2/18/02 240lbs

I thought I'd start a journal here to keep myself honest :flower:

If I keep in mind that people are reading this then I think I'll have a better chance of sticking to it! Please, anyone, feel free to make comments or suggestions whenever the urge might strike you! Although, I can't imagine my life is that interesting :) Who knows!

I didn't exercise today. There's no good excuse for it really. I just hate it. Plain and simple. :ex: Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to peal myself out of bed and (as my mother likes to say) JUST DO IT! I'd just like to be able to write that I did it in here!

Water! I'm drinking! And (excuse me for my crudeness) peeing all the time, but the bathroom is down stairs (20 stairs) so I'm getting some exercise running up and down! :hop:

Food! I'm eating! Breakfast was 1 cup of Special K Red Berries cereal (no milk- ate it at work.) I just ate my Banana and I have carrots I'm about to start munching on... tomato soup for lunch and dinner will probably be a Healthy Choice frozen dinner (for portion control- I'm trying to train myself and my stomach again)

Well, that's it for now! Until Tomorrow :snow:

I'm glad you started a journal--it's a great step. I began one about 2 weeks ago, and it's been really helpful. Just remember to be honest. No one will be angry. If you're honest with us, you'll be honest to yourself, and that's what counts.

Your menu sounds really healthy--looks like you're off to a great start. And water is such a good thing!

Good luck to you and I hope to read many more of your posts!

Julie

Well alright Nutdoc your own journal. I will be visiting everyday to see how you are doing. And I love the phrase your mom uses for getting you outta bed......lol
As for exercising trust me no one likes it when they first start. But after awhile it gets to be something you look forward to. OMG I never thought I would be saying something like that........:)
Have a great day and I will be reading this all the time.(that's a promise)

Judy2:rose:

I'm back already,

It is so hard to work on a college campus.

Here I am minding my own business... eating my carrots listening to Hootie on the radio and suddenly the smell of Pizza invades my office. I LOVE Pizza. I tolerate carrots.

I work across the hall from one of the dinning halls here on campus and we share a ventilation system apparently.
X-(
Now I know that the dinning halls pizza is most likely disgusting and is nothing like what I am imagining it to be... but that smell, ugh! Cruel and unusual punishment!
:lily:
However! Campus dinning halls are partly why I am here at DT. 40 of these pounds were donated by the dinning halls. SO! knowing what I know now, why would I want to subject myself to that crap again? Carrots are sweet, and crunchy. Sure there is no stringy, greasy, cheese, but I'm on my way to being a healthier and happier person. One carrot at a time!

Wow, I feel better!
I'm going to like this journal thing!
Thanks Balebis and Judy2! It's nice to have some ears to bend!

2*19*02 237lbs :hop:

I lost 3lbs!- not since yesterday... yesterday's weight was not current. It was my last known weight. :)

Today I have class @ 9:00am so I didn't get to exercise BUT I intend to get some exercise when I get home from work... My night class is cancelled today! Yippy! :sadtohapp

Breakfast__Banana

Snak__Carrots, Green Beans, Crackers

Lunch__Soup (Progresso's Chickarina!)

Dinner__Healthy Choice Frozen dinner with a large portion of green peas to bulk it up!

Well that's it for now!
Gotta get ready for class! :flower:

WAYTO GO NUTDOC

3 pounds gone .YEAAAAAAAAAAAH
Bet you feel wonderfull right now. Keep up the great work.:)Im routing for you.:coach:

Judy2

I really need an Icon here with a Stetson hat....

Anyhow, welcome to diettalk! You sound so motivated!

:coach: GET UP AND EXERCISE!

did that help?

Congratulations on your weight loss! You're on you way!!

Julie :hop:

:ex: I got some good exorcize today actually! It was built right into my day! I walked- briskly- from one end of the campus to the other 3 1/2 times. I'm not sure of the distance... but it took about 30min so I think it was helpful in getting the heart rate up there. I almost climbed up 10 flights of stairs, just to do it, but I decided to take the elevator. I didn't want to get to the 10th floor and be all sweaty and out of breathe and try to speak. I'm considering going over there once a day on my lunch break and just climbing up all 12 flights for the heck of it. Maybe 5 flights to start with :) (4 times a week.)

Thanks Jorine, you are right!:whip:

I'm dinking the water...

I had soup for lunch, it hit the spot!
(note to self, remember the can opener next time.

I had a tough night last night.
I'm one of those people who is hungry about every 3-4 hours. I've began to eat little healthy snacks throughout the day and that helps- but at night from 4:00pm or so I just feel starved- even shortly after I have just eaten. It's so frustrating.

I tried to drink water to fill me up- but that didn't work.
I tried going to sleep, but the hunger kept me awake, and it was after 8 and I try not to eat before bed, if possible.
- I can't really be hungry. I eat plenty. What's wrong with me?

Is my stomach just throwing a temper tantrum because my body is now burning off the fat for energy? Is my stomach jealous? 8-}

Thanks for the support Judy2 and Balebis!

Until tomarrow!

Nutdoc:

So the worst time for you is around 8pm or so. Well have you tried eating popcorn. Get the one without butter for the microwave. Even if you eat a whole bag it's a good filler with few calories. Or try a no fat FUDGESICLE (Good Humor Brand) with a grand total of only 46 calories. They are delicious and mmmmmmmmmmm. Another thing I love is sugar free raspberry jello. Only 7 calories for a half cup. Sometimes I go whole hog and eat 2 cups . Big 28 calories when Im done and I don't feel guilty at all for finishing the bowl.:D
Another suggestion ........buy the soup with lids that pull off that way you don't need a can opener.:rofl:
Keep up the great work :ex: :ex:

Judy2
:rose: :rose:

Hi, I was reading your journal and I, too used to eat every few hours! Now I try to keep to 3 main meals. But the worst to get rid of is to stop eating after dinner! What do I do if I get really hungry? Drink diet coke (0 cal) or yogurt drink (satisfy your hunger) or eat a little fruit if drinking water constantly doesn't help (that means that you are truly hungry). Hope this helps!

2/20/02 _236lbs!

Another pound? I must be a little dehydrated. :water:
After this Friday I'm only going to weigh myself once a week. Right now it's exciting because I seem to be loosing every day, but that will slow down and I don't want to become discouraged.

Popcorn! Of course. Good Idea! I crave starchy things- covered in fat! I've never seen brands with no butter (i'll look). There are some fairly tasty brands out there that are buttery and good but way low in fat! I like to put hot sauce on it. I like spicy hot things! I'll buy some this week for my survival kit.:laugh:

Jell-O kind of makes me gag, but raspberry is my favorite flavor (and green too) I should give it a try again. The fudgsicals are great too. I ate them all the time in the summer- Why not now? It's amazing how hunger can make you draw a blank and crave the unhealthy stuff.

Breakfast__ Oatmeal

Lunch__ Tomato soup- with the pop top :)

Snaks__ Carrots, green beans

Exercise!__ @3:00pm, I have a date with my step!

Dinner__ Healthy Choice Frozen Dinner with lots of Peas! They were on sale last week :laugh:

oh and Water x8!

Nutdoc:

Yeap I do agree that dieting can make the brain turn to mush. You stop thinking about all the things you can have and only worry about what you can't have. That's why I love doing a journal so many people offer advice as to what you can have rather than what you can't. Keep up the good work and ya gotta love having a date everyday with that cute lookin exercise...lol

Judy2:rose: :rose:

:rose:
Hi Dear Daughter,

I just read your Journal (I didn't know you were so literary!!!! - must be all that journalling you did in high school)
:cat: You're doing a terrific job....it seems like this journalling may be the way to go for you....:D
I didn't know you were doing so good. Looks like the clothes I bought you for your birthday will fit wonderfully...you will be so surprised!!!! But maybe not - you know your mother has terrific fashion sense!!!!
Even though I talk to you every day, it's kind of fun to reply to your journal.....

Keep up the good work and listen to the advice from these good women who are keeping track of you! Just remember your wise mothers advice - JUST DO IT!!!! (now I'll start working on all of this for myself - you set the good example!)

*

Love, Mom
:queen:

(Hey everybody! it's my Mom!) :o

Ma! You made it! So how do you like this sight? Kinda fun, eh? The people here are great!

Yeah, I think the journal all through high school and college (and now) has been good practice. I guess you always knew I was fabulous, you just didn't know how fabulous! Maybe I should change my career? I could finish my counseling degree, write some books and become the next Richard Simmons! But I think I should lose the weight first. Every good fitness mogul has a harrowing success story to back them up!

Talk to you later,
:x, me! :flower:

P.S. I wonder if we could be the first mother daughter team here at DT? :laugh:

That's so cool that your mom is logged on too!! I wish mine could do it, but she's shy of computers and hers doesn't have a modem to begin with (working on both her and the computer) I can't wait to start reading you mom's journal too!


:hop: Julie :hop:

It is such a nice day today... it smells like spring!

I was a little hurried this morning, forgot to bring something for lunch and didn't eat breakfast, but I keep oatmeal at work for such an occasion!

Breakfast__ Oatmeal

Lunch__ Oatmeal?

Snack__ got my carrots and green beans!

Dinner__ one of my frozen dinners and peas!

(And my multi-vitamin each night!)

:water:I'm not sure I'm drinking enough water. I think I'm averaging 60oz-80oz a day. Wait... I am doing OK. My cup holds 20oz and I average about 2 at work a day... then I drink at least 2 more at home... that's ummmm, isn't that like, 80oz a day? 64oz is recommended (eight- 8oz glasses), I think... I should be doing fine then.
:flower:

Nutdoc:

Well 2x oatmeal has got to be good for something......lol Not sure what but there has got to be something out there it's good for.:laugh:
Glad to see your mom on here. It's always nice to have family support.:)
Have a great day Nutdoc.

Judy2:rose:

Yesterday I went grocery shopping! I actually felt a silly sense of pride as I loaded my groceries at the check out line! I had veggies and fruit and of course my healthy choice bowels for dinner during the week.

While making out my grocery list (to reduce impulse buying!) I decided to bring sandwiches for lunch. I don't think I've been getting enough protein, and I think that is why I've been getting so hungry after dinner at night. So for lunch I will have a tuna sandwich, with maybe some soup. I'll eat like the Europeans do. Have my biggest meal in the middle of the day! :)

As for emergency munchies... I have raspberry Jell-O with bananas and popcorn! (Judy2's tips!)

Well, that's it for now!

Breakfast__ grapefruit!

Lunch__ chicken soup and crackers

Diner__ a piece of Tuna Steak, green beans and a sweet potato

I haven't been drinking my water today! I better get on it! :water:

Nutdoc:

Wow your really getting good at this. Im impressed with your grocery shopping. I know you said jello is not a favorite thing of yours but your giving it a try and that's so great. Hey I thought of soemthing else to munch on when you get the urge. How about rice cakes. I like the white cheddar ones. Soup and a sandwich are a great choice for lunch. Having a sandwich mid day somehow seems to last longer so as you don't feel hungry till supper time.:)
Keep up the good work Nutdoc(by the way did I ever tell you i LOVE your nickname)


Judy2:rose: :rose:

:DToday it's supposed to get into the 40s and 50s. Too bad I'm stuck in my windowless office all day. (They really need a sunshine icon)

Breakfast__ 1/2 bagel and FF cream cheese

lunch__ tuna

Dinner__ HC bowel

Snacks__ carrots, pretzels, and tomato Juice

Water__ x8 :water:

Judy2, great idea. Rice cakes are another one of those foods I used to eat and forgot about. There are some good flavors these days. I remember liking the cheddar cheese ones I think I remember liking the popcorn cakes too. I think there was a caramel flavor. The best part is I can eat them now not because I HAVE to, but because I want to. Big difference!

And I'm glad you like my nickname. I thought it was a cute considering I'm (almost) a counselor. I mean it in a light-hearted way. Some people find it offensive, but you can't please everyone all of the time. You can only take political correctness so far.:)

:)
Oh, and I wanted to tell you and everyone else that might be reading this about a book that I love. I've had it a while, it was recommended to me about a year go and has been sitting on my shelf for about that long. I picked it up yesterday and fell in love with it. You really should pick up a copy. It's called..

Food and Mood
-second edition-
The complete guide to Eating
Well and feeling your Best
By Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D.

"A personal blueprint for controlling not only your cravings but your appetite, your weight, and maybe even your life."--New York Daily News
:)


My favorite section (being a counselor) is titled "Food and the Blues" It says that mild depression can be a sign of a deficiency of vitamin B1+B2, niacin, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Vitamin C and D might also help to combat the blues. Pretty neat!

There are also sections about why our bodies crave fat, salt, chocolate, sugar, carbohydrates etc. Knowing why can be helpful and she tells you how to satisfy those cravings and still be healthy and happy.

There are lists of foods and what vitamins, minerals carbs and fats they contain and how much of it you should be eating.

I just can't say enough good things about it. It's stuffed with great info and it’s nondiet specific. It's wonderful!

That's enough of my ranting and ravings! Check it out!

bye all.

Nutdoc:

for sure I will check out the book you recommended. Sounds like one I would like to read.
It's a beautifull day here. I went to my Aquafit class and didn't even have to have a winter coat on today.:D I am definetly a summer person. And :wazzup: with no window in your office? Take a sledge hammer tommorrow and make your own......:D
Have a great day Im going to go for a run it's way too nice to stay inside.

Judy2

**Mental picture of nutdoc swinging a sledgehammer through the wall and craeating a window into <gasp> the neighboring office!**

You guys crack me up!

I've thought about it, believe me :) Unfortunately, the walls are concrete.

:laugh:

Hello Nutdoc. You are my new journal of the week, I try and read a journal everyweek. Well sounds like your doing great. Excersice is Hard to get started I can't even spell it. But once you do you'll realize that its good for you. Your walking sounds good, and doing stairs wow that would be awesome. I also have a hard time between 3:00 and Dinner time. Lately I've been having a cup of Instant coffee with creamer, or pretzels. Rice cakes are
good, Fruit, I Am a Bean freak. For a low calorie snack you can a have a corn tortilla cal, with a 1/4 cup of beans some onion Hot sauce, Nuke it. Just a thought. I love Spicy food, Hot chilies, Tabasco, Whoooooooooooo Baby! At night I have a Healthy Choice Fudge bar, EE YUM, Well good luck I'll be checkin in on you!

Well, today was somewhat of a bad-eating day. I can admit it.
We had a recognition ceremony for our students who are doing well, and those darn refreshment get me every time!

Breakfast__ a sesame bagel and 2 little containers of Light cream cheeses and Tangerine Juice.

Lunch__ four mini éclairs, 2 cups of punch, about 3 handfuls of potato chips and onion dip

Snacks (I packed, but might not eat.)__ Pretzels, Tomato Juice, Banana

Dinner__ HC dinner bowel

Not the end of the world! :)
:coach: I'll make up for it.

And thanks Maximum! That was an excellent suggestion! I'll try the coffee idea (decaf at night!) And the Bean Burrito sounds yummy! I love that kind of thing! I wish I had more time during the week to cook! I love it! On weekends I try and make myself at least one special thing for myself! That's on the list!

I hope to see you here more often :D

Nutdoc:

Your right it's not the end of the world to have a couple of eclairs. I believe that food was made to be eaten in moderation. and once we get to our goal then we have to teach ourselves that so we NEVER get in this predicament again. It's too bad I wasn't this smart a few years ago. ...lol
Your attitude is great for someone that is deprived of oxygen all day in that windowless office. You said taking a sledgehammer there was out as it would only give you a view of the office next to you. So how about this. Get a artist to come in and paint a window scene. Tell your boss it has to be changed at least every other month or you'll go stark raving mad and try jumping .:rofl:
Just kidding here.
Your doing great keep up the good work.

Judy2:rose:

Pshaw! Don't freak out about the eclairs! You're fine, you'll work it off tomorrow! The first MONTH of my new diet was hard for me, too. It took that long to retrain my body to understand that it didn't need food every two hours. I made myself a plan about when and where I would eat (no snacks at work) and gave myself a specific limit about what kind of snack (just one) I could eat when I got home from work. I finally figured out that if I was careful about it, I wouldn't be ravenous at dinner time. WHOOHOO! And if it's possible for ME to start feeling full and stop eating ALL the time, it's possible for just about anybody! And you, with your determination and your water (I hate water) will do so much better than that!
About the office: get some extra lamps and a fern and an ivy. Ferns do well without sunlight. And hang a couple of stems of dried eucalyptus over the door; it freshens the air a bit every time somebody walks in! And have you thought about yellow walls? Wal-Mart actually has a nice, soft yellow paint called "Sunlight" that I used in my dark, cavelike diningroom. Brightened it up considerably!

Well, I didn't write yesterday. I had a busy, but basically uneventful day.

I ate...

Breakfast__ skipped :(

Lunch__ Open Face Tuna Melt

Snacks__ none

Dinner__ HC Bowel

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TODAY IS COLD!!!!! :snow: Winter is back and boy, oh, boy is he angry!

March is certainly coming in like a lion! :cat:

I was late for work today and so I skipped breakfast and forgot to pack a lunch so today's meals are/where/will be...

Breakfast__ skipped :(

Lunch__ carrots and pretzels

Dinner__ HC Bowel and peas or green beans.

Tomorrow is MARCH!!!!!:hop:

Nutdoc:

:wazzup: With the no breakfast bit. Breakfast girl is the most important meal of the day. And yeap if I sound like a mom it's because I am. lol
You need to eat girl. Busy day or not you need nourishment. Ok enough harping at you......:D
I hope you have a great day today.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Oh judy2, I know I’ve been bad. :frown: But, I promise, starting Monday, March 4th things are going to change. I'll let you in on a secret-- I really didn't advertise it, but these past couple weeks were practice for March 4th (and the rest of my life.) Besides, it's nice to have a 10lbs head start!

Why March? I'll tell you tomorrow! (I'll keep you in suspense :laugh:

Why the 4th? Because it's the first Monday. Mondays are the best days to start!

Starting on Monday, March 4th, 2002 I will exorcize 5 times a week (So what if I hate it- it's what I have to do!). I will make healthy food choices whenever possible which will include (but is not limited to) watching portion size, calories, and fat. Oh, and drink my water and take my vitamin!

This time I will stick to it because, I'm SO tired of watching the years pass and never reaching my goal. I'm giving myself a year to loose all 80lbs. That's plenty of time.

Plus, my friend is getting married July 27th, I'd like to have made some progress by then!

I'm so glad I found this sight! I'm surprised. I didn't think it was possible to feel this inspired by people who remain anonymous. Although, anonymity is probably what helps us all to be so honest with each other.

Watch out world here I come!!!!!! he he he:laugh:

Nutdoc:

Whew I just got home from work and it's funny but I couldn't stop thinking about you tonight. I knew something wasn't right when I read your last posts this morning. Call it a sixth sense if you want or just call it a sick sense if you want :D
So March 4th huh! leaves me to wonder all night long about this.Me thinks the girl is trying to drive me 8-} Or could it be hmmmmmmmmm maybe Nutdoc's birthday perhaps......
That's my guess so I have to wait and see if I am right tommorrow. And way to go on committing to 5 days of exercise. Wooo Who.....ya know Im gonna bug you to do it now don't ya.......:rofl:
Take care and I will be reading your journal first thing in the morning.:)

By the way I agree with you about people being so honest on here. It's probably because we don't know each other. But on the other hand I am the same way here as I am everywhere. Even though Nutdoc we will probably never meet in real life I consider you a friend of mine and I will worry about you as I do all my other friends.

Bye for now

Judy2:rose: :rose:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

:bd :gift: :tongue:arty: :cake:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!


How old you ask. 25. The Big 2-5!
My car insurance company finally considers me an adult!


Jeez, I can't put anything past you Judy2, but if you haven't guessed by now. TODAY"S MY BIRTHDAY! It's a little know holiday devoted to the celebration on me!

I start Monday, and not today because my parents are coming up to visit me and they are taking me out to dinner tomorrow and I'm eating what ever I want! Then on Monday... well, you know.

:bd

Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Nutdoc Happy Birthday to you.
WOW I am good.........lol But see we have something more in common now. My birthday is in March also. But oh how I wish I was the big 25 again. unfortunately I will be the BIG 45 this year. And Monday is the perfect day to start on the road to success. I hope you have a great time with your parents and have exactly what you want girl cuz come Monday I am going be on your case about the 5x a week exercise promise. I'll bet you bye July no one will reconigse the difference in you. Me thinks Nutdoc is going be way under the 200 pound mark by then:)
Do me a favor have a peice of birthday cake for me today and I'll have one for you when it's my birthday.:D
Congratulations on reaching ADULT STATUS with the insurance company. But trust me being an adult ain't all what is cracked up to be......lol

Have a :super: day Nutdoc.

Judy2

Happy Birthday Nutdoc!!!
:cake: :balloons: :bd :tongue:arty:

Woooo Hoooo!!!

Nutdoc:

Ok ok the suspense is killing me. What did you get and do for your birthday?????????????????


Judy2:rose: :rose:

Hold on 'cause here we go! Today is the day! :o

Last night I sat down (with my dad on the phone) and calculated my Basal Metabolic Rate to find how many calories I can eat in a day and still loose 2-3lbs a week. Turns out it's 1,588. :up:

I also planed my meals for today and figured out all the calories and fat for each item- and here it is...

**************************************************
Breakfast__ Grapefruit (78-cal, 0-fat) and 1 Blueberry Banana muffin (120-cal, 0-fat)

Lunch__ 2 slices of bread (260-cal, 5-fat) Tuna + Mayo (60-cal, 1.5-fat) American Cheese (45-cal, 3-fat) Tomato Juice (70-cal, 0-fat) 3 mini Pickles (15-cal, 0-fat)

Snacks__ 1 1/3 cup Carrots (80-cal, 0-fat) 1 1/3 cup Green Beans (50-cal, 0-fat) 24 pretzels (120-cal, 1-fat) and Tea (Freebie!)

Dinner__ Shrimp and Vegetables (280-cal, fat-5) 2/3 cup Green Peas (70-cal, .5-fat)

Emergency Snacks__ 1/2 bag Popcorn (110-cal, 2-fat) 1 cup raspberry Jell-O (40-cal, 0-fat) w/ ½ banana (52.5-cal, 0-fat)

*Today’s Total cal_1358 fat_18g (trying to keep it around 20g)
**************************************************

Boy, I'm making myself hungry!
I'll also take my "one a day" vitamin and make an effort to drink the water! :water:

AND! For :ex: I will be climbing the stairs at work. As many flights as I can reasonably handle! Maybe each week I'll add a flight. We'll see.

So here I go. It's always exciting in the beginning! Exercising is going to be my greatest challenge. I hope I can learn to like it, even love it!

Too bad I just got a few nice outfits for my birthday- I'll only be able to ware them for a few more months. I better find a good seamstress. :)

Have a great day everyone!

Judy2, I got a lot of nice little stuff. A nice dress, and a new long skirt and a picture and some lose tea and an Ann Rule book.

Dinner was wonderful! I wont touchier you with the details, but my parents surprised me with a few slices of cheesecake. I ate a piece for you! :) And I'm trying to devise a way to recreate (the low fat version) the pork marinated in apple cider vinaigrette. I think I can do it. It was wonderful... don't worry I'll share the recipe.

Nutdoc:

Glad to see your back and ready to tackle the world
:D . By the way I didn't mention this to you but see you picked a really special day to start the road to the new you. It just so happens to be my anniversary today:)
Your menu looks terrific. Im so glad your Dad helped you and that means you have the support of both your parents which is so important. As for exercising utdoc your gonna love it once you get into it. I hated it at first.................made myself do it though and then finally found some form of exercise I trully love. The water aerobics class. And another I noticed is that once the weight started dropping off I didn't hate the exercising so much. Maybe it was because I couldn't do the things I do now without getting outta breathe.
Anyways Nutdoc I am going keep a eye on you and I so look forward to reading your journal and progress on your road to success.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Well, I just climbed up to the 5th floor of the high rise dorms next to my office. I took a few minutes to catch my breath in the stairwell and road the elevator down. Didn't take too long, but it was more dificult then I original thought it would be. I might do it again later, but I think it's a better idea to do it in the morning when there are less people awake in the dorms. I'd prefer not to be seen huffing and puffing in the stairwell. :) It's actualy the first time I've even been in the dorms. They're actualy kind of nice.

I don't know if I mentioned this to you before or not, but www.fitday.com is a great place to register. It's free and it calculates your calories and fat (and anything else you want) every day. You can also create new foods to match what's in your fridge. Check it out! :hop:

Wonderful! I'll definatly give it a try, Julie!!! Thanks! I was having trouble finding a good sight. I went to www.caloriescount.com. I didn't like it too much.

Also, could you tell me how you got that icon of a cat near your name? I see people have them, but i don't know where or how to do it myself. I think they are neat!

Isn't my kitty cool?! It looks just like my Gypsy at home! Go to your profile, and click on edit profile. When the page comes up, the bottom asks if you would like to add an avatar. You can pick from several or add your own. John just added this feature along with the stats line. Go for it!

nutdoc.
Thought I would pop in
I am very impressed about the two a day oatmeal. I really really really have tried to learn to like it but mostly I tolerated it and eat it for breakfast because when my hubby and I backpacked through europe 2 years ago we took it and ate it everymorning since we were broke and man it has staying power I try that and a protein drink. Lately when I am hungry and dinner is a long way a way I try a very low cal soup like lipton(china dolls suggestion) or some hot herbal tea. For snacks I do the popcorn thing I like fruit, tomatoes and salt ( I know I know everyone gets me for the sodium but Its sooooooo gooood) I to have an afinity for campus food that has become my nemesis ( 65 pounds) and am hoping that DT will hold my will power straight and narrow. are you doing a bachelors or graduate degree. I am finishing up my bachelors this year. Well thanks for letting me stop by. I will be checking in because your journal always brings a smile
CJ 5

:wazzup: Nutdoc:

Just thought I would stop in and see how your doing. Just think pretty soon your going be running those flights of stairs up and down. Zooooooom there she goes again. Yeap that's what I can hear them saying. Have a great day Nutdoc.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Wow, what a busy day!

This morning I woke up and had breakfast. Then I was sitting on the couch and thought "I have 20 minutes. Why don't I do my step?" So I did. (I also did it last night for a 1/2 hour!):ex: And you know what. I don't hate it. I don't love it, but I don't hate it! I just step up and down, up and down, up and down. And I have my hand weights too. I figure the more muscles involved the better.

I went to the www.fitday.com sight! I really like it. I plan to use it everyday! I think it will be real helpful!

Today's menu (much like yesterday's)...

Breakfast__ grapefruit and Banana Blueberry muffin

Lunch__ Tuna Sandwich Tomato Juice

Snacks__ Pretzels and green beans (and 2 handfuls of smart food pop corn)

Dinner__ HC dinner bowel w/ peas

I plan to take a hike up the stairs soon after I'm finished typing this!

There is not much else to report. It's only the second day of the rest of my life... so everything is still exciting. I just hope I can keep up the motivation and enthusiasm! I think I will, some how it feels different this time.:D

Nutdoc:

I don't think exercise when it was invented was a thing we are suppose to love doing. Some forms of exercise are a lot of fun while other forms are pure torture. Im really glad to hear you don't mind doing the step. And at least Im not the only one who doesn't love doing a certain exercise. For me it's the dreaded stomach crunches. I never liked situps when I was younger but GAWD I can't seem to do these crunches and find a way I would like them if I could do them right anyways.......lol
I do love going to the water aerobics thou. It's a hoot. We have one guy in it that cracks me up from the time we start till it's over. Most days I wish it was longer than 25 minutes.
Keep up the great work and the world is yours to conquer.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Well, this morning I'm skipping the step and the stairs at work. My calves are tight. BUT! I am parking on the other side of campus and walking to work today. :ex:

Yesterday, when I was climbing the stairs at work, the 5th floor seemed so much farther. I wasn't sure I could make it all the way to the 5th floor. But I did! Then 1/2 hour later I got up to go to class and my legs were shaky and trembling. It was sort of funny. I didn't feel like I would fall or anything, but my legs were very tired. The walk to class felt so much farther then usual. It was interesting. So I'm going to take it a little easy on my self today! But I'm still going to eat right of course.

Last night I was sooooo hungry. It was 9:30 and I couldn't stand it, so I looked at the calories I had eaten that day and saw that I still had a few hundred to spare so I had 2 banana blueberry muffins (they are small) and a huge glass of water and it did the trick!

Today's menu...

Breakfast__ grapefruit and Banana Blueberry muffin

Lunch__ Tuna Sandwich Tomato Juice

Snacks__ yesterday's leftover carrots and Green beans
Dinner__ :chef: a BOCA "Whopper w/ cheese" :laugh: with roasted sweet potato fries and green peas! YUM!

I guess that's it. Have a great day!

Oops! I dated my last post wrong! It's today's 3*6*02!!!! But that's ok... it says it on the bottom left anyway. :)

Nutdoc:

Congrats on the 3 pounds you have lost. :D It's great the way your thinking of things to do more in the way of exercising. I like the idea of parking farther away so you have to walk more.Not sure what happened to your legs but take it slow and easy for a couple of days. Your body is adjusting to all kinds of new things right now and it's bound to rebel just a bit in some way. By the way and here I go sounding like a mom again.:( Your only fruit I see is grapefruit. What about a banana everyday or a orange at least maybe a apple ? Fruit and vegetables are important in a diet. Ok so enough harping at you for today that is.:laugh:
Have a great day Nutdoc. Your gonna win this battle with no prob at all. :D

Judy2:rose: :rose:

:tomato:Your absolutely right I should be eating a little more fruit. I think as far as veggies go I'm ok, but I just don't have any fruit in the house. I didn't do a good job grocery shopping this past week, however I'm going today after class to pick up some fresh foods.

I'm going to buy some ugli fruit! They are wonderful, but expensive. They had a humungous pile of them at the grocery store last week and they were still 99c each. I figure as they sit there ripening the price will drop. He he he. I'm also going to get some bosc pears. Things like that. I also would like to eat more salads. I like to make chicken salads and things like that. They make nice lunches (and dinners)!

And thanks for noticing the 3lb loss! Losing some weight definitely makes this healthy eating thing a little more fun!:hop:

I can't believe it snowed!:snow: Just when you think spring is just around the corner. Oh well.

I went to the grocery store and bought some good stuff. Boy, did I have a tough time avoiding the temptation. But I am proud to say that I did! I shopped with a list. It keeps me from straying badly. Unfortunately, I was shopping hungry as well. So that didn't help either. By the time I went on a search for the pita bread (the last item on the list) I was repeating to my self over and over. "Your ok, just get the pitas and get out of her then you'll be fine... Your ok, just get the pitas and get out of her then you'll be just fine... Your ok, just get the pitas and get out of her then you'll be fine... Your ok, just get the pitas and get out of her then you'll be ok... Your ok, just get the pitas and get out of her then you'll be absolutely fine..."

So I made it out of there with out a pizza in my cart! Or anything else High fat or High Calorie!

Then I went home and decided that I need to eat something quick so I popped a Smart Ones Gnocchi with Grilled Chicken in the microwave... mixed it with some mixed veggies and ate that. Once the signal that food was being digested in my stomach go to my brain I felt human again. I'll have the Boca whopper with the roasted sweet potato fries on Friday!

Today's menu is a little different today...

Breakfast__ grape fruit and Banana Blueberry muffin

Lunch__ 1/2 Ham and Turkey Pita w/cheese lettuce and tomato extremely low fat mayo and mustard.

Snack__ carrots, green beans and pretzels

Dinner__ HC Thai Style Peanut Chicken and noodles (one of my very favorites!) and a heap of veggies to go with it!

Oh, exercise! :ex: I'll be walking back and forth across campus 4 times today (instead of driving) and I think I'm going to climb the stairs again this morning. My caves are still stiff, but I think they can handle it today. 5th floor here I come!

Well I guess that's it. I have to get ready for work... I'm running soooo late! Have a great day!

I like the way you talk about walking around campus and going up stairs as your exercise for the day. I think sometimes we get so caught up on the thought that long routines at the gym or with a video or weights is the only form of exercise. It's great for those that can realistically keep up.

I think doing the small things like walking instead of driving, like you're doing, is more do-able and can make a big difference toward a healthy lifestyle. You're doing great!

:flower: thinkspring

Thanks thinkspring! :) I agree. I have a hard time fitting in exercise. I'm away from home, most days, from 9am to 7pm. By the time I get home I'm tired and I just want to eat and watch TV. I try to do my step aerobics tape in the morning, but most days I can't rip myself out of bed on these cold winter mornings and I end up running late for work. So I sneak it in whenever I can. :ex: I work on a University Campus and there is a High Rise Dorm attached to my building so I sneak over there and take a walk up the stairs. I can only make it up 5 flights at this point, but it's amazing exercise! Someday I'd like to be able to go all the way to the top floor. But at this rate it will be a while before that happens.

So in short, yeah, if you're creative, you will never have to set foot on a gym. :) I prefer burning my calories this way.

NutDoc:

:coach: Your rocking now girl. Another pound Woooooooo Whooooo. Bet you feel like a million bucks. I know I did when it started coming off. For me now it's harder as I have lost 30 pounds and the rest is going to be agonizily slow coming off. But Im not giving up by any means. I will get to my goal eventually and I feel so much better than I ever did. So glad to see that you got outta the store without that pizza.:D
By the way what is a Boca Whopper...........never heard of it.
Have a :super: day. Im just going relax now till I have to go to work. Listening to my cd's and browsing the journals...........Aweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee


Judy2:rose: :rose:

Thanks, Judy2 it does feel great. But it is only the first week. It's bound to come off quick. It's towards the end that the body holds on to each fat molicule for dear life. YOU keep up the good work too!

The Boca Whopper is something I made up. My dad and I always laugh about how much fat and calories Burger King can pack into a Whopper. Of course I love them, but never eat them because I can feel my arteries clogging as I eat one.

So, I made my own version (I'll be plugging in the numbers tonight or tomorrow. I'll be able to compare the real whopper with mine. I think you'll be shocked!)

A Boca Burger is something my dad got me into. They are basically soy burgers (meatless). Boca is the brand. I avoided them for a long time because I thought they would taste disgusting. I was wrong. http://www.bocaburger.com

They are very good for you. Especially for women. Women can't seem to get enough soy in their diets these days. And they taste a lot like a hamburger.

My Boca Whopper is a Boca Burger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, American cheese, mayo and ketchup. Just like the real thing, only guiltless.

Nutdoc:

That Boca whopper sounds great. Not sure if Boca is sold in the stores around here but I am definetly gonna check it out.:D
It's suppose to be a beautifull day here today so I am waiting till later this morning to go for a nice long walk. I am finally on vacation so I don't have to worry about getting back in time to get ready for work.:)
Have a great day Nutdoc.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Great! (If they sell them there) they are in the frozen section with the veggie burgers and stuff. On the Boca web sight there is a spot where they tell you where you can find them in your area. You could try that.

Have a nice vacation!

It's a nice day today, but the sun is hiding.

I'm a little ticked-off X-( because my professor didn't show up for our meeting this morning. I think that's fairly unprofessional. It's bad enough that I have to sit there and watch myself counseling a client on videotape with him, but now that he skipped, I have one less meeting over and done with. (We are required to meet 7 times). But, it sort of puts the ball in my corner when he looks like a shmuck. :laugh:

Today I plan to get some homework done, prepare for my midterm, and relax.

I also plan to exercise. :ex: :lift: For an hour while I watch general hospital. Not vigorously. Just up and down on my step with my hand weights doing arm things (Very technical terminology, I know) to get my heart rate up and going steady.

Breakfast__ egg substitute and cheese (low fat cheese singles) breakfast sandwich on an oat bran english muffin

Lunch__ a tuna salad, salad (tuna salad in with lettice and tomatos etc.)

Dinner__ :chef: The Boca Whopper with cheese you've heard so much about with the sweet potato fries and mixed veggies.

Snacks__ carrots and pretzels.

Totals 1219 cal, 15g fat

Well, guess that’s it for now… have a great day!
No! Have a wonderful day.:laugh:

This is my very favorite fruit! http://www.ugli.com/home.html I thought you might like to take a look.

It's called an Ugli fruit (the brand name), or a Uniq Fruit.

It's my dream to one day have an Ugli Tree, of my very own. Although, they don't grow up here in NY. I'd have to build the tree it's very own sun room, or something. Maybe I'll just move to Jamaca and buy a small grove.

:laugh:

Nutdoc:

So happy to see your doing great. I went and read up about the ugli fruit. Have to admit its the first time I heard of it. But then again I am not one to try new fruits out. So if I don't reconigse it I usally don't buy it.....Also tried to find those bocca burgers the other day ....no luck:c( But will keep trying as maybe one of the stores here will carry it.
Have a wonderfull Sunday Nutdoc and keep up the great work.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Today was probably the most stressful day I've had in ages! X-( Which makes me want to eat a huge bowl of gooey macaroni and cheese with little slices of hotdogs and a touch of ketchup, but fortunately I planed the menu for today early this morning, and as a result I am prepared.

What happened? Well, let me just say you spend a life time avoiding major conflict and then, one day...

Well, ok, here's the story. I won’t beat around the bush! My boss and my "supervisor" got into a ridiculously unprofessional, knock-down, drag-out fight about a project I'm working on this semester. (My supervisor gets "quotes" because I can't think of a title for her. The title supervisor gives her more power then she is entitled to. Hence, the "quotes," but she has been here for 15+ years and is supposed to help me with this project I'm working on. She's more of a hindrance then a help to me.) Anyways, I found myself trapped in my "supervisor's" little office while they argued and things escalated. My boss was in the doorway and I couldn't escape so I was forced to stand there while these two argued.

:ha: In my humble opinion, my boss was absolutely right. I know this because I'm aware that my "supervisor" is a total basket-case and basically a complete moron when it comes to effective and meaningful communication...

I guess this was a long time coming and I'm sort of glad that it happened. My "supervisor" needed to be put in her place. It was just terribly ocward (sp?) and uncomfortable to be such a close witness to such sandbox behavior.

:( The tension in the office is beginning to burn off like a morning fog (how poetic), but it's still very uncomfortable.

The old me would most likely have gone home and eaten this day away, but the new me knows that this day is almost over. I'll just stick to my menu, and tomorrow will be a new day.

:coach: AND, when all my tomorrows come and go, they will begin to pile up, and will undoubtedly be worth more to me than a huge bowel of creamy gooey Mac & Cheese!

I feel much better; I love my personal pep talks. :laugh:

Today's menu...

Breakfast__ Special K Red Berry Cereal and skim milk

Lunch__ 1/2 pita w/ a slice of ham, turkey and cheese and Tomato Juice

Snack__ carrots, pretzels and a Moca Cappuccino

Dinner__ a marinated chicken breast with (or in) a salad

Totals 1394cal 16g Fat

Wow, I hope I didn't hit my word limit. :)
Have a great rest of your day everyone!

Nutdoc:

Im sorry you had to witness that kind of a confortation between those two today. However it justs proves what I have been thinking all along about your determination.:D Nothing and no one is gonna make you break your determination for a new healthier you. Im so glad to see this strong side of you. I think that's what got me to where I am so far. Doesn't matter what happens in life FOOD is not the answer. I am also having chicken for supper.:)

Keep up the great work Nutdoc.
By the way where abouts in NewYork are you? I am coming to New York this summer with my daughters soccer team.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

I-) I can just tell today is going to be a good day. I could tell when I woke up to the birds chirping. I expected the sun to be shining, but it wasn't snowing, so that's enough for me.

I have class in 45 min so I have to remember to be brief this morning.

:ex: Exercise will be the stairs at work and maybe if I have energy left after class I'll to my step when I get home.

Today's menu (just about the same as yesterday)...

Breakfast__ Special K Red Berry Cereal and skim milk

Lunch__ 1/2 pita with a slice of Turkey, Ham, and Cheese

Snacks__ carrots and pretzels and a Moca Cappuccino

Dinner__ chicken breast sandwich with a slice of cheese on a roll.
___________________
Totals 1360cal 20g fat

Have a great day everyone!

Oh, and Judy2, I'm sorry, but I can't give out my exact location. You know how it is. There are lots of "nuts" out there. Being a "Nutdoc," this is something I know all too well. :) You seem like a nice lady from Canada with a couple of kids and a decent job, but for all I really know you could be a 6'6" hairy, dirty, predator, who is obsessed with my charming posts and wants to hunt me down and kill me before I'm able to even get to my goal, and enjoy it for a while. Sure it's a bit of an exaggeration, but I like my life. Especially now that it's just starting to get interesting I don't want my life to be made into the newest Lifetime movie. (Do you get the Lifetime network? If you do, you know exactly what I mean) Wow, I have to go! Talk to you later

:laugh: Don't think I have ever laughed so hard in my life Nutdoc. 6'6" and a hairy preditor. I am trying to imagine a picture of that and I can't get past the part of 6'6". ........LOL
And its ok not to give out your location. I just thought if you were anywhere near Rochester New York where the tournament is and wanted to come see a game you could. So you can open the shades and quit looking over your shoulder I promise I am only 5'4" clean slightly puggy and I swear I have no hair on my arms or chest.......hahahaha.
Have a great day Nutdoc.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Great! I'm glad you understand. :) Thanks for the invitation, but I'm not near the Rodchester area. That's all your getting! So stop hounding me, ok! Jeez!

:laugh:

:hop: Well, it's Wednesday, only 2 days until spring break! Almost there! I'm not going anywhere exotic or anything, but I'm going home to visit my parents and grandma for the week.

As for today, I'm working and then going to class like always. Today's class will have 2 presentations. One will be on the therapeutic use of yoga in treating specific mood disorders I think. Sounds really interesting, I'm just not too excited about the class participation portion of the class. As we all know, I'm a bit chunky, and the thought of attempting to contort my body, in my good work cloths, with the class doesn't exactly appeal to me.

I'm sure I'll be given the choice to participate, aka "Challenge by Choice", so I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

Today's menu was some what thrown together. I was running extraordinarily late for work this morning...

Breakfast__ 2 Blueberry Banana Muffins and this wonderful drink called Half & Half by Nantucket Nectars. It's Half Lemonade and Half Ice tea. Wait a minute! 200 calories, yickes. :frown: Too late, I already drank it. Looks as though I'll be making a low cal homemade version of that one. :) Shouldn't be too hard.

Lunch__ split pea w/ ham soup

Dinner__ Smart Ones frozen Dinner- they were on sale last week but I won’t be buying them anymore. It's almost all gravy, with a few little tinny pieces of chicken and 4 little gnocchi. It’s really quite pathetic. So, I'll be adding a leftover chicken breast to it.

Totals 1369cal 23g fat

Have a great day!

Oh, exercise is always an afterthought. :ex: I'll climb the stair here at work, and probably do my step at home again, with the hand weights. I actually had a good time doing it last night. I did it while I was watching Sienfeld for an hour, which sounds like a lot, but I wasn't pushing it. I just worked hard enough to get that glow of sweat and my heart beat working.

Nutdoc:

Great going 5 pounds gone forever. Keep up the good work and have fun on your spring break.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

This is my last day of stress... then I'm free for a week and 3 days!

I have a midterm for my Research Methods and Design class today @4:00. I think it goes with out saying that I'm not exactly looking forward to it. But, when it's over it will be over and I will have Spring Fever. :rose:

Breakfast__ skipped! Now, Judy2, don't get mad... I planed to skip breakfast today. I was having an awful craving for a BLT, so I saved my breakfast calories for an early lunch.

Lunch__ The Old me would have had a 12-inch BLT sub with mayo and American cheese. This time, the new me... I had the 6-inch sub (as apposed to the 12) on a wheat sub roll, Honey Mustard (instead of full fat mayo) and NO CHEESE!!!! I love cheese, but I now realize just how much fat and calories that adds, and I decided that the Bacon was a tastier fat to have. It was yummy.

Snack__ my trusty carrots and a handful of cheez-its. (the ceez-it’s were a whopping 220cal and 12g of fat- I have to stop putting food in my mouth before I know what kind of fat a calories it's hiding. I knew they were not great for me, but I was still surprised)

Dinner__ a healthy choice bowel (some chicken and rice thing)

Totals 1230cal 31g fat

For :ex: I walked across campus to my meeting and back (instead of driving) and I'll climb the stairs here at work. Today I will be home around 6:45pm so I'll have just enough time to eat and the do my step at 7:00 or 7:30. I'd like to do it for an hour today, I only ended up doing a half an hour yesterday, but I climbed the stairs at work too and did my free weights while I stepped so I think I had enough exercise. :)

I haven't been drinking as much water. I have to get back into that, now.

My grandmother is excited; when she comes to visit she and I are going to do our walks together. (She walks everyday for a half an hour or so. She's fast. It's hard to keep up with her. Not bad for a 78? year old woman.) So I know I'll get my exercise over break.

Eating out might be a little challenging, but I think I will be able to keep the calories down. We won't be going out a whole lot, and on the day's we do I'll adjust my other meals of the day to accommodate one higher calorie meal. I should be fine.

I plan to cook a few yummy meals for my mom, dad and grandma too. I'm going to make a Chinese “take out” meal. We'll have steamed dumplings, hot and sour soup (which I have a wonderful recipe for. It's all good for you. In fact, I'll post it for everyone! People think it's takeout. It's a hit!) And we'll probably have some kind of stir-fry thing for the main course.

Well, That’s it for today… I’ll go get that recipe for everyone…

CHINESE HOT & SOUR SOUP
by Mark Stevens

Ingredients:
6 cups chicken stock
1/4 lb julienned lean pork or chicken
2 tbsp garlic & red chile paste
2 tbsp soy sauce
3/4 tsp ground white pepper
4 eggs, beaten
5 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup sliced ****take mushrooms
1 can peeled straw mushrooms
1 can sliced bamboo shoots
1 can sliced water chestnuts
1 can baby corn ears
1 cake soft tofu, sliced into 1/4 inch cubes
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/4 cup dried black fungus (cloud ears), soaked in water for one hour, drained and sliced
finely chopped scallions for garnish

Preparation:
1. Bring stock to a simmer, add soy, pork, mushrooms & chile paste, simmer for 10 minutes.

2. add meat, pepper, vinegar, bamboo, baby corn, water chestnuts, fungus and tofu, simmer 10 min

3. Mix cornstarch with 5 tbsp water and add. bring back to a simmer and pour the eggs in a very thin stream over the surface. Let stand for 10 seconds before gently stirring in the sesame oil.

4. serve with a garnish of chopped scallions. The pepper, vinegar and chile paste can be varied to taste. You're a chile-head, you know what to do!

this is the web sight I found it at:
http://www.ebicom.net/~howle/page/hotnsour.htm

Hint: I like to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight, the tofu tastes much better that way! Or you can marinate the Tofu in the liquid ahead of time.

Oh, and sometimes I like to double the liquid so that it's a little soupier :)

I figured since I was obsessing about food, I might as well do it here where I can be constructive.

I'm having a hungry day. Although I'm not physically hungry, I have this need to eat large quantities of Chinese food. I was doing fine after I decided to make some for my family next week, but as luck would have it, my boss ordered a smorgasbord of Chinese for herself for lunch. Once I saw that I was having a hard time again.

It makes me so frustrated X-(, almost to the point of tears :c(, that there are people (like her) who eat what ever they want, when ever they want. And I can't. It's so hard. I guess I'm having a weak moment(s). But what's different about today as apposed to yesterday? That's what I can't figure out. Why today? Maybe this healthy eating thing is beginning to get old? Maybe, I'm more nervous about this midterm exam then I thought I was?

The old me hardly ever ate take-out or fast food, but for some reason, now I can't stop thinking about it. Now I think I know a little bit about how addicts must feel during recovery.

I guess this is partly because I'm still new to this smaller portions thing. Not only do I love food, I love lots of it. It's not so much the Chinese I want. It's the lots of Chinese I want. So that in itself tells me that it's a psychological issue. I don't want just a small order of General Tso Chicken. I want General Tso Chicken, Lo Mein, Steamed Dumplings, and an egg roll or two. So much food that I could not possibly eat it all (everyone knows Chinese Take-out portions are generous, but I'd have leftovers for later.

Maybe this is the time to reevaluate why I've turned this new leaf.

*I want to get down to a healthy weight.
*I want to be healthy.
*I want my heart and body to be strong.

With a lot of help from www.fitday.com I just went and figured out the calories and fat it would be if I were to indulge in my massive portions of Chinese Take out (as listed above). I would be eating approximately 3550cal and 165g of fat. And that's on top of the 572 calories I've eaten today already (pumping the grand total up to 4122cal). That sort of puts things into perspective. That's 1950 calories over my maximum daily allowance. And 140g of fat over my daily maximum.

It doesn't make the craving disappear (sadly:() but it takes some of the edge off.

I think I can make it. :coach: No, I know I can. It would be a shame to blow it now. I've only been at this, seriously, for 11 days. It's bound to be difficult in the beginning. :lily:

I made it through the midterm from hell :D, and I am now officially on vacation. I'm packing up the cat :cat: and I'm driving down to visit my parents today, so today's menu is somewhat uncertain.

Breakfast__ oat bran English muffin and egg substitute low fat cheese and ketchup. And 2 little kiwi fruits

Lunch/snacks__ (on the road foods) banana, carrots, water.

Dinner__ what ever I can make for us from what they have in their house, but it will be something healthy I'm sure. Fortunately they are healthy eaters too. (My dad's an ex-marathon runner, so growing up I was lucky enough to learn how to eat healthy. However, eating Marathon runner's portions and being a couch potato is what got me to where I am today.)

Totals 607cal 11g fat... so far, leaving 593cal-993cal for the rest of the day!

Have a great day! Until tomorrow!

Hi all. I'm enjoying my vacation. The eating is a little more difficult than I anticipated, but overall I'm doing fine.

I went to this wonderful place with my mother and grandmother, called Panera Bread. It's like a restaurant/coffee shop. I had a Panini, it's a hot grilled sandwich. What I had was called Frontega Chicken- it had smoked & pulled white meat chicken, red onion, mozzarella, tomato, chopped basil, and our Chipotle mayo, on Rosemary & Onion Focaccia. I was in heaven. If you have one in your area, I highly recommend it. http://www.panerabread.com
They have some healthy options, too. And the bread, ah, it's a carbohydrate addicts dream (or nightmare)?

Today we ate in. I cooked cornflake chicken, mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Cornflake chicken is just chicken that has been marinated (in a thick marinade or salad dressing) and coated with crushed cornflakes. And baked. Very good stuff. Speaking of stuff, I am STUFFED!

Well, I guess that's it. I just wanted to check in and let you guess know I'm still relatively on track. :)

Nutdoc:

So glad that your having a great time on your vacation. I'll bet your Mom and Grandma are happy to have you home for awhile also. I just finsihed having a week off from work also and I only have to work 3 days this week. Today being my last. It's a little bit more difficult being home all the time and having to stay on track with the eating and exercising part.
Im glad you let us know how your doing as it's always nice to know. Keep up the great work and have a wonderfull vacation they sure don't last as long as we would like them to.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Well, I'm slightly bummed, I think I may have gained about 2lbs on this vacation. But it's not official, I still have to check on my own scale. It's more reliable. I weighed myself on the scale here when I first arrived, and this morning it said I was heavier. But I think it's broken :laugh: I'm not going to let it get me down. I'll do an official weigh in on Monday when I get back to my apartment, and I'll take it from there.

My grandmother and I are going out to lunch at Friendly's and then we are going to do some shopping. Then when my mom gets home from work we are going to go out to dinner (to Penara's again) after I get my hair cut! I'm going to get a new look. I've needed a new hairstyle for a long time! I finally found a picture of what I want in a magazine.

My mom and I are bringing in my grandmother home this Friday. I don't want to sound like an ungrateful rotten grand daughter however, I'll be glad to bring her home. The volume on the TV has caused me to develop an eye twitch and her increasing hearing loss makes it imposable to communicate. I've had better conversations with my cat. She refuses to even look into getting a hearing aid. She said it's too much money. But she'll blow $500 to get her car's bumper fixed. The woman can be aggravating. X-(


Well, I better go, she's been hinting that she's ready to leave now. I needed to vent :)

Have an amazing day!

Well, I got about a pound of hair cut off, and I must say, I look Boo-D-Full! :laugh: It's amazing what a little makeover can do for the soul.

Grandma is home. :) and now so am I. Now I'm looking forward to relaxing for the remainder of my vacation.

Well, I guess that's all for now. Just wanted to say hello...

Well, it's Monday. The Monday after spring break. It went way too fast. Now I just have to focus on finishing the semester. Only 55 days. Just 8 weeks. Doesn’t sound so bad.

:chef: The Menu...
Breakfast__ oatmeal

Lunch__ 1/2 tuna pita w/ lettuce tomato and cheese tomato juice

Snacks__ Carrots, green beans, moca coffee drink, quakes.

Dinner__ gnocchi with tomato sauce and big salad

Totals 1300cal 22g fat

:ex: Exersise...
Stairs at work and the step during Seinfeld tonight.

Today is Tuesday. Just a plain ordinary Tuesday. :snow: is on it's way. :(

My new short-term goal is to get into a pair of jeans I found. They look new. Apparently I didn't ware them for long before I grew out of them. At this point they fit uncomfortably if I suck my stomach in really far. :laugh: As for wearing them- not possible if I consider circulation to the lower half of my body important. I'll just wait. Hopefully it wont be too hot to wear them by the time I can fit into them. Although, at this rate it will still be SPRING this summer. :spring:

Breakfast__ Instant maple and brown sugar oatmeal and a vitamin

Lunch__ 1/2 tuna pita w/ lettuce tomato and cheese tomato juice

Snacks__ Carrots, moca coffee drink, quakes and animal crackers.

Dinner__ HC Frozen Diner (Turkey Devine)

Totals 1262cal 32g fat

Have a nice day!

Oh, :ex: :lift: stairs at work (74 of them) and step during Sienfeld for a 1/2 hour today with hand weights.

Welcome back Nutdoc. Glad you had a good vacation. Keep up the good work.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

:D

I woke up in a crabby mood this morning... I hope I can get myself out of it or else I'm going to have a miserable day!

X-( I have water coming in through a vent in the bathroom over the tub from the apartment upstairs. (It’s only when upstairs uses the shower) I called my landlord Monday night when I got out of class and I was told that the maintainace people would come yesterday to check it out. They didn't. This is ridiculous. I am always having problems with that darn bathroom and the landlord is so cheap- he wont just spend the money to let the maintenance guys fix it. They better come today or I'll be very ticked! I don't want to have to call again.

Today's menu...

Breakfast__ oatmeal and vitamin

Lunch__ Veggie pita with cheese (I ran out of Tuna :() V8 Tomato Juice, and baby carrots.

Snacks__ Animal crackers, Pear, Banana, Quakes

Dinner__ HC Turkey Divan (My class was cancelled yesterday, so I had a Boca burger and roasted sweet potato fries last night)

Totals 1308cal 30g fat

:ex: stairs at work- and 1/2 hour of step at home (my legs are stiff from slacking over vacation)

Have a great day! If you don't have gray skies and snow where you live- soak up some sun for me would ya! :spring:

Nutdoc:

Yeap that would do it to tick me off for the day also. I'm glad I don't have the apartment issues anymore as they can drive you crazy waiting for a landlord to fix things.I used to fix them myself and then just deduct it off my rent the following month......lol......my landlord finally figured out it was cheaper if he got his butt in gear and got it fixed himself.
Still haven't found those Boca burgers but I'm still looking.:D
Hope your day brightens up as you go along.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Nutdoc,
I hope they fix the problem soon. I noticed you were from New York, we are neighbors. I used to live in Orange County near Middletown a few years ago.
I was reading through your journal entries and wanted to congratulate you on your progress. You are doing a great job, keep up the good work.

Hi All!

Thanks Rosepetal! I think they did fix it. Or at least came to look at it because my door was unlocked when i came home! X-(

Today I overslept an hour and a 1/2! So, I was a bit discombobulated this morning. Good thing I still had a 1/2-hour to get dressed, pack my lunch, and get to work. And I remember some creepy, funky dreams too.

I dressed up a little... and I'm wearing one of my favorite skirts that feels a tiny bit too big on me! I'm sad because I love this skirt, but psyched because I'm shrinking! :aaahhh:

:chef: Today's Menu is...

Breakfast__ Banana

Lunch__ Veggie Pita with Cheese (going to the store tomorrow to buy more protein :laugh: V8 and baby carrots

Snacks__ a one serving bag of honey mustard and onion nibblets, Animal crackers, Quakes and a pear.

Dinner__ I think I'll make my Oven Sensations (I think it's called). It's roasted chicken and garlic with broccoli and potatoes- I think. Something like that.

Totals 1313cal 32 fat

:ex: Stairs at work and my step at home after class tonight.

:water: I need to concentrate on drinking more water... I've been slacking.

I've been toying with the idea of doing that 21-day challenge. I thought it might be worth a shot. We'll see.

Have a great day!

I've been at this almost a month and I've lost exactly 10lbs! Very cool. It's interesting, now that food isn't so much a focus of my day, I find that I'm antsy, impatient, and board more often. :-/ I think it's because that instant gratification is gone and I'm doing a lot less emotional eating these days. My emotions are closer to the surface now. It's an adjustment. As for exercise... I'm starting to like it. People said I would and I never believed them! I'm finding I have more energy at night after class- I never had before. Pretty neat!

I'm going grocery shopping today. I'm making a list and sticking to it. That way I'm more apt to avoid temptation.

:chef: Today's Menu...

Breakfast__ Oatmeal and Banana

Lunch__ Tuna Sandwich

Dinner__ imposable cheeseburger pie (maybe I won't- the fat seems really high, I’ll have to double check my calculations)

Totals 1656cal 65 fat

:ex: I'll do my step with my hand weights again today.

:water: And I'd like to drink lots and lots of water!

Have a nice day! :spring:

CONGRATS Nutdoc on the 10 pounds loss. I knew you could do it once you set your mind to it.:) March 4th was an EXCELLENT day to start your journey.
Have a very Happy Easter.:bunny:

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Such a busy day today... just wanted to drop in for a moment.

I'm starting a 21 day challenge today! Thought it would be fun. I'll fill you guys in on the details later... gotta run!

Totals 1096cal 19g

Have a :super: day!

Nutdoc:

Just stopping by to see how your doing. So how is your 21 day challenge going girl? Have a great day.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

What a crazy week!

I've been busy as a :bee: and I've missed writing in here.

Food wise I've been fine.

I haven't been :ex: much though. I'll try the 21-day challenge later. It's a challenge enough just to do the every day thing first.

I'm not drinking enough :water:, but I am close.

I gained 2lbs, but then figured out that it must be muscle because I've discovered some new bulges in my arms and my legs are looking fit- I lost one of the two I gained anyways... :bow: so I'm not to worried.

Just :beam: me to May 17th. That's when the semester ends. I need a vacation.

I didn't too eat well today...

Breakfast__ Cheese Sandwich

Lunch__ Twizlers- fundraising sale for Alternative Spring Break... I had to support them :)... but I chose Twizlers instead of Peanut Butter cups (one cup is a whole dinner worth of calories for me) I did well.

Dinner__ Uncle Ben's bowel (much better then Healthy Choice! I've made a switch) and a grapefruit.

:dodge: Still absolutely crazy busy! But things are going well so far. The month will be over before I know it and I'll be on summer vacation for a while. I hate that I'm wishing my life away...

Today's menu...

Breakfast__ moca cappuccino, special K red berry and skim milk.

Lunch__ chicken salad with honey Dijon dressing and animal crackers and diet mountain dew. (I know I know... too much caffeine! I'm just so tiered :()

Dinner__ Roasted garlic and herb chicken thing.

Snacks__ grapefruit and quakes

:Ex: walked to get lunch across campus and back. Stairs at work and step tonight at home.

:water: lots and lots of water :water:

Have a wonderful day!

Oh! I lost another pound! :bow:

Nutdoc:

Congrats on another pound gone. Walking that campus must be great exercise. You have been on for awhile and I'm wondering where are ya??????
Take care and come back soon to let us know how your doing.

Judy2
:rose: :rose:

I'm still here... and I'm still eating right and exercising... just haven't seem to have been able to take the time to write like before.

Things should start winding down and get back to normal by the 20th... then after about one more month I'm done with the semester!

I have a job interview on the 16th for a summer position I hope to get. It's real good money! :up:

Other then that... Life is just crazy...

Have a great day Judy2 and thanks for checking in on me :).

Nutdoc:

Crossing my fingers here that you get the job.
GOOD LUCK NUTDOC


Judy2:rose: :rose:

Well, my temporarily insane life has final calmed down and I can start to focus my attention back on my weight loss. I haven't gained or lost any weight. I've still been eating well and exercising when I had the time, but now I'll be back to the regular routine.

The semester is almost over... and I can't wait until this segment of my life is finished! I hate to keep wishing my life away. Unfortunately, that's how school is for me these days. Just something to get over and done with.

:sb
The part I hate most is having to watch my self on video tape every week. Every week I meet with a client (volenteer from an undergraduate counseling class). Each session is video taped and then I sit down with my practicum supervisor and we watch the tape and dissect my performance. It truly is the only way to evaluate counseling students. So it's necessary. They aren't trying to permanently emotionally damage us. Unfortunately I'm a person who tends to be a little over critical of herself, so I'm sure I don't have to tell you, it can be more then a little nerve racking! I have forced myself to just sit back and relax! (This poem my mom sent me helps)

It may not be so difficult if I didn't have the supervisor I have. He's, what I call, a phony counselor. Example. My client, after trying to describe the color of something to me said, "... does that make sense?" She was just looking for clarification; she just wanted to know if I understood the color she was describing. Right? I said to the client "yeah, I'm with you." My Supervisor told me I should have replied, "does it make sense to you?"

I hate that pretentious doubletalk- crap. X-(

For my own sanity, I've decided to use him as an example of the counselor I don't want to be! He's become full of himself and detached from reality. I don't think he genuinely cares about people anymore- if he ever did. He's only in his early 40’s; I realize that it sounds like I'm talking about an old man. He has two young daughters! You'd think he'd be more in touch with "the common people" still.

He just frustrates me! :(

Other then that minor piece of my life, life is good! Only 3 more weeks. I will make it.

It's good to be back, I missed writing here! Have a great day!

Well, I'm officially on summer vacation!!! Unfortunately, I don't always have access to a computer... but I'll check in from time to time to keep myself honest.

I hadn't lost any weight during the week of finals and the few weeks leading up to them. In fact I gained a few :( the stress of finals can do that. Unfortunately.

... However, I have the whole summer to work on it now. My self-imposed deadline in March 1st. 2lbs a week until then- and I'll make it. No reason to give up!

I interviewed for and was offered a neat summer job that will keep me moving. There will be opportunities for me to hike, canoe and do all kinds of outdoor athletic type things. Which if you knew me you would know is sooo unlike me- but the "new me" might enjoy that sort of thing. You never can tell.

Until then I'm drinking my water :water:, counting my calories :chef: and walking- with my hand weights just about 3 miles a day :ex: (5 days a week) and hoping the miles will melt the chunk away. :)

Hope everyone is having a groovy summer! :hippy:

Hello There!

As a Therpist, your name caught my eye! Then I had to read your profile and your interest down to the learning to spell could have been mine!!

Your summer job sounds great!

I enjoyed your post about your advisor! Believe me, I have been in the trenches for several years, and what I learned in school and what I actually use is VERY different! In fact I have broken every rule I ever learned!! Not the ethical ones!! LOL

How much more school do you have? Best of Luck!

Loma

:)

Loma Hi! Thanks for writing. I have just one more semester- just my internship left and then I am finally done!!!!!!!!! You know it's funny, everyone I've spoken to out there in the "real world" says the same thing. What they learned in school was completely different then what they learned on the job. So I don't sweat it. :laugh: I just want my degree so I can be on my way.

I'm a school counselor. What type of work do you do? I'd love to hear from you again! Don't be a stranger.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've begun my own 21-day challenge. I'm on day 3.

:chef: Calories within the 1200-1600
:ex: exercise 5 days a week for at least 30min
:water: Drink at least 64oz of water a day

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to get into shape for my summer job. I am not a hiker and hiking is not in my job description- I'm just the counselor, but if one of the dorm leaders gets injured or sick I don't want to be the chunky, sweaty, out of breath, miserable temporary trip leader. :)

My dad, who is a hiker, took me to Eastern Mountain Sports last weekend to buy my very own pair of hiking boots. So that if I was forced to enter the woods, or wanted to, I could.

The boot salesman there- not all that fit himself- looks me up and down and says, "You do a lot of hiking?" Somewhat disbelieving that I, an adorable- but somewhat large girl would ever step foot on a mountain. I looked him square in the eye and said, "Yeah, I do a fair amount of hiking." I wanted to start rattling off some places I had been and some of the peaks that I had climbed, but of course he was right. I hadn't done much climbing- in fact I hadn't done any climbing since puberty. But he didn't need to know that.

Now my dad is bugging me to go hiking with him. He said I have to get my boots dirty or else they'll spot me as an armature from a mile away! He's right. I told him I'd go, but only if he packs me 6 of those new Oreo Cookies with the Peanut Butter and Chocolate in the middle for when we get to the top of the mountain. He agreed.

So, I'm finally going to go hiking with him. He couldn't be more tickled. I haven't gone with him before because I hate the bugs and the dirt and the heat and the lack of flushable toilets in the woods. BUT that was the old me. Maybe the new me would like it. Who knows. I'll just spray on a layer of bug spray, deal with the dirt and heat and pee before I leave the house. We don’t get to see each other much anymore, now that I’m away at school so it would be a nice to spend some time together.

well, I have got to go. So long! :rose:

Well, I lost another pound! It was looking bleak for a while there. I broke my rule and was weighing myself more then just once a week- and it was bringing me down. But this morning, first thing, the scale said I lost one pound! So I think everything will be ok. :)

However, I think I need to cut back on my calories a bit. When I was losing weight before I was eating, 1200-1400cal a day or less. I've been eating 1600-1700cal a day over the past few weeks and the weight is barely coming off. I need to lose 2lbs a week to reach my goal by March 1st. So this week I'm going to try the 1400cal daily goal. I'll see if there is any noticeable difference. It's worth a shot.

I started a string in the Diet tips section about dealing with hunger and the suggestions were really helpful. I'm going to try some of those tips this week too.

I had a fairly uneventful weekend. I'm home visiting my parents for must of my summer break. My mom was real sick all weekend. She has some sort of cold except her only symptom is a terrible cough. After about a day all that coughing strained all her muscles in her chest, stomach and back making it excruciatingly painful to cough. Poor mom. :(

Other then that nothing is really happening.
Talk to you all again soon....

:cheer: Way to go Nutdoc another pound is gone. :cheer:

I think your right about cutting down on calories. When you hit a plateau it's best to re-evaluate what your doing and try changing it. I'm sorry to hear your mom had a rough weekend. Hope she is feeling better.

Judy2:rose: :rose:

Thanks Judy2- that's right, another one gone!

I've been really good about exercising lately. I've done it every weekday this month. I'm going to miss my mom's treadmill when I leave for the summer. It's nice because I've started to try running. I can only run for about a minute at a time, but over time I think I might like running-once it isn't quite so much of an effort. I can run on the treadmill and not worry about looking like a complete pathetic moron in public. It's great.

I run for 1 minute (6 miles an hour) every 5 minutes for a half hour. Then I walk at a comfortable pace (2.5 miles an hour) for another half hour.

Yesterday, I didn't feel like walking/running so I thought I'd do one of my mom's Richard Simmons exercise tapes. I did the Broadway Sweat tape. It was fun to do something different.

Well, that's all for now!
Have a great day!

Hi, Nutdoc, hows that hiking coming????Congrats, on losing the weight. One day at a time!

I am in private practice. 5 years ago, my good friend and I left the practice where we were in and started our own business. We have a small practice in a rual area. We just bought a doctors office, and we rent space in another town about 20 miles away. Getting ready to open another office in a larger town about 1 1/2 hours away. There have been alot of headaches but I wouldn't do anything different!

Sounds like you are on the down hill side of that degree. Are you looking forward to getting out and getting a chance to practice?

Keep up the good work and look me up!

Loma

Hi Nutdoc. I just started my own journal and decided to peak in on a few of the others here.
I just wanted to let you know that I love your saying about dreams and goals. It is wonderful and oh, so true.
:D

Debrann63, Hi, thanks for stopping by. I thought it was a fitting saying for a sight like this :)

Loma, yep, I'm on my way- and I am looking forward to being a regular person! Regular hours, salary, weekends without homework! Even summers off, as a shool counselor. :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was not a good day. I ate too much.

It started out as a good day. Breakfast was decent, I did some yoga for the first time. The Oxigyn channel had it on this morning so I thought I'd.... my mom is here--- gotta go!!!

Sorry about that last entry... I was squeezing in an entry while I waited for my mother to pick me up after work for our hair appointments.

I use fitday.com to count my calories and record my exercise etc.... now you can see how I'm doing and I don't have to re-write it everyday!

(I've removed the sight adress- it has a history of freezing computers... not a good thing.)

Pretty neat, eh?

Judy2--- Let me know, are you able to access my fitday account through that sight? I'm a little confused by it :) To me it seems as though you could.

Well, I guess that's all for now.

Well, here I am. I decided that I need to get into this journal writing again- because it worked before and I need it to work again.

I gained back much of the weight I lost before, this summer. I worked on a college campus and was eating in the dinning hall. I thought I was making the right choices... but there must have been quite a lot of hidden calories in the food.

BUT, what's done is done. I'm home now, and I have begun my internship. I'm going to be very busy this semester which will keep my mind off food for the majority of the day.

Because of my recent set back I've somewhat revised my goals to make them a little more realistic.

I want to drop 42lbs by January 1st. That's 3 lbs a week.

-I'll exercise 1 hour every day
-Watch my calorie intake every day
-Drink lots and lots of water every day
-Write in here every day!

Have a great Day!
Emily

WELCOME BACK NUTDOC :wave:

Sounds like you have a great plan to follow. Remember one step at a time one day at a time. You are going do this Nutdoc.
I think it's awful that our cafeterias which are suppose to be serving healthy foods are serving foods high in fat content. My daughter is only in high school and I won't let her eat at the cafeteria there. I want her to have nutritious meals and with her being active in sports it's important to her what she eats. I could go on and on about cafeteria's, restaurants etc and the way they want to fool people into thinking it's healthy food choices there for us.
Anyways Nutdoc welcome back and I will be visiting your journal often the same as before.:)

Judy2