Hi ladies!

I joined WW and Core this week, and so far - well, it's been a challenge. I'm used to eating mostly packaged, processed, convenience foods. So Core foods seem totally foreign and difficult! But I'm trying to stick it out!

I'd especially like advice for eating out. I had a veggie omelet w/o cheese yesterday, but it was probably made with butter or oil, so it wasn't truly Core. And we went out for tapas last night - I assume I've used all of my points for the week. grrrrrrr!

Hi Chicks! I only have a minute but wanted to say hello. I need to get on the treadmill which will make 6 days of exercise for this week. Great for me! I'll try to come back later. I've been SO good this week. I hope it pays off at the scale but if not....I'll still stick to the program next week and the week after. Maybe I'm losing fluffiness. You know that fat does take up more space than good old muscle. I'm all bloated and TOM is due any minute. I'm drinking water like crazy trying to flush it all through. Sigh.

I only have a minute now so I'm going to try to answer your questions, Lytricia. First of all, there are NO BETTER folks on the internet than our little group here. No sniping or meaness ever here and we LOVE new people. So I guess you'd say no cliques either.

I'm a cooking fool and a recipe addict. I think I can help you. I'll answer your question but then you'll have to invite me over for dinner. Your recipe sounds delightful and I have a great answer for you.

If you have just one non-Core ingredient in a recipe.....the recipe is still Core (you'll often see these kind of recipes referred to as Core+ meaning Core plus some points) but you do have to count the points for that ingredient against your WPA's (35) or your AP's (Activity Points). So figure out the points value of the entire amount of low fat ricotta (just the ricotta...not the other ingredients) you are adding to the recipe and then divide it by the number of servings you get from the dish. Count however many servings you eat against your WPA's or AP's. Adding a baked potato with FF sour cream is still Core as are the steamed veggies. The only thing you have to worry about is one starch (potato, pasta, rice) you are having in a day. You didn't mention any of those in your recipe so I assume your baked potato is your only of the limited starches today.

The rest of the rule is that if there are two or more non-Core ingredients to a recipe then you must count points for the whole recipe even if there are many Core ingredients. I hate this rule but it is a tweak that I don't make. I've decided that I'm following the rules so one item only it is for me before I count points for the whole thing.

The only other thing you have to be careful of is to be sure that you aren't getting more than the equivalent of two teaspoons of oil in the portion you are going to eat. If you are, then you'll also have to count points for the additional oil.

I hope that answers your questions. Enjoy your dinner and don't forget to let me know what time I should be there.

BTW, there are MANY entree recipes on our website that are fabulous. My husband is a picky eater and he enjoys immensely several of them on the list. I don't make separate meals for us. It's just the two of us and even though I like to cook, I'm not making two different meals. I could make some recommendations if you are interested.

WOW! Long post for me. Jim is watching the Bears so he didn't even notice.

Off to the treadmill.

Hi All (again).

:welcome: Eggie.

If you have been used to processed foods, then Core will be a shock. BUT, stick with it. It is all about being healthier. It will work and you will be healthier. And, yes, Tapas probably will consume your points!

Vickie, maybe you should get Jim a whole bunch of sports DVDs!!! That will keep him busy while you're here with us. My DH doesn't like sports but he spends some much time as his computer he can't complain about me!!

Off to dance class...

Rhonda

Thanks, Linda! I sure don't see myself that way but I certainly appreciate your saying so. You are the real inspiration here to get us all motivated again. I love that we all take turns.

Rhonda, you sure are right about Core being a shock to the processed food junkie. I know because I was one! Congratulations on your NSV. You should be very proud of yourself. Have fun at dance.

Coco, I know the exercise is hard. I hate it but I just force myself to do it. It is really the only way I can lose. I figure why put myself through all of this if I'm not willing to do it all the way? I love carbs too but I'm only allowing myself Core ones right now. I just made the Core banana muffins again. They are outstanding, easy to make and freeze well.

Eggie, I eat out often. It can be done on Core but it requires careful planning, ordering, and good communication with the waitress. They actually have Pam or Pam type spray in restaurants. I order mine with Pam spray and then make up my own. You don't have to just order the kind they have. One of my favorites is eggbeaters with Pam spray, turkey sausage (for points), avocado, and pico de gallo. Yum, yum, yum. It's not on the menu but they make it because they have all of the ingredients. I say no toast, no potatoes but rather fruit. They give me a gorgeous amount of fruit and everyone is happy and I stay on Core. It can be managed at other meals as well. I just went out for a salad the other day. I ordered a salad and said no bleu cheese, no bacon and no dressing. I brought my own FF dressing with in a tupperware container. Where there is a will there is a way. I also travel with my own margarine (pre-measured and counted for points) and FF sour cream.

Sandra, you'll feel better once you both get back to WW. Right now you're just filled with dread. Pull the bandaid off quickly and just go back!

I treadmilled and now I'm going to bubble bath and relax. I'll try to get back tomorrow but Monday's are very busy.

Hi Everyone
Hope eveyone has had a great Sunday. A little cool here. May get a good frost tonight. So the furance is turned.
ONTARGET Guess you could call your Ranch The S & C Archery Ranch.
EGGIE WELCOME!!
VICKIE That is wonderful 6 days of exercise. Glad you are able to get back on here. Missed you.
TEJAS Sounds like you did a wonderful job of being in control with the eating out. That is great. How did the dance class go.
LYTRICIA This is a wonderful board. The ladies here are very supportive. They have helped me through many a bad times.
TECHALUM How are you. Hope everything works out with your job. Thinking of you.
L.J. Hope you had a great day.
Well not much going on here.
Went to church. Then went to sister in law. And that has been it.
Not really looking for weigh in tomorrow. Dont think it will be a good one.
But will keep my fingers crossed that I will be surprised with a loss.
Well I am going to get off here for now.
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.
Thinking of each of you.
coco

Hi there, Chickies. Curtis and I just made a pact that we will definitely go to WW Tuesday and get on track. Seems I've been saying that a lot lately, doesn't it? I apologize to you and also to myself for not following through. Life will always be hectic, so I need to get a grip. (So does Curtis)

Linda, you're right. Tweaking has no place in Core. I will become squeaky tweaky free.

Rhonda, I hope you and Doyle don't get "done in" tonight. Remember what happened to Curtis and me when we tried dancing? It took us weeks to get over the pains. Congratulations on your NSV. I am impressed. Curtis just shelled a handful of pecans for his cereal in the AM. It's going to be hard, but I will pass on them.

Lytricia, this is a great place for aid and support. I'm glad you've joined us. I like reading what you have to say. Have you checked out some of the recipes here? There are oodles.

:welcome: Eggie. The best advice I can give you as to eating out? Think grilled.

Vickie, you're a sneaky chickie. I love it!! Curtis is watching NFL highlights right now so I have puter time. My son told me about a wireless service out in the country that will hook me up when we move to the ranch. I need to call them and make an appointment. Looks like we'll move this week. Yippee!!

Coco, that's a cute name for the ranch. My parents had 20 acres that they named "The Pinederosa." (That was in "The Ponderosa" days.) :lol:

Vickie and Coco, I'm sending you both ;) ;) ;) ;) for great WI's tomorrow.

Hi All:

Vickie, you're right, if we're going to do it let's do it. That might be all I need to hear to get me back at :exercise:

Coco, we too are getting a freeze tonight. Where's that global warming when you need it!! Our heat has been on for a while now, but we haven't need it much.

Dancing was good. Our teacher is so patient and calm. We learned more of the samba tonight. I like the Latin dances but they don't come naturally to DH. However, the samba is an easy one, so it was fun. I think we're best at the waltz.

Well, night all..I'll try to remember to start our new thread early tomorrow.

Rhonda