<p>I am not a fan of granola–too sweet for my taste–until I tried Costco Ancient Grain granola. That stuff is WONDERFUL!! (Just finished 55 grams of it with 1/2 C of skim milk for breakfast.)</p>
<p>Losing 2 pounds a week is the top end of what I would feel comfortable doing. A pound a day (practically) would have me worried, Counting Down. Have you figured out exactly how many calories you’re eating? Your typical daily menu sounds very good, but maybe your portions are too small…</p>
<p>I was actually looking at Ancient Grain at Costco yesterday because they didn’t have my usual granola that I get there. My concern was that it was not interesting enough. I like to have some dried fruit and nuts in my granola and a little sweetness. Also like some clusters as opposed to it being real loose. Tell me how Ancient Grain rates in those areas. I will use it either to top granola or to just have with fresh fruit and milk.</p>
<p>I started making my own granola a couple of years ago, since everything on the market is so sweet. I combined several recipes I found and we love it!</p>
<p>5 c rolled oats
2 c rolled wheat
2 c rolled rye</p>
<p>In saucepan combine 1/2 c canola oil and 1/2-2/3 c honey and heat until honey melts. Add 2 tsp vanilla.</p>
<p>Combine the liquids with the above and spread in a lightly oiled (I use PAM) jelly roll pan and put in 300 degree oven for about 30 minutes. I stir once (very carefully as the pan is quite full) during that time. Take out of the oven and cool.</p>
<p>While this is in the oven I individually roast, on the stove, the following:</p>
<p>1 c almonds
1 c walnuts
1 c sunflower seeds
1 c pumpkin seeds</p>
<p>I chop up the almonds and walnuts before combining everything together and putting in mason jars.</p>
<p>You can mix up the nuts as you please, and then add dried fruit or whatever else you like.</p>
<p>CD-
I have had issues with my hair too. My hairdresser thinks it was due to my recent weight loss. Hair falling out, brittle and lost it’s usual lustre. So… I cut it short and put a semi permanent color. Gone is my blonde( heavily highlighted) bob, now I have a brunette pixie. Loving it! </p>
<p>PS Along with my new hair cut came a new user name… I was Gib son before : )</p>
<p>I like the ancient grains because it’s not super sweet. I usually have a fruity Greek non-fat yogurt (passion fruit, blood orange, etc.) if I need more of a sugar fix. It is clustered to some degree, though I usually break it up.</p>
<p>Also like the Costco pumpkin flax granola. Has Omega-3s. Kashi I can do without. </p>
<p>ellemenope, I shoot for 1400 calories/day. Basically, it’s one full meal and a couple of small ones. More than that and I start gaining weight very fast. If I can, I try to make lunch my main meal. DH doesn’t get home til 9 om most nights and eating that late is terrible for me. I am also REALLY cold this winter. Makes me wonder if the thyroid is going a little haywire. Talked to the nurses at rehab and they also think I should call my primary doc. </p>
<p>Conditioner – not on this head of thin, limp hair. Just makes it look even more plastered to my head! Part of the problem with short cuts is that my scalp shows through. Do. Not. Like. My chemo is known for thinning hair (though it never all falls out), so it is one of those things I have to suck up and deal.</p>
<p>MiamiDAP, maybe you need to be in Cancun with me and get some vitamin D from the beautiful sun? My H gets grouchy and neative in the Winter so we are here enjoying ourselves.</p>
<p>Many of us will agree that diabetes is not inevitable. You can avoid the affects of diabetes and pre-diabetes with education and a moderate change in what you eat, really. Please join us in taking charge of your health … We want the healthy you.</p>
<p>No, my eyes are fine. Thyroid has been checked periodically, though I think the last time was in June shortly after the heart attack. I’ve been working on losing weight for 21 months – it’s just the past month that has gotten a little wacky.</p>
<p>Wow! We’re all leading parallel lives! My hair has been driving me nuts! I have very, wavy hair that I wear very short (not much else I can do with it). Lately it has looked like a brown helmet! So I went to the drugstore yesterday and bought some mousse for curls and a gel made for curls. I put it all in today and I think I have my waves back. Thank God! </p>
<p>So my pants still fit but I think I gained back a couple of pounds. The battery died in the scale so I won’t know for sure until I change it.</p>
<p>My biggest challenge is getting to the gym. The school I work at has an earlier schedule this year and I haven’t felt compelled to go to the gym in the dark morning. Of course I don’t really want to go after work either! I need some motivation!</p>
<p>I’ve been doing weight watchers for a few months but took off the week of Thanksgiving and the time between Christmas and New Year. I finally went to a weigh in today and…I lost a pound! Hooray! Now back to the program full time.</p>
<p>EPTR: My hair is nicely wavy & fluffy in the summer, but in the absence of any humidity whatsoever, reverts to a flat, unflattering mess. Gel is my friend. I hate to wear hats in the winter because it kills whatever style I’ve managed to create. :(</p>
<p>Yes! Hats are out for me! I can pull off a thick headband for my ears if I absolutely need it but otherwise nothing.</p>
<p>Well, I weighed in today and have only gained back a pound since before Christmas. That still has me one pound below my original goal so I am thrilled!</p>
<p>With the new year, does anyone have any new and healthy dinner recipes to try out?</p>
<p>Nice job, pugmadkate. I rejoined Weight Watchers in Dec. (took a break when my dad died and we moved and gained 25 lbs.) and am down about 10 lbs. 15 more to go just to get back to where I was last March, but I think I can get there. Since we moved, and I’m not involved in that much yet, plenty of time to go to the gym. :)</p>