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April 29, 2006

This Sista is struggling

Posted by denigood at 07:24 PM | Comments (1)

April 22, 2006

From Deb's Post 4-21

ANN ARBOR, Mich.—Stressed individuals might be particularly prone to binge eating or drug addiction because of high levels of a hormone mechanism in their brain, according to new University of Michigan and Georgetown University research.

"There are lots of reasons why stressed people might over eat or gamble or chase after hedonic rewards. Unfortunately this new result reveals another one,” said U-M psychology professor Kent Berridge. “People who feel bad during stress cope in part by overeating or pursuing other incentives.

“Now it turns out a stress chemical also activates the same brain mechanism that goes wrong in drug addiction to make us excessively want pleasurable things.”

The study, published today in the journal BMC Biology, shows that rats with levels of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in their brain similar to the levels experienced by humans when they are stressed show an exaggerated craving for a reward — some sugar -- whenever presented with a cue that had previously been associated with that reward.

“The brain stress substance tripled the intensity of desire for sugary treats normally triggered by cues for those treats," Berridge said.

This result explains why stressed individuals might be more likely to experience strong cravings for rewards and compulsively indulge in pleasurable activities such as eating or taking drugs.

U-M psychology researcher Susana Peciña and Berridge from U-M collaborated with Georgetown University physiology and biophysics professor Jay Schulkin to painlessly inject rats with either a high dose (500ng/0.2 ml) or a low dose (250ng/ 0.2 ml) of CRF, part of the brain’s internal stress-signaling system that serves as a brain stress neurotransmitter.

They injected the rats in a part of the brain called nucleus accumbens, known to be involved in the mediation of both pleasurable rewards and stress signals in humans as well as rats.

They observed the rats’ behavior in response to a cue -- a 30-second tone-- that had previously been associated with the release of a reward, in the form of sugar pellets.

When they heard the cue, the rats pressed on a lever that they expected to release more sugar pellets. The authors made sure that the rats did not experience stress due to CRF itself or to other factors in the experimental set-up.

Their results show that injection of a high dose of CRF tripled the intensity of bursts of sugar craving, measured by the pressing on the sugar-associated lever.

The lever-pressing activity was only enhanced if the injection of CRF was followed by the cue – it did not increase following the injection alone. The low dose of CRF, or an empty injection, also failed to enhance the lever-pressing activity significantly.

“When CRF reaches the nucleus accumbens it creates a special window of vulnerability to temptation,” Berridge said. “This could trap individuals into chasing incentives they could normally resist, pulled in by tempting cues or images that become more powerfully wanted.”

Posted by denigood at 06:37 AM | Comments (2)

April 21, 2006

Making Time to Exercise

This is from
http://www.24hourfitness.com
By now you know that exercise is good for you, and that you should do something on a regular basis. What's the best time for you to exercise? Anytime. Honestly. For example, when you're sitting and watching TV, stretch your muscles. Never stretch so hard it hurts. Rather, stretch to the point of mild tension and hold the stretch for 10 to 30 seconds.

A healthy exercise program includes three kinds of exercise: aerobic activity, muscular strengthening and flexibility exercise. You can start your exercise program without investing in any elaborate equipment. For example, you can do simple exercises at home or at your desk at work, including sit-ups, push-ups and pull-ups. For basic body weight exercises, weight-lifting equipment isn't required. Head for the kitchen and pick up the soup cans you have in the cupboard.

Aerobic activity can be fun Aerobic activity is defined as prolonged continuous movement of large muscle groups. Translated, that means do something that keeps you moving. Ideally, do it for 20 minutes straight. If you don't have that much time, two 10-minute aerobic activity sessions will benefit you almost as much.

The good thing about aerobic activity is that it includes many of the sports you probably already enjoy. Walking, biking, hiking, dancing, swimming, even basketball are all examples of aerobic exercise.

Another good thing is that you can easily accomplish those two 10-minute sessions with things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking around the neighborhood after work or parking your car farther away. You could even turn shopping into an aerobic activity. Shopping is walking, so don't stop for 10 minutes straight and you've worked in one of your daily sessions! Check with your local mall for mall walker programs, and you'll have company.

Aerobic exercise is definitely good for cardiovascular health and fitness. And here's something else you'll like: Aerobic activity can help you lose weight.

Plenty of good exercise all around the house. If you do housework or yard work, you're doing yourself a favor. The stretching and lifting housework entails is good exercise. So is work you do outside. Yard work uses many muscle groups, especially activities like planting and working in the garden.

Raking uses your arm and back muscles. Digging gives your arms and legs a workout. And gardening provides a bonus: You'll have more fresh vegetables and fruits to add to your diet.

Is one time better than another to exercise? It's really up to you. You can exercise in the morning, afternoon or evening. Lunch breaks offer an excellent opportunity to get out of the office and exercise. Use your coffee break to take a short walk around the office. Get rid of the day's stress by fitting in an exercise session after work.

Whatever time you choose, make sure you stick with it. For some people, it's easier to stay with an exercise program when you do it with a friend or co-worker.

Make time to stay healthy Exercise is one of the best things you can do for yourself. If you're basically healthy, get going right now. If you're 40+ or have any health problems, consult your physician first.

c 2000 American Council on Exercise

Posted by denigood at 09:03 AM | Comments (2)

April 20, 2006

What You Need to Know About … Cooking with Fat-Free Dairy Products

By Leslie Fink, MS, RD |


In the world of light cooking, swapping olive oil for butter is one thing; using fat-free cheese instead of regular cheese is another. But creamy, flavorful recipes are not lost on the Core Plan. Here's how nonfat sour cream, skim milk and fat-free yogurt (to name a few) can help you work wonders in the kitchen.

THE BASICS
Fat-Free Ricotta Cheese can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. Beat some with Splenda and ground cinnamon for a lovely fruit dip or fruit compote topping, or substitute skim ricotta for regular ricotta in your favorite (whole-wheat) lasagna recipe. You can puree skim ricotta until smooth and use it as a base for dip recipes, too.

Fat-Free Cheese
(American, Cheddar, etc.) does not work well as toppings in baked recipes since it does not melt and bubble like regular – or even low fat – cheese (although broiling does help the cheese to brown a bit). Your best bets are to use fat-free shredded cheese in a baked dish so it's mixed in with other ingredients, or to sprinkle some on top of dishes for a dash of color.

Plain Fat-Free Yogurt
is so versatile that it can be used to tenderize meat, add thickness to sauces (instead of heavy cream), replace some mayonnaise and sour cream in dips, and serve as a base for salad dressings and marinades. Try flavoring some with fresh basil, ginger and sugar substitute for a refreshing sauce for grilled fruit. One note: If regular fat-free yogurt is too "runny" for you, try plain nonfat Greek-style yogurt instead which is creamier and has a thicker consistency.

Fat-Free Sour Cream
can be used for much more than dip recipes – it can add a little creaminess to your favorite chicken, tuna or potato salad recipes, and smoothness to frittatas. If the consistency of your renovated dish seems a little "off," try cutting back on the sour cream and subbing some for plain fat-free yogurt or fat-free mayonnaise instead.

Fat-Free Mayonnaise
is far from the real thing but if you flavor it with a homemade Core Plan friendly pesto sauce, fresh dill or even minced red onion, it can be much more than just a passable substitute.

Skim Milk
is not a true substitute for heavy cream but it can help add a nice, creamy taste to some pureed soups (like butternut squash) when the milk is added just at the end of cooking. Skim milk mixed with a little fat-free sour cream can add non-fat creaminess to mashed potatoes, too.

Evaporated Skim Milk
is canned, unsweetened fat-free milk that has had about 60% of its water removed making it a great substitute for heavy cream in recipes. You can also try swapping whipped, chilled evaporated skim milk for regular whipped cream in some recipes.

Tofu,
although not a fat-free dairy product, can be used like one as a cheese or cream alternative: Mash soft tofu and add it to egg dishes for a cheesy texture, puree it in smoothies, or mash and season it for a ricotta substitute in some Italian recipes. You can also puree silken tofu and use it as a mayo substitute in salad dressings and as a cream replacement in some soups and pasta dishes.

SUGGESTIONS FOR USE
Recipes are not doomed without whole milk and cream: "Fat-free dairy products such as milk, yogurt and sour cream, work just like their high-fat counterparts," says Robin Vitetta-Miller, MS, nutritionist and cookbook author. "And tofu works great when it's pureed and substituted in dips and smoothies," she says.

"Fat-free cheeses don't always melt well so put them in something forgiving," says Jodie Shield, RD, recipe developer from Chicago. Hide them in a lasagna filling, an omelet or scrambled eggs. Or sprinkle some on a taco – but jazz it up with a dash of cayenne or cumin.

Community User laura281 agrees that fat-free cheese does not melt well and suggests using it in a casserole; not on top. "Soy cheese is Core and many people prefer that," she says.

Posted by denigood at 08:07 AM | Comments (3)

April 16, 2006

FIVE WAYS TO WIN AT LOSING By Carol Mithers

The pure mathematics of weight loss is simple—eat less, move more—but if knowing that were all it took, everyone would be in great shape. Los Angeles-based personal trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels of NBC's weight loss reality show, The Biggest Loser, share what they know about diet and fitness success.

1.
Experiment to find your own diet. Some foods are obvious no-nos: trans fats, processed food, white sugar and excessive alcohol. Beyond that, though, everyone's body is different. "Some people thrive on a strictly high-protein diet, while others do great with fruits, grains and beans," says Jillian. "Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to find the right combination of foods. And, as a trainer, I've learned that you also have to take human frailty into account. If you can't bear the idea of giving up bread, choose whole grain and try to eat it with some protein." The protein, she explains, will slow the breakdown of the bread so its carbs won't cause your blood sugar to spike and then—as so often happens—crash, making you hungry again for something starchy.

2.
Don't ever starve yourself. Dieting means cutting calories, but less isn't always more. "One of the biggest misconceptions I've seen—including among the women I'm training on the show—is that the less you eat, the more weight you'll lose," says Jillian. "Maybe at first. But your body will think you're dying from lack of food, and your metabolism will adjust by slowing to a crawl." Most women should never eat less than 1,200 calories a day.

3.
Tough it out. Accept that the early days of a fitness program may not be fun. "You've just got to push through," says Jillian. "Your body is an amazing machine. After two weeks, the walk that used to have you sucking wind won't even tire you. It took only that long for the women on The Biggest Loser to discover they could do exercises they initially found impossible. By the end of the first month, you'll see some pretty significant changes. That's when I get calls from my clients: 'Oh my God, I felt my hip bone!'"

4.
Just forget about your thighs. Try viewing exercise as helping you increase what you're able to do, rather than fixing a "flawed" body part. "Whenever I start working with women, I hear complaints like 'My thighs are too big' or 'What can I do about my butt?'" says Bob. "Once you get someone moving, however, that can change to, 'Wow, I never knew how weak I was.' Being aware of a flaw can be good for getting you started, but it's more productive to think about being fit and healthy than about how you look." When you become aware of how physically strong you can be, adds Jillian, "it translates into all other areas of your life."

5.
Keep your perspective. Don't count on getting the spectacular body of a movie star—unless, that is, you were blessed with a naturally great figure. And certainly don't blame yourself for not measuring up (or down, as the case may be). "Celebrities have private chefs; trainers like me working with them 24 hours a day, 6 days a week; and plastic surgeons to fix whatever problems are left," says Jillian. And then there's good lighting, airbrushing and all sorts of photographic wizardry. "Hollywood," she adds, "is a very small piece of the world. It is not reality."


Posted by denigood at 10:38 AM | Comments (6)

April 15, 2006

lunch Idea

Chili and Side Salad (Wendy’s) 6
1 small serving Wendy's® Chili 4
1 medium Wendy's® Side Salad with 0
1/4 oz hard cheese shredded 1
1 large tangerine(s) 1
1 Tbsp fat-free ranch salad dressing 0

Posted by denigood at 01:35 PM | Comments (3)

April 09, 2006

Lets take a look back...

strong>We all need to remember when we first started. Just take a few minutes and reflect.
>>> Denise 3/14/2006 7:56 AM >>>
Please Include Pamela, She and I have been WW Partners before and she is in the struggle with us. Mrs Harris , these are my Co Workers Deb, Amie and Tameika.

OMG I am so proud of you Amie.I am proud of everyone that has taken the time to do this.
I will try to include a Recipe a Day From the WW Website. If anyone wants meal Idea's let me know and I will find something on there.
Has Everyone gotten something to write in ( a Journal )? We need to keep track of how we are feeling when we eat. REMEMBER DRINK YOUR WATER
Lets plan a spa day, summer is going to be here really soon, I don't care what the weather man has said. Lets get our feet done. Lets get our feet ready to hold up our New Bodies. Lets get our feet ready to carry us to our exercise program.

My Meals for the last few days

Saturday
Toasted Bagel with honey
Pasta with Tomatoes sauce ( something I found at Trader Joes)
Chicken Salad with Ranch from L' Georges ( More Ranch than I needed)

Sunday
About 4 rice Cakes
Wendy;s Taco Salad
Salted popcorn

Monday
4 ego's with Syrup
I made a Yogurt Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Than I cooked dinner Yikes
Roast Beef Red Skinned Potatoes Onions
About 5 Pieces of Country Crocked Buttered Bread total for the day
more potatoes than I needed
Green Peas

Today I will do Better
Strawberry Protein Smoothie

Quote from the Book Winning by Losing by Jillian Michaels
"If you can't shake the negative attitude you have toward your elf and your body you will never have long term success in any weight-loss or fitness program. If you tell yourself that you will always be fat or that you will never find happiness, chances are you will always be fat and you won't ever be happy. "

From Pamela
Thank you, thank you sov ery much for caring about me. Yes! I am in indeed in the struggle.

From Amie
Welcome and Good Luck Pamela. Who is bigboss though Denise??

So Day One went great, stayed within my range.
Day Two was not so great as in choices, but I still accounted for everything so I should give myself credit for that. Day Two night (my Tuesday overnight shift sucked, but was well accounted for. I was falling asleep so it was either call CSR so I could go home early or eat. I chose to eat :P )
Day two: Slim fast drink (3)
mini rice cakes (2)
2 soft tacos (10)
coffee (4)
bean burrito (7)
baked cheez-its (2)
green beans (0)
chicken (5)
egg drop soup (4) w/the fried noodles (I still have to figure out those points)

Overnight:
Snickers (7)
two bags baked Doritos (6)
banana (2)

So at least negative five points for the daily and negative 15 for my attempts at staying awake. It worked so I think that's a better
From Tameika
Yesterday I did really well until late that night. My nephew did the little ceasar pizza kit fund raiser...and I love them...but I see it's the worst thing for me. I will have to stop participating in that fund raiser if I'm ever gonna get anywhere. It's my weakness. Yesterday I ate..

Cereal
3 pieces of pizza
Past Roni

Then I woke up at 10pm and ate 5 more pieces of pizza. Maybe I should give it away...cause I ordered two boxes and 3 pizza's come in each box. Or maybe I should just have more self control. Decisions...decisions...

From Deb
Hi Ladies,
First of all, congratulations to everyone for keeping up with their logging. Personally, I find logging very helpful and keeps me conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth. I can identify where I eating "empty calories" vs good foods.... I really need to improve in that area, though...

Here is my catch up report:
3/9
1.5 PBJ sandwich on whole wheat
1 bag popcorn (lowfat and no butter)
2 saltines
1 pc gum
2 coffees with creamer
1 cereal bowl size of potato chips
3 glasses of wine

3/10
1 bowl cereal with 2% milk
2 hotdogs with bun
1 cup hot tea with 3 tsp sugar
2 handfuls plan m & ms
1 grapefruit
5 crackers with cheese
½ pc whole wheat pita
4 tsp hummus
3 grilled tomatoes
½ cup plain yogurt
6 pcs marinated chicken breast
several sugary pastries
1 pepsi
½ c lettuce with dressing

3/11
3 pcs bacon
1 egg with cheddar cheese
1 PBJ on whole wheat
½ c cooked broccoli
1.5 c rice with lima beans
1 small pc salmon
1 grapefruit
1 cup ice cream

3/13
2 quesidillas
2 saltines
1 pc gum
½ potato with no butter
1/4 c. cooked carrots and onions
3/4 c. beef stew
1 cup of noodles
3 crackers
4 pc cheddar cheese
3/4 c. ice cream

3/14
1 bowl cereal with 2% milk
1 coffee with creamer
1 pc gum
4 saltines
1 choc cookie
1 Hershey kiss
1 quesidilla
1 cup of noodles

Have a wonderful day everyone ... keep up the good work !!!
deb

From Pam
Good Morning Everyone,

Thank you for including me in the group. Yes, I am a sister in the struggle! I think it will keep me honest if I participate in this group and it will be a reminder that I am not in this alone. Denise, hey miss you, and everyone, I am just a shorter version of Denise, heart and all.

Talk later.
From Tamika
Yesterday I think I did better than the other days....

I had yogurt
3 pieces of pizza
and 2 bowls of hamburger helper...

Doesn't seem like I ate as much yesterday as I did Monday and Tuesday.

From Amie
You're going to start smelling like pizza soon, it will be coming out of your pores! I can't talk, I guess I'd rather smell like pizza than string cheese. Or I might start smelling like pop-tarts soon, although that wouldn't be such a bad thing. I found these new pop-tart bars (3 pts) that are awesome! I love brown sugar and cinnamon, which they come in, as well as strawberry and also chocolate. On sale now, 4 for $10, reg $3 something at Kroger. Some other good buys/ideas in case you're interested (I grocery shopped obviously last night)...
1-Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches $3, instead of $4.80
2-Bag of frozen Lean Cuisine skillet sensations (frozen meal in a bag for a family-low pts) $4 or $5 (I forget, but it was $1.50 off I know)
3-Granola Muchems (3 pts) for $2.50 a box (honey oat or brown sugar & cinnamon rocks-small,yummy triangle shaped granola crackers)
4-strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries all $2/container
5-Kroger also carries Weight Watcher snack cakes-Lemon, chocolate, carrot cake (YUM!)- 1 point a cake, they are small (about 3 bites) but the carrot cake was great! $2.50 for six, a little pricey but yummy if you want to grab a sweet snack. Or three :P
Okay, I'm tired of thinking, better go back to work. Ahhh haaaa haaaaa!
Amie

From Denise
>>> Denise 3/16/2006 9:19 AM >>>

Good morning everyone,
Yesterday started out to be a great day.
I got up and made my Great wonderful Yogurt Smoothie.
Went to an meeting and I ate about 6 small York Peppermint Patties ( they were Great). My tooth hurt, but again They were Great.
I than ate my Tuna Salad it really was not bad. I'm really proud of the fact that everyone else ordered out and I did not.
Oh boyeeee,picked Dayna up from school she was suppose to go to Volleyball practice ( she Can't go today because ....well you will see She just can't go.)
she has Ballet at 5:15 Daryl gets out of Track practice at 430 he has to be in Canton at 530 ( I usually just drop him off on Wed but my car pool kid got sick so he has no way home at 7pm)
I'm Stressed ... What are we going to eat. AHHHHHH Little caesars Yes, that's it. I had 3 pieces of deep dish and I slice of regular pep.
Than off to dance, velocity sports and more dance in Detroit.
We skipped out on Yoga class after her African class. I was home by 930 PM in time to look at my taped version of American Idol.

Thursday ... a New DAY!!!!!!!

From Deb
here's my report for day 7 (3/15):
1.5 egg omlette
1 slice whole wheat bread
1 coffee with creamer and sugar
1 PBJ on whole wheat
3 fajitas
9 sweet tarts

Here's my report for day 8 ( 3/16) so far:
½ PBJ on whole wheat
1 slice pizza with meat toppings
1 diet Dr Pepper
1 coffee with creamer
1 pc gum

tonight I'll go overboard ... to celebrate my son's acceptance to U-M residency program!!
deb

From Amie
I guess I'll be the first to write today since NOBODY else has yet. Hmmmm.....
I have to play catch up, along with some others, so here it is:
Wednesday:
2 string cheese (4)
slim fast (3)
WW carrot cake (1)
2 pop tart bars (6)
12" turkey Subway,added my own light mayo (14)
diet coke (0)
milk (2) =30 points (2 leftover!)

Thursday:
salad w/dressing (4)
1 apple (1)
1 banana (1)
1 clementine (1)
baked cheez-its (2)
ww chocolate cake (1)
pop tart bar (3)
chicken breast (5)
corn (3)
1 Hershey's miniature (1)
4 chocolate/biscuit candy sticks (3)
coffee w/cream & sugar (5)
oatmeal (4)
2 more pop tart bars (6) =40 points (8 over so I flexed those)

Friday:
2 pop tart bars (obviously I love these and they will be my enemy!) (6)
1 cheese stick (2)
4 slices cucumber, grape tomatoes, 6 strawberries (0)
turkey, cheese bagel sandwich (8)
baked doritos (2)

I was going to join the YMCA (finally) today but my son was being really mean so I took it away from him, so he was diappointed no swimming today. He's spending the night at my parent's tonight so I had to make sure he got a nap in so I guess it worked out in the end. Sunday or Monday will be THE day though, I promise. I hope everybody is staying on track and has a great, positive weekend. I work Saturday so I'll see everyone next week!
Love, Amie xo

From Amie
HAHAHA...Deb and I were just talking about how no one emailed yet.

Yesterday..
Cereal
Chai Tea
Spicy chicken combo w/lemonade
1 bowl of Hamburger Helper

Today...
Cereal
Yogurt
1 bowl hamburger helper
½ pack of starburst

From Denise
Denise 3/17/2006 4:34 PM >>>
PLEASE ADD Heidi , She is another sister in the struggle.
She was my 1st work WW person, she did very well and We back to work
Welcome Heidi

I have done Great so far today
Smoothie
Salad w/ tuna
cottage cheese Yuck
And Water
No Candy was in the house so i have not had any

From Amie
Friday:
2 pop tart sticks (6)
1 cheese stick (2)
bagel sandwich (8)
baked doritos (2)
6 strawberries, grape tomatoes, 4 slices cucumber (0)
Dinner:TWO pieces of Little Caesar pizza (I don't think I've ever eaten just two pieces for dinner? What the heck's wrong with me?) (8)
1 coffee (3)
diet pepsi (0)

Saturday so far:
2 packs plain oatmeal (4)
coffee w/3 creams and 1 sugar(4)
cheese stick (2)
yogurt (1)
grape tomatoes (0)

I will post again after a while, hope you all are doing well since it is the weekend. Remeber, it's just another day, not a day to slack off. You can still get fat on the weekends, trust me :P

xoxo

From Pam
Okay I made it through. Arnie I don't think that I sent my reply this morning to everyone, just to you. If you would be so kind, please forward my reply to you to every one so that they won't think I am totally insane.

Outback's menu did not overwhelm me as was in my dream.

Few Bloomin onions
small steak
salad
half baked potato
steamed brocolli.

Will eat the rest for dinner. lot's of water. comsumed bo alcohol or desserts. Those were two major accompolishments.

From Denise
Denise 03/19/06 7:44 PM
Good Job Mrs H, you are on your way not. Just keep your emails coming
Yes Amie i was at the Hyatt for Dayna to take Classes this weekend.
I will be at work tomorrow Tuesday thurs and Friday this week

From Denise
Pot Luck Pasta Salad (Kid-Friendly)


POINTS® Value | 3
Servings | 12
Preparation Time | 30 min
Cooking Time | 15 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

side dishes | This colorful salad has something for everyone. If you’re short on time, buy the ingredients already cut from a salad bar and use your favorite bottled fat-free Italian dressing.

Ingredients


4 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, corkscrew shape (about 1 1/2 cups)
4 oz uncooked whole-wheat pasta, wheel shaped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
2 1/2 oz olive(s), canned, sliced, black (about 10 medium black olives)
1 medium green pepper(s), chopped (about 1 cup)
1 medium sweet red pepper(s), chopped (about 1 cup)
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, or other small tomatoes, halved (about 10 tomatoes)
1 medium yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced (about 1/2 cup)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed


Instructions


Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse pasta with cold water; drain again and set aside.
> Denise 03/20/06 8:11 AM >>>
Thank Goodness , the weekend is over.

After Taco Bell's Mexican Pizza last night. I have made a new goal for Today. I will make it all day and do things the correct way.

From AmieHmmm...I'm not going to say anything because I don't want to make anyone mad, but I think you all know what I want to say :)~ So here's what "I" ate today...

Monday:
slim fast drink (3)
coffee (3)
few bites of soup (1)
turkey, ff cheese sandwich (4)
can green beans w/butter spray (1)
3 tacos (8) (Morningstar Farms soy crumbles,ff cheese,lettuce,tomato,ff s.cream)
mixed veggies w/butter spray (2)
baked potato w/ff sour cream,butter spray(2)
mint skinny cow ice cream sandwich (2)
coffee (5)
=31 points, 48oz water, 1.5 miles on treadmill and 30 seconds,yes seconds, on that stupid elliptical thing. I hate that thing :P Hey, I did a minute and a half a few weeks ago! Weighed myself again...8 pounds so yay! I hope some other people can start reporting losses to keep me going. Although I must admit, I don't think anything will get me to stop this time around. I think I finally have it, it's finally clicked. It will get hard, I know that, but it's something that needs to be done and will. I'll leave you with some words to ponder from Jillian Michael's book from The Biggest Loser (the pretty, skinny, chick trainer)...
"There's no deadline. Just commit to the process and take it day by day".

Good Night everyone and hope you have an excellent Tuesday full of good choices!
(I also forwarded this to my sister who recently lost 19 pounds and has hit a little plateau to see if she would be interested in joining

Tea with Equal
Tuna Melt on Wheat Bread.

I was canceled again today, so I won't be at work . I will be spending the day at the house cleaning.
E ya later
Lets see if we can get 100% from everyone day.
We got Amie's Email from you Mrs Harris. Good Job
Heidi, I think you are the last person to start logging in
I'm going to look at getting a Blog site Set up so we all can log in and keep it online. We will be able to add pictures. I think it will be fun

From Tamika

Hey guys,

I need to play catch up.

Friday...
1 bowl of cereal
yogurt
½ pack of starburst
1 bowl of hamburger helper for lunch
Same for dinner

Saturday...
6 slices of pizza (here we go again)
2 pieces of chicken drummettes
1 spoonful of spaghetti
1 spoonful of 7 layer salad
4 meatballs
I went to a toy party...hehehe

Sunday..
I was sick as a dog...I had a stomach virus so all I had was chicken noodle soup, crackers, and 2 bottles of Vernos.

Monday...
Feeling better...I had..
Clam chowder w/crackers
2 peices of fish
Pasta Roni Fettucini
Lime flavored tortilla chips


From TameikaCongratulations on the weight loss!!! I'm starting today since I was sick. I'm ready Amy!!! LETS DO IT!!!

>>> Amie 3/19/2006 9:33 PM >>>
I work Tues night, Thur & Fri Days so I'll see you this week. I'll bring us a "nutritious" snack for Thursday's meeting I think :P Erin's potluck is Friday right? I have to think of something for that.
Sunday:popcorn, toast, oranges...
1 bag baked cheez-its (2)
peanut butter crackers (5)
6 strawberries (0)
2 choc.chip "Heart Thrive" energy cookie bars (6)
5 saltines (1)
Lean Cusine stuffed cabbage meal (4)
36 oz water
Prepare yourselves ladies...I actually went to a Chinese buffet with my family for a late lunch, and did not eat one morsel of chinese food! I actually had my cheez-its and didn't stray for even one bite. Yikes, what's happened to me???!!! I almost took a bite of my husband's apple pie turnover thing that looked so yummy and gooey but I knew I would want to eat like two or three of them so I didn't.
I almost forgot, I weighed in a day early today (due to the scale I wanted to use) and have lost SIX pounds! Yay!

From DeniseYesterday started out really well
Skim Milk
Yougurt
Heart heatly cereal
Thank a big salad with Ranch dressing
full of stuff. it was good
than got home wanted popcorn could not find any and had
skim milk
Capt crunch
donut
trying again today
1 bagel
1 orange
2 glasses of water


>>> Tameika 3/7/2006 8:58 AM >>>
Here's what I ate yesterday...

Breakfast - 12 cookies
Lunch - mostaciolli
Dinner - mostaciolli


>> Amie 3/13/06 9:51 PM >>>
Yum, that sounds gooood Tameika! I will work with my address book when I get to work so I don't have to keep including all this old info next time I write. I'm feeling really good about this, very positive. You all don't know how bad I need to stay on track for once in my life. I have joined WW honestly probably over 20 times. Hey, I'm no quitter :P I think I'm going to join the YMCA this week. I don't really need Joe's approval, but I feel kind of guilty spending the money (65 a month). I brought it up again today and he said to go ahead. But..it is for myself AND Joey. I worry about him already being pudgy at four and a half years old. I really don't want to be "The Fat Mom" around my son's friends when he grows up.I've been fat since I was young, my whole family is fat, I want to be the one to lose weight the healthy way. Not like my cousin who got the surgery, although she still looks damn good! And my friends, don't worry about offending me, I need that. If I don't log what I eat, it's probably because I wasn't eating well and may be embarrassed to log it. So feel free to tell me to get my butt on track and start logging Chubs! So for today, DAY ONE...food and Weight Watcher points since I am starting back on that so I can stay in CONTROL of my eating!
2 packs oatmeal (4 pts)
string cheese (2)
Granola Munchems (3)
tuna fish sandwich w/pickles (6)
unsweetened apple sauce (1)
baby carrots & balsamic vinagerette (0)
chicken breast (5)
baked potato w/butter spray and sour cream (2)
veggies (1)
No water, 3 diet cokes (I know!) Baby steps, okay?
Popcorn (4)
Total:28 points and 4 left

I will be going grocery shopping, maybe tomorrow, to buy some more good choices to keep at home to better help myself. Definitely some lighter bread and fruit and veggies. Thank you all for listening and I wish each one of us the best of luck because we deserve it.
Love, Amie xo


>>> Tameika 3/13/06 10:49 AM >>>
FINE! I had rib tips, fries, potato salad, corn bread muffin, corn on the cob. mmmmm...yummy!

>>> Denise 3/13/2006 10:30 AM >>>
Since I was mandated to stay home today I have time to right what I had. I will do that in a few hours.
GREAT JOB Logging
And we DO want to know Misss Thang
Thanks for Joining us Amie


>>> Tameika 03/13/06 9:37 AM >>>
This weekend I ate..

Friday...
Sausage egg and cheese biscuit
Jr. Bacon Cheese burger and a 5 piece
For Dinner I went to famous Dave's...you don't even wanna know

Saturday..
1 roll of girl scout cookies w/ 2% milk
1 grilled chicken salad with fat free dressing
1 grilled chicken salad with fat free dressing

Sunday
Cereal
Oven fried chicken breast, rice-a-roni, and corn on the cob

Today...
Cereal
Lite yogurt


>>> Amie 3/13/2006 9:15 AM >>>
Today, Day One, I have eaten so far:
2 packs of Reduced Sugar Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal (4pts)

>>> Tameika 03/10/06 7:52 AM >>>
Yesterday I ate...

Sausage egg and cheese biscuit
Buffalo Chicken salad...extra dressing
Root beer

>>> Deborah3/10/2006 7:25 AM >>>
day 1, 3/9/06

1 plain bagel
1 scrapbook sandwich, 3 potato chips
1 can tomato soup
3 matzo crackers
4 choc chip cookies


Posted by denigood at 08:46 PM | Comments (4)

April 07, 2006

Nachos Grande

Was POINTS® value of | 16
Now POINTS® value of | 7
Servings | 4
Preparation Time | 5 min
Cooking Time | 10 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

snacks | Using beans instead of ground beef helps bust fat and boost fiber in this zesty Tex-Mex treat.


Ingredients

4 oz baked low-fat tortilla chips
9 oz fat-free canned refried beans
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese
1 cup salsa
1/2 cup guacamole


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.


Place chips closely together on a nonstick baking sheet. Top with beans, cheese and salsa.


Heat until cheese melts, about 10 minutes. Serve with dollops of guacamole. Yields about 12 chips per serving.


Chef Tips

We renovated Nachos Grande by:

Swapping low-fat tortilla chips for full-fat tortilla chips.


Replacing stir-fried ground beef with fat-free and fiber-rich refried beans.


Using reduced-fat Mexican Cheese instead of Monterey Jack cheese.


Reducing the amount of guacamole and omitting the sour cream.


Posted by denigood at 11:15 AM | Comments (2)

April 06, 2006

greek salad with creamy feta dressing

POINTS® Value | 3
Servings | 4
Preparation Time | 20 min
Cooking Time | 0 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

light meals | Feta cheese and buttermilk combine in this creamy yet tangy dressing. If you can find reduced-fat feta, use it.

Ingredients 1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
2 tsp red wine vinegar
1/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp table salt
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 medium scallion(s), minced
1 head romaine lettuce, cut or torn into bite-size pieces
2 medium tomato(es), cored and cut into wedges
1 medium bell pepper(s), seeded and cut into strips
1 large cucumber(s), peeled, halved lengthwise and sliced
1/4 cup red onion(s)
16 medium olive(s), pitted


Instructions

To prepare the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk buttermilk, sour cream, vinegar, oregano, salt, garlic powder and pepper; stir in feta cheese and scallion. On 4 plates, arrange lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, onion and olives. Serve the salads with dressing on the side.

Posted by denigood at 10:07 AM | Comments (3)

April 04, 2006

Frosted Banana Bread Muffins

POINTS® Value | 2
Servings | 24
Preparation Time | 27 min
Cooking Time | 12 min
Level of Difficulty | Easy

cakes | Homemade muffins like these make wonderful hostess gifts. Simply wrap them in foil and add a bow.

Ingredients


1 sprays cooking spray
3 Tbsp vegetable oil
2/3 cup unpacked brown sugar
3 large banana(s), or 4 medium, mashed
2 tsp lemon zest, grated
1 large egg(s)
1 large egg white(s)
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp table salt
1/3 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup golden seedless raisins
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice


Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat 24 mini muffin tins with cooking spray.


Blend together oil and brown sugar. Beat in bananas, lemon zest, egg and egg white.


In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.


Gently stir half the flour mixture into banana mixture; stir in buttermilk, remaining flour mixture and raisins.


Divide batter among muffin pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, about 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a rack to cool completely.


To make frosting, blend powdered sugar and lemon juice together. Drizzle over cooled muffins

Posted by denigood at 01:58 PM | Comments (4)

April 02, 2006

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http://www.dwlz.com/restaurants.html

http://www.timeforfitness.com/exercise/chair.htm

Posted by denigood at 01:58 PM | Comments (3)

April 01, 2006

General Tsao's Chicken

Was POINTS® value of | 15
Now POINTS® value of | 6
Servings | 4
Preparation Time | 20 min
Cooking Time | 10 min
Level of Difficulty | Moderate

main meals | You can enjoy this Asian classic once again by sautéing – instead of deep-frying – it. Serve it over rice to sop up every drop of the sauce.


Ingredients

3/4 cup canned chicken broth, reduced-sodium
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp peanut oil
2 medium scallion(s), chopped
2 medium garlic clove(s), minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, or 1 dried chili pepper, minced
1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cup cooked white rice, kept hot


Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together broth, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger; set aside.


Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions, garlic and pepper and cook 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook until browned all over, about 5 minutes.


Add reserved sauce and simmer until sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through, about 3 minutes.


Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Yields about 1 cup of chicken and sauce and 1/2 cup of rice per serving.

Chef Tips
We renovated General Tsao's Chicken by:

Cooking the chicken in a small amount of oil, instead of deep-frying it.
Eliminating the egg that would have been used in batter-fried chicken.
Using reduced-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce

Posted by denigood at 07:20 AM | Comments (1)