Biggest Loser--Fall 2011 Challenge for Losers & Maintainers!!

[lovetoscrap]

Lunch break!

As I was making my lunch I remembered a tip that I discovered this week.

First one I just discovered: Clean out the fridge right before you eat and you won't be as hungry!

So last week I was making a salad (I usually have one a day-- typically my lunch). I love Ranch dressing which is allowed on South Beach woohoo I am not very creative on my salads but I have been adding 2% cottage cheese to it to add some more dairy to my day. I realized I was adding less dressing because the cottage cheese adds more "moisture" -- I hate a dry salad. So I had an idea and added some powdered Ranch mix to the cottage cheese. Now the cottage cheese has that flavor I love so I can use it instead of dressing. Less fat and calories and a healthy serving of dairy.

 

[pjlla]

Friends.... please forgive me for getting this posted SO late in the day! It has been a crazy morning/afternoon! I'm hoping to have a few minutes later tonight to chat!

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)


Gotta fly!.......................P

 

[lovehoney]

I haven't been following the board for a while and my weight is really suffering. I do much better when I check it every day.

Today's QOTD:

October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??

And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I am over 40 and have not had my first mammogram. I will schedule it in the next couple of weeks. Especially since my aunt just had a lumpectomy for stage 1 breast cancer.

Personal splurge - My Kuerig coffee is my biggest splurge. I have stopped buying it for the last few weeks because the prices have gone up so much. I am hoping there are some specials with the holidays coming up.

 

[Rose&Mike]

Friends.... please forgive me for getting this posted SO late in the day! It has been a crazy morning/afternoon! I'm hoping to have a few minutes later tonight to chat!

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)


Gotta fly!.......................P

I have always been a label reader, but since going gf I have become a compulsive label reader. Two reasons, one to make sure something is safe, and two, I'm still getting used to the calorie count in gf stuff.


LTS--I'm so glad you are able to walk more. I have been thinking about you a lot lately, cause my foot is a mess. What finally drove me to go to pt is one, that I really love running and want to get back to where I was a couple of months ago, and two, I think about all you have been through, and I know I need to take care of my feet.

Thanks Shawn! Enjoy your day off.

Kathy--great job tracking! I'm glad they fixed your street.

Jill--I love new running shoes! Too exciting!

Liesel--Great job running on vacation!

Sue--Good luck finding a gym. I have found the main advantage to the Y around here is the pool. I am not a big pool person (for working out) but it comes in handy if you have to do rehab.

 

[DopeyDame]

Friends
Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)

P

I'm an occasional label reader. usually I look at the sugar content rather than calories. Eliminating things with a lot of sugar (and usually those sugary things are the real calorie killers). The skinniest I ever was was when I followed a "no sugar, no white carbs" rule. It was simple and worked! I'm trying to get back on that. I'm doing reasonably well on the no sugar part... but those white carbs... man they are both yummy and ubiquitous!

In general I'm not a big fan of "smelly things" like perfume.

It's good to be back and reading this thread again! Everyone is so nice and supportive!
Yesterday and Monday I ran both days - wahoo! Today is an "off" day because I have work and then teach a night class. Alas, I was supposed to have a guest speaker in class tonight and he just cancelled, so now I have to figure out what to do for 2 hours with my class - ugh!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I love to read too, but I am notoriously cheap about my reading material.... the primary reason why I am not yet in the market for a Nook or Kindle. I use the library, buy books at yard sales, library sales, the GoodWill and I borrow books. Right now I am finishing the 5th Harry Potter book and have something with a bit more brain substance also going (The Happiness Project). I keep switching back and forth. Right now HP is by the bed and the other book is in the car. This is in addition to any Bible reading I try to fit in and any reading I do for Bible study.

I don't have a Nook or a Kindle, either. I would bankrupt us if I bought the books I read! I just requested the Happiness Project from the library. If it's good enough for Pamela, it's good enough for me My "intelligent" book right now is Justice: What's the right thing to do?
Description: Popular Harvard professor Michael Sandel offers a searching, lyrical exploration of the meaning of justice that considers familiar controversies such as affirmative action, same-sex marriage, physician-assisted suicide, abortion, national service, patriotism and dissent, and the moral limits of markets. I'm reading a Harlequin Special Edition for fun

To piggy back on that question though I am going to ask the women: HAVE YOU HAD YOUR ANNUAL GYN visit??? Cervical Cancer is also something we need to be proactive about having checked out. I HATE, HATE, HATE going but the worst part is usually only about 5 minutes long and I can suffer for 5 mins once a year. And MEN-- have you had your important exams? (not really sure what men are supposed to get checked when!)

Wow, you know me so well -- I haven't had one since I went off of birth control, and I don't even have a primary physician listed, I just go to my Nurse Practitioner. I did have one, but she left...anyway, I keep telling my dh I will go when I lose a certain amount of weight, because they made me feel bad the last time I went. I realize that is not a good reason, but honestly, I just can't face being told I'm obese again

I am behind on my emails and my missions. I need to go through them today and get caught up.

What I love about FlyLady -- I really do customize it to myself. I rarely if ever shine my sink, but my bed is made every day. I'm definitely more "flying sideways". I like the missions because it's usually something I wouldn't think to do, but can do fairly quickly -- like wipe around the back and bottom of the porcelain throne...The Holiday Control Journal and missions are my favorite, because it makes the holidays manageable for me. I can plan one small thing one day, gather my cards another, etc.

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

Yep, I do read the labels. I look at calories, fat, carbs -- and this has convinced me that I'm always better grabbing fruit or veggies

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)

My favorite perfume is Hypnose, my favorite household fragrance is Yankee Candle's Lemon Lavender. I'm partial to Home for the Holidays in December.

Maria

 

[lovetoscrap]

Friends.... please forgive me for getting this posted SO late in the day! It has been a crazy morning/afternoon! I'm hoping to have a few minutes later tonight to chat!

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)


Gotta fly!.......................P

I do look at labels but not religiously . If something is unfamiliar I will look at the calories, fat, carbs and sugar. Sometimes I look at the ingredients to see what is in it. Usually I a more comparing it at the store to other similar products to see which would be best for me.

I don't wear perfume but the scents I like for personal care items, cleaners or candles are baby powder (my deodorant and air freshener), lemon and pine (cleaners) and pine and cinnamon candles. I don't actually burn candles much though because most of them give me a headache and some set off my allergies. Plus I don't like open flames. And DH HATES them! I actually like those plug in freshener things but they give him headaches so I don't use them.

I

LTS--I'm so glad you are able to walk more. I have been thinking about you a lot lately, cause my foot is a mess. What finally drove me to go to pt is one, that I really love running and want to get back to where I was a couple of months ago, and two, I think about all you have been through, and I know I need to take care of my feet.

I am glad that my story can keep others from making the same mistakes I did. That is why I do tell it often on the DIS-- if I can make even one person's life better because they got early quality treatment based on my story then it worth it to keep repeating it. Do those exercises!


I have no idea what to do about dinner. The college fair is about 30- 45 mins away from 5:30-7:30 which really messes up our dinner time. If we eat before we go I would have to feed everyone again when we get home because they will all be hungry! And DD11's bedtime is 8:30 so we will be tight for time. May just pick up Subway for them to eat in the car and DH and I will figure something out later. DD11 loves Boston Market and it is near where we are going so I would love to go there but don't think the timing would work.

 

[lovehoney]

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)

I am an avid label reader. I always have been. I mostly check calories, fat grams and fiber. I always pick the item with the most fiber. When I was tracking on CalorieCounter I saw that I had the trend of eating way too much sodium, so I now check for that too.


My favorite fragrance is pink grapefruit - anything be it candles, lotion or soap. If I find a fragrance labeled pink grapefruit I almost always buy it. I even made a recipe for pink grapefruit cake that got an honorable mention in a BH&G monthly contest.

 

[SettinSail]

I am reading labels more and more and comparing products. Like others have posted I try to keep the sugar and carb count down.

I love scents except I do use detergent with no perfumes as that irritates my skin and I use an unscented deodorant. I discovered Jo Malone perfumes in Europe and they were widely sold there and I always meant to buy one but never did. I finally found them online here and bought some through Nordstrom. I got Lime, Basil and Mandarin and it is a unique and refreshing scent. I think I am going to order the Gardenia too. My favorite candle is called On the Beach by Colonial Candle.

LTS, what a great idea! If only I liked cottage cheese
DH takes a cup or so of it in his lunch everyday.

Maria, I FlyLady. I don't actively follow her anymore but I picked up so many great ideas from her that I do every day. I am a firm believer in routines to make things easier and taking a few minutes to do a task every day so you never have to take a long time to do it once a month. Too bad no one else around here believes in that

Most US libraries now have FREE books you can download on the Kindle

I had MORE drama with my family today. This time it involved money and really made me mad/sad. It's like something has been stirred up that will not rest now. DH does not want to go to Christmas at my parents house this year. I have never missed a year and don't intend to start but things are getting to the point where it is hard to get past this.

I bought a new sweater and new pants at the Mall today. Got into a size 14 pants If I can lose 11 more pounds I will move from the "obese" category to "overweight" Had a good workout at the Y tonight, 45 mins cardio

 

[tigger813]

QOTD: I have totally become a label reader, mainly for the nutritional facts. I have really changed my eating based on serving size. Doing Herbalife has also made me much more aware of protein! I buy a lot more foods with higher protein levels. I only buy breads/tortillas/roll-ups that have a lot of protein in them. I start off my day with a healthy meal shake that has a lot of protein in it and also add additional protein to my shakes. I find I can go longer without eating when I have the extra protein.

Been a VERY busy day but I feel that I actually got everything or just about everything I wanted to done! I made muffins for Izzie's b'day breakfast tomorrow morning. I also made cupcakes as we decided to do that for the cake instead. We have a cupcake stand that we can use for that. I still have to wrap her presents. She's getting a Barbie movie, a couple of books and a DSi game that she wanted. On Saturday we will take her to the American Girl place. Her party isn't until a week from Sunday. DSIL will come over on Friday to see her. Izzie just went to bed. She is so excited for tomorrow.

I finished cleaning the upstairs today! I'm happy with how it looks. I still need to do my bedroom and the downstairs but at least I get this much done. Hopefully I will have some time this weekend to do that.

Gotta brush through and braid Ash's hair now. She gets such horrible tangles in her hair! I'm going to need to braid it daily! I think I will also take her for a trim.

Shawn, Glad you enjoyed your gift card!

TTFN

 

[cobbler]

Dietwise - I've been totally on track since getting home from Vegas. My food choices have been great, I'm tracking my calories, drinking my water, power walking, etc.

I took a "sneak peak" at the scale this morning, and it looks like I've dropped 3 of the 5.5 pounds that I put on over the last two weeks. My official weigh-in won't be until Friday, but I'll be very happy if that 3 pound loss sticks.

- Laura

CONGRATS!!!!!

Thank you to everyone who listened to my rant and gave advice. I felt better after I let that out and ive been feeling better the past few days. Last night i got home at 7 and didn't let myself sit down till i had packed my lunch and tracked my calories for today. it was a good plan. this morning i had a milestone in that i woke up at 7am and went on the trail for a run/walk. i am NOt a morning person so this is a very big deal for me. Also its cold in the morning right now in CT and i do not do well in the cold. But i forced myself and i felt better for it. not only was it the most exercise i had since saturday, i felt great having gotten it out of the way in the morning instead of forcing myself to go to the gym after i got out of work at 8

it also felt really great to run outside, which i enjoy far more than the treadmill. i feel like i can go further, mostly because i dont get bored so im not just looking at how much time is left. the one bad thing is that im still not supposed to be running right now. not running was making me incredibly cranky and my hip still hurt so i did it, and yeah my hip hurt real bad today. i will take tomorrow off and then see where we are the day after. i may go see an orthopedic doctor, mostly because my doctor is crap anyways.

i did take it easy on the run though, i had to guestimate that i went about 3 miles total because my phone didnt track it as usual, and i would run a little then walk then run then walk. i wasnt making myself do anything specific, just what felt good. i have another 5k on november 6 and i want to be ready

eating wise i did ok, i came home at 8 and was still hungry so i made some skinless chicken breast with lemon and garlic and pepper and some quinoa and had some butternut squash my gma brought over. it was yummmy but i feel like i probably went over on calories, but at least it was nothing bad for me. i did have a few caramels today at work because my boss was driving me nuts and i stress ate. still better than i have been

UGH!! I am with you I HATE THE DREADMILL! BOOOO Unfortunately I have to get used to it being that winter is coming and I am in the land of snow. I stress eat too, something I have learned and am now starting to be aware of.

I am reading labels more and more and comparing products. Like others have posted I try to keep the sugar and carb count down.



I had MORE drama with my family today. This time it involved money and really made me mad/sad. It's like something has been stirred up that will not rest now. DH does not want to go to Christmas at my parents house this year. I have never missed a year and don't intend to start but things are getting to the point where it is hard to get past this.

I bought a new sweater and new pants at the Mall today. Got into a size 14 pants If I can lose 11 more pounds I will move from the "obese" category to "overweight" Had a good workout at the Y tonight, 45 mins cardio

Did you know that propolene glycol is in a lot of products we use? It's also in Grands biscuits. Do you know it's an ingredient in plane de-icer? It's also used as a lubricant in machines. And the scary part is it's in our food!! And some of the products we buy like make-up foundation. I've been all about reading labels lately.

about your family. That must be hard. I hope things turn out ok.

Congrats on the workout and new pants!!

As for me. I had a stress day yesterday and missed my workout and ended up eating 2 cookies, a 21oz pop and some pizza. I am trying but sometimes it's hard. Today was better and I'm not as stressed. I ate a little better and wasn't going to workout but at 8pm I decided there are no excuses. Today was supposed to be my rest day and I decided since I took it yesterday I needed to get my workout in today so I did 45 min of cardio and 10 min of abs! I am really proud of myself today. And the funny thing is with the endorphine release after working out, you'd think I would have more desire to do it. Maybe I just keep telling myself how I like how I feel when I'm finished; accomplished and feeling good. Tomorrow is an hour interval training workout of cardio + weights and hopefully a run.

Hope everyone had a good day!

PS - Congrast lovestoscrap on the BL of the week!

 

[bellebookworm9]

QOTD 10/25: I have not had a mammogram yet, but I'm only 20. I'll get one when my doctor tells me to. My biggest splurge for myself is probably my two Dooney & Bourkes...and also my Harry Potter book/DVD collection. They weren't cheap, but they are all (the bags, books, and movies) something I treasure!

QOTD 10/26: No, I don't really read labels. I will skim them occasionally just to check calories, but it's not something I do often. Scents...hmmm, that's tough. I used to like Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar, but I don't think they make it anymore. I'm actually allergic to a lot of scents...B&B normally makes my eyes and nose itch just walking past! Raspberry is especially difficult for me, but only in lotions/shaving creams, I'm not allergic to actual raspberries.

************
Today I dragged myself to the gym for the first time in about 3 weeks...since before Disney. I did 35 minutes on the elliptical and completed 2.8 miles I think. Not too bad. My eating was neither terrible nor great.

I saw a few people that had their interviews on Sunday got accepted today...I did not and so gave in and went to check my dashboard...no rejection, but no acceptance. I feel like I'm in "The Waiting Place" from Dr Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"...everyone's just waiting!

 

[glss1/2fll]

QOTD: I rarely read labels; I spend much more time reading/figuring out the cost per ounce then buying the cheapest!
I don't like smells. I use unscented deo and laundry detergent and can't stand that my fellas all have the stinkiest body washes on the planet! That being said, DH loves colognes and has bought me a couple perfumes that I like, Knowing and Poeme.

I started The Happiness Project but never finished it. The one tidbit I picked up from it and try to use is if something will take less than a minute to do, I do it. It's amazing how those quickie things that can drag ya down make ya feel so much better when you take 60 seconds to do it. And yet my house is still a cluttered mess!

I've had a stressful day with DS2 and ate 3 brownies because of it (PMS doesn't help). grrrrr But I did go out and run a mile before it got too dark. Was very happy to do that, and at my best time. Isn't helping me build up my distance, but I was out there so will take what I can get.

Tomorrow I am subbing and one of my co-workers called to remind me we were going to the pumpkin patch. I'd remembered but it was nice of them to think of me. Hope the weather is nice and the kids behave (they're all special needs). Last year we spent most of our time chasing a couple who were having too good a time! At least this year I'm in better shape and can catch them faster!

 

[cclovesdis]

Pamper Week Mini Challenge for Thursday, 10/27: Grab a cup of tea, or something else you enjoy, and spend a good amount of time reading something inspiring.

Have a great day everyone!

 

[lisah0711]

Good morning losers and maintainers!

Today's QOTD:
October is breast cancer awareness month. So I'll ask.... if you are 40+ have you had a baseline mammogram? If you are under 40, when do you plan to have your first mammogram? And for EVERYONE... do you do self-exams??

And a FLUFF QOTD:

What is your biggest personal "splurge"? Something you do often or with some regularity that is just for YOU.

I have had several mammograms. I'm not very reliable on the self-exams.

I would have to say my biggest personal "splurge" is anything to do with running: race registration, travel expenses, all the stuff. Any excuse to get myself to Disney!

And I read a little bit of everything -- plenty of it is mind candy Awesome question, I can't wait to get some ideas for splurges!

Yum! Nothing I love more than a good mind-candy book!

Some one asked about a lucky number. For dh and I we prefer prime numbers. My birthday is 5/29, his is 10/31, our official start as a couple date is 4/23 (long story will tell it another time), we got engaged on 11/13 and got married 8/5.

Dona, I got a big chuckle out of you math teachers using prime numbers for your favorites!

Yum on the pumpkin bread pudding. I love it this time of year. My BIL texted me a pic of pumpkin flavored pop tarts that he found at Stop & Shop. He also found Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Spice Swirl bread there, and my brother found Eggo Pumpkin Spice waffles at Target. Tis the season for that stuff

ITA, Sue, the pumpkin stuff is tasty. It won't be around too much longer, though, then everything will be peppermint and chocolate!

Well, I was very impressed by the knowledge of the people who own/work at the store. After watching me walk at a normal pace, he determined that I needed tons of arch support (which I pretty much already knew). Then he brought out 3 pairs to try on and watched me walk/pretend to jog in them. I narrowed it down to a pair of Saucony Progrid Guide 4. I have to say, it felt like walking on marshmallows (tons of support but soft and cushy too). I can't wait to take them for a run! I am pretty much used to going to chain stores to get shoes, but now that I am running a lot more, I am so glad I went and got some help.

It is a different experience, isn't it? Glad you found some shoes that will work for you. You will notice a big difference in how your feet feel. Did you get some running socks, too? Now you'll be able to run like the wind!

Linda and Liesel and Buffy and Trinabig for you ladies for having to go through all that. Thank goodness you took care of yourselves!

That's 10% of our group who had issues that needed following up -- thanks for reminding us to take care of ourselves, Pamela!

Linda, glad you were able to get out yesterday for a bit. That was a terrible morning you had with your neighbor.

Woo hoo, Kathy, for staying on track for Pamela's challenge.

I was on track for two days but fell off yesterday thanks to an unfortunate encounter with some Halloween candy.

QOTD: I'm having my baseline mammogram on Halloween!

Sounds more like a trick than a treat . . .

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

I read labels but mostly for calories and fat. I now need to add cholesterol and fat to that reading and pay a bit more attention to how things are balancing out after my physical last week. Really I am trying to emphasize fresh food without labels more, but it is so darn convenient!

It's good to be back and reading this thread again! Everyone is so nice and supportive!
Yesterday and Monday I ran both days - wahoo! Today is an "off" day because I have work and then teach a night class.

Nice to see you again!

Gretchen, keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Shawn, sorry about the family drama.

Good luck with weigh in tomorrow everyone!

 

[tigger813]

Day off to a good start!

The birthday girlis up and ready for school. She is so excited. We gave her her DS game and she'll open the other 3 when she gets home. They are books and a DVD. She knows her big present is on Saturday and then her party next weekend.

Time to brush my teeth and finish getting ready. I will try and post later. I have brownies to bake while Ash and her friends work on a project and homework this afternoon. They have a Halloween party after school tomorrow.

TTFN

 

[pjlla]

Happy rainy Thursday friends!

I'm so sorry I didn't make it back here yesterday to chat. And today's chatter will be short. My darling Mom made the 2 hour drive up here to help me finish DD's halloween costume, so I don't feel right ignoring her to chat here. I'm sure you all understand.

BUT I PROMISE, I will be here before the end of the day today to catch up at least a little bit! I miss our visits together!

Today's QOTD:

We are heading into the holiday eating season (AKA "gain-10-pounds- without-really-trying season"). It starts now with the Halloween candy extravaganza and, for some of us, ends up with the New Year's day "oh-my-gosh-what-have-I-done-to-myself?"!!

What is your plan to deal with all of the food and eating occasions coming up? Have you thought ahead? Do you have a plan ready? If you have a plan, please share it! You all KNOW I love a good PLAN!!


Today's "fluff" QOTD:

What is your most MEMORABLE halloween costume? (Either something you wore or something your kid wore.)


I'll be back in a minute to at least answer these questions............P

 

[pjlla]

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?


I've always been something of a label reader, but I definitely started reading them more in depth when DS was diagnosed with all of his food allergies about 10 years ago. And the more I read about things like GMO corn and GMO soy and food additives, etc, the more in depth I read the labels. The most recently "banned" food in our house, sadly, is Cheerios. First ingredient is corn and until they can tell me for sure that they aren't using GMO corn, then I won't be buying. I don't buy a lot of Cheerios, but DD will miss the occasional bowl of Honey Nut.

For myself, I read calories, fat, carbs and of course ingredients. I don't care much about vitamins and such, as I am sure that we are getting enough of those, between our healthy diet and our supplements.

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)

I'm not big into perfumes. Bath and Bodyworks gives me a headache and makes me sneeze! But I have a handful of their fragrances that I go between (mostly really light, clean fragrances like Sea Island Cotton). And I have tried to use a "signature" scent for some of my more special trips to Disney. For my trip out west (LV, GC, and DL) DD and I wore Sweet Pea. And for our most recent Mother/Daughter trip we wore coconut lime verbena (I think). A whiff of those now and I am transported back with wonderful memories!

Today's QOTD:

We are heading into the holiday eating season (AKA "gain-10-pounds- without-really-trying season"). It starts now with the Halloween candy extravaganza and, for some of us, ends up with the New Year's day "oh-my-gosh-what-have-I-done-to-myself?"!!

What is your plan to deal with all of the food and eating occasions coming up? Have you thought ahead? Do you have a plan ready? If you have a plan, please share it! You all KNOW I love a good PLAN!!

If you know me at all, you KNOW I always have a plan.... however, following the plan is sometimes a different story!

For the bigger eating holidays (Christmas dinner, T.giving, Easter), I usually formulate a plan that includes a really good morning workout, a splurge or three (glass of wine, piece of dessert, etc), and lots of other filling-but-not-caloric types of foods (fill up on carrots, salad, broccoli, etc), and of course, keeping a bottle of water in hand. And sometimes a post-meal walk if I can recruit a family member or two to join me. AND of course, right back on track with the very next meal!!!

I will often write up this plan on a piece of paper or a note card and carry it in my pocket throughout the day. Sometimes I pull it out to remind myself what I should be doing and to help me "stay the course". And sometimes I'll add some sort of inspiration to remind me that it is WORTH IT!!


Today's "fluff" QOTD:

What is your most MEMORABLE halloween costume? (Either something you wore or something your kid wore.)


Well.... in college I was once the St. Paulie girl (beer).... needed quite a bit of "padding" in the right area to pull it off, but I'd like to think I was rather smokin' hot that night!! Sadly there is only one slightly blurry picture to commemorate that night!

But I think my best kid's costume to date was DS's robot costume in 4th grade. It wasn't terribly difficult, but it was definitely the talk of the town that year!! The best part of it was how much he was able to do himself!! Probably cost me $50 in silver spray paint, but well worth it.

I've gotta go sew! TTYL...................P

 

[lovehoney]

Today's QOTD:

We are heading into the holiday eating season (AKA "gain-10-pounds- without-really-trying season").
What is your plan to deal with all of the food and eating occasions coming up? Have you thought ahead? Do you have a plan ready? If you have a plan, please share it! You all KNOW I love a good PLAN!!

Today's "fluff" QOTD:

What is your most MEMORABLE halloween costume? (Either something you wore or something your kid wore.)


I'll be back in a minute to at least answer these questions............P

I always lose weight during the holiday season. I keep myself so busy that I tend to run out of time to eat. Also I exercise more because we have such mild winters. I spend the summers holed up inside to keep out of the 100+ heat. Summer is when I usually gain weight.

My most memorable Halloween costume - I was a bunch of grapes. I made a poncho out of netting and pinned a whole bunch of purple balloons to the netting. My DS10 was a volcano when he was 4.

 

[SevrenLuna]

Today's QOTD:

Are you a label reader (regarding food products)? Were you always or is it something new? Do you read everything or just calories? What are you learning about what you eat, as you read labels? If you DON'T read labels, do you think you should?

And today FLUFF QOTD:

Do you have a favorite fragrance/scent/perfume? (This could be something you wear, something for the home, or anything else!)


[/QUOTE]

I am a new label reader. I have had some big (not so good) life changes in the last four years and I have gained 40 lbs. On My recent doctors visit; surprise, surprise my new love handles came with a side of diabetes. So in an effort to avoid the meds, I'm on a weight loss journey. My new found love of reading ALL the information on everything I eat, cuts down on the time I have to eat anything. Humm...This just may work after-all.

Scents: I am not a big fan of fragrance, I am convinced everything reacts badly with my body chemistry . However, I love the original Armani for women and Marc Jacob Daisy. I mostly smell like Coco Butter body lotion from Vaseline.
P.S. Reading the back of a frozen dinner now terrifies me *insert Psycho music here*