Hello again ya'll

Got on my shades up there trying to fake myself into thinking it's not a yucky, rainy day outside. lol

How is everyone? I'm okay I guess. Not much news today. Didnt do bad as far as calories but not outstanding either. I did 30 min on my AirWalker this morning but spent the rest of the day sitting in a doctor's office with my mother-in-law. That is sooo tiring! And of course, as usual, she'll get results in a day or two...never do you find out anything definite the first time!

Got a busy next few weeks coming up. Thurs nite my youngest is having a Fall Festival at school. ( I have to miss my work Christmas party which is also that nite ) Fri nite my oldest has another out of town basketball game. Mon nite he has another one out of town, then Tues. one in town. I have to work tomorrow, Saturday, and Monday. I have no idea when I"m going to get Christmas shopping done. It has really sneaked up on me this year.

Lisa, I know how you feel. More than once I've lost a posting that I spent an hour or more on. Just makes ya sick and like you, I didnt have the heart to type it all over. I hope tomorrow you will know something for sure from your sonogram and will have an idea of what needs to be done to get rid of your pain!

Taiwan, glad to hear you had such a good day. I thought it was neat to hear you have Campbell's soup in Taiwan. lol I use Fitday everyday also and I too usually think the calories seem lower than I'd think possible but I choose to believe Fitday is right..LOL
( of course, when it shows I burn more calories than I think I did with exercise I choose to believe that also. lol )

Way to go Cyan! Your hard work is paying off!

Reina_Mia, how nice you got to sleep in today! Hope you got the rest you needed and lots of extra energy from it.

Debee, you sure fit in here if you eat because of stress. Join the crowd. Of course, if you eat because you're happy, sad, mad, bored, etc....you'd fit in also. lol I do all of the above. ( or I used to ....breaking that habit tho slowly but surely with the help of these extra special ladies) Your family sounds just like mine too. To them, healthy=yuck. lol

Well, I'm going to go do another few minutes on my AirWalker before I take my bath. Hubby says if I dont take time to shave these legs SOON, I'll be able to knit sweaters for Christmas gifts.

Nite all....have a great nite !
MIKI

Tonight I was bad bad bad...I had a lemon pie and when I counted my calories...well I consumed 1992 cals and 59 grams of fat...fat was good but way too many calories...so I felt compelled to exercise...and I did...for an hour of cycling ....I burned off 660 calories for a distance of 17.3km so my total cals consumed is 1332. I have to control my binge eating...I was mad...so I ate the friggin pie...what was left of it...a third...yeesh

Oh well...at least I exercised

Reina...those icons are symbols...an envelope with a camera in it says there are pictures for the avatars and a red envelope means it has a lot of views...a big thread...not to worry...it good.
Good going on the exercising...keep going....stay motivated...and I know what you mean with the sodas...i'm a real junkie for that...I live for fat pepsi...love it love it love it...but I settle for the diet stuff and for a treat, ocaisionally I have a full fat pepsi
I just love food...plain simple...I could never deprive myself forever...never.

debee how much weight are you looking to lose and what is your plan of action...details please

k, its late for me...gotta get my beauty sleep....a big hug to everyone

Cyan

Hey...I keep forgetting to ask. Do any of you have journals in here? I was thinking someone said once they did. I"ve been reading some of them and have found some of those also very encouraging. But I didnt recognize any of the names as any of you. Been thinking of starting an online one also. I do log everything into a notebook, but it was neat to read the thoughts of others in their journals online. Not sure yet that I want my personal thoughts read by just anyone, but I've given it some thought.

It happened again. I lost my post because I hit the wrong button.

I can't belive I did that!

Well, I'm sick, so I'm going to bed.

good night
Lisa

Miki, I have a journal on here. I enjoy it just to plan my day or talk about something that might bore the rest of you. At least if it's boring, I'm not forcing anyone to read it!

Lisa

Lisa...here's what I started doing. When I finish typing, I highlight it all and right click and "Copy". Then if I hit "Submit" and for some reason it doesnt work, I can just hit reply again and "Paste". Hope that helps you too. Sorry you're sick again! Cant wait for you to get something done so you'll feel better. Well, Im going to bed now too. NITE

Hello,
Hope everyone is doing well. Reina, I'm sorry to hear about your friend. Keep your faith everything will be ok. Cyan, congrats on your weight loss. You are truly an inspiration. Welcome Taiwan and Debee. I gaurantee you'll love it here these ladies are great.

I'm finally getting back on track. Feeling great other than the pain from the ovarian cysts. I hate taking pain pills so I try to concentrate on anything but the pain. Works sometimes. I've been exercising regulary. I was determined to take Sunday off but couldn't resist doing something so I got on my bike and then lifted a few weights. Pulled out my old exercise tapes since it's getting chilly out. I'm so proud I can actually make it through a whole tape. LOL Before I could barely do 15mins! Reina I have one of Leslie Sansones tapes. I love it but it's time to get some of her new ones, the one I have is about worn out!

Ladies take care and remember One day at a time!

Good morning all! How is everyone. We woke up to about 3 -5 inches of snow! It's beautiful. And it's still snowing. We're supposed to get about 3 more inches! Unfortunatley, they didn't cancel school! So, me and my sickness had to get up and get my daughter to school. My husband took my window scraper!!! He will here about that later!

My plan for the day is to straighten my kitchen, start some laundry and to sleep! I'm so tired and I know that rest is what my body needs to get better. (Plus...who can eat while they are sleeping?)

PreciousOne!!! So glad to see you. I'm glad you are feeling better. I haven't been able to get to know you as well as the other girls and I'm looking forward to it! We would love to have your picture up! It's great to put names with faces.

Taiwan and Debee, same for you. Would love to see your pictures up here! I have found that it makes this a whole lot more personable.

Cyan, it's okay to indulge every once in a while.....I don't know about nearly a whole pie... LOL

Well I hope everyone has a great day. I had shredded wheat for breakfast and I'm not going to the gym prbably until next week as my Friday already has a school meeting I have to go to at my workout time. Hopefully I can get better soon! BTW, Nyquill Tablets are wonderful when you're trying to go to bed. They dry you up and knock you out!

See you all later
Lisa

You are right Lisa...a whole pie is pure gluttony...I only did have one third of it ....sometimes when I get mad or frustrated...I eat..binge...the good thing about yesterday...is I stopped myself for continuing my binge and instead got on the bike for the second time that evening a cycled for 20 minutes...thats why I totalled 17.3 km and burned off 660 cals....so you see, I was able to stop myself from the destructive eating and transfer it to exercising off my anger.....and it worked....so I am happy

PreciousOne I am so glad you are back with us and I am sooooo proud of you for getting back on track...you go girl The more exercise you do on a regular basis...the more addictive it gets...I think its getting to be the same way for you judging my your sunday....good feeling huh?

Hey Miki...I've been thinking of activitating my online journal too...it might be a good idea to keep it online ...I will let you know if I do it or not. How has your exercising and eating been going? Are you sticking to plan.

Just a reminder....the deadline for the Oprah letter is Jan 5 2003...then I will amalgamate all letters submitted into one big letter and send it off....

Okay girls...have a great day, stay strong and make wise choices

Cjunk, LadyRider and Annie....hope you are all doing well...I send you all good energy

Cyan

Breast Defence

Cancer prevention the natural way

By Bonnie McLachlan and Tannis McLaren

Most illnesses, including breast cancer, can be signs of a physical and emotional imbalance. Whether you are treating or preventing breast cancer, you should address both your physical and emotional well-being.

Physical Although there is no known cause of breast cancer, the list of risk factors is growing. Genetics and aging are two significant factors. An excess of estrogen in the body may be correlated to breast cancer. There are various factors that determine our estrogen levels, such as the length of our menstrual cycles, if we have children early, whether or not we breastfeed and the number of children we have. If you have numerous short cycles, you are exposed to more estrogen. You block estrogen during pregnancy and breastfeeding causes increased prolactin, which inhibits estrogen.

Also, your exposure to estrogen decreases with the more kids you have. Other sources of estrogen include the birth-control pill, fertility drugs and hormone replacement therapy. Lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer include being overweight, not exercising, heavy alcohol consumption and improper nutrition.

Keeping your eliminative organs (the kidneys, liver, skin, lungs, lymphatics and colon) functioning and eliminating properly is important in order to reduce the amount of estrogen and toxins circulating in the body. These toxins can also come from within the body. For example, an imbalance of the “good” bacteria to the “bad” bacteria in the intestines will develop toxic byproducts. The bad bacteria love to feed on sugars (breads, cookies, candy), so it is important not to overindulge. You can also enhance the good bacteria with such foods as plain organic yogurt or by taking an acidophilus supplement.

To detoxify your body, try saunas or gentle exercise where you break a sweat, such as Tai Chi, yoga, walking and deep breathing, which can help eliminate toxins through the lungs.

Choosing the right foods is a good way to detoxify your body. Eat organic food whenever possible, as it does not contain estrogen-mimicking chemicals. Including more whole grains, beans, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruit in your diet may reduce your breast-cancer risk. Studies have shown that soy can decrease your risk of breast cancer. Include soy milk, soy yogurt and tofu in your diet.

Eating or juicing vegetables, fruit, sprouts and wheat grass not only helps detoxify but also provides the body with enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Garlic, onions, sprouts and the brassica family (kale, cabbage, broccoli) aid in liver detoxification. Dandelion greens have a phenomenal ability to detoxify the liver and the lymphatic system. Use the leaves and roots in salads and soups or juice it with fruit or vegetables.

Whole grains provide vital nutrients, are a source of fibre and can bind circulating estrogen. After binding, the estrogen is eliminated through the bowels. Beans, especially lentils, contain cancer-inhibiting enzymes that may help to prevent the development and recurrence of breast cancer. When consuming fats, stay away from saturated fats (red meat, milk, cheese) and especially hydrogenated fats (margarine, crackers, bread and chips), which can clog the liver and arteries.

Both are also void of the essential fats and can damage any of the existing protective essential fats. Essential fats (found in some fish, flaxseed and olive oil, among other sources) are precursors to prostaglandins, which do everything from strengthen the immune system to regulate hormones. Sugar should be avoided because it suppresses the immune system and alcohol and caffeine interfere with the liver’s ability to detoxify.

Emotional Naturopathic doctors believe that to prevent or treat breast cancer, a woman should practise self-awareness in order to explore areas of her behaviour that may be causing “toxic” emotions in the body.

One way to focus your energy and thoughts inward is with a breathing exercise. Sit in an upright position. Inhale through your left nostril by blocking your right nostril with your right thumb. Then, exhale through your right nostril by blocking your left nostril with your right ring and little fingers. Then, inhale through your right nostril and exhale through your left. Continue for about five minutes, always inhaling through the same nostril you just exhaled from.

“[Breast cancer] is a journey of learning to change. It’s not about blaming or feeling guilty. It’s about becoming aware of one’s actions and emotions and accepting responsibility for them,” says Hana Weidenfeld, a Toronto-based naturopathic doctor who has been diagnosed with, and has undergone treatment for, breast cancer.

In general, women often put the needs of others before their own or find it difficult to communicate their needs to others. If these negative emotions are not dealt with, they will continue to circulate in the body and can weaken the immune system. If you’re having difficulties working through your emotions, see a professional who can help you through your healing journey.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tannis McLaren is a practising naturopathic doctor in Toronto (call 416-763-3211 or send email to [email protected]). She is a graduate of The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto. Bonnie McLachlan is a graduate of the CCNM.

First published in the October 2002 issue of Flare Magazine.

Need my sunglasses!! It is like high 70's boarding 80's I think. Lisa, I would love to see snow again. It doesn't get below freezing here in Taiwan. I do miss the snow. Next year we'll be home for Christmas and will hopefully get to introduce my kids (then will be 5 and 1.5yr) to snow!

Well, I didn't go over 1550calories today. I had fried rice for lunch and that was 330calories. That was my worst today. One of my fostergirls (16yr) said that she was thinking about how many calories her lunch was. Guess I am starting to rub offWorked on my abs/thighs/ and big ol' butt!!! Tomorrow is arms. The soup can is 3lbs. Gotta find a site that has alot of good pix for free weights. I really gotta get my flab back into shape.

Yes, exercising is getting addictive, but that's good. Can't wait to weigh myself on Friday. I am sure I've lost.

Well, it's midnight and I just finished my water (2liters) and now I will probably be up all night.

Have a great day girls.

Hello everyone,
I just came back from lunch with a great friend of mine. He has the biggest heart in the world.

Had a salad today, rather than something heavy. My asthma is acting up right now, and my medicine isn't helping, so I may be calling my doctor in a minute.

Miki, Don't let the busy week ahead stress you out. I hate weeks where you just can't rest or get stuff done, and for me I always eat bad and use the week as an excuse.
But I know you are strong and can get through it with no sweat.
You crack me up. You are too funny. Will you be selling those Knit sweaters on Ebay?

Cyan, You've been Pie'd!. That is fine, remember, just wipe if off your slate and start a new day! Yes, you did exercise, so it isn't that bad.

PreciousOne, glad to have you back. I am happy to hear that you are back and on track. Sorry to hear about your cysts. I get them every month, and about 2 weeks ago, one ruptured, and that is some pain.... I had surgery for a large mass on my ovary and fallopian tube in March, and it was supposed to get better , but it hasn't. What suggestion do you have for the pain and bloating! I have a special pair of pants that I have to wear when it acts up. I have always had painful ovulation and a week or so later, I get the pain from the cysts. I am planning on seeing a specialist in the beginning of the year.
I did the 1 mile video yesterday and it was a breeze, my 3 year old tried doing it with me. He is so funny!

Lisa,
Sorry you are still feeling bad. I send you well wishes, and hope you hear something soon.

Cyan,
Great article.

Taiwan, Glad you had a great day. I am so upset. I made some great rice with lime juice and fresh cilantro to eat with my chicken, and after reading the calories. I wanted to faint. I love rice, and now I am hooked on basmati rice. But it is 180 for a 1/4 of a cup. That is very high.. How do I give that up?
You keep working out with your bad self!
Have a good day everyone.

Cjunk, LadyRider, and Annie, We really really miss you. Hope to hear from you soon.

It is STILL raining!! Driving me crazy. Saturday was such a perfect day and now nothing but rain. Very depressing. It's around 40-45 degrees out I think. Hubby and I are both bored. Not good...makes me wanna eat!!!

I did have lunch with one of my sisters today...Chinese buffet...but neither of us went back for seconds. She's just like me ( not as big tho). Both of us constantly talk about wanting to lose weight. It was really funny. We were both sitting there knowing we wanted to go back but neither would be the first to do so. If one of us had, the other definitely would have followed but yeahhhh, we passed the test! Didnt have dessert either, and we both drank water. At one point, she did say, "Are you going back"..I just "Ummm. I dont know." Then we kept talking and just never did..both waiting for the other to make the first move. LOL She doesnt have a computer but is getting one for Christmas. I tell her about ya'll all the time.

Havent exercised yet. Had to be at work at 8 am and on those days, I just cannot get up in time to do that. I get up around 6:30, the kids get on the school bus at 7:30 then I leave for work. Just havent gotten to the point yet where I can sacrifice sleep for exercise. I'm going to as soon as I get off here tho. I did 45 minutes on the AirWalker yesterday. Calories I think were around 1400. Not sure about today's with all the various Chinese foods. Hard to calculate. Not going to eat supper tonite. Fixed the family "breakfast" tonite, and I did eat one biscuit dipped in syrup. That's it tho.

PreciousOne...so glad you're back! I sympathize with your pain. I had lots of problems with my periods from day one beginning in 7th grade. I was forced to have a hysterectomy before I turned 30. In fact, two of my sisters also had to have them before the age of 30. My youngest sis, 24, so far is doing ok tho. Cant say I miss all that stuff for sure.

Seems like we've become a sickly bunch lately. lol I hate to hear ya'll feel bad. Lisa, dont push yourself too hard. I'm sure you need the rest. Maybe school will be cancelled tomorrow and you can sleep in.

Very informative article, Cyan. We should really pay more attention to things like that.

Taiwan, wish I needed sunglasses!! Your weather sounds wonderful. You go girl! Very rarely do you hear someone is EXCITED to weigh! Way to go! I'm sure you've lost! Cant wait to hear your report.

Reina_mia, you're right....a stressful week is an easy way to slide into eating badly. I'm going to try not to let that happen. It's just hard to be in a rush and have to eat out. Very few healthy choices, especially around here. Mostly fast food places and I do get tired of salads. I've eaten them ALOT lately.

Well, both kids are gone to church tonite, and hubby is calling me to the couch. Cant pass that up. May check in later on tonite tho. Byeeeeeeee for now!

MIKI

Quick question: how do you add up calories when you make up a salad, but it takes like 3 days to eat? I make up a big salad and then that's my dinner for like 3-4 days. I mean, I don't eat a cup of carrots at one sitting. I may put a cup of carrots in the salad. Know what I mean? So how do I add that up.

And, my fat and proteins are about the same. Any suggestions for meal changes?

Hello Hello. Well, I'm feeling a little better. I still have a runny nose and I'm so tired. I think taking Nyquill at night makes me tired the next day. I am also having GB pain and thinking that I should call the doctor if it keeps hurting so that she can see what's going on when I'm in pain. Haven't heard anything about the sonogram yet.

Yesterday I ate horribly. I was bored and tired and hungry. I ate and ate and ate. Now, I feel really bad.....but I'm still hungry. Today is grocery shopping day so I will get some good healthy stuff. I can't wait to go back to the gym. It will probably be Monday though.

There is still snow on the ground. I think we ended up with a little over 7 inches. It's beautiful.

cyan, I really enjoyed the article. It was very interesting. There's so many things out there. If I was organized and could control my cravings, I could incorporate them into my diet and lifestyle.

I'm thinking of making fudge and toffee today. I make loads and loads of that during the Christmas Holiday for teacher/neighbor gifts...etc, so I need to make my test batch today. Then I could take some to class tonight so that I wouldn't eat it all myself.

I've been craving Fried Chicken lately. I think I'll get some of that popcorn chicken from KFC today.....

Miki, that's hilarious about the buffet and not going back for seconds. I can totally relate.....but I always give in and go back. Good for you and your sister!

Taiwan, I know at Diet Power you can create a recipe and tell it how many servings it is and it will do all the math and tell you all the calories and nutritional information. If you want, you can send me the recipe and how many servings you get out of it and I will figure it out for you since I already have Diet Power set up on my computer.


That's all for now!
Lisa