WISH Away the Pounds--January 2013 challenge--Everyone Welcome!

[lovetoscrap]

Originally Posted by The Mystery Machine

Good morning!

I really need to experiment how to get whites more fluffy for an omelette. Has anyone ever used cream of tartar or a mixer to "fluff them"?

I made a filling of onions, garlic, mushrooms, 1 tbsp of oil, saute, set aside. I then made the omelette, added in the filling and 1 half of provolone cheese for 2g of sat fat.

I think I am going to make more "fillings" for things to boost nutrition in our diet. It is so easy to saute and bring out flavors so we do not have to use salt or seasonings.

I love using a blender when making omelets- I use my Magic Bullet or regular blender. I haven't made them with only egg whites but it sure makes a difference with whole eggs. We also add a spoonful of light sour cream or plain non fat greek yogurt. It makes them even better! Another thing that I do when I make scrambled eggs is to cook them slowly over low heat stirring constantly. They turn out much lighter and fluffier than putting them in a hot pan. I have been making scrambled eggs the last week for work but I don't eat them until mid morning. I cook them on low heat until they just begin to cook but are still very soft and runny. I put them in a container and on my ice pack in my lunch box. Then when I am ready to eat I heat them about 20 seconds at a time until they are just the way I like them, which is still a little soft. If I cooked them all the way then when I heated them they would be rubbery.

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Monday, January 14, 2013:

What is your creative outlet in life? How often do you find time for it? Is your family supportive of it?


Bonus QOTD: Do you have any sort of weird/strange food combinations that you just love?

I enjoy knitting, crocheting and of course, scrapbooking. I haven't scrapbooked in longer than I can remember though. My room is a mess, can't even see my desk and I am just too tired to tackle it. I go through cycles of knitting and crocheting where I will do it all the time for a few weeks then put it down for a few months. Currently in a "put it down" time.

I don't think I have any weird or strange combinations but a quick survey of my family shows that I am apparently wrong! The were unanimous that my plain, fat free Greek Yogurt with some sugar free jello powder added (love lime or strawberry flavor) is both weird and strange! (and gross according to them!)




Not a good day. I didn't feel good. Yesterday I had an English Muffin for breakfast and then for dinner I had some Lasagna. That is more gluten in one day than I have eaten in at least a month. Stomach was burning all night and all day. Didn't sleep well and I was miserable at work. I learned my lesson (for now!). But I also made some really bad food choices in the form of chips and some chocolate to try to drown the pain. I had hoped to try to walk around the school after school because it is pouring down rain but I had to pick DH up because he had to take my van to the shop.

But my positive for the day is that there was a box of donuts in the break room and I resisted! Of course the added gluten would have made me even more miserable. I actually didn't even make the gluten/misery connection until about mid morning when I realized that what I thought was intense hunger had to be something else because I had eaten plenty. That is when the came on.

Tomorrow is a new day. I am starting to feel a little better this evening and will try to increase my water and get some walking in tomorrow.

[Greenfield1984]

Hey everyone!

Thanks for the words of encouragement and empathy about my lack of sleep. DH is getting up with the kids a few days a week now (he works evenings and doesn't get to sleep until really late whereas I'm a SAHM for now so I was always letting him sleep but he's seeing that it's taking a toll on me and has sweetly offered to get up with them more often) so that's really helping.

QOTD: My creative outlet is cross stitching. I'm working on finishing one for my 3rd DD's birth but don't have much time for it anymore. My workouts have taken over the time that I used to spend cross stitching. I squeeze it in every now and then but it has definitely been put on the back burner.

As for strange food combinations I don't think I really have one. I love peanut butter with everythings (apples, banas, celeri) which some people have told me is strange... so maybe that's weird!

Hope everyone had a great day!

[Mary•Poppins]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Monday, January 14, 2013:

What is your creative outlet in life? How often do you find time for it? Is your family supportive of it?


Bonus QOTD: Do you have any sort of weird/strange food combinations that you just love?

I tend to jump from hobby to hobby. I went through a quilt phase, basket weaving phase (yes, I know how to weave baskets!), gardening, cooking.

Bonus: I love bananas and peanut butter.

[tarzansmom]

Originally Posted by pjlla

I work similarly. Btw...any chance you can come up north for CKC?

Do you do any cross-stitch?

*******************

Evening friends! Just finally collapsing down now to watch BL. Busy evening with swim, groceries, etc.

I had originally asked for tomorrow off, but they called today and begged me to work and told me I can leave by 2pm for the dentist, so I said okay. Flu has hit us hard!

Dinner was good, but not as good as usual...not enough salsa.

Hope you all in the NE area had a chance to get out today and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather! And now we are expecting snow on Thursday!

I'm ready to hit the pillow! TTY tomorrow!........P

Yes. I have done only one big item and that was a quilt. I have done several baby blankets as well.

[BernardandMissBianca]

Originally Posted by pjlla

I work similarly. Btw...any chance you can come up north for CKC?

Do you do any cross-stitch?

Don't know yet. Didn't exactly get the warm fuzzies from the thread about it. Probably the only person I'd want to hang out with is you. I'll keep you posted though. I might drive up for Saturday.


I cross stitch, haven't done any in a while though. I go through phases too.

[50sjayne]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Monday, January 14, 2013:

What is your creative outlet in life? How often do you find time for it? Is your family supportive of it?


Bonus QOTD: Do you have any sort of weird/strange food combinations that you just love?

creative outlet---me I guess. I grew up with huge glasses since the 2nd grade, lots of hair and bangs (kind of looked like Garth in Wayne's world lol) I was also always a little chubby-- or had a tendency to it anyway. I've always sort of overcompensated with grooming I guess, in which I include working out. I do like looking the best I can though.

weird food combo---fried livers with ranch sauce lol. The chips and cottage cheese-- I don't know anyone else who likes that anyway.

I'm bummed because I know I'll have gained a pound or 2 tomorrow. But I refuse to give up. I really wanted to work out tonight but I found out from someone at work we're getting free showtime right now--well did through the weekend and still now so I really wanted to see a movie I had missed while we still had it. I chose the King's speech and I'm really glad I did. I think incorporating more pleasure into my life other than food is important too. I did go for a walk with my son after and it's really cold here-- so it took a bit of courage....brrrr.
Will talk to you guys later.

[araes2102]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Monday, January 14, 2013:

What is your creative outlet in life? How often do you find time for it? Is your family supportive of it?

Hmm, I guess I don't really have one. DF is a gardener so he is always complaining that I don't join him but I really find it boring so I try to get out of it as much as possible. I guess between the house, the kids, and my work... especially work. I don't indulge in those types of things. I always feel guilty because I KNOW there are so many other things I coudl be doing, even after the kids are down for teh night and the house is taken care of... I should be working! (I know that's not really true but it definitely feels that way!)

Bonus QOTD: Do you have any sort of weird/strange food combinations that you just love?

No I don't think so... well I do like Ritz crackers with american cheese and dill pickle slices. Now I just leave out the crackers...

Originally Posted by pjlla

It all sounds yum! If you are looking for another "lettuce wrap" recipe, I have one over on the BL recipe thread.... and it is quite delish, if I may say so myself!!

I will look for it! I love browsing over there!

Originally Posted by pjlla

IHope you all in the NE area had a chance to get out today and enjoy the unseasonably warm weather!

This made me laugh! It is FREEZING here, colder here today than parts of Alaska! Crazy for Arizona!

Originally Posted by lovetoscrap

I don't think I have any weird or strange combinations but a quick survey of my family shows that I am apparently wrong! The were unanimous that my plain, fat free Greek Yogurt with some sugar free jello powder added (love lime or strawberry flavor) is both weird and strange! (and gross according to them!)

Sounds delish!

Not a good day. I didn't feel good. Yesterday I had an English Muffin for breakfast and then for dinner I had some Lasagna. That is more gluten in one day than I have eaten in at least a month. Stomach was burning all night and all day. Didn't sleep well and I was miserable at work. I learned my lesson (for now!). But I also made some really bad food choices in the form of chips and some chocolate to try to drown the pain. I had hoped to try to walk around the school after school because it is pouring down rain but I had to pick DH up because he had to take my van to the shop.

But my positive for the day is that there was a box of donuts in the break room and I resisted! Of course the added gluten would have made me even more miserable. I actually didn't even make the gluten/misery connection until about mid morning when I realized that what I thought was intense hunger had to be something else because I had eaten plenty. That is when the came on.

Tomorrow is a new day. I am starting to feel a little better this evening and will try to increase my water and get some walking in tomorrow.

Sorry you had a bad day Hope you feel better tomorrow!

Originally Posted by 50sjayne

I'm bummed because I know I'll have gained a pound or 2 tomorrow. But I refuse to give up. I really wanted to work out tonight but I found out from someone at work we're getting free showtime right now--well did through the weekend and still now so I really wanted to see a movie I had missed while we still had it. I chose the King's speech and I'm really glad I did. I think incorporating more pleasure into my life other than food is important too. I did go for a walk with my son after and it's really cold here-- so it took a bit of courage....brrrr.
Will talk to you guys later.

I know it can be hard, we have all bveen there! but GOOD for you on not giving up!

Well my day was good, not great but not bad and I was OP so that's even better. Tired so I will talk to you all tomorrow!

Oh but my first weigh-in did show a 9 lb lose! Yay! Water weight I know but happy to see lower numbers already!

[Eliza32]

My creative outlets are card making, sewing and cross stitch. I'm sad to say that I have hardly touched any of them for 2 years though since starting a degree at university as well as doing a full time job and being a union representative!!!

I get a break this year from Uni as I finish this year on 10th March and don't start again until September, so hoping to be creative in the summer months, but then I'll spend most weekends going away camping!! I always plan to take some cross stitch camping with me, but all of the fresh air and good food makes me too sleepy and relaxed to concentrate!

By the way Rose&Mike if you are reading, I lost 4lb this week (5th), but for some reason I can't send any PMs!!!!

[Flossbolna]

Good Morning everyone!

I hope the week so far is a good one for everyone. I am struggling wiht getting my exercise in. The weather has become cold here and I seem do be developing a head cold. It's not there yet, but my throat is slightly soar and my nose feels funny. Typical signs of worse things to come. So I am hesitant about going out for my run tonight. I could go to the gym... But that's a twenty minute walk from home and back through the cold as well. So not sure what the healthy option is?

I still need to answer yesterday's QOTD, so here it goes: My creative outlet I think would be cooking and baking. Not the best one if you try to lose weight! So I am not doing it that much at the moment...

However, one of the advantages of cooking/bakig myself is that I can actually get a very accurate calory count on the treat in question.

As to the weired food combinations: I like to add a little bit of jam to very strong cheeses.

[pjlla]

QOTD for Tuesday, January 15, 2013:

I believe, as a society, we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. I hear people talking about their "healthy meals" and I am constantly wondering "where are the veggies?" How many servings of fruit/veggies do you eat daily (on average)? If you aren't eating at least 4 servings of non-starchy veggies, how do you think you could incorporate more into your day?



BONUS QOTD:

On last night's episode of the BL, they quizzed the contestants about childhood obesity statistics. Who do YOU think is to blame about today's childhood obesity epidemic? Fast-food restaurants? Parents? Schools?


Off to school! Hopefully I can pop on during the day to chat!............P

[goofyfigment]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Tuesday, January 15, 2013:

I believe, as a society, we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. I hear people talking about their "healthy meals" and I am constantly wondering "where are the veggies?" How many servings of fruit/veggies do you eat daily (on average)? If you aren't eating at least 4 servings of non-starchy veggies, how do you think you could incorporate more into your day?



BONUS QOTD:

On last night's episode of the BL, they quizzed the contestants about childhood obesity statistics. Who do YOU think is to blame about today's childhood obesity epidemic? Fast-food restaurants? Parents? Schools?


Off to school! Hopefully I can pop on during the day to chat!............P

I have celery and peanut butter for my morning snack, green and red peppers and cucumbers for my afternoon snack. Lately ive been eating soup for lunch and so far its been some kind of vegetable soup.

As for obesity i feel its the parents fault. Many people are in too much of a hurry these days and instead of cooking dinner they go to the closest fast food chain and pick up dinner. When i was growing up fast food was a treat not a constant thing.

[araes2102]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Tuesday, January 15, 2013:

I believe, as a society, we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. I hear people talking about their "healthy meals" and I am constantly wondering "where are the veggies?" How many servings of fruit/veggies do you eat daily (on average)? If you aren't eating at least 4 servings of non-starchy veggies, how do you think you could incorporate more into your day?



BONUS QOTD:

On last night's episode of the BL, they quizzed the contestants about childhood obesity statistics. Who do YOU think is to blame about today's childhood obesity epidemic? Fast-food restaurants? Parents? Schools?


Off to school! Hopefully I can pop on during the day to chat!............P

I do try to get enough veggies (right now fruits have too many carbs for me) by having salads at lunch and dinner. I really need to up my variety of these though, seems like most of my servings are lettuce! But I also think we do not get enough of these items in our American diets either.

Bonus: I think diets contribute to childhood obesity (way too much sugar, processed food, fast food, too big portions), but I also think a general lack of activity really is at the root. Just think, in most schools PE classes have been cut back to maybe once a week? And the kids don't play outside like they used to, I know my kids are inside all evening doing homework! Acitivity doesn't seem to be general playing anymore, more organized sports. even free time I know I won't let my 6 yr old go play outside by hyerself, it's not safe, but when I was 6 we weren't allowed to come in until the street light came on. Not to mention kids will likely choose time on electronics than time spent being active. I know my 12 yr old would spend every waking moment on the xboc if allowed (which is why he is only allowed 2 hours on each weekend day and not at all during the week).

[dismagiclover]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Tuesday, January 15, 2013:

I believe, as a society, we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. I hear people talking about their "healthy meals" and I am constantly wondering "where are the veggies?" How many servings of fruit/veggies do you eat daily (on average)? If you aren't eating at least 4 servings of non-starchy veggies, how do you think you could incorporate more into your day?



BONUS QOTD:

On last night's episode of the BL, they quizzed the contestants about childhood obesity statistics. Who do YOU think is to blame about today's childhood obesity epidemic? Fast-food restaurants? Parents? Schools?


Off to school! Hopefully I can pop on during the day to chat!............P

I think you are absolutely right about not eating enough vegies. I have upped my vegie intake recently because of several factors. I've joined a local produce co-op where I get a pretty large amount of fresh produce every other week. If I don't eat it, it goes bad which is a waste of money. So we eat it. We don't choose the produce; we get what we get. That helps me get variety and try new things. I also try to think in terms of whole foods. So dinner is a piece of lean meat, a green salad, and a vegie. I try to avoid the processed carbs and fill my plate with at least half vegies.
As far as who to blame for childhood obesity, it is obviously complicated. I'm not sure schools should be blamed though. Yes PE classes have been cut back and my kids only get 1 recess a day. However, I think back to my PE classes in school and I wouldn't say there was too much movement involved. We spent lots of time dressing, lots of time listening to a teacher and about 10 minutes moving. I think one of the biggest factors is all the processed food. I didn't eat cold cereal for breakfast, crackers for lunch, and frozen dinners when I was growing up. I had oatmeal, PB&J with an apple and a home cooked meal. Plus after school I spent time running around the neighborhood with the neighborhood kids, not supervised every second. That is when we really got exercise. I just think our lifestyles have changed so much. We want everything fast, easy and controlled. And one of the byproducts of that is obesity. Sorry, this is way wordier than I intented.

[pjlla]

Originally Posted by lovetoscrap

I love using a blender when making omelets- I use my Magic Bullet or regular blender. I haven't made them with only egg whites but it sure makes a difference with whole eggs. We also add a spoonful of light sour cream or plain non fat greek yogurt. It makes them even better! Another thing that I do when I make scrambled eggs is to cook them slowly over low heat stirring constantly. They turn out much lighter and fluffier than putting them in a hot pan. I have been making scrambled eggs the last week for work but I don't eat them until mid morning. I cook them on low heat until they just begin to cook but are still very soft and runny. I put them in a container and on my ice pack in my lunch box. Then when I am ready to eat I heat them about 20 seconds at a time until they are just the way I like them, which is still a little soft. If I cooked them all the way then when I heated them they would be rubbery.

Great idea to add the sour cream or yogurt. And great plan for the eggs to not be rubbery. I tend to eat them immediately, so it usually isn't a problem, but occasionally I'll make an egg patty for DD to eat later and the texture is usually not great. I'll have to keep in mind to not cook them so much.

I enjoy knitting, crocheting and of course, scrapbooking. I haven't scrapbooked in longer than I can remember though. My room is a mess, can't even see my desk and I am just too tired to tackle it. I go through cycles of knitting and crocheting where I will do it all the time for a few weeks then put it down for a few months. Currently in a "put it down" time.


I don't think I have any weird or strange combinations but a quick survey of my family shows that I am apparently wrong! The were unanimous that my plain, fat free Greek Yogurt with some sugar free jello powder added (love lime or strawberry flavor) is both weird and strange! (and gross according to them!)


Interesting!



Not a good day. I didn't feel good. Yesterday I had an English Muffin for breakfast and then for dinner I had some Lasagna. That is more gluten in one day than I have eaten in at least a month. Stomach was burning all night and all day. Didn't sleep well and I was miserable at work. I learned my lesson (for now!). But I also made some really bad food choices in the form of chips and some chocolate to try to drown the pain. I had hoped to try to walk around the school after school because it is pouring down rain but I had to pick DH up because he had to take my van to the shop.

But my positive for the day is that there was a box of donuts in the break room and I resisted! Of course the added gluten would have made me even more miserable. I actually didn't even make the gluten/misery connection until about mid morning when I realized that what I thought was intense hunger had to be something else because I had eaten plenty. That is when the came on.

Tomorrow is a new day. I am starting to feel a little better this evening and will try to increase my water and get some walking in tomorrow.

So sorry you have been feeling poorly.

Originally Posted by Greenfield1984

Hey everyone!

Thanks for the words of encouragement and empathy about my lack of sleep. DH is getting up with the kids a few days a week now (he works evenings and doesn't get to sleep until really late whereas I'm a SAHM for now so I was always letting him sleep but he's seeing that it's taking a toll on me and has sweetly offered to get up with them more often) so that's really helping.

Nice DH. Mine told me, in no uncertain terms, that since I choose to be a SAHM, that it was my responsibility to get up with the kids..... ALL THE TIME, EVERY DAY, NO MATTER WHAT. Vacation... I'm still up every time.... kids up sick during the night and Mom cleaning up vomit til the wee hours.... I'm still up at 6 am...Mom is sick ..... I'm still the one to get up.... Mother's Day/my birthday.... I was still the one to get up. It was frustrating and (obviously) I had some resentment about it. But now that that time has passed, it doesn't seem like such a big deal.

QOTD: My creative outlet is cross stitching. I'm working on finishing one for my 3rd DD's birth but don't have much time for it anymore. My workouts have taken over the time that I used to spend cross stitching. I squeeze it in every now and then but it has definitely been put on the back burner.

As for strange food combinations I don't think I really have one. I love peanut butter with everythings (apples, banas, celeri) which some people have told me is strange... so maybe that's weird!

Hope everyone had a great day!

We eat PB with all of those things here as well. In fact, I bought extra celery yesterday because DD has been craving "ants on a log."

Originally Posted by Mary•Poppins

I tend to jump from hobby to hobby. I went through a quilt phase, basket weaving phase (yes, I know how to weave baskets!), gardening, cooking.

Bonus: I love bananas and peanut butter.

I did lots of basket weaving back in the mid-1990's. I really enjoyed it and I still have many of my creations.... but I got bored with it and when we moved to the house and had kids, there wasn't enough time.

Originally Posted by BernardandMissBianca

Don't know yet. Didn't exactly get the warm fuzzies from the thread about it. Probably the only person I'd want to hang out with is you. I'll keep you posted though. I might drive up for Saturday.

I had some issues with not being felt "invited" in the past, but I decided it was me, not them. I did have fun a few years ago when I met up with a nice group, but last year I only ended up meeting with Joyah (Christy) and her Mom. I'd LOVE to meet you there, do some shopping, have lunch, attend the crops, but I don't plan on taking any classes. They just weren't my cup of tea. In fact, I still haven't used the pages I made two years ago.

I cross stitch, haven't done any in a while though. I go through phases too.

My current "phase" regarding cross-stitch is the "my-eyes-are-getting-too-old-to-do-this" phase!!

Originally Posted by 50sjayne

creative outlet---me I guess. I grew up with huge glasses since the 2nd grade, lots of hair and bangs (kind of looked like Garth in Wayne's world lol) I was also always a little chubby-- or had a tendency to it anyway. I've always sort of overcompensated with grooming I guess, in which I include working out. I do like looking the best I can though.

Nice answer!

weird food combo---fried livers with ranch sauce lol. The chips and cottage cheese-- I don't know anyone else who likes that anyway.

I like liver, but I don't eat it any more, after I did some thinking about what it does in the body. I might be tempted if I could find it organic though. Liver and onions....mmmmm!


I'm bummed because I know I'll have gained a pound or 2 tomorrow. But I refuse to give up. I really wanted to work out tonight but I found out from someone at work we're getting free showtime right now--well did through the weekend and still now so I really wanted to see a movie I had missed while we still had it. I chose the King's speech and I'm really glad I did. I think incorporating more pleasure into my life other than food is important too. I did go for a walk with my son after and it's really cold here-- so it took a bit of courage....brrrr.
Will talk to you guys later.

NEVER, EVER give up is our motto! Glad to hear you are taking it to heart.

Originally Posted by araes2102

Well my day was good, not great but not bad and I was OP so that's even better. Tired so I will talk to you all tomorrow!

Oh but my first weigh-in did show a 9 lb lose! Yay! Water weight I know but happy to see lower numbers already!

AMAZING!

Originally Posted by Eliza32

My creative outlets are card making, sewing and cross stitch. I'm sad to say that I have hardly touched any of them for 2 years though since starting a degree at university as well as doing a full time job and being a union representative!!!

You can always go back to it when life gets a bit slower!

I get a break this year from Uni as I finish this year on 10th March and don't start again until September, so hoping to be creative in the summer months, but then I'll spend most weekends going away camping!! I always plan to take some cross stitch camping with me, but all of the fresh air and good food makes me too sleepy and relaxed to concentrate!

By the way Rose&Mike if you are reading, I lost 4lb this week (5th), but for some reason I can't send any PMs!!!!

Maybe Rose's PM box is full?? Great job BTW!!

Originally Posted by Flossbolna

Good Morning everyone!

I hope the week so far is a good one for everyone. I am struggling wiht getting my exercise in. The weather has become cold here and I seem do be developing a head cold. It's not there yet, but my throat is slightly soar and my nose feels funny. Typical signs of worse things to come. So I am hesitant about going out for my run tonight. I could go to the gym... But that's a twenty minute walk from home and back through the cold as well. So not sure what the healthy option is?

How about something less cardio like yoga or weight training?
I find cardio to be the hardest when I am sick.

I still need to answer yesterday's QOTD, so here it goes: My creative outlet I think would be cooking and baking. Not the best one if you try to lose weight! So I am not doing it that much at the moment...

However, one of the advantages of cooking/bakig myself is that I can actually get a very accurate calory count on the treat in question.

As to the weired food combinations: I like to add a little bit of jam to very strong cheeses.

Fruit and cheese is a great combo! I like a melba toast round with a shmear of Laughing Cow light swiss cheese and a dab of mango salsa!!

I don't like cooking, but I admit I enjoy it a bit MORE now that I am concentrating on creating healthy recipes!

Originally Posted by goofyfigment

I have celery and peanut butter for my morning snack, green and red peppers and cucumbers for my afternoon snack. Lately ive been eating soup for lunch and so far its been some kind of vegetable soup.

Great job getting veggies in at every meal!

As for obesity i feel its the parents fault. Many people are in too much of a hurry these days and instead of cooking dinner they go to the closest fast food chain and pick up dinner. When i was growing up fast food was a treat not a constant thing.

Interesting answer. And I agree about the fast-food treat. Growing up I recall having McDonald's once a year!! My grandparents would take my brother and I and my two cousins out for it the night before school started in the fall. It was an ENORMOUS treat!!

Originally Posted by araes2102

I do try to get enough veggies (right now fruits have too many carbs for me) by having salads at lunch and dinner. I really need to up my variety of these though, seems like most of my servings are lettuce! But I also think we do not get enough of these items in our American diets either.

If your salad greens change up frequently, it doesn't matter so much that they are "mostly lettuce". I usually mix organic spring mix with baby spinach. Sometimes I toss in some organic romaine, baby arugula, or even some nice soft Bib lettuce. Try making sure that your salads contain at least three colors (including green) to make sure you are having a good variety.

Bonus: I think diets contribute to childhood obesity (way too much sugar, processed food, fast food, too big portions), but I also think a general lack of activity really is at the root. Just think, in most schools PE classes have been cut back to maybe once a week? And the kids don't play outside like they used to, I know my kids are inside all evening doing homework! Acitivity doesn't seem to be general playing anymore, more organized sports. even free time I know I won't let my 6 yr old go play outside by hyerself, it's not safe, but when I was 6 we weren't allowed to come in until the street light came on. Not to mention kids will likely choose time on electronics than time spent being active. I know my 12 yr old would spend every waking moment on the xboc if allowed (which is why he is only allowed 2 hours on each weekend day and not at all during the week).

My DS's "screen time" has increased dramatically since we bought him a laptop for 8th grade graduation (supposed to be for high school work..). I'm thinking of limiting his screen time during the school week.

Originally Posted by dismagiclover

I think you are absolutely right about not eating enough vegies. I have upped my vegie intake recently because of several factors. I've joined a local produce co-op where I get a pretty large amount of fresh produce every other week. If I don't eat it, it goes bad which is a waste of money. So we eat it. We don't choose the produce; we get what we get. That helps me get variety and try new things. I also try to think in terms of whole foods. So dinner is a piece of lean meat, a green salad, and a vegie. I try to avoid the processed carbs and fill my plate with at least half vegies.

As the friend of an organic farmer who is part of a local co-op, THANK YOU for supporting local agriculture!!

Great job trying all of the new stuff you get!

As far as who to blame for childhood obesity, it is obviously complicated. I'm not sure schools should be blamed though. Yes PE classes have been cut back and my kids only get 1 recess a day. However, I think back to my PE classes in school and I wouldn't say there was too much movement involved. We spent lots of time dressing, lots of time listening to a teacher and about 10 minutes moving. I think one of the biggest factors is all the processed food. I didn't eat cold cereal for breakfast, crackers for lunch, and frozen dinners when I was growing up. I had oatmeal, PB&J with an apple and a home cooked meal. Plus after school I spent time running around the neighborhood with the neighborhood kids, not supervised every second. That is when we really got exercise. I just think our lifestyles have changed so much. We want everything fast, easy and controlled. And one of the byproducts of that is obesity. Sorry, this is way wordier than I intented.

Don't worry about being wordy! I was REALLY interested in the answers that you all had to offer. I am thinking ahead to when my new job may entail me working with overweight youngsters and teens and I want to understand where this is all coming from. Parents blame the fast-food restaurants and the cereal/junk food advertisers. The government blames parents and soft-drink manufacturers. We all want to point a finger, but I don't see many folks/industries/places/groups finding SOLUTIONS!

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Well..... I found a few minutes without my student (I am a 1-on-1 today), so I am caught up!! I just need to answer my own QOTD and the day will be complete!

Today is work, dentist, VERY QUICK dinner at home (homemade healthy meatloaf from my freezer-warming in the crockpot, whole wheat couscous, and steamed broccoli), off to the Y for swim practice and some exercise for me, maybe a dash to Costco, and then home by 10:15pm. And fingers crossed that the impending snow will cause tomorrow's 5:30 am practice to be cancelled and maybe even a 2 hour school delay? Fingers crossed!

Lunch today is dinner leftovers from last night with some extra diced tomatoes added and a grapefruit. Breakfast was my standby of egg white omelet on a low carb tortilla with a handful of baby spinach and a shmear of Laughing Cow cheese, plus coffee. Getting boring, but fills the hole!

Praying that this day goes by quickly. This little child is sweet and has a lot of needs, but it just isn't my "cup of tea". Tht said, I spend the day trying to treat him as if I would want MY child treated if he/she were in this same situation.... lots of love, patience, tenderness, understanding and learning opportunities!

I probably won't make it on again today, so I'll quickly answer the QOTD and then say goodbye!.

NOPE.... here comes my charge! I'll TTYL.............P

[pjlla]

Originally Posted by pjlla

QOTD for Tuesday, January 15, 2013:

I believe, as a society, we don't eat enough fruits and vegetables. I hear people talking about their "healthy meals" and I am constantly wondering "where are the veggies?" How many servings of fruit/veggies do you eat daily (on average)? If you aren't eating at least 4 servings of non-starchy veggies, how do you think you could incorporate more into your day?


I try HARD to make sure I am having at least 2 servings of veggie with every meal. Breakfast on the go is the hardest. If I am home I can have spinach in my omelet or wrap, steamed broccoli, sauteed onions. On the go, not so easy.

A handful of lettuce in a wrap or sandwich, a handful of baby carrots or celery sticks, all easy ways to add veggies to the day without any extra cooking!


BONUS QOTD:

On last night's episode of the BL, they quizzed the contestants about childhood obesity statistics. Who do YOU think is to blame about today's childhood obesity epidemic? Fast-food restaurants? Parents? Schools?


Off to school! Hopefully I can pop on during the day to chat!............P

I think it is a VARIETY of things..... more sedentary lifestyle (less PE, less strenuous chores, more screen time), busier parents combined with too much fast-food/convenience food, and the overall UNHEALTHY diet that we have allowed our society to think is the NORM! All of these things contribute to the problem. Top it off with overweight parents who are setting a bad example, and it shouldn't be a surprise we have so many overweight children in the world.

I thought that one of the SADDEST statistics that they mentioned last night was the 75% of parents thought that their obese/overweight child was actually normal or even underweight!! We don't even KNOW what a normal weight child looks like any more!!

Gotta dash!.................P