Hi; I met with my primary care doc today. My blood pressure is up; and the sodium level in my blood is at the HIGH normal. He said; my body is adjusting to the new diet; and the salt cravings are normal. He did say; I need to be careful as to much salt will send my blood pressure higher and that is NOT good. He recommended that I drink some type of soda. I told him; I don't like the taste of it and he suggested some sparkling water. He wants to see me again in 6 weeks with another blood test; so I will try and drink bubbling water; cut back on the salt and see what I can do. He also said V-8 juice would be good for me as it is very high in sodium and could satisfy the cravings. He did say; by drinking more water that could intensify the cravings. I have a friend who is a Dietitian; so I am going to try and meet with her to get some more recommendations. so for those who have the salt cravings; my recommendation is to meet with your doctor and discuss it with him/her. take care. mark g.

I eat twice a day. My doctor says snacking is bad! I eat mostly protein (meat, chicken, fish, cheese, or beans). After my protein, I can eat a small salad or some fruit. I don't measure, I eat until satisfied. No protein shakes. No breads or starches. No sugar. 64 oz of water. Cecil 338/218

Congrats on the weight loss. I walk for 30 minutes 5 times ( 1.40 miles) a week and then do water aerobics twice a week for an hour. I have lost 59.5 inches since November 26 and 60 pounds. The water aerobics is great cuz you get a lot of resistiance training, my bat wings are firming up and my tummy is going away. My legs go from looking ok to looking like a bunch of hanging skin weird. But that is what I do and I think that it works great. Best of luck Stacy 250/190/???

Hi, I go to curves 4 times a week. i work in a factory so i start my day early and get out at 3:30 i am home changed and at the gym by 4:30 and work out till just after 5:00. i have found that this works wonderfully for me. i love curves because it's only about 40 minutes of your day and i works out all the areas you need help with. my flabby arms are coming in, and i lost 3 inches off my hips just last month!! in the 3 months i have been going i have lost 22 lbs. and 26 inches!! they always have free guest passes so check it out!! hope this helps ya good luck Stacy

Hi Everyone, I am 5 months out and have a hard time exercising. I was wondering if you could give me some advice on how to get motivated to exercise. I work over 8 hours a day and commute an hour to work each way so by the time I get home it is almost 7pm and I have to make dinner and I am usually too tired to do any kind of exercise. I was wondering what others are doing as far as exercising. I would like to kick my butt into gear and tone up as I am getting pretty flabby and I am losing slowly. Any advice or suggestions in this area would be greatly appreciated. Darlene RYN 11/10/03 309/244/???