Both of those recipes sound sooooo good....gonna' have to try them! :)

And, on another note....as you may recall, I went off artificial sweeteners. No more diet cokes, coke frees, etc.

Instead I drink Sobe LifeWater (sweetened with stevia) or drink unsweetened ice tea I brew at home (part black tea, part green tea for the good stuff in the green tea). Sometimes I drink it plain...sometimes I add a little stevia or agave or even honey....depending on the status of my sweet tooth.

Well....diet coke (or even worse, coke free) was a big addiction for me. If they were in the house, I would drink them...a couple a day. If they weren't in the house, I'd frequently be asking Scoote "can you bring me home a Coke Free honey?"

Addiction.

I would crave them.

Well, it's been a few weeks and....although it was difficult in the beginning...I don't crave them at all anymore. Poof! Gone! I'm totally satisfied with my water, iced tea, Sobe or coffee (or the occasional V8).

It's too early to tell what the long term effect will be. But here's the interesting parallel....I crave sweets much, much less often as well. :)

I'm not craving cookies or chocolate or candy bars....(almost) at all. And I haven't been craving any McDonald's runs for Big Macs and fries either. :|

Unheard of.

And makes me very happy. :cheer:

Just so we all know? THESE are amazing:

http://www.buythecase.net/uploads/pr...3000016912.jpg

Only 2 points for 10 of them and they are yummmmmmaaayyy!!

2.70 miles later...400 calories gone...sitting in sauna feeling damn good!

my family is way bigger then me and she gets pissed if i lose weight and she dont

Try the caramel corn ones! HOLY CRAP! I keep a bag in my office.

thank you...

That's a tough one for sure.

One of the biggest things I've had to learn (and learn again and again and again :) ) is to not compare myself to other people. Somehow it always ends up with me feeling crappy.

And, sometimes, family and friends want to keep you pulled down to their level. It's an unfortunate truth that not everyone is happy to see others succeed, or be happy.

I'd say focus on yourself...do what you know is right for you...and do your best to let the negativity slide off. Like others have said here....sometimes distance is your friend, especially when you're surrounded by negativity.

What Pinkie says is so true. I would seriously question a friend or family member who did some form of sabotage around my health routine. Whether it be finding reasons why you shouldnt exercise or shaming and blaming around losing weight, I think there can be a lot of enabling stuff around codependant relationships and someone working to keep you unhealthy or immobile.

Not saying at all that anyone but me is responsible for my health but I do think that we have to be super-diligent about surrounding ourselves with people who are positive, supportive, evolved, and invested in US in healthy ways.

If someone wants to be your "diet buddy", make sure they aren't really asking you to be their emotional support/punching bag in ways that are going to drain your energy.

If a family member or friend can't say "I am so happy for you" or "Im proud of you" when you make strides to be healthier, consider limiting their access to your space.

Most of all, you need to be able to say to yourself that your health is a priority for YOU and than nobody has the right to stand in the way of that. You need to be able to look around at the people in your orbit and know that they love you, support you, and want nothing but the best for you not because it will bring something good to *them* but because it will be good for *you*.

Also, don't base your happiness on the "what you'll do when...." stuff. Don't get caught up in "when I lose weight, I'll go on a cruise..." or "when I lose weight, I'll buy a new car...".
Because ultimately, you're alive right now. Get the car. Go on the cruise. Wear that dress. LIVE. Unabashedly.

We're perfect just the way we are. We'll be perfect when we are both larger and smaller, fatter and thinner. Our bodies are not the single determining factor in our "acceptability". We're acceptable NOW!

Curious..how many carbs are in them???Hummm.......

Toxic friends and bullies>
 

Over the years ive had friends come and go,but a fue months ago I had to drop a long time friend and her partner,now wife, even tho its not leagle hear yet.When I frist met R we became friends while I was in college a long time ago then she met B who has become the guarding wall of all the world to keep who and whatever sheilded from R.it has taken a fue years for B to do this.Now she ansers the phone for R,is the third party in any convo with anyone R speaks to,plands out everyday and everything they do and who is seen at any given time.I can beleave my old friend allows this.As things grew more dramaitc and toxoc with all the changes and problems in there life I became the Dr.Phill they called when probs came up.Any plands we made were changed or canseld without notice or care who or what was involved.So I didnt hear from them for three months,B called and started in about this prob and that family member did this or that.I simply told her I retired for the fixit buisness..also I had moved on so should they.Yes it was hard to do only cause of old friendshilp over the years..but something I had to do.I am better for it..more at peace and no drama to deal with there is a saying about not being tall enough to ride the drama coaster..it is so true.

""We are acceptable now..."

Those words ring so much truth. We forget that we are worthy of living! I am guilty of avoiding certain things because I am insecure. I went to hawaii and didnt wear a bathing suit! One day I looked at T and told him I was tired of not doing things because of my weight. While I have gotten better, I am far from where I need to be with confidence. I dont even like to take pictures of myself lol Oh jeez! This thread makes me open up like a book! In any case, We are worthy of living DAMNIT! And those that judge us and think otherwise..."fuck 'em" *curtsy* sorry I have been cutting down on my profanity to only 5 times a day lol

Since I don't eat a lot of carbs.... I really have never looked.

Im staying away from as many carbs as I can cause all it dose is chub me up,I was at wall mart but didnt find any but will check at my grosery store later.

I recently got me a big multi pack of chrystal light lemonade mix and now keep it in the fridge to drink,im trying hard to kick the soda habit,I only had part of a diet coke today.


P.S.
For clairty B&R arent on this site nor will they ever be.Once they told me people who are on sites like this cant really beleave it works.There words not mine.

I know your absolutely right, and yes J can be a very big bully ~ he admits he doesn't care if he hurts someone, they can either suck it up or move on and then when I get upset he wonders why. Gee what could be the matter, insulting Me all the time and thinking its comical? Sorry, NOT funny. I know he has weaknesses and I can tell more now than ever he is trying to compensate for that by being mean to others. I'm learning My lesson very fast when it comes to him ~ My patience is wearing thin with him and if it comes down to Me walking, then I will have no problem walking away from that negativity!

I've always had a problem with letting negative attitudes get to Me, but I guess alot of that stems back from My childhood when I was constantly getting bullied and teased by the kids at school for being overweight. My dad has the same kind of negative attitude towards Me (plus many others) and since living with My parents is the only option right now I have to deal with it. I know that I am going to go places very soon, once My sister is back in school I am going to look into either a part time job or full time school ............. either way, come September I'll be working to get on My own pretty quick :-)

My BIGGEST downfall is Pepsi, I've tried stopping them but I don't know what it is I just can't seem to do it on My own. Water is not something I'm fond of and even Crystal Lights don't seem to do it for Me ........... am I doing something wrong? Or am I maybe too used to them that My body craves them even more? I really don't know but I'm going to try again in the next day or two to really get back on a water kick (I was doing so well for a couple of days too). Well it happens we all fall off the wagon, but I'm determined to get back on it and ride off into the sunset :D

Your beautiful just the way you are honey ~ I know someone specifically who is a big problem where your family is concerned and I'd certainly love to tell them a thing or two!!!!

Yes it is hard and since basically 99.99999999999999999999999% of the family on both My mom and Dad's side have labeled us the "black sheeps" of the family, My only true support is My mom and one friend (besides all of My friends here on BFP). I've learned to ignore than bull crap and have been living My life the best way that I know how ........... so far so good, there are always things to improve but things could definately be worse!

Coming from someone as fabulous as you hun, those are fantastic words! Sometimes I wish I lived closer to alot of My B-F family members, but atleast knowing that your all there just when your needed makes it easier to realize that I have *BIG* chosen family right here :-)

Let's put this down on the list of crappy ideas:

It's 116 here today with a heat index in the bazillions. I thought it would be a stellar idea to get a big floppy hat and iPod and go walk the hills so I could sweat a bunch and lose a million pounds.

Well, BULL. SHIT.

I lasted all of 15 minutes before I realized it was an insane idea and that I was probably going to get heat stroke. (ya think?!!!)

I'm waiting a bit and gonna hit the exercise bike instead!

Medusa you just cracked me up! Lol I sat in the sauna for a while and thought sitting outside would do the same!

Sweetfemme- hope you are having a better day today! We are here for you!

PinkieLee we have to promise not to limit ourselves anymore! We can do this!

Workout today was great! 3 miles :) felt good! Also went for a late night workout last night! Feeling very energized! This weeks find is Fuze drink, slenderize. Only 15-20 calories in a bottle. Try it :) I have to tell u it helps cause I hate water! Thats a bad thing to admit!

Breathing!
 

I wonder if anyone has any tips or tricks or good techniques for developing effective breathing while exercising?

I've re-started the couch to 5k program www.c25k.com ... again. It may kill me. :| Running is hard and I don't like it. I never did.

I can walk, swim, kayak or nordic ski for miles; but running just seems painful and impossible to me.

However, I am doing c25k because:
a) I need to step up my aerobic exercise from power walking so I don't plateau
b) I need to have a more time economical exercise routine, sometimes an 60-90minutes of walking isn't always practical in my daily life
c) I am ridiculously stubborn :| and the fact that I have continually failed to get past week 3 of this program means I feel compelled to prove to myself that I can.

But a week and a half in to it I'm realizing I need some advice and tips on proper breathing techniques.

I understand diaphragmatic breathing and can do it when I'm standing still but I can't seem to get it to work when I'm moving, especially when I'm running. I don't know if its a rhythm issue or a coordination issue or a thinking/doing issue --- but I've always had the same trouble when I've taken pilates or yoga classes and I've never been able to meditate (but that may be a different issue).

Does anyone have any back-to-basics learning to breathe advice? podcasts? exercises?

I havent mastered this myself Sparkle. I just do alot of deep breathing from the diaphram. I try not to think about it. I used to just focus on my breathing and it would throw me off. I would be interested in some tips myself...

Yeah, if I think about it I'm likely to fall over from the effort and my inability to coordinate both my powers of reasoning and powers of running.

Good Evening Everyone,

I have been reading my Prevention magazine this week and I've found some yummy recipes! I'm thinking of making a veggie pizza soon! I also have drinking the Izze sodas. I drink so much water, soymilk and orange juice, that I want something different. It has 120 calories for the whole bottle and is very good. My favorite flavor is the pink grapefruit one.

Have a good night! I am going to be waking up early and hitting the pavement before it gets to hot in the morning!

Night,

Zimmy

Well Rosie...I must confess... As planned I DID NOT eat dinner. However, I settled for a large soft serve vanilla ice cream cone with chocolate jimmies (sprinkles).... :doh: So you see, I'm bad...very bad :eyebrow::overreaction:

Two yummy sounding recipes that I will be making in the next week
 

Here are some recipes that I found in my Prevention Magazine and wanted to share them:

Chopped Chicken Salad;
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Serves 4
-3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
-2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
-2 tsp. Dijon mustard
-8 cups of spring mix with herbs<about 8oz>
-4 Lg hard boiled eggs; peeled and quartered
-1 sm cucumber, sliced
-1 1/2 chopped rotisserie chicken<about 8oz>
-1/3 c chopped red onion

*Whisk together vinegar, oil, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper in serving bowl
*Add remaining ingredients and gently toss to combine
*Serve in salad bowls

*Nutrition Facts<per serving> 276 calories; 24g of protein; 6g of carbs; 2g of fiber; 16.5g of fat; 3.5g of saturated fat; 333mg of sodium



Southwestern Pizza
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 pizzas <10”>
Serves: 4

*Prepare grill for medium-high heat
*Grill 2 small ears fresh corn and 1 small fresh Poblano Chile until charred
*Cut kernels from cobs and peel, seed, and chop Poblano
*Unwrap the whole wheat pizza crusts and lightly coat 1 side of each with olive oil spray
*Put crusts oil side down on grill and heat until bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes
*Flip crusts and sprinkle evenly with:
-1 ¼ c coarsely grated pepper Jack<about 5oz>
-Corn kernels
-Chopped Poblano
-3 Tbsp. roughly chopped red onion<about ½ small>
*Grill until bottoms are golden brown, about 2 minutes longer
*Remove
*Sprinkle pizzas evenly with:
-3 Tbsp. cilantro leaves
-Freshly ground black pepper
*Cut each pizza into 4 slices

Nutrition facts <per 2 slice serving>: 297 calories; 13g of protein; 33g of carbs; 4g of fiber; 13.5g of fat; 6.5g of saturated fat; 463mg of sodium


Enjoy!

Zimmy

Hope thisis the right place for this post
 

I was a chubby kid at least my dad used to tell me so. He would walk by and say: "hold in your stomach muscles" (he is a retired Marine) and I was under 10 years old when he did this. By the time I was a teen, I severely restricted my eating and stayed around 110-I am just under 5'4. Hard though. Did ok through 2 babies, went to WW 2 lose baby weight-but gained weight during my relationship.

I have always, always felt that I was never thin enough, even when thin! Fucked up body image!! I did however get fat, honest-to-god fat during my relationship. She liked it because when I was not thin and cute I had no self-confidence. I always avoided sweets before her because they are a big trigger for me-so she would bring me sweets-sabotage much?

So sorry for this but I am working to get my head on straight again. 2.5 years ago, I got a grip. Stopped eating any sweets at all and staying around 1500 cals/day, lost 50 lbs. Bear in mind- it took me two years to lose those 50 pounds and I still needed to losed another 10-15 but my goal was so close, I could almost reach out and touch it.

Then, 6-8 months ago, I started having painful arthritis in my knees, couldn't climb the 7-flights up and down @ work that helped me lose weight. Broke down and bought those little Skinny Cows ice cream cups "one won't hurt you" & that was all it took.

Stopped weighing myself each morning (helps me to not use denial) & ate lots of Skinny Cow ice cream. Finally weighed myself last week & boom-gained 15 pounds! So there I am, instead of closer to my goal-farther away.

My new mantra whenever I get discouraged: you did it before, you will do it again, you have control! No more sweets in my house. It takes me 5-6 days off of anything with sugar to stop craving it and it doesn't matter to me if it is a psychological craving or physical-I crave sweets when I eat them, non-the-less. No more sourdough bread or butter either in the house. I have to stick with protein-that works for me. Keeps me full and not hungry.

The exercise is the issue for me. It is harder to lose without bring able to walk far or to do stairs. I have to figure that part out.

I just needed to say outloud (in cyberspace), I am Anya and I have gotten a grip once again.

Again, I hope it is ok I posted this here.

Of course it's okay you posted....welcome :) :rrose:

I am so with you on the sweets thing....it seems like the more I eat, the more I crave, and I'm better off if I just stay away from them completely.

Having stuff in the house is tough...if it's here, I'll eat it. One of the big challenges for me was actually moving in with Scoote and the Prince, because they are huge snack food eaters. All of the stuff I love and never kept around...chips, ice cream bars, soda, oreos, chocolate, candy....it's here. I generally had Dove bars and tiny Dove chocolates around for my son....so it's not like there was nothing tempting in my old house....but I found it easier to think of those as "Rooster's treats" and there was so little that I could ignore it better. When I weakened, I'd savor one of those tiny Dove chocolate squares (I think 1 oz.) and that would generally do it.

I'm doing better....last night I actually stood up, headed for the cupboard to get the Doritos...hesitated in the middle of the kitchen, turned around and went back to the couch. I didn't really want them....it was habit. And breaking that "if it's here, I eat it" habit is tough.

Scoote has offered several times to not have the stuff in the house, but I truly would rather break my addiction to it, and not have the kids go without, than have her do that. So far, I'm doing alright... :)

Welcome Anya! I too have gone up and down soo many times! Each time it feels a little harder. I have however discovered that a good support system makes a world of difference! You found the right place! Happy u r here!

PINKIELEE YOU ARE AMAZING! That is an amazing loss! I am very proud of you! Keep it up pretty lady! You've got this for sure!

You are a STAR!!! Well Done You!

Congrats Tonyaboo!

That is a GREAT loss for a week and really speaks to doing it right with "slow and steady"! You are making amazing progress and I am celebrating with you over 17 pounds! That's a LOT! Pick up 3 5-lb sacks of potatoes the next time you go to the grocery store!!:hangloose: