the_great_unknown Member

I totally agree with you. I was so sad about a particular silk top that I started combing thrift stores looking for it in a smaller size after not being able to find it on Craigslist. It took a while, but I've got it and it was only $2.50, instead of about $50. That was a very happy day. Loose skin and saggy boobs are…

This is a great topic. 1) A sense of accomplishment. 2) Wearing my old "skinny" clothes and having them be a little loose (they aren't *that* skinny). 3) Compliments from people who have noticed my progress. I LOVE that the most. 4) I fly a lot and I don't feel like I have to apologize to my seatmate for any "spillage". I…

That's really great!

I understand the ambivalence with some people. I just de-friended someone who I notice never gave any support and someone who just wasn't a good match personality-wise. I am not sure it was the right thing, but there are a lot of people out there and I hope they find someone that they click with.

Wow, that is great progress! Good for you!

Wow, this sounds good. I am looking for ways to mix up my protein shakes. I am not that creative yet. Thank you!

I would try some soups with lots of vegetables to fill you up. The one that comes to mind is a cheater version of wonton soup. It is really easy - chicken broth, potstickers from Trader Joes (other brands are OK, I just don't know the calories for those), and vegetables simmered in the broth before you add the wontons. I…

How exactly did you do it?? The main change I made was to portion sizes and I cut down on sweets. I didn't eliminate them. The first step for me was to realize how many calories I needed to be eating. I was off by quite a bit, because my efforts to lose weight in the past were unsuccessful, despite some hard work. What…

For an evening wedding, I like #1 and #3. You could wear number one to a daytime wedding too. The other two, especially the gray and coral one (#4? I can't see the photos as I am writing this) would be cute to wear to work on a dress up day.

Nature's Own makes a light wheat bread that is 80 calories for two slices. I like it, and I love the calorie savings compared to a lot of breads. For pasta, sometimes I will cut zucchini into thin ribbons close to the size of the pasta and mix them together to make the pasta go further.

Grilled salmon (from last night) flaked and tossed with rotini pasta, sauteed onions, and garlic and a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and chopped yellow bell peppers.

Interesting - I had never heard of it, and I thought it might be a flavor of gum. I think that's Polar Ice. I would try this though. Protein in a treat with some fiber too?

I like so many things there, but here are a few I get every time I go there: Frozen Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina - 1 C, 170 Cals (mentioned by someone else too, and it is fabulous) Fire Roasted Frozen Corn Turkey meatballs - 50 calories each and very tasty/filling Dairy products - great deals on milk, cottage cheese, and yogurt…

I do Crossfit 3x per week, and do two days of cardio on my non-Crossfit days. Usually Zumba or group cycle, swimming or the eliptical cross trainer. If I am workng out at home, I walk on my treadmill or do the Abs Diet workout video. The cardio workout is not too long and is a nice one with no equipment needed. If you have…

The first ones I ever tried were from the Body for Life book. So simple. I have modified the recipe for one serving. 1/2 c. oats - uncooked and ground into flour in a blender 3 egg whites 1/2 c. non-fat cottage cheese non-caloric sweetener to taste (I forgot this last time, and they were still OK) 1-2 T of water or milk…

I agree with everything you said!

Haha - I loved this. "Well actually...." Also, what's wrong with boiled carrots? Are you only allowed to eat freshly picked organic ones that are raw?

I do. At 12-13, I gained about 60-70 lbs in about 60 months and went from chubby to obese. I ended up with a lot of stretch marks. Over time, they have faded, and I am really pale, so I can only see them in bright light and if I am looking for them.

It is funny, because I have wanted it forever, but I never thought of a reward. I think being a healthy weight will be its own reward. I would like to try surfing, so maybe a trip someplace where I can do what I love (snorkel) and learn to surf. To all the ladies saying they want to get a breast lift, I have been tempted…

I have to have my coffee with half and half or soy milk (I alternate), and then half of a while grain english muffin with some fresh ground almond butter. Next is a hardboiled egg. I don't really like them, but they are a good source of protein and if they are warm/fresh, I usually don't gag on them. Lots of water, of…

If I have the calories to spare, I like to add about 1/4 - 1/2 of a diced green apple, 10 g each of craisins, dark raisins, golden raisins, and chopped walnuts with a dash of cinnamon and 1/2 c. of soy milk. With 1/2 of oats and 1 c. of water, this is perfect for 2.

Just turned 35. It was a hard milestone for me. I'm good now though.

Wow, your transformation has been amazing! Good job.

I totally agree with the "nom...." I can't even type it! Seriously? Also, "I could care less". That means you care. Pass it on. For the food, I don't think I have any weird food combos. I'm pretty dull, I guess.

I feel like I could have posted the same message about a week ago. I was incredibly frustrated after working out so hard and staying within my calories each day without any significant results. I decided to cut back on carbohydrates to see if that would help me lose some weight, and it has been amazingly successful. I'm…

You're welcome. Enjoy!

We use black pepper, salt, allspice and cinnamon. I would say start with 1/2 t. of each, except the cinnamon. Maybe 1/4 t. of cinnamon. Those get mixed into the meat. Start by soaking about 1/4 c. of long grain white rice in water while you cut the stems out of the leaves and then blanch the leaves. Set the stems aside.…

I'm Middle Eastern and we stuff the leaves with ground beef mixed with spices and rice and then simmer the rolled up leaves in water with lemon, olive oil, and garlic. It is probably my favorite dish. Not a 30 minute meal, but fantastic if you like that kind of thing.

This is so nice! I grew up doing that with my mom, but I got out of the habit. How thoughtful! I'm inspired to go back to it.

It would be a treat to have a housekeeper come and do a really deep cleaning, and maybe a professional organizer? Also, other home projects, like fixing up my master closet or decorating my patio. I just celebrated a 10 pound loss with some new clothes. I can't wait for them to arrive, since I ordered them online.