I did the Medifast diet about 20 years ago, (under doctors supervision) lost about 25 pounds in short period of time and then my whole system seemed to go into shock !! I got sick at the drop of a hat. Colds, flu, and virus that came down the pike, I ended up with it. So, I went to another physician who ran tests and told me that the Medifast diet weakend my immune system and to get off of it and stay off of it. I don't know if this is general or individual. I got off of it and eventually my body recovered. I tried atkins and lost weight with that, but gained it back as soon as I started to add carbs back in my diet. This time around it is about portion control and excercize. I eat anything I want to, but I weigh and measure every bite that enters my mouth. I don't eat sugar much, but if I do, then it is very infrequently and only a small serving. If I crave something sweet, I will go and buy a fresh pineapple or some fresh oranges or grapefruit. That really satisfies the cravings that seem to come along now and then. And the plus side of that is that they are good for you. I hated to excercise, but once I got into the habit of it, I like doing it now. And since I have lost my first 30 pounds, it is easier than before. I actually had a young man whistle at me the other day. He hadn't seen me for a few months and said he nearly didn't recongnize my new thin frame. That really gave me the boost I needed to continue on my journey. I recommend a Way of life food plan that you can stick with for life. You won't stay of Medifast forever, but if you eat sensibly and keep your body moving, you can eat anything you want to in smaller amounts. No deprivation or boredome there. I have even eaten a serving of Tiramisu and still lost nearly a pound in a weeks time. It is all about common sense and not about lining the pockets of those diet gurus. That's my opinion. There are plenty of websites that have wonderful recipes and journal opportunities. I am not sure if we are allowed to post websites here, but if we are I will be happy to share my favorites with you all. Helen

Welcome!!!! Join us, please. We don't care if you tell or keep it quiet - just post and tell us how you are doing, good, bad or ugly. We know how you feel. We are all here for each other. Rock bottom may be different to each of us but whatever the reason, you are here. We are here. Glad to see you posting. Feel free to join any of the threads here or start your own. I am part of Diet Pals - some do Weight Watchers, some do their own thing - doesn't matter. I too find the forum has been my refuge, my solace, my reporting in. You may want to do a chart at home for yourself - starting weight, date. Put some small goals for yourself every few pounds. I am averaging now 1/2 pound a week - very slow but suits me just fine. It's moving and I'm moving slowly towards my goal. If you need to talk, talk to us! I post from Scotland so I am usually on line a few hours ahead of some while other folk are on later. There are lots of links from time to time in the threads too. I read and research everything I can and have found what works for me. Whatever you do - pat yourself on the back for just being here. The first step is always the hardest. My husband has bad knees, bad back, bad shoulders...when we holiday we do what is comfortable together and if he tires, I get out a wee bit on my own. I wish he could do more but he does what is okay for him. This is not a race to the finish - there is no finish - it's more a lifestyle change for the better. We are glad you are here and look forward to getting to know you. Welcome! McPeg (originally from Canada 5 years ago...to return in the next few years)

That looks great. I might try this sambal mariade on tofu cubes (before roasting) or maybe catfish or tilapia as well. I'm always looking for new spicy mixtures. I've never cooked with lemongrass so this sounds like an adventure. I'm on a very very strict diet (e.g. Medifast) right now so won't be able to try it for a while so sorry, I won't be able to report back very soon. (Now ask me why I'm checking in with this forum, LOL) Thanks for posting!

Greetings! I came over from the Harvest forum, never even knew there was a "cooking" forum! Here's my favorite recipe for quick grits. CHEESY GRITS 1 Cup Quick Grits 3 Cups Water 8 Tablespoons Butter 3 Cloves Garlic, minced 2 Eggs, lightly beaten Milk to make 1 cup 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sate and freshly ground Pepper to taste Cook the Grits in the Water according to package instructions. When the Grits are still hot, add the Butter and Garlic, stir to melt the Butter. In a measuring cup, lightly beat the Eggs, add enough milk to bring it up to one cup. Stir to combine, and stir into the Grits Mixture. Stir in the Cheese. Pour into a casserole or baking dish and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven and bake 30 Â 60 minutes. Mixture will puff up as it bakes. When top is golden and no longer loose, they are done. Steve