Any "fuller figure (or former) " warrior survivors out there?

ToriGirl

I just got done shoveling (most of) the horrendously long driveway we have...just couldn't finish it all...I'm soooo out of shape...ugh...

At least I burned some calories...  

chiefswife---good for you for getting on the scale...I've been on the scale so much lately, than I pretty  much avoid doing it at home.....it's so gosh darn cold here, all I can think of for supper is soup....such  a good comfort food... I had all that blood word done last April, before my diagnosis, and all turned out to be good back then...vitamin D level was checked back in September before starting chemo and that was a 30, so I've been doing 2000 IUD daily to get it up higher... I don't need any surprises either..hope all turns out well for you!

How is everyone doing in regards to moving around a little bit more, especially with this cold, snowy weather?  

peace and prayers,

Tori

DE COLORES! 

chiefswife

Thanks Tori, I never did get any phone call so I'm assuming no news is good news. LOL (I hope). I don't have any snow to deal with down here, thank the lord because I sure wouldn't want to. Oh and I can only imagine how difficult driving on ice would be. No thanks, I like it down here in Florida.

So then is 30 not a good enough number for vit D? I have no idea what mine is, I do know I don't ever want to deal with cancer again so I'll add supplements if I have to. We ended up getting crummy Dominoes pizza for supper tonight. I can't stand there pizza but it's just about the only thing around in less I want to drive for a half hour somewhere. blah.........................my husband was tearing up my kitchen all day today putting in a new dishwasher, with him in the way I couldn't cook.

Tomorrow's a new day, I'll be so glad when it warms up for good. 

  

Glad2BHere

It is so great to log on and see so many people posting on here.  It helps so much to know we are all struggling with similar issues.

 Barbe1958  It must be really hard to have that many food options limited. 

Besides eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, I eat a lot of veggie soups and bean soups.  When I am on track I will eat a huge salad and bowl of soup before dinner which helps me feel fuller and eat less of everything else.  I will cook soup on the weekend and then freeze them in smaller portions to take to work for lunch. Luckily we have a local place that distrubutes bean soup kits.  The ingrediants are all natural and I love them.  I think they ship, but have no idea how much it would cost: Sierrasoups.com

 If you do a search "Research on losing weight eating soups" you can find some interesting articles.  I tried to paste a link, but it didn't work.  

 

 

ToriGirl

Glad2BHere--



Thanks for the name of the soup company! They really do sound yummy! I have ordered some already! Do you add water or a broth? I keep an organic vegetable broth on hand, so I'm hoping that will work.



Thanks again!



Peace and prayers,



Tori



DE COLORES!

Glad2BHere

Hi Tori!  The soups are all different on the instructions.  I love the Split Pea the most and you only add water.  They sometimes have meat on the directions and I just make it without..  I also just experiment with the mix my own way using their flavorings.   I did call and make sure the spice packs have no sugar.   The soups have really helped me because I don't have time to make everything from scratch.  Let me know how you like it. How is your radiation going?  What number are you on?  I got a tip from a friend that really helped me.  Every night after my rads session I would go home, put on a large T-shirt and glob on aloe vera gel and let it sit.  I would do it again before bed too.  My Dr. was amazed on how well my skin held up.  I hope you are doing well.  This too shall pass!!!!!

chiefswife My husband just installed a new dishwasher for us a few weekends ago.  It was not a fun day.  My kids were running for the hills because of the frustrated language that was sllipping out.  I  LOVE my dishwasher though.  I forgot to answer you about Morro Bay.  We love going over there.  We take our motorhome and stay right next to the water.  It is so much fun- plus I love fresh dungenous crab.  Unfortunately we haven't been able to go do much with high gas prices and no $ thanks to BC.  You finally get to the point where you want to live life to the fullest, yet you can't afford to.  Ha ha.  (I find a way to anyway).

Talk to you soon!

Lisa

ToriGirl

Lisa,

I haven't started rads yet...still waiting on the simulation...I'm soooo ready to get started though.  

Thanks for the tip on the aloe vera gel too...what brand of that did you use?  Where did you get it?  I'm trying to find some and would like to use one that others have had success with...thanks for sharing!

Sleep well all!

Tori 

Jwatrlily

Hi everyone,

Tori and I have been friends for a long time, since our BC was diagnosed and we found each other online.  Thanks for the invite Tori.  I too could stand to lose about 85 pounds.  I've lost some during chemo.  I just had my last chemo infusion on Tuesday.  I see the radiation oncologist tomorrow and then next week for the tattooing, CT scan and simulation procedure.  I expect to actually be starting radiation the week of the 21st.  I am Triple Negative Breast Cancer so walking out of there on Tuesday felt a bit like walking off a cliff.  After radiation, there are no targeted therapies for me so it is then God and me.

I want to do this after care right.  I too crave sweets sometimes but I tend to be more the salty/crunchy type as in Sea Salt and Vinegar chips, salted cashews, things like that.  I'll try to incorporate more fish and chicken in my diet but we do eat lean red meats and the "other white meat", pork.  But I do love many kinds of beans and I love getting fiber as that has been an issue with me. 

I've been trying to read all the posts on the thread so far, but have set it to get email from this thread so I can keep up better.  If this has been posted already I apologize but one tip I read a long time ago was to use salad plates instead of dinner plates because if you are using portion control, your whole salad plate will be full of food and make your mind think you are eating a lot when you will be getting just what you are supposed to.  You will be satisfied because you will feel you have just eaten a whole plate of food.  The size of the plate aids in this effort.

I'm glad to be here.  I too won't be able to really kick this into high gear until my rads are over but then I am ready to rock and roll.  I plan on getting some ground flax seed when I shop tomorrow, because they say it is a good thing.  I bought decaf Green tea bags, Lipton and I can't do it.  They smell and taste like fish oil.  Is there any decaf green tea bags out there that do not taste and smell like fish oil?  I mean these things are strong and I can't do it.  I had some green tea once and it was great but this Lipton stuff is ACK!  I take, not during chemo though as he had me go off it, Mega Red Krill Oil, one a day for my Omega 3 and there is never a fish oil taste with it.  It's more expensive but you only take one little capsule a day.

I really look forward to this group.

Hugs,

Juanita 

Jwatrlily

Also, I apologize if someone doesn't like me doing "bold" type but the chemo has affected my eyesight and I do that to be better able to read what I've typed.  My Oncologist told me to wait until after rads and a couple months more before getting an eye exam to let the chemo wear out a bit.

Hugs,

Juanita

MissBianca

Hi Juanita!

I really like Bigelow green tea. I buy it in peach, reg, and decaf. It really is worth paying a little more than the less expensive brands, because the quality of leaves tastes much better. The trick to green tea is not burning it with boiling water. Wait until the water is hot just before it boils, then pour in cup (not directly over bag). Don't steep for more than 3 or 4 minutes if sensitive to taste. I put a little honey in mine. Tastes great!

A great whole grain snack is light or "natural" popcorn. They come in minibags for portion control.

Here is some info on it:

A study carried out by the University of Scranton showed that whole grain snack foods such as popcorn have surprisingly high levels of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols. Although whole grain popcorn made the top of the list of high antioxidant snacks, other popular whole grain snacks such as whole grain crackers and cereals were also high in antioxidants. It appears that the antioxidant power of these foods survives even the heat used to bake or cook them, although heating for prolonged periods of times seems to reduce antioxidant levels.

Lowrider54

Hi All - Cool thread...at first dx, I was skinny - too skinny, I believe it was the developing cancer that had me dropping weight without trying.  Still maintained my D cups but my face looked sunken and a friend I hadn't seen in awhile actually told me that if I lost any more weight, I would look malnourished.  I was eating anything I wanted but I was riding my bicycle 5 miles everyday.  Then I found the lump.  I put on the pounds pretty fast on chemo and doing 8 full months of it - I went from the unhealthy 110 to 160-170 with no trouble at all.  Lost one boob.  I took a chunk of that off to a more healthy 130 and pretty much stayed there until 2006 (and NED) when several tragic events caused me to seek comfort food and food shelves.  I popped on 60 pounds in no time and then finally got a job (long story) but the lunch outlet was McDonalds so, I wasn't losing anything. 

In September 2009, I was dx'd with mets and weighed in at 203.  This wasn't good - I had bone mets and the treatment was going to cause joint pain and my knees were already overworked carrying the extra weight.  By my 6 months scans, I was down 24 pounds and am now down to 170 consistantly and drop into the high 160's. 

I did not diet, I did not excercise - I changed the way I ate.  I ate frequently throughout the day but tried never to eat after 7pm

I eliminated over-processed foods.  If its white, it is not right - except for milk and 1/2 for my gluten free cereal and coffee.  Raw sugar, gluten free flour and baking mixes, and sea salt. 

I use herbs and spices to flavor things along with tons of garlic - garlic is a cancer fighter so I add it to everything I can.  Indian spices - curry, cumin and turmeric - thankfully for white counter tops, turmeric comes in a capsule - another cancer fighter.

Bumped up on my immune system with yogurt, 100% grape juice, blueberries, strawberries and almonds are a part of my daily intake.  I make a yogurt parfee of fruit of choice, yogurt of choice, gluten free steel rolled oats, almonds and for my sweet tooth, a sprinkle of crushed Heath Bar (from the baking section). 

I snack on red grapes and cheese.  I like salads and all sorts of veggies.  I don't use low fat stuff - if I am going to eat something, I want the real thing - I just use less of it.

I pay more attention for dinner in the portion control area - whatever I make usually will include steamed brocolli - easier on the digestion that raw - save the energy for cancer fighting.  I grill a lot - I already have cancer so that warning isn't a concern - grilling is healthier than frying and I eat chicken, steak, pork, fish and a brat or burger now and then.  When I am full, I stop.  No matter how yummy or how much I would like more - I don't but I will have a dessert - a small slice of pie or cake and I eat ice cream and candy bars - but not like I used to. 

Since I do have such joint pain from the antihormonals, whole wheat isn't an option so I am gluten free as best I can.  I use potato bread, rice pasta and such - it is all actually quite good.  I don't deprive myself and therefore, it is not like dieting which I always fail at. 

I am down 33 pounds and my goal is to drop 30 more - my ideal weight is 140 but if I only get to 150 - I will be quite happy there.  I have reached a plateau at 170 as I have been here for about 3 months - no gain and only an occassional 168 or 167 on the scale and then back to 170. 

What do you guys try when you get stuck at a weight to get the body moving downward again?

Jwatrlily

What does anyone know about Wonder brand Whole Grain White Bread?  I looked at the label ingredients and there is no white flour of any kind in it, unless soy flour is white.  The flours listed are wheat flour, whole wheat flour, Brown rice flour and soy flour.  I know there is something about avoiding soy products but is that for E+, P+ and Her2+ women?  Since I'm Triple Negative maybe the soy warnings don't apply to me?  I'm mostly interested in knowing what others think about the 'Wonder Whole Grain White bread with the flours I have listed.  I don't really like brown bread and this whole grain white might work for me if it truly is whole grain.  I understand about the "white" foods issue but wonder if this bread being Whole Grain white if it might be ok?

Hugs,

Juanita 

MissBianca

I haven't bought that brand, Juanita. There should be something on the labeling about how many grams of whole grain are in a serving. I really like Pepperidge Farm whole grain oatmeal bread. It's a nice alternative to dark wheat.

Lowrider, you have really great tips! I have heard that increasing muscle mass boosts metabolism and really helps with burning calories. This might help with the plateau. Light hand weights or light ankle weights while walking can help build muscle mass quicker. Also, the frequency of exercise helps with losing weight, 5-6 days a week is optimal, with a day of rest to help the body rebuild and get stronger.

If anyone is new to exercise, 3 days a week is a good goal, every other day, to build up strength and stamina. An exercise to get started is to pull up a square of carpet and get your boogie on! If you danced for 10 or 15 minutes a day, twice a day, this will help jumpstart your body in motion. You can listen to online radio like www.jango.com or www.pandora.com and pick some dance music to move to.

barbe1958

Muscle weighs more than fat so if you gain muscle you'll lose inches but stay the same weight. Maybe that's what's happening Low? You're turning your mass into muscle. Go by how your clothes fit....and inches lost.

ToriGirl

Lowrider--THANKS so much for all the tips!  They are great!  When I lost my initial 50 pounds, I found that one day a week I would up my calorie intake substantially from the rest of the week.  It sort of shakes up your body into thinking, "Oh yeah, she's eating more now...I can stop holding on to what I am right now and relax"....It usually made is so I really didn't have a plateau and just kept losing gradually....

Welcome Juanita!  Good to see you here too!  My advice would be to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup in your bread.  Right now I'm using Nature's Own 100% Whole Wheat Bread.  It has no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors and no HFCS.  They are only 50 calories a slice and 14 grams of whole grains per slice as well.  (it is about $1.78-$1.98/loaf) I love it.  When I have extra money I buy Rudy's Organic Whole Wheat bread. ($4.99-$5.49/loaf)  It's fabulous as well. 

MissBianca-- Thanks for the tips on exercising!  I'm gonna go and check out the two online radio stations you mentioned...there is nothing better than hearing some inspirational, motivational music to keep you going!

I am so sore today...over did it a bit yesterday shoveling snow...but. it's good to feel that the muscles are still there, even if they are sore today...

Keep the tips coming!  

I checked out the Sierrasoups.com and the soups look and sound amazing!  I just ordered some...check it out if you can! Thanks Glad2BHere!

Have a great day!

Tori

DE COLORES! 

Glad2BHere

Hi Everyone,

I weighed today and am officially down 12 pounds so far.  Of course I am not eating much thanks to having mono. I am having major muscle pain which makes me flashback to my horrific chemo experience.  I hope this pain is due to the mono.  It is hard to not to get carried away with my panic thinking.

Tori- The aloe I used is "Fruit of the Earth" brand.  You can get it at Walmart.

Juanita- I haven't been eating bread, but  from what I have read the first ingrediant should be whole or sprouted wheat flour, not enriched wheat flour. The Nature's Own that Tori mentions is stone ground whole wheat flour, so should be good.

Lowrider  When I hit a plateu, I counted my calories just to see where I was.  I was either eating too many calories or not enough. I don't like counting calories, but I do better when I stay around 1500 a day.

Does nayone have a good veggie soup recipe made with veggie broth?  My last experiment was a disaster and I am tired of the Weight Watcher 0 point soup.

Have a great day!

Lisa

barbe1958

Yikes! 1500 a day!!! I usually aim for 2000 but find fruits really puts it over the top...sigh.

Great point on the plateau about shaking your metabolism up!

And CONGRATS Glad!!!!!

hrf

Barbe, it might be difficult to plan your meals with so many restrictions



Juanita, in order to get the benefit of green tea, use the regular caffeinated Decaf doesn't have the cancer fighting properties we need. I add a sick of cinnamon as well as a spring of fresh mint, let it steep for a few minutes and it tastes quite yummy. Doesn't even need any sweetening.



I find I do well for a few days and then I struggle for a few days. Yesterday I happened to be at a dinner meeting where they served delicious Thai food and I was very careful with what I ate and then went to an evening meeting where I avoided the great cookies. By the time I got home from work it was 10:30 pm and I was feeling so deprived that I ate a bag of popcorn and then pigged out on 9 cookies. Fortunately there was nothing else in the house to eat but I feel so discouraged - wonder if I should just have eaten what I wanted during the evening.

barbe1958

OMG that is human nature at it's best!!! Yep, you denied yourself a cookie or two of what, even you describe as "great cookies", only to go home and eat nine "bad" ones.....sigh. Why DO we do this to ourselves? I know I hate chowing down where people can see me. You know, "Fat chick eating muffin" but then that makes me scarf in secret in my office.

How is it that I can stop alcohol completely and yet still crave the sugar. When I drank wine every night, I didn't eat sugar. So obviously, my body is going to get it one way or the other......which way is the healthier way?

txstardust

There are areas of the tongue dedicated to tasting sweet, which means "someone" felt it important enough to include it, who am I to question that wisdom?  I envy those who say they do not have a sweet tooth.  (Actually, I think they are lying - how can you not crave sweetness? Haha!)

I'm finding that adjusting my calorie intake isn't as hard as adding in the exercise.  I was doing great so far for the past 6 weeks, then I started an apprenticeship this week.  So now, at the time when I used to get out and exercise in the morning, I now have to leave the house by 7 a.m. and go to work.  Tuesdays and Thursdays are especially long; due to college courses in the evening, I don't get home until about 8 p.m.  Add in time to do homework and create lesson plans, and the fact that I am a single mom to 2 teenagers, which limits my time even further (in the sense that I can't leave a hubby in charge while I take an hour + to exercise).  I don't want to lose the momentum I've built up, but when the heck am I supposed to exercise?  In my younger days, I would have just woken up extra early and done it then, but nowadays, I need every minute of sleep I can get! Even though my active treatment ended about 9 months ago, I still don't have my old "get-up-and-go".   This is very frustrating to me.  Today, I have a rare day off, so I'm going to get out and exercise as soon as I finish posting!

On the food side of things, I have found that there are great recipes on the Cooking Light website.  I do like to cook, and have found some surprising ways to make healthier food delicious.  For example, did you know that using cinnamon as a spice on pork chops is actually super yummy?  Who knew?  I do remember reading that "You on a Diet" book by Dr. Oz several years ago where he said that cinnamon is great at curbing the appetite.

Music - I totally agree that it is a great accompaniment to exercise.  My favorite online station (which is also available as a smartphone app) is Slacker radio.  I prefer it to Pandora, but that's just my opinion.

Lowrider, I am with you on eating the "real thing" in smaller amounts, as opposed to lite or lowfat versions, especially on foods like cheese.  I've also discovered that many times, when a food is "low-fat" or "fat free", the manufacturer compensates for the loss of flavor by adding in sweeteners.  I once thought low-fat peanut butter was a good idea.  First problem, the taste - ick!  And then I looked at the label, and I think it only saved about 10 calories per serving!  Soooo not worth it.  So I eat regular peanut butter, just less often.

Hugs to everyone, have a great Friday! 

Glad2BHere

Oh girls.  I got on the scale today and am down 2 more pounds-total of 14 so far.  Of course it is mostly due to being ill, but I will take it anyway I can get it.  Hopefully it will stay off.

 txstardust Teaching is a lot of exercise in itself.  Maybe just try and get little bits of exercise in during your day like parking farther, taking stairs or take a short walk at lunch break. I even exercise with my students.  They love Tae Bo tapes with Billy Blanks. I wouldn't be able to teach all day and then go to class.  I am in bed by 9 most nights and begging my son to go to bed, so I can too. Ha ha

I'm going to check out the cooking light website.

hrf I do the same thing.  It is so frustrating. I like to think of it as a lifestyle change instead of a diet and everything you are doing well is a step in the right direction and the cookies are just a bump in the road, but you are still headed on the right path.

Arayasunshine69

Hi Ladies, can I join your thread too?  I really like your ideas, and tips.  I lost 130 several years ago following Weight Watchers, and then in 2009, I gained back 70 pounds while pregnant with my daughter.  I got some off, then I got diagnosed in May 2010, and gained 17 lbs by the time I was done with Chemo and rad.  I rejoined WW online at the end of December, and so far, I've lost 12 lbs.  I'm on Tamoxifen, and I can't exercise like I once did, I mostly just walk, pushing my daughter in a stroller.  Lifting/carrying a 26 lb child, putting her in a carseat, taking her out of a carseat, while wearing a stupid compression sleeve, counts as lifting weights, and exercising, doesn't it?  My hubby works up North, 2 weeks away at a time, so my meal prep is just for myself and my daughter.  I'm fortunate...she currently loves broccoli, cauliflower, and we love, love, love Pomegrante arils! I would love to be able to afford all organic stuff, but I simply can't.  So I just try to do the best I can, everyday.  I've been wanting to make a stirfy for what seems, forever!  But I have to avoid soy.  If anyone has suggestions for a sauce to replace soy sauce, I'd love to hear it.   A girlfriend told me today, to try using beef broth instead.  Another side dish, I seem to constantly make, is Asparagus, and peppers in the oven, in a little bit of oil and lemon juice with salt and pepper.  Yummy!  I eat alot of chicken...would love to eat more fresh fish, but just can't afford it all of the time.  Today I had and enjoyed, Swiss Chalet, with a friend for her birthday.  It was mostly healthy, except for the fries, so for supper I'll try to have something lighter.  Maybe soup.  Have a great day ladies!

Cheers!

ToriGirl

Arayasunshine69--(Kellie)---Welcome and of course, the more the merrier! Congrats on the weight loss!  I gained a grip of weight during chemo too....waiting to get rads started and over with, so I can get this extra weight off (again) but what I still had to lose before the diagnosis.

Can I ask what temperature you cook your asparagus ad peppers in the oven?  I liked cooked veggies, but if they get too mushy, I just can't eat them, so I'm trying to find ways to cook them that allow them to stay a bit crisper.  Love, love, love your attitude on things..makes me smile! Thanks!

Glad2BHere--Congrats on losing 2 more!  Wow!  14 total?  How long has it taken you, if you don't mind me asking...Thanks for cheering everyone on!

hrf--I know what you mean about doing well and then all of sudden, you lose track of everything.  It is so frustrating...but I love that you just get back up and keep on going.... 

txstardust--Cinnamon on pork chops?  Who would've thought it?  I must try it!  You are so busy...how do you do it all?  How do you even have time to eat?  Thanks for the idea of slacker radio...I"m checking it out!  Thanks for the website too!  

I finished shoveling the rest of the driveway today...still sore from Wednesday, but I did it anyways.  I ended up talking a 1 1/2 mile walk and really just enjoyed being outside.  Although there was snow on the ground, the sun was out and was really nice...

So, tell me if you don't mind....when you go in for checkups, what are your doctors saying about losing weight?  Are any doctors doing anything to get you on the right track or are you all basically on your own?  

Weather is gonna get really pretty this weekend and into next week (in the 60's and 70's) and melt this snow, so I"m gonna try and get outside more...get some healthy sunshine and move around... maybe get a movie in also....

Hope you all have a fun, healthy weekend!

peace and prayers,

Tori

DE COLORES! 

Glad2BHere

Hi Tori! 

I've been on my new way of eating plan since the beginning of January. I started out the week after New Year's.  It wasn't a resolution though.  I finally got a CT scan for some pain I was feeling and got the good results right before New Years.  Also I found out a friend of mine who was sick at the same time (different type cancer) was not going to make it. Something just kind of snapped in me.  I was so relieved over those test results that I figured the Dr.s have done their part now it is time to do mine. I know diet is not the cure, but it is like taking my Tamoxifen everyday-just helps my chances more.

FYI- I make asparagus in the broiler for 7 minutes with a little olive oil and spices.  Just shake a few times.  It doesn't turn out as mushy.

Any news when you start your rads?  I am sure you are anxious to get it going.

Welcome arayofsunshine69.  Hopefully we can help each other through this journey.

Lisa

TMarina

I LOVE all the tips here!  Thank you ladies.  This week went by so fast--I just realized I only used the Wii Fit once   I'll try to do better next week!  We are going to KC to visit my youngest dd at college there.  I know we'll be eating out a lot, but I'm bringing apples and carrots so we have some healthy things to snack on for the 7 hour drive.

Someone asked about eating soy, and only those that are er+ need to avoid it. (Not sure about pr+?)  Her2+ can eat soy.

One of these days I need to go back through all the good tips here and write them in my notebook!

Have a good weekend!

ToriGirl

Tina--Would you say the Wii Fit is a good investment?  I'm considering getting one and want to get some opinions on it...

Anyone else have one and want to comment on it?  

Is the Wii Fit a different thing than the Wii game system?  I'm so lost when it comes to this kind of stuff.  But the commercials I see on tv about it, really intrigue me....

Thanks! 

Tori 

barbe1958

Aray, why not have the same oil and lemon for the stir fry instead of soy. I hate using soy because it turns everything brown....also I can't have it now either.

Congrats to Tina!!! You did one more exercise program than I did....

Glad2BHere

Tori- we love our WII. It is fun to do with my kids.  My 16 year old daughter and I love to do the WII Just Dance game together and she beats me everytime. I am competitive so just keep playing to try and beat her and the next thing you know I have exercised for a half an hour and am dripping with sweat.   You first have to buy the WII system which comes with the WII sports games that my whole family loves.  The Just Dance is a game you buy seperately.  We also have a WII Fit kit.  It is a kit that comes with the game and a balance board.  I like it, but the games are short and so then you have to stop and start another one so not continuous cardio- Unless I just haven't figured it out.  It does weigh you etc.  I am sure they are going to come out with more exercise games you can to add on and maybe already have.  Anyone else know?

barbe1958

Do you have to have the board on a hard surface? I have carpet in the room I have my Wii in.....

Glad2BHere

barbe1958 Ours is on the carpet too.

Arayasunshine69

Hi Everyone, just thought I'd check in, and say hi! 

Tori, I prepare my Asparagus and peppers, in a small glass square pyrex bowl, a little bit of olive oil (sorry, I don't measure.) and then i squeeze fresh lemon over it.  Sometimes I add Salt and pepper, sometimes I forget.   Shake the bowl to coat everything, then put in the oven.I have my oven at 350-400, and I just bake it for about 15 minutes, midway I'll shake the bowl again.  Haven't turned out soft or mushy yet. 

Tina, I have a Wii and Wii fit, but I hardly use mine.  I just prefer to go outside, because it gets myself and my daughter out.  

Barb, I have never added oil and lemon to stirfry, I don't know why I haven't thought of it, liking what it does to the veggies I make in the oven. I may just have to try it sometime this week...someone else suggested I use salsa, or another sauce, like Terriyaki, or honey garlic...do those sauces have soy?  

I have to admit, I'm stuck for lunch ideas lately.  What are your favorite lunch ideas?  Today, I  fried up a "philly style beef steak" from M&Ms with red and green peppers, and salsa, and made a wrap.  I know I should probably avoid red meat, but I don't have it all the time, and think I should be able to eat anything in moderation.  

 Hope you're all having a nice weekend! 

Cheers!