Did you know there’s a hidden sweetener lurking in many foods that’s bad for your waistline?

No, I don’t mean sugar, although that’s a good guess. It’s a food additive called high-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS. Several decades ago, manufacturers discovered that HFCS was cheaper to use than natural sugar, so they started using it to sweeten foods including frozen meals, juices, even bread! Unfortunately unlike real sugar, HFCS interferes with hormones that would normally regulate our appetites and blood sugar. In the long run, HFCS converts to fat in our bodies more quickly, and it causes us to store more fat. Many doctors believe that eating large amounts of HFCS is directly linked to our rising rates of diabetes and obesity. How can you avoid this syrupy trap? Look for organic foods, all natural foods, and sugar-free foods whenever possible. Regular soda is one of the highest sources of HFCS, so if you drink water or calorie-free beverages, you’ll be ahead of the game. Be sure to read the food labels when you shop. If HFCS is listed first or second on the label, this is bad news because it’s considered one of the food’s main ingredients.

hello everyone! i’m so pleased to be joining your amazing group. leanne was kind enough to guide me in the door. i am looking forward to the support and cameraderie that is very evident here.

i’m a 38 year old graduate student. i’ve been struggling with my weight at a very serious level for the past 6 to 7 years. i’ve never been a very thin person, but i have been a very healthy person in the past. as my body has changed over the years, it has been very hard for my mind to catch up and make sense of the changes in order to deal with them in a healthy way. so i’ve been dealing with the changes in very unhealthy ways. as a result, i am now on medication for high cholesterol & high blood pressure. i’m at a very extreme risk for further health conditions and complications. i just have not been able, for one reason or another, to garner the long term determination to make long-lasting, positive changes in my lifestyle. for two years now, i have allowed myself to succomb to the easy excuses of “he made me do it” and “he sabotaged me”. the bottom line, i am coming to realize more and more fully, is that i allow others to affect me and influence me. my health–no, my LIFE is now at risk. i have decided to do what i can as often as i can and to just keep on keeping on. who knows, maybe i will exceed my own expectations.

And it seems I’m not the only one.

I haven’t lost any weight in at least a week. In fact, somehow, I’ve managed to put on one or two pounds. UGH. I’m still watching what I eat, drinking more water than ever, and I haven’t missed a day of walking on the treadmill since the end of January. Plus, I’m still taking my yoga class once a week (getting ready to start a second class).

I know, I know… working out builds muscle and muscle weighs more… but dernit, I want to see the scale number go lower, not higher!! My husband is noticing the subtle changes and even a few friends have commented. So I know all of my effort isn’t wasted. But I still look in the mirror and see more of me than I want to!

I lost 2lbs this week…which is good right?  Or at least it would be if it wasn’t the same damn 2lbs that I put ON last week.

So, same situation as 2 weeks ago 11lbs down in total.

AOL have messed us about broadband wise and we are now on dialup until they release the line so we can go with another supplier.  Apparently this could take a while. :rant:

I have no idea how I coped before I had broadband.  I have found myself getting so stressed out just trying to check my mail because it goes soooo slow!

So apologies for not being around much…hopefully we will get our broadband back soon!

I have been MIA for all of Feb.  Really, I wasn’t fit to be around.  I was in the midst of my annual Feb. Funk!

I’m coming back and need the support of you fine people.  I haven’t gained back much, but it is only a matter of time.  I need to get back to eating correctly and working out.  The weather is a little nicer, so that should help. 

There is no time like now.  If I keep waiting for something to happen that makes me happy, it will never happen. And, what makes me happy is weighing less.  One of the things anyway.  Like anything weight loss is a process, although I could be tempted w. a magic purple pill. 

Lost, one girl’s willpower.  Useful for resisiting sweet and fattening treats and assisting in weightloss.  11lb has already been lost with the help of this willpower and it is greatly missed.   If this is not found again the results could be catastrophic and include possible weight gain. This willpower was last seen just prior to going to Pizza Hut for lunch with friends ten days ago… if found please return to Emma @ www.wheelchairprincess.com/blog/