I just stole these off someplace else cuz I had to share them and hope they get sent to me (MMMM)
Check this out:

Low Carb Flourless PROTEIN COOKIES:

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Peanut Butter (or PB2, Powdered Peanut Butter, which is much lower in fat for a lower calorie but slightly less filling cookie — click the link to view or buy PB2).
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (or 1/2 cup for extra chocolatey goodness)
• 2 tbsp Ground Flax Seed
• 1/4 cup Diced Walnuts
• 2 scoops Protein Powder (I used 100% Whey Gold Double Rich Chocolate, available here)

1. Preheat oven to 375.
2. Combine all ingredients and mix well.
3. Scoop onto cookie sheet and flatten with a fork. (Makes 8 large, using an ice cream scoop as a guide. Making 12-14 smaller would also work!)
4. Bake for 14-18 minutes or until cookies are just beginning to brown (my bake time on this was funky. I first baked for 10, then took it out for a few, then put it back in for 5. I also turned the temp up to 375 for the last few minutes. Just watch for browning).

Eat when you’re in need of energy or want to stay full for hours!

(stolen from Frugalgirls .com)

STOP!!!!!!
Now, think about WHY do you want to lose weight?
And for WHO?
Take one of those index cards and write your answers down.

Anxiety? Mood Swings? Stress? Vit C! Folic Acid! Tryptophan!

(I had an image of Dr Oz on here because I learned this from him but I have removed that image out of respect for him. Dr. Oz does not sell any products and I am only trying to give credit when I obtain information from someone.)
For Anxiety:
Drink Kefir Milk
This milk is different from regular milk because it’s fermented with probiotic kefir grains. Kefir milk is also loaded with tryptophan – an amino acid that also helps raise serotonin levels in the brain – which can help reduce anxious feelings. Drinking one cup a day is enough to keep you feeling calm.
For Mood Swings:
Eat Asparagus
If you’re prone to mood swings, asparagus is a must-have vegetable in your diet. It’s packed with folic acid; low levels of this nutrient have been linked to depression. Just one cup of asparagus has 66% of your daily value of folic acid. It’s easy to incorporate this superfood into your diet – you can use it as an ingredient in an omelet or throw some asparagus tips into a salad. Try to work it into at least two meals a day to regulate mood.
For Stress:
Eat Oranges
Oranges are packed with vitamin C, which brings high stress hormones back to normal levels more quickly. Vitamin C also helps lower blood pressure. Blood pressure can rise in response to stressful situations. Eat an orange as a snack on the days when you anticipate extra stress at home or at work. Doing so about an hour before a stressful situation can help you stay calm.
(thanks Dr. Oz )

This looked interesting and I started to read it.
Then, I started to make notes.
Then I just copied the link to post it.
Much easier than all those notes!

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/nutrition/photos/9-spices-super-healing-powers#1

We are overweight for reasons that we cannot always control.
I have learned that it is very hard to stop eating and stop eating what is enjoyed.
Until you reach a point of supernatural control, don't stop eating. Work with it.
Substitute foods you enjoy that are good for you for the ones that aren't.
I gave up bagels, but I never gave up having something cake-like with my morning coffee. I have protein bars instead.
At night I nibble on blueberries or a big plate of veggies of choice.
Find what works for you.

Blueberries

Due to some real life problems lately, I have not been myself.
Actually, I guess I really haven't been my old self. I had that old urge to stuff down the feelings with food. Did I get out the chocolate or the ice cream?
No!!!
I bought very expensive (Godiva?) blueberries!! They aren't in season for awhile yet so I paid $7 for the 2 containers that I have bought in the summer for $4. Nice plump, juicy blueberries the size of small grapes! I can't post a picture of them since I ate all of my blueberries.
I ate 2 pints of blueberries for 120 calories each.
Imagine? And they are so very good for you, too!
I just searched for some pictures and found "ScienceDaily (Apr. 19, 2009) — Could eating blueberries help get rid of belly fat? And could a blueberry-enriched diet stem the conditions that lead to diabetes? A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests so."
Hmmm......

My son just sent me this from Lifehacker.com - mmmm - had to share!:
Bake an Egg in an Avocado for a Fast and Healthy Breakfast Treat-
Avocados are amazing things—they're delicious on their own, but they also have a lot of healthy fats, dietary fibers, and vitamins, and despite their high caloric value, they're remarkably easy to prepare.
If you have an avocado that's too firm to use for something else, or you're just in the mood for something new and healthy for breakfast, slice it in half, remove the pit, and carve out a little space in the center.
Crack an egg where the pit was, and bake.
In a few minutes, you'll have a delicious, protein and vitamin-packed breakfast treat that's rich enough to keep you going all morning.

You are making life changes.
That is the beginning.
We can all do it- a diet or a surgery is just a tool, but your life changes are yours forever!!

I am just plain lazy.
I have lost almost 75 pounds this year and I still do not exercise. I need to at least learn to walk regularly in the street or the gym or around the mall, but some place!!! Why walk? The benefits of walking:

1. “Burn” calories, improves the rate of metabolism.
2. Helps strengthen the body, reduce local subcutaneous fat, helps to restore the loose body areas, as a result of the weight loss.
3. Helps to strengthen the bones (something especially important for women).
4. Reduces symptoms of varicose veins, helps the circulatory system.
5. Reduces blood pressure and pulse when you are relaxed
6. Help overcoming headaches.
7. Helps you be calmer with less stress, “intensity”, “nerves” that often cause greed, need for food.

After a good walk you would feel better, more relaxed, less stressed, and less “need” for food.

(info 'borrowed' from http://www.weightlosshelpandtips.net/2009/03/weight-loss-exercise-tips/ )

Are you ready to commit to a life change to lose your weight and keep it off?

Three days ago, I was given a tomato. It was very little colored, more pink than tomato colored.
I placed it in the plant room with the struggling pepper plants. Tomato was rotated every 12 hours, until today.
I have just finished slicing into a very red and delicious tomato. Well worth waiting for and it brought with it reminders of the healthy, good tasting foods not too far off.
Three years ago, this tomato would have rotted in the drawer in my fridge. I would never have enjoyed it since I wouldn't have looked for something fresh to eat.
The closest I came to a tomato was half a pizza. Yes pizza is yummy and healthy. No pizza is not one of the food groups and you cannot eat it daily.
I gave up bagels. I did not give up pizza. I have relocated pizza. It is a no more than once a month treat. When I eat it, I enjoy it.
Any food I eat, I enjoy now. If I feel guilty eating something, then I evaluate why. I stop eating and return to the labels. I read the nutritional values. I determine the food's location: in the good column or the NO! column?
I have developed my anything goes rule. One free bite. Of anything (but a bagel). One bite. After that one free bite, I have to pay. Not with money! Calories are costly. They go in the Bank of Hips and it is very hard to undo that damage.
Are you having trouble joining me?
Is it hard for you to get started?
Don't know where to start?
Add don't subtract.
Don't suffer.
You need to eat not starve.
How to add?
I keep saying add protein. How?
Take 7 empty, disposable 16 oz. water bottles. (You drank all the water yesterday and set them out to dry)
Line them up with a funnel in the first one.
Add a scoop of whey protein powder to each bottle. (I prefer vanilla flavored).
Cap 6 of the bottles.
The 7th bottle is for now.
Add 2 inches of warm, not hot, water. Cap it and shake vigorously to completely dissolve powder.
Now add flavor.
My bottles get Crystal Light. I like the strawberry/banana. Each botttle gets half of a packet before storing. That means I have dissolved this already and just need to add cold water.
Do you like Creamsicles? Add orange juice or other low cal orange drink. I know somebody that uses cranberry juice since she needs to drink it.
Experiment- you have a week's worth of protein drink to try. Every day, early in your day, drink your protein. Make sure you remember to eat 4 hours later.
If you have your protein early for breakfast, try a Greek yogurt for lunch. Fruit goes great with yogurt.
Have a great and healthy day!

CHOICE
The thing or person chosen; that which is approved and selected in preference to others; selection.
The best part; that which is preferable.

Every day You make choices.
Today choose to eat right and to choose your foods.
Choice eliminates the need for willpower.

Do you want me to tell you what to eat every day, every hour?
It didn't work for me. I saw those menus and measurements and I could not follow them.
I needed to learn to make healthy choices.
This is all about my life changes and you can make them your life changes, too.

You have heard the saying, "Eat to live, not to eat".
We are here to reduce the importance of food in our lives. When we suffer through someone else's menus for a week, they might cause us to lose weight but when we stop following those menus, it all comes back.
My weight has been coming off slowly and steadily for almost a year now. I am healthier and stronger than ever before.

You can choose to be also!!

My Winter Shopping Cart:

Chobani (or any) Strawberry Greek Yogurt- any size
Bananas
Damascus Flax Roll-Ups
Skippy Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter (better than the healthy brand)
Poland Spring or Nestle 160z water bottles (cases) for no reason other than how they fit in my hands
Tuna-any cheap, water packed type. I prefer Bumble Bee Light packed in a pouch
Kraft Fat free Catalina Dressing
Hellmann's Low Fat Mayonnaise Dressing 15 cals/Tbsp
Popping corn (air popped in microwave in a paper lunch bag)
spray oil/butter buds
Slimfast bottles
Designer Whey Protein Powder
Edy's Fruit Bars 25 cals each in my freezer
Ready cooked rotisserie chicken (I debone it and repack it when I get home)
Zone Protein Bars
Eggs to hard boil
Green tea and others
Salmon
Shrimp
Presliced fresh vegetables
Small amounts of cheese such as string cheese or any other low fat cheeses

(Winter shopping cart because I am a little stricter when the fresh fruit is better)

Please think about your shopping cart. What shouldn't be in there and what do you need to add?
I found out that when I eliminated Big Macs, Whoppers and other items like those, I was able to afford to make large pieces of salmon or handfuls of shrimp at home!

I have been trying to add things to your eating habits. It is so hard to give up the things we like or enjoy-even if they are killing us. We need to learn positive control and instigation.

Mmm, chocolate bars with hot, morning coffee....see how easy that was to put into your head?
Now think of a great big Chef's salad with all the good, healthy things added in that you like. If you can replace the first picture with the second one, you will have no problem losing all the weight you choose. However, if you are like me, then it didn't work.
To begin with, I now have a protein bar with my coffee. I still prefer the ones without the chocolate coating. It is just easier for me to not have any. I don't do well with moderation!
It is best to not allow that first picture to take up space in your mind at all. I have found that I shop with a buffet plan on my mind. I chose many foods that I can enjoy. They are all ready to use or even to eat when I bring them home. Zucchini is a very easy food to cook and I enjoy it. If I buy them whole, lazy me might just leave them till they are watery and rotten in my fridge. I pay a lot more for presliced vegetables-but I cook and eat them all. I save money because there is less rotten food. I don't like giving my food more time and attention then it already gets from me. You need to find what works for you.
Getting back to the evil pictures in my mind, I plan a meal based on those easy foods I have in the fridge. On my way home, I might be thinking about a slice of salmon filet from my freezer with just a splash of soy sauce on it (5 minutes in microwave if frozen) along with some vegetable that also gets quickly cooked in the microwave. No thinking about pizza being easier and faster.
I don't let myself feel hungry and that way, I don't let hunger win.

I have mentioned Protein shakes several times now. They are an essential part of our non-diet. Protein keeps us from feeling hungry.
There are many different whey protein shake recipes that you can try.
Basically, take a scoop of any brand whey protein powder along with other ingredients and mix in your blender. You can add fruit, milk, ice, anything.
My favorite protein shake is simple. I use an empty water bottle for the scoop of vanilla whey protein powder. I add about 2 inches of warm (never hot) water, close and shake. This dissolves everything. I then add strawberry Crystal Light and ice water and shake. Quick, easy, disposable!
If you page back to through the history of this blog, there is a post or more of shakes.

One Day at a Time.
Remember that.
This is your life and you need to take control of it.
I haven't said it before but I don't care how you do this- in other words if you like Weight Watchers or Jenny or Herbalife, that is ok. Get started any way you choose.
I want you to keep going. That is what we are doing here.
Life changes.
It is important to journal your foods (index cards) so that you are aware of when and what you eat.
We have eating problems. Food goes in and it isn't doing the right job. We need to fix that.
It is important to drink water. This is the truth and not just something weightloss centers think up so they can fill your poor, empty, tummy with something other that pizza.
Keep track of your liquids and waters on those index card food journals.
One meal a day is starvation. You have tried that diet, haven't you? It didn't work or you wouldn't be reading this now. Fasts are fine for a day. Actually, mini fasts are fine for a day. They can be used to kick start your weightloss when you have hit a plateau. A fast means focusing on no food for a day and finishing with a particular meal. Maybe a cabbage soup. This will cause you to lose water weight but not real weight.
Food needs to be stretched out over the day. You can try 6 mini meals a day and adjust it to what works for you.
You never want to be hungry. Hungry sabotages your plans. Protein will keep away the hungries. Eating before you feel hungry also keeps you winning.
I have told you before that I do not want you to give up anything. Yet, I want you to abandon the wrong choices.
Let's start your day with a protein drink such as Slimfast (my lazy choice). I use this one because it has protein and vitamins along with a taste I can tolerate. The price is also reasonable. Have a banana or other fruit, also.
An hour or two later, I have my coffee and a protein bar such as the ones made by Atkins or Zone. I choose a high protein low calorie one.
Lunch is next. How about tuna? Or hard boiled eggs? Or the two combined and blended with Hellman's Low Fat Mayo (the one with the green cap)? Add chopped onions and other veggie stuff as you prefer. This is not a time for a sandwich. Use your fork. I have invented many ways of eating this such as rolling spoonfuls in a lettuce leaf for mini wraps or using cucumber slices like crackers.
Another meal in a few hours. Greek yogurt. Any flavor, any amount. Have some fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
Dinner. You know the things we have been taught to eat but just make sure it is high on the protein and low on the fats, calories, carbs. My favorite is a piece of salmon (on a plate in the microwave covered for 3+/- minutes, season as you prefer), along with a ton of veggies. I cook my veggies in the microwave till the are just not hard anymore. Mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, green beans....I am lazy. I buy precut vegetables! I keep trying new ones. I google what I buy or see and figure out how to use my microwave or crockpot to invent a low cal lazy food.
Late nights can be hard. I pop popcorn in my microwave and sprinkle butter buds (seasonings aisle in supermarket) or garlic salt or spicey stuff on plain popcorn.
My freezer is filled with 25-50 calorie ice pops. I am really bad at the just one plan so I like the low cal ones so I can have 3!
Read the labels. I found individually wrapped string cheese was a controlled quantity of protein.
I like my cheeses. I have low fat swiss cheese that I only buy a small amount (quarter pound) and I have cheese and tomatoes.
I found flatbread by reading labels. I spread peanut butter on it. I read the labels and found the Healthy Choice brand was not as healthy as my favorite brand!
Have you been keeping track of my calories? My proteins?
Anytime I am hungry I always have my protein powder drink available. Simple mixture using vanilla flavored whey protein powder (Designer Whey) and any sugar free drink such as Crystal Light.
Plan out your food for tomorrow. Keep track of your numbers and make sure you won't be hungry.
You CAN do this. Let's.

Yesterday's lunch:
Any bag of 13 bean soup will do. Try Bob's or the cheap stuff!

13 Bean Soup Mix contains navy, black, red, pinto, baby limas, large limas, garbanzo, red lentils, great northern, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, yellow splits, green splits, and lentils.

2 cups '13 bean soup mix' beans (follow package instructions on soaking & rinsing)

Chicken or Vegetable broth

1/2 red pepper, chopped

1 cup celery, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp chili powder

pinch red pepper flakes

1 1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried thyme

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp pepper

2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Add your seasonings and chopped veggies that you enjoy-these are a suggestion.

Throw it all into the slow cooker for 3-4 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker . My slow cooker is tiny, for one person, so it takes about 8 hours!!

Delicious, healthy bean soup, high in soluble fibre!
You can enjoy this many ways. Try shredding a small amount of mozzarella cheese and/or chicken on top. Add your little left overs of your 'safe' foods!

My posts include pictures from other places found on the internet. I save all pictures to my computer and then upload them once again. I avoid using other people's bandwidth this way.
If I post a photo of yours and you would like credit added or the photo removed, please just let me know. I will be happy to do so along with my apologies.

I have many online friends in groups for weight loss surgery. I read about the difficulties they have. Some people need the control that is forced by the results of the surgery. When it is life or death that the weight needs to come off, it is a great tool. My point is that the surgery is a tool and not a magic wand.
I was looking for a magic wand.
I was too lazy to follow the outlines of any diet program. I wanted it easy. I still do.
Mmmmm, I would love a bagel. Or two.
That is my problem! I do not eat till I am sick or till I can't move. I do not eat ice cream from morning to night. I do enjoy my food and I love eating in restaurants.
I don't want to get sick every time I eat. Two ounces of food three times a day? Why have surgery? (This is not for discussion since I do realize that there are very good reasons for the weight loss surgery.)
It just isn't for me.
I have learned to do the things I need to CHANGE MY LIFE.
I have different eating habits now. For one, I eat constantly, now, while I ate in bursts before.
My body was ready for starvation. Yes, everything I ate was saved. My body never knew if I would refuel it in 2 hours or 10. It saved and it hoarded every morsel I shared. My jeans just continued to grow.
Three meals a day? Before, I waited all day for a large evening dinner. Now I eat 5 or more meals every day.
I plan my food. Some days I place a bunch of foods on the dining room table and just work away at them all day. I plan my food every day. Some times that plan is in my head but it always exists.
I plan my food when I go to the supermarket. I go often. I buy MY foods.
I do not eat salads in general but I do eat vegetables. I enjoy my vegetables microwaved a short time and then I nibble at them with low fat/low cal dressing. My rare salads are covered in tuna with all its protein goodness. I use low fat Catalina dressing.
When I am in the supermarket, I shop fast and get just what I need. Usually. Other times, I window shop. I wander the aisles and read labels. I think of new things to eat that are safe.
I take my vitamins.
I never thought much of vitamins before but I now have a wide variety that help me. I learned from my WLS friends that there were many supplements they needed to take. Biotin, B-12, D, C, potassium, magnesium.... I will explain what and why I the future.
The most important is protein.
I do not want to comb my hair one morning and find it falling out in clumps. Can you imagine how I felt for my friend when I read that?! The doctor told her that she wasn't getting enough protein. Simple solution. Consume more protein.
How do you consume enough protein with a stomach that holds 2 ounce meals and rejects a lot of them? Not easily. The general idea is to drink protein shakes.
I read a lot about protein shakes. Everyone has a recipe and a favorite brand protein powder. Basically, nobody likes them. I will share mine with you.
My diet is easy, lazy, healthy and works. As of this date, I have lost over 65 pounds in 6 months easily. I have not been hungry.
My posts will focus on different areas of the things I have found work for me. I hope they help you too.
Let's review the things we started in the past posts.
Use Index cards or a small notebook- write down everything you eat.
Track your liquids. Focus on increasing water amounts.
Weigh yourself. Measure yourself. Hide scale, tape measure.
Have you taken some photos for your records?
Increase your protein intake.
Don't worry about the carbs for now. Just don't have them early.
Start your day with protein.
One day at a time. Don't worry about the big picture. We will get there.
We have begun.

Today, you have to do something you don't like.
I don't, anyway.
It is time to weigh in-if you haven't already. Get undressed if you must, but record your weight. Then put the scale away. It goes in the back of the closet until next month. Yes, I said month. The only thing accomplished by weighing more often is that you become depressed and eat chocolate kisses or whatever.
I use my doctor's scale. It is not easy to use that way.
We also need to use one of those evil tape measures. Measure waist, hips, breast, shoulders, arm and thigh circumference... You know the places.
You have the measurements? You have changed them to look better/ worse? All done?
Put the tape measure away. With the scale!!!
Honestly, the day to day measurements are not needed. My jeans tell me more than the scale. I want to look good and feel good. The scale does not understand any of that.

Today is traumatic enough. We will move on tomorrow.