Saturday, March 31, 2007

Does Everything You Use Involve Exertion?

What a great day it was here in CT. Sunny. Crisp Air. Perfect for getting out on my Trikke.

I stopped to talk to some neighbors as I was heading back to my house and one of them asked if everything I use involves exertion? I asked if everything he uses involves a key or batteries or an engine? We all chuckled.

But four of us were talking and it became quite apparent that the thin neighbors (I’m one of them) exercise or don’t take the lazy way out. We wash our own cars. We walk our dogs. We ride a bike or a Trikke, play basketball, run, and water ski just as some examples. And the people who need to lose “a few” drive the boats, go to the car wash, let the dog crap on the lawn and bake cookies.

So let me ask you a question……….Are you a batteries included or batteries not included person?

I’m glad I went out Trikke-ing today - not just for the exercise.


Friday, March 30, 2007

Food for 3 for 1

They were three of the biggest pieces of meatloaf I have ever seen.

They were six of the biggest, fattest pieces of broccoli I have ever seen.

It was a side of mashed potatoes that could have fed Ireland.

When the waitress dropped it off she told me to enjoy it. She shared with me how it was her favorite meal at this diner. Her comment didn't surprise me as I scanned her top to bottom.

Well she was right, it was awesome.

But here's the catch. I'll be having it again tonight. And probably tomorrow or Sunday.

When was the last time you overate because it tasted "just sooooooo good?" Did it have to end that way?

Thursday, March 29, 2007

NOW!

The right time to lose weight is now. Today. In this moment.

What can you do right now to ensure that this day is a success?

Do it!

Monday, March 26, 2007

Too Close for Discomfort!

I just left the chiropractor's office. It is Patient Appreciation Day (or as I call it, Patient-Get-A-Fat-Ass Day.) When I entered the lobby I walked into a virtual feast.

There were:
Roll-up sandwiches cut into bite-size pieces (King Kong bites)
Bagels the size of a Frisbee
Coffee Cake - made from scatch (what exactly is scratch?)
Cheese
More Cheese
Even More Cheese
Grapes
Crackers

"Have something."
"Have something."
"Have something."

That's all she kept saying.

I told her I just ate lunch.

"But you have to try the coffee cake, it's unbelievable" she said.

The urge to have esomething was intensifying. The cake looked good. Very good. Too good.

But it's Monday; my day to get back in control.

Don't fight it. If you fight it; it will be worse later.

I grabbed a bunch of grapes!

Phew! Escaped a close one.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

That's a Wrap!

Are you ready?

Can you stand it?

This will be two recipes in the matter of just a few days.

Take one of your favorite low fat, low point, low carb, low calorie, low salt, low sugar, or low taste wraps. (Now I assume I have covered every diet option out there)
Spread some hummus across the wrap.
Place a few slices of Canadian bacon on top of the hummus.
Sprinkle some grated cheese on the bacon and hummus.
Roll the wrap.

Grill or cook on your George Forman or Panini maker.

They're AWESOME!

And so are you.

Friday, March 23, 2007

Are you Fatter than a 5th Grader?

Were you a fat 5th grader?

Do you think you're smarter than today's 5th grader when it comes to health and nutrition?

Are you ready to put your money where your stomach is?

Have fun!!

http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/iadventure/chefwanted/openingstory.html

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Breakfast anyone?

How about a recipe today?

Beat two eggs
Mix in a packet of your favorite flavored oatmeal (I used maple brown sugar this morning.)

Let the egg get absorbed into the oatmeal.

Now you've got a neat pancake batter! If you don't over cook them, you won't need any syrup.

Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Ponder This!

A Food Scale
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Single serving sizes
A food journal
A good friend

What do all these things have in common?

Monday, March 19, 2007

Should you stop eating after 7:00 PM?

Should you stop eating after 7:00 PM?

Some experts says no. Some say yes. I say screw what the experts say. Do what works for you and what fits into your life. The day your diet starts being dictated by all these "experts," you're sunk.

My schedule is such that several days per week I eat at 8:00 PM. My 32 lbs has been off for 18 years. What do all you experts say about that?

And this doesn't just go for eating at night. It goes for all the crazy information out there. Time of day you should exercise? Not eating certain foods after a certain time? Do what works for you.

But if you think you might benefit from not eating after 7:00 PM or any of the other so-called "expert advice", then give it a try. But don't let your life be controlled by information that has not been validated in 100% of cases.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Are you a risk to yourself?

Yesterday a woman shared with me that her surgery was postponed. The doctor said she needed to lose weight so as to be a "better surgical risk."

Wouldn't the word "candidate" have been better than "risk?" Think about it; lose weight so you're a better risk. Risk suggests chance of harm or danger; probability of a loss. And the doctor wants someone to lose weight so they better their risk? Any medical professionals out there? Can you correct this please?

But here is really my point..................

Your weight could ultimately be the deciding factor as to whether a medical professional will perform a procedure on you or not; perhaps whether you live or not? Think about that next time you're about to binge!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

SHUT UP AND MOVE!!

Here's a message from one of you............

Hey Rich!!

You asked - so I'm telling!

Remember I told you a few months ago how I was addicted to "Spinning" (indoor cycling) and that's why I stopped coming to Wednesday evening WW meetings...(sounded like an excuse not to come to meetings didn't it)?

Well, I kicked that addiction up a notch! I became a certified Spinning instructor!!! Now I no longer have to pay for my membership - AND - I get paid teach class twice a week! This from a woman who also works full-time, is married and has two children (one with a disability and health issues!)... So - when you hear those people who say they don't have time for exercise... or they hate to exercise... I say SHUT UP and get off your tush and SWEAT! : )

I couldn't agree with you more Colleen!

Monday, March 12, 2007

I'm so hungry I could eat a.................

Horse???

I got to thinking about that line today - mainly because I was so hungry. So I ate some lunch and then I spent a few minutes amusing myself.

http://ask.metafilter.com/51270/Why-a-horse-in-so-hungry-I-could-eat-a-horse

Have fun!

And I can definitely say that horse is off my delicacy list. After all how could we eat Mr. Ed?

Sunday, March 11, 2007

A Journey of Emotional Eating

I remember when I was going through my divorce. I thought food would make it all better. Food (and alcohol) would make the hurt go away. It didn’t. But I got FAT(ter)!

I remember when my employer announced the office was being shut down and all operations were being moved to Minnesota. I remember getting caught up in all the negativity around the office. Going out to lunch and eating candy became the answer to being angry with the corporation. I was still left unemployed. And FAT(ter!)

But then I realized that food was not a solution to anger or sadness or happiness for that matter. I worked on changing “The Food Solution” to the “Phone Solution.”

I remember dealing with my dad’s illness and ultimate death. I thought eating would make him better. Dad still died. I got FAT – but temporarily. I picked up the phone and called some friends – regularly. I cried. I expressed my anger. I lost the 8 lbs. that came on in a two week period.

I remember when I needed to stop enabling my drug addicted friend. I could no longer be a part of his denial. I remember when I needed to sever our friendship. It hurt. I wanted to eat. But I realized he needed to help himself and I could not do anything to be helpful. I realized that at the bakery and walked out with only a cup of coffee. I walked out and called some friends.

Then there were the chocolate donuts that looked so good just about 15 months ago – the day I had to let Rover go to Rainbows Bridge. I talked to some friends that day; they let me cry, let me laugh, and let me remember. They didn’t let me get FAT!

I remember when someone who I thought was a good friend lied to me and didn’t have the courage to apologize; even after I offered her the opportunity to discuss what happened. I remember how I at first started to question my judgment in choosing friends. But I never turned to food, never thought of it. Those people have to live with themselves. Those people have to look in the mirror each day. It’s hard enough to change oneself; how can we expect to change others. But I still used the phone solution – just in case – and to talk about the disappointment. It was a great way to let it go and move on; than to have it eat at me.


I remember a time when things ate at me. What happened? I ate. But not any longer. Knowing people in the central, mountain, pacific and Hawaiian time zones helps too!

So if you’re an emotional eater…………..try the phone solution. It’s been part of this 18 year, thirty-plus pound success story. Maybe it will work for you too! It's much better than the food solution.

------------

Please share this blog address with people who might benefit.

Friday, March 09, 2007

Day 2 and I'm looking forward to it!

It's Day 2 of Hip Hop Abs.

Yes, I bought the program. It's a DVD exercise program. I hate indoor exercise, but there was something about this one that intrigued me. (It was also 2:30 AM when I was tossing and turning and bought the damn thing.)

So in 30 days I am supposed to have a six-pack. It might be a six-pack of water, but in thirty days I WILL have a six-pack! I’ll also be tearing up a dance floor or two very soon.

So I’m off to Hip Hop my abs. I hope it is as fun as it was yesterday. And while I'm off hip hopping my abs let me ask you to ponder.....………………..What new exercise or activity can you add to your routine?

Thursday, March 08, 2007

And they're only 1 point!

And they're only one point she said to me. Those stupid Hostess 100 Calorie cupcakes. They're only one point.

So is an apple (most fruit). A chicken leg. 2 slices of Canadian Bacon (certain brands). A serving of many healthy soups. A serving of beans. A serving of a whole grain cereal. A lite English Muffin.

These things (and many others) are only a point as well. And they're healthier for you.

And they might help you reach your weight loss goal - which coincidentally she is having a hard time reaching.

So today I ask..............Would it be helpful if you, on occasion, redefined what a snack is?

Monday, March 05, 2007

All bets are off!

I love spending time eating meals with weight and health conscious people. I love being part of the inner struggles of whether to indulge or not; whether to stick to the plan or not.

Well after spending enough time with people following different weight loss programs I have found one thing in common...................

every so often.....................

All bets are off.

To me it is refreshing to know that perfection is not required only expected.

Good thing we have low expectations every so often. I think it helps with long term success. What do you think?

All bets are off!

I love spending time eating meals with weight and health conscious people. I love being part of the inner struggles of whether to indulge or not; whether to stick to the plan or not.

Well after spending enough time with people following different weight loss programs I have found one thing in common...................

every so often.....................

All bets are off.

To me it is refreshing to know that perfection is not required only expected.

Good thing we have low expectations every so often. I think it helps with long term success. What do you think?

Saturday, March 03, 2007

Try something new this week

I'm a big fan of trying new foods; you know that; I encourage you to do it often.

So while hanging sheetrock with my new recovering drug addict friends in New Orleans I tried Pickled Pig Lips.

One word describes these things.............................



NASTY!!!

What new food have you tried recently?

Friday, March 02, 2007

More good news! (well maybe)

T.G.I. Fridays is downsizing their portions!

Now that's good news.

Subway is going to offer milk and raisins instead of chips and soda as part of their value meal.

Now that's good news.

Krispy Kreme is going to offer a whole wheat donut. It has 20 fewer calories.

BFD.

Hostess is going to offer 100 Calorie cupcake packs.

Like that will satisfy an ant! I can already see people eating multi-packs!

So kudos to TGIF and Subway. Go eat there. You don't need donuts anyway!