Posts by firefly030406

No, not trying, but hopeful.  My DH would like us to have all our student loans (ie. the whole of our debt) paid off before we start trying.  We'll have that accomplished in December.  That's why, of course, we're using condoms.  I've just wanted to get pregnant since we were married two and a half years ago, and every month when I get some "symptom", my mind goes into overdrive.  I keep hoping for that 1% ineffectivity of condoms.   I think more than likely, like all the other times, it is just all in my head.  Thanks for taking the time to reply though.  It's been really tough waiting, but I know it will be that much sweeter when it happens.

Thanks for your input ladyduece - it's encouraging.  I'm sure it will start to level out too.  It does help to have a jump start though and feel encouraged to keep going.  It has taken a TON more time to prepare my  meals and plan everything out, but I've started to think of that time as "me" time- time that will help me feel and look better, and just get in the habit of working it into my schedule.  I'm sure as time goes on, I'll get better at streamlining the prep work and get a good system going.  It's so much "easier" to just grab something processed and lacking in nutrition and be on my way, but "easy" doesn't produce results.  You only get out of something what you put into it, right? 

I actually found them at my local Kroger - close to the produce section where they keep all the organic milks/soymilk, tofu, etc.  They were right next to the tofu.  So, they may be at your local grocery store, just might take a bit more hunting.

Personally, I really didn't like them. I thought they were a bit slimey, and I really can't do slimey.  I also didn't like the flavor, which I thought was little to none.  I guess they are a good very-low cal food that would possibly fill you up, but I'd much rather have some ww pasta with fresh veggies and herbs and really enjoy it than eat a bunch of something I don't care for just because it's really low cal.

But, I do hear of many who really like them, so maybe it's just a taste preference, and one I don't happen to like.  It would be worth a shot at getting some, but I'd suggest you try just one packet before you order the whole box as a sort of trial run.  I'm really glad I did. 

I hope this helps :).

These are great ideas!  Today I had a salad (lettuce, tomato, cucumber, mushrooms, carrots ) with smoked salmon on top and light dressing.  It turned out really good.  I also brought 1/2 cup chickpeas, an apple, and 1/2 cup cottage cheese for three different between-meal snacks, and it's 3pm and not even wanting my second snack yet (I think because of all the good protein - yea!).  Usually by this time I've eaten all my snacks and then some.  I guess along with the change in mind-set of healthier eating is also just making the time to prepare the food needed to achieve that healthier life.  I have to remember when I'm doing that extra food prep work, that this is "me" time - this is the time in the day when I am doing something really good for myself with positive life-long benefits as the result.

I really appreciate all the support and encouragement of fellow cc'ers.  Thanks again!

Hmmm...there are a few reasons.  My husband just graduated from grad school and when I saw my picture from the ceremony, I couldn't believe I looked like that.  I see myself every day in the mirrow, but apparently didn't really see myself until then.  So, I guess it was a wake up call that I could stand to drop a few. 

Also, back in college (I'm 30 now), I was down to 125-130 (5'6") and being as athletic as I am, it was a really good and satisfying weight for me.  Although, I got there in a very self-destructive way.  So, my goal now is to get back to that point, and a size 6 once again, where I feel really good in my skin, but do it in a healthy way both physically and mentally.  Right now I'm 147-150, which still isn't in the "overweight" range, but for me, it doesn't settle too well.  This would be an "okay" place to stay, but I want to feel satisfied once again with how I look and feel in my own skin.  And I want to do it the right way.

Finally, my father died when I was younger of a heart attack and high cholesterol runs in my family, so I really want to up my chances of a long and healthy life.

So, the journey begins!

I have a wonderful lentil recipe I just made up one day.  Here it is....

Cook your bag of lentils (after you wash them and check for any rocks, etc in the bag) in chicken broth.  This is virtually calorie free and gives the lentils a rich flavor.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, stir fry with a little olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste), and a couple teaspoons cumin, your favorite veggies (I usually use carrots, celery, bell pepper, broccoli, onion, garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.) - make sure to cut them small (like dice).  Cook until no longer raw, but take them off the heat while they're still crisp - you don't want them mushy.

Remove veggies from the skillet with a slotted spoon and in the same pan, brown some lean ground turkey with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the veggies are done, the turkey is browned,  and the lentils are tender, combine all three (mix well but gently so you don't mush the lentils) and pour  into a big 13x9 pyrex oven-proof dish.

(Optional)  Mix together some Bisquick biscuits (single biscuit packs where you just add water) and drop them on top of the lentils - two rows of three or four, depending on how large you want your biscuits.  Sometimes I just line one side with biscuits so I can have the option of no biscuits if I want it. 

Cook at 400 degrees, or whatever temp the biscuit pack says, for about 15 minutes until biscuits are light brown.  Or, if you're not using biscuits, you can still use the same time and temp.

This is delicious, and really doesn't take long to make - chopping the veggies is the most time intesive.  But, you can cook the veggies and the turkey while the lentils are cooking - by the time you're done, the lentils are just about done and you're ready for the final step.

Give it a try - my husband who is definitely NOT a veggie lover, LOVES this dish and requests it by name at least four times a month.  Let me know what you think if you try it. 

You ALL are so awesome!!!  Thanks so much.  Sometimes you just need someone to remind you what this is all for and how the end result is so much better than a temporary fix.  Thanks also for the great suggestions for sweet treats that are still "calorie wise".  I really appreciate the support.

I actually got pretty busy at work here after I sent my email, so your encouragement along with distractions have been very helpful.  Yea me!  Didn't get attacked by the Tiff's Treats cookie monster after all.   But, I must remember, she will strike again! 

It's just so great to know I've got support here.  Thanks again!

You are in high school and have so many wonderful things to be thinking about other than your weight.  You are a beautiful young lady and that won't change with any weight change.  Focus on having fun with your friends, learning how to be a good student (this will majorly help you later in life), and have fun with sports if that's your thing - not because it burns calories, but because you're having fun!  This world is so caught up in body image and if you're worried at all at your weight, age, and height, it means there's too much focus on the magazines and not enough focus on being a kid.  Be a teenager and enjoy it!!! 

I'm 30 years old and have been down that eating disorder road, but mine happened in college.  I wasted, I tell you, wasted, many many years worrying about the things in life that were completely unimportant for reasons that were entirely superficial, when I could have been focusing on the things that really  mattered - being a good friend, studying hard for my future, loving my family, and enjoying all the activities I love.  Don't start that road now - I'm here to tell you, it's a dead end.  It took me years to get past all the pain my eating disorder caused, and although I am so so so so much better now, I can't deny the ways in which  my past issues have affected my current life.  So, enjoy this time in your life and think about those things that are REALLY important in your life, not those that are based on materialism and are fleeting with the wind.