Hi, tortoises. Just a quick check-in here; no time to respond to much. My houseguest just left this morning -- just in time for us to begin Lent! :) (Our Easter isn't until the first week of May.) I've decided to observe the fast after all, so we got all animal products out of the house with two exceptions: tuna fish and egg beaters. I think I'll probably incorporate them into the fast so that I don't overload on carbs.

I've been over points this whole week, partly due to PMS and partly due to company. I'm up a couple of pounds, too. But it'll pass. I'm continuing to write it all down, which keeps me from going too far off the rails by keeping me honest. Sure is hard to write some of those points down, though. Hey, I guess that's the, um, point. :P

Mousie, I could use suggestions for high protein no-animal-product meals. From what I can tell, all non-animal proteins are based on starchy stuff. Educate me!

Judy, I could also use your Indian chickpea recipe. :)

Lin, way to go on those four pounds! :D

Well, gotta run to work. Have a splendid Monday, everyone.

Onward and downward,

Lauren
274/190.5/189 by April 17

Lauren, it's impossible to get protein from a non-meat source without getting at least SOME carbs. Just doesn't happen. That said, Morningstar Farms (they're dark green boxes, in the freezer section) do variations of soy that honestly taste like the meats they're supposed to substitute. Or at least, how I remember those meats tasting--it's been so long since I ate meat I may be WAY off! :lol: Anyway, they do have some carbs in them but not many. I like the Chik Nuggets, the veggie crumbles (like ground beef), and the breakfast links/breakfast patties. A good point bargain, too. :) I don't like Boca burgers at all, I can see why people think vegetarians are nuts, if they think that's what we eat!

Find a health food store if you want a snacky thing, and get roasted soybeans. They come in flavors, they're really good and really munchy. 1/4 cup is 9 grams of protein, if I remember right.

And remember, any dairy product is going to have protein. Dunno what the rules of Lent are, can you have milk, cheese, and yogurt? Those are good bets. Be careful with how much cheese, though! Sargento's makes a nice lite sliced provolone for 9 grams of protein and 1 point, nice on sandwiches.

Check out Luna Bars, though those may be WAY too starchy for you. It's another soy protein thing, 10 grams of protein, 4 points. It's like a rice krispie treat with the bottom dipped in yogurt "frosting". Very nice. I like the lemon ones and the orange ones. That reminds me, I was going to take one to the gym this morning...

I have an exam today, need to make the morning Pilates session, Spinning, and it's my birthday (nothing planned). Whirling head already! Bye Turtles!

PS--Lin, I got your email, just trying to set my computer up so I can chat!

Having an impromptu party! :hb: I actually bought a large veggie lasagna last week, for company, but they were more interested in eating foods they couldn't get at home (rightly so). So it's been taking up precious space in my freezer. I asked LiaMonster if she wanted to come over tonight and she said sure, so I called mom and she and dad and DB and SIL and nephew are all coming...and then another friend is coming...and DH might be bringing a friend or two from work...so it's a party! :)

Lasagna is 7 points for 1 serving, having (optional) garlic bread and carrots&dip and crackers&cheese. DM is bringing homemade cheesecake...give me strength! :lol: It should be lovely and happy. Shouldn't everyone celebrate the day they were lucky enough to be born to this earth? :)

Anyway, I've had 12 points so far today (2 oranges, salad, open face peanut-butter-banana sandwich) so I'm all set. :) This is turning into a nice birthday. :)

Mousie, happy birthday! :) Hope it was a lot of fun.

Thanks for the tips. No, we don't eat dairy this time of year, so that's out. I'll look for the Morningstar stuff and try the soybeans.

I was over my points every day this week, I think, and I suspect the scales tonight will reflect that. PMS roars. This too shall pass. At least I'm writing it down and continuing to exercise. And I haven't been much over points, just consistently over them.

But tomorrow is the first day of spring, the crocuses are blooming, and the birds are twittering. And the cat is getting us up earlier. :( I do love spring.

Onward and downward,

Lauren

Hi, Turtles,

Moving on to number 58. See you all there.

Lin

hi i am a newbie
 

Hi turtles! I have been reading your posts and I think this is the perfect group for me! I am interested in maintaining my wieght (I have finally reached my goal wieght) and living a healthy lifestyle. I need some advice on how to keep the wieght off and how I should eat to accomplish this. Is there a certain number of calories for example? I am 5'2 and 110 pounds...I love the way that eating healthy makes me feel, but I still crave chocolate and bagels and hamburgers...all those forbidden foods ha ha. Do yall have any suggestions? Thank you!