Sure, all ideas welcome. I'm a rookie, but I figure there is largely dead air b/t terms, since each term requires taking roll call, sorting, and sending out invites, etc.

For this, I was thinking "just enough" to stay on the wagon between terms, and also try to keep up interest in Slytherin House as first choice. Maybe each set a goal for the break, and use ICY to stay focused?

bradkcrew wrote: »

Realistically my weight loss is going to slow down because I am close to maintenance, but I will shoot for 2 pounds down by Term 37 weigh in.

My wife and I "debate" this all the time. I'm with you, in that I think the first XX pounds are prolly easier than the last XX pounds. She's more "it's a formula, and if you're doing the same, correct things, it is just as easy to lose 2# per week."

We hear all the time "the last XX pounds are the hardest to lose." IMO, the body and it's weight-maintenance process is pretty complicated, and I could see cells and hormones, etc., changing a lot as body composition changes.

So, whaddyathink? Actually physically harder, or do people typically relax after some success and stop doing the things necessary to keep losing 2# per week?

Ever read anything scientific on this topic?

https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/how-does-the-human-body-burn-fat

Good overview of fat cells in the body, and how limiting calories and increasing exercise help to reduce them.

Yea, there is definitely one question as to whether your own calorie deficit that works for you today, when you have more to lose, will continue to work the same as you reach a healthy maintenance weight.

Then the second question is whether your norms work during the holidays, with or without acceptable efforts and stress.

@pisanee I moved this here from ICY thread.........

A lot of ATK episodes are on YouTube. The ATK website sub gets you download-ability of recipe steps, and written ingredient lists, etc. And there's an ATK app, so you can carry a recipe to the store for shopping, etc.

This veggie chili makes three quarts (48-50oz) in my small crockpot. I found it online and have tinkered over time.

Cans - all cans are typical 14.5-15 oz cans
1 can diced tomatoes (seasoned or not. I use seasoned/fire roasted)
1 can chili beans
1 can black beans
1 can sweet yellow corn (niblet, not cream style)

Spices
Pepper and salt to taste. I go low on salt.
2 tbs chili powder
1 tbs paprika
1 tbs smoked paprika (Trader Joe's item here)
half tsp cumin
half tsp oregano
1 bay leaf
Texas Pete sauce, or your goto hot sauce, to taste (I do 4-5 good splashes)

Chopped Veggies
Mushrooms, usually 5-6 brown bella's depending on size
Peppers, usually most/all of one bell pepper, or 5-6 of the smaller type
Onion, usually half to whole of whatever we have
The peppers and mushrooms shrink and soften a lot, so I cut them chunky. Onions are just for flavor.

Process
Strain tomatoes well
Strain chili beans a little, but don't lose too much of flavorings/sauce
Mix those two in pot, then add all the Spices stuff, and mix well
Add all chopped veggies
This is usually pretty full, until veggies cook down and shrink
Rinse black beans well, and carefully mix into pot, as now it's really full
Cook on high for ~2 hours until it's >170F, then put on low heat.
I set a repeating timer for ~40 mins, and stir that often.
Strain yellow corn well, and add one hour before serving. This is partly for lack of space until veggies shrink, and I don't like the corn to get mushy. The crunch of the corn counters the other broken-down veggies nicely. Nice color with the black beans too.

That's the core recipe we've done many times. We've added chicken breast/tenderloins. Add at start and remove/shred/mix back in before serving.