beckythebunny122 Member

My brother went to SIU and my mom's whole family is Carbondale! I'm afraid I wouldn't be a good partner though. I either can spend LOTS of time online or don't have time to even check e-mail. I do wish you the best of luck in your search!

For Ketchup, I use the Annie's Naturals brand. It does have sugar, but no HFCS - tastes sooo much better.

If there isn't mayo on the sandwich (and depending on the bread), it is probably a good choice. I like tuna and olives, tuna and capers, and tuna and lemon juice and pepper instead of tuna salad.

I used to drink about a two liter a day. I tried weaning myself to straight water, but I missed the bubbles! So now I drink seltzer water when I really want a soda (sometimes I add juice to make it flavored).

I'm a pear too - I keep the same shape. Running didn't help me much, but ballet and yoga are helping me lose more on my hips and thighs.

Assuming that you have a coffee maker, you can make oatmeal with the hot water. Avoid Ramen and Cup O' Noodles though - way too much sodium. Many fruits and veggies can be left out or put in green bags to preserve freshness (my new favs are bell peppers, oranges and pears) Canned tuna and crackers (I like Carr's water…

I use seltzer water since it doesn't have the sodium - it tastes the same to me. (When I saw my sodium intake a few weeks back, I almost fainted at how high it was!)

Have you tried Nature's Own Light Wheat? It's only 40 calories a slice and has no trans fats or HFCS (and extra fiber). I love them!

I had the same problem when I started. What I did (and still do) when I'm starving after eating something: 1) brush my teeth (sometimes this distracts me), 2) drink a glass of water, 3) If it is an hour since I ate, then I eat something that is high in protein and fiber - like half an English muffin with 1 Tb PB or Tuna…

My recipe is pretty flexible - for each pepper I add equal parts cooked meat, tomato sauce and rice. I also add whatever veggies I have on hand (chopped finely) too. The only "trick" I have is to cook the rice for half the time it says before you stuff the peppers and cook them in the oven. I use brown rice, so in the 20…

WOW!!! Congrats! I'm so glad all your hard work is paying off!

Same thing happened to me recently. No internet, so wasn't logging food. And even though I tried to be good (at least breakfast and lunch) and swam for an hour each day, I still gained 5 pounds (probably since I had fries for the first time since January). It's coming off again, but it can feel defeating. Just remember -…

I hate plain water too. I've gone one step beyond crystal light: seltzer water. It still gives me the bubbles that I've missed, but without the sweeteners / calories.

I've always loved how I felt after dance (usually ballet) or yoga. Especially if they are hard classes, because the harder they are for me, then the more I concentrate on doing it and the less I let other things dwell in my mind. Feel better! You are in our thoughts!

Sounds like you has a marvelous time and that you've learned the secret: every day counts!

I used to LOVE the crispy chicken salads (and the cosi Shanghi one!). To make an approximation use: lettuce, spinach, other mixed greens - 2 cups worth 1/4 cup cooked black beans 1/4 cup corn 1 Boca Chik'n Original patty, cooked and chopped into little pieces grape tomatos Add Newman's Own Light Sesame Ginger Salad…

I'm with you! I went in for a preconception checkup and my doctor told me to lose weight before we started (this was back in January - I was 171). I've been working really hard to get down to a good weight. It's been pretty frustrating but this website has been a great support!

Wait, wait - you don't have to eat meat to eat protein. There are alternatives out there if you don't like meat for some reason. Try things like beans with rice, boca or soy alternatives. There are some great websites on vegan/vegatarian eating, like vegweb.com or fatfreevegan.com. But you do need to have some protein,…

I had a similar problem. When I ate the same thing every day, my body would adjust. I would try switching it up a bit. Another note - as much as I love avocado, I had to seriously limit my intake of them because it seemed that whenever I ate one I would gain a half pound. Don't get me wrong - they are still good fats, but…

I would add lean protein, like light tuna. I also like sweet potatoes/yams/celery/bell peppers. Sometimes I add peanut butter or a soy burger (love boca chik'n in a salad). When I'm starving, if it's for a particular food, I usually let myself have a controlled portion.

My rings were getting tight when I started losing weight (starting to feel uncomfortable). After about 20 pounds, they feel a little bit loose. But I felt nothing the first 15 pounds. Keep at it - they will shrink again!

My go-to for nights when I don't feel like cooking is a PBJ made with whole-wheat bread, Better N' Peanut Butter (so good...tastes sweeter than regular and less fat and calories) and a bit of all-natural jam. Also check out the Hungry Girl website - they have lots of ideas for non-cooks/beginners. They are also a little…

Not really a website, but I called up my local paper and talked to the reporter who does articles on the arts. She was able to recommend about five places that I was able to follow up on. I've found that several studios don't have websites (the one I go to has one page that gives their address and number but nothing else),…

bell pepper strips (with or without hummus). YUM! It's my new go-to instead of chips. Frozen grapes and /or blueberries

When I'm in desperate need of a pizza fix, I make myself a Pita Pizza. Just take a pita, add 1/4 or 1/3 cup of tomato sauce, then top with mozzarella and veggies. It comes in somewhere between 200 and 350 calories depending on how much cheese and toppings you add - but much less sodium.

I got really depressed too. It turns out that the 'modern' swimsuit type just doesn't look good on me. Did you try any retro styles? I got the Esther Williams swimsuit and I look pretty darn good! It's meant for girls with curves (and thighs).

Congrats! I bet you feel fantastic!!!!

I often have a piece of fruit or two before bed (I love my sweets!) Have you tried eating something like a banana or an apple with some berries? I also like a glass of skim milk (~90 calories) and sometimes I put in a little chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. I also eat raw green beans instead of chips...they are nice and…

Don't fast! That could lead to BIG problems. You should cut down the sodium - WAY down. It will decrease any water weight you have and should help you feel slimmer.

You look fabulous! Clearly it agrees with you!