*|* South Beach Check-In - June 22nd ~ June 28th *|*

[rose1]

[luisafernanda]

Hi everyone,

Just checking in before I have lunch. I am going to make a big salad with 3 kinds of lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, mushrooms, sweet onions, grilled chicken breast and a sprinkle of RF cheese, with EVOO and apple cider vinegar. Yum!

Rose, love the photo. Gorgeous. I am going to get some of those Calms pills. I'll ask my flight attendant friend to bring them for me. Thanks for the recommendation.

Jim - how was the family reunion?

Serena - How are you doing today? Just thought I should tell you that after all the work I did planting those ranunculus bulbs, only about half of them came up and only ONE bloomed! (it was red). Guess I won't bother with them again! I've had to fill in their place in the garden with snapdragons and strawflowers, which came up all over on their own. Here's a picture of part of my border, taken the other day (the gaillardia and coreopsis are running wild).



to everyone else. Hope you all have a great week!

[Radmom413]

Marking my spot!

And Rose......... How did you get a colored font?????

[wiz]

Good morning!

Jut finished up a 5-mile run. It was dry out, yippeee!! But more rain coming again this afternoon. I cannot in my life remember this many straight days of rain. It is truly unbelievable. We went to a jazz fest in our town on Saturday and it just poured. Everyone was standing around in rain ponchos and baseball hats! Oh well.

I had a very haphazard weekend of eating. Meals at weird times, not enough water (coupled with too much wine) and just generally not paying enough attention to what went in my mouth. But I got tripped up on some dumb stuff too. At my Mom's Father's Day party, I started eating a marinated asparagus salad. It looked healthy, but I immediately realized it was loaded with sugar.

I did pass up on Mom's home-made lemon squares (which looked so darn good.) My Mom was kind of whining that I didn't eat any, but I was firm. I told her that I can tell her on 1 hand how many bites of "real" dessert I have eaten in 18 months. (split a piece of key lime pie on vacation, had a sliver of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, 2 of my Mom's walnut crescent cookies at Christmas, and literally 1 bite of a chocolate cake for my birthday last year. I have 1 finger left over!! ) I just don't eat sweets anymore!

So I'm sitting here eating my egg beaters and salsa, drinking my water. Back on track for Monday morning! Hope you all can do the same

[Danipower714]

Sipping my coffee and just relaxing this morning. I'm now on summer vacation till the end of August!

Hope everyone has a great week on-plan!

Yes, Rose how'd you get the color?

Luisa- Beautiful picture of your flowers!! That's a bummer about the ranunculus.

[Danipower714]

Originally Posted by wiz

I had a very haphazard weekend of eating. Meals at weird times, not enough water (coupled with too much wine) and just generally not paying enough attention to what went in my mouth. But I got tripped up on some dumb stuff too. At my Mom's Father's Day party, I started eating a marinated asparagus salad. It looked healthy, but I immediately realized it was loaded with sugar.

I did pass up on Mom's home-made lemon squares (which looked so darn good.) My Mom was kind of whining that I didn't eat any, but I was firm. I told her that I can tell her on 1 hand how many bites of "real" dessert I have eaten in 18 months. (split a piece of key lime pie on vacation, had a sliver of pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, 2 of my Mom's walnut crescent cookies at Christmas, and literally 1 bite of a chocolate cake for my birthday last year. I have 1 finger left over!! ) I just don't eat sweets anymore!

So I'm sitting here eating my egg beaters and salsa, drinking my water. Back on track for Monday morning! Hope you all can do the same

I did the same thing this weekend Wiz ...back on Phase 1.5 today. I'm with you on eating dessert rarely as well...it is just not worth it anymore!

I'm just about to make a veggie omelet for myself...broccoli, onion, tomato, red bell pepper, a little cheese...YUM!

[LinCO]

Posted late yesterday, so I'm pasting it in today: Tried the cauliflower pizza-DH and I both *love* it. DS#2 liked it a lot, DS#1 said "it's ok," and DD tried to be picky. We told her the story of her eating cauliflower soup at age 5 mos. It is very cheesy, it should be called mozzarella pizza crust with cauliflower! It is 1 cup cauliflower, 1 cup cheese. I tripled the recipe and added 1tsp italian seasoning, 1 tsp onion and 1tsp garlic powders. It would've tolerated quite a bit more garlic. PS I don't have a ricer, so I chopped the cauliflower fine with a knife.

Dani, do you have a fitness quest for this summer? Last summer I said I was going to try Pilates for 3 mos., and it's changed my world. This summer I got back to running, and I'm also adding back 1day/wk of strength training.

Rose, beautiful pic! How's the grumps?

Luisa, beautiful flowers!

Wiz, count your blessings, we have zero moms left to fuss at us around here. Just me, no grandmas. If it ain't one thing, it's another!

[mjmama]

back on plan with new resolve today. i had a HORRIBLE weekend (emotional eating, TOM and family party spelled disaster). Scale went back up

so, i see now that there is no choice. i gave to do it this way.

here's to an OP week.

[jlieb62]

Morning everyone!
The family reunion was very nice.

There was actually not even one South Beach friendly item to be had at the buffet table so I just dug in and enjoyed myself. I come from a large German family and apparently it's required that you put noodles, potatoes, or sugar into every dish. Even the salads all had sugary dressings.

However I went to the buffet table only once, kept my portions small, and even had a piece of cousin Jeannie's german chocolate caramel brownies and was able to stop at just one (which is virtually unheard of and drew a gasp from my mother). People commented on how little I was eating which is funny because I thought my portion sizes were perfectly normal but everyone else's were huge.

My mom looks fantastic. She's the youngest of her siblings, turns 80 this year, and is in better health than I am. My mom comes from a farm family with these incredible health and longevity genes that apparently they were stingy enough not to pass on to their children. Her oldest brother (my Uncle Joe) is 92, walks without aid, chatted up a storm, and showed up ready to play cards into the evening. Cinch is our family game and you either learn it at a young age or are ostracized.

The teenagers in our family are very polite and respectful, and I have to tell you it's so nice to see three generations sitting down to a card game and all enjoying themselves equally. My 14 year-old nephew from Rhode Island put on a magic show for everyone and nobody could figure out how he was doing these tricks! He's been doing magic shows since he was 9 and has three cases of props that he brings to family gatherings. He even has the patter rehearsed well and throws in the occasional Don Rickles type insults. It was hysterical.

At any rate it was a great weekend and I believe I actually lost weight because I ate much less food than I would have if I was at home. I refrained from snacking and drank only water except for a Fresca that I drank for the toast in lieu of alcohol (I don't drink).

The rain actually let up yesterday for our party (the east coast has been pretty wet this past week as Wiz can attest).

Dang I just wrote a book here, sorry about that.

Hope everyone has a great on-plan week!

[stellamystar]

Sounds like everyone is at the confessional today for weekend eating. Right there with you. I weighed this morning and yep, it's Phase 1.5 for me, too!
I'm chugging my water and eating a hard boiled egg.

The heat index is 100+ til Wed here in Missouri, I'm skipping hot yoga this afternoon and will go in the morning at 6AM!

[soozaay]

Woo-hoo it's Monday! (ok....I really don't like Monday's, but I was just trying to get myself motivated)

Like Wiz....I am SOOOO tired of the rain already! Yesterday, it didn't rain until late afternoon, but it was cloudy all day. Just like today. I don't want to really complain about it, cuz I'm afraid that the summer will be hot & dry, but my flowers need a break from the rain & need some sun!

In regards to the califlower pizza....I also don't have a ricer...besides chopping the califlower by hand, could I use a food processor on "pulse"?

[luisafernanda]

Susie...I've only made that pizza crust once (because like Laurie, I felt I was eating way too much cheese with it), but I grated fresh raw cauliflower into a glass bowl (I made the whole head of cauliflower) and then microwaved it (I think for about 10 minutes). That way it was cooked but not mushy. I've never tried it with frozen.

[soozaay]

For those of you that do yoga...
I've been interested in possibly starting to do yoga. What kind of classes should I look for being that I've never done yoga before?

[soozaay]

Originally Posted by luisafernanda

Susie...I've only made that pizza crust once (because like Laurie, I felt I was eating way too much cheese with it), but I grated fresh raw cauliflower into a glass bowl (I made the whole head of cauliflower) and then microwaved it (I think for about 10 minutes). That way it was cooked but not mushy. I've never tried it with frozen.

Thanks Luisa!

[RenoMom]

Jim - I enjoyed reading your "book", LOL. It sounds like a great time.

Rose - I apologize for not answering the questions last week regarding my DH, My computer went down. I made him an appt for next Wednesday. He's feeling better now.
His Dad had a bypass at 49, G-pa, and uncles all battled with heart problems and cancer.
My DH will be 40 next month. He said he was having a hard time getting a deep breath, no pain though. He was very tired and feeling like he was in a fog, can't concentrate etc.
Serena - It was good to hear from you. I am so glad your treatments are done.
Now maybe you will start to get some energy back.

Well on to the weekend. We had two families over yesterday for a BBQ, It was nice but the kids drove me crazy. They have NO control over their little girls.
We made Ribs, Tortelini salad, pasta salad (neighbor made), stuffed mushrooms, potato casserole, and zucchini,onion,mushroom sauteed in EVOO.

I ate 3 stuffed mushrooms, 1 scoop of tortellini salad, only 1 baby back rib and some zucchini. I didn't do too bad, I did have a diet 7up, but no alcohol. Believe me they all drank plenty of that, LOL.

Today I FINALLY see the Endo! I've been waiting months. I sure hope he gets my meds right the first go round. I'm ready to feel normal again. I'll post his findings after the appt. Geesh maybe I can finally drop some weight Being Hypothyroid is no fun.

Todays eats are un known, I will stop at the store on the way home this evening.

[stellamystar]

Soozay,
I do Bikram yoga or "hot" yoga. The classes are 90 min long, the room is b/w 90-105 and they keep the room at 40% humid. It's not for everyone, but it is for me! I go about 4X week. It's hatha yoga - an all over workout...cardio/muscles.
Ashtanga yoga is a great uppper body workout - think Madonna's arms. Hatha is a basic, flow yoga that is nice and maybe you should start with that.
I would suggest making sure you take yoga from a certified instructor b/c you CAN get hurt in yoga..
There are soooo many types of yoga on the market. Lots of studios will have a 30 days for $30 pass - I would try that and then pick.
If you want more info, pls. PM me!
I know Dani and some others on the board take yoga. I would encourage you to go more than once per week if you try it

[soozaay]

Originally Posted by stellamystar

Soozay,
I do Bikram yoga or "hot" yoga. The classes are 90 min long, the room is b/w 90-105 and they keep the room at 40% humid. It's not for everyone, but it is for me! I go about 4X week. It's hatha yoga - an all over workout...cardio/muscles.
Ashtanga yoga is a great uppper body workout - think Madonna's arms. Hatha is a basic, flow yoga that is nice and maybe you should start with that.
I would suggest making sure you take yoga from a certified instructor b/c you CAN get hurt in yoga..
There are soooo many types of yoga on the market. Lots of studios will have a 30 days for $30 pass - I would try that and then pick.
If you want more info, pls. PM me!
I know Dani and some others on the board take yoga. I would encourage you to go more than once per week if you try it

Thanks! There's a couple of yoga studios near my home. I wanted to be sure what to ask about when I called them up. I've heard alot of good things about yoga and thought about adding it to my exercise routine to change things up a bit. I'll PM you if I have any other questions! Thanks again!

[vfCookie]

just marking a spot.

On plan saturday but not sunday... back on plan today.

I'll check back later for more.

[Danipower714]

Originally Posted by soozaay

Thanks! There's a couple of yoga studios near my home. I wanted to be sure what to ask about when I called them up. I've heard alot of good things about yoga and thought about adding it to my exercise routine to change things up a bit. I'll PM you if I have any other questions! Thanks again!

Another yogini here! I practice Kripalu style , but I have also practiced Iyengar style in the past. I tried hot yoga once, and I would really like to try it again.

I started in an Intro to Yoga class and I'd consider myself currently at the intermediate level. One day I'd love to become advanced at it and get certified as a yoga teacher. One of the nice things about yoga is that anyone can do it...poses can be modified for problems you have with your back, if you aren't that flexible, etc. When I first started I could barely touch my toes and now I am beginning to work on handstands.

But the thing that I love about yoga the most is that it is truly the union of mind, body and spirit. My body feels so much better when I am practicing regularly. I have more flexibility, eat better, sleep better, and am generally nicer . If you have any questions feel free to PM me.

[Danipower714]

Originally Posted by LinCO

Dani, do you have a fitness quest for this summer? Last summer I said I was going to try Pilates for 3 mos., and it's changed my world. This summer I got back to running, and I'm also adding back 1day/wk of strength training.

You know Laurie, I have a Pilates DVD that I've done a few times but I've never gone to an actual class. That could be fun. Also, I'm not a gym person, but my sister belongs to one and she plans on teaching me a little about strength training this summer. I used to avoid gyms like the plague, so this will be an accomplishment!

[soozaay]

Thanks Dani!

[Thefarmerswife]

Beautiful flowers Luisa!!!

Jim, Sounds like a great reunion, I enjoyed reading about it!

Our extended family has grown pretty small over the years. At one point I had all my grandparents on both sides and they all lived to a ripe old age. My grandfather was 103 when he died and was chopping down trees with an ax right up till the very end ... sharp as a tack mentally too. He always claimed the secret to long life was drinking a gallon of latex paint thinner every day. He of course meant water but it really threw people! He ate liver every day for breakfast...I can't imagine!

Dani Beautiful new avatar! I was looking at your stats, you've come a long way baby! Great Job!

I am so envious of all of you who are exercising... My knee is way better than it was but still very achy. I long to get back to my Turbo Jam dvd's! I had great results with them.

I'm happy for a rain free day here too, problem with all that rain is it makes the weeds grow as fast as the plants, so now I've got tons of work to do to clean out my flower beds and garden.

Hope your all having a great day!
Beth ~

[mjmama]

By the way, I LOVE this weeks picture Rose. Thanks!

[Pixel_Pusher]

OP as usual, it's fairly early here on the west coast. So far I've had coffee and a protein shake, not sure what's for lunch.

Mjmama- Keep it up dear! You can do this just keep picturing how great you're going to look and how good you'll feel when you start losing. I really didn't feel much of an impact on myself till a few days after induction, but once you get that reward, it helps keep you motivated.

[soozaay]

pixel pusher... I have to agree with you about it being easier out on the west coast. My sister just started "eating clean", she lives in Big Bear, CA and has the easiest time finding all of the "right" foods...all of the markets/grocery stores have everything she needs, she hardly ever has to go to a specialty store...and if she does, there are plenty to choose from. Compared to the east coast, where I'm at, where I have to really look for stuff, and if we go out to eat and I order anything a special way, they just look at me as if I had three heads! Oh well...I'll just do what I have to do! I just wish there was a Whole Foods and/or Trader Joe's near me! BUT, on the otherhand, summer is here and I'll be going to farmer's markets whenever I can.

[Danipower714]

Originally Posted by Thefarmerswife

Dani Beautiful new avatar! I was looking at your stats, you've come a long way baby! Great Job!

I am so envious of all of you who are exercising... My knee is way better than it was but still very achy. I long to get back to my Turbo Jam dvd's! I had great results with them.

Thanks Beth! Yes, I've done well but it's been a long road...started way back in August 2007 at 210 pounds. I think the key for me was never giving up. I definitely hit plateaus along the way...stuck for awhile in the 170s which makes sense because that was when I had lost about 20% and that % seems to be a plateau spot for a lot of people on LCF.

I hear lots of good things about Turbo Jam...hope your knee gets better soon!

[Radmom413]

Jim! WTG Buddy! You were successful!!! What a great visit!

And Yes, Dani certainly is a SOUTH BEACH ROCK STAR and has proved that perseverance pays off!

[Radmom413]

Originally Posted by rose1

I can't use melatonin at all. It totally wires me. I look like .

Originally Posted by Radmom413

It totally puts me out!

Question though - does the Calms Forte help you STAY asleep? That is my biggest problem!

This was a post exchange between Rose and I - didn't realize it was last week's thread!

Any input on the above?

[stellamystar]

HI gang,
Tucked into bed to watch Kathy Griffin and it's still blazing hot and humid outside.

B: hardboiled egg, coffee
S: hardboiled egg
L; Cucumbers, Goat Cheese
S: almonds
D: lamb chops, spinach salad, cucumber, hummus
S: SF FF Pudding

Chugged water today, also had a mini diet dr. pepper ...I don't have a soda problem..but was wanting something nice and cold today....See yall later

[Thefarmerswife]

It was a kind of a rough day today, I unplugged the kids from all electronics which = lots of boredom and petty bickering on their part and one grumpy Mama. I told them for the summer, they could watch TV (we just watch movies, we have no TV hookup) or be on the computer from when they wake up until breakfast (since they all wake up at different times). Once breakfast is served no one watches tv or touches the computer until after dinner and then if they watch anything, it will be as a family. If they keep bickering, I'm shutting them down completely!!

Anyways, it was a rough day eating wise, we desperately need groceries. I pulled out both crockpots and cooked a whole chicken and a roast. Hopefully that will give me stuff for the next few days until we can get groceries. My lunch today was horrible, I know but it's what I had available at the time and the lesser of the evils.

B- quinoa oatmeal w/ peaches and milk
L-(ok this is really, really bad I hardly ever eat processed foods) 1 hotdog w/ baked beans and a salad
s- cottage cheese w/ sf jello powder
D- Chicken salad on romaine leaves
S- 2 low carb pancakes
S #2 - a little roast beef

Tomorrow's another day!

Beth ~