Oh yeah, school is ramping up and I was at the regional conference the past two days. But I find the accountability really helps me. I managed to eat healthy since they had a big salad bowl on the buffet then sandwiches and wraps. I loaded up on the salad mix and then took the proteins off a wrap a a slider.

Got an email that I can once again meet with a nutrition student dietitian to be, so I am doing that this week and next. Yay! Will talk more protein and fiber.

Did Zumba today and then I did weights after the conference yesterday. Pilates is on Wednesdays.

Edit: I think weekly is fine because people do join and hop on and off.

I'm still here. I'm just rather boring. I can't lose weight but I do maintain my exercise. I did think I was gaining weight again but did not. It's a constant roller coaster for me. Because I know how hard won getting here was!

I read everything written and so sorry I don't contribute very much. I think weekly works but as said people come and go.

Why am I not surprised...

—

A sugar replacement called erythritol – used to add bulk or sweeten stevia, monkfruit and keto reduced-sugar products – has been linked to blood clotting, stroke, heart attack and death, according to a new study.

“The degree of risk was not modest,” said lead study author Dr. Stanley Hazen, director of the Center for Cardiovascular Diagnostics and Prevention at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.

People with existing risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, were twice as likely to experience a heart attack or stroke if they had the highest levels of erythritol in their blood, according to the study, published Monday in the journal Nature Medicine.

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/27/health/zero-calorie-sweetener-heart-attack-stroke-wellness/index.html?utm_content=2023-02-28T08%3A00%3A29&utm_source=fbCNN&utm_term=link&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR3rEl7UgO1SYfv94oJz6b8VamMOWI9Ni-z5e82_LsTzmcypKJjkQYkzq6c

I stopped using artificial sweeteners a long time ago. I have packets of just stevia around for guests who want such things, but don't use it myself. I also won't eat "sugar free" products as not only do they use artifical sweeteners, but they're also highly processed. Because of my lichen sclerosis, I can't use mouthwashes that have sweeteners in them as well. Better to stick to real food and just eat less of it.

Thanks, Annie. I have moved away from artificial sweeteners for quite a few years now. No more diet sodas. I think we are only beginning to understand the relationships of additives to our foods and their impacts on obesity.

Read the article on CNN yesterday. Found it interesting, I have always been uncomfortable with the sweeteners, even when recommended by nutritionists for my Type 1 diabetic DH and DD. They used to drink a lot of Diet Coke, but over the last 5 years they have tapered off to an occasional diet soda. Currently, do not use sweetners regularly, other than my DH adds one packet to his ice tea.

Yes, I am looking forward to Spring too. We have had so much rain this year, hoping it will slow down. Want to be outside more, enjoying some warmer, but not hot, days and the beautiful spring flowers.

My first week back here is going well. Calorie counting is working much better than WW point system, my weight is dropping again and I am finding I like it better overall. I have also managed to meet my protein goals most days. Although not the purpose for increasing my protein, I am having less sweet cravings; a nice bonus.

I think the weekly check-ins are good. It is encouraging to see how everyone is doing on their journey, both good weeks and bad. It is a struggle to live a healthier lifestyle, especially when those around us in RL are not as dedicated. Nice to check in with others, with similiar goals.

Great feedback-- we will stick with a weekly thread. I agree, it is more accountable-- more upfront in my mind with a weekly thread.

Funny, I have dropped back a bit on my protein-- at least from meat sources. I had tried upping the amount/frequency that I eat meat at the start of the year and it just didn't "feel good". I am definitely still focused on fiber and that does squash cravings and idle snacking and it works well for my system.

This is an odd week for me -- March and April are both filled with birthdays. This week am busy with interviews to staff my new project team and also a number of social engagements-- including two birthday celebrations (tacos and brunch) and I am getting together with two collegues I haven't seen since before the pandemic. I am excited for all but mindful that I will need to make smart choices. I could work around 1.. but 3 will test my resolve. I am also heading out later this afternoon to get my hair/nails done. I don't think I've had this many outings in a week since before the pandemic! LOL

I use stevia in my iced tea on occasion but pretty rarely. I did have a short return to diet pepsi in Dec and January but I broke that habit! Really, I dont eat much that has artificial sweeteners. I haven't ever seen erythritol added to stevia products but I remember that it was in a lot of items 20+ yr ago. I will have to be more mindful when I select my stevia (or return to growing it myself) as I have a clotting disease. Thanks, @Annie Deighnaugh.

I will apologize in advance.. I may be scarce this week but I am with you all in spirit... let's make it a great week!

Thank you, Funky! My posts have been down the past few weeks because I feel like a broken record ("more strength training, more protein, etc etc). But I always read through the thread for inspiration. I appreciate that you start them, if you're inclined to continue.

Weather has been decent here, and I've been walking a lot, and interspersing some slow running, too. I've not been consistent on weights, and that's a perpetual goal to increase.

I have had some dietary issues. editing to remove TMI. Let's just say I've had some dietary issues, and leave it at that.

I look forward to these posts and enjoy reading along and feeling part of a community trying to do better! They give me a chance to reflect on my week and how to move forward. Like @Feathers11 I do feel like I repeat the same goals for myself a lot, but eventually they have to sink in, right?

I did well with my 24 hour fast last week and am trying one again today - I can eat late afternoon. My coach recommended I try these on the weeks when I am more social than usual and eating less strict than at home. It worked last week to get me back on track and got my blood sugar numbers back to stable. So, I'm going to keep it in mind, especially after prolonged days of not great decisions. It's not hard for me, and it honestly feels good to give myself a break. I won't do it all the time, but it seems to be a good reset button for me when I "life" too much:)

I did see the news on erythritol. I do drink zevia, which is sweetened with stevia, but i don't see that ingredient. I don't eat other low sugar items, so I only have the one thing to worry about - for now! I'd like to find a healthier drink. I am actually thinking about trying to find a taste for coffee:) I have read good things about it. But, what I'd really like to do is add fresh brewed green tea to my drink list. It seems to have a lot of health benefits, and I have liked it in the past.

I had a great session with my trainer last week, but haven't worked out since other than walking. I need to do that today. It is also warm and sunny here today, so I will walk outside. Adding weights is my only real new exercise goal to focus on. I seem to have made walking a habit. I might try adding in some running until pickleball cardio starts up again.

I have been taking my magnesium and that paired with less alcohol and more outside time has helped my sleep. I just can't get over how much better I feel on the nights I sleep well, so I will continue that focus as well.

I've slowed down coming in as I am trying to return to my genuine person. During the length of my husbands dementia, I did my best to take care of him right to the end of the three years. He has passed away and now I'm working on redoing some spots in our home. Often I can't even find the site but, today, I did.

I will absolutely keep up the threads ... I think we're all feeling that we are being repetitive, i know I am. But Legomom is right-- that's part of keeping our goals and good behaviors front and center in our minds.

I picked up a tropical green tea with pineapple and passionfruit last week-- I plan to give it a try in iced tea this week. I am also really enjoying water with just a splash of cold press pineapple juice.

I have read a lot about the health benefits of coffee recently -- for both kidney and heart. Good thing.. I go to sleep looking forward to my coffee in the morning lol!

I have also had some digestive issues lately, @Feathers11 .. very slow digestion and processing. I took a walk on the wild side and had a whole grain english muffin and oatmeal yesterday and let's just say I have been needing to step away multiple times today. It is just a very good reminder that MY body needs the water-soluble fiber. The world makes me feel like I need to cut back on all carbs but my body knows I need the healthy whole grains.

I have increased my magnesium for the same reason, @legomom23 -- but I am doing it with walnuts. I add them to salads and oatmeal.. i haven't done it recently but I also really like walnuts with either spinach or broccoli in a light pasta. Nuts in general are high in magnesium -- iirc brazil nuts and cashews at the top of the list. I find cashews a bit rich but I enjoy them in savory dishes.. never really developed a taste for brazil nuts.

@Yayagal I am so sorry to hear that your husband has passed away. I hope that working on parts of your house gives you peace and good memories. ❤️

@Yayagal I am so sorry to hear that your husband has recently passed. I hope too that your good memories will give you comfort.

I eat tons of nuts! Like cashews and walnuts are my go to. I am doing some blood work Friday and she was able to order me some with mineral levels including magnesium. I am off of all supplements for 72 hours to get a better reading. It will be interesting to see where I fall.

I think carbs do get a bad rap - if they work for you, eat them up! I originally mostly gave up grains, but have since added back in sourdough bread sometimes, and the occasional bagel! I try to eat beans every day. I put mixed berries in my smoothie. I don't feel like I'm low carb in the strict keto sense, but I definitely try to choose the healthier versions. It's hard to get fiber without carbs at all. I have found the order I eat them allows for more steady blood sugar, but still gives me the energy. I try to always eat the salad or other fiber first to blunt the response. That works well for me.

I had drafted a post then accidentally closed my browser window without saving.

@Yayagal, I am very sorry for the loss of your husband.

I met with the student dietitian today,and we are going to work on fiber this week. I am going to try two of the following for this upcoming week:

• quinoa in my salads
• add black beans
• try some ”pasta” made from beans/legumes
• try chia seed pudding

Pilates was super challenging today! I am improving though. My tabletop legs are much better. Getting ready for bed soon.

Yayagal, I have no other words, except that I'm sorry. He was so fortunate to have you, as well.

M&Ms have never interested me but I am haunted by jalapeno potato chips ever since I had some 2 weeks ago. I wish the wonderful little orange tomatoes I just bought attracted as much of my attention!

Great tips from your student dietician, GS! Thanks for sharing them! I need to add more quinoa into my rotations. Doesn't that "Jennifer Aniston" Salad have quinoa?? My sister sent a link to me and called it the "Funkyart" Salad because it reminds her of me/how I eat ... I wish LOL! I've never made it.

I had a wonderful meal with colleagues last night-- it was really so great to SEE them in person! We lingered for 3.5 hr. I did a great job of drinking water and unsweetened thai tea .. we shared our dishes (not all great choices but i had small amounts). I could have done better by sticking to Tom Yum soup and a salad but it was so great to see my friends and I went with the "community table". I even shared mango and sticky rice with the table but I stuck to mostly the mango (yum!). i

Normally after an indulgent night out, I would keep it light today and it would all balance out-- but I have a birthday dinner to attend tonight. Luckily it is with family so I can go heavy on salad and skip the cake without upsetting anyone. Still, it won't be a low-calorie day if only because I will share a few cocktails with my sister, the birthday girl!

I think I'd like to add a fasting day to my routine -- I like the idea of purging my system and breaking my lingering idle snacking habits. @legomom23, on your fasting days do you eat nothing or do you include bone broth or similar? Do you do it on the same day each week or as you feel you need it? I know Pricklypear does fasts too-- but I think she does 2 days a week? I am not sure I have the dedication.. and I fear it would mess up my metabolism even more. I am thinking an occasional cleanse and habit reset more than regular calorie deprivation.

I had some potentially good news last night ... I *may* have enticed my old tech lead to join the new team I am assembling. This would make me so very happy. Hoping to hear good news from him today-- it is a little of a longshot. I'd say we went from 10% chance that he'd join to about 72%. Still, I am hopeful that today will be a "Dear Diary" day lol.. hope you all have great days too! 😎

I'm so sorry yayagal. A woman I know had a long rough session with her husband and his illness before he passed and it's taking her quite awhile to get her footing again...it's hard work, takes courage, but it is a path of rediscovery for sure. Sending you thoughts of strength comfort and solace in this most difficult of time.

@Funkyart - I really don't know a lot about fasting. There is some conflicting info about it - as with all diet methods I think. What I did though was more one meal a day I guess. I was going to fast all day Friday, but I forgot I had a trainer workout. So, after that, around 11:00 am, I ate about 30 grams of protein in case I needed it for muscle recovery, and then fasted until 11:00 am Saturday. I just had plain water, and water with electrolytes.

Tuesday I had a bagel for breakfast, then a 4 hour drive where I snacked on chips and a snack mix, so I decided I should fast again! So, I just stopped eating around 3 until Wednesday at 3.

I'm not sure how often I'll try this. But every so often just to get myself back on track seems like a good idea for me personally. I'm not wearing a CGM right now, but the day after my fast last week was the most steady blood sugar day I'd had in awhile.

I try to eat 3 meals a day, because otherwise how can I get all my food requirements and nutrients in? So, this is in contrast to that. It's a balance for sure!

I see bone broth recommended a lot for fasting. I know my blood sugars are ok, so I just try to stay well hydrated. It does help me get in my water goal - drink instead of eat. I have read if you get a headache, you might need salt or electrolytes, so bone broth would be good for that.

I had to put a little post it on the pantry to remind me not to eat nuts - mindless snacking can be a problem for me.

@gsciencechick - I want to try chia pudding. The only times I eat chia is if I'm doing a smoothie. And it's so good for you. I think I would like the pudding idea. I've been wanting to try the bean pasta when I'm wearing a CGM. I do eat black beans, and other beans pretty regularly. And my new brami beans! Liking those a lot.

Thanks for the summary of what you have done-- I am considering it for the same reasons you have done it. I see it as an occasional reset vs incorporating it into my regular routine. We'll see .. I have a history (not all that recent) of not eating for multiple days. I wouldn't call it disordered eating but it wasn't especially healthy for me mentally or physically and I would be concerned about moving into the disordered eating zone.

I am also intrigued by the benefits of chia pudding -- less intrigued by the appearance and texture.

I forgot about the other way I eat chia seeds, so I had that for breakfast after reading this thread.

I just heat up frozen berries and then mash them a bit so they're liquidy. Then I stir in 2 T chia seeds and some cinnamon and let it set up a bit. I top mine with a couple walnut pieces for crunch and eat it with my chicken sausage for protein.

It was very good, thanks for the reminder :)

I put the chia seeds in my smoothie this morning. Only 1 tsp because otherwise it's too much and they just sink to the bottom LOL. I will also put about 20 g blueberries and one medium strawberry, so there are additional seeds. I use my stick blender.

Here is a link to chia pudding recipes. I would like to try the blueberry since I always have them and also the PB one looks good and isn't too bad on carbs.

Edit: not sure about the link to the blueberry one so don't click on it. I'll have to search for another one.

I too am very sorry for your loss yayagal. I hope that time graces you with memories of the good times. Hugs to you.

I haven't set up (or even unpacked) my new scale yet but the old one came back to life this morning-- I was certain I had gained weight as I have been feeling puffy/bloated-- but the good news is that I have held steady at my lowest weight to date. Well, that is assuming I can trust an electronic scale that has been dead for 2 weeks and then came back to life. We'll see!

Yayagal, My deepest sympathy for your loss. Wishing you the best as you move forward to your genuine self.

My MIL is going through a similiar situation, my FIL passed in August. They had been married 62 years. My FIL also had dementia and a history of strokes. Quite a few hard years for them. MIL is slowly moving forward and delving back into some of her interests.

Thank you and I'm doing fine.