Hello all!!

So far, so good with the bread- the first 3 attempts were too nasty too even think about bingeing and yesterday's loaf was done till almost 10pm - I was snoring when DH took it out of the machine. Not 100% sure but since we've switched to whole wheat pasta and etc, the bread, white potato cravings have subsided dramatically. I do see in myself a real connection w/ the refined, processed foods vs cravings. I'd get up on the soapbox about it but its Thursday and don't want to bore anybody.

Woman I work with joined WW's 2 weeks ago. Took the message" eat what you want w/in your points" to heart. From what I can see, the 16 pts she had by 5 pm were nearly all carbs, just a few from fruit. And she was ravenous- Probably has 30 pts a day at this point but was planning on spinach for dinner because this weeks weigh in was disappointing. Its a shame, but we all know what's going to happen. Hope somebody or some thread explains that being that brutal to yourself is, A, isnt necessary and B, isnt going to work.

She did share w/ me this am that she was suprised that walking in the am " made me hungry. I dont' get hungry at night when I excercise" I remarked that she was hungry because her metabolism was "burning" and you need fuel to keep the fire burning. Overheard at 5pm that "this metabolism thing is crazy- I am not used to eating all day"

Is anyone familiar w/ "But for the grace, there go I??"

So, an interesting counterpoint to how it used to be --
Am really glad I am not doing the same things over and over and getting the same results.

Smaller sizes are so EXCITING!!!! GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Empress A-- here's your free pass, the butler will have it to you in just a moment--


hmmmm-- Punkinseed, did I say things were getting better?? I was all caught up until almost 3:30 and guess what hit the fan!!

Elbertine Pep here, reporting from the Sea o' Lethargy, where she hath embarked about one hour ago! Hoping to get off this ocean soon and back to walkabout on dry land BECAUSE walking is GOOD and maketh me feel happy and contributeth to my famed 20 percent bodyfat.

Amarantha hath ended her eating day high again at 1970, but she wisheth to note that she hat not broke 2000 in approximately two weeks! Her exercise is at 60 minutes today, encompassing weights and pole walking on desert.

Kaylets: I was just clicking on the WW banner on my screen (to support 3FC). I've never done WW formally, but informally used liked the old exchanges program better than points, based on USDA/diabetic food exchanges. I'm still kind of thinking of getting the WW at-home kit with the points calculator and trying to break through this plateau that way. But I do think the points thing is often abused. I used to know a woman who had a Whopper each and every day for lunch and used the rest of her points for candy. Like me, she didn't particularly care for zero point veggies, so she (like me) ignored them and starved herself after she'd consumed all her points in junky stuff. Now I definetely do that with calorie counting, so I guess I don't see what is different about counting points, but the emphasis on fiber is good.

I can see why you would feel much better eating whole grain products as opposed to refined ... fiber helps regulate blood sugar in diabetics (and other people, too, I guess). It has lots of other benefits, like actually burning something like an extra 4 calories for each gram consumed (which may be the secret to the points system). I used to not be able to eat any fiber comfortably but am doing much better with it now and I do feel better. I also think the whole grain products taste better ... I also like the results I get when I take flaxseed oil ... I just use capsules as grinding flaxseeds is beyond my repertoire!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Happy Friday!

Maia, kitten from ****, this morning knocked my $70 Tanita scale off the 3 foot high cabinet I keep it on... There was part of me that was REALLY mad, and part of me hoping she'd broken it - nope, it still works (good! damn!). Stapling cat's feet to the floor isn't too cruel is it??

My stepfather's doing much, MUCH better. The blood tests yesterday showed he wasn't bleeding internally as bad as they thought. They put him on Vioxx for his rhymatoid arthritis - he was taking Advil and it made him bleed. He's got the arthritis, colitis, emphysema and a bleeding disorder called Ostler-Webber syndrome so he's got to be cautious with all his meds. But, so far he's feeling much better. Whew! I told him he scared us and he said he was scared himself... a good sign that he's not as **** bent on killing himself as we thought (but he's still smoking...).

Dollar - It is SO great to be shrinking into smaller clothes sizes!!!! The scale number is great and fine, but to have to buy smaller clothes, that's a real treat!!

E. Pep - Get your butt up and keep walking - there are no naps here!

Anagram - I'm a compulsive weigher too. Not to talk you in to continually weighing yourself, but I notice it's when I *don't* get on the scale every other day that that's when I'm totally off the wagon. Weighing often for me is a sign that I'm doing ok with my eating and exercising and actually want to see what's happening - vs. total denial and not wanting to step foot on the scale.... So, don't go overboard, but don't beat yourself up too much for hoppin' on.

Kaylets - That is amazing about that woman you work with - it's really hard to just sit back and watch someone do that to themselves. So the defecation hit the oscillation at work again?? I'm sorry.... You want my job?? I'm sitting here wearing my slippers and playing on the 'net. I should get some work done but it's Friday and well, I don't feel like it...

I just spoke with my best friend in CA and she was telling me about this woman she works with that made a comment about her food. My best friend has lost about 13 pounds recently from exercise (Curves) and making healthy eating choices. She was telling a coworker who's also been loosing weight about her coup of keeping her fast food order to a small fry with a grilled chicken sandwich instead of the usual free for all and this bit... ahem, other woman, says to her "there goes all your work at Curves". Can you imagine??? I didn't ask, but I wonder if this lady is really overweight and just wants to see my friend fail... I just thought that was incredibly mean and unecessary.

Better do *some* work today....

Terri

Yo! Yes, Punkin o' Today, stapling IS too cruel! Sweet kitty was just trying to do you a favor and destroy the Demon Scale!

EP saith she is up and walking but thinking about a nap.

Unfortunately the comment made to your friend is only too typical and yes, your friend needs to evaluate whether the woman is now or has ever been overweight or is just naturally rude! She might not have meant it to be mean, just thought she was teasing (my psycho ex-friend made remarks like that all the time and didn't understand that it betrayed a hostile underpinning ... she thought it was teasing). Also, there are many people who do not like to see others succeed at self-improvement, so they tear down wherever they find an opening. Please tell your friend to just turn the other cheek, ignore, pity an idiot who would say something like that and WOO-HOO on the grilled chicken accomplishment!!! And on Curves, which idea continues to intrique me, although I'm opting for tai chi this season. I'll bet your friend is looking and feeling good and there is always someone around who wants to keep that form happening to anyone else!!!

Later, gators! I think I did at least 10 minutes of real work on the story from **** this morning, so it's obviously time for a nap!!!

Yea, unfortunately this woman was actually attempting to convince my friend that you can not eat french fries and still be healthy... another one of those "diet mentality" people I 'spose. Anywho... friend told her she could think whatever she wanted and she was still proud of her choice and thought it was perfectly fine. I "bravo'd" her and told her she should've ended it all with a hearty kick in the shin... but, that's my temper, not hers...

Enjoy your nap Empress A - I will be heading to Ye Olde Post Office shortly, then off to the royal ovens to cook...

Terri

Hello all!!

wow, at least you're getting your money's worth for the Danita scale-- A 3 ft fall is a quite a fall - -

so, here we go- the weekend is upon us- found out that part of the oscillation problem wasnt me- I was confused because someone else was much more confused-- and guess what, Tuesday, I move into another level of training so... can't complain that I'm bored!!

Punkinseed, has your friend visited the thread??
Then she could tell us all about Curves. I too am curious. I see it mentioned on a few other threads but I admit I just lurk -- I seem to have found a home here.

Now, I have been thinking about how its been a few threads ago that we all decide to treat ourselves as the royalty we really are.
So, it would seem to me, that some of our references to the Spa, the Palace, etc, etc, don't make sense to a newcomer thinking of joining us.

So, I will start- - I have sent for the "Autumn" selection of tiara's and ordered fresh new gloves. Although I seldom see the laundress or the gardner, for the most part, the royal kingdom has been on autopilot. But still, as Royal Highness, I realize it is a duty to be dressed in clothing that FITS rather than hope it will get me thru until it actually falls off me. Even some alterations would be better than the flapping sound the pants have begun making.


Empress A- Don't know much about the at home kit but for 3 mos online, its pretty reasonable and you have an online pointfinder.
The threads over there make it sound like you can find sliders all the time on Ebay if you want one for the grocery store - the other thing you might want to consider, I've seen comments that WW is being revised as of the first of the year- I am sure the Website will reflect that change immeadietly-- Wonder if you'd have to get a new home kit -- There are lots of threads over there but 3FC could teach WW's a few things on sorting and searching threads.
But, its there 24/7 which I like because its so much more convenient. No offense to anyone but in my experience, the good WW leaders have very crowded classes and frankly, are few and far to find. I've met 4 or 5 terrific ones, even 1 lady here in DE who must be 60 if not older. But she would only do day meetings and its was tough to follow her.
Lots and lots of folks around here know the plan so
if you had questions....

anyway, I've gone on too long--


Babette, sorry to hear about your loss-- you're right, of course-
but it doesnt hurt to be reminded- every minute counts-

Yo! Kaylets, dost thou mean we are not perfectly comprehensible to newcomers?! Can't see how that could be!

Amarantha enjoyeth the picture of a tiara-topped Kaylets with silk clothing flapping in the wind as she floats off to create a meditation for our elucidation!

Thanks for the info on WW. Really the only thing I like about the at-home kit is the little points calculator, but for $99, I think you're right about going with the online. I'm really considering it, but haven't decided, since most of the tools seem to be things I can create with spreadsheets ... but I think I'd like to give it a try. On the other hand, I may wait and see what WW new plan is. I know I'm just not interested in going to meetings; I do too many of those as it is!

I wonder how many points there'd be in dulce de leche milk?

Power o' Five Team, it's the weekend and the full moon and I for one am REDEDICATING myself to this struggle to rid the world o' pesky dancing pounds! NO MORE!!! Woo-Hoo, let's get some POWER O' FIVE ENERGY GOING FOR THE WEEKEND AND GO, TEAM, GO!!! Never give up that ship. WE CAN DO THIS! ... signed, Elbertine Pep!

Dulce la leche isnt in the points library but if you have an idea of the calories, fat and fiber ( I bet I know the fiber content) I'd be glad to get the number for you.

Silk pajamas sounds great-- I was thinking of new black dress pants but you are soooo right--why not dress like royalty at home too??

oh, and PS regarding the flax seed-- DH found Organic Whole Ground Flax Seed Meal by Red Mill--have only done minimal research but there are theories that its better absorbed than the oil. DH even has a baggie of it at work to sprinkle on yogurt and salads.

Rye bread in the breadmaker this am!!

Found a "yogurt Maker" (really is nothing but a big thermos type bottle) for cheap at Goodwill. The gift tag was still in the box, think its from the 70's as is dayglo yellow but I figure, for experiment ' s sake, who cares what color the container is??

Is anyone familiar w/ Richard Simmon's theory of full length mirrors ?? I was very resistant initially. I was convinced I wouldnt like what I would see so why bother? Well, habit is everything.
I am glad I put the mirror 2 years where I did, and I look daily- and like the scale, try to use what I see only for motivation. And, I am glad to report, sometimes, you really do like what you see--

Which makes me realize, I was a real Queen of Denial. But I have given up that crown. ( at least most days!!)

Q Babette, Good for you!! tying a string of days together!!

Q Punkinseed, glad to hear they quickly found some relief for your stepfather. One of the hardest parts of that journey is being supportive during depression.


Its going to be a great day- tomorrow may bring rain!!

Yo! Happy Saturday, Power O' Five Team! Still very unhungry but also unmotivated to exercise or work ... tons left to do for deadline!!! BUT IS AMARANTHA DISCOURAGED??? OF COURSE NOT! Today she will MEET her fitness goals at least and get a start on deadline! Yes!

Kaylets: Have heard RS talk about the full-length mirror thing. I have always had one by my scale in my gym room. I actually have always liked what I saw, big or small. I don't live or die by it, it's just another checkpoint like the scale. I look pretty good for an old bat!

Have fun with your yogurt maker. Gosh I remember those things from the old, old days. Haven't seen one in years. My mom had one and tried to make yogurt. Don't remember the result, though.

Here's to the migration of another !!! Yay!

P.S. I think the dulce de leche has 240 calories and 9 grams of fat per cup, no fiber (big surprise there)! That's iffy because the label says there are approximately two servings in a bottle but it actually is a 12-oz. container and when you measure out the milk you get only 1 1/2 cups, SO I wonder if they are trying to sneak even a higher calorie and fat content by us! When I was drinking that stuff every day (sometimes three or four bottles at a binge sitting), I gained weight quickly counting it as 1 1/2 cups, when I counted it as two cups, I lost or maintained, which seems consistent to me with the fact that there are the calories of fat of two servings in the bottle, even though the serving size must be LESS than stated.

On top of that duplicity, this drink is put out by a well-known local dairy AND it has the picture of a well-known baseball player (presumably an athlete who would know better than to drink milk saturated with caramel and fat).

That said, I don't believe it is wrong to enjoy such a treat once in awhile on a weight management program, it's just that the tiny little serving and not knowing exactly how many calories are in it make it off limits for me. I am too lazy to write the company about the calorie count, I just leave it alone!!!

Need to work!!! Here's a banana or FIVE!

Hi Ladies
Well we have had a couple of good doses of rain inthe last couple od days. The first one was thurs night and all it did was make the humidity much worse. Yesterday with the humidex it was 33 here, a little too warm for us this time of year. We got hammered again last night and that did the trick the humidity is gone and the temp is much more seasonal. My cousins is here from England and has been having a hard time with the heat the past week. Never did he expect it to be this warm over here in Sept, he was glad it was cooler today. My daughter has taken him to Canada's Wonderland today, they should have fun.
Well it has been a hard week this week Im really trying to stay on track but I seem to be doing some picking at foods and that isn't like me (not in the last 8months anyway) but I have been run off my feet with no relief in sight and this week is the anniversary date on Mon of mther passing away 2 years ago and on the 25 Wed my father in law passed away 3 years ago. My younger daughter turns 16 on the 26 and she just doesn't like having birthdays anymore. She was very close to her grampa and he died the day before her birthday and my mom's funeral was on her birthday so she too is having a bad week. Then to top things off Im not at work today like I should be because when I left this morning I got almost to work and I came so close to having another car accident just like the one in June it shool me to my core. I got to work and the first person I saw knew something was wrong and I just fell apart and asked them to call my hubby to pick me up. Im ok now and the nausea from it is getting better.
So Im going to have to work extra hard the rest of the week to stay on track. Im just going to take it easy today and not do too much, Im putting together a surprise party for my daughters birthday and she doesn't have a clue about it so while she is away today at her boyfriends I can get lots of planning done. Maybe this will help her get past the bad memories of her birthday and replace them with good ones. We are expecting about forty people of all ages. The thing Im most stuck on is the menu. If any of you have any ideas let me know. About half of the people will be 16 I don't want to spend a fortune on food. Buns and cold meat and some salads is what I have come up with so far any other ideas. Well time to go veg in my car for awhile. Have a great day everyone. Sorry I seemed to have dumped a load of woes today.

It is always a hard time when someone passes around a birthday or other otherwise happy date. My Dad passed on my nephew's 16th birthday. And my daughter in laws father passed two days before hers. The first five years she didn't want to mention her birthday at all. About two years ago, my son was able to arrange something pleasant for her and it seems to have helped so maybe your surprise party will too. After all, a daughter doesn't turn sweet 16 every day.

I'm sure you were frightened half to death at another near accident. Be nice to you too because you've been through a lot.

Dollar- I'm really glad you took the day off- I know I'd be a mess too- I think teenagers will pretty much eat whatever is in front of them especially if its finger food so I'd put out a vegetable tray laid out in an attactive way- maybe even a couple of dishes so its just not sitting there all by itself. And how about a fruit tray too?
Parties are where everyone loves to nibble, go back and nibble some more. I bet most of the guests would be secretly relieved that there were cherry tomatoes and baby carrots to munch.
Pretzels and plain popcorn maybe too? lots of diet soda and bottled water too -- I'm out of ideas... I know there are a lot of other good ideas out there-


Empress A-- looks like 1 cup serving is 6 pts- Not a bad treat if you really love it. Especially if you had someone to share the rest of the bottle. But with enough activity points, even the whole bottle would be ok. That's what I like about the WW's program- I decide.

I'll check in again later!!

Am watching a PBS fundraiser- Gary Null is being shown- He says, "you don't have to listen, it all up to you, BUT, when you go to bed tonight, look in the mirror and realize, if you don't change your habits, that what you look like tonight will be best you will look for the rest of your life. If you're very lucky, you'll stay the same, but for most of you, this is the best"

Interesting- I don't even know enough about him to even have an opinion on Gary Null's program but that one comment hit home.
A bullseye for sure. I say--

THE BEST IS YET TO BE !!!!!!!!! I say, I know more now than I did before and can do better than I did before!! (Thanks Oprah!)


BTW, am drinking plain club soda w/ Davinci Vanilla Syrup. Have finished one glass and am going back for another. Its tasty!!