`:~:` South Beach Check In - December 1st ~ December 7th `:~:`

[Stevie Renee]

hi Lee!
Way to go on the weight loss thus far. Thats really outstanding!

lilmis,
yes, Stephen Gallo. Most excellent read! I could go on and on about it. Well I did last year, lol!

Rebeca,
It scary when there is a drinker in the family. I think we all have one. My sisters better half is such a piece of work. It gets under my skin to no end. Well I hope it works out.


Soup! Yes, lets talk soup. I was thinking of cooking a chicken and making the stock with load of veggies, chicken broth and all the white meat. I have the turkey soup right now all made up - just not eating the meat because its thigh meat.

Question...are you guys using fitday? I probably should go back to it. I have been negligent these past few weeks.

[TryinSBDagain]

Hi, all! I'm back for a few minutes, but I can't stay long. Will try to catch up later.

Cookie, thanks so much for the bilingual note! (Darlin Traci - ca va, ma belle? Joyeux fêtes! J'èspere que tu passe a très bon fête avec ta famille. Don't be a stranger. I miss you!! (and don't critique my writing...I speak it FAR better than I write it. OH...I had a dream in French last night! Woohoo! Five years here and I am FINALLY getting into this language.)) Je t'ai manqué beaucoup. It's been a crazy week, and this one's starting to get that way, too.

I referred in an earlier post to an upcoming experiment in insanity, and here's what it is: I'm attempting to write a 50,000-word novel in one month. It may not be any good, but the object is to get the thing written, then decide if it has publishing potential. This is only Day 2 of the project, so I'm not too far into it yet. I'll keep y'all posted. (If you're interested in knowing more about this break from reality I'm taking, you can check out the National Novel Writing Month website at National Novel Writing Month. Chris Baty, whose brainchild NaNoWriMo is, wrote a book that inspired me to take this leap into lunacy.)

As for my WOE, well, I didn't do too well for a couple of weeks, but I'm trying to get back on track as much as possible in a month riddled with dietary landmines that include three parties in one week, my birthday the following week, Christmas the week after that, New Year's Day and a wedding the following week. If I can ditch the five pounds that crept back onto my bod in November and maintain through January 4, then I plan to get back on Phase 1 for a couple of weeks. We'll see what happens...

Meanwhile, to everyone! I'll try to get back in here sometime this week and catch up on everyone's lives.

[Radmom413]

I have an AWESOME p1 Taco Soup recipe I will post later!

[Danipower714]

Hey beachers,

Day 2 of Phase 1 went well. I did another hour of Callan last night which made me feel so relaxed afterwards and I plan do another hour tonight. My tummy's been looking more trim since re-committing to the callanetics, although my trouble area (thighs) is being more stubborn.

back Traci and Lil Miss and to all our new posters!

Chantel- I've been reading a lot about L-Glutamine on the boards. I am curious to try it myself. It is supposed to do wonders for cravings. I get the nasty chocolate craving right before TOM.

Becky- I hope DSIL stays on the right path for Alyssa and DD's sake.

Wiz- Yes, great minds think alike! What was in your mexican turkey soup? Sounds yummy! My soup was kind of bland, LOL. I've been wondering about Nena too! Missing her, Anne, Antonya and Tina

Cookie- I can't believe you are going to be a grandmother! You are going to be one hot grandma!

to those I missed!

Today:
B: 2 eggs, salsa
S: string cheese
L: salad
S: hummus and veggies
D: salmon in lemon butter, broccoli
S: hot cinnamon apple tea

[Rebecca130]

I think her leaving him for that short period of time was the wakeup call that he needed. His mother stayed in the relationship with his father til she found out that he was not only an alcoholic but also a cheater. And his step-dad is an alcholic and he sees that he doesn't want to be like that. THANK GOD!!!

Having baked chicken and steamed cauliflower and broccoli. Mmmm. I slipped and had one cookie that I baked with Alyssa, but I would have had 5 or 6 in the past and they're all out of the house now, gave them to Brad when they came to pick Alyssa up. My goal is to make him fat (LOL)

[wiz]

Good morning folks!

Light day of exercise today, gotta give my feet and knees a little rest. I rode my exercise bike for 30 minutes and did arm weights, pushups and situps for about 15 minutes.

Good news on the scale...almost back to pre-Thanksgiving weight. Only 1 lb up this morning from my low. Nothing like a couple days of Phase 1 to get things under control. I should have this last lb off by Friday, which was my goal.

Becky, I'm always afraid when I have the one cookie, I will have a dozen. Good for you that you stopped after one!

Now here is a cookie dilemma, please give me your thoughts...my mom bakes a big can of cookies for each of her kids (you know I have 5 brothers, right??) for Christmas. All of our favorites from growing up. I do love those cookies, but I really don't want them in my house this year. It's not like I have kids to help eat them. I wanted to say something at Thanksgiving, but didn't have the heart. I guess I can take them graciously and then send them to my husband's office. Cookies are a BIG weakness for me...

Dani, My Mexi style soup was good, my husband said it was a keeper No real recipe, but here's what was in it: Saute small onion, diced carrots, chopped celery and minced garlic until soft (I use cooking spray to start, then add low-salt chicken broth as needed to keep from sticking to the pan). Add 2 cups diced turkey, 2 15-oz cans diced tomatos with green chilis, 1 cup of chicken broth (maybe more, I was pouring from a large open box of broth and didn't measure ), juice from 1 lime, 1 TB red wine vinegar, 1 can tomato paste, 1 TB chili powder (or more if you like things spicy) and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. I simmered it for about an hour and topped with low-fat cheddar jack cheese. Was even better the second day. It was kind of like a chili without the beans...

Traci, Wow! It's kind of a busy time of year to write a novel in a month Good luck to you. I can barely get my Christmas cards written out

Chantel, I have not used fitday. One of the things I like about SB is that I really don't count anything. I just follow the food list! I am horrible about writing things down or keeping a running tally. I like that I just know what I am allowed to eat and I stick to it. And since I don't keep nuts in the house, I don't even worry about counting those (like when I am at a party or something.)

Lil Miss, I, too, am a Philly chick In fact, I have season tickets to the Eagles (my avatar is from the Eagles/Falcons tailgate this year!!) Yes, the running is going well (I typically do 4 to 5 miles at a clip), although I may be overdoing it. With the cold weather, I am feeling it much more in my knees. So I am trying to be a little more sensitive to what my body is telling me...

Luisa, the dreaded car shopping...I don't know why, but it is one of my most hated things to do. I usually love shopping I think it is all the bargaining you are supposed to do, I just like things to be marked with the best price they can give you and you buy the darn thing. I always feel like I am getting ripped off somehow!

OK, off to a dentist appt! Just a check-up, don't expect any issues (fingers crossed!)

[Stevie Renee]

Hi!
Ok, so I have the book. He revised milk? Phase one is ok with milk, right?

Wiz,
Thanks for answering about fitday!

So I bought some L glutamine. Will see how I do.

menu:
yogurt, flax, coffee, supplements, water
turkey broth veggie soup
hummus, cukes
chicken, veggies, hummus


Exercise is more callanetics and power walking.

be good all!

[California girl]

Hi guys

Just checking in quickly today as I ran out of time yesterday. My boss is on a binge and we have been up to our necks with paperwork.

Serena: nice to hear from you and congrats on the new addition to your family. You must be so pleased.

Chantel, Lil Mis, BrandNewMe, Redqueen - Hi and WELCOME back and Hi.

Wiz - you continue to amaze me with your enthusiasm and the way you bounce right back after going off the diet. Its a real inspiration for me. THANKS.

Tracy - ahhhh now we know why you have dissapeared. Good luck with the book and your diet while writing it.

Cookie - you are going to have a grandaughter...you must have had one of those child marriages. Am so happy for you that you will be there for the birth and I am sure your daughter is really pleased to have mom around.

Luisa - cant wait to see your new car. How about that snow the other day...i got nervous thinking about the long drive home on those roads in the middle of a snow storm. Thank goodness it went away by the time I left work. Congrats on the weight loss after the popcorn party and on continuing your walks...even in this freezing weather.

Have been on a good roll this week and got rid of 3 pounds so far...am having no cravings. However, tom.we have a visitor coming from France and I have to take her out to lunch...also a birthday party this weekend... wish me luck in sticking to the diet these next couple of days.

Hi to the rest of the group and hope you are all doing well...gotta go...the boss is lurking..

[rose1]

I'm doing a quick check in while I wait for something to load.

Wiz. I agree. Don't even say anything about the cookies. Just accept them and send them off with DH. His office will love you.

Chantel, lowfat or skim milk is fine, as is plain lf yogurt. 2 cups daily.


Everyone else. Back to work.

[Stevie Renee]

Thanks Rose

[Danipower714]

Originally Posted by wiz

Dani, My Mexi style soup was good, my husband said it was a keeper No real recipe, but here's what was in it: Saute small onion, diced carrots, chopped celery and minced garlic until soft (I use cooking spray to start, then add low-salt chicken broth as needed to keep from sticking to the pan). Add 2 cups diced turkey, 2 15-oz cans diced tomatos with green chilis, 1 cup of chicken broth (maybe more, I was pouring from a large open box of broth and didn't measure ), juice from 1 lime, 1 TB red wine vinegar, 1 can tomato paste, 1 TB chili powder (or more if you like things spicy) and a handful of chopped fresh cilantro. I simmered it for about an hour and topped with low-fat cheddar jack cheese. Was even better the second day. It was kind of like a chili without the beans..

Wiz, this sounds delicious! I'm a huge lime and cilantro fan. I'll think I'll try it with chicken soon. Hope your dentist appt went well.

Cali Girl- on your 3 pound loss!

[Danipower714]

Chantel: Where did you buy your L-Glutamine? How many are you planning on taking each day? I'm thinking this might be a godsend during the holidays.

[Radmom413]

<Waiting to hear about above said supplement!>

[fluffybear2]

Hi,

I did Atkins awhile back and then dropped out and now I am starting South Beach. I know it will be hard starting during the holidays, but hopefully it will keep me from pigging out on bad foods. I have read the original South Beach Diet book and have also put the newer South Beach Diet Supercharged book on reserve at the library. Can anyone tell me the difference between the original plan and the new "Supercharged" plan? Thanks.

[rose1]

Fluffy, the "plan" itself hasn't changed. There were a few updates along the way that are covered in the stickies at the top of the page.

The new book has an expanded food list with some gray areas made clearer. There is a FAQ section in which Dr. A answers questions. There is a great section that deals with how to handle "plateaus" and an exercise section. The original book didn't deal much with exercise and it is really non-negotiable. While you're at the library, see if they have the SB party, holiday cookbook. It's full of yummy holiday type recipes. Actually, this season is a great time to begin. You'll see how easy it is to have great legal SB meals even during the holidays.

[Rebecca130]

Of course, my answer is entirely different this year about the cookies your Mom makes, Wiz, than it would have been a year ago. With my Mom's accident, I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with her now while I have her cuz I saw with my aunt that passed in the accident that in the blink of an eye, how fast a life can be lost. SO, my answer is.... accept the cookies, thank her from the bottom of your heart and then send them to your DH's office. At this late stage, don't hurt her feelings by not accepting the cookies that have always been a tradition. But if you send them with your DH, then you haven't hurt your diet. Everyone is happy then. Anyway, don't know if the other would answer that way, but that's my feelings. Last year I would have said, "no, don't give me any, give them to Bill (my bro) but now I will graciously accept things and then give them to my daughter (who doesn't have a weight problem and has a little girl to inhale the goodies. LOL)

[vfCookie]

Blech... had a wretched eating day yesterday. You know, this return to Phase one is tougher than I remembered after induldging myself for so long. Guess that is why my loss has stalled! Duh. SO, back at it again today.

I have reasoned a bit with myself over the "guilt" issue. If I look back at this time last year, I am 50+ lbs down. No matter what I do in the next couple of weeks, no matter how much I may induldge myself over the holidays, I will still start 2009 off way lighter than I started 2008. Rather than bogging myself down in today's "failure", I am going to focus on the success of the past year and KNOW that I really CAN do this. I have. I have already been successful and I can continue to do so.

Home life has been messed up this week. My estranged husband (we have been separated for a year) left his job in Paris for a home based job. So after 1 1/2 years of really not seeing each other, he is now in my home ALL THE TIME! He is a nice guy, don't get me wrong, but it has thrown off my rythm for everything...for eating, exercising, relaxing, whatever. It is like having a houseguest that you know will never leave.

Menu:
B - cauliflower & lf bleu cheese soup (less than 1 cup...It wouldn't fit in my "to go" containers for work), ff plain yogurt with pecans, coffee
L - cauliflower & lf bleu cheese soup with 1/2 roasted chicken breast, lf sf cheesecake
S - lean ham, lf gouda, celery sticks
D - fish, stir fried veggies

Rebecca - excellent advice. I have actually thought about the cookie dilemma all night because I have a tradition of making them with my kids, so they will be around my house.

Wiz - um, yeah, what Rebecca said.

Traci - best of luck on the novel!

Bear - The SB 30 minute cookbook has been a godsend for me as have the Low Carb cookbooks by George Stella. The recipes in his are family friendly and easily adaptable to SB.

[luisafernanda]

Hi beachers,

I still can't quite believe it, but I was down a whole kilo (2.2 lbs.) this morning, compared to yesterday. I weighed myself 3 times and even weighed myself again holding a liter of milk (which DH told me should weigh exactly one kilo) to see if the scale weighed me exactly one kilo more (it did, so it appears to be weighing correctly). I fully expect some of that weight to be back tomorrow because I can't imagine how so much went so fast , but I will enjoy it for today at least!

Cookie - I think you're on the right track. Focusing on your success rather than beating yourself up because you're having a hard time right now will surely be more positive in the long run. Hope things get back to normal for you soon.

Fluffy and Lee

Cali Girl - congrats on the loss!

Wiz - I am pretty sure I couldn't have those cookies around without getting into them.

Traci - good luck on the novel...quite an ambitious project!

Hi to everyone I missed, and have a great day!

[vfCookie]

Luisa - Normal??? Ain't gonna happen, sister! But thanks for the kind thought.

Question... I have been debating getting South Beach SuperCharged and have been trying to find info here to see if it is worth it or not (ok, the mention of the tirimisu recipe alone makes me want to buy it). But of course, the last thing I need is yet another book.

Can anyone lead me in the right direction to find what kind of info is included and if I need to invest or not?

Thanks a bunch.

[Stevie Renee]

Morning Beach Babes.

Ok, so I read about the LG here - especially from Diamond Deb. So I did rent the DIET CURE book yesterday. I bought that dang book years ago and let it slip out of my hands. duh.

So I read that the LG is good BUT...do not start the lg therapy during PMS. Um, lets just say I best wait a week! lol

She (Julia Ross, author) recommends taking the LG three times a day, between meals. Diamond Deb said its cost effective to get it in powder form. I bought capsules cuz I am kinda broke. lol - but anyway, the book reads 3x between meals ( 1000 mg per..so maybe two 500 mg capsules).

Also...she stresses this...if you are really craving, take it sublingually (500 mg under the tongue, no taste!)

I am going to give it a valant effort because if this works..like a poster named Speedy said..and others..I will be so happy (and Thank the Lord of course!)


Also..a biggy for me.Get off aspertime. Sigh...Diet Coke addict. I have done spurts of it. But I always go back to it.


I bought mine at our local health store. It ranges in price - $8.00 to $30.00 I recall.


As far as the diet is going, I screwed up yesterday. Sigh...but it could have been worse. I wont go into details. Lets just say I am going to exercise a bit longer today and do better? lol


So thats it!


PS: I would loooove to see that taco soup recipe soon

[fluffybear2]

Originally Posted by vfCookie

Luisa - Normal??? Ain't gonna happen, sister! But thanks for the kind thought.

Question... I have been debating getting South Beach SuperCharged and have been trying to find info here to see if it is worth it or not (ok, the mention of the tirimisu recipe alone makes me want to buy it). But of course, the last thing I need is yet another book.

Can anyone lead me in the right direction to find what kind of info is included and if I need to invest or not?

Thanks a bunch.

Amazon.com lets you look inside the book (table of contents, front and back flap, etc).

[rose1]

Originally Posted by vfCookie

Luisa - Normal??? Ain't gonna happen, sister! But thanks for the kind thought.

Question... I have been debating getting South Beach SuperCharged and have been trying to find info here to see if it is worth it or not (ok, the mention of the tirimisu recipe alone makes me want to buy it). But of course, the last thing I need is yet another book.

Can anyone lead me in the right direction to find what kind of info is included and if I need to invest or not?

Thanks a bunch.

Cookie, for YOU, I don't think there is a lot in the new book that you don't already know and do. It clears up some gray areas, tells you how to get past plateaus, has an exercise program section and you're already good there, expands the food list, has new recipes. It's a good add-on to your SB collection, but you could wait for the paperback, which should be out soon. On the other hand, it really doesn't cost that much. I preordered it and was VERY happy with it, but I use it for reference in my work, so I needed it early.

[vfCookie]

Rose - thanks so much for you input. I got the same feeling that you had about....great reference but nothing really new for me. I googled the tiramisu recipe and borders has it on their website at Borders Recipe File It calls for fat free or light whipped topping which are not available here so I would need to save it for a phase 3 type treat and make it with homemade whipped cream.

Chantel - I have never heard of that supplement. Let us know how it works for you.

Did my CardioCallanetics and now I am ready to go off to bed. Nighty night.

[wiz]

Good evening folks!

I was up in NYC all day with customers, just rolled in the door. I did get a 4-mile jog in this morning before heading up there, but had no time to post.

Meetings went well, and I took a huge crowd of them out for lunch as an end-of-year celebration. They selected an Italian place and I was worried about the selections, but they actually had frittatas (hmmm...are all those t's in the right place? I am too lazy to double-check). A spinach and mozzarella frittata and a side salad was a perfect OP meal. Now I can enjoy the pork chop with mushrooms that is baking in my oven right now without worrying about overdoing it

Rose and Becky, Thanks for the advice on the cookies. That was what my gut was telling me to do and you guys helped me make up my mind. And if I sneak one of my favorites (the walnut crescents rolled in powder sugar are my number 1 cookie) it won't be the end of the world

Luisa, Cali Girl - You guys are on a roll!! What is in that Spanish water??? By the way, I can just picture Luisa weighing those 3 times!! I would have done the same thing.

Oh Chantel, don't get me started on Diet Coke. I am right there with you girl. I now "only" have 1 20-oz bottle in the mornings and water the rest of the day (well, except for wine on the weekends!! ) I don't drink coffee or tea, so this is my start to the day. I know it is crummy for me, but hey, a girl's got to have a vice!

Dani, I too love lime juice and cilantro. There is something about those ingredients that are so good together.

Uh, Cookie, in my mind's eye I am envisioning your household at the moment and it is quite thought-provoking. I can't believe he is back in your house. Good luck with that

OK, pork chops are ready!! Have a good evening.

[wiz]

Oh and Rose, Roll Tide!! I had no idea you were a Bama fan. We are huge Penn State fans, but have been closet rooters for Alabama for years. If PSU can't go for the National title, than we'll root for the Crimson Tide

[Rebecca130]

Wiz, ONE cookie never ruined any diet, however the problem for me is.... ONE cookie leads to ONE DOZEN. Well... I don't think even I can say I've eaten one dozen cookies at one time, or one day for that matter, but you get the idea. The problem with me is, with my Mom being 81 and especially since her accident, I think "what if she's not here next year for Christmas." but I have all her good recipes, so I could make them, but there's nothing like Mama's cookies, is there.

And with that, now you know why God only gave us Christmas once a year. LOL. Even He was diet savy.

[rose1]

Originally Posted by wiz

Oh and Rose, Roll Tide!! I had no idea you were a Bama fan. We are huge Penn State fans, but have been closet rooters for Alabama for years. If PSU can't go for the National title, than we'll root for the Crimson Tide

I always take Penn State over most anyone else, except Alabama. Dh is a Bama guy and DD wants to do her grad studies there. Think we can make it past the Gators? I've never cared for Fla. even though I grew up there. Good luck in the Rose Bowl.

[California girl]

Morning Beachers

Behaved fairly well yesterday at the restuarant. Had fish, no bread and only 1glass of wine..dessert was fruit...and this am....another pound down... a great way to start the weekend. Did get a box of candy as a little gift and threw it away in the airport. Couldnt even bring it home to bring to the office this am...too much time in my face at home.

Wiz: Its not the Spanish water, more like getting ready for the holiday season and the more you get down now....the easier it might be to stay on plan as much as possible... will see how this theory works out.

Cookie: Sweetie I feel really bad for you Wish I could help, but it sounds like one of the those no win situations. You have been strong all year, don't give in to the emotional eating to get you thru this.

Luisa: I can just see you doing a triple on the scale!! I guess the milk carton made you beliver eh? You are really doing well this last week!!

To all my fellow SB'ers...have a great weekend and keep to the plan as much as possible.

[vfCookie]

Hey beachers.

If it ain't one man, it's another.
I will not bore you with the details but I got an unpleasant call from ex #1 (I really need to avoid men and marriage altogether) at the crack of dawn this morning. 12 years after the divorce and he still calls weekly.

Anyway, estranged hubby and I had a talk about respect for each other while co-habitating again. (it is a bizarre situation. We separated but didn't bother changing living arrangements because he was away all week. For the past 6 months I have had a studio apartment for the weekends only, but seriously, I am tired of paying rent on a weekend place. And now he is here all week too. As I said... unusual circumstances) Anyway, we have agreed to a few things, one being exercise time and space. He agreed to make me get out of bed when the alarm goes off early in the morning (cause I usually roll over) so that I can exercise in the morning before everyone else gets in my way. This was MY idea as it will enable me to not make excuses after work. This will also keep me from being mean to him when I come home and he is working in my exercise space. He has agreed to do everything possible to help me stick to my WOE including making SB friendly meals for me if he decides to cook something else. I guess I haven't really made too many concessions except to not rip his head off for working in my space. Not very nice, am I? But it isn't his life that has been flipped around again based on someone else's decision. Please let me get the job in Philly!!!

Menu-
B - ham with lf gouda, ff plain yogurt with pecans, coffee
S - ff plain yogurt with pecans and 1 oz sf dark chocolate (it's really good if you chunk up the choc & pecans and stir them into the yogurt...mmmm)
L - fish & veggies with salad(lunch out with the girls...going to a new fish restaurant)
D - magret de canard (duck) with grilled veggies
Dsrt - lf sf cheesecake with blueberries

I was thinking of taking a teaspoon of peanut butter and melting it with a square of sf dark chocolate to make a nice drizzle for my cheesecake, so I may do that instead. Kind of a sf peanutbutter cup cheesecake.

Cali - yeah, you spanish girls are kickin some weight loss butt! Way to go. Thanks for the sympathy doll, but trust me, things could be much worse. I am very very fortunate. Even though my ex's drive me nuts, I do get along extremely well with both of them. We don't normally fight or get nasty with one another. (not even the one I've been divorced from for 12 years) I will not tolerate nastiness and anger. It doesn't suit me, I don't want it around my children, so I just don't allow it. Lots of people find it bizarre for me to get along so well with my ex and estranged husbands. Most people can not understand WHY we are separated since we get along so well. But, there's more than meets the eye to every relationship and I have been very blessed in mine.

Wiz - If I am not mistaken (and I may be) Penn State won the NASA Education outreach contract a year or so ago. It was formerly at my alma mater Ok State. I am SO hoping to be your neighbor in the new year. And I'll even hit you up to take my son to one of those Eagles games. He's a big fan...we even had a subscription to a dvd service that sent us each weeks game on dvd after it was televised as well as a membership in the Eagle's kids club.

Rose - I am really curious about your work now. Care to share?

[Radmom413]

Morning!

Checking in to say hi and leaving hugs for everyone!!!

Today is DD21 and I's annual Christmas Shopping day!


Cookie- continued . And regarding the supercharged book - JMO - but thought it was a waste of money. I bought it, read it over, and returned it. I thought there wasn't that much new info in it compared to the turquoise covered original to warrant the cost. Now if you can pick it up for cheap, that's another story.

Eating has been great this week and I'm feeling like my old self after Thanksgiving weekend. I didn't indulge that much; but what a difference when you are not used to eating like that!

Hope everyone has a great Friday!