Everyday Systems

Nichole

Well it's not that I can't make homemade pasta, it's that I don't want to :p lol

Nichole

I enjoy making homemade breads and pizza crusts, but I would never venture into homemade pasta territory, lol!

Nichole

I just made homemade pancakes a few weeks ago and it's amazing! Yum! So far my favorite homemade dressing I've tried I found in a recipe for greek salad. It's 1/3 cup red-wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or oregano or 1 teaspoon dried 1 teaspoon garli...

Nichole

I'm craving a sweet treat.. Blaaah.

Tonight I'm making us homemade turkey burgers on whole wheat buns with Busch's Baked Beans and a fresh salad

Really looking forward to it.

Nichole

134.2 again today! Weird. It's such a specific weight to be at lol. I don't mind though.

Nichole

You're doing great!

Nichole

Welll, I have been calorie counting, just to clear that up! (to respond to your first post). But I've eased off the counting a bit since I'm used to it.

And glad to see you're enjoying your pedometer!! 10,000 steps, great job!!

Nichole

Look at all that green! You are going to have such good habits in place so that when you do start your family you will not have to change a thing during pregnancy or child rearing. I wrote a post many months ago specifically addressing that issue for all you that are young moms to be. Keep the habi...

Nichole

((OT - glad to see you posting again, Noel!)) And to comment on the processed foods thing.. I haven't eaten a frozen prepared meal since May and it has been the best thing ever! I think it definitely helped me lose weight b/c I'm eating more satisfying meals and meals with a lot less sodium. I do ea...

Nichole

Here is how I did on the August challenge: GOAL: Lose 3 lbs. in August. Why just 3? I lost about 12 or 13 lbs. and I'm down to 138, so I don't have much to lose. So it's slower now I guess. Even if I just maintain, I'll be happy :) Also, I want to keep up with my workout schedule. I do 50 minutes on...

Nichole

I don't know if this applies, but it wasn't until I truly believed in myself that I lost the weight I wanted to lose. I had tried to lose weight before, but it wasn't with much thought or with much belief that I could. Then when I figured that if I just eat less than I burn, I can do it, I did it! :...

Nichole

I agree! 135 is great... thin, but not too thin. So far it seems easy to maintain, even with having a couple treats on the weekend.

Nichole

This summer I read The Friday Night Knitting Club, My Sister's Keeper, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The House on Mango Street, and I'm currently reading The Life and Times of L.Frank Baum. I think of these books, my favorite was The Wizard of Oz. It is completely different from the movie, the illustr...

Nichole

Sure! She forgot to put the temp of the oven and how long (I just asked her though): 1 3/4 c. all purpose flour 2 c. sugar 3/4 c. cocoa powder 1 1/2 t baking soda 1 1/2 t baking powder 1 t salt 2 eggs 1 c. milk 1/2 c veg oil 2 t vanilla extract 1 c. boiling water You don't have to use a mixer if you...

Nichole

25 lbs, congrats!!!

Nichole

lol. I'm 134 again today. I was 133 yesterday! :) Had treats this weekend, but not too many. Really enjoyed a small chocolate ice cream from Dairy Queen yesterday. But now it's back to normal eating. I'm looking forward to doing some baking on Friday for a party on Saturday. :) Making homemade, non-...

Nichole

Start weight: 137
End weight: 133.

Yaay!

Nichole

Nice! Even though I have a recipe I like, I'm going to print this and add it to my recipe binder.

Nichole

Way to go!!!

Nichole

I use the Toll House cookie recipe (can be found on back of chocolate chips or online) and my cookies always come out chewy and soft. You can't let them overbake.

Nichole

134 even today. A New low.

TODAY
-Cereal
-Cheese
-Salad - Romaine, chicken, strawberries, lite vinagrette
-Yogurt/Granola
-Homemade thin-crust pizza with tomatoes!

Nichole

And we click b/c we just plain get along so well! lol. And I understand, my mom treats me special alll the time.

I was going to exercise b/c I was so tired, but I did and now I feel a lot better.

Nichole

I hope so too.

I know sometimes the best laid plans of mice and men often go astray, but I hope they don't. And thank you! Your encouragement definitely helped me get this far.

I am very tired today. With all this on my mind, I haven't been sleeping very well.

Nichole

I'm doing so well! It is definitely an exciting time in my life. My sister is trying to have a baby, and we will hopefully have one a year after them :) I am going to be the godmother of their new baby!! A couple small personal triumphs: 3 days in a row of small drawings (yay!) and I'm almost finish...

Nichole

Hmm, never thought of my snacks as mini meals before! I like my "mini meals" because they give me energy and keep me going. The one between lunch and dinner is an absolute must because I personally can't go from lunch to dinner without anything, which is a huge gap of 6 to 7 hours. I've tried before...

Nichole

Glad to see you're doing so well!

Sorry about the kitty

Nichole

Congratulations! Glad to hear you're doing well and feeling good

And I'm low-cal-ing with NoS and I'm still here! I just keep it on the down-low (not saying you have to, just sharing what I do).

Nichole

I snack.. It's the only S I don't adhere to really.. I have two planned snacks: 2 hours after breakfast, 90 calorie cheese stick. The good stuff, a Sargento cheese stick, not that horrible Polly-O string cheese (gag!). Then I have another 2 hours after lunch, a 90 cal yogurt with a little bit of gra...

Nichole

I agree.

Nichole

Good challenge! :) Glad you found your happy weight. It's funny that it ends in a 7, that's very specific, lol. I think mine may be 135. It's manageable and I still feel like I'm eating a lot of food! Oh, and... send me some of that banana bread ;). Mmmm, I'm going to have to buy some bananas and le...

Nichole

I agree with you, BrightAngel.

Nichole

135 even today :). Okay, so I am going out to lunch on Sat and a shower on Sun. Right now my plan is to have cake on Saturday because my mom is making it homemade, and maybe no sweets at the shower. There will be lots of people at the shower, so I won't look as obvious not having a sweet. Silly, rig...

Nichole

I had posted a long reply but I think it would have just added to the problem.

All in all, I think people should lead by example and be gentle with the way they give advice.

Nichole

I suppose I should have replied to any of these posts, but 'm not going to play that game.

Same here, my friend. You can drop down my check in anytime! (Even though I'm not doing strict no-s since I eat snacks, lol)...

Nichole

Picture time! Homemade pancakes (the slabs of butter were just for the picture. I took most of it off, lol): http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/3857868982_1f60a128dd.jpg Focaccia bread: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3857869214_068730a221.jpg Drawing of "Taco Fairy" my mom gave me: http://farm...

Nichole

gratefuldeb67 wrote: NicHole, I drink instant coffee.. it's pretty weak actually, and usually I have only 3 cups on normal days, 4 occasionally..

Ahhh, okay. lol. I just pictured you all wired up all day.

Nichole

Thanks guys! Strawberry, I didn't even see your post until just now because your post was put through a minute before mine, so I was typing when you added your post. lol.

Nichole

Why eat ANYTHING, really? We'd lose much faster if we didn't! Deb, could you maybe try using plain Dutch-process cocoa powder in your coffee and a little sugar, instead of the instant hot-chocolate mix? that way you're only getting the pure cocoa flavor and the sugar you choose to add, without the ...

Nichole

My opinion is.... 4-5 tsp of cocoa mix is not going to kill ya, especially if the rest of the day is healthy. That's a lot of caffeine (4-5 cups of coffee), though.. I don't know how you ever fall asleep! And, yes, a tsp of sugar, according the nutrition facts on my Domino sugar packs, is 15 calories.

Nichole

I was 134.2 today! I'm in maintenance mode now, but if I lose more weight, that's cool too.

TODAY:
Cereal (yogurt burst cheerios)
Chicken and veggies and small piece of focaccia
Yogurt/granola
Salmon for dinner, i guess, and a ceasar salad

Nichole

I definitely plan ahead, especially since I try to be "good" 90% of the time. For instance, this week, I may be going out to lunch on Saturday and Sunday is a baby shower. I am choosing the baby shower to have a small treat, maybe a piece of cake, but not the birthday lunch. I already have Sunday ma...

Nichole

I don't think I am going to be consciously trying to lose any more weight, for a few reasons. First, it's hard. Second, my clothes are not fitting and I honestly cannot afford to go out and buy more clothes. Third, I think I like this weight :). They say if you lose 10% of your weight, that's a) bet...

Nichole

lol... I was over my in-laws and had a can of Diet Dr. Pepper and thought of you. Diet Colas... I try to avoid them, but sometimes they're nice to drink while I'm making dinner and I'm tired. This usually happens around Thursday and Friday for some reason. I can't wait until Labor Day! We are going ...

Nichole

Ooooh I love Smuckers Strawberry with Splenda.. yum yum! Except I never finish the jar because I hardly ever have bagels or toast or anything like that. I don't know about the worst thing I've done on a diet though.. I've never tried anything crazy. NoS/calorie counting is the only thing I've been a...

Nichole

Pretty good weekend nutrition wise..... Ate healthy all weekend, but had a brownie and 3 small pieces of cake! lol! I was 136 this morning. No harm, no foul. Pretty sure it was from lack of water b/c I was extremely thirsty yesterday but was so busy getting ready for company, that I forgot to drink ...

Nichole

I made those pancakes... delicious, such a treat! I am baking fresh focaccia bread now, it's in the oven and smells amazing!

Using it for sandwiches tomorrow when my family comes over.

Nichole

Have fun getting ready! My best friend who's a teacher got kicked out of her school for trying to go last Saturday - lol. Dunno why. I see a lot of status updates on Facebook about my teacher friends getting ready for school.

Nichole

Yes, I don't feel like dirting up my pretty mixer just for pancakes...! But since you said it's not hassle, I thought "I bet he doesn't use their mixer!"

Speaking of my mixer, I was thinking of buying a cover, but I don't want to not be able to see it. haha.

Nichole

Btw, does he use a mixer or do it buy hand?

Nichole

Hmmm, I think the recipe I have calls for regular milk :) Yesh, it shouldn't be too bad if I just have a couple, like usual. Maybe I will buy some blueberries...oooh!!!! I'll freeze any we don't eat for next weekend :). Oh and I considered buying the sugar free stuff, but thought.. it'd be nicer to ...

Nichole

I'll have to think about it

I am thinking about making homemade pancakes tomorrow. No bisquick! It's pretty easy. I want to try it. I bought nice maple syrup the last time I was at Acme, and baking powder, so I'm all set. Not very healthy, but I really want to try it!

Nichole

We live in an ENVIRONMENT and culture that does not support healthy choices - in fact, just the opposite. I think I'd have to agree with that... At the supermarket, for instance, buying fresh produce and meat is so much more expensive than buying junk. :? And, in my family, we can never have a simp...

Nichole

More background on what I'm doing... Saturday, for instance, I ate like normal + small fried ice cream. Sunday, same thing, plus piece of cake. So about 300 more cals... Can that really be on the scale Monday morning? I am thirsty constantly all weekend, so it's my fault I suppose. Giving up the sca...

Nichole

I am doing a lot of thinking... Trying to decide if I really want to get to 130 or if that would be too hard. I am already worried about my brother's going away party and when we have people over on Sunday, they are bringing sweets. When I am "bad" on the weekends it really sets me back. I don't wan...

Nichole

I don't think anyone has any right to tell someone else if what they are doing is right or wrong, unless they are anorexic or bulimic or in immediate danger. Discouragement is the worst - when it comes to ANYTHING. People need to find their own paths. If someone said to me, "I am going on Atkins," I...

Nichole

I am 134.8 today

I just spoke to my mom and she is getting a sheet cake for the going away party.. she wants to put the picture of the front of the post card I made on the cake

I hope it turns out looking good. Just sent her the file.

Nichole

Lol, thanks. My weight fluctuates... the other day I was 137 and today I'm 135. I get dehydrated over the weekend, I think! My original goal was 140, but I kept doing what I was doing

Good luck on all your goals!

Nichole

lol! I'm preparing for more adventures in cooking on Sunday. My mom, brother, sister, bro in law, and niece are coming over. I am making grilled chicken sandwiches and a salad. Mom is bringing pasta salad and cake. Anyway, I was going to buy foccacia bread at ACME (supermarket), but I thought... why...

Nichole

I won't ever be going back to school b/c I am paying enough loans back as it is. My husband bugs me to illustrate a children's book from time to time. But I have no great ideas and that's really time consuming. Very unmotivated lol. I'm 135.2 today :) My new goal, I think, is 130. I don't think I'd ...

Nichole

Nope.. didn't even major in it in college (one of my biggest regrets).

I write copy for ads.

Nichole

Cool! I love my Coca Cola kitchen. I am going to making curtains for it soon. Not with Coca Cola fabric, though - all I could find was fleece fabric. So I ordered red with little white polka dots. My MIL is going to help me. Here are some non-stitching things I've been working on: http://farm4.stati...

Nichole

I'm 136 today.

Nothing real interesting to say here.

Nichole

I exercise in front of the TV every day. I kind of hate exercising outside - it's too unpredicable weather-wise which makes it hard to get into a groove, I feel VERY self conscious (yes, even though I'm not overweight) and people kinda scare me. Yes, this is very anti-social behavior, but what can I...

Nichole

That picture is scaring me. And pleaaaase, don't call me Nicky. I don't really keep sweets in the house, ever. Justin came to the conclusion that he doesn't want it in the house anyways. So I hid the chocolate chips that I bought for myself and am going to make cookies for the next party we are invi...

Nichole

That sounds really nice!!

That's also why I like working out after work, especially if it was a stressful ride home. I take the highway up and back to work, takes about 30 - 45 minutes. An hour if I'm REALLY lucky.

Nichole

I think that Splenda is a "gift from God" which I gratefully incorporate into my food plans. I've seen you say this before and I always think about that as I use Splenda, lol. It's a staple in our home. My husband makes homemade iced tea with it. The canister that in most houses that would contain ...

Nichole

I can't wait to get home. I plan to do 45 minutes on the bike and some crunches and push ups. Taco salad tonight, yaaay!!!! Yum yum.

Nichole

They should have named this article "Why Exercise ALONE Won't Make You Thin."

Nichole

I'm so tired. Anyway, I'm 136.8 today :/ Blaaaah, I hate weight fluctuations. I think I want to try to be 130-135. That would be a nice range. I hate the fluctuations though because I never know if I should consider myself as having lost 15 lbs or not. I definitely like the way my body is looking, b...

Nichole

Sounds like a great plan! Good job resisting donuts. Why not buy some weights for at home? I have 3s and 5s (yes I'm weak, lol).

Nichole

Hmmm, well I bought chocolate/peanut butter swirl chips to make cookies with but Justin took back what he said and said we don't need them? I dunno. So I'll make them for my sister's block party in a few weeks I suppose. Today I'm 134.8! :) Later I am seeing District 9 and going to our fav Mexican R...

Nichole

Ahh, but you might step on a bee.

Nichole

I bought 80/20 burgers... Flay said anything less than that and there's not much taste to it, or they're too dry. That I definitely agree with. Also, I have this cool thing from my bridal shower that helps press the perfectly shaped burgers. I love it! What a cool kitchen tool. Here it is, too: http...

Nichole

All very interesting! I was looking at the book in Borders the other day. And I love food and making dishes (though they're simple) so even reading about it is exciting. Even if all I do is read it, I'm sure there are some tricks in there to be learned.

Nichole

I got in a kind of argument with my husband last night about sweets. He wants me to bake sometimes. He asked for my chocolate chip cookie bars. I don't know why, but I got mad b/c I just lost so much weight and I'm trying to maintain it. I'm not sure what to do. I feel like I have to work on not eat...

Nichole

Hmmm, I don't know. It just helps? I put on my facebook that I had lost 15 lbs and my best friend said "omg, I wish I could do that." I sent her a private message asking her why she can't- was it health reasons? And she said it's because "I dunno...Everytime I try to I gain more hence my weight gain...

Nichole

Great job!

Nichole

That's great!

I've read up on that before and it seems like a great program.

Nichole

"We also know that any exerciser with a brain realizes he or she has to balance "calories in" with "calories out." And to lose weight you need to put out more than you take in. If you reward yourself with a frappuccino after every yoga session, the calories are going the wrong way." That's what I sa...

Nichole

First.. Panera Bread - my husband's work did that for them a few weeks ago.. He said it was delish! The Dog - I'm glad all that happened to that dog. Castration? Dang. lol. As far as your fear... I don't know. I guess just take some precautions to make you feel better on your walks? I suppose just d...

Nichole

Thanks! I told someone yesterday it took 6 months because I thought I started in March when it was actually May. I got my Ms mixed up, haha.

Nichole

I have officially lost 15 lbs as of this morning!

135 even-steven!

Now I can say... you were right Strawberry! lol.

Here is my updated chart:

Nichole

As of today, I've officially lost 15 lbs! I was 150 in May and now I am 135.

Nichole

Yes you did! But that's partially because your encouragment helps me keep trying

But I'm practically 136, though.. 135.8 is soo close to 136. Sooo I'm not counting it as 135 til I'm 134.9 or something haha.

Nichole

A girl at work just told me that I'm looking really good and can totally notice the weight loss... lol.

Nichole

I have the hardest time in November - December. We're talking 6 birthdays in November (nephew, bro in law, me, husband, mom), Thanksgiving, etc. Plus, Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks.. and Panera start advertising their pumpkin lattes and omg, I love pumpkin lattes... Then you've got December which is 3...

Nichole

That is one of the reasons I am trying to eat right and exercise well now - so that once we decide to have kids, I will be more ready for those challenges on my body, and I'll already have the habits down to set a healthy example for the kids! This is a great attitude! I read several articles yeste...

Nichole

Yes, that's what I've read too! And since I've been exercising pretty steadily for the past few years, I'm not too worried. By next year, I'll have been biking for two years, so I think that's a pretty good foundation. I'm really looking forward to it :) Most of our debts will be paid off and we'll ...

Nichole

I am 135.8 today! I know it's practically 136, but I haven't seen the scale say 135 in soooo long!!!

Happy about that. Oh and I can finally see my abs! *happy dance*

Today:
Cereal
Cheese
Chicken and veggies
Yogurt/granola
Subway sammie, 6"

Nichole

lol! Yes. And the article of the title is misleading - though I suppose it's to get your attention to get you to read. Oh well! Since I may be trying for a baby in a year with my husband, I've also been researching exercising/eating right while pregnant. I already have the goal of at least just doin...

Nichole

And since this is my own check in, I feel free to say that I don't see all the hoopla about that silly Time article on the main page. Anyone who thoroughly researches nutrition/exercise knows that eating right and exercising go hand in hand. You can't eat a ton of food, exercise a little, and expect...

Nichole

Glad that all is well!

Nichole

Still 136.8 :) ..Even though I had a piece of cake yesterday...! No more goodies for me until Saturday!! We're going to a Mexican restaurant that serves awesome fried ice cream. I'm going to be green the rest of this week so that I truly deserve my special treat. I'm also just going to get three chi...

Nichole

Hi Everyone, If you know me at all, you know I love cooking and am quite new to it. I am contemplating buying a Julia Child cookbook in the future. Anyone own any Julia Child cookbooks? Are they a useful learning tool or do you have to be an expert cook to appreciate them? Are ALL the recipes the ty...

Nichole

I tried it his way yesterday. I think next time I'll DEFINITELY use egg to give more moisture. And some finely chopped up onions and seasoning. But with nothing, they were good, but kind of bland. On another note, however, making the little well with my thumb did avoid them puffing up in the middle....

Nichole

But I don't think people should be encouraged to not exercise - though I don't think this article is necessarily doing that. I think it's encouraging us to get exercise in the course of daily life more than relying on the gym. Yeah, but I don't think people should be encouraged not to go to the gym...

Nichole

136.8 today

I had a great weekend. My mom and brother came over and I made everyone burgers, homemade baked fries, baked beans, and my mom brought a salad. She also brought a DELICIOUS cake! I had two small pieces

Nichole

So, I read this and it basically said to me... People are not using their noggins.. eating a donut because they exercised? A 300 calorie donut, while all they did on the treadmill was burn 100-200 calories. :roll: Of course you're going to gain weight if you are eating more calories than you are bur...

Nichole

I like it! I totally intend on being one of those "Oh you want Oreos, and Cookie Crisp Cereal.. well,TOUGH!" moms... Just like my mom was

Nichole

It was yummers! I think I'll have some of the left overs for breakfast... maybe. Hmmm.

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