zestyzaftig Member

For the first year, the scar was pretty pink and obvious. 8 years later, it's barely visible. Heck, not even I notice it in the mirror 99% of the time!

See a doctor. Could be a thyroid problem, or even PCOS.

The routine is about what made me give up, but I'm so glad I didn't. It took about 2-3 weeks for me to get into the "groove" of preparing his meals daily. Edited to add: YES, very inexpensive. I spend about $15 per month to feed my Doxie, whereas specialty organic foods can easily cost upwards of $35.

Bumpity bump

Bravo! My mother-in-law didn't believe I had Crohn's because I was overweight (and I got overweight from cancer treatment, go figure), as well as what I'm guessing were picky eaters disguised as 'food allergy sufferers'. So she was always skeptical whenever I brought my own food whenever hubby and I stayed at her house.…

I cook for my dog. Every single day. He's got a very sensitive tummy, and had chronic bloody diarrhea regardless of the store-bought food we had them on (and we tried EVERYTHING). So now he gets a starch (usually rice), a veggie (usually carrots), and a protein (usually eggs). I'll switch it up and do sweet…

Yup. I have Crohn's Disease. Reactions from food intolerance is a very serious issue for me that lands me in the hospital. Right now I'm doing everything I can to save the eight inches of colon that is in bad shape (per colonoscopy and biopsies) after I had whole wheat pancakes a few months ago that started a runaway…

Yup to the kayaking. I live two miles from a ridiculously gorgeous lake situated at the base of a stunning mountain. Takes me 8 minutes from tossing to kayak in the back of the truck to being on the water. Love it. And like a previous poster said, it doesn't feel like a workout since it's such a pleasant activity.

I haven't been here long, but what I've noticed about the diehard clean eaters is that they make clean food their #1 priority in life. Guess what? I don't have kids. I'm out of college. I have access to a stocked fridge and kitchen for the entire day. I can AFFORD the necessary ingredients to make really awesome, clean…

Personally, I'm very passionate about quality food, and I'll admit that it inadvertently comes off as smugness sometimes. It certainly doesn't mean that I'm going to knock anyone who uses processed foods (like Nutrisystems) to lose weight! Why would I care how someone else chooses to achieve the same goal I have?

I do make my butter, yes. But your sarcasm regarding disregard for the context of "everything" is not lost, sir. Heh heh.

BA HA HA HA... Boring? Seriously? Ever since I started this journey, I've been kicking myself for not doing it sooner. It's been a party in my mouth every day! Today's menu: breakfast - omelette with sautteed mushrooms and scallions with a side of fresh fruit salad, lunch - Hawaiian poke (with salmon instead of ahi) with a…

I had a partial thyroidectomy in 2004, which was followed a month later with a full thyroidectomy. They found two different types of thyroid cancer in one 2cm nodule (Hurthle cell and follicular carcinomas). Both surgeries were, by far, the most painless operations I've ever had (I've had seven abdominal/pelvic surgeries).…

Nicole

In no particular order... 1) Do my physical therapy every single day so I'm in less pain, and therefore am far less prone to turn to alcohol for pain management. 2) Do my 2-mile walks with the dog at least 5 days per week, weather permitting (as opposed to the 3-4 times per week we're doing now). 3) Continue developing my…

Maynard James Keenan.

I know my situation is exactly what he was pointing out was NOT the norm (in fact, the OP did a great job of using words like "most" and "probably", not "all" and "always"), and I'm a bit surprised at myself for having such an emotional overreaction. But it's really easy to jump on the "fat people aren't…

I was underweight all my life until six years ago. You know how people blame being overweight on a "glandular problem", or a "thyroid issue" that affects their metabolism? I used to think it was all crock. Then I got thyroid cancer. THREE TIMES. The treatment caused massive weight gain in a very short amount of time. I…

^This. It's a cute/sporty look!

It's not so much an 'inspirational quote', but more a statement that I didn't even know existed until recently, although it's a lifestyle philosophy I thought up of years ago: "Competition is a by-product of productive work, not its goal. A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat…

Wolf's suggestions are great, but... A little bit of yogurt goes a long way. I use yogurt with ground meats quite often, and it provides a great consistence and a hint of extra flavor.

I run into the same problem, and fix the problem without increasing my calories. If I'm doing accounting or database work, I eat more carbs than I normally would. If I'm doing brainless stuff, and/or physical endeavors, I eat more protein than any other macro.

What about those of us who use alcohol for pain management since no prescription works as effectively or with as few side effects? :-P

Liquor (vodka or gin are best) + club soda + twist of lime + lots of ice = low calorie, refreshing, and super tasty!

It's a lot better than porcupine. But nowhere near as tasty as seal. (I'm in Alaska, by the way.)

If they don't accept a polite decline, then be more assertive. Another option: leave an apple or banana on a prominent place on your desk. Yet another idea: keep a box of food baggies in your drawer, and when food is left on your desk, stick it in the baggie and give it to a random homeless person you come across on your…

I've been craving cinnamon-sugar toast, but have almost completely cut out bread from my diet...but never thought of putting it on a tortilla. Thanks for the idea! By the way, REAL beaver tail is, um, interesting. Greasy and very gamey.

Where my Libra-Scorpios at?! October 22, anyone?

^ This too, forgot to mention it in my earlier post. It took an entire year of having zero contact with my father (mother is deceased) before the healing process began on its own, without my having to "force it".

My parents were abusive and very narcissistic. I was lucky enough to have enough anger from their treatment to where I've never been abused by my various romantic partners throughout the years, but regardless, the self-destructive perspective mom and dad instilled fed itself without continued repression from others. It's…