zestyzaftig Member

My last blood test showed my TSH was .004, so I guess I get to join the Hyper club! :wink: I've had thyroid cancer multiple times, and the docs try to keep me at a "therapeutic" dose of replacement thyroid hormones. Basically, the glut of excess hormones that causes hyperthyroidism keeps the TSH levels down, which works as…

I have to alternate my Armour dosage as well (I've been on it for several years). What I've found is that on the days I have to take a full dose (180, or three pills of the 60 dosage), I do best when I break up the dosage. I will take two pills (totaling 120) in the morning, and one (60) in the early afternoon around 2pm.…

No. I used to, but it wasn't a healthy motivator for me. I feel a much bigger reward when I NEED to go out and buy a smaller pair of jeans when my old ones get too big.

LOL, I was just going to post a crunchy chickpea recipe for those of us who have 'crunchy munchy' cravings on occasion. Well done, I'll have to try yours. :-)

The fuel for my fire is pure defiance. I refuse to be "one of those people" who has given up on trying to achieve a healthy lifestyle just because they have serious medical issues. I recognize that even if/when I get sick enough to not have the ability to exercise, I can still choose to eat right. And when I'm not sick, I…

My favorite is a warm couscous salad. This is a recipe I developed a few years ago, and to make it more low-calorie, I'd recommend cutting the quantity of feta cheese in half, and using spray oil to coat the veg before roasting. I've added animal protein as well, which tastes grate (especially garlic-roasted chicken;…

Good input! Thanks to the other responses, I'd already made the decision to log my calories anyway, so I guess it can't be quantified as completely ignoring the diet once per week. I didn't know the trick about drinking more water to combat bloat, thanks.

I'm definitely leaning towards that right now. I guess I should stop waffling back and forth and just do some experimenting. If I try the cheat day this Saturday, and it creates a huge temptation to fall off the wagon, then I'll know not to indulge in cheat days for a few weeks. UGH, I just realized the state fair is…

Thanks for the input! I was contemplating just incorporating a more vigorous workout on cheat days. Since my ideal cheat day is Saturday, and I'm more active on weekends anyway, it shouldn't be hard to do. I think the trick for me is to indulge in things I like, but don't hardcore crave. Like you said, it's all about…

Pretty much the only thing I've been craving is beer. I love the taste so much, and in the past have purchased non-alcoholic beers just to enjoy the flavor. I think you're right: I need to go without for a while to get control of the cravings. Otherwise it'll just be a weekly reminder of what I'm "missing out" on.

I know the context of the topic is the ideal *appearance* of a body, but when it comes to what my ideal is when it comes to MY body, I judge solely on performance and not on looks. If I'm fit enough to hike/bike/kayak/whatever as long as I want, that's my definition of perfection. I don't give a rip about what the mirror…

I track the actual weight loss by the scale, am encouraged by the mirror, but ultimately judge my progress by how progressively healthy I feel.

I'm very fortunate to be self-employed, working from home. My body seems most receptive to physical activity anytime between 2pm to 6pm, so that's when I exercise. I'm envious of y'all who can jump out of bed and start working out: I've tried many times throughout the years to do that, and just can't handle it! :-)

Very true! Plus, I burn so many calories single-handedly preparing the giant feast from scratch, I could probably make everything traditional/full-fat and not gain a pound, hehe

I'll be making a traditional spread, as always: Roast turkey Sweet dinner rolls Green bean casserole Corn Mashed potatoes and gravy Cranberry sauce I've always used full-fat dairy products (butter, cream) in my cooking, but your post has me thinking about ways I can make it healthier. For example, for the green bean…

I've lost 3 pounds in the last 4 days, but I'm certain it's all water weight. I almost fell off the wagon last night by buying and drinking a 22-ounce bottle of ale, but was able to abstain (most of the credit goes to my supportive hubby).

I didn't realize gyms offered testing for body fat percentage- thanks for the info! I did buy a new scale yesterday; ironically I purchased it because it seems to have the most accurate weight readings for its price range, but it has a body fat detector feature too. I haven't really looked into the science of how they…

Although I respect everyone's individual preferences for health resources, I've never been a big fan of the BMI. I've always been on the muscular side for a woman. Even when I was 150 pounds (I'm 5'7") and leading a sedentary lifestyle, I could easily see the outlines of my ribs and hip bones.

I really like this idea! I look and feel my best as a large size 10/small 12.

Ooo, I think I'm gonna try this, substituting carob for the chocolate. Yum!

Great job, and very inspiring! :-)

"You look so healthy!" is the #1 thing I hope to hear. "What's your secret?" is the second thing I'm shooting for, so I can extol the virtues of nutrition and exercise, without gimmicks or specialty diet foods.

"Derezzed" - The Glitch Mob's remix of Daft Punk's original No matter what I'm doing, or how tired I am, this song is pure fuel to me.

"One step at a time" is something I have to keep reminding myself of, too. Whenever I take on a project, I always apply unwavering determination until it gets done. Losing weight, though, is so much different than projects that are more quickly accomplished by simple time and attention. This journey to ideal health really…

Yup, I eat real food. I eat as little processed stuff as possible, and always use original/non-diet ingredients. I believe in moderation and portion control. I'd love to connect with anyone who has the same passion for good, hearty, nutritious food: if you're reading this and interested, feel free to friend me!

Yup, same goes for me. Simple and satisfying!

I was born-and-bred in North Florida, and now reside in Alaska. My definition of what makes a "nice person" has changed dramatically. In the South, it seemed "nice" was more about charm and manners. Up here, it's more about helping our neighbor, including strangers. For example, if I blew a tire on a Southern backwoods…

"Balance"! That's exactly the word I needed to hear, helps me put my goal approach into perspective. Thanks! :-)

If I've come down with a cold or flu, I'll usually make a big batch of jambalaya/Creole dirty rice. I use as many homemade ingredients as possible (like homemade chicken broth, sausage, etc. that I always have in the freezer). The nice thing about my jambalaya is that it's quite nutritious: I add way more veggies than most…

Hi! I'll be 30 in October. I have Crohn's Disease, so I totally "get" the issue of the challenge posed by UC while trying to lose weight. I joined here a while back, but just started the program yesterday. I'd love to have you as a buddy! :-)