Here it is Thursday again. I think we missed last week. I have lost a total of 14 pounds so far. So slow going! But better than the alternative. I just have 2 small tips for today.

I heard a doctor on the news who said that the "KEY" to successful long term weight loss, is breakfast! By eating a breakfast that has some protein and low in sugar, you are generally less hungry throughout the day. I have found that eating a big bowl of oats with a little low-fat milk, and a glass of juice, I just don't get that hungry. Last night for example I fixed my plate for supper,and literally could not eat more than half of it. I don't like to waste food, but I just could not eat it, so the chickens got a little extra treat. For too many years I would skip breakfast, then by mid-afternoon I was so hungry I would have eaten the plate the food was on, but truthfully I rarely used a plate, just eating randomly from the frig or cupboards.

My second tip is this: It all starts at the grocery store! If it is not in the house you probably won't eat it. On my recent trips I have carefully watched the labels and if it has white bleached flour, or hydrogenated oil in it, I don't buy it. Hydrogenated oil is in many things you would not even think about: like fruit roll-ups, taco shells, and many many other products. Most breads also, but I found a few locally that did not have it. So watch your ingredients, and buy lots of fruits and veggies.

Please feel free to check in with your successes so far and any tips you might have.

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 21, 2002

Answers

HI everyone:

Doing good. Since the last check in, I've lost 2 pounds. I'm now at the original goal I set (loss of 6 pounds). I'm going to try for another five pounds. I can feel and see a small difference.

My tips are not going to be much different. For me, it's meant really watching (not eliminating, just watching) carbs. Eating protein with carbs. And really watching sugar. I've allowed myself one desert a week. I don't drink wine anymore..my husband makes it and used to give me a very small glass every night. But a naturopath once told me that my body really has trouble dealing with alcohol and that it would cause weight gain. I think it has something to do with candida (sp?). It's not a big deal..i'd rather save the calories for desert once a week! (if anyone knows anything about candida (sp) and the relationship to sugar, wine, etc, please chime in!)

I'm sort of doing a combination of "Eat Right for your blood type" and another book called "your fat is not your fault." The title sounds pretty ridiculous but the book is excellent, by a nutritionist, and goes into lots of stuff like insulin, glucagon, thyroid problems, etc.

One tip would be, if you're working out, find the best time of day to do it. I do aerobics first thing in the morning, otherwise I know I'd never fit it in. I use tapes that are by "The Firm," and they're excellent. I think you can find them at any department store. They were recommended to me by a YMCA fitness person.

And another tip (pretty obvious)--do excercise you like. I love yoga. I like aerobics better than running. Walking on it's own is not enough for me , (but I still love to walk).

Good luck, everyone.

-- Cat (catcrazy@somewhere.com), March 21, 2002.

PLEASE NOTE!! Anyone can join the Thursday morning weigh-ins at any time. You can tell us your goals, your successes and your set- backs. Also any tips or questions you might have as well. Thanks!

-- Melissa in SE Ohio (me@home.net), March 21, 2002.

Down another 2 pounds, for a total of 34 pounds! I agree with Melissa, breakfast is very important. I always skipped breakfast. I eat alot of oatmeal now. It seems I eat more now, just better quality and I don't skip meals.I have also found that if I get a little hungry between meals and need a fast pick me up, a spoon of peanut butter gives me more energy and satisfies my hunger better than a cookie or less healthy snack. God Bless and keep up the good work.

-- Micheale from SE Kansas (mbfrye@totelcsi.net), March 21, 2002.