tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17062960419346359612024-02-07T02:07:05.589-08:00Ladies Who NoSSunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-86447831947178792602012-03-14T21:20:00.000-07:002012-03-14T21:20:42.832-07:00So long, farewell...You know the rest of the song. Anyway, that's what I have to do.<br />
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I don't know quite why, but No S is not working for me right now. It's not only not working for me, it's working against me. So I'm going to listen to my body and stop.<br />
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I know for some people that will be difficult to understand - how 'normal' eating - eating the way people did for generations - could be detrimental for someone, and I don't know myself why this is happening. All I know is I am getting clear signals from my body that this is not a good idea for me right now. <br />
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A couple of years ago when I first discovered it, I had no trouble with it at all. I don't know what changed, but something did. It took me a while to notice the pattern, but eventually it became too obvious to ignore. <br />
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I'm not sure what I'm going to do other than follow my doctor's advice and of course, keep listening to my body. I have to focus totally on health right now, so I'm putting my scales out of sight and breaking away from all diet related websites and blogs - including this one. <br />
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If anyone would like to be administrator of this blog, please email me at nosladies at gmail dot com and I'll send you the information. <br />
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At times like this I wish I had something profound to say. I have been thinking about this for a few days, intending to write some well thought out post, but I have been unable to come up with anything that expresses what I'm feeling now. I decided I just have to do this, put it behind me and focus on the next step.<br />
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So, so long for now. I wish you well.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-74499304231300333302012-03-05T16:01:00.000-08:002012-03-05T16:01:49.555-08:00March MondayA week or so ago I posted that I was going to <a href="http://ladieswhonos.blogspot.com/2012/02/if-it-aint-broke.html">stop tweaking</a>, which for me always leads to problems, and just get on with it. <br />
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So, how'd I do? Not too bad, really. If I had a habitcal, Monday would have been red, but after that I did well.<br />
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This week didn't get off to a brilliant start, though. I think I've been eating too little. I thought I was going to pass out this afternoon, so I ate something. The light-headedness went away, but I'm left with a residual headache. I'll have to be sure to plan a better lunch tomorrow.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-35983972423305199462012-03-05T07:41:00.000-08:002012-03-05T07:41:02.562-08:00I Surrender!I give up. I've obsessed, fussed, resolved, analyzed and spent hours again on the diet websites. So......... I make a public commitment to do NoS Vanilla one day at a time for these last weeks before Easter. This is in many ways a spiritual journey, a fast if you like. Not so much about food but about fasting the hours of mental obsession. I turn again to a season of thankfulness for where God has taken me in the last 18 months- still 70-75 lbs down, but more importantly I can do life normally- walking, shopping, taking care of my grandchildren, playing with them. Yes, there are the normal aches and pains of an almost 67 yr old lady. <br />
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I choose to enter the joy of thanksgiving. I AM NORMAL. Today I choose to surrender to normaiity One meal and one thought at a time.Linda45http://www.blogger.com/profile/06201664674356064461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-10530489335126779892012-02-26T19:50:00.001-08:002012-02-26T19:56:32.672-08:00Welcome MondayIt's not been easy keeping to the straight and narrow this past week, and a couple of times I wasn't able to. I honestly don't mind. I didn't expect to be able to jump right back in with a 'perfect' week. I know it will take some time to get back into my routine. But I'm feeling very positive about it.<br />
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Since then I had a great weekend. We had sunshine and blue skies and even some spring-like warmth for a while. I spent time outdoors and did things I really enjoy. Of course, I ate some food I really enjoy, too.<br />
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Every day is a new start, but Monday is especially so. Here's to a good week everyone.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-91123999307767367772012-02-22T16:06:00.000-08:002012-02-22T16:06:35.797-08:00If It Ain't Broke...I don't know why I get the urge to tinker with NoS when it's been working so well for me. I was in a comfortable routine and the scale was going down - even if it was very slow and irregular. Between age and hypothyroidism weight loss is especially difficult to achieve, so slow or not, I was very happy with it. <br />
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But eventually I felt the urge to tweak. Of course, this tweaking involved adding more rules. More restrictions. If basic NoS is working, cutting a bit more here and there should work better. Right?<br />
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Wrong.<br />
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Maybe for some people, but not for me, and not long term. It works for a while, but then feelings of deprivation - either real or imagined - set in. Perfectionism reappears, followed by all or nothing thinking. The results are not pretty.<br />
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So here I am, finding my way back to what worked for me.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-30176849009085904062012-02-20T16:51:00.000-08:002012-02-20T16:51:41.314-08:00Sugar, SugarI saw <a href="http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2012/02/by-2606-us-diet-will-be-100-percent.html">this article</a> the other day. I'm not crazy about the title, but the graph is interesting. Here's a quote:<br />
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".....<i>It's a remarkably straight line, increasing steadily from 6.3 pounds per person per year in 1822 to a maximum of 107.7 lb/person/year in 1999. Wrap your brain around this: in 1822, we ate the amount of added sugar in one 12 ounce can of soda every five days, while today we eat that much sugar every seven hours.</i>"<br />
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I've been thinking of doing an experiment to see how much sugar my family goes through on average. I know it would only be an estimate, but I think it would be interesting. <br />
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How do you think your sugar consumption compares to this statistic? Do you feel it's changed significantly since you began the NoS Diet?Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-72961034826456053832012-02-12T09:31:00.000-08:002012-02-12T19:30:23.623-08:00A Day in the LifeThings have been very busy and I haven't felt much like posting here. I think part of it is that NoS is so easy, I don't think about it every day. It's not like I have to constantly monitor my food or keep track of anything. It's nothing more complicated than eating three times a day - which isn't complicated at all.<br />
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This is one of my days. It's quite bread-heavy, which isn't usual for me, but I bought one of those artisan bread loaves which doesn't keep well so I planned meals to use it right away. It also happened to be a Saturday, and I always make homemade pizza on Saturday for our family 'Pizza and a movie night'. All the butter and cream, however, <i>is</i> normal. <br />
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Breakfast was french toast made with thickly sliced rustic bread, (soaked in an egg and cream mixture) butter, (real) maple syrup, bacon, sausage and two cups of tea. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WooTYVUtD_38OSamy7JWoA8dh-hx9jQWS8OkhGUDJgBWaXb9GW7xNrxwl6_GxyU_YS7NHDSYVmDTJzbVrRJpYMDkr72MQpOBoOrTf5pwH7DV7hq5no42IeXPKj_9lyOFY3oLXyg-Bm8/s1600/IMG_3326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WooTYVUtD_38OSamy7JWoA8dh-hx9jQWS8OkhGUDJgBWaXb9GW7xNrxwl6_GxyU_YS7NHDSYVmDTJzbVrRJpYMDkr72MQpOBoOrTf5pwH7DV7hq5no42IeXPKj_9lyOFY3oLXyg-Bm8/s320/IMG_3326.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a cold, snowy day, and I spent a good couple of hours outside. When I got home I had homemade broccoli and cheddar soup with bread and butter and iced tea. The swirly pattern is cream. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOHDd5_VECEhldEP6WV6YnYX2xNYwkCawbxSgzvoOrCLibKTGJVprZaNy7n4jsUD6g8se-aXLTvQ89VGmhHxgDa3TD-3C_e85ViAyMoc8F7jJatTNwP9yTa7wTdBlf1J2yM-PxmlI5uQ/s1600/IMG_3324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOHDd5_VECEhldEP6WV6YnYX2xNYwkCawbxSgzvoOrCLibKTGJVprZaNy7n4jsUD6g8se-aXLTvQ89VGmhHxgDa3TD-3C_e85ViAyMoc8F7jJatTNwP9yTa7wTdBlf1J2yM-PxmlI5uQ/s320/IMG_3324.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dinner as I already mentioned was homemade pizza. Today's toppings: Italian sausage and artichoke.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cIJ0YMw54w02f1N8wvei8I-hd0sor3-5NYjgTjrKZ0Hv4FTYYXRhdMYbKmSUYGAngdnZFi6noapJv4bcbMveOvlpT74czeeO-VdSSUryu82ws6uBHDt_yaM4-KgRe5i0p9tI9_EQbsw/s1600/IMG_3325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cIJ0YMw54w02f1N8wvei8I-hd0sor3-5NYjgTjrKZ0Hv4FTYYXRhdMYbKmSUYGAngdnZFi6noapJv4bcbMveOvlpT74czeeO-VdSSUryu82ws6uBHDt_yaM4-KgRe5i0p9tI9_EQbsw/s320/IMG_3325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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And being an S-day, I can't forget these!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ohbbtYancA0n_qlL4mI3nM5tU0yGu3Wl5L8eT2xCgmUjjbUfsjnO7NQp1WIOLC1OmITfdRhxiUxNhENX3OSX53qBWhvkLmEQOA9nhxfWUREmpNsd5N2Li6QYOsBWwa66FWk6dIMBOI0/s1600/IMG_3327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ohbbtYancA0n_qlL4mI3nM5tU0yGu3Wl5L8eT2xCgmUjjbUfsjnO7NQp1WIOLC1OmITfdRhxiUxNhENX3OSX53qBWhvkLmEQOA9nhxfWUREmpNsd5N2Li6QYOsBWwa66FWk6dIMBOI0/s320/IMG_3327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
What does one of your NoS days look like?Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-85979782264538492042012-01-06T07:10:00.000-08:002012-01-06T07:10:31.577-08:00Foodspiration Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmoyX02zczbFRTCvSnVwMiYQll3_xvaQtuc2klgYdTDAY4usqRCk3P9IU_9ZDRc6hxuOaezAoUP0UeGspnIg06zVfhaJNDJ80Q3Fvgyd6NGhuSlMv5HelrBlCcaqTQxS5JC7NrpXQATg/s1600/risotto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmoyX02zczbFRTCvSnVwMiYQll3_xvaQtuc2klgYdTDAY4usqRCk3P9IU_9ZDRc6hxuOaezAoUP0UeGspnIg06zVfhaJNDJ80Q3Fvgyd6NGhuSlMv5HelrBlCcaqTQxS5JC7NrpXQATg/s320/risotto.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bored with the usual meals and looking for some inspiration? Maybe you have tried a different restaurant or a new recipe lately and think others might like to hear about it.<br />
<br />
Most discussions about NoS revolve around the rules. However one of the most pleasant benefits of NoS is that it allows us to enjoy good meals, including all our favorite foods, without guilt. <a href="http://ladieswhonos.blogspot.com/2011/08/friday-foodspiration.html">Foodspiration </a>began as a way to exchange ideas and recipes or share the plate photos of some of our favorite meals with readers and other members of the NoS community.<br />
<br />
We always look forward to hearing your comments, but on Foodspiration Friday you're extended a special invitation to join in. Got a question about what other members are eating? Looking for a recipe or just a new idea for meals? Maybe you're just happy to be able to eat a food that was previously 'forbidden' ?<br />
<br />
Whatever it is, if it's food related, tell us about it in the comments. Submissions of photos have slowed over the past few weeks, so new plate photos would be especially welcome. They don't have to be anything special - just whatever you happen to be eating.<br />
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We look forward to hearing from you!Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-57550576549307311882012-01-05T16:27:00.000-08:002012-01-05T16:33:47.913-08:00My Personal No S for 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcc1WYPNDa-y5lrkE-AbQZcoie_R5gcMLYpuTTS_Np94KW00xIAqsuUYvaFuB4tbvq6ynINLxijaEmE4kQPVDXYLl8_fDQB7sIcuqL5vrrAr4Bh1a2N_kQlUuWnOtmZVI28by0iaP6w0/s1600/Janus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcc1WYPNDa-y5lrkE-AbQZcoie_R5gcMLYpuTTS_Np94KW00xIAqsuUYvaFuB4tbvq6ynINLxijaEmE4kQPVDXYLl8_fDQB7sIcuqL5vrrAr4Bh1a2N_kQlUuWnOtmZVI28by0iaP6w0/s320/Janus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I have to admit it. I'm a bit 'humbug' when it comes to New Year. I'm have never been much of a social animal, and I'm perfectly happy to greet the new year at daybreak on the first rather than midnight. I don't make New Year's Resolutions, either. I prefer to set goals whenever I feel I need to, whatever the date on the calendar. I'm also much more likely to succeed when I do it that way. <br />
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However, it's only natural at this time of year to look back on the year that has past and ahead to the year before us. <br />
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Right now you're looking at one of the changes I made this past year. I joined this blog! I haven't written as much as I had thought I would, but I wanted it to be an outlet, not a chore. I also hoped it would be of help and encouragement to others. We have more than 2,400 views from over a dozen different countries since we began, so hopefully it has been. <br />
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As far as No S itself goes, I feel I may have settled into my own, personal version. <br />
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The first personal alteration to No S rules is to the first rule: the 'No Snacks' rule. I now do not just avoid snacks on N days, I avoid snacks completely. Sure I might pick up a sample in the grocery store if it's something I really intend to purchase, or like the other day, join the rest of the family in a hot chocolate at Starbucks after a five mile walk in the cold, but for the most part, I no longer 'snack'. <br />
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Rule 2 - No Sweets: Long before No S, I was working to reduce not just my own consumption of sugar, but that of my whole family. Because of this I already had lost much of my 'sweet tooth'. Many foods have lost their appeal because they are too sweet. When I was following the second rule, I actually ended up eating more sweets. So I tried repealing that rule and found that N days or S days, I just don't care if I eat 'em anymore. I do enjoy cooking and baking, so I may try allowing homemade, reduced sugar desserts - as long as they fit on one plate, of course. <br />
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Which leads nicely to the third rule, which is, of course: 'No seconds'. I have never had to bother with this rule, since I never was one to take seconds. There is always space on my plate for more food, and it's always enough.<br />
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As time goes on, I care less and less about weight, and more about health. When I was younger I used to say I just 'want to be healthy' because that was the 'right' answer. But truthfully, I wanted to be 'thin'. It didn't matter that I already was. It didn't matter that the things that I was doing to get thin were decidedly UNhealthy. Really. I'm amazed when I see photos of myself from that time. All I remember is continual dieting because I believed I was fat.<br />
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Now I really am overweight, but I refuse to spend any more of my life fighting my body or feeling like I should be some other size or feeling like I'm somehow 'less' because I weigh more. I want to appreciate my health and my strength. Appreciate the amazing creation that is my body. Appreciate it, listen to it, care for it and use it well. <br />
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What about you? We'd love to hear what worked or did not work for you this past year and what your goals are for the year ahead. Please feel free to share in the comments section. Even if you don't feel you'd like to comment just now, consider becoming a 'follower'. If you'd like to write a guest post, or if you'd like to join us as a regular co-author, send an email to nosladies at gmail dot com. <br />
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Whatever your goals for the coming year, we wish you the best.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-78365624582014483592011-12-31T17:36:00.000-08:002011-12-31T17:36:00.966-08:00Good-bye 2011I hope everyone had a great holiday season and your 2012 is getting off to a good start!<br />
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I've been planning an update for quite some time, but things keep getting in the way. December was a particularly difficult month for me for many reasons I won't go into just now. My <a href="http://ladieswhonos.blogspot.com/2011/12/reason-number-187-to-love-no-s-diet.html">last post </a>will probably give you a hint as to one of those reasons! All that is past now...I hope...<br />
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I've been reading some interesting things lately I'd like to share, and I'm hoping some of you will share how your year went and what your goals are for the new year. As soon as things settle down here, that is!Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-19117682987241909782011-12-17T19:49:00.000-08:002011-12-17T19:49:21.000-08:00Reason Number 187 to love The No S DietIt makes it much easier to pinpoint possible food poisoning culprits when you eat only 2-3 times per day rather then 5 or 6..or perma-snack.<br />
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Don't ask me how I know.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-13927512899013939082011-12-02T09:01:00.000-08:002011-12-02T09:01:36.476-08:00Foodspiration Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW6DHEZ8hkDV8bvowwXRVxf9qHit75ZnAb-5IB9-ptZg6SQti9Y7AZ2CY-lYTmiFKU9oKwtImK1Ww9I3C1VphfkiA1acha0B-oCU4cUmqWRgDqPT8zjFAZZshFmRuN55BW1T4-7nLTD0/s1600/IMG_2975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW6DHEZ8hkDV8bvowwXRVxf9qHit75ZnAb-5IB9-ptZg6SQti9Y7AZ2CY-lYTmiFKU9oKwtImK1Ww9I3C1VphfkiA1acha0B-oCU4cUmqWRgDqPT8zjFAZZshFmRuN55BW1T4-7nLTD0/s320/IMG_2975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Bored with the usual meals and looking for some inspiration? Maybe you have tried a different restaurant or a new recipe lately and think others might like to hear about it.<br />
<br />
Most discussions about NoS revolve around the rules. However one of the most pleasant benefits of NoS is that it allows us to enjoy good meals, including all our favorite foods, without guilt. <a href="http://ladieswhonos.blogspot.com/2011/08/friday-foodspiration.html">Foodspiration </a>began as a way to exchange ideas and recipes or share the plate photos of some of our favorite meals with readers and other members of the NoS community.<br />
<br />
We always look forward to hearing your comments, but on Foodspiration Friday you're extended a special invitation to join in. Got a question about what other members are eating? Looking for a recipe or just a new idea for meals? Maybe you're just happy to be able to eat a food that was previously 'forbidden' ?<br />
<br />
Whatever it is, if it's food related, tell us about it in the comments. Submissions of photos have slowed over the past few weeks, so new plate photos would be especially welcome. They don't have to be anything special - just whatever you happen to be eating.<br />
<br />
We look forward to hearing from you!Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-7970275501184248292011-11-26T13:54:00.000-08:002011-11-26T13:55:14.073-08:00Talking TurkeyEven if you aren't living in the US, you probably know this past week was Thanksgiving for us. For many people it's the start of an all out eat fest that goes on until the first of January. Although for some people, this actually starts with the Halloween candy. <br />
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I'm sure there are as many reasons for this as there are dieters, but I have no doubt some of this is because of unrealistic diets that are difficult to live with. People give up and figure they'll deal with it after the holiday season is over. Usually only to try another diet that is possibly even more stringent and difficult to live with than the earlier one.<br />
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This is perhaps my favorite thing about No S. It's very easy to live with long term. Which is understandable, since this is how people used to live long term. Those of us who have been around for a few years know this, since we were 'there'. Children usually had snacks - but it was more likely to be 'real food' since the little 'snack packs' so common today didn't exist - but not too close to meals so we didn't 'spoil our appetite'. But others simply ate good meals at meal time and then they didn't eat again until the next one. In some countries, people still eat this way. <br />
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Most people make allowances for big meal holidays like Thanksgiving, and I was no exception. It was an 'S' day for me, which meant I abandoned the rules for the day: In other words, I had pie. That was it. I didn't think about what I was 'allowed' to eat. To tell the truth, I hardly gave a thought to the food. Mostly I focused on family I seldom see. But when it came to choosing food, I only thought about what looked and sounded good to me and put those things on my plate. I didn't have to think at all about how much to eat, since when it's just my favorite foods, one plate is plenty. I had a second plate for my pie. It would have fit on the main plate, but it was neater this way.<br />
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No worries, no guilt, no missing out, no trying to 'exercise it off' the next day - and the only thing stuffed was the turkey. <br />
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No wonder I stick with NoS.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-73140061164397428672011-11-16T06:00:00.000-08:002011-11-16T06:00:12.140-08:00Feeling Like Myself AgainDo you know that feeling you get when you feel better, and only then do you realise how truly lousy you felt before? That's kinda how I feel now.<br />
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I have hesitated to write about this - you know, not wanting to jinx it and all - but for the past week or so I've been feeling so much better, I'm feeling optimistic enough to post about it. My energy and focus are back and I'm dealing with stress better. I'm also feeling that I don't need the extra meals anymore.<br />
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It makes me wonder, though, how many 'diets' are there out there that people actually look forward to going back on?Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-46508408148221641712011-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:002011-11-09T06:13:13.053-08:00MIAI know it looks as if I am Missing in Action. Well, life has handed me another detour. I am out of state taking care of elderly parent for awhile....making a change from assisted living to nursing care for the next month or so. I have been without internet for over 2 weeks...talk about withdrawal symptoms!<br />
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The good news is that NoS habits have been my lifeline. The last time I was in this situation (when Dad had stroke) I wasn't established in the habits and put on 30 lbs. Even though I am having to cook in an efficiency type apartment...induction burner, microwave, small refrigerator, bathroom sink...I have managed to stay on plan. I stayed in the hospital as caregiver 20 out of 24 hours for 10 days and the no snacking rule stayed in place. I claim a huge victory. As others have mentioned, I think the no snack rule is the key to success in weight loss and management.<br />
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As I have mentioned before, I don't break the pattern on S Days and that is still working for me too. I enjoy reading the updates you ladies share here. When I can get more time, I will contribute again.Sojournerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15046623056345646358noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-3706088432564864772011-11-04T06:57:00.001-07:002011-11-04T07:23:03.526-07:00Day 54Day 54 of the 100 Day Challenge. Well, as <b>Linda the Legalist</b> would tell you it was actually 105 days from Sept 12- Dec 25. But she has given up the obsessive counting of statistics except for a gentle tick on the calendar to indicate days of success.<br />
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What's happened in these 53 days?<br />
1. I hit Onderland & have a 65-70 lb weight loss. I've been on a frustrating plateau for weeks. <br />
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2. I've redefined the No Snack rule. A snack is ANY non-hunger eating event. <br />
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3. I've come to terms with how small the portions need to be to continue to lose weight. I'm 66 and still have about 20lbs to lose to reach a REASONNABLE weight for me. <br />
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4. I'm really struggling with my new body image. It's been 33 years since I've been this small. All my clothes are swimming on me & yet shopping is still a fearful place for me. My comfortable fat lady store no longer has clothes for me & to figure out ordinary stores & to shop based on what I like instead of by a number ( 1X- 2X- 3X- 4). I really need a new song in my head. <br />
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I so appreciate Suncat starting this challenge. It's not too late for others to join in because numbers DON'T MATTER!Linda45http://www.blogger.com/profile/06201664674356064461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-6483090651900107662011-11-04T01:00:00.000-07:002011-11-04T12:57:02.551-07:00Foodspiration Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq4sSpUBdQ_GHQCo6AYldt4SRSSOrzgNLugo3dJPRda8YRATZD5HQdj3iYiz7zdk_3jVYPmEwqFwBYt9ghgNmV7llUuGbvz4htRasT9ucOhjdCvzLbRYGtj1f9VLTZuWrDIMOvSLIoDE/s1600/IMG_3004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkUj_2r8chyphenhyphenVSS3vUBBzDgLHngfzTCj-Cqs3fn_Qbdhup2flaNAFfXCGr4Sn0EirLn3Yvtk0IIYgFym1IRKchyphenhyphenpHBV8rM_frxVEKXoQcEmjvik6EFoDqN7WI4Ytdp-mDGVV4o9NNJGf0/s1600/IMG163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkUj_2r8chyphenhyphenVSS3vUBBzDgLHngfzTCj-Cqs3fn_Qbdhup2flaNAFfXCGr4Sn0EirLn3Yvtk0IIYgFym1IRKchyphenhyphenpHBV8rM_frxVEKXoQcEmjvik6EFoDqN7WI4Ytdp-mDGVV4o9NNJGf0/s320/IMG163.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Bored with the usual meals and looking for some inspiration? Maybe you have tried a different restaurant or a new recipe lately and think others might like to hear about it.<br />
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<a href="http://ladieswhonos.blogspot.com/2011/08/friday-foodspiration.html">Foodspiration began</a> as a way to generate new ideas, exchange recipes and share plate photos with readers and other members of the NoS community. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbkUj_2r8chyphenhyphenVSS3vUBBzDgLHngfzTCj-Cqs3fn_Qbdhup2flaNAFfXCGr4Sn0EirLn3Yvtk0IIYgFym1IRKchyphenhyphenpHBV8rM_frxVEKXoQcEmjvik6EFoDqN7WI4Ytdp-mDGVV4o9NNJGf0/s1600/IMG163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Foodspiration is now a monthly feature. It's your opportunity to ask questions or share your meals in the comments, submit plate photos to be included in our NoS plate slide-show, or pass along a favorite recipe so others can give it a try.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq4sSpUBdQ_GHQCo6AYldt4SRSSOrzgNLugo3dJPRda8YRATZD5HQdj3iYiz7zdk_3jVYPmEwqFwBYt9ghgNmV7llUuGbvz4htRasT9ucOhjdCvzLbRYGtj1f9VLTZuWrDIMOvSLIoDE/s1600/IMG_3004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBq4sSpUBdQ_GHQCo6AYldt4SRSSOrzgNLugo3dJPRda8YRATZD5HQdj3iYiz7zdk_3jVYPmEwqFwBYt9ghgNmV7llUuGbvz4htRasT9ucOhjdCvzLbRYGtj1f9VLTZuWrDIMOvSLIoDE/s320/IMG_3004.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br />
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We're looking forward to hearing from you.<br />
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*** edited to add:<br />
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We could really use some new plate photos. Our slide show is looking a bit dated.<br />
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They don't have to be anything special - just whatever you happen to be eating. <br />
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</div>Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-2443273787975772352011-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:002011-10-28T15:45:01.156-07:00What? Me Stressed? Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4IO9bBMWAsCxzKOUiGb_Q2YGSOvvil1YxGA9iBZ1-uxlmlqsk1RDnBR8Q-1VL2NXcaGehP1USvz-ZLmm1GUq79KnjRs81AgBoaIcleBBMunBnBkB40WL2EBj_iYuN0FBJ8PtIkDP71o/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4IO9bBMWAsCxzKOUiGb_Q2YGSOvvil1YxGA9iBZ1-uxlmlqsk1RDnBR8Q-1VL2NXcaGehP1USvz-ZLmm1GUq79KnjRs81AgBoaIcleBBMunBnBkB40WL2EBj_iYuN0FBJ8PtIkDP71o/s320/IMG_0293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I've been putting this off because it's rather a long story and I just haven't had time to go into a long story. Today I decided this had gone on long enough, and a short story was better than no story. After all, it's nearly November!<br />
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If you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I work in education, so after a lovely, lazy summer, I went back to work in mid-August. It is quite an adjustment to go from no schedule other what time tennis lessons are or when we want to be at the pool to work commutes and deadlines, after school activities four nights a week and others on Saturday. <br />
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In previous years it's taken me a few weeks to adjust, as it does with most people, but there have never been any lasting effects. This year, unfortunately, I cannot say that and I am convinced that the additional stress of my schedule was what put the situation over the edge.<br />
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I started out the year taking food to work to have a late breakfast rather than eating at home. After I finished a stress-filled work, (I only work part-time) I had one hour, minus my 30 minute commute, to go home, fix lunch, eat it and be back in the car to be at my child's school for dismissal time. <br />
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When I planned this, it sounded quite do-able. I liked the idea of leaving 30 minutes sooner and not having to pack a lunch for the lunch break I'd never taken anyway. I also liked the idea of having a freshly cooked lunch at home instead of something in a lunch bag.<br />
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I really thought it was working, too. That is until I started noticing subtle changes. About the third week I got sick and it took ages to shake it. I was exhausted in the afternoons, but couldn't stay asleep at night. And even though I was more active now that I was back at work, and actually eating less, my clothes were getting tight. I weighed myself and found - get this - I'd gained 8 pounds. Eight! This is a significant amount for anyone to gain in one month, but considering I have not gained any weight in 10 years, for me this was monumental. Clearly my body was not happy at all with the recent changes in my life. What else could that be, but my 'wonderful' new schedule?<br />
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So I changed it. I started eating breakfast at home again. I packed a lunch and ate while I worked. Not ideal, but I no longer had a scheduled lunch break. I could have asked to have one added back in, but even when I did have one I always worked during it, so chances are eventually I'd do the same again. <br />
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I also decided that this extra half hour could be a good work-to-home transition time for me. Since I didn't have to rush home to fix and eat lunch I now had a more leisurely commute home. I took less congested roads and enjoyed the scenery more. I'd stop on the way home to shop which meant one less task for me to fit into my schedule later. Some days I'd go for a walk, or just arrive early at the school and sit in the sunshine and read...or even snooze in the sun. <br />
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Another change I had to make was how and what I ate. Going so long without eating then eating quickly was an additional stress that my body did not need. I changed to an eating schedule recommended by my doctor of four-meals-a-day as well as something before going to bed to stop the 3 am waking. I'm also being even more diligent about what those meals are, making sure that the foods I eat will promote good health and stress-recovery. <br />
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It's been nearly three weeks since I started making these changes and I'm noticing improvements. I am sleeping most of the night, and I can make it through the afternoon without falling asleep. My thinking is clearer and I can focus better. I've also lost two of the pounds I gained.<br />
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It's not over, yet. But I feel less pressured, less overwhelmed..just...better. I think part of it is knowing that I'm doing something positive - taking action. Sometimes things can't be fixed, sometimes they can but they are difficult. But this one was relatively easy once I realized it needed to be fixed. And life's too short to put up things that are so simple to fix. <br />
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What do you know? It turned into a long story after all.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-66338093000533910952011-10-17T16:12:00.000-07:002011-10-19T14:29:58.054-07:00What? Me stressed?It's been tough to find time to write an update lately. There is so much going on right now, and being sick last week made it worse. Now I have to play 'catch-up' for all the things I didn't get done because I wasn't feeling well.<br />
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</div><div>I'm determined to be kind to myself, and just do what I can, one thing at a time, and accept that's the way it's just going to have to be. I've been thinking a lot lately about the role stress plays in health - including weight. I'm working to reduce the sources of stress that I can, and moderate my reactions to the stresses I can't eliminate.<br />
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It's not always easy, but it is important, so I'm working on it. More detail to follow.<br />
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</div>Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-90155488117314851592011-10-14T17:01:00.000-07:002011-10-14T17:01:36.723-07:00Can You Gym Goers Relate?You already know I prefer to 'work out' at home, whether it's with weights, or by 'playing and stuff'. But I have been known to go to the gym, and I know a few of you are regular gym goers. Whichever category you fall into, I thought you might enjoy this blog post I ran across recently. Maybe you recognize a few of these people.<br />
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<a href="http://12most.com/2011/08/16/12-hilarious-awful-real-personalities-encounter-gym/">The 12 Most Hilarious, Awful, and Real Personalities You’ll Encounter at the Gym</a><br />
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</div><div>Really, I think nothing more need be said.</div>Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-30664124941887720742011-10-06T01:00:00.000-07:002011-10-06T01:00:01.644-07:00One Quarter of the WaySurely, I'm not the only one finding it difficult to believe we're already a fourth of the way through our 100 days?<br />
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Are you following along? How is it going for you?<br />
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What has been the biggest challenge you've had to face in the first 25 days?<br />
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What has been the BEST part?Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-68518193617664889422011-10-03T01:00:00.000-07:002011-10-03T01:00:02.850-07:00Twenty Two DaysLooking back on the past week, one word comes to mind 'comfortable'. That's just how the week was. It was easy, but it was more than that. I didn't have to think about it - I didn't even have to try. It just felt normal, natural and completely effortless.<br />
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That's saying something considering what chaos things have been around here. It was great to just be able to take life as it came - and not have one more thing added to the mix. It's still more than that, though. It's this feeling of 'nothing'. Food was just a total non-issue. I just ate at meals, and then the rest of the time I didn't eat - and that was that. I didn't even think about it.<br />
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Is this 'Zen and the Art of NoS'? Whatever it is, I like it.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-56466313147048577982011-09-26T07:11:00.000-07:002011-09-26T07:11:11.556-07:00Two Weeks DownIt's a lovely Monday morning. I had a perfect NoS breakfast and reflected on the first 2 weeks of the '100 Day Challenge'. Here are the stats: 10 N's; 2S's; 2 total DISASTERS. I've chosen to look at this sanely and consider twelve out of fourteen days being successful pretty good; no really good. Well done, Linda! Note the ' virtual pat' on my own back. <br />
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I just thought I'd check in. I have fresh brewed coffee waiting for me so I'll close my iPad and promise to come back later where you'll have the joy (???) of meeting Linda the LegalisticLinda45http://www.blogger.com/profile/06201664674356064461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-74149616787263544232011-09-26T01:00:00.000-07:002011-09-26T01:00:05.373-07:00N day. S day. N day. S day.Last week had more than it's share of hurdles. It started out like a normal week. Tuesday I felt ill, and though I tried to make it an N - it ended up turning into an S. Sick is an S, so I didn't feel too bad about it.<br />
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Wednesday was another 'normal' N day. Thursday we got unexpected company. You know, the kind you see maybe once a year if you're lucky? The kind you cook special foods for, or that want to take you out to nice places to eat in appreciation? That kind of company. Maybe some other people can cruise through a visit like this with nary a splotch of red on their habitcal - but I'm not one of those. I didn't have plans to go nuts or anything, I just wanted to enjoy my company without stressing all the time about whether I'd be able to stick to the rules. The funny thing is, I ended up sticking to the rules anyway, without even trying. Cool :)<br />
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Welcome Monday and NoS structure and sanity.Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1706296041934635961.post-84132414514360492182011-09-23T01:00:00.000-07:002011-09-23T09:34:12.717-07:00Friday Foodspiration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDW5YDKtzkGTNdA-AovTzGV8Lm3xodL3ZwT_TmM-8xYcaOmu6eSOvZ5MOzODUptRNJwGOXa0IVcPpz0Lv434CBPB3KQYLZRVH71NsxScWjgWlwzrIldCw4p4U2JKBN9CiJ8o4OMRiTc4/s1600/IMG_3008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDW5YDKtzkGTNdA-AovTzGV8Lm3xodL3ZwT_TmM-8xYcaOmu6eSOvZ5MOzODUptRNJwGOXa0IVcPpz0Lv434CBPB3KQYLZRVH71NsxScWjgWlwzrIldCw4p4U2JKBN9CiJ8o4OMRiTc4/s320/IMG_3008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>It's Friday, and besides being the start of the weekend, Friday means it's time for our weekly 'Foodspiration' post.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7NkDBb_LxxkucocFOzWe6oyWEV2rXgyO2qbI8ASute1WCatUeR7fQ8mLLkitnNWs_0-Eb29inA8UlhkqsQK4b3tzyv2mMu58u0c7kwz-JX51QJQV8Cq0VMV2c50pUuXruEiyLNrSraI/s1600/mozz+tomato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7NkDBb_LxxkucocFOzWe6oyWEV2rXgyO2qbI8ASute1WCatUeR7fQ8mLLkitnNWs_0-Eb29inA8UlhkqsQK4b3tzyv2mMu58u0c7kwz-JX51QJQV8Cq0VMV2c50pUuXruEiyLNrSraI/s320/mozz+tomato.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1706296041934635961&postID=3276348020114365520">Foodspiration began</a> as a way to generate new ideas, exchange recipes and share plate photos with readers and other members of the NoS community.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETOWMX_YBX_w7qwDf-jEYSRkOY93zNDj7QLk-FNGMh47dWHK0mIhmsS4vajgrpf3Z9fVtfGYv9_E93g2q0bftgcysSnNAs2wYJ2GwXhRil6lVGo1niX5fb0JBqY0ysuARlA0cEjTT8Lw/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETOWMX_YBX_w7qwDf-jEYSRkOY93zNDj7QLk-FNGMh47dWHK0mIhmsS4vajgrpf3Z9fVtfGYv9_E93g2q0bftgcysSnNAs2wYJ2GwXhRil6lVGo1niX5fb0JBqY0ysuARlA0cEjTT8Lw/s320/IMG_2996.JPG" width="320" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>So ask questions or share your meals in the comments, or submit plate photos or recipes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We're looking forward to hearing from you.</div>Sunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11784763731648366757noreply@blogger.com1