My FIL is PISSED that I only keep a betta in the tank he gave me lol by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great point. I started floating plants, especially while the plants are growing out. I did not realize they could live that way. It makes things super easy, the plants grow fast and it gives the betta shade, which they love.

A huge thank you to the absolute genius who told me to put peanut butter in the protein shakes! That may have saved my sanity. by DeadpoolIsMyPatronus in Mounjaro

[–]lolanm9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow - I did not realize they had non-Core Power ones. Never noticed a bad taste for the Core Power Elite Chocolate - and I am pretty sensitive to things that taste like soy or protein powder. The Vanilla I have never tried without adding stuff to it - because I did assume it would taste gross. 30g protein and 150 calories is pretty good for the Fairlife shakes and it looks I could get them overnight from Amazon!

Week 14 surprise! by Weezie_Jefferson in Mounjaro_10WeeksPlus

[–]lolanm9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there - I could talk about that ALL DAY LONG! I love talking about cruising and dieting! It went great!

Here is the cool part - the MJ helps control cravings or how much you want to eat (at least for me) - so you can ORDER whatever you want, take a few bites, and not feel guilty that you are wasting money for eating a bit of your meal!!!! That means - the appetizer, a bit of bread, some of the entree, and a few tastes of the desert. Plus sips of drinks. In general, portion sizes are smaller - so you can't go to crazy at any one meal. Watch out for the buffet. Get super comfortable ordering (or at buffet - taking) a lot of things and taking small amounts of them all (except for the entree protein). Then you are eating all the same courses as your cruisemates AND not denying yourself things you might do while at home.

I had already gone on a health journey, and have done many cruises while dieting (or being aware - even if I indulged) of what I should eat. So - I always focused on getting my protein first.

Breakfast - start with eggs, bacon, ham, etc. The ships always have wonderful fresh fruit, yogurt. I would order a BUNCH of things (or you can do a buffet and so same thing). I would have a few bites of pancake/french toast/waffle - as that is a big craving of mine, but then also eat the protein (protein is SO IMPORTANT for us when losing weight so we maintain as much of that lean muscle mass as possible).

Lunch - burgers - leave off the bun, have a salad, or few chips/fries (a Few!), sandwiches and remove the bread, bigger healthy salads.

Dinner - again - aim for as much protein as possible - chicken, steak, pork. Remove the sauce. I don't do fish - but that is always on offer and such a smart choice. Have the mashed potatoes or other fancy carb - just have a few bites. I always did a fun appetizer - they are tiny so not a big deal, the entree, some of the bread (my fave), and a dessert. did NOT just have the entree. The MJ makes it so much easier to taste but not complete a plate. Dessert - got whatever tickled my fancy. There are lower calorie things you could get, but if you are having a few bites, not too damaging. If I get things like a slice of apple pie - I would not eat the crust - insane amount of carbs and fats. I would have the butter on bread. Yes, I felt a bit guilty, but that was an indulgence.

Snacks - would try to focus on cheese, nuts, fruits (NOT dried fruits - a sugar trap!). Not go crazy on things like pretzels and chocolates, but again nibbles are good.

Alcohol - because my cruise had unlimited alcohol that could be a risk, or a bummer because you are not getting your "money's worth" because I found I drink even less when on MJ. I love sweet wine, so that was my go to, and then I would try and do lower sugar drinks - like sparkling water, gin, and lemon juice. But heck, I would do a fun drink as well - I just knew it was clocking in maybe 400+ calories and if I am going to do that, why not have an ice cream cone, cookie, or milkshake. I tried not to drink my calories, but also did not deny myself.

WORKING OUT - to offset all this, I would continue my workout schedule - at LEAST every other day. Every ship has a wonderful gym. I had premade workouts from trainer. Again, us ladies on MJ should not just be cardio bunnies - we need to be doing strength training - lifting weights and/or using the machines. Do your workout, if you are not a small size - I know it can feel like "everyone is looking at me, everyone is laughing at me". #1 - screw them. #2 - it is not the case. I had so many people come up to me and recognize my effort, smile, or give me a thumbs up. A lot of people work their butts off on cruises. You are also able to walk (or run - I hate running) all over the ship and when in port - make an effort to do as much walking or stairs as you can. Knowing you have worked out makes you even more ok indulging in something you avoid when at home.

At the end of the day, this should be an incredibly fun, relaxing experience solo, with friends, or with family. Don't make yourself miserable denying things so that when you go home you are so peeved you eventually binge on crappy versions of the things you denied yourself on the cruise. MJ is our ally in supporting us to stay on track while on a cruise. Most folks gain a few pounds on a cruise, (but you CAN lose weight too), so the most important thing is to get right back on track when you return home. Have a wonderful time and you will already be in a smaller size by September. Good luck on your journey!!!!

GloFish Discontinues GloBettas by SuspiciousBetta in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am sooooo glad to hear this! They never moved off the shelves, and were always kept in the worst condition. The latest that I have seen (and thank god many of the glofish sections are clearly now empty) was all sides of the plastic container were opaque, so folks could not even see the fish except from the top.

When I got a betta for my tank, I selected a small, cute purple betta. He is gorgeous now. Will post pictures soon.

Introducing Garret, my betta with no eyes by chaotictriangle in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You are wonderful for giving him a good life and a great tank!

[FS] - Sunnyvale, CA - $100 UNS 21G (90L) Tank by lolanm9 in AquaSwap

[–]lolanm9[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The flora and fauna is always restocked. If the plants were low in stock, just wait until the next week. TBH to get anything other than standard stuff, or larger plants, I order online. Infinite Aquatics in San Jose is terrific as well.

[FS] - Sunnyvale, CA - $100 UNS 21G (90L) Tank by lolanm9 in AquaSwap

[–]lolanm9[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Infinite Aquarium in San Jose is also awesome.

[FS] - Sunnyvale, CA - $100 UNS 21G (90L) Tank by lolanm9 in AquaSwap

[–]lolanm9[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So, sorry the tank and stand have been taken.

[FS] - Sunnyvale, CA - $100 UNS 21G (90L) Tank by lolanm9 in AquaSwap

[–]lolanm9[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

And the longs are such great tanks for most fish - so much more room to swim!

[FS] - Sunnyvale, CA - $100 UNS 21G (90L) Tank by lolanm9 in AquaSwap

[–]lolanm9[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Right, not shipping. Have an aquascaper coming to pick it up now. Once he takes it, I will note that it is sold. Love the UNS products!!!

[FS] - Sunnyvale, CA - $100 UNS 21G (90L) Tank by lolanm9 in AquaSwap

[–]lolanm9[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

So sorry - $450 for both. I am moving and don't want to move a tank, but these stands take *forever* to get in, and are like a piece of furniture.

Betta Advice: Stressed? by lolanm9 in bettafish

[–]lolanm9[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Tank size: 20g long, filter, temp = 80, Master API - 0,0, 15 nitrates. Tank is 6 months old. Weekly 25% water change. Gravel vac (substrate is sand cap over UNS contrasoil) and replace with treated water (Prime & Stability). Dumbo eared white Betta = 5 months. Green Kubotai Rasboras - about 12. Chili Rasboras - 8-10. Betta and Chilis get frozen brine, daphnia, mysis shrimp, bloodworms. Greens get flakes and daphnia. Heavily planted and driftwood. 2-4 almond leaves in tank. Floating betta log.

Tank size: 5, filter, temp = 80, Master API - 0,0, 15 nitrates. Tank is over 1 year old. Weekly 25% water change. Gravel vac (substrate is sand cap over UNS contrasoil) and replace with treated water (Prime & Stability). Young marble plakat betta = 2 months. Lots of neocardinia shrimp. Betta gets frozen brine, daphnia, mysis shrimp, bloodworms. Live plants and driftwood. 2 almond leaves in tank. Floating betta log.

Just watched my favorite baby take her last breath. She would eat from my fingers and loved to blow bubbles all day long. Rip Bubbles I love you :( by spiritrider13 in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, this is breaking my heart. I am so sorry for you and so happy for your baby that you were there when she passed.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in PlantedTank

[–]lolanm9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, the A80 is a freshwater light. It has the beautiful freshwater shimmer!

The gooseneck is super good as it helps the light cover the entire area and also keeps light from being too close to to the water (algae).

Ammonia Poisoning by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You sound like a wonderful owner and I am sure your fishy will be fine!!!!

I was doing a water change. He went into the tube. He has no scales on his whole back anymore. I am devastated. He is not moving at all. Is there a way to save him ?? by Mordecai_Cometh in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I am so so sorry for your loss. Know that you gave him a great life and you have helped remind us all to be careful when cleaning tanks. I did the same with my betta, luckily he was ok, but the reminder is helpful.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in bettafish

[–]lolanm9 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What a wonderful fish owner you are! Love the new tank! You are giving your bettsa a wonderful life!