Weight loss for Wishers and becoming Leaner Meaners!

[Creativebeth]

Tracey: The only thing I can say is that the alarm went off this morning early for my anticipated 3 mile date with the TM, and I didn't get up. This week of full time work, single parenting, and workouts has done me in. I have a very long task list here at work this morning, but all I want to do is take a nap! I am not sure the exercise streak will continue past today! I will keep you updated!

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Maria: Slap is such an ugly word...Not saying I didn't threaten to do so. I'm just noting that it's an ugly word. I'm glad you're out of your slump and back on the TM. You'll feel better because of it. I know what you mean by public speaking. Hate it. And don't ask me to picture the audience naked, because that's just creepy. (It's strange, though, as I don't think of you as an introvert.) Since you've got long and stressful days ahead of you next week--and you know they'll be triggers--what's your plan for making the week go as smoothly as possible, food-wise, exercise-wise, and mental-health wise?

Vicky: How did the movie-going experience turn out? Did you avoid the bottomless bag of popcorn & the geyser of soda? Movie theaters here are not only doing the upsell, they're offering free refills as incentive. Heaven help me! And did you enjoy Watchmen? $40 and no tech shirt. Nope, unless it's part of a trip, I'd just mark out my own little 5K distance & have a race with my multiple personalities. One of us would be sure to win.

Beth: So glad your talk with Nancy called. She always seems to be the voice of reason. ITA with you about the balance between working out and eating--I always think it's such a simple matter of calories in vs. calories out. But these darn bodies of ours--so efficient! I hope you feel free to experiment a bit with the balance, even with that heavy 1/2 marathon schedule. Btw, what races do you have scheduled?

I hope today wasn't overwhelming for you. You've got a whole lot on your work and workout plate. I know you know this, but you might be overtraining just a bit--what with the FT work added in. Could that contribute to interruptions in weight loss? I do know that the all-day nap feeling I sometimes get is related to overtraining.

Aloha Jeff: Pau hana. Love the new word. As does the idea of celebrating with goodies. (Have to defer a bit on that, though.)

Tracey: That's a whole lotta exercising going on! You and Beth, both! I actually got the 30-day Shred from Netflix, watched it, and returned it. Of course, I put it back in the queue for the post-Self challenge. I truly think I need the time to build myself up, physically and mentally, to Jillian's level one. Have a wonderful St. Patty's run!

As for me: Well, I weighed in today and was surprised to see I was a pound down. I'm sure that means it will fluctuate over the next few days, but I'm counting it as a loss. And how was your weigh-in Vicky? Us non-PTers want to know?

I also survived the dinner. I ended up ordering off my list of approved meals--I'd checked out calories and nutrition information beforehand--based on my dinner companions' suggestion. I got their favorite dish, the Mujadarrah. That breaks one of my rules--always come in with a plan. The good news is, it's a fairly healthy dish & I kept to one serving size. Of course, then I faced the polite-yet-incredulous questions and comments. Re: the running and my diet; about how my whole lifestyle is centered around training, fueling, sleeping, etc. Who cares about that, though? I came, I ate, I conquered!

 

[Creativebeth]

Debra: I'll have to confess something......the last time Nancy had cancer, I ate myself silly. I mean the 'pack on 10 pounds in a week' eating. It was how I coped. I was scared I would do the same thing this time around, and decided to be proactive and workout like a fiend instead. I am SO overtraining, in a big way, but it feels necessary right now. I need to get through the next couple of months, keeping my head on straight and NOT gain 20 pounds doing it. I had a really bad day at work today, so after I made dinner, I layed down and did nothing for awhile.....felt great!

I did manage to get on the TM for an easy (too easy) 3 miler, but really just to move a little after the kids went to bed.

Thanks for the words of concern......I appreciate them! The workout schedule will slow down once my dh gets home! He is quite pesky to spend time with me (and not at the gym!).

I am scheduled for the 1/2 this weekend. The another the beginning of May in Allentown (the Runner's World one). I am doing the RNR in Chicago in August and then Virginia Beach in September. Thinking about the new one in Las Vegas in December, but I don't know if the funds will be available for that one or not.

I have to say I am feeling so much better now that Nancy is doing so well. Maybe I can ease up a little!

Beth

 

[mkymsehi]

Someone asked for new running shoes.

No more velcro shoelaces!

 

[deekaypee]

'Ohana Monday Mixer

Most WISHers are back from the Princess half, and many of us are going through Disney withdrawal in one form or another....

So, to spread a little PD that will keep everyone moving forward with a Tiggerish bounce in our training steps, tomorrow's mixer question is:

Who or what is your favorite Disney character, and why?

We hope that you feel inspired to post some light-hearted Disney memories on the Team 'Ohana thread. Pictures--from races, recent trips, childhood experiences--and stories are welcomed. And if your favorite character is a Pixar one--or gasp, from some other studio--feel free to share that as well.

 

[amykab]

Hi Lean Meaners!

Thanks to all for the photo comments! I am feeling really good about where I am at right now. And am SO SO lucky to have long legs. The running over the past year has really toned them up pretty quickly! I am trying to lose another 20-25 pounds, still carrying alot of weight in my stomach/hips which doesn't always show in pics. I hope to be rid of that or at least close to it by june-ish..

Pretty boring weekend here. I did talk DH into 30 day shred. we are doing every day through thursday. Started today. I think it was a bit harder than he thought it would be. I was SO SO much better at the Abs and cardio than him. He has given up on C25K which is kind of disappointing, but whatever.

had some guiness yesterday, which BTW only has 9 more calories than bud light/12 oz. Some sangria and light beer today. I figure I lost the first 40 pounds while stil enjoying my drinks and can lose the last 20 or so doing the same thing.

Delena and I are off to New England (VT and NH) for a week and half on friday. Visit with my fam and college BFF's. My brother now has full custody of his 3 kids which is a good thing, but puts alot of child care responsibility on my parents so I hope to help out a bit for a week.

Beth-I read back some this weekend and WTG on all those workouts. OMG. And lots of good thoughts for Nancy.

Jeff-Love the pics of your DD new sneaks!!

Cheers,
Amy

 

[mkymsehi]

Yo Leaner's!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I got out for my 12 miler today. After several weeks of cold, windy, wet weather, it was finally sunny today. Very humid, so by the time I was at 10 miles, I had stopped sweating. Dehydrated, so I slowed down the last two miles.

Got some fluids in me, then headed out to the water park, then for some yummy malasadas with the family.

Take it easy for those who are sick or nursing an injury. Don't make it worse, just rest and recover.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Happy Monday Lean Meaners! I got out running on the weekend - perfect timing too since the weather was so nice and warm! I neglected to check the temperature before I left on Saturday morning and overdressed. Fortunately, it was only a 3 miler so I was back before I knew it.

I weighed in on Friday and gained two pounds. Yikes! Maybe it's all the muscle I gained in February! Yeah, don't I wish!! I'm going back to weighing in whenever I want and see if that makes a difference. That's just between us though

Jeff - Your little girl looks so cute with her new running shoes! How are the cookie sales going? Speaking of sweets, those malasadas look fried and sweet! I haven't heard of them before - are they like donuts?

Tracey - Nope I wasn't strong enough to say no. But... it was a small bag and I didn't finish the whole thing.

Debra - I think I want to go and read the Watchmen book. I only have minor complaints about the movie - I think they could have done a better sound mix. There were times I couldn't hear what Rorschach was saying. I didn't really care for Malin Ackerman. She looked the part but couldn't get past her voice. She didn't "sound" the way I thought her character looked. I also think of Harold and Kumar everytime I see her I also watched Tropic Thunder and Australia this weekend. Remember your pills and pilates!

Have a great day everyone!

 

[Creativebeth]

Good morning Lean Meaners! My, what a quiet weekend around here!

Jeff: No FAIR! Don't post such yummy pictures here......boy those things look good! I wouldn't mind having one right now. What exactly are they? They look like yummy donuts without the hole!

Chris/Vic: I missed having a race yesterday, what about you??? Didn't seem like a Sunday...... can't wait for next week!

AFM: Well, I did my 1/2 marathon yesterday. My plan was doing it for my friend Nancy and giving her my medal, but guess what? I was too slow to receive my medal......they ran out! Turns out the race was open for same day registration, and they accepted 400 additional people into the race and they didn't have the medals to give all 400 additional people. So I was one of the 'lucky' ones who didn't get one. I was REALLY upset......I ran the entire race except walking through the water stops and there was a mile and 1/2 hill.......that went on and on and on.....But I hung in there and ran the whole thing (Patting myself on the back! ) and to finish and have them say that they will send me my medal in 6 to 8 weeks was a big let down. When (and IF) it comes, it won't be worth much to me. I felt really snubbed, and not valued as a Penguin!

Well, that's my update! (and by the way, the Philly cheese steak was great!)

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Beth: About the overtraining vs. overeating due to stress. I understand completely what you mean. When things are out of our control, like Nancy's diagnosis and treatment, I tend to reach out for the things that comfort me and overindulge in them. Not just food, but reading trashy books or watching trashy movies, phone calls, etc. And exercise is one of those things, too. I'll work out until I'm too tired to think or feel anything. So I understand why your overtraining is necessary to your mental health and not just to lose weight. I hope you have a few moments where you can lay down and do nothing, though, if for no other reason than to have recovery days from all those races. (And because it sounds like Nancy is doing wonderfully, all things considered.)

Now, about your 1/2 yesterday. Don't you DARE let this non-medal fiasco color your success on the course. You should be proud of your accomplishments. I'm sure the RDs couldn't expect 400! more people to register for the event, and that it was accidental on their part. I have no idea how I would have handled it if I were in their shoes. And what happened has no bearing on your race. Look at what you did do on the course--your accomplishments on the course are worth patting yourself on the back. And bragging--that hills sounds particularly vicious. It may not be a race you want to do again, because of organizational problems, but that medal will come and I hope you'll remember only the good things about your day. (Yes, I know you were really disparaging your race, but rather the medal situation and its slighting of those of us with Penguin status, but I just wanted to make sure you celebrated your 1/2 a little bit. )

Aloha Jeff: Is either of your DDs doing a tri this year? Or a race? I had no idea you'd been experience such a stretch of bad weather, then followed by humid. It sounds like you didn't end up severely dehydrated ony your run, thank goodness. Malasadas remind me of smally paczkis (Polish filled donuts, essentially), which are also filled with custard or jams. I think I told you we ate raspberry paczkis for Fat Tuesday.

Amy: I'm so happy you too can see the progress you've made, not only with your running, but with your lean meanness! So many times it's hard to see the change in ourselves, kwim? And that you have a goal, too, to transform the parts of you you're less happy with. (Mine include tummy, hips, thighs and the appalling lack of biceps.) In terms of the beer drinking, have you see the book Eat This, Not That? Here's their take on beer that appeared in Men's Health. Don't know if that helps.

I mentioned here earlier that I actually have to work up to the 30 day shred, so I feel your DH's pain. But it also sounds like, and I hope you don't mind me saying so, that maybe he's not on the same page with you and exercising right now--that you're, frankly, in better shape and more dedicated right now. Or it could be that I'm projecting. When I invite DOOD to participate in my Pilates and Yoga DVD he waves me off, even though he admits those WOs would be good for his running and that he should do something for his core.

You and Miss Delena have a great time in New England visiting family. You're such a good sis to help out DB like that--and I'm sure all the cousins will run you and each other ragged! (Are you taking your shred DVD with you?)

Vicky: I wouldn't doubt that you're gaining muscle and being leaner. You've been working out a lot, and doing those challenging exercises with your PT. Do you keep other measurements to gauge your progress? My cheap scale has the pounds w/ BF%. I know the scale for BF% isn't as accurate as the caliper test, but oh well. Not paying anyone to pinch me, thanks. I do the dreaded tape measure, too, which I think gives me a more accurate sense of things. That and the whole favorite jeans test, which I don't currently fit into.

Re: Watchmen, I do think if you read it the graphic novel will clear lots of things up. The movie sanitized a lot of ideas, especially Rohrshach's, making it a brighter, lighter story (if you can believe that). I didn't like Ackerman, either, but haven't seen Harold and Kumar so have no comparison. I was impressed by Haley as Rohrshach, though. Liked Tropic Thunder but thought it pulled too many punches, and wanted to like Australia more than I did; it's so long my backside got numb. (Luhrman needs a more aggressive editor.) So I'm really impressed at how much movie-watching you got in & with so little popcorn.

Vic: I hope you're doing well and that work isn't keeping you away. Working out, however, is an entirely acceptable reason.

Chris: How goes the maintenance, pre-season Lean Meanness?

Julie: Where are you?

All my other regular lean meaners--check in with us? Pretty please with sugar on top? Or Splenda. Or agave. Your choice.

As for me: Near bonk at the gym--didn't even know it was possible if I wasn't running/walking. I was on the flipping elliptical. DOOD pointed out, though, that it was really hot there, so hot even the trainers (who never seem to actually train with their clients) were complaining. So even though I went through more water than normal I don't think I drank enough. Now my brain is all fuzzy. (What else is new?) I haven't done my pilates yet, but am hoping to tonight. Not that DOOD will join me. Coward.

 

[mkymsehi]

Debraoni-

It was nice and sunny Sunday and Monday. Looks like more rain Tuesday and Wednesday.

Possible thunderstorms, and 6 inches of snow predicted for the top of Mauna Kea volcano on the Big Island.

Older daughter is not sure she wants to do the tri again, but the younger one does. Hopefully they both will do it together.

Beth, Vicky, & Deb. Those malasadas are sort of like a doughnut. You can get them filled with custard & chocolate. Sprinkle options are sugar, cinnamon, or both.

http://www.leonardshawaii.com/

The main bakery is on my way home from my Sunday clinic runs, lines are long, but I just keep driving by.

Speaking of the clinic, we started up two weeks ago. Lots of regulars, and some newbies. Not quite the large turnout as the first day last year. I moved up from the intermediate pink group, skipped the advanced intermediate red group, and am now chasing the advanced group.

There are three Boston Qualifiers in our group, so needless to say, all I see of them is their backsides, waaaaaaaaaaay out in front of me. LOL.

 

[Creativebeth]

Jeff: At least you can see them!!!! I wouldn't even see the dust they leave behind!!! No more good looking dessert pictures ok????? I would love to try one of those malasadas! They look delish!

Debra: I love the picture of you and DOOD running 'together' on the TM! That certainly is a good way to train together. My dh and wouldn't be talking either.......that's why I wear an iPod! I am not a 'social' gym member, except after Pump, when I need to tell everyone how hard that class was! I do not get alot of enjoyment out of exercising, I just want to be done! My pilates class last night was excellent!!! Last night I could really tell how much stronger I am.....I am elevating the level in Pilates too, and my core is so much better than it was. I really enjoyed the feeling of strength, without having pain! I am not really sore from the 1/2 on Sunday either.....didn't even need Advil yesterday. Just some general soreness in my quads, but nothing like I felt after pump a couple of weeks ago! I think that is all do to the workout time I have put in the last several months.

Work is tremendously busy.....running my butt everywhere!!!! Just wanted to check in and say 'hi' to everyone!

Beth

 

[bunnyfoo]

Morning everyone! Happy St. Patrick's Day Is anyone going out to celebrate?

Went in for my weekly training session yesterday. We did more medicine ball exercises and shortened some of my rest breaks in between. Medicine balls always remind me of elementary schools and dodgeball - that is until I try to catch one Got a nice compliment from my PT. He said my arms were looking really toned. Yay! Now I just have to lose a little more so that I can see them all the time not just when I'm lifting weights I'll be out tonight for quick 3 miler, the weather should be "warm" and sunny!

Debra - My friend sent me this funny picture of The Watchmen. We watched Australia at home so we were able to get up stretch and take bathroom breaks My DF had the same comment about the editing as you. I think people would be surprised at what a big difference a good editor makes.

I haven't been keeping up with the measuring tape so I could do them and I'd probably see a loss I won't sweat the gain just yet. I'll wait until I can compare the numbers to next week or two weeks from now. Until then, I'll have to keep my eating cleanish!

Beth - Congrats on your 1/2 marathon! Sorry to hear about the medal situation.

Jeff - I didn't realize that it snowed in Hawaii. We need pictures (after seeing all of your sunny beach pictures).

Have a fantastic day everyone!

 

[jeanneg]

OK, OK, I know it's been ages, but I finally made it back to the thread. So many pages to read through!
Jeff: love the muddy buddy photos...... Before I die, I'm gonna have to do one of those! Congrats on cultivating a future runner. Just wait until you can do races together....there's nothing in the world like it. Doing Expedition Everest with my older son still ranks as one of the best days of my life. (And he even wore a WISH shirt!)
Amy: your daughter is precious! Love the tiny backpack with the Snow White outfit. They didn't have costumes like that when my own kiddies were small, but I can always wish for grandchildren!
Beth: First of all, thank-you for taking such good care of Nancy! She has told me how much you have done for her and her family during this rough time and she appreciates it greatly. I hear your pain regarding weight loss. It seems the harder I try, the worse it gets. At least be glad you are down around 10 pounds....since the marathon, I have actually gained a few! I thought that laying off the booze for Lent might be the key, but it seems to really work against me. Before, I would be happy with a single glass of wine at night. Now I find myself cruising the kitchen for a "little something" and it's all adding up. This battle is just so hard. If you find any answers, please share them with us.

Now that the PH is over, I'm trying to tackle my quest for fitness with a new enthusiasm. I had not trained for last week's race and it showed. I was Ok until about mile 11 and then it all came crashing down. I thought that maybe my base for the marathon in January would be enough to get me through.....and it did, but not the way I would have liked. Yeah, I got my medal, but (horrors!) I didn't beat the Greek and you know how much that had to hurt. I really wanted to get out and walk this weekend, but we had 3 days of continuous, heavy rain and it just didn't happen. At least yesterday, I got my butt back to the Y and took a class. I'm also planning to get in a short fast walk tonight. And my eating was good yesterday, so hopefully I'm back on the wagon. It's good to be back.

 

[mkymsehi]

Happy St. Patrick's Day Team Green

From St. Oh'loha

 

[JustSmile]

Hi Friends....I'll be back in the morning to post more. I ran in a 5 mile St. Pat's Day Run on Saturday. It was my friends first race and I ran with her to keep her on pace and encourage her. She ran the whole thing except for a 20 second walk break and finished in just barely over 55 minutes. I am so proud of her, she had a huge smile on her face when she crossed the finish line. I had so much fun....we followed behind the "kegger boys"...the college guys pushing a shopping cart with a guy and a keg in it. As they pushed it, other guys would run up and do a handstand on the cart while the "rider" would shoot beer in their mouth! It was a great race! Anyway, afterwards we headed to the lake for a long weekend and now my kidlets are on spring break! Busy week!
Now, where is this pic of Deb and DOOD?

 

[mkymsehi]

8 1/4 miles in 1:15:45. Warm and humid, I wasn't loving the run, but I got it done.

Here's what it looked like when I was done.

 

[Creativebeth]

Tracey: It was not an actual picture of Debra and DOOD, just in my minds eye! That's funny! We should actually get her to take a picture and post it!!!! Think she will???? How long are your kids off? Mine have a 1/2 day on Thursday and off Friday.....and I have to work! My dh is trying to stay home with them Friday......I hope that happens!

Jeff: Again, beautiful pictures! Can't believe you actually get to see the view all the time. I am glad that you seem to appreciate it though.....sometimes things like that are just expected after awhile. It is beautiful!

AFM: Well, I got to the gym last night for Pump. The instructor was in a mood and giving me crap throughout the class b/c I wasn't squatting enough, or lungeing enough.......etc. My legs were still a little sore from the 1/2 on Sunday, and I needed to take it easy and not stress them too much. Thought the class was a good idea though, to stretch out some and work on my arms. Towards the end of the class, she was doing some KILLER squats and holding them forever, and finally I had to come up and stretch my legs since they were one big cramp.....she was going to make everyone in the class do them over again, since I didn't hold the darn squat long enough. WTH??????? Are we in kindergarden or something?????? I finally had it, and started yelling at her from the back of the class.......explaining my situation. Well, then she was falling all over herself with praise that I ran on Sunday.......UGH! She drives me insane. Needless to say, she didn't make us repeat the squats! People just don't think sometimes. I am pretty good in making and effort in class, but when I can't for some reason, give me a break!! The instructor models herself with Jillian on the Biggest Loser.....need I say more?

I did get up this morning to do my 3 miles on the TM, and trying a new Pilates class at the gym. A different instrutor than my usual, and I don't have high hopes.....but thought I would give it a try.

Beth

 

[deekaypee]

Aloha Jeff: I'm just going to need to keep a list of all these things to try once I finally make a trip to Hawaii. Or maybe I'll enlist you as my personal tour guide. I'm so impressed you jumped right into the advanced group with your clinic. It sounds as if you're really going to push yourself this year with upping your mileage for the Goofy, the clinic, etc. What color is the advanced group, btw? And I'm with Beth--once we started running I'd never see those BQ. Maybe they'd double back and hand me water?

Beth: Oh, I only like to run with DOOD when I need the motivation, or he does. I'm not saying we talk to each other, per se, but I can see him out of the corner of my eye and think, "Oh, no, I'm not stopping yet." Like you, I'm a headphone wearer. iPod sometimes, but our machines have personal TVs to watch, too. Classes just give me the heebie-jeebies, and I always feel out of place. Big, awkward, five steps behind everyone else.

Speaking of you and classes, a couple of things. 1) I think it's fabulous that you're feeling so strong after your 1/2 and can really tell the difference Pilates and Pump etc. have done for your core and overall fitness. Stories like that keep us ALL motivated. 2) Good for you for schooling your instructor. Your class ISN'T the BL, and the idea that the class should be "punished" for your "slacking"--and how can I indicate the word slacking isn't an accurate term AT ALL in addition to the scare quotes?--is ludicrous. That's exactly the kind of behavior that would cause someone like me to walk out and never come back. Besides, she should know you better by now. How was your Pilates class?

Vicky: I love toned arms--it's a goal of mine, it really is. It sounds like you have a very good PT, one who can motivate through hard work AND compliments. Not to mention some cool tools/exercises. No medicine balls for me, though. It might cause bad flashbacks to elementary school. Oh, I thought of you when I picked up Eat-Clean Diet today from the library. I'm looking forward to browsing through it.

Jeanne: I'm glad to see you back here on the wagon and into the swing of things. You know, your statement about grazing instead of wine makes perfect sense to me. I don't drink a lot of wine, but hard liquor is my friend. And when I've tried to give it up to "save calories" I just overindulge in other areas. Don't know why, but for some reason my nightcap--not daily, but weekly--is important to me. So I "budget" drinks into my daily totals, and alternate between teas, lattes, and alcohol. How's your foot? And are you doing EE this year?

Tracey: Congratulations on you and your friends St. Pat's Day 5-miler. It sounds like you both finished strong. This isn't the friend who has the DH who's also a runner, with 4 kids, and who might want to do Disney? She was already a runner, right? I digress...it sounds like you had a fun time, that she might be hooked, and maybe you could convince her to do Disney too! I definitely need to run a race with kegger boys. And a camera.

Hello out there, my other Lean Meaners!

Beth and Tracey: Oh, yeah, keep dreaming on the picture of me and DOOD running together. I can see the scenario now. I bring the camera to the gym and ask one of the regulars---or worse, a trainer--to take a pic. "You see, this is for my friends. I want to show them my DH and I can run together. Yes, I know we're on TMs. It's the best I can do." Then I look at picture and say, "Um, could you take another? I'm making a funny face." And then, "Maybe one more? My mouth is open." And then, "No, no, I'm not vain, really. And you know, you don't look that good all sweaty either." Yeah, that might get my membership revoked.

As for me: I've done my best to model Beth, but I took a rest day today. Yesterday's run wasn't pleasant and I now know the meaning of the words "bone tired." They've been aching for a couple of days. So I'm resting and recovering. I might do Pilates tonight, but don't count on it. Instead, I slept in, finished work early, ran my errands, and even had lunch at Panera's (1/2 sandwich, 1/2 salad, within calories and I'm still full) instead of brown-bagging it. So it turns out I associate rest day with mental heath day!

I have to say, I'm getting a little worried about DOOD. He's been having an awful lot of knee pain lately, and I've never seen him run so infrequently. We need to have dr.'s appointments before 5/15 in order to qualify for a discounted health insurance, so I hope he brings it up at the appointment.

Oh, one more thing, for fun. Based on picking up the Eat-Clean Diet, I took a look at my food receipt from today's grocery stop. I'm pleased to say that I know our household food habits have improved in the last year. Here's the list (remember, I shop daily or every-other-day):
-Baby Spinach
-Bananas
-Cheddar Cheese
-Yogurt
-Sour Cream
-Baby Carrots
-Cage-Free Eggs
-Wheat Wraps
-Diet Coke
-Granola
-Broccoli
-Microwave Popcorn
-Apples

With the exception of my Diet Coke and microwavable popcorn, most the food is very good for me. And I'm choosing better foods within those categories, too. My yogurt has less additives, for instance, as does the granola. (FWIW, I've found that Giant Eagle brand foods tend to have less high-fructose corn syrup in them than national brands.) I'm a little disgruntled that almost 5% of my bill went to my 20 oz. Diet Coke. Even though I like my soda, I know it's bad for me, and seeing it on the bill like that puts it into perspective a bit, kwim?

Anyway, I think it's an interesting experiment, to take one of your grocery receipts and really see where you're spending your money.

 

[mkymsehi]

Deb,

My last receipt said 5W-30 motor oil, two cases.

Oh and no color code for the advanced group. Unless you count "pale" when I return after our 12 milers.