Healthy Weight Loss

[Leigh]

Hi everyone,

I came in today because I'm struggling right now, with everything, and I believe that the best thing to do is to reach out for friends because right now the God and Goddess know that I could use more. Two weeks ago I lost two of my supposed best friends; one I had known for 12 or 13 years (since high school) and her boyfriend I only met last year even though she has known him for about 5 years now. She was like a sister to me and yet she chose her relationship with him over our friendship ~ he calls her down, orders her around, tells her what to do and when to do it and treats everyone around him (including me in the past) like dirt. I truly thought that I had two friends who would never let me down, and yet they both turned their backs on me and have gone on with their lives like nothing ever happened.

They started going to the gym with me and now I've gone twice alone; I get scared to walk into the gym in case they are both there and its just not as fun as it used to be. They were my support system, cheering me on right there with me and told me how great I was doing. I know I'm doing good but at least I had people there who I thought cared about me, and now going alone is just proving to be too hard on me. I don't want to quit at all but its really hard going there without the memory of them being right there haunting me; its scary and I admit that. I don't know exactly how to deal with it, and I'm noticing that I'm turning yet again to food to try and cope with everything that has happened.

I've been eating more again the last 2-3 days and when I weighed myself in Monday I noticed that I had gained a pound. I guess my biggest question is how do I deal with this in a way that won't have me sabotaging what progress that I have made already? How do I deal with emotional everyday stresses that are causing me to, yet again, eat more? For now I am going to do my best to deal with all of this as best I can on my own and with help from my family, but I know that I can always turn to my extended family here for help

[Miss Scarlett]

Originally Posted by Leigh

Hi everyone,

I came in today because I'm struggling right now, with everything, and I believe that the best thing to do is to reach out for friends because right now the God and Goddess know that I could use more. Two weeks ago I lost two of my supposed best friends; one I had known for 12 or 13 years (since high school) and her boyfriend I only met last year even though she has known him for about 5 years now. She was like a sister to me and yet she chose her relationship with him over our friendship ~ he calls her down, orders her around, tells her what to do and when to do it and treats everyone around him (including me in the past) like dirt. I truly thought that I had two friends who would never let me down, and yet they both turned their backs on me and have gone on with their lives like nothing ever happened.

They started going to the gym with me and now I've gone twice alone; I get scared to walk into the gym in case they are both there and its just not as fun as it used to be. They were my support system, cheering me on right there with me and told me how great I was doing. I know I'm doing good but at least I had people there who I thought cared about me, and now going alone is just proving to be too hard on me. I don't want to quit at all but its really hard going there without the memory of them being right there haunting me; its scary and I admit that. I don't know exactly how to deal with it, and I'm noticing that I'm turning yet again to food to try and cope with everything that has happened.

I've been eating more again the last 2-3 days and when I weighed myself in Monday I noticed that I had gained a pound. I guess my biggest question is how do I deal with this in a way that won't have me sabotaging what progress that I have made already? How do I deal with emotional everyday stresses that are causing me to, yet again, eat more? For now I am going to do my best to deal with all of this as best I can on my own and with help from my family, but I know that I can always turn to my extended family here for help

(((((Leigh))))) i've been there. Emotional eating is troublesome, no doubt. i wish i could share some sort of magic way to make it disappear but there isn't one that i know of. i'm an emotional eater too and i suspect we are not alone here.

For me it's also a two-edged sword. Having a history of bulimarexia, i can go in either direction - eating or not eating.

This is something i have to deal with on an episode by episode basis based upon the reason why i'm feeling this way. One of my major triggers is feeling invisible or insignificant.

Let me explain...my boss is a very quiet woman. She doesn't talk much anyway and there are days we barely speak beyond the odd question or hello and good bye. That's not the problem...when i've done a particularly good job with something there is no feedback beyond her handing me the document back with no edits/corrections/revisions needed. i have to remind myself that that is her way of saying it's a good job but it would be nice to have and occasional sticky note saying "Good job."

Or when with my friends there are times when everyone is talking and having a good time but when i try to participate in the conversation there is no acknowledgment of my comments; or when i walk up to join the group nobody says hello. The latest, and most crushing, is my recent loss of over 16 lbs in the last 2 weeks. It's noticable yet nobody has said a word unless i ask. And if do i ask whether or not they notice something different they look at me and i can see they are struggling to figure it out yet still fail to see it.

And i'm not just talking about the friends i see daily...that's easier to understand. Yesterday i saw a friend who had not seen me since before my weight loss - she failed to notice. When i told her what was different i got a blank, confused look. It's very disheartening, especially when you are feeling so good about it and know you look better too. i was crushed. my reaction last night was to not eat dinner which may sound better than overeating but really is worse for me because once i start down that path it's a struggle to jump the track. Like right now i should be eating my breakfast but am just not interested. Oh i will have my yogurt and fruit but it will be forced and hurried.

What i'm trying to say is that i am trying to improve my health, not theirs. This is for me and i am determined to continue whether anyone notices or not. Because i am worth it and Hon, you are too.

Go to the gym by yourself...it won't be easy, i understand that. But you are doing this for you and, again, you are worth it. If you absolutely must eat for comfort try to choose healthier foods and don't kick yourself. And if you don't and go for junk food, etc. the world will not come to an end. You can always start over. To quote my namesake "After all, tomorrow IS another day." Don't give up...

[Zimmeh]

Honey, it sounds like you need to just walk away. It's a hard thing to do and I've had to do it. I am enjoying not having my ex best friend's negativity and drama in my life.

When you go to the gym, just hold your head up high and show them, that you can succeed in your goals!

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by Leigh

Hi everyone,

I came in today because I'm struggling right now, with everything, and I believe that the best thing to do is to reach out for friends because right now the God and Goddess know that I could use more. Two weeks ago I lost two of my supposed best friends; one I had known for 12 or 13 years (since high school) and her boyfriend I only met last year even though she has known him for about 5 years now. She was like a sister to me and yet she chose her relationship with him over our friendship ~ he calls her down, orders her around, tells her what to do and when to do it and treats everyone around him (including me in the past) like dirt. I truly thought that I had two friends who would never let me down, and yet they both turned their backs on me and have gone on with their lives like nothing ever happened.

They started going to the gym with me and now I've gone twice alone; I get scared to walk into the gym in case they are both there and its just not as fun as it used to be. They were my support system, cheering me on right there with me and told me how great I was doing. I know I'm doing good but at least I had people there who I thought cared about me, and now going alone is just proving to be too hard on me. I don't want to quit at all but its really hard going there without the memory of them being right there haunting me; its scary and I admit that. I don't know exactly how to deal with it, and I'm noticing that I'm turning yet again to food to try and cope with everything that has happened.

I've been eating more again the last 2-3 days and when I weighed myself in Monday I noticed that I had gained a pound. I guess my biggest question is how do I deal with this in a way that won't have me sabotaging what progress that I have made already? How do I deal with emotional everyday stresses that are causing me to, yet again, eat more? For now I am going to do my best to deal with all of this as best I can on my own and with help from my family, but I know that I can always turn to my extended family here for help

[PinkieLee]

(((((((((Leigh)))))))))))

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice".

I know that things have been tough for you since your falling out with friends. Yes, it is nice to have friends on the same journey as yourself... especially ones that motivated you to workout. But right now, you need to dig down deep inside and DO THIS FOR YOURSELF! It's easy to fall back into our old routines, patterns and/or eating habits... but there comes a point when YOU have to take control.

It can be scarey to do things on your own... but it can also be a rewarding experience. Try this, when you get to the gym and start working out, look into the mirror and SMILE at yourself and say "YES I CAN!" I can promise you, within a few times of going by yourself, you will have a routine down pat, you will be able to push yourself a lil' harder and you will feel better about yourself. Do NOT let your old ways of thinking keep you from reaching your goals! We know you can do it... and have all the faith in the world in you!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"

As for food, and dealing with triggers, yes we have all been there. I tell you, sometimes I deal with things on a daily basis. I can be in full blown binge mode with one negative thought or comment... so I know what a struggle it can be. If you feel those triggers come on, try taking a walk around the block or get up & do something like organize a junk drawer, fold laundry, sweep the floor... anything to keep your hands & mind busy.

One day at a time my friend! YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS!

[PinkieLee]

Hey all y'all healthy living folks!

I sneaked a peek at the scale a day early today... and I lost 3 more pounds!

I didn't get to go to the gym last night. Life has been mad crazy for us right now taking care of D's mom and we didn't leave her house till well after 9. Her dad brought us home dinner last night, and thankfully he called before he did. He went to one of our favorite steakhouses, but I was good and had the grilled chicken breast, squash casserole & steamed broccoli.

Gym tonight... yeah it's on!

Meals planned for the day:

Breakfast:
a toasted 100 calorie bagel thin
a banana

Lunch:
Lean Cuisine meal
fresh fruit (cantalope & green grapes)

Dinner:
Spaghetti (with ground turkey & whole wheat pasta)
a light ceaser salad with the dressing on the side

Snacks:
yogurt
apple or a cutie orange

Have a great day y'all

[princessbelle]

So the whole walking thing is wonderful!!!

Not only did we have a wonderful time, we each lost a couple pounds just from walking yesterday.

Not bad. I'll take it.

It's rainy today and i just may walk anyway.

Rumor has it i won't melt, except some pounds that is.

[Sparkle]

DIY Dried Apples

http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2012...-dried-apples/

I'm definitely going to make some of these to store at home!

snipped from the blog

"Homemade dried apples are such an easy and inexpensive way to sneak more fruit into your diet. Of course, nothing beats a fresh, juicy apple, but I like dried apples for their portability and versatility. A little bag of apples can be slipped into a small purse for an anytime-snack, and they make a great topping for salads. They’re also a fantastic way to preserve a large bounty of apples through the winter. The idea came from the book How to Sew a Button by Erin Bried, and I modified the directions to fit my needs.

Ingredients

- apples
- lemons
- water

Directions

Slice as many apples as you would like into pieces 1/4″ thick or less. They can be as wide or long as you like. You may also peel them, or leave the peel on. I chose to leave the peel on and they came out great.

Soak the apples in a mixture of equal-parts lemon juice and water. The lemon juice not only preserves the color of the apple, but it creates depth to the apple flavor without having to add sugar.

After soaking, place the apples on a cake rack on top of a cookie sheet. If you don’t have a cake rack (I don’t!), then just place the slices directly on the cookie sheet. I did not need to grease the pan – the apples came off fine on their own.

The oven should be preheated to 140 degrees F, and the apples should remain in the oven for five hours. If your apples aren’t on a rack, flip them half-way through. I found that my apples really needed about 6 hours.

The apples should be flexible and bendy. You can eat some immediately, or all of them if you just used a couple of apples. If you’re looking for long term storage, then after they have cooled, place them in a sealed jar for a few days.

Shake the jars every so often. Pasteurize them by freezing them in bags for two days, and keep them for up to 6-12 months in a cool, dry place."

[JustJo]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

Hey Rockin,

I'm not a big "energy bar" eater....so hopefully someone else has suggestions. I did just start buying and keeping on hand the Glucerna shakes made specifically for diabetics. They aren't what I'd call tasty....but they're better than a low blood sugar crash.

I know they make bars too....might be something to check out.

[Sparkle]

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

I buy Luna Bars and Cliff Bars in my regular grocery shop. I use them as high protein - under 200cal snack in the late afternoon and/or before a session at the gym or when I've got a long day at work and haven't prepared proper meals to get me through.

I like them (and I'm a picky-eater).

The Luna Protein Bars are 12g of protein, the regular Luna Bars are about 9g of protein. Cliff Bars are similar. I really like the granola bar crunchy consistency of the Cliff Bars but you really do need a glass of water with them (they're a little dry).

[Rockinonahigh]

Originally Posted by JustJo

Hey Rockin,

I'm not a big "energy bar" eater....so hopefully someone else has suggestions. I did just start buying and keeping on hand the Glucerna shakes made specifically for diabetics. They aren't what I'd call tasty....but they're better than a low blood sugar crash.

I know they make bars too....might be something to check out.

Jo
I tryed those shakes,yucky,I hope I never have to depend on them for food.I got some glucose pills from the drug store they have a lite lemony flavor that I can live with but they are a bit chalkey sort of like a rolaid.

[Zimmeh]

I like the Kind bars; their fruit and nut one is the best. They are made with honey instead of sugar cane and are low on the glycemic index.

Hope this helps!

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Since I spend hours at the pool hall a couple of nights a week I have had a prob with finding something I can eat there or take with me.I have been takeing an apple or cheese crackers but it dosent really do the job as well as I would like,my son sugested energy bars,has anyone ever tasted one that was good to eat that didnt taste like sawdust and rasins.Im diabetic and really need the boost from something cause I get the icky rolling stomach then the down slid to a crash.For the record I do eat a good meal before I leave to do play.

[Leigh]

Originally Posted by Miss Scarlett

(((((Leigh))))) i've been there. Emotional eating is troublesome, no doubt. i wish i could share some sort of magic way to make it disappear but there isn't one that i know of. i'm an emotional eater too and i suspect we are not alone here.

This is something i have to deal with on an episode by episode basis based upon the reason why i'm feeling this way. One of my major triggers is feeling invisible or insignificant.

Let me explain...my boss is a very quiet woman. She doesn't talk much anyway and there are days we barely speak beyond the odd question or hello and good bye. That's not the problem...when i've done a particularly good job with something there is no feedback beyond her handing me the document back with no edits/corrections/revisions needed. i have to remind myself that that is her way of saying it's a good job but it would be nice to have and occasional sticky note saying "Good job."

Or when with my friends there are times when everyone is talking and having a good time but when i try to participate in the conversation there is no acknowledgment of my comments; or when i walk up to join the group nobody says hello. The latest, and most crushing, is my recent loss of over 16 lbs in the last 2 weeks. It's noticable yet nobody has said a word unless i ask. And if do i ask whether or not they notice something different they look at me and i can see they are struggling to figure it out yet still fail to see it.

And i'm not just talking about the friends i see daily...that's easier to understand. Yesterday i saw a friend who had not seen me since before my weight loss - she failed to notice. When i told her what was different i got a blank, confused look. It's very disheartening, especially when you are feeling so good about it and know you look better too. i was crushed. my reaction last night was to not eat dinner which may sound better than overeating but really is worse for me because once i start down that path it's a struggle to jump the track. Like right now i should be eating my breakfast but am just not interested. Oh i will have my yogurt and fruit but it will be forced and hurried.

What i'm trying to say is that i am trying to improve my health, not theirs. This is for me and i am determined to continue whether anyone notices or not. Because i am worth it and Hon, you are too.

Go to the gym by yourself...it won't be easy, i understand that. But you are doing this for you and, again, you are worth it. If you absolutely must eat for comfort try to choose healthier foods and don't kick yourself. And if you don't and go for junk food, etc. the world will not come to an end. You can always start over. To quote my namesake "After all, tomorrow IS another day." Don't give up...

I am working on reminding myself everyday that I am worth it and that I do not deserve to be treated the way that they treated me. I'm not used to doing things by myself so I guess that I will have to do so ....... not that its a huge deal, its just something I have to get used to. I know that I will do okay, I just have to realize that I am doing this for myself and that I am worth the work that it'll take to lose this weight

Originally Posted by Zimmeh

Honey, it sounds like you need to just walk away. It's a hard thing to do and I've had to do it. I am enjoying not having my ex best friend's negativity and drama in my life.

When you go to the gym, just hold your head up high and show them, that you can succeed in your goals!

Zimmeh

They have already walked away from me, and that is what hurts so much but slowly I am learning to deal with things by myself ~ its not easy for me because as I said above I don't do well with things on my own but I'm learning

Originally Posted by PinkieLee

(((((((((Leigh)))))))))))

"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice".

I know that things have been tough for you since your falling out with friends. Yes, it is nice to have friends on the same journey as yourself... especially ones that motivated you to workout. But right now, you need to dig down deep inside and DO THIS FOR YOURSELF! It's easy to fall back into our old routines, patterns and/or eating habits... but there comes a point when YOU have to take control.

It can be scarey to do things on your own... but it can also be a rewarding experience. Try this, when you get to the gym and start working out, look into the mirror and SMILE at yourself and say "YES I CAN!" I can promise you, within a few times of going by yourself, you will have a routine down pat, you will be able to push yourself a lil' harder and you will feel better about yourself. Do NOT let your old ways of thinking keep you from reaching your goals! We know you can do it... and have all the faith in the world in you!

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"

As for food, and dealing with triggers, yes we have all been there. I tell you, sometimes I deal with things on a daily basis. I can be in full blown binge mode with one negative thought or comment... so I know what a struggle it can be. If you feel those triggers come on, try taking a walk around the block or get up & do something like organize a junk drawer, fold laundry, sweep the floor... anything to keep your hands & mind busy.

One day at a time my friend! YOU CAN AND WILL DO THIS!

Thank you Pinkie, I know that I can always count on my friends here ~ thank you to everyone for being so amazing and wonderful

[diamondrose]

Originally Posted by Sparkle

DIY Dried Apples

http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2012...-dried-apples/

I'm definitely going to make some of these to store at home!

snipped from the blog

"Homemade dried apples are such an easy and inexpensive way to sneak more fruit into your diet. Of course, nothing beats a fresh, juicy apple, but I like dried apples for their portability and versatility. A little bag of apples can be slipped into a small purse for an anytime-snack, and they make a great topping for salads. They’re also a fantastic way to preserve a large bounty of apples through the winter. The idea came from the book How to Sew a Button by Erin Bried, and I modified the directions to fit my needs.

Ingredients

- apples
- lemons
- water

Directions

Slice as many apples as you would like into pieces 1/4″ thick or less. They can be as wide or long as you like. You may also peel them, or leave the peel on. I chose to leave the peel on and they came out great.

Soak the apples in a mixture of equal-parts lemon juice and water. The lemon juice not only preserves the color of the apple, but it creates depth to the apple flavor without having to add sugar.

After soaking, place the apples on a cake rack on top of a cookie sheet. If you don’t have a cake rack (I don’t!), then just place the slices directly on the cookie sheet. I did not need to grease the pan – the apples came off fine on their own.

The oven should be preheated to 140 degrees F, and the apples should remain in the oven for five hours. If your apples aren’t on a rack, flip them half-way through. I found that my apples really needed about 6 hours.

The apples should be flexible and bendy. You can eat some immediately, or all of them if you just used a couple of apples. If you’re looking for long term storage, then after they have cooled, place them in a sealed jar for a few days.

Shake the jars every so often. Pasteurize them by freezing them in bags for two days, and keep them for up to 6-12 months in a cool, dry place."

Dry fruit is great to have around when in the mood for chips. It gives you that crunch of chips in a healthier form
I buy dry fruit from fresh market!! I thought of trying to make my own at home! Thank you for sharing this!! I will give it a try!

[JustJo]

Hello healthies

Did my workout at Curves this morning...still loving it.

Midday zipped through the local farmers market to restock the fridge and countertop baskets with fresh fruits and veggies...

• potatoes
• corn
• celery
• beansprouts
• broccoli
• apples
• bananas
• oranges
• watermelon
• strawberries
• kiwis
• pineapple
• carrots
• baby greens for salad

[Zimmeh]

Hugs and you can do this! You have all of us to help and support you!

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by Leigh

[B]They have already walked away from me, and that is what hurts so much but slowly I am learning to deal with things by myself ~ its not easy for me because as I said above I don't do well with things on my own but I'm learning

[Zimmeh]

Good Evening Everyone,

I went to the dr's today and he did an ECHO sonogram on my heart and thyroid; then fitted me with a heart monitor. I called out of work again and came home to sleep. This is what I had today:

Breakfast:
Chobani Greek Yogurt
Soymilk

Lunch:
Hot Pocket
Triscuit crackers
Laughing Cow Cheese Wedge

Dinner.
Tuna steak
Mac & Cheese

[Tawse]

It's been a little bit since I've been here... (busy at work and that also happens to be where I surf O.o lol) but still doing the healthy thing... down 16 pounds now and not stopping anytime soon.

Everyone keep up the good work!


BTW - I tried the "biggest loser" premade meals this week. They are high(ish) in sodium but if you're in a hurry they're good. Made for 2 people and when you see the portion size you may burst out in tears (1/4 Mashed taters per person!?? really!?? lol) but turns out when you have less to eat - you take smaller bites lol so you end up pretty much eating for just as long and taking just as many bites.

The entree's are about 220 - 250 cals each - and decent nutrition aside from the sodium. Add some veggies to the mix and you're looking at a satisfying dinner for about 300 - 315 cals.

Not bad for "dinner in a rush".

[sylvie]

Good Morning everyone ~

Bellydance class was cancelled last night =(
Dang winter weather, is it spring yet?? lol.

Today will be a busy day for me.. i don't work until 4pm, however...
Errands to run & food shopping day - yaaaay payday! So just had a nice healthy breakfast so i don't walk in there hungry..

Also, tonight - a friend is picking me up at work and we're going straight to the Gym for a workout with weights & some cardio.. Then tomorrow morning, she and i are heading back to the gym early for another workout and then we're trying a Body Flow class. (its a combination of yoga, tai chi, and pilates that builds flexibility and strength.)

i'm excited for that one!! So happy to have the confidence to try new things lately, between bellydance, zumba, yoga, etc... LOVIN it!)

Happy Thursday Healthies! ♥
((((hugggggs))))

[ruffryder]

Hello everybody!

It's almost the weekend! I've been staying busy with work and unpacking, even though it's been a slow week at work. Hope to get in here more and post and hit up this fitness center I found where I live. It looks like a great place with many cardio and weight machines. This area also looks great for a walk and run. Glad to be living here where I can get outside more in this warm weather! I also found some great workout apps on my droid. I love the ab ones. Great alternatives to crunches besdies the regular "situp".

As for protein bars I eat high fiber bars. One is oat and chocolate and the other is a strawberry cereal bar that has 90 calories. Some have less sodium and carbohydrate than others, you just have to check that. Also, they don't have to be expensive you can usually find the store brand such as Great Value. I like these for a snack or for a quick breakfast with fresh fruit or yogurt and coffee.

This morning on the news I heard of the DASH (Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. No medication involved, just healthy eating. It supposedly lowers blood pressure and choloesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. It consists of a diet Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy, lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts. These foods are supposed to support reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. It all sounds pretty legit to me, just avoiding non real sugars, carbs, fats, and sodium. Anyone else hear of this or have any thoughts?

http://dashdiet.org/ >About

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/das...ecipes/RE00089 >Recipes we all love!

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/publ...h/new_dash.pdf >INFO

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-hi...sure/dash-diet >Tips on getting started!

I would be interested in making some healthy drinks/smoothies. If anyone has some great recipes, please share! I will research also and report back with my findings and what I've tried.. Thanks! Enjoy the rest of the week and Have a great weekend everybody!

[Zimmeh]

I've heard of this diet and it is the #1 *diet*. It is the only one that actually works and has the results to prove it.

I'm thinking of trying this since I was diagnosed with prehypertension the other day.

Zimmeh

Originally Posted by ruffryder

Hello everybody!

It's almost the weekend! I've been staying busy with work and unpacking, even though it's been a slow week at work. Hope to get in here more and post and hit up this fitness center I found where I live. It looks like a great place with many cardio and weight machines. This area also looks great for a walk and run. Glad to be living here where I can get outside more in this warm weather! I also found some great workout apps on my droid. I love the ab ones. Great alternatives to crunches besdies the regular "situp".

As for protein bars I eat high fiber bars. One is oat and chocolate and the other is a strawberry cereal bar that has 90 calories. Some have less sodium and carbohydrate than others, you just have to check that. Also, they don't have to be expensive you can usually find the store brand such as Great Value. I like these for a snack or for a quick breakfast with fresh fruit or yogurt and coffee.

This morning on the news I heard of the DASH (Diet Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet. No medication involved, just healthy eating. It supposedly lowers blood pressure and choloesterol, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and some cancers. It consists of a diet Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy, lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts. These foods are supposed to support reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. It all sounds pretty legit to me, just avoiding non real sugars, carbs, fats, and sodium. Anyone else hear of this or have any thoughts?

http://dashdiet.org/ >About

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/das...ecipes/RE00089 >Recipes we all love!

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/publ...h/new_dash.pdf >INFO

http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-hi...sure/dash-diet >Tips on getting started!

I would be interested in making some healthy drinks/smoothies. If anyone has some great recipes, please share! I will research also and report back with my findings and what I've tried.. Thanks! Enjoy the rest of the week and Have a great weekend everybody!