2016: First Quarter of January 1 through March 31, 2016

mdubbs1

Jean - live and learn. I wonder if it will "reset" if you do a new thread?

I just got done typing up my "to do" list for the next three days. A little overwhelming but what else is new?

DH is done fixing the computer I use to do the newsletter. Of course he broke it but he won't admit that!

Anyway, that means I can start on the next newsletter but not this weekend!

I'm planning eggs for breakfast this morning.

I just got done organizing some plastic boxes to organize my "packets". I'm feeling disorganized and that drives me nutso. No OCD here (LOL!)

mdubbs1

Linda Spangle thought: if you eat food your body doesn't need, you're wasting it. Eventually you need to learn to deal with leftovers without eating them.

That's a biggie for me. If I slip up and buy stuff I shouldn't eat, I feel compelled to eat my way through it and not get back on track until I do.

I also make way too big an amount when I get hungry for something. E.g. do I have to give up spare ribs forever or I can I learn to make one modest meal's worth instead of a HUGE pan? Sounds so simple when I write it out but somehow it isn't so simple in life.

KonaKat

The page problem corrects itself when the posts go to another page. I was hoping that would be the case.

Maryanne--I like what Linda Spangle has to say. I just need to follow the info more carefully. It is so hard to cook for one. Some foods need larger sizes in order to be fixed more appropriately. The trick is not to eat it all but to save some for another time.

For some reason, I have h ad a problem with appetite and boredom lately. I'm thinking ahead to the days that I have to do the prep for those procedures which basically is eat little except broth. When I do that, I really don't feel hungry so perhaps I need a "prep day" once a week or some other modification

mdubbs1

What I've found makes me really full is "packet day". I think that's because it's small, frequent meals that are very high in protein. Each meal by itself isn't a lot but the cumulative total keeps me full.

In the early days NS was a lot more like that but too many of their "meals" now aren't high in protein.

PamS53

Maryanne, I have a couple of thoughts on your post about eating. You said that when you slip up and buy something that isn't on plan you feel compelled to eat it anyway. That reminded me of the analogy of driving. If you made a wrong turn on your way to a destination, would you just continue down that road, or would you turn around and get back on the right path as soon as you realized your mistake? I think of eating off-plan in the same way. I may do it occasionally, but I try to get back on track as quickly as I can, even if that means giving away whatever food I indulged in or perhaps freezing the rest of it to eat at another time. Which brings me to the second thought I had about your post where you talked about not being able to enjoy spare ribs because you have to cook a large amount of them. Most recipes can be successfully halved, or another alternative is to cook the full amount, but immediately freeze half for another time. Or invite friends to come and share the meal with you, or if you know of someone who is ill, put the rest in a disposable pan and deliver a meal to them.

We are getting into a routine with all the medical stuff. I am supposed to space out my IV infusions to one every 8 hours, which gets a little tricky if we happen to sleep past 7:00 am. I am usually tired and ready for bed by 10, so we are working on figuring out a good schedule for this. The home health nurse came by last night to change the wound vac dressing and I will have that done three times a week. It took an hour and a half last night, but hopefully as the wound starts to close, the changes won't take as long. Now if we can just figure out a way to get me in and out of the shower, we will be in good shape.

KonaKat

Pam-- I think you made some very valid points. I liked the driving analogy. I'm sure that you will get used to the routine at home and that healing takes place sooner than expected.

I bit the bullet and decided I absolutely have to track my food. I think some mindless eating has become a habit that needs to stop. If one is good, two is better? Not if calories are involved.

KonaKat

Load up on the sauerkraut:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/481413-how-to-lose-weight-with-sauerkraut/

mdubbs1

Pam - great thoughts - thanks! It's a two-pronged process I think. Buy less in the first place and then not be afraid to throw away leftovers.

Every 8 hours would be hard for me as well as I tend to sleep at last 9 hours.

Jean - sauerkraut - ah, no (I feel like I'm betraying my PA Dutch heritage but I HATE the stuff)! Tracking food? Yes!

KonaKat

Maryanne--I like sauerkraut, so I was doing a search to see if it was one of those things we could indulge in and discovered that link. There is even a sauerkraut diet but I won't go that far.

I'm starting the day with the usual Quaker Weight Control oatmeal. When I go to the store, I'll buy something to add a contrast to the morning routine.

mdubbs1

I'm having a store frozen food day today. Sitting here eating my Smart Ones basil chicken. Not too bad.

I lost 11 1/2 pounds in January. Take that Turbo 10! My 10-lb bear can come out of the closet (if he's still speaking to me LOL!)

I just ordered some plastic containers to organize my packets. My OCD is kicking in but having those packets here, there and everywhere is driving me crazy!

I working on the food thoughts. I made 3 chicken thighs last evening because I never know if DH will eat one or two. He ate one. Normally I'd have had the other as "a snack" because it was smaller and my mind would have gone to "too small even for a week night dinner". Instead I rummaged in the freezer to find a Stouffer's fettuccine Alfredo he can have as a side.

Then my mind started thinking I had to have eggs/roll for breakfast because I had chopped peppers/onions left from the weekend. Instead, I put them on my salad!

It's really nice here today. Spring-like warm.

KonaKat

Maryanne--Super job!! When you commit yourself, you always seem to do super well. The most I ever lost in one month was when I first started NS and dropped ten pounds in one month. The first week, I lost five pounds. The other five came off in the next three weeks. Now, It is like molasses; very slow moving despite 1200 calorie adherence. I think that is why I get so frustrated as I can gain when I think I should be losing, etc.

Worked today; wore sandals with adjusting straps to accommodate foot. Third day of returning to tracking food. Off to see the doc tomorrow.

mdubbs1

Jean - Yeah, figuring out to keep the commitment going. That's my challenge!

Good luck at the doctor.

KonaKat

I'm off to the city today for an appointment and shop for some food. I don't know what I did last night but I have a back spasm. Oh well! Off to fix the Quaker Weight Control oatmeal.

mdubbs1

Good morning, Jean!

I'm having Wonderslim pancakes this morning.

I've decided my favorite flavor of the Wonderslim pudding is tropical banana. Had that last evening!

I'm trying to clear out some of the "mess" in my food stash. Started upstairs yesterday. I ordered some plastic file boxes to organize my packets so that won't get done until Amazon gets them here!

I'm also trying to clear out some freezer space to try some of the NS frozen food now that it's available a la carte.

KonaKat

Maryanne--Your organization will help you in your weight loss efforts. I had one of those big Sterlite organizers in which I put the products from Diet Direct...the pancake mix, protein powder, etc.

I went to the city today for the appointment with the podiatrist. I may be blessed with wearing the boot for six weeks. Afterwards, I visited a friend who had hip replacement surgery, and then bought healthy foods at WalMart. I really enjoy many of the Lean Cuisine entrees so I purchased some of its pizzas, etc., Kellogg's Special K Breakfast sandwiches, Special K Protein cereal, greek yogurt, low fat cottage cheese, and fruit. I did not eat out.

KonaKat

Off to sub in the rain but not before I had Special K Protein cereal with a banana for breakfast. My bag is packed and I'm ready to go. Have a great day.

mdubbs1

I'm staying home in the rain even though I really should have gone to the grocery store.

I'm having a JC day today.

I'm hoping that taking off some weight may help my hips and back, all of which have been protesting lately.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I am sure weight loss will help your back. It made a big difference with my knees...a motivating factor in getting rid of the winter gain.

Subbing went well today but my foot complained at times. I had the NS ravioli and steamed veggies for dinner. Off now, to log my food for the day before I forget to do it.

mdubbs1

Jean - I'm glad to hear you got through the day of teaching in spite of the foot!

Every year as the super bowl approaches I can't help to think about the year that I broke my heel during that danged game. Whoever would have thought I'd still be dealing with it 15 years later. Not a major disability, I realize, but the pain and lack of balance will, I guess, always be with me.

Today is day 32 of my current "being good" campaign. And I've done 75 minutes on the treadmill already this week. The "just do it" mentality is helping. I was just about to the point of having rationalized my way off the treadmill last evening but I didn't cave.

DH has an insurance exam today (why do they come to your house? would you want to spend your day going to strangers' houses?) so I think I'll head out to the grocery store(s).

I'm hoping to have no doctor, dentist or vet visits in January or February so I'm working on spacing things out. There are a few I did in December I wish I could move to spring but haven't figured that out yet.

I'm having a "mixed" frozen food day today. I started with the NS frozen pancakes. They aren't bad, really. Especially on a day I don't feel like actually making pancakes.

My sister and her husband left New Jersey yesterday in their Suburban with all 6 cats for a week-long trek to their new home in Sedona. I'd be a basket case every time I took the cats out of the vehicle to go into a motel or visa versa. In a week I'd be beyond all rational thought. Not that I'm paranoid over my cats or anything.

mdubbs1

It's snowing! I wasn't expecting this. Must not be expected to amount to much because DH just left to do errands.

I just had Nutriflakes with 1/2 banana for breakfast!

I hit most of my grocery stores yesterday but was planning to go to one today. Hopefully I'll still be able to do that. The produce departments in the stores have signs up apologizing for a shortage of some things due to "weather in the south". We already have pretty poor produce so the choices were a little pathetic. But I got enough to keep me going even if not my first choices. I also walked up and down the aisles of all 3 stores (except for the candy and chip aisles) to get a few extra steps in.

mdubbs1

Now the sun's out! I had the NS arroz con pollo for lunch. Never again.

KonaKat

Maryanne--"Just do it" is a great philosophy and approach. I made a mistake. I found a Fiber One goodie in blueberry streussel (sp) with acceptable calories. The only problem is that it is like the NS desserts; it triggers a desire to have more than one. I was logging my food this week and expected a loss based upon the calories logged. Wrong! I gained two pounds so I soothed myself with two of the Fiber One goodies.

I'm supposed to have the bladder and kidney scopes again on President's Day. Perfect scheduling as I'm off that day as is the person who is taking me to the procedure over an hour away. Guess what I heard may happen at that time? Snow!!! If I can't make it on that day, I can reschedule but I'll have problems finding someone to take me as the people I know won't have any more days off until May.

mdubbs1

Those trigger foods can come up anywhere I guess!!

DH was talking about some projected snowstorm in March. I told him I didn't want to hear about snowstorms in March (really I'm thinking "you have nothing better to do?")

It's tough when they insist you have someone with you at a medical test. It's why my first colonoscopy wasn't until I was 53 and why I haven't had a second. DH found someone who does them close by and I guess come spring I'll make an appointment there. I love my gastroenterologist but if DH won't cooperate it does me no good.

Helene610

Jean..President's Day is pretty far away for them to be predicting snow. I don't think they have accuracy beyond a couple of days. I spend hours this week getting my Comcast services up and running. They had dropped my phone and Internet while I was on a seasonal plan. So I have my services but number was changed. What a pain. I got my exercise cleaning the lanaii floor. It was covered in grit and dirt. Our former tenants had a rug out there and the backing left black marks on the floor. We scrubbed half the floor yesterday and we'll finish up today. It was pretty physical but the results are worth it.

KonaKat

President's Day is just a week away. Next Sunday at this time I'll begin the lovely prep and then sitting on the throne all day. Right now, Monday of next week looks promising. The last storm was predicted accurately almost two weeks in advance and the number of inches for our area was predicted accurately 5 days in advance.

I spent all day yesterday in bed. I was wiped out with a cold, which is still with me but not as bad. I'm supposed to work tomorrow so I'll behave myself again today.

PamS53

I've been absent for awhile, though I have checked in a couple of times to see what all of you were doing. I've felt pretty terrible for the last 4-5 days, but so far today I'm feeling better. I don't know if I picked up a bug somewhere or if it is a side effect from my antibiotic, but I really didn't feel like doing much at all. Yesterday I took two naps and went to bed at about 7:30, which is very atypical for me, but I felt so exhausted that I just couldn't stay up. We finally worked out a way to get me into the shower and I haven't had the energy to even try it, but I'm hopeful that we can later today if I continue to feel well.

Jean, I hope you shake that cold quickly and I hope your scope goes well next week. Those preps are no fun!

Helene, it sounds as if you've been busy since arriving in Florida! Cleaning a floor like that is hard work. Is there anything that will take off the backing residue your tenants left behind?

Maryanne, it sounds like you are doing well with your commitment to your eating plan and exercise. I always wonder about those long range forecasts where they predict storms. Locally, our weather people seem to hedge their bets a lot, showing multiple models with different projections. I guess that way, they can claim they correctly predicted it if even one of the models comes close to what actually occurs.

I'm obviously not exercising much right now or paying much attention to diet. I mostly eat what our various friends and neighbors are kind enough to bring to us. However, my appetite is a lot less than normal, and I really think I am losing weight. I can't get on the scale right now to check, but I think I've lost at least five pounds. The physical therapist wants me to do laps around the house on my knee scooter several times a day, but I haven't had the energy for the past few days. Maybe I'll feel like doing it later today. I also have other exercises I'm supposed to be doing to regain flexibility in the ankle. Those I can do sitting down, so they've been easier to keep up with.

KonaKat

Pam--I think it is quite understandable that you would focus upon the healing process. That and the related exercises take much energy so there isn't much left to use toward other areas of the life.

I think is true that one of the drugs I am on causes weight gain. I was faithful tracking everything for a week and came in at 1100 to 1200 calories a day. The reward? A gain!

Breakfast was the Special K Protein cereal with milk (0 percent fat) and mid-morning snack was Dannon Light and Fit Greek Yogurt. Lunch will be Progresso Light soup. Dinner will be a NS veggie lasagna with steamed veggies. Evening snack will be a WonderSlim protein drink.

mdubbs1

Pam - you have a knee scooter? I didn't find out about those until after I was pretty much rehabbed and back to work. That and a ramp into the house would have made a world of difference.

Jean - that is such a PITA that you gained on 1100-1200 calories!!!

Helene - Bob was talking about some house the other day and "why don't they just rent it" and I'm thinking "ya really don't want to do that if you don't have to"?

PamS53

Maryanne, the knee scooter was a must. I don't have the upper body strength or balance to safely use crutches and our house isn't built for a wheelchair, so the day after we got home DH went and bought one for me. It's been a life saver. We borrowed a transporter wheelchair from his mom and we use that whenever I need to leave the house.

I just finished taking a shower and washing my hair and I feel so much better! I got to take a couple of showers while I was hospitalized for 5 days, but this is the first one I've been able to take at home. Sponge baths just don't even compare.

KonaKat

Maryanne--I think it is fluid retention. My foot is still very swollen as is the same leg. I used to gain weight when starting exercise and I was told it was likely fluid retention caused by tiny tears in the muscles from exercising but that would stop after a couple of weeks.

Pam--There is nothing like a shower and shampoo at home to thing you feel much, much better.