Apples2

Ditto what Arlene said and ,yes, you can irritate things with getting stuck. Best to baby it for a bit (try a day or two) with soft foods. Try to really be aware of how you are eating. Are you stressed at all eating with others? I know I had a period of time that I would eat either b/4 or after others just to give myself time to adjust to the new way of eating. Way to go, Jessica. Down 3 more pounds. You are doing so great! Have a good day.

Janet...my guess is $240

Julie...as I was typing that post this afternoon I was thinking of you and what you had gone through with having DH and DSS over there at one time. As you know, they can come home and take a lot away from the experience also....like your DH. Melissa....WOOHOO!!!!

You know, Arlene, there's all kinds of help out there for these guys. They just have to be willing to accept it. They are taught to be tougher than tough and it's so difficult for them to ask for that help. Take care...hope your meeting is a good one!

You know, Arlene, I did the same thing. I gained 40lbs the year my son was over there and the other one was training to go. I can honestly say I did not realize I was eating more than usual but I must have. I thought that I was very strong during this time but found out when I volunteered b/4 our men left this time, I was a puddle most of the time. I had to actually step back because I could not control my emotions. I was just looking through some photos to take to FL and I just could not believe the difference from one year to the next. I am so sorry your son had to be exposed to so much. It is sooooo sad when they come back and relationships suffer. DS's GF is the product of one of those marriages. Her Ex is over there again now with our local unit. The Ex just could not handle things when he got home. He's a nice kid and I feel for him. It's these "silent" things that affect our men of war also. Emotional damage. The divorce rate with these young men coming home is way out of the norm. Tell your son that a farm lady from MN thanks him and sends him a hug.:mad:

Yes, Janet. Both boys are in the States and safe. Oldest DS (28) did his 8 yrs and is out of the National Guards for good. His time to be up came about when he was in Iraq but finished out the year there. He saw a lot but he is very strong. Things do come back to haunt him from time to time but he knows where his support system is. Youngest DS (26) is in the Air Guards and will be finished in October of this year unless he re-ups. They would both say that being in the military was a very positive thing for them. They both signed up at the tender age of 17. My point in bringing it up is....when one of your kids or family members is in the middle of a war, it changes you. I makes the little stresses of every day life seem not so important. You just see things in a different light. Same thing usually happens with ppl that have trauma in their life or major illness, etc. It was at that point in my life when I decided life is too short not to be happy in every aspect of life. That's when I decided not to take any more sh_t from ANYONE anymore. The cleaning out actually turned out to be a very positive thing. I don't take friendships lightly. But, when it's one-sided, that shouldn't be considered a friendship. We all have to learn to not let anyone walk on us....and, once we learn to take control our our health we start taking care of our life in other ways a little better. My, my, my...am I ever "preachy" today. Blah, blah, blah. If any of you skipped over it all, fine with me. Julie...you can cook the oats to any consistency you want. I do about 20 minutes on low after it comes to a boil and I stir quite often. I use water to cook them and DH uses SF maple syrup on his (I use real brown sugar but you know why). You can mix just a bit of peanut butter in if that's something you would like. A tsp actually gives it some flavor for about 50 cals. I think a cup of cooked has about what Janet said at 150 cals. Now, I could get talked into crawling around on the floor to play with a 3 yr old but not if I had to imitate an elephant! Nope...just wouldn't do it.

Mornin' Janet....how's the computer system acting today? Actin up or fixed? Linda...good going on getting those 2lbs off. I am sure it's a happy day for you. You worked hard...treat yourself with a non-food item. We've all had our issues with family and friends, I'm sure. The trick is to learn how to deal with things and not stress. I know in my situation...way easier said than done. I do know that I am getting better at dealing. Certain incidences in the last couple of years have helped. Actually, having my only two sons called to duty at the same time to deploy to Bahgdad (1 went 1 did the whole training and day b/4 didn't have to go) taught me that the things that seem so heart wrenching in daily life really aren't that bad. What you cannot fix, toss to the side for awhile. If things work out, fine. If not, fine. You just gotta live your own life. (Stepping off the soap box now)

You know, Arlene...you hit the nail on the head in stating maybe the others will wake up some day. YOU cannot change them.. they have to come to the realization as to what they are doing. And, if they don't come around, it's truly not your problem. You tried? You treated with respect and took care of her growing up? You taught her right from wrong? Good for you if that's how it was and not much you can do if she takes a wrong turn in life...you did your job. They need to live their own lives but they also have to realize that what comes with that is total independence. Same with Julie's DH. Her sentence about him feeling bad made me feel so sad for him. His job is also done. His kids should be showing him affection and appreciation at this point in his life...not playing mind games. I wish the best in these family issues to both of your families. Things like this just plain hurt.

It's OK to be naughty once in awhile!

Very much so, Arlene...I had mentioned a few weeks ago on this thread that I needed to do some cleaning out of toxic/one-sided friendships a couple of years ago. It felt cleansing and like the world was lifted from my shouldners. Now, it's not that I don't appreciate friendships...it's just that things were just not right in the relationships. "Cleaning house" was difficult but one of the best things I did for myself. It made me feel strong and confident. I was so worried about hurting someone's feelings. But, I knew I could not continue being sooooooo frustrated. Today, I am so much better for taking the steps needed. I did hurt feelings in the end. The only way you can do it is be open and honest and explain it exactly as you see it. No sugar coating. That's what gets you to the place in the friendship to begin with. Just curious, Arlene...do you have someone that tries to control? Or, you do all to initiate and she does nothing?

Hey Arlene, how are you doing today? What you been up to? How's the food plan going?

No, Janet, not gone yet. Next Monday morning early. DH has big plans of leaving here by 4am and trying to get as far out of the snow as we can. His real motive is that he has a farm show the next day somewhere south (can't remember the state even). We have things going on this weekend so cannot leave earlier than Monday morning. Lori...thorw in the towel and join us in FL. If you do hear about the job, they will understand about the trip and giving you a couple of days off. Heck, it's only 3 weeks from now. Ppl make plans. Don't want you sitting there wishing you would have done it. And, I think I can speak for everyone, we want you there. Eva...sounds like you are really booked with work and paperwork. Hope you can get caught up soon. Never a good feeling to have stress and things hanging. Meredith..I figured you'd be scheming and planning your house. I love things like that. If I had to do it all over again, instead of a business degree I would have been a singing chef that does interior decorating. Not sure what University would have been willing to dish out that degree! Jodi...boy, you sure know how to fit right in. I know it's easy for me to say cuz my surgery is behind me, but try now to worry and take it all as it comes. March 15 will be here b/4 you know it and you will forget all about this stage eventually. Keep us posted. I enjoyed hering about your traditions. You are going to add even more spice to this group. Off to cook breakfast. Later.

There should be enough juices in the meat and the dressing to not be dry. I wouldn't worry about it at all. Another idea....google Low Fat Slow Cooker Recipes.

Btrieger...there's a thread started with some slow cooker recipes on it. See if you can find it. There's some pretty simple, but good recipes on it.

Next time try throwing a low fat bottle of Italian salad dressing over the roast. Has everything you need for flavor....don't add water.

What an exhilerating feeling to get an Ann Taylor coat for $20! Gotta love those sales and coupons. Are you now done with weekly therapy?

Hey Linda...good goin' on throwing that leg up for the doc! Also, very nice NSV...so funny you talk about being "normal". That's how I envision most of you. If I have seen your photo after weightloss, it's tough to see someone that once was heavier. Good luck on switching your sleep schedule to your work sleep schedule. Not easy to do but maybe will help with your sleep troubles. My DH's CPAP lulls me to sleep and keeps me sleeping. B/4 he had it, it did not sleep well at all. He was always a fitful sleeper and woke me up. He's not heavy and never has been. He and oldes DS 28 were both diagnosed with a rare sleep disorder. He had thickening around his heart...that was an indicator. Would love to borrow your DH once in awhile to do the supermarket trips for me. My DH was in a supermarket once. He didn't like it and never went back. Eva.....I know we will enjoy the trip down. DH and I travel well together and have a lot of fun (as long as I get my way...kidding). We enjoy museums, stopping at garage sales, surplus stores, etc. Will have to leave a corner of the truck empty just for such stops. Thought maybe you had a p.j. day today also. So sad........ OK...all of you that are still in your p.j.'s...it's almost time to put on a new pair.

Yes, Jewel, evenings can be a challenge. That's why it is important to really stay on task with your calories during the day and bank some calories for a treat in the evening...if you feel you need it. A lot of us here eat the 100 cal treats...sf pudding, popcorn, etc. Very important to get some calories in the morning also to kick your metabolism in gear. You will get the hang of this. It's tough but when you get through this hungry stage, you are going to be sooooooooo proud of your accomplishments. See? You already need a belt. Heck I didn't know what a belt was for 10 years:scared2:. Now I have red ones, orange, multi-colored, skinny ones, wide ones...... Make good healthy choices, get some good sleep and when you feel the evening hunger, try to occupy your mind with something other than food. Don't ever give up...(I didn't invent that motto but it's a good one to live by). Take care of that belly button! Sounds like you did the right thing to care for it.

Great...forgot to answer you on the dog traveling. He rides with me a lot on farm trips so I think he will be fine. He loves the truck. His daycare mom made him a travel bag and rode her snowmobile over yesterday to deliver it. So cute. It's a drawstring bag made out of denim. It has a stitched picture of a black lab with his name on it. Also made him a travel towel with his name on it. She stuffed the bag full of travel treats and toys also. Thought it was such a nice gesture.

Great...have everything packed for the dog...so happy you mentioned packing for DH...will throw a few pairs of tighty whities, jeans and a shirt and he should be ready to go. LOL Jewel..good to hear that you are going to be able to visit while we are in FL. I will PM you my cell # just in case you need to give us a call. Good thing to break the pattern now if you are used to eating and studying. As I stated earlier, try to have some really low cal snacks on hand if you feel you really do need something. Good luck!

Julie...hope that cold you have just turns around and leaves. (Knocking on wood right now)...I never get virus'. Just really never have. I feel fortunate and hope it stays that way. I don't sit much, Julie. Never have. I think that's why I appreiate my newfound energy so much. It was such a depressing thing for me when I was heavy and did not have much energy. I kept pushing myself but everything was a task. I feel as if I have been given this second chance and I am enjoying it. I believe a good night of sleep is the clincher in almost everything we do. We get up early around here (anytime between 4:30-6am) but I usually get my 7 hours. If I don't I try to make it up the next night. I have read so much about women/menopause/inadequate sleep and weight gain. When you are lacking sleep, it's tough to deal with many different things. All I know is that I feel good every day for so long now and do not take it for granted. One week from today we hit the road and will work our way towards FL. As I stated b/4, I have always flown wherever I have traveled and not sure about so many hours in the truck. Will just have to break up the trip every 3-4 hours with stops. My dog will need breaks so he will keep me stopping. DH will sleep and watch movies...I will most likely drive 98% of the miles. I am not a rider. I have most everything packed and ready to go. Just last minute grabbing of toiletries, etc. later. DH just keeps shaking his head as I pack. (Hey...I'm driving a truck...everything fits in a truck). He gave me a look last night and I asked him "How do you think that kitchen sink will travel?" He didn't think it was so funny.

Hey Nazzy....we are having somewhat of a "heat wave" here in MN. Has been in the 30's the last few days. Even got out to play with the dog in the year yesterday for about an hour. The cabin fever had set in and was nice to not freeze the fingertips while outside.

Jessica....just try to keep in mind what your doctor said about these next few weeks setting the tone. You can do this. Just keep sticking with the high-protein foods and completely stay away from what you should not have. Try to munch on raw veggies when you feel you need something. I know it's tough but just think how proud you will feel about sticking to it through this extra tough period of time until you get to your sweet spot. When you feel that food is taking over your thoughts, get out and take a short walk, pick up a book, go brush your teeth or rinse with mouth wash, go take a bath...anything to switch your mind off of snacking or eating too much. Are you going to be able to make it for a visit when us girls are in FL? You haven't talked about it for awhile and I was just wondering. Would be nice to meet you. Cheri...have a nice day off. Sounds like you have some fun planned.

Mornin' Gang...Nothing like a good night's sleep. To bed a little b/4 10, read for a bit and slept till 5am. Up and at 'em and ready for the day. 2 loads of laundry done, livingroom picked up and dusted, 3 boxes packed to take to DS, and basement bathroom cleaned. I can hear DH's CPAP so he must still be sleeping. Always takes him a couple of months after harvest to catch up on his sleep. NYSparkle...nice, informative post. Thank you for sharing. Always nice when we can get to know someone. You've been through a lot and you should be proud of yourself for taking the steps to a new and healthy you. As far as recipes go, look online for some of your favorite recipes but type in low fat or low sugar when you search. Or, make a trip to a book store and browse the cookbook aisle to see what you can find. Good luck with your psych eval. Don't be worried about it. Just be honest and up front and you should do fine. Happy to see you are pouring over things and learning as much as you can ahead of time. Hopefully you will soon have your surgery behind you. Sounds like you have already changed your way of eating and are strated down the healthy path. Not sure what is up today. Gotta fit in quite a few things around here and then try to get to town for a tanning session. If I tan a couple of times, I have a base and a little color. Cuz..............my butt will be planted in the lounge chair by the pool, as I stated b/4. Meredith...watched both news stories about your friend's mother. Poor family. Good goin' on the house. Hope everything falls into place for you and that you can move in soon. Have a great Monday!

Allie...thinking of you today. Good luck and wishing you the results you are hoping for! Take care of yourself.