italianissima Member

I cannot say this enough: green tea, clear (that means no added garbage), often! It is simple, easy, and effective. Don't believe me, you can read about it in a ton of health related literature! I have read it everywhere from Prevention, to Men's/Women's Health, to Oxygen. Cheers! I'm going to have a cuppa right now!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE quinoa! Since I must eat gluten free, this is one of my go-to staples! Thank you for sharing!

Hi, I agree with the above posters! Great ideas, everyone!! I suggest reading anything on volumetrics. It is about eating more food and feeling full, but having less calories overall. I do this all the time!I I usually feel amazing and the right amount of full! My favorite book The Volumetrics Eating Plan by Barbara Rolls.…

Bay Area!

I don't get freaked out like that. But, I do sometimes not recognized my reflection when I pass by a mirror or a window. Funny, but I guess my mind hasn't caught up with my body! You are right, by staying on track, we will always be successful- it is a lifestyle not a diet!

^This!!!! I agree 100% I used to drink soy milk all the time and my dr. forbids me to now because of my thyroid. Plus, almond milk is super tasty!! I get the Blue Diamond brand that is unsweetened. It is amazing! I like both vanilla and chocolate. Btw, soy is a phytoestrogen, this is the reason why it can cause so many…

I am 5'3 (maybe 5'2, I like my driver's lic says 5'4 heehehehe)...I want to get to 140, but might to go 130. I have been 140 before and I thought I looked great, but I didn't get there in a healthy way- I had a horrible tonsil surgery and it caused me to only eat liquids for about two months. So...I think 140 would be…

Hi! Welcome!! I'm Rita and I would love be pals! I am up anything related to fitness and nutrition! Glad you're here!

I LOVE Netflix. I use them all the time. I always borrow DVDs when I want something fresh. Or, if what I want isn't offered at the gym. Or, when I just don't want to leave the house for the gym. They have great 10 Minute Solution DVDs too! These are great for quickies. You can also do more of the video for a longer…

Thanks! I would love to add someone else that eats well!

Hi, I am the queen of snacks that are ready on the fly and can last in the car. Fruits of all kinds are naturally portable- apples, bananas, pears, oranges, grapes... Veggies work well too- cucumber, celery, carrots, bell peppers... Nuts and seeds- almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, pecans... Rice cakes and crackers Single…

Tilapia is very forgiving and very versatile. I will absorb flavors like a sponge! Yum! Anyway, all of the recipes given thus far sound amazing. I just want to add that if you want to not use added oil/fat while cooking, you can cook the tilapia in a pan with some water added to the bottom. Also, if you put enough spices…

You hit the nail on the head!!! I think I actually believed myself into gaining a few pounds in the passed few weeks. I forgot how much I had lost and had the numbers reversed in my head! Ugh! I also have a hard time recognizing myself. I think I am bigger than I am, and even have to do a double take sometimes in the…

Yesssss!!! You read my mind! I was thinking of posting such a thing!!! I am glad you did it! Here are some of my faves that are pretty recent: Avril Lavigne- What the Hell Avril Lavigne- Girlfriend Bruno Mars- The Lazy Song Cee Lo Green- Forget You Taio Cruz- Dynamite Maroon 5- Harder to Breathe 50 Cent- In Da Club Eminem-…

Can you try to split up your meals? That way you will feel like you are constantly eating- which in fact, you are! hehehe I try to eat every 3 hours for a total of 6 times a day, but of course have smaller portions. I try to do 3 meals and 3 snacks and drink lots in between- coffee, tea, water, seltzer water. Best of luck!

Oops, I should have been clearer! I have been eating things I shouldn't be eating! Mostly in the way of chocolate. I guess I am just tired with the foods I have been eating. But, I am SO close to my goal. Why do this to myself? It doesn't make any sense!!

Me!! Let's be friends!!

This is NOT a green light to eat bacon, but why not switch to turkey bacon?

What a great story! Eh, you made me cry too. Pass the kleenex, please.

Hi, Welcome! You sound like you are on the right track- you have the right mindset and are actively working toward your goals! Keep it up! You will see that your diet will probably very strict in this reset phase, but after you add in some healthy grains, your diet will be more balanced and more doable! Best of luck to you!

If this is something you think you will stick with, do it. You will never go wrong with diet and exercise.

Hi there, I would like to suggest breaking up your meals and snacks. Try to divide up your daily calories into 6 meals. You can have 3 larger ones and 3 smaller ones or even them all out. This will allow you to keep snacking, but the snacks are accounted for. Also, be a smart snacker- make sure you are picking good things…

Thanks! I had never seen this before! I am :-)

All of your ideas are great! I am a huge fan of quinoa! You can get it at Costco wholesale for a great price. I love to make it plain and simple- just boil the grain in water and follow the directions for cooking time, etc. Even though it says to make it with broth, I don't . And, you really don't need to. Since it is such…

You look amazing and I love the lighter hair color!! Do not ever sell yourself short- any amount of weight that is lost is a triumph! Be happy and healthy in your new body! Also, it's great that you are into doing all sorts of fun fitness things! Keep it up!

I would say don't worry about too much protein, but make sure you drink a ton of water! You don't want to overload your kidneys!

You ARE awesome! I am so so so proud of you! And you are so inspirational!! Thank you for sharing this!!!!

Nope. I hate it! Yes, I said hate! heheheehe It also helps that I am believed to be intolerant to it!

You did a great job! Isn't it nice to set goals and meet them!!?

Wow! Thank you for sharing that. What a beautiful story! I wish you all the best of luck on your journey!! You are truly inspirational! I will share you story today with my family- they are not much for exercising, and they take a slew of pills! You will surely inspire them, too!