Hey Villette, I am just learning all of this along with everyone else, but it seems to me if this is all you are eating then you are not getting ENOUGH calories. I've been reading about this thing that happens if you drastically cut your calories. Your body goes into "starvation" mode. It means that it feels like you are starving yourself so your body slows down your metabolism and holds on to the fat to keep you alive. This part is just my opinion, but Lean Cusines are ok once in a while, but all of the preservatives they must put in those things can't be healthy as a regular staple of your diet. Like I said, that is just my feeling, I know I feel better when I eat fresh...be it veggies, fruit, or meat or whatever. Just some "food" for thought. Now, I'll turn it back over to the people who know what they are talking about! Love from Teri

Here's a couple things i was doing wrong...
 

Here's a couple things i was doing wrong with my first diet, this info. came from my trainer at the YMCA, i lost a couple of lbs. then all of a sudden i couldn't lose any more weight, and because i was weight lifting, i was gaining muscle, and as my trainer told me " muscle weighs more than fat", something new that i learned (which made me feel better) and another thing that he told me that i switched, i eat my fruits in the morning and my veggies at night, that way since some fruits are high in sugar my body can burn off the caleries during the day... i was a big coffe drinker too, i also limited that since caffine made me hungry :( and added more water, water, water to my diet. Hope this helps someone :)

I agree with Teri
 

Villette, I have been thinking for a while now that you probably should be preparing yourself some healthy meals instead of the Lean Cuisines, and I guess I was waiting for Pat to tell you, lol. I know that you don't want to do that because you already have to cook differently for your hubby, but maybe give it a try! Here's a fat free recipe archive I use all the time. http://cgi.fatfree.com/cgi-bin/fatfree/recipes.cgi You can always make a batch of something and freeze portions in those cool Glad plastic containers for later meals!

If you are going to increase calories, make sure it's with healthy foods; fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

Good job, Teri!! :thumbup:

There's another thing I was thinking as I read this. When you are cooking for hubby you can sneak in some healthy stuff without him suffering! Try some of the fat free recipes and just tell him you are trying a new recipe, it doesn't have to be advertised as fat free! Make veggies with the meal. Buy lean pieces of meat, make a healthy chicken, enough for both of you. Since you do the cooking you can probably sneak in all kinds of healthy stuff and he won't realize it. My challange is that hubby does the cooking. I'm trying to convert him, but he specializes in hot dogs, mac and cheese and cheeseburgers. He has started making lots of veggies with the meals for me but now that I'm eating healthy it kills me to see him and the kids eating this stuff. (Nothing like a reformed junk food junkie)

Teri, you're SO GOOD!! I encourage EVERYONE to do what Teri suggested above!! And it's a good idea to get the kids eating healthy NOW while they are still under your influence!! :p

Here's some more words of wisdom from Pat!
 

Pat didn't write this, she said she found it. No idea who wrote it.

************************************************** **

I'm the type of person who always has lots of fun and is involved in many activities. I can't think back to a time where I wanted something that I didn't work hard at and get it. Nothing! I don't know if its luck or determination, but I am definitely a hard worker.

Now I've decided to get healthy. Today as I was surfing through the Internet, a deep thought came to me. In my head, my goals, and my dreams, I've always seen myself living a long life - continuing to have lots of fun, spending time with loved ones, playing with my children, and then grandchildren. I never really looked at the track I was on to realize that all those things could eventually come to an end. It's like a light bulb went on. Holy Cow! What have I been thinking? Is a candy bar, or ice cream, or bag of chips worth dying for?

I have so much living I need to do. Do you know how much I love my husband? Every fiber of my being loves him and wants to be with him. How in the world could I ever do things to make me depart from him at an early age? My daughters I feel the same about. I want to see what kind of women they become. I want so much out of life, but I will never be able to continue my wonderful life I have now if I don't follow through with my "Lifestyle Changes".

All of a sudden, I can see that everything I hold dear would have slipped slowly away from me if I continued on my path. I'm so thankful to have found Lifestyle Changes. It's like a new chapter in my life has started. I will keep on my path of having fun and loving life. Now I'm just going to do it a lot longer by eating healthy and exercising.

Thanks ladies for the replies ! You did give me some ideas and that's what I was looking for...I've ALMOST got my husband to join us...him being sick is even more reason to eat better...He REALLY needs to do anything he can to prolong his life....I think I'm getting thru to him finally by talking to him about what I read here - so THANK YOU for this :thumbup: :thumbup:

and I'll try what you said Teri and Glad...at this point I was going for easy - now I need to re-think and start experimenting - Yesterday I got all the things needed for Stir Fry with Cabbage and can't wait to make it today !

and ps...GOOD NEWS ...Pat..Muffies mom will be BACK here posting soon. :thumbup:

Well hooray all around!
 

Good news that your hubby is considering eating healthy!!


Good news that you are experimenting with making new foods!

GOOD NEWS that our darlin' Pat will be BACK!! HOORAY!!
:jump28ib: Gosh, I am just HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!! :jump28ib:

How was the stir fry??
 

Did the stir fry come out good? Can you please share your recipe?
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sho...ealthy+recipes

HUGS! Good luck with the hubby conversion! :p

My recipe was COOKED BY HUSBAND.

That's the one thing he can still do even though he needs lots of breaks....I kind of suck up and tell him he makes it so good would he Pleeeeease make it for me - :D

Viola - I have my own Chef & it gets him moving around!

I do all the chopping...he does the cooking :D

Hey, here's a thought!!
 

Have HIM post the recipe to the Healthy Eating Recipe Thread!! He will be contributing, and then maybe he will get into it more!!

Aren't YOU lucky to have a chef in the house??

BTW, Pat tells me she has not completely decided whether or not she will be returning to YT, so don't get excited, everyone, it may not happen. BUT the dear girl is still contributing and obviously has been sending me articles for posting. One follows! :p

Article from Pat: DRINKS
 

Danger Drinks and Healthy Alternatives
Three healthy meals, healthy snacks and that’s all it takes, right? It’s very important to concentrate on what meals are made of. But are you sabotaging your diet by drinking unhealthy things? Changing some of the liquid habits in your diet alone holds potential benefits to your health. Below are some "danger" drinks, with healthier alternatives.

DANGER:
Soda: Sometimes our bodies crave sugar, and all too often we answer the call by guzzling soda instead of choosing a healthier alternative. Sugar is one of the main reasons soda is unhealthy, especially if you are trying to lose weight. It’s filled with empty calories. On average, a 12-ounce serving contains more than 110 calories and around 8-10 teaspoons of sugar! Another problem is its caffeine content, which acts as a diuretic, serving to dehydrate the body.

INSTEAD - TRY:
Tomato Juice (V8): It’s jam-packed with vitamins and minerals and tastes great. A good source of vitamins A, C and E, it also has a good amount of both calcium and potassium. Made of 100 percent vegetable juice, it starts with tomatoes, which are known for their antioxidant powers. For those concerned about their salt intake, it comes in a low-sodium version as well. If you’re looking for a little jumpstart to your day, its spicy kick is sure to provide it. For those of you who struggle to eat the recommended number of veggies, this is an easy way to consume one serving.

DANGER:
Coffee: Sure, a small coffee only has about 10 calories, but that’s before adding any sugar or milk. And if you drink it black? You are still putting some unhealthy substances into your body. Many people drink coffee for its caffeine, which in fact robs your body of hydration and makes it difficult to absorb vitamins. Caffeine affects bone health and hinders calcium intake. Plus, it’s addictive. If you absolutely must drink a cup to get yourself started for the day, combat this by also drinking an extra glass of water. Your body will thank you.

INSTEAD - TRY:
Green Tea: A great way to start the day instead of coffee, or even black tea, with greater nutritional benefits. Full of antioxidants, green tea actually helps to fight against heart disease and high cholesterol. It also helps to boost the immune system. Unlike coffee, green tea is not a diuretic and will not leave you dehydrated. Yes, it’s lower in caffeine, but served hot it still provides an awakening feeling. With a little honey added, it’s a slightly sweet drink that soothes you. (Those on Coumadin absolutely should NOT drink green tea)

DANGER:
Alcohol: Everyone knows about the beer belly, but did you realize mixed drinks are loaded with calories and can hurt your diet plans? A Long Island Iced Tea can be just as harmful as a glass of beer. Aside from damaging the liver, alcohol causes dehydration. That is part of the reason why, after a night out on the town, your body is aching the next morning; your muscles are craving water to rehydrate themselves. Alcohol also inhibits the absorption of nutrients. Lastly, alcohol interferes with the metabolism of fat, making it the dieter’s enemy.

INSTEAD - TRY:
Smoothies: Fruit smoothies, are packed with all kinds of nutritional goodies when made correctly. No need for ice cream and its sugar; frozen fruit provides a healthy and very sweet taste to your drink. Throw in fresh seasonal fruit and try out different flavors of yogurt to customize your favorite smoothie. They smell sweet, like a fresh-picked flower, and make you want to sit and relax after a hard day’s work.

DANGER:
Whole milk: Milk can be great for you, packed with all kinds of nutrients, helping to build strong bones. Whole milk (also called vitamin D) however is quite fattening. Before downing your 3 glasses a day, stop a minute to consider what kind you are ingesting.

INSTEAD - TRY:
Skim milk: This also is full of vitamin D, and of course calcium and protein. The big difference is its lower fat content. We all know that milk builds up strong bones and this is the case no matter what form you drink. Losing a bit of taste is the tradeoff. Ways to combat this are adding them to other foods, or cereal.

AND THE WINNER EVERY TIME:
Water: It helps our bodies survive, by controlling body temperature and flushing out toxins. The more hydrated your body is, the more effectively your metabolism will be able to function. If you’re looking to lose weight and get into shape, fill up your glass with some good old H20.

Followup to Drinks from Pat
 

Drinking Water During Workouts
Welcome to Sweating 101. Question #1 – During one hour of vigorous exercise, how much does the average person sweat?
A. One tablespoon
B. One cup
C. One pint
D. One quart

Okay, pencils down. For all of those who answered D., congrats! To everyone else, better luck next time.

That’s right – one quart! As you can see, exercise saps a lot of water from our bodies. That’s why it’s very important to drink even more water while exercising. However, drinking water before and after exercise is just as important.

Start paying attention to your fluid intake 2-3 hours before you are going to exercise. Drink 2-3 cups of water during that time, and then drink another cup immediately before you start exercising.

Without this extra water, your muscles will become dehydrated. Muscle movement depends on how hydrated you are, so if they are dry, they will not work as well. As a result, your workout will not be as productive as you would like.

Once you start exercising, keep drinking water frequently. A good rule of thumb is to drink one cup every 15-20 minutes. Keep a water bottle with you. Take breaks to head to the water cooler. Do what it takes you keep yourself hydrated.

Even when you are done exercising, you need to keep replenishing your fluid levels. It’s recommended you drink another 2-3 cups within two hours after you have finished. Then drink water regularly afterwards.

The more you drink before, during, and after exercise, the more productive your workout will be. Do your body a favor and replenish that quart of fluids your body is losing while you work out. Your muscles will thank you later.

More about Water!! From Pat
 

OK, I am NOT going to my email from Pat anymore today, I promise!! LOLOL :D If she sends me anymore, I will post another time!!:p
************************************************** ***
If you pick up one habit early on in this program that will make a major difference, this is it.

The list of benefits of water is so long, you’d think people were selling it as an 18th-century miracle tonic. There is evidence that fully hydrated bodies have higher metabolisms and can burn fat at a faster rate than thirsty, dry bodies. Water also helps you:

Digest food
Feel fuller
Look and feel fresher
Have more energy
Think more clearly

When you drink more water, and your body gets used to it, you ironically store less water. Seems that your body needs to trust that it’ll continue to get plenty of the good stuff, otherwise it’ll hold onto what little water it does receive. Less water means more weight. Early on, losing several pounds – even if it’s water weight – can be a huge motivator.

How much water do you need? You lose about 10 cups of water on a typical day and can easily sweat away a quart during an hour of strenuous activity. A good rule of thumb (not very active in moderate temperatures) is to divide your weight in pounds by two. The result is the number – in ounces – of water you should drink in a day. For example, a 150-pound woman would need about 75 ounces of water each day, or about 9 cups. For most of us, that means between 8-12 8oz cups of water each day. If you’re active and exercising, you’ll need a good deal more. This may seem like a lot, but if you start with a few glasses a day, it’s a habit that can quickly catch on and grow.

Fresh fruits and veggies are tremendous sources of water. Fruit juices, milk, teas and decaf coffee also count. Watch out for caffeinated beverages. Caffeine can actually increase your need for more water; so a lot of caffeinated coffee or soda may do more harm than good.

Relying on thirst is not a good strategy. By the time the brain signals thirst, you’re already dehydrated. If you’re working out, by the time you’re thirsty, your performance can drop 5-10%. The idea is to stay consistently hydrated for optimal performance and weight loss. Seesawing between hydration and thirst can hold you back. Again, your body needs to know that it’ll get what it needs all the time; otherwise it’ll store some back.

WATER TIPS
Find the water bottles with pop tops. They’re easier to carry around and use than twist-off caps.
Keep a water bottle in the car.
Take a water break instead of a smoke break at work.
Have a rule with your water glass: once it’s empty, it gets filled back up right away.
Drink orange juice or eat fruit in the morning.
Get two water bottles, one for work and one for home. Fill up one every day when you leave to go home, and fill up the other before you go to bed each night.
Order water at restaurants instead of soda. Even if you have something else to drink, have water too.
Weekends are the toughest, so be aware of your water and fluid intake throughout Saturday and Sunday. Keep more than one water bottle in the fridge so you always have a cold one.

Well, it's Sunday! You won't believe this, I hardly could! I am down to 201, I've lost another 3 pounds! Thank you Glad for all of your support. I've never been excited to step on the scale before, but I am now. The healthy choices are becoming a habit now. I seem to automatically look for the good stuff. I know it's only been a month and a half, but I am feeling good about the food choices I make. I just have to be careful not to be obnoxious to other people who ask about my "diet". I tell them how I am doing it but sometimes I go overboard! Yesterday I had a pair of pants on that haven't fit me since last year. I'm loving it!

Okay this weeks weight for me is up ..doesnt surprise me none ..I am swollen and tender so my weight in is plus 2 lbs ..ok glad ..haha ..yipee i remembered to let ya know on Sunday ...

Hi All!! My weight has not gone up or down this week so that could be a good or bad thing...I like to think of it as good :)...I didn't gain any and I will have more to look forward to coming off in the next week!! Have a GREAT week everyone!!!

Oh Teri!!
 

I am so excited for you!!! How wonderful!! You are doing such a great job, Teri!!

I love hearing you say "Healthy choices are becoming a habit now"!! That's the way it should be, yes indeed! And as to you being obnoxious about your healthy eating lifestyle, I know exactly what you are talking about, LOL!! At my last job, people would not even eat lunch with me because of the way they ate, and my expressions while I watched them, lol!! Before I left that job, though, 3 people were eating like me!!

That's FOURTEEN POUNDS, Teri!! That is incredible!!! Nicely done, my friend!!

Anyone else have great news to share?? :D

Thanks, Deb! I can understand those swollen and tender days, for sure! I look forward to you reporting a loss next week! I just know it's going to happen for you if you are determined, dear! :p

Thanks, Tammy!
 

Next week is a new week!!

Come on, everyone!! Let's try really hard to keep making those healthy food choices!! :p

Another Pat article for you!
 

The Secrets of Eating Right and Living Longer
12 Super Foods to add to your Diet

Yes, it's possible to eat certain foods and boost your longevity. Often labeled "super foods," these foods have the ability to not only strengthen the immune system, but to also fight disease, and lower body fat and cholesterol.

All of these health benefits can help you live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Some super foods contain substances called antioxidants and phytochemicals, which work together to fight disease and promote a long life.
A majority of these foods work best when they're combined with a well-balanced diet.

Common Super Foods For Boosting Longevity
Certain types of fish, particularly fatty cuts of fish, contain healthy fats that help lower cholesterol and prevent heart attacks. These foods may also reduce depression. Salmon, trout, and mackerel are among the top choices. These fish contain valuable omega-3 fatty acids.

Tomatoes are valuable because they contain lycopene, which helps fight free radicals. Free radicals can damage the skin and vital organs. Lycopene also helps stimulate the immune system; some studies show it might prevent the progression of certain degenerative diseases, and protect against prostate cancer.

When it comes to broccoli, your mother had it right. Broccoli could be considered the number one super food; many experts agree that if you can eat just one vegetable, these green guys are your best bet. Broccoli contains large amounts of vitamin C, calcium, and fiber, and can help prevent bone loss, fight disease, reduce your risk of heart disease, and even boost your immune system.

Garlic is a wonderful supplement that acts as a powerful anti-viral which can reduce your chances for catching colds and common infections. Garlic also has many natural anti-oxidant properties. Fresh garlic contains the most nutrients, although it's also available in capsule form. Spice up your favorite dish with some dried garlic for an extra boost.

Oats, like many other types of grain, are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which help protect the body from colon cancer. This high-fiber cereal keeps you fuller longer, aiding in your weight loss efforts. Oats also help build strong bones.

Green tea helps stimulate your metabolism (a bonus for anyone trying to lose weight) but also helps prevent the oxidation of cells in the body. Green tea is also thought to be an immune system booster. It's rich in antioxidants and certain vitamins, including A, C and E. Replace your after-dinner coffee with this brew, and your body will thank you.

Yogurt contains "friendly" bacteria, which help maintain the intestines and keep the bowels regulated. It can also suppress yeast overgrowth in both men and women. High in calcium, yogurt is also believed to act as a natural appetite suppressant. Soy yogurts contain these same live cultures, so don’t let a dairy-free diet stop you from getting these essential nutrients.

Nuts scare most people away because of their high fat content, but they're actually very good for you. They contain healthy fats, part of a well balanced diet. Some nuts, particularly brazil nuts, contain selenium, which helps prevent certain types of cancer.

Beans (kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, and more) are rich in folate, an important nutrient— particularly for women. Eating an adequate amount of folate helps prevent birth defects in newborns. Beans are also a cholesterol-free protein source, and high in fiber.

Popeye has it right when it comes to spinach. This super food is rich in vitamins A and C, folic acid and magnesium. All of these work together to help reduce the likelihood of cancer and even help decrease the risk for heart disease.

Most mushrooms contain a substance that stimulates the immune system. Mushrooms are often used in natural therapy to help fight off illness. Some mushrooms (s**take, enoki and reishi varieties) also have anti-cancer effects.

Bananas are a great super food for athletes. They're rich in two essential nutrients (potassium and magnesium) that aid in proper hydration, and they help reduce the likelihood of muscle cramps. They also provide a good source of soluble fiber.

Return
 

"GOOD MORNING, YORKIE TALK AND ALL MY FRIENDS! I'M BACKKKKKKK!" ;)

I have to keep my priorities in order and it's off to the gym in just a few minutes. :p

It's good to be back! LOL :thumbup:

Welcome Home!!!
 

WHEW!! Thank GOODNESS!!! Welcome back, my friend!!!

HUGS!

Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart! :wavey:

Now I'm back at it again! :eyeballpc

No change this week
 

I am the same I didn't lose or gain this week---but I was sick with a bad cold so I was down and out most of the week.

These remarks are all FALSE and I don't want to hear any excuses!! LOL :thumbdown NO EXCUSES NOW!


If you eat something and no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.

If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, the calories in the candy bar are canceled out by the diet soda.

When you eat with someone else, calories don't count if you don't eat more than they do.

Food used for medicinal purposes never count, such as hot chocolate, brandy, toast, and Sara Lee Cheesecake.

If you fatten up everyone else around you, then you look thinner.

Movie related foods, such as Milk Duds, buttered popcorn, Junior Mints, Red Hots, and Tootsie Rolls, do not have additional calories because they are part of the entire entertainment package and not part of one's personal fuel.

Cooky pieces contain no calories. The process of breaking causes calorie leakage.

Things licked off of knives and spoons have no calories if you are in the process of preparing something. Example: peanut butter on a knife making a sandwich, and ice cream on a spoon making a sundae.

Foods that have the same color have the same number of calories. Examples are spinach and pistachio ice cream, and mushrooms and white chocolate. NOTE: Chocolate is a universal color and may be substituted for any other food color.

Welcome back girl, we missed you,,,,

Get Others Involved
Don't be a "Lifestyle Change" Loner

Coaches, mentors, trainers, teammates, partners, fans. Even the greatest athletes in the world can’t do it alone.

People naturally perform better when others are on their side and helping out. Even in everyday eating and fitness, we’ve found that people who involve others and ask for help get much better results and stick to their programs longer than people who try to go the distance on their own.

Why is that? For starters, positive peer pressure can be one of the most powerful motivators around. It’s tougher to quit when someone else is counting on you. In fact, with a team that’s pulling for you, it’s less likely that you’ll want to quit.

When you involve others, you have access to more knowledge, more ideas, more enthusiasm, and more resources. Bicyclists and race car drivers are finding out that they need teammates looking out for them if they have any chance at all of winning. You can take advantage of the same benefits.

Finally, having other people help out just makes eating right a heckuva lot more fun.

People that can help with your eating healthy are all around you. You can do this without making a lot of demands on anyone’s time. Some possible ways to build a strong team by only asking one thing of each person:

Ask a friend to check with you once a week to see how you’re doing.

Ask your spouse to be there when you need to unload.

Ask a coworker to keep you upbeat.

Ask your kids to help you find ways to have active fun.

Ask your brother-in-law to pass along inspirational reading and interesting health news.

Ask your photographer sister to take "before" and "in-progress" pictures.

WAY TO GO TERI !!!!!!!!!!!! :hug: I'm proud of you Mom...and I bet Megan is too :thumbup: :thumbup:

and Pat..loved that NO Excuse post ;) ;)

Squeezing Your Stress Away

Stress Ball: The Anytime Exercise Equipment

What if we told you that it’s possible to work out and relieve stress at the same time? And that it’s easy, requires little concentration and won’t cause you to break a sweat? Or that by consistently using this hand-held object, you will notice an increase in strength?

You’d probably respond, "What’s this magic device?" Well, it’s not the mirror on the wall or Jack’s bean stalk. We present to you the stress ball, a palm-sized rubber ball filled with beans or seeds or another similar object. Stress balls come with a short instruction manual: you just squeeze. Over and over.

How they benefit you is simple. When you squeeze, the muscles not only contract in your hand, but up your arm as well. Hold the squeeze for a second or two and then release. As your muscles relax, the tension will leave your arms and hands, thereby relieving stress. It’s a great way to take out your frustration.

There are numerous benefits besides just relieving stress. You’ll improve hand strength and dexterity. Even if you’re not a professional athlete that needs to grab a basketball like a magnet, you’ll type more efficiently and grip and grab things easier. Stress balls also stimulate blood circulation and can help to reduce arthritic pain and stiffness. Just by squeezing a simple ball!

So take a ball with you in your purse or briefcase. When you’re talking on the phone at work, instead of doodling on that new proposal you just printed, distract your hands with a stress ball. Have a few minutes to kill? Squeeze away. Trying to stay awake in a meeting? You’d be surprised how effective these can be at boosting your attention level. And if you’re relaxing in front of the TV, why not use it then? Maybe even try one in each hand.

Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed at work or home, instead of losing your temper or breaking down in tears, take a second, take a few deep breaths and exercise with your stress ball. Use it each day as a stress management tool; it can go just about anywhere that you can.