Tree72 Member

I most often just eat them mashed (steamed rather than boiled, the texture is better). But sometimes I'll do them pan roasted. Cut them into small cubes and place them in a skillet with about a tablespoon or so of olive oil. Stir them around a bit until the skillet gets good and hot. Then put in about 1/4 cup of water and…

It's definitely going to vary by location. In general you can get a lower rate by going with an independent trainer rather than through a gym (at least in my area). Most of the gyms around here charge $60 per hour. Independent trainers usually charge $45 to 50 per hour. You only need one or two sessions a week to see great…

My goal is 145. When I reach it I'm going to get a DEXA scan and see where my body fat % is at to see if that's a good place to stay. My guess is that I will want to add just a bit of muscle but stay around that weight.

I'm generally for keeping it natural, whatever level of hair that is for you. I'm a big fan of facial hair on guys. Body hair is generally not something I care much about one way or the other. (Stubble is icky though, so no shaving. If you must, trim or wax.) I did once see an amount of body hair that was a bit disturbing…

Thank you for sharing your very motivational story. It's amazing to see what you can accomplish with a positive attitude and consistent hard work. Congratulations on getting healthy so young. :happy:

I had a lot of hip pain when I first started doing interval running. It should get better as your body gets more used to the movements of running. My advice is don't run two consecutive days until you're more used to it. Also, where in the hip does it hurt? For me the worst was at the top back part of the hip (like above…

Just another perspective here... I have really sensitive skin and can't wear antiperspirant at all. It's taken me nearly two years to finally find a natural deodorant that actually works and doesn't irritate the crap out of my skin. So some of those stinky people may be trying their best, but just not succeeding yet.…

These sound amazing. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

I usually sautee some onion and mushrooms in the skillet before I add my egg whites. Sometimes I'll also add some broccoli, squash, eggplant, or spinach. If I'm in a hurry I'll wrap it in a La Tortilla Factory low carb wrap (only 50 cals and 7g fiber). Some days I'll add some reduced fat cheese or some salsa. If I have…

Wow! You have made absolutely amazing progress in a year. Thanks so much for sharing your success. I wish you much continued success on your journey and am excited to see where you will be next year. :happy:

I've found that if I want to do a big protein breakfast I have to add a few carbs or get the same symptoms you are describing. I usually add a piece of whole wheat toast with fruit spread, half an apple, half a banana, or 4 ounces of berries. Or if I know I'm going to have a big cardio day I'll switch it up and do steel…

I'm also a fan of creamy dips made with Greek yogurt (usually the Fage 2% for me). I tried a great one this weekend. Lays has out some new "natural" dip mixes. At least it doesn't have MSG or artificial flavors. The onion was very tasty. If you can't get the dried dip mixes, you could always make your own with spices and…

Hello. I am at high risk due to extreme myopia as well. I knew about things like, no sky diving, and increased risk from things like roller coasters, but never thought about horse riding. It does make sense though. I have had several relatives who have suffered from macular degeneration also. Fortunately not until they…

Last weekend I went shopping at the mall and bought new jeans (in size 12!) and a new top. Today is casual Friday, so I wore the new outfit to work. I've gotten at least 3 compliments and it's not even lunch time yet. I think my favorite NSV in a long time happened just a couple of days ago. I stopped by Old Navy after…

Thanks for sharing your stories. This thread has really enhanced my Friday. :laugh:

Only 541 for me today. Was hoping to do better for the quadruple day. But work got crazy and I wasn't able to get away for my usual lunchtime workout. So had to settle for an hour of wii fit plus and sweeping and mopping the downstairs. But better than nothing. :tongue:

Congratulations! You look so fit and healthy. You totally rock those jeans. :flowerforyou:

The most important reason I exercise regularly is for the mental and emotional benefits. It makes a huge difference in how I feel. But I also do cardio to burn lots of calories and lose fat. I do strength training/weight lifting because I enjoy it and really want to be stronger and feel more capable. And dancing is just…

Jojoba oil can work wonders. You can find it at places like Whole Foods or order it online. It really just takes a few drops. Even for a deep oil treatment I might use half a teaspoon. (And my hair is very long, just cut it back to knee-length.) Also, be sure to use a good shampoo and conditioner that are appropriate for…

1. Someone who can be my friend. 2. He should be able to communicate well on many levels; be both a good listener and articulate. 3. A good sense of humor and preferably a decent sense of the absurd. 4. Geeky or at least tolerant of nerd culture 5. Likes animals. I have a cat and would someday like to have a dog too. Other…

If I'm doing an intense cardio workout then I have to make sure to have enough carbs in the previous meal/snack. If I just have my egg white and reduced fat cheese scramble for breakfast, I will hit the wall hard after doing an hour of cardio. I find adding in a serving of oatmeal, a slice of whole grain toast, or a large…

I had several bad habits, but the worst was probably desert after every meal. Oh, I've finished breakfast, now it's time for a cinnamon roll or a doughnut. Hmm, lunch is done, must be time for some cookies. I finished all my dinner, definitely time for some cake or a pint of Ben and Jerry's.:embarassed: I still like…

Bumping so I can find this again easily. Thanks for the taking the time to explain so thoroughly.

Fantastic job! You look so young, energetic and happy now. You'll definitely reach your goals. :happy:

Thank you so much for sharing your very inspirational story and pictures. You have always been cute, but now you are just stunning and have such a healthy glow. You really remind me of Gillian Anderson from the early X-files days; so elegant.

Thank you for the lovely reminder. Tonight I've been cleaning out some things and struggling with old memories. It's good to remember that we are all constantly changing and don't have to be bound by the past. Hope some of that rain found you. It skipped right around here. :grumble:

Definitely keep doing core exercises. I do various crunches, sit-ups, planks, and leg lifts to mix it up and hit all various parts of the abdominals. Having a strong core will make it easier (and less painful) to do many cardio exercises too. It's much easier to run and to have better form on the stair mill and elliptical…

I use a spice rub on mine and then put it on a roasting rack in a pan in the oven. The rub frequently consists of some mix of: sweet paprika, mustard (powder), ginger, garlic, onion, marjoram, tarragon, just a bit of kosher salt, and a teaspoon or two of brown sugar. I usually drizzle the roast with a bit of olive oil,…

These sound very tasty. I love deserts that have mashed fruit in them. Thanks for sharing.

Most weekdays I'll have 2 cups of coffee with one teaspoon of raw sugar and 1/2 cup skim milk. On the weekends I'll let myself have half and half instead of the skim milk. Since I've started watching what I eat I've really cut back on the sugar, but just can't give up the cream/milk. I used to be totally addicted to White…