Have you read any of Dr. Schwarzbein's books on the metabolism? I was familiar with her from Suzanne Somers, but I bought her book "The Program" last week and she really stresses healing the metabolism and not so much exercise...aerobics, running, but eating well and retraining the body with the right foods (which I can never do...too much eating out) and doing more light weight training, stretching exercises and that type activity.

I have days of no exercise and today I did some weights and the Pilates machine...I am more flexible with this routine.

I feel really that this is too extreme for me to follow by the book, but I am trying to incorporate some of her ideas into my day...

Jo, I like the idea of incorporating some of the ideas, as you said. That way the changes you make in your diet are not so extreme that you can't continue with it. I hope you see some results.

Good job on the pilates and weights (0)

I read the other day, I forget where, that a person who is overweight can rev up the metabolism by taking two teaspoons of iodine a day. First of all, where does a person buy such a thing and second of all, won't that affect thyroid function, I mean moreso than the desired effect? Sounds a little extreme to me. Easy if it works, but dangerous in its own way.

Oh, that does sound extreme! I haven't an idea how you get iodine, but it's put into salt and vitamins. so, it must be obtainable...but don't think it's a good idea...it would affect the thyroid and probably in a negative way.

I made my version of Ms. Mark B's energy bars and they are good but now I'm already tired of eating them! I was having one for breakfast...think I'll change my menu this morning. I'm sitting here having my cup of green tea. l1wv