YOU on a Diet .....

[Sweeter-than-Splenda]

Originally Posted by jezzie

Would that be the Buffalo Crispy Chicken sandwich? Never heard of it.
(Actually the day after I saw the ad I had two of them. lol.)

Heaven help me if I decide to try M&M's dark.
M&M's were always in my pocket when I was working ... before I got fat.
Add dark chocolate to that and I'm a goner.

So you are YOU turning today. And I will be tomorrow.
I went through too many family outings where I was miserable. Not going to do it anymore.
There are too many other days in the year to do the 'right thing'.

.

Yes, I think that's what the chicken sandwich was called! Very spicey, but good!

Dr. Oz says in his YOU book that small amounts of dark chocolate is OK. So, occationally I "indulge" and have a small dark Dove bar, or some dark M&M's It helps me from feeling "deprived"

Next time I am "tempted" by no no foods...I will tell myself "it's NOT worth it" and "I know what a chocolate chip cookie tastes like!"

Have a great time at your outing on Sunday and enjoy the cake!

[jezzie]

It was wonderful!

Usual at home breakfast.

Cookout: (12:30 - 7:30)

Chips with chili cheese dip
cheese stuffed pretzels

Cheeseburger w/raw onion toasted bun
olives and pickles
Hot dog on toasted bun
White grape juice

BBQ Ribs
BBQ Chicken
assorted salads (tomato, potato, macaroni)

Fruits and marshmallows dipped in the Chocolate Fountain
(My favorite was banana. )
DGS Kiran (2.5 yo) looked like a clown by the time he was done

Red Velvet cheesecake from Juniors
Coffee

Plus I brought home a huge doggie bag and the little fur people
aren't getting any.

Do not regret one moment or one mouthful.
.

[jezzie]

•Lobster, T-Bones, and Your Knees

Love Friday night surf and turf at your local pub? Got a bum knee or foot that often flares up on weekends? There may be a link.

Eating foods that are high in a protein called purine -- such as a seafood and steak dinner washed down with a cold beer -- can bring on gout, a particularly painful type of arthritis that primarily attacks leg and foot joints.

If family history makes arthritis a potential hazard, turns out you can slash your risk of gout by eating more low-fat dairy foods (string cheese, yogurt, milk) and less surf and turf.

An overload of foods high in purine is a requirement for gout. Your body converts purine into uric acid, a waste product that's normally eliminated through your kidneys. But when there's too much uric acid in your system, it forms tiny, sharp crystals that take up residence in the lower leg and foot joints (the big toe is a favorite site), causing intense pain, redness, and swelling.

People with certain inherited characteristics linked to rheumatoid arthritis are prone to uric acid buildup and gout.

Although gout is on the rise, in one study, men who ate the highest amounts of low-fat dairy had a 44 percent lower risk of the condition compared to men who consumed the least. What else can you do? Watch your weight -- extra pounds stress joints -- and avoid high-purine foods, including steak, lobster, and liquor.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that is low in calories and high in nutrients can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.
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[jezzie]

•A Treat That's Liver-Friendly

Your liver does oh so many things for your body -- from filtering your blood to pumping out bile so you can digest fats.

So do something nice for your liver. Treat it to a fruit-and-yogurt parfait. People who regularly eat fruit and yogurt may have a lower risk of liver cancer than people who don't indulge in these good-for-you treats.

Have Half a Cupful
You don't have to go hog wild for fruit and yogurt to help your liver; even a small amount may be good. In a study, people with various medical conditions (that didn't involve the liver) who ate just half a cup of yogurt and over 5 ounces of fruit a week (about the equivalent of a large apple) had a lower risk of liver cancer.

Good Things Inside
Researchers have yet to pinpoint why yogurt may have an impact on liver health. It could have something to do with retinol, the animal-based form of vitamin A found in yogurt, milk, and eggs.

In previous studies, retinol has been linked to a reduction in the risk of liver cancer. The cell-protecting flavonoids found in abundance in fruit may be what makes them liver savers. Learn which fruit can help keep your lungs healthy, too.

Recipe Corner
Get your morning started with this tropical fruit smoothie recipe. It's got fruit, yogurt, and a fiber boost to boot. (See below)

RealAge Benefit: Eating 5 servings of fruit a day can make your RealAge 1.4 years younger.
.

[jezzie]

Tropical Fruit Smoothie

1 cup cubed fresh or canned pineapple
1 banana, sliced
1/2 cup silken tofu or low-fat plain yogurt
1/3 cup frozen passion fruit concentrate
1/2 cup water
2 ice cubes
1 tablespoon wheat bran or oat bran (optional)

Combine pineapple, banana, tofu (or yogurt), passion fruit concentrate, water, ice cubes and wheat bran
(or oat bran), if using, in a blender; cover and blend until creamy. Serve immediately.

[jezzie]

[faithgirl]

Hi ladies! I ordered this book and Bob Greene's book last night. I have been reading this thread. I took a seriuous look at some of the crazy things I've been doing to myself in the name of weight loss-which has been non-existant-and decided I needed to get smart about it. What good is weight loss if I sacrifice my health for it? I like concentrating on making my waist measurment smaller, instead of what the fickle scale says.

Can you tell me how you two have been doing? How long have you been working this plan and how many inches/pounds have you lost? I will be checking back in soon...

[jezzie]

I've lost eighteen in four months. I'm almost 65 and in no hurry whatsoever.
I love the plan.

I have one of Bob Greene's books but not the latest one. I'm an Oprah disciple.

.

[jezzie]

Monday

Pre-Breakfast:
2 cups half decaf with evap. milk
handful of almnds

Breakfast:
1 cup oatmeal (dry measure) w/cinnamon
orange

Snack:
8 oz. soy milk
banana

Lunch:
whole wheat pasta w/sauce and parmesan
lg. salad

Snack:
6 oz. 100% pomegranate/cranberry juice
six walnut halves

Dinner:
2 turkey/swiss sandwiches on 7 grain w/flax bread
.

[jezzie]

•A Fruit for Lung Health

Breathe easier by munching on fruit for your lungs.

Eating a couple of apples per week could reduce the risk of developing asthma and improve overall lung function, new research has revealed. Apples contain a variety of health-promoting phytochemicals, including quercetin, which may be the reason for the lung-boosting benefits.

For a healthy snack, try dipping sliced apples into honey or peanut butter. Spritz a bit of lemon juice onto your apple slices to keep them from turning brown.

Also, be sure to leave the peels on. Apple peels contain approximately 2 to 6 times more phenolic compounds than the apple flesh. Apple peels contain more flavonoids as well. The list of health-promoting compounds in apples is long. It includes quercetin, catechins, gallic acid, and other phytochemicals. Apples also are an excellent source of fiber.

In addition to reducing the risk of asthma and improving lung function, apples also have been shown to help lower cholesterol, prevent lipid oxidation, and inhibit cell proliferation. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you get a diverse array of vitamins and health-boosting phytochemicals in your diet, and make sure apples are part of the mix.

RealAge Benefit: Getting the right amount of antioxidants through diet or supplements can make your RealAge 6 years younger.
.

[jezzie]

•Exercise Has Profit Potential

Taking time away from work to squeeze in some exercise? Good for you -- and your company.

That's right. The less time you spend sitting on your bottom, the better your -- and your company's -- bottom line.

Fit and Confident
Researchers suspect that the boost in confidence and energy that people get from regular exercise may spill over into their careers, giving them an edge. So not only does exercising keep your weight in check, but it also may give you a better shot at reaching your personal and professional goals.

Run Up Your Sales
But it may require more than a 10-minute walk at lunchtime to be a real go-getter. In a study of entrepreneurs, the business owners that ran regularly were the ones who enjoyed personal and professional side benefits. Not the runner type? Strength training also was linked to better personal-goal progress (although pumping iron didn't affect company performance).

RealAge Benefit: Exercising regularly, expending at least 3,500 calories of energy a week, can make your RealAge 3.4 years younger.

[Sweeter-than-Splenda]

Originally Posted by jezzie

I've lost eighteen in four months. I'm almost 65 and in no hurry whatsoever.
I love the plan.

I have one of Bob Greene's books but not the latest one. I'm an Oprah disciple.

.

Congrats to you Jezzie!!!You are doing great!!!! I take it you had a great loss on your weigh in on July 7th?? KUTGW!!!!

Glad you had a good time at your BBQ! The menu sounded great!

My weigh in on Monday was frustrating. I worked hard all week, except for the time I went off the plan and I was up a pound! But, I'm trying NOT to get discouraged and just going to do better this week! I've decided to cut all diet soda out and see it that helps. They are just full of sodium anyways. I may not be online for a few days. Our computer at home crashed. My hubby is trying to fix it. (I am at the library using theirs at the moment) So, if you don't see any postings from me, you will know why.

Kathleen! Glad to see another YOU follower! You will LOVE the book!! It is so much easier to follow than Atkins. At least I think so. Let us know how you like the book and if their are any questions, just ask!

Have a great day!

[faithgirl]

I'm still waiting on my book, but i think I am going to like this. I like NOT focusing so much on weight, but rather on the waist measurement. You both are doing great. I've decided to take the battery out of my scale and throw it out. The battery, not the scale. I may use it again at some point. I just want to stop this rollercoaster ride I have been on for the past 30-something years.

One question-are artificial sweetners allowed? What about SF pudding and Jello?

[jezzie]

Kathleen AS is OK.
I try to limit them somewhat but that's a personal thing.

These are the biggies to avoid.

The first ingredient to avoid is hydrogenated oil, which often masquerades as partially hydrogenated oil. Dr. Roizen says we should also eliminate sugar and high fructose corn syrup from our foods. "We eat 63 pounds of [high fructose corn syrup] a year, which puts 33 pounds on the typical American," he says.

Enriched flour is the fourth ingredient to avoid. "[Enriched] means they took all the good stuff out and put a little back," Dr. Roizen says. In 1960, Americans didn't use enriched flour, but today we consume 63 pounds a year, he says.

The fifth offenders are white foods —including bleached flour. The only white items you should have in your fridge are egg whites, cauliflower and fish, Dr. Roizen says.

.

[jezzie]

Pre-Breakfast:
2 cups half decaf with evaporated milk
12 almnds

Breakfast:
1 cup oatmeal (dry measure) w/cinnamon, SF syrup
banana

Snack:
fruit/yogurt parfait
apple slices
(both from McDonalds)

Lunch:
PB & J sandwich on organic 7 grain w/flax bread
1/2 cup sliced cucumber w/spritz french dressing

Snack:
hb egg w/LF mayo
4 oz. 100% cranberry/concord grape juice

Late Dinner:
salmon
salad
.

[jezzie]

•Bubbles May Mean Bad Teeth

Yellow stains aside, brewed coffee or tea may not be the worst thing you could swish past your pearly whites.

Other drinks tested in a recent study produced much more wear and tear on tooth enamel, especially bubbly soft drinks. But here's the surprise: It didn't matter if the sodas were diet or not.

Erosion Explosion
When your tooth enamel starts to erode, you've got major problems on your hands. And certain foods like sweets and sodas may hasten this process. All carbonated drinks in a recent study had some impact on tooth enamel (with the one possible exception being root beer -- its impact on tooth enamel was slight).

Citrus-flavored sodas hit teeth hardest, but colas caused problems, too. And it didn't matter if the drinks were diet or full-sugar.

It's the Acids
Contrary to what you might think, it's not only the sugars in bubbly beverages that erode tooth enamel. It's also the acids. The total acid content and acid type -- look for names like phosphoric, citric, malic, and tartaric -- in a beverage affect how strong the attack is on your choppers. Rinsing after sipping a soda may hasten the acids out of your mouth.

RealAge Benefit: Flossing and brushing your teeth daily can make your RealAge as much as 6.4 years younger. Learn three ways flossing makes you younger.

[Sweeter-than-Splenda]

Originally Posted by faithgirl

I'm still waiting on my book, but i think I am going to like this. I like NOT focusing so much on weight, but rather on the waist measurement. You both are doing great. I've decided to take the battery out of my scale and throw it out. The battery, not the scale. I may use it again at some point. I just want to stop this rollercoaster ride I have been on for the past 30-something years.

One question-are artificial sweetners allowed? What about SF pudding and Jello?

I like your idea Kathleen about throwing the batteries out from your scale!!!! I think I may do the same thing!!! I get so discouraged if work hard for a week, only to step on the scale and see that I am up a pound! Usually it is just water weight..but it freaks me out and upsets me. I really do think losing inches not pounds is more important! I've been doint YOU for almost a month now and will measure myself when my month is over. I know I will see a change, because I can tell in my clothes! I try and stick with using a small amounts of Splenda. I was drinking WAY too much diet soda and have cut that out completely! I am going to allow myself 1 glass of ice tea w/ Splenda a day, but will mostly drink water!

Our computer is still doing weird things and will only let me do certain things. Hopefully DH will get this thing fixed..an soon!!!

Menu for today:

PB- coffee
Kashi snack bar

B- Red River hot cereal w/ Splenda and raisons
Fresh strawberries and LF cottage cheese w/ cinnamon on top.

S- handful of almonds

L- chicken salad made w/ LF mayo, mustard, purple onion, chicken and S&P.
apple

S- grapes

D- scrambled eggs, sausage
fresh fruit

Exercise: Walking 2 miles (40 min) Weight machines, pilates

I have soooo much more energy and actually WANT to exercise now!!! It's amazing how changing the way you eat can effect a persons outlook on life!!!!

[jezzie]

Glad that computer allowed you to post. I would miss you.
I'm a once a month weigher.

•Crunch Time

High-fiber breakfast cereals may be better for you than you think.

High-fiber foods not only help regulate digestion, but they also help keep insulin levels in check. In a study, men who ate high-fiber cereal experienced lower peak insulin levels than men who consumed low-fiber cereal. Insulin control is an important part of type 2 diabetes prevention.

Aim to include in your diet at least 25 grams of fiber each day. You can do this by eating high-fiber foods such as whole grains, broccoli, and dried peas. Fiber is the indigestible part of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that helps you to feel full and regulates digestion. It helps control blood sugar levels by slowing absorption in the digestive tract. I

n a study, a group of men with hyperinsulinemia, a condition that indicates insulin resistance and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, did not experience the same insulin spike with high-fiber cereal as they did when they had eaten low-fiber cereal.

Future studies will help determine if a high-fiber diet can help people with pre-diabetes to control, and possibly reverse, insulin resistance.

RealAge Benefit: Eating a high-fiber diet can make your RealAge up to 3.5 years younger.

[jezzie]

.
Pre-Breakfast:
2 cups half decaf with half & half
12 almnds

Late Breakfast:
1 cup Fiber One w/evaporated milk
1/2 a cantaloupe

Snack:
8 oz. soy milk
banana

Lunch:
Subway (eat fresssh. )
veggie sub on Honey Wheat bread w/mustard

Snack:
6 oz. 100% concord grape/cranberry juice
6 walnut halves

Dinner:
tilapia
broccoli
.

[Sweeter-than-Splenda]

Originally Posted by jezzie

Glad that computer allowed you to post. I would miss you.
I'm a once a month weigher.

Awww, thanks Jezzie! It's nice to know someone would miss me!!!

Mmm, the subway sandwich sounded good!

Well, I went off plan last night. Had good intentions on having eggs for dinner, but made homemade pizza instead. I just had 2 small pieces and I worked out extra hard a the gym this morning! I'll just really have to watch what I eat today.

Menu for today:

PB- coffee
Kashi Trail mix snack bar

B- Red River hot cereal w/ raisons

S- fresh strawberries w/ LF cottage cheese and cinnamon

L- Slimfast shake
grapes

S- apple with small amount of natural PB to dip it in.

D- Scrambled eggs, sausage, strawberries

Exercise- 2 miles on treadmill (at an incline), exercise bike, weight machines and pilates. Whew! I'm tired! LOL

Have a great YOU day!

[jezzie]

Thursday (YOU on a Diet)

Pre-Breakfast:
2 cups half decaf with evaporated milk
almnds

Breakfast:
1 cup oatmeal (dry measure) w/cinnamon, raisins
banana

Snack:
1/2 lb. of cherries ( )

Lunch:
whole wheat pasta w/sauce and parmesan
salad w/oil & vinegar

Snack:
2 deviled egg halves
1/4 of a cantaloupe

Dinner:
sweet potato topped w/chili
asparagus
.

[jezzie]

WTG on the exercise Splenda. Whew. I get sore just reading it.


Making Memories with Pills

Did I take my pills today? You may be able to answer the question with clarity if you get a little creative.

Example: Take your medicine a different way each day. One day, put a pill in your mouth while crossing your arms. On another day, place your hand on your head when you swallow it down. May seem silly, but each unique action can help distinguish one pill-popping session from another.

Good Medicine
Another memory trick is to purchase a page-a-day calendar. Rip off the day's page after you've popped your pills, suggest Gilles O. Einstein and Mark A. McDaniel, authors of MemoryFitness: A Guide for Successful Aging.

Here are three more memory aids the authors suggest:

Create a chart, and add a checkmark when you've taken your meds.
Use a pillbox with compartments for each day of the week.
When you take your pills, focus on the task at hand without getting distracted (distraction = poor memory-making).

RealAge Benefit: Adhering to medication regimens as prescribed by your doctor can make your RealAge 0.9 years younger.
.