Now okay, I know FF cream cheese isn't CORE, but since it is such low points, do you think it would be acceptable? Here's why:

On another board someone just mentioned that their mom used to mix cream chese and pineapple, then spread it on celery. That sounds GREAT and I'm looking for another way to eat celery, so I'm wondering how dangerous this FF cream cheese would be? It's not exactly a trigger food because I don't think I could sit and eat a tub of it, but spread on 2-3 pieces of celery ... that would be just enough.

Thoughts?

I always think of it this way. If you KNOW it's a trigger food, and still is Core (such as couscous!), then logic dictates you stay away from it. I think the inverse is true as well. If it's not Core, but you know it's NOT a trigger food (and as long as it's healthy for you), I think eating it in moderation isn't a bad thing. That's the whole reason behind the weight loss/lifestyle change thing - so that you can work into something that works for you. That said, I'd keep a really close check on a non-core food, and only use it sparingly. Of course, the Core police can be all over me on this one, but oh well. For example, I made a taco salad the other day, and crunched up a few baked tortilla chips into it. I didn't count them because I figure, they're healthy (or at least healthier than their alternative) and they are in no way a trigger for me. I've had them sitting in my pantry for over a week now and I've had a handful once.

Good luck, and that ff cream cheese on celery does sound good.

Angela

No Core police on this board, thankfully! Kathy, I agree with Angela. People specifically asked WW why FF cream cheese wasn't Core when all other FF cheese is Core. Their response was that they thought it would be a trigger food. If it isn't for you and all you are going to do is spread it on a couple of pieces of celery, then no bid deal!

I gotta laugh. Jim just came in and asked what the struggle of the day is. He's overweight too and very supportive so he wasn't being a smart a$$. I told him about the FF cream cheese dilemma. First he said, "Could it be a trigger food" and then he said but "What will the Core Police say!" Gotta love him. He used to listen to me rant and rave about the folks on other boards who would go off on people who would have a mouthful of non-Core food. That's why I came here....now I stay because of all of you! I love him for a million reasons but one is because he learned the program so he could help me. He also eats all Core at dinnertime without a complaint. Except for couscous which he refuses to EVER eat again. He said it felt like pebbles in his mouth!

Happy Munching, Kathy. If this helps you eat celery....go for it!