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mollymoo24
Distinguished Member
| Joined: | 30 December 2007 |
| Location: | Chicago, USA |
| Posts: | 6301 |
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Posted: 26 August 2009 04:43 am |
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Oh Pat. I haven't been reading around in a while. I just read the last couple of posts and was shocked about your boss' daughter. How awful for everyone affected. Truly sad and sorry to hear it. Sending supportive thoughts your way dear {{{{{hug}}}}.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 August 2009 02:48 pm |
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Thanks for the *hug* Mol! It is really hard to watch someone going through the loss of a child. I think as a mom, you just feel this sharp stab of physical pain, because just the thought of that happening to you, is beyond what you want to deal with. I can't really feel her pain, but yet I do. Does that make sense?
Thanks to you too, Sassy! You've been so much help to me........I've been reading a lot on a website called "woman to woman". It's got so much good information! I just need more time to spend there, and I think I need to start some different supplements, maybe the ones they sell? Theirs are batch tested, so you know each batch is exactly what the bottle says it is. I just need to decide if I need the hormone balancing supplements or the adrenal support supplements. My chiro said when your hormones are out of balance, by diminishing during menopause, the adrenals kick in to make up the difference, and then they get overworked.
I'm so confused and have so much I want to write...........I think/know this peri-menopause has taken a turn for the worse!  I've been reading up on so many things, and am trying to make a decision on what to do or what to try. I've talked it over with my chiro a bit, and she had some suggestions. I guess the only good thing, is that I work in an office where most of the women are my age or older, so they've gone through this already. They are a great deal of comfort.........just so I know I'm not going crazy!
Some days I feel crazy  If only I could get one or two good night's sleep in a row.....or at all! And if only TTOM would stop for more than a day or two! And if I could concentrate on things, and not feel so fuzzy and if I could sleep on dry sheets, instead of sheets soaked by night sweats and if I could get back on my eating plan, instead of having ice cream 3 times in one day (thank goodness for my fasting days.......at least I can do them, although they are much harder than they ever were, even when I first started!) and if I wasn't feeling this withdrawn, quiet, isolated feeling at times and if I wasn't feeling so tired ALL THE TIME and if I wasn't forgetting things and if.......................
I'm not feeling like me................where did I go?
Last edited on 26 August 2009 02:53 pm by Hisgal
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 August 2009 03:04 pm |
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Before you make a decision, have you come across this site?
http://www.johnleemd.com/store/estrogen_dom.html
You can browse around, there are lots of pages to check out, including a hormone test.
You know I've tried a lot of things and still am, but I do want to say using progesterone cream has always made me feel better and I have never had any side effects from using it. It has always been the one thing I can count on. Whatever herb or supplement I try, I know if it doesn't work I can always rely on progesterone cream.
Sending prayers your way Pat!
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 August 2009 03:11 pm |
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I have a funeral to go to here in a minute, but when I get a chance I will try and find that site you're talking about.
The systems are all connected, sex hormones, adrenals, thyroid... oh it's complicated! My instincts from listening to your symptoms would be to go with the estrogen, progesterone balance for a while, then if you still need to feel better try adding in something for the adrenals later on - in small amounts. Too much taken for the adrenals can make them worse, and can really make a person feel bad.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 August 2009 05:17 pm |
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Sassy, I'll check out that site later. Thanks for your help! I"m sorry to hear you lost another uncle! I suppose we are getting to that age, where that is happening more often now. The hubs and I have both lost some of our uncles, too.
My chiro mentioned the progesterone cream, but said she hesitated to recommend it to me, as she thinks I'm a bit insulin resistant. I should have taken notes, as we talked about so many things, and with my failing memory, I can't for the life of me, remember what the progesterone cream had to do with insulin resistance! I've read that my symptoms in peri-menopause, aren't so much too much estrogen, as it's decreasing/too little progesterone. So, that cream would make sense..........or to take phytoestrogens, to bind up the excess estrogen in my system.
I'm leaning toward ordering from this Woman to Woman site, and starting like you said with the hormone balancing, and see what happens. Until I make that decision for sure, and find the time to order it (I check sites while reports are printing at work, but I want to do ordering on my own computer at home)...........I am upping my soy/black cohash capsule to the full dose of 2 per day..........and I am picking up some Milk Thistle (as I read that night sweats/hot flashes originate in the liver). My chiro also suggested Vitamin E, as did another friend whose gone through this.
The hormone supplement (Herbal Equilibrium) from Woman to Woman contains: red clover extract (aerial parts), ashwangandha extract (root), passionflower extract (aerial parts), Chastetree extract (berry), Kudzu extract (root), Wild Yam extract (root and rhizome), black Cohosh extract (root and rhizome).
Sassy..........the Chastetree is the Vitex you were mentioning, isn't it? The ashwangandha was one of the things my chiro mentioned for the adrenals.
The adrenal supplement lists these ingredients: Astragalus extract (root), Siberian Ginseng extract (root), Cordyceps (fruiting body), and Rhodiola extract (root)
Those were some of the things my chiro suggested trying for the adrenals. She particularly liked using the Rhodiola.
It is all so confusing, but I just know I don't like the way I feel right now, I want to feel like me again. The last 2 weeks have been the worst, I think. I did feel good while limiting my animal product intake (meat, cheese, dairy etc), and I read that all animal products contain estrogens (unless you are buying 100% organic), and that they will raise your estrogen levels even higher. So, then my symptoms increasing lately would make sense. Maybe I need to get back to a mostly plant based diet........I've gotten away from that lately, as I've lost control of my eating and lost my will to control it. I need to balance my hormones.............and the Iodoral alone doesn't seem to be doing the trick.
Thanks, Sassy, for your  prayers..........they mean so much to me! I'm so used to praying for everyone else, I sometimes forget that I need them myself.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 26 August 2009 11:02 pm |
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That hormone supplement from Women to women sounds like it might be good. It's got a lot of stuff in there.
What I know is:
red clover extract , is a phytoestrogen and therefore can cause estrogen to rise, ashwangandha extract is a really good herb for energy and dealing with stress, passionflower extract - I don't know about, Chastetree extract - yes it is vitex, it's suppose to help regulate the pituitary gland which helps regulate hormones and it gets rid of painful breasts , Kudzu extract (- I don't know anything about this one., Wild Yam extract - this is suppose to help increase progesterone, black Cohosh extract- I'm not sure about this one either, but I have a friend who says it helps with her menopause symptoms
The adrenal supplement lists these ingredients: Astragalus extract (root), Siberian Ginseng extract (root), Cordyceps (fruiting body), and Rhodiola extract (root)
I only know about two of these herbs, Astragalus is suppose to be an adaptogen which normalizes body function and The Siberian Ginseng is probably actually Eluethero root. It increases energy, but caution, it can cause mood swings.
And also the Ashwagandha (from the hormone balance mixture) is an adaptogen herb too and is also used to help nourish the adrenals, it can also help thyroid function, inflammation, energy and sleep, and libido too I believe.
I would give the hormone balance herbs a try. If there's a chance it'll help you feel better - it is so worth it. And if it doesn't, if you don't feel well taking it, just stop taking it and you can try something else.
I feel optimistic that either it or the progesterone cream would help you feel better. I try different herbs all the time, some don't agree with me, some help me feel better. I value my herb collection and all that I have learned from them. I view them as God's gift to us along with the delicious foods He put on this earth for us.
I am praying for you my dear. May you find something to help you feel better and give you that good feeling you deserve so that you can enjoy each day and all it brings. Life is too short to waste a day not feeling your best, if you don't need to. And I believe you and I don't need to waste anytime at all not feeling well.
Much love and hugs to you!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 August 2009 02:01 pm |
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Hi Sassy! Thanks for all the info and the advice............and most especially the prayers!
I am leaning toward the hormonal combination too. The site said because there are so many symptoms in menopause, and it's different for every woman, that it's good to have a combination that would work for many symptoms.
I do remember reading on the site, though, that actually the phytoestrogens bind to the natural estrogen in our bodies, and kind of render it useless, allowing the progesterone to have more effect. I think it was in the article about busting the myths out there about soy. Very good article, going through many of the "studies" and what they really mean. I think it was mentioned in other articles on the site too.
Ooooops! Gotta go to the staff mtg...........back later.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 August 2009 03:25 pm |
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I forgot to mention that one of my symptoms (for a few months, but worse this week) has been breast tenderness! I want to walk around like a gorilla, with my arms curved out at my side.............just brushing the sides is very painful! I feel like a nursing mom who is weaning her child 
I upped my soy/black cohosh capsule to 2 a day(for 2 days now).......which is the full daily dose. I'd been able to get by on just one for about 3-4 years now. I also started the milk thistle this morning and Vitamin E. My chiro and a friend both recommended the Vit. E. I think my night sweats were slightly less last night, but in a few more nights, I should be able to tell better.
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Sassykat
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 August 2009 04:27 pm |
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Hisgal wrote:
I do remember reading on the site, though, that actually the phytoestrogens bind to the natural estrogen in our bodies, and kind of render it useless, allowing the progesterone to have more effect. I think it was in the article about busting the myths out there about soy. Very good article, going through many of the "studies" and what they really mean. I think it was mentioned in other articles on the site too.
I think that's interesting. My experience when taking phytoestrogens though is that my estrogen is raised significantly. I know that's how I personally react so I have to be really careful about taking phytoestrogens because they can render me useless pretty much. But everyone reacts differently. The only way to find out is try things for yourself and take notes on how you feel. I am concocting my own combination to help me feel my best and encourage optimal brain function for school. It's in the "experimental stages" of course, so it will take some time for me to decide if I will stick with it or not, but so far I'm trying:
Jiaogulan, Gingko and Ashwagandha and... Apple Cider Vinegar occasionaly.
I may start using the progesterone cream if I need to though.
I've got so much to do, I'm trying to scramble to get it done and also compose a schedule to fit everything in that I need to do in a day. It's turning out to be very tricky!
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JoJenny
New Member
| Joined: | 27 August 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 3 |
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Posted: 27 August 2009 05:38 pm |
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Hisgal wrote:
Those were some of the things my chiro suggested trying for the adrenals. She particularly liked using the Rhodiola.
I wanted to comment on my use of Rhodiola. I've tried many different formulas for adrenal support and other issues, and I have found (and my naturopath backs it up) that many times these formulas with several herbs in them are missing something. They just don't work as well as when you take the herbs individually, or when you pick an herb or two that are important and just focus on them. For example, I rely on Rhodiola rosea (you mention it above). It's SO IMPORTANT TO ME. Rhodiola has this huge mental uplift -- when I take it daily, I am waking in the morning feeling so positively expectant. I know that something good is going to happen to me.
Many diet formulations contain some Rhodiola. I started asking about it and my naturopath said that it has been used for 1000 years and that in the last forty or fifty they've done a lot of research on it. I started on it and it was awesome. But that's when it was by itself. Then, on my own, I started to take with cordyceps and ashwagandha in another formulation, and BHAM it was gone. I guess it is because they use the cheap variety in those formulations, or the wrong kind of herb or something. Now, three years later, I've tried many different Rhodiolas. Verde Botanica is the best, or Mind Body & Spirit brand. Another one called Adapt 232 is good too, but once again they have some other stuff in there and I prefer the good Siberian Rhodiola as in the other two.
Good luck and give Rhodiola a chance on its own! J.J.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 August 2009 07:32 pm |
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Sassy, hmmmmm, that's interesting.........although the article I read says:
Every woman’s body is unique; therefore, how bioavailable phytoestrogens become in our bodies after we eat them depends on many variables: our individual genetic make-up, our digestion and metabolism, what else we eat — even our native gut flora. All of these influence our ability to reap health benefits from soy isoflavones. Also, it’s important to remember that these studies do not take into account what else is going on in a subject’s life, and what other lifestyle changes she might be experiencing (or may need to address).
This is part of the article I was reading about phytoestrogens:
The word phytoestrogen literally means “plant estrogen.” But phytoestrogens are not estrogen. They do not behave the same way as our body’s own estrogens or like estrogen replacement drugs (ERT).
This is something many women — and their healthcare practitioners — are confused about. They worry that taking soy or red clover or other isoflavones will increase estrogen in their bodies, putting those with a personal or family history of breast or other cancers at increased risk.
The National Cancer Institute currently defines the word “phytoestrogen” as an estrogen-like substance found in some plants and plant products. They also state that phytoestrogens may have anticancer effects.
Phytoestrogens are part of the phytohormone class described at left, which means they structurally resemble the body’s native estrogen. Their chemical structure is such that it allows them to weakly bind to an estrogen receptor, potentially blocking excess estrogen, or, when estrogen is low, quieting the system’s need for estrogen. But they are not estrogen. (See diagram of the adaptogenic effect below).
Here’s what we think is most important for women to understand: the phytoestrogens used and recommended today in botanical and nutritional medicine do not increase endogenous estrogen production in the body. And there are no studies confirming that phytoestrogens increase the risk for cancer.
In fact, new research suggests that phytoestrogens commonly used in nutritional and botanical medicine may protect women from breast and other cancers.
Phytoestrogens may also decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke, and protect your bones. A 2007 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine confirmed that the phytoestrogen genistein protects against bone loss. All of this while calming the symptoms of menopause! Scientists are discovering more benefits of phytoestrogens every day, and we plan to write more about this in the future, so stay tuned.
If anyone would like to read the whole thing, you can find it at:
http://www.womentowomen.com/menopause/phytotherapy.aspx
There are also just a lot of good articles on "Women" things.
One other thing I want to get down for my reference is about soy:
At Women to Women, we encourage our patients to consume soy as close to whole form as possible. This is because the greatest benefits of eating soy come from following an isoflavone ratio close to that found in the whole soybean, which is similar to the ratio found in healthy Asian diets. As long as whatever soy products you eat are made from whole soy, you’re getting soy as Nature intended.
But there is a difference between consuming the whole bean and taking supplements made from the germ only
Of the many isoflavones that occur naturally in plants, genistein, daidzein, and glycitein are the primary ones found in soybeans. As you can see above, soybeans typically include at about 50% genistein, 40% daidzein, and up to 10% glycitein forms. In contrast, soy germ isoflavone products typically contain only 20% genistein, 40% daidzein, and 40% glycitein.
What do all of these numbers mean?
Well, if a product lists 100 milligrams of isoflavones, you don’t really know what the ratio of those isoflavones is unless the manufacturer lists the ratios for you. Since genistein has the most noted beneficial effects in humans, and whole soybean is much higher in genistein than the soy germ, eating soy products or supplements that are made from the whole bean gives you more of the therapeutic effects that we see in the clinic.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 27 August 2009 07:38 pm |
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HI JJ *waves from MN* Thanks for popping into my diary
So, that's why my chiro said she'd love to take the whole bottle of Rhodiola! She said she takes rhodiola rosea.
Thanks for that information. I think I'm going to see how I feel on the full dose of soy/black cohosh, and vitamin E for a while. Then maybe try something for homone regulation?
Have you ever had a salivary hormone test? My chiro recommended I ask my primary care physician to do one, if he would. I see the website Sassy recommended has a link to order one. I've been considering that too..........just to see where I stand in this whole hormone thing. So many things to consider!
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JoJenny
New Member
| Joined: | 27 August 2009 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 3 |
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Posted: 28 August 2009 02:36 am |
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Hisgal wrote:
HI JJ *waves from MN* Thanks for popping into my diary
So, that's why my chiro said she'd love to take the whole bottle of Rhodiola! She said she takes rhodiola rosea.
Thanks for that information. I think I'm going to see how I feel on the full dose of soy/black cohosh, and vitamin E for a while. Then maybe try something for homone regulation?
Have you ever had a salivary hormone test? My chiro recommended I ask my primary care physician to do one, if he would. I see the website Sassy recommended has a link to order one. I've been considering that too..........just to see where I stand in this whole hormone thing. So many things to consider!
Hi Hisgal,
No, never had a salivary hormone test, but I've had so DARN MANY other hormone tests I could vomit! Seriously, thyroid hormones tested three times in the last two months (I had my thyroid removed, they thought it might be cancerous, and it wasn't). I'm sick to death of going to the clinic for this, If you get a good result from the salivary test, post it here.
Glad to hear you might try Rhodiola rosea sometime soon. Just reminder NOT to walk in a store and buy some. Every time I've done that I've regretted it. You need to buy the full spectrum Siberian brands of the plant, which are generally sold by doctors or on the internet.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 August 2009 02:15 pm |
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Last night (Thursday) was my third night of taking the second capsule of soy/black cohosh................I think I made it through most of the night, without waking up from night sweats! Yay! That's the good news The other side of this, is that my breasts are soooooo tender, and maybe getting worse, or certainly not any better. So, am I like Sassy, who is adversely affected from taking a phytoestrogen? (increasing the soy?)
JJ, you misunderstood me, I'm not going to start with the rhodiola..........I'm going to start with the hormone combination to help with the menopause symptoms, instead of the adrenals. This Woman to Woman site offers a 2 month risk-free trial. If I don't feel better after 2 months of the supplements, they will refund my money (supposedly). First and foremost, I want to feel myself again. If that doesn't work, then I will probably have to try the supplements for my adrenals.
Interestingly enough..............when I went to the chiro on Tuesday, one of the vertebrae's that was out of place, and needing adjusting, was the one by the nerve supply to my adrenals. Hmmmmmm..............
I need to think more on the salivary homone test...............I don't know what it costs at the Dr.'s office, or if insurance would cover it. The most broad spectrum test I could order online, that would cover 8 hormone levels, is around $180. That's a lot of money with the hubs' one job ending today......and not knowing how long the next one will be, or if there will be any more work after that. Much as I'd like to know where I stand before I start.............I'd also just like to get started, and start feeling better.
So many choices................
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 28 August 2009 03:17 pm |
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I read this information on Woman to Woman.............and wanted to post it here, for my reference. It is about selecting a multi-vitamin/mineral. I trust mine, as it's liquid form, and actually is listed in the PDR (Physician's Desk Reference), but this was interesting about what to look for in a multi..............
So what is the best multivitamin?
We have strong views about the qualities of the best multivitamin for women. Here is how we would describe the perfect formulation:
- Complete. Based on the latest nutritional science, women need at least 30 vitamins and minerals, plus a rich essential fatty acid formula (i.e., EPA and DHA).
- Bioavailable. The nutrient forms must be the most bioavailable. There are six patented chelated formulas we recommend be included. And of course it must meet USP standards for solubility.
- Natural. No artificial preservatives, dyes, allergens or other contaminants. The fatty acid formula (derived from marine lipids) must be certified to be free of mercury and lead.
- Reliable. We’ve been waiting over 10 years for the FDA to issue manufacturing standards for nutritional supplements. In the meantime, there are several sets of standards that have earned international recognition. The manufacturer must meet at least one of these recognized standards.
- Laboratory tested. As is true for pharmaceutical drugs, every production batch of a nutritional supplement must be tested in a laboratory (i.e., “standardized”) to ensure that it contains exactly what is on its label.
- Makes a difference. You are the final test. If the nutritional supplement doesn’t make you feel better within the first 30 days, try another formula. It may not resolve all your symptoms in that time, but you should feel a real improvement.
There are only a few companies in America capable of producing a nutritional supplement of this quality, but I don’t want you to think we claim to have the only one. You may find another multivitamin that suits you as well or better. Just be sure the nutritional supplement you choose has the qualities listed above.
In short, we don’t care which multivitamin you take, as long as it’s a good one and it works for you. You will be amazed at the difference it can make.
And about bioavailability....................
Bioavailability: the acid test of a multivitamin
Not everything we swallow is absorbed by our bodies. Every nutrient has to survive the chemicals and turmoil of the digestive system, be absorbed through the intestinal wall, and get past the liver to reach the bloodstream.
Scientists use the term bioavailability to measure what’s absorbed by the body versus what’s wasted. Unfortunately in ordinary multivitamins, a great deal of the nutrients don’t benefit the body at all — because they’re not bioavailable. The scandal is that you would never know that by reading their labels. The label only shows what’s in the multivitamin; it gives you no idea how much is bioavailable.
A basic problem is getting past the digestive system. In a pharmaceutical–grade vitamin supplement, many of the nutrients are chelated, or tied to another molecule which acts as an escort until it reaches the bloodstream. Both universities and private companies have developed and patented such chelated compounds. Because they are relatively expensive to license they are rarely seen in ordinary multivitamins.
A second problem is processing methods. Many ordinary multivitamins use inexpensive processes and rely on additives. These processes can destroy the nutritional value of the supplements or render them unrecognizable to the body.
This is why the half of Americans who take multivitamins aren’t noticeably healthier than the half that doesn’t. Many of them are taking ordinary vitamins that lack the range of nutrients their bodies need or low-price or discount vitamins that are less effective due to their processing methods and the limited bioavailability of their nutrients.
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suenos
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 31 August 2009 04:32 am |
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Hiya pat!
yup, exactly to the stuff in your last post about muliti-vits...and also consider that some vits are fat-soluble so if you're not consuming a meal/drink with fat along with that mulit-vit, the fat-soluble vits also lack bioavailability - just going to be eliminated as waste as well.
But...what I really dropped by to say was that I read what a hard time you're having right now with the whole menopause thing. I wish I could offer something of more substance than sympathy....it sounds like you are really suffering with the effects right now. I've already decided that, even knowing the risk factors, when my time comes I'm gonna go the hormone route for sure. Just normal PMS turns me into a raving, weepy, almost homicidal lunatic some months - menopause without hormones will land me in a locked ward - or prision!
At any rate, know that you are in my prayers during this difficult time.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 31 August 2009 05:36 pm |
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Suenos,
Thanks soooooo much for the prayers, my dear, and the PM. I truly appreciate them
The Women to Women site, where I've found so much info on menopause/peri-menopause, also has good information on PMS and PMDD. I did decide to order the herbal combination to normalize my hormones, and of course, I will keep everyone posted on how it's working or not working. If you'd like to read over any of the PMS info, here's the link to the site:
http://www.womentowomen.com/menstruation/understandingpmsandpmdd.aspx
I am feeling very sad and withdrawn today.............and crying a lot. It feels like 21 months ago, when I struggled with that bout of depression. I'd rather be feeling the anger/rage at those tiny annoyances, that I've been feeling the past 2 weeks, than this quiet and sadness. The low mood swings have gotten very low  When I made it through it the first time, I knew I never wanted to have to do it again.......and now here I am. It just happens that one of the ladies in the office today, went through these high/low moods swings when she went through menopause too..........and it's been a great help to talk to her, and have her comiserate with me.
Suenos, almost made me chuckle when you mention fat soluable vitamins.........with my intense cravings lately for sweets (I'm normally a "salt" person) the fat consumption shouldn't be a problem.
I will survive, but it seems it's going to be a VERY bumpy ride! Now, I am heading to CURVES, because exercise is suppose to help! I thank the Lord, that I have the wonderful hubs that I do............I just hope he can survive this too! A lessor man would call me nuts, and walk away!
Last edited on 31 August 2009 05:39 pm by Hisgal
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Beth
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 31 August 2009 11:34 pm |
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Menopause is no fun. It took me years to get through it. I am so thankful it is over. That has got to be the one redeeming thing about getting old!
Hang in there!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 September 2009 11:04 pm |
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Thanks, Beth.............I am trying. Not quite so weepy today, but still much more quiet than myself. I notice it, when I realize that I don't have the radio or CD's on at work. I always have them on and I'm singing/humming/whistling along. Everyone at the office teases me about that..........and I just tell then I'm a happy, at peace person. Right now I am not.
I didn't go to CURVES yesterday, because I just didn't want to see/talk to anyone. So, I went to the park for a walk instead. Today I went to the park, but didn't even go for a walk  I sat in my vehicle and read for a bit..........I realized that I left home this morning, and didn't even read my devotions! That never happens! I am out of it! But, I had a book in my vehicle by Joyce Meier......How to Hear God, or something like that. So, I read that for a while.
The hubs did the psych test at the local nuke energy plant yesterday.........back today for more testing. Hope that pans out, so he starts work again soon. He's thinking of volunteering for nights, because it's more pay. Not sure I want him to do that, when I'm feeling like this though????
The good news is that my supplements from Women to Women have shipped. I can't wait to get started on them, and see if I notice improvement. The test I took on their website, says I have moderate symptoms........so I should notice the results sooner than someone with mild symptoms. Just take away the tears..................
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 1 September 2009 11:31 pm |
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Women to Women lists the following as symptoms of hormonal imbalance:
Fatigue
Cravings for sweets or carbohydrates
Weight gain
Hot flashes and night sweats
PMS
Feeling depressed or overwhelmed
Mood swings or irritability
Insomnia or restless sleep
Headaches
Loss of desire
Fuzzy thinking
Digestive issues
Stiffness or joint pain
Anxiety
Heart Palpitations
Breast Pain
Adult acne
Urinary dysfunction
Unwanted hair growth
Hair loss
Dry skin
Vaginal dryness
Irregular periods/heavy periods
Fibroids
Breast cysts
The ones in red, are the ones I am/have experienced. Oh what a joy this is!  
Oh well, at least I have a place to keep track of all this stuff going on!
Last edited on 1 September 2009 11:32 pm by Hisgal
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Beth
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 2 September 2009 01:40 pm |
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I hope your supplements help. I finally just got on low dose hormones. I can't tell that much has changed yet. I'm not having as many hot flashes. However, I finally got so hot that I quit trying to hide my fat arms and started wearing short sleeves and no sleeves. The only real thing I can identify happening is my insatiable lust for sugar.
The awful thing about depression is it's hard to realize that not much lasts forever. Been there, done that. It does get scary, doesn't it? I went to see a counselor about all the symptoms I was having such as depression, mood swings, etc. One of the first things she asked me was what kind of hormones I was on. When I told her none, she said, "No wonder."
The pendulum seems to be swinging back regarding hormone therapy. According to my female gyne (who said she's going to take hormones when her time comes) enough time has passed since people got scared and quit taking hormones that they are now seeing the results of no hormone therapy. Apparently people are beginning to see there may be more benefits than risks to the therapy. I guess the verdict will be out for some time. One day soon you will wake up and it will be a better day.
I'll be thinking about you!
Beth
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 2 September 2009 08:10 pm |
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Beth..............thanks for taking time out of your day to check in with me! I am so glad that you are back with us. I appreciate your thoughts, but being I know you pray............I would really appreciate some prayers too! Because I totally, TOTALLY believe in the power of prayer, for those who believe.
I am pretty much an alternative medicine person..........maybe because I have such a good chiro, who is also a good homeopathist. I am not as into it as Sassykat is, but I do try other remedies and treatments, before I run to my medical Dr. And he, wonderful guy that he is, accepts that that is me! I just like trying to get help from the things God gave us, instead of the chemicals we create. I am tracking the shipment of my hormone/herbal supplements..........they have gone from MA to IL.........hope it's not much longer!
About 8:30 last night, I could feel the cloud start to lift! I am not totally me today, but I am feeling much, much better! I am talking to people again, have my door open at work, and even went for a walk today! What a difference...........on Monday's walk I felt like I was being dragged around the path..........today I walked with zip, like I used to. I even felt like going to CURVES, but had other errands to do, so I didn't have time for it.......hence the walk.
Today is a WF day for me. Thank goodness for those...........or I'd be 2 sizes larger, I'm sure. The UD's have gotten so out of control at times, it's a good thing I have the WF days to balance them out. I just hope I can continue this WOE. On the Women to Women site, I've read articles on the importance of what you eat, and also on the timing of your eating. Those articles don't support my ADD or the 3 WF's a week that I do. I will know more, when my Personal Program stuff arrives, and I give it a read through. I hope they don't recommend that I give up my coffee!  But, I've read that it's one of the things that seems to aggravate menopause symptoms For me, I love the taste of it, and the caffeine helps to balance out the fatigue and the tiredness from the nights of night sweats. I just feel exhausted without my coffee each day.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 3 September 2009 02:10 pm |
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OH MYLANTA! Would someone turn down the heat? Never mind that it is only 55 degrees outside..........I roasted on the whole drive into town. And now that I'm in my office (a little over 70 degrees) I feel like I'm at the Sahara Desert! Thank the Lord, someone had a fan downstairs in the closet
The good news of the morning, is that my shipment of herbal hormone supplements reached Mpls, MN at 4:15 this morning, and left for it's final destination (my house! ) at 8:15. I don't like this escalation of symptoms! I've always had  night sweats, never hot flashes I sure need some type of relief!
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Hisgal
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Posted: 3 September 2009 03:47 pm |
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I can't believe this..............actually, I should have no trouble believing this..........as my God looks out for me and smooths the paths so often in my life. Most people would call things........just a coincidence..........but, I know better, there just can't be that many coincidences in my life. He's working all the time! I see his handiwork so many times a day............every day!
So, as I'm tracking the shipment of my herbal hormone supplement this morning........I did a "duh! why didn't I have this shipped to my work address? Then I'd have it this morning, and could start taking it right away!" 20 minutes later, the postman walks in the office with my shipment! Thank you, Lord!
What happened? Why did I get the box here, when it should have gone to my home address.........15 miles away..............at a country address, for another town? It's got my name and home address on it, but I'd put the zip code for the town I work in! And when UPS delivered it to the local post office, to ship to my house, they realized that it had an address with a different town, but their zip code. Someone at the post office knows me, and that I work across the street from the Post Office........and the post man brought it right to me!
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Beth
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Posted: 6 September 2009 12:02 pm |
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| So how are you feeling?
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Hisgal
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Posted: 8 September 2009 02:56 pm |
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Good Tuesday morning! Thanks for checking on me Beth. The hubs and I were away for the weekend............MN State Fair, Renaissance Festival, and just bumming around and doing some shopping (got some VERY cute new jackets for fall).
My moods swings have leveled out so much! Thank you, Lord and Women to Women for those supplements. However, the night sweats are still going on! Not much for daytime hot flashes Sunday, Monday or so far today. TTOM just started today, so will see how that goes. I think it's too early in the herbal supplement to see much difference there.............they supposedly take longer to work, than HRT. Though the site did say that with moderate to severe symptoms, you often see results sooner.
Yay for a 4 day work week! I'll have plenty to keep me busy, but should at least be no longer than 8 hr. days. We have one company with year end on June 30th.........I'd been working longer days, to get that over to the accountants for taxes. Should just be "regular" work now for a while. Yesssssss!
It was the hubs b-day yesterday. That was the day we bummed.............were looking for steel toed work boots. The hubs got hired at the local utilities plant........had 5 days last week of testing, classes and training. Will start regular 8 hr days this week, (starting at 6:30 am), then when his clearance comes through he'll start working 8's at 3:00 p.m.........and when the actual shut-down starts, and the work gets under way, he'll be working 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. I'll have a lot of quiet nights at home, won't I? His day off is Sunday, so he'll come home at 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning, and won't go back until 6:00 p.m. Monday. I'm sure our time together will go fast! I'm missing our time together already.
I am going to try eating the food plan that came with my Women to Women supplements. I really love ADD, especially after packing food this morning! It's such a pain...........so much easier to fast every other day! But, I want this to work........I want to ease the symptoms I've been having...........so I'm going to give this a try. I'm not going to count calories yet.........that may come down the road a bit. For now, 3 meals a day.......2 snacks............low carb.........healthy foods only. More later................
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Beth
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Posted: 8 September 2009 05:12 pm |
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Congratulations on your hubby getting the job!
When my hubs was working at night, I lost most of my weight. I think it was because I didn't have to cook and mostly drank spinach smoothies for dinner. I know you'll miss him, though.
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Scoobees
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Posted: 8 September 2009 09:54 pm |
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Hi Hisgal - so glad your supplements seem to be working - hurray for the leveling out of those mood swings! Whew! 
That's awesome your hubs is getting regular work!  But I sure know how it feels to be missing him even before he's gone. I was so bummed when mine was gone for that week!
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Hisgal
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Posted: 9 September 2009 01:59 pm |
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Thanks for popping in Beth and Scoobs. I'm hearing that the outage might be up to 50 days! Yay! The good thing is they work 6 days in a row, 12 hrs. each once they get going. So there's a lot of time and a half, and double time. And pay scale in that area is $6 an hr. higher than the city he usually works in. That should take care of some bills, and build up a bit of reserve! Thank you God for providing once again!
Yeah, Scoobs..........I'm missing him already But...........last night, as I was trying to fall asleep with him snoring in one ear, and the cat  purring loudly in the other ear, and the other cat trying to find a comfy spot on TOP OF my body..........I wondered if it will really be that BAD sleeping alone? At least, when I know it only temporary
I'd like to record yesterday's (Tuesday, Sept. 8) food, and see if I can do a ballpark figure on calories. I haven't quite got the hang of the new plan yet, but I'm working on it!
Breakfast: Arnold's whole wheat sandwich thin w/natural p butter, strawberry spread, 1/2 C. raspberries
Snack: 1 red bell pepper, 2 Tbsp hummus, 10 almonds
Lunch: Rice noodles w/mushrooms, 1/2 c. pineapple
Snack: 1/2 c. apple sauce, 12 almonds
Dinner: grilled salmon, 2 serv green beans, romaine w/bleu cheese sprinkles & walnuts, ff drsg
Beverages: 2 c. green tea, 2 c. coffee (yes, only 2!), ~12-14 c. water
Calories-under 1000
Oh my goodness, I guess that's why I should track as I go? I had no idea it was that low! I better try to track today's calories...........I hate keeping track of calories!
EXERCISE: Turbo Jam-standing abs X 2, most of Turbo Sculpt
I was going to go to CURVES yesterday, but my daughter called around 11:00, and asked if I'd like company over my lunch break. She'd taken the day off, to get the boys off to school on their first day (she normally leaves for work at 5:30 a.m.). So, she and my granddaughter were bumming for the day. What a wonderful surprise! So, we went to the park and let Haley play a bit, and we got a nice visit. And the hubs parent's were there too, for a class reunion picnic! They were so tickled to be able to see my Daughter and Haley. A good day!
Last edited on 9 September 2009 02:07 pm by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 9 September 2009 02:06 pm |
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Well, after seeing how low yesterday's calories were, I'm going to track today's. I know I'm not eating as much as the Women to Women eating plan lays out, but I'll work on trying to follow it..........at least with most content. It has a lot of eggs in it, and cheese..........I'll probably continue to use Egg Beaters most of the time, and use the cheese sparingly. I need to work on the "good fats" more..........it seems to have that worked in their meal plan too. It's just more meat than I'm used to now, so will have to see how that goes.
Wednesday, Sept. 9
Breakfast: whole wheat tortilla (120) Egg Beaters (60), bleu cheese and onion (40), 1/2 C. raspberries (32), 2 C. green tea
Snack: orange bell pepper (50), 2 Tbsp hummus (50), 4 lg olives (40), 1/2 c. raspberries(32), 1/3 oz. almonds (57)
Lunch: 1 serv. rice noodles w/mushrooms (140), 1/2 c. pineapple (37), sm ww bagel (100), 1 1/2 Tbsp hummus (38), 5 lg olives (50)
Snack: 1/2 c. 1% cottage cheese (90), 1/2 c. pineapple (37)
Dinner: Romaine (15), 10 gr. chopped walnuts (70), 2 Tbsp ff feta cheese (17), 1 Tbsp. ff french drsg (23), 1 c. (2 serv) quinoa and black beans (243)
Calories: 1341
EXERCISE: NONE..........it's one of those days, where I feel like I could bleed to death if I move at more than a snail's pace. Went to the grocery store over my lunch break and got lots of healthy and fresh stuff.
Last edited on 10 September 2009 03:29 am by Hisgal
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Sassykat
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Posted: 9 September 2009 05:07 pm |
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Glad to hear things are going a bit better for you! I'm still praying for you, even if I don't have time to get on here anymore.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 10 September 2009 03:37 am |
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Thanks, Sassy  I'm so glad you checked in.........I'm praying for you too. It's got to be stressful going back to school, and still having all those responsibilities of the kids and family life! I'm including Joe in my prayers too.........for work, and to support you with all you've got to do.
I made a new dish tonight that was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! I get emailed recipes from Allrecipes.com. I'd always wanted to try making something with quinoa, but never knew what to make. This recipe was called, "Quinoa and Black Beans". It makes 10 servings of 1/2 c. each. I just divided the recipe into 5 servings, and had it for dinner with a salad. YUM! I think I'll go post it in the recipe section.
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Hisgal
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Posted: 10 September 2009 07:25 pm |
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I am eating a "fresh-from-the-orchard-apple"  There's a new one out this year, called the "Sweet Tango", that's suppose to be even better than a "Honeycrisp" (which is my very favorite). Well, it's very good! I think it's sweeter than the Honeycrisp, and I don't like my apples that sweet............however, I can see making applesauce, and not needing any sugar at all..........it's that sweet. Ooooooh, and crisp! 
Thursday, Sept. 10
Breakfast: 1 slice nitrate free turkey bacon (30), 1 wg sandwich round (100), 1 Tbsp. natural p butter (105), 1 tsp. strawberry spread (12), 1/2 c. raspberries (32), 2 C. green tea
Snack: Ooooops! I forgot
Lunch: 1 large Sweet Tango apple (100), Sandwich [sandwich round, 2 slices nitrate free ham, 1 Tbsp. ff feta cheese, 1 Tbsp. whipped butter, mustard, diced onion] (203), 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp ff cole slaw drsg (60)
Snack: 1/2 c. 1% cottage cheese(90), 1/2 c. fresh pineapple (37)
Dinner: 1 C. quinoa/black bean dish (243), med/lg apple (90)
CALORIES: 1152
EXERCISE: None (made a trip to the apple orchard instead  )
***EDIT EXERCISE: Made time after work/before Bible Study ***** TJ Abs.....standing abs X 2, TJ Turbo Sculpt........up to the lunges (I don't want sore knees).........good workout on quads, biceps and triceps, shoulders....felt good.
Well, I had a short night's sleep last night. The hubs got home from his shift around 12:40 a.m.........the kitties kept me awake until he got showered and into bed, and by then I was wide awake again (and I'd only slept 1/2 hr. at that point). Tonight he starts the 12 hr. shifts........6 to 6..........so I should be able to get a full night's sleep. then. Provided the cats settle down...........my "baby" (my avatar) was giving this soleful meow in the hallway, after I went to bed. I think she wanted the hubs there too, and couldn't figure out where he was, and why he wasn't at home to go to bed when I did!
At least I'll have one less noise-maker! Again last night, the hubs was snoring in one ear, the older cat was purring by my side.....loudly........and the younger cat was purring in my other ear, by my pillow! Between that and the night sweats..........no wonder I'm tired!
And last night I worked all night, until bedtime. I unpacked groceries when I got home, then went outside to mow lawn. I mowed until it was so dark, that I couldn't even see where I was going with the mower's lights on. Then I fed the birds, and put fresh water in the bird bath. Then I straightened the kitchen up, did dishes, and swept the floor, before I started making the new quinoa dish. Then I cleaned a cantaloupe for the hubs lunch..........and made his veggie salad for his lunch. You get the picture......I just kept going from one thing to another, until just before 11:00 p.m. I got in the tub, fed the cats, and then finally went to bed.
I wonder if all the nights will be like this? I will miss having the hubs around each night, but I do remember that I like to get busy doing things, when I don't have to stop and make dinner for two. I should get a lot done in the next few weeks, huh?
Tonight is Women's Bible Study...........the first one after the summer break. That will keep me occupied for a while tonight.
Last edited on 11 September 2009 03:22 am by Hisgal
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JoJenny
New Member
| Joined: | 27 August 2009 |
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| Posts: | 3 |
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Posted: 10 September 2009 10:21 pm |
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Hisgal wrote:
Suenos,
Thanks soooooo much for the prayers, my dear, and the PM. I truly appreciate them
The Women to Women site, where I've found so much info on menopause/peri-menopause, also has good information on PMS and PMDD. I did decide to order the herbal combination to normalize my hormones, and of course, I will keep everyone posted on how it's working or not working. If you'd like to read over any of the PMS info, here's the link to the site:
http://www.womentowomen.com/menstruation/understandingpmsandpmdd.aspx
I am feeling very sad and withdrawn today.............and crying a lot. It feels like 21 months ago, when I struggled with that bout of depression. I'd rather be feeling the anger/rage at those tiny annoyances, that I've been feeling the past 2 weeks, than this quiet and sadness. The low mood swings have gotten very low When I made it through it the first time, I knew I never wanted to have to do it again.......and now here I am. It just happens that one of the ladies in the office today, went through these high/low moods swings when she went through menopause too..........and it's been a great help to talk to her, and have her comiserate with me.
Suenos, almost made me chuckle when you mention fat soluable vitamins.........with my intense cravings lately for sweets (I'm normally a "salt" person) the fat consumption shouldn't be a problem.
I will survive, but it seems it's going to be a VERY bumpy ride! Now, I am heading to CURVES, because exercise is suppose to help! I thank the Lord, that I have the wonderful hubs that I do............I just hope he can survive this too! A lessor man would call me nuts, and walk away!
My favorite multi is the product Good Belly, which is a small shot-glass sized container of a wonderful probiotic drink, that also has a very bioavailable liquid multiple vitamin in it. It is sold in the yoghurt aisle in better groceries and it has 20 BILLION probiotic cells in it, in each dose!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 11 September 2009 03:15 am |
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Hi JJ............thanks for that info. I'll have to look around the grocery store, and see if I can find that. I don't have very high hopes, as I live in the country.......the nearest town is about 500 people..........and the town I work in is under 20,000. There are a lot of things I can't find in the local grocery store. I went a little nuts over Labor Day weekend, when we stayed in Minneapolis, and I got to a Trader Joe's and a Sam's Club
I did start on the new vitamin/mineral supplements, and the combination herbal supplement for hormonal balance. I've been on them for over a week now, and at least the mood swings/depression have improved already. Being I started it about 6 days before TTOM started, I figured my symptoms might be worse just then, and I wouldn't see any improvement. But, the emotions have really leveled out! The night sweats are continuing, although much lighter than before, and no hot flashes since Saturday. The facial acne has disappeared (I had 5 zits on my chin when I started the supplements), but I am still getting some in my hairline. I don't think I have as much daily mental fog, but still struggle for words at times. My cravings for sweets has eased, and I am back to eating a healthy diet, and even counting calories again! I am sleeping better overall, but that probably has a lot to do with the decreased night sweats and cutting back on coffee. With the hubs working nights now, it should get even better, as I won't be awakened by his snoring. The breast tenderness has also almost disappeared........very little of it now. I've actually seen quite a few improvements since I started on these supplements about 9 days ago.
Women's Bible Study was good tonight...........we are still working on a study about "The Unexplained". Some good conversations........there are only about 8 of us, so it's a nice sized group for talking, and what gets said in Bible Study, stays in Bible Study. That way we aren't afraid to share and talk about things in our lives. A very special group of women.
I better get back up to a previous post, and edit it for my dinner calories, so I can check my totals and my exercise.
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 11 September 2009 02:09 pm |
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Alrighty then..................It's Friday! Today should go fast.............I'll just be here in the morning, then to another office to do some book work for the afternoon. I want to get my food written down, as I had a HUGE breakfast, and I don't want to forget any items/calories.
BTW, I think I'm feeling a difference in my pants already! I can't believe I'm doing this, but I still haven't stepped on the scale. I'm going to try to do this without ever getting on it...............at least for a long time. When I need to drop down into the next size, I might peek. But, I want to concentrate on eating the right foods.
However, that being said, now that I am off the ADD plan..........I'm getting watery eyes, sneezing, and sinus pressure/drainage. But, I did commit to myself, to give this eating plan a try. Hope I can stick to that? I hate allergies...........it was the best side effect of being on ADD.
Friday, Sept. 11.............................
Breakfast: 2 light english muffins (200), 1 serv. Egg Beaters (60), 2 slices of portabella mushroom (30), 1 Tbsp. ICBINB light (50), 1 strip turkey bacon (30), 1 slice cheese (70), 1 Tbsp. bleu cheese (40)
Snack: 1 yellow bell pepper (50), 2 Tbsp. hummus (50), 5 ww crackers (80)
Lunch: 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp ff drsg (60), sandwich (177), sm apple (80)
Snack: 1/2 c. cottage cheese (90), 1/2 c. pineapple (37)
Dinner: 1/2 bag asparagus stir-fry (135), 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil (60), 1 C. quinoa/black beans (243), 1-2% string cheese stick (70)
 CALORIES: 1662
EXERCISE: Nothing formal.......ran up and down the stairs a lot cleaning & doing laundry after work.
Last edited on 12 September 2009 02:42 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 13 September 2009 02:31 am |
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Well, it's time to see how my eating went today. It was a strange day.........with the hubs sleeping in the daytime, I had to try to do things around the house and outside, that didn't make noise and wake him up.
We also had a wedding today..........our neighbor's son............and the hubs went to the wedding with me, but I went to the reception alone...........that was really weird. He'll have tomorrow night off..........I wonder how he'll adjust his sleeping tomorrow for that one night off? I suppose he'll want to be awake when the Vikings have their season opener?
Saturday, Sept. 12
Breakfast: 1 c. Fiber One (160), 1 c. vanilla soy milk (100)
Snack: 100% wg bagel (250), 2 Tbsp. cream cheese (90)
Lunch: Romaine (15), 1 Tbsp Bleu cheese (40), 2 slices portabella (30), 10 gr walnuts (70), 2 Tbsp ff french (45).........1 lg. green bell pepper (44)..........wg sandwich round (100), 2 slices ham (60), 1 thin slice swiss cheese (60), onion and banana peppers (5)
Wedding reception: 12 oz cabernet (200), 3 oz. chicken (120), sm baked potato (96), 1 c. corn (150), frosted wedding cake ~1.5 X 1.75" (200), 2 Tbsp. gravy (20), 1 c. iceberg (7), 1.5 Tbsp. ranch drsg (110)
CALORIES: 1972
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 13 September 2009 10:30 pm |
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Aaaaah Sunday! A very good day so far! It's the hubs day off! YAY! He slept a few hours, came to church, watched the Vikes, and then dozed off again. I'll wake him when I get this post done. We've got an event at his American Legion that he wants to go to tonight. That will keep him awake for a while, so he can sleep a bit tonight with me. However, the AL thing involves food............will be a higher calorie day. I think I'm OK with that for the weekend, as long as I still feel in control, and keep the week days lower.
I went to Bible Study this morning, and it will be a very interesting series, I think. Studying the different religions........although we got off topic this morning, when someone asked a question. I like that our pastor takes time to do that.......as we often have questions about something other than what topic we are studying at the time.
After church, we came home for a "real meal"........the hubs has mostly been existing on sandwiches, fruit and a romaine/veggie salad while working nights. I got a variety of veggies into him this noon! Then I watched most of the Vikes game, and got in a good nap. Feels great to catch up on sleep a bit. Right now I am munching on a wonderful green bell pepper. I picked up 2 6-packs on Labor Day, one colored peppers and one green peppers. I started with the colored ones this week, but these couple of green ones I've had over the weekend simply couldn't taste any better! This are bell pepper perfection.
Well, I'd better get to my original purpose..........to record my daily calories. I still can't believe I'm doing this! I so did NOT ever want to record calories again. I can only explain the urge to do so, by the leveling out of my hormones. You know, I read on the Women to Women site, that the reason most women re-gain the weight, after working so hard to lose it..........is hormonal imbalance. It said that until you balance your hormones, you will NOT KEEP THE WEIGHT OFF! Most interesting to me! I want to keep these lbs off.
Not stepping on the scale is going well.........much better than I expected. I am at the point where I am curious, because I can see and feel the changes after only a week. But, I am going to try to stick with it, and not step on a scale again until I at least drop down a pants size. I think the TJ has helped already! Even with only 2 sessions. My plan there is to get back to CURVES, now that TTOM has eased. And then try to get TJ in on MWF.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13......................
BREAKFAST: 1 C. Fiber One cereal (160), 1 c. whole vanilla soy milk (100)
SNACK: None, we were at church, and I resisted the bars and cookies provided. I had my 2 C. insulated mug filled with my special coconut flavored Kona coffee from Hawaii, which I sipped during Bible Study.
LUNCH: 2 grilled chicken breast strips (120), 3 grilled portabella slices (45), 145 gr fire-roasted veggies (102), 1/3 Tbsp. olive oil (40), 146 gr. mixed veggies (86), 1/2 mini loaf whole grain bread (120), 1/2 Tbsp. ICBINB lt. (25), 1/24th of a pan of homemade apple crisp (170), 1/2 c. light ice cream (120)
SNACK: 1 slice wg toast (80), 1/2 Tbsp. ICBINB lt (25), 1 thin slice swiss (60), 4 lg green olives (40), 1/3 oz. almonds (57), 1 lg green pepper (44)
DINNER: (American Legion picnic) small serv roast pork (100), wheat cocktail bun (80) 1 cob of corn.....no butter (83)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1657
So, the other item I want to address, before I wake the hubs...........my allergies. I really, really miss ADD for that. I need to go back to the book..........I think I read that if you reduced calories every other day, it would still kick in the SIRT1 gene, that works on the inflammatory diseases. You didn't have to keep them under 500, that was just for weight loss. Maybe I could work on MWF being lower regular days, and T, Th being moderate calorie days, and S/S being higher calorie days? Kind of like I was doing, but not fasting on MWF...........just find out how low I need to keep them, to keep the allergy symptoms away. I hate having my eyes watering so bad in the morning that I can't focus on my computer screen at work.........and the sneezing, itchy nose and sinus headache that comes with the drainage. There's gotta be a way to make this work.............that I eat healthy..........3 meals/2 snacks..........and low every other day! Women to Women said that the timing of meals is integral to keeping the hormones level also. Hmmmmm..............
Last edited on 14 September 2009 02:42 pm by Hisgal
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 September 2009 02:45 pm |
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Monday, Sept. 14.............
Breakfast: 2 slices ww bread (160), 1 Tbsp. natural p butter (105), 1 serv. strawberry spread (35), Activia light vanilla yogurt (70), 2 c. green tea
Snack: lg green bell pepper (44), 1/3 oz. almonds (57)
Lunch: 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp. ff drsg (60), 1/2 lg apple (50), sandwich <wheat sand round (100), 2 slices ham (60), 1 thin slice swiss (60), 1 Tbsp lf mayo (15), romaine, onion & banana pepper (5)>
Snack: 1 yellow bell pepper (50), 2 Tbsp hummus (50), cinnamon applesauce (50)
Dinner: 2 grilled ckn strips (120), 4 slices portabella (60), onion (5), romaine (15), 1 Tbsp. feta (9), 1 Tbsp. walnuts (70), 2 Tbsp. ff french (45)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1345
Well, today's not been a real good day! I must have twisted my ankle sometime??? It started hurting late Sunday afternoon, and has gotten much more painful and swollen. I'm realizing how many times I jump out of my chair at work, and how much I move around the office, and how many times I go up and down that full flight of stairs!!! And here I thought I had a desk job!
Really enjoyed having the hubs around yesterday.........never realize how precious that time is, unless it's limited or taken away, do you? So, it will be another 6 days before we get to spend some time together again.
BTW..............I see that BIGGEST LOSER starts tomorrow night! Yay!!!! I see that Daniel is back from last season..........I sure hope he can do it this time! He's too young to be carrying that much weight around.
My SIL's divorce should be final tomorrow. I promised her I'd spend that first evening with her.............and now I find out it's the first episode of BL! Hmmmm..... at least I won't be wanting for something to do tomorrow night!
So, I updated my food to finish off the day. Calories good! Composition of food, I think is good also. I've been eating pretty clean for the past week that I've been tracking calories again..........2 desserts for treats this past week, but counted them with each day's calories.
I found an old ankle brace that my daughter had for basketball, and laced that up my foot and ankle..............and did Turbo Jam I took it easy on the leg work, and sometimes just stayed in place "in the tuck" and did the upper body ab work. Then I switched DVD's and did some of Turbo Sculpt...........again I skipped over or modified the parts with lunges or anything that might irritate my ankle. It actually felt pretty good in the ankle brace and shoes. Afterwards, soaked to the skin in sweat, like Turbo Sculpt always does for me, I took a hot bath and soaked the ankle a bit. It felt pretty good afterwards. Until I puttered around the kitchen making dinner, and getting some of the hubs lunch foods ready. Now it's a bit achy again............hopefully it's some better in the morning.
Last edited on 15 September 2009 03:44 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 15 September 2009 02:24 pm |
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So, the ankle is feeling somewhat better this morning! Yesss! I've worn the old ankle brace from DD's basketball days to work. So far............so good.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15................
Breakfast: 2 wg english muffins (240), 2 serv Egg Beaters (60), 1 sl. cheese (60), 1 Tbsp bleu cheese (40), 1 Tbsp ICBINB lt (50), 1 strip turkey bacon (30), 2 c. green tea
Snack: 1/2 C. 1% cottage cheese (90), 1/2 c. fresh pineapple (37), 1/3 oz almonds (57)
Lunch: 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp ff drsg (60), 1/2 c. pineapple (37), 1/2 lg apple (50), 4 lg olives (40), sandwich...........ww sandwich thin (100), 1 slice ham (30), 1 slice thin swiss (60), 1 Tbsp lf mayo (15), banana peppers & onion (5), McD's cone (150)
Snack: None............that's a no-no on this plan
Dinner: 1/2 batch stewed tomatoes (150), 2 sl. wg bread (180), 1 sl swiss (60), 2 Tbsp. lf mayo (30), 1 sl. turkey bacon (30)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1711
What a night! I can't believe it's almost 10:00 already. I cleaned up a cantaloupe for the hubs' lunch, then started cleaning tomatoes for my stewed tomatoes. I ran low on tomatoes, so I went to the garden and found I had a lot of tomatoes that needed to be picked. So, I picked them and washed them up........hauled the food scraps to the woods. Then I had to water my flowers and fill my bird bath. I worked through most every commercial of The Biggest Loser, and finally got to sit and eat during the last 20 minutes of the show. Now I've got dishes done, the make-up off and the teeth brushed. I figured I'd better calculate the calories in my stewed tomatoes and do my totals. I still have to make the hubs' salad and figure out what I'm having for lunch tomorrow.
The ankle felt pretty good tonight, seeing as I was on it constantly from the time I got home from work..........walking around outside on the lawn in those trips to the garden and the woods. But, it hurts when I walk on it without the brace.
Watched the Biggest Loser................I really love that show. To watch the emotions on the contestants, as they tell their stories............to see the hope in their eyes........to see the fear, when they might be the one sent home after only one week on the ranch. I really went through a range of emotions as I watched the show. It brings up those same feelings in me.......how I felt when I was a size 24 and almost 250 lbs.......how badly I wanted to lose the weight, but had so much trouble getting started, letting it slide year after year, as my kids grew older............and so did I. I want so badly for them to succeed.................just as I want so badly for me to succeed. Just as we all do..............
Last edited on 16 September 2009 03:08 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 16 September 2009 02:27 pm |
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Must have been on my feet too much last night, as the ankle really hurts today! Yeah, like I want to cry at times! Anyway, I need to get my food down, before I forget something that I ate.
Wednesday, Sept. 16..............
Breakfast: 1 sandwich round (100), 1 Tbsp. p Butter (105), 2 tsp straw spread (18), 2 slices turkey bacon (60), 1 small banana (90), 2 c. green tea
Snack: 1 yellow bell pepper (50), 2 Tbsp. hummus (50), 1/3 oz almonds (57)
Lunch: stewed tomatoes (150), lf vanilla yogurt (70), McD's vanilla cone (150)
Snack: None..........4 c. iced coffee w/Splenda during the afternoon
Dinner: (Sister-in-law called to ask me out) side salad (25), ff ranch (40), croutons (45), 13 spears of grilled asparagus (52), 5 oz. merlot (124)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1146
Last edited on 17 September 2009 04:01 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 17 September 2009 01:57 pm |
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Good Morning................had a big breakfast this morning again. When I do this, I am never hungry for that morning snack. I have to make myself go to the kitchen and get something. That's a good thing! Really proud of how well I did at the restaurant last night. Felt totally in control and very satisfied!
Thursday, Sept. 17...............
Breakfast: 2 wg english muffins (240), 2 Egg Beaters (60), 2 sl 2% cheese (120), ! Tbsp. bleu cheese (40), 2 sl. portabella mushrooms (30) onion (5), 2 c. green tea
Snack: 1 lg green bell pepper (44), 2 Tbsp. hummus (50)
Lunch: lf vanilla yogurt (70), 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp. ff cole slaw drsg (60), 1/2 c. pineapple (37), 1 very small apple (40), 1 vanilla McD's cone (150)
Snack: 1/2 c. cottage cheese (90), 1/2 c. pineapple (37)
Dinner: 2 grilled chicken strips (120), 1/2 med sweet potato (59), 1/2 batch stewed tomatoes (150), 1 Tbsp ICBINB (50)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1502
EXERCISE: TJ standing abs X 2, TJ Turbo Sculpt......less the lunges or anything else that would hurt my sprained ankle
Last edited on 18 September 2009 03:27 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 18 September 2009 01:53 pm |
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Yessss! It's Friday! I'm excited because it's the end of the week, but not so much for today itself. I am taking my younger cat to the vet this afternoon. She hates the ride, and I think she's got a sinus/resp. infection..........which means I'm going to have to get her to take her pills twice a day! She hates it and so do I!
I am excited for tomorrow though............I am taking 3 high school girlfriends to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater for the matinee performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" I've always wanted to see that, and the hubs isn't the type to like going to theaters or concerts. I've coaxed him into it a few times, but they are very far between!
I figured out this morning, that since I started using the bigger carton of Egg Beaters, I've been counting it as 2 serv. and actually only eating one serv. Oh well, it's only 30 calories, and I'm sure I underestimated somewhere along the line to make up for it. Finally, the whole grain english muffins are gone........I couldn't find the "Light" ones last time, and they have more fiber in them too! That will save me 40 calories for some days.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18...............
Breakfast: 2 wg english muffins (240), 1 serv Egg Beaters (30), 1 sl. 2% cheese (60), 1 Tbsp bleu cheese (40), 1 Tbsp ICBINB light (50), 2 strips turkey bacon (60), 2 C. green tea
Snack: 1/2 green pepper (22), 1 red bell pepper (50), 1.5 Tbsp hummus (37), 1/3 oz. almonds (57)
Lunch: 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp. ff drsg (60), 15 red grapes (51), sandwich round (100), 1 slice turkey (30), 1 Tbsp lf mayo (15), 1 slice swiss (60), onion (5), 2 c coffee w/Splenda
Snack: None
Dinner: 2 ckn strips (120), 1/2 baked sweet potato (59), 2 tsp. ICBINB light (36), 2 serv. mixed veggies (100), 4 portabella mushroom slices (60)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1392
Last edited on 19 September 2009 03:15 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 19 September 2009 03:32 am |
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Oh man! Hard to believe it's late enough that the sports is on the 10:00 news already.
Well, I left work early and took Sprite to the vet. They did x-rays, to make sure we weren't dealing with asthma or anything else. They were pretty good, could be a slight thickening of one of her bronchi.......but, everything else looked good. I'm glad they held her down for 2 views of her bones and insides! After they did a rectal temp, she was growling............and she never growls, except for the last time they took a rectal. Evidently she doesn't like that And she still has her claws........like I said, glad they were holding her for the x-rays!
Good news is, the antibiotic for the sinus stuff is liquid, not a pill. That went very well for the first dose.........gotta do it twice a day for 10 days.
So, I got home a little after 6:00, and being I did the weights last night, I decided to work on my "list"..........my "to do list". So, I cleaned the stains out of the carpet in my Montana.......went through the accumulating mail and junk mail.......got dishes put away........collected laundry...........heated up the leftovers for dinner/ate..........washed those dishes............dusted..........vaccuumed............swept...........scrubbed........got things laid out for the theater tomorrow, so I don't disturb the sleeping hubs.........washed off make-up.........brushed teeth..........updated calories..........printed off e-tickets for the show.........collected supplies to re-do my nails..........and here I am. I've been going strong for over 4 hours.
Have a good weekend everyone! Ours will be busy.........the theater (11:00 a.m. matinee luncheon performance).........then home (probably around 5:30) to wash sheets and do more laundry. Sunday will be Bible Class and church service.............then mid-afternoon I've got a District church meeting about 45 minutes from home............then we will go to oldest daughter's (about an hour away) and deliver tables for her garage sale next weekend. After a visit, and a stop at Sam's Club sometime in there, it's back home.........hopefully for a romantic  evening with the hubs! I feel like I hardly ever see him!
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 20 September 2009 02:56 am |
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The performance of "Joseph" was absolutely wonderful...............and spending the day with my high-school girlfriends was priceless! Calories will have to be an estimate, though, as I don't know exactly what was in the lunch! And I had a lot of starchy carbs for the other foods 
I got some stuff done outside, after I got home....even got about 10 minutes with the hubs before he left for work!
EXERCISE: TJ standing ab workout X 2.........Turbo Sculpt.....all but the floor work at the end. I'm making it farther through the DVD each time.
Breakfast: 1/2 c. Fiber One (80), 1/2 c. soy milk (50), ww bagel (250), 2 Tbsp cream cheese (90), coffee, black
Lunch: cabernet (120), chicken pasta stir fry (650), roll (100), butter (75), turtle cheesecake (500)
Snack: 1/2 ww bagel (125), 1 Tbsp p butter (105)
Dinner: 2 slices ww bread (220), 2 egg beaters (60), 1 sl 2% cheese (60), 1 Tbsp ICBINB light (50), 1 Tbsp ff feta cheese (17), 2 slices portabella mushroom (30) onion (5), 4 lg olives (40)
TOTAL CALORIES: ~ 2627
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 20 September 2009 06:58 pm |
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Sunday, Sept. 20.........
Breakfast: 1/2 ww bagel (125), 1 Tbsp. cr. cheese (45), 1 c. Fiber One (160), 1 c. vanilla soy milk (100)
Snack: None
Lunch: 1.5 serv Fridays chicken bites (240), 2 serv. hash browns w/Pam (120), 2 serv.-12 spears asparagus (50), 1/12 of a 9X9 pan of apple crisp (158), 1/4 c. light ice cream (60)
Snack: McD's vanilla cone (150)
Dinner: Wendy's grilled ckn go wrap (250), side salad (25), ff french drsg (70)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1553
Last edited on 21 September 2009 03:08 pm by Hisgal
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 21 September 2009 03:10 pm |
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MONDAY, SEPT. 21.............
Breakfast: 1/2 c. raspberries (32), 1 ww bagel (250), 2 Tbsp. cream cheese (90), 2 c. green tea
Snack: 1 yellow bell pepper (50), 2 Tbsp. hummus (50), 1/3 oz almonds (57)
Lunch: 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp. ff drsg (60), 10 grapes (34), 1/2 lg apple (45), McD's vanilla cone (150)
Snack: 1/2 c. 1% cottage cheese (90), 1/2 c. rasp (32), 10 red grapes (34)
Dinner: 1 sl ww bread (100), 1 sl turkey (30), 1 thin slice swiss (60), bleu cheese (20), 1/2 small can baked beans (228)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1462
EXERCISE: 2 x standing TJ abs.............most of TJ Turbo Sculpt
Whew! I sweat like never before during the workout tonight! I could feel the rivulets just running down my flesh. Might have to turn the A/C down lower next time? Slightly achy this morning........I'm really trying to get the abs and triceps in shape.........and I'm doing most of the DVD in a squat position, to work the quads. I have to modify it a bit, so as not to irritate my sprained ankle, but I think it's working.
Dancing with the Stars came on last night, just as I was going to start my workout However, I found out I can do a split screen with the TV channel and the DVD. I'd never tried it before, and assumed the split screen was only for channels.
Last edited on 22 September 2009 02:24 pm by Hisgal
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Hisgal
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Posted: 22 September 2009 02:28 pm |
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Tuesday, Sept. 22...........
Breakfast: 2 lt. english muffins (200), 1.5 egg beaters (45), 1 sl 2% cheese (60), 1 Tbsp. bleu cheese (40), 2 slices portabella (30), 1/2 c. raspberries (32), 2 c. green tea
Snack: 1 red bell pepper (50), 2 Tbsp. hummus (50), 3.5 oz. cauliflower (25), 1/3 oz almonds (57)
Lunch: 1 can (2 serv) Progresso Light Rice/Veg soup (120), 1/2 c. raspberries (32), 1 McD's vanilla cone (150)
Snack: 1/2 C. 1% cottage cheese (90), 10 red grapes (34), 3 cups of coffee
Dinner: 16 100% whole grain Wheat Thins (140), 2 Tbsp hummus (50), 1/2 can baked beans (228), 3.5 oz. raw cauliflower (25), portabella sandwich (sandwich round, 4 slices portabella mushroom, 1 Tbsp ff feta, 1 Tbsp ff ranch-184), 4 lg olives (40), 7.25 oz. watermelon (62), 1 Pearson's mint (30)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1774
Hmmmmm.........I sure ate a lot after I got home from work! Maybe because I was trying to rest my ankle a bit, instead of running around on it for hours until bedtime? I did sit down through most of BL tonight I tried on some clothes, did some ironing, made my dinner....in steps, did dishes, started the hubs work clothes soaking, ripped the stitching out of some pocket flaps on hubs new work shirt, and figured out my calories. Now it's after 10:30 already! Time to wash off the make-up, brush the teeth and head to bed Nighty-night!
Last edited on 23 September 2009 03:36 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 23 September 2009 02:19 pm |
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Wednesday, Sept. 23............
Breakfast: ww bagel (250), 2 Tbsp. cream cheese (90), 1/2 c. raspberries (32), 2 c. green tea
Snack: orange bell pepper (50), cauliflower (25), ff drsg (40), ff yogurt (70)
Lunch: sandwich (sand round (100), 1 sl turkey (30), sl. swiss (60), 1 Tbsp lf mayo (15), banana peppers and onion (5), 1/2 bag cole slaw mix (50), 3 Tbsp. ff drsg (60), 1/2 apple (50), 10 grapes (34), 4 olives (40)
Snack: None
Dinner: Healthy Choice BBQ Ckn breast dinner (250), 1 mini loaf wg bread (240), ICBINB light (50)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1541
EXERCISE: TJ standing abs X 2........TJ Turbo Sculpt.......standing portion
Last edited on 24 September 2009 03:20 am by Hisgal
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Hisgal
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 24 September 2009 01:55 pm |
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Thursday, Sept. 24.............
Breakfast: 2 lt engl. muffin (200), 2 Egg Beaters (60), 1 sl 2% cheese (60), 1 Tbsp. bleu cheese (40), ICBINB light (50), 2 c. green tea
Snack: 1/2 c. cottage cheese (90), 1/2 c. raspberries (32), 1/3 oz almonds (57)
Lunch: Progresso light soup (120), Sandwich (210), 2 lg olives (20), McD's cone (150)
Snack: 2/3 oz almonds (112)
Dinner: Healthy choice dinner (230), Pearson's mint (30)
TOTAL CALORIES: 1461
I can feel last night's TJ workout in my knees this morning. I've tried to keep the impact low.........but as I get stronger with the weight work, I have done more of the DVD, and there's a lot of squats and leaning right and left. Well, I'm helping my DD with her garage sale on Friday and Saturday...........so I probably won't have time to do the DVD again for a few days. I can sure tell the difference in my muscle strength (espec. the quads) and in my general shape. It's looking much better!
Last edited on 25 September 2009 01:56 pm by Hisgal
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