Geriatric mm warriors (12/30/09)

[Cindycin]

Good morning ladies (and Tom) - Hope everyone is having a lovely morning. Just had my cup of coffee and am getting ready for another busy day!

Hope to check in later today, but who knows. Today is Day 1

Here we go....whhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Good Morning Everyone, Kathy, I cant believe you got more snow! I am on my way to get you and head to Jocelyns...its was like 10 degrees here overnight! OMG! I'll be the one riding an enormous fuzzy pony that looks like a wooly mammoth!! I laughed at the ketchup on orange glazed chicken...my neighbor next door has to buy ketchup by the 55 gallon drum, as my godson puts it on EVERYTHING...its totally disgusting!

Nell - hope that insomnia "re-set" thing works for you, it would be nice to see you on a somewhat more normal sleep schedule!

Jocelyn - thanks for the oil info, I am going to stop at the one so-called "health food" store here and see what they have. I just dont trust that the bottle I got at the grocery store was pressed mechanically and not with some sort of chemicals, even though there is nothing listed on the label. We KNOW how inaccurate those darn labels can be!

Hi Cindy!! good to see you back, and hopefully your first few days wont be too bad...poor Tom is struggling with his detox this time!

Spent an hour yesterday afternoon trying to coax yet another lost and starving doggie into my car...he was dumped a few days ago down the road and has holed up in a patch of woods...comes out to the side of the road,and will take some food if I throw it out the window, but runs as soon as I get out of the car...Frustrating...I feel so bad that the poor thing is out in this freezing cold weather...finally took a bag of dog food to the area he's been nesting in and tore it open and left it for him...hopefully some food will help him weather the cold...too big to fit in a have a heart trap, so no idea how to get ahold of him so I can bring him home...

Stopping to visit Dennis and Rick on my way to work...he is eating pretty well and requested stuffed peppers, so I made them a big pan and will drop them off! He has another round of chemo scheduled, though I dont really know why, but I figure he better eat while he feels like it, as that will knock his appetite out for at least a few days...

Have a great day folks!

 

[Carol-Fish]

Well, I'm back on step 1 as of Monday and it seems to be going okay. No big cravings yet, but I think I know what to expect now and they just aren't new anymore. I also know what to do with them and that helps. I eat some nuts and schedule in some chocolate a few times a day and I'm good to go.

I concur with Barb. We all need to post some new recipes. I'm pretty sick of the step 1 things I fix and could stand to spice it up some. I do plan to put on a pot of black soy beans to soak tonight and cook tomorrow. This will be my first attempt at cooking them from dried beans. Hope they turn out well.

My husband and I have been going to counseling the past 2 weeks and it looks like the therapist might be getting thru to him on the seriousness of the problems. The therapist did think we had a lot of hope for things to work out as we still enjoy humorous situations and joke with each other. My husband was having a coughing spell during our session and asked if anyone had a cough drop...I said I didn't but offered my ABC gum if it would help and I guess it's good if we can still joke around with each other like that. It's so nice to know that things aren't as grim as I thought. I'm also going to spend some more time trying to find a doctor that specializes in adult ADD for Robert. His inattention and lack of organization does play a major part in making this work. I have asked our son to check for a specialist at UCLA medical clinics...they must have someone there with med students specializing in these behavioral fields. It's only a 3 hour drive, so that's something we can do. We'll see what turns up.

Robin and Kathy, you can stop by here on your way to Jocelyn's. Our days have been in the low 70's and the skies clear and sunny. There is a lot of new green grass out in the field for the ponies to eat and the beach is only 4 miles away. Tyson and Harley could run the hills with my dogs and I would make Lobster promise to not teach them the trick of greeting people with shoes. Although I have to say, he has taken a small break from shoes and is using stuffed animals instead. A Lobster carrying a big stuffed alligator is a pretty ridiculous sight. Sorry, there's no real entertainment here except an old rock and roll musician (my husband) that could serenade you if necessary. And, Kathy, we do have the best of both worlds here as the hills we have around me are probably considered small mountains back on the east coast. They are about 3,000 ft above sea level and do get snow about once a year. Sometime I will have my daughter teach me how to download pics from her camera to this site and post some of our area.

Nell, I hope your sleeping program works for you and brings you some relief. Not sleeping well sure does rec havoc with your life. Sorry you struggle with this.

Jocelyn, We do need some more of your good recipes and tips for step 1 eating and cooking. I sure do like trying a recipe that a friend has given me and I know will turn out good. Yours do. Thanks!

Well, today is the day to take down Christmas stuff and get it packed away in the attic. I'm ready for it to be gone, just not wanting to actually do it. I will recruit the 18 yr old slave laborer that I feed and board here and get out the whip and chains ( just kidding even though she will have the attitude that I have abused her in some way by asking this of her) She's really a great kid and we will have fun working together once we're past the initial labor disputes and bargaining.

Okay, I've written a book length post again. Sorry. Have a Great day!

Carol
Step 1

Feast upon the Words of Christ

 

[Daniele]

Good morning. My plan doesn't appear to be working. Which is fine, it will work, and things will come out better for me sleep wise. It's so good to read all of you this morning. May your detoxes go well and your day be a blessing. Robin, I sure which I could see a fuzzy pony! I hope we hear from you later Cindy! Carol, today we take down our Christmas stuff too.

Ok girls, Tom look away. I officially have my period fully. This is such a great sign that my body is healing and my endocrine system is working. On the other hand I forgot it was a pain in the neck, lol.

Well, I'm going to lay back down. I'm still a bit sleepy. Everyone have a terrific day until I get back!

 

[mojotom]

Good morning all!

Day 3 is going well. Had a major headache Monday. Yesterday it lessened but I had the bloating feeling. Today is much better. I haven't really had any cravings, just hunger. It's weird since I didn't go through this the first time. Oh well....

Laura, I am drinking plenty of water still!!!!

Everyone, stay warm! The deep freeze hits us tonight here in the Houston area. Lows expected in the upper teens to low 20s through Sunday. That is cold for us here in Southeast Texas!

 

[Barb F.]

Ok girls, Tom look away. I officially have my period fully. This is such a great sign that my body is healing and my endocrine system is working. On the other hand I forgot it was a pain in the neck, lol.

Nell, good news and bad news, huh ? I think it's more goods news though because it means your body really is healing

Carol - I'm glad you have even a little bit of hope that things with your hubby may improve. At least you can say you've tried

Quiet day today here and at work. I hope to get my blanched almond flour and the cookbook for it before this weekend so I can try some recipes. The gal who wrote the book did so because her child was very gluten intolerant. She uses agave nector for sweetner, which is basically just a form of high fructose syrup, not good. I'm thinking since it's a liquid I could just substitute Torani syrups. Does that sound right?

 

[Barb F.]

Good morning all!

Day 3 is going well. Had a major headache Monday. Yesterday it lessened but I had the bloating feeling. Today is much better. I haven't really had any cravings, just hunger. It's weird since I didn't go through this the first time. Oh well....

Laura, I am drinking plenty of water still!!!!

Everyone, stay warm! The deep freeze hits us tonight here in the Houston area. Lows expected in the upper teens to low 20s through Sunday. That is cold for us here in Southeast Texas!

Hey Tom. I started back to strict step1 on Monday too. No cravings but extra hungry. Just eat as much as you feel you need to be satisfied. Luckily I've had no other detox symptoms Try to stay warm and be safe.

 

[zumbalaura]

This is a tough one. I don't think Diane addressed teens in her book, did she? You already have healthy food in the house since you're doing MM. Personally, I don't think it's practical to try to have a 14 year old boy do MM step1 or step2 if he gags on veggies..Is he active in sports at all? If not, get him off the couch doing something he'd enjoy. I would try to get the soda, chips, fried food, sweets and other junk out of his life. Add healthier snacks. What does he like to eat that you could substitute a better version of? Don't limit how much he eats of healthy foods. My son was overweight as a teen because I was an overweight adult. I fed him lots of junk because I ate lots of junk. He started eating lower carb all by himself in his late teens and has kept his weight down since, he's 34 now.

Diane responded to my e-mail (man she is a doll) the only thing different for him will be in step 1, he is to only do that for 4 weeks. I just now need to be creative for him so he doesn't get bored.

 

[zumbalaura]

Diane, I am so sorry about your aunt. I will be keeping you and your family as well as your aunt in my prayers.

Laura, there was someone on LCF whose DD was doing MM. She wasn't very old if I remember right. I think we asked her here, not sure what transpired with it all. I don't see why he would need anything special. As for not eating veges, maybe cook them up, mush them up and sneak them into things? Just an idea.

Ok, need to take care of a few things. I'll catch you all later. Still doing well on step 1 and getting ready to try that muffin recipe. Also found a mock danish one that has cream cheese, egg, splenda and vanilla. Really want to try this one. It is versatile like the muffin

LOL!!! I have tried to sneak things in and I get caught everytime.

 

[Barb F.]

Diane responded to my e-mail (man she is a doll) the only thing different for him will be in step 1, he is to only do that for 4 weeks. I just now need to be creative for him so he doesn't get bored.

Laura, your picture is SOOO CUTE! How cool that Diane works so closely with us. Thank goodness he only has 4 weeks of step1. Sit that boy down so he's helping you make the decisions about what he feels would work food-wise. Let us know what he would like, legal of course, and we'll try to help you be creative

 

[zumbalaura]

Laura - Welcome back, we missed you!! Have you reached your goal now? How absolutely WONDERFUL for you!! I think Audri was doing quite well on step 2, with some small tweaks by her mom...I would make a list of things your son DOES like and then let us know so we can help figure out some ways to make them healthier for him. Im sure exercise would be key too, especially at his age...one of the great health problems of this past couple decades is the ever growing number of overweight youths...too many video games and not enough playing ball outside!! You, of all people already know that...is he drinking enough water? LOL

I missed you guys as well! That's a good idea, I will show him the arrow sheet so he can tell me what he will eat. I reached my first goal of 20 pounds, now I have set my next goal for 10 and then I will see what I want to do from there. My shape is very different from in the past (for the better) and I have had some tell me I don't need to lose anymore, but I have had people sabitoge me in the past by telling me I looked anorexic, turns out they were jealous and I fell for it. Alex used to do Zumba with me but he isn't into these days so even though he walks and rides his bike he needs something else. Both of my boys both drink water, that is all I have in my house, I buy no.................soda!!!!! He drinks it when he is away from home and the doctor told him to cut that out.

 

[zumbalaura]

Laura, it is so good to see you! And we can see you because your face is in your avatar! It's a lovely face, you shouldn't hide it in far away photos. Isn't it strange when weight has been the focus for so many years and now it's not? You'll have an opportunity to get more resolutions. Now you have room to allow your focus to go toward personal growth! I think the weight and diet obsession took up so much of our thinking, that it's almost a grieving process not having it there. It's certainly an adjustment. I hope your 14 year old has willingness to try the met B diet. I think once he gets detoxed from the junk food he may find a liking for veggies. Is he the type that would thrive in a gym environment? If he could find an outlet like body building or some kind of martial arts, it could really help him. Boys do much better with an activity focus I think. It is so true that men and women think differently, and most boys achieve better through a decisive action rather than a thought out commitment to a plan.

Thanks Nell!!! I am glad to see your lovely face as well!!! I hated to have my picture taken for a long time and you are right my focus is different and I am not stressing over my weight. I have a class tonight at LA Fitness and my son asked if he could go with me, so we will see what he finds to do.

 

[zumbalaura]

Diane: Prayers for comfort for your family as you mourn and remember your Aunt Florence. You will always have the best of her in your heart.

Laura: Welcome back and there is your cute face!!! I think Met B kids are different from other kids, just as we are different from other adults that are Met A. Have you had him take the quiz? Dr. Oz has revised his book and has a lot of tips on his website. Most of his advice goes very well with our program. He gives his kids a ‘magic’ shake every morning, which is very similar to what I made myself. My son will drink them. Low carb bread sandwiches will work well. We really like the Orowheat sandwich thins. Kids would think they look a lot like a bun. Also, Jessica Seinfeld’s book on how to sneak in veggies by pureeing them is genius. My son was very lean and an athlete. He never had an ounce of fat on him until he began working at a desk and eating out too much. He’s still pretty trim, but has cut out sodas, energy drinks, coffee, burgers and the like recently. He wants to lose about 15 – 20 lbs. and is well on his way. Small changes over time can make a big difference. You’d be proud of him – he carries a metal water bottle.

Thanks I missed you too and I am glad to get refocused. I'm glad you guys like my picture. My son was always little and like me something tramatic happened and he has started putting on weight. I never noticed it because he would chunk up and then get taller. He needs to cut out the soda. The shake sounds good, what's in it. I went to the store last night and not a loaf of carb style bread to be found what the hey?? My son doesn't like mashed potatoes and I think its the consistancy so the pureeing thing might not work with him.

Yes I am proud of your son, he is drinking his water and the metal bottle is the best.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane told Natalie we could eat snow peas.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Laura: I make a Step 1 shake and a Step 2 one. I like to use almond milk, as it is only one carb, tastes great and then you can add more to your shake before you would reach 5 carbs. Make sure you get the unsweetened almond milk and read the carb count. There's a sweetened one that's about 14 carbs! Yikes! I use more than one cup of liquid per person. 1 scoop protein powder. I found one that is only 1.5 carbs at my Nugget market. 1 T unsweetened cocoa, 1 T natural peanut butter, 1 heaping spoon of flax seed, a few drops of stevia and about 6 ice cubes. Blend it a lot.

Step 2 is the same except I use 1/4 cup frozen berries instead of the cocoa and pb. You can use 1/2 cup if it works out carbwise. I use 1/4 because of the vitamins I take with it having 3 carbs.

The veggie purees are not discoverable so he wouldn't feel the texture. They are hidden. She even coats chicken nuggets with them and bakes them up to a crunchy texture. Her little book is pink.

Dr. Oz has his shake on his website. He uses greek yogurt a lot, fruit and flax oil.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Well, I have had a bad mishap so MIA today. Last night I took a hot tub alone because my shoulder had a muscle spasm. I got out before 20 minutes and it was 102 degrees so not too hot. I got to the door to the bathroom, which is just a few steps and I fainted onto the concrete and slid part way off of the top step. I'm very, very fortunate that I didn't hit my head, as it was hanging over the step when Tom got to me. I twisted something in my knee really bad and sprained the opposite ankle. It's black and blue and all of my toes are scuffed up. I had to crawl up the stairs to bed last night. Spent the night and day icing it and on Vicadin. I'm going to try to get to the doctor tomorrow. Needless to say, I have ruined my resolution to ramp up the exercise. I live in fear of an injury that takes me out of exercising since I gain so easily, but here I find myself again. Tom took the day off to look after me. He was really scared. I hope and pray there isn't anything torn in my knee. I can feel the injured part with my fingers. It's on the inside edge.

Barb, the worst part is that all my cute new pants need high heels to not be too long! I'm devastated! Back to skirts and flats. Sigh!

 

[Diane W.]

Robin, I did stop by your way, but didn't see you outside from all the snow!!
In my mind's eye, we are at Jocelyn's sitting on the beach, looking mighty fine I may add, and just enjoying life. We have our iced green tea in a big glass too. I can see some ships out on the horizon, and the gentle breeze cooling us off a bit. I can hear the lap of the waves as they gently roll in and out, and sometimes they tickle our toes. We can hear the laughter of the children as they run trying to catch the waves as they slip out to sea. Then the sun begins to set, and we're just sitting there in a peaceful quiet reflecting on all the good things in our life. And at the same time, we look at each other, smile as we tap our glasses and toast all our new friends and our family and decide that yes, life is good.

What time is our flight?!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

OMG LISA!! Are you OK otherwise? That is too horrible! I know that I occasionally used to get light headed on the way out of our hot tub...never even gave thought to actually passing out...maybe why they tell you not to go in alone...PLEASE go see the doctor and find out what to do to help your poor knee and ankle triple hugs for you sweetie!

 

[Seabreezes]

Quiet day today here and at work. I hope to get my blanched almond flour and the cookbook for it before this weekend so I can try some recipes. The gal who wrote the book did so because her child was very gluten intolerant. She uses agave nector for sweetner, which is basically just a form of high fructose syrup, not good. I'm thinking since it's a liquid I could just substitute Torani syrups. Does that sound right?

If you do not want the flavor of a syrup you can make a simple syrup out of Splenda - one cup Splenda and one cup water and boil together. I don't know if the agave is part of the liquid or not. If you don't need the liquid I would just use plain splenda or sweetener of choice. The agave would cause browning just like sugar. You can use a teaspoon of black strap molasses to get the same effect without too much carb damage. Dana Carpender recommends that all the time in her cook books.

At the moment we are just having a piece of grilled meat or fish on top of salads. Not very imaginable, but we enjoy it. We are going out to dinner the next couple of nights, though so don't have to figure out anything!!! Different sets of friends are going back to the mainland after being here for the holidays.

Kathy - if you get some eggbeaters and add a bit of ground almond meal you can have great free pancakes. I use regular eggs, but I don't count them, either.
Here is a recipe I found.

Low-Carb Pancakes (Wheat Gluten)

(1 serving)

• 2 eggs
• 2 and 1/2 Tablespoons wheat gluten (I use almond meal)
• 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream (1 Tablespoon Crean and 1water would be fine)
• 1 Tablespoon olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon splenda or 1 packet other sugar substitute
Simply mix together all the ingredients with a whisk - batter may be a bit runny. Cook on a lightly greased skillet as you would any pancake recipe. Drop batter on surface large spoonfuls. Cook until each side is lightly browned.

Serve with butter and a low-carb store bought syrup. Or for an interesting low-carb topping, mix 1 Tablespoon of sugar-free jam with 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons water and microwave for 45 seconds.

I also have a flax recipe that is not bad, but it does not seem to be on the computer so will have to input it later.

All of these are similar to the muffins, just cooked in a frying pan.

 

[Seabreezes]

Diane told Natalie we could eat snow peas.

Snow peas and snap peas are not the same, either. Snow peas are what you get in Chinese cooking - they are flat.

I think there was some discussion about snap peas yesterday.