Hi Pam,

Thanks for the article link. I love my walking. It is hard in the winter to find a substitute that I like.

Problems with bungalow living. No stairs. But I did manage the 3 sets of stairs to the train when I was in Toronto with no real problem. I have to admit I was walking them slowly. The take away for me is to increase my fitness. Thanks!

I'm trying really hard to get back on track.I PROMISE.I weighed in Monday at 218.When I started in on this journey I weighed 239.I had gotten down to 150's.The only bright point is ,I didn't gain all my weight back.So here I go again.

Mon.Dec.12th -218.0
Fri.Dec.16th-214.5

Dec 16: 133.8
Got my second annual invite to complete the National Weight Control Registry. I just need to find about an hour (their estimate) to complete it.

The last two weekends have featured an afternoon of kimchi making with friends. Those who couldn't make the first one, came to the second. Some just come to watch, but we've make up to 4 batches at a time. Four batches started as 23 lbs. of napa cabbage. Cooking Light had an interesting recipe to puree 2/3 C. greek yogurt and 1/2 C. kimchi to make a veggie and chip dip. Double the probiotics.

DH found that kimchi was perfect on top of my Turkey Barley Lemon soup.

Marney you are welcome to come to Maryland anytime and we will have a kimchi making party just for you!

Otherwise I recommend The Kimchi Cookbook by Lauryn Chun (amazon). The Mak Kimchi (Everyday kimchi) is what we make most often. After the cabbage and salt sits for 1-2 hours you rinse it well, before adding the seasoning paste. You are correct that Korean red pepper is not the same as the red pepper flakes that people often sprinkle on their pizza etc. Korean red pepper is more warm, not hot and spicy. We tend to add a little less of the shrimp and anchovy sauce. You can eat it right away, but it will continue to change so that after a couple months the kimchi is tangy and sparkles on your tongue. Yum!!

I have never bought it, but friends that do say that they prefer making it now they know how.
When you make your own you can leave out the little shrimp - I don't think anyone would care! There are even side notes on making vegetarian version in the cookbook.

I use Assi brand red pepper flakes. You would want the coarse flake, not fine. I just checked on amazon. Here is what I use. A batch would use 1/2 Cup for 4-6 lbs of cabbage. Would it be different on amazon in Canada?
https://smile.amazon.com/assi-Pepper-Powder-Kimchi-Pound/dp/B008I38N5A/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1481947181&sr=8-1&keywords=assi+korean+red+pepper

Got my exercise in this morning.I put my exercise tape in and worked up a sweat for 50 mins.I enjoyed reading the article on walking.My goal for today is getting my water in.I've neglected that for a long time.I hope everyone has a good day.

Glad to have you back, Gayle!

looking forward to hearing about your new spot! With the level of snow outside, a lake with a walking trail sounds like heaven.

Good morning ladies.Got my exercise in but still having problems with water.Can't seem to get the required amount consumed.The next couple of weeks will be challenging ,between the family get together and sharing meals with friends.I just have to keep my eye on the prize,a weight loss.Are you ladies with me???
Have a great day!!

Today I went to lunch at a friends house.There were several of us ladies and we had such a good time.Sharon always decorates her house for Christmas and it's beautiful.She's such a gracious hostess.This is her 4th.year of hosting us and she provides all the food.Needless to say everything was delicious.I wish I had more will power.I did come home and exercised for a half hour.I'm so hoping for a loss Friday.I hope all you ladies are doing well.

Good stuff, Mary. .5 lbs, you will make, I have no doubt!

I unfortunately did some baking yesterday that did not turn out. I really do not like the taste of sweetener and cookies show it off a great deal, so despite effort and tastings they hit the garbage. Gluten free flour waste not counting butter waste. Sigh. However, my weight took it on board big time! I suspect it will leave quickly too but for now:
Nov 4: 164
Nov 11: 164
Nov 18: 163 (-1)
Nov 25: 163.5 (+.5)
Dec 2: 163.5 (no change)
Dec 11: 163 (-.5)
Dec 16: 162 (-1)
Dec 23: 164 (+2)

All that struggle and I am back where I started. I know it is just the extra stuff yesterday holding water, but it is frustrating, none the less. I am not going to add it to my weight record on mfp until it hangs around for 2 days. That is my new rule. I have to see the number solidly for 2 days before it is "real", up or down. How is that for denial?

I am off today to buy some goodies for the normal eaters. My Diabetic is taken care of by my baking and if I can find gluten free shortbreads, I will buy some for me. Not that I need them but I cannot have Christmas pudding and Peter is going to substitute ice cream, which I can do because it is homemade but really high fat so I shouldn't. I am going to have a very, very little and one cookie for dessert. Otherwise, everyone else will get on at me to have something. Oh, the sacrifices we make to keep everyone happy!

If I don't get a chance to be online again, have a really great Holiday Seasons you guys, and for those of you who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas! Enjoy!

11/4-187.0
11/11-186.8
11/18-did not weigh
11/25-189.8
12/2-190.0
12/11-191.2
12/16-190.4
12/24-191.4

Another gain, but less than I thought it would be. I'm sure that this is going to be a hard week for most of us, food everywhere.... I am trying to avoid it, but it is hard to do so. Two more weeks of this challenge, hopefully I will do better next. Need to get back on track.. Beth