anharrison Member

I've used it once out of curiousity. What I did (for a first timer) was incorporate whole wheat spaghetti and mix it in with spaghetti squash so I could eat more. It definitely upped my portion amounts and not the calories!! I feel that it had the texture of a shredded carrot...not bad but I cannot rave about it.

I struggle a lot with sugar too. I talked with a nutritionist at my gym and she said that not to focus too hard on sugar intake if it's all natural (from fruits and such). But, she also said that replacing all those fruits with veggies may boost weight loss becuase even thought the fruit sugars are natural, it's still…

I started just a few days ago so it's too early for results but it is a good workout. I'm not good with 'at home' videos because they loose my attention but this one is quick and keeps my attention. It boils exercise down to the basics-jumping jacks, crunches, lunges, in a 3-2-1 arrangement. 3 minutes of strength, 2…

Squeeze your butt muscles (haha). Every once in awhile I'll sit and do that practically all day and I feel it the next day. If you sit in an area right next to someone else it may be a bit more obvious what you're doing compared to sitting in an office by yourself.

Thanks everyone. I've been adding regular "dancing" and it says I burn around 400 calories. I'm content with that and if it's a little off that's okay. I'm interested in a heart rate monitor though. I think I'd be surprised.

I'm sure that would be okay. I'm very familiar with weight watchers and in that program you are allowed to "save" points for a special meal/dessert. I wouldn't recommend saving more than a 150 calories or so but I don't see a huge problem.

I'm sure eating less calories will just get you to your goal faster. I wouldn't go too much below 1200 as then it may slow down your metabolism.

I live in a small, rural area and I've found spaghetti squash at Hy-Vee. (I'm not sure if you've heard of that.) It's not the most common veggie but I do not have to go to a specialty store by any means. Any larger, commercialized grocery store that has a variety of veggies may have it. I know my grocery store stocks it…

I'm not a nutritionist by any means but if you keep portion control and it's within your calorie intake-go for it. I'm not sure if you track sugar, but that may be something to watch out for. I have a really hard time with my sugar intake and I don't have a sweet tooth.

I completely understand-I get those urges too. It takes about 3 weeks to form a good habit so for those first few weeks it will be rough. It's a whole lifestyle change. Are you snacking throughout the day? Can you do something to take your mind off food? If I have a craving I'll paint my nails (can't eat while the nails…

Thanks everyone! I'm really trying to incorporate more veggies in my diet (veggies aren't my favorite). I'm making it for supper tonight so I'm crossing my fingers. It sounds like it's very common for several of you so hopefully it'll be a new, tasty, healthy way to enjoy pasta.

Thanks for the ideas. Yes, growing up my mom always threw them in a skillet with chopped onions and bacon crumbles-my fav. But, I'm trying for a healthier option (sigh).

I got a Hungry Girl cookbook that uses these noodles. Where can I buy them? I'm in a smaller area. Walmart/Sams Club/County Market are my food stores.

I cannot be much help on the sauces. For whole grains, usually breads, pastas, and cereals are good options. Maybe try a whole grain cereal or whole grain bread crumbs to use as a crunchy coating over chicken-a different way to incorporate whole grains.

Thanks for the input everyone. So glad to hear someone else is struggling with too little calories and too much sugar. Yes, I agree that fruit, a natural sugar, is healthy and should be okay.

Fresh string beans sauteed in a drizzle of olive oil and minced garlic.