wvjanie Member

I've learned the hard way that in order to be of value to anyone else, besides being simply used, you HAVE to take care of yourself. It is so much easier to do at your age, and you will have such a greater long term return on health and productivity as you move up in years. So, consider the exercise, relaxation, etc., that…

Leftover chili or lentil soup with whatever lettuce, cheese, olives, etc... you like. Actually any leftovers that are thick enough can be used.

Sounds like she wants to be able to dish it out, but not take it...

I think everyone is working on the same thing, the next pound. We can all only lose them one pound at a time. And a 55 pound loss is fabulous!! Ultimately our prime motivation has to come from within ourselves, and you must be doing something right inside to get to the point you have. I think it will be recognized by most…

I have the book as well as the movie. It is a great place to start, the recipes are easy, use ingredients you can find in your local grocery and are tasty as well. It is a collection of recipes from many of the "big names" in this eating for health movement. The other book like it, which is half easy, delicious recipes is…

I cook up different whole grain cereals using a crock pot that I get going the night before so it is ready when I wake up. I also make enough for several days, portion it out and just have to microwave in the morning. Just add whatever fruits, nuts, etc. you want to vary things in the morning. You can put the crock pot on…

If you have chosen to turn down any of these foods you might get in the habit of bringing along your own healthful dessert to share as well, so you will have something to enjoy, even if no one else takes any of yours (though I doubt that would be the case). I always did the same (bringing a vegetarian entree) as a courtesy…

I don't know if it is any help, not being Islamic, but as a Christian I believe that God hears me wherever I am, whatever I am doing, when I am talking to him. So I use the time when I am mindlessly working out on something like an elliptical machine or other solitary exercise and talk "pray" to Him. Some of my best…

Getting up early is also an option. Some good ideas. Might I suggest that you explain to your children why you are feeding them the food you are giving them (I'm assuming it is healthy) and then don't give them a choice to eat something else (part of being the parent). Tastes can develop with exposure. In the "old days"…

You might want to watch the movie Forks Over Knives. There is more to choosing a diet than how quickly you lose weight. I eat a whole food, plant-based diet and have lost nearly 50 pounds since the beginning of the year (with exercise). My cholesterol levels and blood pressure have also come down drastically and I have the…

I think definitely the top, shorter dress.

Do you cook whole grain hot cereals (big savings over boxed cereals), eat meals with rice, beans, legumes, etc? If you soak beans and cook in a crockpot from dried beans, (rice in a rice cooker) you will also save a large amount of money as well as enjoy greater health value. Buy fresh fruit and produce in season and at…

Congratulations! My daughter is a music therapy major, so I know what a great thing that is.

Ruby Tuesday's. They have a salad and three side combo with calorie counts on the sides in the menu. I sometimes bring my own salad dressing to make the endless salad calories (stay away from potato salad and apple waldorf) almost nothing for me.

A person who falls is not a failure, they are human. A failure is that person who falls and fails to get back up and keep going. You can do it, just realize it is a life journey.

Tea has a diuretic property, like coffee, so it can actually cause you to need more water.

I use a small crock pot and put mixed grains, like oat groats, wheat berries, Bob's Red Mill grain mixes, etc..., in the night before so they are cooked and ready in the morning (you can put a timer on it depending on how long you need it to cook). Then all I have to do is come up with creative toppings: apples sauteed…

Welcome Stef! This site can do wonders if you just stick with it. Feel free to add me as a friend if you'd like.

Doing the same myself. Down 3 sizes! Just couldn't keep the skirts (and even undies) up anymore. You can add me as a friend if you like.

I don't know about the HRM, but when in doubt I go with the lower number and figure I can only be ahead! Your weight loss should give you an idea of which is correct for future reference.

Sometimes people's comments come more from the guilt they feel when they see someone doing something they know they should be doing, as if that will make their choices better. The truth is that your choices now will affect your health in years to come, not theirs. Smile and continue to be a nonjudgmental light. They will…

Hard one. Make your best guess on what you have learned from similar foods you have made yourself. Or if you can find a recipe that looks similar, input the information in the recipe section and see what comes out. I only frequent restaurants that I know will have the information that I need and food choices that don't…

I would also suspect that you are eating the wrong things. Perhaps you even have a food sensitivity or allergy. Have you been to a doctor to make sure you aren't anemic, or have some other physical ailment going on?

Exercise and it adds calories to your daily food intake. I routinely have at least 600-1000 extra calories I can consume every day because of the exercise I do. I find it a very strong motivation to get moving.

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If you look to eat food as close to its natural state as possible (e.g. an apple rather than applesauce or apple juice or apple pie) you will find that you will have a lot more food, fiber, and taste for a lot fewer calories. As others have mentioned, this is best looked at as a lifestyle change, learning to eat in the…

Good luck to you! All three of my children are now in the Air Force. The oldest (all of 28) is already worried about losing strength and not passing his PT exam. I love this site. It has been just the kick I've needed to help me do the things, and eat the things, I have known I should have been doing for years. Seeing it…

Once you are sure that you do not have a serious injury that needs medical intervention, I have had great success with a combination of yoga and pilates. Just be sure that the teachers are top notch. My yoga teacher also is trained in yoga therapy so she has stretches for whatever ails me, and it has been invaluable at not…

Thanks! I was wondering the same thing.

Welcome! I have found this site to be incredibly helpful, encouraging me to do those things I already know I should be doing, but somehow feeling more empowered and accountable to myself and friends than I have been "dieting". Good luck, and if I can be of help to you feel free to friend me. -Janie