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John 10.16.14
2 days ago

My wife often roll's her eyes when my reply to her query is, "I'm studying on it" But that's what I do. I ponder and study on things and often accomplish nothing, (justifying the "eye roll") 

When I do act though, it is with educated determination not to be thwarted by unexpected curveballs or unrealistic expectations. 

That's one of the magical things about this site, a vehicle which educated me through the unforseen, the seeminly impossible and the unknown. This time after many times I was not thwarted and I am no longer a smoker.

Donna, you are  forging forward, you threw down the gauntlet, you were brave and bold by putting it on the table and stating our plan. You have absolutely inspired me to do the same. I'm studying on it a bit longer but One Day soon will be Day One for me and my healthy habit journey. I'm eager to share.

       

                 

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elvan
2 days ago

Very good, I am eager for you to share and to do the studying and pondering for me.

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
yesterday

Well, right now I'm pondering when my quit day is going to be. I'm scared to commit to it When am I going to quit eating unhealthy. When am i going to quit overeating, When am I going to quit making excuses. 

On March 28th 2012 I made three priorities in my life 1) Get to my prescribed target weight of 200-225. 2) Quit drinking. 3) Quit smoking. Since then I have accomplished all three and relapsed with all three. But now I have #2 and #3 under control. It's time for #1. So maybe March 28th, but that's kind of far away so maybe I'll start juicing a bit, slow down on my overeating a bit and eat a bit healthier.

A plan without execution is only wishful thinking. 

       

                 

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elvan
yesterday

I am trying to figure out what I am going to eat and I am a little overwhelmed.  I am making baked potatoes for tonight with butternut squash.  Probably not the BEST but it's a lot better than some of my choices.

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
22 hours ago

I think those are a very good direction.  It's hard to say Ellen, people's habits are so different. And then there's the advertisements that exploit good beneficial things by claiming IT'S THE ONLY WAY, IT'S THE BIGGEST THING, DON'T DO THAT, THATS BAD FOR YOU. AND ETC.  Of course it can be overwhelming and confusing but you did real good with the baked potato and squash.

This reminds me of when I quit smoking. I know I needed to but it was quite overwhelming figuring out how I was going to go about doing it. BUT we did that didn't we? In all the confusion and anxiety of quitting smoking, I remember what I did first. Well before my quit date, I made a plan. That plan did not start off with "Stop Smoking" It started with reducing my cigarettes to 20 per day from 40.

Remember how you succeeded with quitting smoking. 3 STEPS:

Step 1: Re-Learn Habit - Soooo Let's just pay closer attention to our eating habits. (YOU are already doing this because of what you wrote. You are thinking about it and making adjustments) I think you are doing exactly the right thing. And you may continue to do this for a few weeks and I think that would be great because we have to Re-Learn our Habits. (And that takes time)

I think I'll start a separate discussion about the 3 steps. Thanks Ellen 

REMEMBER WHAT JENNIFER WROTE: Everything in moderation. I am a strong advocate for that perspective. It comes in very handy when I start binge eating a deliciously cooked meal. (I'm trying to re-learn that bad habit)

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
3 days ago

..... just click on the "ADD TOPIC" and we'll all be able to comment.

I'm so excited.... I did not want to get this mixed up with quitting smoking blog. We can still blog if we think the two subjects are strongly connected but if if only about our personal healthy journey we can use this "Group Discussion"

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
3 days ago

Quitting smoking is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE, and if you have to eat to stay quit eat your little heart out.

With the exception of extreme weight issues and eating disorders, this site is about quitting smoking. AND THAT REMAINS TO BE THE HEALTHIEST BENEFIT so if you have a choice between a snickers and a cigarette.... take the freaking snickers.

With that said, this group was started because when we have that AHA MOMENT with quitting smoking, we want to share and expand that aha moment to other healthy avenues.

If we can embrace and enjoy not smokingg as much as we do, why not enjoy and embrace healthy habits and share the joys along with the trials BUT never if our quit is in danger.... NEVER... it's not woth it at all!

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
24 days ago

I just learned how to use the group discussion and thought it would be nice to summarize all the previous comments.

Three HIPS and one HOORAY for DJ started her first day, Hip Hip Hip Hooray… and got used to the soup in the process. A big welcome to Bonnie sharing Leslie Sansone “Just Walk” DVD and mentioned Matcha Tea, I don’t know what that is but I also believe in teas in general.  The great wisdom of Jennifer (Everything in Moderation). Nutrition is Ellen’s  quest as it should be all of ours, and Barbara reminds us “Every” day we should eat healthy and walk, which I think Marilyn agrees with but Just wants the SNOW to GO away so she can. And then there’s kittyquits, a newbie all the way around. We want her to master her quit but glad to have her aboard.

       

                 

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elvan
24 days ago

Wow, growing like a weed, John.  I just heard about a book on the Paleo Diet which is basically eating like our ancestors did.  I have a brother who sent me Grain Brain, advocating no grains, all gluten free, no sugar, no dairy.  I am lactose intolerant but I still eat fat free yogurt every day.  I LOVE pasta and love making tomato sauce to put on the pasta.  I also love bread, thanks a lot, Marilyn.  And, my biggest downfall is sugar.  At the beginning of my quit, I did cut way back because it made my craves stronger.  I also worked out regularly and have not felt well enough to do that for a few months.  I NEED to get back into the swing of things.  You have all inspired me to have something to offer here...just not sure what it is going to be.  I want to FEEL better.  I cut my intake of Diet Coke, drink tons of water, but still look for really baaaad food to snack on.  I might at least try to read that Grain Brain book and see if I can adapt it to my budget.  Gluten free, grain free food is expensive.

You are doing a great service, John, thanks.

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
24 days ago

We can thank DJ for this activity. I would have dismissed the idea if she hadn't encouraged it on and went on a recruitment spree.

I heard of the Paleo diet but have little knowledge of it. And as far as Grain Brain... never heard of it.

We make our own greek yogurt. and I beleive the lactose stuff gets drained away with the excess whey, that's probably why it doesn't effect you too badly.

I am glad you like and are part of the group. (By the way... I love all the same stuff you do.).

       

                 

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Bonnie 12-28-2014
24 days ago

I think this is the one I ordered but I also think I found something better on a different site and next time I won't order the powder but here is a picture.  From everything it says I'm going to give it a try.  I have never been on a diet and dont want to be.  I am just cutting back and I have always tried to eat healthy.  Not all day, that's not fun for me.  I believe in the 80/20.  Eat 80 good and 20 percent what you want.  I am always up for good suggestions so want to see what the book says you are getting Elvan.  

       

                 

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elvan
24 days ago

Oh dear, we're a great pair.  I am going to do a little research, I am not a fan of cooking so my diet will have to either be a raw diet or something really easy because there is no way I am spending a lot of time cooking.

       

                 

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elvan
24 days ago

If I am going to be honest here...I believe in the 80/20 too but the other way around. I am not a fan of green tea but I hear wonderful things about it and the benefits of drinking it.

       

                 

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Bonnie 12-28-2014
24 days ago

Elvan LOL:):).  what about starting out with 50/50 and see how that does.  Unlike quiting smoking getting in shape can be whatever you want.  It's not all or nothing.  Getting more active and just making a few changes will go a long way.  

I just know that's what I'm trying I want to know what you find out but seriously I am not giving up my grains.  I LOVE GRAINS.  I could give up meat before I could give up bread.  I have tried things gluten free.  Ughhhh

       

                 

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elvan
24 days ago

I have the book, my brother gave it to me, the Grain Brain one, I think the Paleo Diet is probably similar.  No dairy, no sugar (yeah, that's not gonna happen)...not sure about the grains.  I left the book at work but I will pick it up Wednesday when I go back.

OK..50/50 it is...I hope it's too late to start today because I have already blown that unless I eat a WHOLE lot more to get 50% good food in.  I am really baaaaad about food.

I have actually tried some gluten free that I would not have known was gluten free unless I was told.  My son can make cupcakes that are vanilla/cinnamon and gluten free and I could eat an entire batch.  I make him bake them for birthdays, Mother's Day, etc.  

I am very willing to try to increase my activity as my body will allow. 🙂

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
24 days ago

I Googled Brain Grain, Paleo, Matcha tea. Very, Very interesting stuff to me. 

If memory serves me right, the Atkins diet was "One of" if  not Thee one diet that put low carb diets on the map

I''m not a fan of long term one sided diets BUT I think they are Great for kicking off a healthy regimen. One awesome accomplishment of these diets is they keep you away from processed foods. After a period I think it is imperative to address a balanced, moderate, portioned food plan. jmho

I checked out the Matcha Tea, Myself being a fan of juicing and tea's I was happy to be informed of this product. I've made pots of green tea before to add to my juices. Bonnie, you said you found something better and not a powder. What and where did you find that something else?

Shoveling has been my activity, Really it's a good thing, cause it's too cold to do anything else.

       

                 

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Bonnie 12-28-2014
23 days ago

The one you see above is from Amazon.  I found it cheeper on Nuts.com and what I like is that it states 100% so evidently they all might not be.  

100% MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER

       

        

         

                  

         

 

        

        

         

          
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            I love this tea and knowing that it is healthy makes it all the better. My items arrived a day earlier than expected. Thank you for the Organic Cacao Nibs can't wait to try them. I will definitely be coming back to try your snacks.          

          

          

Michelle, National City, CA

         

         

 

        

        

         

          

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John 10.16.14
23 days ago

Thanks Bonnie, I think we get our bulk spirolina and tumeric from nuts.com, so thats great. Spirolina and Tumeric are touted as super foods too.

       

                 

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elvan
23 days ago

How do you use the Spirolina and Tumeric?  Do you add them to things you are making?  Tumeric has long been touted as a remedy for RA and I would be really curious about how to incorporate it.  I am acutely aware of how bad my diet is, particularly today.  I have no energy, my breathing is alarmingly bad, and my pain levels are through the roof.  

I am willing to try anything at this point, even eating healthy.  I remember the craze with the Atkins Diet and a coworker and I tried it even though neither one of us needed to lose weight.  We had both quit smoking and wanted to make sure we did not gain.  It was incredibly expensive and I think we had worse breath from the diet than we did when we were smoking.

I am going to go to nuts.com and order this tea.  Thanks to both of you.

       

                 

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John 10.16.14
23 days ago

Spirolina and Tumeric can be added to anything like soups, stews, salad dressings, rice. But for more intense consumption I mix the two together in a small jelly jar and into a thin paste or thick gravy consistency. I use it for my juices, my teas and sometimes just with hot water. A big ole tablespoon or two of the Slurry does a body good. My wife ac