SoWell on Sowal

[dbuck]

We'll just tell her we have been sick.

[Teresa]

Well, those horrible 8 lbs. are gone again!!! It was a real eye opening experience for me. Several of my friends and co-workers started this week bringing healthy lunches to work. We all go upstairs to a little break area and eat instead of going out to lunch everyday. We do allow ourselves one day a week to eat out, and today is the day. I am going to try and not blow what I have accomplished in the last 2 weeks. Good luck all!!!!

that was quick KD. what is your secret??? please do tell!!! right now!!!

[InletBchDweller]

Yea KD you go!!!!
I am home today drinking water and cleaning my stove and chickens how exciting.....

[Mango]

that was quick KD. what is your secret??? please do tell!!! right now!!!

I lost 10 lbs this month due to a special diet I had to go to try and restore my bodies natural flora because of all the antibiotics I have been on.
A yeast free diet, which is very similar to Adkins. No sugars, no starches, no sweetened drinks. The only thing I have been eating is salad with oil and lemon(no salad dressings) No fruits, except for grapefruit, lemons, limes, tomatoes and avoocado. Sparingly, apples, pears, strawberries.
Cant have any oranges, bananas, grapes.

No starchy vegetables, like potatoes, rice, beans, and absolutely no bread, cereals, cakes etc.

I am losing my mind. I love a muffin in the morning and breakfast is hard on this diet. All i eat is eggs. Wake up, ok, "how will I prepare my eggs today?" and some days if I have the energy, I add bacon. Whoopee!

It was so hard last weekend at my sisters son christening party. Couldn't have the pasta, no bread, only ate the chicken with salad. and then oh my god, having to pass up Tiramasu! I went outside to cry.

[Teresa]

I lost 10 lbs this month due to a special diet I had to go to try and restore my bodies natural flora because of all the antibiotics I have been on.
A yeast free diet, which is very similar to Adkins. No sugars, no starches, no sweetened drinks. The only thing I have been eating is salad with oil and lemon(no salad dressings) No fruits, except for grapefruit, lemons, limes, tomatoes and avoocado. Sparingly, apples, pears, strawberries.
Cant have any oranges, bananas, grapes.

No starchy vegetables, like potatoes, rice, beans, and absolutely no bread, cereals, cakes etc.

I am losing my mind. I love a muffin in the morning and breakfast is hard on this diet. All i eat is eggs. Wake up, ok, "how will I prepare my eggs today?" and some days if I have the energy, I add bacon. Whoopee!

It was so hard last weekend at my sisters son christening party. Couldn't have the pasta, no bread, only ate the chicken with salad. and then oh my god, having to pass up Tiramasu! I went outside to cry.

this is very hard work, but it sounds like it has truly worked for you. good going!!! if I had to pass up pasta, I would be bawling my eyeballs out...

[Mango]

this is very hard work, but it sounds like it has truly worked for you. good going!!! if I had to pass up pasta, I would be bawling my eyeballs out...

Thanks Tootsie. It's brutal for us Italian girls to pass up our pasta and here in New York, we have the best pizza and Italian bread and cannolli's, (oh, I can't even go there). I haven't had pizza in a year! I am allowed to have soft cheeses, so I have been getting mozzarella balls and seasoning them with garlic and oil. Closest thing I got to pizza for now.

But with all the reading on pro-biotics I have done, I came across a book written by a lady called" French woman don't get fat". I assume it has something to do with all the yogurt they eat in Europe, especially Holland, where they have a dairy aisle dedicated to just yogurt. I haven't read the book, just breezed by it, by I assume it has soemthing to do with how pro-biotics encourage better digestion of essential nutrients your body needs.
If I find the link again, I will re-post it on this thread.

I guess on the bright side, I can fit in my size 6 pants again.

[kathydwells]

that was quick KD. what is your secret??? please do tell!!! right now!!!

Well, I went back on the Phase I part of the South Beach Diet. I cut out all rices, breads, pastas....even the whole wheat kind which is what I have been eating for the past 1 1/2 years. I have really been eating only lean meats and green veggies. It really does help to remove all the cravings when you do without them for awhile. I was very proud of myself yesterday. We had an Ice Cream going away social for one of our student aids. They had about 5 kinds of Ice Cream, Dip, Chips and soda. I walked back to my office right after the offical goodbye. I didn't stay in the room, which would have tempted me. I felt so good being able to walk away. It was hard but I did it.

Also, a group of us here at work have been bringing healthy lunches everday. Now I just have to get that exercise in....UGH, I hate it. But I will start walking when it cools off some.....

[Jdarg]

Thanks Tootsie. It's brutal for us Italian girls to pass up our pasta and here in New York, we have the best pizza and Italian bread and cannolli's, (oh, I can't even go there). I haven't had pizza in a year! I am allowed to have soft cheeses, so I have been getting mozzarella balls and seasoning them with garlic and oil. Closest thing I got to pizza for now.

But with all the reading on pro-biotics I have done, I came across a book written by a lady called" French woman don't get fat". I assume it has something to do with all the yogurt they eat in Europe, especially Holland, where they have a dairy aisle dedicated to just yogurt. I haven't read the book, just breezed by it, by I assume it has soemthing to do with how pro-biotics encourage better digestion of essential nutrients your body needs.
If I find the link again, I will re-post it on this thread.

I guess on the bright side, I can fit in my size 6 pants again.

I read it- and what I got out of it was portion control. I don't remember anything about pro-biotics. The main theme is French women eat what they want and stay slim because they don't eat like pigs. One suggestion was not filling your plate to the outer edge with food- just enough food to fill the inner circle.

[Cheering472]

I read it- and what I got out of it was portion control. I don't remember anything about pro-biotics. The main theme is French women eat what they want and stay slim because they don't eat like pigs. One suggestion was not filling your plate to the outer edge with food- just enough food to fill the inner circle.

I'll need new dishes.

[kathydwells]

I'll need new dishes.

I think I will just use a cup saucer from now on.

[Jdarg]

I think I will just use a cup saucer from now on.

The book is a direct assault on our "supersize it" lifestyles!!! But it made some very good points. And it was actually fun to read. I had French envy.

[kathydwells]

The book is a direct assault on our "supersize it" lifestyles!!! But it made some very good points. And it was actually fun to read. I had French envy.

Actually, I have heard about the book and about some of the ideas in it. And you are right, it is the portion control I think, that is the key. I really have tried eating off the saucer and to tell you the truth if you do this and you eat slowly like we are supposed to, you really do get satisfied. You realize that you do not have to eat those huge portions of food. I think it is a mental thing that we have to pile that plate up and eat all of it. So, I think from now on it is the saucer idea for me.

[Mango]

I read it- and what I got out of it was portion control. I don't remember anything about pro-biotics. The main theme is French women eat what they want and stay slim because they don't eat like pigs. One suggestion was not filling your plate to the outer edge with food- just enough food to fill the inner circle.

I had no idea what it was about. Weird why they would post on it on a site selling pro-biotics sure it was an interesting read though.
Considering that french food is so rich too, even more so interesting. Did it mention anything about wine consumption too?

Since this is the SoWell on Sowal thread, I highly recommend people take pro-biotics. The yogurt they sell in the store is so processed, and the probiotics they hail in their advertising is not nearly as good as buying it capsules or freeze dried. It helps in may ways, warding off viruses, cold, bacterial infections, and help strengthen the immune system. Especially on a diet, it aides in better digestion of necessary nutrients.
My B-12 level was so severly low due to my condition, but having a better gut flora also aides in better asorbption.

[Teresa]

The book is a direct assault on our "supersize it" lifestyles!!! But it made some very good points. And it was actually fun to read. I had French envy.

I know about this book but never read it. it may be worth a peek. anyway, it's true that the american way of eating is just the pits. not only supersizing but also really bad processed foods that we have developed a taste for, and also fast food. Jdarg - we don't really have much in the way of fast food in sowal!!! gotta drive to destin for that, or PC.

[Cheering472]

I know about this book but never read it. it may be worth a peek. anyway, it's true that the american way of eating is just the pits. not only supersizing but also really bad processed foods that we have developed a taste for, and also fast food. Jdarg - we don't really have much in the way of fast food in sowal!!! gotta drive to destin for that, or PC.

In response to the processed packaged foods, I've heard the healthiest way to shop at a grocery store is to only buy what is along the walls of the store. That's the fresh food; veges, fruit, meat, milk, cheese, eggs. Most things on the shelves in the middle of the store are processed packaged "frankenfood", so I try to run around the sides of the store and avoid all the packaged stuff.

Let me say that many times I fail at this as I am naturally drawn to the ice cream section and the bright colors on the Cheeto bags...dang it!

[DD]

I'm so proud of you girls for thinking about me in my absence! Way to go Darlene! Toots, thanks for keeping things on track ! I have been a very bad girl this week, and I think this old bod is rebelling! I felt much better when I was eating healthy! So, it's back to the straight and narrow for me, as soon as I have crab cakes tonight!!

[DD]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........
No more fried shrimp, no more Cheetos, no more honey buns. But, I did manage to get in SOME exercise, toting stuff to the beach every day and back. Next time, I'm renting ON the beach.....end of story.

[Jdarg]

I know about this book but never read it. it may be worth a peek. anyway, it's true that the american way of eating is just the pits. not only supersizing but also really bad processed foods that we have developed a taste for, and also fast food. Jdarg - we don't really have much in the way of fast food in sowal!!! gotta drive to destin for that, or PC.

Oh dammit. (kidding)

But what a special treat McDonald's FF will become! They were such a treat when we were little because we had to drive across town to get them!

[Miss Kitty]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........
No more fried shrimp, no more Cheetos, no more honey buns. But, I did manage to get in SOME exercise, toting stuff to the beach every day and back. Next time, I'm renting ON the beach.....end of story.

Beware...once you rent, you'll never go back.

[DD]

Beware...once you rent, you'll never go back.

[InletBchDweller]

ok gulls, up and at em!!! it is a new week and we can do it. everyone weigh in today and next monday lets all try to have lost at least one pound if not more!!!!! Who is in?????

Of course we are not posting our weight on here, just what we lost....come on...any takers????????

[DD]

ok gulls, up and at em!!! it is a new week and we can do it. everyone weigh in today and next monday lets all try to have lost at least one pound if not more!!!!! Who is in?????

Of course we are not posting our weight on here, just what we lost....come on...any takers????????

I'm with ya IBD!! Can't weigh today, I'm at home, but will at work in the am. Can only imagine what my week did to me..... But, I'm back on the wagon and will join WW online this week.

[InletBchDweller]

Great, I did lose 2.5 pounds this week. And I even super splurged and went to Seagars in Sandestin!!!! (((YUMMY!!!)))))

[DD]

Great, I did lose 2.5 pounds this week. And I even super splurged and went to Seagars in Sandestin!!!! (((YUMMY!!!)))))

You lost 2.5? YIPPEE!!!! I bet I found them!

[Teresa]

I'm so proud of you girls for thinking about me in my absence! Way to go Darlene! Toots, thanks for keeping things on track ! I have been a very bad girl this week, and I think this old bod is rebelling! I felt much better when I was eating healthy! So, it's back to the straight and narrow for me, as soon as I have crab cakes tonight!!

I didn't keep anyone on track. we just said we had to pretend while you were away. (IBD was doing some serious sowell work though and providing lots of inspiration to me and others) I think I thought I was on vacation since you were... actually, I just returned from a seafood eating weekend at Indian Pass. why do we double our alcohol intake whenever leaving town for a break? anyway, ready for yoga tomorrow Cork???

[InletBchDweller]

Where is Cork???? SHe no post but Her car was at her house today

[DD]

I didn't keep anyone on track. we just said we had to pretend while you were away. (IBD was doing some serious sowell work though and providing lots of inspiration to me and others) I think I thought I was on vacation since you were... actually, I just returned from a seafood eating weekend at Indian Pass. why do we double our alcohol intake whenever leaving town for a break? anyway, ready for yoga tomorrow Cork???

You can go on vacation with me anytime.

[DD]

Goals for today:

Join WW Online.
Eat Healthy
Walk
Water.
Reality.

[DD]

Hey IBD!! Only gained 2 lbs. which I'm pretty happy about considering all the good food (ok, some crap too) I ate while I was gone!

Now, I just gotta think about that reunion coming up...IF I decide to go?

[DD]

You girls are doing great!!! I have another friend that joined weight watchers and is down 10 lbs. I have been increasing my water and started taking a good vitamin. I officially started working out today. I am going to try to make it a part of my schedule. I thought I was going to do this earlier but I have not taken the time for ME. I know you gulls will help keep me in line!

Good for you!! Not that you need to lose weight, but glad you're getting healthier!! Keep us posted!!

[CastlesOfSand]

You girls are doing great!!! I have another friend that joined weight watchers and is down 10 lbs. I have been increasing my water and started taking a good vitamin. I officially started working out today. I am going to try to make it a part of my schedule. I thought I was going to do this earlier but I have not taken the time for ME. I know you gulls will help keep me in line!

[DD]

Now how the heck did this happen? I answered CoS post and mine's posted before hers? Very strange....................

[DD]

Daily report:

Haven't joined WW yet, been busy tonight, but WILL do it.
Bfast: Cheese crackers
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with lite ranch, green beans
Snack: Roll
Dinner: Grilled pork chop, cantaloupe
Water: Still working on it.
Walk: Just got back
Reality: Sux

[InletBchDweller]

ok i am doing good so far this week. Did have 3 cuba libre's tonight until Pandoras ran out of Bacardi how can this happen??????

I did hit a canister of emerald dry roasted almonds (they are the best) so I am sure that blew it.

Who else is in on the weigh in Monday Morning??????

[Teresa]

ok i am doing good so far this week. Did have 3 cuba libre's tonight until Pandoras ran out of Bacardi how can this happen??????

I did hit a canister of emerald dry roasted almonds (they are the best) so I am sure that blew it.

Who else is in on the weigh in Monday Morning??????

me!

[DD]

Didn't post my goals this morning. They're pretty much the same every day....BUT I have managed since I've been back to get those 2 lbs. off that I gained on vaca. So.....not too bad a start for the week. Been working on portion control this week too.

Today, I had:

Water
Mini Bagel
Strawberries
Brownie Bites
Minestrone soup
Salad
Ground Beef Patty with mushroom gravy


Going for late walk soon.

[Paula]

Ok, so I've avoided this thread for quite a while, last night I lurked, and today I'm joining. I think all of this support will work.

So, in the short term I'm looking to lose about 10 pounds by Thanksgiving (class reunion is always a good motivation). In the longer term for just good health reasons, I'd like to lose about 15-20 pounds altogether (though 20 is a stretch and probably not needed to just be in the healthy weight-range). I just want to fit in my jeans from 3 years ago comfortably this fall.

My strategy is going to be to just cut back on what I eat in general (portion control); watch calories (probably 300 before lunch, 400 lunch, and 500-600 dinner, with a few 100 calorie snacks in between) to keep at 1500 calories a day or less as a lifestyle change, not just a diet; drink more water; eat more fruits and vegetables; and stop drinking wine at night in general . I also want to exercise more (though I don't enjoy exercise -- I'm slowly starting some situps and stretches in bed before I get up, some lifting of light weights, and some walking to work or on a treadmill).

Thanks for being an inspiration and for being an interesting thread! Of course, I'll get off my diet for at least one good meal with friends when I come to SoWal.

[DD]

Yippee Paula!! Good for you!!! Glad to have you!!

[DD]

Ok...I bit the bullet and did it...joined WW online! Thanks for the little nudge, IBD!! Look for me on the WW board....

[Paula]

Thanks, DD. Has anyone had success with WW online? (I haven't read the 17+ pages on this thread so I may have missed this discussion). I'm tempted to join as well. I think this will be my personal fall project!

[DD]

Thanks, DD. Has anyone had success with WW online? (I haven't read the 17+ pages on this thread so I may have missed this discussion). I'm tempted to join as well. I think this will be my personal fall project!

It looks pretty interesting...lots of info! But, I can't believe you haven't read ALL 17 Pages of this thread! What the heck ya been doin'?
Would love to see you over there. IBD convinced me to join.

[Teresa]

Paula - bravo!!! and

DD - you are one dedicated biotch. can't believe you already removed those vacation pounds.

and my report for this week:

I've been exercising almost every day. yoga on Tue and Wed. today I had my first pilates session (private - on the reformer machine thing). AND as of this morning, I have lost 5 POUNDS. thank you, thank you... please no standing ovation...

Although I have still not formalized any kind of diet plan, I have really watched portions and tried to make better choices in general. Water intake is up and becoming automatic.

thinking about the WW online. not sure yet. I've tried online diets in the past and it seems like too much computer work. looks like WW offers a lot of good tools and info though...

[DD]

Woo Hoo!!! 5 lbs!!!! Good girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jdarg]

Paula - bravo!!! and

DD - you are one dedicated biotch. can't believe you already removed those vacation pounds.

and my report for this week:

I've been exercising almost every day. yoga on Tue and Wed. today I had my first pilates session (private - on the reformer machine thing). AND as of this morning, I have lost 5 POUNDS. thank you, thank you... please no standing ovation...

Although I have still not formalized any kind of diet plan, I have really watched portions and tried to make better choices in general. Water intake is up and becoming automatic.

thinking about the WW online. not sure yet. I've tried online diets in the past and it seems like too much computer work. looks like WW offers a lot of good tools and info though...

But don't always weigh- just go by how your clothes fit. My walking taskmaster/friend does a body pump class just about everyday and of course gained 5 pounds, but lost lots of inches. Our scale broke (I know, ha ha it really did) and we didn't replace it- I like not having it. Now I weigh when I am at the clinic- on the dog scale. Arf arf!

[DD]

had dinner out tonite. ate what i wanted, but watched the portions. i didn't finish any one thing....when before, i coulda scarfed up the whole plate..and i do mean the whole plate! anyhoo, i had salad with bc on the side, roll, steak kebob, and rice. oh, and two glasses of rw. ate reasonably the rest of the day. haven't walked yet, but may still.
I'm so proud of all of you girls for sticking with/or joining us! I just know over time, we will be much healthier and leaner!

[Paula]

had dinner out tonite. ate what i wanted, but watched the portions. i didn't finish any one thing....when before, i coulda scarfed up the whole plate..and i do mean the whole plate! anyhoo, i had salad with bc on the side, roll, steak kebob, and rice. oh, and two glasses of rw. ate reasonably the rest of the day. haven't walked yet, but may still.
I'm so proud of all of you girls for sticking with/or joining us! I just know over time, we will be much healthier and leaner!

Wow. That's the real test of commitment -- eating out and watching portions. Congrats!

[InletBchDweller]

Paula - bravo!!! and

DD - you are one dedicated biotch. can't believe you already removed those vacation pounds.

and my report for this week:

I've been exercising almost every day. yoga on Tue and Wed. today I had my first pilates session (private - on the reformer machine thing). AND as of this morning, I have lost 5 POUNDS. thank you, thank you... please no standing ovation...

Although I have still not formalized any kind of diet plan, I have really watched portions and tried to make better choices in general. Water intake is up and becoming automatic.

thinking about the WW online. not sure yet. I've tried online diets in the past and it seems like too much computer work. looks like WW offers a lot of good tools and info though...

yea yea yea yea yea for you!!!! Dont it feel great????

I have been doing a sh&%t load of yard work this week. I feel like I was hit by a mack truck...hopefully it will help.

3 more days and then weigh in on Monday!!!! COme on gulls, drink yo water!!!!

[Smiling JOe]

Weight loss can give one a great measurable feeling, but remember that it isn't the weight which should matter most. What should matter most is the way your pants or shirts fit. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are converting fat into muscle, you may weigh more, but you will be trimmer and will be burning more calories.

As an overweight friend of mines says, "it ain't rocket science. Eat a balanced meal, reduce portions, and exercise." Breaking habits and creating new habits is the tough part, but once you get past about 45 days, the new habit becomes natural and you will not want to part from the new habit.

I have been on the SoWell plan, too, and haven't lost more than maybe two to three pounds since February, but I am now able to button my pants without having to suck in my stomach, and I often find myself hitching my belt tighter than I did before I started working out regularly. I still need to work greatly on my portion control and balanced meals, and could probably stand a bit more aerobic exercise, but lifting weights 3x a week has been a great start.

Step by step, you will get there (me looking in mirror), but you have to start somewhere.

[DD]

Weight loss can give one a great measurable feeling, but remember that it isn't the weight which should matter most. What should matter most is the way your pants or shirts fit. Muscle weighs more than fat, so if you are converting fat into muscle, you may weigh more, but you will be trimmer and will be burning more calories.

As an overweight friend of mines says, "it ain't rocket science. Eat a balanced meal, reduce portions, and exercise." Breaking habits and creating new habits is the tough part, but once you get past about 45 days, the new habit becomes natural and you will not want to part from the new habit.

I have been on the SoWell plan, too, and haven't lost more than maybe two to three pounds since February, but I am now able to button my pants without having to suck in my stomach, and I often find myself hitching my belt tighter than I did before I started working out regularly. I still need to work greatly on my portion control and balanced meals, and could probably stand a bit more aerobic exercise, but lifting weights 3x a week has been a great start.

Step by step, you will get there (me looking in mirror), but you have to start somewhere.

So true. Too bad we're such habitual creatures! I'm workin' on it too though! Wish I hadn't taken that little detour now, I feel like I gotta start the "45 days" all over again!!
I've gotta step up the exercise--no way around it. My dinner friend last night told me she's gettin' a new treadmill, so she's giving me her old one. No weather excuses now!!
Want to do weight training too, but am reluctant to join a gym..anyone have a bowflex they wanna get rid of?

[Teresa]

I have been on the SoWell plan, too, and haven't lost more than maybe two to three pounds since February, but I am now able to button my pants without having to suck in my stomach, and I often find myself hitching my belt tighter than I did before I started working out regularly. I still need to work greatly on my portion control and balanced meals, and could probably stand a bit more aerobic exercise, but lifting weights 3x a week has been a great start.

way to go Joseph!

you are so right about the scale. I've been watching the scale for the last 6 weeks and it didn't budge, but my jeans definitely had more room in them. I knew something good was happening. finally the scales registered 5 pounds loss (and so now I feel like I have a good start and more movitated). the exercise is making a difference for me, along with portion control and healthier food choices.