300+ Support Group-Peach Blossoms-The month of Of MARCH

[debkeversole]

Originally Posted by behind_the_mask

That's pretty cool about Earth Hour! I just turned off a few extra lights that were on here...

thank you so much! every little bit helps! Earth Day is April 22nd!

[amm]

I have everything bagged up into 6 bags but I didn't make a list. I don't really feel like going back through everything again. I would like to be able to use it on my taxes next year, though, since we itemized this year and probably will next year, too.

I've thought about selling some of my nicer things on ebay... it just seems like a lot of work to take pics and everything else. And I don't know that the profit would be that great in the end. Still, it seems a tiny bit hard to just give away things that I know I spent a lot of money on over the years. It shouldn't be hard, though, because the point is to help someone who may be in need.

[Zer]

Google 'online juror' to see if you qualify to be paid for your opinion on cases that are being discussed online, according to a thread that is running now at LCF-PG. Being paid for giving attorneys feedback? Could be fun. Money too!

[behind_the_mask]

Hello ladies!

Just checking in real quick...

Today's Menu:
Brunch- omelet with cheese and sausage, bacon (6)
S- turkey on oopsies (2)
D- meat and veggies of some kind???
TOTAL= 8+dinner/8 glasses of water

I'm down to 343.0 this morning... woo-hoo! I hope it keeps going down!!!

[gettinserious]

Laura- My Couch to 5 K never happened. lol. I was doing evil elliptical for .15 miles there for awhile, then I got sick with the flu (twice now, our whole house) a couple months ago, and I have been downright worthless diet and exercise wise. In a funk. I need to take a page from your book and battle through this depression that smothers me and just DO it. If you can succeed in the conditions you were in, I certainly should be able to. I think mostly it is all the health problems with Hannah. We just tested her heart this week and it weighs heavily on my mind. Food is comfort. Dang chocolatey seratonin rushes anyways. I have some small battles I am managing to overcome. My sons Easter basket is still in tact... lol... Then again, that is only cause I have bought myself some goodies (Cella Cherries once a year isn't bad is it?!?!) lol... I am terrible.

I think I just need a confidant. Someone I can just unload it all to. I would like to get some therapy going for me cause apparently there are still issues and I have no idea how to just LET it GO! My childhood traumas are no longer plaguing me however. Maybe I need to write some burn letters to my kids dads and a few other people. Get em out of my head, forgive and burn the letters. It worked with the pedophiles in my past... Perhaps it will clear some webs out from my currant adult past as well.

I need to be on these boards more, but I just have no idea how to make it happen. Two small kids, both pretty mobile now make it pert near impossible to get on anyways. By night time, I am so tired......

The other night I went to bed at 8 pm and didn't get up until 9 am! I was that exhausted. I get no help around here. So that is why I post infrequently.

[Grammie C]

Hi Deb and Company!!

How are all of you in here I absolutely think of you gals daily for one reason or another...

I will return in June to start a really serious pool activity
and four 400 cal meals a day with belly buster ingredients it came from Prevention Magazine.

Has anyone in here heard of it ??

we will start swimming second week of April

my weight is exactly the same as when I went on break.

I have not gained and I have not lost one pound it is so strange it is like my body thinks this
is where I should be.

I have no desire for sweets but do crave some fruits.

I really miss you gals I absolutely need 100 more pounds off carrying 100 extra lbs of Fat everywhere I go is so tiring and such a drag to me.

Did you ever think your hangbag was heavy ? Isn't that a joke while I carry 100 lbs of useless fat all over the place everywhere Carol went her fat is sure to go

I will be back to focus on weightloss as soon as my grandaughter makes her appearence

You are in my thoughts

[Zer]

Originally Posted by Coriander

... four 400 cal meals a day with belly buster ingredients it came from Prevention Magazine. Has anyone in here heard of it ??

Is it the "Prevention flat-belly diet" that is reviewed at dietsinreview.com - with "sassy water" that has ginger, a thermogenic spice, to crank up metabolism?

...emphasis on ... water consumption. When you get enough water, your body runs on all cylinders, warding off fatigue and water retention. The Flat Belly Diet has users drink "Sassy Water," which is named after Prevention's nutrition director Cynthia Sass. The water includes ginger, which is good for soothing your gastrointestinal tract.

Interesting plan:

The Flat Belly Diet proudly touts that it's high in fat - good fat. The emphasis is on "MUFAs," or monounsaturated fatty acids. Each of your meals include them. Examples of "MUFA foods" are olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, and even chocolate. Here's a sample dinner recipe:

With a 91% success rate, it's tempting.

The Flat Belly Diet espouses a healthy eating plan. While it's not entirely revolutionary, it is based on some interesting new data. We've known for a while about healthy fats, but the prospects of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) targeting your midsection is exciting news.

I'm getting excited. Where are my pumpkin seeds (munch munch munch)...chocolate too???

[Zer]

Something to think about on this last day of March, the last day to build up the total weight lost this month. Some of my pounds have been lost at least twice this month, with my bouncing up-down-up-up-down-up all during this month of adapting to my talking scale and my new passion for collecting data on weight.

What can I do to burn 3,500calories today? I'll see if I can get up and OUT to check mail, send off a pkg, tote trash to dumpster and tote a bag or two of books at least as far as my car's trunk. Destination library or recycle shelf at the local senior center. Not sure where these books will end up. Just hope to see more floor space at the end of this day, the end of this month. It's been a productive month for me, even with redundant weight loss. I'm learning a lot.

What's your last day of March look like? March: In like a lion, out like a lamb!

[pescacat]

Hi-
AMM-I hear ya loud and clear about the whole idea being to help others.

Tanicka-Hope you all feel better and get rid of the flu bug and its recurrence soon! As for exercise, I can understand how illness derails you. I recall when I was in Italy how when I got sick I was just too weak/no energy at exercise. It took a couple of weeks to even feel like I could attempt anything and then went back on a light/downgraded routine. To get sick and have a relaspe must have drained you so much-especially taking care of everyone else in the house too! That also goes for the rough times I went through and my staying on track-I didn't have anyone else to care for and you ahve two very active kids and your man who all look to you to be the caregiver, cook, maid, taxi driver, grocery shopper and everything else! I don't know how you manage but I admire you! I hope you do get to talk to someone and feel free to PM me anytime-I'm always here for you! **hugs**

Zer-hope the extra activity helps with the scale going down. That way of eating that you and Deb refer to sounds interesting but I'm not willing to add carbs in right now (i.e. the roasted potatoes). However, the fish and beans sounds like a great idea! It will be added to my menu later this week or next!

Thanks to Cleo and the rest of you about what to do to burn belly fat-I'll try the postural change and keep walking in general.

I weighed in this morning at 291.6 -so close to the 280's! I started March at 305.8 so that means I lost 14.2 pounds so far this month.

Hope everyone else has a good day!

--Laura

[desdemona]

Good morning...

So bf stayed at my house again last night and we took a bath together in candle light. I made him dinner then took him into my room. I had candles lit on the night stands...I have a big bathtub, one of the garden tubs. I pulled him into it and washed him with my scrubby body wash, washed his hair, rinsed him off and just held him... He told me he's scared because he thinks he's falling in love with me, that I feel too much of a perfect match for him. I just love him being there...so nice to feel so close with him.

I just am not getting enough sleep!

[Hot Tamale]

Gee Des, sounds awfully nice.

Laura - will you post a few days' menus? I need to have a few 14 pound months!!!!

I'll BBL - I MUST work on my paperwork today. Have a great low-carb day!!!!!!!!!1

[cleochatra]

Woohoo, Laura! when you lose weight, you don't mess around!!!

My scale is giving me some funky numbers, so I have to wait until I weigh in at my weight loss group for actual confirmation. I don't buy what I'm seeing. The scale weighs fine for my husband and kids, but he thinks there could be different chips for different weights, so my weight chip could be toast. We'll see! We've been laughing at my crazy numbers.

It is almost April! I can't believe it!

Carol, you are doing so amazingly well! I am so proud of your progress. You are an inspiration!

amm-- craigslist is a quick and easy way to sell your clothes. Just show pictures of the nicer items, price everything for one cost, and make them haul off everything! I love doing that. I sold a bed this weekend. They didn't want the mattress but I made them take it. For the low cost, it was part of the deal!

[cleochatra]

gettinserious-- {{{{you}}} I'm sorry you are going through so much! I remember how hard it was with young kids. They can get into a lot of mischief, and you feel that everything you're doing has to do directly with kids. It is really difficult to have your own identity and 'adult' time-- especially when you're so tired!

Zer-- You've already almost lost 100 pounds! Go you!!!

I have a ton to do today, so I hope to check back in later!

*hip bumps around the room to my sistahs*

[debkeversole]

TOM is here and i went back to bed after i took DS12 to school skipped Curves and just woke up

[eaglesmate]

just a quick check in for me. laura! wow! great job!
work is weird today, wont be at my desk much so this will likely be my only post today, will check in with you all tommorrow hope everyone has a great day

[**Lola**]

Amm, if you want to give away the clothes maybe you could do it on freecycle.org.

I gave away some clothes a couple of years ago when I had lost a bunch of weight and got so many responses from women who needed some nice things but couldnt afford them.

[Zer]

Originally Posted by pescacat

I weighed in this morning at 291.6 - so close to the 280's! I started March at 305.8 so that means I lost 14.2 pounds so far this month.

Nothing like wrestling with boxes and unpacking to burn a few calories! I hope you will find that having your own kitchen leads to all sorts of LC dishes for a tasty and varied menu - and more great weight loss!

Good luck in job search. I have a feeling that you will find a job that fits you and that gives you plenty of chance to explore how best to share your rich life experience. You are a survivor, Laura, and that's worth more than gold. Pass along your experience, as opportunities arise. You are an inspiration! Be well.

[Zer]

I'd like to chime in and encourage you to hang in there for these precious few years that are SO IMPORTANT for forming character in children. Come here as often as you can, to re-charge your batteries and renew your spirit. I'm thinking of a saying that rings true: GOD COULD NOT BE EVERYWHERE, SO HE MADE MOTHERS. That says it all. Be proud of the sacrifice you make to be present for your offspring, as overwhelming as the job may seem. Soon you will be wondering where they are and when they will pop in to say HI!

Originally Posted by cleochatra

gettinserious-- {{{{you}}} I'm sorry you are going through so much! I remember how hard it was with young kids. They can get into a lot of mischief, and you feel that everything you're doing has to do directly with kids. It is really difficult to have your own identity and 'adult' time-- especially when you're so tired!

I'm not a mother, but I do admire those who accept the role and who manage to survive the demands put on them by children and society. Hang in there. We're here for you when you can find a few moments to check in. Have a good LC day!

[debkeversole]

Laura*happy dance happy dance* you go girl! WOOT!

[**Lola**]

Laura's my personal hero. She's doing fabulous.

Laura---I bet you will be in the 260's or lower by June when you go back to Italy and your Ex's jaw will hit the floor.

[FiberGal]

She lives! everyone!

I've missed so much here, but this was one monster flair up of pain and misery...plus we got snow for the last 5 days and rain the rest of the time. Crazy wicked cold.

But a big congrats to all those who continue to shed the weight!

I've been bouncing up and down the same 6 pounds for the whole month. I will weigh in tomorrow to see what my total for March will be. I'm a little bummed, but not overly so cuz I know this fluid will release eventually.

I'm drinking 90 oz of water a day.

Meal plan is the same so I know I'm retaining fluid from the fibro, but I also think my hormones are playing games with me.

Has anyone here (who is also married) completed menopause? If so, how did you know?

Cuz I'm thinking I might have and I'm only 47. I will be speaking with my doctor about it next month when I go in for my A1C blood work, but I'm curious if what I've been experiencing lately is the completion of menopause or if it is something totally different, like my weight loss or diabetes.

Here's what's been happening:

Hot flashes
The kind where I feel like my skin will burst into flames if I don't get air immediately, these generally occur every evening about 10 p.m. and last for about 35 mins. I don't sweat rivers, but I must sit in front of a fan until it passes. This has gone on for 2 years and has recently stopped.

Sex has become very painful
I noticed this about 6 months ago, the more weight I lose, the more "access" I guess? The more painful it is. I did speak with my doc about it and she suggested using a pillow to elevate my hips to a different angle, but I find it's still quite painful as he still hits my cervix (sorry if it's too much info) no matter the "position".

Vaginal Dryness
This happened just the last week and has me the most concerned and what makes me think I've completed menopause. It's a bit uncomfortable and is a very strange feeling.

Am I normal or is it someting I need to be really concerned about? Like I said, I'll be seeing my Doc next month, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced what I have?

[Hot Tamale]

That STUPID MAN doesn't even deserve to be able to look at her - he should not even be allowed in the same room as her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Laura - let me come to Italy with you so I can tear him a new one...which he obviously needs.

[Zer]

My sense is that Laura will be too busy to travel in June. Her Italian lawyer can go on her behalf, to represent her, while Laura gets on with whatever wonderful stuff lies ahead of her in Georgia. I see great opportunities opening up for Laura, as she gets more and more active and the weight just drops off, melts away while Laura is dancing and dating and doing all sorts of stuff that is more interesting than seeing Mr.DooDooDrawers (can't get that image out of my mind) for any reason whatsoever. I just think that chapter is closed - or will be, once Laura starts meeting and mingling with people who see her for the glorious gal she is! Laura, are you listening? What do you think, as you relax and come to your senses with nice people being nice to you?