I Resolve ... (with bonus hot cocoa recipe)

.... to give the microwave popcorn to my SO, who will keep it in the
basement, where it won't be calling out to me every time I pass through the
kitchen.

.... to fill the freezer, refrigerator, and cupboards with low-carb foods,
enabling me to resist the temptation to eat "crap." This has been a
problem since we moved into the new house with virtually no fresh foods,
but I think we can get the "good shopping" completed tomorrow.

I'm also expecting an order from VitaCost on Wednesday. Lots of Keto hot
cereals (similar in texture to McCann's oats), as well as some Keto crumbs,
banana pudding, OJ, and cranberry beverage mixes.

.... to sit down with FitDay every morning, and to plan out the day's meals,
so I will have no midday decisions to make, thus avoiding making poor ones.

.... to coerce my minions into searching harder for the bathroom scale. I'd
do it myself, but my lower back has been in horrible spasms for two weeks
now, and I simply can't bend or reach, both of which are required for this
activity.

.... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Jenny the Bean's low-carb hot cocoa:

First of all, this recipe is best with a "Dutched" cocoa. Hershey's sells
one in many supermarkets in a silvery container. Droste makes a wonderful
one too. It's lighter and tastes more like cocoa then when you use the
usual Hershey's cocoa. (But you can use the regular Hersheye's baking cocoa
if it's all you have.)

Boil a cup of water. Measure out 1 teaspoon full of cocoa powder and
put it into a cup. Stir in a tablespoon or two of the hot water into the
cocoa until it is a nice chocolate syrupy texture. Then fill the cup almost
to the top with boiling water stirring while you do so. Now add a cap or
two of a DaVinci sugar free flavored syrup. I use the Kahuli Caffe,
Vanilla, or Amaretto. Experiment to find out how much tastes good to you.
You can use regular Splenda but it doesn't come out as good as with the
DaVinci.

Finally lighten the cocoa with whatever you use for coffee. A tablespoon or
two of cream is best, but sometimes I use half and half if I'm close to
hitting my calories for the day. I drink this stuff instead of coffee now
in the afternoons and sleep a whole lot better.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's it for now ... here's looking forward to a brighter, lighter future!

Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001

"Damsel in dis Dress" wrote in message
...
... to give the microwave popcorn to my SO, who will keep it in the
basement, where it won't be calling out to me every time I pass through
the
kitchen.

... to fill the freezer, refrigerator, and cupboards with low-carb foods,
enabling me to resist the temptation to eat "crap." This has been a
problem since we moved into the new house with virtually no fresh foods,
but I think we can get the "good shopping" completed tomorrow.

I'm also expecting an order from VitaCost on Wednesday. Lots of Keto hot
cereals (similar in texture to McCann's oats), as well as some Keto
crumbs,
banana pudding, OJ, and cranberry beverage mixes.

... to sit down with FitDay every morning, and to plan out the day's
meals,
so I will have no midday decisions to make, thus avoiding making poor
ones.

... to coerce my minions into searching harder for the bathroom scale.
I'd
do it myself, but my lower back has been in horrible spasms for two weeks
now, and I simply can't bend or reach, both of which are required for this
activity.

... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
* Jenny the Bean's low-carb hot cocoa:

First of all, this recipe is best with a "Dutched" cocoa. Hershey's sells
one in many supermarkets in a silvery container. Droste makes a wonderful
one too. It's lighter and tastes more like cocoa then when you use the
usual Hershey's cocoa. (But you can use the regular Hersheye's baking
cocoa
if it's all you have.)

Boil a cup of water. Measure out 1 teaspoon full of cocoa powder and
put it into a cup. Stir in a tablespoon or two of the hot water into the
cocoa until it is a nice chocolate syrupy texture. Then fill the cup
almost
to the top with boiling water stirring while you do so. Now add a cap or
two of a DaVinci sugar free flavored syrup. I use the Kahuli Caffe,
Vanilla, or Amaretto. Experiment to find out how much tastes good to you.
You can use regular Splenda but it doesn't come out as good as with the
DaVinci.

Finally lighten the cocoa with whatever you use for coffee. A tablespoon
or
two of cream is best, but sometimes I use half and half if I'm close to
hitting my calories for the day. I drink this stuff instead of coffee now
in the afternoons and sleep a whole lot better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------

That's it for now ... here's looking forward to a brighter, lighter
future!

Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001


Carol - I just printed this post out. And not just for the hot cocoa
recipe. I, too have an issue with microwaved popcorn. So, last night, I
trashed every box in the house (amazing where they were all hiding) and
today will put up your "resolve" post.

My resolve is to stop congratulating myself on how far I've gotten and
realise that the race is not yet over. I need to refocus and get thru to
the end. My goal is not unrealistic - in reality my body could probably
stand to be more in the 125 to 130 range, so 140 is doable. I'm going on
holidays at the end of the week and if I can't maintain the diet at home,
how am I gonna do on the road?

Besides, I keep saying this is a lifestyle change and if I don't get that
sunk into my head, I don't stand a chance at maintenance.

So, what's that old hackneyed phrase - Today is the start of your new
ife? - well, today is the start of my new resolve. But it's nice to know
that others are also struggling and are determined to overcome this inertia.

Brenda W
205/151/140 March 23, 2003

All Good Sound things to do Carol
You can do this .. you've been very successful in past months.
the new house was a bump in the road.. now get back on the wagon and
take over the reins again gal


I recently went back to FitDay as well..
what a treasure that site is.
I found that I was sneaking in a few too many calories.. which is
great for maintaining but not so good for trying to lose. lol.

Best of Luck Carol...
I know!! you can do it.

~Karen~





On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 00:43:55 -0500, Damsel in dis Dress
wrote:

... to give the microwave popcorn to my SO, who will keep it in the
basement, where it won't be calling out to me every time I pass through the
kitchen.

... to fill the freezer, refrigerator, and cupboards with low-carb foods,
enabling me to resist the temptation to eat "crap." This has been a
problem since we moved into the new house with virtually no fresh foods,
but I think we can get the "good shopping" completed tomorrow.

I'm also expecting an order from VitaCost on Wednesday. Lots of Keto hot
cereals (similar in texture to McCann's oats), as well as some Keto crumbs,
banana pudding, OJ, and cranberry beverage mixes.

... to sit down with FitDay every morning, and to plan out the day's meals,
so I will have no midday decisions to make, thus avoiding making poor ones.

... to coerce my minions into searching harder for the bathroom scale. I'd
do it myself, but my lower back has been in horrible spasms for two weeks
now, and I simply can't bend or reach, both of which are required for this
activity.

... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Jenny the Bean's low-carb hot cocoa:

First of all, this recipe is best with a "Dutched" cocoa. Hershey's sells
one in many supermarkets in a silvery container. Droste makes a wonderful
one too. It's lighter and tastes more like cocoa then when you use the
usual Hershey's cocoa. (But you can use the regular Hersheye's baking cocoa
if it's all you have.)

Boil a cup of water. Measure out 1 teaspoon full of cocoa powder and
put it into a cup. Stir in a tablespoon or two of the hot water into the
cocoa until it is a nice chocolate syrupy texture. Then fill the cup almost
to the top with boiling water stirring while you do so. Now add a cap or
two of a DaVinci sugar free flavored syrup. I use the Kahuli Caffe,
Vanilla, or Amaretto. Experiment to find out how much tastes good to you.
You can use regular Splenda but it doesn't come out as good as with the
DaVinci.

Finally lighten the cocoa with whatever you use for coffee. A tablespoon or
two of cream is best, but sometimes I use half and half if I'm close to
hitting my calories for the day. I drink this stuff instead of coffee now
in the afternoons and sleep a whole lot better.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's it for now ... here's looking forward to a brighter, lighter future!

Carol

~Karen~
225/191/140ish
start Jan17/03
Started at the gym September/03

Carol,

How's the new house? Did you finally close?

We're starting to enjoy our new house with only the occasional
heart-in-the-throat, "What's that noise" moment and I'm finally remembering
to get onto the right highway entrance to go home from the local county seat
instead taking the exit I got used to over many years. (If I blow it, it is
9 miles to the next exit!)

Popcorn is tough. I deal with it by eating sunflower seeds in the shell,
but that brings it's own set of problems--too much salt and calories if I'm
not careful.

You will get back on track, especially once the new house trauma calms down.
It's not realistic to expect yourself to be perfect when your nest is
disturbed! I managed not to gain weight, but my blood sugar was a mess for
the past couple months and I couldn't deal with it until all the uproar had
settled down. Come to find out it had risen because I stopped my ERT. This
past week is the first time I've seen fastings under 100 (or more likely
115!) in three months. Ironically, when my blood sugars were running high I
felt a whole lot more energetic than usual, which is depressing but very
helpful with the move.

-- Jenny

168.5/137

Low Carb 9/1998 - 8/2001 and 11/10/02 - Now

http://www.geocities.com/jenny_the_bean
How to calculate your need for protein * How much people really lose each
month * Water Weight Gain & Loss * The "Two Gram Cure" for Hunger Cravings
* Characteristics of Successful Dieters * Indispensible Low Carb Treats *
Should You Count that Low Impact Carb? * Curing Ketobreath * Exercise
Starting from Zero * NEW! Do Starch Blockers Work?


"Damsel in dis Dress" wrote in message
...
... to give the microwave popcorn to my SO, who will keep it in the
basement, where it won't be calling out to me every time I pass through
the
kitchen.

... to fill the freezer, refrigerator, and cupboards with low-carb foods,
enabling me to resist the temptation to eat "crap." This has been a
problem since we moved into the new house with virtually no fresh foods,
but I think we can get the "good shopping" completed tomorrow.

I'm also expecting an order from VitaCost on Wednesday. Lots of Keto hot
cereals (similar in texture to McCann's oats), as well as some Keto
crumbs,
banana pudding, OJ, and cranberry beverage mixes.

... to sit down with FitDay every morning, and to plan out the day's
meals,
so I will have no midday decisions to make, thus avoiding making poor
ones.

... to coerce my minions into searching harder for the bathroom scale.
I'd
do it myself, but my lower back has been in horrible spasms for two weeks
now, and I simply can't bend or reach, both of which are required for this
activity.

... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
* Jenny the Bean's low-carb hot cocoa:

First of all, this recipe is best with a "Dutched" cocoa. Hershey's sells
one in many supermarkets in a silvery container. Droste makes a wonderful
one too. It's lighter and tastes more like cocoa then when you use the
usual Hershey's cocoa. (But you can use the regular Hersheye's baking
cocoa
if it's all you have.)

Boil a cup of water. Measure out 1 teaspoon full of cocoa powder and
put it into a cup. Stir in a tablespoon or two of the hot water into the
cocoa until it is a nice chocolate syrupy texture. Then fill the cup
almost
to the top with boiling water stirring while you do so. Now add a cap or
two of a DaVinci sugar free flavored syrup. I use the Kahuli Caffe,
Vanilla, or Amaretto. Experiment to find out how much tastes good to you.
You can use regular Splenda but it doesn't come out as good as with the
DaVinci.

Finally lighten the cocoa with whatever you use for coffee. A tablespoon
or
two of cream is best, but sometimes I use half and half if I'm close to
hitting my calories for the day. I drink this stuff instead of coffee now
in the afternoons and sleep a whole lot better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------

That's it for now ... here's looking forward to a brighter, lighter
future!

Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001

On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 10:47:15 -0400, "Jenny"
wrote:

Carol,

How's the new house? Did you finally close?

No, we STILL haven't closed on it! That was supposed to happen by
mid-August. I'm half scared to hang all the pictures and throw away all
the boxes, just in case.

We're starting to enjoy our new house with only the occasional
heart-in-the-throat, "What's that noise" moment and I'm finally remembering
to get onto the right highway entrance to go home from the local county seat
instead taking the exit I got used to over many years. (If I blow it, it is
9 miles to the next exit!)

Congratulations on your new home!

We've been living in the house for a month now (renting), and I'm still
disoriented when I wake up. We love the house, though. The neighborhood
is nice and quiet. And everything's on one floor, which is a real treat
(well, the laundry is in the basement, but that's okay).

Popcorn is tough. I deal with it by eating sunflower seeds in the shell,
but that brings it's own set of problems--too much salt and calories if I'm
not careful.

I've never been a big fan of sunflower seeds - I like them in my salads,
but I've never found any enjoyment from gnawing on the seeds. My best
incentive? I had popcorn before bed last night. Woke up with a fasting BG
of 165 this morning. I have to remember that I'm not only overweight, but
I'm also diabetic. This WOE is essential to my health!

You will get back on track, especially once the new house trauma calms down.
It's not realistic to expect yourself to be perfect when your nest is
disturbed! I managed not to gain weight, but my blood sugar was a mess for
the past couple months and I couldn't deal with it until all the uproar had
settled down. Come to find out it had risen because I stopped my ERT. This
past week is the first time I've seen fastings under 100 (or more likely
115!) in three months. Ironically, when my blood sugars were running high I
felt a whole lot more energetic than usual, which is depressing but very
helpful with the move.

That was part of my problem, too. Sugar gave me a "lift" when I was
packing, and again when we got down here and I had a ton of business to
attend to. I've gotten over the candy, and I *will* get over the damned
popcorn, too!

Thanks again for the cocoa recipe. I have a mug whenever I get a chocolate
craving. I use the coffee flavored DaVinci syrup most of the time.

Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001

On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 14:25:26 GMT, "Brenda W" wrote:

Carol - I just printed this post out. And not just for the hot cocoa
recipe. I, too have an issue with microwaved popcorn. So, last night, I
trashed every box in the house (amazing where they were all hiding) and
today will put up your "resolve" post.

Hi Brenda! It's good to know that I'm not the only one possessed by the
popcorn demon.

My resolve is to stop congratulating myself on how far I've gotten and
realise that the race is not yet over. I need to refocus and get thru to
the end. My goal is not unrealistic - in reality my body could probably
stand to be more in the 125 to 130 range, so 140 is doable. I'm going on
holidays at the end of the week and if I can't maintain the diet at home,
how am I gonna do on the road?

I have the opposite problem. I'm not giving myself credit for the 25
pounds I've lost. I've been feeling like a total failure, and I'm not.
Just sidetracked.

I've found that it's easier to maintain this WOE in restaurants than at
home. You're not sitting there, staring at the wrong foods. They're
safely tucked away in the kitchen. Your only job is to order some
deletions or substitutions. I wish you well during your holiday.

Besides, I keep saying this is a lifestyle change and if I don't get that
sunk into my head, I don't stand a chance at maintenance.

I hear ya. I actually did have that mindset before we moved. I couldn't
imagine ever eating high-carb again. I'm looking forward to thinking that
way again. Soon.

So, what's that old hackneyed phrase - Today is the start of your new
ife? - well, today is the start of my new resolve. But it's nice to know
that others are also struggling and are determined to overcome this inertia.

Yes, I don't feel like a failure now, as much as just a human who's having
some troubles along the way. Thank you for that.

Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001

On Mon, 29 Sep 2003 07:42:33 -0700, krtyrrell
wrote:

All Good Sound things to do Carol
You can do this .. you've been very successful in past months.
the new house was a bump in the road.. now get back on the wagon and
take over the reins again gal

Thank you, Karen. I've been feeling so out of control, and just sorta
allowed myself to BE out of control. I'm the only one who can change that,
and I will. I just have to start thinking proactively, and not letting the
winds of change blow me along.

I recently went back to FitDay as well..
what a treasure that site is.
I found that I was sneaking in a few too many calories.. which is
great for maintaining but not so good for trying to lose. lol.

I just crawled out of bed a little while ago, but my next step, after a
steamy shower (it's getting cold here), is to take care of FitDay. I had a
cup of Jenny's hot cocoa to warm me up, so that will be my first entry.

Best of Luck Carol...
I know!! you can do it.

So do I, dammit! G I'll keep you posted on how this goes. I may have
to do a lot of posting at first, just to keep myself honest.

Thanks!
Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001

... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.


water with vanilla extract???? you drink this hot? how much do you
use? vanilla extract has no carbs???

On 29 Sep 2003 14:03:47 -0700, (kyba) wrote:


... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.

water with vanilla extract???? you drink this hot? how much do you
use? vanilla extract has no carbs???

I'm not sure if it has any carbs or not. I add about a half teaspoon to
two gallons of water, so I'm sure that any carb content would be very
small.

I drink it cold. The vanilla helps to mask the taste of the tap water,
thus saving me a fortune in bottled water.

Hope that helps!
Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001

Just tried the hot cocoa recipe and it is very good. Thanks so much. Ann
"Damsel in dis Dress" wrote in message
...
... to give the microwave popcorn to my SO, who will keep it in the
basement, where it won't be calling out to me every time I pass through
the
kitchen.

... to fill the freezer, refrigerator, and cupboards with low-carb foods,
enabling me to resist the temptation to eat "crap." This has been a
problem since we moved into the new house with virtually no fresh foods,
but I think we can get the "good shopping" completed tomorrow.

I'm also expecting an order from VitaCost on Wednesday. Lots of Keto hot
cereals (similar in texture to McCann's oats), as well as some Keto
crumbs,
banana pudding, OJ, and cranberry beverage mixes.

... to sit down with FitDay every morning, and to plan out the day's
meals,
so I will have no midday decisions to make, thus avoiding making poor
ones.

... to coerce my minions into searching harder for the bathroom scale.
I'd
do it myself, but my lower back has been in horrible spasms for two weeks
now, and I simply can't bend or reach, both of which are required for this
activity.

... to limit my beverages to water (flavored with vanilla extract),
low-carb hot cocoa* (thanks, Jenny!), and decaf coffee with cream. I've
been drinking a lot of diet pop, which gets pretty expensive, and most of
it contains caffeine and aspartame.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
* Jenny the Bean's low-carb hot cocoa:

First of all, this recipe is best with a "Dutched" cocoa. Hershey's sells
one in many supermarkets in a silvery container. Droste makes a wonderful
one too. It's lighter and tastes more like cocoa then when you use the
usual Hershey's cocoa. (But you can use the regular Hersheye's baking
cocoa
if it's all you have.)

Boil a cup of water. Measure out 1 teaspoon full of cocoa powder and
put it into a cup. Stir in a tablespoon or two of the hot water into the
cocoa until it is a nice chocolate syrupy texture. Then fill the cup
almost
to the top with boiling water stirring while you do so. Now add a cap or
two of a DaVinci sugar free flavored syrup. I use the Kahuli Caffe,
Vanilla, or Amaretto. Experiment to find out how much tastes good to you.
You can use regular Splenda but it doesn't come out as good as with the
DaVinci.

Finally lighten the cocoa with whatever you use for coffee. A tablespoon
or
two of cream is best, but sometimes I use half and half if I'm close to
hitting my calories for the day. I drink this stuff instead of coffee now
in the afternoons and sleep a whole lot better.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------

That's it for now ... here's looking forward to a brighter, lighter
future!

Carol
--
226/201/150
http://photos.yahoo.com/carol_arie/
Atkins since January 26, 2003
Type 2 Diabetic since May 15, 2001