Healthy Living

[hellokitty]

Hi everyone, thought it might be an interesting thread to start - post any tips, ideas, suggestions for ways to improve everyone's lifestyle. Think about it, if it inspires or helps even one poster on the board, it's definitely worth posting!

I was inspired to start this because I have a co-worker who is 34 years old and had a serious heart attack over the weekend. He only opened his eyes early this afternoon. He got up every morning, went for his daily jog, limited his red meat due to his cholesterol, always encouraged healthy eating. No one knows why this attack occurred, but it sure got me double thinking the way I take advantage of life at times.

Many of our suggestions may already be followed by others, but it's still worth posting for those who don't yet?

I don't enjoy drinking water, tho we are supposed to. So I drink it through a straw...it makes it more fun to drink. I also buy flavored seltzers.

Ever since the MTA strike in NYC, weather permitting, I try to walk at least one way to/from work, which is about 1.80 miles each way.

Started doing my pilates dvd. Oh, what a laugh you would have if you could see me stretching on my mat!

And I hope to alternate pilates w/time at the gym either doing the bike or treadmill at a slow speed, but high incline. This way I can read a book at the same time!

I love carbs too much. But I need to be serious. I prefer sandwiches over salad, but I'm going to learn to alternate, having more salads than sandwiches.

Cut down on chocolate! That one is a toughie, but I got through today. Baby steps...

[AussieMrs]

Kitty, switch to dark chocolate. I just heard on the news that it does have more health benefits than any other color.

Wow, that's shocking and scary about your co-worker. You never know, do you?

[paula6956]

Hi Missy:

No thats the sad part, no one ever knows, what the day will bring.
We all have to do our best and what we think is best, for our own health.

Doctors, other people, and the news media, can tell us what is right for us, but they can not do it, we have to.

I am starting to eat healthier, and also trying to get some exerecise in to my dailey routine...

[AussieMrs]

True, paula, but you've got to admit the 34 is pretty young for a serious heart attack. I would say that maybe genetics had something to do with it?

[paula6956]

Yes... I would lean more towards something genetic, as this peron seemed to be doing everything right....

[Novalee]

hellokitty, I'm sorry about your co-worker. That must be really sad and scary for everyone. I tend to agree that lots of things are genetic and mostly beyond our control, but I guess we should all do what we can. I even ordered some Tupelo honey yesterday! <Thanks, Jas> :)

[beekeeper]

Hi hellokitty! :-)

Very sorry to hear about your co-worker! It just boggles my mind when so-called healthy people have these type of problems! Maybe a good case for visiting the doctor more often!

IMO, we all know what we should be doing: Eat healthy and exercise. I know it's hard, and nobody said you have to ONLY eat vegetables ... by all means we have to mix it up or we get bored! Nor does it mean we have to spend countless hours at the gym ... our goal shouldn't be to look like Halle Barry or Madonna! Eat the cookie, but cut back later, or exercise to compensate. We've become a sedentary people ... and we are teaching our kids OUR bad habits!

I love those commercials where the guy is walking his dog in the park and he finds "love handles" laying on the ground ... or the kids playing on the beach and they find "someones gut" in the sand ... pushing healthy living and exercise. Again, it doesn't have to mean the gym, it could be playing with your kids or walking with your girlfriends!

Has anybody ever read that book "french women don't get fat"? I haven't, but I did see her on both the View and Oprah. It's very simple ... French women eat smaller portions, eat fresher foods, and they walk. They eat cheese, they eat sweets, they eat bread ... just not in huge quantities like we do! Plus, not everybody has a car over there. During my trip to Paris last April, I made a conscience note that there were no fat people.

Don't mean to sound preachy (if I did) ... just somewhat passionate about this issue.

[hellokitty]

Hi beekeeper, not preachy at all! What you wrote makes total sense!

This morning I saw an infomercial for Greer Childers and her Body Flex. They used to sell it on HSN. I bought it. Yes, I fell for it! I couldn't believe what I was watching when I popped that tape into the VCR player (yes, I ordered that long ago!). Anyone ever see that? It's the secret to losing inches w/o getting up off your butt!

I tried it for like a few days, then got impatient and couldn't understand the concept. Then after that, it was shown for entertainment purposes. It's because of the breathing techniques, but still leaves me in wonder.

[Linda Lou]

Hi Kitty,
So sorry to hear about your co-worker. Do suspect it was genetic at that young age though. Years ago we lived in a apt. complex and we knew one of the tenants, a jogger, apparently very healthy. Well, I seen him come back from his morning jog one morning as I was putting up my tree, and heard him start his car. One hour later, ambulances. He had dropped dead, right next to his car, he was only 28!!! There was an article in the paper about him, and apparently, his brother died of the same genetic heart condition at 29.

In those cases, obviously undetected, there's nothing you can do. I am a big advocate for any type of exercise, there's more and more research out how it can improve just about any health situation.

[hellokitty]

Yes, sounds like my co-worker will be okay. It creeped out all of us, because of his age and how healthy he lives, so it could be genetics. It will be slow recovery, but hopefully a full one! With all these medical emergencies going on around me, I'm definitely not going to take advantage of my health!

[Lexy]

Wow that's scary about your coworker, hellokitty. It's good to hear that he's going to recover.

I try to live a pretty healthy lifestyle. A couple of simple things I do are taking the stairs instead of elevators and drinking lots of water. I like sandwiches too and don't feel that I need to give them up. I just make sure that they are on whole grain bread. I try (keyword = try) not to eat anything that does not have some nutritional value to it. But if I absolutely have to have something junky, I'll go for the lower fat option, like pretzels instead of potato chips. When I buy chocolate, I buy it a piece at at a time so that I'm not tempted to eat a lot of it. I'm a sucker for chocolate.

[LA-CAgirl3]

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beekeeper:

Has anybody ever read that book "french women don't get fat"? I haven't, but I did see her on both the View and Oprah. It's very simple ... French women eat smaller portions, eat fresher foods, and they walk. They eat cheese, they eat sweets, they eat bread ... just not in huge quantities like we do! Plus, not everybody has a car over there. During my trip to Paris last April, I made a conscience note that there were no fat people.
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beekeeper ~ I have not read that book but wish to add an observation about France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Israel, and other countries with big cities and a "no automobile" society. It seems to me that women living in the countryside of these countries are of normal heaviness while those in the cities are noticeably slim. I believe it is the intense and constant walking that keeps "city" women slim. Plus the diet is healthier in many other countries. I believe that in Manhattan there are slimmer women than in other US areas, again because of the walking. Basically, it is our cars and fast food/bad diet which contribute greatly to the "fat American".

[Jasmine46]

I like the European idea of buying fresh veggies & fish, etc daily and not eating processed food. Their recipes are simple and they use olive oil and they make it up fresh and fast. They eat their main meal in the middle of the day, and they don't sit and watch television all night sucking down ice cream and cookies.

[LA-CAgirl3]

Absolutely, Jasmine46. They walk to the vegetable vendor, then to get bread then it is off for cheese. All fresh and all gathered by walking from shop to shop. Are there still places like that to live? I have seen this type of city life in northwest Chicago and in NYC. Wonder if anyone on this BB lives like that.

[Jasmine46]

I would love that life. I have a nice fresh market in the neighborhood with organics and gourmet foods that I could walk to if I wasn't partially disabled. I'd have to get one of those little wheelie carts to push in front of me and it would take 3 hrs to go and get back. I might consider it some day, though! It's so much easier to drive there!

[hellokitty]

LA - I live right across the river from NYC, and in my town we are able to walk to get to everything. It's good to walk when you only need a few things, but also convenient to drive (there is a parking lot to the big grocery store). But if you only need a few things, there are SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMs closeby, restaurants, banks, etc...and it's wonderful when the weather is nice. It would be even better if we had something like Chelsea market nearby, but the small food shops will suffice.

[Novalee]

Not only did I eat oatmeal yet again this morning, despite the fact that my Tupelo honey has not arrived, but I am nursing a cup of green tea. Murder, I tell ya. lol

[hellokitty]

Oh, Nova, I'm on an oatmeal kick! But not just any oatmeal, I have a big container of those quick oats (for making cookies) so over the weekend I had a bowl and sprinkled a little bit of brown sugar on it. It was so delightful! I can't have it on work days, so I am looking forward to Saturday morning when I can have it again!

[Novalee]

kitty, that's what got me going, too! I baked cookies and had way too many oats left. Fast forward to the Quaker commercials, and before I could stop myself, I was telling hubby that eating the oats would become a part of my daily routine. lol

I make mine at night and reheat them in the morning. I was using pecans, Splenda and Pumpkin Pie spice in them, but decided to buy the tupelo honey that Jas suggested. I ordered it online but haven't received it yet. We'll be so healthy! :)

[hellokitty]

Hmm..I wonder if I put pecans in my oatmeal, if it will be a "healthier" version of pecan pie! W/the brown sugar in it...hmmm...mmmm!

[AussieMrs]

Add me to the club of oatmeal for breakfast eaters! I've eaten it everyday for breakfast for almost three years now (started when I was prego). I put a little brown sugar in it and make it with skim milk instead of water. It sounds boring but I still love the taste and DD is starting to like it now, too.

[Jasmine46]

Kitty, pecans are supposed to be really healthy!
I eat a lot of almonds and seeds.Oatmeal is yummy. I buy the larger-cut kind that's organic and not fast-cooking. It has more fiber and tastes great. I add raisins and just pour boiling water over it and let it stand for about 5 minutes. Sometimes I add protein powder to it and it keeps me full for a long time.

I have never been a coffee drinker, but I drink reg. tea and green tea like crazy. It's supposed to boost metabolism, and is a good source of antioxidants. Once in a while I put Tupelo Honey in it, but usually drink it straight and very strong.

[Geeitsme]

Hmm, I didn't know that Green Tea boosts metabolism. I just started drinking this stuff. I'll be downing it by the gallons! I hope it gives my metabolism a good kick in the arse!!!!!!!!!!

Gee

[BR™]

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hellokitty:
Hi beekeeper, not preachy at all! What you wrote makes total sense!

This morning I saw an infomercial for Greer Childers and her Body Flex. They used to sell it on HSN. I bought it. Yes, I fell for it! I couldn't believe what I was watching when I popped that tape into the VCR player (yes, I ordered that long ago!). Anyone ever see that? It's the secret to losing inches w/o getting up off your butt!

I tried it for like a few days, then got impatient and couldn't understand the concept. Then after that, it was shown for entertainment purposes. It's because of the breathing techniques, but still leaves me in wonder.
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Hi kitty........so funny with Greer.......I purchased the tape 12 yrs ago after I had my son. You are to do all these breathing exercises first thing in the morning. Well it always made me throw up so I sent it back!!

Hey, try lemon or lime slices in your water. Its excellent but I love water anyway.

[Novalee]

This morning I was so happy to see my oatmeal! I don't know what's happening, but I almost crave it now. That didn't take long at all. :)

Jas, my honey arrived yesterday by FEDEX, and I didn't even pay a ridiculous amount for it. I thought it was coming UPS, and I paid around $6/shipping. When the FedEx guy came, I couldn't believe it! Anyhow, I couldn't wait to try it, but I was good and waiting till this morning. I had it with my oatmeal <ok, maybe that's one reason I was so happy to see it! lol> and now I have just a touch of it in my tea. I seem to need less of it than regular honey, but I can see what you meant about almost getting 'addicted' to it! Thanks again for the suggestion. BTW, if anyone's interested, I got it online at the Savannah Bee Company's website.

BR, I can drink gallons of water if it has either lemon or lime in it. I always have a bottle nearby, but the lemon/lime really makes it great!

I hope this thread keeps going, I could use the support. Kitty, the pressure's on, you started this. lol

[hellokitty]

Oh that's right, BR! Lemon in water! We have the water bottles at work, so I totally forgot about that. What's nice is that they already have cut up lemons, so that will be very convenient! Thanks!!

Nova, I was kind of hoping this thread would keep going! I have been more active lately, switching up between my pilates dvds and walking on an incline on the treadmill. I like the treadmill because I don't walk super fast, but I keep the incline high, so I am still able to read...I'm still reading "Where the Heart Is", but I'm getting to the end, and it's such a great book. I don't even need my iPod, my head is full of imagination while reading!

Does the tupelo honey taste different than regular honey?

And BR! Greer! LOL! I'm glad someone else has heard of her and saw the videos! The faces you had to make were so stupid!!! HAHAHA I'm laughing thinking about it!

[Geeitsme]

Is anyone doing a conscious diet with all the new exercising? I am trying to eat better, but I am thinking of trying to make it legit.

Gee

[hellokitty]

Hi Gee, I'm trying to keep a rough count of the calories I consume. I have never tried that, and sometimes it's hard because it's not easy to get the calorie count for all food items. Also trying to incorporate some kind of physical activity, EVERYDAY.

To all the oatmeal eaters - today I had somewhat of a bigger lunch, so I am going to have some oatmeal for dinner - complete w/ a touch of brown sugar, and pecans! mmm! Even if no one cares, I'm pretty sure I'm going to report back about it.

[Jasmine46]

There's an ad above this thread for Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar. It's an excellent product, and I was just telling Novalee about it. I would encourage you all to click on that link and see what it's all about. It is totally different than regular Heinz vinegar.

Kitty, your oatmeal dinner sounds delicious! I might have some for dinner, too!

[AussieMrs]

Do you have this vinegar, Jas? I'm a big fan, especially on my fries, as I don't like ketchup.

[Jasmine46]

I do have this vinegar, Missy. I don't know how it would be on fries, but it might be good. I use it sometimes in soups or sauces and it's ab-fab! It gives it a little tangy kick.

[Linda Lou]

Kitty,
I too, was sucked in to getting those Body Flex tapes, really tried to give it my best shot, but first of all, when trying to get into some of the positions it made my legs cramp up, and all the deep-breathing made me light headed and dizzy.

It's really hard to believe that people could lose like, 30 inches using her techniques!!

[missitaly]

Unfortunately, I haven't been keeping my health a very high priority in my life right now. My eating habits tend to be emotionally-based, so I need to work on keeping the stress at bay.

[princess77]

NEVER EAT YELLOW SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BR™]

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missitaly:
Unfortunately, I haven't been keeping my health a very high priority in my life right now. My eating habits tend to be emotionally-based, so I need to work on keeping the stress at bay.
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Hi missitaly..........I'm with ya........I tend to be an emotional eater too. But I am trying to control myself and jump on my pilates machine instead of eating. 06 is going to be controlling my binges and exercising more.

[BR™]

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princess77:
NEVER EAT YELLOW SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Unless it's a lemon snowcone.............hehehehe

[BR™]

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Linda Lou:
Kitty,
I too, was sucked in to getting those Body Flex tapes, really tried to give it my best shot, but first of all, when trying to get into some of the positions it made my legs cramp up, and all the deep-breathing made me light headed and dizzy.

It's really hard to believe that people could lose like, 30 inches using her techniques!!
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LOL Linda........that was exactly it, I would get light headed, dizzy, then throw up. I just couldn't get it!!

[Novalee]

Kitty said:
"Even if no one cares, I'm pretty sure I'm going to report back about it."

~~~~~

LOLOL! Awww, I care.

[Cat-Lady]

Pomegranate Juice is supposed to have The Highest antioxidant level of all. More than blueberries, more than dark chocolate, much more than green tea. Look for it in the chilled juice section of your supermarket. The brand is POM. Not cheap, but I water it down with LaCroix naturally-flavored Lemon sparkling water so it goes a bit further. You can also get it mixed with other juices, like blueberry. There are bottled green teas on the market but they are loaded with Sugar, so what's the point !! Check those contents so you don't get duped ~~~ once burned, twice learned, I think is the saying. I learned to always read the contents The Hard Way.

[hellokitty]

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Novalee:
Kitty said:
"Even if no one cares, I'm pretty sure I'm going to report back about it."

~~~~~

LOLOL! Awww, I care.
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LOL, Nova! Thanks! :) Well, the oatmeal for dinner was very yummy. I think I might even have it for dinner tonight, but this time I am going to lightly toast the pecans! :)

And as my snack and a decoy to avoid chocolate (which, by the way - no chocolate this week!) I have some peanut butter. And I've been drinking lots of water/seltzer.

Cat-lady, hi! I like the idea of mixing the pomegranate juice w/something else. I have always wanted to get the juice, but I thought it to be a little expensive...so mixing it sounds like a great solution! I'm going to try that...thanks for the suggestion!

[AussieMrs]

Cat-Lady, we must be on the same wave length, as I was sitting here finishing my pom juice and thinking about posting about it! I was also drinking POM brand at first (the only one that I could find), but then I found one at Costco much cheaper. It's Langers Pomegranate Juice, and you get 64 oz. for $5.79. It's pretty tart (DD calls it 'Tangy'), so I mix mine with water. I have it every morning with the oatmeal. :)

[LA-CAgirl3]

AussieMrs ~ Thanks for posting that. I've been drinking the Pom brand and while I like the cute bottles, I don't like the price. Will be looking for Langers "tangy" at Costco. And yes, I am going on the "oatmeal diet", too. Maybe the BB can write a book.

[Geeitsme]

Is there something to this oatmeal diet or do you all just enjoy it? I like oatmeal, but I am trying to do low carb right now, but willing to switch... LOL!

I love POM juice. I especially love a POM vodka tonic w/ twist of lime. LOL!!! Not that this is too healthy!!! Thanks for the heads-up about Costco, I will have to check it out.

Gee

[LA-CAgirl3]

Gee ~ "Pom Vodka tonic"? Oh boy! This is something I never thought about. Pom Gin tonic. Mmm... . Thank you. I think I will. ;))

[Cat-Lady]

Missy, THANKS for the heads-up on the Langers !! Hmmmmm ....... the Oatmeal and Pomegranate Juice Diet ........ juice diluted with whatever ...... could get used to that .......

[AussieMrs]

Geeitsme:
Is there something to this oatmeal diet or do you all just enjoy it? I like oatmeal, but I am trying to do low carb right now, but willing to switch... LOL!

I love POM juice. I especially love a POM vodka tonic w/ twist of lime. LOL!!! Not that this is too healthy!!! Thanks for the heads-up about Costco, I will have to check it out.

Gee
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Gee, I can't speak for anybody else, but I just like oatmeal and pom juice for brekky, and I don't get sick of it. I used to eat a piece of whole grain toast with low-fat chive cream cheese, but I got sick of that; now it's just the oatmeal. If I'm craving carbs, I try to eat them in the early part of the day, that way (hopefully) they're gone before I go to bed.

Costco also carries Soy Crisps. They're like mini rice cakes and they come in two flavors, White Cheddar, and (kitty, you'd like these) Chocolate Drizzle (they just have dark chocolate drizzled on top of them). They're really addictive and taste yummy. :)

Gee, you're too funny coming up with the POM vodka tonic--the newest and healthiest way to drink, hehe! Maybe you can have them make it for you at your upcoming function!

[hellokitty]

There is a restaurant in town that serves all kinds of bellinis (champagne w/juice), and one of them is a pomegranate bellini. You mean to tell me I could get some antioxidants into my system by drinking this stuff?? Me and Gee will be on the same diet...POM and liquor. Pretty soon we will need intervention for too much alcohol...but at least we will be full of antioxidants! LOL

We have soy crisps here at work. I love the BBQ, ranch..so far those are the only ones they have for us here. I will have to look for the chocolate drizzle. Thanks, Aussie! :)

[AussieMrs]

Just think, though, kitty, the antioxidants will cancel out the the yucky effects of the liquor...your body may thank you, lol!

[Novalee]

hellokitty, do they provide you with the snacks and water, or are they in a vending machine that you purchase from yourself? If they provide them, can I come work with you, please? lol

[hellokitty]

Nova, you could say we are lucky and unlucky at the same time. The company provides us w/snacks and drinks - bottled water, juices and soda. The snacks vary from the very healthy to the junk food fanatic's paradise. There is yogurt and cheese in the mornings. And always fruit. So it's lucky to have all this for free, but at the same time, it's unlucky if you are trying to eat healthy and all the yummy snacks are staring at you. We have an inhouse baker and will make rice krispy treats or freshly baked cookies! Oh it's very hard to walk past them!

And come on down, Nova! There is an empty desk next to me!

[Geeitsme]

Yes, LOL!, we can all get our daily fix of antioxidants while getting our dose of alcohol. They are delicious, though, and addicting..it is my drink of choice at the moment.

Hello Kitty, wow! Sounds like a fantastic place to work. What line of work are you in? Having all that food around would be dangerous for me....I love to snack and I tend to snack more when I am stressed. So if you are in a stressful job and I came to work with you, you'd have to watch out for my hips encroaching on your desk space!!!!!!

Gee

[Novalee]

kitty, I'm not sure how much work I'd get done, but it sure would be fun! lol

[hellokitty]

Let me tell you...it's hard. Esp when your mind wanders, you start thinking about food and that's all you can think of, even if you are not hungry. Have to try very hard to "train" yourself. Yes, it's very easy to eat a snack of cookies every afternoon, but who really does that in "real life"? It's not healthy or realistic!!

What's worse is they even have those sodium-laden Cup o'Noodles for those who do not want to go out and get their own lunch, or bring their lunch. Those things smell so good, but the sodium is so high!

Gee, I work in the financial services field. We like to get clients to come visit the office, and I think the sight of the pantries makes the place look THAT much more "approachable"...not really the right word, but I think you get what I mean! :)

[hellokitty]

Okay, so this weekend didn't work out so well. Tomorrow I am back to work and I must get back on track. It's exercise for the rest of the week, and no snacking!!

[Novalee]

Awww, kitty, everyone has "off" days. You'll be back at it in no time!

[paula6956]

Yes you will...

I find it harder to not snack when I am at work... I have no problem at home, as I can keep busy and I can plan whats for dinner, and concentrate on that. But when I am at work, I feel like I need something next to be or close to me to munch on....

My husband started back on Atkins and is in the last week of the induction phase. I have been cooking dinners that he can eat and as a result, I eat them too, even though I am not doing Atkins. I have lost a few pounds along the way.

[Lexy]

I wish I could eat a bowl of oatmeal, but I can't. The texture of it is yucky. I do bake it into breads and other things though.

I can't handle drinking tea either.

[Novalee]

Lexy, in other words, you're the problem child? lol

[Lexy]

LOL that pretty much sums it up, Novalee!

[hellokitty]

Oh, I hope I can still stick with it! I've been good so far, had a boring salad for lunch!

It is supposed to rain, so not sure if I will be able to walk to the bus station from work, but I hope to definitely do some kind of exercise tonight!

Haven't had the oatmeal in awhile...maybe that will be my dinner! Oh Lexy, not an oatmeal fan...tsk tsk...missing so much! lol

[LA-CAgirl3]

Rah! kitty! Rah! hellokitty ~ There is some cheering on for your excercising program. LA

[hellokitty]

LOL, LA! Let me know when you need some cheering and I will whip out the pom-pons! :)

[hellokitty]

Today I had an oatmeal tragedy. Thought I was being smart by throwing some oats and brownsugar and pecans in a plastic baggie to make at work.

Used the microwave, and it just overboiled all over the microwave! Then I forgot to put a splash of milk in it, so that already made it eh. Then it was way too sweet! I got greedy when I put the sugar in the baggie, so I put more than I should have. Sadly, I couldn't eat much of it. Even the pecans tasted boiled and flavorless.

I hate exercising on weekends. Do you all exercise on the weekends, and if so, how do you motivate yourself?

[Novalee]

kitty, I'm so sorry about your oatmeal tragedy! lol

[Novalee]

I drank chocolate soy milk this morning. That surely has to count for something, doesn't it? lol

[hellokitty]

Nova, yes...chocolate soy milk definitely must count for something. Soy is so healthy for you! :)

Today I had to work out of our NJ office, so I took a half day and hung out w/my mom for her bday. Had some ice cream cake, OOPS! :D

[AussieMrs]

Oh yum, kitty!

By the way, I just heard on the news yesterday that soy isn't as great for you as they thought it was. Don't ask who they is, either, 'cause I don't know! It's not bad, just not as good. :(

[hellokitty]

Hmm..soy is not as good for us as we thought? Doesn't it seem like everything that was once declared good for us, eventually isn't? I'm not a fan of soy milk, but I do like the soy chips! Hopefully it is not harmful to us!

[Novalee]

So, even when we do what "they" tell us, "they" change their minds. lol

Kitty, I hope your Mom had a wonderful birthday! I don't even have to ask how the cake was, do I? :)

[AussieMrs]

Kitty and Novalee, so far "they" haven't declared it harmful (not that I've heard, anyway). I was kind of bummed when I heard, as the little one loves the soy rice cakes and Soy Crisps. I guess it's still better than regular potato chips, though.

[Jasmine46]

I was just reading about soy, and it can be bad for your thyroid, among other things.
SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.mercola.com/2002/jun/8/soy.htm

I have a problem digesting a lot of soy products. Once in a while I buy tofu to make chocolate pudding, though.

My favorite type of non-dairy drink is Almond Breeze.
We use Rice Dream for cereal.

[BarbaraM]

Jasmine46, what kind of oatmeal do you buy? They have the regular "Irish" oatmeal, larger cut, the kind you have to cook, I think its called McCann's at my supermarket...I'm thinking about trying that out. Also, I'm not a huge fan of honey, but I'm really curious about the Tupelo honey you've talked about...think I might become a convert if i try it? My mom always tells me to drink it for a sore or scratchy throat.

[LA-CAgirl3]

BarbaraM - One thing about the McCann's oatmeal is that it takes 30 minutes to cook. Howerver, I heard last week from Martha Stewart that if you soak the amount you'll cook overnight, it cooks in just 10 minutes. I believe it would be water just to cover & then left in while cooking cuz any draining would surely be throwing away good stuff.

[beekeeper]

Yesterday on the View they had a segment about soy, and what we should be doing since the recent news of soy. Here is what I found on their web-site:

The latest headlines are saying that soy isn't the wonder food we all thought it was, so Amy O'Connor, nutrition expert from Prevention magazine, came by to reveal the truth about soy before we trash the tofu.

A soy bean is a green lima bean and from this bean they make all sorts of products from ice cream to hot dogs. For years doctors thought soy had many health benefits, such as lower cholesterol, reduced symptoms of menopause, and prevention of certain cancers, but a new study says it's not exactly true. What the study did find is that soy doesn't treat disease, but helps prevent it because it's low in saturated fat. It's confusing because in 1999 The Federal Food and Drug Administration allowed soy makers to put labels on soy products saying it was healthy, so people started eating it as if it was a medicine that helped cure disease. Although it will not treat disease, soy is still a great health food. It's a good addition to your nutritional balance because it's low in saturated fat and has lots of calcium, which women don't get enough of. Also, if you substitute meat with soy, then you will reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Whole soy foods such as edamame and tofu (a great choice especially for women) are the best. On the flip side, a not so good choice is soy isoflavins (pill or powder form). They are extracts from soy. Doctors are on the fence whether they can harm you or not. They come in supplement form or powder form. If you see the word isoflavin you should avoid it for the time being.

[BarbaraM]

Thanks LA-CA..I'll give that a try!

And about the soy products...its so true, one week something is good for you, one week its not...coffee, eggs, chocolate, soy...I think everything in moderation, if you like it and feel its healthful then have at it!

[beekeeper]

lol ... how the heck do you eat chocolate in moderation? I can't resist the stuff ... I am unable to be good. I have to avoid it completely ... or I'll be as big as a house! You've heard of the cookie monster? Well I'm the chocolate monster ... help me!

As for wine ... I am able to moderate wisely ... a glass a day, never hurt anybody, right?!? :-)

[LA-CAgirl3]

Having changed to eating raw fruits and vegetables, I am one who eats the whole, fresh soy bean. They aren't that bad, really.

I am clinging to the belief that dark chocolate is healthy. I have several segments of a good dark chocolate bar daily. It cannot, however, be left anywhere near my bed though because I will think of it, grab & eat it during the night when I'm only half awake. I keep it in the kitchen ... now.

[Jasmine46]

Barb, I use McCann's Oatmeal, and just pour hot water over it and some raisins. I don't even cook it! I don't know if that's good or bad, but it keeps me full for a long time.

The Tupelo honey has a distinctive, mild flavor. It is great because it doesn't crystallize like other honeys.Here's a little bit of info about it:

Real Tupelo honey is light amber in color, light golden with a greenish cast. The flavor is delicious, distinctive, a choice table honey. Good white Tupelo, unmixed with other honeys, will not granulate. Due to the high levulose content, it does not granulate and due to this high levulose, low dextrose ratio, diabetic patients have been permitted by their physicians to eat Tupelo honey. Average analysis: Levulose 44.03%, dextrose 29.98%
More at the web site:
SPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMSPAMwww.harbour.sfu.ca/~hayward/van/glossary/tupelohoney.html

[BarbaraM]

Thanks Jas, McCann's Oatmeal is going on my shopping list right now!!
and I'm thinking about giving the tupelo honey a try too, thanks a bunch!!

[AussieMrs]

Jas, I've always wanted to buy the steel cut oats but never have because of the long cooking time. I've been buying Bob's Red Mill Oatmeal because I can pop it in the microwave. Now that I know you eat the McCann's without cooking it for 30 minutes, I'm going to try it. Thanks. :)

[LA-CAgirl3]

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AussieMrs:
Jas, I've always wanted to buy the steel cut oats but never have because of the long cooking time. I've been buying Bob's Red Mill Oatmeal because I can pop it in the microwave. Now that I know you eat the McCann's without cooking it for 30 minutes, I'm going to try it. Thanks. :)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Are you going somewhat raw like Jas? I've done this w/ Quaker Oats regular but let me know how it is w/ McCanns. Jas is healthy so it must be okay. ;))

[Jasmine46]

Now you girls keep in mind that I eat a lot of stuff that's not what others would consider delicious, so don't expect a whole lot of flavor in those un-cooked oats!

[AussieMrs]

Jas, let's face it, there's not a whole lot of flavor in cooked oats, either! I flavor mine with a bit of brown sugar, so it's all good. :)

[Novalee]

BarbaraM, I ordered my tupelo honey from the Savannah Bee Company online, and it arrived by FedEx at no extra charge within a couple of days! I was very impressed. I just ordered my second one.