Hello everyone,
I went out and bought asparagus and mango today...never had them so I'm not sure how to use them. What is the best way to cook asparagus (steam, boil, fry)? Also, do I peel a mango or eat the skin, how do I know when it's ripe? I bought spinich...instead of cabbage, I 'm really mixing it up this week
I'm glad everyone is doing well, talk to you soon.

Hi Lam,
I don't even know what a mango looks like, much less what part to eat. Sorry, wish I could help.
I just had my blood drawn yesterday, Tuesday, so I'm still waiting for my diet.
LOOK HOW MUCH WEIGHT YOU LOST IN ONE WEEK!!!! I'm so excited for you! I just can't wait to start.
I hope you find out about the mango......later.

Lam you cut the mango in half then score it both ways then turn it inside out u do not eat the skin and the asparagus u boil it u can also get tinned asparragus..

Cate it is great when people tell u things like that it makes the laast few months feel like u have done something well done keep up th good work.

thanks pinksultana
a new treat WOW

Cate we would love to see a pic. Did you feel uncomfortable getting a compliment. I am having a lot of trouble accepting compliments. I dont know why, I get embarrassed.

ICL - a personal chef - my dream

I have written a huge amount in my diary & came in here afterwards for a change!
About the Pic- Mmmmm. I hardly have any befores.( I used to rip them up!) Tasmania is such a small place(<1/2 a million pop'n) & we used to own a well-known business. Even though some will think they know me the photo would be a dead giveaway. As I go I have learned to really pour my heart out in my diary. It really does help heaps! If you haven't started one please do. I'll see how I feel about a pic, after goal.
Consultants- My consultant in Hobart has been there & done Cohen's- I've seen her befores! She is lovely. I think I talk too much to be a consultant & I hate make-up & having to dress up all the time.
Lam- U.S. mangoes seem quite different to Aussie ones. When I could buy the Aus. ones I chose those that were turning from green to orange-sort of patchy. You should be able to tell from smelling them also. I prepare a few & keep the flesh in a container, marked-Mango, 1 fruit= 150g & do the same for kiwi fruit & honey dew melon. I always weigh these fruits. I rarely eat mango on it's own now, but combine it with other fruit & make a day's worth of fruit salad.Fresh asparagus you break off the woody stem by snapping it, not cutting & I find is best steamed-don't over-cook.
The compliment?- Shocked first, then embarrassed, then thrilled!
Thanks all for your lovely words. Keep up the good work & if you want to ask me anything anytime come have a peek in my diary. Warning-I am very verbose! Bloody chatterbox once I get going! xo Cate

Wow Cate! You're doing so well. I am spewing because I can't get mangoes at the moment and I used to have a half mixed in with my natural yoghurt. Just can't stomach it otherwise. Haven't tried asparagus yet and don't think I will. I went away last week with hubby to Bali and had a great time. Didn't worry too much about food choices as we walked heaps while over there. I think I actually gained some muscle tone in the legs and did not put on too much weight. All the clothes feels the same as before I left so I don't think I did too much damage. Had heaps of cravings yesterday (first day back on the diet) but feel better already today. I've found I need the crackers and fruit to keep me going where before I went away wasn't needing to eat the fruit and crackers.

Anyway, spoke to my consultant the other day and told her I'm not including my week in Bali so seeing her in four weeks from last Tuesday. Am back on track and have decided I'm going to get a facial and massage when I hit the 80kg mark.

I'll have to figure out how to put the before and after pics on. Even had a photo taken at airport and noticed how much weight I've lost off my face already. My consultant said the weight comes off from the top and works it way down. Mind you in my last measurements I had lost 5cm around one leg so I reckon the tummy is where it's going to come off last. Can't wait to get into a size 14, then a 12 then a 10.............

Asparagus and chicken soup is really yummy with parsley and curry. See the Cohens website.

use the barmix to shred it all up in the end, its thick and yummy. The best part is that you can add more water if you need fill your tummy. I lived on this the first time I did Cohens. Now that its getting cold, soups are all that I want to eat.

The other forum seems to have attacted some members, this site is very quiet these days.

KGB

I need some help please. I feel like being treated to a pampering session & I don't have a clue where to start. I have never had a facial or a manicure. I suppose I might just ring up some beauty parlours or whatever they are called & ask. It's just that I will feel like a goose not knowing anything about them. Any clues gratefully appreciated. Time for a treat! Cheers, Cate

Cate,
Manicures are a great way to start, you'll spent all your time admiring your lovely hands. Also reflexology, not sure how popular it is in AU but it is incredible to have your feet pampered. Much love

KGB, just had a look on the website for the recipe but I cant find it. Can you share it with me. I love asparagus. For all the people who havent tried for me it is best steamed just until it is bright green. Not too musshy, cant stand the canned variety

Cate .. for me a pampering MUST invovle massage.... it's great for shifting toxins in your cells too. HIGHLY recommend a massage, just ensure you tell them the pressure you like. Usually costs anywhere up to $70 for an hours massage but most smaller places will do them for about $50. Well worth it.

Pedicures are great too. Not sure if you have them where you are but ProfessioNails have amazing massage chairs you sit in while having your feet and lower legs pampered.... Usually they do a one hour spa pedicure with one hour manicure for $60. So that's 2 hours for $60.

I LOVE being pampered.

Enjoy immensely.

MANGOES - I coldn't live without my mangoes. I've started buying them tinned. They are perfect for my stirfys with a little curry added.

happy shrinking all

I didn't think we were allowed tinned mangoe and if so I haven't seen it so I will look out for it at the supermarket.

My local beautician does a detox body wrap that goes for about 2 hours for about $100 so I'm going to do that when I reach the 80kg mark. Just be aware that when you go in for a massage they ask you to wear these awful disposable paper undies but at least you don't ruin you good ones...lol

ooo I've NEVER been asked to wear paper undies for a massage.. and I have them regularly. Always wear my own sexy grandma knickers LOL

The tinned one's I get Tania are Admona and they're in natural juice with no preservatives, sugars or anything... not sure how they stay fresh inside the tint though.

At the moment I've only got horrible,old grannie knickers.
I'm not allowed tinned mango-wish I was!
I've been told about a place I can go to have a pamper package incl. a massage so will check it out very soon. Feeling a bit fragile at the minute so might not post in here for a few days. I will still look though. Thanks for the suggestions & encouragement, xo Cate

Hope you'er feeling better soon Cate. The pamper package sounds like the go. Enjoy immensely.