Jen - I really like salty/crunchy things, too which is why I've started eating pickles! The Claussen are the best (in my opinion) and I get the 1/2 spears - they're like 5-10 calories or something and they really curb the salty/crunchy demon!! Michelle

I'm in too!! I am going to my 20 year HS reunion in 21 days so it is back on track for me. I haven't been too bad with the fast food my problem is chips and crackers. A handful of wheat thins here, a bowl of chex mix there and so on. Salty really seems to be one of the things I really crave. Unfortunetly all the protein bars and drinks are sweet and usually chocolate. I started using the treadmill in my house this week. My daughter (8yo) loves to walk on it. She is doing her 20 min of reading after school while walking. She goes about 1/2 mile. which is pretty good! I am trying really hard to teach her good habits so she doesn't end up like me. And then it is my turn. I have been going about 1 1/2 miles. Last night for dinner I make poached chicken breasts with spinach, carrots and corn and these little corn and cheese all natural poppers. It was really good and the first time in a long time we all actually sat down and ate together. That is another goal. Sitting down as a family a minimum of 2 nights a week for dinner. So here is to a healthy September!!! Jen

Terry started his vacation today so Im a little scared of the eating. I dont know why but it seems I always eat more when we are together. I have almost reached my weight ceiling of 150 and I got the next 10 days to face with eating. I have walked 3 miles Wed Thurs and today but have gained a half pound each day. I dont get it really. I dont think I will ever figure out this weight loss formula. Anyways this is the menu so far for today: Pre B- a ton of coffee with splenda and skim milk B-cereal and milk Walked 3 miles around my subdivision L-subway turkey wrap and 3 slices of fresh pineapple S-1oz almonds D-going to a cookout at Papa Kennedys house(Terrys Dads), they are having grilled chicken, hamburgers, baked beans, potatoe salad, banana pudding (personally I dont really want to go BUTTTTT what can I say right? S-probably a protein shake or fruit Candy

Laurie - I completely understand the draw from those places! McD's was seriously my heroin pre-op. I would eat there at least 5-6 times/week, pay for it on credit cards, dip into my kid's savings accounts, etc. to get it. I would get it on my way home from work, eat it on the way home and dump the trash out the window, then come home and eat an entire dinner with my family. My meals at McD's would usually consist of a double 1/4 pounder with cheese, a McChicken, 20 piece ckn nuggets with tons of honey, super sized fries, chocolate or vanilla shake, Sprite, and 2 apple pies. Yep, I'd eat all of that on the way home (only about 2-3 miles) and if it was taking me a while to get it down I'd pull over on the side of the road to fini**** off. If hubby and I would go together, I'd only order about 1/2 of that, but we'd "share" our supersized fries - dump them all on the tray between us and I'd make sure to get most of them myself. I'd get so mad at my husband because he'd ONLY order the double cheeseburger meal with the medium fries and medium drink. HOW DARE HE NOT EAT AS MUCH AS ME?!?!??!?! So, McD's is pretty much OFF of my list. I will admit I've eaten there once or twice since surgery. Once I got the chicken tenders and once I got a chkn nugget happy meal. Both times it just wasn't that good. The only place that I do like to eat fast food wise is Taco Bell. It doesn't make me sick to my stomach like the other places do - the "fried food" places (BK, Wendy's, McD's, Arby's, etc.). I'll get like 2 tacos and I'm good or a nachos bell grande - which I eat about 3/4 of but it SUPER high in calories, etc. so that's a RARE occurance. Anyway, didn't mean to go on - just wanted to let you know that I totally get the pull of those places. Avoid them like the plague! They're addicting!! Michelle

Praise God! I'm so glad she's doing better. Please keep us posted. Now you can breathe a little easier, too. Michelle