[Elanajel]

I have done Core 3 separate times when I needed to jump-start a weight loss (I've been Lifetime since Nov. 2004, but sometimes those pounds creep back on). So I went Core as of today, and will do it for this week. My weight is back to 132, and that just doesn't feel good at all. Goal is to take 7 pounds back off (not in this week!).

So, here's what I'd like to know:
1. How do you make this work if you are sick of oatmeal? I often eat (ate?) whole grain cereal for bkfst, but not just Shredded Wheat (GoLean Crunch, Bran Flakes, Optimum Zen, etc.). These are low sugar/high fiber but they do have up to 5 or 6 g. sugar in a serving.
2. What about lowfat yogurt instead of ff?
3. Do you generally use all 35 WPAs?

Thank you and I'm pleased to be back at this board.

Wishing everyone a successful and OP week....

[Vickie]

Welcome back, Elana! I stick with the purely Core cereals since I'm having a hard time losing anything at the moment. I also eat Farina/Cream of Wheat when I get tired of oatmeal and shredded wheat.

I generally use all 35 points each week for things like smart balance margarine and the occasional bun/bread.

I don't like yogurt so I only use it to cook with in recipes. I only use the plain FF.

[blessedwithsarah]

Hi Elana -- for BF I eat shredded wheat or grapenuts. I know grapenuts isn't one of the "endorsed" cereals, but looking at the ingredients it has no sugar or non-core stuff. Also, try making core pumpkin or apple bread (the recipes are posted). Eggs are a good standby as well, you can make a quiche or egg cups (quiche mix made in muffin pan) with core ingredients. Or boiled eggs travel nicely.

For lf vs ff, you do need to count the points. I typically look to use 5 per day - works well for me. Other don't plan on using them and save them for a big treat. Use them or now, its what will work for you.