Tree72 Member

Peanut butter is used as a fat source as well as a flavoring. So I'd suggest something like coconut oil (a more solid fat would probably give more comparable results than a liquid oil). If you want lower fat, maybe use the standard recipe substitution of applesauce for fat. As for ratios, I'd start by using the same…

You look great in both pictures. But the second one is amazing. I just keep staring at your waist; it's so well-defined and well-proportioned.

I've always been under the impression that this particular phrase is used specifically because it indicates something very awkward. It's not meant to be taken literally, but more as a metaphor; you just messed up really badly and got caught doing it - there's no easy recovery.

To me pigtails are always braided. (Parted down the middle and a braid on each side, which can be in front of or behind the ears, or even very near the center part at the nape of the neck.) To RobynC79: here quilts and comforters are rather different types of bed coverings. Quilts are specifically made of multiple layers…

For the jam and jelly thing, we use both words. Jelly might be a bit more common. They are actually different things though. Jelly is very smooth, firmly gelled, and often made with just juice. Jam is a bit less gelled, a bit rougher in texture, and is usually made with pureed fruits. Preserves are even rougher and often…

I get the plain Fage 2% and add my own vanilla or almond or lemon extracts. Sometimes I also add some ground cinnamon or ginger. You can make all sorts of tasty combinations. I usually also add fresh sliced berries or other fruit. Occasionally I will add a bit of honey. If you want it to taste like vanilla yogurt you would…

One of the best tools for weight loss is proper planning. Try to plan your meals and snacks for the day in advance. If that's a bit too restrictive, start making a list of meals and snacks of which you know the nutritional value that you can interchange as needed. I have about a dozen different snacks that I can use to…

I'd stick with a relatively light color. Dark kitchens just don't seem very inviting. I painted my last one a lovely shade of periwinkle blue. It was a great contrast to the white cabinets. What colors do you like? What colors do you have in your house? You could do a sky blue, a seafoam or sage green, peach or a pale…

Hello, welcome to MFP. :) Unless you have some health issue where it will be a problem (typically kidney issues), then eating more than the specified amount of protein shouldn't cause you any problems. There is some argument as to how much protein is optimal for weight loss. The default setting on MFP is pretty much the…

I'm 5'5" and 165 lbs. I lift heavy 2 to 3 times per week. I also wear a bodybugg and have recently switched to trying to leave only around a 300 calorie per day deficit. That usually means I gross between 1800 and 2100 calories per day (though some very active days I need to eat a bit more than that). My macros are also…

Thank you so much for sharing your story and pictures. I love hearing about others who have lost relatively slowly. It's taken me over two and a half years, and I've still got a ways to go. You look so fit and healthy now. I know what you mean about the games your head plays on you though. The mental aspect is definitely…

I don't have any tats, and just have one set of piercings in my ears. I've been considering a tat for a few years; not sure I'll ever do it.

Got my lean ground beef and Muenster waiting for dinner tonight. Now I just need to decide what other toppings are needed today.

I used to think I was an apple. But after reading more on it lately, maybe a banana? Currently I'm 39"-32"-42". Definitely not a pear though; I gain weight in the belly and have always had smaller legs and arms proportionately. I think when I get where I want to be the best description will probably be athletic or fit. I…

They are both cute. I'd probably choose number 1 with some strappy white sandals. (I'm guessing from the dresses you chose that it's an afternoon wedding? If it's for evening, then pink or nude pumps and a cute pink shawl/wrap would look awesome.)

Taking a break from the gym is definitely okay. Your body needs some time to recover. If you do any resistance or weight lifting exercises, then it's actually during the rest time that your muscles are building and getting stronger. (You stress the muscles and break them down during your workout and then your body heals…

He's so cute. Congratulations. :drinker: When I first saw the picture, I totally thought he looks like a Buster. But I really like Amos too.

Thanks so much for sharing your very inspirational photos and story. You've done an amazing job and look so happy now. :drinker:

Thanks so much for sharing your success. You look fantastic! Wishing you success on the rest of your journey.

I have another 15 to get to a "healthy" BMI. I've already lost a bit over 80. So I can definitely relate. Feel free to add me if you're looking for more encouragement. :flowerforyou:

Yum, these sound great. Thanks for sharing. :happy:

I just want to get to where I feel comfortable wearing sleeveless tops. I have great shoulders and collar bones that I want to show off, but still too much fat and loose skin on my upper arms. So, working to build muscle and cut more fat. Hopefully I'll be there before the end of summer.

I use the natural flavor from Bio Sports. It's just whey, no added sugars or sweeteners of any sort. Don't know how it would taste in just water, but it's fine mixed in a glass of milk or non-dairy milk (like almond). And it's great added to smoothies, just makes them a little creamier.

I've had acne of varying degrees since I was about nine. Eating healthier (less sugary junk) and regular exercise definitely help the most. As far as products go, I really like the Very Clear line by Derma-e…

The standard settings for MFP use the lowest recommended protein amount, which I believe is around 15%. It's a good idea to go in and customize your goals to a higher percentage of your calories coming from protein. Many different source that I have read suggest at least 25 to 30% of daily calories come from protein to…

The surgery and aftercare for my mouth weren't bad at all. I'd call it more discomfort than any actual pain. Just follow your surgeon's instructions for keeping the site clean, and you'll be just fine. I did however discover I don't react the best to sedatives. It took me almost two weeks to fully recover from the…

For a good cause, I'd give some to my friend Jenn. She really wants to have a baby, but can't maintain enough body fat to get pregnant. She's undergoing more thorough testing with her doctor to see what they can do. Hope it works out for her; she'd be an awesome mother.

Just as some inspiration to you, take a look at this article: http://nerdfitness.com/blog/2011/07/21/meet-staci-your-new-powerlifting-super-hero/ It really highlights how fitness looks so much healthier than just focusing on a number on the scale. You may not want to be as ripped as Staci, but her pictures definitely…

The strength training section does not calculate caloric burn. It's just for keeping track of the exercises you are doing so you can have a record and see your progress. If you want to track calories, enter "strength training" under the cardio section. You'll just need to enter how long you worked.

Hope this works; haven't posted a photo before. I was kinda in the mood for breakfast, so I did a hybrid. Bunless burger with sharp cheddar, sauteed onions, and fresh tomatoes with a poached egg on top. Had steel cut oats with cinnamon and brown sugar on the side.