Jane, yes sf hot chocolate is ok. You want to try to wait awhile before adding any chocolate 70%-80% chocolate to your diet. Sometimes all the sf stuff creates cravings. Give it about 3 days and all those cravinge will be gone. Eat some protein when that feeling hits. Peanut butter, cheese, etc.

Jackie

Susan – thanks for sharing about your Aunt and her condition. I need to hear stories like that to help me realize the importance of taking care of myself now, something I haven’t been doing. So sad for your Aunt and Her mental condition. Glad to hear you are feeling better today.

Monet – thanks for the short sermon about the thyroid – guess I need it. I Was on mediciation several months ago, however, after my ex-2-b moved out, then lost his job and insurance, I wasn’t able to afford to go to the doctor or get the medicine I needed. I now have insurance and my doctors visit coming up, so I plan to get myself taken care of. I’m going to write down all you’ve said about your thyroid so that I won’t forget to ask my doctor anything. I’m also going through child support enforcement for the support I haven’t been getting, so things will hopefully get better.

Jenn – hope you will be feeling better soon!

Deb – glad you are enjoying the nice weather today. See, we don’t always hog it up here in N. Florida!

Lin – is your picture posted on the photo board? I’d like to see it when I get home and have time to look for it.

Jackie – you are one busy woman. Don’t know how you keep up with all that you do. Now that I’m working in an office and wearing dresses again, I have discovered that I like tights much better than panty hose. They seem so much more comfortable and aren't hot like I thought they would be.

Jane – A great big welcome to you!

Time to get back to work now!

Wendy

Hi everyone

It is another dreary, snowy day here to-day. And last week when I returned from my vacation I thought spring had arrived. This weather is so depressing. I am back up to my usual 200 lbs. now that I am back to eating normally again. I've also been snacking a bit more these last few days, that will have to be nipped in the bud. Not so much illegal stuff, although I have had enough of that lately, but too much op snacks. I played a few games of badminton yesterday. I know I need more exercise but just too lazy to do my exercise tape. Next week I will be getting more exercise when my other badminton classes start, that will give me 5 sessions a week plus I have booked up for a line dancing class. I've never done this before and am looking forward to it. I'm also feeling very bored since my vacation. I'm not working any more, I quit a week before my vacation and I am not used to having all this time on my hands. Actually I didn't exactly quit but they won't let me work anymore because I am over 65. I'd been working casual since I officially retired last summer but they wouldn't renew my contract because of age. It really ticks me off when they are so short staffed and there is always someone having to work overtime. Anyway I will be looking into doing some volunteer work but haven't got anything planned as yet.

Are we continuing with the Veggie Challenge this week? I missed it last week as I wasn't eating much of anything. Anyway to-day so far I have had 1 cup of cauliflower and 1/2 cup kale and 1/2 cup raw carrots.

Regarding the recipe challenge, I tried the Oatmeal Cracker recipe that Deb posted on the Jan/Feb/March recipe board. I added some agave but adjusted the amount of water to still equal 1 1/2 cups as called for in the recipe. Weeeellllllllllllllll, it certainly wasn't the consistency as described in the recipe. I had to add at least another cup of oatmeal to be able to do anything with it. I spooned it onto the cookie sheet and flattened them with a fork. If you have a gummy baby maybe they would be o.k. But if you have teethe, beware, you might lose them they were so hard and difficult to get the teeth into. I would love to find a recipe for a crunchy oatmeal cookie but this wasn't it. :lol:

Fillise - Hope you are feeling better this morning. It's good to see another pound off but not a very nice way for it to happen. Lucky you having spring weather and flowers blooming. Please send some up here. We desperately need it :). Sorry to hear how your aunt is not doing so well. If someone is determined to consume all that sugar, even though being diabetic, there is not much we can do about it particularly now in the case of your aunt having mental problems. I've worked with many patients who were the same way. Some even on insulin and would sit munching from a bag of candies. All we can do is advise; they are the ones suffering in the long term but for some it doesn't seem to make any difference.

Lin - I just checked your picture and you look beautiful.

Jane - Welcome to sb. You have come to the right place for support on this woe. When checking labels remember that some foods, like tomatoes, fruits, yoghurt and milk, have naturally occuring sugars and will be higher than the 3 grams. This is o.k.as long as these foods have No Added Sugar. The Snyder Oat Bran Pretzels are o.k. in moderation. Just remember to count them as one of your starchy carbs for the day. I'm not sure about the Brown Rice Pilaf. If this is an easy cook dish then it is probably a minute type rice which would have a higher gi than regular rice. You would be better off with regular brown rice and adding your own seasonings. You would be better off staying away from the juices and eating the fruit instead. A glass of orange juice would have a much higher sugar content than the fresh fruit as it takes several oranges to produce one cup of juice. It's also lacking in fibre that you would get from eating the fresh fruit.

Monet - Glad to hear that your new meds are working for you and you got a good nights sleep. Here's hoping that the pounds will start to come off soon.

Miata - That's a bummer that you haven't heard from dh since Friday. I bet he's having a great ole time in Vegas with his buddies.

Teansy - It looks like you will have a ball with that new exercise machine. You sound so motivated. Hope dh's surgery goes well tomorrow. Will be sending good thoughts your way.

Jack-K - When's the wedding? Pizza for 250 people? That sounds like quite a party. Aren't you glad you don't have to do the baking for that.

Quilter - Hi. I love to read your posts. You always sound so upbeat.

Well as I haven't posted for several days I decided to work backwards from to-day's posts. I'd better stop now before I get all confused. Greeting to everyone I have missed, which I know is a lot of you.

I see a few more posts since I started this but I gotta run. Off to do a bit of grocery shopping.

Marie. :wave:

Good afternoon
 

Not much going on right now. I'm suppose to be out mowing but I am wiped out this afternoon. Robert got in so late around 2 or so ...then of course he had to eat and stuff before we went down for the night. The kids woke nice and early. So....longgggg day. :)

Jane...good idea on the sugarfree hot chocolate to nip that craving in the bud. When I want something sweet a lot of times I head for the peanut butter. One teaspoon usually does the trick. But sometimes only chocolate will work...then it's my RS SF peanut butter cups or truffles. I try not to keep them in the house....only as a rare treat.

Rosalie...I think it's stinky that they use age as a reason not to hire you back if you are doing a good job. Especially when they are running short handed..that doesn't make economical sense to me.

Wendy...glad you are able to go back to the doctor and get your meds straight.

I want to say howdy to some more of ya'll but my download is almost over and I don't want to start over after an hour of waiting.

Love,
Crystle

Sorry bout that...
 

I hate to run in the middle like that. But the good news is the program is downloaded so my hubby can open the adobe attachment to start him on his way. He is going to be working with hunters to feed the hungry.

Monet...I hope these new adjustments are just what you need to get things rolling. WTG on getting that treadmill work in this morning...especially not feeling like it.

Susan....muffins sound yummy. I have to admit I did eat a bit or two of the goodies...the coconut was just too tempting. But I didn't eat very much yesterday so it all balanced out. How did the muffins come out? In a couple of months the blueberries will be in season at this little farm down the road. I can't wait. Year before last we picked some. This year I'm gonna get a ton. Her prices are so cheap. The blackberries have been in bloom for a week or so now so we should have blackberries soon. Good thing is they are free. :)

Jenn...hope you feel better soon.

Deb...wtg getting out there and walking/running so fast. If you only knew how badly I wished I could get a time in like that...it aint happening. :)

Jack-K....things are really coming along with the wedding. Too bad your hubby couldn't wait till today to mow since it's going to be so much nicer. It's beautiful outside here also....I just feel so lazy.

linworthlady...what a lovely picture. You are so elegant looking.

I need to get and check some emails. Hope everyone is having the best day they can have today. And much love over the rough parts.

Love,
Crystle

235/153/140-135

BOB: I use the supplement. I got mine at Costco in a rather large bottle...but cheaper than anywhere else. Make sure you find it STANDARDIZED. My doctor said that is very important when purchasing herbal things. I agree. I have gotten it at GNC too. It may take a little bit to work, so don't give up if you don't see a change right away.

Good night
 

I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate your patientce with me since I just started SB. You have all been so kind and wonderful. It is a delight to come to this board after being on the Weight Watchers boards for so long where it can get pretty cut throat sometimes! If you've ever been there then you know what I mean.

I had a good day eating OP. I have already had my 3 carbs so that is it for me for the day. They were oat bran and whole wheat so hopefully that is ok. I have crab cakes for dinner but they have very little if any bread crumbs in them. The sugar content is only 1gr each. I will have a salad with them.

I hope to be able to go out and get the book this week. I'm sure it will all seem a little clearer when I read it. But until then, thanks for all your help.

See you tomorrow!

Heading home,

Going to walk tonight. Sure hope we don't get blown away. 30 mph winds here today.

Jecrites, Hope you fell better soon. Get some rest.

Fillise, Hope that bug that got you last night is gone for good. Not a fun way to spend the night. Funny you should mention soy nuts for hot flashes. I have found that I love those things. Can't quit eating them. Eat them every day. Now don't know if they are preenting hot flashes or not, but hey I'll take a little added benefit. I'm not too worried about the shower. My friends that are giving it know how I eat and usually try to have soemthing legal for me. With DD doing this I wouldn't even think of cheating with her there. Got to set a good example.

Monet, thatnks for tht ip on getting a digital camera. We have one at work I can borrow. Hope they get your DD meds regulated. Nothing worse thank moody kids.

Serene, how sad about your aunt. I only wish people would wake up and realize what we are doing to ourselves. I hope it helps motivate you. Prayers for your aunt.

Rosalie, I think 5 days of badminton is great exercise. I have always wanted to learn line dancing. Good for you. Our wedding is May 9th. Not to far off. Hope it warms up your way soon. It's a shame about you not being able to work. Like you said with others working ot. Age shouldn't have anythign to do with it.

Country, sounds like you have had along day. Take anice break and maybe you'll feel better about mowing.

Hope to be a chat tonight. Good luck to everyone for WIW.

Jackie
257/157/145
10-10-01

Just a quick check-in to say thank you to everyone for the encouragement from yesterday. I was on plan yesterday and today as well. I probably had too many starchy carbs yesterday (just found cheddar Triscuits, oh my goodness, yummy) but all legal. Did better today, no starchy carbs yet, and still on plan. I know I need to get more water in, too.

Just wanted to give a shout out to the newbies, too. Jane, you're right, this is the best board.

Hey, I had an email from Yellow Rose this morning and we're going to try and meet up in a couple of weeks. Can't wait to see her again.

Talk to you guys soon. Gotta get home, get dinner started and cleaned up so I can watch the Longhorn women play tonight. One more win and they're in the Final 4 as well. Hook 'em Horns!!!

Trish

Thanks to everyone for the compliments on the picture. I laughed when someone said I was "elegant" because I don't feel like it. I am most comfortable in jeans.

Kim-You write the best posts. Are you a writer?

Deb-Thanks for posting the picture. Does anyone know how to make them smaller? I posted the cauliflower salad originally. It came off Jennifers low carb recipe board on Yahoo. Do any of you get those recipes? I signed up for the board and every once in awhile a low carb recipe comes to my email. Please moan and groan all you want. That's what we are here for. It sounds like you have great kids.

Teensy-the total body trainer sounds great. You will be so buff in a few months. I'm so glad you like it. Good luck tomorrow.

Miata-Glad you could workout even with a sore arm. Is your dd in the service?

Monet-Your dr. sounds so nice. I've never had one like that. I think I asked this before -- do you need a prescription for T3? Whatis the trade name for it. I'm glad you are sleeping well. What are gaba drugs?

Jackie-The wedding is getting so close. It will be fun when all the rsvps start rolling in. Where is the reception?

Jecrites--How are you feeling? I hope you are getting some rest? Do you have children?

Filise--we have the wisteria here in Charleston too. It's almost spooky, there is so much of it. It reminds me of lilacs--do they grow in the deep south? I had an aunt similar to yours. She had mental problems, diabetis, and ate horribly. Before she died, she had to have a foot amputated because of gout. She is one reason I try to take care of myself.

Jane-did you survive the chocolate cravings?

Rosalie-sorry about your job. It sounds like it would have been cheaper to keep you than to pay others overtime. What is wrong with these people? Your veggies sounds good. Thanks for the review of the recipe. I bet when the sun comes out you will get motivated to do more exercise--anyway the badminton sounds like fun.

Country-Your dh is hunting and giving the food to the poor? Is that what you mean? Does he do it in the middle of the night? I love blueberries too. Get some sleep tonight.

Trish_WTG on your eating. I haven't seen the cheddar triscuits--but I will be out looking for them soon.

I hope to see you at chat!
Let's get the recipe critiques in.

BOB: Yes, it should say STANDARDIZED on the bottle. If it doesn't, don't get it. Not sure if they have it at Sam's...if not, let me know I can mail you a bottle if you like.

LIN: Yes, you need a prescription for the T3. There are some things you can get at health food stores that are supposed to be the next best thing, but this is the actual thing that I use. Check the about.com best doctor list for your area. I just did that for my sister in law who lives in Columbia, and found several good ones in the area. If you can't get them to let you try T3, at least try and get them to give you a script for Armour to see if you feel better on it. Most people do.

JACK: Amen to that. She can be SO sweet, then such a hornet! I am going to look into getting all the photos from my daughters wedding put on a CD rom. That way, I can send them, print them, etc. at will.... I own the negatives, cause the photographer was a family friend tho....

linworthlady...
 

I can make the picture smalller and or crop it if you like. No, Robert doesn't hunt and give the meat to the hungry. What he is hoping to do is head up an organization in this area where the hunters that have enough or don't really care for the meat will donate it. Then it will go to the processor and be distributed to churches and food banks that will hopefully be involved with his group. He loves to hunt and really feels this is a ministry he is called to. If we ever get enough to put in our freezer we too will share the adundance. So far we haven't had that many successful hunts. :) In deer season we can hunt durning the day. The only night hunting allowed here is for wild hogs.

Love,
Crystle