What's on your mind today?
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We are back to almost complete lockdown. No real difference for us as we have been sheltering all along, and have had only minimal contact with anyone, including our family, since March. However, that is infinitely better than being responsible for spreading this virus.
Reasons to be grateful:- My very significant other
- Today I have been gifted with another opportunity to be the best me that I can be
- I am fit and healthy
- The sun is shining in a bright blue sky outside my window
- Our new dishwasher is installed and working
- Retirement gives me freedom to choose what I do
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TerriRichardson112 wrote: »@KCJen I believe we can choose a new set point, and find a way to stay there. I am happy and comfortable where I am now, and determined to do whatever it takes to stay right here!
@TerriRichardson112 I agree with you. I am determined to change my set-point! I read some more articles on it and I think it is possible to change it, but it will take some time to adjust.1 -
readyornot1234 wrote: »@KCJen - I yo-yo consistently. It seems I lose 25-30 pounds in 4-5 months, gain it all back, a bunch of months pass, I lose 25-30 pounds, repeat for decades ... Since the beginning of November 2019, I have been trying a different approach. I lost 5 pounds, then did maintenance for a month or two at that weight. Then I lost another 5 pounds and then maintained that new weight for a month or two. When I got down to 20 pound lost at the end of May of 2020, I decided to try to maintain that weight for a bit. I am still maintaining that weight even though I have 10 more pounds or so to go. My body seems quite content right now and I’m not hungry or struggling so I am going to stay here for now. This is the first time I’ve ever maintained for this long. My plan is to stay here until mid January 2021 and then lose another 5. Wait a few months and then try for the last 5. This seems to be working and I don’t feel like my body is doing everything it can to get to a higher weight.
@readyornot1234 This is so encouraging to me! I have always been a yo-yo lol. I need to learn how to maintain the current weight as I lose the rest to my healthy goal weight. Thanks for sharing this!!2 -
josefinejem wrote: »So we're heading into another lockdown of sorts here, restrictions have increased again so that we are no longer allowed to mix with other households - and I can see it getting even more restrictive as winter progresses. Although I generally cope fairly well without too much socializing, this year has made me feel very isolated. I live with my partner so it's not that I'm completely alone, I think it's just the uncertainty and hopelessness of it all that is getting to me. I also find my job very challenging and it's affecting my mental health - but then I feel guilty as at least I have one and it's relatively secure, which obviously isn't the case for a lot of people.
I need to find things to do over the next few months that feel meaningful - I've thought of online courses, virtual book groups, and maybe try to start writing again. But I also know with the hopelessness I have a tendency to do absolutely nothing and instead spend too much time on my phone or watching TV - and eat!
I know we're all experiencing the same thing to some degree, and many have it much worse than me, so I don't want to complain too much - but mental health is definitely becoming an issue. Anyone here relate? Have any tips or thoughts for finding meaningful things to do to get through these crazy times we're living in?
Where do you live? Different areas / countries have different "wellness support structures" in place.
Here are two general-public ones from where I am.
Wellness Together Portal https://ca.portal.gs/
Coping during the pandemic https://theroyal.ca/coping-during-covid-19-pandemic
Does your workplace have any kind of "conectivity set-up" like for instance MSTeams? Could you 'book a coffeebreak vid-meet' or lunch-meet with a colleague for non-work chat?
There is also Google Meet-Up and Facebook Messenger for that kind of thing.
There are also blogs here on MFP if you look under Fitness / Wellness that touch on this.
you can friend and pm me if you like. I had to get through a tough work-duties change and spike too.5 -
@josefinejem I started quilting again when the lockdown happened in the US. And I finally turned off the news for a while because it was too scary. I am now back watching the news to be informed but not scared. I was watching tv and eating, so I was glad to start my quilting again - and trying to keep my Peace Lilly plant alive! For what it's worth - you have us in the UAC to chat with to help get thru the lockdown. I looked at the lockdown time to work on the "whenever I get the time" list - so that helped. And I played video games with my son.
Stay safe! 1 -
Over the weekend I was looking into how I can make individual servings and portions for my son and I. I ordered a set of 24 oz ramekins and two mini-pie plates that I received on Monday. Tomorrow I will get the 6 oz ramekin set to add to what I have. I think I am now all set and this should get me headed in the right direction with correct portions. Preparing meals and putting leftovers in individual-portioned containers should help teach my son about what correct portions look like as well.
In the picture, the sizes range are 4 oz, 7 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 24 oz, along with the mini-pie plates. I also picked up mini and small loaf pans, and small bunt pans. I am excited about this, because this will help me track better and be mindful of what I am eating, instead of just loading up the plate and eating mindlessly.
And I love cute dishes! Almost bought a mini dutch oven but I think my ramekins will work just fine. Plus I have a big 5-quart Cuisinart Dutch Oven. But how cute would mini dutch oven babies be!!! Luckily for me, my brain kicked in and reminded me that cuteness has a price and I need to stay on my budget!
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@KCJen - they are so cute. And, yes, mini Dutch ovens would be adorable!! But probably not needed. I love the big mug/soup bowls. I have them in red. They are so nice to eat soup out of. Enjoy!2
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@readyornot123 red would be nice! I do have my eye on a nice pumpkin dutch oven but I haven't seen it at Home Goods yet. I have all white so I can change color easily with tablecloths and table decorations. I am full of ideas now and eager to get cooking!3
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@KCJen - let me know how it goes. The kids are all grown and moved out. My husband eats far too much takeout. You’re inspiring me to start preparing single servings in ramekins so we can eat healthy during the week when crunched for time.3
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Reasons to be grateful:- My very significant other
- A fridge full of healthy food (shopped today)
- I am fit and healthy
- our dishwasher
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Hello everyone.
It has been some time since I posted here. Nothing unusual going on. Work has been busy and keeping me on my toes. I do try to limit my tech time so if I end up spending 10 working hours in front of my work laptop I try and limit my personal online time. We are finally through all quarter end reporting, planning of Q4'20 with our partners, and I can breath for a few days.
I have noticed there is a lot of conversation regarding meal preparation and creating freezer meals for the future. I am not sure if anyone has heard of Dream Dinners. At one time there were sites where meals could be pre-prepped and then frozen. The day before the meal could be defrosted in the refrigerator and then cooked the next day (total cook time 20-25 minutes). The stores I believe have been closed for a while, but the owners did create a cookbook called Dream Dinners. There are many interesting recipes and even though I am single I periodically prep some meals. I will usually adjust the recipe for 3-4 servings.
There are also a ton of recipes online for cook once eat three different meals. I have tried a few and have enjoyed them. I have found some cook once eat 3xs books too. I haven't purchased any because the Dream Dinners cookbook was enough to give me decent recipes while creating my own.
Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe!4 -
@SuziQ113 - thank you for the information. I have been getting busier and had popcorn for dinner last night. My brain just refused to participate. So popcorn. I have been saying that I need a plan but haven’t put one in place. It’s time.3
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readyornot1234 wrote: »@SuziQ113 - thank you for the information. I have been getting busier and had popcorn for dinner last night. My brain just refused to participate. So popcorn. I have been saying that I need a plan but haven’t put one in place. It’s time.
I try to keep it simple, but have found some quick tricks that work for me. I do live alone so please note I do not have to satisfy anyone else's palate or whims.
- During the weekend I boil a half dozen eggs. Very quick meal and low in calories. Easy snack.
- After shopping, which usually happens on the weekend, I clean all of the vegetables and place in containers. Very easy to make a quick salad or chop some up to eat with hummus.
- Always have hummus in the refrigerator or ingredients to make it (there is a very simple NutriBullet recipe online).
- Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver. Chicken dinner, chicken sandwich, chicken soup, toss some in a quick salad.
- I do prefer to make my own salads, but let's face it, sometimes we just do not feel like doing it. When on sale (BOGO) I will purchase those pre-made bags. There are quite a few that are lower calorie/lower fat.
- Avocados. I really love avocado toast (I use one half of a full pita). I will top with tomatoes. It's one of my favorite breakfasts.
For the past month or so I was struggling with meals too. I just got tired of the planning and cooking for one. I found some decent frozen meals, but tired of those too. I am now getting back to real planning and have noticed a difference in the way I feel. I also feel like I am in more control because if I do want to snack or just want something there are already healthier options ready to go.
BTW - There is nothing wrong with popcorn for dinner. I have been known to do the same thing!5 -
@SuziQ113 - sold. I’m on my way to the grocery store.1
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@ SuziQ113 I was reading your post and funny I do all the same stuff that you suggested. My hard boiled eggs, hummus, and veggies, and cut up chicken portioned out for week are lifesavers. My to go to treat is natural peanutbutter on celery or apples and Walmart has Chocolate fudge popsicles. You can have 3 if you like because thats a serving and only 120 calories!4
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I just spotted a pumpkin spice protein smoothee recipeon the MFP nutrition / recipe blog, along with some slow cooker (crock-pot) recipes that look appealing.
decades ago I did a fair bit of crock-pot cooking when I had a very long commute. Set it up the night before in the fridge (my crock-pot had a removable inner-pot). In the morning, pop it into the heating (outer) part - add moisture - set to low and plug in - leave for work. Wonderful full-cooked meal waiting when I got home. Perfect for when I had an evening commitment!6 -
ginadomaszewicz wrote: »@ SuziQ113 I was reading your post and funny I do all the same stuff that you suggested. My hard boiled eggs, hummus, and veggies, and cut up chicken portioned out for week are lifesavers. My to go to treat is natural peanutbutter on celery or apples and Walmart has Chocolate fudge popsicles. You can have 3 if you like because thats a serving and only 120 calories!
I love, love, love peanut butter on apples and celery too. I tried it on carrots and found it's delicious too. Sometimes it's a snack or a meal. I do have to be mindful of measuring the peanut butter because I can over do it.3 -
Morning all from Ohio, USA. I had presented an idea of a zoom meet up. @MaltedTea thank you for your response. If anyone else would like to do a month's end zoom connection, please let me know: your time zone, country, and email where I can send you the zoom info. No sweat if you're not down with this idea and yay if you are! TFIF4
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ever had peanutbutter on cucumber (especially the seedless "English Cucumber" as we call it here in Canada) or mini-cucumbers4
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ForLangston wrote: »Morning all from Ohio, USA. I had presented an idea of a zoom meet up. @MaltedTea thank you for your response. If anyone else would like to do a month's end zoom connection, please let me know: your time zone, country, and email where I can send you the zoom info. No sweat if you're not down with this idea and yay if you are! TFIF
If I'm remembering Zoom setups correctly, then you can schedule the "meeting" in advance then paste the details here. Perhaps password protect it but share the password separately (like in the daily threads leading up to month end).
I typed it out and then it didn't seem as simple as it sounded in my head 🤣 but also 🤔
For me, it's just that my email/s is/are eponymous and with one exceptional exception, I don't "friend" on MFP.4 -
Are you a prayerful pal? Well, if so - pray that I get a good diagnosis today...and a correct one. Off to the oncologist...hoping for treatable.7
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dsgoingtodoit wrote: »Are you a prayerful pal? Well, if so - pray that I get a good diagnosis today...and a correct one. Off to the oncologist...hoping for treatable.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts.3 -
@dsgoingtodoit I will say some prayers for you. I know I see you post about your health struggles and I have had many myself. I know it can be depressing, frustrating, and really hard not having answers or not liking the ones you get. I am not sure what your health issues are and you don't need to share that if you dont want to, but I will pray for you!4
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Prayed up! We'd love to hear the update if you're willing to share @dsgoingtodoit5
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Good morning all! I'm new here and can't wait to begin the November challenge! I'm also in central Ohio and looking forward to getting to know everyone. I'm praying for you as well @dsgoingtodoit4
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I wanted to see how everyone tracks calories for homemade meals. I am thinking of doing it two different ways, and haven't settled on a "set" way yet. I am just using notebook paper and writing down all the nutritional info and weighing individual servings as I go and then add it all up at the end. Or add all calories for large batch cooking, weigh the entire meal then divide by servings to determine calories. (My current method is google the info and enter it as I eat something, which can lead to not tracking if I was not planning ahead of time or track after I eat)
I am also thinking I am going to set this up in Excel. I haven't looked at the recipe tracker in MFP yet, any pointers for that will be greatly appreciated as well.
Thanks everyone!1 -
@KCJen I've used the recipe tracker in MFP before. It worked well for me. I used it for a Red Velvet Cheesecake recipe that my bestie was making for me for my birthday a few years ago. We put everything into MFP (total ingredients) and then how many servings WE were going to cut the cheesecake into. It ended up being like 1200-some calories per slice! It was an eye opener!3
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@Mrs_Hoffer Wow! Sounds yummy! In my house, calories don't count on birthdays! 4
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matltedtea, gina and suziq - Thanks for those prayers ladies! I am waiting for more test results - get them back late afternoon on Monday. Testing for something scary...but ruled out a couple of others. So...I sincerely appreciate the prayers.5
