Evening ladies. I'm caught up again on the posts. I did ok on the weekend. I"m really into farmers markets lately, and fresh foods, fresh fruits, fresh veggies. I'm loving corn on the cob... I"m usually the type that loves grocery store prepared stuff, but since getting my new healthy self, I've been fanatical about eating whole foods, fresh farm foods, things that you know where they came from.

I love just sitting aruond in the summer, eating strawberries. I'm just falling in love with food, but in a healthy and good for me way. It's exciting to like things that are good for me, instead of dreaming about spagetti dinners with all the sides. I'm sooo excited for our vacation at the ocean, aug 17-24th. there will be 9 of us, all in one condo there, and I'm not sure how one bathroom will go, but i'll be ont he beach, so i'm fine. I'll take my boogie board, and my 2 piece (!), and finally feel good about myself, at the beach. I'm a beach bunny, but have, since my teens years, dreaded the unvieling, so to speak. When you have to take off the shorts, the towel, the whole nine yards, and you're stuck with the body and the sight taht's left over. I've always dreaded it, but this year, i'm sooo excited! I've never felt good about myself, so this will be my first vacation that i'm thin!! And, Man, i'm gonna love it. ope I odn't gin weight, but I've already told everyone, 'let's go grocery shopping and get lots of fresh foods, and haul 'em all out to the beach with us, and eat watermelon and strawberries, and have some WOW choips and stuff.

Hubby's calling me for dinner. Smells yummy. Be back later. Man, i"m dreaming of vacation...

Hi there!

Ok, I did it today was 4.08 Km....Getting there!

Gem: I am on the SBD as well, you are right , the first week is nearly unbearable! Second week, is a breeze! What I like most is the fact I can eat, feel full, and not deprived..after the first week is over of course!

Yes, it has been awfully hot! Hummering near 35-41 c, that is approximately mid 90s to 104!

I try to get my walking to be fit done before the sun has set, at least before 9 I like to finish! I could feel the heat coming from my legs!

jelynn: Oh gosh yest...39 is way to hot, but it does get up to 41 some days! I am off and abroad at work right now, and the condo here has an upstairs...which is like an oven, so I kicked the AC up a full notch! If I keep it at 27-28c it should not consume to much energy!
1.6 KM = 1 mile...Lets see I did 4.08 Km today...

I am up two notches...So that would be...2.8 miles approximately...

My goal is 6 miles a day or 12,000 steps!

Yikes

Svelte Chicky: Congratulations for looking how you have wanted on the beach. I started getting serious too late for that to happen for me this summer, but by next year, I should be there. I won't be wearing any two piece though, I had an emergency C-section leaving me with a long scar beginning at my belly button and ending at my "whozits." Plus I have ugly stretch marks, faded, but still obvious. But just to wear a reasonable sized full piece bathing suit would thrill me to no end! I've been enjoying cantaloupe and plums. I am allergic to strawberries. You've got me craving corn on the cob. Tomorrow, I'm hitting a farmer's market! I wish I could eat WOW potato chips, but they give me violent diarrhea!!! So I stick with baked lays.

I discovered the most delicious diet ice cream I've had in a long time. I read about it in a magazine, and it was rated highest among others like it. Slim Fast fudge bars are to die for!!!

I was 100% on program today. I ended my day with chicken baked with tomatoes, topped with fat-free ricotta and mozzarella, with spinach on the side. I am trying to cut back on carbs, not eliminate, just cut down. So no pasta for me tonite. I didn't really miss it, because I ate lots of tomatoes instead.

Summer

Congrats on being on plan, that chicken dinner sounds delicious. I too have stretch marks, thankfully, they end right at my waistband.. miracle. The two piece is actually a tankini, but Istill get credit for it beign 2 separate pieces. It's the mind game we play, huh?

Did my aerobics. Sweating like crazy. Tired as all get-out. Hubby's coming down with some kinds of flu bug, so that's fun to live with. I deserve it, after my episode with strep a month or so ago. Poor guy was my little 'Hazel' for a couple weeks. I was miserable, and made everyone know it. I'ma baby.

So far this week is Op for me. No big upsets. Gonna have my bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats, settle in for some TV,a nd enjoy day one of this week. Chow Bellas!

My food yesterday was BAD!! Exercise was nonexistent!! I need to get a move on it so I can look hot for my vacation. I did get up and do 3 miles this morning but the food today promises to be bad as well....

Angie, I'm wanting to see a more update pic of you. I oticed your weight, and I wanna see how much you've changed. Any recent photos? man, you're in the 130's, remember being in the 160's, and wondering if we'll ever get under that mark? You look great! Congrats and dn't beat yourself up over a cheat day, and 3 miles walking is fantastic. I can't do that. -- BTW, you are so close to your goal, you can probably taste it.

Bonjourno!

So far so good on SBD! I have not felt straved at all but I miss breads but I keep telling myself it is just 2 weeks...it is just 2 weeks...it is just 2 weeks (I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz)
I took my a dog an 45 minute brisk walk but like a smart person I forgot my pedometer ...oops! Though from coming off WW this is different and my head is still in WW mode sometimes...points and all...all these diets or lifestyle changes can get you dizzy .

Support from this board helps -That is another reason you all are wonderful!

CG - thanks for the encouragement. It is nice to hear that it is not as hard as I may think... maybe I should stop thinking so much!!!!

Angie please stop beating yourself up. You have worked so hard and come so far! Having a day where you slip up is normal - what makes the difference is you don't go back to an old lifestyle. I know you won't! You like where you and have come soo far to get there - inspirational!


Svelte Chicky congrats on the tankini! It is nice to see a success story and a reward! I hope vacation is even sweeter because you can share that success with others and not be ashamed to disrobe at the beach! I understand about fresh fruits and veggies! Farmers Markets are the absolute best - luckily I live down the street from a whole foods market!

Summer I may have to get recipe ideas from you - that dinner sounded yummy!!!!

Jelynn I love ethnic food festivals - congrats for staying strong and not going crazy! Some foods are worth the extra walk!

To all - keep your chin up - the challenge is worth the results!

"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." -Arnold Bennett
and
"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living."
-Gail Sheehy

Great day to all!
GEM/SUmmer

GEM/Summer: You are truly a "gem," no pun intended. I love your quotes...so much wisdom in them! My chicken is sooooo easy! Pre-heat the oven to 350. Yes, I know, turning on the oven in this weather is insane! Anyway, I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I spray a glass baking pan with PAM. Then I pour a 28 oz. of whole canned tomatoes in. I enjoy smushing them with my hands. That part is optional. You can bread the chicken if you want, but when I'm avoiding carbs, I skip the breading. Add the chicken. Pour a little of your favorite jar sauce to cover the chicken. I like Classico 4 cheese. Sprinkle garlic all over the contents of the pan. Spoon fat free ricotta all over the pan, especially on the chicken. Add more sauce. Cover the pan with fat free mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. Deeeeelicious!!!

Svelte Chicky: Maybe I would be able to eventually wear a tankini too. I pretty much gave up on a 2 piece because of scars and stretch marks, but the worst of it is below the belly button. We will have to see, but thanks for the inspiration!

Angie: You are so fabulous and so inspirational. All you showed us is that you are human just like the rest of us. I have no doubt that you will continue to be successful.

I did great at breakfast and dinner, but had lunch at a friend's. I unfortunately had to eat what was put in front of me...a cheeseburger and fries. I didn't eat all of the fries, and I made sure to put lots of lettuce on the burger. It is so hard to be at the mercy of other's cooking. Tomorrow's another day. I am not defeated. And the best part is that I didn't cheat at dinner...I got right back on program.

Summer

Hello Everyone!

How are you doing Gem on the SBD? Are you still in Phase 1?

Angie: Yes, do you have any updated photos you are truly inspirational!

Summer: Me too, it is difficult not to eat at a friends house or eatery, but I think if it this way, I let them know I can not EAT refined sugars or carbs, it makes me sick. It is your body not theirs. I had one friend trying to nearly shove a snickers down my throat becasue he was having one!

Err! I am pretty selfish when it comes to this, if I would have eaten that snickers, it would have shown on my body not theirs!

LOL! Sorry I am grouchy today...PMS! Coming soon!

SvelteChicky: How many days a week do you work out. I try for at least 6!

I had an awful headache so I did not do it this AM, my walking. I hope to do it this PM, this way I will not miss one day out of seven...pretty severe huh?

3 mile walk is pretty tuff especially when it is some what brisk at times! And in this wheather! Woo Ha!

CG

Still in Phase 1! Day 4 to be exact...not as hard as i thought but there are times I want dark chocolate or just piece of bread...the sf jello seems to help curb the fruit cravings.

What are your favorite things to eat and are you still in Phase 1?

Summerlover thanks for the recipe it may even work in this phase of the diet! yipee!!!

Talk to the rest of you bellas later!
Kali Spera!
GEM/Summer

Hey girls! I had a miserable day, but managd to get my walk in, wiht the dog. So, I'm on plan for the challenge, despite a bad day overall. Heard that a friend lost her baby, because the birthmom decided to keep her. After a long ordeal, my friend is devastated over it. We were all set to send her a congrats package, welcoming baby girl! Its a big blow, and makes me worry about whether we'll have to endure something like that. Please, No.

Then, heard that a wonderful preacher I listen to on the radio, his son committed suicide over the past weekend. That was aweful to hear, and to listen to his father speak. Through the grief. That was aweful.

Rained cats and dogs all day long, and I felt like crawling back into bed. But last night I barely slept, so I"m not sure if it would help. Then, I did get to wal-mart and buy a cute sun dres for vacation. That was fun, and bought soem highlite creme, and did it. Hubby helped. Hey, I can't see hte back of my head. Needless to say, I got weirded out, and took it out too early. After almost 2 hrs of pulling small strands through taht dern cap, I hardly look highlited. Ugh.

Dinner was terrible. Hubby tried a seurbraten recipe, and it was terrible. We both agreed, never again. So, I grabbe dthe dog, my walkman, and hit the neighborhood.

This day is almost over, and thank the Lord for that.

I work out almost every day. I do the aerobics/weights video (30 minutes) at night, and then the other days, I'll walk the dog, do some housework, ride bikes..pilates, yoga. Something without weights, and without the jumping around. I need the break in between. But I can't go more than 2 days in a row without the exercise, or I start to get paranoid that I"m gaining weight. It's a mind game, and I don't wanna get off the wagon, so to speak.

Well, I'm gonna lounge. Loved the chicken recipe. May try it.. yummy! Sorry to be such a downer.

Hi Gem!

Yes, I am still in phase one, although I should be in phase two, this is week 16 for me!

I have many ways I cook. I even took pictures..Funny, eh?

AM
Two Eggs with Olive Oil
Sprinkle of some Cheese
Grilled Bok Choy in Olive Oil extra Virgin!


Snack
Cheese
or Peanuts
Or a bit here and there of ricotta

Lunch
Big Salad

Dinner
Tai Grilled Salamon in Olive Oil
Grilled Vegies

Pretty Much fushion food.

I plan on making homade coffe jello/with powdered skim milk...I can not find sugar free Jello,
And the fake sugars slow down my metabolism...

How about you? What do you usually eat?

Hey all. We got back from Maui on Sunday afternoon and had a good time. We had fun on Saturday night traipsing up and down Front Street in Lahaina, I'm sure I got a few miles in during the day too so I'm in pretty good shape. I was sooo dragging my butt yesterday though, I still have a bit of the lingering flu bug. The only good thing is that I'm not in much of a mood to overeat. Now to get up the motivation to take a walk and just move around a little more. My goal this month is to make it back down to 175 by 8/31/03. I've been fluctuating between 177 and 182 (what with my BBQ weekends) and I'm willing to bet that I'm right around 180 today, although the battery in my scale is really flaky right now. So my goal will to be just to get down to 175. That seems reasonable. I will be in Maui yet again 8/15 Friday to kick off our Admission's Day holiday weekend. I'm beginning to think I should just move out there--I love that island so much. It's so much more expansive than Oahu and I love that there's so many places to be explored....now if only the gas prices weren't so darned steep--> $2.35 p/gal regular!

Anyway ladies, sounds like most of you are doing well with your challenges. I'm hoping your excitement and motivation will rub off on me.

(((Chris))) I'm sorry to hear of your sorrows today. Tomorrow will be better, it just has to be.

CG I guess the withdrawal/detox phase of SBD causes those mean headaches? Hope you get through them ok. I agree on the 3+ mile walks in hot weather--that's tough. I average 3.5 miles daily but we're only in the 80's temp-wise. I usually wait til the sun starts setting so it cools off real fast.

Summerlover, I think you did a great job--and got right back on plan . Sometimes you just gotta make do with what ya got. Thanks for the chix recipe...gotta try that one too.

Angie you're ahead of me with the exercise today...I haven't gotten around to it YET! But it's only 4 pm...there's still hope for me. Hang tough chickie, we can do this!

Holly, Emily, Summer, Kempy...hope I didn't miss anyone~~hope everyone has had a great day/night. See y'all tomorrow.

**Almost forgot. My son started his new school yesterday and he got through it wonderfully! No problems whatsoever--no tears (on his or my part ) and he's starting to make new friends. His teacher's a gem too, a real sweet and patient lady. Hope not to report of any fiascos in the near future.

Gas prices, you have it sweet! Golly Gee I pay 109 per liter! UGH!

Does anyone here like Umae, like I do. Sour Plum?

At first the SBD is tough! For lunch I had to eggs over easy and two cans of tuna the small ones 3 ounces I think with mustard...water, water, water!

Noelle do you use a pedometer?

Hi CG. I remember eating ume straight out of the jar when I was a kid. I preferred the big, soft, salty ones but my mom always bought the small, hard, crunchy ones. I still eat them if I get a bento lunch and it's in the middle of my musubi . I don't think I'd have any problem finding things I like to eat in Japan, or anywhere else for that matter . Come to think of it, my hubby's cousin in Kauai makes a yearly trek up to the state park "Koke'e" where they have plum picking season. She gets a whole bunch and makes her own ume. If we're lucky, she brings us a jar. Haven't had any from her lately, but I think Rick is gonna be visiting Kauai in the next few weeks, maybe the week after I get back from Maui.

I do have a pedometer but I haven't used it lately. In fact, I'd be hard pressed if I had to tell you where it was right now...I usually walk the same route everyday, or sometimes in reverse to mix it up, but the mileage I measured when I WAS using the pedometer was 3.5 miles. My longer weekend route is 5.2 miles.

I am a carb addict so I don't think I'd do well on any low-carb or no-carb plan. Kudos to you gals that can stick with it! I'm rooting for ya.

Well, I'm closing up shop for the day. See ya gals later.