Official Weight Loss Club Thread

[Muffie's Mom]

Slip into a Steady Slumber

Tips for Curing Insomnia

Sleep is something that your body craves, but also something that everybody struggles with periodically. You’ve tried to cure it the right way.

You stopped drinking caffeine late in the day; you didn’t eat a heavy meal right before bed; you made sure that the lights were off; you’ve tried to keep a definite bedtime schedule consistently. And yet, as you lie in bed sleepless and frustrated, none of this really seems to matter. When insomnia hits, you could spend hours stressing, or try a few new things to ease you into a peaceful slumber.

Difficulty falling (and staying) asleep is a common problem. As an important source of energy for the body, sleep is a valuable commodity. If you have been lying in bed for a while and can’t sleep, get up. Don’t just stay in bed and worry about not having enough energy to get all you need to get done the following day. Do something tonight to encourage the Sandman to appear a little sooner:

Go for a soak

Go relax in the bathtub. This soothes both body and mind. Try adding some sleep-inducing scents, like lavender oil, into the tub. You can also put a few drops of these oils onto your pillow to pacify you in bed as well. Don’t make the mistake of taking a shower. This can actually awaken your body. Opt for a warm bath instead. Couple this with some candles and calm music and you’ll be set.

Drink it up

Have a glass of warm milk. You thought this was just an old wives’ tale, but it actually works! Heating up milk really does have a tranquilizing effect on the body that can calm you down and prepare you for sleep. In fact, the same amino acid that gives turkey its reputation for causing drowsiness is also found in milk, and it causes more serotonin to be released in the body. Can’t stand the idea of warm milk? Add a drop or two of vanilla extract. Still not sounding tempting? Try some chamomile tea. A number of people think that having an alcoholic drink right before bed does the trick. Although this might initially make you sleepy, it doesn’t prep you for sound sleep, and chances are, you’ll toss and turn during the night.

Find an activity

Do something relaxing out of the bed. Try some light reading—although an action thriller probably wouldn’t be the best choice for these purposes. Watch something a little boring on television at low volume. Don’t watch anything that will wind you back up. Looking for other ideas? Sew, scrapbook, or write a letter. This activity should be easy, nothing that will key your nervous system back up. Once your eyes get droopy again, hit the sack.

De-stress

The worst thing you can do is sit in bed and think about everything you didn’t get done today, and all of the work you’ll have the next day. Worrying about it won’t get any of it done, so let it leave your mind. If it helps, make a to-do list so that you don’t forget anything the next day. But leave it at that; once it is on the paper, forget about it. Another trick for troubled sleeping is to turn the clocks away from your bed so that you can’t count the passing minutes. If you focus on the fact that you are not sleeping, you’ll make your problem worse.

Add some noise

Wait a second, isn’t it true that your bedroom should be as quiet as possible? Well, up to a point, yes. The darker and quieter the room is, the more deeply you’ll sleep, even if you don’t realize it. But, adding "white noise" into the background of your bedroom can actually help you slumber. These steady, quiet sounds will block out other more disturbing noises that might keep you awake. Plus, once you are asleep, you’ll be less likely to wake up from other noises. Try keeping a fan blowing at night—a cool bedroom is more conducive to sleep anyway. Or, try playing relaxing music or natural sounds, especially something that can be set on a timer. You can buy CD’s that play gentle rain, waterfalls, or wind noises—there are plenty of choices.

Listen to your body

One reason you might have trouble sleeping is that your body is tense. Try a relaxation video or CD that guides you through loosening up and relaxing each muscle group. Start at your feet, contracting and relaxing your muscles, and move all of the way up your body. This is a quick technique to unwind. Plus, deep-breathing exercises, which mimic your respiration pattern while sleeping, can help convince your body that it is time to drift off.

In the future…

Exercise! Consistent fitness and good nutrition are directly linked to improved sleep. Of course, if you are lying in bed restless, it might be a little late. But, start tomorrow and you’ll sleep better in nights to come. If (and when!) you do exercise, make sure it’s not right before bedtime, which can interfere with your body’s ability to relax and nod off.

Make going to bed a routine. Begin your routine around the same time every night, even on weekends. This could include any of the techniques listed above. It could simply mean changing into your pajamas and brushing your teeth. Do something consistently that your body will learn as signals to settle down for the night, and you’ll wake up refreshed the next day.

[Muffie's Mom]

Exercising with Arthritis

Does this sound familiar? "My joints are achy, I feel stiff all the time, and it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning." If there were ever a good excuse not to exercise – if there were ever a defensible time to throw in the towel – this would be it, right? Wrong!

In fact, when arthritis is a problem is precisely the time for you to get up and get moving. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being. Taking the day (or week, month, or year) off will only make things worse for tomorrow.

So where do you go from here? How do you begin a program that helps, not hurts?

Three types of exercise are best for dealing with arthritis. Create a workout program that includes a balance of:

Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., stretching) for normal joint movement, relieving stiffness, and maintaining or increasing flexibility. Include at least every other day.

Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight training, resistance exercises, nautilus, body weight exercises) for keeping or increasing muscle strength, and supporting and protecting joints affected by arthritis. Include every other day unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Aerobic or Endurance exercises (e.g., bicycle riding, walking, swimming, cardio gym machines) for improving cardiovascular fitness, controlling weight, improving overall function, and relieving pressure on and inflammation in your joints. Include 20 - 30 minutes, 3x per week unless you have severe pain or swelling in your joints.

Where To Start

Begin with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. As you become more comfortable with a low-level program, it is possible to progress to more advanced exercises. For example, you might start with water exercise (easiest on the joints) and progress to walking and/or biking or sports. Check with your doctor to learn which sports and exercises would be safe for you to try.

Things to remember while exercising:

Move your joints daily to prevent stiffness and loss of joint movement.
Exercises should be done on a regular basis. You should try to do them on good days and bad days, although you may have to modify the program if you are having more pain than usual.

An inflamed joint should only be moved gently through its range of motion.
It is important to listen to your body and not overdo it. If an exercise hurts, stop! Pain (other than normal arthritis discomfort) is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. If you get tired, rest! Wait a few minutes, then continue when you are ready.

Always begin a session with some slow warm-up exercises to reduce stress on the joints.

You should attempt to achieve a full range of motion by moving until you feel a slight stretch. Do not force the motion, going only as far as you feel comfortable.

Move at your own pace, performing exercises in a slow and steady motion.
Strength training can be done with small free weights, exercise machines, isometrics, elastic bands, and resistive water exercises. Correct positioning is critical, because if done incorrectly, strengthening exercises can cause muscle tears, more pain, and more joint swelling.

Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it is too much.

Other ways to protect your joints:

Avoid keeping your joints in the same position for long periods of time. To reduce stiffness, avoid prolonged sitting and get up and walk around every hour or so.

The strongest or largest joints and muscles should be used instead of the weakest ones, and weight should be distributed over several joints. For example, push open a heavy door with the side of your arm, not with your hand and outstretched arm. Carry a heavy bag or purse over your shoulder instead of holding it by the fingers.

Maintain good posture and body mechanics, keeping joints in their most stable and functional position. Bad posture can lead to possible deformities and increased pain.

Use a straight-back chair with a firm seat when sitting. When rising from a chair, use the muscles of the legs while also pushing off of the arms of the chair with palms or forearms (not fingers).

[Muffie's Mom]

Exercising with Lower Back Pain
Stay Active as Long as You Want

It’s a common problem for many who exercise, a problem that hurts during everyday activity and scares a lot of people away from any physical activity. It’s lower back pain. For those of you who suffer from this problem, here are some ways to stay active and help relieve this pain.

There are a number of recent studies showing that most people with lower back pain need to improve lower back strength with a good lower back muscle workout. This might cause a little more pain in the beginning, but in the long run, it will ease the muscles of any pain they are currently having. Basically, the long-term solution for back pain lies in exercise.

Some pain or achiness felt in your lower back might be the result of weak abdominal muscles. When you have a weak core, you are more likely to have poor posture and your muscles may be strained in a way that is uncomfortable or causes pain. You can minimize back pain by doing exercises that make the muscles in your back, stomach, hips and thighs -your core- strong and flexible. Even if you are currently participating in cardiovascular exercises like running or swimming, you should still add some of the following exercises, specifically designed to strengthen your core.

Leg Raises to strengthen stomach and hip muscles

How to: Lie on your back with your arms at your sides. Lift one leg off the floor to about a 45° angle. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat 5 times with each leg. If that is too difficult, keep one knee bent and the foot flat on the ground while raising the opposite leg.

Leg Raises to strengthen back and hip muscles

How to: Lie on your stomach. Tighten the muscles in one leg and raise it from the floor. Raise it as high as you can (approximately 30°) without causing any discomfort to your lower back or lifting your hip off the floor. Hold your leg up for a count of 10 and return it to the floor. Do the same with the other leg. Repeat 5 times with each leg.

Wall Slides to strengthen your back, hip and leg muscles

How to: Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Slide down into a crouch until the knees bend to about 90°. Count to 5 and slide back up the wall. Repeat 5 times.

Partial Sit-Up to strengthen stomach muscles

How to: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on floor. Slowly raise your head and shoulders off the floor and reach with both hands toward your knees. Count to 10. Repeat 5 times.

Back Leg Swing to strengthen hip and back muscles

How to: Stand behind a chair with your hands on the back of the chair. Lift one leg back and up while keeping the knee straight. Return slowly. Raise the other leg and return. Repeat 5 times with each leg.

Exercises to increase flexibility and stretch out the back

How to: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on your bed or floor. Raise your knees toward your chest. Place both hands under your knees and gently pull your knees as close to your chest as possible. Do not raise your head. Do not straighten your legs as you lower them. Start with 5 repetitions, several times a day.

If you have not done any kind of exercise recently or if you have any type of high-risk health issues, it is recommended that you consult your physician before you do any of the suggested exercises.

[Muffie's Mom]

Need Pain Free Knees?
Simple Stretches and Exercises Can Help

If your knees are giving you problems, and you feel like the Tin Man from "The Wizard of Oz" when getting out of bed, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 million Americans feel the same way.

Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. Considering that when you simply walk up stairs, the pressure across your knee joints is four times your body weight, it isn't surprising. Simple, everyday wear and tear can end up hurting your mobility.

But it’s not too late. Like a rusty door hinge, with care and maintenance, you knees can be trouble free. Even if you already experience problems, exercising the muscles surrounding the knee joints— Quadriceps (front of thigh), Hamstrings (back of thigh), Abductor (outside thigh), and Adductor (inside thigh)—will help make your knees stronger and less susceptible to injury. Exercise keeps your joints from stiffening and provides needed support, making movement easier and reducing pain.

Here are some exercises you can do to both stretch and strengthen the knee area:

STRETCHES

Chair knee extension: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair so the knee is slightly raised. Gently push the raised knee toward the floor using only leg muscles. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds and release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.

Heel slide knee extension: Lie on your back, with left knee bent and left foot flat on floor. Slowly slide the left heel away from your body so both legs are parallel. Hold for 5-10 seconds, return to starting position. Repeat 5 times on each leg.

Knee flexion: Sitting in a chair, loop a long towel under your foot (resting on the floor). Gently pull on the towel with both hands to bend the knee, raising your foot 4 - 5 inches off the floor. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.

Quadriceps stretch: Sitting in a chair (or on the floor), straighten your leg and hold. If seated on the floor, make sure the leg is a few inches off of the ground. Release and repeat 5 times on each leg.

Hamstring stretch: Standing, put one foot in front of you, toes up. With hands on the small of your back (or one hand holding a chair for balance), bend the opposite knee and hip (not your lower back), until you feel the hamstrings stretch. The upper body comes forward at the hip. Hold for 5 -10 seconds, then release. Repeat 5 times on each leg.

STRENGTH TRAINING

Wall slide: Leaning with your back against a wall, bend your knees 30°, sliding down the wall, then straighten up again. Move slowly and smoothly, using your hands on the wall for balance. Keep feet and legs parallel, and do not allow knees to go out over the toes. Repeat 5 -10 times.

Bent-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, straighten one leg in the air (without locking the knee). Hold for about one minute. Bend your knee to lower the leg about halfway to the floor. Hold for 30 seconds. Return to starting position. Work up to 4 reps on each leg.

Straight-Leg Raises: Sitting in a chair, rest your foot on another chair. Lift the foot a few inches off the chair while keeping your leg straight. Hold for 5 -10 seconds. Return to resting position. Repeat 5 -10 times. (Also work on increasing the time, up to 2-3 minutes if possible.)

Abductor Raise: Lie on your side, propped on one elbow. The leg on the floor bent, the other straight. Slowly lift the top leg, hold for 5 -10 seconds, then lower. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity). Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets.

Hamstring Curl: Stand with the front of your thighs against a surface (a table or wall). Flex one knee up as far as is comfortable. Hold for 5 - 10 seconds, then lower slowly. If possible, do not touch the floor between repetitions. (Ankle weights will increase the intensity.) Do 1-3 sets with 12-15 repetitions each. Remember to rest in between sets.

Step-Ups: Stand in front of a step, like a sturdy bench or stairs, about two feet high (or less if necessary). Step up onto the support, straighten your knees fully (without locking them) and step down. Maintain a steady pace. If you are comfortable with your balance, pump your arms while doing this exercise. Start with 1 minute, slowly building your time. Gets your heart pumping too!

Stationary Bike: Biking is a good way to increase strength and range of motion. Make sure you have the right positioning of the legs. At the bottom of the pedal stroke, the bend in the knee should be 15 degrees. Start with 10 minutes and slowly increase your time.

Depending on your current level of activity and mobility, a good start is 3 stretching and 3 strengthening exercises, 3-4 times a week. Stretching can be (and should be) done everyday if possible to prevent stiffness and achy joints. These stretches can be done a few times a day if needed.

Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. These exercises are designed to help, not hurt. If you experience pain at any time during the exercise, stop. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong.

BONUS TIP: If you have increased soreness after doing these exercises, it may help to ice your knee or knees for 10 - 20 minutes. Place a bag of ice (or frozen vegetables) over the joint, with a towel between to protect the skin. Elevate your leg on a chair if ice alone is inadequate.

[Muffie's Mom]

Ice Home Remedies

When you're injured, ice is like gold. In fact, it is an essential treatment for most sports injuries. It is one of the key ways to reduce the inflammation that occurs when you have some type of muscle tear, tendonitis, sprain or strain.

There are so many ways to ice an injury. Over the years, I think that I have used ice more on my body than in drinks. Here are a few of my tricks.

The Bucket Way

Fill a bucket with ice and water. Plunge the injured area into the ice-cold water. Hang in there for 2 minutes and the initial chilly sensation will fade into a numbing feeling. Soak for at least 15 minutes, but never more than 20 minutes. An added bonus is that the added water pressure will also compress the area, which is another excellent way to treat sports injuries.

Vegetables Anyone?

My favorite is the frozen peas method. Simply place a bag of frozen vegetables on the injured area. The tiny vegetables are very flexible and wrap around the injury quite well. The choice of veggies is up to you, but be sure that if you use a bag more than once, don't prepare those for dinner.

Fruity Alternative

This is great for the feet, but I have seen people use it on their legs as well. Simply place a can of frozen juice concentrate on the ground and roll your foot over it. This can help soothe plantar faciitis and other injuries to the arch and heel.

Dixie Cup Version

If the injured area is small, fill small paper cups with water and freeze them. Massage the injured area with the cup by peeling back the top of the cup as the ice melts. The added pressure of your application can also be a good way to enhance the healing process.

The Slushy

You can make your own flexible, frozen gel pack just like they use in physical therapy - by filling a freezer bag with one part rubbing alcohol and three parts water. Seal the bag and put it into another sealed bag to prevent leaking. Freeze, use and re-use. Repeat. The slushy compound can be molded to fit your injury.

Traveling Ice-Man

If you're traveling, carry a few heavy-duty freezer bags with you. Airlines, fast food restaurants and hotels will always fill your bag with ice. You might as well pack the plastic wrap too! It will hold your ice pack in place and provide compression to the injury. However, if it's a foot injury, a big sock works fine, and a shoulder can be taken care of with a tight t-shirt.

No excuses. Ice. Ice. Ice.

[Jaspermom]

Originally Posted by kara

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.

Hope you feel better, dear!! Drink lots of water, and eat well!

[Jaspermom]

Originally Posted by Muffie's Mom

Need Pain Free Knees?
Simple Stretches and Exercises Can Help

If your knees are giving you problems, and you feel like the Tin Man from "The Wizard of Oz" when getting out of bed, you’re not alone. Nearly 50 million Americans feel the same way. Knees are the most commonly injured joints in the body. Considering that when you simply walk up stairs, the pressure across your knee joints is four times your body weight, it isn't surprising. Simple, everyday wear and tear can end up hurting your mobility.

But it’s not too late. Like a rusty door hinge, with care and maintenance, you knees can be trouble free.

Excellent, Pat!! That pretty much takes care of some of those excuses like, "I can't exercise because...."

OK, people!! Let's wear off some of those excess calories, what do you say??

[Muffie's Mom]

5-Minute Power Boosters for the Office
Keep Your Body Fit and Your Mind Alert

Office life. If you let it, it can suck the energy right out of you. Or, you can take advantage of your workspace to put pep in your step and become more productive than ever.

Your office—where you spend 30% to 50% of your waking hours—can work for you or against you, depending on how you use it.

The workplace is the forgotten arena of the self-improvement battle. But it’s the place where people need help the most! Stress is a huge factor in how well you perform at work. It clouds your thinking and wears you down. Without that energy, you lose creativity, concentration and motivation. In return,all you gain is irritability and tension.

Of course, the most effective way to fight low energy is with a heavy dose of thorough stretching, proper breathing, and good posture. There are plenty of power boosters all around you. You don’t have to drop everything and run to the gym. In fact, there are dozens of ways you can reduce stress and increase energy—within 50 feet of the office. (No special equipment required.)

For starters, five minutes of mental or physical activity for every hour you spend at the computer. People who sit at desks and computers for hours on end are most prone to dwindling production from low energy.

Get Physical

Find a few sturdy, thick phonebooks and do some step aerobics.

Massage your own head and shoulders. Find trigger points of tension in the shoulders, jaw, and base of the skull. Hold pressure for 6-10 seconds.

Take two steps back from your desk and lean forward until you’re in an angled pushup position against the edge of your desk. (This will also work against a wall.) Do a couple quick sets of incline push-ups.

Lift 1-3 packs of printer paper in each hand. Curl them like weights or lift them over your head.

Close your door and shadow box for a few minutes. Try to imagine a stressor while you’re punching.

Start a pick up game of trashcan basketball! Create trick shots, or play against a coworker. A little friendly competition can go a long way.

Jumping jacks are a simple, quick way to pump you up. Try to increase your intensity (speed) and duration (minutes) to keep it challenging.

Go for a short walk around the office or outside around the block.

Stand up and stretch your muscles. Don’t forget your neck and wrists.

Lastly, using a stress ball. Squeezing a stress ball relieves stress while strengthening the forearms and wrists for typing.

Go Mental

Do word puzzles. Crosswords, word finds—even a jigsaw puzzle.

Fill out a Mad Lib with your co-workers. A little laughter can improve your mood and decrease stress instantly.

Rearrange your office.

Switch hands with whatever you’re doing.

Draw something. Let your mind create.

Stand perfectly still for two minutes. Just regroup.

Do some deep breathing exercises or quiet meditation.

Make an inkblot with a folded piece of paper and liquid ink. Have fun with what you see in the blot.

Staying energized and stress-free at work isn’t difficult. The key is finding reasons to stay out of your chair:

In the morning, take as long as possible before sitting down.

Forget the boardroom. Hold walking meetings.

Hand-deliver mail, memos and faxes.

Chat face-to-face instead of by email or phone.

Use a bathroom on the other side of the building or on another floor.

Have a lot of phone time? Buy a cordless phone and move around while talking.

Taking care of yourself at the office is just one way fitness can help you in other parts of your life. All it takes is a few minutes at a time.

[Muffie's Mom]

Originally Posted by Jaspermom

Excellent, Pat!! That pretty much takes care of some of those excuses like, "I can't exercise because...."

OK, people!! Let's wear off some of those excess calories, what do you say??

"Did I leavy anyone out?" haha LOL

[teri88]

Oh Pat, I'm so glad you are back! It wouldn't be much fun without you! I love your tips and I try to incorporate at least one each week. Your alcohol/water ice bag is excellent! Thanks. I miss exercising so much! I used to love to walk. I'm going to try some yoga, my doctor thinks that won't hurt. Thanks for giving so much of yourself to this thread. I've learned so much from you. And I come from a background of 20 years in the medical field!

[Muffie's Mom]

Originally Posted by teri88

Oh Pat, I'm so glad you are back! It wouldn't be much fun without you! I love your tips and I try to incorporate at least one each week. Your alcohol/water ice bag is excellent! Thanks. I miss exercising so much! I used to love to walk. I'm going to try some yoga, my doctor thinks that won't hurt. Thanks for giving so much of yourself to this thread. I've learned so much from you. And I come from a background of 20 years in the medical field!

Thank you, Teri! That was sweet. I missed being here but I'm back full force.

I'm proud of your weight losses. That is great. Tell us some of what you think has helped you get where you are today.

Keep up the good work!

[teri88]

I have been on every diet out there...Weight Watchers, NurtaSystem, Lean Line, Vegan...you name it. But I know the difference is this time my HEAD and HEART are in it. I'm not on a diet, and I'm not thinking short term here. I've determined to make this how I eat for the rest of my life. I make more healthy choices than unhealthy. I bought a 70 ounce container for water and I drink it constantly. I am reading everything I can get my hands on about healthy foods. I'm making fruit and vegetables my main course with a side of lean meat or fish. I don't know why my head and heart are in it this time. Well, I think it's because, as you know, I've been very ill this past year. I was diagnosed with MS then after a week in the hospital I was told it wasn't MS. But, I still have all of the symtoms of MS. So, I get very frustrated about my health and I feel like I no longer know or have any control over my body. But what goes into my body is 100% under my control. I may never be healthy but I know I'll be as healthy as I possibly can. My son found a silver ID bracelet in a parking lot and he brought it home. It says "BEST" and he gave it to me. I now wear it to remind myself that I am in charge of being the BEST that I can be. I will make the BEST choices, and do my BEST to take care of myself. That is what I've done, Pat, and I thank you and Glad for getting me started and providing me with support, information and recipes!

[Jaspermom]

Originally Posted by teri88

I have been on every diet out there...Weight Watchers, NurtaSystem, Lean Line, Vegan...you name it. But I know the difference is this time my HEAD and HEART are in it. I'm not on a diet, and I'm not thinking short term here. I've determined to make this how I eat for the rest of my life. I make more healthy choices than unhealthy. I bought a 70 ounce container for water and I drink it constantly. I am reading everything I can get my hands on about healthy foods. I'm making fruit and vegetables my main course with a side of lean meat or fish. I don't know why my head and heart are in it this time. Well, I think it's because, as you know, I've been very ill this past year. I was diagnosed with MS then after a week in the hospital I was told it wasn't MS. But, I still have all of the symtoms of MS. So, I get very frustrated about my health and I feel like I no longer know or have any control over my body. But what goes into my body is 100% under my control. I may never be healthy but I know I'll be as healthy as I possibly can. My son found a silver ID bracelet in a parking lot and he brought it home. It says "BEST" and he gave it to me. I now wear it to remind myself that I am in charge of being the BEST that I can be. I will make the BEST choices, and do my BEST to take care of myself. That is what I've done, Pat, and I thank you and Glad for getting me started and providing me with support, information and recipes!

Teri, you are an inspiration!!!!!!!!!! Thanks so much for sharing your story!! My husband is always teasing me about how much time I spend with the Healthy Eating Club, and I tell him that if we can help JUST ONE person, then all the time spent is completely worth it!! YOU, my dear, have made my time worth while!! AND I know there are many other folks that are really trying to make this switch to healthy eating. YOU, Miss Teri, are doing MORE than trying!! YOU ARE SUCCEEDING!! I am so happy for you!!

Anyone else want to share a success story?

[Muffie's Mom]

Oh my goodness! This really touches me! This girl is after my heart.

This is exactly what we LOVE to hear. Your story is wonderful. My heart goes out to you, dear Teri.

You really have caught on to this. I hope many others have done so also.

This is what we are in hopes of getting through to other people.

You have to take care of your own body as no one else will do it for you! Teri has caught on.

This is what it's all about, folks! We're helping one another. Here is someone that is certainly putting everything she has into learning how to eat healthy for the rest of her life.

Someone like you makes all this well worthwhile in doing for others.

I hope Megan is catching on to some of this also.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting your story as I know it will help others.

[teri88]

Oh, thanks to both of you Glad and Pat! I don't post often enough, but I read every word of this thread. It's helping me so much! I hope other people will share their stories. I get so much inspiration from hearing other peoples stories. I love you guys!