tn2010 Member

I have a really hard time doing this when I'm out, too. I give myself permission to "splurge" by subbing in a healthier option. For instance, at a burger joint like Red Robin, I'll get my burger protein style (wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun) so I can cut out the extra 200+ calories of the bun (or you could take one…

:happy: I've discovered the joy of a good consignment shop! Not only can I drop off my too-big clothes, but I can pick up some new pieces to get me through to the next size. Now, when I hit my goal weight (whatever that is), I fully plan on going HOG WILD with the new clothes!!

For raised beds we've had a lot of success with The Square Foot Gardening book as well as this link that allows you to plot your garden and then gives you tips: http://www.gardeners.com/Kitchen-Garden-Planner/kgp_home,default,pg.html?SC=RMPG2128

I have had 2 c-sections and I currently weigh less than I did before I had kids. I've never had a flat stomach, but I feel like it's achievable based on the results I've gotten so far. I'm more concerned about my muffin top (the layer or two above my incision) then I am about my lower abs. But then again, I've never had a…

I am gluten free and I find it very easy to substitute. That being said, I don't eat bread at all right now and don't seem to miss it. The hardest thing for me to avoid is Asian foods because soy sauce has gluten. Most good Asian restaurants around me have gf alternatives (made with wheat-free tamari), it's just…

I tried to find small substitutes that would eliminate more calories without making me feel deprived. Examples: String Cheese (80-100 calories) became Laughing Cow Light (35 calories) Slice of bread (~70 calories) became Real Foods Rice Thins (23 calories) Crackers/Chips I replaced with veggie chips (Costco), Crunchmaster…

I simply love this thread.

By the way...my ticker and stats don't reflect my first 5 pounds!

Depends on how hard-core you want to be. You can do 2 pounds a week and conceivably reach your goal by May, but you may hit a plateau and have to kick it up a notch near your goal. I started at 185 last June and it took me about 6 months to lose 30 pounds, but it is definitely coming off much slower now...but I also don't…

I did it 6 days a week. I did Level 1 for 12 days, Level 2 for 8, and Level 3 for 10. Then, I kept going and alternated between levels. I kept track of levels and days on a calendar and took my measurements once a week.

My body sheds first in the last place I put on weight. So, I always lose my weight in my face and my hands before any where else. I highly recommend Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred for taking off inches in your middle. It helped to kick start my inch-loss significantly in only 4 weeks. Good luck!

I teach K-5 music full-time, have 2 kids, and I'm an active musician in our community. I have to be honest, the bulk of my intense exercise came in the summer months. I started on mfp about a month before the last school year ended and spent that time getting to know the food database and realizing how out of control my…

I often choose to cheat on the weekends. I try to keep my breakfast and lunch the same as M-F, increase my water and activity if possible (maybe a workout early in the morning or before I go out) and then enjoy myself at night. I still have a loss, and I don't feel deprived! The trick is anticipating all the fun and…

I agree...at least 15 years younger! Way to go, and what an inspiration to us all! :happy:

I recently got down to a pant size I haven't been in since early high school. I'm terrified to get rid of my pants because I'm afraid they're the size I'm "supposed" to be in since I've been in them for almost 20 years. I am going to do it, though...get rid of them all. It's scary, but it's a risk I'm totally willing to…

My game is to get as many fresh, unprocessed foods as possible. If it comes in a box, can, jar or a bag it has to have ingredients I recognize and can pronounce. My staples: Greek Yogurt Rice Cakes (I like Rice Thins by Real Foods) Almond Butter All manner of veggies Low-fat cheese (string cheese or Laughing Cow wedges are…

I have a great cookbook called "Fix, Freeze and Feast." The premise of it is to buy items at a warehouse store (Costco, Sam's, etc.) and make several of the same meals (usually 2-4) out of one tray pack of meat. Everything tastes fresh and is fairly healthy...and best of all, nothing uses a can of condensed soup! I highly…

I recently found out that all of my cholesterol ranges are back to normal. As some other people have suggested, I eat grassfed beef, lean pork, and chicken, along with lots of beans and fresh veggies. I've cut out almost all processed foods, and replaced butter (always real, never margarine...still to this day) with olive…

Max Mikko (4) and Baxter Aleksi (1). I am a teacher and I LOVE the unusual names and spellings. As a music teacher I have over 400 students a year and I like hearing and reading the more creative ones. I taught for 2 years in Greece and had more difficulty reading and learning those names than any of the creative ones I've…

I don't work from home, but I am a teacher and have constant snack foods available in the staff room. I did start this journey during the summer when I was home all day, and this is what I did: I eat healthy, therefore my family must eat healthy. I don't think your clients are going to mind if their kids get a few more…

You might try reprogramming yourself so that you highlight the foods you love that you CAN have. I've gotten to the point where 2 or 3 little Dove dark chocolate pieces are a dream...I LOVE them. I LOVE fresh veggies with a wedge of Laughing Cow Cheese. I LOVE a Rice Thin (by Real Foods) spread with a tablespoon of almond…

They have sugar-free in the same flavor for only 5 calories a drop. Those are the only kind I use!

I agree with this comment! Best of luck :smile:

Good for you, Michelle! I have 2 kids as well and I know how hard it is to juggle raising your kids while trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. It's so nice to have a supportive spouse. My husband took a gamble one Christmas and got me an elliptical trainer (he was sweating my reaction), I LOVED it. Luckily…

I've made the South Beach version before. It was good and very easy to make. http://www.food.com/recipe/buttermilk-salmon-chowder-265838

Are you looking for specific meals? Go-to cookbooks? I am a full-time working mom w/ 2 little boys and I HAVE to plan my meals weekly to keep my sanity. I usually have to do 1 or 2 crockpot meals a week due to evening commitments (otherwise we end up eating out...which is probably why I got so overweight to begin with),…

I grew up in Auburn as well! (I'm not sure I should brag about it, though :huh: )

I'm up in Bellingham and I have to admit, I love the rain! Admittedly, I don't do a lot of my workouts outside this time of year, but between my elliptical, Wii, and Jillian Michaels dvd's, I have enough variety to get me through the gray. The minute the sun comes out, though, we hit the trails (which are plentiful and…

Definitely plan meals at least a week in advance. My favorite crock-pot cookbook is Fix It and Forget It. If you shop at a warehouse (Costco, Sams, etc.), then there is a lot of money to be saved in a great once-a-month cookbook called "Fix, Freeze and Feast." It's absolutely fabulous and pretty darn healthy. I try to do a…

I'm a full-time working mom, too, and I know how hard it is. Here are some of the workouts that work for me: 30 Day Shred (only 20 minute workouts that REALLY produces results), Wii (I can do it w/ my family and get a bit of a workout), my own elliptical trainer. Cooking: I do 1-2 crockpot meals a week. One of them is…