Time For Serious Fun #38
 

TIME FOR SERIOUS FUN #38

We are a thread dedicated to making losing weight a pleasant experience. We laugh, cry and talk together. We have challenges, points for staying on program, drinking our water, and exercising. We have a daily topic to join in. Our only focus is to help us realize that dieting and all that goes with it need not be unpleasant, but can be fun. Come join the fun here at Time for Serious Fun! Everyone is Welcome!

TOPICS:

Monday: Mission Monday New mission each week
Tuesday: Target Tuesday We target something to work on
Wednesday: Wednesday's Woes Our day to complain about anything and everything
Thursday: Time for Us Thursday The day set aside to pamper us!
Friday: Fabulous lbs Down Friday We get to crow about loss or ask for help
Saturday: Sunny Thoughts Saturday We share stories and jokes to help us smile
Sunday: Silly Poll Sunday A new poll to give your thoughts to every week


POINTS VALUES:

STAYING ON PROGRAM IS 2 POINTS
DRINKING YOUR WATER IS 1 POINT
EXERCISING IS 1 POINT

CURRENT CHALLENGE IS UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST. TO LOSE 30 LBS BY THEN.

POSTING A WTG: A WTG IS WHEN SOMETHING NON WEIGHT LOSS HAPPENS TO YOU LIKE A NEW DRESS IN A SMALLER SIZE. TO POST A WTG, USE ALL CAPS AND POST IT IN PINK. FOR EXAMPLE: WTG: I rode my bike 2 miles instead of one today.

LBS DOWN FRIDAY :wizard: : POST YOUR LBS LOST FOR THE WEEK ON FRIDAY AND I WILL COMPILE THEM AND POST THEM TOGETHER WITH OUR LBS DOWN :wizard:

POINTS WRAP UP!

Dorothy: :bravo: :bravo:

Julie: Get a personal pan pizza. They are not bad fat and calorie wise. That is what I always do with just veggies on it. Also, the pudgie brownies are really great. I made them in a glass pie plate and cut them in to pie triangles, froze 2 sets of 2 and then had 2 for dinner for us with a scoop of lowfat ice cream each. I have to tell you that I am really happy with the recipes etc and I am eating less and enjoying it more! Maybe because Jack and I are doing it together, you think? Anyway, they come in several flavors, original, cappucino and mint is what Krogers had. I would recommend them and all that goes in them is a carton of vanilla yogurt and I even bought ff yogurt so the calories were even less. Oh, if you find that the batter seems to be crumbly instead of "gluey" add just a tad bit of water and mix until smooth and shiny. It will be really thick, but I found that the carton of yogurt wasn't enough to mix it well so I added just a little water to it. It would be great with ff cool whip too or even some slice strawberries. I also bought some organic spaghetti sauce that was really low in fat.

Well, there is a movie just coming on I want to see so ttfn!

Faye:)

Hello,

Sorry about the name mix ups...I'm still learnin'

I'm having the best weekend in a long time, health wise. for the last while I got in the habbit of not exercising and eating terribly and trying to make up for it durring the week (mostly because I had been to my parent's house and visiting friends). But I've gotten some exercise and its 5 and I've already gotten my water quota :) Well I'm off to find dinner.

SUNDAY: Today is SIlly Poll Sunday. Here is your poll for this week!

You now have come up in the world and can get live in help. Which would you choose?

Nanny, Chauffeur, Cook, Maid, Valet, Personal Shopper, Stylist, Massage Therapist, or Makeup artist?

Check back in later when everyone is up!

Faye;)

Morning!
MASSAGE THERAPIST PLEASE!!!!

Well, Pizza Hut bit the big one! The service was terrible, they forgot to send us our mozarella sticks (which was the only thing I really wanted to eat there anyway). So, I had two pieces of a supreme pizza and then came home and had some low cal pumpkin custard that I'd made before we left. So, I'm sure I was over on calories......but I did get my water and exercise, so 2 pts anyway. Today should be better. We're having company over after fighter practice. Already have a nice beef/barley soup in the crockpot and some whole wheat Italian herb bread in the bread machine. Just gotta pick up some salad stuff, and we'll have a feast!

Hey, Sandy how did you like the leeks & bacon? (At least I "THINK" it was sandy that said she was gonna try it.)

Well, gotta go.......dd's have to get to another birthday party.

Julie

Morning ladies,
I got 3 pts for Friday, didn't get my water
3 pts for Sat, didn't exercise because I hurt my knee on Fri!

Was proud of myself last night, didn't binge eat while sitting at home on the night that was to have been a big date. I didn't do anything productive with my tjme, but I didn't spend it eating either. My son was away all day at a band competition, didn't get home till late.

I am taking my son to the movies today, gotta see The Matrix, Revolutions. Wish me luck in staying away from the popcorn---huge weakness.

For our poll, I would grab the massage therapist and never let go! It would be wonderful to have a back/shoulder rub any time I wanted!

Have a terrific day!
Judy

points points points point

Julie: :grouphug:
me: :bravo:

I think I would like to have a chauffeur. I hate anyone cleaning my house, I like to cook, and for the other things, I think I would go to them instead of having them in house.

I have finally finished all the recipes and menus for the month for Jack and I ! Whew, what a job but I am glad it is done.

I am going to go and check on Jack as he was napping then go to the nail salon and get my nails done and go to Walwarts.

Faye;)

oooo Massage.....I would take that 1st no matter what. Boy do I need it! 2nd I'd take the Chauffeur because well...I don't have a car or licence and I think my friends are tired of driving me around ;)

4 points for yesterday! I was a good Girl and controled my portions very well. I've taken to eating smaller amounts throughout the day as opposed to 3 big meals. I just take out a little something, like a yogurt etc., when I feel hunger coming on and it satisfies me for a few hours when I eat another little something.

Judy: Good luck avoiding that popcorn. I can be the same way.

Faye: Congrats on finishing the menu for the month. That must have been one heck of a job.

Hello BEAUTIFULS..... Yes Julie iot was me who said i was going to try the leeks and bacon... havent gotten to the grocery store yet tho...lol I will let u know when i do try them tho.. it sounds soooo yummy.. and i love leeks. For thanksgiving every year i make a pumpkin and leek soup.. it is soooo good... i always eat that first then i dont got crazy on the stuffing... thats my fav next to the soup.
all 4 yesterday and for today as well... i am making a new recipe for meatballs so we are having that and veggies and biscuts for dinner. I will eat the veggies and meatballs... no biscuts... TOM came today so i am kinda lagging a bit... tired and dont relaly feel like doing much... so i am not. lol I will check back later... have a fab night ladies.. remember to take care of u... the poll... massage therapist all the way man... LOL love you all...

Sandy

Hi Faye I'm still here, been out of town at my DD drill meet. They didn't fare too well, only 1 trophy,and it was for 5th place. Long story i'll share another day. I've been doing good on everything except my water intake last few days. I tried, but been very busy. Thanks to everyone for all the support. HI Zoli and welcome!
Sandy can you share that pumpkin custard recipe??? Faye where are those pudgie brownies found? Got to get for now,
Lisa

Evening Chickadees,

Welcome Zoli!!! Hope you come and post often with us. Too pooped out to write much have had full weekend. Off tomorrow and will catch up in the am, then back to work in the bathroom with my remodeling project.

Check you chicks out later:wave:

Morning Ladies,

Well, the kids have today and tomorrow off from school and I've got tons to do. So, 2 points for yesterday....went a bit overboard on the homemade bread, so no o/p for me. Though I didn't totally sabotage anything.

Talk to you all later,
Julie

WRAP UP POINTS FOR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:

Susan :bravo:
SandyB :bravo: :bravo:

Good morning ladies and boy is it good for me! Just since last Thur when I started those menus and changed his diet and fitting mine into it, I have lost 5 lbs and it isn't even Friday yet!

Lisa: Found those in the baking aisle at Krogers. They have a little pink pig on them I think.

I have an unusual WTG that is sort of food related. One of the recipes that was SUPPOSED to be lowfat for my husband was an orange game hen. I was looking at the recipe yesterday and to my horror one prepared hen was like 1400 cal and like 800 fat cal! I talked to Jack about what he thought I should do as they were already thawed out in the fridge from the day before. He said he trusted my judgement to do whatever I want. I SAID TO HECK WITH THE MONEY AND THREW THEM IN THE TRASH! I fixed him a lowfat shrimp scampi over rice with green beans instead!

I am going to try and get outside or over to the mall (which is probably a better idea because if something happens with Jack I would have the car close by) and walk today.

Well need to do those pesky morning chores and get some breakfast for us.

Faye:)

Morning fellow Chickies!!

pts for weekend: 3 for Saturday, went to mom's for birthday dinner for 2 of my cousins. I behaved!! no cake for me;) no exercise though, did 3 days last week, will just try for one more, doing 4 this week. FAYE, DID YOU HEAR ME, I SAID I AM DOING 4, STAY ON ME NOW!!:D :D Pts for Sunday: 3 pts, good food weekend, water, water, water, I have developed what I feel is a kidney stone, have not had too much pain, but several months ago went through 2 rounds of antibiotics, and still have had sediment (coffe ground type emesis) in my urine, and now seeing some signs of blood. (dried), any one ever have similar problem. It is concerning me because it has been going on for a while now. Do not have appt with Dr till 12/31, may go back much sooner, he is on vacation this week or I would go. Hopefully it will pass if that is what it is. Maybe drinking TOO MUCH!! DONT KNOW.

ZOLI, OHHHHHHHHH ZOLI, COME BACK NOW YOU HERE!!:lol: :lol: :lol:

Silly Poll Sunday......Can I have 2?? A personal stylist and a make-up artist!!! That would be heavenly!!!;)

Mirabelly, ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh homemade bread. I love it!! Just the smell of it!!:lol: unfortunately the taste too. Do not do any sweets whatsoever, but, cant give up my bread.:D

Lisa, Sandyb, and Susan, hi gals!!! Have a great day!:cool:

POINTS POINTS POINTS POINTS!

Julie: :grouphug:
Pam: :cp: :cp:
Me: :bravo:

SandyB: These are really really good if you want to be able to eat a biscuit or two. I changed the sugar to Splenda, the shortening to margarine and took out the salt. They came out great and Jack had turkey sausage and biscuits yesterday morning with them. They are pretty tasty even with the changes!

LOWFAT BISCUITS:

2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 tablespoon Splenda
2 tablespoons lowfat margarine
1 cup low fat buttermilk
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 425 F. and spray a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray. Sift together flour, baking powder and set aside.
1. Mix flour together with baking powder, baking soda, and Splenda and sift into a medium size bowl.
2. Using a pastry cutter or wire whisk, cut shortening into flour until the mixture becomes the consistency of fine crumbs. Pour buttermilk into dry ingredients all at ounce and mix together with a fork. As soon as mixture holds together, turn out onto a floured work surface and knead lightly.
3. Roll dough gently out into a ½ -inch thickness and cut into 2 ½-inch rounds with a floured cutter.
4. For crustier biscuits, place rounds about 1-inch apart on baking sheet. For softer sides, place biscuits touching or ¼ -inch apart. Dust tops lightly with flour and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
Yield 14 servings at approximately 70 calories; 2.2 gram total fat; .05 saturated fat; 0 cholesterol; 15.5 grams carbohydrate; 0 dietary fiber; 2.4 grams protein; 192 milligrams sodium


I have to run. Jack sprained his back and my heating pad has disappeared so I have to go and get one.

Faye :)

MORNING BEAUTIFULS!!! Oh Faye those sound wonderful.. i will try them... Got all 4 yesterday as well. Hubby just took the car in for the 3 time to the dealership... and they told him it would bew another 500 and some odd dollars to fix... They never fixed it right in the first place... LOL so hes now going to my mechanic on friday... the dips at the dealership we NOT at all helpful. So, we'll have anohter week of no heat in the car... shouldnt be too bad tho as its supposed to be rather mild... but this weekend was a killer...Any way... thats the excitment here...lol I asked hubby to get me some coffee... i like the cappacino powder to put into my regular coffee.. well he broght me the sugar free and the fat free.... i didnt even ask for that... what a sweetheart... He gets how important this is to me... and for that i am very greatfull... we are now having a contest.. to see who can loose first...lol he'll win... because he drops weight faster but its nice to do it together...lol
WELCOME ZOLI... sorry i havent welcomed u yet... how remiss of me... u will find these to be the most wonderful women u'll ever meet here.... warm , welcoming, and the best friends... and they are all beautiful to boot!! Hope everyone has a fabulous day... rmember to take care of u... love you all...

Sandy

Good Morning!

4 points for me yesterday. :D

I am very proud of myself this weekend. I stayed on track with food and even got in some exercise. It was painfully boring around here and durring those times I have a tendency to eat eat eat. But I didn't! I just walked to the nearest food place (dorms remember) every time I needed a little something and didn't keep it all in my room. If I stockpile food, it tends to be gone in very short order.

So I thought some squats would do me some good on saturday. I thought at least my legs had a decent amount of muscle. Well apparently I was very wrong. I knew I was a little sore but :yikes: when I tried to go down stairs I almost had to go sideways...WOW that hurt.

Faye: another 5 pounds? that's amazing! I hope Jack's back feels better quickly.

Sandy: eek, sorry about the car.

Pam: Good job behaving at the Birthday dinner. I know I always use those kinds of things as an excuse to chow down (and a lot more things as excuses :lol: ) Hope things work out with the doctor...There're never there when they're needed it seems!

P.S. I'd like you to keep my friend in your thoughts and prayers...she's single and 18, and finds out this week if she is pregnant.

Hi everyone..been really busy here, but just wanted to wish everyone a happy monday and hope all is well.

I got 4 pts for Saturday...lots of dancing :lol: and Sunday I got 4pts also.

Still don't know if I lost or how much because I didnt get a chance to weigh myself. I will today...oh and about Sunday poll I would probably go with a cook...have him or her figure out what to cook...hee hee.

ok gotta run...take care.

POINTS POINTS POINTS POINTS:

SandyB::bravo:
Susan :bravo:
Dorothy: :bravo: :bravo:

Dorothy: I hope things come out well for your friend. Maybe you should have a talk with her when this is over and done with about better birth control. In this day and age, getting pregnant is neither a death sentence nor necessary.

Well, got in 2.25 miles in the mall today then took dh out for awhile so I got a lot of exercise in today. His sister called finally. None of the phone # or e-mail worked and I had to send her a letter about her brother and she just got it today.

Time to fold clothes!

Faye:)

New start - new panda!!
 

Hey friends, I'm back!!

Today is a fresh start for me - I've had a terrible month or so and I've had real trouble getting motivated and focused. So I'm starting again and taking it one day at a time.

My interview in Dublin was okay, but I don't think I'll have got the job - I relaxed a bit towards the end and ended up saying some really negative things about myself, which I think will have blown my chances - I'm disappointed (with myself) but I have faith that God will provide the right job for me. Anyway, at least I got to fly on a plane for the first time - very exciting! (and it was nice to see Dublin).

Faye - I am so happy to hear that Jack is home and is doing well. You are still in my prayers.

Judy & Susan - Glad that you are enjoying it here and are doing well!

Zoli - hello and welcome to you!

Sandy, Julie, Lisa, Pam, Joy - you are all doing really well, keep it up!

See you girls later!

Amanda xxx

Faye: Actually I'm the one who's been having TOM for about 3 wks now. grrr my gyn says to give the pills 3 months to work so I am waiting one more month, but it's been frustrating because my weight loss has slowed down a lot becuse of it. I haven't weighed myself this week...I will today and see what happens.

Welcome back Amanda!

Mirabelly- Can you tell me the recipe for that low-cal pumpkin custard?? It sounds yummy. I love pumpkin.

As for me I only get points for exercise yesterday.

Lisa

Lisa: :flow2: great job! You are working at something and that is important so it will come!

Dorothy: I am so sorry you are having such a time with female issues. I have never had that kind of a problem, but this peri-menopause has been ****!:lol: It has gotten immensely better since I started using a progesterone cream for it though.

YOU GUYS HAVE TO TRY THIS! I made this for dh for dinner tonight with baked potato and a veggie and the ff pineapple upsidedown cake and it was great! I don't have a calorie value, but I know it is pretty low fat. All I had was red cooking wine and I used that and it worked fine!

Healthy Recipes - Cooking A Healthy
Version of Chicken Cordon Bleu
Boneless, skinless chicken breast - 4
Low fat boiled ham - 1/2 cup
Low fat yogurt - 8 oz
Milk - 1 tbsp
Low fat swiss cheese - 1/2 cup
Garlic - 1 tsp
White wine - 2 tbsps
Salt and pepper - add to taste
Seasoned bread crumbs - 1 cup
„h Preheat oven to 350.
„h Mix ham, low fat swiss cheese, garlic, wine, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
„h Cut a slit in the side of the chicken breast to make a pocket. Stuff each breast with 1/4 of the fillings. Close it with wooden picks when done.
„h Mix yogurt and milk. Dip each chicken breast in this mixture, and then roll in the bread crumbs.
„h Place into a greased baking pan, and bake for 45 minutes at 350. Serve with pasta and zucchini.


Fat-Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake Recipe By : Serving Size : 12 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Cakes Low-Fat/Low-Cal Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- No-Stick cooking spray 1/3 cup Brown sugar -- packed 2 tablespoons Light corn syrup (Karo) 1 tablespoon Lemon juice can of crushed pineapple -- well-drained 1 cup Flour 1/4 cup Cornstarch 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking powder 1/2 teaspoon Salt 1 cup Splenda 2/3 cup Skim milk 1 carton egg beaters 1/3 cup Light corn syrup (Karo) 1 teaspoon Vanilla Spray 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray. Add brown sugar, corn syrup and lemon juice; stir to combine. Place in 350 F oven 3 minutes. Arrange pineapple rings and cherries in pan; set aside. In large bowl, combine flour, corn starch, baking powder and salt. In medium bowl, stir Splenda and milk until sugar is almost dissolved. Add egg beaters, corn syrup and vanilla; stir until blended. Gradually add to flour mixture, stirring until smooth. Pour into pan. Bake in 350 F oven 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately loosen edge of cake with spatula and invert onto serving plate. Remove pan. Each serving provides: 200 Calories, 2 g protein, 47 g carbohydrate, 0 mg cholesterol, 160 mg sodium

Have a great evening ladies!

Faye :)

hi everybody,
Hope monday was good to all of you. Mine was very busy.
Points for Sunday--3, still no exercise, my knee is killing me
points for Monday--1 just for water, had an ice cream sandwich for dessert ( 1 s or 2?) and McDonalds for lunch---shame on me.

I am ready to cut my knee off my leg. I fell a few months ago, landed right on my right knee, it hasn't been the same since. I froze it at a football game Friday---cold, cold for central texas. It is very stiff and very painful, will swell if I work it too much. I don't have insurance, so I am putting off the Dr. as long as I can.
Even my recumbant bike hurts it too much right now.

My mission for this week is to get some kind of exercise in, even just a little bit. I am going to try the bike again tomorrow, for even just 5 minutes.

See ya'll tomorrow!
Judy

Target Tuesday with a Mission for Monday!

Our target this week should be our feet. They probably get taken care of less than anything and we pretty much need them the most! So, get a pedicure, soak them, lotion them and buy good shoes! Take care of your feet! You need them to exercise and take you places!

Our forgotten Mission from yesterday: Our mission this week should again be exercise. We need to develop a routine and stick with it! Make sure you find exercises that are fun so that you won't quit with them. Vary your workout so you don't get bored and push yourself, but not too much. You should always be able to talk while you are exercising and if you can't and are winded, SLOW DOWN a bit!

POINTS WRAP UP FROM YESTERDAY:

Judy: :cp: :flow2: great job Judy. Keep up the good work!

Judy: As for your knee, several years ago I cracked a chair putting up a valance and fell, severely twisting my knee and damaging it. I was in a wheelchair then crutches and the orthopedist would do nothing as he said it was because I was too fat and if I lost weight it would right itself. Well, that was bologna, but anyway...Take towels or rags and soak in water, hot as you can stand and put on your knee, keep changing them out when they cool. Do that for about an hour each day until you find relief and for now sit in a chair and do exercises if you have to. Try not to put stress on the knee. Take any type of anti-inflamatory drug (motrin, advil, aleve) not tylenol as it is not right for this kind of problem. (BTW, wet heat is the best for your kind of trouble. I would bet that because of how you hurt it, it probably is arthritic now.) Let me know if after a few days you seem to feel better. I hope you get better soon!

I will check back later ladies and post points. How is everyone doing on the end of year challenge? Are you going to lose your 30 lbs or 15 if you are one of the newbies? Let's work hard ladies! I know you can do it!

Faye

Morning Ladies!

3 points for yesterday......drank water, but not enough. I don't know why it's been such a problem lately. I'm not substituting soda or juice, I'm still drinking water when I'm thirsty....I guess I'm just not thirsty now that the air temp has cooled significantly. I can tell I'm dehydrated, though, so I'll just have to force myself.

I've already made the Christmas 30 pound goal! Woo hoo......but the BIG goal I set for myself was to be under 200 by my birthday, which is Jan. 15th. Now, I am only 21 pounds away from that, and there is plenty of time........BUT BUT BUT I'm getting so slack lately! I know if I keep thinking "there's plenty of time", I'll end up wasting all that precious time! Plus, there's the whole holiday season still ahead.

I gave myself a good talking to last night driving to dance class. I REALLY WANT THIS! I want it MORE than christmas cookies or mashed potatoes!!! So, I just have to keep refocusing myself everyday (which is why I come here so much :) ) Technically the holidays are only 2 days out of the year....so I don't need to overindulge the rest of the days during the season. I'm absolutely not going to deprive myself of anything, but I will use my fancy plates that are about half the size of our regular ones!

I know I can get through this and be 199 in a couple of months.
Lately I've really started eating the carbs again. They're all whole grain "good" carbs, but still I could be cutting back more. A month ago I was eating pasta OR potatoes only once a week....but they have been sneaking back into my menus a little at a time. Spaghetti is just so easy to cook!

Oh well, I'd better get to work. Lots to do even though the kids are home. If any of you all are veterans out there, please accept my humble thanks for your sacrifices!

Later,
Julie

Morning Girlies,

WElCOME BACK AMANDA! Sorry to hear that the interview did not go well. And you are so right, God will provide, and that job you need and want will come...It is difficult to keep "our will" out of it, isn't it???? I will keep :crossed: for you.

Mirabelly!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOZERS!! YOU ARE DOING FAB!:strong: :spin: and I concur the holiday feast is just 2 days, we can make it!!! I am already planning, I have to! Portion control!!! and no sweets at all, which is not a problem for me. Gotta stir clear of those breads and rolls though. I will make my own garlic mashed potatos, skin on, and made with 1% milk, and a little chicken broth...yummy!:D

Faye, recipes looked good. Glad you and Jack are eating well!!! I am so proud of you (both)! You are such the inspiration to me, as always:)

Judy, take it easy!!!! Take care of yourself:o

Hello Lisa:strong: Keep doing that exercise!!! I need to be doing it:( Gotta get moving again.

Dot, I hear ya girl, I have had those 2-3 wk periods, skip a day or so and go another almost 2 wks. I empathisize honey!!! I am ready to get it all yanked out!! What kind of pills are you taking? Hormone Replacement, or pills to stop it all together? That is what I want!:lol:

Susan, good thoughts headed your friends way, a baby!! what a blessing...:yes:

sandyb, have a good day girl!!! Catch ya later:wave:

Morning Girls....

Hi, how have you all been? I have been good. I had an OP day yesterday...the first one in like 6 days so I was pretty proud of that, now if only I can keep on that track for a while....

Julie - I am with you on the holiday thing...I told myself that I was not going to deny myself anything "JUST" on the days of Thanksgiving and Christmas ( maybe Christmas Eve )...I highly doubt those two days are going to add tremendous pounds back...but I dont want to feel like I cant enjoy my favorite time of the year....right?:)

Faye - How ya been? So glad to hear that Jack is doing well. You are doing so great with the new meals. I am going to try that Pineapple cake recipe, that sounds good...

Judy - sorry to hear about your knee, hope it gets better soon.

Amanda - Good luck with the job!

Lisa - Hey girl!!!

Anyone I missed, hey I forgot Pam, how could I forget Pam, a big
HELLO :wave:

I dont know if I am going to make the end of year challenge, although right now I am about at 218, I really wanted to be under 200 by Dec 31st...do you think 18 pounds is doable by end of year, that would be like 3 pounds a week, I dont know about that....it would be hard...
Well have a good day talk to you girls later...:comp:

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack! Forgot to post pts

3 for yesterday. definitely drank my water, had good food day, and you know what I am going to say!! no formal exercise ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGH! I did work in my bathroom about 6 hrs, still scraping paint and redoing wood work! Still trying to get old wallpaper off the walls!! Found some great spay on gel!! Wish I had it last wk!! I'd be ready for primer and paint now!! :mad:

okay, gotta get going, have to be at work by 10:00, talk to you lovely chickies later:D

Good Morning,
4 points for yesterday. Technicaly I did indulge in dessert but its the 1st in a long time and I made sure it was at least low fat. So this means....5 DAYS IN A ROW THAT I'VE GOTTEN FULL POINTS!

Oh boy I'm worried about the holidays too. I'm going to be out of my natural environment! which means away from my gym and healthy food sources for two and a half weeks. And then the candy and the egg nog....I'll manage....I'll dilute the egg nog with milk if nothing else ;) And I'll find fome alternative exercise. I'll just have to get creative over the break!

Congrats on staying OP, Carri!

POINTS POINTS POINTS POINTS!

Julie: :cp:
Pam: :cp: (get your rear in gear girl, though working in your bathroom is! exercise!!!)
Susan: :bravo:
me: :bravo:

Susan: Because I want you to have fun this holiday even with food, here you go!

LOW FAT EGGNOG

2 C SKIM MILK
6 oz. EVAPORATED SKIM MILK
1 CONTAINER EGG BEATERS (THE 3 TO A CARTON SIZE)
1/4 cup SPLENDA
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
ADD NUTMEG TO MILK TO TASTE!

Heat milk, canned milk, eggs, and sugar over medium heat about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened. Do not boil. Stir over a bowl of ice water 2 minutes. Stir in vanilla; cover and chill 4-24 hours. Add more skim milk if needed to achieve desired consistency. Top with ground nutmeg just before serving.
Servings: 6

Per ½ cup serving: 65 Calories, 1.7 g Total Fat, 0.6 g Saturated
Fat, 64.8 mg Cholesterol, 93.2 mg Sodium, 15.7 g Total Carbohydrate, 0 g Dietary Fiber, 6.8 g Protein, 190.1 mg Calcium.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge

Servings: 24 pieces

1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2/3 cup evaporated 2% milk
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1/4 cup light peanut butter
2 tablespoons butter

In a medium, non-stick saucepan, combine sugar, brown sugar, cocoa, and milk. Bring to a boil slowly over medium-low heat, stirring frequently Boil until a few drops of hot syrup form a soft ball when dropped in a cup of ice water. (This stage of fudge making is usually reached when a candy thermometer registers between 234 and 240 degrees.)

Remove from heat and stir in marshmallows, peanut butter, and butter. Stir until marshmallows are completely melted. Let fudge stand for 15 minutes without stirring.

Meanwhile, line bottom of a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with a piece of waxed paper that sticks up 2 inches at both ends of pan (so you can lift out the fudge when it's ready). Spread fudge in pan. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Cut into 24 pieces and store covered in refrigerator.


Serving Size: 1 piece.

Source: Crazy Plates
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Per serving: 112 Calories; 2.2g Total Fat; (17% calories from fat); 1.2g Protein; 23g Carbohydrate; 3.1mg Cholesterol; 23.4 mg Sodium; 0.4 g Fiber

SUGAR FREE RUM BALLS

1 C pecan pieces
3/4 C unsweetened dried coconut
1 C Equal Spoonful® or Splenda®
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons rum
2 teaspoons egg white powder
2 tablespoons warm water to dissolve egg white powder




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Makes 24 Candies

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they begin to brown. Set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, combine coconut, sweetener and cocoa in a large mixing bowl. When the pecans have cooled a bit, coarsely chop them in a food processor or by hand. Add the pecans to the coconut mixture.

Melt the butter. Mix the rum with the melted butter and stir into the combined ingredients.

Put the egg white powder in a small bowl and add the warm water. Beat with a whisk for 2 minutes, until frothy and dissolved. Mix the egg whites into the combined ingredients. Form the mixture into little balls. Leave the candies on a baking sheet for about an hour to dry. Store in an airtight container.


Title: Angel Drops

2 Egg whites
1/4 ts Salt
1 ts Vanilla
3/4 c Sugar
1/2 c Dates, chopped
1 c Nuts, chopped
1 tb Flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add salt and vanilla. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Sprinkle dates and nuts with flour and fold into egg whites.

Drop by teaspoon on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.


Cornbread Stuffing
Cornbread: (3 servings)
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups skim milk
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
Stuffing:
2 hard-cooked large eggs
1 (12-ounce) can refrigerated fluffy buttermilk biscuits
1 1/2 tsp. rubbed sage
1/2 tsp. pepper
5 cups low-salt chicken broth
2/3 cup chopped celery
2/3 cup chopped onion
2 large egg whites, lightly beaten Make cornbread: Combine cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Combine milk and egg whites, and add to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.

Pour batter into a 9-inch square baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400º for 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from pan; let cool completely on a wire rack.

Make stuffing: Crumble cornbread into a large mixing bowl and set aside. Slice hard-cooked eggs in half lengthwise; carefully remove yolks. Chop egg whites; set aside. Reserve yolks for another use. Bake biscuits according to package directions; let cool. Tear 8 biscuits into small pieces; reserve remaining 2 biscuits for another use. Combine chopped egg whites, crumbled corn bread, torn biscuits, sage, and pepper in a large bowl, and set aside.

Bring broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add celery and onion. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes. Add broth mixture to corn bread mixture; stir well. Add beaten egg whites; stir well. Spoon mixture into a 2-quart casserole coated with cooking spray. Bake, uncovered, at 400º for 45 minutes.

Each serving is 1/2 cup.
Nutrition Information per Serving:
calories total fat sat fat protein fiber sodium carbs ww points
135 2 0 11 1 304 22


Low Fat Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
• 1/2 c Splenda

• 1/4 c Packed brown sugar

• 1/4 c low fat Margarine

• 1 ts Vanilla

• 1 Egg white

• 1 c All-purpose flour

• 1/2 ts Baking soda

• 1/2 c Miniature semisweet Chocolate chips

Heat oven to 375F. Mix sugars, margarine, vanilla, and egg white in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls, you may find it easier to roll in your hand and place on sheet, the dough tends to be very crumbly. 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

1 cookie: 60 calories; 20 calories from fat; 2 gram fat; 0 mg cholesterol

yield: 12 Low Fat Chocolate Chip Cookies


Everybody have a great day. I am off to the shower and then to exercise (I know that sounds backwards, but I have to go to the mall looking presentable you know! :lol:)

Faye :)

Ok now, you're making me hungry! :lol: Where is Sandybrat??? How's everyone?? I'm ok, I "played tennis" :lol: if that's what you call it anyways. WE worked up a sweat and played hard and had fun so exercise for yesterday is a yes and yes to O/p No water though. As far as end of year goal I've lost 13.2 pounds so far and I think 15 is doable for me. I have actually been trying to not think about the holidays, I love to cook and bake during this time, but I know I can't, cuz I won't have enough will power. Maybe another year when I'm stronger.

Have a groovy day!
Lisa

Hey Ladies...how is everyone...as for me ,I have been extremely busy helping the children with all the legal matters concerning the will....never have I seen so much that you have to go through and get copies and mail here and there....and we still haven't completed it...he was a Government employee,and talk about some red tape....well back to me ,I have been op and drinking my water,and getting my exercise ...everyday I have been determined to get my 10,000.00 steps and then some ,which has been over four miles a day,right at 5....I break it up through out the day ...wear my pedometer from the time I step out of the bed till I go to bed...even if I dont get dressed right away,I stick it on either my panties or nighty shorts....lol..I sure feel terriffic lately....all the exercise...one thing about wearing the pedometer,ti makes you more apt to move your buns,knowing you have that goal of the steps to make....at least it has worked or me........Faye those recipes look really yummy,I am going to print them and try them.....I also had my son's end of soccer season big skating Party...we had a blast...well ,I need to go and get some more things done....all of you take care and I will post later....Faye ,I am so happy to hear that you ad Jack are doing so good girl....love and hugs to all....Joy:) :)

POINTS WRAPUP:

Lisa: :cp:
Joy: :bravo:

Lisa: You are working your way back and that is great! Keep up the great work, sweety! You can do it!

Everyone have a good evening and I will talk with you in the morning if I don't get time to check back tonight!

Faye:)

GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFULS... Well.. yesterday was a stressful on for me... nervewracking may be a better word... I had my appointment with the plastic surgeon. I was sooooo nervous... i think because i didnt know what to expect... anyway... he of course has a student with him... LOL that broke the ice right away... figures that i am soo worried about what to expect i forget that i am there to feel better... and to help teach... LOL It went well. Now we just have to wait for the insurance to see if they will cover the surgery... and that usually takes 4 to 8 weeks. Thats is why i am up.... couldnt sleep anymore... back is killing me. I also didnt realize that the numbness in my hands and fingers is caused by my large breasts... learn something new every day. so here i am... up and at em... bra on with my jammies, just drank my alka seltzer cold and took some motrin. Happy days!! LOL Kidding... actually its nice... quiet and i can come and write about yesterday and put it into perspective. Thats the wonderful thing about all of u friends... u listen... and u hear . So, yesterday i get all 4... was way under for calories but thats fine... just couldnt eat... i have my water here with me now... so its a good start. Both DH and DS number 2 have sinus infections... yuck... i feel for them. I should have come here yesterday but i was sure what to say... so i just stayed in my shell so to speak. I will be doing my watp tapes today as well... TOM was horrible the first 3 days.... so i am getting back into me again...lol I hope u are all well and happy today. Remember to take care of u... i love you all...

Sandy

Morning Ladies,

Sandyb, you are in my thoughts, hope the insurance comes through soon and you can get all that behind you. Take care.:grouphug:

pts for yesterday:3, water, food plan, and nooooo exercise! WHY AM I PUTTING THAT OFF PLEASE??????????????????????????:mad: I JUST NEED TO DO IT!:s:

Check in later gals:D

WEDNESDAY: Today is Wednesday's woes. So what can you complain, gripe, harangue, or cry about? We are here to listen!

BEGINNING POINTS:

SandyB: :bravo:
Me: :cp: (lost track of how much water I drank so I don't think I will take the water point for yesterday!)
Pam: :cp:

SandyB: For everyone concerned, please explain to everyone what you want to have done surgically so we can start praying for you! You are going to be fine and the insurance is going to come through for you I am sure!

Lisa: I saw on another thread you were asking about fiber and salt and no one has answered you. Ok, here goes. To help with the risk of diabetes, heart disease and such you should be taking in 25 to 40 gr of fiber. I help this out by drinking a glass of citrucel every morning. As for salt, you should limit yourselt fo 2400 mg tops which if you poured it out would only amount to 1 tsp of table salt believe it or not! Hope that helps. If you still want more info, http://familydoctor.org/handouts/099.html for fiber and http://www.healthgoods.com/Education...odium_diet.htm for sodium info.

Jack is having a tough time, but not with his heart. He wrenched his back in bed a couple nights ago and we can't seem to get the pain to go away. He sat up most of the night in the recliner with the heating pad on because he was in pain. I put Ben Gay on and gave the area a good massaging before I tucked him back into bed so I may be eating breakfast alone and fix his later.

From time to time, I get pm's from people I don't know telling me what an inspiration I am etc. I got one this morning from a sweet young woman and I can't tell you how uplifting it is. It spurs me on to try harder and helps me to know I am making a difference for someone, which is what I really want to do. I want everyone of you ladies to succeed to the utmost. I don't want you to give up or give in to thoughts in your head that you can't do this or that it isn't working or that "to heck with it I guess I am just destined to be fat." BOLOGNA! IT IS TIME FOR THIS GROUP TO QUIT MESSING AROUND AND GET TOTALLY SERIOUS WITH WHAT THEY WANT! We have to quit making excuses (to ourselves) about why we don't drink enough water, why we didn't eat properly, why there just wasn't time to exercise. Instead when we get up in the morning we need to look at the beautiful woman staring back at us in the mirror and say, "I AM WORTH BEING HEALTHY. I AM WORTH HAVING THE BODY I WANT. I AM WORTH BEING SEXY AND DESIRABLE." Everyone of you is worth all that and more. So the time is at hand to get our heads on right, make plans to avoid those sweets, gravies, and heavy sauces of the holiday for more intelligent, but no less tasty offerings. We CAN enjoy the holidays AND the food that comes with it. WE CAN say no to that big piece of pie and opt for a low fat dessert or a tiny slice of the fat laden pie. We MUST REMEMBER that FOOD is NOT the most important thing about the holidays even Thanksgiving. NOW YOU GO OUT AND CONQUER THE FAT WORLD, GIRLS! MAKE ME PROUD AND WORK HARD SO WE CAN ALL BE EXACTLY WHAT WE WANT TO BE~

Faye:)

MAAM, YES MAAM!! :lol:

Oh Faye, Whenever you do your :drill: thing, I can't help thinking of Forest Gump! "Julie, WHY DID YOU LOSE ALL THAT WEIGHT????" "You told me to, drill sargeant!" "YOU"RE A :censored: GENIUS!" :lol: :lol: :lol:

SO, today is a new day, right?? Yesterday BIT HARD! I was pmsing badly and just wanted to munch constantly! I think I ate a half a tub of hummus! and toast, and popcorn, and ff/sf pudding and more and more and more. I knew I was eating compulsively, but I just couldn't stop! I was totally stressed about a sewing job that has taken me waaayyy too long to finish, and I was beating myself up over it. There was a time when I could sew for 10 or 12 hours straight and just whiz through the projects. Of course, I also lived in a complete pigsty and the kids were babies, so they slept alot, and I cooked frozen dinners. I've actually started being a "real" mom who actually does cook and clean and help with homework and it takes alot of time! I'm so obsessed with making an extra buck or two that I've gotten into a hundred little sideline money projects and they're suffocating me. I never make very much, just enough to catch up on a bill or two, and it's exhausting! So, I think that's why I was binging yesterday. Stress, pure and simple.

Well, that sucks! What a stupid excuse!! Ok, I need to get out of all these little deals and just be mom for a while.........Whadya think? Is that acceptable? I have this unbelievable guilt complex about letting my husband support us singlehandedly. That's not the modern woman my mama raised me to be!! PHew, glad that's off my chest! I didn't even know it was there....guess it's a good thing it's Wednesday :lol:

AND I didn't exercise, just cuz I didn't feel like it. At least I finally drank my water!

Sandy, I will pray that your insurance comes through and that the surgery goes well. I'm sure you'll feel better once it's over.

Pam--I'll do my exercise today and you do yours, KAY? Then we can both smile tomorrow with those 4 pointers!

Lisa--Don't deny your cooking urges for the holidays! You'll regret it, I did that last year and ended up "doing" the holidays in January cuz I was so bummed. Use your weapons.....good healthy recipes! SPLENDA!! WATER WATER WATER!! and the CALENDAR!! You don't need to cook the whole season long, just at the appropriate times. Maybe have a bunch of friends or family over for Christmas Eve, or Boxing Day (DEc. 26th) so they can help you eat up all the yummy stuff you like to cook. If you make your plans now, it will be so much easier to stay on track in the coming weeks.

WELL, this is what happens when I write you gals after I drop off my kids......I RAMBLE ON AND ON AND ON :D

Hope you all have a great day!
Julie

Julie: We tend when we want to make money and have ways to do it to overextend ourselves and obviously that is what you have done. I would look at the "projects" you have for yourself, select those that are doable and enjoyable to you and cut back on the rest. I would set up my day with a "sewing time" and not go over it, like, I am going to sew 3 hours a day and when that time is up, get up from the machine. Let your clients know what to expect time frame wise and I am sure it won't be a problem in most cases and if it is, they can find someone else to take on something last minute. Stress eating is a biggy. I think most women stress eat. I stress clean, which is less harmless, but no less serious. We shouldn't substitute anything for stress, but try and eliminate it from our lives and when we can, learn how to handle it. I boredom eat and when you are not working boy can there be a lot of boredom. On top of that, we are fed up with our cable company and are getting it yanked out and not taking on a dish either so there will be lots less on tv. I am just going to have to find substitutes to keep me busy. I think with the money I save from cable, I will start on the house projects like the painting, wallpapering and such. That will definitely keep me busy.

Everyone have a good day and take care of you!

Faye;)

Good Morning girls!!;)

I'm back....a little better than ever too:lol: :lol: :dancer:

Okay for points I got all 4 pts on Monday and 4pts for Tuesday.

I been busy and this Stubborn TOM's got me a bit annoyed now. I called the doctor's office and they told me to give it one more month, which would be the third month...for the pills, Mircette to take effect. These are low in estrogen...which I need because of my PCOS(polycycstic ovarian syndrome). They also told me TOM may be outta wack because of the recent stress, weight loss, and new medication ofglocuphage XR (I am isulin resistant-PCOS related). So I will give it the benefit of the doubt and wait to see what happens next month. If it continues then they'll switch my pill.

Okay moving to the next...I lost 1 lb this week, which I am happy about because at least TOM hasn't made me gain or got me stuck, but it I feel it's slowed me down a lot and I am starting to feel a little fatigue...I'm getting me some vitamins today:D .

About Andrew he is out of rehab..early because insurance didn't cover it..go figure:s: . He's been sober for 1about 15 days( found out that month I thought he didn't drink..he actually had, but kept it to a small amount so I wouldn't notice on the phone:mad: )
But anyway, now he is going to meetings and so am I...they're helping me a lot with some of my issues. We are still broken up, and I told him the only thing I could offer to him was my friendship and support or help during his recovery, but nothing else. He took it as he says he rather have me as a friend than to lose me. We're talking more about our feelings also and I am taking one day at a time.

The hard part for me right now, since I am sorta doing a self recovery of my soul too:lol::

1-going with the flow of things
2-not stressing on things too much
3-stop being so controling
4- and just not having to plan every single thing...relaxing

but I am getting better:)

Faye: those are great recipes...thanks, especially the pineapple upside down cake...I actually have to make that for thanksgiving...it's one of my contributions, so thanks for the fat free recipe. Oh and congrats on the 5 lbs you're great!!! By the way when did the year challenge start I don't know how many I should lose to meet it????

Pam- glad to hear youre imprving on your exercising...keep it up, don't give up.

Amanda-hope the job turns out well for you.

Julie- wow you have lots of yummy recipes...thank you for sharing them.

Lisa- glad to hear your doing good.

SandyB- I will keep you in my prayers regarding the surgery...I think you asked about the pills, they're birth control, Mircette, and I am using them to regulate my TOM.

Susan- I am proud of you. You are being determined and doing great. Keep it up girl you can do this... we all can!!

Judy- sorry about your knee hope you feel better hon.

Anyone I missed sorry, but take care and hope you're all doing great.

Okay I think that is all for me today...I'll check in more now that it's a bit less crazier.

;) ;)