Hi Y'all,

Thank you so Cjunk, Miki, and all of you about your condolences about Kevin again extended deployment. Sometimes I do feel like this deployment will never end!! But then there are days like today...where most of my focus is on making care packages for him or sharing cool stories about work. Speaking of which we've decided to use our computer company also as a professional staffing agency for white collared jobs. And I'm in charge of it!! I'm really excited about that. I used to manage a temp agency before I came to work here. So I just know it's going to work out great!!

Cyan- How's Fred and the family doing? Did you find anything cool at the Fitness Depot? And congrats on the 48 grams of fat!! That's definitely under 50...so I can tell you are working hard. I love cheese too...and it's hard to cut back on it...but small pieces of it occasionally aren't all that awful, just not out and out cheese stuff. And I was amazed by how few broccoli and cheese soup has....the cheese taste without the bad side effects. I forgot to post but I did join y'all on your no bread, no dessert and no food after 8 challenge last night! Talk about a tough one...but thanks for sharing.

Miki--Thank you so much for sharing that God story! That is just awesome and so true!! I loved your salad dressing tip and I definitely plan to try that! And I completely relate as to the portion control being the key!That's the same thing for me...it's not "what" I eat as how much of it that I eat....and chocolate or sweets...well those are so my weakness although peanut butter, and salty things have been known to be too. ;-)

Debee- the walking with the pedometer and then planning a special meal when we "arrive" in different locations sounds like fun. I'm going to go check on a pedometer this afternoon and get back to you on that. Your disco party sounds like it was wonderfully fun! And I know that you must have had a blast playing and exercising while dancing with the kids like that. And what motivation to hear at the end of it someone lost 170 lbs doing that! WOAH!!

Lisa--Hang in there....you know the right things to do. And we all have our down moments. It happens. You've recognized that you are slipping and is the most important part. Now you just have to get yourself going again...and I have no doubt that you can do it. How are you feeling as far as physically goes? And the yoga that Debee suggested sounds like a good idea...or maybe even the walking..that she also suggested. Just to get moving a little. How did your Dr appt go?

Why not go ahead and set aside a certain time for the kids that no matter how busy your schedule is, or how much you have to study this is (their) time! And just go ahead and let them know that you will do something special with them during that time each week. Also pencil out some time each day that is set aside for quality time with them. Maybe take a walk together...or play a game etc...and study after they are in bed?

Cjunk--Good job on making it to the pool yesterday! That's awesome!! As far as making it through the no eating after 8 thing...it's only been a week for me, but it is getting easier. :) And keeping yourself busy or out of the way of the kitchen helps. I generally take a long bath when I'm tempted at night to eat...or recognize that I'm hungry, but just say no. I know it's not that easy to do. So I'm extra proud of you for pulling through wiht it last night!!

Taiwan- Yikes! I had no idea Chicken had so much fat in it! And congrats on your 1lb loss. Maybe checking ahead before you cook could help...or find a way to make chicken more healthy? I have no idea...as far as meats go...but I will put my thinking cap on.And the homemade tomato soup sounds like a GREAT idea!! I love homemade soups.

Well...as I said today is going better. Oh yesterday my calories were 1147 and my fat was 39. I hat a bit of a fat gram problem yesterday. Oops!! But I am going to chunk that up to coming out of the slump from hearing about the deployment and move on. I do believe that weekends are harder for me to stay on program that during the week though. Anyone else struggle with that?

Well..to those of you having a holiday today...I hope it's wonderful. And I will talk to everyone else this evening when I get back from the gym. It's Monday so my day to lift weights and I will try to do 30 cardio too.


Betty

Hello everyone!:wave:

Boy, I am impressed with you girls! Those of you who fell off the wagon this weekend were totally accountable for your actions and still posted. :angel: I fell off the wagon too, Only I hid! I didn’t post because I was embarrassed by my pigging out. No accountability for me! I felt so guilty I even had to make myself check in today. :( I thought I would only read your posts, but after reading them I couldn’t not post. Thanks for being human and fallible. It’s so nice to know I’m not alone.

Cyan - I’m sorry about your love bird. Do they mate for life? You are so right in reminding us that this is a long term lifestyle change. When I set a goal for myself and don’t meet it I tend to lose track of the progress I’ve made to date and focus on the failure. I’m glad to hear you are back on track.

Lisa - Did you go to the gym? How did it go? It is going to take a little while to get things to run smoothly when you start school, but it will get better. Try not to set unrealistic expectations for your self. Can you find ways to cut back at home? Does the house have to be spotless all the time? Can the family live on quick meals that don’t take a long time to fix? How can your hubby help out? Don’t feel guilty. You will be setting an excellent example for your kids, especially when they see you studying. Wait till you see how proud they will be to tell their friends their mommy is going to be a nurse. My daughter in law has 2 children when she went back to school two years ago. The kids have more self confidence because they have become more independent. It has been a good thing for the entire family.

Precious One! Welcome back! Glad to hear you are still on track.

Cjunk – Good for you for resisting temptation and not eating after 8. You’re doing some serious swimming if you are going through 3-4 suits a year! Way to go, girl! That book sounds interesting. I printed out the calorie / fat list for restaurants listed in 3FC and keep it in my car. It’s a real God send; don’t eat out without it anymore.

Miki –Congratulations on the 4 lbs! Awesome! Your stories of God interfering with your food choices had me laughing out loud. Made me think of that old advertisement “Where’s the beef?”:lol:

Taiwan – The fat grams on your chicken soup sounds high to me. You used skinless chicken, and that’s where most of the fat comes from. When I make chicken soup I use chicken parts with the skin on. After they have cooked until the meat is falling off the bones, I take the meat off, remove the skin and put the stock in the fridge for a couple hours until it is cold; this makes the fat rise to the top and solidify. I can then easily remove it. My fat gram counter lists chicken noodle soup at about 5gm fat per cup.



Debee – Evil Jungle Princess ;) - Sorry you had such a bad day on the 18th. I’m sure your husband doesn’t realize he is hurting not helping you. Have you told him what your plan is and how he can.help you succeed?

Betty – I’m so sorry to hear about Kevin. But I am so impressed that in spite of your disappointment you kept your calories and fat intake under control.

Well, ladies, it’s Monday and I am determined to get back on program. So far I’ve only had 285 calories because I don’t trust myself in the kitchen. The child within me keeps begging for sweets. The adult in me is winning, but it’s a tough battle!

Talk to you tomorrow!

:grouphug:
Lady

Taiwan - and everyone

I found these two schicken soup recipies at http://www.dottisweightlosszone.com/Recipes/
and thought you might be interested:

Spring Chicken Soup

Soup is not just for wintry months! This light and fresh-tasting chicken
soup, with a hint of mint and lemon, makes an ideal springtime entree.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

One 2-pound 4-ounce chicken, cut into 8 equal pieces
4 medium carrots
6 ounces parsnips
6 large garlic cloves, crushed
2 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup thawed frozen tiny green peas
2 tablespoons minced fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In large pot or Dutch oven, combine chicken, carrots, parsnips, garlic,
bay leaves, salt and 3 quarts water; bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat
to low; simmer 1 hour, until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear
when pierced with fork. With slotted spoon, transfer chicken, carrots and
parsnips to cutting board; let cool. Meanwhile, simmer liquid 30 minutes;
remove and discard garlic and bay leaves. Transfer liquid to 3-quart
container; refrigerate, covered, until fat congeals on top. Remove and discard
congealed fat. Remove and discard skin and bones from cooled chicken;
cut into bite-size pieces. Slice carrots and parsnips. In same pot, combine
broth, peas, mint, zest, juice, pepper, cooked chicken, sliced carrots and
parsnips and reserved liquid; bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat to low;
simmer 5 minutes, until peas are cooked through and mixture is heated.

SERVING SIZE: 3 Cups

POINTS: 5

SELECTIONS: 2 Vegetables, 3 Proteins, 1 Bread, 5 Optional Calories

PER SERVING: 288 Calories, 7 g Total Fat, 2 g Saturated Fat,
76 mg Cholesterol, 480 mg Sodium, 27 g Total Carbohydrate,
7 g Dietary Fiber, 30 g Protein, 89 mg Calcium

Quick Chicken Gumbo

More like a stew than a soup, this Creole specialty gets its thickness
from gumbo file powder. Made from the bark of the sassafras tree,
this seasoning can be found in the supermarket spice section.

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1/3 cup long-grain white or brown rice
1 2/3 cup water
2 tsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp salt
2 cans (14.5 oz each) fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups (1/2 lb) shredded, cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 tbsp gumbo file powder

In a small saucepan, combine the rice and 2/3 cup of the water. Cover and
bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring often, for 7 minutes.
Remove from the heat and allow to sit, covered. Warm the oil in a Dutch oven
over medium heat. Add the onion, pepper, celery, garlic, paprika, thyme, and
salt. Cook, stirring often, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the vegetables are soft.
Add the broth, chicken, tomato sauce, and the remaining 1 cup of the water.
Stir to mix. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes to blend the flavors.
Remove from the heat and stir in the file powder. To serve, spoon the gumbo
into shallow bowls. Top with a dollop of the rice.

POINTS: 3

PER SERVING: 138 Calories, 3 g Total Fat, 1 g Saturated Fat,
30 mg Cholesterol, 387 mg Sodium, 12 g Total Carbohydrate, 2 g Dietary Fiber

Enjoy!
Kriss

Today I was doing great until about 3 p.m. this afternoon....then it happen. I started with a cup of microwave popcorn, but I wanted something else so I had some carrots with hummus, still was not doing it, I thought maybe something hot so I had a cup of black bean soup, nope didn't do it, I opened the cupboard and spotted those salted peanuts my husband brought, once again I binged on them. I did not even check Fit.day because my fat grams could hit 200. There are still peanuts in there and I am throwing them out!!!!!

I have to go to a boy scout meeting this evening so the post has to be short.

Miki, the brand of my pedometer is just Radio Shack.

CJunk, I'll walk to Taiwan, you swim...maybe we can have a race?

Cyan, I'm so happy you got a pedometer. I still have to program mine also..meet you on the road to Taiwan

Betty, congrats on the promotion. it sounds like you are doing great twith the after 8p.m. eating

Lady rider, I loved that you called me evil jungle princess...maybe that will be my evil twins name (like today when I binged on those nuts...it was not me it was "evil jungle princess" I think everyone fell off this weekend at least a little but what is real cool is that we are all back this week vowing to do better.

Taiwan, I thought soup was suppose to be a good low fat source because of the water. By the way do you know how many miles it is from the Philly/delaware area to Taiwan? I want to start plotting it on a map for my pedometer. Are you going to get one and "walk" back to Delaware?


Have a great night!

Oh, I almost forgot.. I read somewhere that sucking on a lime prevents cravings.

I also came across a video series that is called "Fit to the Hits"
like my disco video it is set to rock and motown music. Hopefully I can find and buy it this week.

Hi everyone :)

Fat grams today were a little higher than I had hoped (60 grams) but calories totaled 1421 so not too bad on that. Went to my sister's house at 8:30 this morning and we did the walking video together. This time we added 3 lb weights as we walked.

Taiwan, when I fix a recipe with chicken, I just use the breasts. Thighs, etc have more fat. And in Fitday, did you log in the 1/4 chicken?? You didnt eat all of the chicken all by yourself. That was for the whole pot. Probably had very little in one bowl of soup actually. From the recipe, it sounds like it should have been very low in fat per serving. Maybe it wasnt really as bad as you thought.

Cjunk, way to go on not eating after 8! Going to sleep helps. I like sleep as much as I like food, I think.:lol: I'm glad your posting thing is working right again.

Cyan, looking straight at the boss all day...:eek: I dont envy you there. I've been lucky enough to always have bosses I get along with well, but still wouldnt want to look at them all day.:lol: At least your new office space is nice tho.

Betty, good luck with your new job responsibility. Sounds like it is right up your alley and hopefully it will help keep you busy and make the time fly faster as Kevin is away. My cousin's son was home on leave visiting this past week and got an unexected call yesterday afternoon that he was to report back on base in Texas no later than 7 a.m. today. Not sure what is up with that yet.

LadyRider...havent you figured it out? You cant hide from these ladies...something always makes you break down and come confess...at least thats what happens to me. So dont even think about trying that again, ok?:nono: :D The next time might get you cyber kick.:p That 'wheres the beef' comment had ME laughing out loud..I didnt even think about that. Too funny!

Debee, Debee, Debee...girl, you have GOT to get rid of those nuts! Just dont do it like I did the leftover lasagna....by eating it. That's why my fat grams were up so much today. Your disco nite did sound like a ton of fun. My kids and I used to dance around like that but it has been ages. I had forgotten all about it. Wonder how they'll feel about it now...especially Josh who just turned 13. How uncool would that be?? lol Let me know where you find that new video..sounds like one I'd like also.

Well, hubby wants a turn on the computer now so I better go. He started his healthy eating today also and even signed up on Fitday. Should be more fun doing this together. Anyway, if time permits, I may come back later when he finishes. Bye for now...

Miki

Lady thanks for the recipes, I think soup for dinner will be much better for me. Miki, yes I ate the chicken all by myself. The rest of the family had fried noodles--dripping in oil, just made me gag looking at it!!! I just checked the refrigerator for the other 1/4 of chicken left for tonight and it only has 6 pieces. So it was already cut up. Lady, I may try the fix it then put it in the fridge to cool it and scrape off the fat. there wasn't any particular part that was put in. Fitday had it all broken up in breast, drumstick, leg, back, innards, etc. I have no earthly idea----chicken!!! that's all I know. I'll write more ladies, hubby and Joshua are going out and so it's me and the baby at home.

Okay, girls...it's time for me to step up to the plate. I'm ready. Today, I had 1,706 calories and 70 grams of fat!!! HOLY COW!!!!

:moo:

I did go to the gym. It was awesome. I realized that not going to the gym is the reason I've been so stressed. I hadn't realized what an outlet it was for me to exercise! I'm so glad I went.

I'm planning what I will have to eat tomorrow so I won't go out of control.

That's all for now. I have to go to bed early to get plently of rest for my BIG day tomorrow!!

Lisa

Just a quick post before fixing tomorrow's tuna and heading to bed....Did 15 minutes of AirWalker when I left here earlier. Feels great to actually exercise TWICE in a day...that's rare for me. Taiwan, sorry I misunderstood. I was thinking you had made a big pot for the whole family. (altho I didnt think that was much chicken for all of you..lol ) Back to work tomorrow...not looking forward to that, but that's life. :) Hope you all have a great day tomorrow foodwise and otherwise.

Nite all
MIKI

P.S.

Good luck tomorrow, Lisa! I'll be thinking of you. Come tell us all about it as soon as you have a spare minute. Happy to hear your workout went well today. You sound much more like your old self. Isnt it wonderful to relieve that stress?? I'm happy for you and have no doubt at all that you'll do great at everything you're endeavoring to do...from being a mom, a wife, student, all of it...You can do it!!! :):):) Just hang in there and when needed, just come here to vent. We'll be here anytime.

MIKI

Happy Tuesday ladies
 

Well, I will be the first to post as my day is ending here in Taiwan. Today was a good day. You know, I read up on the fat in chicken soup and it was NO WAY near what I came up with on fitday. Is it okay for me to guessestimate then? I put it as 10g of fat, thoug I am sure it was less. I finished off the chicken tonight. There was only 6pieces of chicken left, so I made soup again. This time I did as Lady suggested and put it in the fridge for at least an hour and then took off the fat off the top. There wasn't much really. This afternoon, hubby asked if I wanted what's called "jwa bing" here. It's basically just floured and water made into like a tortilla type thing (he assured me it wasn't deep fried, and it didn't taste oily). What's he come back with? a red bean soup. Now, it also had probably a handful of boiled peanuts and different colored balls made from tapioca powder (I think!!!). I really don't know how much that cost me in calories or fat, so I didn't add that in. But with all the other stuff, my calories seemed little like less than 1000calories and less than 50g of fat. Now I wasn't trying to get that low, but I wasn't really hungry alot either. It's 11:30pm and I haven't eaten since dinner and I'm not really hungry either. What do you do when your not sure of the stuff's calorie/fat content? Anyway, I did 20min of kick and jab (would that be high impact aerobics?). So in all, it was a good day. Tomorrow, I think I will increase the calories in my breakfast. Right now, my breakfast is only like 157calories. We'll see. I am still "playing" with my plan.

Lisa, the best thing for your kids is a healthy mother. Going to the gym is the best way to get the stress out. A stress free mother means stress free kids. Maybe you could also get a video like Debee does with her kids. That would be a special time for them. Make sure you talk straight to them about the changes with mommy going to school. We always talk straight to Joshua about certain things and prepare him for changes. If we don't, it ain't pretty!!!! Hope your first day went well. Let us all know.

Miki, no problem with the misunderstanding. Sometimes I don't my meaning across well in e-mails. Good job on the extra exercise.

Sorry I am not writing personal notes to all. I can't remember what everyone wrote and I am wanting to hurry and get off of here and get under my blanket. It's cooler tonight and right now my nose is cold!!! I hate having a cold nose. The houses here are cement and there is no heating (that's why we had a space heater in the boy's room).

Good night to all.

Good Morning Ladies
 

Well Last night I did pretty good on my diet and exercise...I ate a total of 1544 cals and 65 grams of fat..yes a little high on the fat grams...I am still working hard on lowering those bloody fat grams...ahhhh but I will succeed. I cycled for 30 minutes and worked off 300 cals so all in all not a bad day.

Lisa...kudos on you for getting to the gym and good luck at school orientation...did you pack a lunch and sharpen your pencils?:lol:

Miki kudos for doing the airwalker twice in one day...WOW you have taken to exercise like a duck to water...are you feeling better ...stronger since exercising.

Debee did you throw away those bloody nuts? And I have programmed my pedometer and yesterday I clocked in 4000 steps! and this morning I am at 654 steps! Let me know when you are ready

Reina where are you?

Lady it was real nice chatting with you last night...did you watch Joe Millionaire...it was entertaining to say the least.

Cjunk way to go on the swimming...how much weight do you have to lose still or are you maintaining?

Lobacal I hope Kevin comes home soon. Fred and his kids are doing better...he is eating but occaisionally calls out for Ruby...i dont think he understands she's in Pet Heaven with my Dog Mickey and Cat Rusty and all the numerous goldfish, few budgies and other Lovebird (Wilburt) we have had in our household.

I love animals...but now all we have is our goldfish that are so old but are still around, the lovebirds and Cyan (male cat) and Molly (female cat) They are quite the characters.

Taiwan How did you do today? .... chicken breast is the way to go...it has the least amount of fat...thats what I stick too.

Well all you lovely Ladies...stay strong and motivated and make wise choices

Cyan

Happy Tuesday ladies
 

Well, I will be the first to post as my day is ending here in Taiwan. Today was a good day. You know, I read up on the fat in chicken soup and it was NO WAY near what I came up with on fitday. Is it okay for me to guessestimate then? I put it as 10g of fat, thoug I am sure it was less. I finished off the chicken tonight. There was only 6pieces of chicken left, so I made soup again. This time I did as Lady suggested and put it in the fridge for at least an hour and then took off the fat off the top. There wasn't much really. This afternoon, hubby asked if I wanted what's called "jwa bing" here. It's basically just floured and water made into like a tortilla type thing (he assured me it wasn't deep fried, and it didn't taste oily). What's he come back with? a red bean soup. Now, it also had probably a handful of boiled peanuts and different colored balls made from tapioca powder (I think!!!). I really don't know how much that cost me in calories or fat, so I didn't add that in. But with all the other stuff, my calories seemed little like less than 1000calories and less than 50g of fat. Now I wasn't trying to get that low, but I wasn't really hungry alot either. It's 11:30pm and I haven't eaten since dinner and I'm not really hungry either. What do you do when your not sure of the stuff's calorie/fat content? Anyway, I did 20min of kick and jab (would that be high impact aerobics?). So in all, it was a good day. Tomorrow, I think I will increase the calories in my breakfast. Right now, my breakfast is only like 157calories. We'll see. I am still "playing" with my plan.

Lisa, the best thing for your kids is a healthy mother. Going to the gym is the best way to get the stress out. A stress free mother means stress free kids. Maybe you could also get a video like Debee does with her kids. That would be a special time for them. Make sure you talk straight to them about the changes with mommy going to school. We always talk straight to Joshua about certain things and prepare him for changes. If we don't, it ain't pretty!!!! Hope your first day went well. Let us all know.

Miki, no problem with the misunderstanding. Sometimes I don't my meaning across well in e-mails. Good job on the extra exercise.

Sorry I am not writing personal notes to all. I can't remember what everyone wrote and I am wanting to hurry and get off of here and get under my blanket. It's cooler tonight and right now my nose is cold!!! I hate having a cold nose. The houses here are cement and there is no heating (that's why we had a space heater in the boy's room).

Good night to all.

:wave:Hi Everybody!


Cyan. – Glad you had a good day yesterday. 4000 steps! Well no one can call you sedentary! It was fun finding you on the net last night too. I didn’t watch Joe Millionaire, just couldn’t get into it so I took a book to bed. Poor Fred! How sad. I chuckled at your pet’s names. My grand daughter is Cyanne, and our black lab is Molly.

Lisa – How was your first day??? I’ll bet you’re so excited, so psyched and so scared! All perfectly natural, don’t worry, you’ll do great. So glad you got back to the gym! Planning those meals will make sticking to your calorie count so much easier. Someone once said if you don’t plan to succeed, you plan to fail.

Precious One, Cjunk – hope you’re having a good day.

Miki – Twice in one day! Excellent! My friend just got an air walker and she loves it. Gentle on the joints too. Keep up the good work.

Taiwan – You’re welcome. There were lots more healthy recipes on that site, but soup is one of my favorites, especially when it’s cold outside. I tried to find a nutrition guide for Taiwan food on the net but could only find recipes without the nutritional information. Kick and Jab would definitely be high impact aerobics. Good for you! Also, that was some very good advice you gave Lisa. I especially like the talk straight to your kids about what is happening and what to expect.

Debee – Your disco night sounds like so much fun! It reminded me of the time my daughter in law and I got together one night to teach my granddaughters (13 and 10) how to dance. What a blast!

Betty – I’m so excited for your new job project! It sounds like you’re just the one to get the job done right.

The adult me won last night – no goodies! My calories were under 1000 and fat was 4! Can you believe it?! I made up a new soup last night – pumpkin-pear. I heated a can of pumpkin, added a cup of skim milk, a Tbs of Splenda (no-calorie sugar substitute) pumpkin pie spice, salt, and 1/2c pureed pears. It was very low in calories, high in nutrients and filling. Also, it satisfied my sweet tooth. My son asked me where I get such weird ideas for food. LOL

I have a date with Billy Blanks, so I’d better get going.:cb:
Have a great day!

Lady

Hello ladies. Today was my first day of class. It was a little boring as it was all about orienting ourselves with the program and goals and what not....blah blah blah. My son had his first day in the Educare Center and that seemed to go well.

I really am in a rush and I have a headache so I will go. I will post more later with some individual posts...

Lisa