DWBride615

It's friday again!!! Time to send in your weigh-ins! Just a friendly reminder that entries are due by 12:00pm EST on Saturday. If you can't make it on time or have any questions, just let me know =] I hope everyone had a better week than I did; the camping trip led me a bit off track. Not that many healthy food options that can be prepared on the road, so FI and I pretty much ate what we wanted and then that continued during the week. I will definitely work on getting back on track this weekend. Maybe I should post a tasty and healthy snack that can be prepared on the go in one of the weekly updates. Best of luck, ladies!

 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 26 – OCTOBER 2, 2010     Tip of the Week Did you know?... A weight-loss product that claims to be “natural†or “herbal†is not necessarily safe. These products are not usually scientifically tested to prove that they are safe or that they work. For example, herbal products containing ephedra (now banned by the U.S. Government) have caused serious health problems and even death. Newer products that claim to be ephedra-free are not necessarily danger-free, because they may contain ingredients similar to ephedra. Talk with your health care provider before using any weight-loss product. Some natural or herbal weight-loss products can be harmful.      Challenge of the Week (I think Ann’s suggestions are great, so I’m posting but ALL credit goes to Ann  Go on a bike ride for at least an hour       Myth of the Week(Is it True or False?) “Nuts are fattening and you should not eat them if you want to lose weight.†  Fact: In small amounts, nuts can be part of a healthy weight-loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat. However, most nuts contain healthy fats that do not clog arteries. Nuts are also good sources of protein, dietary fiber, and minerals including magnesium and copper.  Tip: Enjoy small portions of nuts. One-half ounce of mixed nuts has about 84 calories.       Healthy Recipe of the Week   3-Cheese White Pizza     Ingredients 3/4 cup ricotta cheese 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 bunch broccoli rabe (about 1 pound) …Spinach leaves can be used instead 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch slices 11 0-ounce prepared thin pizza crust, such as Boboli Directions 1. Place oven rack in lowest position. Heat oven to 450 degrees F. 2. Mix ricotta and Parmesan together; set aside. Rinse broccoli rabe, remove outer leaves and thick stems; cut into 2-inch pieces. Set aside. 3. In a large saute pan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook garlic for 1 minute. Add broccoli rabe, salt, rosemary and red pepper flakes to pan and cook, stirring, for 9 minutes or until tender; set aside. 4. Place mozzarella slices evenly on pizza crust. Spread broccoli rabe on top, then drop rounded tablespoons of ricotta mixture on top of broccoli. 5. Bake at 450 degrees F for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into eight wedges and serve immediately.  Yield : 8 Servings

That would be completely fine =] I believe and trust everyone on the weight they tell; it's just for proof and to make sure it's fair for all the ladies. I heard from previous hosts and moderators that told me there were some big disagreements and fights in previous season's on here with claims over possible cheating and such. Although I highly doubt anyone in this group would start a fight of any sort, I just wanted to add that precaution to prevent it. Â And sending in the two scale pics, one with feet and one without, would be totally fine =] Best of luck! Â

Week 4 Weigh-Ins!  I'm back! =]   Thank you all for sending in week four submissions! I know this is a little late and for anyone who was unaware... I had absolutely no internet access this weekend. I’m back and the weekly update will be up soon. =] The weigh-ins are in and this week’s weight loss percentages have been calculated. In alphabetical order…  Competing category:  CanadianSandy - 0.16% Jkgirl83 (Katie) - 1.97% Mrs.*J*2011 (Lea) - 0.26% Msmarmar123 (Marla) - 0.38% Oryx (Renée) - 1.44% SheriB - 0.68% Stachr (Stacey) Teira1031 + 0.73% Tifany Non-competing category: Cindy* Heartbeat (Michelle) OceanWonderland (Leslie) - 0.88% Sunstarmoon (Chris)   Week three’s MVP is Jkgirl83 (Katie) for losing -1.97% for the competing category!!!    Congratulations to everyone on your hard work. Remember, we are all here to support each other on our journey to a healthier lifestyle. It’s time for week five! =] Great job, ladies!   On a side note, ladies, please remember to have your feet showing on your scale pics. This is out of fairness for all the ladies and applies to all contestants. Also, as a reminder for contest fairness, anyone who misses two weeks of weigh-ins without notifying me will have to be switched to the non-competing category. I completely understand things come up and with a busy life, we're bound to forget things, but to stay eligible for the ‘win’, please let me know when you’ll miss a weigh-in beforehand. Non-competing category players will still be just as involved as anyone else. Thanks and good luck! =]

regular milk    in terms of weather...freezing cold or blazing heat?

Hi ladies, Â Just a friendly reminder that tomorrow is the Week 4 Weigh-In =] As usual, please send in your scale pictures by the Saturday, 12:00pm EST deadline. Â I, also, wanted to remind everyone that I won't have internet access this weekend from Friday to Monday. So, the weight loss precentages and weekly update won't be posted until Tuesday or Wednesday next week. The entry deadline will still be the same though. Â Good luck and have a great weekend!

wine  chicken or steak?

 Yes, they are all recipes I've tried before. I even made the pancake recipe stachr sent in. Delicious! Thanks, stacey! =] However, the veggie burger from week 2 is a recommendation from my sister. She's vegetarian and I thought it might be helpful for other vegetarians.  I search for recipes by the diet. I want there to be a variety of different recipes because we have different diets (whether it be low-carb, low-calorie, etc. or), so I look for different ones. If I find something worth trying, I read the reviews from people who have previously made them. If the recipe has great reviews, I print it and try to make it. If I recommend it, I post it on the weekly update. Making these recipes to decide what to post in the update actually helps me stay on track with healthy eating =]  I'm not sure what a 'non-reactive' saucepan is, but I think they meant when you're putting in the wine. Alcohol on the stove catches on fire in the pan (usually happens with vodka), but the fire goes down really fast. I guess they meant to make sure to use a pan that won't react with the wine. I just used a regular saucepan and made sure to pour the stock first then mixed the wine in after; meal came out just fine and no issues.  Oh, and for those interested in the recipe, the sauce is very lemony...still good, but you'll definitely taste the lemon. If you don't like the sauce, just don't make it or don't pour it on the chicken. The chicken is still tasty on its own without it and you can serve it with a side of vegetables or something. Hope that helps.   I wanted to help out the ladies who wanted another season by hosting. This thread and you all help me out greatly as well. I think good health doesn't depend on solely weight, but overall diet and exercise. This group helps me stay on track with that. Normally, I have a terrible diet and rarely exercise so I'm working on living a healthier lifestyle. I see this as a great and fun way for a group of women working on becoming healthier and I'm glad to be a part of it, despite not entering the contest =].

 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 19 – 25, 2010     Tip of the Week Here’s a fun fact... Fast foods can be part of a healthy weight-loss program with a little bit of know-how. Avoid supersized combo meals, or split one with a friend. Sip on water or fat-free milk instead of soda. Choose salads and grilled foods, like a grilled chicken breast sandwich or small hamburger. Try a “fresco†taco (with salsa instead of cheese or sauce) at taco stands. Fried foods, like french fries and fried chicken, are high in fat and calories, so order them only once in a while, order a small portion, or split an order with a friend. Also, use only small amounts of high-fat, high-calorie toppings, like regular mayonnaise, salad dressings, bacon, and cheese.      Challenge of the Week (I think Ann’s suggestions are great, so I’m posting but ALL credit goes to Ann J Walk for 3 miles     Myth of the Week(Is it True or False?) “‘Going vegetarian’ means you are sure to lose weight and be healthier.† Fact:Research shows that people who follow a vegetarian eating plan, on average, eat fewer calories and less fat than nonvegetarians. They also tend to have lower body weights relative to their heights than nonvegetarians. Choosing a vegetarian eating plan with a low fat content may be helpful for weight loss. But vegetarians—like nonvegetarians—can make food choices that contribute to weight gain, like eating large amounts of high-fat, high-calorie foods or foods with little or no nutritional value. Vegetarian diets should be as carefully planned as nonvegetarian diets to make sure they are balanced. Nutrients that nonvegetarians normally get from animal products, but that are not always found in a vegetarian eating plan, are iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and protein.  Tip:Choose a vegetarian eating plan that is low in fat and that provides all of the nutrients your body needs. Food and beverage sources of nutrients that may be lacking in a vegetarian diet are listed below. Iron: cashews, spinach, lentils, garbanzo beans, fortified bread or cereal Calcium:dairy products, fortified soy-based beverages, tofu made with calcium sulfate, collard greens, kale, broccoli Vitamin D:fortified foods and beverages including milk, soy-based beverages, or cereal Vitamin B12:eggs, dairy products, fortified cereal or soy-based beverages, tempeh, miso (tempeh and miso are foods made from soybeans) Zinc:whole grains (especially the germ and bran of the grain), nuts, tofu, leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, lettuce) Protein: eggs, dairy products, beans, peas, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, soy-based burgers       Healthy Recipe of the Week  Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Lemony White Wine Sauce    Low-Carb Recipe  Ingredients  Stuffing: 1 cup cooked, chopped, and drained fresh spinach 1/2 cup ricotta 1/2 cup Gorgonzola Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 large egg Sauce: 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup homemade chicken stock 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 lemons, juiced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper Chopped parsley leaves, for garnish Chicken: 4 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (can be replace with olive oil)  Directions  Make the Stuffing: In a bowl, combine the spinach, ricotta, and Gorgonzola and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add the egg, mix well, and set aside.  Make the Sauce: Combine the wine and stock in a non-reactive saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a sauce-like consistency. Whisk in the mustard, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.  Make the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between 2 doubled-up sheets of plastic wrap, and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness with a meat-pounder or rolling pin. Divide the stuffing between the breasts, mounding it along the center of each. Fold the bottom edge of each breast over the stuffing, fold in the sides, and roll forward until completely wrapped, to form a tight rolled package. Secure each flap with a toothpick. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Cover the skillet, turn the heat down to low, and cook until just cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, pour the sauce into the skillet over high heat and cook, stirring and scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon. Slice the chicken into medallions, divide among plates, and spoon some of the sauce over each. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.  Yield : 4 servings

Week 3 Weigh-Ins  Thank you all for sending in week three submissions! The weigh-ins are in and this week’s weight loss percentages have been calculated. In alphabetical order…    Competing category:  CanadianSandy - 1.39% Jkgirl83 (Katie) + 0.66% Msmarmar123 (Marla) -/+ 0.00 % Mrs.*J*2011 (Lea) - 0.77% Oryx (Renée) - 0.83% SheriB Stachr (Stacey) - 0.43% Sunstarmoon (Chris) -/+ 0.00% Teira1031 - 0.52% Tifany - 1.24% Non-competing category: Cindy* - 0.39% Heartbeat (Michelle) - 2.16% OceanWonderland (Leslie) -/+ 0.00 %    Week three’s MVP is CanadianSandyfor losing -1.39% for the competing category and a VERY Special Mention to Heartbeat (Michelle) for losing -2.16% in the non-competing category!!  Congratulations to everyone on your hard work. Remember, we are all here to support each other on our journey to a healthier lifestyle. It’s time for week four! Great job, ladies!

Hello ladies! Â It's Friday! Time to send in your weigh-ins for week three! =] If you haven't sent your scale pics in already, please do so before 12:00pm EST this Saturday. Â On another note, I wanted to make an announcment for next week. Â I head back home this Sunday night, so there shouldn't be internet issues on the weekdays. However, a week from now, next Friday [the 24th] after work, FI and I will be going on a short camping trip (after hearing about some of you having one for labor day weekend; we decided to plan our own and will be back Monday, the 27th. I will still post my weekly update this Sunday as usual, but next week's weight loss percentages and weekly update will be delayed until the following Monday or Tuesday (the 27th or 28th). Â Please continue to send in your week 4 weigh-ins by the original deadline of September 25 at 12:00pm EST. I will calculate them as soon as I get back from the camping trip. This won't affect this week 3's weigh-ins at all. Â Best of luck! =]

 WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 12 – 18, 2010    Tip of the Week Did you know?...If you garden for pleasure, you may not be aware of how beneficial this hobby is for your health. While you’re preparing your garden plot to grow fresh veggies, or while you’re busy turning the compost pile, you’re actually doing a decent amount of exercise as well! Gardening and yard care are unique forms of exercise that allow you to do something calming, creative and fun while you work various muscle groups and get a moderate level of cardiovascular exercise as well. This is truly the great thing about gardening for exercise, as you can use your whole body while you’re working. Gardening involves a number of different kinds of exercises, including stretching, weightlifting, and a moderate cardiovascular workout. You can expend as much effort raking the lawn as you would during a leisurely bicycle ride. Trimming trees and shrubs is roughly the equivalent of walking at a moderate pace. Heavier work like clearing brush and stacking wood can give you the equivalent workout as a light aerobics class. 45 minutes worth of gardening can burn as many calories as 30 minutes of aerobics.     Challenge of the Week (I think Ann’s suggestions are great, so I’m posting but ALL credit goes to Ann   Lift weights (at least 5 lbs.) for at least 50 pumps.     Myth of the Week(Is it True or False?)  “Lifting weights is not good to do if you want to lose weight, because it will make you ‘bulk up.’†  Fact: Lifting weights or doing strengthening activities like push-ups and crunches on a regular basis can actually help you maintain or lose weight. These activities can help you build muscle, and muscle burns more calories than body fat. So if you have more muscle, you burn more calories—even sitting still. Doing strengthening activities 2 or 3 days a week will not “bulk you up.â€Only intense strength training, combined with a certain genetic background, can build very large muscles.  Tip: In addition to doing moderate-intensity physical activity (like walking 2 miles in 30 minutes) on most days of the week, try to do strengthening activities 2 to 3 days a week. You can lift weights, use large rubber bands (resistance bands), do push-ups or sit-ups, or do household or garden tasks that make you lift or dig. Strength training helps keep your bones strong while building muscle, which can help burn calories.        Healthy Recipe of the Week  Healthified Spinach-Artichoke Dip  Ingredients 4 cups lightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves (4 oz) 1 package (8 oz) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel), softened 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise 4 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz) 1/4 cup fat-free (skim) milk 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained, chopped Baguette slices, if desired Assorted raw vegetables, if desired Directions 1.Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 1-quart shallow glass baking dish or 9-inch glass pie plate with cooking spray. 2.Place spinach in 2-quart microwavable casserole; add 1/4 cup water. Cover; microwave on High 2 minutes. Drain well, pressing spinach with paper towels to remove excess liquid. Chop spinach. 3.In large bowl, beat cream cheese with spoon until smooth. Beat in mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, the milk, garlic and basil until well blended. Stir in spinach and artichokes. Spread evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining tablespoon cheese. 4.Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Serve with baguette slices or raw vegetables.

Please ignore the line separation in the last post...it's a typo =/ Oh, how I miss the 'edit' button...

Week 2 Weigh-ins   Thank you all for sending in week two submissions! The weigh-ins are in and this week’s weight loss percentages have been calculated. In alphabetical order…   Competing category: CanadianSandy -0.31% Jkgirl83 (Katie) -0.90% Msmarmar123 (Marla) -0.61% Mrs.*J*2011 (Lea) -0.64% Oryx (Renée) +0.96% SheriB +1.03% Stachr (Stacey) -2.12% Sunstarmoon (Chris) Teira1031 -1.99% Tifany -/+0.00% I’d like to state in error in last week’s update due to an email typo. The weight loss percentage I listed was significantly higher than the true one at -0.55%. Sorry Tifany! Non-competing category: Cindy* -0.64% Heartbeat (Michelle) +2.84 % OceanWonderland (Leslie) -1.45%  Week two’s MVP is Stachr (Stacey) for losing -2.12%!! YAY!! Congrats on your achievement  Congratulations to everyone on your hard work. Remember, we are all here to support each other on our journey to a healthier lifestyle. It’s time for week three! WOOHOO!! Great job, ladies!

 Hello ladies,  I received many weigh-ins today and noted them. If you haven't already sent yours in, please send your scale pics by 12:00pm EST today(Saturday).  I'm still having limited internet use and most likely will only be online at night. Hopefully, I will be able to post the weight loss percentage totals by later tonight.  Thank you for your entries and Good luck ladies!! =] Chelsea  P.S. Thank you, Oryx, for the lemon update. I will definitely start heating the water or at least having it at room temperature from now on. And congrats, Cindy! The wedding is just around the corner =]

Week 2 Weigh-in is today! WOOHOO!!! Please remember to send in your scale pics. If you have trouble sending it in on time or have questions, feel free to contact me. This week internet use will be a little limited, but I'll do my best at responding quickly. Â I'm currently in Pacific West time while traveling, but the late entry deadline will still be the regular 12:00pm EST(Florida/New York time). Â As usual, to anyone interested in entering the non-competing category, you may send in your info at any time during the 12 week season. Â Good luck, ladies! =]

Oryx - Thanks for letting us know =] I drink green tea daily, so I'm glad to hear the benefits from a specialist. I drink lemon in my water in the mornings too, but does it have to be hot? I usually drink it in cold water, but wonder if it makes a difference what the temperature of the water is. Â Â thanks again!

niajs - chocolate, sugar, or other edible product

Green tea! Yum    spearmint or peppermint?

Spent the day with Eric, went to the movies, and met up with friends at a restaurant for dinner where we drank and had lots of fun =]

This link should answer all the questions asked, including what the 'mother' is.  http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/apple-cider-vinegar.html  The reason why the organic is better is because the regular cooking one is pasteurized, heated, and filtered where a lot of the beneifical properties are removed(including the 'mother')...Kind of like how you can't heat up baby milk in the microwave or else all the vitamins are taken away.  Here's the brand I use (it can be found at local grocery stores, in the organic section).  http://bragg.com/products/acv.html  Hope it helps =] Â

curly hair    3D or IMAX?

Thank you =]

LOVE! Â Â Â amusement parks?

I take the women's daily vitamin for overall good health. I have a bad food eating habit that I'm trying to break out of. A lot of the foods I tend to eat don't provide the vitamins or anything else my body needs, so the vitamin supply the healthy vitamins I didn't eat. I, also, take other herbal supplements. Â I take odorless fish oil softgels because I don't really like fish or other kinds of seafood and this way i can get the benefits of the fish oil with out eating it(great for skin). I take odorless garlic softgels for heart health. Last, I take niacin for hair and nails. I've had a bad habit since I was kid of biting my nails and during my late teens/early adulthood, I would get acrylic nails. The aftermath is thin and weak/brittle nails, so niacin actually makes them stronger and gives me naturally healthier hair. Â A few of my friends are taking B-12 (either weekly doctor injections, pills, or liquid) for weight loss and it seems to work for them.