Geriatric MM Warriors June 13, 2010

[Seabreezes]

Good Morning Everyone -

Pam - another good book to read is Gary Taubes “Good Calories Bad Calories”. He read all the studies on low carb and has compiled them in one place. It is a bit technical at times, but it really reinforced, for me anyhow, that carbs are not necessary in great amounts. I originally got it from the library and then decided I wanted my own copy and got it in paper back from Amazon. The Atkins 72 book is great, also.

Kathy - Yay for sticking to step 1. The Almond Breeze should be fine as it is made from almonds and only 1 carb per serving. I use it to thin out the the Atkins shakes to make them go twice as far. I blend them up with ice and instant coffee and get a nice big thing that is cold to sip on for the morning. A lot of the people on other low carb sites use it with a bit of sweeter as their milk replacement. The unsweetened chocolate one is good, too. I think it has 2 carbs.

I feel so sorry for all of you suffering from the heat and high humidity. We were in Washington DC one summer and I couldn’t believe the oppressive heat and humidity. We had never experienced anything like it before and haven’t since!! We actually cut our visit short. I don’t like cold air conditioning blowing on me at all. Fortunately we don’t need it often, but we do have it.

We went to dinner with friends at a place that has a great salad bar last night. I was stuffed after just eating the salad - fortunately that is all we ordered.

Lisa - your garden sounds lovely.

Hope everyone can keep cool and comfortable today.

Hugs

 

[gettinhealthy]

Pam, thanks for the suggestion. They actually already do the apple cider vinegar. I use the mother kind made by Braggs. I put it with their food because they won't drink their water with it in there LOL. It also makes their coats very shiny. And if you spray it on them, makes their coats shiny and soft and gets rid of any "doggy smell" on their fur. I am still trying to figure it out The other thing I have heard works is the garlic and brewers yeast. Also heard that tea tree oil and neem oil works good to repel them. Just spray it on them before they go out. I do have some tea tree oil, so thinking maybe trying to spray it on her before she goes out. In this heat, that's not much. The tea tree oil will also help with any itching.

Jocelyn, thanks for the heads up on the almond milk. I still am in disbelief how much I actually liked it. And more surprising, Mike liked it too I am going to scarf up some of those $1 coupons to use at Walmart. They have it for a dollar cheaper than my Martin's store. So I'd be paying about $1.50 per 1/2 gallon. I am going to have a glass of it before bed with my 5x5 chocolate.

Just made a really good supper. I steamed some shrimp, heated up some alfredo sauce and cooked broccoli. It was really good!! Mike had spaghetti with his. I have enough for lunch tomorrow. Thinking I'll have one of my pita's with a little garlic butter on it to accompany it. I hope I can do this the whole 8 weeks!

I was thinking about this pasta salad I have to make. I know I'm not to have pasta, but I think I will make some whole wheat pasta for me to eat. I will only eat a small serving of it. I may forgo it completely. I'll figure it out when the day comes. I know I can always eat before I get there.

Off to take care of a few things before bed. Mike has to be at training at 4am, so we will be getting up at 3! I hope I can fall back asleep, as I have a long day tomorrow again.

Have a good night ladies!!

 

[Seabreezes]

Hi,

I will be gone for the next few days and am not taking my computer.

Will catch up when I get back.

Hugs

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi,

I will be gone for the next few days and am not taking my computer.

Will catch up when I get back.

Hugs

Have fun!! We'll miss you!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

WOW, everyone must have left here!!
Just reporting on my progress. I have been doing very well. Did't get to really eat right yesterday. Ate breakfast, had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich around 11 (my 5x5) and nothing else until 3. I was sooo busy at work! I ate some jello and whipped cream I took with me at 3, then we got a big storm, and it just dumped rain for about 1/2 hour. Think torrential downpour, like rain forest type. They got about 3-4" of water in their basement. 2 outside drains were plugged, 1 in the basement (there are 3 total), and someone had unplugged their sump pump. So it took me over an hour to get that all cleaned up. Thankfully she and her son were home, and they unplugged the outside drains (in the rain) while I worked on the water inside. She called an employee from her 1 business and he brought a shop vac. That helped, but by then most of it was gone. We plugged in an extra dehumidifier (she already had 2 going to keep the dampness down) and 3 fans. Thankfully it didn't get into her game room. She is having her family (in laws too) over today for a party. So when I got home at 5:30, I was pretty hungry. I heated up my shrimp and broccoli with cheese and ate that. It wasn't as good as the night before, but did the trick.
Then I had to go to Walmart to get the stuff I needed to make the pasta salad. I dont know what was going on , but Walmart was almost out of all pasta!! I did manage to find 4 boxes of the tri colored spirals though. So I made my salad last night and finished it at 11!! Needless to say, today I'm tired, sore and just don't feel like doing anything!!
Ok, enough rambling LOL. I'll be back tomorrow.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: So glad you like the Almond Breeze. I’ve been using it for months. Love it! Make very sure you get the one that says 40 calories on the front, not 60. Tom bought me the wrong one and I went ape nuts on him, lol! Instead of pasta try shredded zucchini. It’s plentiful this time of year and I swear you’ll love it under your shrimp after you sauté it with some garlic and olive oil. Take food to the party! Deviled eggs go over big, especially with the men and you can make sure you have some for yourself. Also, a big green salad with even some cheese, if you want.

Jocelyn: Have a great trip! We’ll miss you!

Pam: Good to see you! You’ll really like the tape! It’s easy and you feel very restored afterwards. Something is making a big difference with my swelling today. Maybe the deep breathing??? From exercise, not the other thing, you bad girls!

 

[Simpleone]

Hello!! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!!

Kathy, I was going to tell you this, then forgot. When I'm on Step I and I have to go to an event, I've learned to do a couple things. I either eat right before I leave (to avoid temptation) then offer my excusses to the host saying I may have something a tiny bit later (if there's something there legal for me, then I do). Or I bring a loaded tossed salad with tons of different greens and veggies, cheese, bacon and grilled chicken loaded on top,(looking very fattening, but legal for us). Once I even excussed myself from a big pot of beef and noodles, mashed potatoes and all the southern stuff by out and out lying that I'd just ate and someone elses house! I hope you had fun!!

Oh Lisa!! No doubt, there's nothing in this world that cures what ails ya like "deep breathing!" Mm'hum! Very glad to hear the swelling seems to be going down! yay! I can't wait to get my DVD. I've been so bummed the last couple of days and I have no explaination for it, except I need a change of workout activity.

DH and I were shopping yesterday for a few things we need for our trip. While shopping, one of his brothers phoned and during the convo he told us that the last hurricane came inland so far into Mexico that they litterally had to cut big gullys (distroying many roads) across our route in order to let water run off and that it's nearly made road travel impossible. This could ruin our trip. I have a number for an insurance company that I will be calling in the morning to see if there's been any update on tourist travel from Laredo to Monterey. If we can get through that route, we may be able to go on with our plans. Otherwise things may have to be postponed until January. I don't mind so much, but it means DH will be missing his hometown religious events this year. He's a tiny bit more bummed over this than I am.

We had some really sever pop up storms yesterday, it settled over our house for what seemed like forever, with the lightening strikes right over us. We lost our A/C, phone lines, two of the garage door openers won't open or close and our TV, (can't decide if it's cable or the actual TV). But we lost power at least 16 times durning the strikes. It also downed a big tree over at the neighbors that fell across our lane. DH got to play on his Bobcat to remove it, he didn't seem to mind too much. lol We're expecting more of the same today. It's too blasted hot, this will be one grumpy lady until my A/C is restored.

I'm going shopping to escape the "mugg" that has become my world over night, maybe it will cheer me up some!

You all have a restfull Sunday!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Oh, Pam, I hope the roads in Mexico can be cleared for you all! Holding thoughts of you and many cute bargains today while escaping the mugg! We actually went in the pool together this afternoon. Kinda rare this summer what with my face and all. Felt so nice! Bought a couple of plants this morning and puttered around the yard until it got too hot. Had a gorgeous taco salad with lime and a bit of olive oil for the dressing. Delicious! Trying to blend MM with anti-inflammatory foods as well. So far so good!

Kathy: I hope you had fun at the party!

 

[Diane W.]

Pam - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the roads will be okay.

Lisa - How is your face? Is the treatment complete now?

I went to a BBQ at my brother's today. My nephew is home for a month from S. Korea where he has been teaching and my niece and her husband are up from Florida for a week. My brother & SIL are so happy to have both of their kids home. It was good to see them. It was hot out, but not too bad in the shade.

I hope everyone has a good night!

 

[gettinhealthy]

I'm back!! LOL

The party was ok. My ex was there, and I can never have fun when he's around. But I did get to talk to his mom and brother for a bit. The ex just always like to be the life of the party and can be very shall we say, self important.
The heat really got to me and we left by 8:30 as my stomach was nauseated and I had a huge headache.
I had some of my pasta salad, some chicken, and baked beans. I did eat a little bit of the cake, but took the icing off as I knew it would be too sweet. It was a Walmart cake, and I don't like their icing at all. That is a good thing I guess LOL.
We got really bad storms that night around 10 or 10:30 so I hope everyone at the party, if they were still there then, got inside. They were going to set off fireworks, so I'm thinking they were still there. It's been storming off and on since Friday here, and they are heavy downpours. Like the rain forest kind of rain.
I am back on plan again as of today. I just sometimes can't get my mind to think straight. If I allow myself 1 cheat, I view it as a total screw up, and give up. Then a day or 2 later, I realize it's not a screw up, but an allowed meal off and begin again.
Ok, got to get breakfast and ready for work. I'll catch up later!!

Pam, sending a prayer that the roads are ok and you'll not have any trouble getting to your destination!!

Diane, it is so nice you got to see your nephew and niece!! It is always so nice when family is able to get together!!

Ok, later everyone!!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: It was good to see you! How nice for the extended family to have everyone together! My face is doing well. I'm still being very careful with the sun and I see the doctor for a recheck on Friday. I could go for more treatments - maybe one - if it's warranted, but I'm not sure I'll need it. I got a really great sunscreen with a high zinc level. It's tinted so it's perfect for summer. Can't buy it over the counter - just at my doctor's medispa.

Kathy: I'm sure the party was a bit of a mixed bag for you with the happy emotions and then the ex there. Hope your head feels better now. Congrats again to Carrie!

I have a very busy work day today so you all take care!

 

[Wisteria1956]

I posted some photos of some of the plants in my yard that are the newest or best this year into a little album on photobucket.

All of the homes on the wetlands had a drain at the back of the property because we aren't allowed to create erosion into the wetlands. We had a moss rock 'dry waterfall' built with steps on each end and straddled the drain with a little bridge. Bonnie loves to lose her balls down there, lol! This year I planted new succulents and more thyme in the rocks and added some glass balls that have crystals that glow in the dark, along with a new frog and lizard to keep my rock-sitting fairy company. It's the grown up way to play dolls, lol!

Also included the morning glories on the back fence and my giant hibiscus, which Jocelyn will recognize

Here's the link:

http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz222/wisteria1956/Backyard 2010/

Click on slideshow when you get there.

 

[Diane W.]

Lisa - Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, what a beautiful yard. I want it!! LOL I love tropical type flowers. Is that a type of hybiscus in the first photo? I think for next year I am going to get some of the hybiscus trees and prehaps some of the vines. They are just so vibrant and pretty!! I have some moon flowers growing beside the house in the front. They are such a pretty flower and even though they come out in the evening/night, they don't close up until almost noon. They are just tiny right now, so hoping they grow enough that by winter I can mulch them really well and they will survive. If not, the one lady I clean for has them and I'll get seeds off her plants.
My MM is going ok. I have noticed as long as I don't put any splenda in my coffee, tea I do better during the day. I am thinking my body is responding to the splenda somewhat like sugar. I believe Jorge Cruise mentions this.
I went on a major carb binge on Monday. I just craved them. It was really bad. It hasn't been this bad since I began MM back last Sept. I couldn't figure it out. Then I realized around 8pm just how tired I was. I went to bed around 9 and slept in until about 8. Yesterday I felt great and didn't crave carbs at all. Thinking I sent my adrenals into shut down mode with not enough sleep and then the roller coaster effect took place. So thinking between the no splenda in my coffee, tea to getting my rest, I may have figured out what is going on with me!! I sure hope so LOL.
Ok, off to get a little bit of cleaning done before I head out to work. I'll try to get back later. Have to work tonight.

 

[Simpleone]

A quick hello to everyone!

I'm waiting on my cable guy to come then I'm off to shop with MD26 for the day!

I finally got the info that the toll roads down to the ranch are all clear and passable! We had been hearing that some of the detours were adding between 3 to 8 hours which would have us traveling into the night. DH refuses to travel at night down there, at all. So it appears we've gotten a lucky break!!

Lisa, your landscaping is beautiful, love it! Thanks for the photos! We need some pro help out here, five acres of flat land with no boundaries and boarders of any kind, unless you want to count the corn fields. The only good thing about it is that it makes for some easy mowing! And Lisa, you were right, I did stumble onto a few great bargans shopping the other day, cute things for Mexico all on clearance, loved it. That's why I'm heading back out again today!

Kathy, I too can NOT do any artifical sweetners of any kind, it does three things to me, stomach ache, headache, and cravings like mad. I even have to have my Atkins shake with other foods or it will affect me as well. I learned this long before MM. I've noticed a few articles lately that state if you're trying to go natural and your goal is a whole foods diet, to try and stay clear of them, that they will upset your system. Not too sure what that means,(chemicals maybe?) but no one had to tell me twice. Keep up the good work, you're worth it!!

Diane, good to see you!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Hi Pam!! Good to see you! I am on day 2 of no sweeteners, and it's going well. No cravings what so ever!! I asked Diane on FB about spenda and your body responding to it like sugar and the cravings. She insists that your body doesn't respond that way to it. I still disagree. I didn't want to discredit her, but I know how my body is responding to it.
I am going to try some truvia and see what happens. I need some type of sweetener in my homemade whipped cream!! Or perhaps I could use some Davinci or Torani s/f vanilla syrup instead of the pure vanilla and sweetener.
So glad the roads you needed in Mexico are ok. I want to see pictures when you get back!!
Ok, have to get ready to head back out to work.
Later guys.

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: I find myself worrying about you several times a day. I am so glad you figured out just how bad those artificial sweeteners are for your particular system. The other thing to remember is that carbs turn into sugar in your body so if you are hypoglycemic, you especially need to limit the empty type carbs like white flour, white rice, etc. Your body will crave what it is allergic to until you detox. I think it will take about a month of staying away from those things to detox. Not a scientific opinion, but just from pratice that's what I think. You should be eating small protein servings even as frequently as every two hours. Never go so long without eating that you get shaky.

Yes, those were hibiscus in my yard. I have two varieties of the giant ones behind my arbor just behind my porch swing. I love them! We get frost, but they have done ok - maybe because they are close to a structure.

Pam: What a relief about the roads being passable! I'm so glad your trip is ON! We'll have to try to see if any of us can meet up with you next year over there

I rented a beach house for a week over Labor Day and J-P is going to meet us there. It's about 2 hrs. for him and 8 hrs. for us. That's a Mom for ya; making it easy on the kid.

My clients are on their way to find out the sex of their second baby after their home inspection. What a fun day! They are going to call me after they call their parents. I get so attached to my clients!

Hi, Diane and love to all!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Kathy: I don't agree with Diane, either. I've read too much to the contrary. Did you know that the average person that gives up diet soda loses 23 lbs. in a year? That's pretty strong evidence. Listen to your body. Remember, the s/f syrups have artificial sweetener. I've made plain whipped cream for years! I think it's delicious just by itself, but some cinnamon is a wonderful addition, along with vanilla. Stay strong! Try to focus on what you can have and not what you can't have. You can do it!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, thank you for the concern. I must have known you were thinking of me today LOL. I ate my breakfast around 8:15. I had bacon (I know fatty) and an egg sandwich (on 5x5 bread). It really filled me up. I knew if I didn't eat something around 11 or 11:30, I'd be starving by 1:30 (my lunch and 5x5 peanut butter and jelly sandwich) so I grabbed a Hebrew National hot dog to eat. I hope they are precooked as I just ate it cold LOL That did the trick. By 1:15 I was starting to get hungry, so I had my sandwich. It is on a flax pita bread I found that has 5 n/c and is big. I only used about 1/2 teaspoon of Polaner s/f plus fiber jelly, so figured n/c wasn't even close to 1. It is 1 n/c per tablespoon. Then around 3 I ate a cucumber with some salt on it. I wasn't even hungry for supper. I got home from work around 4:30 and went to work again around 6:30. I just had a big glass of my almond milk with some sweetener in it and vanilla. It really hit the spot. I am a little hungry (needing a snack) so I'm going to have a quick 5x5 sandwich of some kind.
Diane is really upset me with her comment about the sweeteners. I know how my body feels. I am not hungry for a carb what so ever!! Usually if I have some splenda, I end up pigging out. Not the last 2 days. She keeps telling me it is detox. But I've been on this for over a week now. I think detox should be over. Even with me eating pasta on Sunday.
I told her about thinking I have AF (and reading the book) and she is insisting that it is Met. B. I am not saying it's not, but she just started upsetting me on this whole thing. I am going to see if the doctor will do some of the testing for AF to rule it out. If I don't have it, then I know it's Met B. She said my pain is also part of Met B. She never mentioned that in her book that I remember. It just seems as though Met B mimics many illnesses.
Sorry for the rambling LOL. Kind of tired and ready for bed. But not as tired as I usually am. I find I am sleeping soundly, and if I take an Advil before bed, by aches and pains don't seem to keep me up. I feel as though I am becoming clear headed again depression wise.

I absolutely love your garden. When Mike gets back to work (he takes his test again Friday, and it's the do or die. His last try) I want to extend our patio and have a lot of tropical flowers around it. At least it's humid enough here for them LOL.
Ok, I think I've talked your ear off enough!!
Later, and thanks again. It really is making a difference for me!!!

 

[Simpleone]

Good morning everyone!!

Lisa, I'm with you on not agreeing with some of what Diane advises, no two people are alike in what ails us or in what makes us healthy. I believe it's up to each of us to fine tune and tweak our way of eating until it works for us as individuals, exactly like medications. She sure has the perfect "blanket plan" but within it, we're all still different in our response to it. Her formula for fueling workouts does not work for me, and I resent that she insists that it should with no other options.

Kathy, I'm going to add a little more to the "sugar dialogue". For me, sugar or any sugar subs are just toxic to my system. The difference in how I feel or react to them never ceases to amaze me, so after I indulge in any small way, I regret and berate myself afterwards like crazy, I feel bad and I know better. This is me with no medical issues other than still needing to lose a good 20 more pounds. I have kept this way of eating as simple as my mind can possibly allow me to without nearly dying of boredom in my food choices. I have successfully managed to remove all sugar and subs from my life. I'm still eating stuffed wraps and a huge variety of veggies/meats and this seems to keep me satisfied far more than trying to insert some kind of sweet fake or baked item into my diet. The single thing that I did when on my original Step I was to have sf Jello with Reddi Whip. Might you please try to simply remove all the subs and "sugar free" items from your menu and see if you can gain some ground? My promise to you is that once it's all out of your system, you absolutely will not miss it. Worth a try? I hope so much that you can find a balance that works for you soon!

Shopping was a bust yesterday, (oh darn!) so I'm thinking I'll have to give it another shot today!

You guys have a wonderful day!