Onwards And Downwards Continues In February 2014

[AB Editor]

Onwards and Downwards Continues in February 2014

Hello all,

Welcome to this month's Onwards & Downwards. We welcome anyone serious about losing weight and we offer support and kind thoughts - not magic fixes, just sensible help.

Welcome to the month of love everyone, February is here. So how do you combat all the chocolates and cakes due around the 14th? Could you gently suggest to your sweetheart a low sugar, non fat alternative?

Are there any and what do they taste like? I like the look of these:

http://www.hanielas.com/2012/01/delicious-roasted-potatoes.html#.UuuAatJ_uAg

And these heart shaped tomatoes with a healthy dip:

http://eyecandy.nanakaze.net/?p=128

Please do give us your ideas about a healthy Valentine's Treat.

Don't forget your weekly weigh on Wednesday and remember we don't judge!

Here is last months thread

[boxtops]

Weigh-in day today for me - I've stayed the same, which I feel is quite an achievement, since I've been rebellious this week :-)

[Old_Geezer]

Good for you !

Now here is a question. First off I don't "go a bundle" on cous cous because it's practically tasteless and at best might take up flavours from other ingredients whilst balking up the meal. But in my quest for something different I bought and tried an Ainsley Harriot Moroccan Medley Cous Cous. Here's the thing.

On the 100 gram pack it claims to be 137 Calories (and 0.3 grams of saturated fat) per 100 grams. i.e. the whole pack is 137/0.3.

But on the same pack it claims to hold approximately (wot ?!?!?) 2 servings, each of which is 178 Calories (and 0.4 grams of saturated fat).

Now if this second part is true are they not saying the pack holds (approximately !) 356 Calories (and 0.8 grams of saturated fat) ?

Even if they claim it is stated as prepared not dried, all that is added is water, and my tap water doesn't hold many calories nor grams of fat. So 137/0.3 or 356/0.8 ?

I know posting this someone will point out some obvious thing I've missed and I'll look daft, but ...

I think I had a light day yesterday whichever it is, so the mystery of the higher reading scales this morning will continue to puzzle me.

[Marijn]

No, you're not daft. It doesn't make sense to me either. Sometimes there's a helpline number on packets of food. Is there one? If so, can you ring them and ask?

[Old_Geezer]

Mmmm good thought. But by preference I'd rather not speak in person. I see they have a feedback form on their site, maybe I'll use that when I get back this evening.

[Marijn]

Good idea. I'll be interested to know how they explain it. Also, why have they said "Approximately two servings"? That's a bit weird too.

[xstitcher]

Very interesting OG and Mayijn, let us know what you find out. I have never had or know anything about couscous.

[Old_Geezer]

Just sent the question. What is annoying me somewhat is, now I'm back and can read the sachet again, I can not see where the vagueness is written, and yet I know I saw it because I went back to look at it a few times in disbelief. I'm wondering if it was on the other packet I bought. Anyway it'll be interesting to see what the reply is. Bet you the higher calorie option turns out to be correct.

[Old_Geezer]

Up again, ¼lb.

The weekend jump up was slowly being whittled away, but not fast enough :-(

[wendilla]

Morning OG I can never understand the writing info on packets. I think they are just there to confuse us especially me . Well I have still stayed the same this is just due to cutting out cakes and junk. I go like this for a few weeks so hopefully next week maybe .

[xstitcher]

Good Morning All, I'm downa pound. I'm sure that it is because I have finally been able to cut down on the portions I have on all meals. It's taken some years to get them down sized.

Whoops naughty step for you OG and Wendilla, best to say goodbye to the crap (to quote you) for a while. Hope to see you both on the loosing side next week.

[penelope2]

Lost one and half pounds this week despite having a nasty cold which has curtailed my exercise regime. Also have had to resist the urges to 'comfort eat'. Now broken the 'one stone (14lbs)' barrier, so very happy with that.

[xstitcher]

Whoops sorry Wendilla. You HAVEN'T been eating cakes etc. I didn't read that correctly.

[Old_Geezer]

Ah she's probably had a sneaky cake whilst no one was looking, behind the bike sheds.

Well done Penelope.

[Old_Geezer]

Hmmm how did unexpected link turn up in my post ?
cake cake cake cake cake ?

[Maydup]

I clean forgot to weigh again this week. Another break from routine as I have a few days off work, but I'm trying hard to keep on track while I'm at home or out and about and will weigh in tomorrow. What a beautiful day it is today, easy to enjoy salad and fruit for lunch when the sun's out.

PS thumbs down to Ed's c@ke challenge :-) Give me plain yoghurt any day !!

[wendilla]

Woooooo that brought back some memories OG. But not spilling the beans what went on behind the bike shed lol.

[wendilla]

Well done again Penelope .

[Marijn]

Well done Penelope and Xstitcher. Maydup, I'm really enjoying plain yoghurt with a drizzle of honey at the moment. :-)

[xstitcher]

Have you tried low fat Greek yogurt with honey ? Here is another one might sound strange but worth trying..cut up pieces of apple with a bit of salt and lemon juice...Pink Lady apples are the best.....lovely snack or pretend dessert.

[Maydup]

I will try that xstitcher, sounds interesting.

I love "Total" 0% yoghurt with a couple of apricots, sliced and a dash of honey. Or with a handful of grapes and half a banana. Good for breakfast or as a dessert.