TriciaLB

As long as you don't have a medical condition where you need to restrict your sugar or fat intake, a little chocolate every day shouldn't hurt you. In France it's practically considered a dietary staple! Just make sure it's good quality, and remember that not all chocolate is created equal. (For example, dark chocolate has…

-40 yesterday (with the windchill) in Cedarburg, WI. :(

I tried this a few weeks ago but I didn't follow it religiously, I made a lot of substitutions. I ate chicken instead of tuna, bell peppers, instead of broccoli, etc. I wasn't that hungry, it actually taught me that I've been feeding myself way more than I really need just out of habit. I lost 3 pounds in 3 days and…

Soup (not creamy), popcorn, veggies.

Thanks, I didn't realize! I've been beating myself up anytime I eat back the calories I've burned, and I'm always SO hungry.

Interesting, I've never heard that you should eat back the calories that you burn. I thought the point was NOT to eat them in order to create a calorie deficit.

Do you have Netflix? They have a lot of workout video's that you can stream online for free.

Interesting, thanks!

I know how you feel. The reason you can't tell is because it's distributed all over your body - if you lost 20 pounds in one specific place you would definitely tell! Go to the grocery store and stack up 20 boxes of butter (1 box typically = 1 pound) and you'll realize how significant 20 pounds is. Good job, don't quit…

I picked up this book 'Fitting in Fitness' from the book exchange at the Y, it has some pretty good ideas. http://www.amazon.com/American-Heart-Association-Fitting-Fitness/dp/081292911X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328795018&sr=1-1

My cooking club had a 'soup and stew' night and these were my favorites. Jambalaya Ingredients: 1 can(s) (28-ounce) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (extra-large) onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice 2 large yellow bell peppers, cut in 1/2-inch dice 1 1/2 cup(s) sliced celery 1 cup(s) chicken broth 1 tablespoon(s) fresh…

Wow, awesome job! My daughter is 7 months and I'm not even close to looking like that. Thanks for the inspiration. :)

Why?

I've heard many times that your body can go into 'starvation mode' if you don't eat enough calories, but I've never experienced it. I always lose weight when I go on a low-calorie diet. (And then gain it back as soon as I up my calories even a little bit). Are you sure your calorie count is correct? Do you weigh and…

Drinking a glass of skim milk always seems to curb my hunger. I'm not a big snacker (I'd rather save those calories for a nice sit-down meal) so I just try to stay busy all day. If I really get hungry between meals, I'll eat a little bit of fruit or some crunchy vegetables.

I lost weight by switching from regular soda to diet soda. I think the main concern is that you'll crave the sugar and make up for it by eating other sugary foods - if you don't do that, you should be fine. Technically, a calorie-free food can't make you gain weight. However, the sodium can make you retain water and the…

A few years ago I lost 40 pounds (unfortunately I gained most of it back after having kids). I had never exercised much in my life and hated it at first. I would do intervals - warm up on the treadmill for 5 minutes, then increase the incline and speed for a few minutes (at first I could only go for a few minutes, but…

Cheat days usually turn into cheat weekends for me. If you have the discipline to stick with one day or one meal, I think it's a good idea.

Make sure you aren't underestimating your portion sizes. When you actually start measuring and weighing things, you'll be surprised how fast the calories add up! Don't just try to 'eyeball' it.

I love this spicy pumpkin bisque - I skip the cream to make it healthy http://homecooking.about.com/od/soups/r/blss8.htm (For some reason it's not letting me post a hot link - just copy and paste into your browser. It's worth it). :)

Where are social services? Why aren't they helping this boy? He's renting a room and paying rent at 17 years old - that's just wrong. There are two separate issues here - your concern for your daughter and the situation this boy is in. It's impressive that he hasn't resorted to doing drugs or dropping out of school - I…

Blend together salsa and fat-free cream cheese. Use for dipping sliced red peppers (or whatever veggie you like).

Calories, of course! Your weight is a function of calories in, calories out. That said, you should still watch your carb intake and make sure you're eating a balanced diet.

Yep, I'm rather big on top and it's uncomfortable letting them hang loose. Plus I read somewhere a long time ago that it helps prevent saggy breasts in big-chested women, and that's always nagged at the back of my mind. My husband hates it though.