Yesterday was the normal knitting group, which is always fun. We meet at Panera, and my usual breakfast there is a fruit, yogurt, and granola parfait for 7 WW pts+. Very filling. Oh, and I had an apple, too, for 0 pts+ and I had to force myself to finish eating it, I felt so full.

After knitting we went over to a friend's house and ordered in salads. I had a chicken and steak tip salad, with a side of extra steak tips, and about half the dressing. While we were waiting for the salads, I had a couple of small snack crackers with a bit of whipped cream cheese and 1 T of jelly with hot peppers in it. Total points plus came to 17, but I was stuffed.

Then we played cribbage and laughed and talked and enjoyed friendship for awhile. On the way home, we grabbed the small mini sized Wendy's Frosty for 4 pts+. I like McD's reduced fat vanilla cone better, for the same points. Then on to home.

Later I had a snack of Quaker Chocolate crunch rice cake snacks (the small ones--LOVE them!) and 3 Dove dark chocolate miniatures, for 6 points+ total for the whole shebang.

Ended the day at 34 points. I have 38 allotted. During the week, I drop this to 35, but have decided on the weekends to allow myself the full 38. But even yesterday I didn't need this.

I usually focus on lots more fruits and veg, but weekends are a little different, with more eating out and snacking. So, I'm very happy with yesterday.

I'm also happy that the weather is pleasant and not overbearingly hot.

I just found out my cousin died a few days ago. The year started with my uncle dying, then my older brother (while I was in the hospital), and now my cousin. I hope it's not going to be one of those years.

Cinnamon seems to be doing better today. The magic might be in the supplements I give her, that I didn't give her a few times this past week. I give her Cardio-Strength, Milk Thistle, and DMG. Because the Cardio-Strength has carnitine in it, it triggers her appetite, and she is constantly asking for food, so I cut back on it. But then her coughing picked up. So today I added the Cardio-Strength back in, and she seems a lot perkier. Guess I'll just have to deal with her constantly begging for food--at least she's feeling better!

Oh! Other good news on the animal front....my cat was always really heavy. At her highest weight, she was 14.9lbs and the vet said to get her weight down or she would be getting diabetes. The diabetes would not be from the weight; rather, the weight gain AND the diabetes are from feeding food that is really bad for cats. I had her on premium kibble, but that's still bad for cats, especially if it has carbs or grains in it, even brown rice!! Cats are obligate carnivores and need a diet of 95% protein.

So over a year ago, I switched my cat to Instinct canned 95% meat--she likes the chicken, the duck, and the rabbit. Each can has about 3 tiny pieces of either carrot or peas, and that's all the carbs she needs. I've been giving her 2oz portions twice a day, with occasional tiny bits of cat treats here and there. So now that she is getting appropriate nutrition, I weighed her this morning, and she's down to 11 lbs! So now I can add in a little more food to keep her at that weight, because I think that's a perfect weight for her. I am very proud of her weight loss! I'll be taking her to the vet next week for an annual checkup, so I'll make sure everything is on the up and up with her. She is now 12 years old, so she may have a long, healthy life ahead of her, now that I have her on the best possible nutrition.

I want to take carnitine, but it really does trigger appetite, so for now, I don't take it. One of my current supplements really suppresses my appetite. That is not it's purpose, just a side effect, and so far, I haven't been able to figure out which one it is. ALSO, for me, my big ol' mug of decaf coffee totally suppresses my appetite. But I don't drink coffee unless it is chilly enough for it. I may have to run the window a/c more often if the coffee helps suppress appetite! just kidding....

In any case, life is good, and it's a lovely day. I'm praying Kaddish for my cousin and my brother, and might as well add my uncle in there, too. The men folk seem to be dropping like flies. All the more reason to do everything I can for good health, one bite at a time.