Need a motivating buddy to lose 50 pounds with by April 2007

[carbjunkie]

Everyone seems to be doing well. Let's keep the momentum. Jina try to get some veggies in when you eat meat. I'll post my menu for the day.

B - protein shake
L - turkey burger with broccoli wedgees
D - grilled chicken brown rice n spinach

a few snacks inbetween I'm sure...

ciao for now

[Stelakate]

Hey! Just finished our one hour workout. It was awesome! Did a pilates routing 18 exercises, 10 minutes intense cardio (stairs, precor, jogging in place) and some ball exercises. Going to incorporate some arms on Friday w/this routine. We felt great! The stairs are a challenge we both have knees that don't work the best, my issue is the extra weight but she has some arthritis in hers. We kept on trucking. SO proud!
Stela just sat in her swing and watched us, she is such a great baby!
What veges should I eat? I dont normally do steak for breakfast w/o eggs or cheese but I wasn't that hungry (NEVER THOUGHT I'D HEAR MYSELF SAY THAT!). Biggest loser is 2 hrs tonight!!!!
Well, Stela has baby biscuit all over the both of us---off for now.
Menu sounds great T.!

Talk later girls!

[cardenas5usa]

2 whole hours!! I am going to do some self directed cardio durring the show, we'll see how that goes?

Wow, sounds like everybody is jumping into exercise early today, think I'll do some pilates after I am done typing! gotta keep up with you guys! So proud of you girls!! Jina, glad you started your afterwork workouts with your friend!!

Jina, maybe some broccoli? I like broc steamed then sprinkled with gorgonzola and crispy bacon pieces! Or make-ahead cauliflower mash! I love it and always make it for the "meat and potatoes" kind of meals. Boil the cauliflower until it is really soft. Mash it like you would potatoes with a little cream, parma cheese, salt, pepper. They have a nice meaty flavor. They reheat fantasticly! I made them the night before last with LC meatloaf, no bread crumbs, greated zucchini and onion instead.

Teresa, your menu sounds real good! Since you are doing whole foods, do you favor your veggies raw or do you cook them? Here's my menu for today:

B-Cottage cheese
Snack-Chipotle Shrimp Soup
L-Pizza in a Bowl
Snack-Crudites and spicy salt
D-Tofu and Veggie Coconut Curry and salad
Snack-Curves Chocolate Shake

Ok, Pizza, since you were talking about it, just among us girls, who could eat a whole large pizza all by themselves? My former self certainly could! How sick am I, thinking that a large pizza isn't THAT much food?

Alright, I am sending good vibes out to ya girls, keep up the great work! Pilates is calling my number, I'll try to check back in tonight! We will be absolutly FAB soon! Ashley

[cardenas5usa]

Jina, here is my Gyros recipe, if you don't mind repitition, you can make this up and eat it all week long for lunch, dinner, snack. If I don't have too many carbs left for the day I just use the biggest lettuce leave I can find for my wrapper. The cooked patties freeze well too in case you don't want to eat it all. And Katie can just eat one of the patties in a bun like a burger! 2 in 1!!

Healthy Turkey Gyros

 1 lb. Ground turkey breast
 1 lb. Ground turkey dark
 1 onion, finely chopped
 3 cloves garlic, minced
 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
 1 ½ tablespoon dried rosemary
 2 teaspoon kosher salt
 ½ teaspoon black pepper

To serve:
 Tzatziki sauce (recipe below)
 Tomato slices
 Romaine lettuce leaves, washed
 Onions, sliced into rings (optional)
 Wraps, pita breads or low-carb tortillas

Put the turkey, onion, and garlic in a large bowl. In a spice grinder, grind the marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper to a fine powder. Add to the turkey and combine well with washed bare hands. Form into eight patties. Cook or grill until internal temperature is 170* F (about 5 minutes on a George Forman Grill.) Cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. For each Gyros, thinly slice half of a turkey patty and arrange the meat over a wrap with 1 or 2 lettuce leaves in the middle. Top with a few slices of tomato, onion, and Tzatziki sauce. To serve burger style, just serve each patty on a bun with above toppings.

Tzatziki Sauce

 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
 2 cloves garlic, chopped
 ½ tablespoon olive oil
 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
 2 tablespoons milk
 2 tablespoons water
 ½ teaspoon dill
 pinch of salt
 1/2 cucumber, diced (preferably English variety)

Combine all ingredients but cucumber in blender and blend until smooth. If sauce appears to thick add another tablespoon of water, taste for seasoning. Pour into serving bowl and stir in cucumber.

Enjoy!!

Written by Ashley Cardenas 2004

[Stelakate]

Well Jaron going home was sad to me. I liked him, and have waited for those two girls to go home for a long time!!! I cant believe how much weight Matt had gained and Suzi a bit too. I guess it's kinda unreasonable to think they would get over the hype of the show and the challenge....and still maintain. They both look great though.
I fell off the wagon last night, and no sympathies for me-I will do better today and make it up. My back is the only thing killing me from yesterday's 1 hr. workout so that means I am good to go for the weekend. YaY!

Well, eggs and meat for me today-string cheese for snacks and I might get some veges too.....green beans. Hey, it's better than nothing!

[carbjunkie]

Good morning girls. Jina..it's ok to fall off the wagon now and then but remember it's just a set back so it's really not worth it in the end. It's that inner self sabotage you need to squash Ashley..your recipe sounds good and to tell you about my 'whole foods' woe it's just that I just like to eat clean. Nothing from a box or can (in general) I basically keep my diet to chicken,fish,turkey and non starchy veggies with lots of fruit except banana. I also swear on taking L-carnitine while working out..it helps. I also do the CLA/GLA too. Well girls..tomorrow is weigh day and I know you both had your successes recently but I'm not sure about mine. Last night I ate two servings of brown rice - too much..and I wanted to snack after dinner but I didn't. I was really bummed to see the guy from last year come back with about 25 lbs more on him! It makes me understand how hard this battle really is.

[cardenas5usa]

Efrain and I were both surprised that Matt had gained back so much weight!! Suzi, I didn't really notice, but Matt for sure. But, like you said Jina, it just goes to show that this is a lifestyle change, not just a diet. Reality sets in! But I was glad to see that they went to the schools to check out the eating scene. Our health problems as a nation, I believe, start in the most ridiculous place, the one place that is supposed to teach you how to be successful in life, SCHOOL. I remember in high school, 8 years ago now, but back then they already had Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, in school, plus all those super fattening school lunches and all the junk food and soda. I don't even think they offered a salad choice everyday. Bad, bad, and more bad! I am glad to see that Maya's school offers 3-4 differet entrees a day, always made with a whole grain something, and then they can choose as many fruits and veggies as they want off the produce cart. Maya, loves fruits and veggies, sometimes I worry that she doesn't eat enough protein and fats. But, I am glad she has healthy choices at school.

Well, last night I did do my self directed cardio, went well, but seemed a lot longer since I wasn't watching "kathy" do it. Then Efrain and I did the pilates, and then added free weights and I did some ab slide/glider or whatever it is.

Went to Curves this morning. I am feeling sore just about everywhere but thats ok. I had a bite of strawberry/rhubarb pie last night, was good, but a taste was plenty. I want to get to where I want to be fast!! That way I can enjoy dessert again, in moderation, and maintain.

Before watching Big Loser last night I went to Kohles, I found a pair of chinos that were marked down to 6 bucks in a size 16, I thought, okay I'll try 'em on. I slid right into them, I could even breath, and there wasn't even like a huge flab hangin' over the top of them! Amazed! But, I decided that the chinos cut is still not ment for me, maybe when I drop another 20 pounds?

Okay T, what's CLA/GLA? I feel like I should know, but I don't.

Jina, go for the veggies!! You can do it!

Breakfast time has arrived, check-in with ya girls later! Go Team Go! Ashley

[Stelakate]

Ashley,
Thanks for that recipe. I am going to try it. There is a recipe for turkey and walnut salad served in endive leaves I am going to try!
Sounds great, I am hungry. Well, off to do pilates!

[cardenas5usa]

So, yes I am a constant shopper for the next great thing, it's just how I am, kind of compulsive and obsessive about things that I get into. And right now that is new foods to lose weight.

So maybe this applies more to Jina and I but maybe T. you would try them too? I went to Whole Foods yesterday and I found some sea kelp noodles. Cold they are super crunchy kind of like cold rice noodles(or that black woodear mushroom in hot n sour soup), but even more so. But heated up they become just like those clear rice noodles, much softer and pliable. I would even use them to make spaghetti! They have a slight mineral taste that lends itself well to asian cusine, I had them under my coconut curry. They are such a great filler, I have missed noodles a lot!!! These are perfect!

Ok, so the best part!! They are made totally out of kelp, water, and sodium alginate they extract from brown seaweed. They come packaged (12 OZ. $2.49), ready for use, just heat if desired. 4 WHOLE ounces is a serving, and per serving they are only 6 calories!!!! 0 fats, 1 carb - 1 fiber, so net 0 carbs, and 0 protein. Also, 1 serving has 15% of daily USDA Rec calcium. Since I am not drinking too much milk, this is a good benefit for me. I am going to try making spring rolls wrapped with lettuce and use these and some pork and veggies inside. In case you want to look these up, they are made by Sea Tangle Noodle Company

I also bought some tofu noodles, yet to try them, but I'll let you guys know how they are. just thought you'd want to know Ash

[carbjunkie]

I don't believe in over supplementing your diet but there are some good stuff out there to take on a 3-9mos basis depending on your needs. I like what dr perricone has to say about GLA (gamma linolenic acid) is an essential omega that the body cannot create. Also combined with CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) helps release stored fat in the body. I read alot on nutrition. I believe the body is amazing..if you can find your "niche" then you can fix what is going wrong. Like me..who just seems to store fat instead of burning it. I think I'm getting sick..hubby has a bad cold and I'm catching it..bummer.

[cardenas5usa]

Teresa,
so what brand do you take? Is it a combo of the two in one pill or just take both seperatly? Just reading what is on LCfriends I am very intrigued! Did you talk to a Dr before you started taking them? I have been thinking about taking a weightloss "booster" in conjunction with what I am already doing but I am worried about side effects and that sort of thing. I am already taking Flax oil and Fiber caplets for regularity. Anyway, would love hear more about your expirence with CLA/GLA! Ash

PS. I hope you don't get sick! Now would be a horrible time, well anytime is a horrible time,but especially now when you are just getting going! Eat some homemade chicken soup, it really does work!

[carbjunkie]

Funny that you say that..I made my own homemade chicken soup with organic low sodium broth, zucchini, kale & chicken breast chunks (leftover from last night) it was actually really good! Anyway..to answer your question earlier..yes I do steam my veggies although I will eat them raw in salads. The CLA and GLA are two different pills..any high quality brand will do..just look on the net. Flax is good..I use that too. Good find on the noodles..I love them too and also stay away from pasta and bread (except ezekiel sometimes) it's a brand that has no flour in it. I think I am getting sick..I feel like crap. Oh well..better this week than next. I will post a pic as soon as I figure out how to do it

[cardenas5usa]

Teresa, go back to post #6 on page one of Jina's and my posts. Jina explained how to do it in that post. I know you go to the User Control Panel link at the top of the page. And then go to the picture link, I think? Ash

PS. Thanx for the info on the supps. :-)

[Stelakate]

251

my own fault. Doing my 1 hr routine after work and have a busy weekend w/ Christmas things. Not feeling so ambitious today---this is such an everyday CONSCIOUS thing it gets a little depressing.
Check in to see the weights. Fingers crossed for you Ash.
Hopeful for change for your weight T.

[cardenas5usa]

okay, let me do a little dance.

OMG, I don't believe it, could my scale be wrong? Yesterday I did my curves and then 2 cardios throughout the day and at night I added in a little weight work and some ab glider.

My weight as of today..................198.8!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Somebody slap me, I must be dreaming!!

Jina, it is just 1 pound, probably you just need to go pee! Don't fret, we now have a fresh start on the week, a whole seven days!! Eat good food and workout hard!!

Teresa, can't "weight" to hear from you!!!

Thanx for all your girls support, I never would have done it without ya, Ash

[carbjunkie]

Only down 1 lb too..I haven't put much effort into exercising more than 30 mins a day. I'm officially sick so this is not helping me..I know it's the lack of exercise but I'll be in full force on monday. Anyway, congrats Ash..good job done! I will definately keep you motivated. Keeping eating clean and it will continue to drop. Don't stress out J..1lb lost is BETTER than 1 lb gained. Hang in there girls the weekend will be challenging. Let me know whats on the menu today.

[Stelakate]

onederland!!!! congrats Ash!!!

I am so proud of you!!!! You are inspiring!!! Sending hugs!!!!!!!

also, great on the chino's in a 16. you are so great!

ps; Teresa- reread my post, I DID GAIN A POUND. Not an overly big deal, will get it off next week.

New goal for next week: 246 /3 one hr workouts /7 days of pilates

[cardenas5usa]

Teresa, 1 pound down is good. Next week you will do even better when you feel better. Had cottage cheese for breakfast snack and just now had eggs and potato-less hash. Not sure about the rest of the day. Got Curves out of the way already. Yeah! Thanx for the pats on the back T., and Jina! Check-back later! Ash

[cardenas5usa]

Jina, how are you doing? I hope you are doing good today despite your tiny-weeny set back. Is today one of your exercise days? Work it for all it's worth! And hows that precor elephant? You can do it!

revised goals for this next week: -3.8lbs (195.0 lbs) It should be easier this upcoming week, mom is going home. But, she said Efrain and I have inspired her to go home and really get with her Curves diet. That is great for me, cause next month she will come with her head in low carb mode!

Exercise: 4 times at Curves, cardio everynight (though I have to admit I am getting bored of Kathy, think I'll switch to Leslie,) Pilates 4 times, free weights 3 times.

T. Sending feel good vibes down your way.

Ash

[Stelakate]

Hey,
I am ok, it's not a huge deal but it is frustrating not to be in my zone low carb wise. I need to be more strict for a couple weeks....meat/eggs/cheese and 1-2 cups veges per day. Limit my coffee to 1 cup of unless decaf, then 2 cups. Going grocery shopping tomorrow, will get myself really set up right.

Just got back from Christmas shopping and it's busy out. Stela got her pictures taken, they are cute. Tried to get a pic of all three grandkids for my Mom and none turned out...its so hard w/ a baby, 3 and 4 yr old. I know you know the feeling!
Anyway-busy weekend, making homemade tamales at Kate's aunts tomorrow. It sounds like we are so authenticly mexican, but we really dont do much mexican food.....but I do love it so.
I think your goal sounds great. I didnt do my 1 hr today. Rebecca and I will do it sunday though and I will do pilates the next 2 days. Really want that 246 next fri.
Well, check in tomorrow. feeling a little down today-not sure why, I love this time of year. Sinuses are acting up, makes me sleepy.
Talk soon, keep up the great work.

[cardenas5usa]

Tomarrow's a new day. You will get in your zone once your freshly stocked from the grocery store. Ashley

[cardenas5usa]

Oh man, tell me about trying to get 3 kids to hold still for a pic. Thank god for digital cameras! I can just keep clicking until I get one. I just got all my kids Christmas outfits rounded up. I might try to get some pics soon.

Ahh, tamales, you guys must be gearing up for El Dia de La Virgen Guadalupe. We are planning to go to Efrain's aunt's house, she got a HUGE Virgen Guadalupe statue. We'll most likely have posole, mmm, yum!

Take care and talk to ya soon, Ash