Well, it's official it's in the 20's today so my summer clothes have got to go. I boxed them all up never to return to me again. By next summer they will be way to big and there's no need to haul them up to the attic any more.

I went shopping in my attic this morning. I have several sizes of clothes upstairs including really nice clothing that my sister gave me after her surgery. I tried them on and was surprised that several were way too big too. Hey, that never happened before! I have hung on to way too many clothes so tried things on this morning and if I'm not in love with the way it looks on me it's been packed off to the mission. I'd rather have a few clothes that fit well and look good than a whole closet full on items I don't like.

I've kept a few items that are the next size down within easy reach so I can check on my progress. I'm packing my bags for New York while I go through all these clothes. I'm leaving in the morning to spend time with my daughter and new grandson.

I'm also taking my laptop so I'll be sure to post pictures.

Daisy Dilemma: Have you ever saved clothes thinking you'll wear them again when you lose a few pounds and then found out that you don't like the outfit once you can wear it again?

Labels: Shopping in my attic

As the fall weather turns cooler I've been turning to soup to warm me up at lunch time. I work in an area that is not heated well so I'm always cold.

I made some vegetable chilli and found some really good soup from V8 that are vegetable based. It helps with getting enough fluids too. Since it usually makes a cup, I share it with Mr. Wonderful. Soup and a sandwich goes over pretty well for my hardworking guy.


Our food bills have been cut in half since my capacity is so limited and since I started cooking casseroles and putting them up in individual portions. I'm making up Italian sausage and red rice and beans while I'm gone.

I've been eating a pack of peanut butter crackers with my soup to get in my protein. So far it has worked out well and I look forward to something hot at noon.

Daisy Dilemma: Do you remember the book "Stone Soup"? I wonder if that concept would work well with a small group dinner? Just a thought!

Labels: Souper

Alright....so some of the discoveries that I made recently maybe weren't brilliant and certainly wouldn't win me a Nobel Peace Prize but they have been life changing for me.

These are some of my diet discoveries:

1. Eat only things that you really like....don't waste the calories on something that doesn't satisfy your taste buds.

2. The first two bites of a dessert are the best and the rest will not satisfy you nearly as much as the first two. Always stop wanting more.

3. Approach food reverently, it is a gift from God not to carelessly consumed without thought.

4. Eat slowly, put you fork down in between bites, enjoy the conversation around you.

5. Avoid bread, pasta, and noodles and rice.

6. Drink slowly also.

7. Don't keep foods that are high in calories (such as candy, chocolate, nuts ) within sight or easy reach. It's too easy to fill up on them and not get in your protein.

8. Carry something to drink to work with you and work on it all day. It will keep you hydrated and full.

9. Stop before you are full. You can always eat more later. Overfilling is painful and causes great distress.

10. Know the difference in "head hunger" and physical hunger.

Daisy Dilemma: Does anyone else find candy corn addicting?

Labels: 10 great discoveries

On our recent trip to Alabama I ran into trouble trying to come up with something that I can actually eat. Any thing with a bun or bread is out. That also includes pasta and rice and of course pizza.

I had a child's plate of grilled chicken fingers and applesauce and actually got chocked on it. I'm pretty sure it was because I was really hungry and ate it too quickly but I paid for my indiscretion for several hours afterward.

I'm having to relearn a number of lessons. I am finding out that I need to be very deliberate in my choices and slow way down when I eat. Going out to eat is really more scary now and not the treat it once was. I have a hard time with salads too.

Daisy Dilemma: Who knew that going out to dinner would be scarier than Halloweeen?

Labels: good-bye old friend

Ok, that's exactly where I am.....and this cartoon even looks like me (how sad is that!) Friday I made the trek over to Charlottesville to see my doctor and make another lap band adjustment.

I had talked with my sister who had the procedure done about 2 years ago and compared notes with her as to what she can eat without problems and realized that I was able to eat much more.

Not any more. I really think I am where I'm supposed to be now. I can eat a half cup and be totally satisfied for four hours or more. I'm having trouble getting all my liquids in as you can't eat and drink at the same time.

I'm eating much slower and stopping much sooner than ever before. I have had several episodes of choking which is not pleasant at all.

I really think I'm hard headed. If I know what my limits are I'll stay with them rather than try to push the limit and be physically ill. I've lost four pound since Friday....it's really nice to see the scale going in the right direction now.

My mom and sister are coming tomorrow and Thursday we go on a road trip to Alabama. I've already got my meals planned and even got some meals frozen for when we get back. I finally think I'm on the right track now. Thank you God!

Daisy Dilemma: Life would be so much easier if I wasn't so hard headed!

Labels: lap band adjustment