happypath101

Peanut butter, chocolate, and oatmeal. Oh MY!! I can't wait to try this! :O)

This is the thorn in my side too. I'm older than you and I've had a cesarian. So, I really struggle with it. Along with the things you've tried, I also find that going lower carb/higher protein REALLY helps. Also, you might want to try Jillian Michaels' 30 day shred. Good luck! Just remember to keep the self-love as you…

I made this for a dinner party last night. I was in the mood for cauliflower so I did about 1/2 broccolli and 1/2 cauliflower. It was a HIT. So yummy and easy to do. I can absolutely see myself having this alone for dinner in the cold months when I'm trying to have a low cal but filling meal. Thanks again. This is my new…

Yup. And my office is really green. So, we have a kitchen with dishes and mugs and dishwashers. This is great. But, when I see the way my co-workers load the dishwasher I get SO upset. I have actually tidied it up when we've had customers in the office. Because if I was our customer, I would look for another vendor based…

When my nephew had a kid and my son grew a moustache. :o/

Awesome! Good for you! When you talk about how you started, you reminded of me of where I was in 1992. I made a vow to walk around the block once a day and have one fruit or vegetable a day. I can't even believe that now. But, that's where I started. (I just got back from an 8km run on my lunch hour.) You can do this. You…

* A long walk in the woods or by the beach * A really special cup of tea in my good china * A long, hot bath (with a great CD playing and awesome pamper-me products) If I can possibly swing it, all three in one self-care evening. Oh - and early to bed, if not to sleep. Just read or write in a journal and let it go. :O)

THANKS for your post!!! I'm in maintenance mode and have been having a lot of questions around what weight I want to maintain and what attitude to take to maintain it. I, too, don't want to identify as a fat person or punish myself for who I was. I remember when looking like I do this very moment would have seemed…

BOY! Being in love can sure pack on the pounds, eh? Congratulations; you look awesome! Thanks for sharing some inspiring pics.

Vancouver here! Feel free to add my. I've been told I'm friendly to a fault. :O) BTW: There are LOTS of Canadian food items in the MFP database. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, you'll be pleasantly surprised, e.g. Real Canadian Super Store Blue Menu items.

What an interesting article! It just goes to show how fear (and other negative emotions) can alter your perception. Did you ever write to the paper and tell your side of encounter? I wonder if it would make a difference? It probably wouldn't to that fella (he'd justify his fear at the expense of reason), but perhaps it…

GREAT TIP! Thanks! I'm anemic and I know that lemon juice on my broccolli will help me absorb the iron. But, I always forget to do that and, well, I don't really like it on raw broccolli. I'll try this, though.

As an outsider (Canadian) it seems to me to be the portion sizes and food options. When I go to the US and order a meal, I am utterly shocked at how much food is on the plate. It's also far cheaper. I suppose that makes it easier to serve and order more. And, perhaps, that's why there's a "get my money's worth" philosophy.…

My problem is that the weight comes off really, really slowly but piles on fast. Sometimes it's very discouraging. Try to measure yourself with a tape instead of the scale. Also, set yourself rewards for meeting goals, e.g. a pair of $50 earrings I'm covetting when my belly measurement gets to a certain point. I've even…

Awesome! Well done! :O)

My son (15) does Martial Arts in the evenings several times a week. I make myself work out when he does. I tell myself if he can do it, so can I. This often means getting into my workout gear at 8, 9, 10 pm!!!! ACK! I'm a Single Mom. I work more than full time. I'm tired. But, I do it. Because it makes me feel better…

Of any post I've seen, your pictures are really powerful to me. I think we have pretty similar body types and seeing your pics really brought home to me what a difference a "few" pounds can make. BTW: I love your warddrobe. You have sass and class, girl! :O)

Love it! If I could change just ONE thing I'd like to see every fast food restaurant offer carrot sticks as an option to fries. What would that cost? Nothing. They'd make a killing and we'd have a better option.

This is SO cool - except that I'm most like a male gymnast. Jeepers!

That's AWESOME!!! Good for you! You look beautiful at every weight; but you're stunning now. That smile just ups the ante! :O) Thanks for sharing!

NICE! What did your husband say? BTW: I gained almost 100 pounds in 2 years back in my early 20's. That wasn't a good thing, of course, but I noticed quickly that I suddenly got FAR more respect at work. (I work in technology.) When I started to lose weight, I worried that I wouldn't get the same respect. And, sure enough,…

For sure! That's why it's important to go by the measuring tape more than the scale. Also, it seems to me that: * When you have a lot to lose, it's tempting to give up because it's overwhelming. On the flipside, a little effort can pay off a lot. * When you are almost where you want to be, it's tempting to give up because…

I like the way you think! :O)

I won't give up wine or chocolate. I hear you! In fact, I was just on vacation in Montreal where I ordered poutine and a salad with dressing on the side. LOL! I think it's the best way to be healthy even if it does seem at odds. :O)

Well done! Thanks for sharing! (Great smile too!)

Good for you!!! Your opener reminds me of the first page of my weight loss journal. I really don't believe in anything other than self-love. But, there's a time and a place to look at how far you've come. So, I've got this really unflattering picture of me sitting at a picnic bench with my fat *kitten* haning over and the…

I would HIGHLY recommend "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Ruben (sp?). I just finished my second read of this book and it's inspirational in the most gentle and entertaining way possible. I think it dovetails nicely with the mfp philosophy too. (It's not fiction or traditional chic lit., it's more like a self help book,…

In a cabin by a meadow where the wild bees swarm. Sigh!

My sister and I were JUST talking about this. She thinks her hubby looks like a 70-year from behind because he insists on wearing jeans from Costco. She can't convince him to wear something cooler and more flattering. My sweetie convinced me (with some whining) that I should buy a leather jacket and I love it now. But, he…

I'm no expert. But, I notice that when I'm really hitting hard, e.g. eating no more than 1500 calories a day and working out like crazy (so, I'm netting 1200 or less), then I often see my weight go up. If I slow down for a bit, e.g. I have a major deadline at work, a vacation, or I get sick, then I'll see it suddenly drop.…