bethann1976

I'm only 36, but I had a total hysterectomy 3 months ago due to stage 4 endometriosis. Ovaries included, so technically I'm in surgical menopause, despite not having any 'symptoms' yet. Anyway.... 8 lbs down since surgery. I'm actually finding it EASIER now that all my troubled bits and parts are out of my body!

CONGRATS TO YOU! I see you're in Valrico... I'm in Tampa! Let's be friends! :-)

I'm in Florida too! I know how ya feel! Welcome

I'm also new to hummus, love it! Thanks to MFP I've discovered Vitatops/Vitamuffins, the Hungry Girl web site, and (believe it or not), egg beaters. Of course, I've always known egg beaters existed, but never tried them until joining this web site. They are so convenient and packed with protein!

My HRM (I do have one w a chest strap) is always approx 20% lower than what the machines say. Go figure. In any event, I would trust the HRM. Do you glance at it once in a while to make sure it seems to be functioning properly? Sometimes, and I have NO IDEA why, mine picks up interference and shoots up to a HR of like 250,…

I owe my success to Chantix! I spent 2 months on it, and have been smoke-free since August 2010! Congrats to you, it's the single most important thing to do for your health! I know it's soooo hard!!!

I haven't tried spin at my gym yet -- it's next on my list to try. I have done Zumba about 4 times, an hour each time, and according to my HRM, I burn between 300-500 cals each class. It's A LOT of fun, and I'd imagine my burn would be better if I had the moves down pat. I'm still pretty much floundering my way thru it,…

I also want to start going for a lil jog in the AM in conjunction with my PM gym visits. Haven't had the ability to get outa bed early enough yet, lol.

I feel sluggish if I eat before. I think it's just personal preference?

LMAO @ NIGHTOWL!!!!! Ummm.... so do I......

Tonight is my 3rd time and I am no where near "picking up the moves," LOL! I am so uncoordinated. I figure as long as I'm moving and my heart is a-pumpin and I'm having fun, it's allll good!

I am 5'2 169lbs and wear a HRM to my 55-min Zumba class. I bust tail and only burn about 410 on average. Hope that helps.

I was a bit shocked at first, too, to see that my HRM tells me I'm approx 20% below what the machines at the gym always say.

Would peanut butter fit in this category? Absolutely addictive, has many healthy things in it, but oh-so-high in calories.....

Preach it sista!!!

If you think you have an eating disorder, please seek counseling! You will find supportive people here, but you may need a bit more than we can provide.

PB2 from Bell Plantation. You can search the threads here, a lot of us have found local stores that carry it.

I like it the vanilla creme, 100 cal light version.

Shrimp... tilapia.... lean pork.....

As promised, I went out and bought the PB2, lol. The Bell Plantation web site has a ton of recipes, I altered one slightly for a fruit/celery dip based on what I had in my kitchen, and let me just say.... absolutely DELISH!! I can't wait to continue using this product.

The web site has a "find a retail location near you" link. http://www.bellplantation.com/products/locator I found a store called D'Lites, 5miles from me, that carries it! Better yet, I also discovered that the same store carried Vitalicious products (with a much better variety than Publix, my grocery-store chain)! Looks…

I want to try it -- where does one purchase it, besides online? Is it available in any chain stores?

Even tho I'm only halfway thru my journey, I would love for my narcissistic, controlling, sociopathic ex-fiance to see me now. Once I'm at the end of my journey, I will probably stage a "run-in," LOL! Hey, he nearly destroyed me and stole my soul. The least I can do is rub it in how well I'm doing nowadays -- physically…

I'm with the previous poster -- I had a cold (most often which turned into bronchitis) all the time. Since I quit, NADA! Also, I think as "reformed smokers," we are very sensitive to the smell of it. I will say, though, if I'm drinking, I enjoy the smell and will jokingly "sniff" a smoking friend, but never do I desire to…

Interested in responses to this as well, as I am a PB fanatic.

Londry, does it come off your face easily? I sware, my face looks like a 400 lb woman's face (my profile pic is extremely flattering; my hair + the side profile angle is hiding it). My mid-section looks like the Pillsberry Dough Girl. But my @ss and my legs are getting mighty fine!! Argh. Why can't our bodies just be…

Rectangle? LMAO! I love how everyone on this web site has such a great sense of humor about their journeys/body image. It really makes the whole thing easier, doesn't it! Thanks for the compliment..... Spongebob. Hehehe. YealLift, you lose in the opposite direction as me! I'm losing from the ground upward.

I quit by taking Chantix (aka Champix, depending on what country you live in). I know there are some horror stories out there about this medication, but for me, it was a miracle drug. Yes, I had some sleeping issues and some nausea, but I was only on the drug for 2 months and here it is 6 months later, I don't smoke. I…

I completely concur!!! lol.

Welcome! Thank you for opening up and sharing. You'll find so many supportive people here, and SO MANY GREAT IDEAS!!!! If it weren't for this site, I wouldn't know about things like Vitatops or Hungry Girl, and I wouldn't have half as many healthful recipes. This place is awesome! You can do it, one day at a time!