Hey, Susan, I had a look at your SP page! I can see from the photos how much you've lost 
That was helpful reading about protein, too, because I'm vegetarian and I don't put any effort into making sure there's protein in my diet - maybe that's my problem. In fact, the last time I went to give blood they said my iron levels were too low and I wasn't allowed. So I definitely need to do something about that.
As for artichokes, I've never tried one....what do you do with them????
Sonia, you're missing an experience if you've never tried an artichoke! You eat 2 separate parts...you can steam the whole vegetable, the pull the individual leaves off and eat them either plain or dipped in butter. You don't eat the whole leaf, it's too fiberous. You put the leaf between your teeth and pull and the "meat" that comes off is delicious! The other part that's amazing and is the best, is the heart, the middle of the whole vegetable. It's soft and amazingly good. Unfortunately, the best and most common way to eat them is after they've been marinated in a spicy oil. This way is particularly good and they're sold by the jar this way in the States, that's the way most people eat them. I say unfortunately because this makes a very low calorie food very high calorie and they are delicious this way! And tempting!
Good Morning everyone.
Well again my dinner was a bad choice. We got together with family and I decided that I wanted to have some wine. Well when I got there they were having champaign with peach puree, OMG that was good, I had two glasses of that and them about 3 glasses of Pino Grigio wine. It was my night to drink and DBF stayed sober to drive home, I usually stay sober about once every 6 months I drink. Anyway we decided to finally order dinner and we ordered Italian.......I had baked Mastacoli (not sure how to spell) man was that good. The good thing is that I didnt eat the whole thing, I finally put it out my reach.
Maggie hang in there. Get thru the first few days and you will be used to eating less, then when you do over do it you will feel gross and will remember not to eat like that any more.
Casey I am so sorry you had to put your dog down. I had to do that about 3 years ago, my dog was 16 years old (weiner dog), he decided that he didnt want to eat any longer, and he had always loved to eat. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Just remember that her quality of life was not what it was supposed to be and she is better now. Hang in there this too shall subside (not sure I can say pass, I still miss my dog)
Karen please do give us your spark page information I will check it out too.
Susan, I also have high blood pressure and am on pills for it. I was so shocked to see how much my intake was. I really didnt think it was that bad. Gotta love SP!!! I have decided just for the sodium reason I have to kick my olive and pickle habit to the curb. Just looked at your SP page quickly. I have to admit that I envy you living in such an amazing place.
Sonia I was very happy with my calori and carb intake, I know that having a salad for lunch is what helps that. I will have to start adding some protein since that was just within the limit on the low side. I need some more.
Here should be my page.
my.sparkpeople.com/karate should be my page. No pics yet, but I will start to do more there so it will be interesting to visit.
OK gotta get a shower, I am off to the zoo with the family.
Those artichokes look wonderful. My mom makes an amazing stuffed artichoke. She cooks an oyster dressing and loads each artichoke leaf with a hunk of the stuff. Then she steams the whole thing in olive until they are nice a tender. Sooooo Goooood.
Susan, another New Orleans tidbit for you: they opened the Bonnet Carrie Spillway yesterday. What a sight to behold! All that water gushing through the dam. It looks like a 6 mile long Niagara Falls! Note: The Bonnet Carrie Spillways is a flood control structure 30 miles north of New Orleans (built in 1929). When the Mississippi River gets too high the Corp of Engineers opens the Bonnet Carrie and divert river water into the surrounding lakes and bypassing New Orleans.
Cassey, I so sorry about your dog. What a heart wrenching decision to make. {{ hugs }}
I love everyoneâs Spark Pages. I registered months ago but never kept up. Iâm going to have to check it out again.
Carol
Thanks everyone for the hugs. I've done ok the past 2 days. I made a cake so I was distracted and there was a lot of nibbling, so I guess I haven't done great.
I still can't get my camera to load pics. Usually I plug it into the usb cord and a thing pops up and I can choose to load all pic's, new pics....blah blah. But now when I plug it in NOTHING!
Susan, checked out your spark people. You look great. I can definitely see the 20lb loss and you don't look anything near 48....you go girl!
We are missing tuesady and pootchi....where are you?!?!
Well I'll keep working on my camera if anything I'll have to load something from probably christmas time which isn't that much different than now.
Yes, sorry to hear about your dog 
. It is tough to lose a beloved pet.
I agree, we are missing a couple of folks. Hope everyone is doing okay.
So far I havent gained any weight over the weekend. But I did eat pizza last night. That will have to be my splurge for the entire week. Well that is the goal anyway.
How do you check people's spark page?
Ahhh...the Bonnet Carrie spillway! I miss living in NO, I do think about returning someday. Thanks for the information Carol, I love hearing stuff like that!
Casey, thanks for the compliment! I can tell you, I certainly don't feel 48! Well, at least emotionally, sometimes my body does...but I'm OK with that, trying to remedy some of that with weight loss.
Merissa, this is my page: my.sparkpeople.com/Susan1717 You don't put in "www" or anything else. In order to view someone's page, you just have to know their user name and use the same address.
I'm hoping to take a walk at lunch, it's lookin' good out there with the sun shining and the flowers growing. Talk with everyone later!
thanks, i'll have to check it out! I signed up for sparkpeople but I forgot my username (I guess!) The one i put in said it was invalid. I will have to figure it out.
okay it is Monday so I will fess up. I already told you all about the pizza. Yesterday I was doing really well until right before bed I had an intimate moment with a bag of Doritos. But I have to tell you, I've had better. LOL!
I made it to the gym today. the first time in 10 days 
! It was a little rough, but i did my 3.1 miles, but I had to walk a couple of times. I was cramping up, something I thought I was past pretty much. Oh well I am back at it, I am feeling motivated.
Good for you, Merissa!! Glad you're back on the wagon. I just had an intimate moment with some left-over ganache, so I won't growl at you!!
Susan, my mother has always said she still feels 21, and now I'm getting older, I can understand what she means!! I agree with Casey, you don't look 48! Not sure about the artichoke thing.....I'm a bit of a woos when it comes to trying new things. I guess they wouldn't be in season here, anyway.
Casey, sorry I can't advise you about uploading your photo, as I'm a bit dumb when it comes to computers. I hope you can work it out so we can see you, too!!!
There were 2 young ladies from my church who turned 18 (one today, one last Wednesday) and I was asked to make them a cake to be presented at the church luncheon yesterday. I was up till 5am!!! I got 3 hours sleep before I had to get up to take the kids to Sunday School. Anyway, I was asked to cut the cake up to serve around, and I didn't quite cut the pieces small enough, because I missed out!! Good for the waistline, I guess!!!!!
That's a great cake, Sonia! REally pretty.
I am make a big cake for Saturday for my DH cousin's daughter's first birthday. (whatever that makes her! First cousin one removed in-law or something LOL)
I volunteered to do it as my gift. It is turning out to be bigger than I thought though! I think I will have to do a 3 tier for it to be big enough. I just PRAY that I don't screw anything up so I don't have to rebake or anything. I cant have the stress driving me to eat the mess ups.
My intimate moment was with a jar of Macadamia nuts, an Eskimo Pie, and a slice of cheese cake. I was good the whole weekend, but I just got a craving around 8:00pm Sunday night that I just couldnât satisfy. Oh well, I did a lot of gardening this weekend so hopefully that will balance out all the munching.
Merissa, good job making it to the gym. It is great that you can run the whole 3 miles. Iâm lucky if I can run for a minute!
Carol
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Well, I think I've done fairly well this weekend. The worst thing I had was a slice of pizza, but it was only ONE little slice, compared to what I would have normally eaten!
I see what you were all saying about drinking all that water...I had to get up like 4 times last night to use the restoom. Lol.
oH, I LOVE artichokes! They are sooooo good, and I'm glad to know that they're so low-calorie too. You can get artichoke hearts packed in water instead of oil too, they're with the canned goods.
I have to say, I really like SP. I think I'm actually starting to ENJOY calorie counting. Weird, huh? I have only been doing it for 5 days though...
Well, I've got to finish getting ready for school. Have a good morning all my Putting-down-the-cake-club-moms! 
Morning, all!
As long as we are talking about "intimate moments," mine was with a hot fudge sundae with butter pecan ice cream.
Of course, it's been since February since I've had any ice cream. At my birthday. But now I have the half gallon in the freezer, and I definately should not have gotten a kind that hubby will not eat. It is just a waste of money, too. It will probably sit in the freezer for months until it gets old and gets thrown out. Out of sight, out of mind. Everything tends to get thrown out because I buy it and then let it sit.
Well, work today. It's cold again but at least the sun is out.
Have a great day all.
Karen
I had a few intimate moments, what can I say, I like to get around. Leftover ganache on sat., 2 pieces of cake for dessert yesterday and a ton of nibbling on Fri.
Good job gettin back to the gym Merissa! It's so hard to get a good routine going, my 5am mornings lasted a week....I need to find something that works for me!
I can't say I've ever eaten a plain artichoke but I *LOVE* artichoke and spinach dip!!!
I think we all need to pm tuesday and pootchi, it's been awhile and hopefully they just need a kick in the butt.
Karen - that hot fudge sundae sounds SOO yummy it has taken ALL of my being NOT to touch the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream in my freezer! UGH...
I did ok on Saturday (except for my 1 piece of pineapple upside down cake but it was SMALL), but yesterday was bad. Yesterday was dh's bday and as part of his present my parents took us (me, dh and our 2 kids) to a Rangers game (baseball)... I had cheesy fries and some cheese crackers ( can you tell I'm in love w/ CHEESE LOL)... Then went back to my parents house and my 'dinner' was 1 rice krispie treat and a little debbie oatmeal creme thing THEN I came home and ate 4 oreo's w/ milk! UGH... BUT I did wake up and have my normal egg and toast w/ OJ breakfast and I just finished working out. I have decided that Sunday's will be my cheat days since I always spend that day w/ my parents and well My dad does NOT eat healthy so not a whole lotta hope there!
Merissa, I'm laughing at all the intimate moments confessions you've inspired! What a great phrase, it's hysterical.
I guess I mistakenly had an intimate moment last Thursday when I wanted to eat these boneless chicken wings that I love and hadn't had in months. So I bought a package, looked at the nutritional value, and decided I could afford it for lunch that day. I had 2 servings, yum, so good, so happy. THEN I was "officially" entering them into SP and I stopped cold when I realized that I'd misread the label. 
I thought 9 wings were a serving (how could I think that??). Nooooo....THREE wings were a serving, there were NINE servings in the bag 
. I had SIX servings and a whopping 42 grams of fat 
. I was devastated and had to practically starve myself the rest of the day to stay within range, the silver lining is that thank goodness I had them at lunch, not dinner, otherwise I would've been WAY over my range. And they're just these little frozen "balls"...can't believe how much of a whallup they pack!
Well, today's my No Cheat Tuesday. I'm already off to a shaky start because I left my oatmeal sitting on my kitchen table. Thanks God (as the Italians say) I have 2 extra yogurts here. Have a great day!
Sorry I have missing guys! First our computer service changed and I could not access cakecentral at all. Didn't even get any emails from answered posts or anything.
Then my abdomen was hurting and though well you know, monthly fun.
The sunday happened to go to hosp because it hurt so bad and I had cyst that had burst on my tubes. 
They did some minor thing and removed the rest of it and sent me home 8 hours later with pain pills and a stunned expression, wasn't expecting that.
So I am back and have no idea what my weight was, havent looked since all this craziness.
So I will have to read ip and catch up on things here.
I'll stop back by in a bit when little ones are watching tv later.
Hope all is well with you guys and thanks for the pms, you know unless dead I'll come straggling back around!
oh Tuesday, sorry to hear of your troubles! Hope you feel better.....we were getting worried!!
I am pretty sure I told you all that my niece had her open heart surgery. But did I forget to tell you that she made a speedy recovery and has been home from the hospital for over a week? I think I will finally get to see her on saturday.
I was all packed for the gym today and I forgot to set the alarm !
Maybe I will try to go for a jog outside this evening. It is supposed to be sunny and 60! yea!
Morning all,
Just a quick note before I have to start work.
Tuesday, I am sorry to hear of your troubles and hope you are feeling better.
I was working in Sparkpeople this morning and finally figured out how to count my calories without using their meal plans. I think I will get Hubby on the site, too, so that he can easily track his. I did make breakfast here today. Unfortunately my bread had gotten moldy so I was unable to have any toast.
I did have a Coke yesterday but it will be my last one. It gave me heartburn and I will not drink anything that will make me feel that way. Besides, I gained three pounds in the last month and that is what has been different so that is what I am going to do away with.
I'm going to give everybody a thought for the day to help Tuesday out since she is not feeling well.
Here it is:
Youâve probably been advised to avoid many salad toppings in order to lose weight. But who really wants to chomp on a bunch of leaves? Luckily, there are many toppings that are both low in calories and high in taste. Try these satisfying swaps for a diet-friendly salad youâll actually look forward to eating:
- Ditch the deli meat cubes, which can add up to 100 calories and six grams of fat for just eight to 10 little pieces. Instead, dig into the beans, which are virtually fat-free, loaded with vitamins such as folate, and packed with hunger-quelling fiber. From garbanzo beans to kidney and black beans, the possibilities are endless!
- Bag the bacon bits, and sprinkle on sunflower seeds instead. Theyâre a great source of magnesium, not to mention heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
- If you love the crunch of croutons, crumble on some flavored rice cakes instead. Theyâll add the texture you crave, without all the unnecessary oil.
- When it comes time to dress your masterpiece, drizzle, donât drench. In general, stay away from creamy varieties such as ranch and thousand island; these are loaded with calories and unhealthy fats. Opt instead for a tablespoon of oil-based vinaigrette. Or better yet, try my favorite: a tablespoon of flaxseed oil on your salad will deliver a nutty flavor rich in omega-3s that you and your body will love.
Good morning everyone
2sdae so sorry that you had to go thru that. Glad that you are home and feeling well!!!
Otter, thanks for the salad information. I have one everyday so this helps a bit. Although I dont like beans, so that is out. I usually grill some chicken breasts on Sunday to have on my salads during the week.
Susan dont you just hate it when you mis read the labels. I have done that a few times. And once in a while I catch it before I shove it in my mouth.
OK gotta get to work, got lots to do today.
Oh Tuesday I'm glad you are home and you went to the hossy and got everything taken care of - here is to a speedy recovery!!!!
Well, I did great yesterday until Dinner! dh got a ck from his grandparents so that meant we went out for dinner. He picked Italian and we got dessert I stuffed myself SOOOO full that I felt like I was going to vomit! OH but it ws SO good and worth it 
Then this am I'm in a ick mood so didn't feel like working out so that's not going to help my mood I know but alas here we are.
I hope that everyone else does better than me today....
Tuesday I am so sorry you had to deal with that. My sister had ovarian cysts for quite a while and the dr's would just let them run their course, bursting when they were the size of a grapfruit....not fun! Glad you're feeling better hopefully it doesn't happen again.
I'm having a blah couple days, I need to get out of this funk before it lasts another 2 month
I haven't figured out my camera problems yet but do have a pic taken of me lastnight at my book club. I am frying ice cream...like I really needed to do that! But is was soooo yummy!
Casey, it's so nice to see your face...and you look like you're happy and having fun. I hope you do get out of your funk. Do you have anything to look forward to? A little project, a day trip someone, a visitor, something like that? That's what always helps me.
Tuesday....ouch! I'm so sorry about your troubles, I hope you're feeling better and I'm glad you're back.
Karen, thanks for the substitution information. Sometimes I get all wrapped up in the same foods over and over and it's nice to be reminded of how other ones can be used.
Connie...were you in an ick mood yesterday because of the food you ate the previous night? That's what happens to me, I overeat and not only do I feel emotionally down the next day, physically I don't feel well. If I overeat or eat too much sugar, my heart rate goes way up and it physically wipes me out and the salt makes me feel tight and bloated. I hope you're better today.
OK, I lost a pound this week. For you newbies, Wednesday is my weigh in day. On Monday and Tuesday, I was down more, but noooooo....on my official weigh in day, only a pound. I'll take it like a woman. My only hope is that I never find that lost pound again!
not feeling so well. Meds are making me sickly. Kids were up at 230 with both little ones having diarrhea and it's a lot of washing ahead for me. My abdomen is so sore.
Sorry for not being very supportive and or challenging this week guys. The site is giving me troubles and then all this yuck at home isn't helping. You guys keep up those chins and those water bottles turned up! Let's not back slide or let this lull take us! WE WILL NOT SURRENDER TO FAT CELLS!!!!!!!!
SO LEMME HEAR YA......
DIE YOU STINKIN FAT CELLS...D-I-E!!!!!!!!!!!
We WILL do this ladies and WE ARE!!!!!!!!
Hi, my name is Sonia and I'm an addict...............a food addict. I'm not proud of it! I'm sorry my post has come directly after your inspiring one, Tuesday, but I'm am so sick of feeling like this. I've eaten terribly this week, and I haven't been REALLY good on a regular basis for a few months. I have come to a point where I'm ready to start changing. I don't think anybody can successfully diet when they are not ready in themselves, because they won't stick to it, but I am feeling fat and frumpy, and I can't stand it any more, so now I think I am ready. Today I did the grocery shopping, and I have stocked up on lots of fruit & vegies. I have decided to start cooking myself stir-fries for lunch instead of making a sandwich. And eating fruit between meals instead of a biscuit. I am going to start walking regularly again, as I have been VERY slack with it. And I am going to see my weight fall by at least 1 lb EVERY WEEK!!!!
Sorry you're not feeling well, Tuesday, and having to tend sick children when you're not well yourself, isn't much fun either!!!
Susan, another pound, you're doing sooooo well. Your story will be my inspiration this week.
Casey, is your avatar picture you?? I was thinking it was, but now you've posted your pic I'm not so sure!
Connie, Italian is yummmmm! No wonder you stuffed yourself!
Karen, I was amused by your lengthy "short" note!!
Merissa, great news about Sophie! You'll have to take another pic on Saturday to show us!
Connie, would you like to be cheerleader starting Thursday? Jodie's doesn't seem to be around any more.
Good morning all,
It was supposed to be a short note, Sonia, but I thought that I'd just give you all a thought.
Tuesday, hope things get better for you. I am so sorry that you are having such a rough time of it.
Susan, a pound is a pound, and it is great to see the scale moving the right way. Congrats on your pound!
I wish I had some inspiration for everybody feeling ick or blah. I'll have to check into the archives and see if I can find anything.
Thought for today:
Many of us have a difficult time finding the motivation to lose the weight. Such was the case for Randy Learner who had tried unsuccessfully for years to shed his unwanted pounds. But one day he became very motivated and proceeded to lose more than 103 pounds within the year. Where did he find such powerful motivation? Randy had what I call a Passion Reason (PR). His 5-year-old daughter was in serious need of a kidney transplant and Randy was the only match. Unfortunately, doctors didnât want to perform the surgery because his obesity put him at too high of a risk for complications. So without hesitation, Randy started eating properly and exercising daily. For the next 11 months, he never complained and never missed a workout. Once he lost the weight, he donated his kidney and saved his daughterâs life. And he has kept the weight off ever since. You, too, must find your own Passion Reason â but you donât have to wait for a life or death event. Write down the three most important things in your life; for example, your spouse, your family, financial freedom. Then ask yourself what you will gain in these areas by losing weight. If your spouse is on your list, you might answer âmore romance and better sex.â If itâs financial independence, you might write down âmore energy to start a home business.â Identifying your motivators will help you move toward your goals, so review your Passion Reasons every day!
I'll keep looking for something to inspire and get us fired up again.
I did want to report on my first day of tracking calories with SP. I had just an 18 calorie deficit. but I did eat a snack that I normally would not have eaten, which was 86 calories. I had fewer than recommended carbs but larger than recommended percentage of fat and proteins (guess the carb deficit had to go somewhere).
Looking forward to weigh in tomorrow.
Everybody have a great no cheat Wednesday.
Karen
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