New and would like a buddy

[Teresa3]

Hi, All--

Well, we ended up going out for dinner last night, so I sort of blew my 1 lb. loss, but I'm sure I'll get it off again. Didn't eat that much, and no dessert, so it could only be water retention. Went to a restaurant down by the beach boardwalk and watched the sailboats gliding out on the water. They always come out en mass on Wednesdays. It's so colorful when they put up their spinnakers; I just love it. And it makes me feel like I'm on vacation right here at home! We're in the same situation as you, Kathleen--if we get to go anywhere, it's down to the bay!

So I guess I'll have last night's menu tonight. Going to the gym today, and hopefully will get a little walk in, too. The weather's cooler today, so that makes it more doable. I bet you're getting quite a bit of walking in on your trip, Corrisann!

Have you heard anything more definitive on your job, Kathleen?

Hope you all are having a very good day!

B - egg yolk, sausage, spinach 2 carbs
L - shrimp salad, jalapeno dressing 4 carbs
D - roast chicken, chard, eggplant w/tomato 6 carbs
S - almonds, cr ch, lc choc 3 carbs
Exercise - 30 min. gym, 20 min. walk

[Teresa3]

Greetings-- ANY NEW JOINERS OUT THERE? YOU'RE WELCOME TO JUMP RIGHT IN HERE WITH US!

Happy Friday! It's the end of the week, and let's hope we all keep it together this weekend! I'm starting to get a bit weary of staying on the program and having to work so hard just to lose one measly pound! But I'm sure that's a very common frustration. Didn't sleep well last night, I was into one of those life-review deals where you go back and try to see how you got to where you are now, and if you're still making the same mistakes! I don't think I really got any answers, but it kept me up past 1 a.m.

So I'm tired today and that always makes me want to overeat! Anyone else have that problem? Just have to hang tough on days like this! Must strenthen my resolve, and remember--NOTHING TASTES AS GOOD AS THIN FEELS!!!

B - bacon, egg, spinach 2 carbs
L - seafood burritos, no tortilla, salad, jalapeno dressing 10 carbs?
D - lamb chops, zucchini, green beans 5 carbs
S - almonds w/butter, lc choc 2 carbs
Exercise - 20 min. walk, 10 min. bike

[MI CHICK]

No contacts in New Brunswick & we are into Maine again.
We did the Bay of Fundy Teresa & you remembered right as it has the highest tides in the world. We also went on a whale trip & saw humpback & fin whales. No words to describe that experience. Glad you guys get to enjoy the bay(s) so much--I can see where it would truly be like mini vacations!!

And you both have done so well while I've been gone!!! 20lbs Kathleen And a new pair of jeans--oh Teresa that always feels so good--a different size feels better than any # on the scale!!! Am very happy for both of you. Keep wearing them to remind you how good it feels to stay on track--just think of getting that next size smaller out of the drawer.....

I have done remarkably well. Yesterday was the first day that I caught myself doing some eating w/o thinking and it wasn't even very good food--but sure full of calories. So this morning & afternoon I ate very carefully plus we walked a few miles
in the botanical gardens and thru the historic district. So I was able to enjoy my seafood casserole & salad for dinner fairly guilt free. My hope is to get home & not to have gained, but we have long spells of sitting so I guess that's not a realistic goal....

Tomorrow morning we are up at 4:30 to drive to this place where a guide will take us out in his pickup to watch moose. I'm so excited cause I've never seen a moose. Most animals I've seen in WY when visiting my brother but no moose. I am planning to drink a cup of coffee & have a protein bar and then I won't have any choice about eating for the next few hours. LOL!!

Teresa I would have thrown my hands up in the air & quit 3 times by now if not for you & Kathleen!! Just come in & vent vent vent & then don't quit!!

Will be back again when we have wireless--it's pretty hit & miss
corrisann

[Teresa3]

Thanks for checking in, Corrisann--what a wonderful trip you are having! And you are doing so great to stay on program! You'll be so happy when you return; you won't have put on much at all, and you'll feel a renewed vigor to start a new campaign!

It's such a thrill to get to see whales, and then moose! We only rarely get to see whales go by here, and then they're pretty far out, so about all you see is a dark hump and the spray; but still, there's something exciting about it. I did see some moose when we went to Oregon a few years ago, and I still remember them--they are very majestic and mysterious animals! I'll enjoy hearing how you felt about them. Keep on truckin, girl!

I've been in a little bit of a funk the past couple of days, and was really tempted to eat off plan in a big way today, but I just ate some meat instead. I picked up some cheddarwurst franks at the deli and had one of those for a snack--omg was it good! High in calories, I imagine, but it made me feel good to eat something different and sort of decadent, but still on the program. And I ordered a new pair of jeans online, on sale, in the next smaller size, just to help me stay motivated! It's been many years since I've been able to wear this size, but I know I can get there again!

Kathleen, are you at the lodge this weekend? Hope you're having fun!

B - sausage, egg, spinach
L - salad, beef brisket, pastrami, chicken salad, little espresso mousse
D - chicken breast, chard
S - cheddarwurst frank, lc choc, almonds, cr ch
Exercise - 30 min gym, 10 min. bike

[MI CHICK]

Hey Teresa I have used those legal cheats many many times to keep me on track--like you said they are high in calories but on plan. I love those cheddar brauts! Don't you hate it when you get in that "just wanna quit" slump! Use as many legal cheats as you need until you pass thru that emotional quadmire!! We know it will pass & then you'll be on a high cause you didn't give up!!!

I wondered if you could see whales & seals & such on the bay. Even if they are far away it would be grand to see their spray. The moose hid well & so I still have not seen a moose.....pooh!! The guide was really nice & we enjoyed our time with him, but I wanted to see a moose darn it all!! He drove us around from 7am-11:30. Saw some beautiful scenery, but we've seen lots of beautiful scenery already. As you can tell I was in a pouty mood cause nature didn't cooperate....LOL!! We stopped in a small village down the road for lunch, at the only cafe in town, & all the locals were there. So that was fun & the food was real good. You know where I'm going with this don't you--hahaha! They made all their own breads so I hate a pastrami ruben sandwich w/an order of these great onion rings! Yum!! So I ate my moose blues away. LOL!!! At least I knew what I was doing & admitted it to myself. The only other thing I've had all day is a protein bar. So if I can make due this p.m. with almonds/cheese/apple I should be ok. And you are right I am looking forward to a new campaign when I get home. Want 15lbs off by Christmas. That will be a whole size difference & make me feel so good!!

Hey Kathleen don't let the kids drive you nuts--get in here & post & vent--we need you girl!!!

Gotta run as dh wants to load pic's into the laptop. Keep hanging in ther Teresa! And eat all those high fat treats--they actually raise our fat burning abilities or some such thing if I remember correctly
corrisann

[Teresa3]

Well, darn it, Corrisann--those moose just didn't want to cooperate, did they ! But it sounds like you're having a great time, anyway, and of course, part of the enjoyment of a vacation is that you get to find those little out-of-the-way cafes and enjoy the local flavors, which, if you're lucky include some great down-home cookin'! That reuben and onion rings sounds mighty good!

When I go back to visit my folks I love to go to the little coffee shop that is still there from when I was a kid, and they still have the same ham salad sandwiches and gooseberry pie! My first job was as a grill cook and counter waitress. I learned to make cheeseburgers and grilled tenderloin sandwiches and stuff like that--man would some of that taste good now! Oh well, I guess I better go have the rest of that chedderwurst frankfurter! You're right, Corrisann, the legal treats can get us through some tough days--thanks for the pep talk, too!

Hope you continue to have fun times!

Kathleen, I bet you are having a fun weekend with your family!

We did our usual Sunday outing for lunch at the Greek place. Had my usual salad w/meatballs. It is always tasty, but I get a little bored of it, especially since dh sits there and eats a wonderful big serving of delicious pasticio macaroni w/ground beef topped w/bechamel sauce, then gets chocolate baklava! And they have the greatest fries at this place. Ho-hum...but I know I will get to eat them again one day, in moderation of course.

But I am really happy today because I walked for 40 minutes, and part of that was up a steep hill! My feet hurt, but no more than usual, so I am just overjoyed! I had to take a 10 min. rest in the middle, but so what--it was still 40 minutes of walking! And it's so beautiful at the arboretum--starting to look like Fall.

I'm sure you all are having a beautiful Sunday, too!

B - bacon, egg, spinach
L - Greek salad, meatballs
D - halibut, mayo, green beans, yellow squash
S - lc choc, almonds, cr ch

[MI CHICK]

Well we're out the door in a minute, just wanted good morning. Kathleen are you still out the door to work?? Wasn't sure if you got a 2 week notice or not??

You did great for hanging on Teresa & not throwing in the towel!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those are some tough moments to get thru! And a 40 minute walk on top of all that!
See we will get thru this! You need to really investigate that Greek menu & see what else you can have that's legal before boredom drives you to do bad things.

Yeah that cafe had a wooden rack on the back wall with all these different mugs on it & when I ask the waitress said all the regulars bring in their own coffee mugs & of course expect the waitresses to know which one is theirs...LOL!
I thought how great is that. Never get those experiences in the city.

Well it's time to head out the door. Have a great Monday
corrisann

[Teresa3]

Good Monday, All--

Hey, Corrisann, it's so great you are still able to communicate, I know it's come and go up there. I wonder where you are out the door to this morning? I look forward to hearing about your next travel adventure. Loved the observations re the cafe--wouldn't it be fun to travel the small towns of the country and visit a lot of those little places! I wonder how many still exist! So you live in a large city, Corrisann?

Well, I thought after all that exercise and eating less yesterday my weight would be down, but no... I guess I'm going to have to really cut back today, because tomorrow we have a lunch and a dinner out. My husband's ds2's wife is visiting from Virginia, and we're taking her out to lunch. ds2 is a professor at the U of V and was too busy to come along. Too bad because we haven't seen him for over a year. Then we are going out to dinner at an Italian restaurant for a friend's birthday. It's so funny because we don't often go out to dinner with friends, and here we have two in one day! Anyway, even if I adhere to plan, I know the scale will go up; it always does after dinner out!

Kathleen, how did your weekend go?

B - sausage, egg, spinach
L - shrimp salad
D - salmon, green beans, okra
S - lc choc, almonds, cr ch
Exercise - 20 min. walk, 10 min. bike

[MI CHICK]

Well Teresa I am in the Mt Washington area in NH. Still not a lot of fall color. It's been too warm--not cold enough evenings. Still beautiful--lots of trees, winding roads with gentle hills, & lots of small villages & towns.
We went to a house called Castle in the Sky yesterday that was beautiful. Built by a man named Plant who made his money off shoes & shoe making equipment in the early 1900's. He was worth 21million & spent 7million in 1911 to build this house. Then lost all his money in the Crash. We love architecture & have been to houses all across the US & Canada. We spent a brief amount of time in a big outlet area looking for a hat for dh--his favorite blew off into the ocean on our whale tour. He didn't find one but I did--have been looking for years & so I'm happy. Specially since I do more walking when it's cool/cold than when it's hot.
Yes Teresa we live in a very large suburban area outside of Detroit MI. Poor Detroit has struggled since the 1960's. But for miles around the cities & towns have grown by leaps & bounds. We have subdivisons & strip malls everywhere, in places that were out in the boon docks when we were teenagers. We have to travel quite aways upnorth to get back out into the beauty of MI. You must be in a urban area being by the school?? Course being by the bay must help.
Don't give up now Teresa!! You seem to be feeling discouraged these days. Keep concentrating on how you are almost 20lbs less---think how awful you'd feel with that plus more back on!! Hope your new jeans come soon so that you can admire them & think how great it will be to be able to slide them up your legs & over your hips & slide that zipper up!!! Yes that will make this all worth while! And our feet--oh think of our happy feet
It's hard to eat out & keep legal--& twice in 1 day.....just think rich & eat well in the long list of legal foods we have! For me it always means avoiding that bread basket & for you it seems to mean eating enough at dinner that you can pass on dessert.
Kathleen & Grandmama where are you??? We need your support to win at this struggle & claim our lives back....

[Teresa3]

Wow, 7 mil on a house, and back when! That must have been an astounding place! Sounds like you had another very interesting and fun day, Corrisann, and you must be getting quite a bit of walking in! You'll have to keep that up when you get back

I've pushed myself the last couple of days to walk more. The weather has been so beautiful--warm, breezy, and dry. Some leaves are turning gold. We don't have as dramatic an autumnal change here, but there are some trees and bushes that do go red or gold, so it is starting to look and feel like fall. I always seem to feel better in this kind of weather, a little less pain, so am trying to walk more. Yesterday I walked for 35 min. up at the arboretum, so I was very happy again. Dh has agreed to try a walk with me this afternoon out on the Wilder Ranch State Park, so we'll see if we both can accomplish that!

We had a nice lunch with ds2's wife, and I didn't blow it, although I had a few bites of dessert. I just ate the fruit and creamy parts So I need a walk!

Michigan is such a gorgeous state--I have been there a few times. Our class took a field trip to the Ford Museum, always interesting, and our family took a couple of vacations up there. I also went to Ann Arbor in my college days--that seemed like a fun city. But one of my all time favorite vacations was on the upper penninsula, in a cabin on L. Superior--so beautiful! It's great you and your dh enjoy architecture, too; I imagine there's a lot of great architecture there to see as well.

Thanks for the encouragement to stay on plan, Corrisann. It's so tempting to say, "Well, I've lost almost 20 lbs. and I look and feel better, maybe I'll give it up for awhile since I'm having such a hard time losing anyway..." Then that's the time you go back to eating "normally" and put back everything you've worked so hard to get off! Nope! Can't quit now! Still got a long way to go!

Well, I hope you continue to have wonderful experiences, Corrisann.

Kathleen, hope you're doing great, too!

[MI CHICK]

Good morning Teresa!! Hey have the others all given up & left you & I to keep struggling on??? Come on back, we need all the support we can get....LOL!!!!
Yesterday we walked the trail/stairs/bridges of the Flume Notch. All up & down & so beautiful!!! And a good heart work out for sure. Then we rode a tram up the side of Cannon Mt & walked around up there. Hate heights so I just buried my head in dh's back & closed my eyes going up & down. More walking around up there. So another full active day. Yesterday was the first day that I chose to eat what I wanted at both meals & enjoyed every bite. And when dh ask about having an ice cream (which he has several times) I said yes & had a cone with him. All the other times he wouldn't get one since I wasn't. Only 1other day did I eat way off plan & it was the one where I said I caught myself eating some poor quality foods just cause they were there, & the next day I ate extra careful to try & make up for it a bit. So all in all the food has went much better than I thought I could do and haven't really felt deprived. By eating legal stuff in the car all day & then allowing myself a extra good dinner I've felt fine. Only the 1 ice cream for a sugar treat. The other treats have always been homemade bread products & baked potatoes w/my fish meals. I love breads so these were my cheat treats. Thanks for the idea Kathleen--it has worked well for me. I do not feel that bloated mess 1 can feel towards the end of a vacation & that is very encouraging to keep it up.
Now on the funny side--our first stop today is going to be a tour thru the Ben & Jerry's ice cream company....
Great job on the meals out & the walking Teresa!! I, like you, get into the walking etc as the weather cools. Am looking to incorporate some walking & biking when I get home. Don't mind doing either--it's just the doing them around work that gives me a problem. My feet are tired after work & don't want more in the form of exercise, and I don't like to loose the energy of my feet before going to work. So I really have to get some weight off my feet before I can solve this dilemma I think.
EMU where our ds goes is just outside Ann Arbor, so it's 2 college towns together. Even though Ann Arbor itself is the classy & very expensive town--Ypisilanti is the poorer sister town...LOL!!! Yes the Ford Museum, & next door Greenfield Village. So you know the general area of MI that I am in. Of course it has so grown in the past 30yrs you won't know a thing. The UP is lovely & so are the beaches of Lk Superior!! Course the water is never anything but ice cold, ha!!
Still not much color due to all the warmer than normal weather. And just yesterday the motels started filling up & the prices jumped way high---when we ask about it we were told these next 2weeks are the huge color tour weeks here. So it will be interesting to see what happens these next couple nites as we head home.
Well dh is dressed so I need to get a move on.
corrisann

[rican3]

Ladies, ladies, ladies,

Don’t give up on me. I have not given up on you!! I have just been so busy with the kids and their stuff and DH and his stuff! I just caught up on all the traveling (Corrisann) and all the walking (Teresa) and feel as though I haven’t done a *#*#* thing! I have missed you all so much. Believe me I need you guys too! This venting, patting on the back, support goes a long way!The job is secure until the beginning of December and that gives me time to find something else. I have been pretty good food wise. I will report in later, in the post. I wanted to tell you guy’s how proud I am of you! Corrisann your eating habits for your trip are to be commended. You really have the low carb woe under control. You don’t feel deprived and you are eating well. Aren’t you glad you are not feeling that bloated feeling you spoke of? You have seen how this woe can be enjoyed! You are having a wonderful time and you are allowed to have a treat now and then and you are saving them for something important ( Ben & Jerry’s) and that special moment between you and your dh……….. Those are the times I bet you won’t even gain weight…How could God punish you for that?? Not after passing up all those other foods he has put out there to tempt you! I am so jealous of your trip. It sounds so enchanting, the architecture, the trees, the walks, the beach…………I am so enjoying your trip from this end!!
Teresa I sure did not mean to dessert you during this last week. You have been doing great also!! All that walking! I had to help my dd # 2 move or watch kids all weekend, and then dd#3 is pregnant, which has us all stressing again. When will it ever end? Seems like they are too stupid for me, all of them………it’s not like they don’t know what causes this condition!! Those of you catching up, this is 3rd dd that is prego after dd#1 and dd#2 and I am ashamed to say 2 out of 3 are not married. Actually none are married but at least one has a fantastic partner and they act like they are married. Today’s society is too forgiving for me and there is no shame anymore. Even when you preach it at home, it doesn’t seem to matter……………..well enough of the pity party, I want to give you guys the good news!

Today’ stats
All time high (2007) - 273
Start date June 18, '07 - 273
Last Monday - 253
Today – 252.00
Goal - 175 to start
Height - 5'7
Age – 51

1 pound a week is 52 lbs a year!

Today’s Menu
B-Coffee w/ cream, sausage patties (2c)
L-Taco salad or HB Pattie w/salad (9c)
D-Pork brisket strips and green beans w/mushrooms (8c)
S-almonds (4c)

I hope to be able to keep in touch better this week,
Till later,
Kathleen

[Teresa3]

Kathleen! You lost another lb.! And you're back We missed you, ya know, even if it was only for a few days. So glad you're back ! It's amazing that you have managed not only to stay on program through all your trials with family, but you also lost weight! Taking all this time to establish a woe really does work...yeah!

Congratulations on expecting another grandbaby I know it's frustrating when our kids don't seem to get the practicalities of having kids when you're not prepared to support them, but somehow it all works out, and of course we love the little ones, don't we! My dd1 never did marry her partner of 13 years, either--it seems uncommon these days to make the committment--so here she is split up and having to work so hard to try to support them by herself. We help in emergencies, but feel adults have to try to be responsible! If we supported her any more, she'd just spend more on things she didn't need! We feel for our little grandchilden, though, don't we--it's tough to know exactly how to handle it. I wish her and you all the best!

Corrisann, you are doing sooo great! You're saving your goodies for the right occasions, keeping it under control, and having a blast! You're getting the balance--isn't that a great feeling!

Know what you mean about the tram--we used to live near Palm Springs and I rode the tram up the mountain once, and would never do it again! But it sounds like it was worth it to get to the top of the mountain, and have a beautiful experience. Good for you to get all the hiking in--maybe your feet and body will grow stronger and you'll be able to walk more as you get a little more weight off.

I got dh to go with me yesterday out to the ranch, and we walked 30 min., rested 20, then walked 25 back, so it was 55 min. of walking altogether! I haven't done that well in a very long time. My feet and back are quite sore today, tho So I think I have to take a rest for a couple days, but I'm hopeful I can keep doing it, especially as more weight comes off.

Well, I didn't lose any weight this week, it's the same as last week. But I'm not too unhappy, because we did have company and meals out. I stayed pretty much on plan, so I think there's some water retention from salty restaurant food. I have a few days now with no dinners out, so I'm going to try to lose more now.

I have to go to the eye doctor this afternoon--have been avoiding getting my vision checked for a few years now because I hate it when they dilate your eyes; it always gives me anxiety. But dh insisted I go because I've been complaining about my eyes blurring. Darn, I should learn to keep my mouth shut!

Oops. it's time to go--you all have a great day! T.

[MI CHICK]

Oh Kathleen it was good to hear from you again!!! Teresa & I really missed you.

I think our adult children can drive us more crazy than when they were little!!! LOL!! I would like a grandchild before I'm too old to hug it.....have a young friend who had a baby last Dec & I sure have been enjoying her!
We taught our son that marriage & kids & wife were a package deal, but we'll see what happens when he gets to that point. We've always been honest about how difficult it is to maintain a marriage for the long hall. You aren't going to like anyone 24/7 year after year after year after bloody year....LOL!!!!!

That's so great on the long walk Teresa!! The more we do it the less it should hurt the next day--especially if we'll take more weight off our poor arches & heels! Was thinking today how I need to get a pair of shoes that will give me really good arch support so that I can walk & bike when I get home.

Well you both did well this past week. Not gaining Teresa, & losing 1lb during the craziness of your last week Kathleen is saying something about how much you have adapted your new life style! Too not feel like a stuffed bloated piggy by day 12 of my vacation is a miracle too!!

Ben & Jerry's tour turned out to be a real busy tourist trap so I was disappointed even though we did do the tour. The free sample today at the end of the tour was Creme Brulee & was so sweet it was sickening & I happily gave it to my dh who loved it. But I did buy a 2 scoop waffle cone of New York Double Chunk Chocolate Fudge, or some such title. Omg was it good!!!! So well worth the calories!

We did a short walk to a beautiful waterfall and drove the beautiful rolling hill back roads all thru Vermont. Had blueberry pancakes with real maple syrup for breakfast & with the ice cream plus just a short amount of walking I feel really icky tonight. So tomorrow I think I'll start the day with coffee & a protein bar & let my system have a rest.

Well dh wants to load todays pics into the laptop so I need to quit chatting on & on. Have a great Thurs
corrisann

[rican3]

Oh Corrisann, New York Double Fudge!!! That sounds so delish!! And I don't usually go for sweets! Too bad the Ben & Jerry's tour was such a tourist trap. I hate when you plan something and it doesn’t quite live up to your expectations. It sounds like the ride through the rolling hills of Vermont was pretty. Real maple syrup, now that is what a cheat is for!! You don't see that where I am! All in all, it sounds like you had a great day. Are you getting ready to head home soon?
Teresa you will come around next week on the losing end. It is so hard to eat out. You are so correct about the hidden salt. I don't eat out much but when I do it seems as though the salt always catches up with me the next day! I can tell because my ankles will swell. Hang in there, you may not be losing as fast as you want but you are doing great with your exercise program. It really is important to keep the body moving. I keep saying I need to do that but, I really do need to do that! It is just still so hot here. (Whine) Maybe when we get some cool weather I could start. (Whine) Seems like once you got started it would be easier to keep up with! Maybe even look forward to!

I have to thank you ladies for giving me the support I needed yesterday about the "new" baby. I guess you have to be told sometimes what a real blessing it is before you see it yourself. Thanks a bunch for making me feel so much better about the situation. I don't know what I would do without you’ all out there to listen to me! I really did appreciate your kind words.

Today’s Menu
B-1 minute muffin (I will let you know if it's all that)
Sausage and coffee w/cream (2c)
L-Hamburger pattie on low carb pita w/ lettuce & tomato (8)
D Shrimp lo-mien (Dreamfields Pasta w/soy sauce, onion. scallion, bacon, butter and garlic) (12c)

I was bad last night..............had Doritos with rotel cheese dip, the good part was I only ate about 1-1 1/2 ounces of Doritos. I don't even know what came over me. I knew not to get the potato chips. I would have had the whole bag..................Doritos are not even something I really like.

Hope your day is super!
Kathleen

[MI CHICK]

Brief message before dh starts loading up the car. Suppose to be 80 today....way above normal temps all the way to New Brunswick & back. That's what has held the color back. We like to travel in the crisp fall air so we've not been real happy about the heat.
Yeah Kathleen we are on the road home. No more certain stops in mind, just to enjoy all the quiet beauty as we roll along the road. Dh is great at planning out all the back/local roads so we see it all. Only use the interstate freeways when needed. Today we will use some freeways to speed us closer to the Finger Lakes region of New York. Course the beauty is still along the road, not like all the strip malls along the roads at home...LOL!!! Day before yesterday 2 bears ran across all 4 lanes of the freeway right in front of us....what a hoot that was! Here we've traveled all these many miles on the back roads & not seen hide nor hair of an animal & ta dah get to the freeway & here they are. We got a real laugh out of that.
We will get home Sat so that dh has time to rest up while I have time to do all the laundry & put everything back in the basement etc......yup these are some of those marriage isn't all it's cracked up to be moments I mentioned yesterday...
corrisann

[rican3]

The 1 minute muffin is not bad at all. I will tweak for my own taste buds. I cut back on the cinnamon and should not have. But all in all very dense, bread like and eats like a muffin! You guys should try it, something cheap and different, really does only take 1 minute! Check out this thread,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


Thank You 4 the 1-minute Muffin Recipe!

[Teresa3]

Hi, All--

Don't feel bad about the cheat, Kathleen--we've all been doing it lately! I think it's autumn--I always get hungrier in September. I think the body just wants to bulk up for winter--like it needs to!

I've been craving fruit, and have eaten a couple of desserts, albeit without the pastry crusts, the last couple days. I've got to get that under control or I'll never get under 150. Dh and I are going to go up to the wine country Oct 21 for a day or two--I just made the reservation myself and told him I was going and would he like to come along or should I invite a friend--and he opted to come along (imagine that!) So anyway, I want to get down to 150 by then, because it's a really fancy place and I want it to be my 20 lb. reward! For years I've wanted to go up there and see the vineyards in the fall, but he never wanted to go because it's too touristy for him. So I just decided to take the initiative and go whether he wanted to or not! It is kindof a hard drive through the SF Bay Area though, but nothing is easy these days!

Well, I'm off to the foot doctor today to see if he can give me any help for the neuromas in my feet--maybe a shot of cortisone or something. Then, hopefully, I can keep up the walking. I sure have been enjoying that! And I'm going to the gym today, too. I know you guys will feel great when you are able to start getting in some walks and regular exercise. I know how hard it is though, between job, housework, errands, and family!

Glad you guys are doing so great, in spite of all the challenges!

Corrisann, I got a hoot our of your bears on the freeway story! It's been such fun to hear of all your adventures; I almost feel like I got to have a vacation, too! Too bad the weather hasn't been autumnal! Have a great drive home

[rican3]

Well Corrisann you didn't get to see the Moose but you did get some natural wildlife!! What an experience!! When I read you saw them along the freeway all I could think of was those poor bears, then those poor drivers!!!!! I have really enjoyed your writings each day. (even though I read them all in one day). I see you have inspired our Teresa to take a trip herself. Good for you Teresa, sometimes you just have to let them know your not going to wait anymore! I know that will be a fun trip. Do you drink wine?? I used to drink a little with my girlfriends but haven't for a long time. I think the better wines are like everything else; expensive! Well I am glad both of you will get in the fall vacation. I am of on Monday so I will have an extra day to do something with. Maybe it was a mistake to tell everyone....I could of had the day to myself! Later.............

[Teresa3]

Oh, let's go down to the grapevine, drink my daddy's wine, get happy...
I wish!!! I would so be a lush if I could, but the creator has blessed me with a touchy liver, so alcohol is off limits for me, Kathleen! I'm sure dh is very glad about that... The most I can do is just look at the grapevines...

Well,I did not have a good day today, food wise. A totally hysterical "friend" got me so stressed out that I went to the bakery and ate an entire (large) piece of chocolate cake with whipped cream. A complete meltdown on my part; it's no excuse to indulge, and I don't feel good about it now But the good thing is I finally decided to not let myself be alone with her any more--it's been an unhealthy relationship and I've allowed myself to be used for too long! Maybe seeing that it drove me back into an unhealthy habit was a good thing after all It's the emotional stuff that often drives us to want to comfort ourselves through eating, I know that. Now I hope I can follow through and eliminate this constant stressor in my life!

Corrisann, you must be getting close to home by now. Hope your journey back has been a pleasant one.

Hope you get some time to yourself on one of your rare days off, Kathleen! Let's all have a great weekend! T.

[MI CHICK]

So what's with all this fall heat ??? Was so warm on Thurs & then down right hot on Fri--came into the house & had to throw on the air! Today is suppose to be 84 & Sun/Mon 86.....so Mon not only are your senses assaulted by having to go back to work, you're having to go back & sweat....pooh! Welcome back to reality huh....LOL!!!

We got in late yesterday afternoon & I spent the evening getting most of the laundry done. Will get everything put away & suitcases to the basement and then I will take down & put away all the non-seasonal items and take them to the basement. Will then bring up my autumn items & start placing them around. Would be nicer to do if it felt like fall LOL!!!

Weighed this morning & was 242. My last Wed weigh in I was 237, so that's 5lb. Was not really surprised but was hoping for more like 2-3lbs. Don't feel all stuffed & bloaty so I'm hoping it won't take too long to get it back off. Last nite we had pizza & bread sticks so I finished things up with a bang! Boy was it all yummy!

So today I have just had my coffee w/cream. Need to look in the freezer & cupboards and lay out my menu. Think I will make a cold pasta salad for dh to eat in all the heat. I don't mind hot food in the heat but dh won't eat hot in the hot.

Teresa you would do better to just enjoy 1 or 2 pieces of fruit then to keep picking thru desserts eating a cherry or strawberry. I agree with that part of the South Beach approach--there are some foods that are high in carbs but are still very healthy for us. Not all the whole grains if your body doesn't tolerate carbs well. But no one has ever gained from eating an apple or orange.

Your trip sounds like fun Teresa. I do some trips like that will girlfriends just cause they are more fun to go with than dh. We drove past all these acres of grape vines in the New York Finger Lakes section. About 12yrs ago we did a vacation thru that area with ds. We toured 3 different wineries & bought some fun everyday stuff & then some of the good stuff as Kathleen said. Put it in the basement & drank off it slowly for a few years. That was fun. We couldn't afford to do that this year so we didn't bother to stop. We don't drink very often anymore. We were never big drinkers but did at least have wine when friends came over for dinner. I keep trying to remember to keep red wine in the house for dh to have a glass each nite for his heart. Most times we forget. I will take different supplements for such things but he hates to swallow pills so I thought I should at least get the red wine in to him. Anyway have a good time! And what a good incentive to keep up with working towards your next goal!! And we all use food as an emotional crutch--that's 1 of our food issues that we have to get a grip on. So it is a very healthy decision to not see this friend alone anymore.

Well I need to get a move on. Need to get the water boiling for dh's pasta salad. Have a great Sat! Hey Kathleen did you plan something special for yourself on your Mon off??
corrisann

[IWILLDOIT1978]

Originally Posted by laph

I started low carb last memorial day and lost 58 pounds. Over the past 3 months life has happened and I have been slipping back into old habbits. Today I am back on the wagon! I need to loose 40 pounds.

Would anyone be interested in being my buddy?

I would love to be your buddy! Sounds like you are doing GREAT! Congrats on the weight already lost! I would love to meet in chat or exchange email addresses with you too!

Originally Posted by catwings

Hey, I posted a "need a buddy" and no one answered....then I saw yours.

Are you still around? Nice to meetcha if you are. I started low carbing for the first time April 1st. I weigh 215 and the moment, have lost 25 pounds over the past two months. Dramatic drop, I know. But it's slowed down A LOT over the past few weeks. I lost weight in the past counting calories and exercising, but was unable to keep it off.

How about you? What made ya want to get back on the bandwagon?

Hi Catwing! If you are interested I would like to be your buddy! Send me a pc with your email and we could correspond like that or maybe even meet in the chatroom here. I am not really on Atkins either I am just trying to stay under 20 carbs a day and drink lots of water! It looks like our weight is about the same right now. I am at 250 and I want to be at 135 in one year. I think it's realistic b/c my husband has lost down from 365 to 290 in just a few short months. So I think that I can do this too. This is day three for me and I can't believe that I have lasted this long!! But I really do believe that I can do it this time!!! Good luck with your weight loss journey! It sounds like you are doing great as well!!!

[Teresa3]

Welcome home, Corrisann, and welcome IWILLDOIT. Catwings does not seem to be with us anymore, but you are welcome to join right on in here with us on our weight loss journey! We're in it for the long haul, right Gals? We weigh in on Wednesdays and usually post our meals for the day--it helps us stay on track, or at least hope to!

Speaking of which, I have been off again today! I have just been hitting the desserts again; I lost control and can't seem to get it back! I have got to either go back on induction or do the semi-fat fast again. I really don't want to start regaining!

Corrisann, a 5 lb. gain for your wonderful trip isn't bad at all--you'll get that off soon. You did really well! This week will have to be like a new start for both of us; a rededication of effort.

I did make it to the gym today, so that helped. I can't walk for awhile because I got a cortisone injection and it's sore. But hopefully that will help me in the long run.

Wow, Corrisann, you got home and got all your laundry done already! You're an inspiration! It always takes me days to get all the clothes unpacked and put away after a vacation--seems like vacations are a lot of work! Anyway, you'll be good and ready to start back on program by Monday.

Kathleen, are you taking a 3-day weekend? Hope you're having fun! T.

[MI CHICK]

Welcome IWILLDOIT !! You should be able to get good support here. If you get a chance read back several pages & you'll get to know us right off the bat.

Teresa I find it just bogs me down terrible if I don't start out my work week with things back in place. Don't like to add that stress to the stress of going back to work, LOL!!!

Ate right on plan today so that's a relief. I over ate on cashews a little while ago--so that's an extra 400 calories just as I'm going to bed....
B=coffee w/cream
L=2 eggs & 5 sl of ns bacon
D=4 chicken thighs
S=1 chicken thigh
11pm bedtime stupid snack=about 3 oz of cashews

Teresa girl you need to get away from those desserts!!!! Get that pair of jeans back out of the drawer & put them back on while you still can & parade in front of your mirror
as many times a day as you need to LOL!!! You will be so
pi**ed off at yourself if you undo things--you need to be at goal for that vineyards trip later this month!!

IWILLDOIT your dh has done fantastic! He should be good support for you too. Your food prep will be easier too since you are both eating the same way.

Well it's after midnight so I need to hussle off to bed.
Here's to a good Sun for all of us!!
corrisann

tomorrows menu
B=coffee w/cream 2 eggs 5 sl ns bacon
L=shrimp
d=cauliflower & pork chops
s=carb smart bar

[IWILLDOIT1978]

Welcome home, Corrisann, and welcome IWILLDOIT. Catwings does not seem to be with us anymore, but you are welcome to join right on in here with us on our weight loss journey! We're in it for the long haul, right Gals? We weigh in on Wednesdays and usually post our meals for the day--it helps us stay on track, or at least hope to!


Teresa thanks for the friendly and warm welcome!!! I was really really really proud of myself today b/c my mom, aunt, and grannie went out to a new chinese restraunt in town and i didn't cheat at all... So I thought that I would list my menu for today and everyone tell me what they think!

Breakfast Low Fat Low Carb Wrap w/ lettuce, turkey, and mayo total 11 carbs
Lunch- 2 slices of cantaloupe (about the size of a silver dollar and two inches thick), 2 boiled eggs, 2 pickle spears, 1 tbsp shreaded cheese, boiled shrimp, and scampie in butter I have no idea how many carbs but I bet alot!
Dinner- wrap w/ lettuce, mayo, and turkey 11 carbs
snack 1 stalk celery w/ 1 tbsp of cream cheese 2 carbs
early snack sf cool whip 5 tbsp. (frozen tasted like ice cream yum yum yum ) 0carbs( but I always count it as one even if it says 0 so 5 just to be on the safe side!)

Now I know some people say to stay away from the wraps and cool whip that they make you stall but I was craving BAD so I thought that it was still pretty good. It was better than completly going off plan. Huh? Well, I usually have like one wrap a day! My dh didn't go strinkly by Atkins and still lost like 75lbs in four months. So how does my menu look?

[Teresa3]

Good Mornin' Gals--

IWILLDOIT, I think when you're first starting on a lower carb diet you will see results even tho you are not staying at 20 carbs or less. You are using a low carb wrap so that's good, and the rest of your menu looks great. Scampi shouldn't have any carbs except maybe a few from the white wine, if any was used. So just keep experimenting with what you like, eat only until satisfied, and see how it goes. Everybody's carb tolerance is different, so just see what works for you. If you're not losing, then you can cut back some more.

Did your dh do Atkins or some kind of low carb? It's so much easier for the men to lost weight than us gals, with all our hormonal challenges! I wouldn't get discouraged if I didn't lose quite as fast as he did! Just hang in here and remember, you're establishing a healthier way of eating that has to be the basis of a new, in-control lifestyle! Now if I can just adhere to my own advice!

Corrisann, thanks for the kick in the pants--I really need this! Your idea to get my size smaller jeans out and put them on is just what I need to do! I still want to reach that 20 lb. mark for my trip to the wine country; I know I can do it, I've got almost 2 weeks! I've got to get going!

Your menu looks tough, but effective, Corrisann. That's going to get your few extra vacation lbs. off in no time! You're an inspiration!

So, I'm going back on induction this week; it helped me before, but then I ended up blowing it. But no more--I'm getting tough this week; I've got a goal and I'm going to really focus!

Kathleen, you've been doing great lately--hope you have a nice relaxing day off tomorrow, and that you're still making steady progress.

B - spicy sausage, egg yolk, spinach 2 carbs
L - Greek salad, grilled lamb skewer 8 carbs
D - salmon, mayo, crookneck squash 6 carbs
S - lc choc, almonds, cr ch 3 carbs
Exercise - 20 min. bike (2 10 min. sessions)

[MI CHICK]

Well my vacation is over..... So tomorrow it's back to work. Was 89 today & is suppose to be the same tomorrow.....where is my fall??? I live thru summer waiting for fall!

IWILLDOIT Teresa is right, men loose quicker than us ladies. But his support should help make up for the difference. Your menu sounds ok but it is the level that will make your losing slower. That's ok as long as you realize that & are willing to have slower results. To loose more quickly you need to stick with your lean proteins & veggies. The weight really does come off much faster that way. Atkins recommends it for the first 2 weeks to get your body into the fat burning mode & to go back to it when you find yourself in a slump. When I lost weight w/Atkins 4yrs ago I did great until I started using all the extras like the wraps & Dreamfields pasta & lc chocolates. They tasted great but I needed to leave them alone until all my weight was off & then re-introduce each item 1 at a time to see which ones I could tolerate w/o putting weight back on. You'll find your way if you just pay attention to your own body--& mind. Boy have I been trying to sort out all the mind games we play with our food....didn't do that last time either, & I don't want to have to be doing this again in 4 more years....aaahhhh what a nitemare that would be!! LOL!!

I agree it is better to over eat on legal foods than to go off & binge. But we can't do that all the time as we still wouldn't be learning to eat in a better manner. Plus our wieght loss would just about die out. Teresa & I have found if we have legal foods that are higher in fats it really seems to get rid of the cravings. Think Atkins talked about that too but I don't remember the details.

Kathleen where are you girl??? Have something fun & relaxing planned for your day off tomorrow I hope! Something that doesn't involve food

Todays menu ended up being:
B=coffee w/cream, 2 eggs, 5 sl ns bacon
L=skipped as I ate bkf late & wasn't hungry
D=4oz of sliced blk forest ham & 4oz munster cheese & dill pickles
S=1 more slice of ham & cheese
Dh ate the pasta salad that I made him yesterday so I didn't have to spend anytime in the kitchen. That helped a lot as I wasn't really hungry in all this heat. Drank a lot of ice tea & diet pop though.
Tomorrow's menu is:
B=coffee w/cream, 2 eggs, 5 sl ns bacon
L=tuna salad, 1 oz almonds
D=shrimp & cauliflower
S=carb smart bar

I really want to have 15lbs off by the end of Dec & so my vacation has to be my last cheats or I won't be there. It's only 12 weeks til the end of the year--can you believe that?????

Well it's time to pack lunches etc. Ya'll have a good nite & a good Mon!!
corrisann

how hard is it to put your pic in our box?? I always enjoy seeing the faces of all of you, but can't figure out how to do it. I am not computer savvy at all.....

[IWILLDOIT1978]

Well my dh didn't do any plan really just kinda what I am doing. Meats, Salads, LC yogurt, cheese. He had a lot of chicken and tuna... oh and we can't forget the ranch. Also an occasional one minute muffin!!! At first he would eat the wraps but only right at first. But hey! Guess what???!!! It is day five for me and I weighed myself today and I have lost 3lbs already. I know it's probably only water weight. But it's still weight that's no longer there! Huh??? LOL.....

B- 4 slices bacon
L- 1.5 pork steaks, one slice of canteloupe, 1/3 cup of cottage cheese, 1/3 cup yellow squash
S- 6 slices of bacon
Snack- Low carb candy

[Teresa3]

Happy Monday, All--

IWILLDOIT! Congratulations on a 3 lb. loss already! You go, Girl! Your menu looks spartan, but sure to get the weight off quickly. Hope you are not going hungry, altho bacon is a hunger suppressor, I think. Do you do any kind of exercise?

Corrisann, re the picture--Polly told me how to do it about the time I first joined, so her instructions should still be there; it's not hard, but I forget how and if I try to go back this minute I'll lose this copy. Anyway, if you don't find it, I'll search for it. Or I bet they tell you somewhere on this website. Do you have any pics on your computer already? That was the hard part for me, but I finally got my daughter to show me how to transfer them out of the camera to the computer. I would so LOVE to see your and Kathleen's lovely faces!

Glad to see a pic of you, IWILLDOIT Won't we all be ecstatic to be able to put up an "after" picture some day!

DH and I are going to the local jazz club tonight and will have dinner there. It kind of spoils my planned diet for today; I have no idea what they'll be serving. Hoping it'll be something like chicken and salad. They have the best desserts in town--it'll take a miracle for me to resist, but miracles do happen! It'll be fun though. It's a jazz pianist with a quartet, and I love jazz.

B - spicy sausage, egg yolk, spinach
L - shrimp salad w/jalapeno dressing and sour cream
D - ??? at the jazz club
S - almonds, cr ch
Exercise - 2 10 min. bike rides

[MI CHICK]

Well the 1st day back to work has been survived, even around the 89 heat......been sucking down unsweetened ice tea since I got home.

Jazz club aye---what fun!! To bad you couldn't have dessert & then dance all the calories away!! Remember dancing the nite away.....boy what fun that was!! Dh has never been a dancer so I always went out with a group of girlfriends. He also was never jealous--he always said if someone could take me away then I wasn't his in the first place. Well that was a fun trip down memory lane Teresa, thanks! Enjoy the music!

IWILLDOIT your menu seems kind of spartan to me too. Don't eat so little that you set yourself up for a fall! That's the great thing about lowcarb--you can eat such a good rich satisfing meal & be legal. Makes it a bit easier to eat out too. I am feeling pretty hungry & like the shrimp & cauliflower won't hold me. Think I will cook me a cheeseburger. Rather eat the extra now then later in the evening & go to bed on it. Maybe I won't have the lc ice cream bar.

Well that's enough blab for now
corrisann