Weekly Core Chat Jan. 18-24
 

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I have officially lost 20 1/2 pounds since May, 2009.

We saw Avatar. I liked it, but it's long and that was tough. There was an entire row of teens behind us and I was sure that they would ruin the movie. NOPE. They were spellbound and silent. The visual and special effects are worth it, in my opinion. It is about conflict and there is a lot of it, but it's not gorey, just a little boring to me at times. No charge for the review!

Stay OP today :drill:

Rhonda

Congrats Rhonda!! Thats a wonderful milestone!

I made a clean out the fridge veggie soup this morning. Kept it all veggies, lc ones to boot. So its close to the 0 point soup but with stuff I preferr. I did have a head of cauliflower that I used. Bit different but tasty. In the end I put in 1/2 a jar of salsa -- it just needed some kick. But its done now and between that and what I have in the freezer I'm good for lunches for a while.

I do need to make another spinach quiche tomorrow for my breakfasts. I've been using ff feta in my eggs -- if you haven't tried it, its very good.

Lazy day today - woke up to sloppy snow/rain. Thankfully we didn't get much, maybe a 1/2 inch. Up north there is almost 10 inches of heavy wet snow. This afternoon, DH wants to drive over to Plymouth to go to a shop and then a pizza place he loves. If we go there I'm just getting a salad. Splurged way too much this weekend.

Well, have a great day everyone!

Good Morning Chicks! I was at a banquet last night with our friend who is the organist for the White Sox. We had a BALL! Pun intended. I know....lame. Anyway, I tried to be as good as I could but the dessert was delicious! I ate about 2/3 of it before I stopped. I was good with the rest of the food and did NOT eat anything when I got home. That was breaking an old pattern for me and I'm proud. I drank a ton of water yesterday because I was worried about salt. I weigh in at JC today and then run straight out for lunch with some old work friends. They are off today for MLK birthday. Those lucky Federal employees! The restaurant today does not have great choices so I'll try to go small, small portions. Then errands.

Hey Paula! I just made some zero point soup too. It made a full 8 quart dutch oven. It's all separated up and frozen. It will give each of us a nice serving in each package and it made 10! Jim and I use it as our veggie on a night when we are really hungry. I use the diced tomatoes with hot chilies for my kick in there. This time I used low sodium beef broth instead of chicken. I'm hoping it makes it taste better. It's yucky out here too.

Rhonda, I'm having a hard time getting to and sticking to 1500 calories a day. I can't imagine 1200. It would be like my throat was cut.

Nancy, I count calories, points, Jenny Craig categories and also look at my balance between carbs, protein and fat. A little obsessed maybe? I sure am. I think I'm determined this time. If I do well today, then I might have found a good balance for me. We'll see.

Gotta run.

DRINK YOUR WATER!

I thought of Coco today. I hope she is well. I liked her. Donna, Froufie, and Angela too.

Mornin!! How is everyone!!!

I considered counting calories after reading everyone's post, and then thought maybe pts, but with only 18 w/o the 35WPA, I can't. 18 pt is a round about total calories of 1080....no way...but I have to be honest, counting anything FOR ME is too much a thought process. I will stay with SFT/CORE as we know it. It is easier, not too much to think about. Just eat core foods and keep track of your non core. I envy everyone of you who can count calories.
I have learned my 'satisfication' level over the years, and my experience has been Core works best for me.

Vickie, your night sounds like so much fun, glad you enjoyed yourself.
Great job on breaking an old pattern! :carrot:
Paula, the 0pt veggie soup sounds devine. Now I want to do that, but don't know what veggies to use :( Guess since I love mostly all, there shouldn't be a problem :D
Nancy seems like you had a good week, great loss! :D
Rhonda, your total weght loss is awesome :cp:

Well I just had a cup of Bulger in chicken broth...I was hungry, and now I am good to go again.That has become my favorite go to grain...has both proteind and fiber.

Well I better go.........
All else who follow have a wonderful day.
Lin

Well, my lunch got cancelled and so it's lunch at home and then errands. I lost 1.6 and am delighted with that. My test was to have a bit more fat and a bit less carbs and it seems to have worked. Maybe all I needed was a change of any kind. Who knows. My breakout is about 49-50% carbs, 29-30 fat, and about 20-21 protein. Doesn't matter since I got my new chick and finished....FINALLY....another 15 pound marker. It took forever.

Linda, I used 64 oz beef broth, 28 oz diced tomatoes, 15 oz hot chili tomatoes, 12 oz tomato paste, onion, carrot, zucchini, green beans (frozen), garlic, cabbage (the coleslaw mix), basil, cayenne pepper, and one can of pinto beans. I think it's all Core. I never tired bulgar. I wouldn't even know how to cook it.

Gotta go eat. I'm hungry since I always eat light on the morning of weigh in.

Talk to you all later.

Hi Ladies

Didn't do too good at my W-I today either. I went up 3-lbs after a snack attack that I ate at a very depressing midweek & end.

Ever since I went to the cemetery last Wed. and saw the engraving on the headstone,I'm unable to sleep & snacking is coming a comfort food for me,even though I exercised every day.for 30-45 mins per. day

Have to get out of this depression. Thank Goodness I have the bereavement group coming up this Wed. Maybe I can get some ideas of what to do when depression starts.


Sorry for whining,forgive me if I don't post regularly until I get my head on straight.

Maryann, expressing grief is NOT, NOT, NOT whining. Just take good care of yourself, allow yourself any feeling that you have.

All this talk about soup will be sending me to the stove to cook.

I had a great workout today, met my niece for lunch, shopped and now we're going to go to a movie. Is retirement the way to live or not!?

Rhonda

Mary Ann, I agree 100% with Rhonda. Grieving is NOT whining. You'll have to figure out how to grieve and not eat to shove down the pain. I'm bad at it, which is how I got to 310.4 pounds. I don't want to see you go there so let yourself feel the pain. It's better than eating it. Come here and journal whenever you need to.

Rhonda, retirement IS grand, isn't it? I'm glad you're enjoying it. Your new avatar looks GREAT.

I'm off to eat some veggie soup. Are you all sure you don't want to cook some?

When I posted about counting calories I just meant for the 35 extra points you get for non core foods.
I like to spread them out to have 5 points per day.
Then I figure 250 calories instead of points.

I am loving this core (now that I am not improvising like I was before.
It is working out that a lot of the same foods work for me and hubby's
Nutisystem (fresh fruits, fat free dairy, salad stuff)

Robin just weighed in for week 1 and lost 5 pounds . He had already lost 15
before starting the Nutrisystem . He is really encouraged that his hard work is paying off.

I made a dish tonight for company that isn't totally core...
Okay actually it isn't even close. I only had one serving.
Eating out tomorrow night at a place than has the best chips ever.
I am going to use good will power I hope.
I might have the chicken tortilla soup which is close to core.

Mary Ann.... please feel free to post whatever you are experiencing..
It can really feel good to journal your thoughts and you can use us as a live journal audience if you want to. Our church was talking about
grief this Sunday and a lady that had been thru a great loss said
she tells people to face the grief head on and lean into it like a wave of the ocean.
She tells people to not pretend it isn't there or run away from it.

It sounded neat to hear it described that way but in thinking back to
a grieving period 10 years ago of mine when I lost both parents
I am not sure exactly how to apply it.

Hugs

Congratulations, Rhonda. And you're avatar is beautiful, and your critique of "Avatar" is right on. We thoroughly enjoyed the visual effects. Curtis thought it was like a sci fi western. :lol:

Paula, your soup sounds yummy. I've never tried feta with eggs. Thanks for the heads up.

Vickie, I've been wondering about our "old friends", too. I wish they'd pop in to let us know how they're doing. Congrats on breaking that old habit of rewarding yourself. See I know what to call it cuz I have that habit, too.

Lin, I allow myself 29 pts per day. (I'm counting pts instead of doing CORE to learn portion control.) That works for me.

Vickie, congrats on your new marker. You've earned it for sure.

Maryann, you do what you need to do to get some help right now. I'm glad you're going to the bereavement group.

Nancy, tell Robin congratulations. He's doing great. So are you.

I'm going back to :swim: tomorrow as my hips stopped hurting. And, yep, retirement is wonderful. Life is good.

MaryAnn, please don't hold in what you are feeling. It isn't easy what you are going through. And most can honestly relate, having lost a loved one. Grieving is NOT whining. :hug:

Vickie LOVE your new CHICK!! Congrats!!
Nancy kudo's to your husband...that's awesome!
Sandra so glad you're hip is better. Enjoy your :swim:
Rhonda I have been meaning to tell you, your picture is fab!! You can see in your face your weigh loss efforts. It's a stunning picture.

I'm still going to do the Veggie Soup (Paula's post) ..I've decided on, savoy cabbage, bok choy, carrots, all cut up, onions, and peas. I am not a celery person at all, ughh! I'll check out the fresh produce and see what else I can get. I don't like zucchini in soup either, but what I have sounds good, right?
Guess I talked enough :D have a wonderful day EVERYONE!!
Lin

Lin: counting calories isn't abandoning WW. Points are just an easier way to count calories really. I see WW as an accessible way to do what has been taught for decades. Eat less, move more. I know that many people think it is not so simple. But, we are biological creatures, subject to the laws of physics!

And, speaking of biology, that is one of the wonderful aspects of Avatar. There is an underlying message about how wonderful the biological world is. There is an interesting review in the New York Times about that. If I can figure out how to post the link, I will.

Thank you all for the comments about my picture. That was taken mid-December as I was celebrating with some friends in a restaurant. I really like it.

Vickie, I'll be so proud when I can say "45.6 pounds down." Enjoy your successes!

Rhonda

Oh, a little secret about the picture....I had my eyebrows "done." I have enough eyebrows for everyone on 3fc. On a whim, I had them waxed, and my face "lost" 10 pounds!

Well, I did it. I joined the Y. Just for 3 months to see if I can stick with it. After I signed up I did 40 minutes on the treadmill (2.5 incline and 4mph) -- great sweat! I then tried the elyptical (sp??) - lasted about a minute! Next time I start with that then move to the treadmill. I have a appt with the trainer on Sunday at noon to go over all the machines and weights. I'm committed to go and work out tuesdays/saturdays/sundays each week. Its what I can do for now -- I'll still walk the dog each day. I just hope a good 45-60 minutes work out kickstarts things.

Maryann -- grieve as you need to. We've all had some sort of loss and are here for you.

Rhonda -- great brows!!

Vickie -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Awesome job...keep it going.

Have a good day!

Since I joined a gym, I just went out and bought 2 pairs of work out pants. DH did not understand why I needed them..... You all do :)

We understand, Paula. Such understanding isn't on the Y chromosome. They can't help it.

Yeah, my eyebrows are something else. Got them from my Daddy.

Hello ladies! Anyone here remember me? I've been chatting on Facebook with Vickie for a few weeks here, and have decided to come back here for your wonderful support and friendship.

About 4 years ago, I lost 50 pounds and reached my WW Lifetime goal and was down to 124 pounds. Alas, we had a lot of family stress etc and I gained it all back and on top of it now, I am pregnant! I just started my 3rd trimester, pregnant with a boy after 3 girls. It's super-exciting, but I started out really overweight. I tend to pack on pounds when pregnant, as I eat like there is no tomorrow, so currently I'm around 210. :( I know I can't expect to lose any until after this baby comes (mid-April) but I CAN eat more healthily.

I finally got the message today. We had a "Muffins with Mom" thing at my daughters' school this morning, and was given a banana nut muffin the size of a hubcap, I swear! Well, after eating this, and fruit slice candy when I got home, I spent much of the morning in a sugar-induced haze. I have felt tired and irritable (more than normal :lol:) all day long, and I realized I am doing myself no favors by "treating" myself every single day to whatever I want.

When I was eating Core, I felt great. I had energy and real food tasted great. The junk ended up not even tasting good after a while on Core.

So...long story short (too late) my goal for tomorrow is to work protein into each meal, and if I am hungry, I will eat a fruit/veggie. I will throw out my candy, since dh and the kids don't need it either! I have dinners planned for the week and they're OK.

Anyway, it's nice to see some familiar faces still here.

Later!
Angela

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome: Angela!!!! Do I remember you? Without a doubt, girl! I can't tell you how happy I am to see you back here. Congratulations on your new little one. I am very happy for you. And the weight? I'm still around what I weighed when you first met me. Maybe you'll help me hear the click. I hear it then lose track of it. (over and over) I'm anxious to hear all about the girls and to read about your menus, etc.....

Paula, I understand about workout pants for sure.

Curtis and I took our dental x-rays we'd gotten yesterday to a different dentist today. To make a long story short today's dentist sent me to Dallas for an emergency reconstructive root canal. I'm not in pain yet but am told it is coming. The specialist has loaded me up with hydrocodone so I may not be here much for a couple of days. I'm hoping I'll be all right so I can sub Thurs/Fri and compete Saturday. Time will tell.

Biggest Loser comes on in a few minutes. I'm trying to stay awake so I can see it. The inspiration that comes from watching that show is awesome.

Have a good evening.

Hey, Angela!!! Welcome back. Wow, another baby coming...that's just great news. We're here for you for certain.

Sandra, OUCH! Take good care of yourself. Don't spare the drugs!!

DH and I had a real hamburger today at lunch. Of course, not Core and very caloric, but so fantastic. NO supper tonight except maybe a piece of Babybel light cheese.

Have a great evening everyone. I've got to turn in early because I have a lower body session tomorrow. Todd, by the way, did not pamper me at all when I whined about hurting so much last week. He's going to be a killer. (Angela, Todd is a personal trainer I hired to :kickbutt:)

'Night

Rhonda

Hey chicks, long time, no post! I have been busy and frustrated. The re-modeling mess is piling up again, and it really gets me down. We are not at a place where I can do anything but wait on DH, so wait it is :( The frustration has not been good for my eating, either. DD is hangin' in there, but I'm eating on the sly! What is wrong with me????

Maryann, I have not had a loss like yours, and I don't even want to imagine what you are going through. Don't worry about talking to us about your feelings. That is most important when grieving. Post, post, post, and we will be here reading and praying. I'm so glad about your group. I hope your meeting goes well tomorrow. Hang in there! We love you!!!:grouphug:

Rhonda, as always I'm impressed with your exercise. I am still walking in the mornings with my friend, but you are on fire, girl!!

Sandra, I'm so sorry to hear about your dental emergency! Owwwwwww! I hope the pain med does the trick and you can get some rest. Don't try to do too much until you feel better :stress:

Paula, the exercise pants were a must! Why don't guys get it? :woops:

Vickie, :whoo:

LJ, I'm glad things are going well for you. Congrats on getting in control.:cheer3:

Angela, welcome back! I believe we met when I first started posting here. Glad to have you back and congrats on your :preg:

Nancy, congrats on staying core. Send me some will power, will ya?

I've got to get off here so I can watch my show, The Good Wife. Have a good night, y'all.

Welcome back Angela...

My scales said 143 this am but then 144 two minutes later .
I am not sure why but I have to weigh 3 or 4 times to get the same weight twice. I'll change the batteries and get another if I need to.
It plays with my mind to be excited about a loss and then gain a pound a minute later.

I had a wonderful meal out with my cousin and then coffee
at the book store afterwards. She is doing so well after losing her husband
5 months ago. I was not good about my eating but will get back on track
tomorrow.

Well Good Morning ALL...and Welcome Back Angela...I also remember you and often thought of how you were whenever I checked out the CORE recipes that you posted. CONGRATS on the new little one...

I had a few days of termoil...trying to change things up...it didn't work :(
I had my work w/i and, I'm good as far as WW goes, but still not where I personally want to be. Isn't that always the way. So I keep on keeping on.
Had a talk with my boss about me counting calories instead, didn't go over too well :D Continue what you're doing SFT (Core) is what she said it's working for you! :D In a loving and caring way of course.

Nancy, the same thing happens with my scale. If I move it a 1/2 inch on the floor, it changes. We have several scales in the house and each one reads differently, so don't be discouraged. You are doing SO well.

Sloanie, I can so relate to the frustration of wanting things done with the house projects. I went through the same thing...and yes I FED the feelings of frustration. I wished at that point I had a lot more willpower than WANTpower. The Good Wife...I love that show as well.

Rhonda, a REAL hambuger...that is my all time favorite when we go out, after weighing in, of course :D Nothing like a GOOD burger!! Lucky enough, Todd will burn that right off of you!!

Paula, I have often thought of joing the Y here. After reading your post I checked our local one out on line. It really does look interesting. You have inspired me....As for the 'work pants' of course we need new ones..Men!!! Did want to ask, is a personal trainer part of the package deal. It didn't say at the website.

Vickie, how are things going with you. I haven't 'seen' you. Did I miss your post? Hope all is well. And again CONGRATS on your NEW Chick :carrot:

Sandra, ughh...been there, done that. Please take care of yourself :hug:

Maryann, how are you doing? Been thinking of you.:hug:

Well another day is about to begin. Still chilly here, and that is interupting my being able to walk or ride my bike outside before or after work.
Still have yet to do my Wii. Not sure about how to get it to play.
Hope EVERYONE has a wonderfully successful and enjoyable day.:hug:
LJ

Well, had a good day yesterday. MA is now not a 100% democratic state. Just amazing! Things should be intersting in Washington now. (thats the end of my political comments :) ).

Well, I think I'm going to "officially" wi on Friday and start tracking. Now that I'm committed to exercising, its time. I'm also mentally ready.

LJ - there is a trainer at the Y to help you come up with a program. You can also pay to have them work with you regularly. I must say -- walking on the tread mill was much more intense than walking around the block. I'm now trying to figure out whats going to work best this weekend --- I may get up and go early (6:30) Sat am. For the fee for 3 months, I thought it was worth a trial. Plus our Y has a pool that has water aerobics.

Welcome back Angela!!! Didn't you do an ice cream store? How did that end up? Congrats on your little one. We'll help you eat healthy!!

Sanda - sorry for your mouth situation. Good thing you went to a new dentist!

Well, got to run. Drs appt at 8am, then off to work. Have a good day.

OOOPS - double post.

Hey Chicks! Boy am I behind. I have another appointment this afternoon and then I should be able to catch up.

I'm thinking about all of you and wishing you well.

Good morning ladies! I woke up this morning with a call from the school district saying school was cancelled. I guess an ice storm is moving in. But, regardless of change in schedule, I was good this morning and prepared my planned breakfast of an onion and green pepper omelet. The difference in my energy level between yesterday and today is astounding!

I've got to do my regular morning work of laundry, dishes, and sweeping, and then I plan on sewing some bassinet sheets.

I also need to decide what I'm having for lunch. I'm thinking of a few leftover ravioli I have with a tomato basil sauce, and then maybe a salad. Supper is planned - chicken thighs on the George Foreman grill and parmesan rice pilaf. I should probably use brown rice, since my kids will eat it and it's Core, eh?

Okay, time to get moving this morning. We can do this! :cheer:

Angela

Yes, Angela, we can do this! :woohoo:

Oh my, Todd is a killer. As he was saying "you can do this, c'mon" I could hear myself telling students "yes, you can do it. Now, just put some words on that piece of paper. C'mon." He's good.

Nancy, my scale does that too. Just take a few readings and choose one!

Folks, I'll allow myself a comment here also. Get this health care thing done in this country. We NEED it. I spent 1/2 my life in Canada; no one goes bankrupt there because they get sick.

Sending you all good thoughts...

Rhonda

Sounds like you're all having a good day. Mine is definitely better than yesterday; however, we called and cancelled our spots on the shooting line Saturday. I'm afraid I'll damage the temporary fix that'll be on my tooth till next week. I'm trying to not to do anything to cause problems. There's been enough pain for this chickie for a long long time.

Hey chicks, I'm still working on school stuff and feeling overwhelmed. When I'm at school, I think about what I need to do at home, and when I'm home, I think about what I need to do at school. Bah!!!

Oh Sloane , I know that is a bad feeling to feel behind at home and work.

Wish I had some great advice.

Lower your standards for awhile on things that will wait,like cleaning.

Remember that you are doing an A+ job on things that are the most important,
like being there for your daughter this year.

Sloan, Nancy has good advice.

Good morning ladies. Great news --- the scale is moving!!! Now I just wish I wrote down where my weight was exactly a few weeks ago. I have an idea and I'll start tracking based on that. I know working out is going to get things moving. I am planning on getting to the Y at 7am on Saturday when then open, that way I can be home a bit after 8 and have enough time to get dd to gymnastics at 10. I'm up early anyway!

Nancy - I agree with Sloan, decide on what really matters and what can wait.

Well, off to get dd ready for school. Just wanted to check in.

Nancy pegged it, Sloan. You've been there for your DD. The rest can wait. That said, I was very stressed during all of our renovations while in Toronto. I like to think I'm "cool" but I don't like my physical space being messed with. This must be very deeply rooted in most of us. Just keep breathing and take it one mess at a time!

I have lost another 1 1/2 pounds. I'm at 22 gone since May. :woohoo: Paula, the :exercise: will help a lot! Go to it!

Rhonda

Paula, great job with the exercise! I'm sure your diligence will continue paying off.

Rhonda, way to go on the loss!

I did well for my first day back "op." I am, of course, allowing myself more calories than if I were trying to lose weight, but am trying to be more aware of my food choices and portion sizes. One major hurdle for me yesterday was eating absoltely NO sugar. I did it! Of course, I dreamed of candy last night! :lol:

We have a 2-hour school delay here this morning. The ice storm did indeed come through, although it's not as bad here as in Western Iowa.

My goal for today is to continue avoiding sugar, try to get in fruits/veggies at every meal, and put Frontline on my cats. :D Okay, so the last one isn't diet-related.

Hope you all have great days!
Angela

Hey chicks! You all are sooooo sweet! I know you are all right. It's just one of those times that having so much clutter is unsettling! I know I'll get over it, and I did get my desk cleaned off at school, got some filing done, and worked on my grade book before I left for the day. I'm going to try to set some small goals for cleaning this weekend, even if I just straighten the piles!

I've got to get a powerpoint done for a lecture in the morning, so I've got to get off here. Again, thanks to all of you for sending the:goodvibes

Paula and Rhonda, :woohoo: on the scales moving down. You're both doing great jobs at losing.

Sloan, :woohoo: to you on getting some things done at school. Try to relax as much as possible.

Angela, :woohoo: to you, too, for cutting out sugar.

I subbed today but had to cancel for tomorrow. I'm not in a lot of pain, but I'm not feeling well. I'm guessing maybe the antibiotics or the shock my body was in Tuesday is what's causing me to feel poorly. I'm so ready to be over this and get back into the water--and to shoot my bow!

Sandra :hug:

Yay, another day without sugar! Day 2 done, how many days left?? ;) I am finding I remember my old favorite snacks, like unsweetened applesauce. Yum yum.

I still need to work on trying to get a bit more protein into my breakfasts. I had shredded wheat and a banana this morning, and it just wasn't the same as the omelet I had the day before.

Night night all!
Angela

Good morning!

I had the neighbors directly south of us over for dinner last night. It was just a "chili supper" but it was good. DH makes the chili, I do the rest. It wasn't too high calorie except for the brownies I was seized to make at 4:30. I'm glad I did, they perfectly complemented the almond pudding I had made for dessert. NOT core :yikes: They're going to the freezer.

Today we're going to one of my favorite restaurants in Ft. Worth: The Lonesome Dove. Then, if we can get good seats we're going to the big annual Fat Stock Show and Rodeo. If we can't get the seats, we'll get tickets and go back. We went to this when we were teenagers 50 years ago.

But, first to aquafit and trying to work out the knots in my calves that Todd put there on Wednesday.

I hope you all have a great day.

Rhonda



ps: congrats on the no sugar Angela....