Discussion Board

Happy Friday Everyone!

I'm very happy to report that I have lost 2 very happy pounds for a total of 5. Woohoo! Happy Feet!

I found measurements I took of myself a year ago this time, I'm down some inches:

Chest: 2.5"
Waist: 2"
Tummy: 2"
Hips: 1"
Left Bicep: 1"
Left Thigh": 1.5"

I contribute the yoga really helping with the toning. I've stepped up to intermediate classes to learn new poses and gather more flexibility. My right hip has really improved over the course of three months. I used to have pain and stiffness in my hip after working out, now it's gone. I'm sure removing all the junk from my diet has helped.

Today's menu:

B - Oatmeal and a banana
L - E2 Chili with rice, greens with homemade FF dressing
D - Undecided
Snack - banana

Exercise - Walking during lunch

So, I'm pretty sure my fellow contestants have either a) stayed the same with their weight or b) gained weight. I know one guy has lost 3 for a total of 6, but he think he may be the only one. I'll post later today our group results after everybody weighs in.

My plan for the next two weeks is to:

[*]Continue with the hot yoga. It's good for me, I'm toning up, losing inches and gathering more flexibility.

[*]Continue my eating program but concentrate more on adhering 100%. There are no wine and cheese parties, office team dinners or lovey dovey holiday dinners in the next two weeks.

[*]Add in aerobic workouts. I'm considering lap swimming or getting my bike out if the weather stays this warm.

Two additional remarks:

My boyfriend has been a very good supporter these last two weeks. Even though he eats some junk and doesn't like to workout, he's been very helpful and I have to thank him for understanding and contributing to my success so far.

If you are a woman, or know of a woman, that says "I can't lose weight", "Nothing works"....McDougall's Maximum Weight Loss Program does. Believe me, I've tried all the commercial diets(Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Adkins, South Beach, ABS Diet) - and I've said the same things... Just have them read this blog...the proof is in the numbers.

Have a wonderful weekend everybody.

Well, this just in.

Collectively as a group we have gained 5 pounds. I'm second in the lead. And I thought I had some stiff competition. Ha.

Crazy guys. They're drinking protien shakes, working on building muscles, eating their "Adkin-ish" meals. Keep it up - they may pay my car off early

Strangeness is lurking within the boards...I thought I already posted today

Regardless, Happy President's Day. I had the day off, it was uneventful. Laundry, grocery shopping, working out, cooking...good day to get some things done.

So, last Friday was our weigh-in. I still can't believe as a group WE gained 5 pounds, or maybe I can. I think I may have a serious shot at winning this - that's why I'm planning on doubling up my workouts and paying closer attention to the program.

Today's menu:

B - Oatmeal with Strawberries
L - Black bean soup and salad
D - Cookin' on the stove - a double batch of E2 chili. Mmmm, mmm good
Snacks - Some grapes, some hummus, oh - a rice cake.

Exercise - Hot Yoga and a couple laps in the pool at the Y only a couple, my triceps weren't happy doing the breast stroke...first time the pool in a loooongggg time

My boyfriend has left for his job for the next two weeks. This will give me good solid time really focus and plan my food and activities. I do better with this when I'm alone, when he's here he wants to eat to other things. I can't blame him. He did take E2s book with him. He really likes their recipes.

So, we'll see what tomorrow will bring. Have a wonderful, happy evening...check in with me then:D

Good morning fellow McDougallers. Hope you're all doing well.

Another beautiful day in upstate New York. It's gonna get into the 50s this week. We only have 9 days left of meteorological winter. What is meteorlogical winter you ask?

Meteorological winter is the method of measuring the winter season used by meteorologists based on "sensible weather patterns" for record keeping purposes, so the start of meteorological winter can change depending on how far north one lives.

Ah, spring is coming soon.

So, what's on today's menu:

B - Oatmeal and fresh blueberries
L - Greens with fat free dressing and chili
D - Baked potatoe and chili, maybe some fat free hummus and peppers
Snack - Banana

Exercise - Hot Yoga with weights tonight. I'm planning on a couple of laps in our building vertically - we have four floors, so I think I may walk up and down the stairs for 20 to 30 minutes.

I found out one of my fellow contestants has gained 10 pounds in two weeks. He blamed it on quitting tobacco. Chew no less. Now that will stain his teeth for sure!

I'm glad I'm weighing in twice a month and keeping track of progress. I put on a pair of jeans that are usually loose on me and they're tight this morning! Any other time I would have given up, but I'm pretty sure it's the yoga changing my shape and adding muscle tone. Of course, I could have left these too long in the dryer...

So to all of my readers, have a great day and keep on McDougalling!

I enjoyed reading all of your posts. (I'm at work which is very boring, so you're entertaining me!)

I wanted to comment about your dental visit post; I just recently started to see a new dentist that I was introduced to in a roundabout way. She's very eccentric and very proactive in taking care of teeth. She recommends not using any toothpaste at all, just water, and then rinse your mouth out with flouride mouthwash. I've been doing this for quite a while now. All toothpaste is abrasive and wears out the enamel.

Best of luck with the contest!

Glad I can be of some entertainment.

Thank goodness for this board, cause I get pretty bored at my job, too. Usually the length of one my entries is a pretty good indicator on how things are going at work

You know, my dentist did say I could use mouthwash without any additives. He didn't mention your dentist's suggestion (no paste, mouthwash afterwards) - which I'm gonna try. The irration is going away, but I did notice some yesterday just not as pronounced as its been. The toothpaste I've been using seems not to be all that irritating (Crest Regular Paste).

Isn't funny how you think you are doing yourself some good by using a product - such as tartar control toothpaste with whitener - and then come to find out it's just bad for ya?? I once asked a doctor of mine offering me a prescription for something and I asked "will my right arm fall off?" I'm so wary of side effects these days!! (BTW - she's no longer my doctor after her snarkly remark ("you're so drug sensitive") to my remark

Well. So.

So, yesterday I was remarking about my pants just feeling oh so too snug. I blamed it on the gas dryer and the yoga packing on too much muscle to my backside

Well, come to find out it was a different pair a of pants that were 1) the same color 2) the same brand 3) the same style BUT a size smaller. Son of a gun! I've ate myself down to a smaller size and didn't even realize it!

It's funny how weight loss hits you. A glance in the mirror shows a collar bone you haven't seen in a long time, your shoes become roomier or a passing glowing comment from a coworker. I find these to be the unexpected gems keep me motivated and inspired.

Today's menu:

B - You guessed it...oatmeal and blueberries
L - You guessed it...chili, baked potato and greens with fat free dressing
D - You guessed it...probably the same as lunch

Snack-Nom, a banana

Execise- Yep, yoga, walking and stair climbing

I found out yesterday our building has 5 floors, not 4. An extra set of steps up to the roof. It's a total of 100 steps. Talk about a challenge. I did it twice yesterday, I'll do it again today. Yoga is a very good at stretching and getting my heart rate up, but it's not very good "aerobically."

The weather is beautiful today here, in the 50s, and I'm planning a walk during lunch. This weather is not to be missed.

So, I wish you all a happy Wednesday. See you tomorrow!

Congratulations on the smaller jeans!!! What a wonderful surprise! You're doing great, and I hope you WIN!!!!!

Can't wait to hear about you winning the Biggest Loser competition at work. I wish I could find some people to do that with too. I could use the extra money right now if I win.

Keep pressing on. I like that although you take a few bites off plan, you get right back on track.

Thanks for the kudos chickas! I really do appreciate it.

I tell ya wearing those jeans the other day was a semi-downer till I realized what was going on. Funny how this weight loss stuff creeps up on you.

As for my bites off of plan here and there, I really don't let it get me down. I'm pretty much complient 99% of the time. I want to be 100%, but it's difficult since I don't live in an environment that promotes it. I work, I travel, I have to go to events in which I have no control over the food. People want me to go out with them and have fun. I do my best, pick the least of the evils off the menu and have a good time.

So, I have a piece of cheese, some oily vegetarian Indian (ick) or a slice of lemon cake. I know I will not eat this stuff full time ever again in my life cause I don't want to ever again experience: migraines, GERD, IBS, PMS and aches and pains and tingles that make me think I'm getting the heeby-jeebies or the creeping crud.

Plus, my numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol) are sweet. I don't want to mess them up.

So, today's menu -

B-Oatmeal and banana
L - Rice with yummy cherry tomatoes, spinach, red peppers and zuccini that I sauted last night in their own juices. Delish
D- Not sure right now

Snack - Banana and a baked potato.

Exercise - Yoga, stair walking. I may go for a walk during lunch time as long as it's not raining.

So, to all - have a wonderful day. Keep on McDougalling!

Today is going to be a wonderful day. Why? Because...!!

1) Today is Friday. End of the work week.

2) I'm taking a half day. End of the work week in less than 4 little hours.

3) I'll be seeing Doctors Campbell and Esstelyn tonight and this weekend at the Kripalu Center! (http://www.kripalu.org/) They're putting on a weekend seminar on preventing heart disease and focusing on their way of eating.

I'm hoping to get a picture me with them. I'm such a tourist sometimes I plan on a full report this coming Monday.

So, the menu:

B - Oatmeal and a Banana
L- Probably soup at home
D - Something really yummy at the Kripalu Center
Snacks - Nothing yet

I was getting a bit anxious about eating at the Kripalu Center. I know they'll have vegan dishes, but what about oil?? Then I realized, they're not gonna put oil in their food if Campbell and Esstelyn are going to be there. Silly, silly.

My sister is coming with me. I'm really hoping she gets a chance to talk with them. She has stage IV breast cancer, metastasized in her bones, estrogen promoted. Her doctor has strongly encouraged her to eat a vegan diet to be all void of hormones. He runs in the same circle as Campbell and Esstelyn. We'll see.

So, happy, happy Friday to all of you. I'll be "off the grid" this weekend. See you all on Monday!

Happy Friday VegSexy! I can't wait to hear about your weekend!

Good Morning Everyone. Back "on the grid" as I like to say

Oh boy, the weekend. Lots and lots to tell about seeing Dr. Campbell, Dr. Esselstyn and Mrs. Esselstyn. And the Kripalu Center. I really don't know where to begin!

I guess I'll start by saying, it was a very good weekend. All three of these individuals are dynamic and engaging speakers. You would not know that they are well into their 70s. Dr. Esselstyn is very approachable and loves, loves, loves (!) to talk to people. So is Dr. Campbell and Ann is an absolute delight.

So, what are the main items I took away this weekend?

1) No oil. No oil. No oil.
N
O
O
I
L
No matter how you want to look at it, spell it, smell it or shake it, the bottom line is no oil. That's it.

2) No dairy. Same thing. Dairy is B. A. D. That was the answer my sister got from asking them for advice regarding her cancer situation. Those two itty-bitty words. (She didn't like the answer, but she's crabby anyways...)

3) Protein. Don't worry about it! You get plenty eating this way.

4) Consume WHOLE foods.

I have followed this board since January 2011, I have read The China Study, Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Dr. McDougall's Maximum Weight Loss, Engine 2 Diet, seen the movie "Forks of Knives" and have read its companion book. Dr. Campbell, Dr. Essetelyn and Mrs. Essetelyn reiterated what I have learned about this WOE. It's a very good lifestyle, peer reviewed with data to support it.

All three spoke very highly of Dr. McDougall and mentioned his name quite often during the three days.

In an audience of over 200 people, were individuals like me (having a general interest, like the life style), those with illnesses (diabetes, heart issues, cancer), nurses, doctors and oncologists. The information provided was received very well.

We're up against a paradigm and there needs to be a shift in the medical way of thinking. I believe with mavericks such as Dr. Campbell, Dr. Essetelyn and Dr. McDougall leading the charge, US putting pressure on our medical community and be walking talking examples of this way of life, we CAN make this change. I firmly believe this - cause I know I WILL NOT ever go back to eating the SAD. No way in heck. You can't make me. It's not going to happen...

So, what's to eat???

B - Oatmeal and fruit (the best breakfast Ann says)
L - Potatoes, beans, tomatoes (no leafy greens - they got all yucky in the frigde this weekend and had to throw them out)
D - Not too sure. I need to do some grocery shopping and get some beans and greens

Exercise - One yummy hot yoga class. (I need to detox from my sister. She's a big stick in the mud. Very crabby. It's her natural disposition and it's really a downer

Oh and I did I mention??? I live one town over from Dr. Essetelyn in upstate NY! He goes to the same tractor store as we do!

Anyway, there's more to tell and I'll do so over the week. Have a great day everyone!

Good Morning everyone. Hope you're all doing well. Seems I'm fighting a bit of a cold that has been going around the office. Someone at this wonderful place of employment has said the words "stomach bug" so I think I'm going to live in a sanitary bubble for awhile.

To my coworkers: Leave your germs at home!

I'm still thinking about my weekend at the seminar with Drs. Campbell and Essetelyn. If any of you have the opportunity to see them, consider such. One thing is to read about the WOE, another thing is to be part of a live session. It's always curious to see what you personally take away. I still have Dr. Essy in my head saying "Genetics loads the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger..." A rather powerful quote that may be echoing in my head for quite sometime.

So, what's in my bowl today:

B - Oatmeal and Strawberries
L - Kashi oats, rice, beans and corn mixed yummily together. Lot's of greens and FF dressing. (I'm doubling the amount of greens I'm eating now)
D - Probably a repeat of lunch
Snack - A banana

Exercise - Hot yoga. I'm hoping to sweat out the beginnings of this cold (not that it will really happen, I'm just hopeful it will)

Eating at the Kripalu Center. I'll admit, I over ate. They had two buffet lines, one vegetarian and one with animal stuff in it. I will say - I consumed nothing with a mother or a face while I was there, but I did have some yummy, delicious items with oil in it (roasted red potatoes with rosemary, sea salt and olive oil - delish). They did have a "basics bar" for us fat free vegans. On it was white rice, steamed veggies and some dal. I thought they would have made some dishes using Ann Essetelyn's recipes (which would have been cool) but I guess they think we're happy eating just white rice and bananas

I'm hoping I didn't gain any weight...four more days till our next biggest loser check in.

I will say this, Kripalu Center is a lovely place situated in the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts. It's a small campus (one large building, one small building) similar to a community college. It is incredibly clean and the staff displays high level customer service. Kudo to them. I would love to back, on my own, stay and not commute, to really experience this place.

So, with all that...I hope all of you have a wonderful day. Keep on McDougalling!

Happy Snowey Wednesday everybody!

Guess we're gonna get about 6 -12" of snow this afternoon into tomorrow morning. And just when I thought we wouldn't get any snow this year! Our last storm was back in November. Glad I put my snow tires on last month!

I did a pre-weigh-in yesterday to gear-up for Friday's weigh-in. I had my jeans on, it was in the afternoon and I was up two pounds...which means in my skimpy workout gear and a morning weigh-in after hot yoga - I'm really down three pounds. I know, I know, crazy math, but that's how my body works. I'm very much focussing on my eating this week.

No snacks or nibbles, nothing in the "fringe"!
No indiscretions!

100% McDougall Maximum Weight Loss compliant, some hot yoga and walking to give myself the leading edge. I don't know how the boys are doing, I've heard them grumble they've been eating and drinking too much. We'll see what the scales says in two days

On today's menu:

B- Oatmeal and banana
L- Sweet potato with corn and beans
D - Not too sure right now (probably veggies and rice and beans)
Snack - snackless at this time

Exercise-I think I'll be skipping yoga tonight. The snow is coming and by rush hour it should be pretty messy out on the highway. I don't mind driving in it - but some cars just go too fast for road conditions and cause accidents.

Speaking of yoga, I did go last night hoping to sweat out my cold. Well, I did sweat. I'm still congested, not as bad as one would think. I'm hoping this will be gone by tomorrow. Please, oh please, be gone!

So, have a happy! I'll let ya know how I make out digging out from this storm!