Sjogrens World Forums

Hi . . . . Well, here it is September already  :o . . where has the year gone?

For those of you who have been around on the boards for a while - you will remember that we have had two 30-day commitments where we were challenged to get outside and get some fresh air for at least 10 minutes each day.  That was was a fun challenge and many members participated.   ;D

Well, here's a new mini-challenge.  Starting tomorrow, Wednesday - Sept. 8th through Wednesday, Sept. 15th I am issuing a new 1-week challenge.  Now some of you members won't participate in this, and that's fine because it's not an "issue" for you.  However, lately for me, this has become a thorn in my side.

Here's the challenge:  For one whole week NO SNACKS after eating your breakfast, lunch and dinner.  That means, no cookies, no ice cream, no Twizzlers  ;), no candy, no donuts, no cake . . none of the stuff we know we're not suppose to be eating.

My husband would say, "well, you just might as well take me out back and shoot me now!"  ::)

Two years ago when I had major mouth surgery I wasn't able to eat any of the above and I lost weight and felt pretty good.  It seems in the last six months that I tend to graze all day long and that's not good . . . I want to stop this nonsense. 

So, a one week challenge isn't a long term commitment, yet - it's a start.  Everything has a beginning . . . . so, I am beginning this challenge tomorrow.  Will you join me?

Bucky

Count me in, Bucky, Sweet Lady, Just what I need to 'jump start' my weight loss... no snacks!   UGH!!! :'(   YAH!! :D

Sorry,, I need empty calories to keep my weight Up,,

I will do my best.

Liz

Hi Bucky:

That is a great initiative.

However, I am already on a no carb, no sugar, high protein, raw vegetable diet.  I do snack in between meals, mostly eating nuts to fill the hunger gap.  I even exclude fruits and fruit juices, no soda. My whole body metabolism changes.

I am at my ideal weight right now.  But I can imagine if one sits a lot, not enough exercise and eat the wrong food, the whole body goes down the wrong track.

Yap, I will join you, hopefully giving others an incentive this can be done.

Pegasus

How about a secondary challenge for those of us on the other side?  For those of us who are losing too much, not eating well enough, having major tummy problems, lets try to make a list of thigs that we can eat that are tummy soothers.  I personally don't have a problem with dairy so alot of my soothers are dairy products.  Once we get a good list, lets try our own diet commitment.  We'll try to eat a real breafast, lunch and dinner WITH snacks in between for whole week and see if we can tell any difference in our energy levels, digestion etc.  Maybe if we keep our food regular, our digestive systems will catch up.

My List:

Yogurt- I love the Yoplait Whips- Really light
Cottage cheese with pineapple
Salad- sometimes just munched on right out of the bag
Vitamin waters- especially those Sobe Life waters
I also carry water bottles, but I add one slice of lemon to make just a bit more bareable, orange might make it less acidic.
I like softer bread like Italian bread is much easier to eat.But I don't have carb issues.

Let's try to help each other find some agreeable foods.

Quote from: puccini914 on September 07, 2010, 11:56:32 AM
How about a secondary challenge for those of us on the other side?  For those of us who are losing too much, not eating well enough, having major tummy problems, lets try to make a list of thigs that we can eat that are tummy soothers.  I personally don't have a problem with dairy so alot of my soothers are dairy products.  Once we get a good list, lets try our own diet commitment.  We'll try to eat a real breafast, lunch and dinner WITH snacks in between for whole week and see if we can tell any difference in our energy levels, digestion etc.  Maybe if we keep our food regular, our digestive systems will catch up.

My List:

Yogurt- I love the Yoplait Whips- Really light
Cottage cheese with pineapple
Salad- sometimes just munched on right out of the bag
Vitamin waters- especially those Sobe Life waters
I also carry water bottles, but I add one slice of lemon to make just a bit more bareable, orange might make it less acidic.
I like softer bread like Italian bread is much easier to eat.But I don't have carb issues.

Let's try to help each other find some agreeable foods.

When I find one that does agree with me,, I;ll post it,, but I have had to start eating jsut plain toast,, no butter,, very little meat,, stupid water,,, stupid vitamin pills,, some spaghetti,, no sauce,, few french fries,, little bit of ice cream,, I pay for it though,,,

Bucky

I'll join you. So, Ipledge no chocolate or crisps between meals. I willhave yoghurt though, as my mouth is very sore just now, and the yoghurt is soothing.

Thank you for doing this.

Kathyx

Wow Bucky - that's a challenge and a half!  How about fruit between meals? I tend to snack on plums and apples and grapes and they help keep me regular!

Take care - Scottie  :)

Are we allowed oxygen?  This sounds as fun as the colonoscopy that I'm having in two weeks.

Are we allowed oxygen?  This sounds as fun as the colonoscopy that I'm having in two weeks.

QuoteWhen I find one that does agree with me,, I;ll post it,, but I have had to start eating jsut plain toast,, no butter,, very little meat,, stupid water,,, stupid vitamin pills,, some spaghetti,, no sauce,, few french fries,, little bit of ice cream,, I pay for it though,,,

How about this one, NavyDad.  You seem to be able to handle a little oil if you can eat french fries.  So how about some chicken stirfried with a little butter and olive oil, add a pinch of garlic powder, a little salt and pepper and if you think your gut is up to it, a little Itialian seasoning.  Cut the peices small to keep them easy to swallow and quick to cook.  Then just toss over your plain spaghetti and enjoy.  You could even add any cooked veggies you tolerable and easy to digest.  Just an idea, but don't try to over do it.

Hi Bucky

I am in on this challenge!

Thank your for putting it out to us!

Maria

After having lost quite a bit of weight due to a nasty bout of gastroparesis due to primary Sjs, I'm on the same side of the house as Puccini914 (Jennifer), I've become as slender as a twizzle stick and trying desperately not to get any skinnier with this illness.  

I'm 5'9" tall but this past weekend I went to go and buy some pants, and the only size that would even hope to fit me was the Extra Small size.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked at the sizing tag.  The only problem was that the pants fit me in the seat but were too short in length for my legs, might have to get some custom made pants pretty soon, already I shop for belts to hold up my pants in the kids section.  

I'm hoping that I can fatten up and eat some of the leftovers from your new diet challenge :)

Daisy I'm hoping we can find some good recipies to help some of solve some of eating problems.  I'm pretty good with making up recipies so maybe we should start our own topic to talk about what we can and can't eat and we'll put our heads together and see what we can come up with.  I'm not real restricted at this point, just a major case of constipation then it switches the other way around, with heartburn, acid tummy, dry throat and a general case of not really wanting to eat much.

First off . . . welcome to newhorizons and maria1 - how wonderful that your first day here and you are already jumping in and joining in a Sjoggie challenge.  I hope you find this site helpful to you on the Sjogren's Road you travel - please know you do not travel this road alone.

Scottie - yes, fruit will be allowed.  Just don't overdo it as too much natural sugar can slow us down too.

I have never been "skinny" in my entire life . . . I could not imagine what it must be like for some of you who need to gain weight.   I will gladly give you some of mine.  Seriously, I can see where that could be a huge problem for y'all as much as it is for those of us who could stand to lose some weight. 

Epson - if you take your oxygen with your meals yes . . . if you're gonna snack on it . . no!   ;)

For myself, I'm trying not to have any loopholes or exceptions for this one week  . . . that's what gets me in trouble in the first place.  I can reason anything to sound good.   ::)  So, those of you who can and want to participate, I'll welcome the company.   ;D

I'll check back in with you tomorrow.

Bucky

Quote from: Bucky on September 07, 2010, 09:42:59 AM
That means, no cookies, no ice cream, no Twizzlers  ;), no candy, no donuts, no cake . . none of the stuff we know we're not suppose to be eating.

that's excellent.  I can't eat these anyways, but for those that still do, I"m thinking they might see some improvement in their symptoms if they stay off the trigger foods ... and these are definately trigger foods!

Let the games begin . . . . .

Breakfast is over (has been for a while) - now, nothing until lunch time.  Mornings are usually not my "problem" time.  It's between 3-7 p.m. that are.  So, I'll see how it goes - I can do it for one week.   ;D

Good luck to everyone.  We can do it!!   ;D  Feel free to post to let us know how you're doing.

As is my tradition in a challenge  . . . I will end with a quote each day.

Bucky

"More powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin."           Unknown Author

QuoteMornings are usually not my "problem" time.  It's between 3-7 p.m. that are

Mine too. I'm gonna give it shot. Chocolate calls my name regularly. Not sure I can hold out....

Oh boy!  Count me in!  I have been mostly a slug this summer (so dang hot and humid) and the extra weight has been bothering me.  What to do about those long afternoons when I like to munch??  Maybe I will munch on the fresh apples my hubby bought yesterday instead of the box of brownies I see in the pantry! ;D

Suzanne

WELL, Fell off the bandwagon today... Found myself under our pear tree 'pigging' out on the wonderful yellow ripe pears! :-\


TOMORROW, it will again be newhorizons for me... ;)

Day 2 of our 1 week challenge

Woohoo . . . I made it through Day 1 with no snacks between meals - just breakfast, lunch and dinner.   ;D  It wasn't too bad and I didn't really crave anything . . yay!

How'd the rest of you do?

newhorizons - it's ok to have "some" fruit as a snack (if you need it) - just don't eat too much  ;)  It's just my personal goal to go with nothing between the three meals a day.

For myself, it's too easy for me to make excuses . . . "I'll only eat one cookie" . . . ha, three cookies later   ::)   

I also don't believe in depriving myself of a "treat" now and then (but not this week  :D).  I've seen too many people stick to these strict diets and lose weight, only to turn around and gain all the weight back and then some (my sister included). 

It's got to be a life style change, not a "diet".  Diets only work if you religiously stick to it and once you go off it, the weight creeps back on.  Look at some of the contestants on The Biggest Loser.  One of the winners - who looked great at finale - gained all his weight back because he didn't stick with the program. 

I can honestly say I have never gone on a "diet" - I have tried to watch what I eat, but not consistently enough.  It's a work in progress.   ;)

The bottom line is this . . . we control what goes into our mouths.  If we consistently eat high calorie foods, large portions, sugary foods and eat all throughout the day and night - not that we're hungry - we are going to gain weight.  I do know that some of the medicines we take do cause weight gain - it's a fact.

I know some of you will need to eat something to take your medicines - please, make sure and do that so the medicines won't upset your stomach.  The goal is not to make ourselves sicker - but, to control the best we can - when and what we put into our mouths/bodies.

Good luck everybody . . . we can do this for six more days (as a start  ;)).

Hugs,
Bucky

"When odds are one in a million, be that one."                ~ Anonymous ~

Bucky, I like your style. I try not to think in terms of dieting - just eating more healthily. I've not snacked on anything other than fruit today, so I'm a happy bunny. I need to have snacks though, as otherwise I would get the shakes, as my meals are 5 or more hours apart.

Love your thought for today.

Kathyx

Okay, because I just got home, can I join in a bit late?

And two, dang, no candy?  No sweets?  Wow, that's just about as un-American as I can stand!  Is it even legal? ;) :D


Patze

Patze -  1)  Yes, you can join in since you just got home.
                     2)  Yes, no candy is legal - quit your whining and suck it up girlfriend!!   :D

Anybody else just now reading this thread is welcome to join in too - it's never too late.    ;D

Bucky

Bucky,
  Read this yesterday, but haven't done email responses to any of my emails until tonight, I am on board for this challenge just as I was with the sunshine ones. I just love all the ways you encourage people to stay focused on positive actions , instead of getting weighed down in terminal pity parties. Yes, I hate having Sjogren's just like everyone else. I hate the way that sometimes it leaves us feeling like a steamroller went over us, but as long as I can keep saying this only an inconvenience and nothing more- the neuropathy, the digestive issues and all the rest  of it and my other disorder( rare disease- upped my meds to double what I had been taking) life and living and doing things and loving people will go on!!! I am constantly giving myself attitude adjustments! I am also blessed with loving friends and some family( other family members are not understanding- their problem, not mine)
I visit the site several times a week but don't always sign in. I just feel we have to encourage each other as much as letting each other vent. And yes sometimes,
letting ourselves get encouraged by others is not where we want to go. It is so wonderful to have a community that totally gets what your body feels like with this disorder or disease.
Thanks for reading.
Catilee 2 ( really Bev)

Day 3 of our 1 week challenge

Good morning Sjoggie friends . . . here it is Day 3 already.   ;D

How are we doing?

There are 10 or 11 of us participating in this mini challenge.  Epson, I'm never sure if you are in or out on our challenges . . you never give a definite answer. 

Once again, I only had the three meals yesterday with nothing between meals.  Yay!  It didn't even phase me last night that our son sat there in front of me chowing down on a couple cookies while we were talking.  Actually, I got up, almost trampled him and grabbed the cookies out of his hands!!   :o  Just kidding!!   :D

The last two days I've been keeping busy and haven't had the desire to snack.  I mowed the grass for two hours yesterday - that was a workout all it's own.  (The moles have really done a number on our lawn and it is quite a rock & roll adventure.)

At night when I would usually be hunting down something to snack on, I just played a few extra on-line games.   ;D

Catilee2 - glad you are joining us.  Thank you for your nice note.  I've always tried to look at the positive side of things.  I know people who only look at all the bad things, who moan and complain about everything - they are not fun to be around, and I avoid them if at all possible.

Quote: [stay focused on positive actions, instead of getting weighed down in terminal pity parties.]    I agree.  I think we should encourage each other - it helps to lighten the load.  Do we all struggle at times - yes.  What makes the difference is when you address the "issue" (whatever that might be ) and then move on - don't get stuck with that issue.  It's hard for some people to accept there are things that are out of our control . . . they will never move on if they get stuck here.  In my opinion, they will waste a lot of their energy and time if they stay in this defensive, angry mode.  There aren't any cures . . but, there are ways to cope.

Have a good day everyone.  We can do this!! 

Hugs,
Bucky

"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending."              Carl Bard

Hey Bucky...... :-* :-* :-* :-*


Patze

Hey Bucky, Survived yesterday fine.  BUT, it's 9ish and hubby has just finished microwaving popcorn.  

I hear you loud and clear... no, popcorn allowed! :-\

Had supper at 5 o'clock; be all right to have yogurt and head off to bed?

Hope you don't read this post until morning!   ;)

Hi Bucky and all,
    Got off schedule today with meals and meds because I was running around (really driving) doing errands and food shopping. So had no lunch, had a too early dinner and got hungry. Did not eat only nutritious foods. But still ate less than I would have with my 4 sittings.( Breakfast, noon snack, early dinner-3:30, and evening light meal-7:15) This schedule works best with the different meds I have to take.
Catilee 2

Day 4 of our 1 week challenge

Happy Saturday everyone!   ;D

I've had a late start to the day . . . slept in until 10:45 a.m.  :o . . . later than I wanted to sleep in, but it sure felt good!!   :D

How are we all doing? 

I can't believe I've made it three whole days without any snacks between meals.  Woohoo!! 

It is rough when family members are eating stuff in front of us, or we have to smell the treats they are eating . . .i.e. popcorn!  Although, for me, popcorn smells w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l but I don't enjoy eating it like I use to prior to the dry mouth.  I'd prefer a brownie over popcorn!   ;)

newhorizons . . . did you have your yogurt and head to bed??  That's ok.   :D  Did hubby question you as to why you weren't going to eat any popcorn?

Patze . . . . I feel the love, back at ya dear . . . .  :-*

Keep up the good work everyone . . . we can do this!!  Have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Bucky

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count.  It's the life in your years."               Abraham Lincoln

Four days into the diet and I think I'm cured!

Epson, Epson, Epson . . . what are we going to do with you??   ;D

Have a good weekend . . . (p.s.  Better dig your snowblower out of the moth balls and start getting 'er ready for those lovely winters in NE Ohio!!)

Aw Bucky, you say the sweetest things! :)


Patze

Day 5 of our 1 week challenge

Happy Sunday everyone!   ;D

I'm late getting to the boards - Sundays are always a busy day for me.

How's everyone doing?

I am still only eating the three meals a day with nothing in-between.  It actually hasn't been as hard as I thought it would be.

I find that the busier I am, the less likely I am to snack.  For me, I guess I snack because of boredom. 

There are two more days left of the challenge - actually, the time went by pretty quickly - at least I think it did.   :D

Have a good afternoon and evening . . . I'll check back tomorrow.

Hugs,
Bucky

"A winner is one who accepts his failures and mistakes, picks up the pieces, and continues striving to reach his goals."       Dexter Yager

Day 6 of our 1 week challenge

Monday already??  The weekends go by waaaay too fast!!

How'd we do this weekend?  Still sticking with the challenge?

I'm still hanging in there eating only the three meals a day with no snacks between.  I "almost" ate something last night around 9 p.m. . . . but, I didn't!   :D

Have a good day . . . keep up the good work!

Bucky

"When the world says, "Give up", Hope whispers, "Try it one more time".       ~ Unknown Author ~

GOOD MORNING BUCKY, I have always said I wanted to be a 'fly on the wall' and watch from a distance.... A free spirit, I desired to be!!!


Why am I up at 3 a.m? Well, crashed after helping clean garage. Bowl of soup and some jello and went to bed at 6 p.m. and have slept to 2:30 a.m. this Tuesday morning. Today our challenge ends...And, its Wellness Ctr. today for me. Always a welcomed day to see my buddies in arthritis class.

No snacks yesterday, Bucky! In fact weighed in at pulmonary doc other day and have lost 15 lbs. over the last year. Hooray for ME!!!  Now need to loose 15 more... Thanks, to you, Bucky,  I lost 3 lbs. on our challenge.

Day 7 of our 1 week challenge

Here it is, the last day of our mini challenge.   :'(   :D

To be honest, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.  I accepted the fact that I wasn't going to eat between meals - and I wasn't going to cheat.  And, I didn't!!  Yay!!

newhorizons (aka Joy) - Your incognito status had me picking my jaw up from the floor this morning when I read that!!   :o  I had no idea it was you!!  Although, on your first post you posted :  "Count me in, Bucky, Sweet Lady" - which I thought was "different" for a newbie and this being their first post.  I should have known it was you, because you have called me "Sweet Lady" many times.   :D

Actually, I have been wondering why your posts under Joy have said "guest".

They are always tricking me in chat with a member who ALWAYS comes incognito - I never know it's her until she types some little ditty that reveals her identity - some times she drops "clues", but I still don't get it.   ::)  What can I say?  I'm usually the one pulling the joke or prank - when the tables are turned I'm just "bumfuzzled" (word my hubby uses).   ;D

Good job newhorizons on the weight loss for the year AND for the challenge.   ;D  (So, what "do" I call you now?) 

Anyhow . . getting back to this mini challenge.  It's been fun and something that wasn't hard at all (at least I didn't think so).  AND, I too lost three pounds this week.  Woohoo!!

I hope as time goes on that we (meaning ME) will stop and think about that "snack" we're putting into our mouths . . . are we eating because we are hungry - or are we eating just because we're bored, upset, frustrated . . all of the above?  I am diligently going to try and do better . . since I know I CAN do it!

Thanks to everyone who took this mini challenge along with me - I hope you've had fun.  I've enjoyed your company . . thanks!   ;D

Hugs,
Bucky

"In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took."    ~ Frasier Crane ~

I have a confession to make, I was at the doctor today and I have lost 8 pounds since the 8th, don't be haten on me, because I cheated a little, everyday.  Don't hate me because I lost 8 pounds and cheated, hate me because I'm beautiful ;D

Yes, Epson, You are a sweetheart!!! Lost 8 pounds and you cheated!  :o  Ever lie?   ::)

Epson - you're like my younger brother . . . I never know to believe what he tells me or not!!   :D

Bucky

I can't do it, i just can't.

But send you all best wishes for success!

Janna

Honest 8 lbs, no joke, cross my heart.

Well Mr. Epson . . . if you indeed lost 8 lbs. in a weeks time - with cheating . . . congrats to you!!!  Here's a hug for you too!  ((((Epson))))

Bucky