klybarger

You definitely want to pay attention to the calories. If you don't eat enough, you won't lose the weight like you want. As for the other stuff, it all might come into play if you hit a plateau. Good luck!

Congrats on blood donation - really great way to give to your community. As for the work out, probably should hold off one day. You're going to be really dehydrated from the get go, I wouldn't risk compounding the issue. I think your good turn warrants a time out from the gym for a single day! ps - that's if you skip the…

Too funny - I just had one of the HC Steamers for lunch (chicken margherita?) and it was really good. I typically don't like Healthy Choice but this had a lot of flavor. Fortunately, I don't have too much of a sodium issue as far as blood pressue and it helps that I drink LOTS of water throughout the day to flush a lot of…

Congratulations! This should be on the success stories thread because that is really awesome. We are all working to be where you are at as far as conquering our attitude about food. You'll be in that size M in no time now!

I'll hit tennis balls against a practice wall or take a nice walk.

Always thought the Greek Islands would be fascinating

I love cruises to anywhere - everything is taken care of for you! You don't need to drive or decide on restaurants - it's awesome. I hear the cruises to Alaska are amazing or I took one to the Virgin Islands that was to die for! Hope you enjoy whatever you decide to do.

Forgot to mention that I suck - so I do a little running. I think I'll keep it at singles because right now my heart rate elevates dramatically. I've always just played for fun as I'm not all into that competitive thing. Several years ago, I was playing 3-4 times per week and really got into shape (so many compliments on…

But now I don't need to feel quite as guilty eating one of those cookies to keep me from passing out!

Born & raised in Melbourne!

Another bonus to donating blood! I've been donating since I was a teenager and never knew this - is there an entry in the exercise database for this?

That is wonderful. I think people can see your confidence too! Enjoy!

Fitnessfille - THANK YOU! I appreciate your information and will look into this. I just never knew anyone who had experienced this - don't feel crazy. I thought it was something I was going to have to chalk up to that ridiculous age excuse! My future plans don't include running, but I really want to walk farther and enjoy…

I am due to change out the sneakers soon, but it hasn't helped in the past. I'll visit the doctor before investing in a pair that may be contributing to the problem. I think I do have a high arch (any standards to go by?) which may be putting pressure on those points. And being the clompy (but graceful) walker that I am…

I like the way your scale is reading - mine is way more cruel! I'm shopping for a new one too!

Wow - I thought using my pretzels instead of croutons on a salad was out there. I am extremely curious. How does one come up with these combos? I'm not knocking them - I love the sweet/salty combo as much as the next person. But I truly don't know how someone comes up with putting these flavors together (peanut butter &…

I just started using this site too! I have been pleasantly surprised - don't feel as much pressure/stress on this site as I have with other programs. A lot of resources and community threads to help you. Wising you much success on finding what will make you happy!

PS - Love that you posted under "Success Stories"

Welcome - I'm fairly new to the site and think it's great. Love the food/exercise diary; the fact it is free; and it is extremely easy to use. I think the community threads are the best. I have questions that I was always to shy to ask, but people are so supportive that you can pose questions about anything you are…

I think you should be proud of yourself for not eating the food! That is a huge step in changing your attitude about the not-so-good-for-you-food! In the moment, your Dad may not see your reaction as a positive step - but I think it a great sign that you may be in this healthy eating mode for the long haul!

I just spent one day last weekend at Disney World and was pleasantly surprised that they have added fruit to a lot of the snack stands! It was really refreshing because of the heat and I didn't feel so much pressure to eat the "bad" stuff. And don't forget to add all the walking you'll be doing!

Having just gone through the shingles experience, please see a doctor at once. They can save you a little pain and suffering! I waited too long and there wasn't much they could do for it.

Born and raised beachside Central Florida - can't believe there's no other Floridians!

OMG - that baby video almost made me snort my diet/caffeine-free soda out of my nose! That's awesome! I do drink tea (hot/iced) all day but I do not add anything to it - just plain. Like some have said, I believe there're benefits to drinking tea. But using the old saying - everything in moderation - I am going to try to…

Demetria - yes it is a different plant. Here's the information on it: "Rooibos, or red tea, comes from a small bush native to South Africa. Recent studies show rooibos has anti-tumor and anti-aging properties. Naturally caffeine and oxalate free and is even suitable for young children. It contains oligosaccharides, which…

Hot drinks make me feel full when I have them after eating. I'm sure is just psychological with me! PS - have you tried red teas (rooibos)? Some of the blends are wonderful and there's no caffeine!

Looks like you've incorporated good eating habits even without MFP. That's really a great thing - congrats

I believe it about the cast iron (not that I'm going to be licking them cause I probably need to eat the handle to get my iron back up to where it needs to be!). Our family camps - ALOT. I actually own numerous dutch ovens and cast iron skillets They are really awesome to cook with when seasoned (conditioned) correctly;…

mrd232 - your advice makes sense. This will help me plan my meals/calories better. And molasses - really? I'm from Florida - molasses isn't a common staple in my pantry. khskr1 - I know my iron is low because I've been a loyal blood donor since I was a teenager. The last couple of times I've tried to give blood, I've been…

I think you're right about the article - just didn't make a whole lot of sense. I guess the secret is finding the combination of foods to get the most iron out of foods. I guess I need to take a different approach to planning my menu!