WW Core/Weight loss support - week of Oct.3rd

[KLynn]

Hi everyone!!

I thought I would get us started this week. I am still doing Core, and my focus this week is COOKING! I have been in a slump, which makes Core harder for me. But, I am going to try to make 2-3 new salads and a couple of soups to eat throughout the week.

How is everyone doing?

[ReneeV]

Hi Ladies,
I'll play! I had a great week. I lost 2lbs this week. This is highly unusual for me! Plus it was the day before I got the monthly visitor. Go figure... Some weeks I'm good as gold and barely lose and then last week, I hardly had time to exercise, it was TOM and I lost 2lbs. I'll never understand my body...

Renée

P.S.
I made the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup from Sept. CL. It was delicous and very filling! I subbed FF cheddar and evap. skim milk for the Velveeta Light and the 2% milk. This makes it CORE with the exception of the flour. The flour comes to 13 calories per cup of soup. You can either count it as 0 wpa's or if you have a larger serving, such as 2 cups, you can count it as 1/2 a wpa. This is real cozy, comfort food and I'm sure I'll make it often this winter.
R.

[lonetree1353]

Good Morning everyone. Well this weekend was a bit hard to stay on Core. We went out Saturday night to a new Korean Restaurant and had a fabulous dinner. I stayed on target as best I could and then Sunday night was over at a friends for dinner. She made Ina Gartens's parmesan chicken with a salad so that was sort of ok. It was delicous by the way. I passed on the dessert I will be on core the rest of the week and weigh in is on Thursday so hopefully will show some weight loss.

Renee thanks for the recommendation on the Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. I will give that a try this week as well.

Hang in there ladies.

[gertdog]

Hello all! Now that I've learned I'm pregnant, my intent is to eat when I'm hungry but to follow the core guidelines as much as possible. The weight-loss goal is obviously on hold, but eating well is still very important!

I've learned that if I have a binge food on the core plan, it's avocado. Gosh I love avocados! I think I've had some every day for the past week.

I bought a box of Kashi this weekend. The puffed, 7-grain kind. I'd never tried it before and wanted something to mix in to my shredded wheat. It tasted fine, but after reading the back of the box I have a question. What exactly is the point of Kashi, nutritionally speaking? It has 70 calories per cup, so that's nice and low, but it only has 1 g. of fiber and 2 g. of protein- not much at all! And no significant vitamins or minerals either. What am I missing here?

[valchemist]

I had a bad core weekend. TTC woes led me to bake for the first time in 3 weeks and I proceeded to pig out. oh well, I am back on the wagon and hoping to shape up here before my wednesday weigh-in.

I am thinking I will make the Chili Skillet Supreme (posted on last week's thread by stephanie) either today or tomorrow.

[krhm]

Stephanie, just butting in here to say that the puffed Kashi isn't the same as the original Kashi. I just went to check my pantry, and unfortunately I don't have the regular kashi to provide you with the nutritional info, but my box of Kashi GoLean has 190 calories, 3 grams fat, and 8 grams of fiber in 1 cup. I believe there may be 3-4 types of Kashi, but maybe someone else can verify that.

Kari

[Alligato]

Oh good- more Core people! I'm new, and running low on willpower this week so I'm glad to see others are out here and eating Kashi too!
Allison

[gertdog]

Originally posted by krhm
Stephanie, just butting in here to say that the puffed Kashi isn't the same as the original Kashi. I just went to check my pantry, and unfortunately I don't have the regular kashi to provide you with the nutritional info, but my box of Kashi GoLean has 190 calories, 3 grams fat, and 8 grams of fiber in 1 cup. I believe there may be 3-4 types of Kashi, but maybe someone else can verify that.

Kari

Thanks Kari! I was looking for a Kashi which meets Core guidelines- whole grain, no added sugar. I like GoLean and GoLean Crunch, but they both have added sugar so they don't count as Core foods. The Puffed Kashi is just the grains, no sugar, so it should be Core, but it just seems silly to me to eat the Puffed Kashi if it's pretty much a nutritional zero.

I had a flexpoints day yesterday, sort of. I wanted to make a recipe to use up some Velveeta Light in the fridge, so obviously the resulting dish was not going to be Core! It wasn't too bad though- one serving was 7 points. Everything else I ate during the day was Core, though.

[RebeccaT]

Hi there ladies! I'm late to check in this week. I didn't weigh, forgot actually, so I will check again at the gym next Tuesday. I don't mind, the scale messes with my head a little, and I know I am on the right track so it's ok that I missed a week.

I have started going to spinning classes! Man, they are hard! I tried it a couple of times a few years ago, and decided it was too hard. But for some reason I decided to give it another shot, and I have now been 1-2 times a week (as much as I can fit it in for now, and still do weight training) for the past 4 weeks. I really am having fun with it... I am finding that I enjoy pushing my body that hard! Fancy that! Hoping that it will be a good kickstart for my workout routine, and that my body will respond well.

Aside from that, I am poking along on Core, but doing FLex on weekends. I did have some tortilla chips at a Mexican place on Monday night when we were forced to eat out after picking my inlaws up from the airport, and I was famished as it was already 9PM. But I just had grilled chicken and veggies for dinner, so I still didn't do too badly considering that I wasn't at home.

[ellen6242]

Hi Everyone!

I'm trying Core this week and I'm having trouble thinking of some good snack ideas. Planning meals is easy, but the snacking is tough! At the office we're not allowed to make micorwave popcorn - one of the partners can't stand the smell. I don't want to eat too much fruit because of all the sugar. I hate fat-free cheese also! When I was doing Flex I would have some string cheese or hummus and veggies as a snack.

What are some of you doing as far as snacks is concerned?

Ellen

[gertdog]

Baby carrots with a homemade bean dip is one snack I like.

I also love avocados. I heat a corn tortilla, place some avocado chunks and salsa on it, roll up and eat. Sometimes I skip the tortilla and salsa and just go for the avocado chunks with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of salt!

The fat-free sugar-free pudding is another good snack.

[RebeccaT]

- Veggies and black bean dip (I just buy it in the jar, which is the ultimate in laziness )

- edamame

- bananas (for some reason this fruit fills me up better than most)

- or you could pop some popcorn at home and bring it in a ziplock bag.

[Alligato]

I sometimes eat a 1/2 cup of tomato basil soup for a snack. I also do the black bean dip with veggie sticks. If I want more protein, I roll a slice of turkey or leftover chicken sprinkled with pepper (or other seasoning) into a crisp lettuce leaf. Kind of like a sneaky sandwich.

When tomatoes are decent I like to chop a few with fresh basil and some balsamic vinegar (can use those 2 t olive oil here too), and pepper. FF mozzarella makes it a little more authentic if you can stand it. Tastes like plastic to me.

I'm enjoying these other ideas- thanks y'all!

[HeatherTx]

I have been liking fruit and yogurt as snacks, I bring popcorn in the car or apples.

If I am at home and really wanting something good I make layer dip with FF refried beans, taco sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, olives etc etc and use celery sticks for dippers.

I went for my weigh in today and was SO thrilled. I am back at goal! I lost 2 pounds in the last two weeks (I skipped last weeks meeting) so was back at goal this week.

That makes 9 pounds in 6 weeks on Core. I still want to lose another 8 pounds to get to a personal goal I think.

How is everyone doing today? We are approaching the weekend which are always my hardest time. Big fall festival this weekend and I LOVE festivals. I am sure to blow all 35 points this weekend as usual.

[boisewinesnob]

ReneeV if you're out there....

I sent you a PM in response to your last one a few days ago

[lonetree1353]

Heather congratulations on your weight loss.

I had my weigh in yesterday and was down another 2.6 pounds for a total of 8.6 in three weeks. My challenge this weekend is that it is our Thanksgiving and I am cooking dinner on Saturday night. Wonder what a smidgeon of pumpkin pie with whipped cream is worth?

Hope everyone has a good weekend and a weight loss in the coming week.

[ReneeV]

Suzy,
I replied to your PMs. Sorry for the delay.

Renée

[MNGirlTX]

Hello, everyone...glad it's Friday!

I weighed in last night...I gained 1.4 pounds...but, I wasn't very good this week. I went to Memphis for work, stayed in a casino, so ate a couple of buffets and some really, really, REALLY yummy b-b-q. Not too mention the absolutely sinfully delicious sweet potato pudding.

Lori

[krhm]

Umm...Memphis barbeque! Is there a drooling smilie?

I have another idea for a snack that I make once or twice a month. Finely grate extra-sharp cheddar cheese (or feta or other flavorful cheese), then blend it with fat-free cottage cheese in the food processor until smooth. I add seasonings depending on my mood: hot sauce, garlic, Italian seasonings, etc. It makes a nice spreadable cheese or dip for veggies. I use reduced fat cheese, but to make it truly Core you could use fat-free.

[valchemist]

Heather and Maureen, wow. you guys are doing an amazing job!

for those who slipped a bit. not to worry. it is easy to get back on the wagon with core.

I slipped last week big time. a little baking, followed by bad news (my dad has cancer), followed by more baking and more overeating...

I am trying now to get back on the wagon. I haven't been perfect, but I haven't been pigging out too badly. I am an emotional eater, so it is hard...

hang in there, everyone.

val

(p.s. my dad came through surgery to remove the cancer ok. but we won't know the prognosis til next week. not sure if it has spread or not.)

[gertdog]

((((Val)))) I'll be hoping that you hear a good prognosis for your dad. Hugs to your mom, too.

Good job Heather and Maureen on your weight loss!

I've been basically following core, but I've been wanting peanut butter and so have been having a bit of that too. And I've been eating too much avocado. It's just so good!

Oh, and Rebecca- I finally found the Maple Grove Farms dressing at a grocery store. They didn't have the Greek dressing, but I bought the fat-free Balsamic Vinaigrette and it is better than any ff dressing I've tried before. So thank you!

[valchemist]

Originally posted by gertdog
((((Val)))) I'll be hoping that you hear a good prognosis for your dad. Hugs to your mom, too.

thanks, stephanine. it is really scary. and thank you for thinking of my mom. she hasn't been around the BB for a while, but she used to really love this place. she was a wreck the first few days, but my dad is such an optimist that he is pulling her through this and making her strong. we are just praying that the cancer hasn't spread.

[HeatherTx]

(((Val)))I hope you hear good news regarding your father. Keep us posted please!

Thanks everyone!

Lonetree----you are having a fantastic loss for 3 weeks! Keep up the good work.

Lori---Core IS hard to do out of town. You will lose that next week I'm sure.

Stephanie---I am loving avocados too. I want them twice a day. I have been making myself just dice 1/4 of one on my lunch salad then putting the rest in the fridge or giving it to the kids. It is close to a trigger food for me. Sometimes I DO eat 1/2 in one day though.

[MNGirlTX]

Thanks, Heather, for the vote of confidence!! However, I'll have to work extra hard because my office is going to the State Fair of TX on Wednesday and I weigh in on Thursday.

Ugh!!

Lori

[HeatherTx]

You can get a turkey leg at the fair..or some grilled corn on the cob. They even have grilled chicken on a stick I think. Unless you were just wanting a deep fried twinkie! LOL. I miss Dallas (we moved away last Feb).

[Molli526]

(((((Val & Maizey))))))

Your dad and family will be in my prayers

[boisewinesnob]

Val,
I'm glad I checked in on this thread! I'm so sorry to hear about your dad and I pray for you and your family that the news will be good.

[Gail K.]

I just started Core today to try to lose the 10 pounds that I gained this past year. I am exactly at goal now (no more wiggle room).

While here, I saw your post Val. I just want you to know that I will be sending good vibes to you and your family. I had cancer (breast) three years ago at the age of 36 and am doing fine. I play tennis and lead an entirely normal life now (except for visiting the oncologist every 3 months and being in really early menopause). Cancer is a vicious disease, chemo and radiation are not pleasant, but doable, and there are many cancer survivors out there. I am still here and plan on watching my children grow up. So be strong and have faith and make sure that your Dad and your family research all of the treatments out there today and ask questions of his doctors. Second opinions are also very important, if nothing else, to make your father more comfortable with the prescribed course of treatment.

[valchemist]

thanks everyone. it really means a lot. and gail, your story is inspirational and encouraging! I don't want to hijack the core thread further, here. so I will just say that yesterday was another "off" day for me. Core is easy once you get in the groove. it just takes a couple good days in a row for me to really get back in the groove and I haven't managed to put two in a row together yet. I keep slipping. but I know I can do it...

[MNGirlTX]

Originally posted by HeatherTx
You can get a turkey leg at the fair..or some grilled corn on the cob. They even have grilled chicken on a stick I think. Unless you were just wanting a deep fried twinkie! LOL. I miss Dallas (we moved away last Feb).

I tried a deep fried twinkie a couple years ago at a craft show in New Orleans...didn't really like it all that much. I'd rather have a deep fried strawberry - which I only ever saw at the Pontchatoula (LA) Strawberry Festival. Very yummy!