Thanks Blondey, I appreciate your suggestions. xox

(((Sis))) .... i have a lot of weight to lose too. Heres to better health and happiness for us both i think patience and the strongest of wills are major factors in this process. These you all have miss you sis take care

Thanks Poet.

The exercise bike sounds ideal for you, I hope it works out.

I had one years ago, it was a great "catch all" for my clothing
Maybe if I had the tv with it, it would have been different *smiling*

The main thing I'm working on right now is eliminating the foods that are not in harmony with me and reducing the pain factor so that I feel well enough to get out or up and exercise. I have felt less pain over the last couple days, so am getting more mojo back.

I've ordered better shoes so my feet don't hurt and some therapeutic gloves to help with the hands. Lol, the two things I need to function with seem to be rebelling on me....

My goal is to get back on track, the challenge is reducing the pain and changing a few self defeating messages so that getting back on track is even possible.

Today's mantra is.... "Yes I Can" ... reminds me of the little red engine that could, lol.

It's great to see you sis... I've missed you too!

Yes patience definitely helps and is necessary. I'm incorporating daily affirmations to help with motivation and keeping my will strong. And a daily mantra,,, Today's is "Yes I can".

Here's to health and happiness for the both of us

Oh pahlease you two..

If you need to loose for health reasons then that's good. Otherwise, you both are gorgeous the way you are...

But trust me, I know getting weight off is good, but you need exercise too..

Even just walking, yoga, swimming..

Something low impact... I thing swimming is the best low impact and exercises most of your body at once.

And who don't like swimming?....

Sounds great Stu... can you come here so I can get time off from work to do those things?

I'm Inn bound, remember.

Even if I am able to get out, walking even for`15 minutes causes extreme pain to where I can't barely walk anymore. My focus right now is becoming pain free, or at least getting it manageable, so that I am able to exercise without ending up in tears.

It is likely unrelated. Significant whiteness can be a sign inflammatory microbes are present in the protective biofilm inside the digestive tract.

I know some types of bacteria can trick the brain into not giving the body what it actually needs. They don't last long if you don't give them what they need. The good bacteria will adapt to the healthy life that you adapt to.

Balance is important, with both rest and activity. Hydration. As others mentioned.

Stinging nettle is an awesome herb; does not sting; I am familiar with it as I use it for different reasons (respiratory), but it is also good for relieving attacks of osteoarthritis. Like half a teaspoon crushed dried herb. Inexpensive but hard to find.

it grows wild .. do you know if it is safe for animals to take .. would be easy to make a tea or tincture from it . I read a cool book about using plants we call weeds .. like making dandelion pesto lol . It was very interesting .

Thanks Arf, I looked it up and read about it. It's possible that that may be a factor as well. I need to research how long toxins stay in the body after quitting smoking, there's over 5,000 so I imagine some of those still linger around and wreck havoc on the body for a while. Plus eating the wrong foods can have the same effect.

I'll check into that herb, I've heard of it but haven't tried it. I've had other healing type teas and I very much like them.

Balance is the Key and the most challenging... even when life conditions are somewhat normal, whatever that it. My toughest challenge is getting recovery time for my body... Rest! I'm working on incorporating a 30 rest time to sit back in the recliner with Reiki music. The recliner is in eye sight of the Innkeepers window, so hopefully if the guests see I'm resting, they will come back later, lol.

Thanks for your input, it's very helpful and informative.

Dandelion pesto sounds interesting and yummy. I've not had dandelion or the nettle sting yet. Back when I was on track I was very much in to plants and herbs, along with natural remedies for ailments. I always have been, just haven't always been disciplined and religious with using it. I would resort to convenience and what was quick... which most of that kind of stuff is some of the worst things for us to ingest.

I'm not good with the daily fixing of things due to my schedule and routine... so maybe if I can fit in making up stuff that will last a few days. That might work better.

Well, we've talked about the work situation, they need to hire someone so you can work in shifts and get the time off...

I doubt they'd hire a toothless pumpkin...

just brush your tongue when you are brushing your teeth and be done with it.

Yep, that works

Yes we did talk about it and we can say "they need to hire someone" until we are blue in the face.... It's not going to happen and it's not in my power or control to do anything about that. Unless I decide to quit my job and I'm not going to do that.. I'm here for three more months, I will follow through with my agreement and hang in there.

So the goal is finding viable solutions to my current situation as is... not what to do if A or B happens.

Anyways... Making some progress as far as my eating habits. I'm finding having a tray of healthy food out is helping and I'm actually eating less because I'm not eating it quickly in order to get back to work. It's more grazing here and there as needed. Seems to be working well so far. I just need more protein rich items since I eliminated my protein drink.

A little PB with my oatmeal this morning was fabulous and just a half serving filled me up.

Ordered new shoes that are the correct size, it's no wonder my feet have been screaming at me, lol. Ordered therapeutic gloves and the resistant bands for exercising indoors during my down time.

I seem to be getting back on track. I can always tell I'm heading in the right direction when sugary snacks no longer appeal to me. I got a couple fudge covered oreos last night out of habit and they are still sitting on the counter... Not really interested in eating them.

Thank you everyone for all you help and suggestions... I very much appreciate it. Still have a ways to go, having support along the way has helped tremendously.

I have heard that it is safe for cats and dogs, might be careful though, it might make them more prone to infections or something.

I mostly eat almonds right now because they are more available to me. I just ordered some organic seeds from online, I'll check into the nuts too.

They are outrageously expensive here on the Island. And it looks like they bought them in bulk and repackaged them for the shelf... I don't trust that. Nuts go rancid fairly quickly if they aren't stored correctly.

Yes klc... I mostly use the natural peanut butter that only has peanuts and salt. I keep it in the refrigerator so I don't have to keep stirring it. And it keeps it fresh longer.

I don't add sugar or salt to anything. So unless it's already in it, I don't use it. I use fruit and now the peanut butter to sweeten my oatmeal. Except for corn of the cob, that I add salt to and butter, lol.