ecogranny

:drinker: Normally I give up something for lent - 34 years ago it was cigarettes and I haven't smoked since. That was when we lived inHong Kong and cigarettes were huge and so cheap and everybody smoked. I am so thankful I did. Whenever I give up something for lent I usually put a couple of Euros in tin each day I resist…

Thank you Mary for your kind thoughts - just what I needed today as yesterday I couldn't settle and its amazing when your routine is upset how your eating plan can go haywire. I love to cook but just couldn't and instead ate a whole pile of junk but didn't have the energy to stop myself. However got up today and and made…

I am so glad that others think in a similar way and I do think challenges keep you on your toes. Speaking of challenges my husband Jim (JB) normally grows a moustache for Movember ( play on November) to support male awareness of prostate cancer. He absolutely loathes the feeling of facial hair but feels the effort is…

10 years ago when we decided to retire to France (I was 58) so we bought a second hand caravan - a first for us and with Jb my husband and Harriet our lovely retriever we set off from UK on our adventure.However at my last medical appt in UK our Dr said in a throwaway kind of fashion "by the way your blood sugar is…

My concern about ageing wasn't about flab but the thought of not being totally mobile......arthritis and that kind of thing. So I decided to concentrate on exercise and eating well. For 5 years my husband, JB.. has had an aneurism on his artery (its like a little blister) and if it doesn't grow all is well it stays there.…

With winter round the corner this is the kind of motivation I would like so please add me to your list. I,m retired and at home so plan on trying and sharing healthy low fat recipes which I hope might help during this winter.

I am exactly the same. I must finish a book once I have started. I always hope it will become interesting and well worth reading but oh so often I have been disappointed and think what an idiot I am. But old habits die hard .

Born Scotland but lived in Germany, Hong Kong, England, Wales and now retired in the South of France

Definitely red wine but gave it up for Lent (was challenged to do so by my son who thought I would never last the pace). Inside my head I thought so too but 5 weeks have passed with lunches and dinner with friends and NO wine for me. I am surprised actually chuffed to bits with myself but looking forward to a glass with…

I add 3/4 slices of freshly peeled ginger and 2 slices of lemon to a mug of hot water. So good for you especially first thing in the morning. After you have finished eat the ginger so you will have the benefit of that also. Its smashing.. Its a bit unusual in flavour but please give it a try. Once you get used to it you…

Definitely Fuji..........superb

Forgot to say Yes porridge is the same as oatmeal - as kids in Scotland in the 50's we had porridge oats for breakfast. Not related to breakfast but porridge is great for replacing half flour in crumble recipes and so good for cholesterol

Brought up on porridge with salt in Scotland but no longer eat it like that. Sometimes just honey but I use Manuka honey. Its more expensive but has (it says) unique bacterial properties and is reckoned to be really good for you.My brother in law, a biologist raves about its properties. I don't use sugar but use agave…

No reason why not, so long as its a treat and fits in with your calories.......and know what you will enjoy it all the more when you are not having it regularly.. My husband has lost 33lbs since November and as an ex rugby player has always enjoyed a pint and still does but here in France beer is served in much smaller…

salad peppers spring onions mint and coriander -huge bunch every week lime leaves organic peanut butter agave syrup apples oranges grapefruit bananas frozen red fruit and rasps porage & all bran .......................and red wine when its not Lent

Remember its easy for people to be rude when they are hiding behing anonmity and also that the majority of MFP members are so supportive and put in a lot ot ime and effort in giving others advice. So dont be put off. Remember also the old .song "accentuate the poitive eliminate the negative ". Good luck

Mine are lentils red, and green (for soups, loaves or as veg replacement) chick peas, barley, gherkins, tomatoes,tomato puree, passata olive oil, chilli paste, garlic, ginger , Indian and Thai spices ,barley, rice,couscous, bulgar wheat (great in tabouleh salad which keeps for 3 days) and porage oats - good for cholesterol…

I enjoy both (mostly red) and red wine is supposed to be better for your heart. Here in France in hospital you may have the option to have a small bottle of wine with meals as my husband did 4 years ago.. Also in summer I really enjoy a glassof rose or sparkling white - its really refreshing and you can add ice to the rose…

A nice glass or two of red wine or a gin and tonic with fresh lime and ice..............but no guilty treats at the moment........not until Easter Sunday as I've given them up for Lent. Hey ho!!!

There is a big Japanese chain in uk called Wagamamas and they are expanding in USA. On the website www.abebooks.com you will find THE WAGAMAMA COOKBOOK by Arnold Hughes. You should I hope get some excellent ideas from there. We are keen on Indian and Thai food which we cook from scratch. Having lived in Hongkong my husband…

I too was wondering what BUMP meant but was reluctant to ask. At 68 I thought it was a phrase that we mature kids had missed out on. Great to know for the future. Many thanks