*Snowflakes to Sunshine* Discussion Week #8 (CLOSED GROUP)

Steph_135

Go beyond merely wishing for something better. Figure out exactly what that something looks like, what it feels like, and how it will impact your life.

Forget about what you don't want, and get completely clear about what you do want. Then you'll discover that you are indeed able to make it happen.

Mollie... Thanks! I love these 2! VISUALIZE!!! And think about what you WANT! Not what you DON'T want. You attract what you think about.

"Whether you think you can or whether you think you can't, you're right." -- Henry Ford (One of my faves!)

Steph_135

This past week was pretty decent for me - another small loss (slow and steady seems to be my pace). But, I'm really having trouble with over-indulging the day after I weigh-in. Its like I get so excited about my progress that I allow myself to eat more than I should. And I also need to start exercising.

Right now, I'm struggling with a fear of exercising and gaining weight. I read posts by people that are working out every day and gaining or not losing at all and I'm scared for that to happen. I know that muscle is good, but I am so close to being under 180 that I can't imagine stalling. A couple of years ago, I started working out like a mad woman and I lifted weights with a trainer for 2 months. In that 2 months I never lost a single pound... but I looked great and felt great. For some reason I just want that number on the scale to go down!

Anyhoo... I am looking into a gym membership. I can't really afford it, but I also can't afford not to do it, right?

barefootbeauty... Don't be afraid to exercise. It does soo many more wonderful things for us than just help us lose weight or gain muscle. It will make you feel FANTASTIC! :drinker: I totally can relate to all the above. You may have read that I'm not seeing much progress (30 Day Shred: promises losing up to 20 lbs, but not to me!!) But I AM losing inches. I am SOO close to being under 180, it's not even funny! I am finally seeing a little loss because I am really watching what I am eating for the past few days. To do this, I'm pre-logging what I plan to eat for the day, and it REALLY helps me. You might try it too, especially the day after weigh-ins if that is you most challenging day. Instead of thinking you can allow yourself a treat, be sure to PLAN your treat (and maybe cut the portion in half), so that it falls in your goals. I also couldn't really afford the gym membership either, but I'm sure you can save up for it if you spend less on [insert your coffee, doughnut, special indulgence here]! It's a great investment! I gotta start going again, before mine expires!! I also agree with Mollie though. If you really can't afford it, there are dumbbells and DVDs galore! I have plenty in my collection!

Steph_135

Hey everyone! I took a look at the spreadsheet and I am surprised at how many people haven't weighed in yet. Its still soo early in the challenge, even if its a gain, there's still plenty of time to turn it all around!

Eating has to be near perfect this week. I don't think I will be able to get into the gym at all this week. I will still do upper body strength training because that's about all I can do. I walk "laps" from my front door to the back door. that's just so my knee doesn't get stiff.

Going to the doc later, can't wait to see what she says!

Hope it's good news!!

Krys_T

Hi everyone! I am really loving the inspirational posts in this thread. It is nice to know that we all have our struggles, fears, and hurdles.

This past week was pretty decent for me - another small loss (slow and steady seems to be my pace). But, I'm really having trouble with over-indulging the day after I weigh-in. Its like I get so excited about my progress that I allow myself to eat more than I should. And I also need to start exercising.

Right now, I'm struggling with a fear of exercising and gaining weight. I read posts by people that are working out every day and gaining or not losing at all and I'm scared for that to happen. I know that muscle is good, but I am so close to being under 180 that I can't imagine stalling. A couple of years ago, I started working out like a mad woman and I lifted weights with a trainer for 2 months. In that 2 months I never lost a single pound... but I looked great and felt great. For some reason I just want that number on the scale to go down!

Anyhoo... I am looking into a gym membership. I can't really afford it, but I also can't afford not to do it, right?

You have to have to workout. Embrace it! And I am going to be honest with you... a lot of time people gripe about gaining wait even though they are working out....however, a lot of the time it is they aren't drinking nearly enough water...or they are not eating right. Plain and simple! As much, as people don't want to admit it, nutrition is key! And just staying under your calories is not what it is all about. It is about putting the right kind of nutrients in your body...the right protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, etc. You can't eat bad or barely eat, and think that your weight loss is going to be long term. So people can either take that as it is, or not.

So do not let the fear of gaining weight by exercising intimidate you. Exercise is crucial to your psyche and energy level. It will give you the inches you want to lose, tighten loose skin, bring out muscles (that essentially help you burn more fat even when you are not being active). Rest assure you will be ok!

IsMollyReallyHungry

So do not let the fear of gaining weight by exercising intimidate you. Exercise is crucial to your psyche and energy level. It will give you the inches you want to lose, tighten loose skin, bring out muscles (that essentially help you burn more fat even when you are not being active). Rest assure you will be ok!

So true Kris!:happy:

IsMollyReallyHungry

barefootbeauty... Don't be afraid to exercise. It does soo many more wonderful things for us than just help us lose weight or gain muscle. It will make you feel FANTASTIC! :drinker:

Absolutely true!:happy: :drinker:

You may have read that I'm not seeing much progress (30 Day Shred: promises losing up to 20 lbs, but not to me!!) But I AM losing inches. I am SOO close to being under 180, it's not even funny! I am finally seeing a little loss because I am really watching what I am eating for the past few days. To do this, I'm pre-logging what I plan to eat for the day, and it REALLY helps me. You might try it too,

Good for you Steph!! Keep up the good work. You are right. At you size and any one under 200 really have to eat right to lose those pounds. I hate to use the word perfect but you really need to be near perfect most days to lose. That is why that activity is so important because you have a little wiggle room when you exercise. The larger you are the more wiggle room you have.

Keep up the good work and you will reach your goals!:flowerforyou:

Krys_T

OMG, I am at work....and I am like, "Don't people see that I am trying to look at MFP here!" LOL Yeesh! I am really trying to get home and workout. Very excited, I have jambalaya in the crockpot brewing...can't wait to get home and eat it. Going to be a good workout tonight and an early sleep night, since I have to wake up and getting the jogging on at 6am. I am pretty excited about incorporating it into my week 3 times a week.

Also, I got my resistance bands....Yeahhhhh. Will look up some exercises tonight online for arms. I am looking for a good number this week on the scale with the jogging. I know running and jogging is a great way to drop pounds quicker, and it's perfect since I will be running that 5k in May.

I did however, eat a candy bar today.... "BAD KRYSTLE!" LOL, but not going to beat myself up over it going to have a good workout tonight...and going to log it in my food diary...it's about being accountable and honest, right? But I totally know that I had it because it is TOM...it reared it's ugly head but with DEPO its not a real one, it's the "spotting" (TMI) So just going to be downing these waters and working out all week to see a good number Friday!

rjlam

Good evening everyone. Sorry I did not check in earlier but I've had to take care of my mother who has been ill but hopefully she's on the mend. Having said that I lost 4 lbs this week and quite happy with myself. I've been on my modified cleasing program from the naturopath and feet great. Today was one of the days that I was able to ignore the program and eat what I wanted. I had a small slice of homemade apple pie but let me tell you my system does not like it. I've had to take digestive enzymes to settle my stomach. Most of my family is gluten intolerant and i'm know realizing that I am as well. Well hope everyone has a great week.

Steph_135

Good for you Steph!! Keep up the good work. You are right. At you size and any one under 200 really have to eat right to lose those pounds. I hate to use the word perfect but you really need to be near perfect most days to lose. That is why that activity is so important because you have a little wiggle room when you exercise. The larger you are the more wiggle room you have.

Keep up the good work and you will reach your goals!:flowerforyou:

Thanks Mollie! I really do have to be strict with the calories to see results. Even when I was over 200 lbs!

Steph_135

Also, I got my resistance bands....Yeahhhhh. Will look up some exercises tonight online for arms. I am looking for a good number this week on the scale with the jogging. I know running and jogging is a great way to drop pounds quicker, and it's perfect since I will be running that 5k in May.

I did however, eat a candy bar today.... "BAD KRYSTLE!" LOL, but not going to beat myself up over it going to have a good workout tonight...and going to log it in my food diary...it's about being accountable and honest, right? But I totally know that I had it because it is TOM...it reared it's ugly head but with DEPO its not a real one, it's the "spotting" (TMI) So just going to be downing these waters and working out all week to see a good number Friday!

Running really does help! I can vouch for when I stuck with it for 3 months back when I was in high school. Also, I had pie today, so... Oh well! :ohwell: Once it goes down, all you can do is be accountable. :flowerforyou:

Steph_135

Good evening everyone. Sorry I did not check in earlier but I've had to take care of my mother who has been ill but hopefully she's on the mend. Having said that I lost 4 lbs this week and quite happy with myself. I've been on my modified cleasing program from the naturopath and feet great. Today was one of the days that I was able to ignore the program and eat what I wanted. I had a small slice of homemade apple pie but let me tell you my system does not like it. I've had to take digestive enzymes to settle my stomach. Most of my family is gluten intolerant and i'm know realizing that I am as well. Well hope everyone has a great week.

Best wishes to your mother! :flowerforyou: Naturopaths are AMAZING!! Good for you for working with one! I was sensitive to wheat, and my friend has Celiac, so I totally know what being intolerant is like! It's probably the healthiest thing that can happen to you. :laugh: You'll find alternatives, and avoid the bad stuff, and it'll all be good. It took me YEARS to cut out all my sensitivities from my diet, and I recently found out from the naturopath that I have even MORE than I thought I did. :sick:

IsMollyReallyHungry

OMG, I am at work....and I am like, "Don't people see that I am trying to look at MFP here!" LOL Yeesh! I am really trying to get home and workout. Very excited, I have jambalaya in the crockpot brewing...can't wait to get home and eat it. Going to be a good workout tonight and an early sleep night, since I have to wake up and getting the jogging on at 6am. I am pretty excited about incorporating it into my week 3 times a week.

Also, I got my resistance bands....Yeahhhhh. Will look up some exercises tonight online for arms. I am looking for a good number this week on the scale with the jogging. I know running and jogging is a great way to drop pounds quicker, and it's perfect since I will be running that 5k in May.

I did however, eat a candy bar today.... "BAD KRYSTLE!" LOL, but not going to beat myself up over it going to have a good workout tonight...and going to log it in my food diary...it's about being accountable and honest, right? But I totally know that I had it because it is TOM...it reared it's ugly head but with DEPO its not a real one, it's the "spotting" (TMI) So just going to be downing these waters and working out all week to see a good number Friday!

1 candy bar is not bad at all Krys.......:-) Especially since you worked out. Have a good run tomorrow!

Good evening everyone. Sorry I did not check in earlier but I've had to take care of my mother who has been ill but hopefully she's on the mend. Having said that I lost 4 lbs this week and quite happy with myself. I've been on my modified cleasing program from the naturopath and feet great. Today was one of the days that I was able to ignore the program and eat what I wanted. I had a small slice of homemade apple pie but let me tell you my system does not like it. I've had to take digestive enzymes to settle my stomach. Most of my family is gluten intolerant and i'm know realizing that I am as well. Well hope everyone has a great week.

Congrats on 4 lbs weight loss!:flowerforyou:

punkrawkcutie

Man after a good week last week, this week is off to a BAD start! I went out, not one night but 2 over the weekend. And it wasn't the drinking that killed me, it was the food the next day.... and no work outs... EFF! Hoping to get back to my regular routine this week and still post some sort of a loss this week...
Good luck with the second half of the week everyone!!!
xoxo-S

Krys_T

So I wanted to share some things that I think are important...


First, rewire your mental circuitry. Your beliefs can prevent you from achieving certain things in life. For example, if you believe you will always be fat, you'll always struggle with your weight. As a solution, change your mindset. Recite your goals as affirmations every day. Condition yourself to recognize the positive in situations and acknowledge your successes. For example, pat yourself on the back for making good food choices at the end of the day, instead of kicking yourself for your one indulgence.

Second, visualize. As you visualize, you mentally rehearse the desired result and plant a message in the subconscious mind. That message can change reality. Because the mind has a hard time distinguishing between what is real and what is not, the more you visualize, the more ingrained the neural patterns become. To make the process work, your visualizations must be rich in "real life" detail. For example if you visualize yourself thin, you must feel what it would be like to be thin. How would you eat? What activities would you do? Who would you interact with? What emotions would you feel?

Most people either lack confidence or lose sight of their goals. Success requires building from the inside out. You must get your mind on board to achieve permanent weight loss. And this goes along with the idea of "mental toughness" You HAVE to be mentally tough. There are the ups and downs to the journey, but you have to be mentally tough enough to DIG DEEP!

I think the phrase, "dig deep!" Is one of my favorites because it is true...when you are feeling weak or like you can't do it...DIG DEEP!

Sometimes we get so caught up on how much weight we have to go, instead of how far we have come thus far, mentally and physically. Now, I don't even think about how much more weight I have to go....I think about the fact that I've lost 40 FREAKING pounds and dropped 4 sizes in less than a year...and to think that I was not nearly as intense in the beginning!? I can just imagine the possibilities since I have become 100% dedicated to this journey!

And this is what I want all of us to do...think about how far we have come, dig deep and be mentally tough. We CAN do this! It is one day at a time and 1lb or inch at a time...Let's kick it up a notch Snowflakes! 25 days until mid-way pics and stats...

Krys_T

Good evening everyone. Sorry I did not check in earlier but I've had to take care of my mother who has been ill but hopefully she's on the mend. Having said that I lost 4 lbs this week and quite happy with myself. I've been on my modified cleasing program from the naturopath and feet great. Today was one of the days that I was able to ignore the program and eat what I wanted. I had a small slice of homemade apple pie but let me tell you my system does not like it. I've had to take digestive enzymes to settle my stomach. Most of my family is gluten intolerant and i'm know realizing that I am as well. Well hope everyone has a great week.

Awesome job on the 4lbs! Woo!

IsMollyReallyHungry

Most people either lack confidence or lose sight of their goals. Success requires building from the inside out. You must get your mind on board to achieve permanent weight loss. And this goes along with the idea of "mental toughness" You HAVE to be mentally tough. There are the ups and downs to the journey, but you have to be mentally tough enough to DIG DEEP!

I think the phrase, "dig deep!" Is one of my favorites because it is true...when you are feeling weak or like you can't do it...DIG DEEP!

Sometimes we get so caught up on how much weight we have to go, instead of how far we have come thus far, mentally and physically.

Thanks Kris for the entire passage, but I really needed to be reminded of this one since it hits home for me especially. That is why I always remind myself of how far I have come and not think so much of how far I still have to go. Making small goals seem less intimidating. Awesome post!

robynrae_1

I was doing so well with food and my workout. Now I am sick with a chest cold and have not motivation to do anything. I have been eating soup for the last couple of days so my sodium has been high. UGH well once I feel better I will get back to it.

forgiven4life

Alright Snowflakes, I am making a grocery list because I need to get some healthy foods in the house. So far on my list I have: broccoli, strawberries, bananas, rotisserie chicken and flank/skirt steak. Give me some ideas of things you like to eat that are good for you.

healthydoseofglitter

Hello, hope everyones week is going well. I was BAD Sunday and Monday. I had a lot of carby stuff for dinner that I normally dont eat. I also was a LAZY BUTT and did not work out. I will be adding 2 more days to my 30 Day Shred. I do not think I can double up on level 2 like I did the one day when I missed one during Level 1.

Workout this week
Tues- 30DSL2 and 20 Minute Zumba
Wed- 30DSL2
Thurs- 30DSL2 and 20 Minute Zumba
Friday- 30DSL2

Drinking lots and lots of water today, really want to be 225 (currently 227.4) by March and would love to be 220 for my yearly checkup at the lady doctor which will be some time at the end of March/ beginging of April. It will be the lowest she has seen me and I know she will be happy.

I am thinking about adding more cardio to the 30 Day Shred routine ... some days I have extra time to workout and I think the 20 Minute zumba dvd will be perfect to get a lil extra in.

Also, when is our half way mark ... Mid March correct?

Krys_T

I was doing so well with food and my workout. Now I am sick with a chest cold and have not motivation to do anything. I have been eating soup for the last couple of days so my sodium has been high. UGH well once I feel better I will get back to it.

Get yourself better, that is the most important part! And then you can get back to it. No sweat girl...feel better!

Krys_T

Alright Snowflakes, I am making a grocery list because I need to get some healthy foods in the house. So far on my list I have: broccoli, strawberries, bananas, rotisserie chicken and flank/skirt steak. Give me some ideas of things you like to eat that are good for you.

Hmmmm let's see....

1) Bags of Mixed Greens and Spinach for salads. I like to buy those and tomatoes, green onion, cucumbers, carrots, chopped onion, etc.....this is so I can make a big salad and then use that throughout the week to take to work.
2) Low Sodium Canned Tuna, or Low Sodium Canned Chicken or Tyson Cooked Chicken Breast (These are for me to add to the salad...great protein)
3) Almonds (Raw and unsalted)
4) Egg Beaters Liquid Egg Whites
5) Whole Eggs (I boil these in the morning and take them for snacks) I eat one whole one and just the white of another one
6) Granola (look for ones lower in sodium and sugar)
7) Quaker Oats Plain Oatmeal (This is my morning staple meal lol) I just get the big tub
8) Blueberries (Great antioxidant and I do .33 to 1/2 cup on my oatmeal)
9) Finely ground flaxseed (2 tbsp mixed in my oatmeal every morning)
10) Boneless skinless chicken breast, might as well get a ton of these LOL
11) Chicken Wings
12) Whole Wheat Organic Pasta
13) Spaghetti Sauce...look for ones lower in sodium or organic if possible
14) Ground turkey ( I like to keep this on hand to make a turkey patty in the morning for my lunch at work)
15) Bidsweet Steamable Veggies (They are great side dishes, and low in sodium)
16) Brown Rice (I use Uncle Ben's)
17) Black Beans
18) And as many snack veggies, fruits, anything that will keep you away from grabbing high fat, sodium, calories....

*That is all I can think about for now.... I hope this helps!

IsMollyReallyHungry

Alright Snowflakes, I am making a grocery list because I need to get some healthy foods in the house. So far on my list I have: broccoli, strawberries, bananas, rotisserie chicken and flank/skirt steak. Give me some ideas of things you like to eat that are good for you.

Since I know you know any veggies, fruits and lean meats -- below are a few of my favorites.

Red Florida Grapefruits are excellent this time of year.

Pears

Mozzerella cheese sticks (60 to 80 calories)

Trader Joe's Cheddar cheese sticks (70 calories)

Trader Joe's individual size trail mix (approx 150 calories)

Vitalicious snacks are nice healthy treats -I prefer all of the chocalate products they have that are only 100 calories. The Banana nut vita top is delicious also. These are good substitutions for sweet tooth. See link: http://www.vitalicious.com/

IsMollyReallyHungry

Hello Snowflakes,

Do any of you eat Quinoa? If so where do you find it in the stores? By noodles and rice? I know I have seen it and now that I am looking for it, I can't find it. I still have to hit the larger stores. The knock off or discount groceries do not carry it.

Also if you eat Quinoa, do you have any good receipes for it? Thanks in advance for any replies!

Krys_T

Hello, hope everyones week is going well. I was BAD Sunday and Monday. I had a lot of carby stuff for dinner that I normally dont eat. I also was a LAZY BUTT and did not work out. I will be adding 2 more days to my 30 Day Shred. I do not think I can double up on level 2 like I did the one day when I missed one during Level 1.

Workout this week
Tues- 30DSL2 and 20 Minute Zumba
Wed- 30DSL2
Thurs- 30DSL2 and 20 Minute Zumba
Friday- 30DSL2

Drinking lots and lots of water today, really want to be 225 (currently 227.4) by March and would love to be 220 for my yearly checkup at the lady doctor which will be some time at the end of March/ beginging of April. It will be the lowest she has seen me and I know she will be happy.

I am thinking about adding more cardio to the 30 Day Shred routine ... some days I have extra time to workout and I think the 20 Minute zumba dvd will be perfect to get a lil extra in.

Also, when is our half way mark ... Mid March correct?

It is March 18th Exciting!!!

Krys_T

Hello Snowflakes,

Do any of you eat Quinoa? If so where do you find it in the stores? By noodles and rice? I know I have seen it and now that I am looking for it, I can't find it. I still have to hit the larger stores. The knock off or discount groceries do not carry it.

Also if you eat Quinoa, do you have any good receipes for it? Thanks in advance for any replies!

I don't eat it...although, I did think about checking it out once I got tired of brown rice lol...I am pretty sure a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods carries it. I would look at allrecipes.com and type in quinoa they should have some great recipes for it.....That website is godsend LOL

forgiven4life

Hmmmm let's see....

1) Bags of Mixed Greens and Spinach for salads. I like to buy those and tomatoes, green onion, cucumbers, carrots, chopped onion, etc.....this is so I can make a big salad and then use that throughout the week to take to work.
2) Low Sodium Canned Tuna, or Low Sodium Canned Chicken or Tyson Cooked Chicken Breast (These are for me to add to the salad...great protein)
3) Almonds (Raw and unsalted)
4) Egg Beaters Liquid Egg Whites
5) Whole Eggs (I boil these in the morning and take them for snacks) I eat one whole one and just the white of another one
6) Granola (look for ones lower in sodium and sugar)
7) Quaker Oats Plain Oatmeal (This is my morning staple meal lol) I just get the big tub
8) Blueberries (Great antioxidant and I do .33 to 1/2 cup on my oatmeal)
9) Finely ground flaxseed (2 tbsp mixed in my oatmeal every morning)
10) Boneless skinless chicken breast, might as well get a ton of these LOL
11) Chicken Wings
12) Whole Wheat Organic Pasta
13) Spaghetti Sauce...look for ones lower in sodium or organic if possible
14) Ground turkey ( I like to keep this on hand to make a turkey patty in the morning for my lunch at work)
15) Bidsweet Steamable Veggies (They are great side dishes, and low in sodium)
16) Brown Rice (I use Uncle Ben's)
17) Black Beans
18) And as many snack veggies, fruits, anything that will keep you away from grabbing high fat, sodium, calories....

*That is all I can think about for now.... I hope this helps!

Great list! Good to know I already have quite a few of these things. #3, 5, 7, 9 (I bought this when I was doing Atkins. Can you taste it in the oatmeal?, 10, 16 (I love, love Uncle Ben's fast and natural brown rice. So yummy!)

Now I just need to add a few things to it and eat them!

leandread

Alright Snowflakes, I am making a grocery list because I need to get some healthy foods in the house. So far on my list I have: broccoli, strawberries, bananas, rotisserie chicken and flank/skirt steak. Give me some ideas of things you like to eat that are good for you.

I like to buy chicken breast/thighs/legs and throw them in the crock pot or large stock pot to slow cook them off the bone. Its less expensive than always buying only chicken breast and can be then fixes many different ways (bbq, teriyaki, a chicken pot pie, and so on)

Do you like berries? Cherries? Navel oranges have been really sweet and delicious where I am so maybe they'll be good where you are right now.

onlyhalfcrazy

Good morning ladies!! Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying their workouts. I must say I am feeling that same old, "Ok your jeans arent tight so you can slow down." I have done this so often, this time I really want to stick with it and change my way of living. Last week was a very low week for me so I think that added to this mindset. None the less I am going to stick with my goal and keep aiming for it.

Pray for atleast a 1 lb loss this week, if not I will look at changing things up next week!!

By the way, I have never had grapefruit to my knowledge, are they bitter? Or is that a false assumption Ive always had?

Krys_T

Hmmmm let's see....

1) Bags of Mixed Greens and Spinach for salads. I like to buy those and tomatoes, green onion, cucumbers, carrots, chopped onion, etc.....this is so I can make a big salad and then use that throughout the week to take to work.
2) Low Sodium Canned Tuna, or Low Sodium Canned Chicken or Tyson Cooked Chicken Breast (These are for me to add to the salad...great protein)
3) Almonds (Raw and unsalted)
4) Egg Beaters Liquid Egg Whites
5) Whole Eggs (I boil these in the morning and take them for snacks) I eat one whole one and just the white of another one
6) Granola (look for ones lower in sodium and sugar)
7) Quaker Oats Plain Oatmeal (This is my morning staple meal lol) I just get the big tub
8) Blueberries (Great antioxidant and I do .33 to 1/2 cup on my oatmeal)
9) Finely ground flaxseed (2 tbsp mixed in my oatmeal every morning)
10) Boneless skinless chicken breast, might as well get a ton of these LOL
11) Chicken Wings
12) Whole Wheat Organic Pasta
13) Spaghetti Sauce...look for ones lower in sodium or organic if possible
14) Ground turkey ( I like to keep this on hand to make a turkey patty in the morning for my lunch at work)
15) Bidsweet Steamable Veggies (They are great side dishes, and low in sodium)
16) Brown Rice (I use Uncle Ben's)
17) Black Beans
18) And as many snack veggies, fruits, anything that will keep you away from grabbing high fat, sodium, calories....

*That is all I can think about for now.... I hope this helps!

Great list! Good to know I already have quite a few of these things. #3, 5, 7, 9 (I bought this when I was doing Atkins. Can you taste it in the oatmeal?, 10, 16 (I love, love Uncle Ben's fast and natural brown rice. So yummy!)

Now I just need to add a few things to it and eat them!

I cant taste it at all...especially since I had the fresh fruit to the oatmeal as well.

IsMollyReallyHungry

By the way, I have never had grapefruit to my knowledge, are they bitter? Or is that a false assumption Ive always had?

White grapefruit is sort of bitter, but Florida Red grapefruits are sweet and sour! Try one and see if you like. I love them and eat them six months out of the year. It is hard to find reasonable priced ones in the sumer and early fall. Winter and spring they are plentiful and reasonably priced.