Well, senoritas, I just typed a nice long post and lost it! Argghhh.

Vix - How was the party?

Okay, brief synopsis. Trip to Whole Foods was good. Stocked up on plenty of staple items...ww cousous, quinoa, ww pastas, steelcut oats, etc.

The scales are up a smidge today. She sure is a fickle thing, isn't she? I might very well have been a bit dehydrated as I drank a lot of water yesterday. Question: Does drinking a lot of water ever make you feel a bit bloaty and queasey?

Crazy as it may sound, I will be working some today. I want to catch up on some of my accounts and make my week a little easier. Once you're behind, it's so very difficult to catch up. I plan on taking some early days this week to make up for it. No raise = no extra time from me!

Heather, enjoy your trail run! I look forward to hearing about it! I'm sure you'll have a blast.

I just finished making my dh thai vegetable curry. For the curry-experienced, is there a way to make the sauce thicker? I swear the stuff he used to bring home from the take-out was thicker looking. Or maybe I just overloaded mine with veggies.

In my tummy :p . I had coffee and a light breakfast. Still no lunch yet. But will be soup and roll for me probably.

Afternoon everyone...
Woke up around 7:30ish. I finished cooking crack wheat w/ veggies for the week. I'm done with breakfast and lunches for next week. It's been a busy morning so far. I haven't showered yet...yeah stinky. Hubby is working on baking whole wheat bread and some rolls. So that should be done sometime soon. Bread smells so good.

We have to go to BB&B to return the pillows we bought yesterday. Some idiot had packed a wrong pillow in the box. So we ended up with a wrong pillow. I hate it when people do that.

How's it going so far with you ladies? :)

I use corn starch sometimes. It has no flavor so mixes well. Mix some corn starch (tsp) with water (1 or 2 TB) and stir to blend well. Then add it to your stir fry or thai curry. Mix well. You will have to play with the ratio. I don't know how much curry you have so trial and error :) .

Here are couple resources
- #1 resource
- #2 Corn starch

HTH :)

Ahhh, cornstarch. Okay, I'll buy some next time I'm at the store and keep it around for this sort of thing. I hope it keeps well because you know how often I cook.

Heather- do you have a traders joe' s near you. I am told the soy chorizo is really good. It's on my list for the next time I go.

Rhonda, my scale number is very dependent on where I am in my cycle. Even if I am pounding water to get rid of retention TOM holds it in.

Jo, have you increased cals or stayed at loss range for a few extra and/or room for splurge?

kiddos and I just made a hand mixed cake. It's funny, b/c I was wishing flour didn't have so many calories too!

again, I woke up an evil wench but am calming down now. even on BC pills my PMS is in skyhigh range.

have a good sunday.

Queasy could be if you drink empty stomach and just gulp it down instead of drinking it slowly. And bloaty if you ate too much salt. For me I don't feel bloated unless my salt intake was way higher than normal. Usually after Chinese food. I hope you're not looking for excuses for not drinking water :p

Edit: Also could be that you're not used to drinking this much water so some weird body reaction might be there. Just give it time. Remember start slow like a cup or 2 a day and then increase little bit next day.

Every now and then. Like Anj said, usually it goes hand in hand with other behaviors. Sort of a water logged feeling. Especially if I haven't had enough one day and try to hard in the evening to play catch up. But as long as I spread my water out all day long I'm usually good.

Airtight container and it should be fine at room temp forever. If all else fails and you get bored you can make slime out of it like the kids.

I hope you are careful on the trail and that it is nicely groomed.

Calories right now are sitting around 950 but I still need to figure out what kinds of veggies I am having with my noodles at dinner. I need to go investigate the crisper drawer.

Jo, it does. I bought mine a while back and I rarely use it. Keep it in a cool dry place and you should be good. Mine sits in the cabinet in the kitchen.

There are no cool and dry places in FLA.

I love grocery shopping and especially judge those with kids. (Sorry, Billie, you would be shunned with the Little Debbies)

Going to the gym in an hour. Cannot decide between listening to podcasts or reading PEOPLE. I will try to run three. If not, I will make up the time difference on the elliptical.

Cals are in soup and enchiladas.

Church was AWESOME. No mention of god, creator, Jesus, or any of that. "Sermon" was the head of the Indiana Wildlife Federation.

I have square needles. My mom says they make all the difference for her. I have not tried round.

Will, Mr. Food Sensitivity, has something at the party last night that has made him wild, mouthy, quick to cry and hard to live with. Things are a little better after a Benadryl, but I was sure I would kill him on the way home this morning. After all the "peace, love and compassion" of hippie church, Chris and I both yelled at him on the way home.

I am no fan of organized religion but I am would like to raise my children with some sort of spirituality. I have considered unitarian church but that's still a bit much for me. My best friend celebrates the equinox with her family. Your thing sounds pretty good. -glad you enjoyed it.


This seems like a good time to give a more complete intro. Some of you snarking chicks I have met on other threads. I live in NJ with my husband and 4 little boys 7, 5, 5, and 2.5. I work in a NYC hospital part time 2-3 days a week/ 3hr round trip commute. My husband is a perrenially suffering morose PIA, with small moments of delight. But I knew this when I married him. He is basically a good guy but what a giant PIA.

My friends tell me I can be funny so hopefully, I'll entertain you and I'll also say, have already been entertained by your quick witted posts.

What she said.

Enjoy time at the gym, Anna, after Will I'm sure the respite will be friggin relief.

Kitty -- My calories are around the same, I seem to be stalling a bit right here, but I'm not willing to drop them yet. Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I wasn't wanting to drop them in order to have the umph to do long runs, but with a knee injury as of yesterday and runs limited to under 6, I might go ahead and push them down a bit and see what happens. If I start eating my right arm I might reverse that very quickly.

oh, and the cake sucked. forgot vanilla.

one fisted eating is definitely lower cal than 2.

I really think it's just because you're not used to it. Please give it time and don't chug it!
I'm also working some today. Procrastination is by far one of my worst habits and I'm trying very hard to overcome it.

I read this 4 times before I was convinced that you said you just cooked.

I do and it is! It's got more of a hmm I guess tex-mex type of flavoring. I enjoy it with tacos, burritos, things like that. The one I made this morning had more of a traditional breakfast sausage taste. I used to hate Trader Joes due to the crowds but we've become good friends now that I've learned to not go on the weekends!

It's good to keep kids balanced you know?

Bloody ****. I'd either be an alcoholic or a rip-roaring ***** every day. Probably both.

Billie - Do not fear the tofu. The tofu is your friend.


Trail run done! I did 4 miles which in case you're wondering is indeed the furthest I've gone. I had to walk a bit as my hamstrings are pretty pist at me from yoga yesterday and screamed out loud a few times but overall still a decent pace (for me). Garmin tells me I burned about 600 calories which seems rediculously high but I like it. I still need to walk the dogs today but it'll be a bit later on and more of a stroll then a power walk.

Kittycat - what's your name? I probably missed it somewhere as I've seen you around the boards before.

Great run, Heather! That's awesome! What was the trail like? Hilly? packed dirt or grass, or what?

Color me as shocked as you about the cooking, but darling hubbie literally begged me. He's being so strong on his meal plan that I would do almost anything to help. It's not really cooking, anyway: cut up a bunch of veggies, throw in pot, stir in coconut milk and curry paste. Simmer for a while. Done. That right there is about the limit of my patience and skill in la cucina.

Funny you should ask. My name is Lucy. This is the first time I have ever put that out there.

When I joined this forum I found Jo on the 5 pound challenges. Keep in mind I am basically a Luddite so my understanding of internet forums is that they were filled with freaks and individuals who were incapable of relating to live in the flesh persons. But Jo seemed so dam normal and awesome. I had a hard time processing this.

Then I stayed true to 3fc and thereby my plan. I found all the wonders and wonderful peops that everyone here has found. But I feared being "discovered" as one of those internet weirdos. (being otherwise a weirdo is not a problem for me) So I never volunteered my REAL NAME. what a dork I am.

anyway, thanks for asking and I'm happy to tell you!! :)

very impressive. I would break a bone or two if I tried that.

Some packed dirt, some wooden bridges over creeks and a little bit of asphalt. It's a really grey day here and of course there aren't trees with leaves right now so to be honest it was kinda dreary and depressing looking but I do think in the spring time I'd like it more. I probably wouldn't go to this particular trail again after the race on it. It's about 25min from my house and there are just too many others closer.

Glad hubby is sticking to the plan! If it requires more then opening a box and putting it in the microwave then you cooked ;)

What?!! I'm only on here for the freaks. :p I understand and that's why I won't post a picture on here! Well not until I can rock a bikini!!

Go Heather Go!

I just made a batch of BB brownies. I cooked them in muffin pans to control portion sizes. They came out to 143 calories each. I'm shipping 1/3 to my friend in GA and the rest are going in the freezer for occasional treats.

Nothing else new here. Kids are driving me nuts and I am tired of playing trucks with DS.

Billie--good thinking on the brownies. It is M's birthday week...cupcakes for Tuesday at school, Wednesday is birthday. I have decided to go with pudding for the family party next weekend. Lots of too-tasty things about. And the square needles really feel good in my hands.

Rhonda--yes, when I chug. When I have water panic and down .5L while standing at the sink. Figure out your goals for the day and break it down into per hour segments. As for the water logged, it is similar to stubborn fat with cals too low. Your cells are not going to pass it out of the cell membrane until they know there is more coming in. It is all about the equilibrium.

Heather. OMG on your run! You are clearly a trail runner, not an urban runner. I want to come run with you.

Lucy--4 boys=Prozac. What kind of nurse?

Jo---wizard in the kitchen or a tiger in the bedroom. are you changing your, uh, stripes?

Jaime--we miss you! We hope you are OK.

Me--as forward as I was looking to the rhythm of the treadmill, I was either 1) slow as a glacier 2) dying. I did two miles, not in a row. My hamstrings are all knotty, and I am in the process of moving furniture around so that my sloth spot is not shrinking my leg muscles. I did 40 minutes total with the walking, but I did the last two minutes at 6.0 MPH vs. the 5.4 I normally do and the 5.0 I have been doing on the street.

Run Anna Run.

For a while I was able to do 6.3 running. On average though I think I was doing 5.3-5.5. I think if I could convince myself to slow down just a bit more I could go longer. That is if my freaking foot ever heals. I cannot wait until the insurance cards get here.

Off to start dinner. DH is having his leftover burger. Kids are having either leftover chicken and veggies or grilled cheese. I'm making myself 2 servings of pasta with alfredo and veggies. The rest will be lunch tomorrow.

I am here, I am here! Internet at father's generally sucks. I am back home now. First thing I did after setting down my bag was strap on the new shoes and new bra (wow, was that overdue as well!) and take them out for a test spin.

.... Taking a month and a half off of running did NOT do me any favors. (Starting smoking again probably didn't either.) I could barely run 5mins at a time, and ended up walking the who second half of my 30 mins. HOWEVER - my boobs were wonderfully held in place, and my feet were happy. My shins don't hurt like they usually do after runs.

Stepmother on WW worked out well eating-wise while I was gone, ate healthiest there I ever have since she's watching her intake too. Had a really good long conversation with the father, which is rare, and was much appreciated. He is sorry I am going through the BS I am going through but is overall excited for me to be moving forward with my life, etc etc.

Aaaand..... we finally have the *official* word on an end date. The 19th (as originally planned). He'll fly from here to go visit Rhonda in Atlanta, then go visit Jo in Florida (well, he'll be in Miami), then down to Rio. Good riddance. Counting down the days.

Oh good. I get first dibs....on kicking his a$$!

Jaime -I'm so glad you had a nice visit. And, I'm so glad you enjoyed the shoes and the new bras. I know the first day back to running was rough, but I think you'll get back in the groove quickly.

Thanks for all of the advice about the water. I will start keeping a glass on my desk and sip throughout the day. I'm convinced. My body does need this.

Well, I put a big dent in my work and I'm feeing much more relaxed this evening. I'm confident that I'll have plenty of time for exercise this week.:carrot:

If it wouldn't raise so much suspicion with DH, I would mark the day on my calender.

Glad the boobs, feet and shins are enjoying the new purchases. And that your dad is being supportive. That always helps.

Ana?-- onthetee:

I am a midwife-- much like 3fc's beloved midwife

just cleaned up after dinner-- we had salmon, madras lentils, lettuce and cuke salad and grape tomatoes.-- on paper plates!

tomorrow I work so there's plenty of opp. to check in on the computer.

see you all then! :)

Regardless of the relief, I still find it sad that everything deteriorated the way it did for you. It would have been nice to at least feel like he gave it half a chance.


1) why does husband look at YOUR calendar? 2) why would he be suspicious? "Jaime' s husband to mama" raises no eyebrows.

Awesome. I am a doula and had midwives for both my births.

I came to brag. First, I went to the gym. Obvious brag. The other is that there were doughnuts and muffins at the post-lecture gathering this morning. I split ONE donut hole with Meara. I have not grazed at all today. Though my meals were on the higher end of the calories/meal I would prefer, I still did totally awesome.

Knitting helps.

Billie - stir fry tonight (ugh and 5 more meals) only 303 cals per serving and chock full o' veggies and tofu! Come, leave the arctic north and get warm with some food!

Anna - You could probably run 6 miles while I did 4. I'm averaging about 12 minute miles. Told you I was slow! Way to go on passing up doughnuts. Despite growing up in Krispe Kreme country they were one thing I never really craved or binged on.

Jaime - You'll build back up in no time to running. I'm glad SM and Dad were cool and supportive. Glad the effer is leaving sooner rather then later.

I feel like I've gone non-stop the past two days and I'm getting ready to shut the puter down and become a vegetable for a while, maybe finish the dark knight. Calories came in lower then expected and I'm treating myself to a mini-clif bar. Thank god they finally came out with smaller ones - the big ones are too calorific.

Based on what I saw today, I have been dropping my MPH slowly. I was over 12 for the drumstick, but that was longer than I have ever run. I could not do six with the break I have taken. I think I will come back pretty quickly, but I could do six at 3.8 MPH.

And while I am on the slow train, the runner next to me at the gym was doing 4.8 and did not look like she was impaired runner girl in anyway. So I am not going to fret about time right now. I want to get to where I can do 4 on the treadmill without DYING of boredom, then worry about time.

Did good today . . . after yesterdays rough night. I really struggled last night with emotional eating, but I went to bed without eating dinner instead of making a bad decision. I know that eventually I have to learn other ways to deal with it, but to be honest, I was just happy I beat it. Beating it this time will make it easier to beat the next time.

I really like your quote Jen, =)~ It's very true.

Yawnnnn!! Good morning girls. Even though I could sleep a bit more I woke up without the alarm this morning which always makes my day start a bit better.

Today's menu:
Breakfast - coffee, biscuits and gravy
snack - banana
lunch - stirfry
snack - pecans
dinner- snobby joes and some fries

I think I'm going to go to the gym after work today and do the elliptical or bike. My legs don't want to run but I think I can handle a machine. I won't have time to workout Tuesday and would rather not take two days off right now.

Jaime -- I'm busy baking Exlax brownies for any unwelcome guests who may stop by. Only 8 more days! I can't wait for him to be gone from your house, I remember the emotional stress of still living together after deciding to call it quits and it was tremendous. When it happened to me, my ex spent several weeks telling me about all the hot chicks he was going to date and how, in detail, they were going to be soooo much better than me. I spent weeks wondering what the eff I'd ever seen in him. I just wanted him GONE.

Jen -- Great job, those super tough moments come along and really test us, skipping dinner instead of emotional eating is sometimes the best we can do! I've skipped meals, gone to bed early, left parties, drank water until I felt uncomfortably full -- all as strategies to avoid eating. Sometimes it's the best we can do! You live to fight another day. I hope today is easier, make sure to feed yourself a good breakfast so hunger doesn't sneak up on you late!

Anna -- most training miles should be run at as easy, much-slower-than-your fastest pace. That's what base building is and it is KEY to long term running performance. Most training books recommend at least a minute to a minute and a half slower than you'd try to run during a 5 or 10k race. I never, ever worry about running too slowly, it is running too fast (too early) that's the killer. Speed comes with time and lots and lots of good base. Later, when you have a solid base, you can add actual speedwork (fartleks and such) that will build upon all that excellent base.

Day 12! Today's plan:
Exercise: Going to get on the exercycle and see what the knee does
Food:
Bagel with PB, coffee with stevia
channa masala, added veggies, 1/2 pita
apple
Boca burger on ezekiel, bbq sauce, l t o, big salad

My goal this week is 3 1/2 hours on Hammy. I didn't quite make the 3 1/4 hours I wanted to do last week, but with my foot and the vaseline everywhere, I figured it be best for me to stay off him.

Oh, and I'm totally staying away from all the Cr*p I've been eating the last few days. Blah. I feel awful and floppy this time.

Classes start tonight. 3 days a week for me. I have to go shopping for school supplies and stuff.

Jen, that is so very true. Each success will make you stronger.

Go, Heather. Go Heather. :cheer3:

How is the knee today?

Crappy eating will do that to you. Try to remember how you feel now when you're tempted to do this to yourself again.

I have tons of work to do this week, but no new audits. :carrot: Today and everyday this week, I'll be on the treadmill for an hour of cardio. I can't wait to see the stomach start deflating again. Walking always brings about this awesome side effect in addition to some great downward movement on the scales.

Have a great on-plan day.

Rhonda - Don't push yourself so hard this first week or you're going to get burnt out!

I think I'm going to read the McDougall plan book. I'm not sure yet if I want to give it a whirl since I don't know the finer details but I know he stresses whole foods which I pretty much do anyway. The library uptown has the cookbook and guide for women in, I think I'll walk over at lunch and check them out. Anybody know good/bad things about it?

Rhonda-I'm with Heather, don't push too hard, but do what you can!

I'm crabby because it's Monday and I hate Monday's. Plus now that I have the prospect of this new "dream" job I'm really have a case of the short timers attitude at my current job. That won't go well if I don't get the new job. :)

Jaime-Just in case he decides to come this way I will also prepare some sort of laxative dessert. ;) Way to go on the running!

Morning Chicas :)

Another week another day...I don't have much to say this morning. I've been OP so far so that's good. This week I'll start with the strength training part of the exercise. Still holding off on the cardio. Cubie is here so :( . I come in early just so I get 1 hour of peace.

Jaime, I am happy your talk with dad was a success. Did you ever talk with your mom? I know you were stressed about it. I agree with Billie, mark the end date on the calendar and cross out each day as it goes by nearing the end date. It's sad that it happened this way but I can't wait for the a** to leave. I wish he was a little considerate and reasonable towards you but I guess that would be asking way too much from him. Have you thought of what you'll do on the 19th after work? Happy hour with friends?

Rhonda, happy you will be working out but take it slow. I agree with the girls. Maybe start with 20-30 mins treadmill 3 times a week. Then each week add 5 to 10 mins to your workout. Then after few weeks add another day. The reason is you will get overwhelmed and quit soon after. Believe me excuses will start coming as you don't have 60 mins in a day etc...trust me. Plus with your busy schedule it will be easier to squeeze in 20 mins rather than 60 initially.

Jen, excellent you did not cave in. Keep it going :)

Jo, I hope your knee is better. Maybe put on a brace while doing exercise. It helps. But take it easy girl cuz you want to be fit for your trip.

Heather, tofu stir fry came out spicy. Highly recommend the chili pepper in sb oil :D . I haven't read McDougall plan book. Let me know if you like it.

Food Plan:
B - Tofu stir fry & coffee
L - Crack Wheat w/ veggies
S - Small Salad