Wanted: 220lb LC'er that needs buddy...

[Sandbird]

Liz, I want to try that mousse so baaaad. I am afraid to right now though. Things are going pretty good and I am scared to add anything different to my diet right now. I was going to write it down, but I decided not to. If I do, I know I will make it. Sounds like something I should make for dessert at Thanksgiving. Yummy!

Stacy, glad to know you are still hanging around. Hopefully the upcoming week will go smoother for you.

Eve........I thought about sending a search party out for you. We are going to start doing little things around here in case the economy gets worse. I am going to start stocking up on groceries and keep them in the basement. Things like cases of veggies, bags of rice, bags of beans, etc. Of course, none of that will be low carb. But hey, if things get real bad..........we'll just have to figure out what to do. DH and I have already talked about what we would do if there was another "great depression". The cable, internet and cell phones would definitely be gone. We would let our car go back if we had to. That one about killed me though when we were talking about it. I have my dream car girls - Chrysler 300. I absolutely love it! I would most definitely give it up though before I lost my home. We do have a plan, but hopefully it won't ever get that bad.

I almost caved yesterday after work. This week is my TOM and I am craving CHINESE FOOD so bad. I was going to be home alone for a while so I called my sister. She was running some errands and I asked if I could tag along with her. Thank goodness. I would have cheated if I stayed home. I did end up going to a place here in town that smokes meat. I bought a turkey leg and it was sooooooooo good. My sister talked me through it and then watched me scarf down half of that turkey leg. I usually wouldn't eat that much of it, but it just seemed I couldn't help myself. I felt (and probably looked) like a pig.

I feel better about everything today though. I WILL stay on plan and WON"T let anything tempt me today. I plan on staying very busy. At 8:30 this morning, I will be participating in a 2 mile walk for the March of Dimes. Of course they plan on feeding everyone who participates. They are going to have hot dogs and chilli. I plan on eating a good breakfast before going. After the walk, I plan on going grocery shopping and cleaning my house.

I have gone almost 3 weeks without cheating and HOPEFULLY won't this weekend. DH wants to go out of town tomorrow, so that means we will be dining out. The restaurant we usually go to is now closed on Sunday's. It is easy to stay on plan there. He wants to go to White Castle. Ugh!!! What the heck am I going to do? I so don't want to cheat, but they have some awesome fish nibblers and cheese fries. Hopefully I can talk him out of White Castle or either we can stop somewhere and let me eat something lc before going there. Wish me luck girls, I sure will need it.

I'm hoping he will be too tired from working to want to go out of town. He works one night a week (Saturday) and won't be home until around 2am. He is the Department Head over his department (he works at the newspaper too - he is over the press room). They are short handed and the publisher doesn't want to hire anyone else at the moment because of the economy (can't say I blame hime). So, he has been working Saturday's for about a month now.

Chat with everyone later!

[jswalker1992]

I am super psyched! You know how I posted about having 30 names of guys and gals that are overseas that could use some support from home? Well, getting those names off of the list hasn't been easy. As of Friday evening there were still 19 names of folks on that list. So, on the motorcycle forum that my hubby and I frequent I started a thread asking the folks on there for $20 donations (about the cost of 1 box) and I would make the packages and send them out. By Saturday morning, the guys donated enough that I have been able to make boxes for everyone that didn't have a box coming to them. We were able to put together a couple of extra boxes too. Now we just gotta figure out where those will go. Lol! We are gonna pack the smaller boxes into larger boxes on Tuesday and mail them out.

Well, I was at 159.6 this morning. Way better than I thought it was going to be. It is all good.

I need to figure out my work week. I am procrastinating. That ain't good.

Spent yesterday making a huge pot of chili and a nice size pot of goulash soup. Today I have made a Mexican lasagna, chicken and macaroni cheese bake, and some pork chops. I figure that if I fill up the freezer a little bit, hopefully everyone will eat a little better during the week.

[eve_sonata]

I have posted several times over this weekend. Alas I hope this one goes through. We have been hit by a severe snowstorm and i keep losing my satellite connection. It is so frustrating to type out the huge post and all looks good and then it says you are not connected. Grrrrrrr

So glad to hear everyone is doing sooooo fabulous. Carrie you are an inspiration to me and i hope u never give up. Great job on staying the course. I hope you win the office challenge and rub it in the facses of those ladies that were gossiping about you. It would serve them right.

Liz i made your dessert. Well kinda sorta. Like a ninny, i didn't read your instructions very carefully and i didn't get TWO packages of tofu. So hmmmmm i used cream cheese for the other part instead. I have to tell you it came out quite yummy. I used instant coffee espresso type and i think i added a smidge to much. I still like it though and will definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Good job Stacy for being in the 150's. I look at how far i still have to go. I am down to 203.7. It is slow going but thats okay by me. Still keeping up at the gym. I am really getting into it and if i can't make it there, i atleast do something at home.

Okay some pics to share. My son barely got out of the driveway this morning to get to work. I just loveeeeeeee the snow! It energizes me and i love being the only one out and about in it.

[eve_sonata]

i can't get the pics to load. oh well will try again.

[lowcarbs4me]

Hello Ladies!

So good to hear from you, Eve. Glad all is going well. I like your idea with the mousse! I bet the cream cheese makes it really yummy--like chocolate cheesecake. I might have to try that. (I've varied some of the measurements, myself. Last time I went lighter on the chocolate and coffee, for example.)

I'd love a get-together. Wonder where we could all meet? We're pretty spread out--from Montana to Colorado to Texas to Florida and back up to NY and beyond. (What did I leave out?) Sometimes cruises are a pretty good deal. I've never been on one myself, but I know people often meet up that way.

Stacy, being under 160 is great. That's my short-term goal. I just updated my stats this morning. I'm now just under 163 and hoping to break the 160 barrier soon. For some reason it seems like 159 is *so* far away.

Carrie, you're doing great--just keep it up. Don't worry about the mousse. You know what's right for you.

Other ladies are still AWOL. Hope all is OK.

[Sandbird]

Stacy, that is awesome about the care packages. All that food you have cooked up sounds wonderful. If I was there, I sure would eat good for the week.

Eve, I can't even imagine snow right now. If we get any at all, it is usually in January. Then it is only about 3 inches and is gone the next day. Of course, they close all the schools down because of it.

Congrats on the weight girls.

Not much going on here. I did end up cheating Sunday. Had some fried catfish, baked beans, FRIES, FRIES and FRIES! Yummy! It was worth it. I'm back on track today though and don't feel guilty at all. I think I needed it.

Hope Justine and Paula are doing okay.

[eve_sonata]

We ended up getting 2 feet of snow!!! My pics still won't upload. I will try again tomorrow.

I have never been on a cruise either. I would love to go on one. I think going with a bunch of ladies would be a blast. We should plan on one when we all reach our goal

Well ladies, it was a long day at work and i am pooped. I have the next 3 days off so i will probably post hot and heavy. TTYL. You all be well and great big hugs to all.

[eve_sonata]

oh wow they did load. Hmmmm Well okay. Enjoy your warm weather.

[eve_sonata]

PS: I have an extra snowboard if anyone wants to go with me! I promise i would keep you on the bunny slopes.

[jswalker1992]

Woo-hoo! Snow is around the corner (and at the top of the mountains here)!

I was talking with my hubby a little bit ago. A cruise sounds like a blast! I would have to bring my hubby along- just so that he can get out of the house too. Lol! Seriously, I think that is a worthwhile goal for all of us.

I believe that I may be getting sick. Just feeling blah. Nothing that I can really put my finger on, but it is something.

Dang Liz, you are right on my butt with the weight loss. That is awesome. I understand how it feels like 159 is so far away. Honest, that is how I feel about 150. I have been knocking on the door to that number for a long time now. Way too long. I think that my body is comfortable at 160.

I have never been snowboarding, Eve. I am sure that my butt would be quite attracted to the ground if I even tried. The thought of eating the ground doesn't appeal to me as much as snuggling up with a book and a mug of cocoa in front of a fireplace does.

Ya know, Carrie, any time you decide that you want to come over, just let me know. I love cooking for others. I was a personal chef for a bit once upon a time. One would think that I could really come up with some kick ass menus for myself. That is the most difficult thing in the world for me to do, though.

[lowcarbs4me]

Hello Ladies!

Love those snow pictures, Eve! That's amazing. We're still in shorts here in North Texas. Our temps are still in the 80's and 90's. If we do get snow, which is rare, it usually disappears within hours.

Stacy, I am knocking on the door of the 150's and hoping to drop in soon. Would you like some company or are you planning to pave the way to the low 150's? I know we can make it, friend!

Carrie, sometimes I think a little cheating is just preparation for the next big round of success. You've been doing so well. Maybe you just need a short break. I bet you're back on track in a jiffy.

Hello to everyone else, too. Hope all is well.

I made some more chocolate tofu today and some delicious chicken breasts. I've been pretty good today and may weigh in tomorrow. Wish me luck.

[jswalker1992]

Oh! You are doing so good!! Super proud of ya! Where in TX are you?

Today has been a really bad eating day for me. Stress and PMS. So, I am planning tomorrow's menu out so that it won't happen again.

[eve_sonata]

Hi everyone

sounds like everyone is doing very well! Carrie, sometimes you just need a break so you can forge on ahead. I have been reading a lot on carb cycling. It seems that it does help with a stall. My problem is, that when i cheat i do it really good and for days! If you cheat i guess the important thing is to get rite back on the lc woe wagon. I am sure you will do fine.

Great job you two (Liz and Stacy). I am so happy for you both for getting so close.

I myself am enjoying the mousse. I put it in a big container in the fridge and whenever i feel like i need a treat i take the container out eat a few bites rite from the container! Hahahahah. I am the only one eating it anyways. Then i put it back and snack on some a little bit later.

I didn't work out today. Just had a pretty boring day. Finished my book and then cleaned my shower and took a nap and watched tv and did some beading and thats about it. It is kinda nice to have a down day to do not much or nothing at all.

Wonder how our darling Betty Lou is doing. Hope to hear from her soon.

Also wonder how Paula is doing. I think of her often and hope life is treating her well. Justine, what you doing hon. Hope all is well with you too!

[eve_sonata]

Good morning ladies! Just got back from taking my dh to work. His truck tires are showing threads and he ordered some new tires online. So until he gets his rig back on the road, we have to share a vehicle. I am going to go back to bed and get some more rest and then get my arse to the gym. Need to really clean my house today. Think i am going to make philly cheesesteaks tonight for supper. Sans the bun for me or i will toast a piece of lc bread. Will check in later to see how you all have done today. Hugs

[lowcarbs4me]

Good morning, Ladies!

Stacy, I'm just north of Dallas. It's warm here, but there's a cold front coming through. I might need to wear a sweater soon!

Eve, glad you're enjoying the mousse. I've changed the recipe a bit to lower the carbs some more. I've lowered the cocoa powder to just 4 tablespoons. I've also lowered the instant coffee to 2 tablespoons so as not to overpower the lower amount of chocolate. It's still very yummy. I have a powerful food processor that grinds up the splenda very fine, makes everything super creamy, and fluffs up that heavy whipping cream. (Note: I checked a cream cheese package and found it packs a lot more carbs than the light tofu I use. You probably need to go easy on the cream cheese.)

Here's a chicken breasts tip: I've been keeping the flash frozen chicken breasts in the freezer so I don't run short on meat. The nice thing is they can be cooked from the frozen state. They don't have a lot of flavor by themselves, but I've found a way to really jazz them up. I cook them most of the way in a covered skillet, then I brush them with my homemade sun-dried tomato/basil pesto right at the end. Its good to add some water as necessary to keep the breasts from drying out, but at the end, I remove the lid to dry things out and get some of that tasty browning. This small amount of pesto makes such a difference without adding too many carbs. (The pine nuts and tomatoes add carbs, but I use such a small amount. I make batches of the pesto since the family also likes it on pasta and on sandwiches as a special spread.)

I vary my pesto every time, but here's the general idea of what I do:

I pick basil from my garden--any kind. I have sweet, purple ruffle, and lemon varieties. I sometimes also add parsley and/or cilantro if I have some extra. Wash this and throw in food processor.
Add pine nuts. Add a few cloves of fresh garlic. Add a few sun-dried tomatoes (or leave these out). Add Parmesan cheese. Add lots of extra virgin olive oil. Add salt. Add pepper. Process. Taste. Adjust ingredients as necessary to get the desired consistency and taste. Yummy. Can be refrigerated or frozen.

There's everything you probably never wanted to know about my pesto.

I weighed in this morning at 162.4 again. I'm OK with that, but I'm looking forward to making some more progress. Oh, how I want to break that 160 mark. (I felt this way about the 170 mark, and it was a big hurdle.)

Eve, what kind of beading do you do? Any exciting projects? I myself, love to crochet and got on a sock-making jag last Christmas. (Why can't crocheters make great socks like knitters? Mine started turning out OK. I hope to improve over this Christmas break. Nothing like some wool, family, holiday music, and a fire.)

Carrie, how are you doing? Everyone else?

Have a good one!

[lowcarbs4me]

Here are a couple of samples of my crazy crocheted socks. The one on the left also has some reinforcing weaving.

BTW - when making the chocolate tofu, use the silken firm type! I use the light version since it has fewer carbs. Check the labels.

Have a nice one.

[lowcarbs4me]

Oops. Let's try loading that pic again. Here goes:

[eve_sonata]

i love those socks! I do a little bit of knitting. Teaching myself how to do it. I currently have two scarves going. The only thing i can crochet is a chain. Now my dd learned how to crochet when she was 15. I like to do all kinds of beading. Ladder stitch. square stitch, woven crystal, peyote, and currently i am doing some loom beading. I love it. I started a few braclets for Betty Lou but i have to start them over again cuz of the thread i used ended up not working out so well. Tonight I am going to try my hand at doing some beaded netting. The 24th I am taking a class on how to do a ladder stitch bracelet. So ladies get your Christmas wishes in on what colors you like. I have tons of colors. I have quite a few closures in silver, gold, copper and brass. I tend to be a silver metal person. I will have to take a few pics tomorrow on some of the bracelets i have done.

I had a great workout today. Not to mention watching this one dude that was in incredible shape. I think i had to lift my chin with my hand to close my mouth. He was doing moves that i didn't think was possible. I worked legs and arms and did 20 minutes on the elliptical. I still have to do abs. I take that back legs are not the worst to workout, it is abs. Totally hate em and that is what i really need to work the most!!!!!

Didn't do philly's tonight, I made chicken fajitas and i used a lc wrap. One was sooooo filling. I had sausage for breakfast and and then i had a protein shake after working out. Drank my water and really I haven't been to hungry. I will be sure to try the new and improved mousse recipe Liz

Stacy, i didn't know you were a personal chef. That explains your fascination with cookbooks! Lordy i hate to cook. I would rather clean the toilet and shower than cook. I am a good cook when i want to be. I used to not think it was too bad but when you have a houseful of picky picky people, it makes it hard to be creative. They always wanted pizza or spaghetti. To this day, i still don't desire pizza much.

Well i need to finish my housework so i can do a little bit of beading tonight.

You all take care and be well. Great big hugs. You gals are the greatest.

PS: Stacy, way to go on getting those boxes all taken care of. Those GI's are going to love it. Now where is that Carrie at?

[eve_sonata]

I am jealous Liz, you have an herb garden. We need to expand our garden next summer and try to keep the deer out. That pesto sounds so simple and tastey. I had not clue i could make it myself. Thanks for the info.

[eve_sonata]

Good morning to all you marvelous ladies.

Okay, I have a birthday coming up next month. The big 45. I would loveeeeeeeee to be down 10 more lbs by the 21st. So starting from 203.7 that would mean i need to be at 193.7. I really think i can do it. I really need your ladies support and for your gentle pushes. I am really excited about it and up for the challenge. Anyone else want to join me on a 10 lbs gone by then?

Not much planned for today. Finishing up laundry and going to the gym later. DH took my vehicle to work and i have to wait till he gets home. I am going to fix some things for myself to take to work. I have a 3 day stretch and those are real killers for me. I am going to be prepared and battle ready! Cross your fingers and toes and your eyes for me


Ohhhh got a joke. Q: What do you call a vegetarian with diarrhea?

A: A salad shooter. omg i know that is a gross and sick one. I can be so crass at times.

[lowcarbs4me]

Hi Ladies!

Eve, that salad shooter joke...

Please post pics of your bead work. I'd love to see it.

So we need to lose 10 pounds by November 21? That's gives us 7 weeks. We would have to lose at a rate of about 1.5 pounds per week--very doable. It's a deal .

I wonder what it will feel like to be so thin again? We would definitely be ready for our new holiday outfits.

Is anyone else in?

I think this means I'm going to have to start exercising again. Losing the last few pounds is the hardest. What did I get myself into here?

[eve_sonata]

okay, I had a very good day. I had baked salmon for lunch and veggies. I resisted birthday cake and fresh baked choc chip cookies and some wonderful looking and smelling rice pilaf. They made a fresh raspberry sauce to top on icecream and Jesse (my co-worker) tried to get me to taste it and i said "Does it have sugar in it?" He said "Yes" and i replied "No!" "Absolutely not." I really really want to go out for my birthday and look hot and sexy and 45!. Plus the ski lodge opens up Nov 28th. Gotta be snowboard ready. Okay had a long day and i am pooped.

Promise i will get some pics posted of my bracelets NLT Tuesday. TTYL and hugs to you all.

PS: I weigh in in the morning. Hope it is awesome!

[eve_sonata]

Well the weight loss isn't anything to brag about. 203 even. Least I am not gaining. Wonder if it is the exercising. I am still a little sore and wonder if i am retaining fluids.

Have you ever done squats with a therapy ball? They are so easy to do that way. I mean you can still feel the burn but it is so easy on your back. You put the ball against your back and against the wall. So the ball would be between you and the wall and you just squat. I love my therapy ball.

okay gotta get ready for work. Wondering where everyone is Need to send a search party out for everyone. Don't make me break out the chocolate.

Ohhhhhh think i need to amp up my water consumption too. Okay well you all have a wonderful day. and stay the course.

[Sandbird]

Stacy, since you were a personal chef at one time, you are officially adopted! You are mine chickey! I will have menus posted by tomorrow of what I would like to have.

Liz, your pesto sounds so awesome