Another down 2 to go

A little more progress!  I'm now at the point WW's says I've met my goal.  My real goal is 130 but according to them 132 is my "safe weight" goal.  I'm ok with where I'm at, but I'd like to get there so I can splurge a little over the holidays.

Friday I saw my pain management doctor.  We had a good talk about how things are going.  I asked him if and when my elbow is better if I can try some needling on my back.  He said it would be ok as long as she stays away from the leads going from spine to battery.  He said they should talk first.  When I go for my OT appointment this week I will discuss with the PT who does it and see if she will call him.  

My back pain seems to be increasing lately.  I think it's the weather.  If there is some chance this will help I'm willing to try anything.  Even if it's temporary.  It would be nice to have a little relief over Christmas.  

Now I can't seem to put anything in my buggy without looking for trans fat or Tertiary Butylhydroquinone.  Commonly called TBHQ.  TBHQ is a preservative which is made from butane.  It's used to delay the onset of rancidness and greatly effects the storage life of food.  You can find a lot of information just by googling "TBHQ"  You will find people who disagree but I think there is enough evidence to stay away as much as possible.  I don't think I can completely avoid it but I surely plan to try.  Here are a couple things I found in my pantry.

red bean seasonings 

crackers

I mentioned last week that D got my tree down and put together for me.  It's all arranged and has been plugged in every night.  Other than that it's just there.  My daughter and grandson came to visit Saturday.  We were going to decorate but never got around to it. We spent some time outside then had lunch.  B even did some sewing for me while here.  There is never a dull moment with P around.  A good laugh and a lot of questions!

I'm so proud of my daughter.  She is quite the homemaker.  She has already made the new baby a blanket, outfits and some crochet for her hair.  That girl can accomplish anything she puts her mind to.  I can't seem to get past the dishcloth with my crocheting.  

finding ways to entertain himself!

fixing my favorite shorts

My granddaughter was supposed to come too but she became sick during the week so it was best for her to stay near her doctor.  I got to ichat with her last night.  We read some books and she sang some songs for me.  Thank goodness for technology.  Her grandmother there where she lives sent some pictures to share with me. Her preschool went to a pumpkin patch.  Appears they had a grand time.

shared by "Maw Maw" :-)

 I have actually bought a few Christmas presents. I saved the toy ad and both of my grandkids have circled toys they would like for Santa to bring them. This is a big help for Nonna.  I'll bring it with me and hopefully that shopping trip will be successful too!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away.  I'm already getting anxiety about being prepared.  It will all be fine and I have to remember that.

It's getting late.  I'm closing to try and get some rest tonight.  I've been having trouble sleeping through the night with my back and arm hurting together.  It's been slow but I can finally say I'm showing signs of improvement.  I've increased my number of reps the OT has me doing at home. The majority of the pain is at night again.  

Ha, I just completely forgot to hit publish. I signed on today to read some of the blogs I follow and see my post in drafts.  Felt like I needed to explain why the days may not make sense!
Have an awesome week.  Watching DWTS can't wait to see who wins next week.

Not giving up H.O.P.E.
Theresa

BACK SAVERS

Bend at your hips not at your waist.

Avoid lying on your stomach.

Lift heavy objects no higher than your waist.

Sit down to put on socks, shoes, pants--don't bend over

Get down on one knee before picking up

a small child or infant from the floor.

When reading, don't bend your neck or shoulders --bring

your book up to your eyes by placing two pillows on your lap 

and propping the book on top of them.

Trans Fat...look for it!

I'm so thankful today was a better day.  I accomplished a few things this morning and went to a Santa's workshop in the afternoon.  When I got home D had the tree out for me and actually put it together.  Now during the week I will work on spreading out the branches like I like them and add some lights.  

I'm trying everything I can to get my arm better.  I decided to try my tens unit I used to use on my back before the IPG was implanted.  It really feels good.  Wish I could sleep with it on!

The main reason of my post tonight is to share with you how good my home air popped popcorn turned out.  I used 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and the serving size listed on bag.( 3 tablespoons ).   I can't tell you the last time I popped popcorn on the stove.  What made me do it today you ask?  I admit I have an addiction to popcorn.  Pretty much every night I have a mini bag of the microwave type.  No butter, just the plain.  3 points on WW's.  What better snack.  Quick, easy and full of fiber.  

A week ago I suddenly had a problem with the microwave type.  I was watching Dr Oz and  he was educating his audience about trans fat.  Even though many food products promote  on the front of the label "no trans fat" when you turn it over and read the ingredients you read things like "adds a dietarily insignificant amount of trans fat per serving" This is an example of Jolly Time 100 Calorie Healthy Pop.  On the front of the box it says, "0g TRANS FAT in bold letters.  I stopped by the store on the way home from the work shop to see if I could find some other popcorn without any secret ingredients I didn't want included.  Dr. Oz noted that major health organizations have concluded that there is no safe amount of trans fat.  Listing a lot of the foods it is still found in today microwave popcorn was one he noted.  It worried me because I eat it regularly so even if it's a little it's a lot bad.  

The FDA has made a preliminary recommendation that to eliminate artificial trans fat from processed foods.  He feels this move will most likely save thousands of Americans lives from heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women.  This really made me want to be more aware.  I started reading all my labels in the pantry.  Turns out I could NOT find a popcorn that was safe to buy.  I bought a bag of popcorn kernels to pop at home.  It turned out delicious!  I'll never want microwave again.  I really thought it would be a pain to pop it.  It took 4 minutes and the coconut oil gave it such a great flavor.  I added a tiny bit of salt.  I can't say enough how flavorful it was.  I dirtied a pot but other than that it was not mess or problem at all.

So..FYI be aware of your labels friends.  Take the time to read ingredients.  Trans fat leads to all kinds of problems.  I don't know about you, but I surely don't need any additional.  If you'd like to read more about the subject go to Dr. Oz's home page and type trans fat in the search bar.  

I keep resetting my walking goal over and over.  I'd meet the time limit I set and some of the time I haven't walked in the entire period.  This time I made it!  Tomorrow was my dead line ( I wasn't even aware of that ) When I walk I usually walk a mile or a little over.  I've been trying to get to two for some time.  So hurray for me!  I made it today!

That's why I never give up H.O.P.E.

Theresa