MM Warriors - Three Steps to Good Health (As of 11/18)

[Wisteria1956]

Diane: Ellis Is. must be such a moving place to see. My sister was weeping after reading the stories there. My husband's mother and all his grandparents came through Ellis Island. How nice for you that you could spend the day doing such memorable things. I'm looking forward to my turkey, too!

My husband had his first 5 carb square of mint chocolate tonight for a 5x5 after dinner, which was 15 or less. He now claims he could just have 4 squares for his dinner, lol!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Hi All, home at last and tuckered out for sure! dont know if the gym made me tired or Im just exhausted from the boredom of the 11 hours at my desk!

Barb - thanks for that pizza idea...definitely going to make that up tomorrow after I go grocery shopping! I still have tomatoes from my garden that are ready to use. The chicken sounds great too, I think even Mom might like that one...I am always looking for new things to do with chicken.

Jocelyn - I wasnt a fan of either of those crusts either...prefer to just use the low carb wrap and make a pizza type quesadilla with it. If I thought it wouldnt make me want to eat the whole thing, I would have a single piece of pizza for my Christmas"cheat", but I KNOW one slice wouldnt do it for me, so Im just not even going to go there!!

Lisa - I managed to read through the thyroid stuff...OMG, I am more confused than ever now!! I definitely didnt like the side effects of the thyroid meds, and no matter what meds I have taken, I usually am quite sensitive to the doses...so I dont know...I will take it up with doc and see what she has to say. My main gripes are very dry hair and hair loss ( used to have very thick hair and lots of it and its thinning quite badly the past 3 or 4 years), very dry skin, even with all the water I drink these days, (I can totally slather on lotion and be dry as a bone an hour later), and some joint pain...mostly in my hips, which is so weird. I sleep on my side, and have to turn over several times during the night as my hips just start to ACHE if I lay on one side too long. So maybe they arent thyroid related at all...and if there are those of you who take thyroid meds and that hasnt led to weight loss for you, then maybe I need to leave well enough alone

Carol - I have to agree with Lisa, that going kind of off plan certainly wont hurt, but the sugar definitely wont make you feel any better. I also wanted to tell you that Diane told me it is not a good idea to yo yo back and forth between steps too much, so JMO, but why not just stay on step 1 or close to it, right through the new year and then try step 2 again when you are more settled, the holidays and craziness are all over, and you can be more focused...step 2 is definitely harder for me anyway, than step 1. Just a thought!

Diane - Ellis Island is quite moving! My cousin Paul actually engineered that entire Living History project there...did most of the interviews with immigrants that had passed through there etc. I visited several times while he was in the midst of the project and went to a few interviews with him...very emotional and moving stuff. The dignity and pride of those people moved me to tears!!

Hey Kate - you out there somewhere? Just wondered how your niece was doing?

Still praying for her, and Cindy's mom, Kathy's daughter and step-son, Am I forgetting anyone?

Gena too, if you're out there reading, I hope things are going a little better with your Dad?

SueAnn, if YOU'RE out there. hope the foot is better!

Sunnee - where are you girl?

Tom - Whats on your menu for Thanksgiving?

Nell - where are you tonite?

SharronLee? Pam? Sherry?

Natalie, I know you're out there somewhere!

Bev - did you go to regular Zumba?

Laura - Feeling better?

 

[Carol-Fish]

Thanks Robin,
I didn't go too overboard with the cake last night. I had about 1 piece total between the carrot , chocolate, and white cake. Mostly ate tri-tip, sausage and salad. My timing has been off with meals the past 3 days tho and I have had minor slips while the cakes were being made. I'm just not focused right now and have had too many distractions. I'm okay with starting back at step 1 after the Thanksgiving weekend and will take your advise and just stay there until after the new year. I like step1 a lot better than step2 anyway.

Lisa, Aside from the cake, I haven't been eating bad things but I appreciate your concern and the info on sugar and inflammation. I know that's true for me at times. My pain is also increased with cold weather and our temperatures have gone down lately so I know that's one factor. I sure hope the swimming laps will help all around with flexibility and increased strength.

Carol

Feast upon the Words of Christ

 

[Daniele]

I'm alive. I hope everyone is well. I'm trying to get the house ready for my parents visit. They are on the road now, but don't expect to get here until Tuesday. Still lots to do. I'll try to catch up tomorrow. I'm busy collapsing.

 

[Daniele]

Hi, Melanie: Sounds like you have a fun day planned! We were on a 5-day vacation the first day of Step 2 so we got Whole Grain Wheat Thins (11 of them in a snack bag) fruits like pears and apples for our road trip. 6 carb bread for sandwiches on the road. We would take a bag of crackers in my purse to restaurants, order a Step 1 meal and eat them during bread time or with a salad. That made it really easy. We had a little ice chest with sliced turkey and the things we needed to make sandwiches. If I were you, I'd pack some legal sandwiches and fruit for the car and put those crackers in your purse. Then you're all set and you don't have to worry about getting stuck out somewhere with no food. Have a great time! I've lost as much weight on Step 2 as I did on Step 1 now and more inches. Clothes I tried on last week button now, including a slim fitting rain coat that was way too small for me at the start of this. I bought it when I lost 40 lbs. 4 years ago. Can't believe I can already wear it again after only 16 lbs. gone.

I can relate Lisa! I'm wearing jeans I last wore when I was about 260 pounds and I'm still 300. It definitely is fat and inches loss without the weight so much. That's good though. Nothing wrong with being solid and muscular!

 

[Daniele]

Hi everyone. Got out early today and got my errands done. Found some wonderful Christmas cards that I think will be perfect for my MM card list I'm making teriaki chicken for dinner with stir fry veggies. Hubby gets white rice too.

Nell, I would put the turkey in the fridge no less than three days before your dinner. You sound so energetic and happy, and that makes me smile

I think the purse talk a few days ago stuck in my sub-conscience. Todays special value on QVC was a beautiful B.Makowsky bag. I had to have it so I ordered it and told hubby how sweet he was to have gotten me the perfect Christmas gift

I'll check in later. Love you!

Thank you Barb, and Pony. That supplement that Lisa told us about for people with chronic fatigue is helping me so much! And I'm excited my parents are coming. It's the first time in years that I can jump up and do things and I don't feel like I'm dragging weights on chains with me. Pretty cool! I'm grateful and I am energetic. What a concept!

 

[Daniele]

you are sooo sweet--thank you!

You are really adorable Natalie! I hope you are feeling better about yourself. I don't think you should ever feel the need to hide. It's wonderful to see your face finally!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Lisa, glad you had fun at the festival. I love going to those. They are so fun!! Congrat Tom for me on the smaller belt. Cograts to you on the raincoat. That is wonderful!!!

Hi Melanie. Good to see you. Sounds as though you have as much fun on black friday as I do. I get what I need right off, then just kind of look around the stores. I just go to our dinky mall. I thought of going to "the big city" to shop, but it gets really crazy. It will be just me this year, so don't really feel like driving an hour by myself that hour Other wise I'd do it for sure.

Robin, I have to agree with you that I think black friday shoppers may be a "special breed" LOL! Not something a sane person would do, that's for sure LOL

Barb, glad you got your purse. I saw some of those at Boscov's and they are really nice! Enjoy opening your "suprise" gift from hubby LOL.

Natalie, love the avatar!! Your looking great!!!!!!!!

Carol, I also think you will do well during the holidays. You know what we must do, and you will eat healthier just knowing the information we have. Sorry your legs are bothering you. I know when my knee acts up, I just hurt all over. Hope you can get to a closer pool you can use.

Diane, glad you enjoyed your day. Sounds like it was a great day. I would love to see Lady Liberty and Ellis Island. I would also like to go to WTC, but not sure if my emotions could handle it. To this day when I see a picture or anything that deals with that day, I just start crying. But I would like to go and pay my respect to all the people who died that day.

Nell, you must be so excited to see your parents. I know when my sister or brother come home, the time just sits still. I go up to mom's and wait for them to get there. My brother lives in TN, about 7 hours away. And my sister always keeps me updated on their flights and the whole trip here from Pittsburgh. I will pray for their safety on the road. I think I'm as excited as you are!!!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Good morning everyone!! I hope you all had a great night sleep!!!
Had a nice time yesterday shopping, sort of LOL. I got to Monroeville about an hour before we were meeting up for lunch. Went to Marshall's and got a cut Columbia fleece sweeter. I love how warm Columbia keeps me.
Then went to Gabriel Brothers which is almost like a "scratch and dent" and irregulars of brand name clothing. Got a really cute Loft blouse, and some cuddly duds (like thin silky insulated underware). The shirt was on sale for $5 and the cuddly duds were on sale for $2.99 each. At Bon Ton here, the cuddly duds run $24 each! The under shirt has a tiny snag, but you'd never see it. When I checked them out, they were on sale for $1!!!! I should have gotten a couple more, but didn't.
That was my shopping splurge LOL. Did go to Sam's club and got a few things I needed, and some more s/f syrup. The divinci's was the same price as what I pay for the torani at Walmart, but double the bottle. I may need to go to Sam's more often. Got my espresso beans cheaper there too.

If anyone is wanting to get hubby blue jeans for Christmas I saw Penny's had some for $9.99, the original price was $30. Can't remember the name of them though, sorry.

Off to clean off my table so I can make pumpkin rolls and pumpkin bread (thank you Robin).
I'll check in later.
Have a great day everyone!!!!

 

[Diane W.]

Ellis Island was very moving. Robin- Your cousin should be very proud to have a part in keeping that history available to all the generations to come. One of the displays was describing tests for mental competence and the question to a Polish young girl was "would you wash steps beginning at the top or the bottom?" Her response was "I didn't come to America to wash steps." I thought that was cute.

Next week we're going to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular. My sister takes her granddaughter and they've invited me to go along. I've never been there! Her granddaughter is 6 and is so excited about telling me everything I'm going to see. She said 'but I'm not going to tell you the end'. I know it ends in a Nativity scene, but I'll act duly surprised!

Kathy - Gabriel Bros. sounds like a great store! I love good bargains.

The sun is shining again today. I'm going to meet my sister for some shopping and hopefully my feet will hold up. Talk to you later!

 

[Virginiaponygirl]

Good Morning All! Up early, talking to Ken..he is so cute, all excited that the ring has arrived and that I am wearing it!!

The ponies decided that if they all came up to the corner of the fenceline that is about 50 feet from my bedroom window and just stood there and STARED at the house long enough, I might come outside with some treats!! They are too funny sometimes...but it worked! Like I could feel the many eyes staring at me through the walls...so carrots have been doled out , along with some of their special oats and molasses "horse cookies" and they have drifted back off into the further reaches of the pasture! BRATS

Carol - I know what you mean about the colder weather...I have long time knee issues too, and they just start to crack and groan and ache a bit when the weather starts to turn...I dont have a pool anywhere nearby, but Im sure that it must help make you more flexible and comfortable.

Diane - that was a cute comment from that girl...it was amazing to me how many of the imigrants had such FAITH that theywould find a better life here in America...and so many really did!

Hi Kathy! sounds like our Bargain Queen got some great deals!! Im planning a stop at Sams myself on Tuesday when Im off...no WAY I am going there on a Sunday this close to the holidays!!

Nell - Wow, look at you go! It is so amazing and gives me such joy to see you so energetic and happy and uplifted!! Im sure that you are going to have a great time with your folks there...bbe sure to allow for some "down time" for yourself so you dont get burned out!! Fuzzy socks, cup of tea, deep breath!!

Off to search the online deals...I need a larger stockpot for double batches of soup, chili, etc...hopefully there are some deals out there, since the ones I have seen that are decent are almost $100!! For a pot? OMG!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Robin: Sounds like you do have some thyroid symptoms. I started like he says in the appendix with just ¼ grain for a week, then another, then another and stopped there when I reached what my doc, as he called it, said would be the ‘sweet spot’. You tell that by how you feel. Good cookware is worth it sometimes. Mom and I switched to the Chef Todd English brand on HSN that’s free of the chemical that’s in most non-stick. Love the new pans!!

Carol: I sympathize with the weather change bothering you and hope the new swimming place helps you a lot. I first read Dr. Perricone’s book The Perricone Promise and it was because I was about to turn 50 and I wanted to look younger. I was motivated purely by vanity when I bought it. Within a few pages, I knew it was going to do a lot more than make me look better. He teaches you not only how to avoid inflammation in your diet, but, more importantly, how to eat foods that are anti-inflammatory. So it’s a proactive approach. He was also the reason I started taking the fish oil. It’s marvelous for your skin. I use a lot of his recipes still, adapting to MM. Not that you are doing much to hurt yourself, but there might be tips that would help you go further to reduce the pain. At the least, it takes 10 years off your face, lol! I guess our bad knees make slow down to a pace that let’s our grandchildren know we are not too busy for them! Have your seen that darling poem about how grandma always has time for the child to tie his/her shoe? So sweet.

Nell: That’s fantastic about the smaller jeans!!!! I bet you can’t wait to see your parents! I can ‘hear’ it in your voice! I’m thrilled you are feeling so great!

Kathy: I love Cuddle Duds!!! I have to wear them under wool because it scratches me. They sure keep you warm. I wish I could find more camis with lace inset. I don’t think they make those anymore. I can’t believe you got them for $1. They are expensive usually, but worth it. Did you get long sleeves or cami?

Diane: Have fun with your sis today!

 

[Wisteria1956]

I got black soy beans and am making Jocelyn's chili today in the crockpot! I almost hope it rains tonight! Chili is so cuddly. That man of mine will do anything to get out of doing the lights! He's working again. I still have more food to buy so I can keep busy. Cleaning, too.

Hope you all have a great day!

 

[gettinhealthy]

Just got back from our walk with Tyson. It was a nice lovely one. The sun finally came out about 1/2 way home, but still a chilly 50* out. I wore my new columbia shirt, so I didn't mind it at all.
Lisa, I just got the long sleeved one. I am now wishing I had gotten one of the tank top kind too. I may have to try to go during the week and get a couple more. Mike may not want to though. I know it will be crazy with traffic, so I may just forget it until I do some Christmas shopping instead.
Ok, off to Walmart to grab a few things so I can start the pumpkin rolls.
Nell, glad your pants are fitting well!! You are kicking butt on this WOL!!
Catch you all later!!!

 

[Wisteria1956]

Hey, Kathy! I tried that muffin and was really shocked! I used almond meal, poppy seeds, lemon extract and some coconut oil instead of butter. It was a texture I didn't expect - very much like real bread or muffin. I thought it would be full of air, but it's not at all. Amazing! I will add more lemon next time and also try the pumpkin syrup I bought for another variety. I made it in a ramekin and it was perfect. I used 1/4 tsp lemon extract and it could use more. I also think I will double the cinnamon next time.

Rest of you guys should try this thing; you'll be pleasantly surprised!

 

[Carol-Fish]

Hey Robin,

Just a nudge here...Did you ask Diane about the sweet potato pie vs pumpkin pie controversy when you emailed her on Friday? I don't know which kind of pie to make for Thanksgiving and am hoping she'll have a definitive answer. My daughter and I were sitting down to make out the menu for that meal and I realized that I still don't know what to do for dessert.

Thanks,
Carol

Feast upon the Words of Christ

 

[kater]

Kathy: I love Cuddle Duds!!! I have to wear them under wool because it scratches me. They sure keep you warm. I wish I could find more camis with lace inset. I don’t think they make those anymore. I can’t believe you got them for $1. They are expensive usually, but worth it. Did you get long sleeves or cami?

Lisa - they have the camis with lace on Amazon.com.

 

[kater]

I have to catch up with lots of posts! I had to work about 1/2 day yesterday and then Brad and I had to do a lot of chores around the house to get ready for Thanksgiving. We put up little white lights up outside. We have to walk down about 25 brick steps to our house. Brad put the lights on the railing coming down the stairs. And I put them in the plants right in front of the house (we have a lemon tree in a big ceramic pot and a bougenvilla (sp?) - I always like to think that the lights help keep them warm when it gets really cold). We put a wreath made of eucalyptus leaves (Trader Joe's for $12!!!) on the gate at the top of the stairs. We replaced the track lighting in the kitchen (well - same track but new lights). All of that took two trips to Home Depot and one to the lamp store.

Poor Brad is working yet again today (I am pretty sure he hasn't had a day off in seven weeks). Since he has to work I did the house cleaning... Oh, well. I feel like it is the least I can do for the poor guy. At least he can come home to a clean house. Although I make him put the clean sheets on the bed....

I am still struggling with staying on plan but I am feeling better overall. So, that is a plus.

I have to leave in a few minutes but will try to read the posts I have missed and see how everyone is doing...

 

[kater]

What is everyone doing for thanksgiving? It sounds like most of us are going to be the cooks this year. I much prefer cooking thanksgiving than going elsewhere most of the time. Last year was an exception as I had made dear friends in Maine. I'm going to make a fairly simple Thanksgiving dinner. Marti wants stuffing, and I have to have cranberry for everyone. I'm thinking of making a crust less pumpkin pie in pudding cups, but I need to pull up the recipe. The turkey is going to be wonderful I'm sure. I love turkey. I was thinking of making the creamed cauliflower instead of potatoes. Marti has to have rice with beans, but I can make a small pan. And of course sweet potatoes. Hmmm.... now that I'm thinking of it, the dinner isn't all that simple! Well, a lot of it can be pre-cooked. I read that some people actually cook their turkey the day before. I don't think I'll go that far. But stuffing, mashed sweet potatoes, etc. can be all set up. At least now I'm able to go shopping and get the things. I'm also looking for really good stocking up sales. Kathy is a huge help with her coupon ideas. I've been slowly going over to that site, and I'm beg:

Well, as I have been saying to anyone that asks what I am doing for Thanksgiving, I am hosting Thanksgiving but Whole Foods is doing the cooking! I am embarrassed to admit it but there it is! I just don't love cooking and I get such a resentment at the holiday dinners where I feel like I am the only one doing anything that I decided to skip the stress this year.

 

[gettinhealthy]

Afternoon all!!
Still haven't got my stuff started baking. Just got back from walmart.

Lisa, I was also surprised at the texture of the muffin. They are sooo good. I kept putting at least a couple teaspoons of flax in it. It did seem to make me "gain" 5# that day I had 3 of them as a 5x5 treat. So, I slacked off them for a while.

Kate, sorry Brad is working such long days. Wish I could help you decorate or something. I too have noticed the last week or so I am having a difficult time staying on plan. Don't know if I'm getting tired of step 1 or if it's the longer evenings, and a little depression setting in. Still chugging along though.

Ok, got to start this baking. Feeling like a nap instead, but not possible at this point.

Later everyone