what is going on here???...

The scale says I'm up 8+ lbs from the beginning go the B2B challenge.  The worst is that my boobs have been sooooooo sore for the last couple of weeks and today I didn't fit into any of my new bras (the cup definitely runneth over!).  And, no, I'm not preggers!

I really hope it's just PMS and will be over soon...

Umpqua Oats...10 Thumbs up!

While playing around on the Inna-nets recently, I came across a mention of something called Umpqua Oats.  I did a little research and was intrigued.  So,  I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and I contacted them to ask for samples.  They were kind enough to oblige and actually sent me 8 (one of each flavor)!

Umpqua is based out of Oregon and basically is an all natural alternative to those chemical-laden and full-of-sugar instant oatmeal packages that you find in major chain grocery stores.  They come in a recyclable container and the preparation couldn't be easier.  You just shake, add water and wait a minute or two.  The result?--a really great tasting, soul-satisfying & healthy breakfast! (even my husband approves)

This would be a great option for all of us bandsters.  The texture is just right--it goes down w/o problems but is thick enough to hang around and fill you up.  And, it even has 8g. protein.

I was so excited about this product, that I sent the info over to Stephanie.  You can read her review here.  Best of all, there will be a limited supply of samples given away in Chicago!

Check out the Umpqua Oats website & consider making a purchase--you won't be disappointed!

PS  This review is purely voluntary on my part.  I contacted them to ask for the samples (not the other way around).  The fact that I happen to love the product is because, well, they have a great product!

having a hard time, y'all...

Yesterday I was a bottomless pit!  Today, everything makes me feel nauseated.  I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

I did find a studio close-by that offers Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, etc.  I plan to check it out later today.

Cheers!

Oreos are from the devil!

That is all.  Carry on.

feeling bloated & swollen...

...not OTR...possibly over-salted...feeling kinda blue.  Hope it passes before the weekend.

nothing to see here...

Not much happening in Lynda-Land lately.  I'm up about 1.5 lbs since having .5cc taken out (I'm guessing the loss was due to dehydration).  I'm feeling good and am mostly happy with my level of restriction.  I can eat solids when I remember to follow the rule.  I am satisfied with 1/2-1 cup and generally stay satisfied for 3-5 hours.  Sounds almost perfect...if I could just start losing again!

Must. Start. Exercise.

Gotein... (updated w/ winner)

Hope won the giveaway.  Congratulations, Hope!

The folks @ Gotein sent me some samples (and an extra for a giveaway).  I guess they are focusing their marketing campaign (at least in part) on WLS patients.  

Powdered protein drinks aren't part of my normal day, but the portability of this product intrigued me and I agreed to give it a shot.  They sent two each of 3 flavors:  chocolate, vanilla & strawberry.  I am hesitant to try the strawberry because, quite frankly, it scares me.  I have never met a strawberry drink (diet, high protein or otherwise) that I liked.  I don't even like strawberry milk.  I do drink the cans of chocolate and vanilla flavored SlimFast...and I think they are quite good.  So, that's what Gotein is up against.

Chocolate:

I should have read the directions!  The first step is to DRINK approximately 1/3 of a 16.9 oz. bottle of water.  Then, you pour the Gotein powder into the remaining water, shake to mix, and drink.  Typical me just popped open the bottle of water and poured the powder right in.  You have to shake it quite a bit to get it mixed, but I was pleased to discover that it dissolved quite nicely--not a lump to be found!  My first sip proved to be smooth (no gritty texture) and the flavor was not offensive.  There was definitely none of that yucky protein aftertaste.  It reminded me of Yoo-hoo.  I wish there had been a bit more of the chocolate flavor--but, I assume that was my fault for mixing too much water.

Vanilla:

Having learned my lesson with the chocolate, I dutifully drank 1/3 of the water out of my 16.9 oz bottle before mixing.  I took this opportunity to take my morning meds, so it worked out just fine.  The vanilla powder mixed just as nicely as the chocolate and, without the extra water, the resulting drink was thicker--which I liked.  The flavor, also, was much less subtle--which I also liked.  My overall impression of the vanilla was much the same as the chocolate...inoffensive & just fine.

So, will I drink Gotein every day? probably not.  But, like I said, it's just because I don't use protein drinks as a regular part of my diet.

Will I purchase some Gotein anyway?  You bet!  I really like the convenience and portability and "inoffensive" is a lot better than most powdered protein drinks which make me want to gag.  I will definitely have some of this stashed in my car and you'll probably find it in my purse in Chicago.

If you'd like to try some, too, just leave a comment.  I'll pick a winner 1st thing Monday morning.

Cheers!