Hello Ladies -

Nita - Glad to hear you are having a great time with your children & grandchildren. Enjoy your visit, don't worry to much about your food, Just get back on track when you get home.

The weather is blah here, lots of rain, I guess i should not complain, come July, August, we'll be praying for rain. I'm having to cover for a co-worker who is on vacation, so I've been a little stressed out today. I need to bring some munchie snacks, I tend to go for the chocholate when I get stressed.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Just posting to bring us up to the top. Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hi Everyone,

I am so happy that I changed my password because each time I try to send a message I have to log in again.

Well I am back on track even though I have 6 more days of vacation. My daughter has an encumbent bike as well as another type of exercise for your stomach and legs. I also just got through doing probably 15 minutes to a Richard Simmons tape. My 3 year-old grandson was exercising with me.

I am truly having a restful vacation, and I thoroughly being with family. It is really hard to be so far away from the ones you love the most! My DH is really missing me and I told him that was a "good" sign. I don't believe he agrees with this.

Well ladies thanks again for your words of encouragement. Without all of you, I would probably have gained back all those "ugly" pounds.

Take care and have a "wonderful" day!

Anita

Hi, Chicks--

Having some puter trouble. Need some repairs before I can access the Internet from mine, so am borrowing DH"s. It is v awkward, because he is left-handed.

I have been so hungry after I swim--any thoughts?

Nita--glad you're having a good time!

Good morning ladies!
I've been looking for awhile for a place to talk about losing weight and exercising- this seems to be the one! May I join you? I started back in Feb. 2004 at 235 lbs. with Slimfast and had done very well. I lost my job in May and although I stayed on my plan, my activity level plummeted, so the weight loss stopped. I'd been doing some walking, but not faithfully. I realized I needed to become alot more active! I joined a Curves gym and am going 3-4 days a week. On my off days from that, I walk at least 30 minutes. This is my 3rd week on this and the scale is moving again-Yay! When I compare the number of weeks I've been doing this with the pounds I've lost, it averages out to be 1-2 pounds a week- just like they tell us it should be. I'll admit-yes, I want to look better as quickly as possible, but it's more important to me to do this with health being the top priority. Also, from what I've read, you're much less likely to regain weight if you've done it slowly and sanely. I never, ever want to be this heavy again. I am newly 40 and am committed to making the most of the rest of my life!
Well, that's my story- I'm looking forward to making friends here and the support I hope to get and give! Barb

Passing for Thin
 

Hi Nita- I'm a newbie to this board and was looking thru some previous posts. I noticed you were reading "Passing For Thin"- did you finish it? What did you think? I read this about a month ago and loved it. Her story about going to the gym was great and inspired me to go! Well, just curious what your thoughts were! Barb :coffee:

RE: Welcome to our thread Barb...!!!
 

Hey HalGal!
 

Thank you for the welcome! You know, it went over my head about her losing 12 pounds in so short a time...The only thing I can come up with is that their food plan is pretty extreme, but you are probably right in that there is more to the story! No, I have not read Carnie Wilson's book- but will look for it. Yes, I am with you on this type of surgery- unless I was in immediate mortal danger from the obesity. It scares me too to think "what if I had the surgery, but couldn't change my habits?" I work on this every day, now, and it's working for the first time in my life! Another aspect of Francis Kuffel's story that was fascinating to me was adapting to her new body. Having been heavy for so long, it will be a whole new thing to be in a thin body when I get there. Carnie Wilson must have gone thru a similar process- she seems like a sweet girl. She looks fantastic!
Well, thanks again- I look forward to talking to you some more!

Well, still no Internet on my computer.

Warm welcome to Barb!! We're glad to have you aboard.

It's a lot harder to swim every day than it was to walk--but even if I get some exercise, it's an improvement.

At the pool, I ran into someone I knew. (She adopted our foster daughter.) Turns out she has macular degeneration and is losing her sight--plus a bac back and some other problems. So who am I to complain about my foot? Except, I suppose, the very frustrating fact that it could be fixed if the ins. would pay.

Must at least do my yoga.

Love to all--
Catlover

Hi chicks!

I want to "come back"....if that's okay. Last year, as most of you know, was the roughest year of my life. Not that that's an excuse for putting back on all the weight I lost AND THEN SOME, but that's what happened anyway.

This year has started off hectic with finding and buying a house and then moving. There are still LOTS of boxes to unpack, but DH and I are really happy in our new home. DH's mom is visiting until mid-August, which is really nice to be able to spend time with her.

I have been feeling pretty stressed out over the past few weeks, between moving and being surrounded by all the boxes -- and in the midst of unpacking, I frequently find things that belonged to my mom or my dad -- which has been hard. And on top of it all, things have been crazy busy at work, plus I've got two freelance projects going during my off-work hours.

But, I went to the doc the other day -- to talk with her about my BP and my asthma which have both been worse lately -- and she made me get on the dreaded scale. I've known I was at my heaviest ever just based on having to buy new bigger clothes and how I look and feel. But the scale gave me the cold hard reality.

She said that I need to lose weight. Duh. I know that. But when my doc says I need to, plus she said that both my asthma and BP would probably get under control if I did....well, here I am.

And I'm not going to TRY and lose weight -- or TRY and exercise -- or TRY and eat right. I'm just going to DO IT. As Yoda says, "Do or Do Not. There is no try."

I'm really glad to be back here with you chicks and before I forget...I do want to thank all of you for your support, especially during last year. :grouphug:

Hi again chicks --

I'm wondering how much "Curves" costs. Does anyone know? There's one not too far from where I live and it's also on my way home from work.

DH got laid off on the day we closed escrow on the house...we're managing, but $$ is kind of tight. He's had some good interviews and hopefully, he'll get offered a job soon.

Hi michellez
 

I just joined Curves in CT 3 weeks ago. It was about $100 for both the registration fee (which was 1/2 it's regular amount), plus first month's fee. Each month after, I'll pay around $30. A couple of things- Curves are all individually franchised, so they each charge different amounts and also run specials all the time. I would call the one you were considering going to and find out exactly what they do charge and ask if they have any specials coming up. It can't hurt- if it's too much right now, maybe you can work it into your budget when things get a little easier for you. I do highly recommend it. The thing I really like about it is that there are women there of all shapes, sizes and ages- and no matter how they look- we're all doing the same thing.
Well, I hope this helps! I saw you are returning after going through some difficult times. I think you are just fantastic to come back and resume what you were doing! It takes alot of strength to do that- so I know you'll be successful. Take care and good luck with Curves! Barb

Hello Ladies,

Wow, I wasn't able to post yesterday & today's there are lots of post.

Barb - WELCOME to our group. You will just love it here. I have heard many good things about "Curves". I think like someone said it doesn't matter what you do, you just have to do it. Are you married/single/ kids? I am currently doing the Weight Watchers program. I have stalled to, but because I have not incorported any exercise. My goal for this week is to get 3 days in, so far I have not.

Mitchellez - OH, I'm am so glad you are back. Of course you are welcomed here. As far as I'm concerned you never left us. I'm so excited about your new house, you have to tell us about it. So sorry to hear about DH losing his job. I will keep him in my prayers. Two weeks ago my group was told we are being outsourced (sold) to another company. So as of July 1, I am only guaranteed a job for 90 days. I'm trying to be very hopeful that they will keep me on, but who knows. How are the babies enjoying the house? Do they have a backyard? I don't know if you had read but my Blackie had back surgery back in December. I had so many decisions to make but fortunately everything worked out. I have to keep him from jumping to much though. So now he stands at the bed & barks til I pick him up and put him on the bed.

Cat - All I can suggest is to have lots of fruits and veggies on hand. Eat lots of low point veggies.

Nita - Glad you are enjoying your vacation.

Hal - Are you going anywhere on your vacation? How is Rocky doing? I bet he is enjoying you being home.

we'll I need to run.... Tomorrow is my weigh in & i'm am not expecting a loss. I have got to get back on track. I think I need a few kicks in the a$$, to get me in gear.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

Good morning Ladies!
Up early today to get some stuff done before bringing daughter to work and thought I'd check in. I hope everyone is doing well!
Patty- Thanks for the welcome! Oh yeah, absolutely-whatever you do to get your body moving is great! Curves was just the right choice for me right now. I "changed my lifestyle" back at the end of Feb (on Slimfast) and have been doing really well. Then, in May I lost my job and my activity level plummeted! I had always been running at work and didn't need any additional exercise. Well, about two weeks of that, and the scale quit moving. I started with walking 30 minutes a day and then decided to check Curves out. It's turned out to be a really good move, because it gives me someplace to go on a regular basis. It also is a great mood lifter- which I need. I'm hoping too that it will help me to have the confidence I need to find a new job! The hardest part of exercising for me is just getting started- I am the Queen of procrastination! The little rituals of getting the water bottle, putting on the shoes, clipping on the pedometer...those those things seem to help give me a little push. Once I get going, I never regret it. And what a rush from the sense of accomplishment!
In answer to your question- yes, I am married (20 years in Dec) to a terrific but forgetful guy. We have 2 kids- a boy 18 and a girl 16. We also have a lab mix, 4 kitties and some fish that let us live with them. I do alot of vacuuming- Good cardio!
I see you have a dog too- what kind is Blackie? How is he recovering? And what about you, are you also married/have kids?
Well, girls, that's about it for now...I'll check in later- Have a great day!

Hello Ladies,

We'll this morning I went to my weight in and I gained 1lb., two weeks ago I had gained .6, last week lost .2, . I have got to get back on track. This morning my excuse was I'm retaining water. We'll for one thing, I did not journal my food, I did not get in my afternoon walks here at work, I ate out at least 4 days for lunch. And i'm blaming it on water retention. It's time to get real. I know what I have to to I just need to do it. I'm starting to get stressed out about my job. In less than 3 weeks I'll be severed from my current company,where I have put in 24 years, 11 months & 14 days...But's who's counting. I'm trying to stay really positive with this company who purchased us.

Barb - I have a friend who going to curves & she really likes it. I too have a membership to a gym, but do i use it, NO. I keep telling myself if they only open early I would go. I am 40ish... ok 42 .. single, never been married, my only baby is my black chow mix, he's about 8 years old. His recovery is going great. It really put a dent in my checkbook, but thankgoodness my sister offered to loan me the money.

we'll I need to get going... Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hi everyone --

Was busy yesterday working on a freelance website job, which is what I should be doing now.

Patty, I'm glad to hear that Blackie's recovery is going well. I have a dog that barks to be picked up and put into bed also. Funny thing is...she can get on the bed just fine by herself if I bring her favorite toy or a treat into the bed. Sorry to hear about your job situation. It must be especially hard after being there for so long. Is your last day July 1st (or 90 days after that).

Personally, I have a hard time believing all the news about an economic recovery that's supposedly happening. It's sure not happening with anyone I know.

Barb, it's great to "meet" you. Sounds like you're doing great with the Slimfast program and with Curves....thanks for the Curves info btw.

A big hello to everyone else. I hope you're all enjoying your weekend!

Good Morning!

Just a quick hello, I really need to be getting ready for church, slept in late today.

Mitchellez - My last day with my company is June 30th, then the new company takes over, we're only guaranteed a job for 90 days. We know that the new company will have to have layoffs, but i'm just hoping it not me. We will continue to work in the same location, same office for now, eventually they will move. You know we been having layoffs for the last 2 years, so i'm somewhat prepared for it, yet when it happens I won't be.

Nita, Mooz, Thin, Cat, Hal, Barb - Hope to hear from you all soon.

ps.. My goal for this week is to get on the treadmill 3 days this week. I need your help, remind me, ask me aobut my weekly goal. I have got to do this. I had a gain at Ww & I need to get back on track. My goal for the month of June was 5 lbs. so far i've gained this month.

Good afternoon ladies!
 

Pretty good day today- went out walking earlier at the track. Gradually increasing the number of laps to walk- up to 9 now. That's about 2-1/4 miles. I never thought I'd do that willingly! Tomorrow is my day for Curves. Feel a little sleepy today- our new kitten was hopping all around our bedroom last nite! He leaps from knocking stuff off the dresser, to fooling around with the blinds, to the bed where he bumps into my face, purring like mad for cuddles. He is so cute! Like all babies, this too shall pass.

Mooz- You are amazing keeping up with things considering your computer problems- that is so frustrating! I know how happy you'll be once you're up and running again. What type of painting are you doing?

Patty- Do you have particular days you expect to do the treadmill- Or are you being flexible about it? I know once you really get going with it, you will see a difference! I feel so bad about your work situation...at least when I was let go, there was no long wait for it, it just happened. It's been about a month now, and things are pretty stable. The worst thing, really is missing my friends- I was there 15 years. The dieting and exercise are really helping me to have a sense of control. I have a job interview Tuesday, so we'll see what happens! Your little Blackie sounds like a doll! That's great your sister can help you with the cost of the surgery- vet care is so expensive- but what can you do? I've considered, at various times, getting pet health insurance. I always put it off because there is always some financial crisis going on around here! It would be nice to save money though, when these emergencies happen with our babies!

Michelle-Yeah, I know what you mean about the economic recovery...still waiting for mine too. I have learned to become alot thriftier, though. Maybe if I can keep some of the habits I've found to save money once I'm working again, I will feel recovered! You know, it's funny- a few days after I gave you the price info- there was a notice up at Curves about the monthly fee going up $10 (luckily our location isn't doing it, for now). Just so you know if you do call anywhere. I just found out, too, that they have their own diet. I have no plans to do that, though- I am really happy with the Slimfast and I'm sure the prices on the Curves stuff would be unaffordable.

That's all for now- really have to vacuum and take chicken out for supper. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

Just a quick check. My son fixed some hardward on my computer, and reloaded some of the software--and it doesn't work!! darnit. I am using DH's but it is a pain.

Michelle--nice to have you back. Best to all--
Catlover

RE: Flag Day...!!!
 

Hello Ladies,

Barb - I seem to do best as far as working out in the morning, around 5am. The hard part is getting up. Once I do, I really enjoy it & look forward to it. Last year I was walking with my friends & I would meet them at 5am, I ended up hurting my knee & stopped. This morning I was tired from the weekend, so I didn't get up. I'm planning on working out this evening.

Mooz - Where is Paul coming to? I haven't heard of Camp America? Are you still linedancing? How are the picture sales going?

Hal - I'm with you on the rains and thunderstorms. We had alot of floods and down powerlines about two weeks ago. I think something like 500,00 people lost power. Besides that Blackie does not like storms so he alerts me when their coming though. I too am trying to eat more veggies & fruits. If you have any simple and easy recipes please pass them this way.

Cat - Hope your computer gets fixed soon.

We'll I need to run. I'm going to take a 20 minute walk here at lunch time. I am determined to have a loss this week.

hooray, my computer is fixed!!
 

I am so delighted--my computer is fixed! :) DS doesn't actually know what he did that finally fixed it, but it's nice to have it back.

Hal--I take yoga classes from a teacher who works with one or at most two people at a time. She is an RN with a specialty in dealing with pain, and I am so lucky to have her. Honestly, I can't recommend learning yoga from a tape. They can be fun once you have the basic ideas and know how to avoid what might hurt you.

Group classes can be good, but you want (at least to start) a small class with a knowledgeable teacher. In these huge classes, sometimes people get hurt just falling on each other.

I am so frustrated with my foot, and I know I've gained wt back. I did try one new thing. I realized that on my new schedule I'm not hungry at the tie of my second breatk--and then I am hungry later. So today I just had a cut of decaf (I suppose decaf green tea or something would be better), and then I had a snack when I came home and kept it bounds.

Well, DH and DS are working late, so I'd better walk the dogs before it rains.

Sorry for those I missed.

cCatlover

Hi Everyone,

A special "welcome back" to Michelle, however, I agree with the other ladies, you were never gone from our minds! I have come back from a two-week vacation and did pretty well in regards to my eating until the last couple of days. My grandkids just had to go to McDonald's and I could have had one of their salads but I opted not to. When I came home today one of the first things I did was weigh on my scale and it looks as though I gained 5 to 6 pounds. So tomorrow is D-day and I will begain again.

Barb -- Welcome, so nice of you to join us--I really enjoy your posts, they are very interesting, and believe me, you have definitely picked the right group. I must admit I still haven't finished Passing for Thin or have I finished Dr. Phil's book. I just seem to be too busy having fun! Can you believe that a 69 year-old woman having the time of her life!

My vacation was really great but I am so happy to be back home. Michelle, I just thought of something perhaps you can help me with--when I was at my daughters I downloaded some pictures from my digital camera and they are saved in a folder on her computer. I thought I was sending copies to my computer, however, only one picture came across. Is there something she can do to get those pictures to me? No rush--whenever you get a chance!

Well I have been up since 2:00 a.m. my time so I had better get to bed--I can hardly wait to sleep in my own bed!!

HalGal, Catlover, 1Day and, of course, Mooz, thanks again for all your wonderful support!

Anita
Take care

Hi Girls! Just a quick check in- had a really good interview yesterday with a potential employer. Have to return a call today to another I've been playing phone tag with. At least things are beginning to happen- I really miss working! Food good- yesterday was day off from exercise kind of by default- will go to gym today, I promise!
I hope everyone is well and I'll talk to ya later!

Hello Ladies,
Things have been real busy here at work. Co-worker is on vacation for past two weeks, having to do his job and mine. I did get on the treadmill on monday night though & I will again tonight. I have been watching Sex & the City which is now on regular cable TV, so I told myself I can't watch that show unless I get on the treadmill. Food has been so-so, as you can tell i am not journaling. I need to get back to that.

Barb - saying a prayer that your job comes though. What type of work is it?

Cat- I would really like to take a yoga class. Their is a new gym that is opening up next month & I think I will look and see what classes they offer.

Nita - I"m sure your DH was glad to have you home. Like you said it's time to get back on track. I know you can lose the few pounds that you gained.

Thin, Mooz, Mitchellez, Hal - Hope you all are doing ok... Hope to hear from you guys soon...

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know I am thinking about all of you. It's really great to have such good friends as you. I did good on my program this morning but blew it at supper this evening. Oh well, tomorrow is another day and at least I am done working until next Wednesday and then only two more Thursdays at the lawyer's office and I will be done until October. Hopefully they will find someone by that time.

I can hardly wait to go bowling tomorrow. Bowling is one of the things I missed most on my vacation, except for my DH and my dog, Tiffany!

I will write soon again.
Anita

Hi Ladies,

Where is everyone? Hopefully everyone is having a good day and are busy with Father Day celebrations! Look forward to hearing from all of you soon!

Anita

RE: Searching for THIN...!!
 

Hey Movers and Losers...

You know, I took a peek, and we have not heard a word from Thin since the beginning of May. She was leaving Colorado, and they were having truck troubles. They had their brakes worked on in a previous location, and were going to wait for further repairs because they thought they may be related - and it sounded like they were going back to the same repair shop. Does anyone have an email address for her? I tried through the site, and it is not avaliable.

Last week was as busy as a school work day. I was in Louisville at state testing writing conference from 8A to 5P and zipped off of Lexington for class each night until 8:30P. NO fun at all. I rested most of the weekend to catch up.

I hope each of you are enjoying the beautiful weather we had this weekend. I am OP and doing well. To increase exercise is my goal, and it is a struggle.
I am reading at the skinny site, anyone else go there?

I am finishing reading The DaVinci Code. Wow... the last few hundred pages are just incredible. I have heard the ending is not as good as the end, but how could it be? ;) http://di.imgag.com/imgag/product/fu...7/graphic1.gif

Hello ladies,

I lost 1 lb this week. I just need to continue with my exercise & journaling. Did I tell you all I was growing some tomato plants on the patio. They have all bloomed & now I have baby tomatos. I just hope Blackie doesn't get to them. I too was wondering about Thin, I remember her saying they were going to be heading back to Michigian. I don't think I have an email address for her. I will check my yahoo site. You know that I probably something we should do, is exchange email address & even phone numbers.

Nita - Glad you are getting back in the swing of things. I too like bowling, but I am a terrible bowler.

Hal - Are you taking any summer trips?

Mooz - We'll now that there are no more temptations in the house, it's time to get back on track. How long will Paul be in Phillie?

We'll I guess I need to get going, I have a date with the treadmill.

Hello Ladies,
Mooz - So glad you got your new computer. Now you don't have to rely on borrowing Paul's. I hope he has lots of fun here in the states.

we'll I need to get back to work, taking a short lunch today. I have a dentist appointment later on today.

Thin, Mitchellez, Hal, Barb, Nita, Cat, - Hope to hear from you all soon!

Hi, everyone. Tonight is my night to write, so I've promised myself not to get distracted with other things, but had to check in.

I wondered if any of you might be interested in getting my poetry book. Advertising is strictly forbidden on 3fC, so if you want to know where to get it, PM me. Only $5 for 40 pages of my poetry. Such a deal!!

RE: Somewhere... over the rainbow...!!!
 

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Good Thursday morning Movers and Losers!

I hope this finds everyone doing well. What gorgeous weather we are having here in central Kentucky!

Diet is going well, but is seems so much easier during June and July when my schedule permits extra time to 'plan'. What a difference. Exercise is also going well. I saw a clip on a morning news show about Anne Rice (author of the Vampire Chronicles series of books a few years back) and how she simply developed diabetes #1 over a period of 2 days - and it was nearly leathal. It is scary stuff. Exercise is SO important to maintain our health, not to mention to improve it.

So, with my extra time I joined a local movie rental place for 30 days of unlimited rentals. I am surprised to see several new releases are not being offered in VHS - only DVD! I guess a DVD is in the future for me. My computer plays them, but I don't see myself sitting here watching a movie! I watched 'Mystic River" and 'Secret Window' the last few days. Both are good, but I'd not watch a second time.

I am thinking about going to see Farenheit 911 once the hoopla dies down. I bet it is an eye opener. I saw a clip of an aide telling Bush about the World Trade Center being hit, and the next 9 minutes of his non-reaction - simply sitting there infront of the classroom observing the activity. I was also infront of a classroom. I was also given information the World Trade Center had been hit. My initial thought was there was no way this could be true, but I did act, I did immediately sought information to verfiy if it were true, and if we were taking any special precautions. I have a good friend that is a news director at CNN - I shot out a quick 2 line email on the spot and was told that a 3rd airplane was still in the air - and there was reason for concern. I don't know, no one is perfect, but between Bush's interview 6 weeks prior to the election when ask to name the leaders of the 6 countries inwhich we have the most frequent diplomatic dealings with and his response that he did not know, only to be followed by mumblings that he was 'set up' because this was not on 'the question list', and this? As an educator, I find myself questioning exactly what the qualifications are to be a leader? AS I finish my doctorate on leadership...!!!

Mooz: My brother just moved from Philly! He was there for 4 years, and to be honest it was not one of his favorite places. He relocated to Washington, DC (actually lives in Alexandria, VA). He is an executive chef with the Marriott Corporation. By the way, the qualifications for an executive chef are clear cut. No performance = end of career. His Marriott is very close to the Pentagon, and he has lots of neat stories. I hope your son enjoys his time in the USA. GOOD LUCK with dinner this evening!!! I agree with you on traveling the world. I always thought I would... thought being the operative word.


OneDay: No vacation time for me this summer. I am taking 2 classes at UK and have accepted the position as principal over a summer transitional program for incoming freshmen to my high school. My hours are relaxed, but I find myself working daily. It is OK, I've set these goals, and will be so happy once I achieve my degree (and salary increase). Like you I am single, and the income is important. Good luck with the tomato plants. I've decided to frequent the farmers market for my tomatoes. I also have some friends with gardens ;) My neighborhood seems to have been taken over by huge stray cats. NO fun. They are knocking over trash cans, and I shall not go into the piles they are leaving here and there. Makes me ill to think of it.

Nita: Good to have you back from vacation! Those 5 or 6 pounds will be taken care of - as you have done the first step - you are accountable for it. Just the fact you got back on the scale and are beginning to take it off is the best you can do!! Tell us more about your arena job - especially if you get to meet any stars - HA, HA....!!!!

Barb: How is the job search going? According to the news, jobs are easy to find. That is a joke, I am being facitious. What kind of job are you looking for? Good luck and let us hear how you are doing!!!

Hello Ladies,
Had some dental work done on tuesday, with me ending my job here I wanted to use all the insurance up, since the new insurance doesn't pay as much. Had to get 3 crowns done on the right side, and one on the left. The left will have to wait til I go to the other company. Didn't expect to do it all in one day, but with time being a factor, I went for it. The good thing is didn't eat much for a day and a half.

Mooz - That is great that your kids love to travel & aren't afraid of going on their own. I too like to travel, but after 9/11 I was somewhat afraid to fly. I ready to travel now, but now it the finances that are keeping me home. Have fun with your group tonight.

Hal - I too got a 30 day rental card. Have you seen Calendar Girl, or "In America" , those are two I think you would enjoy. I too had to finally get a DVD player. The prices on DVD players have really gone down. I got mine at Walmart.

Cat - I will pm you. I too would like to get a poetry book.

I guess no one has heard from Thin. I hope she is doing ok.

Hope everyone is doing ok...

RE: Tortise with some ZIPpppp...!
 

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Carotenoid Craving

Ever shop with a two-year-old? What, were you crazy? Their arms are longer than they look, aren’t they? Watch what little kids reach for in the store. Or watch what interests you when you’re hungriest. Usually it will be packaged in red, chartreuse, orange, yellow, green. Why? It isn’t just Madison Avenue that’s getting under your brain. It’s skillions of years of programming.

We human animals seek out and devour carotenoids. Left to our own devices, we can’t get enough of them. Carotenoids are the compounds that make real food the color of today’s food packaging.

The pigments are themselves powerful antioxidants, and work to neutralize free radicals, the destructive little dervishes that will rob perfectly healthy cells of their electrons when they’re not looking. Antioxidants freely hand over their electrons, and stop the damage. We’re talking about the lycopene that makes tomatoes red. The carotenes in your carrots. There are hundreds of these substances that are found in foods we’ve eaten throughout our history, and we know that they have can help us prevent certain diseases and general bodily meltdown.

Here’s what we know: Folks who eat red, yellow, green regularly, daily — pumpkins, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, oranges, watermelons, red peppers, spinach, kale, etc. — are less likely to die from heart disease and certain cancers, and suffer less with macular degeneration, and are set up to avoid a whole host of other diseases, but cancer and heart disease are the biggies. That is, they age more gracefully and live longer.

Which carotenoids are good for preventing what diseases? That’s one of the games of current nutritional scientists and supplement makers. We’ve been able to research and understand only a small percentage of these carotenoids so far. We have enough evidence to have developed a deep respect for them all as a group. We know especially that men and boys need their tomatoes to help them avoid prostate cancer.

But our nutritionists and public health officials suggest focusing less on the specific elements, and more on getting as broad a mix of these compounds as possible, in their natural state. We should get 5 to 9 servings of mixed vegetables and fruits. They recommend varying the colors and sources as much as possible.

The genius of food marketers is that they’ve packaged their product to look as if it carries this nutrition our bodies crave. Sadly, they haven’t figured out how to include fruit and veggie nutrition inside the box, bag, or foil wrapper. The good stuff comes with a skin or peel. Drive your two-year old around the produce department, and you’ll notice the same grabbiness.


Hey Movers and Losers...!!!

This article comes from The Skinny Daily Post. Each day JuJu post articles similar to this one, and you can write in and comment. It is a really nice site for those of us in the weight loss/maintenance saga. She has lost over 100 pounds and kept them off for 3 years I believe. This article brings it all home. Naturally we are attracted to the things that are best for us. Truly, our behaviors are learned and often become ones of convenience. I have seen this ever so much as during the summer months I actually have the time to shop, clean and prepare fresh fruits and veggies. Girls, there is nothing better than a fresh fruit salad made from each of your favorite fruits fresh from the market. Anyway, when you add the health elements from making the better choices it certainly warrants taking the extra time to do this, even with a busy schedule. In the long run that tortise outran the hare... so can we! ;)

Mooz: You did not gain 3 pounds in one day. That is virtually impossible, but for some reason you have retained water. In order to gain one pound you much consume an additional 3,500 (rounded number) calories above your daily intake of what your body uses just to live. My guess is there was something (more than likely a seasoning) in one of the foods you ate that had a sodium base and your body did what my body does with it... retain, retain, retain water. You are correct, water will go away just as quickly. Drink your water, add some fresh lemon juice as it is a natural dieuritic. OK, next question for you - What is a champ? I always enjoy learning your lingo, as it is a tad different from what we say! Hey... did you see Bush interviewing in Ireland Thursday? I saw a part of it, the news reporter was giving him a good run for the money - lots of follow up questions. Good for her, good for us. I hope some good can come from his 5 day - world wide visits.

Nita: Are you there? Do you have a contact for Thin? I am thinking you met her personally last year. I am concerned for her... she was always so good about letting us know what was going on.

Hello, hugs and great weekend wishes to all!!