Here's a good article from the MOTIVATIONSTATION website that I'd like to post as part of today's TUESDAY TIPS
The Cold Hard Facts about Weight Loss
by Joanne Bednar
I wish there were a pill you could take. I wish there were a machine that would just rub it all away. But if there were, I’d be out of a job because there would be no personal trainers. Still, I wish there were a miracle answer to losing weight the easy way. So many people would be so happy if they could just drop pounds with just the snap of their fingers. But unfortunately there is no easy way to shed pounds. In fact, it is very hard to lose weight and keep it off permanently.
The odds are against you from the start: 95% of all people who lose weight gain it back. Looking in the face of that mountain can be pretty intimidating! So maybe it’s just easier to stay overweight? That is up to you to decide. However, if you can know up front what losing weight is really like, you can better arm yourself for the roller coaster ride that is ahead.
Anything over a 2-pound weight loss per week (after the first week) is not fat loss. It is water, lean muscle, or both. If that disappoints you, then you will really be disappointed to find out that a 2-pound weight loss on any particular week is excellent! Throughout the journey you will find that there are some weeks you will beg for a half-pound loss, because if you are losing the healthy way it is a long slow process. If you can manage to lose 1-2 pounds per week you are on the right track!
You have to exercise. There is no way around it. You must make exercise a part of your life if you expect to lose weight and keep it off forever. Don’t think for one moment that you can exercise to lose weight and then stop. Get used to the idea now of incorporating exercise into your way of life forever. Not only will you lose weight and keep it off, but you will also live longer and fight off many life-threatening diseases!
You have to exercise a lot. Most people who successfully lose weight and keep it off exercise almost every single day. They make it a part of their daily routine just like brushing their teeth. I’m sure you know of skinny people who never exercise, and you don’t think it’s fair. Well, it’s not fair. But those people have a high metabolism, and they are not as healthy as those who do exercise on a regular basis are.
Take the amount of weight you want to lose, and divide it by 2. That is how many weeks it would take you to lose it, if you were lucky enough to lose 2 pounds per week EVERY week. Now take that number of weeks and triple it. It will take you about one and a half times the number of weeks that you think it will to reach your goal weight. Plateaus are inevitable, and you need to prepare for them. Weight loss plateaus can last anywhere from 2 weeks to several months. It takes every bit of patience you can muster up to stick with your way of life during a plateau. To break a plateau you will need to change things around in your fitness regimen and in your daily diet as well. This is when a certified personal trainer is handy!
These cold hard facts may sound harsh, but they are the truth. There is no easy way around it, even though I really wish there was! It is very possible to lose weight the healthy and permanent way. You have to be patient and diligent in your efforts, but you can shed those unwanted pounds and keep them off. The process is long, slow and daunting, but remember that when it comes to weight loss, slow and steady wins the race!
Unlike other carbohydrates, dietary fiber is unavailable as an energy source. This nutrient cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes and consequently passes through the intestine without being absorbed. Although fiber provides no caloric contribution to the diet, it affects digestion and health in important ways: Some types of fiber bind water, creating a softer stool that passes more rapidly through the colon, reducing the risk of a number of diseases affecting the digestive tract. Certain types of fib er may also lower serum cholesterol, although the mechanism for this function is not well understood. (See the section in this chapter on cholesterol lowering.)
Fiber can be found in abundance in a variety of foods. Unprocessed breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, and legumes are some of the best sources. Some types of fiber, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, are made up of simple sugars and considere d carbohydrates. Others, such as lignin (a component of the woody parts of plants), cannot technically be considered carbohydrates but, because they are indigestible, are still classified as fiber.
Despite the image you may have of fiber, not all fiber is coarse and rough; fibers vary dramatically in their consistency. While cellulose is generally tough and fibrous, other forms like pectin (a form of hemicellulose) and agar are sticky or gummy.
Scientists divide dietary fiber into two general categories: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water and include pectin, guar, carrageenan, gums, mucilage, and oat bran. Soluble fibers are of considerable current interest to researchers because of their apparent role in helping to lower blood cholesterol. Insoluble fibers do not seem to affect serum cholesterol levels, but they do help prevent constipation. Insoluble fibers include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
GASTROINTESTINAL EFFECTS OF FIBER
High fiber diets have been advocated to prevent or relieve a wide variety of gastrointestinal problems, from constipation to colon cancer. Apparently, many of these disorders benefit from a softer, bulkier stool that passes more easily and more rapidly th rough the colon. Insoluble fibers such as hemicellulose absorb large amounts of water as they pass through the intestinal tract and thereby facilitate the stool's passage through the colon. That is why a number of laxatives used to treat constipation are little more than concentrated sources of fiber.
Other common gastrointestinal diseases alleviated with fiber rich diets include hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, and spastic colon.
COLON CANCER AND FIBER
There has been considerable speculation that a highfiber diet can help reduce the risk of colon cancer by cutting down the amount of time it takes for the stool to pass through the colon and thereby limiting colon exposure to potential carcinogens harbore d in the stool. Unfortunately, scientific studies have not provided conclusive proof that dietary fiber reduces the risk of colon cancer.
WEIGHT CONTROL
Fiber would appear to be a dieter's best friend: Not only is fiber noncaloric (since it is not digested or absorbed by the body) but some forms of fiber can actually cause you to eat less by promoting a feeling of fullness. From a nutritional perspective, however, fiber is relatively lacking since it contains no vitamins or minerals, and substituting fiber for other foods can reduce the nutritional quality of the diet. In addition, fiber may slightly hinder the absorption of essential nutrients such as ir on and zinc.
FIBER AND DISEASE PREVENTION
Fiber's beneficial effect on heart disease is mediated by the cholesterol lowering effect of some types of fiber. Soluble forms of fibers such as oat bran and the fiber in dried beans and other legumes are capable of reducing cholesterol, although the ins oluble fibers apparently have no effect whatsoever.
The mechanism by which fiber lowers cholesterol is still not completely understood. It has been proposed that soluble fiber may reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. Another theory suggests that fiber binds to bile acids, removing the m from the body and accelerating the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the body. Research is under way to understand its effects.
Fiber also benefits people with diabetes. Several studies have found that a diet rich in soluble fiber can improve blood sugar control in diabetics and sometimes even help lower insulin requirements.
ADDING FIBER TO YOUR DIET
Abruptly adding large amounts of fiber to your diet can instigate digestive problems, causing bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort with diarrhea and severe cramping. Consequently, you should add fiber to your diet gradually, eating small amounts of fi ber rich foods, or taking small amounts of fiber supplements until your body grows accustomed to its new diet. Additional fiber can then be added slowly until you are consuming a healthy amount.
For most people, fiber supplements may be unnecessary. It is healthier to try first to get fiber from natural food sources by including ample amounts of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
EATING SUFFICIENT FIBER
How much fiber is enough? The question is a difficult one since no RDA exists for fiber and there is disagreement among the experts about how much fiber is adequate for optimal health. But despite the lack of a clear consensus, it is generally agreed that U. S. citizens eat too little: A national diet survey reported that the intake of fiber is quite low, averaging only about 7 grams of fiber per 1,000 calories of food eaten (about 14 grams per day for a typical 2,000 calorie diet).
Calculating the amount of fiber in your diet can be difficult. Food labels can often be helpful, but sometimes they report only the "crude" fiber content of foods rather than total "dietary" fiber. (Dietary fiber is a more accurate measure, showing the fiber that actually passes undigested through the intestine. Crude fiber is an oldfashioned, inaccurate measurement that measures the fiber that withstands chemical dissolution in laboratory tests.) (Table 5.1 lists total dietary fiber and soluble and in soluble components of common foods.)
For most individuals, a diet including a variety of fiberrich foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and legumes should provide ample amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber.
The MIL left about ten minutes ago. She was rather sedate and closemouthed this visit. That is fine with me. I am sure the episodes of my sister in law blasting her for saying unkind things has made her careful. Plus she had very little time alone with me to get sassy. She has no tolerance for people with weight problems, since she has never had to deal with it. She thinks you just eat less and exercise more, and it goes away. My SIL, like me, has thyroid problems and it has not been so simple for either one of us. Her other daughter is naturally thin, and her obvious favorite. But, I digress.... Thankfully, she lives 225 miles away, and I only have to see her half a dozen times a year.
My daughter is still sleeping. She got up this morning and said she did not sleep at all last night, and wanted to sleep in this morning, rather than go to school and not be able to function. She has a lot of headache and insomnia problems, and takes meds for it, so I allowed it. Her Gmama said she thought it might have been a result of eating half a box of Girl Scout cookies before she went to bed. I am afraid the Gmama might be right! On top of the pizza at dinner, a lot of cookies would make anyone feel ill! She even ate a piece of chocolate cheesecake for dessert at dinner! (Deb's crustless recipe, made with agave and added cocoa. Yum!)
JACK: I hope your nausea and headache are better. I really hope you don't get the flu! You are doing so great on the challenges! What an inspiration to sloths like me! Erik put all kinds of stuff in the salad. It had fresh basil leaves, sprouts, organic red leaf lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, artichokes, and grape tomatoes. I think he used some weird greens as well, like arugula and stuff. The vinigarette was made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and some spices. I can ask him for the recipe, and post it. My MIL insisted on having ranch on it, and it just did not go! The vinigarette was perfect on it!
ZANNE: Hope you all get a thaw soon! Down here, the daffodils are blooming, and the forsythias are about to. That means I have to get out and prune the roses! Then in another week or two, it will be hot! Sometimes I miss the north, and its cooler temps! Congrats on getting those jeans fitting again! I know that feels good!
LIN: Sightseeing is tiring! You are so nice to take them all over and show them the sights! There is a lot to see there, too. My SIL lives in Columbia and has told us we need to come and visit,and let her take us around Charleston. She goes there all the time on business and loves it. You did great to meet the water challenge even while being out and about all day!
EARLY: Welcome to the board! Your job sounds interesting! I couldn't stand a job that was repetitive. I have to have variety. My sister is trying to convince me to go to school and get my masters as a Media Specialist, because she thinks I would be perfect for it. I am a little reluctant to go back to school...it seems a bit intimadating to me! But working in a library would be fun!
TEENSY: I think two or three fruits a day is a good amount. Someone will correct me if I am wrong. I figure about 10 grapes as a serving, though if they are good, I probably eat more. I have never had the Uncle Sam's cereal. Do I need to try it?
DEB: Hope your headache is better. I am better this morning, but I think I need more sleep. I can tell- when my face is puffy and colorless I have not had enough sleep. A nap will be just the thing...
GBMM: Won't your hubby be pleased and surprised when he gets back and finds you all svelte and healthy! That is a great motivating goal! Hope we can help you get there! Cooking stuff ahead is a great idea. Especially with a little one to take care of 24/7. You never know if you will be having a good day or bad day, and dinner time can be stressful. Planning ahead will help you stay OP. When my kids were small, I used to use a cookbook called Make a Mix, and More Make a Mix. They are probably not SB legal, but the ideas in them were good. You made a recipe and it was enough for about six meals. Very helpful when I was homeschooling two and had a baby! (those were the days...they are all grown up now...and the baby is almost 17!)
QUILT: Wow! 45 min. on the treadmill! Last time I did that, last week, I felt like I was made out of rubber when I got off, and it lasted a while afterwards! Maybe I need to get jealous of your TM time and try to keep up with you! I am PMSing right now, and the TM is not appealling at all! I just want to laze around and veg... yet, I KNOW I need to do it or not lose anything! It would be so grand if this were EASY!
BOB: Hope you slept better last night. I did...but I am still tired! I guess I need more to catch up. I almost had Tom convinced we needed to vacation to Sarasota in April when Laura is off for the week with a friend, but he decided he needed the $$ to replace the deck, and garage doors instead!
MEESH: Great news on the inches lost! I don't care if it is inches or pounds, as long as I can see progress! It makes it so much easier when you see results! Way to go! How are you feeling?
FRUIT: Your sharing about the Girl Scout cookies helped me. Ours were delivered last night, and I almost opened some for dessert...then thought , no, I am going to stick them all in the freezer,and eat Deb's cheesecake instead!
NLB: Don't think I welcomed you before, so welcome! I am glad you joined us! Imitation crab meat is protein...it does have starch in it though. I love it plain with some butter spray, or melted butter to dip it in.
COUNTRY: The picture is precious! What a cutie your little guy is! I know what you mean about doing the TM on an empty stomach. I can get almost sick if I try getting on it before I eat. I swear I could take a bite of the woodwork, or chew on the desk I get so hungry!
FILLISE: What a great job you did on that spaghetti supper! And your eating was great! I know you are feeling good about being back OP. When you are tempted to fall, just conjure up that feeling of strength and control! Too good a feeling to pass up for an illegal goodie! The pool will be opened in about a month is my guess. Tom likes to wait until the pine pollen is gone since it makes such a mess. That, and the dogwood petals!
CHRIS: I don't know how you do it...I quit my cake business, as much as I loved it, cause I could not keep my hands out of the icing and cake! My husband told me that alcoholics do not tend bar, and sugarholics should not make cakes. I tried chewing gum, putting duct tape over my mouth...but I was just too addicted to keep that up. You are doing great!
Ok...off to get something done, so I can justify a nap!
Went to NH yesterday, shopping, straightened up kitchen and prepared supper. Oh, and took a nap. That was my exciting day yesterday!
ILBLOND: Vioxx didn't work for me either, but my sisiter and cousin swear by it. We all just react differently. Hope new Dr. can help you.
DEB: Hey! If you don't laugh a lot, you cry. Takes less muscles to smile! And you know I'm lazy! Don't want to use more muscle that I have to!
MONET: MILs, we love to hate them don't we? Only joking. I had a ghreat MIL but she was a PITA. I can only remember one compliment she paid me. We were the bad guys as she saw us everyday. We used to say God lived in Buffalo, as thats where her favorite DD lived. If she wouldn't take her meds or something for my DH or other SIL we would call Buffalo and if Lela said squat, Mom did!
EARLY: The more you post and read the easier it becomes to keep track of everyone! WELCOME!
NOTLOOKING: Welcome!
FILLISE: Am going to the P.O. this morning. You should have the graphs in a day or two.
Have to get ready for a work morning with the WA at church. Also have some things for CCC.
Will finish up the rest of the posts later. Only got through page 1!
I enjoyed my lobster last night--but only after a long and protracted battle at the grocery store to convinve the clerk that 1.08 pounds is less than 1.50 lbs (lobsters were 9.99 per lb up to 1.5 and 13.00 over 1.5). Sigh. Somehow I think it is important for the guy behind the meat counter to have at least a basic understanding of math. I finally had to drag a manager over to weigh and price the dadgum thing!
Crystle--Good for you to get the walk in even if you were hungry!
NLB--Seafood is an excellent source of protein, but be careful about the imitation crab. Some of them have some added ingredients that are not so good for us!
Missy--With those GS cookies, it sounds like you are in purgatory already! ;-) I think the Scouts here have fallen on eceominic hard times since they lost their best customer (me) a couple of years ago.
BOB--If I can determine that we will definatly be there on Tues we can do that if it is better for you. I cant' wait!!!!!
Monet--The pizza sounds yummy. What kind of dressing did SIL make? Put me down for two weeks poolside in mid-April ;-)
Meesh--thanks for clearing that up! Whatever it seems like you are making excellent progress! WoooHooo!
Kim--The salmon is pretty tasty and it works well with either the frozen fillets or fresh. I sometimes get frozen filets from Schwans or Sam's. But both Brunos and Kroger have excellent fresh fish counters here so I get fresh when I can. The lemon,dill and ginger also works well with amber jack and trout--everykind of fish I've tried except a tuna filet. It didn't do so well with tuna. Give it a try and I hope you enjoy!
GBMM--I hope it's ok that I shorten your name. In the beginning I think it is more important to make sure you eat all SB legal things and you can worry about the portion sizes after you detox. Keep some triscuits and cheese and salsa handy for when you need a snack. I also found a baggie with a hanful of nuts in my purse was a great if I got an attak of the munchies while I was out and about (and the baggie keeps you from eating too many nuts which can have some unfortunate social consequences, if you know what I mean).
Deb--I've got to start going to more yard sales! That's an excellent idea about taping the nutritional info to the flour container--I'll do that with the next bag I buy. I usually by the Hogson mills WW flour and WW pastry flour.
Teensy--I'll try to answer some of your questions. Grapes--about a cup is a good amount to eat, I usually just pull off one or two "sticks" and eat the grapes on them. The three gram rule is mostly for added sugars. Dairy will most always have more because of the lactose, which is a sugar, but one that does not produce a rapid rise in BS. Do read labels to make sure there are no added sugars though (there often is in yogurts). Tomato sauce also tends to have about 8 grams of sugar per serving, but that is the nutural fructose in tomatoes. Again, you need to read the label to make sure that there are no added sugars. Have you discovered yet that food manufacturers try to hide sugar and white flour in almost everything?
Linworth--I'm not the youth advisor, but I am the DCE (Director of Christian Education). I will be going to the conference with the kids this summer, so I'll be on top ofa mountain with 5,000 teenagers. Start your prayers now! ;-)I will letyou know when I head over to Charleston for the wedding. It would be great to get together!
Zanne--I think we've finally turned the corner on spring here. I start waving my arms to see if we can start moving the warm air north for you!
Early--Glad to hear that you kicking b**t on this WOE!!!!!! Keep doing what you are doing because it sure seems to be working for you!
Jackie--Lobster is even more work when you have to fight off the cat in order to take each and every bite! Belle was quite agressive is going after the lobster.
SEF--Thanks! I can't wait to see them!
Whew--There have been a lot of posts since yesterday afternoon! Today begins day 7 op and I can feel that the sugar is out of my system and I'm feeling much more energetic. Yipee. Haven't gotten on the scale, will weigh tomorrow as I have already eaten this am.
If you have raised kids (or been one), and gone through the pet syndrome including toilet-flush burials for dead goldfish, the story below will have you laughing out LOUD!
Overview: I had to take my son's hamster to the vet.
Here's what happened: Just after dinner one night, my son came up to tell me there was "something wrong" with one of the two hamsters he holds prisoner in his room. "He's just lying there looking sick," he told me.
"I'm serious, Dad. Can you help?"
I put my best hamster-healer statement on my face and followed him into his bedroom. One of the little rodents was indeed lying on his back, looking stressed. I immediately knew what to do. "Honey," I called, "come look at the hamster!"
Oh, my gosh," my wife diagnosed after a minute. "She's having babies."
"What?" my son demanded. "But their names are Bert and Ernie, Mom!" I was equally outraged. "Hey, how can that be? I thought we said we didn't want them to reproduce," I accused my wife.
"Well, what do you want me to do, post a sign in their cage,?" she
inquired. (I actually think she said this sarcastically!)
"No, but you were supposed to get two boys!" I reminded her, (in my most loving, calm, sweet voice, while gritting my teeth together).
"Yeah, Bert and Ernie!" my son agreed.
"Well, it's just a little hard to tell on some guys, ya know," she
informed me. (Again with the sarcasm, ya think?) By now the rest of the family had gathered to see what was going on. I shrugged, deciding to make the best of it.
"Kids, this is going to be a wondrous experience, I announced. "We're about to witness the miracle of birth."
"OH, Gross!", they shrieked. "Well, isn't THAT just Great!; what are we going to do with a litter of tiny little hamster babies?" my wife wanted to know. (I really do think she was being snotty here, too. don't you?) We peered at the patient. After much struggling, what looked like a tiny foot would appear briefly, vanishing a scant second later. "We don't appear to be
making much progress," I noted.
"It's breech," my wife whispered, horrified. "Do something, Dad!" my son urged.
"Okay, okay." Squeamishly, I reached in and grabbed the foot when it next appeared, giving it a gingerly tug. It disappeared. I tried several more times with the same results.
"Should I call 911?" my eldest daughter wanted to know. "Maybe they could talk us through the trauma." (You see a pattern here with the females in my house?)
"Let's get Ernie to the vet," I said grimly. We drove to the vet with my son holding the cage in his lap. Breathe, Ernie, breathe," he urged. "I don't think hamsters do Lamaze," his mother noted to him. (Women can be so cruel to their own young. I mean what she does to me is one thing, but this boy is of her womb, for God's sake.)
The vet took Ernie back to the examining room and peered at the little animal through a magnifying glass.
"What do you think, Doc, a c-section?" I suggested scientifically. "Oh, very interesting," he murmured. "Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, may I speak to you privately for a moment?" I gulped, nodding for my son to step outside.
"Is Ernie going to be okay?" my wife asked.
Oh, perfectly," the vet assured us. "This hamster is not in labor. In fact, that isn't EVER going to happen... Ernie is a boy."
"What!?"
"You see, Ernie is a young male. And occasionally, as they come into> maturity, like most male species, they um.... er.... masturbate. Just the way he did, lying on his back." He blushed, glancing at my wife.
"Well, you know what I'm saying, Mr.. Cameron." We were silent,
absorbing this.
"So Ernie's just...just...Excited?", my wife offered.
"Exactly," the vet replied, relieved that we understood.
More silence. Then my viscous, cruel wife started to giggle. And
giggle. And then even laugh loudly. "What's so funny?" I demanded, knowing, but not believing that the woman I married would commit the upcoming affront to my flawless manliness. Tears were now running down her face. "It's just...that...I'm picturing you pulling on its... its...teeny little..." she gasped for more air to bellow in laughter once more.
"That's enough," I warned.
We thanked the Veterinarian and hurriedly bundled the hamsters and our son back into the car. He was glad everything was going to be okay.
"I know Ernie's really thankful for what you've done, Dad," he told me.
"Oh, you have NO idea," my wife agreed, collapsing with laughter.
2 - Hamsters - 10 bucks...
1 - Cage - 20 bucks Trip to the Vet ...30 bucks...
Pictures of your hubby pulling on the hamster's wacker........Priceless!
FILLISE: I had a good chuckle picturing you fighting off Belle while eating lobster! My son's cat is very aggressive, and smelled my old thyroid pills which were made of pig thyroid. He went nuts! He tried chewing on the bottle, and I threw him out of the bathroom three or four times straight before *I* gave up and hid the bottle in a drawer! I thought he would take my hand off trying to get to the pill in my fist! My cat is so calm and laid back, he might sniff with a bit more animation then normal, but if it was out of reach, he would not exert himself....
SEF: Sounds like your MIL was a bit like mine. If her oldest daughter, the thin one, told her something, she would think it was gospel truth. That daughter has twins, and I was relieved that they came along after my children were older. My youngest was 7 or 8 when they were born, and was hurt a bit, but not as badly as if she had been the same age. Its very obvious which grandchildren she favors. I hope and pray I learn from my life experience, and treat all my kids, and their kids equally, and most especially that I assure my children in law of unconditional love. So far, I think I am doing ok with my SIL, but I am sure a DIL will take a bit more work! You seem like you are doing better, and I am so glad to see that!
I am going to try to post at lunch today and see how that works. It's kind of like I miss a lot being away all day. Eating is good again today. The work week gives me no problems. I just have to figure out how to handle the weekend. Any suggestions??? Anything that has worked for you all???
GBMM---I am so wishing and hoping for you that today is your day to SHINE!!!! I hope you do well on your eating. Are there specific foods that are giving you problems? Where do you eat out that causes the incorrect choices? It's hard to get started. But you just have to keep plugging along and soon enough, you will find yourself having 100% OP days. Just keep working at it. I am having terrific results with keeping a journal. I just bought a 5 x 7 spiral bound notebook. And I record everything in there, my food, my weigh-ins, my thoughts, my frustrations. It really helps. Have you tried anything like that? I find that it doesn't take a lot of time and it keeps me much more organized and focused.
DEB---Congrats on TWO GREAT DAYS of exercise. Girl, you are really hoofing it out there!!! Is there smoke flying out from under your feet??? Enjoy your day with your main squeeze! Paul had to go into work on Saturday and Sunday this past weekend. It wasn't so bad, because I was pretty busy. But I still hate it when he has to do 7 straight days. Thanks for posting those fruit serving sizes again. That came in handy for me too. I can't wait to get some fruits and start weighing them. I always way my frozen berries, because it tells you on the bag how many grams a serving is. BTW, I've been taking your suggestion of "guessing" or estimating what a serving is. I'm getting pretty good and guessing on cheese. BTW, I loved the Cold Hard Facts!!! Thanks for sharing.
BIRDIE---We have had lousy weather this winter. Way too much snow and cold. I thought spring would never get it. How far are you from Cedar Point? My hubby loves the coasters and really wants to go there sometime soon.
LIN----Your sweet treat will be so better than that pound cake everybody else is eating. What fun for you!!! Hope you all have a good time.
ZANNE---I'm so sorry to hear that winter is still upon you all. Hang in there. It's been slightly better this week. Temps are slowly rising, but the great thing is that the sun has been shining for three straight days. I just can't take the rain/snow for so many days in a row. Sending you warm hugs!!!
JACKK---No fair coming down with something. You better take care. Hope the icks are gone soon. It's all the beading, I'll bet. I did get on the scale this morning and saw that I was up 2 pounds from last WIW. So I don't know what tomorrow will be like. I'm hoping for a miracle. Ha! I may try to do some weights exercise tonight. I think doing two exercises is the way to go. That's what you do, right???
MONET----Glad to hear that dear "sweet" mama has left the building. You are a good DIL to keep it all inside and not get right back in her face. Remember whatever she is saying to you (or about you) has NOTHING to do with you. She is speaking from somewhere deep inside her. It just looks/sounds like it's about you. Girlfriend, would you please do me a favor and just get on the TM. I know how much you love doing it and how you absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the empowering feeling when you are done. Some days are off. I only did 38 minutes today. Just didn't have enough "stuff" to make it to 45. But that's okay. I'll be waiting to hear how you do as you tread. Besides "the mill" might just help the PMS. (Am I getting on your last nerve yet????)
FILLISE---I need to take a cooking class from you on fish. I know nothing about it. Paul doesn't like fish, so I seldom cook it, but may just start. Since I've been back on track, I have been fixing my own meals and he's been taking care of his own. It's working out great that way. We still eat at the same time, but just not the same things. We have Krogers here. I will check their counter. How do you know if it's truly fresh??? Any quick tips, oh wise one????
Gotta get back to work.
Hope to be on chat tonight!
Kim
For those of you in the barren tundra of the great wasteland of the north, here is a bit of spring for you to drool over!
This is a variety of the tulip tree Fillise mentioned. Both are of the species Magnolia. This one is called a star magnolia. This is a picture of the whole tree, and note the daffodils blooming at the bottom! The blooms on this smell divine too!
Good Morning Everyone---Slipped on here a little early today to get in responses to all of you. Can't thank all of you enough for all the help that you are giving to me. I am hoping that soon it will all click together, and become routine.
Earlybird-- I need to get some of your energy, and start Spring cleaning. I get up with so much energy, but by the time I get my exercise and regular house work done, then I am done. The salad idea sounds yummy!! Will try it for lunch today. Thanks for the idea.
Linworthlady-- Yes, sightseeing is exercise. Doesn't it make you feel great!! Hope you have a great day today with DS and girlfriend.
Zanne--I too am sick of winter now. Do have a couple of crocus peaking thru the ground. We didn't get much snow this year, so it has just been dreary all winter. Am more than ready to see some sunshine. I wish I had listened to my Grandmother years ago and learned how to knit. That woman could make anything. You have your work cut out for you to get it done by Sunday.
Jackie--Thank you, I forgot about beans. I had some on the second or third day I started SB. Froze the rest, and forgot about them. Yes, reading labels has become my favorite pastime. Started with the PP, just looking at carb counts. Now I am starting over, looking for added sugar, white flour and such.
Deb-- Do you walk where it is flat? I was up to 4 miles last summer, but we are on a huge hill. In fact, we are right in the middle of it, so I start out going up hill. It was taking me 1 hour and 20 minutes. I have only gotten back to 2 miles so far this year, but it is in 36 minutes. So I am hoping that by the time I get myself back up there, it will be alot faster too. Thanks for the links and the info. I want to do this right. But it seems like I get one thing squared away, then find out I am doing something else wrong. I had been on PP for so long, that I am having a hard time with the breads, beans, fruit. I have to get over my fear of too many carbs. I had been keeping them under 30 a day. Also like this morning, when I had some Uncle Sam's cereal. The Nutrition Facts said 1 cup serving. Then at the very bottom it says that 1 cup is a 2 starch exchange. So I have had 1 starch more than I planned on. Don't worry I will get it right, sooner or later. How do I know what my caloric intake should be?
Monet-- Glad to hear that your visit with MIL was at least tolerable this time. I have never had the problem as DH mother and father were both gone before we got married. Sorry that your DD isn't feeling well. (Even if it was too many cookies) Yes, I think the Uncle Sam's cereal was good. And it has alot of fiber, which is one of the reasons I went looking for it. Will have to try the Fiber One that Deb suggested too. I do need more fiber.
Fillise-- I have been reading labels for a long time, but I have to start over now for this plan. You are certainly right about sugar and white flour. It's amazing that almost everything has sugar in it. No wonder that we as Americans, on the whole are so overweight. And being in the Pacific Northwest, I don't seem to find many SB legal breads and such. Will have to check out the health food store soon. Thanks for taking the time to answer some of my questions.
Well everybody.... I need to go and get busy. I haven't gotten my walk in yet, so will clean out the pellet stove and get a move on. Have a great day!!
I'm back- Boogie and I have been in the local hospital since last Wednesday. He was dehydrated, had a very nasty stomach virus that had him throwing up and diarrhea. He lost a pound in just a few hours and couldn't even keep his meds down. He seems to be getting better now and we were discharged this morning. Wouldn't you know it- the last day of my detox and we had to go to the hospital,ugh. They serve a complimentary tray for each meal- and I swear 90% of it was bad carbs! Plus, I got bored a couple of times and raided the vending machine for some peanut M&M's. I got on the scales this morning and I'm at 202 or 203. I was down to 200- but considering all the nasty crap I've eaten the past few days, I'm not that upset. I'm getting back on the wagon though, so save me a seat. Hopefully, in a week I'll have it off and be on my way to the 190's! Okay guys, gotta go!
Hi Folks,
I have been lurking on this board for awhile and now I think I have the hang or posting. I think I posted my information in the bio section, but I may have sent it into cyber space. My luck as the Troops are looking for Bin Laudin they will find my profile on his computer.
I like the support this board offers, Debelli thanks for making me feel so welcome during the live chat a few weeks ago. I will try to get home in time to join the one tonight.
I have been on SB since January 03 and have lost about 28 pounds. I now have hit a stall and keep taking off and putting back on the same 3 or 4 pounds. Have a real bad case of cabin fever. Need some sunshine and warm weather. Also, since I work outside during the summer, I can use some money too! Have to run now but will C YA later
Tom
Hey guys, just a quick post to let you know I'm still alive and enjoying my spring break without the kiddos (although I did have to call the youngest one just now). Eating was good all week-end (with one indiscretion that is better left undiscussed. Let's just say it involved 4 margaritas, feel better about yourself Sabrina???) We went to Outback last night and I had the burger with some yummy toppings and did away with the bun. Substituted the veggies for the fries and had a cup of french onion soup. I even disposed of the floating crouton. This is me patting myself on the back.
I'm way behind with posting as usual but did want to throw out a welcome to all the newbies. We love having you here.
March Madness is almost upon us!!!! The Big 12 basketball tournament starts tomorrow and it looks like Texas is going to get a #1 seed in the NCAA tourney. Watch out Jackie!!!
Got my 67 oz of water in so far, not much fiber though. I will fall short on it today. Will get my exercise in so 2 out of 3 isn't too bad.
Deb, have fun with Eli today. Dinner together would be nice. Sounds like you had the perfect day yesterday with your eating and exercising. Keep up the good work. That anniversary is coming soon and I think you will be pleasantly surprised on the scale. I thought SP were loaded with fiber. Not doing so good today, so far I have had 1 gram. I checked out the GC on Ebay and there were none in Ky. Thanks for the tip. You are an amazing source of "links" where do you find all this stuff?
Monet, glad your MIL is gone and now you can live normally again. I would love to know the spices in the dressing. I use the balsamic vinegar and oil, but would love to spice it up some. Get on that TM. You will be glad you did and it helps PMS too! Oh Monet, the tree is so beautiful, it really makes me yearn for spring. I need to buy another tree and I think I just might look into that kind.
Sef, Have a great day!
Fillise, 5,000 teenages??? I'm afraid I would jump off that mountain! How funny that Belle loves Lobster. Our friends have lobster every weekend at their pool. Louisville is the hub for some big lobster shipping port. So they are pretty reasonable. I just don't like them. Congrats for 7 days OP. You go girlfriend!!
Bob, Too cute!!
Quilter, weekends are so hard. Not only for things tht are off program but I find I don't get enough water, enough fruits, etc. I wish I knew the answer. Last weekend I almost cheated and then I started thinking about how bad I wanted to be out of the 160's this week and also wanted to set a good example for DD. Maybe enlist the help of your DH or friends you may be with. Ask them to hold you accountable and not let you cheat. Before we went out to eat Sunday, my DD asked what I could eat at the place we were going. Then I knew she would be watching me closely so I wouldn't cheat for nothing. Hope you can find the answer somewhere. I don't always do 2 exercises. Whenit is nice out, we walk and ALWAYS do my wt training. I won't skip that for nothing. As soon as it warms up we will be back to walking, probably starting tonite.
Teensybean, Just give it time, it will al click together. Take one day at a time. Keep asking questions, that is why we are here.
Heartmom, so sorry Boogie had to be hospitalized. Glad to hear he is headed home and recovering. Just jump back in here, you probably didn't do too much damage, You were doing great, don't let it go to waste.
Tom, Welcome to our board. You are brave to join all us chatting cathies, but we love to have you. We used to have a guy with us for a long time, but he faded away. WTG on losing those 28 pounds. Keep doing the same thing and things will start to move again. Welcome.
Trish, Watch out, UK will get a #1 seed too. Maybe our paths will cross before it is all over. I'm jealous of the 4 ritas. My favorite.
I am planning on being at chat tonight. I got in last night just to make sure I could. So unless something unusual happens or DD needs the computer, I will be there.
Have a great evening. Good luck to everyone who is weighing tomorrow.
She has no tolerance for people with weight problems, since she has never had to deal with it. She thinks you just eat less and exercise more, and it goes away. My SIL, like me, has thyroid problems and it has not been so simple for either one of us. Her other daughter is naturally thin, and her obvious favorite. But, I digress.... Thankfully, she lives 225 miles away, and I only have to see her half a dozen times a year. 
I have never had the Uncle Sam's cereal. Do I need to try it? 
That is a great motivating goal! Hope we can help you get there! Cooking stuff ahead is a great idea. Especially with a little one to take care of 24/7. You never know if you will be having a good day or bad day, and dinner time can be stressful. Planning ahead will help you stay OP. When my kids were small, I used to use a cookbook called Make a Mix, and More Make a Mix. They are probably not SB legal, but the ideas in them were good. You made a recipe and it was enough for about six meals. Very helpful when I was homeschooling two and had a baby! (those were the days...they are all grown up now...and the baby is almost 17!) 
Good Tuesday Morning!
Have to run now but will C YA later
Have a great day!
How funny that Belle loves Lobster. Our friends have lobster every weekend at their pool. Louisville is the hub for some big lobster shipping port. So they are pretty reasonable. I just don't like them. Congrats for 7 days OP. You go girlfriend!!
