<p>OK… five days in a row of the gym now - 45 minutes of cardio each time, and in the mid to the top level of what my heart rate should be… and I managed (AND I sweated!). Have also bought more of the foods that are allowable on the South Beach diet that H will not necessarily buy. </p>
<p>However, today I was at a meeting at work, which went an hour longer than expected, and by the time it was over and I was on my way home, I started to feel the hypoglycemic fall and knew I wouldn’t make it home (was almost an hour away), so I had to pick up fast food… went to Jimmy Johns and got a sandwich, but on the multi-grain instead of french roll. Also threw out a 1/3 of it when I got full… this is big for me - I have a hard time throwing out uneaten food from a restaurant.</p>
<p>Fourth day using the food diary and I find myself making better choices. I am staying away from candy/sweets and not eating starchy stuff like crackers/pretzels when I get home from work as well as paying attention to portion sizes. I have been on the treadmill for the first time in months.</p>
<p>H & I are going to our card group on Sat night. This involves appetizers, dessert and wine.
I will try to eat/drink less, but would appreciate any pointers for social situations.</p>
<p>For the bread loving people, how about those new whole grain sandwich thin bread thingys - can’t remember the exact name. I know Costco has them and they are pretty good. If you put some lean meat, a little cheese and some veggies inside, you have a filling healthy sandwich for lunch or breakfast.</p>
<p>Also, for the sugar experts here - yesterday I bought a box of the “sugar in the raw” packets to have at work for my tea. It’s from Hawaii sugar cane - the turbinado sugar - is this better than refined white sugar? Again, I’m not eating mega quantities - just a packet in my large mug of tea or a little on cereal and milk if I have that.</p>
<p>abasket: on raw sugar, check out this link.
[The</a> Raw Facts on Sugar - ABC News](<a href=“The Raw Facts on Sugar - ABC News”>The Raw Facts on Sugar - ABC News)
I view the blue agave syrup I use the same way…really not all that much better than sugar. I have really limited use, just a small squirt in tea or oatmeal. For tea, I am moving to fruity flavors and plan to move to unsweetened (my blueberry tisane is on the way!).
Those thin things at Costco…I stayed away after reading the ingredient list. Too many additives for my taste. I buy whole wheat breads from TJs and Whole Foods…I like being able to pronounce the ingredients. Plus I’m trying to limit bread in general. The last time I lost 30 lbs (and kept if off for a long while) I did cut out a lot of starches. Kind of like South Beach I guess.</p>
<p>Ok, well at least it tastes fine. Like I said, I’m just talking about a pack of sugar no more than once a day, so I think I will survive. </p>
<p>I am not one to get all caught up in reading every label - don’t have much besides chain grocery stores (not of the TJ or Whole Foods type) locally. I prefer fresh bread - whole wheat or otherwise from a local bakery or market. But I also have to be realistic. Shopping for a family, budgeting and time management calls for SOME meeting-in-the-middle as far as food choices. So if the shopping trip of the day or week is Costco or Kroger or whatever, I need to learn to make DECENT choices whereever I am.</p>
<p>I hear you abasket. Sometimes I wish I could relax about this stuff and be a bit less obsessive. Having a TJs and Whole Foods very close by helps though. Yes, my food shopping bills are up but we have really reduced eating out…so I think we’re actually saving $. And I HAVE to read labels as dear H has HBP so I’m always on the lookout for sodium. Even TJs and Whole Foods have lots of products with high sodium. And I found out recently that a Chipotle Grill burrito has 2700 mgs of sodium!</p>
<p>I figure a gram of raw sugar is the same as a gram of sugar. If I’m only allowing myself 15 gms. I’m going to go with the stevia and eat fruit sugars instead. Stevia isn’t as sweet as my splenda in coffee, so I have to add more (2 pks!) Did I tell you I have a sweet tooth?</p>
<p>This thread is great. I love the daily plate site - like the WW food diary without the fee, and it has a lot of foods already figured. What it does for me is really makes me cognizant of what I am eating, and the choices I make. Now I have to get myself back on the exercise track. We have a treadmill and wide selection of free weights at home (my H and Ss lift) and a balance ball. I have to figure out whether I can inspire myself, or whether a gym, and a few sessions with a trainer would be a better call. I need to get in shape even more than I need to lose 10 pounds. My upper arms are making me depressed! :)</p>
<p>I got the weights out of the closet and dusted them off. Does that count? Tripping over them probably doesn’t do much for the upper body strength but surely counts for improved agility.</p>
<p>I’ve got the walking routine firmly established. Now I have to add other pieces. Speaking of upper arms. YIKES. What happened? Let’s see, I’ve got a good 4 months before I really have to expose them… Maybe that will get those weights off the floor.</p>
<p>Also, wanted to mention this: don’t know how many other cable companies might have this, but our local tv cable company has what they call “free video on demand” and their is a whole exercise section. You can find things ranging from yoga to ab exercises, to belly dancing to weightlifting. Stuff for the young and stuff for the not-so-young. Easy and hard stuff. All can be done in your own living room - they range from 10 minute sessions on up. I love to do the walking exercises - basically combines a 2 mile walk with other simple moves and stretches. </p>
<p>FallGirl, will you be bringing some of the food? I like to make very low cal H’orderves using Belgian Endive leaves. Many are really simple–smoked salmon and capers (no cream cheese needed), chopped prosciutto, hummus, chopped raw Ahi tuna. A little more complicated–mixed mushrooms sauteed in very little olive oil with fresh herbs. No one seems to think they’re diet food.</p>
<p>Yes, I’m 50, and according to one website, it’s between 102-153. On another site, it’s 83-128 bpm. It doesn’t account for my resting heart rate which is very slow (I have low blood pressure as well). Nor does it take into consideration my weight or height. </p>
<p>I’ve been pretty much going by the “sweat/body warmth” factor. I don’t sweat that easily, so if I break one, then I know I’ve worked pretty hard. </p>
<p>hmom5, those hor d’oerves sound delicious! I love little chopped things, especially raw/smoked things.</p>
<p>Mousegray, I’m 52, 5’9", 130 lbs, also have low blood pressure and my target rate is 135/140. Had this figured out by professionals.</p>
<p>Longprime, I know you’re joking, but in a recent article Time talked about women going on walks and then stopping for muffins for a little treat for their hard work. The muffins contained twice the calories they burned on the walk. So funny, but it’s clear most really don’t know what’s in what they’re eating.</p>
Like I said, I’m just talking about a pack of sugar no more than once a day, so I think I will survive. </p>