Posts by dishy

Mmm salads - I am the salad queen ;o)  I put tons of stuff into my salads and they usually don't have much lettuce because they'd end up too big!

Start with a little lettuce and then chuck in whatever you'd like.  I use any of the following:

dates (soooo good in salad and I can't have one without), avocado (for good fat), roasted pine nuts or peanuts (I'm a veggie so need protein and nuts are a good, if somewhat unhealthy, source), peppers (red, yellow, green, orange), apetina (feta), raisins, spring onions, tomato (regular or sundried), bell peppers for some heat, steamed and cooled broccoli, boiled and then cooled peas, sweetcorn, celery, caremelized onions, dried cranberries, cucumber and the list goes on. 

I say start experimenting, salads are great and you can have a different one every day for weeks!  Try chucking some tuna, prawns, ham or something in and for salad dressings, I use lemon, balsamic and hot sauce.  But you could also go for a little chilli oil, balsamic and pesto shaken up. 

If you're looking to make something for friends or family, check out the food network website for some more "flash" recipes. 

Enjoy!!!

I was diagnosed with IBS 8 years ago and the tough part is that every IBS sufferer is different.  Some people make frequent trips to the bathroom, some don't go for 6,7,8 or more days.  Certain foods that work for some don't work for others.

My Doctor told me no small seeds and small grains, nothing deep fried, caffeine is bad (that includes chocolate) and so are all sodas (or anything carbonated!).  But at the same time, I ended up experimenting a little to see what else was affecting me.  I've cut out meat, fish, eggs and all milk other than skim milk but even that's not great for me. 

I've been lucky enough to be able to get on with life on an (almost) daily basis.  Sometimes I feel bad, bloated, get heartburn etc but in the end I can go on with my daily routine.

I'd say you should check with your Doctor, see what they say about what foods to eat and what to stay away from.  But in the meantime I'd recommend (I'm clearly not a Doctor though!) staying away from fatty foods, sodas and beer. 

Good luck!

Would love to go out but the downside of London is the train system (I don't drive) is awful - it'd take me ages to get out and at this time of night....I'm at home for the duration I'm afraid.

Will need something for dinner and definitely want to avoid takeaways.  I'm craving tomato soup and grilled cheese (comfort food) but don't suppose that's too healthy lol! 

Anybody suggest something healthy(ish) that's hopefully under 500 calories (that's what I have left for the day)?  Something that's in the everyday fridge/cupboard? 

I usually schedule my gym outings for the week at the end of the previous week and will pop my appointments around that.  If I am supposed to go after work one day and am just sooooo tired that I want to bail, I'll always make myself go with the rationale that if I work out for 10 minutes and hate it - I'll stop.  I've only left early once in the last 5 years!! 

Give it a shot....schedule in the gym and plan around that.  Try and think of it as a good, healthy, fun thing to do and if, after 10 minutes, you're not into it - go home.  ;o)

Very cool and loaded with info!  Seems to be a lot of US stuff on there, anybody know of any sites that have more Canadian restaurants?

I work a 9:30 - 5:30 as well and luckily get 1.5 hours for lunch.  That gives me enough time to race to the gym, get into my kit, have a 45 minute workout and then clean up in time for work again.

When I have a work lunch on, I'll go to the gym in the mornings as it's much easier when it's bright out.  If you're into trying mornings seriously, keep your blinds open for a natural wake up instead of annoying alarms.  I usually wake up about 20 minutes before my alarm so I can either get out of bed or lay around and take my time. 

There are bonuses for morning workouts.  You make sure you get your exercise in first thing so there are no excuses later in the day and what a way to start the day...you're already burning more calories because of it!  You get to your desk, have brekkie and you're still burning those calories from the gym... I always feel ready for the day and whatever it throws at me.  To be fair I usually get a little sleepy about 4pm but a coffee or snack brings me back to reality.

After work workouts are tough because you don't have much time left in the day to do much of anything....but if you're not going to sleep until midnight, you've got a fair few hours. 

How are you guys doing this???  I'm so jealous lol!

I'm almost 30 (making it a little harger than when I was in my early 20's), about 5'7" and am 137.  Almost 2 years ago I was 154, dropped to 131 but then somehow ended up flirting between 135 and 140.  I'd love to drop these last 5 pounds but need help!

I find all chips (crisps), chocolates and cookies to be quick and easy snacks and have little to no will power at the moment. 

Anybody out there have any helpful hints?!  I'd clearly prefer to do this in a healthy way so if anybody has any recipes, healthy snacks etc I'd really, really love a quick shout!  Cheers.  x

I was wondering about this too.  My sister is doing this and last night she said to me "I've still got 1,000 calories, fancy dinner?"

Clearly you don't HAVE to use up all of your calories but should you try each day to hit that target?  I'm only at 534 after a yogurt and coffee for breakfast and some fish, asparagus, spinach and a vokda for lunch.  I'm supposed to have another 1,200 calories today?!  I'm stuffed as it is and there's not much time left in the day....

Another healthy option is dim sum.  You can get steamed, baked or fried dim sum and there's tons of good veggie options.  Of course you get the usual with pork and chicken and there's a ridiculous amount with seafood but also loads of veggie ones.  Aside from that they usually serve up some good soups, salads, veggie side dishes etc.