Wendy Chant Code Crackers Week of 20 October 2008

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by free to be me

Hi Pam, You should check out our exercise thread. Several of us started the c25k 6-7 weeks ago. I would caution about starting off too heavy, since you have run before, you know the toll it takes on our bodies and we need to build up the body's ability to handle it. Kelley, Renee, Sara, Kate and I are all in the program...Rhonda is re-starting it as well. I hope I did not forget anyone! In any event...there are many others posting their exercise in that thread as well...look at post #3 from this week and you will find out link.

and enjoy the fellowship here!

Oh my Alissa, you are up early! I got your email last night, but it was round 3 of throwing up last night (my DS Drew). Luckily my hubby was able to stay home with him. Will hopefully write tonight

[free to be me]

Ladies...

I will be off today taking my little on to a doctor's appointment (just a routine check in with her Physiatrist...rehab doc) and then I am off to my Fit Test this afternoon.

Have a great day ladies!

[Pat in Mich]

Originally Posted by free to be me

Hey Pat, Connie posted a program about the 90 Day Fitness Walking Program. it is post #11 of the exercise thread:

~CRACKERS LEARNING TO CRACK THE EXERCISE CODE~

Check it out...maybe it is a good program for you? Baby steps...you can do this!!

Thanks....looks great and that it's the one for me....love this board!

[free to be me]

Oh Kelley! Your little ones are playing pass the virus! So sorry, hope Drew is feeling better soon. Uh-oh...maybe hubby is next Hopefully not! If memory serves this started with you middle one a few weeks ago...

Take care hon...more later!

[LoriSax]

Good Morning....Renee, I made your cheeseburger salad last night, and you are right, it is delish!! That will be a staple for me!

Today is my carb up day, and I am looking forward to spaghetti with a piece of garlic bread for dinner. Tomorrow, is it a baseline, or carb down, I can't remember, I will have to look at my calendar, we are going to AppleBee's for dinner. I know I can get a small steak w/ steamed veggies, or maybe they have some great fish or salmon, but any suggestions would be welcome!!
Lori

[Vladis]

Vladis – You are too funny – kind of reminding me of Silence of the Lambs though!!!Hey KelleyNo, no, no - Vladis is a very cuddly beaver. No Silence of the Lambs

[Vladis]

Originally Posted by LoriSax

Good Morning....Renee, I made your cheeseburger salad last night, and you are right, it is delish!! That will be a staple for me!

Today is my carb up day, and I am looking forward to spaghetti with a piece of garlic bread for dinner. Tomorrow, is it a baseline, or carb down, I can't remember, I will have to look at my calendar, we are going to AppleBee's for dinner. I know I can get a small steak w/ steamed veggies, or maybe they have some great fish or salmon, but any suggestions would be welcome!!
Lori

Hi Lori,
I would go on their website and make my choice NOW. That way you don;t even have to look at their menu and be tempted again. Go in with your choice and your mind made up

[free to be me]

Originally Posted by LoriSax

Good Morning....Renee, I made your cheeseburger salad last night, and you are right, it is delish!! That will be a staple for me!

Today is my carb up day, and I am looking forward to spaghetti with a piece of garlic bread for dinner. Tomorrow, is it a baseline, or carb down, I can't remember, I will have to look at my calendar, we are going to AppleBee's for dinner. I know I can get a small steak w/ steamed veggies, or maybe they have some great fish or salmon, but any suggestions would be welcome!!
Lori

Lori,

You can go online and check out the nutritional information on their dishes. I do that on Red Robin's site all the time...so I can plan and order accordingly. You may want to be sure the meat and or veggies do not have any added sauces on them. Usually THAT is where those hidden sugars are. ALSO, any resturaunt will cook a piece of meat or fish just about anyway you want it...for example if it is a 'pan fried' dish, you can just ask for it ot be grilled. I do this all the time my friends call me the "Special Order Queen" and tease me about the scene in When Harry Met Sally where Sally is ordering Apple Pie...maybe this is making someone laugh now!

OK...I could hang here all day but I gotta run! Buh-Buh for now ladeis!

[free to be me]

Vladis...great minds

[alwaysdancing]

Hi Jackie welcome, you have a nice group of week 1 ladies to join so hop on board.

I had a question, has anyone who's been around here awhile gone to the chat rooms? I am just looking at all the stuff to do on this site and there is a lot. I was reading the book again last night and think I might order the dvd. I'm one of those the more you know the more prepared you can be.

My kids and I have to go to their dad's funeral today so I'll be gone all after noon then have to go to work so I'll check in when I get home tonight. BTW I posted last night after 11 and it showed at around 9 so timing is off.

Catch you all later.

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by LoriSax

Good Morning....Renee, I made your cheeseburger salad last night, and you are right, it is delish!! That will be a staple for me!

Today is my carb up day, and I am looking forward to spaghetti with a piece of garlic bread for dinner. Tomorrow, is it a baseline, or carb down, I can't remember, I will have to look at my calendar, we are going to AppleBee's for dinner. I know I can get a small steak w/ steamed veggies, or maybe they have some great fish or salmon, but any suggestions would be welcome!!
Lori

steak and veggies or salad sounds delish! I love salmon and veggies. Have fun. You can do it. I went out to dinner on week 1 at Rubys and got the grilled salmon without sauce and a side of broccoli so if I can do it for week 1 - you should be ok for week 2!

[Pat in Mich]

Connie wrote: Pat in Michigan- see the exercise thread for the first 30 days of 90 days to fitness thru walking. I will post the next 30 days by the end of the week. I am not an exerciser, have diabetes, and have had a double by-pass. So, this is a good one for me and anyone else who isn't into exercise.

Thanks Connie, someone else directed me there and I printed it off and am going to start Monday. At 320 pounds it's a chore to even walk down the road but I am determined to make exercise part of my life....

Thanks again for this and for all your generosity!

[kellycarbaddict]

Morning Ladies.... i LOVE coming here to read and catch up. Keep up the great work everyone.

I did better yesterday and actually ate 4 meals. I couldn't eat all the food, but it was nice knowing it was available if I wanted it. I have a hard time eating when I'm doing LC. I just have no desire to eat. Yet when I eat junk food all I do is eat. It's crazy. I had a headache and felt hungover most of the day yesterday, I'm thinking it's working the carbs out. uugh.....

At first look at the week 1 breakfasts, i was sure I'd be starving within an hour. I was shocked when I mixed up 3/4 cup egg whites and 1 whole egg how much that really was scrambled. I measure out the hamburger and sprinkled cheese (it was a bit more than a pinch, but I made sure to count the carbs for the day) I had a WHOLE kids sized plate of food. It was wonderful.

I wasn't in the mood for a salad last night, but the steak, mushrooms and broccoli really filled me up. And of course my 5 year old asking for seconds of "little trees" really warmed my heart.

MeatPea26, Vladis, JMPRGRL74, Livinagain, JKVetter and other week 1'ers - DAY 3 - How are you doing today? How are you feeling? KUTGW ladies... we can do this

[COLOR="Red"]QOTD - Any suggestions for a week 1 approved drink at Starbucks? [/COLOR]

I'm going to Starbucks for biblestudy tonight. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but love the super sugary white chocolate mocha ones. Any suggestions on something doable? My first thought is water, but wondered if there was something legal.

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by alwaysdancing

Hi Jackie welcome, you have a nice group of week 1 ladies to join so hop on board.

I had a question, has anyone who's been around here awhile gone to the chat rooms? I am just looking at all the stuff to do on this site and there is a lot. I was reading the book again last night and think I might order the dvd. I'm one of those the more you know the more prepared you can be.

My kids and I have to go to their dad's funeral today so I'll be gone all after noon then have to go to work so I'll check in when I get home tonight. BTW I posted last night after 11 and it showed at around 9 so timing is off.

Catch you all later.

Hi there - I've lurked on the other threads, but never gone in the chat rooms. I will tell you some of the other threads people can get down right nasty. That is why I lurk for a little while before I post. Nothing but love, sometimes tough love, but love here!

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by kellycarbaddict

Morning Ladies.... i LOVE coming here to read and catch up. Keep up the great work everyone.

I did better yesterday and actually ate 4 meals. I couldn't eat all the food, but it was nice knowing it was available if I wanted it. I have a hard time eating when I'm doing LC. I just have no desire to eat. Yet when I eat junk food all I do is eat. It's crazy. I had a headache and felt hungover most of the day yesterday, I'm thinking it's working the carbs out. uugh.....

At first look at the week 1 breakfasts, i was sure I'd be starving within an hour. I was shocked when I mixed up 3/4 cup egg whites and 1 whole egg how much that really was scrambled. I measure out the hamburger and sprinkled cheese (it was a bit more than a pinch, but I made sure to count the carbs for the day) I had a WHOLE kids sized plate of food. It was wonderful.

I wasn't in the mood for a salad last night, but the steak, mushrooms and broccoli really filled me up. And of course my 5 year old asking for seconds of "little trees" really warmed my heart.

MeatPea26, Vladis, JMPRGRL74, Livinagain, JKVetter and other week 1'ers - DAY 3 - How are you doing today? How are you feeling? KUTGW ladies... we can do this

[COLOR="Red"]QOTD - Any suggestions for a week 1 approved drink at Starbucks? [/COLOR]

I'm going to Starbucks for biblestudy tonight. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but love the super sugary white chocolate mocha ones. Any suggestions on something doable? My first thought is water, but wondered if there was something legal.

Sounds like you are doing great and what a wonderful meal you had last night. See ladies it is not all salads!

Alissa has turned all us latte lovers into Americano babes! Love my Americano with a touch of half and half!

[free to be me]

Originally Posted by kellycarbaddict

Morning Ladies.... i LOVE coming here to read and catch up. Keep up the great work everyone.

I did better yesterday and actually ate 4 meals. I couldn't eat all the food, but it was nice knowing it was available if I wanted it. I have a hard time eating when I'm doing LC. I just have no desire to eat. Yet when I eat junk food all I do is eat. It's crazy. I had a headache and felt hungover most of the day yesterday, I'm thinking it's working the carbs out. uugh.....

At first look at the week 1 breakfasts, i was sure I'd be starving within an hour. I was shocked when I mixed up 3/4 cup egg whites and 1 whole egg how much that really was scrambled. I measure out the hamburger and sprinkled cheese (it was a bit more than a pinch, but I made sure to count the carbs for the day) I had a WHOLE kids sized plate of food. It was wonderful.

I wasn't in the mood for a salad last night, but the steak, mushrooms and broccoli really filled me up. And of course my 5 year old asking for seconds of "little trees" really warmed my heart.

MeatPea26, Vladis, JMPRGRL74, Livinagain, JKVetter and other week 1'ers - DAY 3 - How are you doing today? How are you feeling? KUTGW ladies... we can do this

[COLOR="Red"]QOTD - Any suggestions for a week 1 approved drink at Starbucks? [/COLOR]

I'm going to Starbucks for biblestudy tonight. I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but love the super sugary white chocolate mocha ones. Any suggestions on something doable? My first thought is water, but wondered if there was something legal.

Hi There!!

I am a recovering LATTE junkie!
I was a grande skinny vanilla latte lady until thie WOE...I thought it would be the hardest thing to 'do without' UNTILL...

I went on the website (starbucks) and just poked around for a substitute (not a fan of plain regular coffee) AND I FOUND IT! The perfect substitute for my latte!!

Grande SF Hazelnut (or vanilla) Americano with 1 TBS haf and half! Yumm...very rich and creamy with the espresso and no one is the wiser when you order it! Hope this helps!! By the way, I believe they have SF Mocha syrup as well...

OH YES!! One more thing...I ALWAYS order a Venti water with whatever I get at Starbucks. Always...that way you also get some good water in

[free to be me]

Kelley...you beat me to it I am running back and forth between my bathroom and my computer to keep up on the conversation My kids are looking at me funny!!!

[Gracefully]

Originally Posted by jmprgrl74

Thank you guys so much for the warm welcome! I cannot believe that I forgot how good it feels getting the junk out of my system. ..longer legs than I so we didn't stay together long. One of us would have a watch then hollar at the other one who was generally on the other side of the pond we run around, "TIME!" This is way better I think I'm going to start on week 4 or maybe even 5 since I can do 2 miles already with maybe one short stop to breath after a big hill in my neighborhood. If I go back down to the flat pond, I think I could do even better. We'll see. I downloaded Week 4 on to see how it goes. I'm considering doing a 5K December 6th but haven't officially signed up yet because I did twice before then ended up chickening out! I actually do better when I don't have deadlines - I guess I feel like it's more okay if Iscrew up to get going again if I don't have a time-frame hanging over me. There's still a little time to sign up if I change my mind tho.

Thanks for all the advice. I got my book yesterday and skimmed through it to make sure I'm eating right from what I read on here. I believe that I am, so that's good. I need to get a bit more protein and eat a little more often. I use Spark People's site to track my food and exercise so I can be sure my carbs stay down.

We'll see! I don't see the little one leaving us alone for a full hour straight...perhaps I can enlist her big brother and sister who are 13 and 16...

Thanks guys...I'm really excited about all this. The biggest challenge for me is the mindset. My husband keeps telling me to quit saying, "If I do this..." and think, "When I do this..." but I've not been at a good weight for my size since I was like 16! 18 years of every diet imaginable has made me scared to believe in another one but I know I have to so I'm also listening to "Psycho-Cybernetics" and such to change my mindset I know you guys will be a huge help too, thank you!

Pam

Pam! I so know how you feel about alot of this- I've been so frustrated, and am afraid to hope.... my DH and I have almost 10" of leg separating us in height- a leisurely walk for him is practically a jog for me...
I can just see you succeed- go for it- just read all the success stories here!!!

Originally Posted by kelley17

Tam – Glad you had a nice holiday overall, but sorry about the blow up with your son. So hard – we love them so much and want what’s best for them but they have to learn themselves.

Oh my, you have made it through your holidays, with your chocolate box still intact, and only a 1 lb. gain and you are thinking you might do more than the 2 carb down days – Are you nuts????? I mean that with love, but really are you nuts???? You should be jumping up and down and so proud of yourself! I am proud of you - you rock! Sounds like you are well on your way to those beautiful size smaller classic clothes – Keep it Up!

Oh my, now everyone knows where my mind is lately – it was the holiday meal – ummm long and large. Maybe I’m getting a little frisky now that I’m feeling more confident about myself???

Thanks for explaining your holidays. I love learning history now, the history channel is my favorite channel. Especially when they do the shows on the different religions – so fascinating.

Meatpea – Wendy doesn’t drink diet drinks, but she is not against them. I didn’t drink them because I don’t like artificial sweetener, but plenty of people did and had great results!

Hi ya Connie – great advice as usual. Love ya and hope you have a wonderful day!

Tam – throw out that dang scale or at least wait till after 2 carb down days to weigh! You had your lovely holidays and enjoyed and had barely a noticeable gain at the scales.

You are sooooo good to us all!!! Thanks for the encouragement- guess you lost my post that said I've suddenly gained all but 2 lbs.... Not fair- but that's life. Wish I had finished that box....
As for history- for me it's not- it's my life now- though some holidays are to commemorate things that are part of history- they were G-d given miracles that strengthen our belief in our Torah and commandments, and the way we live life today.
Spent most of the morning at the clinic having my thumb checked out... it's not broken (I was actually hoping that was what it is....) - it's definitely inflamed, either the joint or the ligaments wrapping it. Right now it's wrapped, with a wait and see attitude. It's very hard to function without my main thumb.... Had to wait an hour for my ESR level- which is normal, but even arthritis in a thumb may not raise the ESR. It may be a one time thing, or may be arthritis..... that's what scares the willies out of me. It can take 4-5 days for a one timer- so I have another 2-3 days, and then if it doesn't go away will have to see my rheumetologist. I was so happy my FMS is so much better.
As for my son, there's a DIL in this equation, and alot of heartache- I will have to ride it out.... basically he's a great kid, so I hope it will be sooner than later....
As far as sweetners, we all have them in our shakes- but I am trying to stay away from them in everything else. Research is not good for weight loss , or health in general when intake of sweeteners is high....
These cravings are killing me!!!!

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by tamjlm

Pam! I so know how you feel about alot of this- I've been so frustrated, and am afraid to hope.... my DH and I have almost 10" of leg separating us in height- a leisurely walk for him is practically a jog for me...
I can just see you succeed- go for it- just read all the success stories here!!!



You are sooooo good to us all!!! Thanks for the encouragement- guess you lost my post that said I've suddenly gained all but 2 lbs.... Not fair- but that's life. Wish I had finished that box....
As for history- for me it's not- it's my life now- though some holidays are to commemorate things that are part of history- they were G-d given miracles that strengthen our belief in our Torah and commandments, and the way we live life today.
Spent most of the morning at the clinic having my thumb checked out... it's not broken (I was actually hoping that was what it is....) - it's definitely inflamed, either the joint or the ligaments wrapping it. Right now it's wrapped, with a wait and see attitude. It's very hard to function without my main thumb.... Had to wait an hour for my ESR level- which is normal, but even arthritis in a thumb may not raise the ESR. It may be a one time thing, or may be arthritis..... that's what scares the willies out of me. It can take 4-5 days for a one timer- so I have another 2-3 days, and then if it doesn't go away will have to see my rheumetologist. I was so happy my FMS is so much better.
As for my son, there's a DIL in this equation, and alot of heartache- I will have to ride it out.... basically he's a great kid, so I hope it will be sooner than later....
As far as sweetners, we all have them in our shakes- but I am trying to stay away from them in everything else. Research is not good for weight loss , or health in general when intake of sweeteners is high....
These cravings are killing me!!!!

Take heart - it is probably mostly water weight and give yourself a couple of carb down days and you should be ok I'm so sorry about your thumb. My mom has horrible arthritis, her poor hands are a gnarled, inflammed mess. I know how painful it is for her and I'm now getting the beginning signs of it. the stiffness/soreness in my joints. Boy is it fun getting old! for you and your son. I will keep you both in my prayers! I'm with you stay away from the sweeteners - If I want a piece of chocolate I want a piece of chocolate not sugar free stuff

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by free to be me

Kelley...you beat me to it I am running back and forth between my bathroom and my computer to keep up on the conversation My kids are looking at me funny!!!

As you said - Great minds...

[kellycarbaddict]

Originally Posted by free to be me

[B]Grande SF Hazelnut (or vanilla) Americano with 1 TBS haf and half!

THANK YOU THANK YOU! That sounds perfect. I sometimes hate going in there trying to order, I don't know all the lingo This is perfect, I'll write it down and give it a try tonight.

[kellycarbaddict]

Just a vent..... I'm frustrated with my family/friends...... I've been trying to be low key about this WOE. I didn't want to say I'm on a diet, that sets me up for failure. My family is basically eating what I'm eating for dinner, with an added fruit or starch to their meal. We have a party to go to Saturday night. I was thinking we would be grilling and I could have chicken/steak, I could bring the salad for everyone and bring some broccoli for myself. I figured I'd be covered. So my friend tells me that she's making brisket. I told her I wasnt' sure if I could eat it, so I'd bring my own dinner (or eat before hand). She asked about the WOE and I told her about it. She's very anti LC, so she doesn't get it. I told her I had to be super good until Sunday and then I had more freedom, she sighed. Then she says, so I guess you won't be eating birthday cake.

[free to be me]

Originally Posted by kellycarbaddict

Just a vent..... I'm frustrated with my family/friends...... I've been trying to be low key about this WOE. I didn't want to say I'm on a diet, that sets me up for failure. My family is basically eating what I'm eating for dinner, with an added fruit or starch to their meal. We have a party to go to Saturday night. I was thinking we would be grilling and I could have chicken/steak, I could bring the salad for everyone and bring some broccoli for myself. I figured I'd be covered. So my friend tells me that she's making brisket. I told her I wasnt' sure if I could eat it, so I'd bring my own dinner (or eat before hand). She asked about the WOE and I told her about it. She's very anti LC, so she doesn't get it. I told her I had to be super good until Sunday and then I had more freedom, she sighed. Then she says, so I guess you won't be eating birthday cake.

Kelly...Hang in there...instead of calling this a LC plan...call it carb cycling. It has less of a negative conotation...or call is Whole foods eating. Honestly, no one should be eating sugary cake all the time and anyone should plan accordingly if they intend to eat it. I would just say, "I am sorry if you aren't open to supporting me in this effort to increase my health, I would ask that you reconsider it because it is important to me." Hope this helps...so sorry for the lack of understanding.

[Gracefully]

Originally Posted by kelley17

Take heart - it is probably mostly water weight and give yourself a couple of carb down days and you should be ok I'm so sorry about your thumb. My mom has horrible arthritis, her poor hands are a gnarled, inflammed mess. I know how painful it is for her and I'm now getting the beginning signs of it. the stiffness/soreness in my joints. Boy is it fun getting old! for you and your son. I will keep you both in my prayers! I'm with you stay away from the sweeteners - If I want a piece of chocolate I want a piece of chocolate not sugar free stuff

I'm actually a big believer of dark chocolate as a healthy fat, and have sometimes used sugar free chocolate when carbing down as a healthy fat at breakfast. It doesn't set me up for cravings- I found a really good one that I can have about 2/3 of an oz. worth with no consequenses, and no carbs... The texture is a bit hard, but with a coffee it's great. I use no other sweetener other than my shakes, or an ice-coffee afew times a week in the summer, where I use about 1/3 packet- as I don't like it too sweet anyways. Hot coffee I do straight- no sweetener.

Originally Posted by kellycarbaddict

Just a vent..... I'm frustrated with my family/friends...... I've been trying to be low key about this WOE. I didn't want to say I'm on a diet, that sets me up for failure. My family is basically eating what I'm eating for dinner, with an added fruit or starch to their meal. We have a party to go to Saturday night. I was thinking we would be grilling and I could have chicken/steak, I could bring the salad for everyone and bring some broccoli for myself. I figured I'd be covered. So my friend tells me that she's making brisket. I told her I wasnt' sure if I could eat it, so I'd bring my own dinner (or eat before hand). She asked about the WOE and I told her about it. She's very anti LC, so she doesn't get it. I told her I had to be super good until Sunday and then I had more freedom, she sighed. Then she says, so I guess you won't be eating birthday cake.

I find it best just not to talk about it... nobody understands or "gets it"- and it's your life.... you can also say it's doctor's orders, or whatever... telling her ahead of time is setting yourself up for an argument.
You can have some brisket if it's not in a sweet sauce- just cut away any extra fat, and keep the portion small- that's better than b-day cake. have a shake before the party- it will help your resolve.
Once they see the results, they will keep their mouths shut....
I've kept mum about my WOE with my family as theyre' all thin, and don't want to be the subject of conversation at the table... my DH is very supportive, so it's our "secret"- and I don't have to explain myself on carb-up days, as if I'm "breaking my diet".
Good luck, and we're here for you!!!

[Gracefully]

Human Brain Seeks Real Calories; Artificial Sweeteners May Cause Overeating

[Gracefully]

Human Brain Seeks Real Calories; Artificial Sweeteners May Cause Overeating

Diet Sweeteners Can Make You Sick and Fat

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose may actually promote obesity and weight gain, says research

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by kellycarbaddict

Just a vent..... I'm frustrated with my family/friends...... I've been trying to be low key about this WOE. I didn't want to say I'm on a diet, that sets me up for failure. My family is basically eating what I'm eating for dinner, with an added fruit or starch to their meal. We have a party to go to Saturday night. I was thinking we would be grilling and I could have chicken/steak, I could bring the salad for everyone and bring some broccoli for myself. I figured I'd be covered. So my friend tells me that she's making brisket. I told her I wasnt' sure if I could eat it, so I'd bring my own dinner (or eat before hand). She asked about the WOE and I told her about it. She's very anti LC, so she doesn't get it. I told her I had to be super good until Sunday and then I had more freedom, she sighed. Then she says, so I guess you won't be eating birthday cake.

Kelly - you can tell your friend this isn't low carb but carb cycling and yes you can have bday cake in a week when you have your first Carb Up day. It may be hard, but I know you can do it. You only will have one day left at that point and I haven't had a bday cake yet that is worth a whole nother week of carb deplete! I think the brisket should be ok - and with your big salad you should be set. I went to a bbq my first week and the only thing I could eat was a hamburger patty - they didn't even have the standard fixings (lettuce, etc...) no salads except potatoe and cole slaw with lots of carrots. So I feel your pain, but know you can make it through!

[kelley17]

Originally Posted by tamjlm

I'm actually a big believer of dark chocolate as a healthy fat, and have sometimes used sugar free chocolate when carbing down as a healthy fat at breakfast. It doesn't set me up for cravings- I found a really good one that I can have about 2/3 of an oz. worth with no consequenses, and no carbs... The texture is a bit hard, but with a coffee it's great. I use no other sweetener other than my shakes, or an ice-coffee afew times a week in the summer, where I use about 1/3 packet- as I don't like it too sweet anyways. Hot coffee I do straight- no sweetener.


I find it best just not to talk about it... nobody understands or "gets it"- and it's your life.... you can also say it's doctor's orders, or whatever... telling her ahead of time is setting yourself up for an argument.
You can have some brisket if it's not in a sweet sauce- just cut away any extra fat, and keep the portion small- that's better than b-day cake. have a shake before the party- it will help your resolve.
Once they see the results, they will keep their mouths shut....
I've kept mum about my WOE with my family as theyre' all thin, and don't want to be the subject of conversation at the table... my DH is very supportive, so it's our "secret"- and I don't have to explain myself on carb-up days, as if I'm "breaking my diet".
Good luck, and we're here for you!!!

Tam - I'm a dark chocolate and unsweetened coffee gal too! My only sweetener is the shakes as well. I even do the regular fudgcicles on my baseline days instead of sugar free. Just me.

[gemini0604]

Into my third day of week one. My body is adapting and I'm not feeling hungry. I feel lighter! I swore I wouldn't be a slave to my scale but I just had to check. I have loss 3 lbs so far. I'm very happy. Can't wait until I can celebrate with a glass of wine.

[driving_mrs_daisey]

Good morning all!!! Hope everyone is having a great day!

Kelley - I'm carb upping it today. Didn't you say you eat carbs at each meal and not necessarily the last 2? I'm eating carbs at lunch and then I'll try to hold off dinner till 5 - I dodn't want to overdo it later because I just had my pizza for lunch. Yes, I was starving after my morning jog and pizza was the first thing I spotted in the fridge - UGH! I wanted to save it for after 3 - Oh well!!

Also for everyone doing the spaghetti squash - my mom made the cakes but didn't have a non stick pan, so hers fell apart. She said they still tasted good though. My sis made some too, but she nixed hers with shredded cheese and salsa - she said they were really good too. I made a batch w/o the parmasean cheese and I found them to be a little bland. I guess the cheese really helped.