first to MOVE away from me....all the others live within 1hr drive at their colleges.....I'm sad but happy he has decided to make this change in his life. He needs the dicipline for his life right now.....

I've done well on my calorie intake.....Im using fitday to count now WOW what a difference then doing it myself!!! LOL

take care everyone and hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Good day all,

Well the baking is done, with no casualties (okay, maybe 6 almonds, but that's it). Somewhere along the way I got on a roll and ended up making three batches of biscotti. I also managed to get my exercising in as well. There's really no excuse when they go into the oven for 30 minutes. It gives you plenty of time to do 30 mins on the treadmill. I also did the DVD before I started this morning. Some days getting it worked in is harder than others. I'm also really glad that the old recipe I found (an Emeril one) gave me the result I wanted. The recipes I've tried over the last month weren't quite what I was looking for. I also made them slightly smaller than the recipe called for, which gave me 60 per batch instead of 48. So the grand total for the biscotti are:

Chocolate Cherry Almond (49 cals, 25% fat - but 20% is from the almonds)
Cinnamon (30 cals, 5% fat)
Lemon Ginger (31 cals, 5% fat)

If I'd made 48 instead it would have been - 61, 37, and 39. I really like them as a cookie choice since they end up too hard to scoff them down. You really must dip them in something, let them soften, nibble off the soft piece - and repeat. Very nice for mindful eating. I'll take a few minutes and post it in the recipe section with the basic recipe, followed by the changes I made. The old recipe did have you dipping the finished biscotti in some semi-sweet chocolate, but honestly, they are better without it. If you dip them in the chocolate they soften unless you use them right away.

CatherineM - it's pretty much your duty to provide low-fat baking (hey, I bet nobody ever notices). I baked the biscotti in defense, as I'm going to a surprise party tomorrow (for my mother's 80th - the neighbour across the street is having it). I can avoid the cake they will have by eating a couple of the biscotti instead. I'll probably try taking a protein shake before I go as well, to curb any desire to start gobbling down whatever food/lunch they've come up with. I would have really rather done the party myself... but it wouldn't have been a surprise. And I was told that I would be disowned if I had one. She can't disown the neighbours - and I suspect she'll enjoy it.

BattleAx - dinner was nice. I like it as a restaurant choice as there are plenty of options without going nuts. As long as I stay away from the biscuits (keep repeating... 208 cals... 208 cals) I'm okay. I had grilled shrimp, snow crab, butter (for dipping), broccoli, salad, and 2 glasses of wine. It really wasn't any different than if I'd gone before. Even when I took the potato I never finished it. The only real difference was no biscuits. I really kind of wish that most restaurants provided the information. With a (roughly) 2000 cal limit, I can occasionally blow 1000 cals on a dinner, but unless I know what I'm eating I'm less likely to choose that restaurant.

Carol - the last time I stopped posting... well, I started gaining again. I don't remember the specifics, but like you I probably started slipping a little on my daily routine, and then just drifted off. Don't do it!!!!

Well, that's it for me at the moment. I've got to go make sure they stew is thawed so I can put it in the oven to heat up. Wish me luck in making good choices tomorrow....

I know, I know. But if I don't give homework, I don't think they learn anything. And I lose my chance to be influential in their lives!

One of our graduates stopped by the other day, and in the course of our conversation thanked me for assigning a paper fondly known as "the mother of all synthesis papers" He said "I think I cried some as I wrote that paper. But don't ever get rid of it. After I wrote that paper, I realized I can do anything."

So, I assign work, and I grade. And maybe, just maybe, they learn.

Debi, I'll have to check that fiberchoice out. I really think I need something. What a conversation, huh?
Did you decide to treat yourself to a new pair of dress pants for your daughter's senior night?

Colneen, congrats on the 4 lbs gone!!

Battleax, I hope you meet your prince really soon!

Anne, good luck tomorrow. I'm sure you'll do just fine thought. Sounds like you have a plan. The biscotti sounds really good. I love that stuff!
I think I will try and break up the treadmill time some. Put on some good music and just walk.

Catherine, I could just picture the look on the trainer's face when you were keeping up with him. Too funny! Good for you for showing others what us hefty people are capable of.
Those biscuits do sound really yummy, and simple. I miss bread, muffins, biscuits.

Sharon, heck no you didn't come off as bragging. I think it's wonderful that you got to travel like that. What an opportunity you had to do that! Did you find any good deals when you were out shopping with the boys?

Carol, good for you on getting the PS2. I don't know if they have different genres or not. I know the one we have is a bunch of songs I haven't heard of, but they grew on me so it's not so bad. I wish they would come out with one for our age group. They would probably sit there and laugh theirselves silly if they knew 40ish and 50ish people were jumping around to some of the music that they offer.
You better keep coming here!! It is so hard at times to stay on track, but you're weight WILL drop. I promise!

Heather, too bad there wasn't a way to walk and grade. Maybe you could attach a portable table to your waist and walk around. Wouldn't that be interesting? Anyhow, glad you got it all done so you could get some other things done. Do you plan on going rock climbing again, anytime soon?

Angie, isn't it great to be outside? Makes a person feel so much better.I'm glad to hear that you are helping yourself to get out of the dumps. Have fun getting those home improvement chores done. We almost hit 60 today and it feels so good. I really am going to get out there tomorrow and get to those blackberries!!

Julee, wonderful news about hubby's drop in points. As a fellow diabetic, I know how hard that is. Great progress for him!!
Have fun with your friend packing.

DMPLS, I know you'll miss your son, but he's doing something good for himself. My thoughts and prayers will include him. Where abouts in Kentucky are you, if you don't mind me asking. We were there in December, Gilbertville. My MIL lives there. Beautiful state.

We went to Kmart and Walmart today and I bought my 8 lb weights. I want to start doing some weight training. So I figure that's a good start. Gotta mix it up so the ol body doesn't know what's going on.
I bought a bunch of seeds today to for my garden. I'm going to start them indoors first. Can't wait for the fresh veggies.
Have a great day!
Debbie

DMPLS-When mine went off to boot camp I tried very hard to not grab his ankles and make me drag him through the air port. I’m sure security would have gotten involved.

Battle-Knowing you are ready really is the biggest hurdle.

Carol-I read about a woman who wrote a book about de-cluttering. She said that most of her clients lost weight after cleaning their environment. It was a total make over in a way.

Julee-I wish my MIL would promise not to call until we apologized. That would be heaven.

Anne-The baking was dropped off right before the 4pm mass. They were impressed that it was still warm. I had it boxed and ready to go seven minutes ahead of schedule. It ended up being 8 dozen muffin squares. Basically cake without frosting. I used applesauce instead of oil, and egg whites only. Only 7 ½ dozen made it out the door. He looked so pathetic, and he did drag a very large box 2 blocks to the church for me, so I kind of looked the other way as he pilfered a plate.

Heather-Oh you’re one of those teachers.

Debbie-This instructor is kind of a cheerleader type, young and perky. The regular one is middle aged, and used to be overweight. I may have kept up with her, but I’m paying for it now. I am so sore today, and dragging my back pockets. We grow fresh vegetables in the alley. Rhubarb grows wild here everywhere, especially around the dumpsters. He always wants me to make a pie. Yeah, I’m making dumpster pie. Mississippi mud maybe, but not something where the homeless relieve themselves.

I’m wasted, so I’m going to put my feet up and watch cartoons.

hello ladies,
I had a great day. I change my weigh in day to sat from sunday.I have now lost 16lbs. I started trying to find something to wear. My best black dress pants are now to big!! I wore them on dec 30 and they fit great. Lucky I had a new pair I had bought at Fashion Bug a few months back. They were having one of those buy anything get somthing else for a penny. I had bought a top for my daughterinlaws shower. I couldnt find anything else in the store I wanted . I kept thinking that I could always use a new pair of black pants..but they didnt have my size.26. So for a penny I bought a 24 but had to get a LOng because they were picked over. So this morning I tried them on and they fit and are even a little loose in the waist!! I had to hem them fast so I could wear them. That was enough to keep me on the right track today!!
We ate at Red Loster and I did great. I had the create your own platter, I chose garlic shrimp and crab legs. I had a baked potatoe with no butter( i smuggled in my butter spray) I ate one roll( it was great but not worth a 160 calories!!) I had a garden salad with red wine vingerett dressing on the side. I drank water!! I left feeling full and satified. Oh I didnt get the butter I asked them to leave all butter off my plate! total meal was 845 calories.

Its hard to believe my daughter cheered her last game tonight..unless they make it to conference. We even got to meet her boyfriend of 3yrs parents tonight. They seem really nice and I already felt like I knew them. They have taken such good care of her while she has been in college.

have a great sunday everyone

Morning All….

Julee..sorry about the MIL stuff. Mine stays clear of us and has not really bothered us in a bad way. Guess I am lucky. 

Heather: Glad you got your grading done. I use to hate homework! LOL Messed up my playing time at home.

Debbie: Good luck with the veggies. I have tried and tried to grow..ANYTHING..with no luck. Hubby says its cause we live in Arizona where the dirt is literally one molecule away from being concrete. Hehehe

Debimitch: 16 Lbs gone..WHOOHOOO!!!


As for me, last night we went to my aunt and uncle’s house and played cards. Something we use to do all the time, but have not done in months. It was nice and relaxing. I only had 2 beers. (must be me controlling myself) Also did not have any snacks while there.

Today I am going to take the kids on a short “hike” We live by a mountain preserve area and they have all kinds of trails from easy to hard. So I told the kids we are going to see nature. LOL I have teenagers so I am sure they were thrilled! Mother nature as said no rain today so as long as the sun is up, I am there.

Have a great day all!

Good Morning!!


Yes, I am still alive , just on Winter Break! We have been busy putting down Pergo floors(laminate) in Sammi's and our bedrooms. I love home improvement...NOT!!! Just the process of cleaning out clutter is enough to send me screaming through the streets!! The garbage men were not happy with us at all this week. I have been lurking mostly because either the computer was acting up or my kids were hogging it when it was actually working. Eating has not been totally out of control only a little bit. We got 8 inches of snow on Friday...only the second storm of the season...and TOM has been visiting, so there has been some extra nibbling. I am so much more in control when there is the structure of work...and teenagers not sticking their heads in the pantry every five seconds!!

Big and to everyone, as there is no way I can keep up with what I have missed!!

Have a Great Day!

Good Morning all,

I have read all of your posts and hope you are all doing well. Congrats to all the weight losses and hugs on the gains. I have spent Friday night and all day Saturday sick again. UGH. I am just taking it easy today and hoping that I will be much better for work tomorrow.

Hope you are all hanging in there and doing well.

Blessings,
Annie

ok so I loved Fitday....LOL then someone on here mentioned Daily plate! YICKS I love it!!! It had all my calories and I could even look up product names......like Great Value from Walmart LOL which I buy alot of!!!! LOL

I'm just having issues with Carb, Protein, Calorie ratios....need to look up info on that subject!

Hi Peeps

I gotta say after trying Daily Plate when Debbie mentioned it I love it too. So far I haven't had to add anything in yet. I do think their calories burned for activities seems very high so I deleted my activities.

After yesteday's post I felt better - maybe just saying it helped - thanks for listening. Yesterday actually turned out to be only a 1,000 calorie day. Not good.

Today's water workout was awesome - even the trainer was tired. Then I did an hour of cardio/weight training. I can feel the burn still. Glad the water thing worked out - I know I will see the benefit of it.

Annie - so sorry you are sick again - the bug around here hasn't been going away easily either. Seems like people get it - feel better and then it comes back with stronger. Rest my friend. Lots of fluids too.

Hugs to everyone - remember move your bodies, drink your water and SMILE.

Hugs,
Carol

Catherine, sounds like you put in alot of work this weekend. The muffins sound good and went for a good cause. I dunno about dumpster pie...ewwwww.

Debie, you did great at Red Lobster! What great yummy choices. That's great that you got to meet along with your son's girlfriend's parents. It always helps when everyone can get along.
Good news on the 24'2 being a bit large in the waist.

Cyn, have fun on your hike! You did really well while playing games.
We have to bring dirt in because ours is so full of clay, therefore it just doesn't drain right. We don't want a bunch of soggy icky veggies. I can grow pretty much anything except orchids. They just don't want to bloom for me.

Hi Donna, glad to see you posting. You're missed.

Annie, I hope you start feeling better soon, my friend. Take it easy.

DMPLS, I love it too! So much easier than Fitday. I don't mind going on The Daily Plate and doing all the info now. They have most of it and I don't have to enter a bunch of data. Glad you found it!

Carol, with all you do for exercise, I don't see how your not a skinny minnie yet! You are so into it. You did alot yesterday and today. Keep it up!!

Ok, Carol motivated me. I'm gonna go get my shoes on and get on the blasted treadmill. Then maybe I will work out with my new 8lb weights I just bought.
See ya,
Debbie

Evening all,

Just a quick note because I'm actually between dinner and the salad course. I managed to keep the calories to a reasonable level this afternoon. When all is totaled up it was 540-odd calories. I had to estimate some, but others I could look up. I'm so glad I took the biscotti, because it was a known sweet treat. And I did manage to avoid the cake. Although to be fair, the women throwing the party have known me through the weight loss (without specifically knowing where I am), so they aren't the type to push. The scariest item were the meatballs - a 'lean' brand from a known manufacturer (I saw the box). I took only 4, since I knew it wouldn't be pretty. I looked them up when I got home - 160 calories for 6 of them... and these were very small meatballs. I ended up counting them as about 170 (3oz of meatballs and sauce), but it was even higher than I thought.

The protein shake before leaving was a very good idea. It meant I wasn't eating from hunger. Really I just made a plate because everyone else was. Instead of cake I took coffee later with some of my biscotti (which disappeared fairly fast).

It's funny you know, watching other people eat (without judgement, but amazed really). I mean, I took veggies, a few meatballs, a piece of bruschetta, and two tortilla cups with plain salsa. There were also crackers and cheese, fancy cheese dips for the tortillas, and something else I can't remember that looked way too high calorie to touch.

Later I took a few pieces of fruit, coffee, and my own biscotti (avoiding the unknown cookies... since looking at recipes recently I know there isn't likely a cookie that can be found for under 100 calories). It could have been a disaster day, but it wasn't, so that was wonderful.

Anyway, off to finish my salad and watch some television. My TOM just started, and I'm actually still retaining water like crazy. I actually feel bloated, something I usually don't feel. I'm beginning to wonder if it was the few cans of diet soda I had yesterday that has contributed to it. I'm going to try lots of water to see if I can flush it through. That's the only bad thing today - I haven't really had much actual water, probably only 4 cups (usually by this point of the day I've had 10).

Hope everyone had a good day, and we'll see you all tomorrow in the new thread!