[CIN]

Personally is the word I spelled wrong twice

[derrydaughter]

Hi guys!
Welcome Shelley, you sound like you belong with us! I am going through that change thing as well and am happy to report that it's been about 4 days since I had a hot flash, and there were coming about 30 or 40 times a day a few weeks ago, I wasn't sleeping well and life totally sucked! I have been taking Black Cohosh supplements and Soy supplements for quite some time. Maybe they kicked in or maybe eating healthier with core has helped that, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing!!!!!
I understand that one shouldn't be doing both core and flex together, but I used it for the first few days to kind of "pace" myself in terms of portion control. I found I was almost right at my daily points target with what I was eating on core. Once I paced myself for a few days, I stopped journalling and have stayed on the core foods quite well. But, last night, went out to dinner and used 14 flexpoints, but I had them to use, so I hope I will be ok? I still have 8 flexpoints left to use before Tuesday am, maybe I won't have to use them all?
LJ, you seem to be beating yourself up over this. Maybe it would be best to go back on Flexpoints for a week and then try Core again. We were told that if you were at a plateau, that switching back and fourth (but a week at a time) from on to another might help. I reserve judgement on what I will do until after WI on Tuesday morning. If I have a decent loss, I might stay on Core for a few more weeks, we'll see.
I am missing the bakery type of items that are not core foods and want to reserve the flexpoints for desserts and eating out times vs. having day to day breads or bagels. On flexpoints, I can have those and be on program. I, of couse, am more aware of the value of certain foods and think I will be having whole grain breads and things like that when I do go back on flex. This core list has created an awareness.
Linda

[Nita]

Good afternoon Ladies,

I am starting my 2nd week on CORE and I simply love it. I am one of those people who always hated journaling and looking up points. I have been doing WW since 1972 when I received my Lifetime membership in Ohio. I have never regretted doing this because I have always been able to go back without rejoining. I do remember the early days when we had to eat liver once a week and 5 fish meals. The program was very strict and very low in fat, however, the weight came right off. Of course, back then I didn't have that much to lose. I finally got serious in July of 2000 after seeing a picture that was taken of me at 198 lbs. Since I am only 5 ft tall you can imagine what a mess I was. I finally made up my mind I had to do this one more time so that I could be around to see my many grandchildren grow up and also to be healthy so we could enjoy each other. So here I go again and by October of 2001 I finally reached my goal of 140 lbs. The 1st year it wasn't too hard keeping it off and then you ladies know the story. However I didn't let it get too out of hand this time and am only 2 lbs. away from my two-lb. limit. I am also a dessert eater and of course chocolate is one of my favorites. So what I have done is allow myself one of those great WW treats once per day. It's hard to believe they only count for 2 pts. And as I am writing this post I have the oatmeal bake in the oven. Everything in this recipe is CORE. It's almost like making your own energy bars, except they are made from only nutritious ingredients.

I just recently jointed your site, and I really appreciate all of your input, especially sharing those recipes.

Take care Ladies,
Anita

[ShelleyM]

DerryDaughter (Linda)-I have been taking something that I ordered online-Anew for Women. It has black cohash in it. The only thing is, it is very pricey and I really don't think I will be able to continue. I sent for a free sample, and ended up being shipped 3 months worth after the free month to the tune of $69.98 per month! The stuff works good, but I don't think it's worth the money. I'm sure I can get something at the health food store cheaper. As for the program, Core has also made me more aware of what foods I should and shouldn't be eating. I don't journal. I just keep my tally on the foods that aren't Core in my head. Example-today I have had 2 slices of lite bread and a whole wheat tortilla, so I know that I have had 5 points from my AP's.

Anita-I am right there with you. I have the very first WW book by Jean Nieditch (sp?). At that time, my mom and I went on the diet, but I never could eat the liver. I also had a problem with fish 5 times a week. I could only eat tuna fish. We used to come up with some gross things like omelets with bean sprouts in them. At night, we used to whip up dry milk with sweetner and eat the whole bowl. Can you believe that it has been 22 years? Amazing!

[fiftieslady]

Shelley, welcome. We are glad to have you here.
Nita, I thought I was the oldest here, but in the interest of keeping peace on the board, I will bow to you and let you hold the honor
L.J. my weight loss was after a full week. As I posted before, I weighed a day early and showed l lb. loss but the next morning (my official wi day) I was down a full 2 lbs. The decision has to be yours and do whatever works for you. Whatever you decide, we are here to help.
Linda, I notice you are in New Hampshire. I have always wanted to visit that part of the country. I made it to Virginia one year (my daughter lived there for a year) but didn't get to see much of it.
I am also a lifetime member (twice) and love CORE. I did the journaling and it was a big help as long as I was losing but it was something that got too much trouble once I was on maintenance. I think that (along with slowly giving up my exercise) that let the lbs. come back on. I do want this plan to be the one I can live with.

Janette

[WWEnthusiast]

Hi Linda, Janette, Nita and Shelly Good Morning...........glad all of you are well. Yes Linda you are right I need to stop beating myself up!!And yes Janette I must do what works for me you're right, but then I sit and wonder why is Core working for so many. Guess for me I have a hard time giving up some of my Flex choices and variety.
Not quite willing to give up the snack I SO enjoy. I did Flex yesterday and journaled to Flex today too (Monday) and so it goes. I wanted so much for Core to work for me. I am ok with the +.5 and this little bugger will be OFF by my next W/I (or else) (hahaha) I will most likely finish this week on Flex and then reevaluate it on Sunday again. I know it all comes down to making some big changes, and I will reiterate and agree that Core does make us more aware of making even better choices. Well my friends, I will keep you updated on how my week is going and I will meet you all back here later...........Till then have a great day out there.........L.J.

[derrydaughter]

Good morning ladies and gents.... there were a few gents here, but haven't seen them posting lately. Hope we didn't scare them off with some talk of menopause! I promise to not chat about that much from now on, but it is an issue and it does contribute to weigh gains for women, which is nasty!
Core is for everyone, not just women!
At any rate, I joined ww after the liver and fish time period, thank goodness. But they had not gotten to points and there were a number of servings per day one should have of certain foods and we could get double for eating fish. We then were given what was called "optional calories" for a period of time. Exercise was welcomed but not in the way it is nowadays. I think we've all gone through a "cycle" with ww.
LJ, I found your remark "core is working for so many" interesting, as I am not so sure it's working for me in terms of weight loss yet. I am feeling better and not as hungry in between meals, but I am not seeing huge losses as some people might be seeing.
I lost the first week and gained the next week, however really went off it for the long holiday weekend, so I guess I wasn't REALLY on it at all then?
Whatever plan I am on, I must get the eating out stuff working better for me. That is my downfall. If I don't lose this week, it's because of eating out, not becuase I didn't eat Core for the rest of the week. I'm totally out of flex points as of last night (maybe even having used a few extra????) and today find myself wondering if I will even have a .2 loss when I weigh in tomorrow. We'll see.
If I don't have a loss, I may go back to flex points. Maybe I need that journalling and control? I don't know yet, and tomorrow will be my "Judgement day".
If I go back to flexpoints, I'd like to keep up with you guys here and continue to try to eat more "core" foods, though. I also think I am going to challenge myself to exercise more, and differently, in the upcoming week. Maybe if I did more exercise, eating out woudln't be as big a problem?
No matter what plan I am on, I wish there were more places to eat and stay in better control around my area. My family hates Applebees and had a few bad meals there, so they won't go back there with me, sadly.
So many places to eat just don't have "basic" foods that are core. We like to eat out and do eat out at least two nights every weekend. That is our lifestyle and I don't want to give that up, but finding a place where there is something other than a grilled chicken salad is awfully hard. All the pasta places around here don't have a whole wheat option. I'm sick of grilled chicken salads and chicken in general.
It's depressing in a way, as I love eating out. Some places are advertising "low carb" specials, as so many are Atkins people (which I think it totally unhealthy) but some of those choices are truly not core either.
Oh well.
Janette, sure wish you could come to NH this month. If you ever decide to come up this way, September is usually beautiful here. Days are in the 70s and it's usually in the 50s at night, good for sleeping. Most of our humidity is gone, the mosquito population has died out and fresh veggies and corn are "in". By the end of the month, the foliage is really coming in and lovely. Skis are blue, clouds are white and puffy and it's the kind of weather that makes you glad to be alive! Plus, the kids are back to school, so it's not crowded in all the tourist areas, but still lovely to be there!
Naturally, I would say this and then it would probably rain the entire time you were here, right? : )
Linda in lovely NH

[dannyb]

I'm still here, Linda! Didn't have a chance to post over the weekend, that's all! And, I've got to agree that nothing beats New England in the autumn! One of the things that I like best about being on core right now is that I can fully enjoy the fall harvest! I don't even mind the feminine issues chat -- just don't expect me to jump in!

L.J. - my weightloss was following a full week on core.

I can relate to those who have difficulty giving up certain foods that are not on core. I've been enjoying being able to have the fruits, and I've been having fun making various soups, too. This morning, I made one with lentils and brown rice (really easy, boil a large can of chicken stock, add 3 cups of water, cup of brown rice, cup of lentils, chopped carrots, onion, celery, garlic, large can of whole tomatoes (chop the tomatoes and add in the liquid), oregano, basil, & thyme. Bring to boil and simmer 45 minutes or until rice and lentils are tender. Add fresh ground pepper (there's enough salt already from the canned stock), parsley, and 2 tbs of vinegar (any type, use cider if you have it). Very hearty soup and 100% core.

[derrydaughter]

Danny, I'm glad you are still here! I certainly wouldn't expect you to join in on that other chat, though!
The lentil soup sounds great, I should get to work in the kitchen and make a few Core goodies like that!
Tomorrow I weigh in and I am nervous.... don't think I'll have a loss, but I worry about this every time it's the day before. Maybe I'll do ok?
I worked out for 1/2 hour today with a body scupting tape, the was on the treadmill for another half hour. Then, I did a fair amount of housework today, so I certainly have increased my activity! I hope that and all the water I drank will really help?
Dan, where are you in CT? My husband grew up there and I know some parts of it fairly well, it's a lovely state.
Linda in beautiful NH

[reeree1967]

Hi All....hope this works. It's my first post. I just started the CORE program last week and have a few questions. I'm hoping someone here can answer them. ...1. Can I eat a whole 6 ounce can of tuna fish for a meal, or is that too much..2. can I eat shredded wheat and another starch in the same day...3..can I eat the Boar Head brand turkey lunch meats, it has no preservatives or sugar..(since the book says no processed meats)...I have about 40 pounds to lose and I'm excited about this plan....and not having to count every point I put in my mouth. I find that counting every point keeps me thinking about food all day long. I went out to dinner last minute with my sister over the weekend and had a chicken cheese steak on a roll. I ate the insides, not the roll, and just have to count the cheese, correct? I'm sure after a few days of doing this plan and the invaluable info on this board will get me going in the right direction........I'm hoping that by the holidays, I've dropped 15-20 pounds....Thanks, Ree

[fiftieslady]

Linda, your weather sounds wonderful, it is still in the 90s here. But next month we will be getting that crisp feeling in the air--my favorite time of the year.
I am not an expert, but I don't think it is a good idea to overdo the exercise right before weigh-in. It has something to do about the muscles plumping up with water and it could show a water gain. I don't know if I read that somewhere or it was actually at the WW meeting or if I dreamed it. But if 24 hrs. have passed, you should be ok for weigh-in. Sorry, didn't mean to add to your worry.
Danny, get out with that "easy" recipe. My idea of easy is dump a couple of cans of tomatoes and a big can of V8 juice in a pan and then nuke a bowl full. What you described is like an all day cooking job for me. Are you a chef or something?
Ree, although you can eat until satisfied, I think it is best to watch portion control on any one food and fill your plate up with veggies and fruit for dessert. I would mix the tuna with celery, onion, dill pickles, and boiled egg and ff salad dressing. Then scoop out 1/2 cup or 1 cup if you need it over a bed of greens and have sliced tomatoes on the side. I think you will find this fills you up without overdoing on the tuna. Of course, others may have a different opinion on eating the whole can at one time. What does everyone else think?
Shredded wheat is limited to once per day with ff milk or yogurt. It doesn't have anything to do with the rice/potato restriction.
Boar's Head Candian Style bacon is listed but not the turkey lunch meats. I think anything that is ready to eat would be considered processed and not on Core. However, I have eaten turkey and ham that I had sliced in the deli--and I have lost those weeks. Of course, you wouldn't want to eat it every day, I don't think. I find I am eating a better variety of foods for lunch and breakfast than I did on points and I really like it!
But CIN, our resident leader, can give you the "for sure" answers to your questions.
Glad you are joining us and trying Core. I think you will like it.
Janette

[CIN]

Gi Ree,
Sorry I didnt answer sooner.........all of you plase remember if I am "catching up on posts" and see your questions I will always answer......if I dont answer most of the time I missed the post.............I jump from place to place and dont read everything!

Ree.......................6 oz of tuna is fine.
Yes....one of the highlighted cereals AND one of the selection of pasta,potato or rice daily.
Chicken cheese steak is something new to me...not familiar with it..sorry

Now as far as sandwich meat.
NO processed lunch meat is Core. You may have it and count it as points from your weekly points allowance.
Fresh roasted turkey breat or roast beef are Core foods from the deli.
Lean ham is permitted.


Hope this clears the air for you!

Cin~

I baked a small turkey breast for turkey sandwiches!

[WWEnthusiast]

Hi everyone........just wanted to check in this morning and say hello.....things have been hectic at work and when I get in I am mentally exhausted. I will stop by later and chit chat...I have skimmed over the post but will read in detail later...
Welcome Ree :-) Hope everyone is doing well.......Talk to you all later........L.J.

[novabubble]

It is really nice to find this thread. I am in my 3rd week of Core now and still really enjoying myself. I think portion control, esp in relation to the grains and protein, is important. I find myself using very simple tricks, like chewing every bite 20 times, and putting my fork down between bites (seems rediculously simple but just TRY the fork thing for a meal and see how challenging it is).

When I'm not doing my usual work (teaching and research) I'm working on my PhD dissertation. I find the writing makes me very anxious and anxiety and hunger feel exactly the same to me. So I have snacked and binged my way through about 300+ pages so far. Last year I was at 180 and now I'm at 182, but I went back up to 190 (manoman, those chocolate chips are killers, but they do make the writing go better) in the meantime and it's largely due to core that I've gotten back down below 185. I have great hope that I will be below 180 soon. If I go below 170, I'll be over the moon (I'm 5 foot 10 and 47 years old).

I am probably eating too much on core on my writing days but I think it is SO much more productive to snack on a cob of corn or a piece of fruit or some carrot sticks than on crackers spread with butter! Having to choose from a list of foods that are not "finger ready" (like chips and cookies) has slowed down my snacking for sure!

I am writing this all out because maybe some of you have a job or situation in your life that makes you run for the fridge. I think core is really good for people like us. I was on flex before and blew it every single week. Flex is a great program, but my self esteem was taking a beating because I didn't have the disclipline to stick with it. At least on CORE I can follow the rules and that in itself makes me feel good.

I made barley soup yesterday. The recipe is on the package of barley and I used chicken stock (home made) and threw some cut up chicken into it. It's pretty good!

Have a wonderful day folks. New England fall IS grand.. but Nova Scotia (New Scotland) fall is pretty awesome too!

Robin

[dannyb]

Linda - I'm in the Hartford area in CT.

Janette - that's too funny -- no, I'm not a chef, but I do enjoy cooking. I called the soup easy because it doesn't involve anything more complicated than opening up cans, chopping vegetables, and throwing it all in a big pot! I find making soups a particularly satisfying activity. I often make stock from scratch.

Ree - -welcome. I had a whole can of tuna mixed w/ LF mayo & celery on top of romaine lettuce for my lunch yesterday. I am having less of a problem with portion control than I ever would have expected.

Welcome, Robin. Not many New Englanders would dispute Nova Scotia's beauty, I think.