Joe, that's so sad about your Uncle. What a shame, and a loss. Choked out cold, huh? Is that supposed to encourage me to take marial arts? ;-) Wilo, swimming is great exersize. It combines aerobic with resistance, because the water provides the resistance. Keep it up as long as you can. I have heard that exercize can hold off the problems with arthritis. One of the main reasons I started exercizing, other than I hate being out of shape, is to ward off osteoporosis. (sp?) Water exercizes are supposed to be the best for those with joint problems. Bev, that's a pretty good kick as far as I'm concerned. It doesn't matter how high you kick, anyway, as long as you do a few. It's the movement that counts. I've seen pilates tapes where the demonstrators must be able to kick their legs 360 degrees! I just don't know how they kick so high. I marvel at them, but I definately don't worry that I can't do it. I just do what I can. Sally

Hi all, Yeah, I know I don't come by often, but I read more than I post. Apparently BJ has been away for awhile? I saw the post by Susan asking if anyone was food combining, and it looks like no one replied. What is everyone here doing now? I think I eat closer to level 2, staying away from sugar and white flour, etc, and most carbs, even whole grain. I actually do better when I stay away from even the healthy carbs. I try to do lots of veggies, and still do my chocolate low-carb protein shakes. I haven't lost any more, though. It's frustrating, for as faithful as I am to eating "right". I remember how excited and happy I was when I lost 34 lbs. after only 3 months of following SS. My body adjusted, though, unfortunately. I've been watching Americon Idol, too. They are all so good now, it's hard to see any of them leave. I've been watching Heroes, too, and Office Space, and renting DVD's from Netflix. Just finished watching Pursuit Of Happiness, and currently on The Secret. I'm totally into computer virtual worlds now, and playing Myst Online, Morrowind, and Return To Mysterious Island. I've finished 10 oil paintings since I got here to Hawaii. I know some of you still remember when I moved. I'm not at all sorry I moved here, as it's a good place, but I get lonely, too. Not lonely enough to go through the winters anymore though. I think they will come and visit me again either this summer or next. My granddaughters are awesome girls, and I couldn't be happier with them or prouder of them. I'll keep checking in with you. You are all important to me though I haven't been much involved lately. I wish we didn't have to lose track of people. Take care and eat healthy! Amy

Hi Susan, Yes, I do Tai Chi and I love it!!!. I take a class at our local Senior Center every Thrusday at 3:00. We come out of class very relaxed and clam. I have known about Tai Chi for years but we never had a class offered locally until now. Now that I have been to class I think I could do it at home with a CD and be able to follow it but being in a class with an instructor is really wonderful. We have three segments of meditation that go along with it...wonderful! I am not sure if I have ever heard of Y-Dan but it sounds like it is part of the same Chi family. Family gatherings must be great! I think it might all be a part of the same location of energy or chakra found in the body or Dan Tien, an energy center found just above the navel. Try it, see how you like it, let us know how it goes. But to be on the safe side, you better keep those potato sacks handy. sooey who is now placing her hands over her Dan Tien and breathing slowly, with eyes closed...Ahhhh

Cran, you're welcome. I hope you find a few recipes you like. LisaB: you are so incredibly thoughtful to pull up this thread from last year. Thank you! Here's some new ones. The pancake and Red pesto Sauce I've been making pretty much every weekend lately. Healthful, easy and super delicious. ALMOND MEAL PANCAKES Serves 2 Ingredients: 1 cup almond meal 1/4 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 cup Egg Beaters or 2 eggs 1/4 cup water 2 tablespoons walnut, olive, avocado or canola oil, your choice 1 tablespoon sweetener ( I usually use blue agave syrup) blueberries, if you choose Directions: Mix all ingredients, except blueberries if using them, together in a bowl. Gently fold in blueberries (if using). Cook on hot oiled griddle as you would regular pancakes. * The cooked quinoa keeps the pancakes moist and fluffy. I've tried it without, but prefer them with it. LEMON BLUEBERRY YOGURT MUFFINS Makes about 2 1/2 dozen Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Low Carb Baking Mix (don't accidentally get his Low Carb Bread Mix like I did last month! I buy mine from Amazon Prime or from Bob's Red Mill directly) 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (I prefer Fage 0%) 1 cup sugar (I know, it seems like a lot, but comes out to less than 2 teaspoons per muffin. You can try an artificial sweetener, if you like. I'm very allergic to them myself, though) 3/4 cup Egg Beaters or 3 extra large eggs 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from approx. 1 lemon) 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 1/2 cups blueberries) 1 tablespoon of the baking mix, or regular flour Directions: Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Add muffin liner papers to muffin cups and spray the inside of each with olive oil spray (or Pam, if you prefer). This is very important because without the spray, the finished muffins will stick to the papers badly. Or, you can use the Caphalon Silicone cupcake liners. You do not need to spray them. Mix together the baking mix, baking powder and salt in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, Egg Beaters, lemon zest, vanilla and applesauce. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the yogurt mixture. In a third bowl, sprinkle the blueberries with the 1 tablespoon of baking mix or flour. Toss until covered. Gently fold blueberries into batter. Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full with batter. This recipe should make about 2 1/2 dozen. If using large muffin papers, you may get just 2 dozen. Bake about 40 minutes, or until done. I say "about 40 minutes" because I live at an altitude of 6,000 feet above sea level and baked goods can take a bit longer up here. * These muffins are very moist. They also freeze well. RED PESTO SAUCE FOR SALMON, ETC. Serves 2-3 We eat fresh salmon a couple of times a week. I've been making this heart healthy sauce for it lately, and we love it. You'll need a food processor or blender for this recipe. Ingredients: 8 blanched almonds 1/2 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup chopped, bottled roasted red bell peppers, drained Directions: Blanch your almonds by dropping them in a 1/2 cup of boiling water (off the stove) for 8-10 minutes. Drain, and pinch each almond to slide off skin. Pat dry and cool a few minutes on counter. In a food processor, pulse almonds until you have a powder. Add rest of ingredients, pulse to blend. Taste and add salt if you prefer. Serve at room temp or slightly warmed.