Welcome Judy. If I can do it, you can do it. I just responded to someone about my blog and it reminded me that when I went public here about losing weight I didn't actually say how much I wanted to lose. My doctor recommended about a pound a week if that. We have have a family reunion in September and I told myself that if I lost just one pound a week by the time of the reunion I would be 33 pounds lighter than I was at the end of January and under 200 pounds. That sounded awesome but I don't think I ever believed I would do it. I have 8 pounds to go to met this first goal.

April 2 I started walking on the treadmill. I walked .5 miles in 10 minutes. That's it. Now I average 1.3 to 1.4 miles in 30 minutes. To me that is as amazing as the pounds I have lost.

Sandy

sandytn wrote:
Wosers! Sandy you are doing fabulous. I have been lurking on this thread. Today I am joining all of you to be fit and loss some extra pounds. I will post my results next Friday. Fingers crossed. Good luck to all who are working to be fit and healthy.

Another important thing to know is that you should never mix chlorine bleach with any other cleaning product that contains ammonia--they will react and release chlorine gas, which can kill you or permanently damage your lungs.

Pat in Rockport, TX, but now in Athens, GA

Many hospitals and nursing homes use a combination of proxide and water to clean and disinfect with. It is much less abrassive to the senses then bleach. Another thing pregnant woman need to watch is well water. The pesticides that farmers use on their fields increase thier risks for a miscarriage or birthdefects. I figured I would just throw that out there seeing how you brought it up with the tap water. It just goes to show no matter what man has majorly screwed up this planet. Rachel

Hi all; my inquisitive mind looked further and found what (I believe) is clarification about the chlorine discussion. I'll embed the entire article to avoid taking anything out of context, but I'll also highlight the portion I thought was relevant. The article is written by Dr. Janet Hull. Her website is http://www.janethull.com
Dr. Mercola also has good information, including a few videos.
http://www.mercola.com
Jan in lovely weather Spokane. Here's the article:

Chlorine is one of the most useful chemical elements used in manufacturing because chlorine is a very reactive element - so reactive, in fact, it is typically found combined with other elements in the form of compounds. But in your cola?

Chlorine is commonly found in nature, but almost always in combination with other natural building block elements. Chlorine's structure makes it very reactive because its Atomic outer shell is missing one electron, which makes it attractive to other atoms and molecules. Because it is so reactive, it is very useful to chemists, engineers and other people involved in making things we use every day. It has been exploited by manufacturers and is used in thousands of products, including such diverse items as cars, computers, pharmaceuticals, and military flak jackets. Chlorine is the ninth most copious chemical produced in the United States by volume.

When combined with other chemical building blocks, chlorine can change the nature of a substance, and build or improve a product. This is why chlorine was selected to be the substitute "atom" for the sucrose molecule in which to make Splenda.

But, should we EAT chlorine or simply use it for manufactured goods?

The most common industrial use of chlorine is the manufacture of a versatile plastic known as polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. PVC is a polymer, meaning on a microscopic level many small units of the same types of atoms are bound together to form long chains, similar to the linking of multiple paper clips. PVC pipes resist the pitting and corrosion common in metal pipes that often develop a slimy build-up of disease-causing microbes known as "biofilm." Elevated levels of chlorine disinfectant can destroy biofilms.

When combined with other chemical building blocks, chlorine can change the nature of a substance, and create a new product. To be used in manufacturing, chlorine must first be separated from the other elements with which it is combined. Manufacturers use a process known as "electrolysis," which breaks down salt water into basic components, including chlorine. Since opposite charges attract, the negative chloride ions collect at the positive poles and form molecular chlorine gas. The gas is dried, chilled and pressurized, or converted to liquid for storage and shipping.

Every time you drink a glass of water, read a newspaper, put on a vinyl raincoat, brush your teeth, drink a diet cola with Splenda, or drive your car, you are using chlorine in some form.

Hospitals to swimming pools use chlorine-based compounds such as bleach for disinfections. About 85 percent of the top-selling medicines are manufactured using chlorine chemistry. Chlorine also is used to manufacture flexible plastics such as vinyl (polyvinyl chloride). Crop-protection chemicals are based on chlorine, and chlorine helps ensure that products like disposable diapers and paper towels are strong and absorbent. And don't forget, chlorine is now found in hundreds of food products, including children's foods.

Chlorine vapors can irritate your lungs and pose a serious risk to people who suffer from asthma and other lung problems. Breathing the fumes of cleaners containing a high concentration of chlorine can irritate the lungs. This is especially true for people suffering from heart conditions or chronic respiratory problems such as asthma or emphysema. The risks are compounded when cleaners are used in small, poorly ventilated rooms. Cancer-causing chemicals like chlorine found in many household products are readily absorbed through the skin.

Chlorine is also a highly corrosive substance capable of damaging the skin, eyes, and other delicate membranes. Remember how your eyes burn after swimming in a highly chlorinated pool of water?

Pregnant women in their first trimester who drink five or more glasses of chlorinated tap water a day may be at a much higher risk of miscarriage than women who drink non-chlorinated water.

Just because a chlorine molecule is attached to one thing doesn't make it the same as something else containing chlorine. For example, consider the following four salts. They all contain chlorine, but they are not alike. Each contains a different set of building blocks and offers unique characteristics.

1. Iron (ferric) chloride (FeCl3): Used to make pigments, inks and dyes, in controlling odors and removing phosphates from municipal waste water, in photographic processes, and as medicine.

2. Calcium chloride (CaCl2): Used, when in a water solution, as antifreeze and refrigerating solutions, for the preservation of wood and stone, in the manufacturing of glues, cements and fireproof fabrics, and to speed-up the setting of concrete.

3. Sodium chloride (NaCl): Used in ceramic glazes, soap manufacturing, fire extinguishing solutions, and -- table salt.

4. Cupric chloride (CuCl2): Used in wood preservation, in the fabric dyeing process, and, when mixed with other copper salts, as an agricultural fungicide.
Drink up!!

Hi, Lynn, it's been sunny and in the low 90s today in Athens, GA. Right now, we're hearing thunder rumbling in the distance, and we may get some thunderstorms up until midnight. It seems to be cooling off a bit now.

I'm having a bit of difficulty staying with my low carb thing, LOL. Ate a nectarine and a slice of Kiwi fruit today, delicious, but a bit above my usual 20 grams of carbs a day, so won't lose any weight this week. My goal is to just not gain any. Haven't been doing my walking either, lazy thing that I am.

I'm leaving Wednesday afternoon for the gathering in Monroe, NC, and will probably not have access to a computer again until I get back here late Saturday night.

Pat in Rockport, TX, usually

Lots of great information is being shared and that's what we need. Over the weekend I read on CNN - A little walking can go a long way and it gave 8 reasons to walk:
1. It's great for the heart
2. It cuts breast-cancer risks
3. It helps you sleep
4. It cuts down on aches and pains
5. It makes you happy
6. It keeps you slimmer
7. It staves off senior moments
8. It protects your bones

I am sleeping better since I started walking and my knees aren't hurting as much and I sure hope it prevents senior moments. In most cases they are talking about 30 minutes of walking a day which is what I am doing.

Complete article:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/06/12/healthmag.walking.health/index.html

You are all right everything in moderation. I remember when I was younger that I went so far over board on my NO fat diet that I actually did damage to my self. Also my cousin over did her protien diet and ended up passing out in church and in the hospital with a severe heart condition. I do know that if you do have salt you should have sea salt. It is in it's most natural form. Therefor it is better for you. All food should be consumed in its most natural state. This way it has more nutrients. Now I am still trying to kick my coffee habit. I don't think that is realistic though. However I am down to a pot a day. I just can't function on less. Rachel

Pat, how is the weather in Athens? My DD is in Clarksville (not far) and I'm traveling out there on Friday for a visit and then up to Raleigh/Durham.
Lynn

Thanks, Pat. Is the difference in that it is a Chlorocarbon? And/or that it is syntheticaly produced? See first referenced article. There are many listed references found upon Googling. I agree wholehartedly that not everything on the internet is completely accurate! I use my best discernment when reading and accumulating information, and don't just take one person's opinion/research. At the same time, I take heed of warnings of potential harm. If I can avoid it, I will.
Good discussion.
Jan

I don't know who wrote the article quoted above about chlorine, but they apparently never took basic chemistry. Chlorine is an element, an atom, and can't be manufactured. It's one of the basic elements in our bodies. You will notice that it's one of the things measured in blood tests, but referred to as chloride, and if you have too little or too much, it's not a good thing, but you do have to have some. There is way too much info out there that is not scientifically accurate, and is wildly misleading. Anything used in excess is harmful. Remember the young woman a while back that was trying to win an award from a radio show by drinking the most water, and she died? Even water, in too large a quantity, is a poison to us, whereas in smaller amounts it's not harmful. I tried stevia, but found it had an unpleasant aftertaste. I don't use aspartame (Nutrisweet), but do use a bit of Splenda in my Atkins stuff (but I don't eat 15 a day, too much of a good thing) and a bit of Sweet n Low in my tea. If you have symptoms when using a product, don't use it. It's good to listen to what your body tells you. But there are lots of us who are able to use things that others don't tolerate well. One size does not fit all. I have a distrust of herbal preparations because there's not a quantitative control on the active ingredients. The amount of psychoactive substance in preparations of St. John's Wort, for example, can vary widely, according to many factors--growing conditions, etc. Remember when you read something on the internet, it may or may not be true. Consider the source, and the depth of basic knowledge of the author.

Pat in Rockport, TX, who is really in Athens, GA, at DD's house.

Thanks, Margo, for your thoughtful comments. I have been getting up really early to walk the dog, around 5, because it is soooooo hot later on in the day. I probably should take a longer walk in the evening rather than the short one to take care of his needs, but it has been over 100 in the evening and it wipes us both out. I know, more excuses. I do know that I am feeling better with the walking in the morning so that is a good thing, now am waiting for the pounds to start dropping. It is soooo frustrating to think that you have been good all day and can't wait to step on the scale in the morning and then to find out that you have gained a pound. Salt is a big factor in my life. I have been cooking without it for my DH sake. And if I have any, then my rings get tight on my fingers. Oh, well, one day at a time. Judy in AZ

fiberwoman wrote:
Love the quote, Jan!

Some other points to ponder on the mystery of weight gain:

Of course, as Margo points out, gotta burn off those calories Darn! It's so much fun consuming them.

Sometimes there are other factors affecting our metabolism, so some dieting is just depriving ourself of necessary nutrition. And then there's the psychological factor of feeling deprived. I've seen many people fail on Weight Watcher's type regiments because they feel deprived, and eventually give up. I've read wonderful reports about the success of hypnotherapy to address issues of why we overeat, other than our body crying out for something that is missing.

To maintain "balance", it is wise to think of the Body/Mind/Spirit as one - when one is out of balance, the others will suffer.

Stress causes adrenal exhaustion, and excess cortisol release. This results in weight gain. I've used different substances to address this in the past......from a tincture for "adrenal support", to DGL, a form of licorice beneficial to adrenals.....to getting the correct amount of protein. At one point in my detoxification, I decided (all by my little lonesome), that I should become a vegetarian. It wasn't very long before my Naturopath exclaimed that my adrenals were WAY out of whack, and was I getting enough protein "and I mean MEAT" BUSTED! She still maintains that the sickest people she has seen in her practice are vegetarians. Some people can pull it off, but apparantly not many.

There's the hormone factor, too, ladies. Those get out of whack. There are ways to test - and balance those. I've given in to bio-identical estrogen from a compounding pharmacy (prescription from my Naturopath).

Don't forget the thyroid. This one is easy to become out of balance, too. I've taken kelp with success here.

AS ALWAYS.......find a practitioner to guide you on these!!!

One of my favorite analogies: If the water is running....into the sink.....the sink backs up....water fills and begins to overflow....onto the floor.......OH MY! DO YOU.........mop the floor, or turn off the faucet??????? The point is, get to the source of the symptom. Yes, often you still have some mopping to do, but it isn't always the best choice to pop a pill to cover a symptom....the underlying issue is still there, and will manifest itself in another way. It is our bodies' marvelous Created way of saying "HEY, there's something here I'd like you to pay attention to"

Enough for now? FEEL the love that this is shared with. I love and welcome all discussion. Even thoughtful disagreement encourages us to think.

HUGS
Jan