SparkPoints: (10,607)
Fitness Minutes: (7,277)
Posts: 206
5/13/13 10:45 A

Thinner! Maybe taller! I can achieve at least one of those!

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5/12/13 9:19 A

Sorry I'm soooo far behind on my spark stuff. I've been super busy and have not had much time to work on the computer.

Question:
If you could have any body shape what would it be and why?

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5/2/13 9:31 A

A long time ago, I bought those One Day Diet tablets. I tried for about half a day. They were gross.

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5/2/13 9:10 A

Green algae tablets. They are suppose to add energy and weight loss to your body. Worked for awhile but then I stopped.

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5/1/13 9:23 A

Week is halfway over, so I think I will go ahead and post a question.

What is the oddest diet tip or fad diet you have tried?

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4/23/13 11:10 P

Its weird- sometimes I want to take a break and maintain what I have lost for awhile. Its hard thinking about it ALL THE TIME sometimes.

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4/23/13 11:26 A

In a weird place right now so this week's question is a little different.

Have you ever wanted to quit trying to lose weight?

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4/16/13 1:34 P

Zumba!!! (Iknow I talk about it ALL the time).

Its not a workout- its FUN!

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4/16/13 10:34 A

A day late but I've been really busy. This week's question is:

What is your favorite workout and why?

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4/9/13 8:47 A

I really like to read a good book when I'm stressed. I normally take a long walk to clear my head of all the stress. Seems like I've been doing a lot of that lately lol

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4/9/13 2:46 A

When I am stressed, I like to read.

SparkPoints: (10,607)
Fitness Minutes: (7,277)
Posts: 206
4/8/13 11:31 A

When I am stressed I like to do Zumba. It gives me an hour of thinking about nothing but the moves. No time for stress.

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4/7/13 8:19 A

Good Morning Team,
Another week has passed and I hope it was good for all of you. I'm VERY busy with my son's graduation, prom and cleaning the house for people to come stay. We have a few people coming from out of the state so my house will be like a motel for awhile.

This week's question is a fill in the blanks.
When I'm stressed I like to _____________.

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4/3/13 6:30 P

Believe it or not- I don't care for the packets. I prefer plain water. I just don't drink much of anything. I have been adding more water. That is going to be my focus next week though.

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4/3/13 9:50 A

I used to bad at drinking all my water. I then started putting flavor packs in it to make it easier for me to drink. Now I drink over my 8 glasses per day.

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4/2/13 1:24 P

Drinking water! Funny think is that it should be the easiest. I don't drink much of anything period. I need more fluids.

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4/2/13 8:10 A

Hi Team,
Hope everyone had a great weekend and a Happy Easter. I really enjoyed mine but ate too much candy lol.
This weeks question is:
What is your biggest obstacle when losing weight?

Mine is ice cream. I also have trouble with exercising and tracking minutes.

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3/26/13 9:20 A

I do a lot of stuff to get ready for summer. In my spring cleaning I wash walls, doors etc., clean closets and a multitude of chores. I only count the minutes that I'm actually working on the walls etc.

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3/25/13 9:43 A

We do a weekly Saturday cleaning, I used to track it, but don't anymore. I was thinking about doing a few spring cleaning things, but I wont track them. All that will be extra calorie burn!

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3/25/13 8:29 A

Hello Team,
As I start my spring cleaning I came up with this week's question:

Do you still do spring cleaning and do you track it on your fitness minutes?

I've heard many different answers to question what do you all think?


Have a great week!!!!

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3/20/13 9:55 A

My routine is totally different in warm weather. I do almost all my exercise outdoors and hate to be stuck indoors. Luckily I live on a BIG piece of land so there is always something that has to be done.

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3/17/13 9:50 A

Good Morning team,
I've been really busy lately so haven't had time to spark much. I have a son graduating in May and its a very hectic time here at the house.
This week's question goes along with the warm weather:
Now that the weather is warmer how does your routine change?

Happy St. Patrick's Day Team!!!

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3/14/13 10:17 A

No problem.

My progress has been SLOOOOOW too and I often stress about it, but then I remind myself.

1. My clothes are loser.
2. No matter what the scale says, I am becoming healthier. It is a good thing. Results will come, eventually.

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3/13/13 8:33 A

Sorry I forgot to post a question this week but things have been a bit chaotic here at home.
When my progress is slow and I'm feeling down I give myself a pep talk. I remind myself of what I've accomplished and it helps.
My continual motivation is I want to be healthy enough to enjoy my retirement.

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3/12/13 11:54 A

Its Tuesday and no question yet. I think I will post one.

What do you do when you feel discouraged or that progress is too slow? How do you continue to motivate yourself?

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3/4/13 6:22 P

None!!1

Ha ha its true. I just have LESS. I have chocolate every day- I count it. Then I have one meal a week that I don't count (but I am super good the day before, that day and the day after)- which is usually Saturday. I can eat the meal I want (but not over do it) and have dessert. I also only have alcohol once a week. My fiance and I used to have a drink together most nights a week.

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3/4/13 8:57 A

I'm really loving all the responses to this thread. It is nice to know what the members are up to and share in their weight loss journey.
This weeks question is :
How many guilty pleasures have you given up since being on Spark?

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3/2/13 9:28 A

Wow everyone has such wonderful ideas for exercise. Spring is right around the corner so I must get busy losing weight for shorts weather.
I will be getting my den back next week so I'll be able to start riding my exercise bike again! It has been over a year and I can't wait to get back on it.

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3/2/13 8:40 A

Hi all, Loving this dialogue!!
I'm training for a half right now, so I have non negotiable run days on Tue, Thu, Sat Sun with Wednesdays being added soon. When I'm being awesome I go to the gym on non run days and bike or elliptical and I also walk with Sparkfriends on Saturdays when I am in town.
I just got a Wii for my birthday and I did not know there was Wii Zumba. Must check it out!
I did not know the was a Shadowchase walking club now, that's awesome!

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3/1/13 2:30 P

If I join, it will be the one on Orangeburg, because it is closer to me, but you never know!!1

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2/28/13 10:29 A

Yes its the new big one they are building on Prescott and Briggsmore. They took over the old furniture store. Maybe I'll see you there once they open.

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2/27/13 9:21 P

Batty, is that the new Planet Fitness. I go with a friend to the one on Orangeburg. It is awesome. I am considering joining.

I did Zumba on the Wii today, it said I burned over 800 calories. I sweat so much. Great work out!!!

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2/27/13 8:13 P

I do all sorts of stuff- running, kettle bells, biking, pole dancing... whatever I can find to keep me moving...

The Shadowchase group has a walking club now too that meets up several times during the week and they are awesome people!

Posts: 5,068
2/27/13 10:43 A

I try and change up my exercise daily. I get too bored with doing the same thing so I pick something new to do daily. Since I'm house bound most of my exercise is done here at home. There is a new gym opening down the street for $10.00 a month that I'm checking into. It is within walking distance so its perfect for me.

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2/25/13 10:00 P

Fitness is new to me, but here is my plan.

Tues and Thurs, 60 min of Zumba. ALWAYS.

Then I add in walking or going to the gym with a friend here and there the other days (been adding more and more lately).

My fiance bought me Wii Zumba, so I can do Zumba at home too. So excited.

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2/25/13 8:49 A

Happy Monday Team!
This weeks question is :
Do you change your exercise routine regularly or do you do the same thing everyday?

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2/18/13 8:27 A

I know what you mean Julia. Out of all the members in this team we seem to be the only ones active. I'm up for walks other days than just Saturday. I don't drive so my hubby has to drive me and bring me home. If I had transportation I could meet anywhere for a walk.
I've been kicking around a few ideas like rewarding the top people in fitness and points. It is always nice to be acknowledged.

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2/17/13 9:30 P

As coleader, I would like to see more active members. More members willing to meet to walk, days other than Saturday morning at 8 am.

I guess I just would like to feel more TEAM. If you do weight watchers you attend meetings, you get to know other local people with the same struggle. I often feel so alone and discouraged. It was such a struggle to lose 4 pounds.

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2/17/13 9:07 A

Good morning team!
Hope all had a great week. I was sick most of the week so didn't get a whole lot done. This week's question is not about weight loss. Being the leader of the team I'm always looking for new things for the team. So that being said:

If you could change anything about this team what would it be? Please be honest as I'm open to all ideas.

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2/11/13 10:36 A

I go to Zumba twice a week for 5 bucks. Its an hour, women only, good for all fitness levels and a great work out. Also that new gym, Planet Fitness on Oakdale is 10-20 per month no contract. You might want to check that out. I was thinking about it. The 20 package includes unlimited guests and free tanning.
I walk sometimes.

I would like to get a Zumba dvd or Just Dance for the Wii.

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2/11/13 8:35 A

Good Morning Team,
Hope all are having a good week so far. I'm just finishing up with a sinus infection so haven't been as active as I want to be.

Does anyone do all there workouts at home? I'm tossing around joining a gym but really like the privacy of working out at home.

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2/7/13 8:53 A

Are you getting married? Congratulations in advance! The holidays beat me down also and I'm having a hard time getting the eating under control. I'm down with a sinus infection so I have no appetite so maybe I'll lose some weight lol

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2/6/13 11:34 A

Thanks. The holidays were hard, but I am glad to be back. Extra motivation with the upcoming wedding!!!

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2/6/13 8:50 A

I'm so glad that you've become active again and love having you as co leader. Hope all is going well for you!

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2/4/13 11:46 A

Since 2009, on and off. Never really an active member until recently.

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2/4/13 9:13 A

Good morning team!
Another week is upon us so I have a new question for you all:

How long have you been on Spark and are you an active member?

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1/30/13 8:31 A

I know that feeling Julia!!! I've just been gaining weight since Thanksgiving and now I'm the highest weight I've been in years. I'm feeling pretty down about myself too. I've now started to eat small meals during the day and a snack at night. I've lost a couple of pounds but not much. Don't worry we'll both take baby steps and the weight will come off.

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1/29/13 12:48 P

STUCK! STUCK! STUCK!

It is such a bummer. I counted calories all week and went to zumba twice, no change. I am just going to keep at it. Maybe be slow but I am sure I will be rewarded eventually.

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1/28/13 8:27 A

So its Monday again and time for this week's question:

How is your weight loss plan coming along?

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1/23/13 8:11 A

I couldn't give up chocolate or ice cream. I've starting eating frozen yogurt instead of ice cream but there is no substitution for chocolate

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1/21/13 12:07 P

Had to? Well that is hard. I would pick one I care less about! Certainly not chocolate!
That would be one I SHOULD give up.

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1/21/13 9:12 A

Glad to see you back again Julia!!! I've been trying to be active daily on the site but lately I've been going through a rough time with over eating so I've been sort of out of it.

Question of the week:
If you had to give up a comfort food what would it be?

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1/19/13 1:51 P

I was. Then I started tracking with Loseit and kind of slacked off on here. Problem is, with lose it when you track exercise, it gives you more calories to eat. That did not help. Back to spark I go. I do much better here.

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1/14/13 9:02 A

This week's question is :
Are you a active member of Spark?

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1/7/13 8:17 A

Well I'm back on track this week so I'll post this week's question. Hope everyone had a great holiday season.

How do you plan to lose weight this year?

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1/2/13 10:08 A

I will be waiting until next Monday to post a new question.

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12/18/12 12:16 P

I LOVE this time of year (although Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because it is the start of it all and I love fall). I have so many favorites it is hard to choose from:

1. walking Christmas Tree Lane with the kids
2. Making cookies or fudge or treats with the kids.
3. New PJS for Christmas Eve!
4. Christmas MOVIES!!!!

Yes... I am way too excited!!! This year, for the first time I made a bunch of gifts. I made scarfs, hand warmers and I am making stockings for the family.

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12/17/12 9:11 A

Here is your question of the week:
What is your favorite holiday tradition?

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12/15/12 8:51 A

Thanks for the birthday wishes Sarah!

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12/14/12 11:06 A

Aw I completely forgot even though you literally just posted about it and cake... Happy Belated Birthday!

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12/14/12 8:14 A

Thank You Julia!

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12/13/12 12:01 P

In case I forget...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

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12/13/12 9:11 A

Julia I can't wait for my motivation to kick in. My mother in law has done nothing but cook and bake since she got here. I'm having a hard time trying to stay on track. I'm not going to feel guilty just enjoy it and worry about getting back on track after the holiday.

My mother in law is baking me a German chocolate cake for my birthday tomorrow and it would hurt her feelings if I didn't eat it.

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12/12/12 5:34 P

Here is what i do:
1. skip the pie (and try not to eat to much fudge).
2. small servings of the carb and fat loaded items (stuffing, mashed potatoes...)
3. eat lean meats like, turkey breast or lean ham. Skip the skin (ok, to be honest, I cheat a bit there).
4. Remember- it is only one day. I want to enjoy it. Once a year, I deserve it. If I over do it just a bit, get right back on track the next day! *

While I realize I am still attempting to get back on track from Thanksgiving- I know I will soon have that super motivation everyone has with the new year!!!

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12/11/12 8:47 A

I'm a bit late on posting this week's question sorry. I've been very busy with company here and the holidays in general.

Here is this week's question:
How do you make your holiday meal low fat?

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12/7/12 8:24 A

Its great that your posting on the message boards. It's nice to see participation in the team. Thanks for being there!

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12/6/12 2:17 A

I joined because I had used it before many years ago and because it was a free and easy way to track calories. It was very useful to me in the past. I rejoined but really haven't been active enough or tracking calories much or anything. I go back and forth with being active. We've been seriously busy lately with lots of stress and exhaustion. I've only really been logging on the internet to email my dad and then just go to sleep. It's starting to calm down a little tiny bit. So, I'm going to at least try and check out the message boards again.

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12/3/12 8:38 A

Here is the question of the week.
Why did you join Spark and are you an active member?

I joined Spark as it was free and I needed help to lose some weight. I've managed go lose my original weight but couldn't maintain it.
I have been an active member for about 3 years now. I took a few months off for personal reasons but since I came back I've been very active member

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11/27/12 11:44 P

I agree with you Julia!

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11/27/12 6:36 P

My goal: stick to Sparkpeople- no matter how long it takes!

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11/27/12 8:33 A

Those are really awesome goals. I just recently got a credit card and I'm trying to be real good with it. It's hard with all the sales going on but I'm fighting the urge.

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11/27/12 7:29 A

In the new year my goals are to try and get me and my boyfriend's credit cards paid down. I would like to set aside any amount of my check each pay to save up for emergencies. Of course, eat better and actually be more active.

current weight: 253.0

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11/25/12 9:02 A

This week's question is fairly easy.

What are your goals for 2013?

I plan on eating right and losing the weight that I need to. I plan on walking daily again and being more social.

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11/21/12 8:39 A

We are going to do a double batch of green bean casserole so today I've got to be very strict on my calorie intake. Hubby and I will do all the cooking early tomorrow morning so that we can relax and enjoy the family. Hope everyone has a Outstanding Thanksgiving!!!

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11/21/12 1:42 A

This year we are cooking turkey dinner, oh, that would be tomorrow.... My days blend together... Homemade gravy, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. We were all invited to go to a neighbor's house across the street for Thanksgiving day. So, we are doing that too. Normally, back east, I would just be at my dad's house and helping my sister and step mom with dinner.

current weight: 253.0

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11/20/12 9:16 A

Sounds like fun Julia!
I'll be having a small dinner just for the 4 of us this year. My hubby even has the day off so we can cook the meal together . Last year we had 11 plus people here for dinner and it was chaotic. Looking forward to a quiet day of eating and football.

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11/18/12 11:38 A

It is my favorite holiday!!!
Thursday: Dinner at my fiances parents, get to meet the rest of his family finally.
Sunday: MY family Thanksgiving, it is when we have everyone together and the kids home. I am making a turkey dinner and we are putting up Christmas decor. We always have our own when we can be together.

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11/18/12 9:13 A

Well its Sunday morning time for this week's question.
How do you all celebrate Thanksgiving?

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11/15/12 6:35 P

Papa Murphys D'lite pizzas are pretty good. You can create your own! Low in calories!

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11/15/12 9:11 A

I guess I'll go to the one on Tully Rd. it is closest to my house. I got to get me a veg. pizza next Tuesday! Thanks for the information. I also miss Hoagies! When my mom was alive she would make them all the time for us. Brings back good memories!

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11/14/12 7:17 P

Modesto/E Hatch 1633 East Hatch Road
Modesto/Oakdale 2601 Oakdale Road
Modesto/Tully 3430 Tully Road
Modesto/Pelandale 3900 Pelandale Avenue
Are all the locations in Modesto for Papa Murphy's
We went to the one on Hatch. Ugh... I do miss those hoagies. I used to live down the street from a corner deli that had 99cent hoagies. They were the best.

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11/14/12 10:31 A

My hubby and I have date day 2x a month. This is time for just us. We love Sizzler and its a very Spark friendly place to eat. I occasionally will order some chicken dish off the menu but normally its too much food for me to eat lol

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11/14/12 10:02 A

We went to Sizzler Monday! So easy to find something to eat there. I am not much of a salad eater, but they have chicken and other options. I was pleased.

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Posts: 5,068
11/14/12 9:15 A

That is true that they do have better food on the east coast. When I was there visiting I had the greatest Philly cheese steak sandwich EVER. We also tried several pizza places and had a Hoagie that was to die for. My family is from PA so mom used to cook a lot of east coast recipes.

I've never had a Papa Murphy's pizza. Where is there one in Modesto? Is that the one they just opened on Standiford?

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11/14/12 4:13 A

My boyfriend wants to try going to Sizzler... There are barely any Sizzlers around where I lived in PA. When I was younger they were everywhere.. I didn't even know they were still around until I moved here... When my dad is playing poker he always acts happy and excited with ever hand while chanting I'm going to Sizzlers.. He's such a dork... At least he always wins that way... I did have my first Papa Murphy's pizza today... It's pretty good.. They're having a special on Tuesdays 10$ for any style... I got chicken, garlic, and mushrooms on my half... We don't have any shops like that back east, that I know of. But we do have better pizza than you westerners... And better steak sandwiches.....Oh god I miss Philly food.

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11/13/12 8:37 A

Thats like my hubby he is obsessed with Sizzler all you can eat salad bar. We normally go out to lunch there at least once a month. There salad bar consists of two bars. One holds every type of cold salad & fruit that you can imagine. Then on the other bar they have hot items- soups, chicken wings , baked potatoes and taco fixings. They also have Big onion rings.
We normally spend an hour or so just grazing until we're full. We go to the one on Dale Rd. across from Vintage Faire Mall.
I like it because the price is good and I can plan what I'm going to eat. I normally don't have breakfast on those days and skip dinner as I'm still full from Lunch!

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11/13/12 1:00 A

My boyfriend is obsessed with that place. We go once every couple of months. He loves steak, so it's the cheapest way for him to get his fill. The steak is a little fatty but I don't like steak much anyway. The salads are good. They have two sections. One is like ceasar salad/romaine lettuce, and the other is iceberg. They have lots of different stuff to put on them and they're all the ingredients are replenished in front of you. The area behind the bar has people chopping up the ingredients in front of you to refill stuff.

My absolute favorite place to eat in Modesto is Osaka Sushi on McHenry. But the dish I like there is 17$, so that's a rare treat. But with my lack of a 60$ cell phone bill, I might be able to go later this month. I love Misoyaki Shrimp and mushrooms.

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11/12/12 7:24 P

That's great I always wanted to try that place but hubby wasn't sure how it was. I take it you like it, how is their salad bar? I drink soda probably once a month if that. It is one of the things I gave up along with fast foods. I also Love salads. I could eat them everyday plus some hahaha.

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11/12/12 6:11 P

When we eat out it's almost always Golden Corral. I love their salad bar. I make myself a few of those and am good for the day. Mmmmm... I seriously love salad. I always get water or unsweetened tea too. I love both of those. It's really rare for me to want soda.

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11/12/12 8:53 A

I normally do plan ahead when I'm able. I gave up fast foods years ago except for specialty coffees. I still have to have a Mocha every now and then lol.
I try and go to places that have a salad bar this way I can eat right and still enjoy eating out. I have to stay away from places with a buffet style menu. I start eating and don't know when to stop.
I also order a large water or ice tea with my meal so I get full faster. Thanks for all your tips Julia!

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11/11/12 2:44 P

Plan ahead!

As in, make sure I am not eating too many calories before or after (depending on lunch or dinner) and looking ahead at a menu, knowing for the most part what I want to order and sticking to that

For example, I know its bad but we had Jack in the Box last night. I ordered the grilled chicken strips (very yum) by themselves, with terriaki dipping sauce, a diet dr pepper and my fiance ordered a large fries with his meal and just gave me some. Over all the damage wasn't bad and I was way under budget for calories for the night- surprisingly.

Also avoid places that are a problem. I don't to go somewhere and not be able to eat and be miserable or go over my planned calorie range and be unhappy about that.

If I eat out somewhere that is not "fast food" I am sure to plan ahead, as usual, but if there is something I REALLY want, I go ahead and order it and maybe just eat half and bring the rest home for lunch the next day.

Here are my favorite fast food finds:

Subway (of course- there are several to choose from).
Jack in the Box grilled chicken strips
Carls Jr BBQ chicken sandwich (I eat it alone of course)

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11/11/12 12:30 P

I have a very general question for this week:
How do you stay in calorie range while eating out?

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11/10/12 4:04 P

I just want to say...if I was going to eat something and my fiance told me not to eat something I wanted or to eat less...well lets just say one of us (me) might be then communicating from behind bars or the grave (him). I can be one moody....b*tch when it comes to something I have decided I want.

God help him.

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11/10/12 3:03 P

Lol. I think my boyfriend is afraid I'd snap at him if he ever actually did take my plate away. I just need to stop being such a glutton. At least it's harder for me to be a glutton here on the west coast. When I lived at my dad's house he didn't charge rent or anything and the two refrigerators and mini fridge were always stocked with food and sodas. Then they had a two pantries with so much food. My dad is a little obsessed with keeping food stocked for the end of the world... He's got tons of cases of water and hand crank chargers for electronics and a generator. It's funny because he doesn't seem like the crazy type. But he is. He even has plans for if all communication gets knocked out on how to come out and get me.

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11/8/12 6:33 P

Congratulations to your sister! I guess strapless dresses would be a problem. I'm small built so strapless look stupid on me. I do the same thing to my hubby when I over eat. I now just tell him to take the plate away from me. He has gotten quite good as judging when I have eaten enough and rarely lets me stuff myself.

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11/8/12 4:17 P

Hmmm.. I guess just Spark... I do ask my boyfriend to not let me eat anymore, usually after I eat a ton. I'll ask him why he let me eat so much. lol... But really, I usually just use Spark.. Now I'm a little more motivated because I have something to look forward to. My sister is getting married in September. That's motivating too.. Because omg... She doesn't seem to realize that fatties with big boobs have a hard time with strapless dresses. Even when I wasn't heavy I had a hard time with strapless shirts/anything. Oh well.. Will see.

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Posts: 5,068
11/5/12 8:18 P

Glad you find Spark people motivating. I try and keep a positive attitude and motivate people when I can. I'm always here to support you on your weight loss journey

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11/5/12 6:34 P

For weight loss, Spark People. My fiance is also a good motivator, but Spark People has been most motivating lately.

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11/5/12 8:36 A

Happy Monday everyone!
Question for the week is as follows:When I need support I go to ..........
When I need support I normally ask for help from my spark friends and family. I do need people to support me as I have a tendency not to follow through on weight loss and exercise.
.

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10/31/12 9:23 A

Looks like every one has a plan for Thanksgiving. It is good to plan ahead for your calorie intake so that way its not so hard to track. I'm having a small dinner with just my immediate family which will be nice. We'll have a small traditional dinner with green bean casserole. I LOVE that stuff. I'm going to be making my first turkey this year as my hubby has to work. My hubby does most of the cooking in this house. I also plan on moderation with no dessert so I should be able to carry it off.
Today is Halloween , everyone have a safe night and DON"T eat the Halloween candy lol.

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