Posts by colleen10

If you like lentils too, here's one of my favorite vegetarian stews:

LENTIL STEW WITH SPINACH AND POTATOES

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
3 cups canned vegetable broth
1 cup lentils, rinsed, picked over
8 ounces red-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 lemon
6 ounces torn fresh spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir 30 seconds. Add vegetable broth and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add potatoes; cook uncovered until potatoes and lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, grate 1/2 teaspoon peel from lemon; squeeze enough juice from lemon to measure 2 tablespoons. Add lemon peel, lemon juice, spinach and cayenne to stew. Cover and simmer stew until spinach wilts and is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Mix in mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over low heat before serving.)

Spoon stew into large soup bowls. Sprinkle feta cheese over, if desired.

2 generous servings

You can use kale or swiss chard instead of spinach, both of which are also very healthy.  I sometimes add other diced vegetables, like carrots and celery.

GRRRR....I'm back at 137 today, but I deserve it.  Had a bad food weekend.  Not overeating so much as just eating bad stuff, and no exercise.  I'm not overly concerned because I know there's that bit of Cassy's chacha to all this, but when you're only 1 pound away from your goal weight, it sucks!!!!

More than usual posting this weekend...and a newbie.

Barb...welcome.  if you are having trouble taking in less food, then your only alternative is to add exercise and burn it off.  And the great thing is that increased muscle mass will up your metabolic rate, and you'll burn off that fat faster.  That's what I did, and it's working for me.  As for food, upping your protein might help, because it staves off hunger longer than carbs or fat.  And healthy snacks are a must.  I hate the counting, too, but using CC to journal my food has helped me keep track of what I'm taking in.  I also try to plan what I'll eat each day, so I can't use the excuse that I didn't know it would be that many calories.  It makes me think twice when I know I'm going to exceed my planned calorie intake if I have that extra snack or second serving.

Cassy...you're a running wonder.  That stubborn streak is sure workin' for you.  It's subzero here today, too, and I'm thinking of going south soon, maybe the end of this month.  Hope you can find time today to get in your exercise.  I know I must do that, too. 

Carie...I'm so glad to see you inspired again.  Your resolve really comes through in your posts.  You'll be back below 150 before you know it.  And the exercise will help work off some of that stress you must be feeling about your MIL.  Hope she continues to improve.

Sherry...WTG, girl!!!  So glad you had a good week and got a reward.  Now, DO think about what would happen if you could get the exercise habit.  I think about that all the time.  It's still very hard for me to make myself do it, but I'm always glad when I do.  Man, size 6.  You must be in a lot better shape than me, cuz I weigh 3 pounds less and am still wearing a 10.  The 10's are a little loose, but I'm don't think I could wear an 8 yet. 

Joan...those 70's sound might tempting.  I'm SO tired of winter.  You seem to be doing great on weight maintenance and getting your workouts in.  Now I just hope you get that paycheck today!  Moving is such a pain--all the packing gives me a headache.  I used to move fairly frequently, but have been settled in where I am now for 12 years, which is a record for me--even as a child, my family moved a lot.  Did you get into that jacuzzi this weekend?

Brigitte...YAY for you breaking back into the 120's!  I think the restrictions on running with a stroller are just a reflection of our lawsuit happy society.  The organizers are probably afraid that if some mishap occurred, they would get sued for allowing it.  Can't blame them when MacDonald's gets successfully sued for too hot coffee.  There are just too many people out there ready to blame someone else for any adverse consequences of their own decisions!  No excuses for the companies that knowingly deceive people about products that are harmful (e.g., cigarettes), but some of these consumer lawsuits are ridiculous.

I WILL exercise today!

Good girl today....hopped right out of bed and did my exercise--new cardio yoga routine on my exercise TV--wow, it's a killer.  Could only do 10 miinutes, but had just done pilates, so wasn't at my stronger in the core, ya know.  It was sandwich day--but didn't do bad on calories, so I think I'm ok for today.  The food side is so much easier for me to control than getting into the exercise habit.  Same old story.

After spending $200 getting my computer fixed, it's starting to get sluggish again already.  I hate these boxes.  Having trouble with email, too.  There's a fortune in fixing these contraptions!

Very tired...went out with a friend tonight and ate turkey....came home, fell asleep, watched a movie, feel asleep, now I want to sleep again.  Those tryptophanes are powerful.  Will probably be up at 3 a.m.

Good night to all.

Soraya....so nice to hear from you again.  I wondered what happened to you.  Sounds like you've been really busy, but losing weight despite  inconsistency.  That's great!  You'll probably get lots of advice about the cute guy.  This is an opinion from an older, experienced broad.  If you see him again, think of some relevant question you could ask him--maybe how to do something on the computer--that's always a good one.  Men always like to feel superior in some way.  If he's interested, he'll stay engaged in conversation; if not, he'll just give you a polite answer and turn away.  I think most guys like to be the initiator when it comes to making a move toward something more than that.  If you have the urge to be bold, leave your business card somewhere near him where he can see it.  That would certainly make your interest known, if he's in any doubt.  I wouldn't do that right away--maybe after bumping into to him two or three more times.  If he's shy, slower is better. 

Happy Monday....I'm holding at 136 (just had to check because I still can't believe it!), and that was after eating breakfast.  So I'm a happy camper.  Hoping to get my car back from the body shop today.  They've had it since last Tuesday.  I've been driving a rental--a cute little PT Cruiser, but feel more comfortable in my own car.

I didn't watch the Super Bowl--not a football fan.  But it sounds like a few of you were happy with the outcome.  I rented some movies and ate Kettle Korn.  Was basically a sloth yesterday. 

Holly....what the heck is a mudd fest?  I'm imagining people getting together and getting intoxicated in a mud bath. 

Cassy...so glad you had a fun birthday, except for the slip.  4" heels?  Yikes.  I haven't worn anything that high in years.  So happy I'm at an age where I can just be comfortable in my clothes and shoes.  Hope you didn't have a bad hangover. 

Nicky....seems like you at least stopped long enough to watch the game.  Hope you got more time to relax this weekend.  Your plate is overflowing these days.

Got to go find something interesting to do with chicken breast.  Later.

Hello ladies....is our group diminishing or just busy?  I'm feeling pretty good today, but still not there.  Did a half hour of walking this morning, just because I'm tired of just laying around.  It was a challenge.  I've almost lost my voice and still coughing a bit, but I think I'm through the worst.  Making some butternut squash-roasted garlic bisque for lunch.  Fortunately, I have lots of food ready to be cooked, so don't have to go out into the cold.  Not so cold here today, though--will be 40 degrees.

Carie...I will definitely continue praying for your MIL.   They just keep assaulting her body with their procedures, don' t they?  So glad they finished the heart work and that part went well.  Yes, men are so helpless in these situations.  They can't really DO anything, so they don't know how to handle it.  Not a problem they can solve.   Poor babies.  Hope you can get in some exercise to work off some of that stress you must be feeling.

 Joan....sounds like you did yourself in this weekend.  Gosh, no wonder with all the stress in your life these days.  But you know food is no cure.  Bummer about no paycheck and all you need is something else to add to your expenses.  I hate cars.  Once they're out of warranty, seems like there's always something going wrong. 

Brigitte...isn't there an expiration or "sell by" date on your meat packages?  It's hard to know how long it might keep because you never know how old it is when you buy it.  I just use my nose.  If it smells ok, I use it.  If it doesn't, I toss it.  I haven't gotten sick yet. 

Cassy....you seem to be moving in the desired direction again.  Keep it up and you'll break 140 soon.  Now this time, keep it going down, down, down. 

Teyna...welcome to the group.  You were responding to the original post on this thread, which always appears at the top of the page.  Timbergrove is long gone, but this group of ladies are a great support group and you'll learn a lot from them, get great support and encouragement, and hopefully do the same for us when we need it.  Giving up fast food and soda is a great start.  The trick is to find healthy food that's satisfying to you, so you don't go back to the fat food!  I never had the fast food habit, and hope I never will.  I like to cook, and my food tastes so much better than theirs.

Have a happy healthy Monday everyone.  I'll check in later to see what's up with everyone else.

Here's a recipe for morrocan style carrots that I've used; it would be an easy and colorful side dish for your chicken:

1/2 pound carrots, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sugar
a pinch of cayenne
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste  

In a steamer set over boiling water steam the carrots, covered, for 8 minutes, or until they are just tender. In a skillet cook the garlic in the oil over moderately low heat, stirring, for 1 minute, or until it is fragrant, add the cumin, the cinnamon, the sugar, the cayenne, and the carrots, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 1 minute, or until the carrots are well-coated with the mixture. Stir in the lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste, transfer the carrots to a bowl, and let them cool to room temperature.  2 servings

Hello ladies,

Slow day in here today...usual for a Friday.  Starting to feel a bit better today, but still not good.  I am SO tired of coughing.  Not feeling well enough to cook, so just eating whatever--frozen dinners, pizza, popcorn.  I don't have much prepared food, so the pickin's have been slim, and not that healthy.

Vicki...so good to hear from you.  Sounds like life is going great for you.  Must be fun, even though a lot of work, to redecorate a house.  YAY for you on your success with maintenance and having a husband who works with you at it.

Mia..welcome and good luck with your journey.  That's what it is...a journey.  Sometimes you stay on the path and now and then, you'll wander from it.  Just remember, every time you wander from it, you'll come back heavier! 

Cassy...sometimes a well-planned day just backfires on you.  So sorry about your mom's friend, but glad she had your support to get through it.  Some men are just plain jerks!  It sounds like your problems are on the intake side.  

Joan...hope you got some sleep last night.  I was thinking about all those packages of ready-to-eat food in your freezer and wishing I had done something like that.  It's been so long since I've been really sick that I just wasn't prepared. 

Brigitte....what are your goals these days?  I'm a little confused.  Seems like you've been all over the place since your husband got back. 

Sherry...it's no wonder you got a stomach ache after the sausage hash brown casserole--all that fat.  You definitely need to get some healthier recipes in your files.  And I'm sure your mom wouldn't mind if you exercised while she's there.  Girl, you'll use any excuse, won't you!

Hope y'all have a great weekend.  It's snowy and really cold here still.  We haven't had a good old-fashioned Michigan winter in years, but it's looking like one this year.  I could do without it.

Well, this is a sad news day. 

Joan....thanks for posting Carie's email.  I was afraid the news was going to be bad.  I had checked to see if Carie was posting anywhere, and there was no activity since we last heard from her.  What a horrible waiting game that must be.

I haven't heard how Keith Ledger died, just that he was found in his NY apartment, with one of those news "teases" about something being found that related to his death...watch at 11.   Very sad.

Lots of people to pray for tonight....and I feel like I'm getting sick.  Sore throat, feverish....hope not.

My plans to visit my mother changed when I realized that I forgot to put my hair appointments on my 2008 calendar.  I have one tomorrow, so I'll be delaying my visit until later this week.  Got up and did my exercise first thing this morning--pilates and abs/back routines for an hour.  I'm so p***ed off, though, 'cause I got on the scale this morning and I'm back up to 140.  This seesaw ride is very annoying.  A few extra french fries shouldn't have done that much damage!  Oh well, just keep at it, at it, at it.  Any other choice will just make it worse.  DARN!!!

It's frigid again here today, and I'm hoping we get out of this cold snap soon.  I so envy those of you in warmer climates.  I'll come cook for you  

Sherry.....hope Summer is feeling better today and that you find some energy to exercise.  Remember, you get energy from exercise!

Cassy...you and I seem to parallel each other on the chacha.  But I don't think I could ever match you on the exercise!

Will check in later to see how everyone else is doing.

Ciao.

Hello all...it's a frigid 10 degrees here today...another good day to stay home and keep warm.  Planning to do a cardio workout today, after I do my NY Crossword.  That should warm me up good!  Have food from yesterday's meals, so no need to cook.  Made turkey burgers last night--haven't had one in ages, and I love them.  I seasoned them with lemon peel and juice and thyme and made this red bell pepper/onion relish to go with them and stuffed them with goat cheese--yum.  Ate some oven fries on the side, which was not a good idea, because they tasted so good that I ate too many.  Then later I had a Heathy Choice fudge bar and some multi-grain chips.  So I was a bit of an eating machine.  My appetite has been ferocious lately--maybe this cold weather has something to do with that, or the added exercise.  I need to get back in control.  Gosh, it seems like if you get the food thing down, motivation to exercise lowers and vice versa.  I need to get them working together if I want to break through this plateau and get that last 3 pounds off!

Heather....what fun to get a chance to take a trip.  I've never been in western Canada, but have been in Alaska.  I went to the annual Moose Dropping Festival when I was there.  I can understand why you wouldn't want to go outside to face one of those giants.  Good for you on the 5 mile run.  What's a bosu ball class?

Cassy...thanks for the info on antioxidants.  I doubt that I'll be able to find acai berries here, but I'll check Whole Foods.  That would be the only place I think would have them.  I looked them up on the internet and you can buy liquids and other acai based products to add to smoothies online.  Have you heard of Dr. Perricone's 10 super foods?  They're on his list.  Hope it warms up there soon.  I'm sure you're going to love that auto starter. 

Joan....WOW, 850 calories in one workout!!!!  You're a whirling dervish in the a.m.!  I agree it would be such fun to meet someone on this forum face to face.  Carie is closest to me, but she's across the state--2 1/2 hours away--and I don't get there very often.  But next time I go, I might try to hook up with her for a healthy lunch.  6 protein bars at one sitting!!!!  What a binge.  You were a walking protein bar yourself!  Please don't crown me on the exercise--you know my history of on again--off again motivation.  There's no royal blood coursing through my veins!   How did you like Hairspray?

Sherry...it must be really hard to see your little girl suffering so.  I hope you found something that relieved her coughing.  It sounds like your motivation has taken a dip, too.  You were doing so well....hope you get it back soon.

Brigitte....how frustrated and anxious you must be going through all that testing with Hannah.  I sure hope they can find the cause of her spells soon and that it's something that can be easily treated.  She will be in my prayers.

Well, it's my crossword next and then my cardio.  A late start today, because I slept in.  Have a great day, everyone!

Hi everyone....

I'm having another good day...did my hour of exercise this morning after breakfast of blueberry oatmeal and coffee.  Then met an old friend from Grand Rapids for lunch (I used to live there), which was SO great.  We ate at a Lebanese place, and I had just a rollup sandwich with a lentil mixture in it and a small piece of bread with some of the hummus she ordered.  Having fish for dinner with snap peas and a brown rice pilaf.  This motivation sure comes and goes, but the force is with me for now!

Sherry...that sinus infection seems to be going around.  Hope Summer feels better soon.  Listen to you, planning out an exercise schedule!  {Pat on the back}  I think it really helps to have some different routines to do--otherwise you get bored.  I'm so happy I have exercise TV available so I can do different routines all the time.  They even have "sexy" routines.  I don't know if you're supposed to do those with or for your man--I think they're funny--playboy bunnies are the stars.

Joan...I'm so happy your dentist was able to get your bridge out with no damage.  And good for you deciding to maintain instead of losing more weight.  I'm so looking forward to getting to that place.  There's probably a lot to learn about that, too. 

Brigette....you sure are having some brain skips.  That's what happens when you get busy and running here and there.  I agree on the protein bars.  The ones I bought before were terrible tasting.  These Kashi ones are tasty, but very chewy.  That's ok--I can burn some calories chewing  Those multi-grain chips I got are really good, too.  When I was back at Costco today to get something I forgot (I have CRS--Can't Remember S**t), they were giving out samples of a variety pack of 100 calorie bags with cheddar, sour cream and apple flavors.  The apple ones were delicious.  Sensible Portions is the brand name. 

Cassy...hopefully they will get to nutrition issues at some point in your RRR meetings.  You never told me what RRR stands for.  Sounds like you enjoyed your night off.  I'm taking Sunday off this week.  You know, I have a Nordic track and a Total Gym in my basement, but I hardly ever use them.  I don't like it down there--no windows--and my husband broke the VCR, so I can't use the tapes that came with the Total Gym.  I need to buy a used VCR player, because I liked the Total Gym; but I think I'll try to sell the Nordic Track.  I've never liked it.

Holly...YAY for you and getting that scale to keep going down.  Hope TTOM is kind to you.

Carie...you and your MIL are in my prayers.  Hope you check in with us soon.

Everyone else....hope all's well.

Everyone---have a great weekend!

Hi ladies,

Oprah's personal trainer was a guest on a program I watched today, and he says that reaching plateaus is normal--that after losing 4 or 5 pounds, the body needs a rest.  To kick it into losing gear again, he says you need to step up your exercise a notch, i.e., work harder at it.  The example he gave was if you're running a mile in 8 minutes, try to do it in 7.  He also said that if you want to lose weight, you need to exercise an hour a day, 5 days minimum per week consistently and not take off two days in a row.  3 days is ok if you're maintaining.  Apparently, the best time to exercise is in the morning, which I think we all know, but some have life schedules that make that difficult.  He put more emphasis on the importance of exercise for weight loss than eating, although you can't overlook good nutrition either.  Most of you probably know all this, but until now, I've always been able to lose by just cutting calories.  And although I've experienced the plateaus (like right now),  I wasn't sure how to break through. 

So, anyway, I'm going to start doing my exercise in the morning, work a little harder, and try to break through this plateau that I've hit. 

Heather...welcome.  This is a great group.  Maybe you're at one of those plateaus and need to kick your exercise up a notch.  And BRRRR.  I know I couldn't take that below zero weather.

Alizus...maybe now that you've switched your exercise to the a.m., you might get better results.  Try taking it up a notch, whatever you're doing, and see if that does anything.  Maybe we can be the test cases  New jobs seem to test us in lots of ways, but don't doubt that you'll be successful.  You might try meditation or yoga in the evening to relax yourself.  Getting a good night's rest is important not only for renewing your energy, but also for weight loss.  And watch out, you're sounding like a cheerleader now!  YAY for you getting out of that slump and renewing your resolve.  My fat breakfast is the Coney Island early bird special--two eggs, hashed browns, toast and choice of meat.  I usually get two poached eggs and eat just one piece of toast, one rasher of bacon, and half the potatoes--and that's a lot of calories for breakfast and a lot of fat.  I do it once every couple weeks.

Joan..I'm sorry we couldn't come up with any new ideas to help you with the odor issue.  I think as long as you eat high levels of protein, you'll probably have the problem.  Maybe your doctor could suggest something, or someone in the health food store.  BOOHOO on the 3 pounds.  You do everything right and you still  get stiffed in this weight loss game.  That's why I don't weigh myself every day.  I would just be pissed all the time. 

Cassy...that frigid weather is coming in here tonight.  We've been having a more usual Michigan winter this year.  Snowed some yesterday.  Hey, your scale is going the wrong way.  Darned if I can figure how you can gain weight with all that exercise you do.  Are you eating horses?

Sherry...sorry Summer is sick and hope it doesn't spread through the family.  I hope you report tomorrow that you did that walking tape.  I did a combination of walking and jogging in place.  I alternate 5 minutes each.  When I started, I could only jog for about two minutes, so I'm making progress.

Holly...you could be building muscle if you're exercising enough every night, and that will be good  in the long run. 

I'm concerned about Carie.  I hope her MIL's surgery went ok.  Let's keep her in our prayers.

Good evening, everyone.

BTW, what does it mean when you get pain in your calves after you jog for a few minutes (and don't tell me it means I'm getting old!)?